What: UNESCO International Jazz Day

When: Wednesday, April 30

Where: Mechanics Institute and The Main Bar

More information: jazzday.com/events/Australia

LIAM Kealy always thought it would be great to play alongside a saxophonist.

So when the opportunity presented itself to form a trio with a saxophone player, he couldn't resist, and the Justine Jones Hammond Combo was born.

Comprised of organist Kealy, saxophonist Justine Jones and percussionist Rohan Heddle, the outfit was formed a couple of months ago as a separate venture to The Mondlarks Hammond B3 Trio which Kealy and Heddle are also involved with.

"Traditionally, the saxophone and organ go so well," Kealy said.

"As well as playing the sax, Justine also sings and that changed the sound of the group dramatically (from The Mondlarks) and took it into a different direction - more of a jazz vein."

Kealy said with two solo instruments, the band was able to perform instrumentals as well as vocal numbers.

"Justine composes her own songs and we've already written one song and are in the process of writing more," he said.

"Her voice has a smoky blues sound and her lyrics are blues driven."

The Justine Jones Hammond Combo will perform as part of this year's UNESCO International Jazz Day celebrations in Ballarat.

Set to be held at the Ballarat Mechanics Institute and The Main Bar, the event will see some of the region's best performers unite and delight in the sounds of jazz.

The Hammond Combo will take to the stage at the Mechanics Institute along with the Ballarat Grammar Stage Band and the Jawzz Jazz Quintet, while the Sam Boon Quartet and the Wayne Parker Trio will perform at The Main Bar.