Plus, Fly My Pretties have recently
announced their star-studded cast that will be joining them at The Great Hall. The Rodger Fox Big Band have been
cooking up a special show to honour their great band leader, while commissioned
artists Louisa Williamson brings her work The Chasm Where We Fall Into
Each Other to San
Fran. Don't miss
the Pōneke debut of ORO MĀIA bringing soulful frequencies
in a te reo Māori tribute to the words of Dr. Maya Angelou. This is shaping up to be quite the Festival! Make planning easier by shortlisting your must-see events on their website.
BIG BANDS, BIG SOUNDS
The Jazz Police at Southern Cross!
The Jazz Police are a jazz orchestra comprised of the newest generations of jazz musicians from all around Wellington. Putting a large emphasis on playing charts from modern arrangers/composers, they boast an incredible, energetic lineup of reeds, brass, strings, and a strong rhythm section. To back that up, the Jazz Police promise an electric show.
Wed 16 Oct, 5pm | Southern Cross Garden Bar Restaurant - FREE
The Cinematic Light Orchestra
Cinematic Light Orchestra is a culmination of all that Callum perceives to be important in music. Lush sweeping melodies and rich harmony that pulls at your heart strings akin to what you might experience in a film score. Daring and exciting improvisation that captures the interactive nature of the music; the core of what jazz is. The union of these elements lead to one word — emotion.
Wed 16 Oct, 8pm | Rogue & Vagabond - Tickets $15-$30
Hoot'n'Annies
Let the Hoot’n’Annies take you on a musical adventure through trad New Orleans Brass to funk to our own brass/jazz versions of pop tunes. Back for the 3rd year at Waitoa “just like being back in New Orleans, the perfect combination of venue and music!”
Fri 18 Oct, 7.30pm | Waitoa Victoria Street - Tickets $15-$20
Other Futures Big Band
OFBB is a new and ongoing project by Daniel Hayles that looks to honour the big band tradition while platforming music and artists both native to and unexplored within the style. This episode features Tyaan Singh (alto saxophone) and Jonathan Crayford (piano), premiering special new arrangements of their own compositions.
Sat 19 Oct, 3pm | Meow Nui - Tickets $20-$30
Seth Boy Orchestra
The Seth Boy Orchestra plays original compositions and thoughtful arrangements for large format jazz ensemble. Including plenty of improvisation and musical freedom, Seth Boy Orchestra's sound is also heavily influenced by Seth Boy's Filipino upbringing.
Sat 19 Oct, 7pm | Meow - Tickets $20-$30
Richter City Rebels: Sounds of the Street
The Richter City Rebels have a sound that blends R'n'B, soul, hip-hop, jazz and funk with the heart and soul of New Orleans brass band music. Rammed with their signature explosive beats and good-feel vibe, the Rebels are celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the debut studio album We Do It Like That.
Sat 19 Oct, 7pm | Rogue & Vagabond - Tickets $15-$20
Capital City Big Band
Your Saturday night out in the suburbs is sorted. Capital City Big Band, together with vocalists Ruthanne Kennedy and Stephanie Bishop, will be entertaining you with an exciting selection of tunes from classic swing to funk rock. Led by trombone Maestro Clark (USA) Bring your dancing shoes and get ready for a memorable evening.
Sat 19 Oct, 7.30pm | Seatoun Bowling Club -Tickets $20
Crash Bandihoot
Expect a colourful performance with soaring horns and driving rhythms, from the group that have toured Australia twice, stomped unforgettable parades at Cuba Dupa and Newtown Festivals, rocked a 3500 strong crowd at Gardens Magic, and been described by Under the Radar as terrifying.
Sat 19 Oct, 8.30pm | Abandoned Brewery Petone - Tickets $20
Sun 20 Oct, 2pm | Dirty Little Secret - FREE
The Big Band Bash
The Wellington All Stars Youth Big Band (WAYBB) is an auditioned ensemble of top-level high school students picked from around the Wellington Region. Capital City Big Band are a high level ensemble of professional musicians, teachers, and top community musicians, They will entertain you with a variety of modern and traditional big band tunes.
