A 7-piece Traditional Jazz Band playing the music of the 1920’s and 30’s.
Featuring the music of Louis Armstrong, King Oliver through to the Kenny Ball Band of the 1960’s. Originally formed by Bob Ward and Tony Parker, Bob and Tony’s passing has seen the band with new personnel, the addition of piano (to a 7 piece) and Brian Kelly leading on trumpet. The new sound is more of a New Orleans and Chicago sound.

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.

Personnel: Brian Kelly - Trumpet, Merv Thomas – Trombone, Carlos Palmer – Clarinet, Arthur Cummins – Piano, Jessie Douglas – Banjo, Hank Trenton – Double Bass, and Bruce King – Drums.

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

Linn returns to the club for another distinctive concert where she will sing almost exclusively from her own song-book and slip into a standard here and there.

with Linn Lorkin - piano,  Aaron Coddel - upright bass & Mike Beck- drums

BIO:

The first woman to play electric keys in NZ, Linn Lorkin 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
Non-member contact registration required at time of entry.

JT+Agnostics return with a bunch of new songs from their forthcoming album.

The songs are bluesy with the jazz, and jazzy with the blues.

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

Kiwi songstress Toni Randle Keegan, has been privileged to perform and study with some of New Zealand and Australia’s most prominent Jazz and Contemporary artists, such as Judy Bailey, Mike Nock, Stu Buchanan, Doug Caldwell, Gerard Masters, Brett Hirst, James Muller, Dave Goodman, Paul MacNamara, Sean Wayland, Frank De Sario, Ben Hauptman, Shelley Rosenberg and Bob Sedergreen to name but a few.

With a Masters in Performance Jazz from the Sydney Conservatorium and her A.T.C.L in Classical from Trinity College London (dist) Toni is also a voice tutor at the University of Auckland where she instructs students in both the Jazz and Contemporary BMus courses.

Drawing from the great American songbook, her debut performance at the Auckland Jazz and Blues club will feature an absolutely stellar cast of musicians, including the incomparable Kevin Fields (pno), Wil Goodinsen (bs), and husband Andrew Keegan, on (drms).

Members $10 cash

Non-members $25 cash

Non-member contact registration required at time of entry.

Joe Kaptein Trio
Joe Kaptein leads a trio, featuring Hank Trenton mowing some basslines and Steve Thomas on drums, collectively playing some music - exploring an eclectic mix of some standards, Jobim compositions, and a few mellow originals.

Joe Kaptein - piano and Rhodes
Hank Trenton - bass
Steve Thomas - drums and cymbals

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

The Turing project is a 7 piece group including vocals and horn players. Initially setup prior to lock down as a straight jazz group but transitioned into more modern hits as we developed our own arrangements. Artists covered range from Edith Piaf, Marilyn Monroe to Elton John and Amy Winehouse and even Dragon.

https://www.facebook.com/theturingproject2022

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

'INVERTED: the music of Phil Broadhurst' at the Concert Chamber, Auckland Town Hall.

Sunday, 17 March, 2pm

Auckland Jazz Orchestra presents a heartfelt tribute to the late New Zealand jazz pianist and composer Phil Broadhurst (1949–2020).A programme of ten new arrangements of Broadhurst’s original compositions for 17-piece contemporary jazz big band, and accompanying album, 'Inverted' Broadhurst sadly passed away in 2020, before completion of this project, but his impact on jazz in Aotearoa cannot be overstated. Through his storied career as a pianist, composer, bandleader, broadcaster and educator, he championed original music and musicians, and was the first jazz musician awarded an MNZM in 2001 for services to music. We offer these wonderful sounds to his legacy.

https://www.aaf.co.nz/event/phil-broadhurst

Auckland Jazz and Blues Club members can get $10 a ticket discount by using code JAZZBLUES

EVAN SILVA
Evan Silva is one of Australasia's top soul, R'n’B artists with a list of impressive achievements in the music industry on both sides of the Tasman. He has been singing since the age of fifteen and to date has recorded eleven albums. "I spent time playing both of Auckland’s main city clubs, the top 20 and the Galaxie, then toured. After playing the tv show C'mon a few times with my band ‘The Action’, I split to Sydney Australia, played the whiskey and scored a residency at The Eye ....the rest is history ...Compulsion ...Bell-Bird the Australian / Melbourne soap ...award winning movie vision ... years in the studio singing KFC, McDonalds and a lot more tv jingles ....recording albums, gigging with some wonderful players and still at it with writing, recording and performing. I do it because I love it, its in the blood."

