A collaboration of exceptional musicians from around the Bay of Plenty playing original compositions that explore the unique cultural and environmental space of Aotearoa as well as paying tribute to the rich tradition of Jazz from around the world.

New York based, award winning multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Nanny Assis and vocalist Maggie Gould accompanied by some of New Zealand’s finest jazz players including Kevin Field (piano). Expect world class musicianship, exquisite vocals and sultry funk and bossa that will have you dancing.

The Randy Matthews Quintet fuses youthful energy and traditional tunes. Join frontman Matt Bodman and his band as they play tunes from the 30's to the 70's. Be ready for short solos, maximum respect for the original melodies and hilarious banter as the local boys from the Randy Matthews Quintet put their egos aside and roll out all our favourites from the swing era.

Favourites at last year’s festival, Superhero Second Line are a New Orleans Second Line style band who play popular traditional tunes and modern covers with a few of their own originals thrown in. Drawing heavy influences from Rebirth Brass Band, Soul Rebels, Kermit Ruffins and Louis Armstrong this high energy band is a melting pot of culture! Their costumes alone are worth checking out!

Alexander Avenue blends musicianship, creativity and tradition in a fresh and unique way. Tauranga Big Band vocalist Nataalia Lunson fronts seasoned musicians Wayne Melville (bass), Alana Milson (piano) and Steve Mills (drums).

Alexander Avenue presents a soulful Jazz experience challenging the predictability of standards and resuscitating arrangements into a modern metropolitan groove. Be captivated by the sound souring from Alexander Avenue.

Free-wheeling AfroBeat from one of The Bay’s favourite festival bands. Open ended Afro and funk rhythms full of energy and sprinkled with jazz sensibility – a fresh concoction of new energy and musical taste from one of Tauranga’s best contemporary music collectives.

Kylie Todd graduated from NZSM jazz programme and has performed with Big Ticket, Sisters of Swing as well as her own Quartet. She will be joined by Sam Swindells on Guitar, Will Goodinson on Bass, Stallone D’Souza on Keys and Stephen Thomas on Drums. Think Snarky Puppy and Robert Glasper.

Fresh from touring with Tami Neilson and other ace NZ musicians, Neil Watson always brings his A game. The Neil Watson 3 will keep you on your toes journeying through the Deep South of psychedelic blues, swinging by New Orleans, passing through Mid-west country-esque soundscapes and rendezvousing at kitsch renditions of old favourites.

The Tauranga Jazz Society jazz jam house band. Playing anything blue – from Miles to Robben Ford and a selection of groove-based originals. Anything could happen….and it usually does!

Organ-based, Blue Note style quartet of some of Australasia’s finest including master jazz organist Michel Benebig and sax maestro Roger Manins. On tour on the back of their new album Shuffle are piping hot. Expect Jimmy Smith fused soul and jazz. Not to be missed.

Formed in The Mount this local music collective is making a name for itself with the legendary Jeremy Hantler at helm. Groove and horns, these young lions of jazz fun will uplift you.

A one-woman musical phenomenon, Tracey Collins piano-accordian playing will entertain and astound you as she romps through a wide range of repertoire encompassing jazz and popular standards. A festival favourite.

Blues and roots favourites Kokomo strip the line-up down and unplug to deliver their acoustic repertoire laced with authentic blues heavily influenced by 1920s musicians from Mississippi and the Southern States. American and Kiwi blues and Ragtime. Plus some acoustic versions of Kokomo favourites.

The house band since 2012 for Tauranga’s monthly famous Blues Jam. A true blue quartet the band’s repertoire consists of blues and rockabilly. Music for the feet!

Funky Jazz, swingin’ Jazz, old jazz, bent Jazz and stinky Jazz combined with ill-fitting suits make for the most fun you can have with your pants on. Shaken not Stirred feature the horn section of Chris Peirce and Damian Forlong, the vocals and bass playing of Geoff Hern with Deane Hunter on guitar and Andrew Richardson on drums. Long time favourites at the National Jazz Festival

Audio Farm are a small band with a large sound. Funky second line grooves that morph into drum and bass with improvised lines over the top - a unique genre of Brass House. Nothing is ever the same!  Andrew Hall - Baritone Sax, Alto Sax, Keyboard, Vocals; Oliver Furneaux - Trumpet, Keyboard, Vocals; Jessica Hix – Drums

One of Aeotareoa’s favourite festival bands. Masters at taking well known tunes and reinterpreting them into authentic vintage 1970’s soul and funk. A 9-piece big on vocals and horns. We know you love them!

Over 10 years performing at the National Jazz Festival these road warriors are battle hardened from years of bar gigs and touring the UK rhythm ‘n’ blues circuit.  Led by intrepid vocalist and harmonica exponent Graham Clark, this hard hitting quartet will rock you!

JB3 is a funky organ-drums-sax trio with an extensive repertoire, from jazz, boogaloo, latin, funk, soul and R&B led by Wellington jazz luminary Jake Baxendale. Drawing on the funk and soul jazz stylings of ’50s and ’60s era Blue Note recordings, JB3 bring their own flavour with their original tunes and interpretations of classic jams. At the National Jazz Festival JB3 will be joined by some international guests. Expect fireworks!

This Waikato-based band of funksters bring their West Coast groove right into the heart of the National Jazz Festival. Influenced by James Brown Maceo Parker and Sly and The Family Stone and with their groove driven by legendary drummer Freddy Limbert, their sound is big, bold, groovy, and designed to make you dance!

Guitar and piano duo. Their repertoire is drawn from the Great American Songbook - jazz, blues and Latin - with a sprinkling of originals. Expect taste and finesse. Girl form Ipanema and Fly Me to the Moon – never played the same way twice.

Based at Mount Manganui this music collective has made their name playing tasteful acoustic soul, blues and roots. Part of a wave of bands born in the shadow of Mauao in recent years. Expect anything from Steely Dan to James Taylor and everything in between.

Part of the new wave of multi-cultural BOP bands Del Pacifico are a perfect blend of authentic Latin grooves and Pacific vibes. Percussive, sultry grooves played by an 8-piece band of great players.

One of New Zealand’s most exciting performers Lewis brings his talents as a saxophonist, musician and producer to the National Jazz Festival. A former award winner at of the National Youth Jazz Competition Lewis has two solo albums and has played with some of the biggest names in world music He recently played with the APO and toured China with Elaine Paige. Not to be missed!