As in previous summers, Levin & Districts Brass will host the popular Jazz in the Park event in the Levin Adventure Park on Sunday, February 25, from noon. This follows the highly successful events held over 11 years (2013-2023), with hundreds of people attending on each occasion.
At noon, catch the highly acclaimed Duncan Haynes and his quartet. With a wealth of international collaborations across a range of genres including world music, rock, blues and avant-garde jazz, Duncan has graced stages at renowned venues such as Ronnie Scott’s and Wembley Stadium, as well as jazz festivals throughout Europe, including the iconic Bestival on the Isle of Wight. “We are thrilled to have secured such an exceptional quartet for our live jazz music event,” exclaimed event organiser Chris Craddock.
At 1pm, host band Levin & Districts Brass will take the stage under newly appointed musical director David Maas. David has selected an interesting and varied, predominantly upbeat jazz programme with featured numbers such as Cole Porter’s Anything Goes, Josef Zawinul’s Birdland, and George Gershwin’s I Got Rhythm. Also featured on the day will be trumpeter Reuben Price performing a solo in Three Kings Swing.
This year’s featured band of the afternoon, Liberty Swing Band, from the Porirua Basin, will perform from 2pm. With their vibrant and melodic jazz style featuring vocals, saxophone, trombone and trumpet, they emulate the true big bands from the swinging jazz era.
At 3.30pm, the Kapiti-based 12-piece Latin American ensemble Brasso will take the stage and delight the crowd with their unique style of popular jazz, and will feature special guest vocalist Tineke Jennings with her powerful yet soulful voice. The band will entertain with a mix of classic jazz numbers and originals written for the band by leader David Langley.
