The 14 piece big band headliner has been dispensing final advice in preparation for the conference event featuring big bands and musicians of all genres, ages, and abilities held from Friday, May 31 to Sunday, June 2.

The festival will showcase up to 40 participating big bands across four stages with jam sessions, workshops, premier guest bands, concert night and an all important street parade.

"It's actually a real thrill to come up and do this because as a performer kids give you automatic energy," said Mr Barnett.

"They listen and these kids are going really well.

"They have done all the really hard ground work and the things I talk about as a professional is timing, feeling and thinking as an ensemble.

"Teaching them to understand their role in the ensemble and listening to each other.

"It's not that often as a primary school student you get to play in a big band, so this is a big opportunity for them.

"It's happening here in Port Macquarie, so it's quite unique."

The jazz legend has toured in Australia and internationally, playing in Havana Jazz Festival in Cuba and Sancy Snow Jazz in France in the last 12 months.

However the trip from Sydney isn't the first time Dan has made his way to Port Macquarie, with one of his former band members from the area.

"One of my good mates is from here, a very well respected trumpet player and music teacher who played in my big band for a long time, Todd Hardy," said Mr Barnett.

"I sang at his bridal waltz and emceed his wedding.

"He's a product of the Port Macquarie school system and would have to be the biggest export as far as brass players and music educators to come out of the region."

Other guest performers for 2019 include Victoria's Flora Carbo, American John Hoffman as well as John Morrison, Ed Wilson, Jacki Cooper and patron Judy Bailey.

Lake Cathie Public School principal Jock Garven said having Dan as a professional musician was an invaluable resource for students.

"We've had three fabulous days in preparation, all 26 kids from six or seven different schools," he said.

"There are at least two kids from each school, they are learning to get on, socialise and realise there are many other students who love music as much as they do.

"To nurture the kids through their primary years and into high school while retaining a love of music is the primary aim of this week.

"They've come from individual band programs with different teachers and are now working with me and other tutors, but to add Dan on top is the icing on the cake.

"To have that as not just a professional trombonist and vocalist but to have his knowledge of the music industry and relate that to them."

Students will get a chance to walk the streets, as part of the parade making its way from Westport Park at 9am on Sunday, while the concert kicks off from 6pm Friday, May 31 at Panthers.

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