The Experience Band grew out of the Bublé Experience Band so popular with Jazz and Blues Club audiences from 2014. For this show we present not only jazz standards but nostalgia songs such as Blood, Sweat and Tears, Earth, Wind and Fire, Stevie Wonder, the Average White Band and instrumentals from the Brecker Brothers plus some great new latin charts written for little big band. 
The band features Marjan a talented vocalist, songwriter and actress (seeher in the  newly released film 6 Days) who has performed at the Tauranga Jazz Festival, CJC, Music in the Parks, Cornwall Park and Xmas in the Park. Marjan’s unique sound has been shaped by years of listening to Motown, Jazz, R&B, and Pop and also draws inspiration from the music and traditions of her indigenous Persian culture. 
The ‘experienced’ musicians are: James Langabeer, Lukas Fritsch, Markus Fritsch – saxes; Grant Langdon and Matt Howell tpts; Mike Young – tbn; Ben Fernandez – pno/kybd; Nathan Collings- gtr; Sally Han bass; and Trevor Thwaites drums.
 

Door Charge:
Members and Students with ID $5.00
Non Members $15.00

Ray Woolf With The Mike Walker Trio
One of our greatest entertainers, Ray sings the great swing hits made famous by acts such as Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin, Dean Martin and more recently Michael Bublé, but expect some good old rock and roll when Ray gets back to his roots

The Mike Walker trio features Bruce King and probably the best all round bass player in New Zealand, Billy Karaitiana, (Christian). Mike, Bruce and Billy worked together for over 40 years, & with Steve Garden toured with Ray Woolf for 15 years. They also toured with Ray Columbus and Peter Posa, as well as backing the great Chuck Berry.
 

Billy set the benchmark for bass players in the 60s, was in numerous TV shows in the 60s - 80s such as C-mon, Happen Inn & a TV special with Ricky May. He has played on over 30 albums/cds as well as producing cds /albums for 12 bands including "Herbs". His first bands were Max Merritt and the Meteors, Ray Columbus and the Invaders as well as Billy Thorpe. He has also played in Headband & Filthy McNasty Night. It will be a night not to be missed, as you will feel many years of musicianship playing for you.

Door Charge:

Members and Students with ID $5.00
Non Members: $15.00

The Lindy Tops Featuring Loris Zigon are an Auckland swing band influenced by jazz styles from the 1920s through to the 1950s. They perform their take on classic jazz standards,  up tempo swing tunes, jazz ballads, latin and bossa nova.
Formed in 2016 initially to provide exciting live music for swing dancers, the band has since performed at various locations and events around Auckland.
The Lindy Tops features a talented line up of young musicians – Stephanie Harmsworth on vocals,  Denholm Orr on double bass, andSam Swindells on guitar. The Lindy Tops also welcome the addition of special guest Loris Zigon on piano.
The Lindy Tops have an extensive repertoire including classic standards such as Lady is a Tramp, Caravan, Fly Me To the Moon, Besame Mucho, Puttin' On the Ritz, Lullaby of Birdland, Honeysuckle Rose and much more.

Door Charge:

Members and Students with ID $5.00
Non Members $15.00

Featuring the music of the Andrews Sisters, Sisters of Swing takes you on a journey back to the war era, to experience the music of the Andrews Sisters and the songs that made them famous. They combine a beautifully blended vocal trio with a hot swinginʼ band and decked out in uniforms ready for action!
The Sisters of Swing have been performing around New Zealand for the last 10years, featuring three of New Zealand’s best swinging jazz vocalists Maria O’Flaherty, Emma Leon and Trudy Lile, all of whom have performed extensively as individuals in Jazz and Arts festivals, and shows, both in New Zealand and Australia. 
They have a tight vocal blend, with songs that will take you back to the war era: 
In the Mood, Don't Sit Under The Apple Tree, Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen, Three Little Sisters, Oh Johnny Oh, Rum And Coca Cola, Chattanooga Choo Choo, Beat Me Daddy 8 to the Bar, Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, Sing, Sing........and more!

