LORIS ZIGON TRIO

The Loris Zigon Trio is an Auckland-based jazz piano trio featuring Loris Zigon on piano, Denholm Orr on double bass, and Daniel Waterson on drums. The trio's repertoire features fresh arrangements of music from the Great American Songbook and jazz/Latin standards, alongside a selection of original compositions.

Drawing on both traditional and contemporary jazz influences, the trio combines thoughtful arrangements with the spontaneity of improvisation. The result is a fresh take on timeless repertoire, as well as some lesser-known gems. 

Expect a carefully crafted performance, full of variety and dynamic energy, drawing inspiration from the likes of Oscar Peterson, Peter Beets, Kevin Field, and Alan Broadbent.

Musicians:

Loris Zigon — Piano

Denholm Orr — Double Bass

Daniel Waterson — Drums

AJBC Members - $15 
Birkenhead RSA Members - $15 
Non-members - $25
Tertiary Students - $10 (Student ID Card must be produced)
Children - Free

EFTPOS NOT available for entry charge. Cash only.

EFTPOS is available at bar and restaurant.
Non-member contact registration required at time of entry.

THIS CONCERT IS ORGANISED INDEPENDENTLY TO THE AJBC.

World Music Concert at Q Theatre, 305 Queen Street, CBD.
Friday 23rd October, 7pm
Celebrate Music, Culture and Connection!

Pangaea Music Festivals invites you to experience something special with the launch of The Integration Project – Music for World Peace. Join us for an inspiring evening of musical diversity, featuring a vibrant fusion of jazz, world music, Māori, Pasifika, and Asian traditions, all coming together on one stage.

Directed by New Zealand pianist Ben Fernandez, this inaugural concert brings together an exciting mix of musical talent.

Enjoy performances by the Indo-jazz fusion band Arohana, multi-award-winning Rā Charmian - vocals with Hayden Booth - guitar and Rebecca Rice - backing vocals, popular Singaporean-Kiwi singer and actor Amanda Grace Leo, and rising Carnatic music star Aakash Binu, travelling from London.
Come along with friends and family and share an evening celebrating the beauty of our different cultures and the connections that music creates.
Because music has the power to bring us together, transcend borders, and inspire peace.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Miho’s Jazz Orchestra (MJO) is a fun-packed 5 piece ensemble, 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 (Pascal Roggen), guitar (Drew Hutchinson), bass/double bass (Geoff Fitzpatrick), drums (Albert Lee) and a selection of flutes and sax while she tells the tales that have charmed and sometimes shocked audiences around the world.

www.mihowada.com
www.facebook.com/mihosjazzorchestra

AJBC Members $15
Birkenhead RSA members $15
Non-members $25
No EFTPOS. Cash only.
Non-member contact details required at time of entry.

AUCKLAND JAZZ ORCHESTRA 

The Auckland Jazz Orchestra's mission is to perform new and original contemporary big band jazz, written or arranged by musicians from Aotearoa New Zealand. Since its inception in 2009, the band has drawn on a rich vein of talented musicians, young and old, led by trumpeter & arranger Mike Booth. 

They have released 5 albums of new music, and presented concerts at Auckland Arts Festival, Wellington Jazz Festival, Tauranga Jazz Festival and venues around the North Island. They always look forward to the warm reception they receive at Auckland Jazz & Blues Club. 

 For this special programme, they will preview some brand new arrangements from their next project, currently recording new arrangements of tunes by "local hero" musicians from Tamaki Makaurau, alongside some band favourites from their large and ever-growing catalogue. 

Saxophones:
Andrew Hall, Joel Griffin, David Edmunson, Ben McNicoll, Andrew Baker

Trombones:
Jono Tan, Glenn Bartlett, David Fromont, Steve Taylor 

Trumpets: Mike Booth, Jake Krishnamurti, Oliver Furneaux, Matthew Verrill 

Rhythm Section: Sam Swindells – guitar, Ant Hunt – piano/keys, Tyler Diprose – bass, Thomas Friggens - drums

Musical Director: Martin Greshoff

AJBC Members - $15 
Birkenhead RSA Members - $15 
Non-members - $25
Tertiary Students - $10 (Student ID Card must be produced)
Children - Free
EFTPOS NOT available for entry charge. Cash Only.

EFTPOS is available at bar and restaurant.
Non-member contact registration required at time of entry.

 MEMORIES of MIKE WALKER (A Pride of Pianists)

An evening of piano players who all had links to our late (great) AJBC president Mike (Spike ) Walker.

