Beyond Jazz weekender music festival to blow the winter blues away

Published on 30 June 2025

Photo: Horatio Luna standing in front of Luna Park in Melbourne

At the Beyond Jazz Weekender, a music festival running from the 15-17 August at the Bellingen Memorial Hall, audiences are invited to embark on an adventure through music and dance. 

The world of jazz has evolved in the past few decades – young musicians no longer see boundaries between jazz and other musical genres, as it intermingles with hip hop, electronic beats, psychedelia and soul. Beyond Jazz will showcase these new musical blends and is set to update our perception and enjoyment of the genre. 

Mayor Cr. Steve Allan praised the role of festivals such as Beyond Jazz in contributing to Bellingen Shire’s reputation as an arts and nature-based tourist destination. 

“Since the Hall reopened two years ago, the venue has been buzzing with community-led activities and performances".  

“The Beyond Jazz Weekender is produced by Bellingen Shire Council as part of the Memorial Hall in-house programme and employs local contractors in all areas of event production, as well as being ably supported by the Friends of Memorial Hall team of volunteers,” said Mayor Allan. 

“Now is a good time to spend a weekend in Bellingen Shire, firstly for music, as well as to explore the natural landscapes and food offerings that support healthy living.” 

Just a taste of some of the exciting artists and events at the Beyond Jazz Weekender include: 

• Horatio Luna – internationally renowned jazz house bassist Horatio Luna’s five-piece band is set to bring the dance floor to life with dance-inducing house vibes. 

• Sandy Evans & Andrew Robson Quartet – Australian jazz royalty, Sandy Evans, joins up with saxophonist Andrew Robson in a dynamic ensemble rich with energy, imagination and groove.

• Monstress – nu-jazz all-female and non-binary four-piece featuring improvised solos, riff-heavy grooves, melodic hooks, spoken word and rap verses echoing influences like Tank & the Bangas, Doja Cat, Lil Simz and Erykah Badu. 

• Reimagined – performing inventive reworkings of well-loved songs, Reimagined give pop music’s biggest names a totally new context, while showcasing the complex rhythms and elements of jazz harmony. 

• The Saturday Night Social - brought to you by Sydney’s Dance Makers Collective, in association with Arts Mid North Coast, The Saturday Night Social is your chance to get a groove on the dancefloor. Supplying irresistible dance tunes for the night are the Mastersonics, bringing a unique twist to modern day songs and old school favourites. 

• Nocturnal Swing: The House Band Sessions – local jazz luminary Oscar Eager has formed a ‘house band’ featuring the best local jazz cats performing upbeat classics, with featured artists from across the Beyond Jazz Weekender line-up joining the band for individual tracks.  

• Bellingen Big Band – performing a free public show at Bellingen Community Markets, with special guests appearing throughout the morning. 

• The SunDay Rave – a unique fusion of wellness retreat meets day-rave, featuring a mass yoga class, sound healing, and a curated musical odyssey designed to stimulate both mind and body. 

Stay tuned for more program details, additional artists and early bird tickets at: beyondjazzweekender.com.au or follow Bellingen Memorial Hall on Facebook or Instagram for regular updates.