The lineup announced this week would not be complete without old favourite James Morrison back for another year.

Festival chairman Paul Squires said a focus on saxophone (but not former US president Bill Clinton, who was busy), up-and-coming jazz bands and females with strong voices were some of the exciting highlights.

The lineup of international acts featured Mississippi Diva and JJ Thames  from the US, Chilean native and saxophonist Melissa Aldana and contemporary jazz music from Ireland’s Ronan Guilfoyle Trio.

Australian acts also included Pierce Brothers, ARIA award-winning pianist Barney McAll, veteran blues soloist Geoff Achison, rising jazz chanteuse Kimba Griffith and soulful nine-piece outfit The Bamboos, who placed in the 2012 Hottest 100 with I Got Burned.

The festival was one of 62 arts groups to have funding cut from the Australia Council’s four-year program in May, losing out on $57,000 per year.

“It always presents a challenge when you don’t have that level of funding, but the program speaks for itself,” Mr Squires said.

He said he hoped the public would see value in purchasing weekend passes to see about 30 bands over a three-day weekend.

“We’re really looking forward to an expanded King George Gardens that will move out to the Ovens Street precinct for a huge food and wine area,” he said.

“There is an element of the old Reid Street about it, but it will be a paid area.”

Ticketing options will start from $30 and a weekend pass, including music at the King George Gardens stage and the access to the North East food and wine stalls, will set attendees back $50.

The major fans of jazz and blues may prefer the festival gold pass - offering unlimited access, guaranteed seating and no queues in the seven concert venues.

The festival is into its 27th year and has undergone changes, but organisers were still confident of success.

“The new Ovens Street precinct will certainly attract a lot of people,” Mr Squires said.

“We hope to continue to grow it every year.”