Sun 20 Oct 2pm | The Realm - FREE
The Wellington City Shake-'Em-On-Downers
Come and enjoy the talents of Oscar Lavën (clarinet), Michael Costeloe (trumpet), Kaito Walley (trombone), Jacob Randall (drums), Louis Thompson-Munn (piano), and Daniel Yeabsley (double bass) as they recreate the swing music of fun-loving Louis Prima. Think of I Wan'na Be Like You from Jungle Book, Sing Sing Sing, and many more. An experience not to be missed.
Sat 19 Oct, 12pm | Capital Blues @ Jack Hackett's
Tickets $10-$20
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LATE-NIGHT VENTURES
Oscar Lavën’s Rock'n'Roll Sax
Along with other top-class local musicians, he makes a much-requested return for a special gig of hot, honking, rock ‘n’ roll sax licks. Get ready for great 1950s R'n'B and blues grooves from saxophonists like Sam Butera, King Curtis, and Earl Bostic.
Fri 18 Oct, 10.30pm | Capital Blues @ Jack Hackett's - FREE
Battleska Galactica
Battleska Galactica are purveyors of unique high-energy ska music. Expect old-school and new-school ska, with horns, multiple singers and a blazing rhythm section. Battleska Galactica delivers a highly entertaining show every time, taking the audience with them on an up-tempo ride that leaves everyone invigorated—and a little bit puffed.
Sat 19 Oct, 10.30pm | Capital Blues @ Jack Hackett's - FREE
Boogie Wonderland Presents Earth, Wind & Fire
Boogie Wonderland is an 11-piece powerhouse dedicated to bringing the legendary sounds of Earth, Wind & Fire to life. Created by saxophonist Bryn van Vliet and led by Lisa Tomlins and LJ Crichton, this group promises an unforgettable tribute performance.
Fri 18 Oct, 11pm | Meow - Tickets $30-$40
Theo Thompson Plays the Music of Santana
Theo Thompson is a nationally acclaimed guitar player described by many as ‘the best in many a generation’. Theo continues his exploration of great guitar players with a homage to legendary guitarist Santana who for more than 50 years, has sold over 100 million records and has performed for three generations of concert fans worldwide
Sat 19 Oct, 11pm | Meow
Tickets $50-$60
Rogue Late Lounge | Finn Scholes
Finn Scholes and his best friends will jamming late into the night. Who knows what direction it might go? Probably a mix of their favourite combination of latin, krout, jazz, reggae. Or somewhere in-between. Bring along your own hot licks and get amongst.
Fri 18 Oct, 11.59pm | Rogue & Vagabond - FREE
Rogue Late Lounge | Harry Scholes Super Jam
Harrison Scholes brings together a band of some of the capital’s finest musicians for another super jam! Boogies and huge vibes guaranteed.
Join us for a party. You’ve got to be there to be in the know, ya know?!
Sat 19 Oct, 11.59pm | Rogue & Vagabond - FREE
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A Suite Deal
Heading in from out of town? Our Partners Boulcott Suites are fantastic hosts, and located just minutes away from all the Festival action. Plus, get 20% off their best available online rates by booking your Jazz Festival stay through this link. Offer includes Village Accommodation’s 3, 4 or 5 star properties, including their flagship Boulcott Suites. Offer valid during the 2024 Wellington Jazz Festival (16 - 20 October), subject to availability, T&C’s apply
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Opera House Pass
Plan on seeing three or more of the First Release acts at the Opera House? Get saving with our Opera House Pass* which will get you 10% off your tickets (any reserve), plus you'll save on booking fees. Find out more.
*Only valid when booking at Ticketmaster box office or via phone.
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