ERNEST SEMU
An Auckland musician, started his career in popular Night Clubs in 1979 with the “Hona Band” in which he started tv work with and cabaret work, backing many well know NZ artists then joining the “Cairo”band and carrying on tv and cabaret work until the band bought a Rotorua night club for 8 years. Returning to Auckland in 1993 to join the “Azis Band” for 4 years domnating the nightlife entertainment at the Someplace Else Bar. During this time became Musical Director for TV Shows” Pete and Pio,” ”Pios Place” and a musician for the Mad Mad World Of TV. Ernest plays and sings in most Genre’s of music particularly RnB and Jazz and has 40 years of musical experience making him a sort after musician, arranger ,writer and composer.

ALEX GRIFFETH
Alex has had three decades of performance experience with National and International Touring Artists including Randy Crawford ( USA ) Miguel Fuentes ( Puerto Rico ) Rodger Fox Big Band ( NZ ). Alex would have to be one of the most exciting innovative World Class Bass Players NZ has produced.

CHRIS NIELSON
Chris Nielson is a multi-instrumentalist and has a Bachelor of Music from the University of Auckland. He has worked periodically as a producer, including producing and mixing The Mint Chicks album “Crazy? Yes! Dumb? No!”, winning the Best Album and Best Rock Album at the 2007 NZ Music Awards, as well as BFM Best Producer. He has previously worked/toured with Johnny Mathis, Solomon King, Sir Howard Morrison, Billy T. James, Julian Lee, Mavis Rivers, Dave Dobbyn, Midge Marsden, Rodger Fox, John Rowles and many others. He has toured as support band for Ray Charles in Australia, and played support for James Brown and also Eric Clapton in New Zealand. More recently (2011-2016) toured extensively with Katchafire. Chris is currently Musical Director of the 20 piece North Harbour Big Band and a recent member of the Brian Smith Jazz Quintet. His main focus now though is playing keyboards and horns with Unknown Mortal Orchestra with his two sons Kody and Ruban

LANCE BENTLEY
Lance comes from a very musical family and has been involved in the music industry for a long time, playing overseas shows in Las Vegas Los Angeles and Australia, and for many years here in NZs Night Clubs Bars and Shows. Played with many of the great NZ Musicians & Entertainers from Billy T James to Naithan Haines...Call him Mr Rhythm.

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

Formed in 2009, in Auckland, The Flaming Mudcats have established themselves as one of this country’s premier, contemporary, Blues combos who share a common, driving passion to play the blues in their own way.

The band is fronted by Craig Bracken on vocals, harmonica and tenor sax, along with guitar slinger, Doug Bygrave while drummer Ian Thomson and bassman Pete Parnham form the tight, rhythm section.

Now into their second decade, the Flaming Mudcats have toured throughout NZ and performed at festivals and clubs in Australia, Samoa, Fiji and the USA. Their memorable Chicago and Austin appearances were especially well received and remain a band highlight.

The band has recorded four self-produced albums of predominantly original material drawn from their lifetime experiences and eclectic influences. Their evolving song writing talents look to ensure ongoing fresh set and album material.
Their energetic sets blend originals and covers. Simply listen up or dance your socks off to butt-shaking belters, soulful grinders with everything in between … welcome to the Flaming Mudcats show.

“Being a blues band is a real calling because it demands a big commitment. So, it’s hats off to the ‘Mudcats.’ Not for doing this but doing it so well.”
Graham Reid, Auckland 2018

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

'MAIN CHOICE'

This Tuesday a night not to be missed, featuring a line-up of mature musicians...'MAIN CHOICE' consists of composer and band leader Mike Booth (trumpet) founder of the Auckland Jazz Orchestra and a keystone of the Auckland jazz scene. On Saxophone we have Pete France,who has performed with numerous groups and bands including the Phil Broadhurst Quintet and Rodger Fox Big Band. Bruce King (drums) has been a leading drummer in Auckland for nearly 60 years. His career began as a teenager, performing in a rock'n'roll band the Swingsters, and was soon on tour with the Stereotones, backing the singer Vince Callaher.  On bass is Hank Trenton, the youngest member of the quintet...Hank has had the privilege of working with many New Zealand jazz legends including the Auckland Jazz and Blues Club president Mike |(Spike) Walker who will be playing piano. A chance to experience a quintet of living legends. 

