A dynamic blend of te reo Māori and big band jazz will ignite the stage at Baycourt as TNT! Capital City Big Band launches the Port of Tauranga 63rd National Jazz Festival.

Their powerful bilingual performance is set to be a standout of the 11‑day celebration, which will see Tauranga come alive with music, culture and energy from March 27 to April 6.

Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale said the city was proud to support music and the arts through events like the National Jazz Festival.

“The festival fills Tauranga with the sights, sounds and spirit of jazz and is a fantastic way to round out a full summer of events.

“It creates a real buzz across the city, with venues like Baycourt, The Cargo Shed and The Historic Village hosting live music, and our bars and restaurants humming throughout the festival with visitors and locals.”

Festival director Marc Anderson said it’s a privilege to be part of a festival with such a long and proud history.

“For more than six decades the festival has brought people together through a shared love of live music, and it’s incredibly special to see that tradition continue to grow.

“What makes the festival so special is the atmosphere it creates in the streets, venues and public spaces that are filled with the sound of talented musicians, enthusiastic audiences and the unmistakable spirit that jazz inspires.”

A highlight of the festival was the National Youth Jazz Competition, held from March 30 to April 1, at Baycourt Community & Arts Centre, a platform for the next generation of jazz talent from across the country.

This year, a record 850 students from 42 secondary schools would take part, featuring 62 combos and 29 big bands, according to Tauranga City Council.

Competition manager Liam Ryan said the event brings together some of the best student musicians in the country.

“The level of playing is unbelievably high and the repertoire is challenging. Audiences can expect some real musical fireworks.”

The Baycourt Concert Series again anchored the festival programme, with a diverse line-up celebrating jazz and contemporary music.

Highlights included Nick Granville’s Funk & Drum Extravaganza, the return of the internationally acclaimed Adrian Cox Trio from the UK, and a special 35-year celebration performance by Bay of Plenty favourites Kokomo.

Across Easter weekend, Saturday, April 4, and Sunday, April 5, the Uptown Downtown programme will offer a fresh take on the festival’s traditional weekend, spreading live jazz, blues, funk and soul through bars, restaurants and venues across Tauranga and Mount Maunganui.

Live music will also feature in the city centre at Red Square, Wharf Street, Masonic Park and nearby bars and restaurants, creating ideal outdoor spaces to enjoy music.

“The National Jazz Festival would not be possible without the incredible support of the many talented artists, venues, sponsors and partners who come together each year to bring the festival to life,” Anderson said.

“We’re proud to see the festival stay true to its roots as a celebration of music, creativity and community.”