Auckland Jazz Festival

Overview

After a successful first year in 2014, the Auckland Jazz Festival returns this October. Fans of music in its purest form will be rubbing their jazz hands together with excitement for the 30 events over 12 days.

Headlining are the aptly named Prodigal Sons, comprising two of New Zealand's finest jazz musicians Steve Barry and PJ Koopman. The pair will return home from their Sydney base for what promises to be a joyous homecoming alongside local maestros Cam McArthur and Andy Keegan. Expect original sounds with wide ranging influence from Coltrane to Schoenberg, and American to Eastern folk.

Further headliners include Jonathan Crayford’s Electric Trio, a celebrated New Zealand pianist who has worked with the likes of Macy Gray and Questlove among many others. Also on the bill will be some finely crafted modern groove from The Benny Lackner Trio (US/Berlin) and a mix of classic jazz and youthful energy from Wellington eight-piece The Jac. All headliners be playing at 1885, Britomart.

Other highlights will be the consistently brilliant Nathan Haines singing with Little Big Band, and Wellington Jazz vocalist Tessa Quayle. Venues stretch right across Auckland and include Victoria Theatre in Devonport, the Kenneth Myers Centre, The Albion Hotel, Orleans, Hallertau, The Golden Dawn, The Portland Public House, and Café 121.

Whether you grew up playing saxophone or haven't picked up an instrument since dropping out of recorder lessons in Form 1, there seems to be a little something for everyone, including many smaller and some free events. Check out the full schedule for individual show details.