The Melbourne International Jazz Festival has unveiled another impressive wave of artists for its 2026 program, with hometown favourites The Teskey Brothers set to launch this year’s festival with a special anniversary performance at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl.
Taking place on Saturday, 17 October, the opening night concert will see the six-time ARIA Award winners perform their breakthrough debut album Half Mile Harvest in full to celebrate its 10th anniversary. The beloved record helped propel the Melbourne band onto the world stage and remains one of Australia’s defining modern soul albums.
Joining The Teskey Brothers for the outdoor celebration will be funk pioneer Fred Wesley and The New JBs, bringing decades of groove shaped alongside James Brown, Parliament-Funkadelic and some of music’s biggest names. ARIA Award winner Emily Wurramara will complete the lineup with her acclaimed blend of soulful folk and blues.
The latest announcement also expands the festival’s international offering. Modern jazz supergroup Aziza will reunite at Hamer Hall on 25 October to mark a decade since the release of their landmark debut album, with bass legend Dave Holland joined by Chris Potter, Lionel Loueke and Eric Harland for a rare Australian performance.
Meanwhile, Grammy Award-winning Rebirth Brass Band will finally make its Australian debut at 170 Russell on 18 October, bringing the infectious energy of New Orleans brass traditions to Melbourne audiences for the first time.
Rounding out the new additions is visionary American cellist and composer Tomeka Reid, whose celebrated quartet will take over The JazzLab for a two-night residency on 24 and 25 October, showcasing the fearless improvisation and boundary-pushing musicianship that has made her one of contemporary jazz’s most exciting artists.
These newly announced performances join previously revealed headline acts including Dee Dee Bridgewater, Tigran Hamasyan, aja monet, The Bad Plus and the Kris Davis Trio, ahead of the full festival program reveal on 20 August.
The Melbourne International Jazz Festival runs from 16 to 25 October 2026. For tickets and festival updates, visit https://www.melbournejazz.com.
