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Kiama Black Beach awash with local young jazz talent

This year the Kiama Jazz & Blues Festival (KJBF) partnered with the conservatorium to create an immersive musical experience, featuring the NextGen Stage – curated by WollCon.

Set against the picturesque backdrop of Kiama’s Black Beach at the pop-up Café de Rude, this collaboration with good friends at Jazz Workshop Australia in Sydney, provided a daily jazz series from 10am to 2pm, transforming the charming locale into a haven for jazz enthusiasts.

Another of the festival’s highlights was the evening event (from 6pm), a collaboration with WollCon, Kiama Jazz & Blues Festival, and Laughter House Entertainment. The fusion of talent, creativity, and the stunning coastal setting made it a must-attend for music lovers.

The NextGen Stage not only provided a platform for young musicians but also invaluable lessons in performance, teamwork, audience interaction, and professionalism. The exposure to public playtime is an essential part of music education, allowing students to grasp the intricacies of live performance, to read the room, and overcome any stage fright they might have. Organisers of the festival agree.

“It’s not just about playing music, it’s about creating an experience, fostering a sense of unity, belonging and instilling confidence in young performers. The experience is also affirming that their musical endeavours hold significance and can delight audiences.”

Becky Guggisberg

Festival Director (KJBF) and South Coast Artist

The festival’s commitment to showcasing emerging talents extends beyond the NextGen Stage. Last year, the inclusion of legendary musician Barney McAll (piano) in a WollCon student jazz combo not only elevated the performance but also provided an invaluable learning experience. The students (pictured below: Leo Park and Ilija Gjorgievski) were treated to a first-hand look at professionalism and artistry, leaving an indelible impact on their musical journey.

Barney McCall and students
In essence, the collaboration between Kiama Jazz & Blues Festival and WollCon, especially through the NextGen Stage, exemplifies a harmonious blend of mentorship, performance, and celebration, nurturing the next generation of musical talent.

And in alignment with the this, an inspiring touch is found in the choice of the festival poster artist – a remarkable 12-year-old named Art Tui.

KJBF artwork poster

This symbolic gesture underscores the belief that the future of jazz and blues lies in the hands of our young artists. The festival not only showcases emerging musical talents but extends its embrace to young visual artists. This holistic approach amplifies the festival’s dedication to nurturing creativity across the arts, making it a truly inclusive celebration of talent and potential.

WOLLCON AT KJBF
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Wollongong Conservatorium is located on Dharawal country. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging, celebrate their continuing culture and the contribution First Nations people make to the life of this region and our country.

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Wollongong Conservatorium of Music is funded by the NSW Government through the Regional Conservatorium Grants Program

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Dr Sue Savage

Director

Sue is an accomplished and seasoned manager with a wealth of experience in government administration and community service delivery. With a strong background in strategic planning, organisational development, community engagement, project planning, and building strategic partnerships, Sue has consistently demonstrated her leadership and expertise and brings a wealth of knowledge to the board. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business focusing on Local Government and Creative Industries from the University of Wollongong, reflecting her commitment to public service and innovative leadership. Sue’s extensive career and dedication to community and social service make her a valuable asset, offering both strategic insight and practical experience to drive meaningful impact.

Anne Mowbray

Director

Anne has been a member of the Wollcon Board since 2019. She holds a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts from UNSW. She is an Accredited Specialist in Family Law and an accredited Mediator and Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner. She has taught family law and other subjects at Wollongong University.

For a number of years she has been a subscriber to the Australian Chamber Orchestra which regularly performs in Wollongong . She has been passionate about music and in particular music education to children and adults.

Jake Pearson

Director

Jake has worked in the disability sector for 24 years- 17 of these with Interchange and 7 years as their CEO. Jake is passionate about inclusion and equality for both people with disability and their carers.

He holds an MBA, Bachelor of Commerce, Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, as well as completing Diploma’s in Case Management, Community Services Coordination and the AICD Company Directors Course.

Jake is also a committee member on the International Short Breaks Association Board and has been a Director on the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music Board since 2022.

Wayne Morris

Director

Wayne is a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors as well as being a qualified company secretary and accountant with over 35 years experience in banking and finance. He performed for nine of those years as Chief Executive of IMB Ltd, and the preceding seven years as Company Secretary and Chief Financial Officer, also with IMB. Wayne’s primary expertise is in the areas of governance, management, accounting, risk management and banking and finance. He has spent his whole life living in the Illawarra and is passionate about ensuring the Illawarra can provide the best possible opportunities and lifestyle for its residents. In 2024 Wayne was awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for services to the community.

Dr Terumi Narushima

Deputy Chair

Dr Terumi Narushima is a senior lecturer and Music Discipline Leader at the University of Wollongong. She is a composer, performer and sound designer specialising in microtonal tuning systems. Her works include Tritriadic Chimes, a sound installation for LA MicroFest, Hidden Sidetracks, a composition for custom-made instruments premiered by Ensemble Offspring at Sydney Opera House, and a project to build microtonal flutes using 3D printing. She has worked on theatre collaborations which have been presented nationally and internationally, including Yasukichi Murakami: Through a Distant Lens, Lost in Shanghai, and The Story of Chi. She performs with microtonal ensemble Clocks and Clouds, and her book Microtonality and the Tuning Systems of Erv Wilson is published by Routledge.

Nicky Sloan

Chair

Nicky is the CEO of Community Industry Group. She has degrees in Dementia Care, Community & Environment and Marketing, and a Grad Dip in Project Management. She is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and an Honorary Fellow of UOW. In addition to Chairing the WollCon Board, she is Deputy Chair of the Regional Development Australia Illawarra Shoalhaven Board and an Independent Non-Executive Director of Warrigal, a large not-for-profit specialising in the provision of services for older people.

Her corporate governance and strategy experience extends through a 20+ year career on boards in the corporate, government and NFP sectors.