They are lots of fun, with some outstanding players.   The house band, which changes each week, plays a few numbers, then we have other musicians stepping up to jam. We’ve had some stunning performances.   The vibe is like a New York jazz club. Come and see for yourself.   Work-friendly hours, Jack Hackett's … Continue reading "The Swing Session"

After returning from Australia Brian Baker has wasted no time in making an impact on the NZ blues scene. His solo show with much heralded and reviewed singles and film clips, has seen him perform at gigs and festivals across the country.   Now he’s joined by two local Whanganui musicians, bass player Johnny Keating … Continue reading "BB and The Bullets"

They are lots of fun, with some outstanding players.   The house band, which changes each week, plays a few numbers, then we have other musicians stepping up to jam. We’ve had some stunning performances.   The vibe is like a New York jazz club. Come and see for yourself.   Work-friendly hours, Jack Hackett's … Continue reading "The Swing Session"

Pip is one of the founders of Capital Blues, 27 years ago, helping to make Capital Blues the longest-running blues club in the southern hemisphere.   Now Pip is reaching a milestone of his own.   Join us to celebrate Pip Payne turning 70 - because speed limits are just a suggestion.   If you … Continue reading "Pip Payne’s Milestone"

              There will be gigs in the Lounge and the Basement. Info and ticket links below. Lounge Old King Cole Basement The Wombles The Bradford Gang Late-night jazz jam  

          There will be gigs in the Lounge and the Basement. Info and ticket links below. Lounge Mr. Bert-Jingles - Robert Henderson Two Bluesy Blondes Basement The Doggy Bags VSOP Late-Night Jazz Jam Hosted by Louis Thompson-Munn

              There will be gigs in the Lounge and the Basement. Info and ticket links below. Lounge Seamus Johnson Nick Granville’s Double Drummer Funk Oscar Lavën’s Rock n Roll Sax Basement Juice Quartet with Special Guests Eden Brown Will McLean Late-Night Jazz Jam Hosted by Jamin Forlong

Part of our Wellington Jazz Festival programme. One of the finest young blues, and rock guitar players in the country, brings his first love, acoustic, rural blues. He is also a songwriter too, and he will be playing some of his own material in the set. Seamus is renowned for the passion and energy he … Continue reading "Seamus Johnson"

              There will be gigs in the Lounge and the Basement. Info and ticket links below. Lounge The Luke van Rensburg Quintet Hour of Power The Wellington Mingus Ensemble Swamp Thing OdESSA Basement Henrique Morales A Short History of Bossa Nova  Snakebone King Oyster Chris Yeabsley and Oscar Lavën … Continue reading "Capital Blues at the Wellington Jazz Festival 2024 – Sun 20th"

For those who were lucky enough to get to one of the late-night jams in Jack Hackett's Basement in the Jazz Festival, you know what fantastic times and music there were. For many though, they are a bit late at night. But fear not: You can get a reprise at The Swing Session, at the … Continue reading "The Swing Session"

Sgt. Pepper and his Lonely-Hearts Club Band brought happiness through its music, even causing troops in World Wars I and II to stop fighting. In August 1958, Sgt. Pepper died of a heart attack in the middle of a performance. He left the band's magical musical instruments to the town; so long as they remain … Continue reading "The Uptakes"