WBB (WARKWORTH BIG BAND) is a modern twenty-piece premium Auckland Big Band delivering high-energy musical performances.

Featuring two exceptional vocalists, Peter Glynn and Sara Jones, a 13-piece horn lineup, and a powerhouse rhythm section, WBB’s versatile repertoire entertains with modern hits and timeless classics.

Join us at the Auckland Jazz and Blues Club on Tuesday 21st October for a night of high-energy jazz, swing, funk and groove.

Members $15 cash
Non-members $25 cash
No EFTPOS
Non-member contact registration required at time of entry.

'Rizzy and the Banished' is a newly formed Auckland-based quintet united by revolutionary Ben Ridsdale.

Inspired by gospel grooves, modal harmonies and thickening rhythms, the 'Banished' aim to play a variety of pieces from the likes of Brian Blade to some of their own original arrangements.

Featuring Ben Ridsdale (Saxophone), Sam Voyle (Saxophone), Tommy David (Piano), Minjoon Kim (Bass), and Daniel Kim (Drums)

Members $15 cash
Non-members $25 cash
No EFTPOS
Non-member contact registration required at time of entry.

Get ready for a night of fantastic music from the University of Auckland Big Band, directed by Ben Gailer.

This band of rising stars from the University of Auckland jazz department are looking forward to presenting a variety of music, from classics that you know and love to fresh and exciting modern compositions and arrangements, including several original works from Ben Gailer. Don't miss this unforgettable night of great music!

Members $15 cash
Non-members $25 cash
No EFTPOS
Non-member contact information required at time of entry.

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

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 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

https://thedesotos.bandcamp.com/
https://www.instagram.com/thedesotos

Members $15 cash
Non-members $25 cash
No EFTPOS
Non-member contact registration required at time of entry.

PLEASE NOTE: This concert replaces the Joe Kaptein Trio concert that was originally booked.

'High School Mega Big Band'

In an experimental world first, the once-but-no-longer proprietary musicians from Rangitoto College, Sancta Maria College and St. Kentigern College have joined forces to form a singular entity: The High School MEGA Big Band. 

Come and see what happens when directors Markus Fritsch, Nathan Collings, Albert Lee and Lukas Fritsch bury their KBB hatchets and help their students work together. Sparks will fly! Friendships will be forged! Trade secrets will be exposed! Expect an exciting showcase featuring some of Auckland's best and brightest young musicians, performing big band classics from the likes of Ellington, Basie, Ella, Sinatra and many more.

Members $15 cash
Non-members $25 cash
No EFTPOS
Non-member contact details required at time of entry.

Michel BENEBIG
Jazz Organist & Composer
(New Caledonia)

Michel Bénébig was born in New Calédonia ( South-Pacific ) on June 27th 1964.
Michel started playing bass, accordéon and électronic-organ at 11 in differents dancing-bands all around New Calédonia..
Young Michel studied classical piano and music-theory at at E.T.M ( Ecole Territoriale de Musiquede Nouméa ), he obtained the first “Golden Médal” in New Calédonia history, on Piano in 1988.
From 1990 to 1992 Michel studied in high level of classical-piano training in France at the ‘National Conservatory of Music’.
In june 1992, Michel switched from Classical Piano to Jazz-Organ ( Hammond B3 Organ ), and taught himself how to play that amazing instrument built in 1934 by Mr Laurence Hammond ( Chicago Illinois USA ). At this time, Michel is a piano teacher at the “ E.T.M “ ( Ecole Territoriale de Musique de Nouméa), he started teaching blues & Jazz organ technique in 2001.
Michel had a grade-level teaching and performing exam in 2003, he obtained the “ D.E “ ( Diplomed’Etat / State Diploma ) on the Hammond Organ at the “ ETM “ now “ C.M.N.C “ ( Conservatoire de Musique de Nouvelle Calédonie ). Michel left the C.M.N.C in December 2006 to create an association called ‘AMJ-BECA’ ( Association des Musiciens de Jazz & Blues pour les Echanges et la CréationArtistique ). The AMJ-BECA is producing concerts, tours, ‘master-class’ etc...

Michel has toured all around the world during these last 20 years: Australia & Tasmania, New-Zealand, Fiji, Vanuatu, USA ( Los Angeles, San-Francisco, New York ), Ile de la Réunion ( Indian Océan ), France etc...

Michel is today recognized as one of the leading ‘Soul-Jazz’ organist around the world, he’s one of the rare French jazz organist to be listed in the official ‘Hammond Organ USA company’ : http://hammondorganco.com/.../organ-and.../michel-benebig/
Michel was elected the “Organist of the Month” of may 2006 by “ The International Archives for the Jazz-Organ “ ( http://www.iajo.org ) , and received a certificat – diploma.

