Saxophones, clarinets, drums and other instruments capable of generating a Dixieland vibe will be heard in eight venues across Dean and Kiewa streets from Boxing Day to New Year’s Eve.

It is a coup for Albury, after having seen off bids from fellow regional cities – Ballarat, Bathurst and Queanbeyan.

With more than 500 musicians and 150 bands, the convention is big.

Organisers describe the extravaganza as “a convention for the musicians rather than a festival for the general public”, however that does not mean there will be plenty for all to enjoy.

A parade promises to be the highlight with Dean Street to echo to sounds better associated with Bourbon Street in New Orleans.

With the Christmas to New Year period largely quiet on the Border for major events, the jazz convention will provide a welcome boost to the economy with an estimated $500,000 tipped to flow in.

No doubt one of the reasons, Albury succeeded in attracting the event was its record of hosting mass gatherings.

That will be amply displayed with the Australian Country Junior Basketball Cup and Margaret Court Cup being held this month alongside other sporting tournaments.

What is significant about the jazz convention though is that it will allow the Border to be showcased to a different audience.

Albury Council’s events team leader Ros Walls, who put together the city’s winning presentation, noted the Border was unfamiliar territory for many associated with the jazz event.

That was evident in the reaction she got to a map she displayed as part of her spiel and the dawning from delegates that Albury’s location made it central to a wide catchment.

Never before has such a musical event been in the city.

Let’s hope it’s a success and Albury can follow Ballarat, its predecessor as convention host, and be its home for some years.