Lucas Kewell pianist/composer and youngest son of committee member Robin has just returned from his three years of study at the Jazz Campus in Switzerland and has organised a special piano night on Tuesday 6th October at the Auckland Jazz and Blues Club.

Mike had hoped to organise such an evening with Lucas when he was back on a visit two years ago but due to a limited time schedule it did not happen. So the event will now go ahead in honour of Mike.

 The evening will start with Max McCulloch a student from Avondale college and winner of the Mike Walker most talented jazz pianist award at the recently held schools jazz competitions  Others taking part are Ben Fernandez and his brother Bosco. Ben first met Mike 22 years ago when he was playing with his Montmatre quartet at Auckland Gallery. Mike introduced Ben to the Auckland Jazz and Blues Club and other jazz musicians, they became close friends and when a new piano was to be purchased for the club, Mike took Ben along for second opinion. Mike gave Ben his briefcase and music scores a few weeks before he passed and said it was “his to carry forward”  Ben will be playing a duet with brother Bosco, who is a pianist and session musician with over 30 years in the profession.

 The others in the line-up are Sandy Lynch who was a former pupil of Mike's, Kevin Field a regular to the club's music nights and also a tutor to Lucas at Auckland University. Lucas will be playing some pieces he composed for his bachelor's concert in Switzerland. There is also a planned 'appearance' from Joe Kaptein plus a few other surprises in store. A very special night in memory of a very special musician.

AJBC Members - $15 
Birkenhead RSA Members - $15 
Non-members - $25
Tertiary Students - $10 (Student ID Card must be produced)
Children - Free
Cash only. EFTPOS NOT available for entry charge. EFTPOS is available at bar and restaurant.
Non-member contact registration required at time of entry.

Mike Murane Quintet

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 sensitive and polished vocal style that is ideal for standards and his interpretation of popular tunes.

Niduk Wijetilleke on piano is a graduate from Berklee College of Music in the USA and arrived in New Zealand in 2016. Since then he has widely performed as a solo pianist and with groups. His creative and reflective approach to music delights listeners and also makes him a much sought after mentor and educator.

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.

Tim Hopkins, son of well known and respected jazz drummer, the late Tony Hopkins, is one of NZ’s top saxophonists. Having grown up in Australia, he played with expat pianist Mike Nock’s quartet for 14 years and released 6 of his own CD’s as leader and composer. Winner of the Australia National Jazz
Saxophone Award at Wangaratta Festival of Jazz in 1993, Hopkins moved back to NZ on a scholarship to do a masters in performance at NZSM in Wellington, graduating with distinction. Always looking for new and interesting ways to present his love of jazz, Hopkins is currently working on his 8th CD as leader,
check out his website www.timhopkinmusic.com

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.

AJBC Members - $15
Birkenhead RSA Members - $15
Non-members - $25
Tertiary Students - $10 (Student ID Card must be produced)
Children - Free
Cash only. No EFTPOS
Non-member contact registration required at time of entry.

The Iggy Nama Ruci Quartet

Iggy Nama Ruci is a young saxophonist and flautist residing in Tāmaki. He draws a lot of his inspiration from his time spent touring in India and Cape Town. He brings a fresh and powerful presence with interesting musical ideas through composition and improvisation. This ensemble features a vibrant and energetic rhythm section alongside Iggy Nama Ruci, with a core focus on keeping the music musical.

Iggy’s band features Michael Nash on piano, who recently returned from his travels in Switzerland, London and Germany, Max Crook on drums, who is a powerful and creative musician, and rounding out the band is Tyler Diprose on bass, who has only recently returned from Switzerland where he was playing.

It’s safe to say this is a gig not to be missed.

AJBC Members - $15
Birkenhead RSA Members - $15
Non-members - $25
Tertiary Students - $10 (Student ID Card must be produced)
Children - Free
Cash only. No EFTPOS
Non-member contact registration required at time of entry.

'TOP OF THE CLASS' Two multi-award winning Jazz Combos, 'Village Vanguard' and 'Swing 46' the combos take their names from the famous New York Jazz clubs.

