Heat 4

Free entry

Heat 3.

Free entry

Miho’s Jazz Orchestra (MJO) is a 5 piece ensemble based in Auckland, led by Japanese-born multi instrumentalist and composer Miho Wada. Miho studied flute at the University of Canterbury, Trinity College of Music in London and in Havana and Santiago de Cuba. She has performed in Italy, France, UK, Morocco, Greece, Spain, Malta, Switzerland, Cuba, Japan, Australia, USA and New Zealand. Since forming MJO in 2011 the band has toured extensively around Japan, Australia and New Zealand achieving success in the NZ album charts hitting the top 10 and 20 numerous times.

A mischievous, uplifting and dynamic ensemble, MJO blends afro cuban flute, J-pop and Pacific influences into a delightful jazz treat. Led by the unrestrained and vibrant Miho, the band melds her compositions together with violin, bass, guitar, drums and a selection of flutes and sax while she tells the tales that have charmed and sometimes shocked audiences around the world.

Members $10 cash
Non-members $25 cash
No EFTPOS
Non-member contact registration required at time of entry.

PLEASE NOTE: This special concert is organised by Linn Lorkin, not the AJBC.

Heat 2.

Free entry.

Heat 1.

Free entry.

La Tina Jazz and Funk Quartet.

La Tina is excited to be at the RSA Birhenhead with their very distinctive sound of jazz standards blended with Latin rhythms and funk grooves. The quartet brings together four accomplished musicians:

Haggis’ Maguiness - Harmonica - Beginning as a trumpet player, Haggis transitioned to harmonica after moving to Australia for music studies. He applied his trumpet training and reading skills to both chromatic and diatonic harmonica, establishing himself as one of New Zealand’s respected harmonica players.

Freddy Limbert - Drums - Freddy has been a fixture in Aotearoa’s music scene for 30 years, sharing stages with numerous local and international acts. His performances include supporting BB King with the Remarkable Beat Roosters and opening for Tony Joe White. Freddy’s drumming combines spontaneity with technical skill, blending traditional and modern approaches through swing and polyrhythmic grooves. His brushwork creates a balance between structure and freedom, fostering musical collaboration and conversation within the band. Known for his energetic presence, Freddy brings both groove and entertainment to every performance.

Trevor Braunias - Guitar - Trevor has performed jazz guitar for 45 years across combo settings, big bands, and solo performances. His style draws from the jazz guitarists of the 1950s and 60s, focusing on swing and Latin traditions. As guitarist for the Tauranga Jazz Club’s house band, he contributes to their monthly jazz nights.

Carlos Plá - Bass - Originally from Uruguay, Carlos has been part of New Zealand’s jazz scene for over twenty years. He performs regularly at local venues and regional jazz festivals with both national and international bands. In his native Montevideo, Carlos has performed with Cuban saxophonist Nicolás Reinoso from AfroCuba, and has played bass on more than 30 albums, as well as being part of live bands for television and theatre productions, including the Rocky Horror Show.

Members $10 cash
Non-members $25 cash
No EFTPOS
Non-member contact registration required at time of entry.

Maggie is a photojournalist and musician from beautiful New Zealand.

Her musical genre combines a range of Jazz, Latin, Brazilian Jazz and Soul music, bringing international audiences a unique sound and performances that get everyone dancing.

Maggie has a new album soon to be released recordings with Russell Malone, Victor Wooten, bass, Kevin Field, John di Martino, Nanny Assis producer and special guest Maestro Ron Carter.
While currently based in New York, Maggie is performing with John di Martino, Nanny Assis, Tommy Campbell and Leo Traversa. She has launched her debut album 'Todo Amor' at The Blue Note and Jazz Forum NY and taken her band to international festivals London, Rome, Venice and New Zealand.
​
Maggie has also opened the annual Queenstown Jazz Festival in New Zealand, and performed at notable venues including B.B. Kings Club on 42nd Street, and the infamous Zinc. Maggie released Album Todo Amor with Nanny Assis at the Blue note club NY and Hawaii. Maggie's Band:-

Kevin Field - piano
George Bracovitch - drums
Alberto Santerelli - upright bass,
Alex Griffith - electric bass
Frank Talbot - sax

Members $10 cash
Non-members $25 cash
No EFTPOS
Non-member contact registration required at entry.