Door Charge:
Members and Students with ID $5.00
Non Members $15.00

The Gary Harvey Band has always had a strong presence in the live music scene with numerous festivals, tours and TV appearances.    
The band has become known for its strong blues roots, steeped in the sounds emanating along Highway 61 and  inspired musically by both American and British blues rock music.
Despite the indifference of mainstream media in New Zealand, Harvey is an irrepressible character who just keeps doing it. He and his current band -- himself, longtime pal Tony Abbott, drummer Neil Stewart and the legendary 'Strayfalcon' — play often enough to keep sharp and have fun. (Graham Reid, Elsewhere)
Their latest release Ghost Dance has been critically acclaimed and is available on iTunes and Spotify.
 

Door Charge:
Members: $5.00
Students with ID $5.00
Non Members $15.00

Fresh from her standout performance at the 2017 Matariki Festival Allana Goldsmith returns with her group to grace us new and old songs! And even some originals!

Allana Goldsmith is a jazz singer in the classic vein of singers such as Ella Fitzgerald, backed by Jason Orme on drums, Jo Shum on bass and Marc Baynes on piano.

Allana Goldsmith has been singing as a part of the Auckland jazz scene for 14yrs. She came up through the ranks playing with and being mentored by some of the senior jazz greats of New Zealand, who were, according to Goldsmith ‘“highly instrumental in furthering [her] jazz education.”

Allana is New Zealand Maori/European. Her iwi are Ngati Porou and Ngai Tai. She was born in Ruatoria, East Cape, and moved to West uckland when she was 6yrs old. 

Allana Goldsmith is a rare gem. The kind of artist one hears for the first time and is immediately captivated by. To skillfully blend Te Reo, her native language, with modern pop/ jazz standards, plus creating her own original songs, is a path less travelled and not for the faint hearted.

Her preparedness to take on challenging projects and to do them well is impressive. Her voice is strong and in many ways she is reminiscent of the great singers of the past. 

What is not redolent of past singers, however, is her preparedness to tackle adventurous modern projects, also. 

At a renowned 2013 CJC showcase Goldsmith selected a few well-known and some lessor performed standards, and, to stamp her own mark on them, sung often in Te Reo Maori. 

Allana Goldsmith’s unique approach to the music is highlighted in her original voice. It is tempting to think of songs sung in Te Reo Maori as being different or apart from European traditions. In Goldsmith’s case that is not so as she has maintained the integrity of both traditions. 

The best illustration of this at the CJC event was her brilliant rendition of the Miles Davis tune, ‘In a Silent Way’. This was the first tune of her set and she used it as a Karakia or blessing. The notion of using this open, spiritual number to unify the audience and to call down blessings was a perfect beginning.

Door Charge:
Members and Students with ID $5.00
Non Members $15.00

With the return to Auckland of Brian Kelly after 6 years in San Fransisco this band was formed to play blues,swing tunes and some Dixieland classics.

Personnel - Lindsay Meech cornet,vocals

                     Brian Kelly trombone

                     Chris Nielson soprano saxophone 

                      Phillip Beatson guitar 

                      Glyn Frewin bass

                      Owen Kneebone drums

Door Charge:
Members and Students with ID $5.00
Non Members $15.00

The Band of the Royal New Zealand Navy is proud to present an exciting night of Big Band Jazz. Enjoy an entertaining collection of classics from greats such as Count Basie and Duke Ellington as well as some modern favourites. Featuring talented soloists from within the band, this will be a night you won't want to miss!

The Royal New Zealand Navy Band is an extremely versatile ensemble of full time professional military musicians. Its primary role is to perform as a Military Band providing music for the ceremonial, public relations, recruiting and entertainment requirements of the Navy, NZDF and the Government and public of New Zealand.

Door Charge:
Members and Students with ID $5.00
Non Members $15.00

Edwina Thorne is performing at Jazz Festivals through out New Zealand and the Pacific, A head line act at this years Oamaru Jazz Festival, Edwina has also been booked for the Queenstown Jazz Festival, Bay Of Islands Jazz and Blues Festival , of which she is a life member, the American Samoa and Samoa International Jazz Festival of which she is a founder member and locally the Waiheke Jazz Festival.
Rehearsing once a week in Edwina's coastal villa, a diverse and interesting repertoire has developed around carefully crafted arrangements, that feature synchronised rhythms played by the entire band. Several Miles Davis tunes which feature different members are featured as well as original compositions. It's entertaining, it's different , it's jazz!
On Bass Guy Halpe, guitar John Davy , drums Mike Beck , piano Niduk and Edwina on trumpet, flugal horn  and vocals.