Michel mett and played with legendary Jazz Organists such as : Jimmy Smith, Jimmy Mc Griff, Larry Goldings, Rhoda Scott, Melvin Rhyne, Lonnie Smith..

Michel also performed with top class Américan jazz musicians :
Lewis Nash (drums), Houston Person (saxophone), Carl Lockett ( guitar), James Levi (drums), Bruce Forman (guitar), Frank Potenza (guitar), Paul Kreibich (drums), Randy Johnston (guitar), George Coleman Jr (drums), Doug Webb (saxophone)...
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*Michel BENEBIG home town Trio ‘2015’, is featuring Carl LOCKETT & ‘SHEM’ Bénébig
“Fabienne ‘Shem’ Benebig always accompanies Michel on the road and she is also a gifted musician. Her well thought out compositions and strong vocal presence are integral to the combo. ‘Shem’ mainly sings in her native French tongue and hearing the blues in that language is pleasant to the ear. That said she is not there for mere novelty value as her voice is authoritative. Whether whispering a ballad or belting out a Count Basie number she is equally compelling. Like Michel she has a captivating stage presence and her playful humour is the perfect foil to his studied cool.”
( by New Zealand Jazz critics John FENTON )
Michel Benebig is gaining wider attention and his recent trips to California and New York have resulted in three stellar albums. His command of the Hammond organ (B3) is astonishing and if you want a masterclass in technique and cool watch him in action. He has an intuitive feel for this genre and every move, every pregnant pause and every gesture becomes part a his unfolding story. As the last of the old B3 masters leave us, Michel Benebig and others like him will be swiftly identified as the new cadre, ready to move up and occupy that hallowed space.
( by New Zealand Jazz critics John FENTON )

Michel Benebig - organ
Roger Manins - tenor saxophone
Ron Samson - drums
Michael Howell - guitar

Members $15 cash
Non-members $25 cash
No EFTPOS
Non-member contact details required at time of entry.

PLEASE NOTE: This concert was originally booked for 26 August.

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.

James Sneyd - violin
Aaron Coddel - double bass
Nigel Gavin - guitar
Alan MacDonald - percussion

Members $15 cash
Non-members $25 cash
No EFTPOS
Non-member contact registration required at time of entry.

Rock in for Alex.
Auckland Irish Club

Our friend and Bass player extraordinaire Alex Griffith is battling cancer and needs our help so we're putting on a benefit concert, great bands all day, come along and donate to this worthy cause.
Auckland Irish Club from 2pm. Food available, kids welcome.

$20 cash + koha appreciated.
Cash bar and bistro open.

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

Hamin & The Songkoks

Hamin Derus- Vocals and guitar
Tom Ludvigson- Piano
Nigel Gavin – lead guitar
Jean Baptiste Josso - Violin
Heath King – Drums
Tony McMaster - Bass

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, interpretation of kiwi songwriters’ music and some old classics.

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.

Jean Baptiste Josso a French born NZ resident is a violinist and violist was a student of Versailles Conservatory of Music. He plays with professional and community classical orchestras around New Zealand

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

Tony McMaster is a former bassist with the renowned Red Mole theatre troupe and the New York based The Drongoes.

Members $15 cash
Non-members $25 cash
No EFtPOS
Non-member contact registration required at time of entry.

Amanda Bovo & Tropical Sounds

Amanda Bovo leads Amanda and Tropical Sounds, a vibrant new project that celebrates the richness and diversity of Brazilian music. While rooted in the smooth sophistication of bossa nova, the group also explores the joyful grooves of samba, the earthy rhythms of baião, and the powerful pulse of Afro-Brazilian music — bringing the heart of Brazil to the jazz stage.

Joining Amanda on stage:

• Kevin Field – piano

• Callum Passells – saxophone & percussion

• Mostyn Cole – bass

• Lance Bentley – drums

• Edwin Westermeier – percussion

Together, they deliver a fresh and soulful musical experience — elegant, authentic, and deeply rhythmic.

Members $15 cash
Non-members $25 cash
No EFTPOS
Non-member contact details required at time of entry.

The David Paquette Trio, featuring David Paquette, David Cheiban, and Na'amah Cheiban all the way from the far reaches of Wairoa in the Hawkes Bay playing New Orleans Jazz.

