Kiama Jazz & Blues Club has pressed pause on its festival for March but Kiama Council is pressing ahead with plans to run a series of concerts at venues in the LGA on the same weekend.

Council will coordinate a grassroots festival of live music to be held at venues including Kiama Leagues Club, The Grand Hotel, Kiama Bowling Club, Cin Cins and Burnetts on Barney, as well as local libraries on 6-8 March.

Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald said Council wanted to make sure on that weekend, the town is still filled with the sound of jazz and blues.

“As a community I think we are all disappointed that the Jazz & Blues Festival has been paused. It has been a part of Kiama’s cultural identity for the last nearly 40 years,” he said.

“When the announcement was made there was significant commentary regarding its importance on local culture, art, business, visitation and local community enjoyment.

“Local businesses have responded and put up their hands to arrange music on that weekend.”

Council had already allocated $7000 in funding to the Jazz & Blues Festival, which the organisers have declined. Part or all of that will now be used to organise and support the grassroots event.

“As Council’s financial situation continues to move toward sustainability, Council has adopted a coordination role to facilitate those businesses already planning for the weekend,” Cr McDonald said.

“Something as simple as a program and venue map can help people plan to enjoy whatever music is on offer.

“It is a work in progress, however the desire is there. Destination Kiama are already working towards early plans and expressions of interest.

“Our focus is on supporting the community, bringing music to the area in March, and bringing people together for what is annually a fantastic event.

“Council recognises the Kiama Jazz and Blues Festival has been a much loved event for a very long period of time. It will be exciting to have a jazz and blues offering while the Festival is on pause and as the committee work towards their 40th

anniversary in 2027.”

Kiama Jazz & Blues Club, when announcing the festival being called off for March, pointed to the delay in the development approval for one of the venues, Fillmore’s, as being a reason for the decision.

However, Council CEO Jane Stroud responded by saying that it had “absolutely nothing to do with the Festival”.

“A DA is a land-use-based approvals process for the operation of a particular activity on a parcel of land. They are manifestly separate issues.”

KJBF director Becky Guggisberg said the club was pleased to hear the Mayor’s announcement of an alternative music event being planned for March.

“We welcome any initiative that keeps creativity and community connection thriving in Kiama.

“While the Kiama Jazz & Blues Festival has pressed pause for next year, we genuinely applaud Council’s commitment to maintaining the spirit of live music on a weekend that has long brought colour, visitors and community pride to our township.

“As this initiative is not the Kiama Jazz & Blues Festival, we understand it may take a different creative direction and need not be limited to jazz or blues, which we see as a positive opportunity for local venues to shape the weekend in their own way.

“Now that Hindmarsh Park and its much-loved stage have been fully restored, we hope it may once again be activated as an inclusive and accessible part of this community-led music weekend.”