28 April 2016 - 0 Comments

The Wellington Jazz Festival (8 – 12 June) is set to ignite the city’s night life, with over 100 gigs at around 40 venues, says Wellington Jazz Festival’s Artistic Director Shelagh Magadza.

“We recently released our line-up of international jazz stars – Wayne Shorter, Multatu Astatke, Lisa Fischer and Snarky Puppy – for this festival, all of whom have proven popular with ticket buyers.  But the Jazz Fest also has a strong local vibe, and showcases some incredible local musicians at Wellington’s best bars and clubs.

Shelagh says she’s pleased so many local jazz musicians, venues and clubs have signed up to be a part of the now-annual festival. “The city’s bars and restaurants just hum at festival time. From long-time jazz festival supporters like Meow, Rogue & Vagabond, Southern Cross and Matterhorn, to newcomers like Moon in Newtown, Caroline in Manners Street, and Laundry on Cuba, around 40 bars and restaurants are confirmed as host venues.

“In keeping with the spirit of jazz, the 2016 programme is a mix of the familiar and the new.  We’re bringing back festival favorites like Rodger Fox, Rueben Bradley, Lucien Johnson and our “Dueling Pianists” Ben Wilcox and Dayle Jellyman. Visiting from Auckland for the first time are Sal Valentine and the Babyshakes, while Aleister Campbell returns to Wellington after a long hiatus in Melbourne.  Rogue & Vagabond will again host their popular Classic Albums Live series, with four special tribute shows and just a $5 entry fee – but there’ll be fresh and unexpected treats too, like up-and-comers Lauren Armstrong and Sam Nakamura, and the Sky Canvas ensemble,” Shelagh says.

A jazz-themed Night Market on lower Cuba Street will be a hit with families and foodies alike on Saturday 11 June, and the Light House Cinema off Cuba will screen a series of jazz-inspired movies including The Amazing Nina Simone and 20 Feet from Stardom, which features one of our 2016 Jazz Festival headliners, Lisa Fischer. Beautiful St Peters on Willis, long known as church of jazz enthusiasts, will also host a free concert series showcasing Lisa Tomlins, Lex French and Kevin Field and their bands.

Wellington Jazz Festival’s core funder, Wellington City Council, recently confirmed their  commitment to partner with the festival for the 2017 and 2018 Jazz Festivals. Wellington’s Mayor Celia Wade-Brown says this festival had always been a winner in Wellington’s winter. “The Jazz Festival brings both amazing international artists and talented locals to the heart of our city. The perfect remedy for winter is the capital alive with the sights and sounds of Jazz,” she says.

The full programme is out now at http://www.jazzfestival.co.nz/

About the 2016 Wellington Jazz Festival

- Wellington Jazz Festival runs over 8-12 June 2016
- The Festival now draws a national audience of 15,000 music fans
- Over 100 gigs will take place over five days
- Keep up to date by visiting our website at http://www.jazzfestival.co.nz/or following us on Facebook and Twitter @welljazzfest 

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