Mike Booth - trumpet/band leader
Pete France - saxophone
Bruce King - drums
Hank Trenton - bass
Spike Walker - piano

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

Soul Bossa Duo, a Brazilian Bossa Nova founded by Amanda Bovo (vocals) and Juliana Sian (piano), has been representing Brazilian music in New Zealand since 2018.

Both started their careers as musicians in Brazil. The duo has played in Auckland at venues such as Ponsonby Social Club, Dr. Rudi's, Botticelli Restaurant, Waiheke Festival, business events, and private parties.

In 2020, the concert "Black Pearls" earned glowing reviews from the 13th floor.

Juliana and Amanda are presently studying for a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance at the University of Auckland.
Songs by Tom Jobim, Milton Nascimento, Elis Regina, and Gilberto Gil are among the varied repertoire, which incorporates traditional Brazilian jazz as well as other Brazilian rhythms.

Nicky Taylor - Electric Bass
Ron Samsom - Drums

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

The 'Fourtune Quartet' blends a rich tapestry of emotional and simple melodies to a jazz setting.

Saxophonist Toby Barrett has worked on a series of compositions experimenting with minimalist techniques and lavish harmonic depth. Alongside these originals the quartet will also be playing modern jazz tunes by artists that inspire the band. The four members are Miles Boermans on piano, Tyler Diprose on bass, Finn McNeill on drums and Toby Barrett on saxophones.

The 'Fourtune Quartet' invite you all to an evening of modern jazz that they have been working on through their time studying at Auckland University. The concert on 13th February at the Auckland Jazz and Blues Club will be their debut performance.
(Toby Barrett and Tyler Diprose will be best known to club members as part of 'Toby and the Rest' who played several times at the club over the past three years)

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

John Leigh Calder - International Bassist/Vocalist is back in NewZealand until March 2024 from London where he is based.
Originally from NZ Northland John started his music career 60 years ago where he formed his first band with school friend Bill Taitoka who later became Billy T James. John has spent many years in Sydney where he has had the pleasure of featuring some of Australia's best Jazz Musicians over the years in his lineup's and in recent years has been building up a reputation performing around the London & UK Jazz circuit.

John Leigh Calder - bass/vocals
Matt Watson - piano-
Pete France- tenor sax
Andrew Keegan - drums

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

Band leader Nick Atkinson (Supergroove, Hopetoun Brown, Come Together horns) describes his trio Love Square as a musical magic carpet. "The three of us write and choose tunes that excite us rhythmically and tonally. In many ways we're taking you on a global musical journey taking in the highlands of Bolivia and Columbia, the islands of Jamaica and St Marten and many African nations that inform our feels and melodies". Joining Atkinson on this jazz journey are two of the country's finest musicians, Finn Scholes on brass, percussion and electric piano and Alistair Deverick, an extremely well travelled drummer who has done his time with Neil Finn and Lawrence Arabia while always being the back-bone of the surreal Scholes outfit, Carnivorous Plant Society.

Nick Atkinson - saxophones, clarinets, keys and percussion
Finn Scholes - keys and brass
Alistair Deverick - drums

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

IMPRESSIONS 

These musicians perform an electric repertoire from Jazz standards with their own unique style and contemporary grooves, French chanson, blending Latin and folk influences. A great line up of some of NZ’s best jazz musicians. Featuring Ben Fernandez on keys, Maria O’Flaherty on vocals, David Hodkinson on bass, Nick Jones on violin and Ron Samson on drums.

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

QUEEN CITY BIG BAND
FEATURING HELEN PAHULU ON VOCALS

Join musical director Marcus Frisch and the Queen City Big Band for an evening of big band jazz and Christmas tunes to help you swing into the festive season. Featuring Helen Pahulu on vocals.

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

Hamin & The Songkoks - Bio

Hamin Derus- Vocals and guitar

Tom Ludvigson- Piano

Nigel Gavin – lead guitar

Dave Mawston- Bass

Heath King - Drums

Hamin & The Songkoks is a music project centred around Hamin as a vocalist, supported by a string of musicians who share his passion for R & B, Soul, Reggae and Jazz. The band’s repertoire is made up of his originals and interpretation of other people’s music.

