Artists 2025

With roots in RnB and a passion for hip-hop and electronic music, Almost Toast crafts ever-evolving soundscapes driven by intricate rhythms, deep grooves, and atmospheric guitar. Live improvised visuals seamlessly blend the sonic and visual realms, creating a truly unforgettable experience.
Don’t miss them at KJBF!

Astrofungus plays rubbish dubbish, electronically amplified & effected acoustic instruments & voice.

Beretta and Sullivan, just back from the USA. This powerhouse blues duo brings over 40 years of combined experience. With Nathan Beretta’s soaring guitar and Dan Sullivan’s soulful harmonica, they deliver raw, electrifying performances.

Winners of the 2024 Sydney Blues Challenge, they represented Australia in Memphis at the International Blues Challenge.

Casuarina Light Phenomenon (CLP) is a captivating musical collective inspired by nature’s mysteries. With soulful vocals, rich harmonies, and a fusion of funk, folk, and groove, CLP’s mighty lineup of local talent creates an unforgettable experience. Prepare to be carried away by their phenomenal sound and dynamic energy!

When conditions are right a vortex of light spirals in the branches of Casuarina trees

Chet Sounds is the solo project by enigmatic DIY artist Chet Tucker, most recognised for his contributions to Sydney psych-folk outfit The Uplifting Bell Ends.

Chet's musical creations are timeless, with noticeable shades of 70's classic rock, folk and psychedelia.

ChincyJones aka CINTA

Dig. Listen. Rinse. Repeat. The process is simple. Unlike the language to describe the noise that makes up Chincy's record bag. As frontwoman/songwriter/producer she pulls and pokes and plucks and prods. On the one's and two's she's a playa at the party, your pusha man weaving the feeling of another vibrational echo.

Past - present - future - perfect tense. ChincyJones - don't it make you feel good?

DINK is a fast-rising Sydney-based jazz-fusion powerhouse, blending striking original compositions with bold reinterpretations of classics. Inspired by Steely Dan, Yussef Dayes, Weather Report, and Chick Corea, their genre-bending sound is both an homage to jazz greats and a leap into the future.

We’re thrilled to have them at KJBF 2025!

Dom Roche is a rising jazz guitarist on the Sydney scene, currently studying at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
Leading his own groups at top venues like Foundry 616 and Lazybones Lounge, Dom brings the energy of bebop to life, drawing inspiration from Charlie Parker, Bud Powell, and Barney Kessel.

Explore the unexpected with Dorka Foster and her all-improvised ensemble, blending soulful jazz with avant-garde experimentation. Joined by Kalon Captain (drums), Tom Ford (double bass), and Tom Levings (keys), their earthy grooves, intricate rhythms, and atmospheric textures create a thrilling sonic journey you won’t want to miss.

Ella Haber is a multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter whose soulful blend of jazz, soul, and poetic storytelling captivates audiences. Her acclaimed EP Clay showcases a rare talent with raw emotional power and magnetic stage presence.
Don’t miss the chance to experience Ella live at the Kiama Jazz & Blues Festival - prepare to be spellbound!

We’re thrilled to have Eric Dunan onboard! The Eric Dunan Trio brings the irresistible charm of ’50s cool jazz, channeling legends like Chet Baker and Paul Desmond. With swinging standards, bebop vibes, and a touch of soul jazz, they’ll have you grooving in no time. 🎶✨

Flux State is an exciting new force in jazz, pushing boundaries with high-energy, experimental sounds. Born in Eora (Sydney) and seen in warehouses and live events, this jazz-electronic project - led by Cairn Peterson, Jack Rosenzweig, Tom Levings, and Levos - explores what’s possible in the ever-evolving world of live improvisation.

Francisco Sonur, an Argentine-born musician/producer now based in Sydney, crafts sonic stories blending ambient, cinematic, and post-rock sounds. His music evokes euphoria and nostalgia, weaving intimate tales of family, innocence, and playfulness.
Experience his dual sets: tranquil soundscapes and dynamic beats that inspire mindfulness and movement.

