Generations in Jazz

Generations in Jazz is one of Australia’s most celebrated youth music festivals, held each year near Mount Gambier in South Australia’s Limestone Coast.

Taking place over a lively three-day weekend each May, the event brings together thousands of young musicians, teachers, and jazz enthusiasts from across Australia and New Zealand to celebrate the power and creativity of jazz music.

 First held in 1987, Generations in Jazz began as a small gathering of jazz lovers who wanted to pass their passion for the genre on to the next generation. Over the decades, it has grown into one of the largest youth jazz festivals in the world. Today, more than 4,000 to 5,000 student performers attend each year, representing over 100 schools and music programs.

The festival is centred around a massive performance venue known as the James Morrison Pavilion, famous for hosting concerts and competitions under one of the world’s largest modular tents. Inside, thousands of musicians and spectators gather to watch bands perform, compete and learn from some of the best jazz performers in the industry.

The event is closely associated with renowned Australian jazz trumpeter James Morrison, who has long supported the festival and helps attract leading international and Australian artists.

At its core, Generations in Jazz is both a festival and a national competition. Student ensembles compete in categories such as the National Stage Band Awards, Jazz Combo competitions and Vocal Ensemble divisions. These contests showcase the talents of young musicians while giving them the opportunity to perform before professional adjudicators and large audiences.

Another major highlight is the prestigious James Morrison Scholarship, one of Australia’s most significant awards for emerging jazz instrumentalists. Finalists perform live during the festival, demonstrating their improvisation, technical skill and musical creativity before a panel of respected jazz musicians. Many past winners and participants have gone on to successful careers in the Australian music scene.

Beyond the competitions, the weekend features concerts, workshops and jam sessions where students can collaborate with musicians from other schools and learn directly from professionals. International guest artists often headline the evening concerts, turning the festival into a vibrant celebration of jazz culture.

For the local community around Mount Gambier, Generations in Jazz is a major cultural event that transforms the region into a hub of music and creativity each year. Streets, schools and venues fill with rehearsing bands and spontaneous performances, creating an atmosphere that is both energetic and inspiring.

Ultimately, Generations in Jazz is more than just a competition; it is a unique educational and cultural experience that nurtures young musicians and ensures that jazz continues to thrive for future generations.

Festival Schedule

The Generations in Jazz Festival returns 1–3 May 2026, bringing together Australia’s finest young musicians, world‑class guest artists, and thousands of students for an unforgettable celebration of jazz, creativity and community. Across three days, audiences will experience major concerts, national school competitions and inspiring performances from emerging and established jazz talent.

Friday – Welcome Concert

We launch the 2026 Festival with an electrifying opening event featuring:

A new act showcasing our incredible adjudicators as they step into the spotlight! They’ll be performing a selection of stunning charts, bringing their exceptional musicianship from the judging table to the stage.

Following this, the Australian Youth Jazz Orchestra (AYJO) Youth Big Band with Bert Joris

The AYJO Youth Big Band showcases some of Australia’s most exceptional young jazz musicians — the next generation of big band brilliance — delivering a powerful, high‑energy performance that sets the tone for the entire weekend.

Joining them is internationally acclaimed Belgian trumpet master and composer Bert Joris, one of the world’s most influential voices in modern big band music.

This world‑class collaboration makes for an exhilarating festival opening you won’t want to miss.

Date: Friday 1 May 2026,
Venue: James Morrison Pavilion
Time: 6:45 PM
Adult: $75.00 | Concession/Student/Child: $70.00

Scholarship Adjudication No. 1 — Friday Night

Immediately following the Welcome Concert, audiences can experience Scholarship Adjudication Session 1, the first round of performances for the prestigious James Morrison Jazz Scholarship.

This scholarship is one of Australia’s most significant awards for emerging jazz instrumentalists. Each year, hundreds apply, but only a select group are invited to perform live at Generations in Jazz. This first session features the country’s most promising young players showcasing their technical mastery, improvisational skill and artistic individuality before a panel of leading jazz figures. It is an inspiring and intimate opportunity to witness the early careers of musicians who often go on to become leaders in Australian jazz.

