What a way to open the Capital Blues Stage at the Wellington Jazz Festival! Showcasing the music of prolific composer Charles Mingus, The Wellington Mingus Ensemble includes some of New Zealand's finest jazz performers collaborating together to create an expansive sound rich in texture and high in energy. Arranged by a variety of prominent New … Continue reading "The Wellington Mingus Ensemble"

Planet Groove is a powerhouse funky unit dedicated to the music of Maceo Parker and James Brown. Led by Bryn van Vliet and fronted by Lisa Tomlins, expect a night full of high energy, non-stop groove. This was one of the highlights from the 2020 Jazz Festival. Don't miss it. Free entry.

The Skeletons are a boogie and blues trio, formed as an alter ego to local Wellington rock and roll band Sea Mouse. The trio performs a collection of haunting blues classics with Seamus Johnson on guitar and vocals, Scott Maynard on bass guitar, Thomas Friggens on drums, and are joined by a very special guest … Continue reading "The Skeletons"

  Purple Haze is a high energy, blues and rock-inspired four-piece band, playing classics by artists such as Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Cream, and more. Eugene Wolfin on vocals, Matthew Fitzpatrick on Guitar, Jacob Randall on drums, and Blain Fitzpatrick on bass. Come along and enjoy some freshly interpreted versions of some high-energy, groovy tunes. … Continue reading "Purple Haze – The Fitzpatrick’s Blues Band"

A Wellington take on the vintage stylings of Dixieland jazz & New Orleans swing... Brew up some bathtub gin and get togged to the bricks! The Wellington City Shake-’Em-On-Downers are the Strait city’s most swinging septet, with tunes that take you back to scintillating nights at the speakeasy. The Shake-‘Em On-Downers have thrilled audiences and … Continue reading "The Wellington City Shake-’Em-On-Downers"

After presenting this set to an enthusiastic audience at the Wellington Jazz Festival last year, the quartet will again present the music of under-sung piano hero Freddie Redd, this time with a fresh new line up. The group will play tunes from the iconic Freddie Redd albums The Connection and Shades of Redd, as well as a … Continue reading "Alex Trask Quartet"