'Village Vanguard' from St Kentigerns College, were winners of the most outstanding Jazz Combo at the recent Auckland Schools Jazz Competitions and earlier in the year they took the Gold award at the Tauranga Jazz contests, with their sax player Jaden Lee getting a gold award and voted most outstanding saxophonist. The Combo consist of Jaden Lee - Alto sax / Halen Jurisich - Guitar/ Chloe Ira - Piano / Antoni Dick - Bass / Josh Eaton - Drums. Village Vanguard will take the first set on 15th September starting at 7-30pm

'SWING 46' from Avondale College have collected 12 top awards in the the last two years, winning the most outstanding Jazz Combo award in the 2025 Auckland Schools jazz competition, with Rose Elijas winning best Combo vocalist in the National Youth competition, this year they came a very close second with Max McCulloch received the newly established Mike Walker Memorial prize for top jazz pianist. The combo consist of Rose Elijas - Vocals and Tenor sax / Alex Hutchinson-Jones - Drums / Andrew Pedrezuela - Guitar / Max McCulloch - Piano / Felix Wong - Bass. SWING 46 will play the second set on 15th September.

Don't miss this amazing chance to see the musicians of the future play their first 'out of competition' gig. With thanks to music tutors Albert Lee (St Kentigerns) and Mike Robinson (Avondale)

AJBC Members - $15
Birkenhead RSA Members - $15
Non-members - $25
Tertiary Students - $10 (Student ID Card must be produced)
Children - Free
Cash only. No EFTPOS
Non-member contact registration required at time of entry.

Freight’ consists of five musicians. Marcus Wilson (Guitar, harp and vocals) Nigel Bioletti (Sax and vocals) Greer Wilcox (Bass and vocals), Richard Linklater (Drums) and Noah Lee (Guitar) The band have performed for the local blues fraternity at many of the historic blues scene venues - at the ‘Naval and Family’ - a favourite location, ‘The Thirsty Dog’, the ‘Winchester’, and more recently at the ‘Longroom’ in Ponsonby Road.

Greer Wilcox (Bass, vocals) joined the group in 2025. Greer had, for many years, led the very successful ‘Blue Collar Band’.(Who will be playing at AJ&BClub on the 25th August) Richard Linklater (Drums) also joined in 2025. Noah Lee (Guitar) had been jamming with Marcus and Greer and also joined the group in 2025.

Freight has played at the ‘Bay of Islands Jazz and Blues Festival’ for the past six years, to very appreciative audiences and will be playing at this year's festival, scheduled for 7 - 9 August. Freight will be playing for the first time at the Auckland Jazz and Blues Club on the 8th September.

The names from left in photo:- Marcus Wilson; Greer Wilcox; Richard Linklater; Nigel Bioletti; Noah Lee.

AJBC Members - $15 
Birkenhead RSA Members - $15 
Non-members - $25
Tertiary Students - $10 (Student ID Card must be produced)
Children - Free
Cash only. No EFTPOS 
Non-member contact registration required at time of entry.

The Mike Sung Big Band is a youth big band made up of some of the best young musicians in Auckland. We're an enthusiastic group that enjoys playing together and has built a solid sound across a range of styles.

Our repertoire covers the breadth of the big band tradition swing, Latin, funk, and ballads and we put care into playing each style well, with plenty of room for the players to feature as soloists.

For our set at the Auckland Jazz and Blues Club, we'll bring an energetic mix of these styles, balancing up-tempo numbers with a few slower pieces. We think it makes for an engaging set, and we're looking forward to playing for the club.

AJBC Members - $15
Birkenhead RSA Members - $15
Non-members - $25
Tertiary Students - $10 (Student ID Card must be produced)
Children - Free
Cash only. No EFTPOS
Non-member contact registration required at time of entry.

BLUE COLLAR BAND was first established in 2000 and has (like many Bands) had a few Musician changes over the years.

We have performed at around 14 Bay of Islands Jazz & Blues Festivals and other great Festivals like the Blues, Brews & BBQ's in Tauranga, the Mission Bay Jazz & Blues Festival and the Devonport Wine & Food Festival. Sadly the last 3 are no longer operating due to various procedural issues with which the Council were unhappy.

BLUE COLLAR BAND have performed for many private Clubs such as Cosmopolitan, RSA’s, RSC, Boating clubs : for at least 6 years we performed at the annual Tall Ships Regatta after party Hangi & fundraiser.

Two members of the Band passed away over the past 2 years. The Band have recorded 4-5 Albums and are also members of the Auckland Blues Music Club and also perform for that club. Several members belong to VAC club too.

Members are : Vocals : Dorothy (Dot) Takerei who has a stunning Blues / Soul voice

Bass & Vocals : Greer Wilcox - original founding member on 5 string Bass

Slide guitar, harmonica & Vocals :Marcus Wilson

Lead guitar : Noah Lee - an extremely gifted guitarist from Seoul, Sth Korea

Drummer : Jane Bissell - a popular drummer - previously from the Jazz sector

Tony Smith : Tony performs with us sometimes and is a member of 2 other Bands often at the Birkenhead RSA

Paul Crowther (your own Club Sound-Tech) was also a member of Blue Collar Band.