Hamin Derus, a Malaysian born Kiwi singer-songwriter and guitarist, began playing music professionally in the mid70s in Dunedin before finally settling down in Auckland in the late 70s. He has fronted several bands namely Bamboo and Mango Crazy playing pubs, bars, clubs, cafes, and festivals all over NZ and is known for his dynamic performances and big voice. With Mango Crazy he toured Malaysia as a support act for John Mayall and appeared on a breakfast show on TV Malaysia. He has recorded two albums, an EP and a single.

Tom Ludvigson, a Swedish born Kiwi is an accomplished multi-instrumentalist who has focused his energy on piano and synthesizer. He is a composer, arranger, band leader, record producer, session player and teacher whose musical interests range from Blues, Soul, Jazz, Reggae, Funk and experimental music. He has performed with Rick Bryant’s Jive Bombers, Bluespeak with Greg Johnson, electronic multimedia ensemble Nexus with Nigel Gavin, Inner City Jazz Workshop, Jack Morris Big Band and Trip to the Moon with Trevor Reekie.

Nigel Gavin, an American born Kiwi, is a guitar virtuoso, composer, solo and session musician with a vast musical vocabulary ranging from Blues, Folk, Rock, Jazz, Fusion, Klezmer and World Music. He has performed with the Nairobi Trio, The Jews Brothers, Robert Fripp’s The League of Crafty Guitarists, Caitlin Smith, harmonica maestro Brendon Power, and The Unsung Heroes. He founded a guitar collective Gitbox and Gitbox Rebellion. He has performed internationally and recorded three solo albums.

Dave Mawston plays guitar and bass and is a graduate of New Zealand School of Music Auckland in Jazz Performance who has honed his skills jamming with different bands in Auckland.

Heath King has played drums for several bands in Auckland namely, Rose and the Wooden Hearts, Royal Falcon and Trepidations.

Members $10 cash

Non-members $25 cash

Non-member contact registration required at time of entry.

VoxNova Latin & Romani Inspire Jazz Band

The Band Founded in 1987, by percussionist Alan MacDonald, inspired by the British band Penguin Café Orchestra and Nairobi Trio, Voxnova specialises in Latin, Gitanos, Romani and Manouche Jazz. The band has enjoyed many lengthy residencies in Auckland lasting years. Concerts are always sold out. The band has hosted musicians from all over the globe, each leaving a trace on the sound and repertoire.

Alan MacDonald Founder / Percussionist.
Scottish born Alan, a rock drummer in his teens, also enjoyed a lengthy stint in a Celtic band that replaced VoxNova after its own long residency ended. Other combos he created include: Zydecosis, Cajynx, Nouvelle Voix, Clan Celtic Bands. He also co-founded Lucy 13 vintage blues band with Neil Finlay who performed at Auckland Jazz Club and Tauranga Jazz Festival 2022. VoxNova are booked for 4 performances at Tauranga 2023.

Aaron Codell Double Bass.
Wellington born Aaron is a long-standing member of VoxNova. He has performed for jazz greats Cleo Laine, Mark Murphy and saxophonist George Coleman, Annie Crummer, Hello Sailor, King Kapisi, as well as vocalists Caitlin Smith, Jan Hellriegel and Linn Lorkin. Aaron has also supported a long list of theatrical productions and occasionally moonlights with the Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra.

James Sneyd Violin / Composition.
Originally from Dunedin, he has travelled the world in his capacity of Mathematics Professor performing wherever he is located. James is highly skilled at any genre he adopts from Celtic, Country Rock, Manouche and Latin jazz. Audiences enjoy the blitzing music duels. A core member of Voxnova for many years.

Nigel Gavin /Guitar
Originally from Long Island, New York. Nigel is a leading figure, teacher, performer, composer, locally and internationally. A master of the 7-string guitar, in fact almost anything with strings he has performed with many well-known groups: Nairobi Trio, the Fondue Set, the Jews Brothers, the Blue Bottom Stompers, his own Gitbox Rebellion and a core member VoxNova. He also record and tours with his French partner Sonia Wilson.

