As well as a poignant tribute to jazz icon Rodger Fox, there will be new people, new music and exciting international acts to enjoy at this year’s Port of Tauranga 62nd National Jazz Festival.

“There are over 900 musicians in Tauranga during the Jazz Festival from all around New Zealand,” festival director Marc Anderson said. “Over 700 of them are involved with the National Youth Jazz Competition.”

Anderson said the Baycourt series of concerts is just one of the 14 events on offer during this year’s Port of Tauranga 62nd National Jazz Festival, which runs from April 7-21.

The 47th Wright Family Foundation National Youth Jazz Competition from April 7-9 will showcase the best emerging jazz players from around New Zealand as outstanding young musicians compete at Baycourt for trophies and prizes. Their final performances on April 9 will be closely followed by the festival favourite big band jazz showcase concert with the NZ Army Band.

The NZ Army Band will be performing at Baycourt on April 9, 2025. Photo / Corporal Sean Spivey / NZDF

NZ Army Band Jazz Showcase on April 9

The esteemed NZ Army Band promise an exhilarating and dynamic concert, showcasing their diverse repertoire and exceptional talent. The performance will feature world-class vocalists and soloists, whose virtuosity and passion are evident in every piece they perform.

But wait, there’s more …

The Baycourt series continues with a stunning jazz variety of ragtime, improvisation, big band, bebop, Chicago blues, soul, classic swing, jazz standards and Dixieland.

The jazz delights on offer in the Baycourt series also include the Adrian Cox Trio from the UK, the Jess Deacon Quintet, Lockie Bennett’s “Boplicity” Quartet, the Steely DNA nine-piece band, and the Salute to Swing with the New Orleans Joymakers and Australian Scott Harrison on the wurlitzer.

Adrian Cox Trio (UK) on April 19

Internationally acclaimed UK clarinettist Adrian Cox presents “Makin’ Runs”, delving into the alternative ragtime repertoire from the early jazz era.

“Adrian is a world-class clarinettist from the UK, and is going to be brilliant,” Anderson said.

The Adrian Cox Trio features the UK’s internationally acclaimed clarinettist Adrian Cox, Honey Boulton on guitar/vocals, and Alex Gilson on double bass. Photo / Supplied

According to legend, Makin’ Runs is a tune attributed to Buddy Bolden, heard by Bunk Johnson in New Orleans. The phrase symbolises Bolden’s vision for inventive improvisations while never repeating himself.

Be entertained by this top-quality jazz trio as they craft tight yet dynamic arrangements that honour the music’s original intent, allowing ample room for improvisational fire.

The Adrian Cox Trio, comprising Adrian Cox (clarinet/vocal), Honey Boulton (guitar/vocal) and Alex Gilson (double bass) will be performing in X-Space at Baycourt.

Jess Deacon Quintet on April 18

Expressing the emotional ebbs and flows of life through song, vocalist and songwriter Jess Deacon uses jazz as a foundation for expression of all kinds.

“Things Left Unsaid” is a collection of works that include jazz standards with original lyrics and vocalese written by Jess, as well as new music that uses jazz as a foundation for expression of all kinds.

Jess Deacon singing with her Jess Deacon Quintet. Photo / Supplied

“Jess is a great singer from Wellington,” Anderson said. “She uses jazz tunes with her own lyrics. Her lyrics focus on what people are thinking but no one talks about.”

Jess will be accompanied by a stellar line-up of accomplished musicians: Duncan Haynes (keys), Jon Pirini (guitar), Umar Zakaria (bass) and Baileigh Sparkes (drums).

Bebop lives! on April 20

Lockie Bennett’s “Boplicity” Quartet features some of New Zealand’s hardest-working and hardest-swinging jazz musicians. The quartet specialise in the bebop tradition, taking inspiration from the likes of Charlie Parker, Bud Powell and Barry Harris.

Lockie Bennett. Photo / Supplied

Bennett, a graduate of the New Zealand School of Music, is one of the most in-demand jazz guitarists in New Zealand. This new and exciting quartet features NZ jazz icon John Rae on drums, Alex Trask on alto saxophone and Elijah Mulheron on bass.

“Lockie’s a local young man doing well, on his way to make a career from his music,” Anderson said. “We’re happy to support him.”

Steely DNA on April 18

An exceptional nine-piece band, Steely DNA offer a remarkable musical experience, faithfully performing the repertoire of esteemed American band Steely Dan. These world-class musicians expertly blend jazz, Chicago blues, and soul, capturing the essence of Steely Dan’s distinctive sound.

Audiences will enjoy renowned songs composed by Donald Fagen and Walter Becker, such as Do It Again, Reelin’ In The Years, Rikki Don’t Lose That Number, Aja and more.

Steely DNA performing in February 2024. Photo / Supplied

It’s a night not to be missed, not only for enthusiastic musicians but for fastidious audiophiles of this legendary music.

Steely DNA’s band is made up of Brannigan Kaa (lead vocals), David Henry (guitar), Chris Peirce (sax), Gary Taylor (keys/vocals), John McDonald (keys/vocals), Callum Hazlitt-Black (bass), Andrew Richardson (drums/vocals), DeVante Nepia (vocals) and Andrea Sanders (vocals/percussion).

Salute To Swing will be bringing Baycourt’s Mighty Wurli alive on April 20

An afternoon of delightful music in true New Orleans tradition will be served up by the New Orleans Joymakers accompanied by Australian organist Scott Harrison on the Mighty Wurli. Toe-tapping fun awaits as the audience is transported to New Orleans with classic swing, rags, marches and Dixieland accompanied by the sparkling sounds and pipes of the wurlitzer organ.

Australian Scott Harrison on the wurlitzer. Photo / Supplied

New Orleans Joymakers are comprised of Brian Kelly (trumpet), Merv Thomas (trombone), Carlos Palmer (clarinet), Arthur Cummings (piano), Jessie Douglas (banjo), Will Goodinson (double bass) and Bruce King (drums).

Celebrating Rodger Fox on April 19

Anderson said the festival’s special Baycourt concert honours Rodger Fox with performances by two big bands – the Rodger Fox Big Band and the Auckland RF Big Band. Fox, who died in 2024, was a respected educator, musical director and big band leader.

The Rodger Fox Big Band. Photo / Supplied

“Rodger’s not only been so influential in big band and jazz in general, but also in New Zealand youth music, bringing kids up to play music, to a level of wanting to become professional musicians,” Anderson said.

Anderson said the event will showcase 50 years of the Rodger Fox Big Band’s music, featuring talented musicians and soloists who worked with him. Expect surprises in true Rodger style, but also the classic big band sound he was famous for.