Katikati’s Main Rd will come alive with the smooth sounds of jazz on Saturday, April 12, as the Katikati Jazz Street Festival brings a family-friendly celebration of music to town.

Running from 10am-1pm, this free community event is part of the Port of Tauranga 62nd National Jazz Festival and is proudly brought to you by Katch Katikati with support from the Tauranga Western Bay Community Event Fund.

Festival-goers can enjoy busker-style musicians scattered throughout the town, playing at The Arts Junction, Katikati War Memorial Hall and Cherry Court.

Adding to the festival feel, there will be family-friendly entertainment including mini golf, face painting and outdoor games alongside the Katikati Town & Country Market at the memorial hall, which will offer a variety of local crafts, produce and goods.

Katch Katikati event manager Kylie Watkins said music-lovers will be treated to a stellar line-up of musicians, each bringing their own unique style and energy to the streets of Katikati.

“Lucky Strike are a dynamic jazz trio from Waihī and Tauranga featuring Liam Ryan (keyboards), Leith Milson (bass) and Simon Graham (drums). Their performances promise a mix of classic jazz standards with fresh interpretations.

“Blue Riders are a trio featuring three presidents of the Tauranga Jazz Society Committee. This group blends jazz standards, funk and blues-tinged compositions for a groove-filled experience.

The Blue Riders trio will perform at the street festival. Photo / Supplied

“Big Road Blues are a spin-off from the renowned Bay of Plenty blues and roots band Kokomo, with Derek Jacombs (vocals, guitar) and Grant Bullot (harmonica, washboard) set to take audiences back to the heart of acoustic blues.”

The Trevor Braunias and Jill Leighton Jazz Duo deliver swinging jazz standards and smooth Latin tunes, and love to engage audiences and even get them dancing, said Watkins.

“With the Katikatz Jazz Band you can expect to hear Dixieland tunes from the New Orleans Rhythm Kings and The Original Dixieland Jass Band, to Disney movies classics, with a whole lot of fun in between.”

With a mix of music, markets and family fun, the Katikati Jazz Street Festival promises to be a highlight on the local events calendar. “We are absolutely thrilled to create this opportunity for our community to experience world-class jazz right on their doorstep,” Watkins said. “We can’t wait to see Katikati buzzing with groovy jazz and festive vibes.”