Summary of Free Gigs
Eight venues in Nelson have teamed up to provide 14 fantastic free shows during the festival.
All Girl Mini Band
The All Girl Big Band in miniature form, in jazz café style.
Where: River Kitchen
When: Thursday 3rd January 2019 @ 4pm
Entry: Free
Bourbon St Beat
Jazz classics in the New Orleans style, with the addition of vocalist Jane Winter.
Where: 1903 Square NBS Gigs
When: Wednesday 2nd January 2019 @ 11.30am
Entry: Free
Django Schmango
Gypsy jazz performed with verve, skill and an obvious pleasure that’s irresistible to jazz and non-jazz listeners alike.
Where: Washbourn Gardens Twilight Concert
When: Wednesday 2nd January 2019 @ 5pm
Entry: by donation, $5 suggested, under 16 years free, covers five bands
McCashin’s Hop Garden Cafe Jazz
This gig sums up the Nelson JazzFest: an absolutely wonderful band in a relaxed setting. Trust us on this one and go if you possibly can.
Where: Founders Park
When: Thursday 3rd January 2019 @ 12.30 – 3pm
Entry: Free
Hot Tonic
Expect to be surprised by USA-based band that merges jazz with diverse musical elements ranging from funk to blues to rock.
Where: Founders Park Twilight Concert
When: Saturday 5th January 2019, 5pm
Entry: $10 at gate, under 16 years free, covers five bands
Where: Bamboo Tiger
When: Saturday 5th January 2019 @ 8pm
Entry: Free
Jane & Francis – Post Modern Piano and Vocals
The established musical partnership of Jane Winter and Francis Meria (vocals/keyboard) bring their classy act to the Bamboo Bar.
Where: Bamboo Tiger
When: Friday 4th January 2019 @ 8pm
Entry: Free
JP Niles
JP Niles has been playing ‘under the radar’ for a number of years now. He will draw you in with beautiful songs and compositions rather than chart hits.
Where: Rhythm & Brown
When: Thursday 3rd January 2019 @ 8pm
Entry: Free
Los Galanes
A vibrant and energetic programme of Latin- and French-style jazz, perfect for dancing.
Where: Kirby Lane
When: Thursday 3rd January 2019 @ 2 – 4pm
Entry: Free
NCMA Youth Jazz Orchestra
Students under 19 years old showcase their passion for improvisation and playing in the jazz style.
Where: 1903 Square NBS Gigs
When: Wednesday 2nd January 2019 @ 12.30pm
Entry: Free
Out on Bail
Upbeat jazz standards with a difference, featuring a sax/flugelhorn frontline.
Where: Honest Lawyer
When: Thursday 3rd January 2019 @ 4 – 6pm
Entry: Free
Out on Bail with George Rutledge
Upbeat jazz standards with a difference, featuring the smooth sounds of George Rutledge on vocals.
Where: 1903 Square NBS Gigs
When: Friday 4th January 2019 @ 11.30 – 1.30pm
Entry: Free
Steve Mitchell Trio with Paul Denny
A thrillingly laid-back set of original songs, lo-fi funk, back-porch blues and more! Joined by Paul Denny on Harmonica.
Where: Smugglers
When: Wednesday 2nd January 2019 @ 3 – 6pm
Entry: Free
Steve Mitchell
Steve’s original songs blend soul, acoustic blues, classic 60’s pop and singer-songwriter styles.
Where: Rhythm & Brown
When: Friday 4th January 2019 @ 8pm
Entry: Free
West Coast Blues
Ivan Outram and friends serve up helpings of an up-tempo fusion of jazz and blues.
Where: Smugglers
When: Friday 4th January 2019 @ 3 – 6pm
Entry: Free