regular events & gigs in auckland and nz

Unfortunately NZ does not have a plethora of dedicated swing events, but these Jazz, Blues and Dance festivals and gigs may nevertheless be of interest.

weekly gigs

Tue

auckland jazz & blues club - every Tuesday - 7.30pm - Free
Pt Chev RSA, 1136 Gt North Road

Thu

brett's new internationals - third Thursday of every month - 7.30pm - $10
Masonic Tavern, 29 King Edward Parade, Devonport. (except December)

Sun

barry clewitt showband - second Sunday of every month - 6pm - $10
Pt Chev RSA, 1136 Great North Road.

swing junction with tuxedo swing - third Sunday of every month - 6-9pm - $20
The Juice Bar, 144 Parnell Road - Jazz meets Jive at the Juice Bar!

north harbour swing band - last Sunday of every month - 6-9pm - $10
East Coast Bays RSA, Bute Road, Browns Bay (except December)

See also Where to Dance and PME Gig Guide for other places to dances

yearly events

Jan

nelson jazz festival - January 2 - 9 2010
Now in its 18th year, you are guaranteed loads of sunshine, world class musicians, and a eight day programme with more than 60 events and 25,000 spectators

jazz at the rotunda - every Sunday January thru March - Free
Band Rotunda, Auckland Domain from 2-5pm. Mostly jazzy rather than swingy this year.

the culture garden - every Wednesday January thru March - Free
Also part of the Music in the Parks series, this has a couple of potentially swingy gigs this year for those of you that are lucky enough not to have a day job

summer music at cornwall park - every Sunday January thru March 2010 - Free
Band Rotunda, Cornwall Park from 1-3pm. Again more of a mixed bag than swing

coopers creek summer jazz - every Sunday January thru March 1-4pm - Free
Cheese and fruit platters are available, or you can bring a picnic. NO BYO.

waiheke jazzy sundays - Sundays February thru April 1-6pm - $20 at the gate
Waiheke Golf Club, Onetangi. Bar & BBQ available.

Feb

art deco napier - February 16 - 21 2010
Napier goes back in time with loads of live music to dance to and gorgeous retro costumes to marvel at.

devonport food & wine festival - February 20 - 21 2010 - 11am-6pm
Windsor Reserve comes alive with a great line up of wineries, eateries, guest chefs and entertainers - this year including Auckland's own Swing Cats, and the Society Jazzmen.

mission bay jazz & blues festival - Sat February 27 2010 - 6-11pm - $5
Spend the evening strolling Tamaki Drive and enjoying an outstanding showcase of Top Live Jazz & Blues Bands. This years line up includes The Queen City Big Band

Mar

wellington international jazz festival - March 5 - 8 2009
Get ready for verything from Caribbean fusion to sweaty boggy blues and wild big band adventures at the 12th annual Wellington International Jazz Festival

auckland festival - next festival March 2 - 20 2011
A biennial festival of theatre, dance, concerts, cabaret, exhibitions, and family events

auckland fringe festival - next festival March 3 - 20 2011
Every Festival and every city needs a Fringe and this year Auckland is getting one!

whangamata beach hop - March 23 - 27 2011
New Zealand’s biggest celebration of all things 50’s & 60’s

Apr

tauranga jazz festival - April 1 - 5 2010
For five days over Easter, Tauranga explodes with the vibrant sounds of the National Jazz Festival. Think Easter, Think Jazz, Think Tauranga.

byron bay blues fest - Byron Bay, Australia - April 1-5 2010 (Easter)
Yet again, another great line up of acts

nz international jazz & blues festival - Christchurch - April 5 - 11 2010
The largest combined jazz and blues festival in New Zealand, featuring some of the best local, national and international jazz and blues talent on offer.

Jul

deco decanted and jazz festival - Napier - July 16 - 18 2010
Napiers slimmed down winter version of Art Deco weekend

Aug

bay of islands jazz & blues festival - August 13 - 15 2010
3 days of music at 5 fantastic venues in Paihia, Waitangi, Haruru Falls and Russell

waiheke winter blues festival - August 28 - 29 2010
700 festival goers, 11 bands at 5 venues over 2 days

Sep

auckland heritage festival - September 18 to October 3 2010
With everything from art and architecture to fashion and music, there is often a classic movie and dance evening featuring one of Aucklands swing bands.

Oct

tempo - nzs festival of dance - September 18 - October 2010
A celebration of all things dance, including shows and free lessons

asb queenstown jazzfest - October 2010
10 days of fantastic music with in excess of 50 bands and 200 performers mark the 30th anniversary of this festival

christchurch big band festival - October 23 - 25 2010 (Labour Weekend)
LOTS of live band dances including a Battle of the Bands!!

Nov

armistice victory dance - Cambridge - November 7 2009
Held on the Saturday of Armistice Weekend, the Victory Dance features a full sized big band, and attracts punters dressed in military uniform or wartime period costume.

whangamata jazz art and blues festival - November 20 - 22 2010
The first Jazz Art and Blues Festival to be held in Whangamata

grey lynn park festival - November 20 2010
Food, stalls, music...

Dec

whangarei international jazz & blues festival - December 11 - 13 2009

matakana soul jazz and blues festival - December 28 2009