21 August 2024 - 0 Comments

The Festival kicks off at The Opera House with one of the most recorded artists in modern music,multi-Grammy Award-winning bassist, composer, and producer, Marcus Miller (USA). Miller’s iconic bass lines have graced hits by Bill Withers, Luther Vandross, and Elton John (Wednesday 16 October, 8pm).

Five-time Grammy Award-winning vocalist, bassist and composer esperanza spalding (USA) makes her Aotearoa debut. Known for her innovative fusion of jazz, soul, funk, and rock, spalding will bring her genre-defying sound to The Opera House on closing night. Featuring Eric Doob, hailed as "a drummer to watch" by Modern Drummer Magazine, and Grammy-Award winner Matt Stevens on guitar, this is an all-star trio (Sunday 20 October, 7pm).

Virtuoso drummer Alexander Flood (AUS) also makes his debut in Aotearoa with a dynamic performance at San Fran. Flood will lead his all-star band through a high-energy set blending nu-jazz, deep house, and experimental improvisation that will have audiences dancing from start to finish (Thursday 17 October, 9pm).

Festival Co-Director Dolina Wehipeihana expressed her excitement about the Festival’s First Release acts.

“We’re thrilled to host this stellar line-up of artists in Pōneke, including visionary artist esperanza spalding, the legendary Marcus Miller with his incredible band and showcase the incredible jazz talents we have right here in Aotearoa. Audiences are in for a treat with such a diverse range of performances.”

Exclusive to Wellington, for the first time in eight years Fly My Pretties return with a brand-new show and musical experience. Led by Barnaby Weir & Laughton Kora, a fresh cast will perform a new collection of songs at The Great Hall, Massey University (Friday 18 October, 7pm – Saturday 19 October 1pm and 7pm).

Jazz legend Rodger Fox will be honoured with a special performance by The Rodger Fox Big Band. Celebrating Rodger Fox journeys through the band’s extensive back catalogue, featuring skilled soloists from the band, vocalist Erna Ferry and special guests (Friday 18 October, 8pm at The Opera House).

The Wellington Jazz Festival has commissioned two artists to create new music for the 2024 Festival, supported by Creative New Zealand.

First up, taking to the stage at San Fran on Thursday 17 October, 6pm is APRA Award-winning composer and saxophonist Louisa Williamson who will perform her groundbreaking composition The Chasm Where We Fall Into Each Other. Fusing avant-garde jazz, classical, electronic, rap, and hip hop, this new work explores the concept of division that exists in society and our natural world.

In an exciting collaboration with Te Tairāwhiti Arts Festival and Te Ahurei Toi o Tāmaki Auckland Arts Festival, Oro Māia brings you poems by acclaimed American poet Dr Maya Angelou translated into te reo Māori.This concert features a captivating soundtrack of new music by Maarire Brunning Kouka of Mā and The Fly Hunnies interlacing contemporary soul, jazz and funk.

Festival Co-Director Tama Waipara says “Oro Māia is set to be a soulful and moving performance featuring stand-out artists Maisey Rika, Miriama McDowell, Mere Boynton, Erena Koopu, Tuakoi Ōhia and Maarire Brunning-Kouka. These wāhine toa will take you on a journey through the words and worlds of discovery.” (Saturday 19 October, 8pm at The Opera House).

WellingtonNZ’s Events and Experiences General Manager Heidi Morton says this year’s jazz festival is the most exciting yet.

“The festival celebrates exceptional music and musicians, and I urge enthusiasts and those new to jazz to make a night of it – enjoy dinner out and get among the buzz the festival brings to Wellington.”

Stay tuned for the full City Line-Up announcement on 4 September.

Tickets for Marcus Miller, esperanza spalding, The Rodger Fox Big Band and ORO MĀIA at The Opera House are available now on Ticketmaster.

Tickets for Alexander Flood and Louisa Williamson are available on Moshtix.

Tickets for Fly My Pretties are available on Flicket.

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