Jazz in the Park concert on Levin given green light after Covid-19 hiccup

Brasso will perform at Jazz in the Park this weekend.

Jazz in the Park concert organisers can finally let loose three top jazz bands from the Kapiti Coast who are itching to take the stage.

The jazz music event was to have been held in February, but was rescheduled for this Sunday following the last bout of Covid-19 alert level restrictions late last month.

Levin & Districts Brass president Chris Craddock said the popular free concert was a highlight on the musical calendar and it would have been a shame to see it cancelled altogether.

Bands had now been given to green light to polish the brass.

"We are delighted," he said.

"To be hosting this free community event again in 2021 on this postponement date after coming out of Covid alert level 2 restrictions in such an ideal setting as the Levin Adventure Park."

Brasso will perform at Jazz in the Park this weekend.

Opening the day would be 12-piece Kapiti based Latin American Jazz Ensemble Brasso, who delight crowds with their unique style of popular jazz, and they have promised to perform two contrasting sets.

Brasso will mix some classic jazz numbers with some originals written for the band by leader David Langley. A feature will be the singing of special guest vocalist Tineke Snow with her powerful yet soulful voice.

Craddock said the feature band for the afternoon, due to start at 1.30pm, is the Queen Fox Trio from the Kapiti Coast.

Queen Fox Trio is made up of three highly talented and professional musicians who will present a polished performance of popular Jazz numbers.

Queen Fox Trio - Dwyne Diack, Jon Pirini and Jess Deacon.

Featured vocalist is Jess Deacon, who was well known throughout New Zealand for her singing versatility. She had performed at numerous events the length of the country.

The final band for the afternoon at 2.30pm is local Horowhenua jazz band Fine and Mellow, who will entertain until 3.30pm.

A local five-piece jazz ensemble with a "mellow" sound of traditional jazz numbers, featuring keyboard and vocals.

Unfortunately, though, the hometown connection will be missing. Levin & Districts Brass Band will not be performing as key band members were unavailable to meet the new date.

Levin and Districts Brass Band can't make it this weekend to Jazz in the Park after the event was rescheduled.

Craddock advised jazz-goers to "come early, bring a blanket and picnic basket and enjoy some top quality jazz played by some of the very best musicians in the Horowhenua and Kapiti Coast".

"Once again this year we have gained generous financial support from the Southern Trust to hold this free community event. We are indebted to this trust for their assistance," he said.

Jazz in the Park has become an iconic event for the Horowhenua Summer Season of Entertainment.

"Over an eight-year period the Jazz in the Park concerts have been such a great success that people asked us to hold the event again this year," he said.

The event is on wet or fine.

"The forecast is for perfect fine weather so come along and look for the bands performing on the stage attached to the kiosk at the Southern end of the Levin Adventure Park."

Just in case, the backup indoor venue is The Salvation Army Worship & Community Centre, 11 Durham St, Levin, with the later starting time of 12.30pm.

Jazz in the Park runs from 11.30am to 3.30pm at Levin Adventure Park, Oxford St, Levin. Cost: No charge – a free community event, all welcome.