Auckland Jazz and Blues Club

Club Management

Welcome to the home of jazz in Auckland

Birkenhead RSA, Recreation Drive, Birkenhead.

Please see EVENTS section for weekly concert details and GALLERY for weekly concert photos.

($15 AJBC members & RSA members. $25 non-members - cash only - includes raffle draw for bottle of wine.)

Optional $2 raffle - $60 cash prize. (supports young jazz students)

Non-member contact registration required at time of entry.

Restaurant (downstairs) open 5 - 8.30pm. Full bar service.


The club was formed around 1992 to further the interests of jazz & blues music in Auckland.

The club has a membership of around 250 and has regular club nights every Tuesday evening at the Birkenhead RSA.

Concerts start at 7.30pm and finish at 9.30pm with a break at half time. Meals are available before the concert. Full bar service.

Ample off-street parking. Come early to secure your seating.

Each night features a different local or out of town band.. Sometimes an International star makes an appearance.

Back to All Events

THABANI GAPARA

  • Birkenhead rsa Recreation Drive Auckland, Auckland, 0626 New Zealand (map)

A Celebration of Afro-Jazz.

Experience the vibrant rhythms, rich melodies and infectious energy of African jazz with Zimbabwean-born saxophonist and composer Thabani Gapara and his exceptional five-piece band.

Drawing inspiration from the musical traditions of Southern Africa, Gapara brings together the sounds of Zimbabwean mbira music, South African mbaqanga, kwela and marabi, blending them with contemporary jazz, funk and improvisation. The result is a dynamic musical journey that celebrates the depth and diversity of African music while exploring its connections with jazz traditions around the world.

With over two decades of performance experience, Gapara has developed a distinctive musical voice that bridges his African heritage with his life in Aotearoa New Zealand. His 2024 album Dzindza earned a finalist nomination for Best Jazz Album at the 2025 Aotearoa Music Awards. Expect an evening of soulful saxophone, spirited improvisation, irresistible grooves and musical storytelling, performed by a band of outstanding musicians. Whether you're a lifelong jazz enthusiast or discovering African jazz for the first time, this promises to be an engaging and uplifting musical experience.

Featuring: Thabani Gapara – Saxophones
Eli Wilson – Piano / Keyboards
Nathan James – Guitar
Elliot Park – 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
EFTPOS NOT available for entry charge. Cash Only.
EFTPOS is available at bar and restaurant.
Non-member contact registration required at time of entry.

Earlier Event: October 27
LORIS ZIGON TRIO
Later Event: November 10
UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND BIG BAND