Date: Friday 1 May 2026.
Venue: The Barn Palais
Time: 8:30pm
Adult: $35.00 | Concession/Student/Child: $25.00

Saturday – National Competitions

Saturday is dedicated to the City of Mount Gambier National Stage Band Awards and the District Council of Grant Vocal Ensemble Awards, with school ensembles performing throughout the day. The Festival Precinct buzzes with excitement as thousands of students bring energy, creativity and musicianship to every stage.

Date: Saturday 2 May 2026
Venue: Generations in Jazz Festival Precinct
Time: 7:00AM – 6:00PM (please refer to individual school performance times)
Adult: $49.00 | Concession/Student/Youth: $40.00

Scholarship Adjudication No. 2 — Saturday Afternoon

The second session of scholarship adjudication continues on Saturday afternoon. This round allows finalists to demonstrate depth, versatility and musical expression, further shaping the judges’ decisions. For many young musicians, this is a career‑defining moment — and for audiences, a rare chance to see future stars in their formative years.

Date: Saturday 2 May 2026
Venue: The Barn Palais
Time: 3:00PM
Adult: $35.00 | Concession/Student/Child: $25.00

Saturday Night Gala Concert

Saturday Night Gala Concert guest artist, Tower of Power, is set to deliver a powerhouse performance of soul, funk and horn-driven brilliance.

Originating from Oakland, California, and with more than 50 years on the world stage, Tower of Power is celebrated as one of the most influential and electrifying live acts of all time. From iconic tracks like What Is Hip?, Soul Vaccination, and You’re Still a Young Man, to their unmistakable sound and precision musicianship, the band promises a Saturday Night Gala that will be nothing short of explosive. This is the kind of band young musicians study, analyse and aspire to — and at GIJ2026, our aspiring musicians will be experiencing it live on stage

Date: Saturday 2 May 2026
Venue: James Morrison Pavilion
Time: 7:00PM
Adult: $95.00 | Concession/Student/Child: $70.00 | VIP Seating $139 (limited)

Sunday – Awards Day

The festival concludes with the Awards Concert, where the results of all school divisions are announced, top ensembles perform, and we celebrate the achievements of students from across the country. It’s a joyful, uplifting finale that captures the spirit of Generations in Jazz — inspiration, excellence and community.

Date: Sunday 3 May 2026
Venue: James Morrison Pavilion
Time: 11:00AM
Adult: $20.00 | Concession/Student/Child: Free entry

Set Piece Composers

Stage Band Awards
Division 1 – Vanessa Perica
Vanessa Perica is a multi-award-winning composer and conductor based in Melbourne. Her debut album Love is a Temporary Madness topped the AIR charts and earned accolades, including Best Jazz Album at the Music Victoria Awards. She has collaborated with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, won multiple APRA Art Music Awards, and received international recognition from ISJAC and the Society of Composers Inc. Her 2023 album The Eye is the First Circle was an ARIA nominee, and her quartet work No Feeling is Final toured nationally in 2025.

Division 2 – Maria Schneider
Maria Schneider is a GRAMMY-winning American composer whose genre-defying work spans jazz, classical, and collaborations with David Bowie. Her pioneering album Concert in the Garden was the first GRAMMY winner sold exclusively online. She’s received 7 GRAMMYs, the NEA Jazz Master honour, and the Pulitzer-nominated Data Lords. A passionate advocate for artists’ rights, Schneider blends innovation and activism in her music, earning her induction into the American Academy of Arts and Letters.

Division 3 – Andrew Murray
Andrew Murray is a Melbourne-based composer and educator known for his big band ATM15 and funk ensemble The Randy Anderson. He studied in Austria with jazz legends and has won national and international composition awards. His acclaimed Trombone Song Cycle earned APRA and Jazz Bell Awards. Murray has directed major events, arranged for the Commonwealth Games, and collaborated with artists across genres. He’s also a dedicated classroom teacher and father of three.

