Generations in Jazz

Mount Gambier is well known for a popular Jazz event known as Generations in Jazz, with the next festival being held in May 2025.

Generations in Jazz holds a special place in Australia’s jazz culture. Here, one generation of brilliant musicians inspires the next, and aspiring musicians get a taste of life as professional musicians. It’s where like-minded individuals gather to learn from each other, study, and perform.

Generations in Jazz has been hailed as one of Australia’s most exemplary youth music events, nurturing and supporting the musicians of tomorrow and today.

​The festival’s vision is to become one of Australia’s leading jazz education events, providing a platform for competition, performances, collaboration, education, and engagement. While the festival’s early focus was on big bands, and it remains true to its core, its scope has also broadened to include the highly successful vocal ensemble and small jazz combo divisions.

Generations in Jazz offers a wonderful opportunity to listen, perform, and develop a genuine appreciation for this wonderful art form while becoming a part of a commitment to furthering jazz in Australia and beyond.

​The National Stage Band Awards and Vocal Ensemble Awards take learning out of the classroom and onto the stage, providing young musicians with the ‘next step’ in their performing and music journey.

​The learning opportunities throughout the festival can be structured and informal, whether providing industry insights on the journey between rehearsal venues or the casual advice shared in the green room.

Big Phat Band

Having amassed 25 Grammy nominations, four Grammy wins and three Emmy wins, Gordon Goodwin is the most decorated big band leader in the 21st century. He is leader of Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band, an internationally known ensemble with a reputation as one of the most exciting large ensembles in jazz.

The BPB has released eight critically acclaimed records, including Life in the Bubble, which garnered four Grammy Nominations, and won the Grammy for “Best Large Ensemble Album.” Their most recent release is The Reset, which continues the band’s legacy for breaking new ground in the big band genre.

Gordon’s composing for film and television has garnered him three Emmy Awards. He has written and worked with artists like Ray Charles, Christina Aguilera, Johnny Mathis, John Williams, Natalie Cole, David Foster, Sarah Vaughan, Mel Torme, Leslie Odom Jr, Lang Lang, Idina Menzel and Quincy Jones, to name a few. His charts are played worldwide, and his method books and CDs have been a robust source of inspiration and learning for thousands of young musicians.

Goodwin hosts a popular new radio program called “Phat Tracks with Gordon Goodwin,” airing weekends on KSDS, 88.3 FM and syndicated nationally.

Darren Percival

Darren Percival made a remarkable entrance into the homes of countless Australians during the inaugural season of The Voice in 2012. His memorable and uplifting performances won the hearts of viewers. With three decades of unwavering commitment to his craft, he showcased his extraordinary talent and his deep emotional connection with audiences.

Darren embodies much more than the title of singer; he is one of Australia’s premier vocalists and a celebrated Gold record artist. His talents are diverse, encompassing exceptional musicianship, songwriting, innovative vocal looping, painting, and esteemed vocal coaching. Each facet of his artistry highlights his passion for the creative world and his mission to motivate others.

In a pursuit to share his musical vision in unique formats, Darren introduced Sonic Exhibition, an audio art gallery aimed at making his original compositions universally accessible. This initiative underscores his conviction in the transformative nature of sound and artistic expression.

Having founded The Singing Space in 1997, Darren has devoted himself to assisting individuals, groups, and choirs in breaking through vocal barriers. His dedication to empowerment is also reflected in his venture, Harmonious Collaborations, which organizes offsite retreats for businesses. These retreats are designed to improve teamwork, enhance wellness, and build confidence among key personnel, ultimately driving productivity.

Darren’s mission is to encourage people to discover their voices and embrace the joy of singing. With scientific evidence supporting the health benefits of vocal expression, he inspires everyone to have the courage to sing openly and authentically. Through every performance, Darren Percival continues to uplift and motivate, reminding us of music’s profound influence in our lives.

Michelle Nicolle

Michelle Nicolle is recognized as one of the foremost female jazz singers in Australia. She is celebrated for her captivating voice and profound emotional resonance with each performance. Her impressive accolades include the esteemed Bell Award (2017), multiple Mo Awards (2001, 2003, 2004), and the National Jazz Award (1998). Additionally, she has been honoured as an A.R.I.A Finalist on three separate occasions (2001, 2004, 2009), reflecting her exceptional contributions to the jazz scene.

Her musical journey began at just eight years old in the beautiful Barossa Valley, where she initially studied the violin. Over the years, Michelle has evolved into a distinguished jazz artist, with her voice as her primary instrument. Now residing in Melbourne, she is reaching a broader international audience, enchanting listeners in the USA and Europe.

