New Orleans Stars Hit Right Note with Jazz Festival Goers

New Orleans Stars Hit Right Note with Jazz Festival Goers

Grammy Award-winning vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater, with Irvin Mayfield Jnr and the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, kicked off the Wellington Jazz Festival in spectacular style at the Opera House last night.

Playing to a full house, Dee Dee Bridgewater and Irvin Mayfield brought the warmth and soul of New Orleans to the capital for their one-off show, receiving a standing ovation from a crowd that had long been on its feet. The New Orleans Jazz Orchestra made history when it staged the first major cultural event inside the city after 2005’s Hurricane Katrina, and last night Wellington was able to experience both their immense talent and playful vibe.

Wellington Jazz Festival Artistic Director Shelagh Magadza said, “Dee Dee Bridgewater, Irvin Mayfield and the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra pulled one surprise after another out of the hat last night. There is genuine warmth and passion about their music and their mission, and it comes across on stage – a reminder of why live performance is so compelling. I’m sure 1000 people went home last night inspired to travel to New Orleans – I certainly was.”

The presentation of the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra in New Zealand was supported by the Embassy of the United States.

Other international headliners set to warm up Wellington this winter weekend include guitar prodigy Reinier Baas from Holland who will play with The More Socially Relevant Jazz Ensemble at 6pm tonight ahead of trans-Tasman talent led by Ross McHenry with Wellington jazz men Myele Manzanza and Adam Page, who take the stage at 9pm. Saturday night brings the celebrated French saxophonist Céline Bonacina and her trio to the Opera House, and Norwegian piano virtuoso Tord Gustaven, famous for his delicate, gospel-inspired music will play one show only on Sunday.

This year the jazz festival has over 100 events in four days, many of them free, such as the family friendly winter warmer market this Saturdayfrom 5pm in lower Cuba street.

Full programme at www.jazzfestival.co.nz.

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