Events

One-man skiffle band with songs inspired by the sounds of the Blues, Early Jazz, Western Swing, Ragtime, and more.   Captivating storytelling intertwines effortlessly with heart-stopping harmonica. Multiple guitar styles are underpinned by his left and right feet frantically pounding the kick drum and hi-hat. The listener is left simply wondering, "How the hell does … Continue reading "Li’l Chuck – The One-Man Skiffle Machine"

Turn up the volume and lock into the groove. As part of the 2026 Wellington Jazz Festival, Capital Blues is bringing you a night of pure, unadulterated musical fire with the Crayford-Granville-Jensen Trio. Taking the high-octane spirit of classic 1960s Hammond organ trios and supercharging it for today, this powerhouse lineup delivers a lethal dose … Continue reading "The Crayford-Granville-Jensen Trio"

Luka loves to recreate classic jazz sax albums. Last year he led a quintet performing Coltrane’s Blue Train. This year for Wellington Jazz Festival it is Gerry Mulligan’s Night Lights.   A Classic West Coast album from a titan of the baritone saxophone. Recreated in exacting detail and skill with an added personal touch by … Continue reading "Luka van Rensburg – Gerry Mulligan’s Night Lights"

Sgt. Bertie’s Lonely Jazz Club Jazz Band Presents: The Loneliest Jazz Band in all the Land! (featuring special jazz guests).   Have no fear! Decorated swing veteran Sgt. Bertrum Bertholomew Hendelby is here! With his band of merry misfits in tow.   There’s no swing, rag, or good-old-back-home-just-like-mama-used-to-make blues that he can’t handle. His selection … Continue reading "Sergeant Bertie’s Lonely Jazz Club Band"

Saxophonist Frank Talbot presents high-energy, exciting jazz featuring a band of virtuosos.   A former member of the Rodger Fox Big Band, RNZAF Band and current section leader of the Queen City Big Band, Talbot has toured his music around the country and released his album 'Mundane Life Updates' through Rattle Records.   Joining forces … Continue reading "Frank Talbot and his Franktastic Four"

Wellington’s own blues-rock Super Group. See them while you can.   Reheating some of the tastiest bluesy treats and dousing them with a heroic dose of spicy sauce, The Doggy Bags serve up high-energy grooves to get the party cranking.   The roguish trio (consisting of Tyson Smith, Paul Mouncey, and Peter Elliot) save nothing … Continue reading "The Doggy Bags"