Door Charge:
Members and Students with ID $5.00
Non Members $15.00

Twistin’ the Swing is a lively acoustic gypsy jazz band influenced by the music of Django Reinhardt, 1930-40’s swing and Romani songs. 
The band consists of the sublime Asher Truppman Lattie on clarinet and saxophone, the exceptional Phillip Beatson on gypsy guitar, the rock-solid Travis Hill on la pompe guitar and the incomparable Djordje Nikolic on double bass. The sense of rhythm, musicality and dynamic interplay between band members creates an atmosphere that is highly energetic and engaging. They alternate this vibrancy with slow melodic ballads and medium swing tunes, suitable for any occasion.
Twistin’ the Swing have been performing extensively for the past several years, at parties, weddings, swing dance events, theatres, corporate events, markets and festivals such as Auckland Arts Festival, Auckland Jazz Festival and Music in the Parks. They gig every second Sunday afternoon at The Occidental on Vulcan Lane (come along and have a Belgian beer and a dance!)

Door Charge:
Members and Students with ID $5.00
Non Members $15.00

Dixie Street All Stars is a band of thoroughly decent, well-ripened larrikins who formed an ensemble from some of the very best musicians from various States in Australia.  When Piano, Bass, Banjo, Drums, Trumpet and Reeds get together, the result is the nerves in your feet twitch whilst some rare musical gems simply grab your whole body and give it a good shake.  The musicians bring to their performances ample quantities of good humour which overflows to their audiences, young and old. There are a number of vocalists who also add their colour to each performance.  
We have selected songs from the period 1890-1940.  Exuberant renditions of ‘Oh Marie’, ‘Rain’, ‘My Sin’ are mixed with romantic compositions, ‘You Are Too Beautiful’, ‘If I Didn’t Care’ and ‘You Tell Me Your Dreams’ and the originally dreamy waltz ‘Oh How I Miss You Tonight’. As they tell of love lost, regained and old-fashioned.  Mix this lot with rousing tunes such as ‘Don’t Give Up The Ship’ and we are in for a jolly night.
Featured compositions from Fats Waller, Sigmund Romberg, Jimmy McHugh, Dorothy Fields, Clarence Williams and Art Hickman are enjoyed by dancers and listeners alike.
 

Door Charge:
Members and Students with ID $5.00
Non Members $15.00

Renee Brennan is a jazz-trained singer, and former lead singer of the rock band Tadpole. Tadpole were  one of NZ's premier touring artists in the 1990's and 2000's, with three albums, of which 'the Buddhafinger' achieved double platinum status. Renee has sung all over the world, from London to the Swiss Alps, and from Timaru to East Timor. She played to crowds of 60,000 at the biggest ever Big Day Out in 2000 (but has also sung to crowds of only 3). After retiring from the rock 'n roll lifestyle and moving to London, she returned to her training and has been singing jazz from bars in London to weddings back home. Now returned to NZ, she wants to continue to sing mainly jazz standards with the odd foray back into rock/pop and musicals.

Door Charge:
Members and Students with ID $5.00
Non Members $15.00

Raising Funds for Fox! Auckland Jazz Orchestra & Queen City Big Band

The Rodger Fox Big Band has been invited to play at the 60th anniversary of the prestigious Monterey Jazz Festival in September this year - a huge deal for the band, and New Zealand jazz. We know it costs a lot to get a big band on the road internationally, so the Auckland Jazz Orchestra and Queen City Big Band are showing their support by joining forces for a fundraising big band double-bill extravaganza. 

You'll hear not one, but two, full size, 18 piece big bands, along with guest vocalists and other treats, as they attempt to outdo each other for your applause (because who doesn't like a little friendly competition?). 

SPECIAL GUEST: Mr RODGER FOX
At no cost to the Fund Raiser,Roger Fox is able to show his appreciation by coming and playing some tunes with both big bands. This will make it an even bigger night Dont be late if you want to hear something special.

