Linda Williams & Graham Walker

Dedication to our festival for 30 years

We are proud to recognize and celebrate our beloved “Culture Queen” of the Sunshine Coast, Linda, whose vision and dedication shaped the Gibsons Jazz Festival for over 25 years. After taking the reins from founder Graham Walker—who first imagined and launched the festival in 1996—Linda carried the event forward with passion, care, and an unwavering commitment to artistic excellence.

Graham remains an active member of our board and continues to play an integral role in the festival’s evolution.

In 2024, Linda passed the Creative and Executive Director torch to Paul Hood. We extend our deepest gratitude to Linda for her extraordinary leadership and for bringing world-class talent to our coastal community year after year.