Wellington Jazz Festival - Thu 6 Jun 2013 — Sat 8 Jun 2013

We're stoked that the festival is finally here!  New Zealand’s hottest little jazz festival – in the world’s coolest little capital.

The Wellington Jazz Festival is an event of true international standard, with hundreds of musicians will be turning up the heat in the capital’s famous Cuba Quarter. From contemporary and traditional jazz to soul, rhythm & blues, reggae, latin and gospel, this Festival is not just for the aficionado but for a broad selection of tastes.

There are major international acts, home-grown super groups, relaxed afternoon sessions and riotous late-night jams – all crammed into some of our capital’s best loved music venues, bars and eateries.

Here are a few highlights. See individual events for venue information.  Events in this festival ordered by starting date.  For full info go to the website: http://jazzfestival.co.nz/

  

Chucho Valdés and the Afro-Cuban Messengers - One of Cuba’s greatest jazz pianists and bandleaders - Thu 6 Jun 2013 8pm  - The Opera House

The Session - A rocking WJF edition of The Matterhorn's monthly jazz jam. Free 10pm Matterhorn

Karen and Her Fellow Sinners - From '50s divas to jazzed up Nirvana. Thu 6 Jun 2013 — Sat 8 Jun 2013 8:30pm BATS Theatre

The Bandits Take Havana - A young and energetic seven-piece Latin jazz ensemble.
Free - Thu 6 Jun 2013 9pm - Havana Bar

A Roomfulla Blues - A WJF version of The Hotel Bristol's regular Thursday bluesfest.
Free Thu 6 Jun 2013 - 8:30pm, Hotel Bristol

Duelling Boogie-woogie Pianos - This eclectic array is brought to you by a set of drums & two pianos. Free - Thu 6 Jun 2013 - 8pm - Meow

The Nigel Patterson Trio - This trio combines expert musicianship with passion and creativity. Thu 6 Jun 2013

Free - 7:30pm - The Southern Cross Bar and Restaurant

Roger Sellers - One of this country's greatest jazz percussionists. Free - Thu 6 Jun 2013 9:30pm - Hashigo Zake

Cassandra Wilson - A contralto as rich and supple as vintage leather - Fri 7 Jun 2013 7pm - The Opera House - Ticketek

The Opera House Session Featuring Estère - an edgy Erykah Badhu for the next generation. Fri 7 Jun 2013 - 10pm - The Opera House - Ticketek 

Chocolate Box - WJF Special With vocalists Lisa Tomlins and Vanessa Stacy. Free Fri 7 Jun 2013 10pm - Matterhorn

Roseneath Centennial Ragtime Band - Bring your dancing shoes! Bring your dancing shoes! Fri 7 Jun 2013

8pm - Mighty Mighty

Dinner and Cabaret with Alana Zivanov With Alana Zivanovic. Free Fri 7 Jun 2013 — Sat 8 Jun 2013 - 7pm - Daddy O's

The Wellington City Shake-'Em-On-Down - Ah, Dixieland, the terrific toe-tapping era. Free - Fri 7 Jun 2013 - 9pm - Hotel Bristol

Adam Page Trio - Songs for Sonny - Celebrating the influence of the great Sonny Rollins. Fri 7 Jun 2013 8pm, Meow

Tessa Quayle & Nick Granville Trio - Jazz and swing with funk, soul and blues grooves. Free - Fri 7 Jun 2013 — Sat 8 Jun 2013 - 10pm - Hashigo Zake

Mantis: The Music of Drew Menzies - Honouring the music of one of NZ's best double bassists. Sat 8 Jun 2013 - 3pm - The Opera House

The Rodger Fox Wellington Jazz Orchestra - Celebrating turning 40 with vocalists Glenn Walter & Erna Ferry - Sat 8 Jun 2013 - 6pm - The Opera House

Iva Lamkum & Jennifer Zea - One night, one stage, two red hot vocalists -  Sat 8 Jun 2013 - 9pm - The Opera House

Upright Jazz Trio - With Julien Wilson, Brett Hirst and Reuben Bradley - Free - Sat 8 Jun 2013 10pm - Matterhorn

Omri Mor Trio - Andalou Jazz - A blend of jazz improv & traditional North African music - Free - Sat 8 Jun 2013 - 8pm - Mighty Mighty

James Illingworth Trio - Perfect for ending your night on an awesome high! - Free - Sat 8 Jun 2013 — Sun 9 Jun 2013 - 11pm - Hashigo Zake

Hot Cafe - Returning with their swinging brand of gypsy jazz - Free - Sat 8 Jun 2013 - 8:30pm - The Lido Cafe

Soul for Survivors - Soulful and upbeat service in historic St Peter’s Church. Free - Sun 9 Jun 2013 - 10am - St Peter's on Willis

The Boptet - Smooth grooves with the longest-running jazz residency in town - Free - Sun 9 Jun 2013 - 7:30pm - The Lido Cafe

John Rae All Star Band - A night of top jazz. Free - Sat 8 Jun 2013 - 9pm - Meow

Jazz Nights with Cumulonimbus - Settle in to a night of saxy jazz with jazz quartet Cumulonimbus - Fri 7 Jun 2013 — Sat 8 Jun 2013 - 6pm, 7pm - Amora Hotel

The Trio with Vocals - Afternoons of acoustic jazz! Free - Thu 6 Jun 2013 — Sat 8 Jun 2013 - 4:30pm - Meow

Jam Session - The Jazz Festival presents a jam session every night of the Festival… Free - Thu 6 Jun 2013 — Sat 8 Jun 2013 - 11pm - Meow

Friday Night Dress Up - As if Wellingtonians need an excuse to get creative with a costume! Free - Fri 7 Jun 2013 - 6pm - Cuba Mall

Free Pop-Up Jazz Jams - Pop-up jazz jams on Friday and Saturday. Free - Fri 7 Jun 2013 — Sat 8 Jun 2013 - 12pm, 10am - Cuba Mall

Free Friday Jazz with Nick Granville - A sweet blend of jazz, R&B, soul grooves and goodtime funk Free  -

Fri 7 Jun 2013 - 5pm - Vivant Restaurant & Bar

The Uprights - A small piano trio with a mighty sound! Free - Sat 8 Jun 2013 - 4pm - The Southern Cross Bar and Restaurant

Karen and Her Fellow Sinners - Sink into a sultry evening of smoky jazz - Thu 6 Jun 2013 — Sat 8 Jun 2013 - 8:30pm - BATS Theatre