Cronulla RSL Set to Swing at the 2026 Cronulla Jazz & Blues Festival
The streets, venues and shoreline of Cronulla are set to come alive later this month as the 2026 Cronulla Jazz & Blues Festival returns for five huge days of music, entertainment and community celebration. Featuring more than 200 free performances across 24 stages, alongside ticketed headline events, markets, film screenings, food vendors, bars, family activities and the 2026 Blues Awards, the Festival continues to cement itself as one of the Sutherland Shire’s premier cultural events.
Cronulla RSL is proud to once again be a sponsor and part of the Festival program, hosting an exciting line-up of free live performances across the weekend.
From blues legends and tribute acts to soulful performers and crowd favourites, the Club will offer festivalgoers a vibrant live music experience right in the heart of Cronulla.
Cronulla RSL Line-Up
Friday 29 May
Kim Girdlestone Band - 7.00pm to 8.00pm
Returning for her sixth year at the Cronulla Jazz & Blues Festival, Cronulla local Kim Girdlestone brings her signature “Daisy-Chain Blues” to the stage with a soulful mix of blues, roots and rock. Backed by her full band, Kim delivers heartfelt songwriting, rich grooves and powerful live energy. Recently featured on 7NEWS as part of Sydney’s live music revival, Kim continues to make her mark on the local scene, having shared stages with artists including Pacey, King & Doley, Matt Corby and The Pleasures.
Woman of Blues featuring Liza Ohlback, Sally King & Ali Penney — 8.30pm to 10.30pm
3 powerhouse Australian blues women, including two Blues Hall of Fame inductees, Sally King, Liza Ohlback and Alison Penney bring a vibrant mix of soulful blues, New Orleans jazz, gospel, roots and funk to the stage. With award-winning vocals, heartfelt songwriting, magnetic stage presence and decades of experience alongside blues greats, this dynamic trio delivers deep grooves, raw emotion and unforgettable storytelling, backed by acclaimed rhythm section David Green and Greg Ohlback.
Friday 30 May
Shane Flew & Matt Ross — 1.00pm to 2.00pm
This acclaimed Sydney-based blues, roots and Americana duo are recognised for their seasoned live performances and recent win at the Sydney Blues Society Solo/Duo Challenge. Both were nominated in the 2025 Blues Awards, with Matt recognised for Favourite Male Vocal and Shane for Favourite Harmonica Player. Regular performers across Sydney and festival favourites at the Cronulla Jazz n Blues Festival and Girrakool Blues Festival, they return to Cronulla with their new acoustic blues/Americana album, Once Upon A Long Time Ago.
Christina Crofts — 2.30pm to 4.00pm
Christina Crofts is a singer, songwriter, guitarist and slide guitarist whose band won the 2022 Sydney Blues Society Blues Challenge. A long-time presence on the Australian blues scene, she has performed at major festivals including Thredbo, Narooma, Sydney and the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, USA. With four album and EP releases to her name, many charting on the Australian Blues & Roots Charts, Christina recently released ‘Best Of Bottleneck’, a remastered collection of fan favourites from her recordings and live shows.
Blueshound — 4.30pm to 6.00pm
Blueshound is a collaboration of well-known Sydney musicians blending traditional blues from New Orleans to the Deep South, with touches of Latin and jazz.
Featuring James Kelly, Scott Johnston, Alan Britton and Richelle “Bootsie” Booth, the band has built a strong following across Sydney and the NSW coast with their infectious grooves, virtuosic playing and high-energy live shows.
Dom Turner & The Rural Blues Project — 6.30pm to 8.00pm
Multi award-winning artist Dom Turner, best known as founder of Backsliders, brings his new venture The Rural Blues Project to the stage. Blending traditional rural blues inspired by legends like Lead Belly and Robert Johnson with original material, the band delivers a powerful live show that reimagines classic blues for modern audiences. A multiple Sydney Blues Society award winner, Dom has performed at major festivals across Australia and the USA alongside some of blues music’s biggest names.
Danny Tsun Presents Johnnie B. Good: A Tribute to Johnnie Johnson — 8.30pm to 10.00pm
A high-octane tribute to the “Father of Rock & Roll Piano,” led by powerhouse pianist Danny Tsun. Celebrating the legacy of Johnnie Johnson, the musical architect behind many of Chuck Berry’s greatest hits, this electrifying show brings the energy, rhythm and boogie-woogie brilliance that helped shape rock & roll history. Featuring a top-tier band, the performance honours Johnson’s lasting influence on generations of musicians and the sound of early rock & roll.
Sunday 31 May
Carnaby Street – The British Sixties Experience — 1.00pm to 2.00pm
Carnaby St. – The British Sixties Experience brings the golden era of British music back to life with hits from The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who and more. Featuring members of Hoodoo Gurus, Bang Shang a Lang, Walking Deads and Stray Dogs, the show delivers a high-energy celebration of Britain’s iconic 60s rock ’n’ roll sound.
Also appearing is Emma Driver, singer-songwriter, guitarist and former member of Walking Deads, bringing her trademark humour, authenticity and engaging live style to the stage.
Sheyana Band — 2.30pm to 3.30pm
Led by London-born, Tasmania-based singer-songwriter Sheyana, The Sheyana Band blends Aussie rhythm, soul, rock, Americana and blues into a powerful live experience filled with soulful vocals and standout musicianship. Winners of the 2018 Chris Wilson Award for Emerging Act of the Year, the band has earned national and international recognition, sharing stages with artists including Hoodoo Gurus, Neil Finn and Ian Moss. Their latest single, Wasted, channels heartbreak and resilience into an honest, blues-soaked anthem.
5 Blues Drive — 4.00pm to 5.30pm
Experience the ultimate musical journey from Chicago (Sweet Home Chicago) to LA (LA Woman) at “The Route 66 Show” promising nostalgic high energy performances of the greatest rocking road trip hits of all time.
The Bryce Cohen Band — 6.00pm to 7.30pm
Bryce Cohen delivers a high-energy mix of blues and blues-rock, featuring the music of Stevie Ray Vaughan alongside artists like Gary Clark Jr, Albert King and Freddie King. From slow, expressive blues to driving, high-energy tracks, the set is built on feel, groove, and powerful guitar that connects from the first note.
Beyond the music, the Festival delivers a major boost to the local community, supporting local businesses, hospitality venues, artists and tourism throughout the Shire. From Cronulla Mall to Gunnamatta Park, local venues and community spaces will host performances and events that showcase the energy and creativity of the region.
Whether you are a lifelong jazz and blues fan or simply looking for a great weekend out in Cronulla, the Festival offers something for everyone. Cronulla RSL welcomes members, guests and visitors to enjoy the atmosphere, support live music and experience one of the biggest community events on the local calendar.
