• 1989
  • The beginning – Ross Lipson forms a band bringing together students, teachers, and local musicians. Regular rehearsals and a belief in music’s impact spark the journey.
• 1990
  • Early identity and touring – The band earns the name “Sweethearts of Swing” and begins touring across Tasmania, Queensland, and regional Victoria.
• 1995
  • First releases and breakthroughs – Debut album “On the Train” launches, alongside major appearances at Melbourne International Festival, Pacific Rim Jazz Summit, and Port Fairy Folk Festival.
• 1996
  • Growing recognition – Second album “Motor City Soul”, national touring, media appearances, and a formal committee and strategic plan set the foundation for long-term success.
  • Long time Sweethearts contributor, Sandy Thompson joins the band.
• 1997
  • International stage – First European tour including Montreux Jazz Festival marks a major milestone; regular appearances at major Australian festivals, TV programs, and radio shows follow.
• 1998
  • Expansion and evolution – More albums (Bittersweet, Party), national tours, and a growing performance schedule (40–50 shows annually).
• 2000
  • Foundation and inclusivity – The Sweethearts Foundation is established, opening the program to students from multiple schools and strengthening its professional structure.
• 2003
  • Fifth album release – “Get Ready”
• 2004
  • Global touring – Playing multiple European festivals, returning to internationally-recognised festivals such as the Porretta Soul Festival, Italy, and performances alongside international soul legends such as Ann Peebles, Tyrone Davis. Plus, continued festival appearances across Australia.
• 2005
  • Education milestone – Following research by Ross Lipson and Rick McLean, a Certificate IV in Music qualification was created and launched, recognising the program’s industry-level training and impact.
• 2006
  • Sixth album release – “What’s Going On”
• 2007
  • Third European tour – Montreux Jazz Festival Switzerland, Parma Summer Festival & Porretta Soul Festival Italy, alongside Betty Harris, Booker T and the MGs, the Blues Brothers.
• 2008
  • Awards and momentum – New releases, upgraded production, national tours, and Ross Lipson recognised as a finalist for the Lindsay Thompson Fellowship.
• 2009
  • Twenty years strong – Anniversary celebrations, expanded touring, and continued growth of the program and alumni network.
• 2010
  • Chart Success and touring – 4th European tour. Album released “Secret” with an original track that sits at No. 1 on Triple J’s Unearthed Chart for 2 weeks and in the top 10 for 5 weeks. Melbourne’ s Cherry Bar residency and partnership begins with James Young.
• 2012
  • New music and gigs – New album released “Red in your eyes” and 5th tour to Europe
• 2013
  • Screen time and industry awards  – Heart & Soul TV series airs on ABC; Sweethearts Academy (Young Hearts) launches; award nominations follow for original music. 10th album released (all original songs from band members) “Bar Roma”. Nominated for the Age’s Best Soul, Funk, R’n’B and Gospel Album.
• 2014
  • Leadership transition and USA tour – Steve McEwen becomes Musical Director as Ross Lipson (Founder and Director falls ill); US tour includes performances in Memphis and Summerfest in Milwaukee.
  • Legacy of Ross Lipson – Passing of founder Ross Lipson; the Ross Lipson Award is established to support young female musicians.
• 2015
  • New chapter – Michael Fitzgerald appointed Musical Director; continued touring, releases, and artist collaborations.
• 2016
  • New TV series and music – 2nd series of ABC TV show Heart & Soul released. Eleventh album releases Four Leaf Clover.
• 2017
  • Global recognition – Touring globally, performing with Sax Gordon and the iconic Bernard Purdie; international awards and recognition at Porretta Soul Festival.
• 2018
  • 30 years celebrated – Launch of Sweetfest, a multi-stage festival celebrating three decades of the program.
• 2019
  • Ongoing collaborations – European tours continue; performances and residencies with leading soul and jazz artists such as Alfred ‘Pee Wee’ Ellis, former member of the original James Brown Band and co-writer of soul classics including ‘Cold Sweat’ and ‘Say It Loud’. Residency at Worker’s Club in Geelong starts. Twelfth album released Don’t Fool Yourself.
• 2020 – 2022
  • Resilience through COVID – Program adapts online, releases digital performances, and secures cultural organisation status for future funding.
• 2022
  •  Back to the stage – Sweetfest returns, featuring Emma Donovan & the Putbacks, Fulton Street, and Alex Lahey. National performances resume, and the program gains strong institutional recognition.
• 2024
  • More and new European festivals – Ninth tour to Europe, opening the Poretta Soul festival. They also perform in Vergato, Tolé and Camugnano in the lead up to the festival, alongside Mitch Woods (Boogey Woogy specialist).
• Today
  • Continued international touring (including Europe), major festival appearances, and a thriving program shaping the next generation of musicians.

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