NEW ZEALAND: 50th National Jazz Festival in Tauranga this Easter

50th National Jazz Festival in Tauranga this Easter
A who's who of New Zealand jazz and blues musicians join international guests in the line-up for the National Jazz Festival Downtown Carnival and Jazz Village in Tauranga this Easter.

Forty-seven bands will play at the two popular events across three days as part of the 50th National Jazz Festival held from 5-9 April.

"We really have pulled out all the stops to celebrate the 50th anniversary," says Festival director Arne Herrmann. "Some of these bands are favourites who feature every year, while others, like Riverina All Stars have come back together specially to celebrate this big birthday."

Highlights of the programmes include New Zealand blues heavyweights Paul Ubana Jones and Billy TK playing at the Downtown Carnival and the Jazz Village; and Passport's side project, Blu Bantu at the Jazz Village. And at the Jazz Village's New Orleans Music Factory, Monday is dedicated to reunion bands from the '70s and '80s.

The Downtown Tauranga Carnival takes place in the central city on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 April with five stages showcasing a diverse assortment of jazz and including the World of JAZZ at Aspen Reserve. The Jazz Village takes place at the Historic Village on Sunday 8 and Monday 9 April and features more than 25 bands on four stages as well as strolling bands, food, art stalls and activities for children.
VOXY.CO.NZ