AJBC Members - $15
Birkenhead RSA Members - $15
Non-members - $25
Tertiary Students - $10 (Student ID Card must be produced)
Children - Free
Cash only. No EFTPOS
Non-member contact registration required at time of entry.

Arohana – Redefining Jazz & Indian Classical Carnatic Music
Fusion

Arohana is where the ancient soul and traditions of Indian Classical Carnatic music meet the limitless spirit of jazz. Born from a passion for deep musical exploration by some of the leading jazz musicians in the country- Arohana blends intricate ragas, expressive improvisation and dynamic rhythms to create
a unique new sound. The band’s compositions are influenced by their collective experience and bridge the worlds of South Indian classical carnatic music and modern jazz - offering listeners a very unique experience.

With each performance they invite their audience to a journey that transcends borders, connects various cultures and celebrates the constantly evolving nature of music.

Arohana is more than a band , they embrace innovation and more importantly try to connect communities and cultures through their music. Besides their own compositions Arohana will also play jazz standards from the American Songbook and tunes by Stevie Wonder, Sting, the Beatles , etc played in their unique style which is a blend of East and West. Their music has been very well
received and the band has had sold out performances at venues around the North Island. Recent performances include - Music in Parks - Auckland Domain, Sir Howard Morrison Theatre - Rotorua, Rotorua Jazz Club, Dr John Gallagher Performing Arts Centre - Hamilton and many more.

Musicians:
Andrew Hall - saxophone and vocals
Paul Naveen - drums and percussion
Seyorn Aruna - carnatic violin
Avinash Jeyeshankar - mridangam
Joel Griffin - bass
Gopal Nair - vocals
Ben Fernandez - piano

AJBC Members - $15
Birkenhead RSA Members - $15
Non-members - $25
Tertiary Students - $10 (Student ID Card must be produced)
Children - Free
Cash only. No EFTPOS
Non-member contact registration required at time of entry.

The Alex Pipes Band

New Zealand jazz guitarist, composer and producer, Alex Pipes, is a sonic artist providing a strong voice for the next generation of instrumental music.

A now familiar face on the Auckland music scene, Alex’s creative vision is built on infectious house and funk grooves, catchy hooks, and transcendent improvisation, with some tunes morphing into full-blown fusion displays of virtuosic ability, and even moody ambient soundscapes.

Join Alex Pipes at the Auckland Jazz and Blues Club as he leads his band through a set of unreleased music (plus a few crowd favourites), igniting the fuse as each composition takes off on an improvisational journey. He's joined by a stellar line up of local
musicians.

FEATURING
Alex Pipes - guitar
Andrew Isdale - sax
Joe Kaptein - keys
Wil Goodinson - bass
Elijah Whyte - drums

AJBC Members - $15
Birkenhead RSA Members - $15
Non-members - $25
Tertiary Students - $10 (Student ID Card must be produced)
Children - Free
Cash only. No EFTPOS
Non-member contact registration required at time of entry.

Auckland Secondary School Jazz Competition - FINAL

$15 entry. (cash only)

Chihiro Yamazaki formed the band in Tokyo in summer 2010. Their unique sound, known as "Singing Instruments," is based on Instrumental Pop drawing from jazz, fusion, classical and rock.
The band holds distribution deals in Korea and China since 2017.

We are so pleased and honoured to be playing at the Auckland Jazz and Blues Club again after our wonderful welcome last year, thank you.

International appearances:

SXSW (2013–2025, 10 appearances)
Dallas New New Festival (2021–2024, 3 appearances)
NZ Bay of Islands Jazz & Blues Festival (2017–2025, 8 appearances)
Chilpo Jazz Festival, Korea (2 appearances)
Korean hall concerts (3 performances)
Up Late Austin — TV live appearance (March 2026)

Our Band Members
Chihiro Yamazaki (Trumpet)
Satoshi Yamashita (Drums)
Koji Yamamoto (Bass)
Hana Takami(Keyboards)

AJBC Members - $15
Birkenhead RSA Members - $15
Non-members - $25
Tertiary Students - $10 (Student ID Card must be produced)
Children - Free
Cash only. No EFTPOS
Non-member contact registration required at time of entry.

