Esperanza Spalding, Mulatu Astatke Lead Melb International Jazz Festival

Enlisting some of the genre’s best innovators and talents, Melbourne International Jazz Festival has spared no expense with their 2016 line-up, featuring notable headline shows from Esperanza Spalding, Mulatu Astatke, Gary Bartz Quartet and more.

Set to consume Melbourne from June 3 – 12, Spalding has been confirmed to open the festival, making her Aus debut with her ground-breaking new show and persona, Emily’s D+Evolution.

“This project is about going back and reclaiming un-cultivated curiosity, and using it as a compass to move forward and expand,” Spalding said of the venture.

Also gracing the Modern Masters program is the world premiere of The Cradle Of Humanity, which sees the “father of Ethio-Jazz”, Mulatu Astatke, team up with local act Black Jesus Experience.

The Modern Masters program also sees Robert Glasper Trio, Hiromi: The Trio Project and more, while the Explorations segment locks down the world premiere of Confrontations and appearances from Snark Puppy and Monash Art Ensemble to name a couple.

This year’s bill features acts from across the globe for a number of intimate headline gigs, late-night jams, workshops and various free shows.

For the full line-up, ticketing info and more, head to the Melbourne Jazz website.

2016 is set to be a big year for jazz, with the opening of a new venue earlier this month.