Easter swings on Waiheke

Easter means many things to many people, but for those of the jazz faith it means three full days of great music on Waiheke Island in the Hauraki Gulf.

Now in its 10th year, the Waiheke Island of Jazz festival brings some of America's and Australia's finest - and most fun - musicians to a beautiful and relaxing island location 40 minutes from downtown Auckland.

This year the bill includes return appearances by New Orleans stars Lillian Boutte and Charmaine Neville (with their respective bands), a 15-piece swing orchestra from Paris, the gypsy jazz group Waso from Europe, French trumpeter Patrick Artero, David "Tork" Torkanowsky who is Dianne Reeves' musical director, and jazz pianist and clarinettist Butch Thompson from the United States, who is steeped in the New Orleans traditions.

In addition to these and others on the international lineup there are literally dozens of local artists playing in various venues across the island.

The main event concerts are two minutes' walk from Matiatia, where the ferry pulls in.

A weekend passport from Fullers allows patrons boat and bus travel plus entry to more than 20 island venues.

The festival begins in the Grande Marquee on Thursday, April 12, at 8 pm with a taster of the main international acts.

Swinging under the late summer sun is what it's all about.

Details: phone (09) 372 5301 or check Waiheke Jazz.