Melbourne International Jazz Festival (MIJF) presents their biggest ever artist line-up in 2023, led by global music icon and ten-time GRAMMY winner, Chaka Khan.
Chaka Khan will celebrate 50 years in music at they Sidney Myer Music Bowl with Nile Rodgers and CHIC.
There will be more than 100 events and performances taking place across the ten days of the festival, enlivening streets, concert halls, clubs, and even Melbourne City Baths, with a sweeping array of jazz genres from Australia and around the world. MIJF 2023 presents 11 world premieres, 10 Australian exclusive performances, and 16 new Australian and international collaborations.
“I’m honoured to announce this program of incredible artists for MIJF 2023,” MIJF Artistic Director Michael Tortini says.
“This is one of our most bold and ambitious festivals yet – and we cannot wait for audiences to witness some of the world’s greatest jazz musicians and iconic artists as they converge on our great city over a huge ten days in October.”
The opening weekend kicks off with Chaka Khan, Nile Rodgers and CHIC, supported by ARIA-winning neo soul queen Kaiit and purveyors of jazz and funk Horns Of Leroy.
Back over at Federation Square will be performances by a line-up of international legends and local heroes, like First Nations Resident Artist Bumpy, Zimbabwean-born Thndo, and singer-songwriter Rita Satch.
Earlier on Saturday is the Second Line Street Party, bringing a classic New Orleans jazz parade through the streets of Melbourne, led by New Orleans legends Hot 8 Brass Band and joined by Melbourne’s own Horns Of Leroy.
Some of the major collaborations include Ghanaian guitarist Ebo Taylor alongside Melbourne’s 17-piece band The Public Opinion Afro Orchestra, Australian Art Orchestra with Kojoe and Hikaru Tanaka, and Nduduzo Makhathini with William Barton.
From overseas comes the likes of GRAMMY-nominated jazz vocalist Lisa Simone, GRAMMY winner Cecile McLorin, the Hot 8 Brass Band, Makaya McCraven, GoGo Penguin, SFJAZZCollective, Marquis Hill, and Ingrid Jensen. Australian headliners include Shannon Barnett, Elixir featuring Katie Noonan, Zac Hurren and Benjamin Hauptmann, Vanessa Perica, Jamie Oehlers, Julien Wilson, Ben Vanderwal, Mat Jodrell, Andrea Keller, Mindy Meng Wang, and Paul Grabowsky.
Check out the full programme.
Melbourne International Jazz Festival is on 20-29 October.