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

Ray Woolf began his career as a thirteen year old in London. It was the beginning of the Rock revolution & Ray was in three bands before arriving in N.Z. in 1962. He sang in Aucklands Oriental Ballroom, was spotted , signed to to ZODIAC records & and in late 62 toured the country with Helen Shapiro.

Ray went on to appear in all the early T.V. shows. IN THE GROOVE, C,MON, ON THE BEAT SIDE, & was resident on HAPPEN INN for two years. He went on to host PLAY SCHOOL, Sang the winning song on STUDIO ONE, & a whole lot of shows before hosting TWO ON ONE in 1977 & 1978 & the RAY WOOLF SHOW in 1979 1980 1981 1982.

The T.V. acting career was also under way with a year on A GOING CONCERN in 1972. He went on to do 3 seasons in MARLIN BAY & guest roles in HERCULES, ZENA, YOUNG HERCULES, ST. LEGAL, THE STRIP, ORANGE ROUGHIES, & more recently NOTHING TRIVIAL. Musical Theatre was also on Ray's agenda
beginning with HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSON in 1980. Then THE MUSIC MAN, A SLICE OF SATURDAY NIGHT, THE NEW ROCKY HORROR SHOW. BLOOD BROTHERS, GOLF, & over a hundred performances as Captain Von Trapp in THE SOUND OF MUSIC, The King in THE KING & I. & the Aussie production
of WEST SIDE STORY. The Movies include, LUCY, BACK RIVER ROAD, MAIDEN VOYAGE, SUPER FIRE, KING KONG, INSATIABLE MOON, SIEGE.

Now a pensioner Ray still performs in Caberet & concerts. Awards include ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR 1975, MOST PROFESSIONAL ENTERTAINER 1976, PEGASUS AWARD 1981, BENNY AWARD 2007, M.N.Z.M 2008. Ray lives in the far North with Wife Chrissy, Has 12 grandchildren , 7 great grandchildren. Supports Diabetes Auckland & is a Jambassodor for Starjam for special needs children & is an ambassador for the Prostate Cancer Awareness Foundation.

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

A 7-piece Traditional Jazz Band playing the music of the 1920’s and 30’s.

Originally formed by Bob Ward and Tony Parker, Bobs recent passing and Tonys retirement has seen the band with new personnel, the addition of piano (to a 7 piece) and Brian Kelly leading on trumpet. The new sound is more of a New Orleans and Chicago sound.

Over the years the band has had several different personnel but continues to play joyful music in the New Orleans tradition.
The band is unique in that it combines the experience of Thomas, King and Cummings, (a combined 180 years musical experience) with the youth of Goodinson 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.

Personnel: Brian Kelly - Trumpet, Merv Thomas – Trombone, Carlos Palmer – Clarinet, Arthur Cummings – Piano, Jessie Douglas – Banjo, Will Goodinson – Double Bass, and Bruce King – Drums.

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

"I've Got Some Songs in My Trunk"
THE LINN LORKIN TRIO

Linn Lorkin - piano/vocals
Aaron Coddel - bass
Mike Beck - drums

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 Bros Band and French Toast, together with eighteen albums. Her 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. Her ‘un-put-downable’ memoir “The Redhead Gets the Gig”, is available in print, on Kindle and as an audiobook and she will sign copies at this performance.( $30 cash or the honour system direct deposit.)

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

Come along and hear the Monday Night Big Band, directed by Callum Passells and the Tuesday Night Big Band, directed by Roger Manins.

Both big bands feature a fantastic lineup of talented students from in and around the University of Auckland, We will be performing a variety of classics from Ellington to Basie, and some great new arrangements to bring a smile to your face! Come along and enjoy a great night of music!

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

West City Jazz Orchestra, 20 piece big band based out in West Auckland under West City Music Inc.

Vocalist John McGill, Lead Trumpet Richard Breed, MD Chad Davenport, WCJO brings a fantastic lineup of traditional big band swing, latin, soul and funk. With some of the band's favourite arrangements.

Some of Auckland’s finest jazz musicians, West City Jazz Orchestra, is a night not to miss!

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

IMPORTANT UPDATE - please note new venue - Birkenhead RSA, Recreation Drive, Birkenhead.

The DeSotos

Get ready for a night of soulful Americana / Country Blues as The Desotos take center stage at the Auckland Jazz & Blues Club on Tuesday, October 17th! 

