Wellington Jazz Festival set to beat the winter blues

Wellington Jazz Festival
June 8–12

With more than 100 gigs across 40 venues, the five-day Wellington Jazz Festival which is on next month is shaping up to be a sure-fire antidote to the winter blues, festival artistic director Shelagh Magadza says.

“From jazz giant Wayne Shorter to gorgeous singer Lisa Fischer; from the ‘Father of Ethio Jazz’, Mulatu Astatke, to award-winning fusion ensemble Snarky Puppy, our international line-up promises some musical treats at The Opera House next month,” she says.

Complementing the top international acts, dozens of back-to-back gigs are set to showcase home-grown talent at Wellington’s top bars, restaurants and music venues throughout the festival. With the capital’s hospitality sector firmly behind this now annual event, long-time supporting venues Meow, Rogue & Vagabond and Matterhorn will this year be joined by newcomers like Moon in Newtown, Caroline in Manners Street and Laundry on Cuba.

The local – or ‘Jazz at Large’ – programme will be a mix of the familiar and new, and has something for both night owls and early birds. “We’re bringing back festival favourites Rueben Bradley, Lucien Johnson, “Duelling Pianists” Ben Wilcox and Dayle Jellyman and The Rogue & Vagabond’s popular Classic Albums Live series," Mr Magadza says. 

But be sure to check out what’s fresh and unexpected on offer; Auckland-based 10 piece Sal Valentine and The Babyshakes will appear at the Jazz Festival for the first time, and Aleister Campbell returns to the Wellington scene after a long hiatus in Melbourne.

Ms Magadza says festival goers should keep an eye out for up-and-comers Lauren Armstrong and Sam Nakamura, "and the Sky Canvas ensemble, too.” Light House Cinema will screen a series of jazz-inspired movies throughout the festival, including The Amazing Nina Simone and 20 Feet from Stardom, which features 2016 Jazz Festival headliner Lisa Fischer. Several bars, cafes and restaurants will run special deals, and the jazz-themed Night Market at the bottom of Cuba St will be the place to be for families and foodies alike.

Full programme at here

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