Stellar line-up for jazz festival

The Royal New Zealand Navy Band.

The iconic National Jazz Festival returns to Tauranga for the 53rd year at Easter weekend.

Festival director Becks Chambers said with the Baycourt Concert Series, Downtown Carnival, the New Orleans-style Jazz Village, the Hurricane Party Series and the National Jazz Youth Competition there would be something to cater for everyone's tastes.

The festival, which runs from April 2 to 6, includes 13 concerts, nine will be at Baycourt, 3 at the Mauao Performing Arts centre at Mount Maunganui for younger audiences.

Plus a sold-out concert at Trinity Wharf Hotel, she said.

Ms Chambers said more than 1000 musicians had been invited to the city this Easter.

"We have got 250 young musicians from all over the country coming to compete in the 38th National Youth Jazz Competition, featuring nine big bands and 13 combos," she said.

Ms Chambers said the line of performers also included two of the country's finest Big Bands - The Royal New Zealand Navy Band and The Tauranga Big Band, as well as Russian-born Australian based vocalist Fantine with her fusion of pure jazz, indie and electric soul.

Fantine will be accompanied by a stellar New Zealand band led by uber bassist and musical director Richie Pickard and featuring award-winning jazz pianist Kevin Field, she said.

The line-up also includes award-winning Galapagos Duck, the best known jazz band in Australia.

Ms Chambers said last year more than 4000 tickets sold for the Concert Series and more than 8000 people walked through the gates to the Jazz Village on Easter Sunday and Monday.

In addition, more than 30,000 people attended the Downtown Carnival, and more than 500 students were involved in the National Youth Jazz Competition, Baby Jazz and Young Guns of the Blues concerts.

Since the 50th festival, the focus had turned to national performers rather than international acts, because it was what the community wanted, she said.

"Ticket sales are little bit behind last year's sales and, while the Trinity concert has sold out, it appears because Easter has come a bit earlier this year some people have left it to the last minute. I really do hope people come in to get their tickets so they are not disappointed."

Tickets can be purchased online at ticketek.co.nz or by phoning 0800 842 538.