Embodying the vintage sound of the Mississippi Delta, Australian bluesman Frank Sultana captivates audiences with his gritty voice and authentic storytelling.
In 2023, he made history by winning the Memphis International Blues Challenge, becoming only the third non-North American artist to do so in the event's 40-year history. His album 'Ghosts of Sun', recorded at the legendary Sun Studio, spent eight months on the Australian Blues Roots Radio Airplay Charts.
A respected songwriter, he has won multiple Sydney Blues Society Awards, and his track 'The Howling Dogs' was nominated at the 2023 APRA/AMCOS Awards.
Beyond performing, Frank collaborates with KJBF to curate blues performances, sharing his passion to enrich the blues community.

Godriguez, the visionary behind the acclaimed GODTET, brings his genre-defying solo project to KJBF. Fresh from a sold-out European tour, his sound blends classic and futuristic tones, pushing musical boundaries with raw creativity. A true innovator, Godriguez crafts immersive sonic landscapes that are both timeless and cutting-edge.

Harry Tompsett is a versatile saxophonist traveling the NSW coast between Eora and Yuin, blending jazz traditions with a modern avant-garde edge. At KJBF 2025, his latest project draws inspiration from the greats while pushing boundaries. Catch him across multiple stages— we’re thrilled to have him in the lineup!

Eora/Sydney-based Haztet is a neu jazz/electronic fusion collective exploring cosmic sonic realms through improvised experimentation. Inspired by Yussef Kamaal, Roy Hargrove, and John Coltrane, Haztet blends vibrant jazz harmonies, Afro-infused grooves, and ambient soundscapes.
Fronted by Harry Tompsett, this collective showcases some of Eora’s most exciting emerging creative talent.

Heaps Grass is an experimental folk trio from Eora/Sydney, blending lush soundscapes, improvisation, and heartfelt lyrics. Their latest single, Technicolour, bursts with energy and joy, capturing the carefree essence of life. With themes of nostalgia and nature woven into their music, Heaps Grass delivers an unforgettable, vibrant live experience.

Get ready for a wild ride with Horse Drawn Cadillac! We all love these guys, and for this extravaganza, they’re rolling in as a 10-piece powerhouse, featuring so many locals and some extra love from Pearl Noire.
Expect Chicago blues, raw Mississippi stomps, swampy country blues, and funky grooves - all built for the dance floor. Back in Hindmarsh Park, these festival faves are bringing the heat once again!

If you love Treme, you'll love HDC!

Don’t miss Hussy Hicks, a dynamic duo straddling folk, blues, country, and rock. Led by Leesa Gentz and Julz Parker, they’ve built a global reputation with fiery performances at top festivals in Australia, the USA, and Europe.
We’re super pumped to have talent of this calibre here!

Indigo Collective is a Sydney-born, multicultural female jazz trio bringing fresh energy to the jazz scene. Featuring vocalist Angelina Pona (French-Filipino), double bassist Sabine Tapia (Spanish), and guitarist Ruby Firmstone, they met at the Sydney Conservatorium and bonded over their passion for jazz and drive to thrive in a male-dominated industry.

Originally from the Blue Mountains, @urlacob is an Eora/Sydney artist blending folk, alt-rock, pop, jazz, and electronic elements into immersive live shows. Since 2022, he’s made waves in the Sydney scene, now unveiling his long-awaited ‘reverse garbage’ EP.
This will be an unmissable performance.

Jesse Redwing has spent nearly two decades captivating audiences in vibrant venues worldwide. He represented Sydney at the 2024 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, advancing to the semifinals.
Having toured Europe and the USA, Jesse has supported acts like Cedric Burnside & the Teskey Brothers.
We welcome Jesse and his band to KJBF!

We’re excited to welcome international blues artist Jon Hines to our festival stages!
An award winner for performance and songwriting from Canada, he is a two-time nominee for Blues Recording of the Year and a winner at the Memphis Blues Challenge.
Don’t miss his captivating new music!