PLEASE NOTE: This concert is organised by the Northern Jazz Society in Whangarei.

The Bombardilo Crocodilo big band, conducted by assistant director master Jamal Hussain

Come and hear a wonderful night if big band music featuring some of Auckland finest up and coming talent. A night not to be missed!

Members $10 cash
Non-members $25 cash
No EFTPOS
Non-member contact registration required at time of entryMembers $10 cash

Non-members $25 cash

No EFTPOS

Non-member contact registration required at time of entry.

Please note:- Concert details updated 18-6-25.

The first woman to play electric keys in NZ, Linn was on demand in Auckland in the 70s playing a Fender Rhodes in various combos, including a band with Tama Renata, Howie Morgan and John McGuire at the famous Georgies on Khyber Pass Rd.

She went on to play piano with her own trio at Ronnie Scotts in London followed by eight years on the New York piano bar scene. It was in New York that she began her prolific song-writing.

She returned to NZ in 1985 and has co-created several outstanding bands, including The Jews Brothers Band and French Toast, together with eighteen albums. Her original solo show "Hey, Piano Bar Lady!' won Best Cabaret at the 2013 United Festival in New York and in 2023 she was awarded a New Zealand Order of Merit for services to music in NZ.

Her recent ‘un-put- downable’ memoir, The Redhead Gets the Gig, is available in print, on Kindle and as an audiobook that features Linn narrating and singing pieces of her originals. She is currently working on a song-book of 100 of her songs.

Members $10 cash
Non-members $25 cash
No EFTPOS
Non-member contact registration required at time of entry.

The Auckland Jazz Orchestra has been featuring the music of New Zealand composers and arrangers for almost 15 years now. They've released four albums, and played stages big and small, and always look forward to their reception at the Auckland Jazz & Blues Club.

The band is looking through the archives and bringing back some of their favourite charts from over the years, and some new ones. Maybe even some special guests to boot!

Members $10 cash
Non-members $25 cash
No EFTPOS
Non-member contact registration required at time of entry.

Auckland Saxophonist, Shane Warman, is excited to present 'Shane and the Warmen'.

The band takes inspiration from jazz greats such as John Coltrane, Phil Woods, Robert Glasper, Cannonball Adderly, Michael Brecker and many more, so listen out for some of their tunes in the set. Featuring six talented up and coming musicians, this is a performance not to be missed!

Personnel:
Shane Warman - Alto Saxophone
Samuel Voyle - Tenor Saxophone
Bill Liu - Guitar
Thomas David - Piano
Minjoon Kim - Bass
Thomas Christie - Drums

Members $10 cash
Non-members $25 cash
Non-member contact registration required at time of entry.

The Tiny Tickets are a dynamic jazz-inspired four-piece band that brings a fresh twist to popular music, performing top 40 hits and pop classics with a jazz flair. Blending vintage dance styles, soul, MoTown, and dressed-up jazz standards, they create an atmosphere that invites you to both groove on the dance floor and appreciate the artistry of their inventive arrangements and improvisations.

With Lea Anae on vocals, Loris Zigon as the band leader on keys, David Schaevitz on double bass, and Daniel Waterson on drums, The Tiny Tickets deliver a unique and stylish performance that merges modern tunes with a sophisticated jazz vibe.

Members - $10 cash
Non-members _ $25 cash
No EFTPOS
Non-member contact registration required at time of entry.

PLEASE NOTE: This concert is provided by the Northern Jazz Society in Whangarei

Queen City Big Band, directed by Markus Fritsch are pleased to be back at the club, presenting an evening of your favourite Sinatra classics! Come along to hear vocalist Will Luhrs, a rising star in the music world, before he heads to the USA to continue his music studies at Berklee College. Will hails from Christchurch where he has performed with several big bands, including the Christchurch Youth Jazz Orchestra.

Members $10 cash
Non-members $25 cash
No EFTPOS
Non-member contact registration required at time of entry.

Juliana Sian is a Brazilian pianist with a deep passion for bringing the vibrant sounds of Brazilian music to audiences in New Zealand. She has a special love for Bossa Nova and Samba, which she shares through her own expressive compositions and unique interpretations of classics by Tom Jobim, Edu Lobo, Hermeto Pascoal, and more.

