In 2015, the Festival launched with a performance by local jazz singer Libby Hammer. Attendees included founder Graham Wood and former Lord Mayor of Perth Lisa Scaffidi.

PIJF launched a new collaboration with Celebrate WA for the WA Day Long Weekend, sharing stages at the Perth Cultural Centre. ‘Jazz at the Cultural Centre’ featured the Festival’s headline artists including US jazz bassist Richard Bona (NYC) and pianist/composer Barney McAll, as well as a range of local musicians.

In addition, major venue Brookfield Place was transformed into the ‘Jazz Quarter’, based on New Orleans’ famous French Quarter. Featuring three outdoor stages among Perth bars, acts performing in the Jazz Quarter included Perth band the Zydecats, the Howie Morgan Band, as well as Brazil’s Juliana Areias.