Good vibes will resound around Omapere this weekend as the Hokianga town's third winter jazz festival kicks off tonight.
While big-name acts like Nairobi Trio and "gypsy jazz" merchants the Jews Brothers draw the crowds to the Omapere's Copthorne Hotel, co-organiser Chrissie Williams is raving about this year's Jazz in June
variety.
"We have a brilliant line-up this year. It's a real mixture, from the big bands through to flute and piano," she said.
Auckland's four-piece Nairobi Trio - who have roped in a drummer for this weekend's show - haven't missed an Omapere festival yet.
"We know we've got a good base of fans in the Far North," said guitar player John Quigley, who has fond memories of surf safaris to Cape Reinga.
"It's a great festival at a great venue, and it seems to be well attended. The people that go love their jazz," he said.
Seasoned actor and musician Ray Woolf is performing and compering. The 61-year-old has lived in the North for 26 years - although he hesitates to call himself a local.
"I guess that's up to the locals to decide. I do feel like a Far Northlander," he said.
This weekend veteran entertainer will turn his talents to American "songbook" tunes, but recent gigs include touring with Suzanne Lynch (formerly of The Chicks), Blood Brothers, Golf the Musical and the movie King Kong.
The festival was started by the South Hokianga Community Arts Council in 2003, returned in 2004, and is back this year with:
Today: Northcote College Big Band, Nairobi Trio.
Tomorrow: Jews Brothers, Moerewa's Des Brown, Mike Walker Trio, KBE quintet, Trudy Lile and Mohave, Julie Mason Quintet.
Sunday: Northland group Pacific Curl, Ray Woolf.
Tickets are $50 for a weekend pass or $25 per session, available from Copthorne Omapere or The Centre at Kerikeri.
