Haines to play Easter jazz festival

Bay residents are sure to enjoy the 51st annual Easter Tauranga National Jazz Festival which will feature performances across the city over five days.

The festival concert series opens with a gala concert, Sons Of Sinatra, at Baycourt Theatre on Thursday, March 28.

Among other highlights will be appearances by The New Zealand Army Band in concert with the Tauranga Big Band.

London-based saxophonist Nathan Haines, who is currently enjoying international success in the wake of his last album release The Poet's Embrace, brings his band to the festival.

Christchurch jazz vocalist Jennine Bailey will also be bringing her Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald show to the Baycourt Theatre.

The festival is hosting the 36th National Youth Jazz Competitions at Baycourt Theatre on March 29 and 30.

The youth jazz competitions are a feature of the festival with up to 200 young performers from schools up and down the country attending to compete in the Jazz Combo and Big Band competitions.

For more information visit www.jazz.org.nz. To purchase tickets phone Ticket Direct on 0800 224 224 or (07) 577 7188 or go to www.ticketdirect.co.nz.