Events

We showcased the two NZSM Big Bands in July and what incredible performances they gave us. The standard of music from the July gigs was exceptional for such young players. At Capital Blues, we have a long and deep association with the NZSM Big Bands going back many years. There is the cherished link with … Continue reading "NZSM Big Bands 1 and 2"

Bass maestro Blain Fitzpatrick leans into his funky side with this ensemble.   Look at this perfect treat!   A super-hot entertainment front - featuring Ben Hunt on trumpet (Richter City Rebels, Raw Collective, Niko Nezna, AND poster man for the RNZAF big band) – with a perfect engine room. Blain, Jacob Randall (drums), and … Continue reading "Blain Fitzpatrick’s Funk Fiends"

Named after the rugged beauty of Wellington’s southern coastline, Wellington Heads bring their signature blend of swing, soul, and rhythm & blues to the Capital Blues Concert Series. With over 20 years of groove under their belts and a sound shaped by Kansas blue jazz, New Orleans funk, and Pacific rhythms, this six-piece is pure … Continue reading "Wellington Heads"

Aleister ‘Fizzwizard’ Campbell returns from Tamaki Makaurau (Auckland) to his hometown to inflict all manner of psychedelic-blues-joy upon the good people of Te-Upoko-o-te-Ika (Wellington).   Trained in a jazz conservatory then corrupted in dive bars and on the streets, Aleister James Campbell, with his evergreen love of Charlie Parker & Jimi Hendrix, is known for … Continue reading "FIZZWIZARD – The Return!!!"

Introspective songwriting, moving grooves, carefully placed melodies, lush harmonies, and the occasional splash of sass; Jess’s sound can only be described as cross-genre, beautifully weaving poetic lyrics through music influenced by jazz, folk, soul, blues, and classic rock. She is accompanied by Cam Steel on drums and percussion, beautifully adding texture and colour to tunes, … Continue reading "Jess and Cam"

The Dancing & Drinking Society (or DADS for short), is New Zealand’s premier exponent of authentic 1920s Blues & Jass. Their repertoire includes many of the Rags, Rambles, Shuffles, Drags, and Blues that our great-grandparents would have shimmied to in the juke joints, speakeasies, woolsheds and Memorial Halls of 1920s New Zealand. Although this combo … Continue reading "The Dancing & Drinking Society plus support, William Jackman"