Ain’t nobody loves us better than her royal highness Chaka Khan, and thanks to the Melbourne International Jazz Festival (MIJF), we get to see the legend sing all of her greatest hits along with Nile Rodgers and Chic in what will emphatically be a funk-filled performance for the books.
As well as an unmissable performance from Chaka Khan, MIJF will become the epicentre of Australia’s vibrant and buzzing jazz scene in late October, with music taking over the streets, concert halls, clubs – and even the Melbourne City Baths.
Here’s everything you need to know about the festival.
When is the Melbourne International Jazz Festival?
The Melbourne International Jazz Festival will run from October 20 until 29, 2023. You can expect more than 100 events and performances to take place across the ten days.
Who is performing at the Melbourne International Jazz Festival?
As already disclosed, music legends Chaka Khan and Nile Rodgers and Chic will commence the jazz festivities with a launch event at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl on Saturday, October 22. They'll be supported by ARIA-winning neo-soul queen Kaiit and Horns of Leroy. Tickets are now available, and you can get them here.
Over at Federation Square on Friday, October 20, and Saturday, October 21, there'll be free shows from international and local legends, including performances by MIJF First Nations Resident Artist Bumpy, Zimbabwean-born First Lady of Soul Thndo and Rita Satch.
Earlier on Saturday, the Second Line Street Party will see a New Orleans-inspired jazz parade swoon its way through the streets of Melbourne, where the Hot 8 Brass Band will march along the Yarra. Dressing up is highly encouraged – the brighter, the better.
Presented in partnership with PBS 106.7 FM, Beasts of No Nation return to pay tribute to the legends of Afrobeat. And this year, the musical icon and founding father of highlife, the Ghanaian guitarist Ebo Taylor will perform in Australia for the first time alongside the 17-piece band The Public Opinion Afro Orchestra.
Also for the first time ever, the award-winning actress and Grammy-nominated Jazz vocalist Lisa Simone will grace the Hamer Hall stage to honour her mother’s imperishable legacy. Genetically blessed with the same velvety voice as her mother Nina, this is a deeply personal performance you don’t want to miss.
The JazzLab in Brunswick will become the hub for late-night jams every night of the festival. Head to the legendary venue for a chance to witness emerging artists, industry greats and unexpected collaborations.
This is a mere snippet of the MIJF 2023 program; for a greater delve into this year’s offerings, visit the website here.
How do I get tickets for the Melbourne International Jazz Festival?
Tickets for most events can be purchased online through the Melbourne International Jazz Festival website. Depending on the event, tickets may be purchased through the venue where the event is occurring or an authorised seller.
How much are tickets for the Melbourne International Jazz Festival?
Ticket prices will vary from event to event.
Holders of concession cards are eligible for concession price tickets where available. For tickets purchased through external ticketing agencies (and not MIJF), different concessions may apply.
Mob tickets will be available to members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community, as well as Māori, Pasifika, and First Nations people from other countries.