Get ready to dance the Easter weekend away as Tauranga CBD explodes with some of the hottest jazz, funk, dance and contemporary music of today and yesteryear.

The 57th National Jazz Festival starts today, featuring classic jazz and blues right through to swing and funk, which will have you dancing in the streets thanks to a world-class line-up of local and international musicians.

Spread across four days, the festival features incredible jazz concerts at the Baycourt Community & Arts Centre, the ever-popular Hurricane Party, a Vintage Car Parade plus a two-day jazz party at the Downtown Carnival, and sunset jazz cruises on Tauranga Harbour.

'This festival is truly unique and we are confident it will continue to put jazz and Tauranga on the map,” says festival director Mandy Ryan.

'The public excitement has been fantastic and tickets have been selling fast across all shows. There are only limited numbers left, so it will pay to get in quick or miss out.”

As in previous years, 2019 will showcase an eclectic mix of musicians – spanning more than 55 acts performing at eight venues.

Headline acts include the Bay's very own Hollie Smith, Bella Kalolo paying tribute to the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin, living musical legend Kim Paterson, and American alto-saxophonist Dick Oatts combining with The New Zealand String Quartet to celebrate the works of legendary saxophonist Charlie Parker.

'We are confident we have something for everyone and it has all the makings for a jam-packed Easter of jazz,” says Mandy.

'Make sure you put on your dancing shoes, dress up in vintage or retro, and help us make it memorable.”

This year's National Jazz Festival Tauranga runs from today through to Easter Sunday, April 21. For more information, visit: www.jazz.org.nz or get your tickets from Ticketek or Baycourt Community & Arts Centre Box Office.