Join us for an unforgettable evening of music that will keep your feet tapping all night long and be part of the first audience to see the band perform with their new drummer, Greg Tell. Greg is very well known for his world-class playing around Auckland and internationally.

Based in Auckland, The Desotos are a renowned blues and roots band with a reputation for delivering captivating live performances. Their unique blend of blues, jazz, and Americana influences, combined with heartfelt lyrics and exceptional musicianship, has earned them a dedicated following locally.  

Their setlist includes original compositions that draw from life's experiences, as well as reimagined classics that pay homage to the greats of the genre.

Meet the Band 

Guitar & Lead Vocals – Paul Gurney

Bass & vocals - Stuart McIntyre

Keyboards – Ron Stevens

Drums – Greg Tell

Mark your calendars for October 17th and join us at the Auckland Jazz & Blues Club for a night of musical magic. It's the perfect opportunity to enjoy the sounds of The Desotos in an intimate and vibrant setting. Come early to secure your spot and make the most of this exceptional evening.

Members $10 cash

Non-members $25 cash

Non-member contact registration required at time of entry.

PLEASE NOTE - This is our first concert at our new venue - Birkenhead RSA

The Julie Mason Five are delighted to be bringing you the inaugural concert at the new venue of The Birkenhead RSA on Tuesday 10 October.

Julie Mason has been a regular artist and supportive member of the Club ever since its inception ( anyone remember the smoky, crowded and noisy Gables?).

Julie has recently returned from 3 months in France, where she was inspiredby concerts  from  some of the greatest living Jazz legends. She also got to play with some top Parisian musicians, and wrote some new tunes based on her experiences. A lighthearted book about her travels, “ The Blonde Chick Gets the Flick”, is one of her Staycation projects over the summer, along with recording a new album with her wonderful band:

JULIE MASON Piano/ vocals/ compositions
MOSTYN COLE Bass
STEVE COURNANE Drums
MIKE BOOTH Trumpet/ Flugelhorn 
STEVE SHERIFF tenor sax

All five musicians are widely experienced International performers, and among the most respected Jazz musicians in New Zealand

Members $10 cash

Non-members $25 cash

Non-member contact registration required at time of entry.

IMPORTANT NOTICE - this will be the FINAL concert to be held at the Point Chevalier Memorial RSA owing to the closure of their hospitality business. We will be staging concerts at the Birkenhead RSA as from 10 October.

JT+Agnostics are a Waikato band fronted by bass player and songwriter John Thomson who together with Maciek Hrybowicz self produce and record their own tunes. As well as their self penned numbers they play well curated covers winnowed from the huge blues song book.

The other band members are Bill Forrest on sax, Freddy Limbert on drums and Ben Gilgen on keyboards.

JT+A’s style is where blues meets jazz - with songs that have a story to tell, so that it is blues you can believe!

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

The Trio Contra.

The Trio Contra is brought together by drummer Thomas Friggens and features the mighty talents of Auckland's Mostyn Cole on Bass and Wellington’s Ayrton Foote on Piano.
They will present a collection of original jazz compositions and arrangements.

Ayrton Foote is the most in-demand pianist south of the rimutakas, having honed his skills in the local Wellington and wider NZ music scene for the past decade, since his graduation from Wellington’s NZSM Jazz Program. He has played and performed with many high quality musicians and groups, such as: Latin Grammy award winning artist Mireya Ramos, Tui award winning artist Umar Zakaria, NZ jazz legend Rodger Fox, The Wellington Mingus Ensemble, C-26 Salsa
Band, and countless local Jazz projects, with the annual Wellington Jazz Festival being one of the highlights of his calendar.

Thomas Friggens is a powerful drummer who straddles multiple musical worlds effortlessly. He began with a strong rudimental foundation in Scottish snare drumming, which led him to further studies at Wellington NZSM Jazz Program. He has been an integral member of world renowned ensemble Strike Percussion, and performed with some of New Zealand's best poets. Alongside writing and running his own projects, Thomas tours and records regularly with numerous groups including Sea Mouse, Odessa, Bazurka, and Shades of Shakti.