Michelle is renowned for her ability to penetrate the heart of a song with authentic emotion and her talent for spontaneous improvisation. Through her quartet, she has consistently refined her artistry, resulting in the release of nine CDs. The MNQuartet has toured widely, performing at prestigious festivals such as the Tokyo Jazz Festival, Jakjazz in Indonesia, the Jarasum Jazz Festival in Korea, and the North Sea Jazz Festival in the Netherlands, among many others.

Alongside her extensive touring activities, Michelle has sustained a vibrant 16-year residency at The Brunswick Green, where she delights audiences with a unique format that invites song requests alongside various musical friends. Her other artistic endeavours include the What Reason Trio, featuring guitarist Stephen Magnusson, and MN Frettet, a group of four guitarists, in addition to her freelance vocal engagements for various recording projects.

As a dedicated educator, Michelle passionately advocates for the recognition of vocalists as vital contributors to jazz ensembles. Drawing from over 30 years of performance experience, she emphasizes that the key to improvisational proficiency lies in developing strong musical independence. Through her teachings, she guides students in mastering the elements of form, rhythm, melody, pitch, and harmony, all while honouring the story conveyed by the song. By encouraging independence, she empowers vocalists to express themselves with the same liberty and confidence as their instrumental counterparts.

Festival Pass

Experience the full spectrum of the Generations in Jazz Festival with the exclusive Festival Pass! Running from Friday, May 2nd to Sunday, May 4th, this all-access pass grants you entry to every concert, school competition, and scholarship presentation throughout the festival weekend. Immerse yourself in the world of jazz as talented young musicians from across the globe compete, perform, and inspire.

With the Festival Pass, you’ll enjoy a seat to the next generation of jazz stars and unforgettable performances from headlining act Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band, Michelle Nicolle and Darren Percival.

Welcome Concert

Commence the Generations in Jazz Festival in style with the highly anticipated Opening Concert! On Friday, May 2nd, join us at the James Morrison Pavilion for an unforgettable evening featuring the legendary Gordon Goodwin and his Small Phat Band, with special performances from the incomparable Michelle Nicholl and Darren Percival.

This dazzling opening concert sets the tone for an exciting weekend of world-class jazz, blending legendary artistry with vibrant new sounds. It’s the perfect way to dive into the magic of GIJ25—don’t miss it!

Scholarship Adjudication No 1:

Join us for Scholarship Adjudication No. 1 on Friday, May 2nd, at The Barn Palais, starting at 8:30 PM. This exciting event offers a rare glimpse into the future of jazz as talented young musicians compete for prestigious scholarships.

Watch as the next generation of jazz stars showcase their skills, passion, and creativity in front of a panel of esteemed adjudicators. It’s an inspiring evening of music, talent, and opportunity—don’t miss the chance to witness the future of jazz unfold before your eyes!

​Saturday Day Pass

Enjoy a full day of world-class jazz with the Saturday Day Pass at the Generations in Jazz Festival! On Saturday, May 3rd, from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, experience a dynamic lineup of performances, including the talented City of Mount Gambier National Stage Band and the District Council of Grant Vocal Ensemble.

Held across the Generations in Jazz Festival Precinct, this all-day pass grants you access to incredible school competitions and electrifying performances from the brightest young jazz talents.

Scholarship Adjudication No 2

Don’t miss Scholarship Adjudication No. 2 on Saturday, May 3rd, at The Barn Palais, starting at 3:00 PM. This thrilling event showcases the remarkable talent of emerging jazz musicians as they compete for coveted scholarships.

Watch as these young artists give their all in front of a distinguished panel of adjudicators, demonstrating their skill, creativity, and passion for jazz. It’s an inspiring opportunity to witness the future of jazz in its most exciting, raw form—an afternoon you won’t want to miss!

​Gala Concert

Join us for the grand finale of the Generations in Jazz Festival at the Gala Concert on Saturday, May 4th, at the James Morrison Pavilion. Doors open at 6:00 PM, with the concert starting at 7:00 PM. Prepare to be blown away by the headlining act, Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band, featuring the incredible Vangie Gun Goodwin from 7:30PM.

From 7:00 to 7:30 PM, experience an unforgettable performance that sets the stage for announcing the Super Bands and Super Choirs. This is the culmination of the festival, where talent, excitement, and energy reach their peak. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this extraordinary evening! Prepare to have goosebumps!!

Awards Concert

Celebrate the Generations in Jazz Festival at the Awards Concert on Sunday, May 6th, at the James Morrison Pavilion. This prestigious concert honours the outstanding talent and hard work of the festival’s performers, as the best of the best are recognised with awards across various categories.

With incredible live performances, heartfelt moments, and the excitement of seeing the top young musicians take centre stage, the Awards Concert is the perfect way to close out an unforgettable weekend of jazz.