Things to do  |  16 Mar 2023

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The longest running music festival in Christchurch has been reinvented as the Jazz & Cabaret Festival.

“Our audiences love jazz, cabaret, and tribute shows, so we’re bringing them all together for five days of all-out entertainment,” says festival director Jodi Wright.

 Formerly known as the New Zealand International Jazz and Blues Festival, the festival has a fresh new look and style which is reflected in the name and programming.

From 22 to 26 March the first Jazz & Cabaret Festival will take place at key venues around the central city including The Piano Centre for Music and the Arts, Fat Eddie’s, Little Andromeda and ARA Music Arts Auditorium.

“We have some amazing acts - more than 100 local, national and international musicians who will amp up the city with their smooth voices and bold performances," says Ms Wright. 

"It’s the right time to contribute a new, themed festival to the city’s  growing events calendar."

Ms Wright, who founded the Jazz Festival in 1995 and the World Buskers Festival in 1994, says the new name complements the traditional and contemporary styles of the festival programme. 

It includes two concerts from festival favourite and jazz great Mary Coughlan, who will perform in The Piano on 24 and 25 March.

Australia’s acclaimed cabaret singer and pianist Michael Griffiths (pictured above) will explore the colourful life and timeless songs of Cole Porter on 22 March at the Piano, followed by a greatest hits show on 23 March.

Going Bush – A Kate Bush Tribute at Little Andromeda on 25 March brings back songs like Running up that Hill and Babooshka with Charlotte Crone on vocals supported by an accomplished five-piece band.

Jennine Bailey, Ali Harper, Naomi Ferguson, Ngā Reo Tīoriori, All Girl Big Band and Eat My Shorts are just some of the other amazing acts who will be performing over the course of the five days.

The complete festival programme and booking details can be found on the Jazz & Cabaret Festival website.