Centred around an ethos of promoting exceptional live music to the community, Perth International Jazz Festival brings talented musicians from around the globe to Western Australia.

2023 marks the eleventh year of the Perth-based event known for packing out concert halls, iconic WA spaces, clubs and bars, and it’s touted to be bigger and better than ever. The Margaret River Region segment sees shows in the most stunning locations: Busselton Foreshore, award-winning winery Aravina Estate, Cowaramup’s West Winds Distillery, frothy Rocky Ridge Tap House and the spectacular Ngilgi Cave.

Perth Internatioanl Jazz Festival (PIJF) General Manager and entrepreneur Richard Evans said, “You don’t have to know anything about Jazz to enjoy the event. It’s all about high-quality music and intimate shows at unique venues that have a theatrical feel,”

Richard said the festival is for live music enthusiasts who want to experience something special with family and friends, in a beautiful setting.

“We are trying to broaden the base of people who come to these events. We know people who love jazz will come. People who know the bands will come. But we really want to get to the broader community around us and for them to have faith that it’s going to be a great day!”

The saxophone and trumpet-infused spectacle is expected to bring in a crowd of 15,000 people over all events (including the free ones).

“The highlights will include Emma Pask at Aravina Estate, Hot 8 Brass Band at QV1 Plaza, Cecile McLorin Salvant at the Octagon Theatre and Grammy-nominated vocalist Lisa Simone at Subiaco’s Regal Theatre.” Richard said.

Sporting an impressive collection of previous event locations, like Caves House Hotel, The Studio Gallery & Bistro and House of Cards, the bar is high for the Margaret River Region’s third instalment.

Here are some of the upcoming shows you won’t want to miss:

The South West chapter of the festival begins in Cowaramup at West Winds Distillery & Tavern, who will open their doors from 5.30pm for the official PIJF opening night party. Think free entry, home-brewed gin, vodka and whisky, balanced with native Australian botanicals, paired with a performance by jazz, funk and soul band Late Night Organ Donors. There will also be West Wind specials to kick off the weekend, so you’re sure to be grooving all night!

The Busselton Foreshore Amphitheatre will come alive from 12pm on Saturday 11 November with a toe-tapping performance by four local bands. From swinging standards to monster grooves and slick rhythm and blues, this free community and family friendly event boasts something for all tastes. Whether you’re a local or a blow-in, pack a rug and picnic to enjoy as you while away the hours next to the longest timber-piled jetty – and arguably most aesthetic – in the Southern Hemisphere.

The Rocky Ridge Tap House is just a stone’s throw from the Busselton Jetty and it’s ready to welcome you all for this jazz jam session. Hosted by the Jackson Van Ballegooyen Trio, jazz musicians can unpack their saxes, horns and more to play their part for a song or two. Enjoy the choice of 25 tap beers (plus the occasional guest appearance), and a delicious share plate or burger from Margaret River Burger Co. Music kicks off at 6pm and runs until close.

Set on 180 acres of expansive rolling hills and vineyards, Jazz in the Garden combines fine food and wine with picturesque surroundings and live music. The festivities are set to take place at Aravina Estate in Yallingup from 11am on Sunday 12 November. With an impressive resume that includes performances for Princess Diana and the wedding of Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman, one of Australia’s favourite jazz artists, Emma Pask will be headlining the event. Expect swinging jazz standards, upbeat Latin rhythms, tender ballads and some raucous blues, while you kick back on your blanket (or low chair) on the lawn while sampling delicious local wine and food. Tickets are between $35 and $60, and admission for those under 17 is free.

Located northeast of Yallingup and exquisitely adorned with stunning stalactites and stalagmites, Ngilgi Cave will be home to a unique live music performance following its highly acclaimed debut year in 2022. Audiences will descend the stairs to the Amphitheatre Chamber for an otherworldly experience by Danny Glover on the double bass and Lachie Glover on the saxophone. The performance will take place from 12pm until 1.30pm on Sunday 12 November.