Downbeat Big Band

Over the years the band has played at Jazz Festivals in Tauranga, Auckland, Bay of Islands and more and were a regular featured band at the Mandalay Tea Dances in the 80’s.

Band leaders have included Jack Morris, Barry Clewett, Alastair McMillan, Alan James, and currently Peter Ward. Sally Sadler was the feature singer for many years and after Sally’s retirement for a rural lifestyle up north, June Hays. Downbeat is now thrilled to be introducing an outstanding new talent, Alex Walls.

Downbeat’s music selection for the Jazz Club appearance will be a mix of traditional big band standards from Caravan to Cute and Birdland to Besame Mucho … with a sprinkling of creative arrangements of popular tunes like Saturday in the Park, and Rainbow Connection … and Alex’s interpretations of some of her favourites.

Non-member contact registration required at time of entry.