With over 20 years of experience, Juliana has played Jazz, Latin, and Brazilian music in a variety of settings, always bringing warmth and authenticity to her performances. Beyond the stage, she’s a dedicated music educator who enjoys inspiring students of all ages. She further refined her craft at the University of Auckland, where she specialised in Jazz Performance.

Juliana Sian - piano
Frank Talbot - saxophones/clarinet
Alex Griffith - electric bass
Lance Bentley - drums

Members $10 cash
Non-members $25 cash
No EFTPOS
Non-member contact registration required at time of entry.

Kylie Todd is a Kiwi-born singer and vocal tutor with extensive performance experience in New Zealand and internationally. She earned a certificate of performance from Excel School of Performing Arts, where she was awarded top female vocalist, and completed a 5-month tour of New Zealand's North Island as part of her studies. Her international performances have taken her to Germany, Russia, and Poland through various community tours. 2016 Kylie completed a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Vocals through NZSM. She has performed with various local bands at weddings, bars and events, including the National Jazz Festival at Tauranga.

Kylie will be joined by an ensemble including outstanding NZ composer David Ward on Guitar, Tom Dennison on Bass and Daniel Waterson on drums.

Members $10 cash
Non-members $25 cash
No EFTPOS
Non-member contact registration required at time of entry.

"The African Traveller"

Thabani Gapara - saxophone/band leader
Nathan James - guitar
Eli Wilson -keyboard & piano
Isaac Etimani - bass
Elijah Whyte - drums

Members $10 cash
Non-members $25 cash
No EFTPOS

Non-member contact registration required at time of entry.

Caitlin Smith as you all know is one of Auckland's best-known and loved jazz vocalist/musician,
regularly seen performing at many venues. Caitlin is a strong supporter of the local music & arts
community and writes a popular column for NZ Musician magazine.

We welcome Caitlin back to our Jazz Club for another evening of her wonderful music and talent.

Caitlin will be joined by: Mike Beck (Drums); Alex Griffiths (Base); Kevin Fields (Piano)

Members $10 cash
Non-members $25 cash
No EFTPOS
Non-member contact information required at time of entry.

“Lockie Bennett, a New Zealand School of Music graduate, is one of Wellington's most in-demand jazz guitarists. Bennett holds down multiple residencies in the capitol and plays around the city as both a band leader and a sideman. This new and exciting drumless group will be playing arrangements of classic tunes from shows such as ‘My Fair Lady’ and many more. Expect burning swing, lush ballads and everything in between. The group, led by Lockie Bennett, will feature some of New Zealand's top swing jazz musicians”.

Members $10 cash

Non-members $25 cash

No ETPOS

Non-member contact registration required at time of entry.

A 7 piece traditional jazz band playing the music of the 1920s and 1930s.

We are always the pleased to have the New Orleans Joymakers return with a great night of

music. The band is unique in that it combines the experience of Thomas, King and Cummins, (a

combined 180 years musical experience) with the youth of Trenton and Douglas. Kelly and Palmer

sit somewhere in between! It is happy, toe-tapping driving music that has attracted the attention of

the Auckland Swing dance scene. For this gig the band will be joined by Mike Walker on the grand

piano (Not shown in this photo) !!

Personnel: Brian Kelly (Trumpet); Carlos Palmer (Clarinet); Jessie Douglas (Banjo); Hank Trenton

(Double Base; Bruce King (Drums), Merv Thomas (Trombone); and Spike Walker (Piano).

Members $10 cash

Non-members $ 25 cash

No EFTPOS

Non-member contact details required at time of entry.

Globe-trotting Jazz Pianist and Vocalist JULIE MASON is excited to be returning to the Club for a concert prior to her departure once again to Paris and beyond. Whilst away, she will be both attending and playing in Jazz Clubs in Paris, as well as attending world-class Jazz Festivals in France, Spain and Italy.

Julie is no stranger to the Auckland Jazz and Blues Club , having followed it ( and performed at it) for more than 35 years all over Auckland. Having released 6 albums under her own name, Julie has played at Festivals throughout Australasian and the South Pacific, and performed throughout Europe and North America.

On this occasion she will be performing with some members of her All-Originals band THE JULIE MASON FIVE:

Tenor sax: Steve Sheriff
Bass: Mostyn Cole
Drums; Steve Cournane.

