Bill Frisell

Overview

Wellington Jazz Festival is a huge event crammed into just a few days — this year's lineup features 100 gigs in just five days. It would be a challenge to see even a small percentage of all that's on offer, but the diverse program means there's something for all levels of jazz knowledge, from fairweather fans who just want some pleasant background music while they drink beer to hardcore followers who are amped to encounter some of the jazz world's biggest names.

Keep your evenings free from 7-11 June and head along to a show or two, with cocktails and kai on either side. Here's your guide of what to see, dance to, eat and stumble across.

Bill Frisell is the big-name international headliner in this year's festival, and despite his standing as an absolute icon of modern jazz guitar, this is his first ever performance in Aotearoa. Bill has been around the block a few times, and is generally viewed as one of the most influential and skilled guitarists out there.

Grammy-nominated Frisell will perform cinematic hits ranging from contemporary theme tunes to Moon River, flanked by vocalist Petra Haden, double bass player Thomas Morgan and drummer Rudy Royston — all of whom are renowned in their own right.