Another jazz extravaganza

MOUNT Gambier has once again come alive with music, energy and inspiration as seven thousand students, educators, music lovers and volunteers from across Australia and New Zealand gathered for the 2026 Generations in Jazz festival.

This year’s guest artist’s added another unforgettable chapter to what is known as one of the world’s largest youth jazz events.

The Australian Youth Jazz Orchestra once again showcased the extraordinary calibre of emerging Australian talent, delivering dynamic performances that highlighted the future of jazz in this country.

Audiences were captivated by the brilliance of internationally acclaimed trumpet master Bert Joris, whose artistry, warmth and mentorship inspired students throughout the weekend.

Bringing the festival to an electrifying height was legendary funk and soul powerhouse, California’s Tower of Power, whose high-energy showmanship, iconic horn section and world-class musicianship had crowds on their feet.

Widely regarded as one of the most influential horn-driven bands in modern music, the group has built a global reputation over more than five decades, with hit songs like ‘You’re Still a Young Man’ and ‘What Is Hip?’ and collaborations with artists including Santana and Elton John—providing a spectacular close to the Saturday Night Gala Concert.

Over three incredible days, the Limestone Coast welcomed school stage bands and vocal ensembles to Generations in Jazz, showcasing the extraordinary talent, passion and dedication of young performers.

The 2026 festival delivered a packed weekend of competitions, workshops, concerts and unforgettable performances, continuing the event’s proud tradition of nurturing the next generation of musicians while creating lifelong memories for all involved.

Generations in Jazz interim Director Peter Foley, said the weekend had once again demonstrated why Generations in Jazz remains such a special event on the Australian cultural calendar.

“Generations in Jazz is about so much more than competition,” he said. “It’s about connection, mentorship, creativity and giving young people the chance to perform on a world-class stage. “The standard in 2026 has been exceptional, and we congratulate every student, teacher and school who took part.”

Among the many winners from the weekend, was James Morrison Scholarship Winner Johnny Turner and GIJ Vocal Scholarship Winner Marina Olijnyk.

Marina said winning the scholarship was a dream opportunity for an emerging artist.

“Generations in Jazz is an incredible thing for young people and the jazz community and to be brought into young people’s lives to celebrated and respected,” Marina said. “I wouldn’t be here without the inspiration of Generations in Jazz and what we are able to consume from teachers and guest artists.

Johnny began his musical career in theatre, before picking up a violin followed by clarinet and on to saxophone over the past seven years.

“My first Generations in Jazz experience was in 2019 and shaped my love for jazz music,” Johnny said. “It has been special for my experience at Generations in Jazz to come full circle, now performing with the Australian Youth Jazz Orchestra.”

Dates Announced for 40th Anniversary Festival in 2027

Organisers are thrilled to announce that Generations in Jazz will celebrate its 40 Year Anniversary from Friday 30 April to Sunday 2 May, 2027.

The milestone event is set to be one of the biggest in the festival’s history, with a world-class guest artist line-up.

Entries, ticketing and guest artist announcements for the 2027 festival will be released closer to the event.

Save the dates: Friday 30 April – Sunday 2 May 2027.