US guitar maestro headlines Jazz Week line up
American blues guitar master Chris Cain heads the exciting line up for Te Kōkī New Zealand School of Music’s Jazz Week next month.
The award-winning blues musician will be supported by the New Zealand School of Music (NZSM) Big Band in this one-off concert, and directed by NZSM lecturer and top jazz trombonist Dr Rodger Fox.
“Although Chris is well known for his authentic traditional blues player sound, he also brings a jazz influence to his playing. He has a voice like an early Ray Charles and also plays really good piano and sax that cross over into jazz. His work is a great way to showcase the diversity of genre,” he says.
Chris will also run a free workshop the next day at the University and is open to all musicians, particularly those interested in the blues.
Jazz Week runs from 11-18 March and includes two free concerts featuring staff and students from NZSM’s jazz programme.
The week is being held to celebrate the shift of the School’s jazz programme from Mount Cook to Victoria’s Kelburn campus where the School’s other music programmes are based, and includes free public performances by the School’s staff and students.
NZSM director, Euan Murdoch, says the week will highlight the School’s jazz programme and throughout the year there will be events to showcase other programmes such as orchestra, opera and composition.
“After establishing NZSM back in 2006, it's wonderful to have all our staff and students together on one campus at last,” he says.
Chris Cain with NZSM Big Band
When: 7-9.30pm, Thursday 17 March
Where: Victoria University Memorial Theatre, 19 Kelburn Parade, Wellington
Cost: $25 adult, $10 student tickets available from Eventfinda
Pre-show food and drinks will be available at Milk and Honey cafe, near the theatre.
Jazz at Lunchtime
When: 12.10pm, Friday 11 March
Where: Studio 310, Student Union Building, Victoria University, 19 Kelburn Parade
Cost: Free
Rodger Fox’s Open Rehearsals
When: 4:30pm Wednesday 16 March
Where: Memorial Theatre, Student Union Building, Victoria University, 19 Kelburn Parade
Cost: Free
Chris Cain Masterclass
When: 2pm, Friday 18 March
Where: Studio 310, Student Union Building, Victoria University, 19 Kelburn Parade
Cost: Free
Jazz Happy Hour
When: 5pm, Friday 18 March
Where: Hunter Lounge, Hunter Building, Victoria University, Gate 2, Kelburn Parade
Cost: Free