A donation  from the Auckland Jazz Orchestra, Queen City Big Band and the Auckland Jazz and Blues Club will go to the Rodger Fox Big Band travel fund. 
 

Entry is $20, or $5 for club members, and you're welcome to donate directly, at the door. 

Now's your chance to show your support for NZ big band jazz. 

Door Charge:
members and Students with ID $5.00
Non Members $20.00

Long time friends Paul T. T. Violin and Vocals, Peter Wood Piano Vibes and Vocals and Jim Joll Guitars and Flute combine together with Peter Koopman from the Nairobi Trio on Bass, Fred Baker the Third from Kansas  U.S.A. on Sax's and Jason Fell Harmonica. Together they bring the magic of Musical Empathy Passion and Talent to perform the timeless tunes of Gershwin and the All American Song Book. 

Sit back relax listen dance and enjoy this unique concert.

Door Charge:Members $5.00
Students with ID $5.00
Non Members $15.00

Pianist John Key returns without a knighthood but with a bunch of tunes from recently released album
“Back and Forth” to perform for you. Mike Booth will be also on the bill playing a few original
compositions and a selection of familiar jazz standards. This band recently performed a 5 gig tour of
Wellington for the Jazz Festival. 
Alberto Santarelli will be on bass and Andy Keegan Drums. 

Door Charge:
Members and Students with ID $5.00
Non Members $15.00

Auckland based group Blue Pearl hits the sweet spot, blending the 'feel good' grooves of soul and blues with a fresh jazz perspective and superbly executed improvisation.  Developing originals are complimented with tunes from the soul classics (Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Al Green) and more recent inspirations (Jill Scott, Roy Hargroves, Incognito)

The band features singer/songwriter/percussionist Makareta Umbers, trumpeter and pianist Matt Watson, guitarist Nathan James, bass player Aaron Coddel and drummer Neil Williamson.

Blue Pearl have played the N.Z. jazz festival circuit over the last few years and are regulars at inner city boutique bars, wineries and summer park events.

Door Charge:
Members and Students with ID $5.00
Non Members $15.00

Show Time!      Queen City Big Band presents a variety packed program of awesome big band music. And watch out, we are going to feature the saxes blowing up a storm. Our vocalists Andrew Curtis and Helen Clague-Healey will be out front bringing you songs to enjoy. You are in for a treat a mid-year treat, Queen City Big Band at its best.

Door Charge:
Members and Students with ID $5.00
Non Members $15.00

Mike Booth

Trumpeter Mike Booth has maintained a freelance career performing a wide variety of music. Before locating to Europe Mike performed with Cats Away, Netherworld Dancing Toys, Dave Dobbyn and many other familiar NZ icons.

Mike lived in the Netherlands until 2008 playing with the Dutch pop band de Dijk, the Dutch Jazz Ochestra, (Will Saldon’s) Glenn Miller Orchestra amongst many others and lectured at the Rotterdam and Alkmaar Conservatories there.

Returning to NZ early in 2008 Mike teaches (NZSM Auckland and Wellington; Auckland University; High School itinerate in Auckland and Hamilton), has co-founded the Auckland Jazz Orchestra, and performs with a wide variety of musicians including Tui Jazz award winners Phil Broadhurst, Nathan Haines, and Rodger Fox. Mike currently plays with the Walters/Booth project, Santiago All Stars and the Superhero Second Line Band.

" Saxophonist Craig Walters has emerged as one of the country's strongest voices" .      
 Sydney Morning Herald
 
 
Craig studied with Jerry Coker in 1982 and received a scholarship to study at Berklee College of Music in 1983.
Teachers include: Billy Pierce, Bruce Nyfong, Andy McGee and breifly with Joe Viola
additional lessons in New York with George Coleman and Steve Grosseman
Craig has worked professionally in Sydney since 1985.
 
Craig has performed with:
 
Bob Mintzer, Miichael Bublé, HarryConnick jnr, Michael Feinstein,
Louie Bellson, Billy Cobham, Cleo Lane & John Dankworth, 
Bobby Shew, Jim Pugh, Chuck Findlay, Bill Reichenbach, Bob Florence, Rob McConnel,
John Riley, Jim McNeely, Buddy DeFranco, Joe Williams, the Pitzarelli Brothers,
The Four Tops and the Temptations, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Michael Bolton.
 
