The trick with Jazz is that you’ve got to listen to the notes they’re not playing. Or make sure you’re in a park with a glass of wine, like at the Auckland City Council’s Jazz at the Rotunda series.
Into its 17th year, the popular series sees Auckland’s best jazz musos serenade into hazy Sunday afternoons to a chilled out crowd of families, smoochy couples and hung over urbanites.
The smooth stylings will be there every Sunday afternoon from mid January through to March, so wait for the sun to break out, grab your trilby and nip down to the Auckland Domain – no bookings required.
There are always Mr Whippy and hot chip vans floating around for that extra summery feeling, or pack a hamper full of overpriced goodies – the series is free, so you can spend what would have been your ticket price on cumin seed gouda and quince jelly instead.
Top tip: pick a spot under one of the enormous trees for dappled sunshine perfection. You’ll get the best sun-to-shade ratio, and end up with just the right amount of tan.
It’s a peachy way to spend a warm summer’s day.
The events have spread to Puhoi and Waiuku, too – check the event website for details on who’s playing where, when.