Programming the Hot Jazz Picnic has been a total dream come true. Imagine being asked to curate Australia's answer to the Newport Jazz Festival with all your favourite jazz or jazz-adjacent artists from around NSW. This line up features some of the best artists Australia has to offer.

Harry James Angus is one of my favourite musicians and artists of all time. While continuing to front the Cat Empire, Harry has always had the most impressive 'side projects' imaginiable. He might be singing and rapping with hip-hop inspired Jackson Jackson, playing beautiful, delicate guitar songs or singing and playing riotous Nina Simone inspired piano with a gospel choir - he is without peer in terms of his ability to master every instrument he turns his hand and mind to.

Dan Barnett and Emma Pask fronting a 14 piece big band is going be a swing dance spectacular. These two seasoned vocalists fronting Dan's almighty big band is going to take this festival out in the most delicious way possible on a warm Sydney evening overlooking the harbour at Rose Bay. The Morrisons are another absolute favourite of mine - they have brought bluegrass authenticity to the Sydney live music scene since hosting their first 'Oh Brother, Where Art Thou' shows back in 2013. Brekky Boy, Katie Thorne and Ruby Jackson are new discoveries which I know are going to blow our minds with their freshness and invention. Brekky Boy have just come back from an epic tour of Europe and Ruby has just performed at BIGSOUND. The Vampires are going to bring their delicious roots/reggae jazz originals and Kate Wadey is the Anita O'Day to our 'Jazz on a Summer's Day' vision come true with her sweet, sophisticated sound and swinging band.

I am so excited to be part of this wonderful festival and I hope to see you there!

Elana Stone