IF 26
Italian Jazz Club

Italian Jazz Club

Six intimate concerts exploring the creative dialogue between Italian and international jazz — one weekend, limited seating.

Buy your Tickets

A CONCERT SERIES

Jazz as a conversation

The Italian Jazz Club explores the creative dialogue between Italian and international jazz. Bringing together artists from Australia, Italy and beyond, the series celebrates jazz as a tradition shaped by exchange, curiosity and collaboration.

Each concert offers a rare opportunity to experience this musical conversation in an intimate setting with limited seating — six sets across the festival weekend, each led by a different bandleader.

The concerts

Six ticketed sets across Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October, at 2pm, 4pm and 6pm each day.

  • Album cover for 'From Sicily to Melbourne: A Journey Through the Sicilian Legacy in Jazz' by Triveni Quartet, featuring an artist painting a map-like artwork with musical instruments and a sea scene in the background.From Sicily to Melbourne — A Journey Through the Sicilian Legacy of Jazz

    From Sicily to Melbourne is an original project by the Triveni Quartet, created by Sicilian-born drummer and composer Sandro Giambruno. Through live music and storytelling, it celebrates the profound influence of Sicilian musicians—from Nick La Rocca and Louis Prima to Chick Corea—on the evolution of jazz. Blending classic repertoire with original compositions, the performance explores migration, cultural identity and the enduring legacy of Sicily's contribution to the world of jazz.

    Sat, 17 Oct, 2:00 pm • $42

  • A black and white close-up photograph of a man in a dark suit playing a trumpet, with the trumpet bell prominently visible on the left side against a dark background.CASA: Finding Home

    Casa: Finding Home is trumpeter Gianni Marinucci's deeply personal musical journey exploring identity, migration and belonging. Inspired by his family's Italian-Australian story, the project blends original compositions, reimagined Italian songs, jazz and storytelling to reflect on family, memory and the meaning of home. A celebration of heritage and cultural diversity, Casa speaks to the shared experiences of generations of Australians shaped by migration.

    Sat, 17 Oct, 4:00 pm • $42

  • Three musicians performing live jazz on stage in a club setting, featuring two acoustic guitar players and an upright bassist, with a 'Jazz Club' sign visible in the background.Che Belle Corde! Swinging on the Strings Jazz Concert

    Italian Strings of Jazz celebrates the extraordinary influence of Italian-American guitarists on the evolution of jazz. Led by Melbourne guitarist Adam Russo, the performance traces the legacy of pioneers such as Eddie Lang, Nick Lucas, Bucky Pizzarelli and Joe Pass, blending early jazz with the charm of Italian musical traditions. A tribute to the musicians whose artistry helped shape one of the world's greatest musical genres.

    Sat, 17 Oct, 6:00 pm • $42

  • A man wearing a black quilted jacket and dark pants sits and plays an acoustic guitar under purple stage lighting against a dark curtain background.Cinema Italiano: Jazz Impressions from the Italian Screen

    The Steve Rando Quintet celebrates Italy's rich musical heritage through contemporary jazz, cinematic storytelling and creative improvisation. Inspired by the timeless music of Ennio Morricone, Nino Rota and original compositions by Steve Rando, the ensemble reimagines the evocative sound of Italian cinema with fresh interpretations, lyrical melodies and expressive improvisation. A heartfelt tribute to Italian culture, memory and the enduring connection between jazz and the silver screen.

    Sun, 18 Oct, 2:00 pm • $42

  • A black and white photograph of a musician in a recording studio, shown from behind wearing over-ear headphones and facing a keyboard synthesizer, with other band members blurred in the background.Heritage

    Heritage is pianist Monica Lim's heartfelt musical reflection on her lifelong connection to Italy. Inspired by childhood years in Sorrento and later piano studies in Italy, the performance celebrates the memories, culture and family heritage that have shaped her artistic journey. Through expressive interpretations and personal storytelling, Heritage honours the enduring influence of Italy on a musician's life and creative identity.

    Sun, 18 Oct, 4:00 pm • $42

  • Black and white close-up photograph of a woman in profile playing a silver trumpet, with dramatic lighting against a dark background.Bloodlines

    Bloodlines is trumpeter and composer Ashley Ballat's deeply personal tribute to her family's Italian heritage. Blending original music with archival recordings, interviews and immersive soundscapes, the project explores migration, identity and the enduring bonds between generations. Through contemporary jazz and storytelling, Bloodlines transforms personal family memories into a moving celebration of resilience, tradition and the connections that continue to shape Australian multicultural life.

    Sun, 18 Oct, 6:00 pm • $42

More

THE ARTISTS

Meet the bandleaders

Trumpet, guitar, piano, drums — six leaders, each bringing their own ensemble and their own take on the Italian jazz story.

  • Album cover for 'From Sicily to Melbourne: A Journey Through the Sicilian Legacy in Jazz' by Triveni Quartet, featuring an artist painting a map-like artwork with musical instruments and a sea scene in the background.

    Sandro Giambruno

    Drums / composer

  • A black and white close-up photograph of a man in a dark suit playing a trumpet, with the trumpet bell prominently visible on the left side against a dark background.

    Gianni Marinucci

    Trumpet

  • Three musicians performing live jazz on stage in a club setting, featuring two acoustic guitar players and an upright bassist, with a 'Jazz Club' sign visible in the background.

    Adam Russo

    Guitar

  • A man wearing a black quilted jacket and dark pants sits and plays an acoustic guitar under purple stage lighting against a dark curtain background.

    Steve Rando

    Electric / acoustic guitar

  • A black and white photograph of a musician in a recording studio, shown from behind wearing over-ear headphones and facing a keyboard synthesizer, with other band members blurred in the background.

    Phil Turcio

    Piano

  • Black and white close-up photograph of a woman in profile playing a silver trumpet, with dramatic lighting against a dark background.

    Ashley Ballat

    Trumpet / composer

/ Stay connected

Seats are limited

Every Jazz Club session is seated and intimate, and early-bird pricing applies while allocations last. Secure your seats on the Festa store.

Buy your Tickets
Italian Jazz Club | Italian Festa