Division 4 – Nick Mulder
Nick Mulder was a beloved educator, composer, and trombonist whose contributions to jazz education and Generations in Jazz were profound. Known for his integrity, humour, and generosity, Nick composed inspiring works for early big band levels and mentored countless young musicians. His legacy lives on through his music and the community he helped shape.

Vocal Ensemble Awards
Division 1 Large & Small – Michelle Nicolle & Mim Crellin
Michelle Nicolle is one of Australia’s leading jazz vocalists, celebrated for her improvisational brilliance and international touring. She’s a Bell Award winner, ARIA finalist, and recent Music Victoria Award recipient for The Bach Project.

Mim Crellin is a New York-based vocalist and composer blending jazz, folk, and experimental music. Formerly Director of Voice at Princes Hill, she now performs internationally and collaborates with Grammy-nominated artists.

Division 2 Large & Small – Dr Erin McKellar
Dr Erin McKellar is a London-based Australian composer and performer whose musicals A Box of Memories, Muriel Matters, and Wittenoom have earned national acclaim. A Downbeat Award winner and APRA finalist, Erin’s work spans theatre, commercial music, and research. She began her jazz journey at GIJ and returns as a celebrated composer.

Division 3 Large – Christina Guala-Goodwin
Christina Guala-Goodwin is an Adelaide-based saxophonist, vocalist, and composer. She’s performed nationally and internationally, released original works, and received the COMA Emerging Jazz Writers Award. As coordinator of JazzSA Superbands, Christina is a passionate educator shaping South Australia’s jazz future.

Division 3 Small – Christina Guala-Goodwin & David Goodwin
David Goodwin is a versatile Adelaide pianist, trumpeter, and composer. A James Morrison Scholarship winner and DownBeat Award recipient, he’s performed with leading artists and orchestras across Australia. His work spans performance, direction, and production, making him a respected figure in the national music scene.

Division 4 – Naomi Crellin
Naomi Crellin is a jazz vocalist, arranger, and educator best known for her work with The Idea of North. A graduate of Elder Conservatorium, she directs the Sydney Conservatorium Jazz Choir and Nexus NDV. Naomi now balances her musical career with counselling, continuing to inspire through harmony and inclusion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does the Generations in Jazz Festival Start on Friday?
Generations in Jazz officially commences on Friday afternoon with the Welcome Dinner commencing at 5.00pm, followed by the Welcome Concert at 7.00pm.

This concert concludes at approx. 8.30 pm so that schools can make their way back to their accommodation.

A number of schools will travel throughout the day on Friday, arriving in Mount Gambier in the early afternoon to settle into accommodation, tour the area, and have a quick rehearsal before making their way to the site for the evening events.

Schools that wish to arrive early Friday morning are invited to conduct band rehearsals at various locations around Mount Gambier in preparation for Saturday’s competition.

Mount Gambier loves to embrace the students and will welcome the opportunity. Should you wish to find a performance venue, school, hall or aged care facility to perform to, please get in contact with us, and we will be happy to provide these details to you.

What time does the Generations in Jazz Festival conclude on Sunday?
Sunday concludes at approximately 12.30pm after the Finale and Awards Concert. Lunch will be available at the conclusion of the concert and is a very quick walk-through barbecue. Some schools do leave earlier on Sunday, depending on the distance and type of travel involved.

Where do I pick up my registration pack?
Registration packs, which will include your weekend passes for students, supervisors and bus drivers, as well as school signs for bus windows and dietary cards, will be waiting for you at your accommodation.

We ask that, prior to your arrival on site, all participants wear their festival ID, which will help our volunteers ensure you get to the right locations. We also ask that your ID/passes be worn for the duration of the event.

Your school sign will also be waiting at your accommodation venue and will serve as an easy reference point for your students to find your group.

