Early Origins
The idea for the Merimbula Jazz Festival began in 1980 during an impromptu Sunday afternoon gig at Stan Delle Vergin’s home on the Fishpen in Merimbula. Musicians from the local area, including Barry Pascoe, John Cursley, John Moffatt and Stan, agreed the concept was worth pursuing and formed the organising committee for the first festival. Barry Pascoe is recognised as the founding father and driving force behind the event.
First Festival in 1981
The inaugural Merimbula Jazz Festival was held over the June long weekend in 1981. The original framework set by the founding committee included a Friday welcome night, a Saturday street parade and programmed music, a Sunday jazz breakfast and performances, and a Monday musicians picnic. Early emphasis was on community, equality of opportunity for jazz musicians, minimal commercial influence, and sharing excess funds with musicians and local charities.
Growth in the Early Years
In the first few years the festival grew steadily. Bands from across Australia registered and performed, and events were staged in venues such as Twyford Hall and the Eastern Jade Restaurant. Musicians would sign up for performance slots on blackboard schedules, and the social aspect of meeting and playing with other jazz artists was central to the festival’s charm.
Expanding Venues and Traditions
As the festival grew, more venues were added to accommodate the increasing number of bands and musicians. The RSL Club in the main street became a key venue, and the street parade in Main Street became a highlight for performers and audiences alike. Traditional elements like the Monday jazz picnic and musician welcome night continued even as the event expanded.
Development in the 2000s
Over the years the Merimbula Jazz Festival continued to grow in size, and popularity. In 2012 committee member and programmer, Paul Dion, created Jazz Quest. Starting with just a handful of entries, Jazz Quest has grown into a major event and is the place where the festival showcases the extraordinary talents of musicians under 25. Jazz Quest is an investment in the future and established the Merimbula Jazz Festival as a leading light in the support and encouragement of young jazz musicians.
Ron Foale Awards
In memory of Ron Foale, a notable early jazz performer, the festival established the Ron Foale award to recognise individuals who have made special contributions to the festival. This award was later renamed the Merimbula Jazz Festival Award and is presented each year. Continued Community Spirit
From its beginnings with a small committee and a grassroots philosophy, the festival has remained true to its core values: volunteer run, musician focused, and community supported. Even as it became larger and attracted performers and audiences from across Australia, the festival has retained its welcoming and inclusive character.
Ongoing Legacy
The Merimbula Jazz Festival is now recognised as one of Australia’s longest-running jazz festivals, helping to put Merimbula on the jazz map while supporting both local and touring musicians. In memory of notable early jazz performer Ron Foale, the festival established the Ron Foale Award to recognise individuals who made special contributions to the festival; this honour was later renamed the Merimbula Jazz Festival Award.
From its beginnings with a small committee and a grassroots philosophy, the festival has remained true to its core values — volunteer-run, musician-focused and community-supported. Even as it has grown in scale and attracted performers and audiences from across Australia, it has retained its welcoming and inclusive character, reflecting a steady evolution while keeping community involvement and live jazz at its heart.
Media from past festivals
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