Auckland Secondary School Jazz Competition - Heat 4

Updated 21-7-26

Auckland Secondary School Jazz Competition - Heat 3

Andrew Hall Quartet

Led by Dr Andrew Hall - multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, composer, and Senior Lecturer in acoustics at the University of Auckland. The Andrew Hall Quartet delivers a night of soulful jazz, blues, and original music with high energy and passion. Equally at home on saxophone, flute, clarinet, and vocals, Andrew is a versatile performer and former member of dDub and the Rodger Fox Big Band. He has shared stages with the likes of Eric Marienthal, Georgie Fame, Ray Charles, and Dave Matthews, and has appeared at festivals including the Monterey Jazz Festival and Melbourne Fringe Festival.

Joined by the exceptional talents of Ant Hunt on piano and keyboards, David Hodkinson on bass, and Paul Naveen on drums, the quartet brings dynamic arrangements of jazz standards, blues classics, and original compositions.. From Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles to the Great American Songbook, expect groove, soul, and plenty of surprises performed by some of Auckland's finest musicians.

Featuring:

• Andrew Hall — Saxophones & Vocals
• Ant Hunt — Piano & Keyboards
• David Hodkinson — Bass
• Paul Naveen — Drums

AJBC Members - $15
Birkenhead RSA Members - $15
Non-members - $25
Tertiary Students - $10 (Student ID Card must be produced)
Children - Free
Cash only. No EFTPOS
Non-member contact registration required at time of entry.

Auckland Secondary School Jazz Competition - Heat 2

Updated 21-7-26

Auckland Secondary School Jazz Competition - Heat 1

Updated 21-7-26

BILL EVANS TRIBUTE

Alan Brown is a highly respected figure in the New Zealand jazz scene, renowned for his work as a pianist and Hammond organist.

He first gained prominence as bandleader of the acclaimed jazz-funk ensemble Blue Train during the 1990s, before leading the organ-driven Alan Brown Trio throughout the 2000s. Since 2010, he has been a regular collaborator with acclaimed saxophonist Nathan Haines, and currently performs with Indo-fusion ensemble Takadimi and funk outfit Junglefowl.

In this performance, Alan pays tribute to one of his greatest musical influences, Bill Evans. Leading his trio through a selection of Evans’ original compositions alongside jazz standards closely associated with the legendary pianist, Alan celebrates the lyricism, sophistication, and enduring legacy of one of jazz’s most influential voices.

AJBC Members - $15
Birkenhead RSA Members - $15
Non-members - $25
Tertiary Students - $10 (Student ID Card must be produced)
Children - Free
Cash only. No EFTPOS
Non-member contact registration required at time of entry.

Annual General Meeting.

Attendance open to AJBC financial members

Carlos Plá — BASS

Mike Booth — TRUMPET

Curtis Edwards — DRUMS

Pieter Bos — KEYS

La Tina explores the meeting point between jazz standards and Latin rhythms, with a focus on groove,

interaction, and individual voice. The band draws on influences from both South America and Aotearoa’s

jazz scene, bringing a repertoire grounded in jazz tradition and Latin idioms, with an emphasis on

ensemble playing and musical conversation. The group is made up of experienced musicians with diverse international backgrounds:

Uruguayan-born bassist Carlos Plá has a career spanning more than three decades, including over

30 album recordings. In Montevideo, he performed with Cuban saxophonist Nicolás Reinoso (AfroCuba), before relocating to Aotearoa, where he remains active across local venues and jazz festivals.

Auckland-based trumpeter Mike Booth is an accomplished performer across jazz, classical, and

contemporary music. He spent several years in the Netherlands performing and teaching, including

work with the band de Dijk, and continues to perform and tour regularly in New Zealand.

Curt Edwards is a Tauranga-based drummer and percussionist with over 30 years of experience across

jazz, Latin, fusion, rock, and blues. He has performed in New Zealand, the United States, and Germany,

including regular appearances at Munich’s renowned jazz club Unterfahrt. Known for his versatility and

strong sense of groove, Curt brings a broad musical background and rhythmic depth to the group.

Pianist and keyboardist Pieter Bos has performed across Europe, Asia, and South America. His time

in Latin music environments informs a playing style that combines jazz improvisation with rhythmic and

AJBC Members $15

Birkenhead RSA Members $15

Non-members $25

Cash only. No EFTPOS

Non-member contact registration required at time of entry.

