Tami Neilson's Song of Sinners

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.

Tami Neilson is part of the legendary 'produced by Ben Edwards' gang of Kiwi musicians, a set which also houses the very talented Marlon Williams, Nadia Reid and Aldous Harding. Silver Scroll winner Tami is best known as a country singer, but as part of Jazz Fest she is combining her soulful sound with a bit of gospel and blues. There'll be covers of classic rock 'n' roll tunes — think Blind Willie Johnson, Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash — and backing from her Hot Rockin' Band of Rhythm.