This year the Port of Tauranga 61st National Jazz Festival will have music and entertainment swirling from a range of satellite events across the Western Bay of Plenty!

In fact, the festival actually kicks off in Katikati – with a Jazz Street Party on Saturday, March 23.

The free, family-orientated event will bring soulful sounds of live jazz to Katikati’s Main Road from 11am-2pm, plus food and market stalls and kids’ entertainment

Three bands will play – at Cherry Court, Western Bay Museum’s forecourt, and behind The Arts Junction.

Talented musicians slated to perform are charismatic three-piece jazz ensemble Lucky Strike, soulful Bay of Plenty-based duo Samme and Kane, and the Katikatz Jazz Band with a repertoire inspired by the iconic 3Bs of British Dixieland and Trad Jazz: Chris Barber, Acker Bilk and Kenny Ball. The day of entertainment is free!

Back in Tauranga, a cabaret with a story will be told nightly at 16th Ave Theatre from Saturday, March 23 through to Thursday, March 28.

‘Blue Eyes – The Music of Frank Sinatra’ is New Zealand playwright April Phillips’ touching storyline into which she’s woven many of Frank Sinatra’s songs.

The cast is Michelle Coombe, Sarah Julou, Sam Howe, Luca Robinson and musicians Barbara Caygill, Jeff Baker, Kimberly Jones and James Upjohn. The 90-minute no-interval shows are on sale now at: jazz.org.nz

The Jazz Sunset Cruise is aboard the historic Kewpie vessel. Photo: supplied.

A unique offering is the Jazz Sunset Cruise aboard the historic Kewpie vessel on Tauranga Harbour on Saturday March 30 and Sunday, March 31.

The cruise departs The Strand 4.30pm taking guests on a gentle tour of the scenic harbour’s sparkling waters, who can sit back and indulge in fine wines and beers while live jazz on-board swirls as the sun goes down and the city lights up! Tickets at: jazz.org.nz

Then there’s the Tea Dance on Sunday, March 31, where you can dine and dance with the Tauranga Big Band upstairs at Tauranga Citizens Club from 5.30pm-8.30pm.

Led by John Page, Tauranga’s own jazz musicians will perform favourite Big Band numbers from bands like Basie and Kenton. Enjoy an optional buffet meal if you please – and put your glad rags to go dancing! General Admission is $25 – get tickets now at: jazz.org.nz

Tauranga Big Band wow at the Tea Dance. Photo: supplied.

And don’t forget the Jazz Café & VIP Bar at Hotel Armitage on Saturday, March 30, from 9pm-12am. Featuring a local house band with surprise guest musicians this is the place to be for late night music fun! Entry is strictly limited – so book a seat at: jazz.org.nz

Organiser Marc Anderson says these events are integral to the Port of Tauranga 61st National Jazz Festival and add different, unique and fun offerings to suit all appetites of music and entertainment.

“They offer our visitors – locals and out-of-towners – the opportunity to visit different parts of Tauranga and experience live music in many forms and settings. So go on – try something new, different or exciting this festival!”

The full festival programme is at: www.jazz.org.nz