And it’s not just thanks to the big names such as Dave Douglas, Canned Heat and Jane Bunnett, and old favourites like James Morrison, Ash Grunwald and Thirsty Merc headed to the November event.

The festival is getting bigger and better, with two new stages that will make use of some of Wangaratta’s most picturesque spots: the ticketed Gardens Stage in King George Gardens, and the free Riverside Stage on Faithfull Street, overlooking the Ovens River.

The revamped Riverside precinct will host music workshops, gourmet food and wine, alongside musical performances.

Artistic director Adrian Jackson said the diverse program of jazz, blues and crossover music signalled an exciting new chapter.

“The international line-up features some outstanding artists, notably the acclaimed trumpeter and composer Dave Douglas,” Mr Jackson said.

“The Cuban explorations of Canadian saxophonist Jane Bunnett with her band Maqueque will be a big hit, as will the famous kings of boogie ‘n’ blues, Canned Heat, over at the Blues Marquee.”

Douglas last performed at the festival in 2001 and this time will perform with his quintet, as well as a special performance with Australian jazz pianist Paul Grabowsky.

Meanwhile, Australian trumpeter James Morrison will take to the stage with his all-star Superband, while Joe Camilleri will perform a blues-focused set with The Black Sorrows.

And rock band Thirsty Merc will showcase their instrumental skills in an acoustic performance featuring Rai Thistlethwayte (piano) and Phil Stack (bass) at their brilliant best.

There’ll be more than 300 musicians and performers gracing the seven stages across town, with 96 concerts in total from October 30 to November 2.

• Aaron Choulai

• All The Kings Men (Darren Jack and Ray Beadle)

• Allan Browne and Margie Lou Dyer: Bourbon Street To Wang

• Allan Browne Quintet

• Andrew Dickeson Quintet

• Andrew Gander Quartet

• Ash Grunwald

• Australian Art Orchestra: Struttin’ With 

 Some Barbecue

• Blue Eyes Cry

• Bob Sedergreen Quintet

• Bondi Cigars

• Brendan Clarke Quartet

• Canned Heat (USA)

• Cannonball

• Chris Russell’s Chicken Walk

• Darren Jack

• Dave Douglas (USA)

• David Friesen (USA)

• Drub

• Emma Pask

• Enrico Rava with Monash University Jazz  Ensemble

• Enrico Rava with Niko Schauble’s Papa Carlo

• Fem Belling Quintet

• Finn-land With Emma Pask and Darren Percival

• Fiona Boyes / Three Kings

• Fiona Boyes & The Fortune Tellers

• Greening From Ear To Ear

• Harper (USA)

• Hetty Kate

• Issho

• James Morrison (pictured)

• James Muller Trio

• James Muller-Stephen Magnusson Quartet

• Jane Bunnett & Maqueque (Canada/Cuba)

• Jeff ‘Tain’ Watts Quartet (USA)

• Joe Camilleri

• Joe Louis Walker (USA)

• Laura Watts Quartet (USA)

• Linda Oh (USA)

• Lisa Parrot Quartet (AUS/USA)

• Lloyd Swanton

• Mark Isaacs

• Matt Mitchell, (USA)

• MBAS Unearthed: Justin Yap Band

• Mike Nock Trio Plus

• Monash University Big Band

• Nick Charles and Doc Span: All About Sonny  and Brownie

• NYJA Ensemble

• Old Gray Mule (USA)

• George Washingmachine’s Feel The Manouche

• Paul Grabowsky

• Paul Williamson: Connect Four Duos

• Paul Williamson Quartet

• Ray Beadle

• Rod Paine and The Full-Time Lovers

• Roger Manins’ Hip Flask

• Route 61

• Royal Swazi Spa

• Sam Keevers Quintet plays Bernie McGann

• Sarah McKenzie

• Shirazz

• Spoke (USA)

• Stephen Magnusson’s Kinfolk

• Steve Barry Quartet

• Steve Grant: Jazz Hands

• Steve Hunter Quartet

• The Hoodangers

• The Syncopators

• Thirsty Merc Acoustic

• Three Kings

• Tony Gould and Adam Simmons

• Tony Gould and Ben Gillespie

• Ultrafox

• Wangaratta High School Stage Band and Big Band