Jazz Jam: Meow

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.

This is when the exhaustively rehearsed, flawlessly presented and impeccably timed shows of the festival go to fall apart. The Jazz Jam sessions are what happens when international and local musicians get together, unwind over a few drinks and experiment. This will be the dancing on tables, swinging from chandeliers segment of the festival. Nobody knows quite what to expect from these shows, but it's worth heading along to Meow or The Third Eye after catching a show to see what unfolds in the wee hours.