Mostyn Cole is a bass player like no other. Wellington-born, Mostyn grew up between two worlds: his ties to jazz and the years he spent performing mambo and cha-cha music in Wellington. His old-time bass-picking skills, arranging and songwriting abilities have brought acclaim from audiences and musicians both at home and abroad. Mostyn started his career after leaving high school. His first album was as a member of the Roger Manins Trio, and since then he has performed on The Thing (2018, Jazz Album of the Year) GRG67, which featured hard-hitting and near-dissonant themes.

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

Since 2018, Soul Bossa Duo, a Brazilian ensemble led by Amanda Bovo (vocals) and Juliana Sian (piano), has been captivating audiences in New Zealand. 

Amanda Teixeira Bovo is a skilled singer with a captivating voice and extensive experience in Brazilian and Latin music.

Juliana Sian, a versatile pianist, is committed to sharing the captivating beauty of Brazilian music in New Zealand through her performances and original compositions.

Soul Bossa Duo has played at various Auckland venues, receiving praise for their concert "Black Pearls" in 2020. They also recently showcased their talents at the Waiheke Jazz Festival. Currently, they are studying for a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance at the University of Auckland. Their aim is to illuminate the vibrant and enchanting Brazilian culture through the universal language of music.

Members $10 cash

Non-members $25 cash

Non-member contact details required at time of registration.

CONCERT DETAILS TO BE PROVIDED.

Members $10 cash

Non-members $25 cash

Non-member contact registration required at time of entry.

EVAN SILVA
Evan Silva is one of Australasia's top soul, R'n’B artists with a list of impressive achievements in the music industry on both sides of the Tasman. He has been singing since the age of fifteen and to date has recorded eleven albums. "I spent time playing both of Auckland’s main city clubs, the top 20 and the Galaxie, then toured. After playing the tv show C'mon a few times with my band ‘The Action’, I split to Sydney Australia, played the whiskey and scored a residency at The Eye ....the rest is history ...Compulsion ...Bell-Bird the Australian / Melbourne soap ...award winning movie vision ... years in the studio singing KFC, McDonalds and a lot more tv jingles ....recording albums, gigging with some wonderful players and still at it with writing, recording and performing. I do it because I love it, its in the blood."

ERNEST SEMU
An Auckland musician, started his career in popular Night Clubs in 1979 with the “Hona Band” in which he started tv work with and cabaret work, backing many well know NZ artists then joining the “Cairo”band and carrying on tv and cabaret work until the band bought a Rotorua night club for 8 years. Returning to Auckland in 1993 to join the “Azis Band” for 4 years domnating the nightlife entertainment at the Someplace Else Bar. During this time became Musical Director for TV Shows” Pete and Pio,” ”Pios Place” and a musician for the Mad Mad World Of TV. Ernest plays and sings in most Genre’s of music particularly RnB and Jazz and has 40 years of musical experience making him a sort after musician, arranger ,writer and composer.

ALEX GRIFFETH
Alex has had three decades of performance experience with National and International Touring Artists including Randy Crawford ( USA ) Miguel Fuentes ( Puerto Rico ) Rodger Fox Big Band ( NZ ). Alex would have to be one of the most exciting innovative World Class Bass Players NZ has produced.

CHRIS NIELSON
Chris Nielson is a multi-instrumentalist and has a Bachelor of Music from the University of Auckland. He has worked periodically as a producer, including producing and mixing The Mint Chicks album “Crazy? Yes! Dumb? No!”, winning the Best Album and Best Rock Album at the 2007 NZ Music Awards, as well as BFM Best Producer. He has previously worked/toured with Johnny Mathis, Solomon King, Sir Howard Morrison, Billy T. James, Julian Lee, Mavis Rivers, Dave Dobbyn, Midge Marsden, Rodger Fox, John Rowles and many others. He has toured as support band for Ray Charles in Australia, and played support for James Brown and also Eric Clapton in New Zealand. More recently (2011-2016) toured extensively with Katchafire. Chris is currently Musical Director of the 20 piece North Harbour Big Band and a recent member of the Brian Smith Jazz Quintet. His main focus now though is playing keyboards and horns with Unknown Mortal Orchestra with his two sons Kody and Ruban

LANCE BENTLEY
Lance comes from a very musical family and has been involved in the music industry for a long time, playing overseas shows in Las Vegas Los Angeles and Australia, and for many years here in NZs Night Clubs Bars and Shows. Played with many of the great NZ Musicians & Entertainers from Billy T James to Naithan Haines...Call him Mr Rhythm.

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