We invite you to the very first Waimakariri Jazz and Blues weekend. Join us in Waimakariri, North Canterbury to experience some raw talent, from smooth classics, gritty rock, toe-tapping country, to big bands, all in authentic community venues.
There is a smorgasbord of local musicians from North Canterbury and beyond converging to make music and create experiences that are shaping up to be something special. There’s a flavour for every ear wrapped up in the jazz and blues mix.
Friday, 17th October
10.00 am – 12.30 pm: Jazz with Danny Wilson Ohoka Market. Free
Danny Wilson (Dan) Saxophone loves music and has been a member of some great bands including opening for Joe Cocker in Christchurch and Dunedin. Danny has played in ‘Louie and the Hotstix’ plus ‘Sneaky Feet’, and too many other bands to mention playing sax, flute and vocals.”
2.00 pm -3.00 pm: The Kay Duncan Trio, , Rangiora Library. Free
The Kay Duncan Trio blend originals with a handpicked selection of iconic 1950s covers and beyond creating a nostalgic yet fresh soundscape. With upright bass, acoustic rhythm vocals, and expressive lead guitar, their set flows between mellow grooves and upbeat charm—designed to connect deeply with the audience.
Opening Night
A night bringing back that community hall flavour with a classical big band sound featuring
7pm: Lisa Tui and Friends. Lisa’s music style is a mix of jazz and folk with a definitive New Zealand groove.
Enjoy delicious tiny cakes and tea before Ellesmere Big Band take to the stage.
Then, dance or sit back and enjoy The Ellesmere Big Band, one of the oldest bands in the South Island, originating in 1902. After the addition of saxes and rhythm in 2004, the band has developed into a swinging big band, inclusive of saxes and rhythm section.
Ohoka Hall, Mill Road, Ohoka. Tickets $35pp
Saturday, 18th October – The Saturday Roll Up
10 am: Take-2, The Kaiapoi Saturday Market, Charles Street, opposite New World. Free
Take 2 are no strangers to Waimakariri having performed for Down by the River and Boulder Copper Sounds in 2025 a fun, friendly classy duo with a dash or percussion- songs range from sweet and sassy including blues, jazz to country. They love what they do and it shows in their music.
12.30 pm: The Mule, Playing in the Kompost Kave at The Kaiapoi Community Garden. Food available to purchase, plus activities. Free
The Mule is a high-energy Big- band, delivering a genre-blending mix of rock, soul, funk, and ska. (Ska is a vibrant music genre that originated in Jamaica in the late 1950s. It blends Caribbean mento and calypso with American jazz and rhythm & blues). With a powerhouse brass section and infectious grooves. expect bold rhythms, seamless fusion, and an afternoon musical magic.
3.30 pm – 6.00 pm: The Meaniez, Urban Revival cafe, 42 Silverstream Boulevard, Free.
The Meaniez are amped up about their show at Urban Revival for the DBTR Jazz and Blues Festival on 18 October. Expect a veritable banquet of trad and classic electric blues, as well as a deep dive into a range of rhythm & blues standards and tunes off the beaten track. The Meaniez play it all, and they serve it up with plenty of fun and skill. You can listen, you can dance, you can sing along, but you can’t miss these guys !!!
8.30 pm: Whiskey Tuesday, Manderville Tavern-corner of Raven Quay and Black Street. Free
Whisky Tuesday delivers music that moves — a band of seasoned musicians who know how to stir a crowd. Fronted by the dynamic Sandy Legs, whose voice blends soul, swagger, and a touch of wild, the band brings a rich, rootsy energy to the Mandy, their sound is as bold as the whisky they toast with.
8.30 pm: Feelgood Factor, Kaikanui Tavern, 67 Williams Street, Kaiapoi. Free
The Feelgood Factor are primarily a Rhythm & Blues Band playing driving infectious music which people love dancing to. The group highlights the core essence of Rhythm & Blues Music and aim to attract and appeal to an audience looking for something a little different. Music with Rhythm, Heart & Soul. When the group start cooking, things heat up and the music is made for dancing….. It’s a Rhythm Revival!
7 pm: Glyn MacDonald Trio. Saint Bartholomews Church, 22 Cass Street, Kaiapoi.
With 25 years of jazz mastery, renowned for his original compositions and captivating performances, Gyn and his trio deliver Jazz that is both elegant and emotionally resonant. He is a seasoned performer who has played for royalty and collaborated with orchestras and other well know musicians.
Tickets $25pp
Sunday, 19th October
10 am – 12.30: Faiz Price, Oxford Market, Free
“Faiz Price is a multi-talented artist, equally at home on saxophone, keys, and guitar—with a voice that echoes the soulful charm of Lionel Richie.”
12 pm – 1pm: The Alijoys Duo, Station Café Rangiora. Free
Alison and Lyn are no strangers to the South Island’s country and blues circuit, having graced stages at festivals and local clubs from coast to coast. With Lyn’s soulful harmonica weaving through Alison’s rich vocals and guitar work, the duo brings a sound steeped in jazz and blues tradition.
1.30 pm – 4.30 pm: Sunday Blues: 1 Smith Street, Kaiapoi Rugby Club Rooms
The Fabulous Blue Beats, bring psychedelic indie, energised electric jazz-blues to the stage. Stephanie McKewan will leave you wanting more as you enjoy songs from Etta James, Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone, Susan Tedeschi and Jefferson Airplane.
House of Kahuranghi, where the boundaries of blues, rhythm and blues, and electrifying energy converge. Their sound is a potent fusion of delta blues and London’s 60s revival with distinctive Kiwi twist.
Phil Doublet, a multi award winning artist/musician and brings 4 decades of music to the stage. Playing in bands since 11 years old, becoming a session player, touring musician, solo performer and recently a record producer.
Lachlan Platt an incredible young blues guitarist and singer who will perform and unplugged solo gig. Be prepared to be enthralled by this charismatic musician.
Tickets: $25 pp
For ticketed events, either pay individually or get a weekend pass.
For tickets: visit here
