The Kiama Jazz and Blues Festival is celebrating 30 years of groove by the sea.
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There will be more than 80 free gigs at more than 30 venues from March 10-12.
Gigs will take place at a number of venues in Kiama, Kiama Downs, Gerringong and Jamberoo.
The festival will include popular staples such as Eat to the Beat at selected cafes and restaurants and Young Bands Come Out to Play in Hindmarsh Park on the Saturday.
Sunday features the Gospel service and All Day Jazz and Blues in Hindmarsh Park.
Young Bands Come Out to Play, a nursery for home-grown talent over the years including James Vann, Joe Mungovan and Sean Emmett, this year features the Kiama High School Stage Band as well as young guns Giles Robinson, Harry O’Brien and Tropical Wax with Ben Fryer.
The concert will run from 2pm-5pm.
The Kiama High band has performed regularly at the Kiama festival in the past.
Kiama High music teacher Louise Luke said most of their current members were senior students who had been involved since year 7.
“There’s nothing better than actually having an opportunity to perform,” she said of the students’ appearance.
“There’s plenty of time to practice, but actually getting out and performing is just what it’s all about really.”
Gerringong resident Fryer is guitarist for funky indie/rock outfit Tropical Wax.
“I think what’s unique about it is it gives everyone the opportunity to play and showcase their talent, no matter what age,” the 21-year-old said of the festival.
“You get to see the school band, and you get to see the young guys like us as well as the older professionals who have been doing it for a while.”
Kiama singer-songwriter O’Brien enjoyed the vibe throughout the municipality during the festival.
“The town comes even more alive than it usually is and it’s great,” the 19-year-old said.
In a festival first, in a bid to appeal to ever-younger audiences, John Littrich’s Rockalots will perform fun and educational jazz, rock blues and reggae for children from 11am on the Saturday in Coronation Park.
Other featured acts at the festival include Shane Pacey, Queen Porter Stomp, Armondo Hurley, Simon Kinny-Lewis, Pena Flamenca, Blue Eyes Cry, Tomcat Playground, Dane Laboyrie and Hot Potato Band.
Festival music director Ross Eggleton, who has been involved with the event for 15 years, said the festival program was varied with something to appeal to everyone.
“Our festival grows every year as we have a reputation for world-class music across all jazz and blues genres and one of the best things is yet again we have managed to keep it all absolutely free, so kudos to the venues and our supporters,” Mr Eggleton said.
Mr Eggleton said reaching the 30th year was a wonderful milestone for the event.
For more details including the festival program, visit the kiamajazz.com website.