This Easter, more than 20 bands and performers will once again flood Tauranga waterfront for the 54th National Jazz Festival's Downtown Carnival.
Taking place in the central city on Saturday and Sunday, April 4-5, Tauranga's biggest street party brings some of the best jazz, blues, funk and soul to downtown. With four stages set up along the Strand, and fantastic family entertainment on the waterfront, the city is a hive of activity from noon until 6pm each day.
Festival director Rebecca Chambers says they have programmed a wide range of music from classic jazz, blues, world, swing, soul and funk. "On Saturday we have festival favourites like Shaken Not Stirred, Juice on the Loose and Brilleaux plus special jazz experiences from the Jazz Combo from the Royal New Zealand Navy Band and the Alan Brown Trio."
On Sunday Wellington band The Jac open the carnival on The Radio Hauraki Stage followed by newcomers to the festival Carnivorous Plant Society and then the ever-popular Hipstamatics perform their red-hot take on funk and soul.
The family fun-zone is back again this year on the waterfront, with plenty of great rides and activities forthe kids on offer as well as great music from The Queen City Big Band. The Little Big Markets set up shop on Sunday, providing a place to relax and rest your weary feet between sets.
"There is something for everyone over the weekend-the town will be jumping! Get together with friends and family and enjoy great jazz and blues," Rebecca says.
For the full Downtown Carnival line-up check out jazz.org.nz