The annual Cavell Leitch New Zealand International Jazz and Blues Festival returns 30 May to 3 June 2019 with another outstanding line-up of international and national shows, concerts and events.

Headlining the 2019 festival is the multi Grammy award winning jazz pianist Billy Childs, performing with his quartet in the newly revamped (and stunning) James Hay Theatre on 1 June. Midge Marsden is the special guest for another great night in the James Hay on 31 May when he’ll join Harry Harrison and some of New Zealand’s best blues musicians for a once in a lifetime showcase of classic blues. Blue Smoke at the Tannery has a great line up of shows, Jazz Dine returns for one night only and The Piano Centre for Music and the Arts hosts another wonderful series of festival evening and lunchtime concerts including American jazz guitarist Miles Okazaki who recorded the entire Thelonious Monk songbook on solo guitar to great acclaim, Christchurch’s own Adam McGrath, Naomi Ferguson and Oval Office with guest Victor Hawkins-Sulfa and Tribalincs.

And there’s more. Check our website jazzbluesfestival.co.nz for complete festival programme and booking details. Sign up for our newsletter and like our Facebook page to keep updated.

A big thank-you to our sponsors and partners. This festival couldn’t happen without their support: Cavell Leitch Law, Christchurch City Council, The Embassy of the United States of America, Rata Foundation, Publica, Creative Communities, QSM, Ovata, ONE Foundation, Southern Trust, Four Winds Foundation, Lion Foundation, Pub Charity, Hotel Montreal, The George, The Classic Villa, Blue Smoke and Ara Music Arts.

We look forward to seeing you!

Jodi Wright
Festival Director