We’re thrilled to welcome Kosher Groove back to KJBF! Masters of Eora’s Jazz Doof scene, they blend ’90s house, deep house, and Italo vibes with dense textures and improvisation. Inspired by Underground Resistance, Close Counters, and more, they’ll have you grooving, dancing, and finding pure cathartic expression

LEVOS, the solo project of Sydney-based producer/DJ Anton Levings, blends jazz with eclectic electronic sounds. From afrobeat to thumping bass, he’s moving Sydney’s music scene forward with his record label CG discs. With festival debuts and standout performances, LEVOS is one of Sydney’s most exciting young talents.

At just 13, Lil G is already making waves with her signature sound, shaped by a variety of genres. Fresh from a tour to the U.S. Delta, Lil G’s "old soul" shines through her music, proving that for her, music isn’t just a passion - it’s a way of life.

*** Sorry, unfortunately Lil G has had to cancel ***

Ludic is the dynamic side project of DINK, where bass and sax take center stage like never before. This jazz-fusion duo delivers bold, genre-bending sounds inspired by Steely Dan, Yussef Dayes, and Weather Report - perfect for an intimate evening of music at Silica to launch the Kiama Jazz & Blues Festival.

Note: Ludic are playing at Silica on Friday night. Late entry, not in Program :)

We’re stoked to have Magpie Diaries at this year’s KJBF! Blending folk, soul, and alt-country, they craft rich, harmony-laden tunes straight from their home-built studio at Dashville. With Jess’ signature drum groove - sometimes with a bub strapped to her back - they spin musical yarns that draw you in and keep the beers flowing.

Don’t miss this one!

We’re pumped to welcome one of the festival’s most exciting acts, Manfredo Lament! Led by Kurt Lam (synth/keys) and Gabriel Haslam (drums), this cutting-edge group delivers electrifying, fully improvised performances. Pioneering Sydney’s new wave of instrumental bands, they’ve quickly become a force in the Australian music scene.

Fresh from a European tour, Miles Bennett is a trumpet virtuoso pushing boundaries across multiple bands and projects. With a dynamic and expressive style, he takes his instrument to new heights, blending tradition with innovation.

We’re thrilled to welcome Miles to KJBF for a special performance.

Neko 4tet is a fresh collective of rising jazz stars, born from Sydney’s vibrant music scene. With soulful grooves and lyrical melodies, they craft originals and reimagine the American Songbook with flair. Drums, bass, piano, and trombone unite to deliver a sound that’s as cool as it is captivating.

Tasmanian musician Pete Cornelius captivates audiences with his virtuosic guitar skills and soulful vocals. Blending blues, funky grooves, and Americana, he leads the acclaimed Pete Cornelius Band, delivering dynamic performances.
Following the successful release of their new album in December 2024, his authentic sound continues to evolve.

Rémi Marchand is a French-born musician who embraced Sydney’s vibrant music scene in 2016. His ambient guitar solo project fuses blues, 70s prog, and fusion into meditative soundscapes. Rémi also leads psych band Cone of Confusion and manages PsyconFest Records, championing Australia’s psychedelic music scene.

Hailed as the ‘Breakthrough Artist’ of the 2022 Byron Bay Bluesfest, Roshani uplifts the soul with her genre-blurring sound. From blues powerhouse to electro house diva, she creates a unique musical experience using foot pedals, loop stations, and guitars.
Let’s hear it for this superstar who will blow you away!

Rowan S. Kaine is a captivating storyteller and musician, blending the timeless essence of folk blues with vibrant threads of American, British, Irish, and Appalachian traditions. With his soulful voice and masterful banjo and fiddle, Rowan evokes the spirit of 1960s Greenwich Village, delivering heartfelt performances that resonate deeply with audiences.

Salty is a powerhouse local four-piece delivering electrifying live shows with an infectious blend of alt-rock, blues, and country. Their rhythms make you move, their energy pulls you in.

Catch them at Natural Necessity, Gerringong, grab a bite from Perfect Break, and soak in the salty air - it’s pure coastal cool.

