Grampians Jazz Festival

The Grampians Jazz Festival began at Roses Gap in September 1986 as a 21st birthday celebration. Friends and relations who played in two bands then suggested that it become a reunion. In February '87 fifty people headed back to Roses Gap for a weekend of jazz. This was the first of what has become an annual jazz festival. The 5th reunion (1991) known as 'Grampians Jazz Reunion' attracted 250 people. 

However at this time it was decided that Roses Gap could no longer cater for further growth and the committee decided to change to Halls Gap with the new name being Grampians Jazz Festival. Today it has grown to 136 bands programmed over three days in eight venues - 3 marquees, Halls Gap Centenary Hall, Colonial Motor Inn, Pinnacle Holiday Lodge and Mountain Grand Guest House plus school band soundshell. Registrations commence on Thursday at 2.00pm with a black boarding session for early arriving musicians in one of the marquees, Mountain Grand and Colonial Motor Inn on this night. 

Programmed sessions for the weekend commence at 6.00pm at all venues and continue until after midnight. A jazz street march begins at 11.00am on Saturday followed by normal programmed session’s right through until the next morning.

Sunday commences with an ecumenical church service in the largest marquee followed by a workshop for anyone wanting to learn a little more regarding jazz music and programmed sessions at all venues plus an open air performance across Stony Creek in the middle of town. The local primary school also runs a craft and produce market.

All programmed venues are located within 500 metres and this allows easy walking between venues which all have seating provided. The main street is closed for the whole of the weekend so jam sessions are often seen. Casual venues also cater for those musicians without a band.