“Leading Australian sax player, Andy Sugg, is touring NZ in July and he’s assembled a stellar line-up of NZ jazzers—Roger Mannins (tenor sax), Kevin Field (piano), Umar Zakaria (bass) and Mark Lockett (drums)—to play with. This will be the first time this quintet formation has played together.

Also premiering are a collection of Andy’s original tunes, which together with some choice standards, make great vehicles for improvisation in the best tradition of contemporary jazz.

Andy and Roger’s collaboration goes back a long way, starting with the powerhouse three-sax group TTTenor (which also included John Mackey) and continuing more recently with the band led by American bass heavyweight, Gene Perla. Andy and Roger share great respect and admiration for each other’s playing. On stage they challenge and spur each other on. It makes for fiery music-making.”

AJBC Members $15
Birkenhead RSA Members $15
Non-Members $25
Cash only. No EFTPOS
Non-Member contact information required at time of entry.

With expert musicians & extensive repertoire, Queen City Big Band is Auckland's premier big band.

AJBC Members - $15
Birkenhead RSA Members - $15
Non-members - $25
Tertiary Students - $10 (Student ID Card must be produced)
Children - Free
Cash only. No EFTPOS
Non-member contact registration required at time of entry.

Love for Sale

Drummer Thomas Friggens brings together an exceptional quartet featuring Verity Burgess (vocals), Kevin Fields (piano), and David Hodkinson (bass) for an evening of classic vocal jazz at the Auckland Jazz & Blues Club.

Love for Sale celebrates the rich legacy of iconic jazz vocalists including Ella Fitzgerald, Betty Carter, Carmen McRae, and Anita O’Day, with a repertoire that blends timeless standards and expressive improvisation.
Don’t miss this special performance on Tuesday 23rd June 2026.

AJBC Members $15
Birkenhead RSA Members $15
Non-members $25
Cash only. No EFTPOS
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.

AJBC Members - $15
Birkenhead RSA Members - $15
Non-members - $25
Tertiary Students - $10 (Student ID Card must be produced)
Children - Free
Cash only. No EFTPOS
Non-member contact registration required at time of entry.

Auckland-based Americana band The DeSotos are delighted to be performing once again at the Auckland Jazz & Blues Club, located at the Birkenhead RSA.

 The DeSotos sound mixes elements of Americana, country rock and blues to produce a gumbo of roots-based and harmonically driven music.

  The band has been recording further tracks for a new studio album and some of those will be on the setlist. Since the early 2000's The DeSotos have occupied a unique space in the New Zealand country blues scene, with their melodic songwriting accompanied by strong vocal harmonies and tight musicianship.
As well as original material the band features reference cover songs from the likes of Neil Young, Tom Petty and the Allman Brothers Band in their setlist.

The DeSotos lineup:
Paul Gurney - lead vocals, guitars & blues harp
Stuart McIntyre - bass & vocals
Ron Stevens - Hammond, keyboards & vocals
Greg Tell - drums & percussion

AJBC members $15

Birkenhead RSA Members $15

Non-members $25

Cash only. No EFTPOS

 Non-member contact details required at time of entry.

HOUSE OF GREEN BRANCHES

Born and raised in West Auckland, Max Crook has established himself as a young artist in the local scene as drummer and composer alike. Since age eighteen, he has been a student and regular sideman of the pianist Jonathan Crayford and performs regularly alongside many of the country's top improvisers.

This band is dedicated to Max's folk-inspired compositions and performs music that often reflects a sense of place. Since their formation in 2023, they have performed consistently across Aotearoa continually developing their sound and connection. Equally joyous as it is often melancholic, and frenzied as it is often meditative, this music draws from a rich catalogue of varied taste - taking cues from Modal Jazz, ECM, Contemporary Indie Music and more.

"Max Crook is an outstanding drummer, bandleader and composer. His music is rich in warmth, humour and integrity and is a joy to experience." - Roger Manins

FEATURING

Lukas Fritsch - Alto Sax & Bass Clarinet
Joe Kaptein - Piano
Robin Baek - Guitar
Tyler Diprose - Double Bass
Maximilian Crook - Drumset

AJBC Members $15
Birkenhead RSA Members $15
Non-members $25
Cash/No EFTPOS
Non member contact details required at time of entry.

The funeral for our wonderful friend and musical icon, Mike (Spike) Walker, will take place at the Birkenhead RSA commencing 10 am followed by some entertainment by his musician friends.

There will be a livestream for those who cannot attend. (Link below.)

https://247.stream/rooms/micwalker

Join with us for a celebration of Spike's life.

An rsvp would be appreciated to assist with catering,