“It’s hectic – it’s like herding cats, that’s for sure,” he laughed.

“It can be hectic, but it’s definitely worth it when it all comes together.”

The band, which originated in Sydney's southern suburbs about seven years ago, now has members littered throughout the city. 

They typically perform more than 120 shows a year.

Members include Ghali (drums), James Swanson (drums), Marc Malliate (drums), Daniel Moore (sousaphone), Peter Orenstein (baritone sax), Bernard Lagana (baritone sax), James Mackay (tenor sax), Edward Tan (alto sax), Nicholas Calligeros (trumpet), Max Mallen-Cooper (trombone) and Dylan Wright (vocals).

Ghali described their sound as “like a blend of a New Orleans brass band, but with a lot of world, pop and ska/reggae influences”. 

“It’s incredibly interactive, and it’s all just about getting out there and making people smile basically,” he said. 

“It used to be predominantly a roving group, and now it’s kind of moved towards playing on a stage.”

They will return to perform at this year’s Kiama Jazz and Blues Festival, having been regulars at the event for the past several years. 

“I think this is the sixth or seventh year we’ll be playing it,” Ghali said. 

“The Kiama festival will have a bit of both worlds – we’ll have the roving performances and stage performances.

“The roving performances are all just about having a bit of fun.”

The Kiama Jazz and Blues Festival celebrates its 30th year in 2017.

This year’s festival will take place from March 10-12.

“I do love that it is a free entry festival,” Ghali said.

“It’s great that you can go to the beach, come back, listen to some music. It still has that coastal town vibe and everyone’s really lovely and appreciative of the music.

“And it’s great that you get a range of ages that actually come along.

“I hear about people that come from all over to Kiama just for the festival as well.”

The festival will feature more than 75 gigs across 30 venues. 

Visit www.hotpotatoband.com/ for more information about the group.