Tauranga’s jazz scene is about to burst into life once again.

The Port of Tauranga 63rd National Jazz Festival brings international acts, top local musicians and nearly 900 students to stages across the city over the Easter long weekend.

Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale said the festival fills the city with the sights, sounds and spirit of jazz.

“A fantastic way to round out a full summer of events.”

Festival organiser Marc Anderson said the line-up was curated to offer something for all music lovers.

“It’s a weekend of joy with great music, and being part of creating the platform for live music is something I love.”

This year’s programme ranges from delicate Chinese‑influenced jazz to explosive fusion sets.

International talent returns in full force, with the Adrian Cox Trio back after last year’s sellout shows.

Anderson also praised bassist Benjamin J Shepherd as “international class”, making a rare homecoming after time in Los Angeles.

Some concerts were ticketed, but street performances and music in the CBD remained open to all.

“If everyone is buzzing after the festival, that’s success.”

Guitarist Nick Granville in action. Photo / Supplied

Nick Granville’s Funk and Drum Extravaganza headlines the Saturday night show at Baycourt.

It brings together Wellington, Sydney and Tauranga musicians.

The performance is in two halves: a classic jazz organ trio followed by a high‑energy funk set.

The second half features two drummers playing simultaneously, and a third is added for the finale, creating what Granville describes as a visual and exciting experience.

His band is stacked with talent, including Darren Mathiassen, whom he called the “busiest drummer in New Zealand”, known for work with Shapeshifter, Hollie Smith and Rob Ruha.

Also performing were Stan Bicknell, fresh off a European tour with Natasha Bedingfield, and Mark Lockett, who has spent two decades in the New York jazz scene.

One of the festival’s centrepieces is the National Youth Jazz Competition.

Nearly 900 students from 42 schools will come to Tauranga, with organisers calling it the ”Aims Games of jazz”.

Competition managers Liam and Mandy Ryan said the event had grown so rapidly, it was close to outgrowing its facilities - a challenge they welcomed.

Fifteen years ago there were barely a dozen bands, now there are nearly 100.

“We give them the Steinway - a $300,000 piano - and all the best equipment, lighting, sound, everything. They really get a sense of what’s possible as a performer.”

Now in its 48th year, the National Youth Jazz Competition is the country’s longest‑running youth jazz event.

Several notable musicians have stood on its stage, including Hollie Smith and Louisa Williamson, a saxophonist who has played with L.A.B, from Whakatāne.

“Just about every band in New Zealand has someone who came through this Tauranga programme.

“It’s almost like the birthplace of New Zealand jazz.”

Tauranga Boys’ College rehearse ahead of the National Youth Jazz Competition. Photo / Zoe Blake

Tauranga Boys’ College’s music students have been preparing for months, rehearsing two to three times a week on top of regular commitments.

John Page, assistant principal and director of arts and culture, said the competition pushed the band to reach a high standard early in the year.

He said the school had a strong jazz culture, with plenty of national awards and a reputation for producing high‑level young musicians.

Outside school, many were active in Tauranga’s music scene and performed at gigs. Several planned to take their music further.

Despite their ages, many students were seasoned competitors.

Ollie Larson, 17, first entered in Year 10 - this year is his fourth.

He said he is excited to perform, and connect with musicians from other schools, and hopefully fit in some jam sessions.

For performer Lenny Hoskin, 16, whose father Paul is also playing multiple gigs over the weekend, jazz stood apart.

It offered space to “show yourself more than other genres”.

Hoskin hoped to leave school early to study jazz fulltime in Wellington, while Larson was considering a conjoint degree that kept music in the mix.

Trombonist Xavier Churchouse prepares for the National Youth Jazz Competition. Photo / Zoe Blake

A highlight of the three‑day competition is its Big Band, featuring standout young musicians selected through auditions.

Eighteen of the 900 students were chosen, after 100 auditions.

With only a few rehearsals before the performance, the band relies on the skill of its players.

Larson, who was selected for the band, said the performers were ”so good that it kind of just comes together".

Loretta Crawford, Tourism Bay of Plenty head of destination marketing, said the festival’s impact was felt across the city.

“It adds a positive vibe right across the city, setting venues like Baycourt, The Cargo Shed and The Historic Village humming with locals and visitors.

“It’s the unique combination of heritage, talent and energy that makes it so compelling.”

See the full list of Jazz Festival events at jazz.org.nz.

Free Events

Uptown Downtown

Saturday and Sunday

Held across Tauranga CBD and Mount Maunganui.

It includes two main outdoor stages: The Barrel Room Stage in Wharf St and the Red Square Stage, outside CBK.

Additional outdoor performance spots are at Masonic Park, outside Macau, Lonestar/Oscar and Otto and The Cornerstone/Rusty’s.

Live music CBD venues include Zozos, 1920, Satori, Manhattan and The Book Club.

Mount Maunganui live performances will run at Sailor, Brew, The Cruise Deck and Mount Social Club.

Vintage Car Parade

Saturday, 2pm at The Strand, Tauranga CBD. Display from 2.30pm-3.30pm

Jazz at The Mount

Monday, 12pm-2pm at Porotakataka Park.

Zoe Blake is a multimedia journalist at the Bay of Plenty Times and Rotorua Daily Post.