Local Jazz Groups include:
 
Don Rader Quintet (currently), Mike Knock Quartet, Dave McCrae Quartet / Quintet, Mark Isaacs Quartet, Craig Scott Quintet, Paul MacNara Quartet

 Big Bands Include:
 
The Sydney All Star Big Band, Sydney Jazz Orchestra, Sydney Festival Orchestra, James Morrison Big Band, 
John Morrison Big Band, John Hoffman Big Band, Ten Part Invention,
Bob Coassin Big Band, New Zealand Youth Jazz Orchestra, Rodger Fox Big Band. 
 
Other groups & Artists include:
 
Tom Burlinson, Marcia Hynes, Tina Arina, Steve Clisby, African Band  "Bu Baca"
Dynamic Hepnotics, Mighty Reapers, Rhonda Birchmore,  Doug Parkinson, Doug Williams, Jeff Duff,
Tommy Tycho Orchestra, Trevor Griffen Sextet, Blaine Whitaker Sextet.
 
Theatre Productions Include:
 
"Frank" The Sinatra Story in Song (Tom Burlinson) and  "Now We're Swingin' ,
Grease, Fame, The Rocky Horror Show, Jerry Springer Opera.
 
 
Craig has performed at the:
 
Montreux Jazz Festival (80 & 81), Jazz Yatra Festival India(94), Wangaratta Jazz Fest, Bellengen Jazz Fest, Manly Jazz Fest, Wellington International Jazz Fest, Christchurch Festival of the Arts, Nelson Jazz Festival, the Sydney Festival,
 
Craig has performed in:
 
London, New York, Los Angeles, India, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Switzerland, Vancouver,
Australia & New Zealand

Door Charge:
Members and Students with ID $5.00
non Members $15.00

Midge Marsden has enjoyed a well-documented music career spanning four decades in New Zealand, Australia, The UK and America. 

An early career change and passion for rhythm and blues and roots music led a sixteen-year-old Midge to join the 1960’s band ‘Bari and the Breakaways’. At the end the 60’s Midge joined the NZBC working in radio, however music performance pulled him in again with the Wellington cult band ‘The Country Flyers’; followed by several years in Australia with ‘The Phil Manning Band’. On return to New Zealand in the mid 80’s he began a solo career forming ‘The Midge Marsden Connection’ and then ‘The Midge Marsden Band’.

This resulted in several albums and a loyal fan base and following. A career highlight was the platinum selling album ‘Burning Rain’ in 1990. The intervening years have been a combination of teaching music, performance, song writing and touring.

Based on the very successful album: ‘Travel n Time’ (2008)  Midge’s new album ‘Back to the Well’ has also enjoyed steady sales. Midge drew from life experiences growing up in Taranaki, performing and touring in America and his early music life in Wellington.  Also included are cover versions of some much-lovedsongs that ‘fit the concept’ of the record.

The outcome is a very different and personal themed album. In his own words Midge says ‘this is a project unlike anything I have done before and I hope that people enjoy the

Door Charge:
Members and Students with ID $5.00
Non Members $15.00

Big Ticket is an eight piece band which specialises in taking modern pop songs and playing them with a vintage twist. Our repertoire includes songs by the likes of Ed Sheehan and Taylor Swift and also classics by popular music greats such as Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder and The Rolling Stones. All songs are played in a variety of vintage styles which includes Swing, MoTown and Funk.

Our music is great for swing dancing, and also for just a good old boogie.
 

Lineup:

Vocals - Allana Goldsmith & Lilo Asiata

Saxophone - Misha Kourkov

Brass - Paul Norman

Guitar - Sam Swindells

Piano - Loris Zigon

Bass - Wil Goodinson

Drums - David Harris

Door Charges
Members and Students with ID $5.00
Non Members $15.00

Greetings to all. We have good news, VOXNOVA has burst into life once more with the arrival of our hot new guitarist Doug Henderson, jazzman music grad / composer.

We look forward to working with Doug with his fresh approach to improvisation, and to restoring some classic Voxnova tunes such as Spain (Chick Correa), Entre Dos Aguas, Guardian Angel, etc by Paco De Lucia.

