I'm new. In every way possible. I'm new to Tauranga, I'm new to blogging, compared to some of you I'm relatively new to this world, and I'm new to Jazz. But this morning, when I was handed at the last minute the baton of Jazz Festival blogging, I got excited. Here's a chance to not only discover the world of jazz for myself, but to share that experience, and that's what I'm starting tonight. So, hello jazz world!
I'm excited for the soulful funk of Earth, Wind and Fire - and what better festival for them to play their first EVER kiwi gig at, than the 50th National Jazz Festival? But it's not all about the big gig - the Lizard Kings' look set to 'play tribute' to the Doors, the Tauranga All Stars will no doubt bring down the roof of the University of Waikato Jazz Club, and the Jazz Village and Downtown Carnival looks full of variety! Tauranga is certainly the place to be this long weekend.
If you'll excuse the pun, the only thing that could possibly put any dampener on the weekend is this weather bomb (the third in four weeks!) rolling on down from Fiji. I've got my fingers and toes crossed, and I'm praying to the weather gods, practising ancient rain dances and doing everything I can to try and prevent it. Though I'm sure a little rain won't dampen the spirits of festivalgoers!
Right - that's all from me for today. I'll be charging up my camera overnight and checking out the "History of jazz ... according to Tauranga" exhibition tomorrow at Creative Tauranga on the corner of Willow and Wharf downtown. Consider this my study into the genre and history of the festival before the festivities kick off later this week! It comes with great recommendation so I'll be sure to update you tomorrow night, hopefully with pictures!
And until then, to steal a line from famous yet fictional lover of jazz, Ron Burgundy, you stay classy, Tauranga!
Hei kona mai me te aroha,
Josh - your new Jazz festival blogger
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