Waiata powered by the sound of a full big band, will take centre stage at Baycourt Community & Arts Centre as TNT! Capital City Big Band presents an explosive fusion of Te Reo Māori and big band jazz.
The powerful bilingual arrangement promises to be a highlight for audiences as part of the Port of Tauranga 63rd National Jazz Festival in Tauranga, returning from 27 March to 6 April spreading musical magic across 11 days.
Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale says the city is proud to support music and the arts through events like the National Jazz Festival.
“The festival fills Tauranga with the sights, sounds and spirit of jazz and is a fantastic way to round out a full summer of events,” says Mahé.
“It creates a real buzz across the city, with venues like Baycourt, The Cargo Shed and The Historic Village hosting live music, and our bars and restaurants humming throughout the festival with visitors and locals.”
Festival Director Marc Anderson says it is a privilege to be part of a festival with such a long and proud history.
“For more than six decades the festival has brought people together through a shared love of live music, and it’s incredibly special to see that tradition continue to grow,” says Marc.
“What makes the festival so special is the atmosphere it creates in the streets, venues and public spaces that are filled with the sound of talented musicians, enthusiastic audiences and the unmistakable spirit that jazz inspires.”
A highlight of the festival is the National Youth Jazz Competition, running from 30 March to 1 April, held at Baycourt Community & Arts Centre, a platform for the next generation of jazz talent from across the country. This year a record 850 students from 42 secondary schools will take part, featuring 62 combos and 29 big bands.
This competition has been instrumental in shaping the careers of numerous successful Kiwi musicians, including artists Joel Shadbolt, Hollie Smith and Nathan Haines, many of whom took their first steps at this event.
Competition Manager, Liam Ryan, says the event brings together some of the best student musicians in the country.
“The level of playing is unbelievably high and the repertoire is challenging. Audiences can expect some real musical fireworks.”
The Baycourt Concert Series once again anchors the festival programme, with a diverse lineup celebrating jazz and contemporary music. Highlights include Nick Granville’s Funk & Drum Extravaganza, the return of the internationally acclaimed Adrian Cox Trio from the UK, and a special 35-year celebration performance by Bay of Plenty favourites Kokomo. Adding a unique cultural dimension, Waypeople presents a sonic and visual journey through ancient philosophical poetry, setting lyrics from the Tao Te Ching to music and combining the performance with a live visual-art interpretation through shadow and light.
Across Easter weekend on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 April, the Uptown Downtown programme evolves the festival’s traditional weekend, spreading live jazz, blues, funk and soul through bars, restaurants and venues across Tauranga and Mount Maunganui. Live music will also appear in the city centre at Red Square, Wharf Street and Masonic Park, creating perfect spots for festival-goers to soak up the atmosphere.
On Good Friday, the much-loved Jazz Village at The Historic Village will once again transform into a day of vibrant New Orleans-inspired celebration, featuring live music on outdoor stages in the Village Green and Village Square and across indoor venues Village Cinema, Village Hall and the Balcony Room, and family-friendly entertainment.
“The National Jazz Festival would not be possible without the incredible support of the many talented artists, venues, sponsors and partners who come together each year to bring the festival to life,” says Marc.
“We’re proud to see the festival stay true to its roots as a celebration of music, creativity and community.”
About the Port of Tauranga National Jazz Festival:
- The National Jazz Festival Tauranga runs from 27 March to 6 April 2026.
- For full festival details, visit whatsontauranga.co.nz
| Image caption | Waiata will be brought to life through jazz at Baycourt Community & Arts Centre. Photo supplied. |