Will there be storage available on site for instruments?
Yes, however, due to the number of participants, we cannot provide storage for everyone. The storage we have on site is to be used as a brief storage option for schools needing to quickly get to another division and do not have time to return to their buses.

All storage at our instrument storage containers will be at your own risk; however, we will have some of our volunteers assisting with storage.

Note: Only instruments that are labelled with your school’s name, phone number and student name will be stored. You will also be given a card allocation, which you should show when you return to collect your instruments.

It is advised that instruments and personal belongings not in use be stored in buses.

Instrument transport services will operate to assist with moving instruments to buses. A bus driver or supervisor must be available to accompany the instrument transport, whether instruments are being taken to or returned from a performance venue.

Where can I find Quiet Spaces?
If students are feeling overwhelmed or just need a moment to reset, there are some spaces available to you. On Saturday, Headspace will have counsellors on hand in the food court near the jam stage to provide support and a listening ear, so don’t hesitate to stop by if you need to talk. If you’re seeking a calming space, the sensory tent next to First Aid (near the Big Top) is a perfect spot to relax and unwind. Alternatively, the Apple Farm offers a peaceful environment to take some time out and recharge. These options are here to ensure the students’ well-being, so make the most of them if you need.

How much spending money will I need during the festival?
During the Festival, you will have the opportunity to buy a range of GIJ merchandise, Artists’ merchandise, etc.

We have additional food trucks open throughout the festival and for extended trading on Saturday evening, located near the James Morrison Pavilion.

Is there a dress code for performances?
Generations in Jazz encourages all schools to set a neat and tidy dress code for their students. Some stage bands and vocal ensembles choose to reveal their fashion style during performances, while others wear their weekday uniform.

Nighttime temperatures may drop below zero, and daytime temperatures are not much warmer. All venues are indoors, but you will need warm clothing, a weatherproof jacket, a hat, gloves, and waterproof footwear or boots for getting between venues.

Getting There

Generations in Jazz takes place at Generations in Jazz Festival, located at Clarke Rd, OB Flat, just south of Mount Gambier. The festival grounds sit near the intersection of Clarke Road and Glenelg River Road, about a 10–15 minute drive from the Mount Gambier city centre.

From Mount Gambier
Distance: around 10 km
Driving time: about 10–15 minutes

• Leave central Mount Gambier and head south via Commercial Street.
• Continue onto Port MacDonnell Road heading toward the coast.
• Turn right onto Glenelg River Road.
• Turn left onto Clarke Road.
• Follow festival signage to the entrance and parking areas.

From Millicent
Distance: about 50 km
Driving time: around 40 minutes

• Leave Millicent and head southeast on the Princes Highway toward Mount Gambier.
• Continue toward Mount Gambier, but before reaching the city centre, turn right onto Glenelg River Road.
• Follow Glenelg River Road, then turn onto Clarke Road.
• Continue to Clarke Rd, following event signage to the festival entrance and parking areas.

From Penola
Distance: about 50 km
Driving time: around 40 minutes

• Leave Penola and travel south on the Riddoch Highway toward Mount Gambier.
• Continue through Mount Gambier toward Port MacDonnell Road.
• Turn onto Glenelg River Road, then onto Clarke Road to reach the festival site.

From Portland (Victoria)
Distance: about 110 km
Driving time: about 1 hour and 30 minutes

• Leave Portland and head west along the Princes Highway.
• Cross into South Australia and continue toward Mount Gambier.
• Before entering the city centre, turn onto Glenelg River Road.
• Turn onto Clarke Road and follow signs to the festival entrance.

Public Transport
Regional buses connect surrounding towns with Mount Gambier, but there are no direct public transport services to the festival grounds. Visitors arriving by bus will usually need to take a taxi or rideshare from Mount Gambier to the site at OB Flat.

During the festival weekend, thousands of musicians and spectators attend the event, so allow extra time for traffic management and follow event signage directing vehicles to the designated parking areas.