Jazz fans are being encouraged to think beyond socks and chocolates this Christmas, with early bird tickets now on sale for the Port of Tauranga 63rd National Jazz Festival.

Festival organiser Marc Anderson said he is excited about the calibre and diversity of musicians featured in the programme, which runs from March 27-April 6.

“We’ve got an incredibly strong line-up this year.

“Many of our performers rub shoulders with the best internationally and it’s great to see them here.”

Highlights include the return to NZ of Benjamin J Shepherd, who has spent years on the Los Angeles music scene playing with legends such as Lee Ritenour, Dave Weckl and Peter Erskine. He will perform on the Jazz Village’s main stage with vocalist Terra Deva.

The Tauranga Big Band will present Everything in its Right Place, featuring pop and rock interpretations arranged by Pāpāmoa-based saxophonist Mark Dennison, who has played with John Farnham and Elaine Page.

The Adrian Cox Trio will be performing at the Port of Tauranga 63rd National Jazz Festival in 2026. Photo / Supplied

Other highlights include the opening show TNT - a mix of reo Māori with big band jazz, the Katikati Street Party, live music at the Katikati swimming pool, and an expanded Jazz Village at Tauranga Historic Village with additional indoor concerts.

Uptown Downtown performances in Tauranga and Mount Maunganui will see bands hosted in bars and restaurants, creating an intimate New Orleans-style atmosphere.

Baycourt shows include Kokomo celebrating 35 years, Waypeople’s fusion of lyrical jazz and ancient Chinese wisdom, Nick Granville’s Funk and Drum Extravaganza, and the Adrian Cox Trio.

Youth development remains central to the festival, with the Wright Family Foundation 48th National Youth Jazz Festival running from March 30-April 1.

“It’s always good to see hundreds of students here for the competition,” Anderson said. “It’s a time for them to grow in confidence and skill, and prepare, like many have before them, for a life of fulfilment through music.”

Tickets are on sale at jazz.org.nz