Australia’s first UNESCO City of Music has a thriving jazz scene, supported by festivals, live music venues and a strong community of musicians and enthusiasts. This season, “We call it Jazz” in Adelaide keeps the city’s jazz tradition alive, taking music lovers to the streets of New Orleans in a captivating show that blends iconic songs with improvised moments.
These performances will be held at Burnside Ballroom in Tusmore on selected dates over the coming months, where you can hear “On the Sunny Side of the Street”, “Summertime”, “Night and Day” and more classics performed by a talented, local jazz band. Additionally, audience members can grab a beer on site to have the full street-style bar experience. There is limited availability though so make sure to secure your spot here.
What is “We call it Jazz”?
Step into the world of 1920s New Orleans with “We call it Jazz”, a live music experience that blends classic jazz hits with improvisational brilliance. This one-hour show features timeless songs like “Fly Me To The Moon” and “Cantaloupe Island”, performed by skilled musicians who bring each piece to life with passion. Set against the backdrop of a dimly lit streetlamp stage design, guests can enjoy soulful melodies in a relaxed atmosphere while sipping on their favorite drinks.
Jazz, its story and the show
Jazz emerged from the cultural melting pot of New Orleans in the early 1900s as African-American musicians combined elements of blues, ragtime, African rhythms, and European harmonies. Improvisation became its defining feature—allowing performers to create unique interpretations—and syncopated rhythms gave it its signature swing. Over time, jazz evolved into various subgenres like bebop and cool jazz while inspiring modern music worldwide.
At “We call it Jazz” in Adelaide, audiences are treated to performances that honour this legacy with songs such as “When The Saints Go Marching In” and “But Not For Me”. Each musician showcases their talent through improvised solos that highlight their instruments’ voices—from swooning saxophones to blaring trumpets. The immersive setting evokes New Orleans’ charm while inviting attendees to connect with jazz’s timeless energy.
Hear some of your favourite jazz songs and feel the thrill of improvisation at a captivating show coming on selected dates to Burnside Ballroom. Each evening, there will be two back-to-back performances scheduled for 6:00 and 8:30 pm. Tickets are sold in tiers and seating is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.