75th Australian Jazz Convention gets underway in Albury after postponement

Rising COVID-19 cases in NSW has prompted some attendees to stay home, but more than 100 musicians have descended on Albury for the six-day event.

AJC executive task force president Chris Gildersleeve was glad to see events start on Sunday, after being conservative with promotions in case it couldn't occur.

"It was a bit touch and go at one stage," he said.

"Albury was a great host during the 74th convention, so we came back for the 75^th.

"It does bring a lot of money into the region - less than we anticipated - but we'll be leaving a bit of a legacy from the convention behind with an inaugural festival over Easter."

Mr Gildersleeve said the program kicked off with a Boxing Day welcome night at Commercial Club Albury and performances would take place there and at the Atura Hotel across the week.

"We would love the Albury-Wodonga public to attend; we have a pass they can purchase on our website that covers the whole day," he said.

"They can use the pass to come along during performances, or sit in the Botanic Gardens during our public concert and listen while we play music."

The convention's history is chronicled in this year's program with a 1944 letter describing the hiring of the Union Theatre for the post-war, inaugural event.

Blue Mountains artist and task force member Robbie Mann said the convention had a proud history.

"The kind of music you will hear here is early-era jazz and not many do it," he said.

"For many, this is their one time in the year to connect with other musicians.

"We're really glad to be back."

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Mr Mann said many of the participating musicians had a stellar reputation.

"A highlight for me is seeing people in their natural habitat; this kind of music thrives on musicians being together," he said.

"It's not rehearsed and it's very much dialogue-based."

The free public concert at the Botanic Gardens will begin at 5pm; visit the website for details of other events.