David Paquette is a jazz pianist from America. There is a lot one could say about David! He has recorded more than 53 albums and played with many of the greats. He has spent a lot of time touring the European jazz circuit and started the Waiheke Jazz Festival 17 years ago.

David Cheiban is an emerging guitarist and composer. He is strongly influenced by the music of BB King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Wes Montgomery among others. David has been jamming with David Paquette for over a year now, sharing tunes and ideas, and developing a fast friendship.

Na'amah Cheiban, an alumni from the Auckland University's jazz programme, is a vocalist, guitarist, composer, and director of Wahine in Jazz.

Members $15 cash
Non-members $25 cash
No EFTPOS
Non-member contact registration required at time of entry.

Over the years the band has played at Jazz Festivals in Tauranga, Auckland, Bay of Islands and more and were a regular featured band at the Mandalay Tea Dances in the 80’s. 

Band leaders have included Jack Morris, Barry Clewett, Alastair McMillan, Peter Ward and currently Alan James. Sally Sadler was the feature singer for many years and after Sally’s retirement for a rural lifestyle up north, June Hays. Downbeat is now thrilled to have worked for the past year with the talented Alex Walls .

Downbeat’s music selection for the Jazz Club appearance will be a mix of traditional big band standards; like Sweet Georgia Brown and Satin Doll, more contemporary tunes like Stu Buchanan's Mr Scruff and Storm Zone by Doug Beach and Alex’s interpretations of some of her favourites.

Band Leader - Alan James

Vocalist - Alex Walls

https://www.tvnz.co.nz/shows/love-it-or-list-it-nz

(From Love It or List It - TV1)

Members $15 cash

Non-members $25 cash

No EFTPOS

Non-member contact information required at time of entry.

ROUTE14band Biography

ROUTE14band creates a unique "Singing Instruments" sound that transcends musical boundaries. Founded in 2010 by trumpeter Chihiro Yamazaki with Satoshi Yamashita (drums), Koji Yamamoto (bass), Hana Takami (keyboards), and Miz (guitar), the ensemble blends jazz, fusion, classical, and rock into emotionally rich instrumental compositions.

Their international acclaim includes ten appearances at SXSW (2013-2025), seven performances at New Zealand's Bay of Island Jazz & Blues Festival, and collaborations with artists like Korean fusion band A-FUZZ. After winning the Sapporo Park Jazz Live Contest in 2012, they've performed across Japan, Canada, Korea, and beyond.

With albums including "Sweet Thing" (2017), "Ain't No Distance" (2018), and their recent collaborative project "Our Summer" (2024), ROUTE14band continues to expand their global presence through distribution partnerships in Korea and China. Their latest single "Sepia" exemplifies their artistic vision—passionate, boundary-crossing music that speaks directly to listeners' hearts, regardless of cultural barriers

Our member are:-

Chihiro Yamazaki - trumpet
Satoshi Yamashita - drums
Koji Yamamoto - bass
Hana Takami - keys
Masahiro Misawa - guitar

Members $15 cash
Non-members $25 cash
No EFTPOS
Non-member contact details required at time of entry.

Please note: This concert is provided by the Northern Jazz Society in Whangarei, not the AJBC.

FINAL

Finalists are listed in performance order:

Jazz Combos:

Swing 46 (Avondale College) - 1:00 pm

Village Vanguard (St Kentigern College) - 1:20 pm

North Sea (Rangitoto College) - 1:40 pm

Yoshi’s (St Kentigern College) - 2:00 pm

Big Bands:

Sancta Maria College Big Band - 2:30 pm

Avondale College Big Band - 3:00 pm

Rangitoto College Big Band - 3:30 pm

Saint Kentigern College Big Band - 4:00 pm

Prizegiving - 4:30 pm

$15 - Cover charge - cash only.

The Iggy Nama Ruci Quartet.

Led by fiery saxophonist Iggy Nama Ruci, the Iggy Nama Ruci Quartet delivers powerful, boundary-pushing jazz.

Fresh off a tour through India and South Africa, Iggy brings a fresh perspective to his sound, drawing inspiration from legends like Eric Dolphy, Lennie Tristano, Cannonball Adderley, and Thelonious Monk.

The quartet features a lineup of standout musicians from Aotearoa’s vibrant jazz scene. On bass is Tyler Diprose, known for his deep musical intuition and a rich connection to his instrument. Max Crook anchors the group on drums with creative precision, laying down a solid yet fluid foundation. Rounding out the band is Michael Nash—a versatile and expressive pianist whose dynamic playing adds both fire and finesse.

Members $10 cash

Non-members $25 cash

No EFTPOS

Non-member contact registration required at time of entry.

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.