The Hervey Bay Council for the Arts formed its Jazz Committee in late 2007 to organise and run its inaugural Jazz Festival in November 2008. Two people who made the major decisions were Kerrie Marshall and Mike Knight, they had a diligent and hard working team with them.

It was decided to present a varied format of performers, from local to interstate. Bob Barnard Quartet, The Hands from Sydney, Ingrid James and John Hoffman from Brisbane. From Melbourne, the Society Syncopators and Kevin Franklin from Port Fairy. Jazz factory, Sunshine Coast, Cats Whiskers from Brisbane and the Bundy Jazz Trio Plus from Bundaberg. The local acts Jazz Addiction and Swing Shift from Hervey Bay. Also performing were the bands from Urangan High and the Fraser Coast Anglican College. The festival was held around the Hervey Bay Marina, including the Boat Club and the Mantra Resort.

In 2009 it was decided to hold a mini jazz festival based at the Mantra Resort situated at the Marina, courtesy of the general manager Geoffrey Nocher, to be run in conjunction with the start of the Whale Festival supported by the Fraser Coast Regional Council. It will on the 1st of August 2009 with one of Australia's formost jazz singer Ingrid James, joined by pianist John Reeves, Bass player Ralph De Silva and local drummer Stevie Wright and backed by John Hoffman on Trumpet and Flugelhorn.

On Saturday the 1st of August 2009 playing at the Mantra Resort was the John Leigh Calder Trio. John is a singer/songwriter musician (double bass, electric bass, guitar and piano). Ray Aldridge is the pianist for the midday show and Laurie Thompson on drums. World class musicians John Hoffman on trumpet appeared with Ingrid James and her pianist John Reeves. Also performing was the Mike Knight Swing Trio, with Ian Moodie on piano, Ron Hawkins on string bass, Mike Knight on the drums and vocals.

John Hoffman teaches at the Queensland Conservatorium, John is American born and has played with Harry James, Buddy Rich and Woody Herman. He recently played in the orchestra for the Musical Chicago.