On this occasion they will be playing a mix of standards and originals, including her newest song, which is an ode to Paris, “Cafe Crème”.

Members $10 cash
Non-members $25 cash
No EFTPOS
Non-member contact registration required at time of entry.

PLEASE NOTE:- This concert is provided by the Northern Jazz Society in Whangarei.

Decaf Ensemble’ is a band that is made up of a set of well experienced jazz musicians in Auckland.

It features Lynn Bartlett on vocals , Steve Sherriff - saxophone, Guy Halpe - bass, Bruce King - drums and Ben Fernandez - piano.

The band will play a mix of popular jazz standards and also some original tunes. The name ‘Decaf Ensemble’ came about because Steve and Ben love Decaf Coffee. They used to get bottles of different blends of decaf coffee to band rehearsals. Members of the band have a great time on stage and that certainly comes out in their music.

The Ensemble is certainly looking forward to sharing their music with you all at their concert at the Auckland Jazz and Blues club on Tuesday 1st April 2025.

Members $10 cash
Non-members $25 cash
No EFTPOS
Non-member contact registration required at time of entry.

Nick Jones, also known as 'The Violin Guy,' is an award-winning professional musician, recording artist, session musician, and teacher.

He began his classical training on the violin and piano at the age of four and graduated from The New Zealand School of Music with a Bachelor of Music degree, earning postgraduate honors in Jazz Performance. For the past 21 years, he has worked as a solo performer and session musician, showcasing his versatility by playing in a variety of genres and adding his unique flair to musical arrangements. He has collaborated with numerous artists both on stage and in the recording studio and contributed violin recordings for the soundtrack of the popular video game Path of Exile. Nick performs and records a wide range of music styles and genres, including classical, folk, rock, pop, jazz, and electronica. He is known for his instrumental interpretations of popular classical works, famous operas, and timeless musical classics, as well as modern pop and rock songs, all reimagined for the violin or piano. He has recorded an album as part of the acoustic duo ensemble 'In2Strings' with guitarist Petrus Fourie and several EPs with his band 'Mojo Crow,' which he co-founded with his brother Chris in 2013. All of their music is available on Spotify and other streaming platforms. Inspired by violinists such as Nigel Kennedy, Joshua Bell, Stéphane Grappelli, Jean-Luc Ponty, and Mark O'Connor, Nick will be performing a selection of well-known jazz standards in swing and Latin styles, along with standards from the gypsy-jazz repertoire popularized by Django Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli.

He will be joined by a talented band that includes the renowned Dr. Olivier Holland on bass, Ben Fernandez on piano, Paul Naveen on drums, and virtuoso guitarist Doug Robertson.

Members $10 cash
Non-members $25 cash
No EFTPOS
Non-member contact registration required at time of entry.

We regret to advise that this concert has been CANCELLED.

We will re-book the Mike Murane Quintet for a future concert.

VOXNOVA will now perform on 18 March.

The Mike Murane quintet is a collaboration of friends that bring you their fresh interpretations of standards and modern jazz arrangements of popular tunes.

They will delight you with their creative and spontaneous interplay.
Mike Murane on vocals is well known in the Auckland jazz scene having played with many of Auckland’s top line artists. He has a polished and swinging vocal style that’s ideal to the standards made popular by Sinatra and Bennett.

Niduk Wijetilleke on piano is a graduate from Berklee College of Music in USA and arrived in New Zealand in 2016. Since then he has widely performed as a solo pianist and with groups. His sophisticated approach to jazz makes him a much sought after performer.

Aaron Coddel is a versatile freelance musician and a photographer. Being highly sought after, he has played electric and acoustic bass for jazz greats such as Cleo Laine, Mark Murphy and saxophonist George Coleman. Additional engagements include hip-hop artist King Kapisi, singer Annie Crummer, iconic
New Zealand band Hello Sailor and blues outfit Chicago Smoke Shop.

Steve Sherriff has performed with the RNZN band, Rodger Fox Big Band, Auckland Jazz Orchestra, Blue Train and John Key’s Strange Fruit and has toured with Natalie Cole, Eartha Kitt, Johnny Dankworth, Cleo Laine and Randy Crawford. He has also performed in stage shows including West Side Story,
Anything Goes, Rocky Horror Picture Show, and Hot Shoe Shuffle.

