17 August 2022 - 0 Comments
Wellington Jazz Festival returns to amplify Labour Weekend this spring, bringing some of the top international names in jazz to Aotearoa, performing as part of the five-day festival (19-23 October).
Audiences will experience the incredible talent of music industry veterans, Grammy award winners and the very best from Aotearoa and beyond.
Launching the Headliner performances at the Opera House is Lalah Hathaway, five-time Grammy winner and daughter of American soul singer and musician Donny Hathaway.
An undeniable music royalty who has collaborated with top musicians including Mary J. Blige, Pharrell Williams and Kendrick Lamar, Hathaway will be performing live in Wellington for one night only. (Wed 19 October, 8pm)
Her first time in Aotearoa, Lalah Hathaway will perform a tribute to her father, Legacy: Lalah Hathaway sings Donny Hathaway, accompanied by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and guests.
Another Grammy award-winning artist, and undeniably unique MonoNeon, will thrill audiences with his mind-blowing and groundbreaking music.
Well known for his presence on YouTube playing bass guitar, he was also one of the last people to work with Prince and has collaborated with the likes of Mac Miller, Ne-Yo, Nas and more.
Described as the ‘greatest f*cking electric bass player’ by Flea of Red Hot Chili Peppers, MonoNeon will be performing his latest album Basquiat & Skittles alongside his band – and tickets are already selling fast. (Sat 22 October, 8pm)
Brooklyn-based Grammy-nominated saxophonist and composer, Melissa Aldana has garnered international recognition for her visionary work as a bandleader, as well as her meditative and innovative approach to songwriting.
Performing with her quartet, audiences are in for a night of fluid harmonies and grooving jazz from Aldana’s 2022 debut album, 12 Stars. (Sun 23 October, 7pm)
This is set to be an exceptional, and deeply personal performance by Aldana at Wellington’s Opera House.
New Zealand’s Louis Baker is undoubtedly one of the most soulful voices to emerge from Aotearoa’s musical landscape.
A musician who has toured the world playing at key international festivals, Louis has made a name for himself overseas as well as at home, with Rolling Stone magazine describing his 2021 EP Love Levitates as “luxurious funk-soul”.
Wellington Jazz Festival audiences are invited to be the first to hear his new work Duality and The Elements commissioned by the Festival for this one-night-only show. (Fri 21 October, 8pm)
Wellington Jazz Festival’s Director Ngā Toi Māori, Mere Boynton says, “We are proud to commission the work of Louis Baker for this very special show. Louis will take audiences on a journey through an uplifting performance, acknowledging whakapapa, aroha, and life’s observations.”
The Rodger Fox Big Band returns to the Festival this October with all new work, paying homage to the poetry of the late Hone Tuwhare, 1922-2008.
This special and timely performance celebrates the 50th anniversary of The Rodger Fox Big Band and marks what would have been Hone Tuwhare’s 100th birthday.
Audiences will be treated to the poems of Tuwhare through the melodic sounds of The Rodger Fox Big Band. (Sat 22 October, 2.30pm)
Wellington Jazz Festival Creative Director Marnie Karmelita says the Festival is excited to once again bring some of the biggest jazz influences to Aotearoa, as well as celebrate the talent within the country.
“We are thrilled to welcome these amazing musicians to the Wellington Jazz Festival. This city has an extraordinary jazz scene and we can’t wait to fill the streets with phenomenal music again this October.”
Tickets will be on sale from today on Ticketmaster. Further programme announcements including the 2022 jazz commissions will be made on 31 August. The Full Line-up will be released on 7 September.
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