Sebastian the amazing vocalist remains a part of the Voxnova family as a special guest performer.

Door Charge:
Members and Students with ID $5.00
Non Members $15.00

Kathryn Hopkins and Friends - Birthday Bash

Kathryn began her journey in music as a child in Australia where she excelled in musical theatre, singing and piano - even performing for Queen Elizabeth.  Years later she moved back to her native New Zealand where she re-connected with her passion for performing and took up a singing residency with the North Habor Swing Band (an eighteen piece big band led by the late Ross Hurley) and became a member of the Sisters of Swing trio (SOS) performing the Andrew Sisters material with strong three part harmonies.  Kat moved to Los Angeles early in 2014 where she currently resides and is following her passion for singing, continuing her piano studies and writing her own material.  She has enjoyed performing in various venues in Los Angeles with small ensembles and also sings with a few big bands.  She recently travelled to Brazil during the olympics where she performed with a local brazil jazz band in two shows. She is now focused on recording her first album of originals in 2017 and is excited to return to her homeland and the opportunity to sing at the Auckland Jnb Club, backed by some of Auckland’s finest and dear friends to her late father, New Zealand drummer Tony Hopkins.  It’s her birthday bash, so come and celebrate!  She’ll perform a few songs from her recent BeatleJazz show in LA arrange by brother Tim Hopkins, a few originals, some favorite standards and will  be joined by special guest Mike Murane.

Kat Hopkins - Voice

Mike Walker - Keys

Pete McGregor - Bass

Bruce King - Drums

Tim Hopkins- Sax

Special Guest - Mike Murane

Door Charge
members $5.00
Non Members $15.00
Students with ID $5.00

       Formed in 2006.

        Band member..Keri Betti - Harmonica, Keyboard, Vocals.

                                   Jack Mooney - Guitar, Vocals.

                                   Paul Brewer - Bass, Vovals.

                                   Garry Betti, Drums.

        Have played at.. Bay Of Islands Jazz & Blues Festival since 2007.

                                    Whangarei Jazz & Blues Festival.

                                    Tauranga J & B Festival

                                    Soundgarden.

                                    Mission Bay J & B Festival

                     Plus..    Auckland J & B Club.

                                  Variety Artists Club Of NZ.

                                  Dflat Music Club.

             And all the usual Cosmoplitan Clubs, Private parties, RSAs and fund raisers that bands play for.

 The band members from Indigo Blue are all very experienced and really enjoy playing in the band, we are fortunate to also have one of NZs leading harmonica players with us.

  We find that audiences really enjoy our selection of songs which is slanted to either a jazz or blues orientation..

Door Charge:
members and Students with ID $5.00
non members $15.00

Maria O’Flaherty & The Ben Fernandez Quartet

Their repertoire is vast ranging from Jazz standards with a twist, Latin influences and rhythmic folk that will set your heart humming and toes tapping.

Featuring Maria O'Flaherty (vocals), Ben Fernandez (piano), ‘the violin man’ Nick Jones, David Hodkinson on the mighty bass and strong rhythmic grooves from Jason Orme (drums). These guys are some of Auckland's most respected and experienced Jazz musicians performing at various events and festivals throughout NZ.

Door Charge:
Members and Students with ID $5.00
Non Members $15.00

“Gibson is the very model is the tasteful rhythmically impeccable, trio drummer”, 
– Los Angeles Jazz Times.

“Gibson is the kind of drummer most musicians are only destined to wish for in this life”
– excerpt from Jazz Forum.

Frank has had a vast career which has taken him around the world and he is a musician who has shown his ability to play in any genre .All of this has given Frank a very successful career. His CV reads like the “Who’s Who” of jazz and he has played with many artists such as Frank Foster, John Scofield, Milt Jackson, Lee Konitz, Sonny Stitt, Joe Henderson and Sam Rivers. He has played across musical genres with a wide variety of artists from Dusty Springfield to Anita O’Day and Diana Krall. He has played on over 200 CDs/albums and 250 Jazz radio programmes, won Jazz record of the year 3 times, played on 10 other award winning albums, and been inducted into the Zildjian hall of fame.

Door Charge
Members and Students with ID $5.00
Non Members $15.00