Jason Orme graduated from P.I.T at the Musicians Institute, Los Angeles in 1988 receiving an honours diploma. He is a highly sought after drummer who has worked with a number of popular Auckland bands and bandleaders such as Rodger Fox, Nairobi Trio, Phil Broadhurst & Julie Mason, Trudy Lile’s ‘Mojave
Group’ & album and Nathan Haines.

Members $10 cash
Non-members $25 cash
No EFTPOS.
Non-member contact registration required at time of entry.

Please note: This concert replaces the Mike Murane Quintet that was originally booked for 18 March.

VoxNova (NewVoice) was formed in 1997 by percussionist Alan MacDonald to perform mainly Vintage Latin Jazz. We include tunes the from fantastic documentary movie Latcho Drom following the journey of the Romani People out of India, across Europe to end up settling in Andalusia and Spain. Our repertoire includes: Gitanos (Spanish Romani), Jazz Manouche (French Romani), Catalan (Nuevo Flamenco) as well as Vintage Latin jazz. This music conveys a joyful village-like atmosphere loved by all ages due especially to the Flamenco Rumba rhythm being based on the human heartbeat.

Richard Adams - violin
Aaron Codell - double bass
Nigel Gavin - guitar
Alan MacDonald - percussion

Members $10 cash
Non-members $25 cash
No EFTPOS
Non-member contact registration required at time of entry.

CAT TUNKS – BACK TO THE ROOTS
feat Krissy Jackson (fiddle) and Kim Halliday (guitar) and guests

Songstress Catherine (Cat) Tunks is a genre blending songwriter, re known vocalist, recording artist, and band leader. Recognised across NZ and the South Pacific for her individual approach to blending music genres, her Jazz and Blues background has seen her last perform at the club in previous years with her original soul/jazz funk group Black Sand Diva, German Pianist/Organist Stefan Nagler, and supporting many of NZ’s top Jazz and Blues artists.

She brings a female led trio to AJBC featuring multi instrumentalist Kim Halliday (guitars/percussion) and Krissy Jackson (fiddle) to present ‘Back to the Roots’ – a night of stripped back jazz, blues, and soul with its heart in the deep American south of early years. An intimate conversation of Gospel and heart provoking song.

Her powerhouse vocal presence has led to accomplishments working in Europe and across the globe, and her love of soul, blues and jazz blended with acoustic folk and country, with her songs being featured in NZ film and TV - she is a self described ‘Gypsy’ of the music scene at home and abroad. With a rock n roll edge she describes proudly as part of her West Auckland roots, she has two Music award nominations under her belt and was asked to tour with legendary Blues man John Mayall in 2020.

Read Audioculture article: https://www.audioculture.co.nz/profile/cat-tunks

Krissy Jackson:
Krissy Jackson’s fiddle takes the listener on a musical journey, from foot-stomping to heart-wrenching and everything in between. Described as “an extraordinary musician and heartfelt performer,” Krissy’s music dances with melody and tone, honoring the historical depth of music while still making it her own. Through her voice and fiddle, Krissy connects deeply with her audience, transcending genres and stylistic boundaries. A highly sought-after fiddler immersed in New Zealand’s folk scene, you may have seen her with Waitai, Frank Burkitt Band, Hot Diggity, Adam McGrath, Reb Fountain, Cat Tunks and Turkey the Bird amongst others.

Kim Halliday:
Having toured the world extensively with many of her different musical offerings, Kim Halliday is universally known for her work with the highly acclaimed group Pacific Curls - a multi instrumentalist, percussionist and guitarist with Gitbox Rebellion, 9 piece group The Voyagers, she is consistently touring with artists such as Whirimako Black, Eden Iris Trio, and more. From the infamous Northland blues band Big Belly Woman, she has been in the forefront of the Blues, Jazz, world music and folk scene from North to South.

Members $10 cash
Non-members $25 cash
No EFTPOS
Non-member contact registration required at time of entry.

prior to lock down as a straight jazz group, it has developed and now provides a broad repertoire crossing many musical genres. This has been made possible by many of the group's musicians contributing their own arrangements. Today, the band offers jazz numbers as well as songs by artists like Marilyn Monroe, Elton John, Amy Winehouse and more.

Members $10 cash
Non-members $25 cash
No EFTPOS
Non-member contact registration required at time of entry.