Longest running music festival in Christchurch reinvented with jazz and cabaret

Christchurch City Council has advised that the city’s longest running music festival has been reinvented as the Jazz & Cabaret Festival. Formerly known as the New Zealand International Jazz and Blues Festival, the festival has a fresh new look and style which is reflected in the name and programming.

From 22nd to 26th March the first Jazz & Cabaret Festival will take place at key venues around the central city including The Piano Centre for Music and the Arts, Fat Eddie’s, Little Andromeda and ARA Music Arts Auditorium.

Festival director Jodi Wright notes “our audiences love jazz, cabaret, and tribute shows, so we’re bringing them all together for five days of all-out entertainment.

“We have some amazing acts - more than 100 local, national and international musicians who will amp up the city with their smooth voices and bold performances.

"It’s the right time to contribute a new, themed festival to the city’s growing events calendar."

Wright, who founded the Jazz Festival in 1995 and the World Buskers Festival in 1994, says the new name complements the traditional and contemporary styles of the festival programme.

It includes two concerts from festival favourite and jazz great Mary Coughlan, who will perform in The Piano on 24th and 25th March.

Australia’s acclaimed cabaret singer and pianist Michael Griffiths (pictured top) will explore the colourful life and timeless songs of Cole Porter on 22nd March at the Piano, followed by a greatest hits show on 23rd March.

Going Bush – A Kate Bush Tribute at Little Andromeda on 25th March brings back songs like Running up that Hill and Babooshka with Charlotte Crone on vocals supported by an accomplished five-piece band.

Jennine Bailey, Ali Harper, Naomi Ferguson, Ngā Reo Tīoriori, All Girl Big Band and Eat My Shorts are just some of the other amazing acts who will be performing over the course of the five days.

The complete festival programme and booking details can be found on the Jazz & Cabaret Festival website.

Image: Pianist Michael Griffiths. Credit: Christchurch City Council