John Paul College Jazz Band at the National Youth Jazz Competition in Tauranga covering a Guns 'N Roses classic.
It was 98-year-old Jack Claridge and his “fan club” who secured one of the first spots at the TECT Jazz Village.
Jazz lovers of all ages were filing into the Historic Village on the morning of Easter Friday to join in the Tauranga National Jazz Festival’s 60th-anniversary celebrations, with many warming up the dance floor as soon as they arrived.
Claridge and his family and friends turned up about an hour before the event started to get a taste of the action.
The 98-year-old musician has been a regular at the Tauranga Jazz Festival for more than 40 years, playing in the Bay Big Band, Jazz-A-Plenty, and Dr Jazz and Friends. He plays the drums, double bass, bass guitar, piano, keyboard, various percussion instruments, and the little-known vibraphone.
Jack Claridge, 98, (far right) and his "fan club" (clockwise from left of Jack): Jude Braunias, Susie Windmill, Joan Whincup, Jill Leighton, Trevor Braunias, Gail Wood, and Jack's daughter Jackie Nahi at TECT Jazz Village. Photo / Alex Cairns
Stewart, who had been dancing for about 13 years, said they loved the jazz festival because of the music and were looking forward to seeing the Tea Dance at the Tauranga Citz Club on Sunday.
“The Tea Dance is an absolute highlight of the week.”
Swing dancers Bruce Stewart and Diana Prince at TECT Jazz Village. Photo / Alex Cairns
Winston Ordish-Benner was reminiscing about playing in the jazz festival’s youth band competition in 1998.
He was enjoying the music with his daughters Penny, 11, Ordish-Benner and Edith Ordish-Benner, nine.
“We are just here to enjoy the music and enjoy the day.”
Winston Ordish-Benner with Penny Ordish-Benner, 11, and Edith Ordish-Benner, nine, at TECT Jazz Village. Photo / Alex Cairns
Jo Allan and Judah Crockford were one of the first couples up and dancing.
“We are here to have a good time,” Allan said.
“We just love music,” Crockford said.
Kim Cutting and Gordon Fowles also couldn’t resist a boogie.
“We love coming to the jazz fest and listening to the different bands,” Cutting said. “We support everyone.”