Steve "West" Weston, London’s top harmonica man, captivates audiences with his extraordinary tone and laid-back Chicago blues style. He’s toured with Mud Morganfield and topped the charts with Wilko Johnson and Roger Daltrey. A must-see for any blues lover, Weston is a true master of Chicago and West Coast harp playing.

/səbˈdʒɛktɪv/ - People create their own meaning from what they perceive. No two people can objectively confirm or deny their own Subjectiv blends psychedelic-infused hip-hop and jazz, pushing beyond traditional sample-based music. Drawing from breakbeats, samba, and jungle, his sound is deeply connected to Sydney’s underground EDM scene.

A sonic explorer, Subjectiv invites listeners on a genre-defying journey through rhythm, texture, and sound.

Sweet Talk brings the party with their high-energy shows, blending vintage American music, improvised jams, and classic songwriting. This 6-piece Melbourne band has lit up top festivals like Bluesfest and Port Fairy, earning rave reviews.
Get ready for infectious boogie vibes and pure musical magic!

Get ready for Tall Shaun, the South Coast’s answer to Joe Cocker. Fronted by the raw, honest, and moving gravelly baritone of Shaun Wessel, this dynamic band blends 70s acoustic vibes and rock ‘n’ roll into electrifying performances. A must-see act guaranteed to get any crowd on their feet and moving.

Taya Chani, a dynamic soul-singer, guitarist, and songwriter, blends blues with Americana, country, soul, and jazz. Known for her powerful, silky vocals and rhythmic guitar playing, she captivates audiences with her genuine presence. Whether solo or fronting a band, Taya’s performances are both intimate and electrifying.

Don’t miss The Condiments Trio - a musical feast full of surprises! With captivating storytelling and world music vibes, their toe-tapping tunes take you on a global adventure. Whether a trio or a surprise 10-piece band, every performance is unforgettable.

The Golf Daddies are a 4 piece instrumental Jazz/Rock band born in Nowra. Their unique compositions focus on complex rhythm and harmony, mixed with ear catching melodies and rock tones. Just like their hometown, the music represents a perfect mixture of grit and beauty.

The Honeybees is a well-known Sydney based a cappella gospel choir. Although not a religious choir, the Honeybees find inspiration in the passionate and engaging quality of the gospel genre, and their live performances of traditional gospel and related numbers leave you feeling uplifted and inspired.

Catch the Honeybees, the Hummingbirds, and Katandra Women's A Cappella group at SS Peter and Paul's Church Sunday 12:00-1:00pm

The Keepsakes craft dynamic, vibrant sonic mosaics that captivate audiences through jazz, improvisation, and postmodern interpretations. Their unique blend of harmonic, melodic, and rhythmic movement creates an enriching listening experience. Featuring Sarah Homeh (of Monstress) on bass, this ensemble brings fresh energy and creativity to every performance

Formed in the 1990s, The Mighty Reapers are a funky blues powerhouse, featuring iconic musicians: "Continental" Robert Susz (vocals & harmonica), Dave Brewer (guitar & vocals), Clayton Doley (organ & vocals), Antero Ceschin (drums), and Ray Beadle (bass & guitar). Their feel-good blues and funky soul is unmissable!

The Vampires are back from a whirlwind UK tour, hotter than ever! With their ARIA-winning jazz alchemy, Nightjar- their seventh album - captures their signature blend of sax, trumpet, and groove-laden jams.

Get ready, Australia! This is jazz at its finest: bold, hypnotic, and utterly unmissable.

Led by acclaimed saxophonist Matthew Ottignon, Volant is a contemporary jazz quartet that soars with a blend of lyrical melodies and fiery anthems. Inspired by the grace of birds in flight, Volant combines world-class compositions and thrilling improvisation, creating music that’s both exhilarating and deeply beautiful.

Yasmina Sadiki is a Sydney-based independent artist redefining Jazz and Neo-Soul with raw, poetic storytelling. Her soulful melodies, nuanced vocals, and rhythmic innovation push creative boundaries, blending Hip-Hop influences with timeless grooves. Through her passion and artistry, Yasmina crafts a genuine, immersive soundscape that captivates and inspires.