Who we are

We are a group of jazz loving musicians and audience members who support live jazz in our community.

 

The Tauranga Jazz Society has been hosting the annual National Jazz Festival (previously called the Tauranga Jazz Festival) since 1963. The first festival was organised by the then Tauranga Big Band Society, held outdoors at the Memorial Park Sound Shell on 13 January 1963, and titled Jazz on a Summer’s Night. The Festival gives national and international jazz musicians the opportunity to perform and fans have the opportunity to hear jazz at its best. 

 

The Society also  hosts the annual National Youth Jazz Competition for secondary schools which is now in its 43rd year and growing.

 

We  hold a monthly jazz jam at the Mount Social Club on the last Wednesday of the month which is free. This is a social occasion and we welcome local and visiting musicians to join in the jazz fun.

 

The Society is governed by a Committee of elected members.

 

 

President: Jeff Baker

Vice-President: Liam Ryan

Committee: Amanda Ryan, Janet Derbyshire, Marc Anderson, Paul Hoskin.