More than a dozen local venues have already signed on for the Sounds of Jazz & Blues weekend which will be held early next month.

The live music weekend from 6-8 March will feature local businesses hosting jazz, blues and a mix of other musical styles, with music-lovers encouraged to wander between venues and enjoy live music across Kiama and surrounding villages.

To make it easier and safer for people to move between venues, a free Blues Bus shuttle loop service will operate across the weekend, thanks to sponsorship from the Kiama Business Network.

KBN president Cathryn Lyall said the shuttle was a practical way to support local businesses.

“This weekend is all about collaboration,” she said.

“Local venues are hosting and funding their own live music, and the Blues Bus helps people enjoy more of what’s on offer while supporting our hospitality community.”

All performances are free to attend, with individual venues managing entry conditions, capacity limits and any booking requirements.

The weekend of music is filling the gap after the Kiama Jazz & Blues Festival opted to pause in 2026 ahead of its 40th anniversary return next year.

Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald said the weekend was about backing local effort and keeping live music at the heart of the community.

“Sounds of Jazz & Blues is about local venues, local musicians and locals coming together to keep our town buzzing,” Cr McDonald said.

“It’s a great example of what can happen when a community works together to create something special.”

A full gig guide and performance schedule will be released shortly, allowing audiences to plan their own music trail for the weekend.

Among the participating venues are Burnetts on Barney, Club Jamberoo, Cin Cin Wine Bar, Crooked River Wines, Diggies Kiama, The Grand Hotel, JJ’s Indian Kiama, KG Café, Kiama Beach Tag, Kiama Bowling Club, Kiama Golf Club, Kiama Leagues Club, Kiama Surf Club, Mercure Gerringong, Saltwater Cafe, Stoic Brewing, Yves Kiama as well as the Gerringong and Kiama libraries.