The Hawke's Bay Jazz Club Big Band

While the Hawke’s Bay Jazz Club has had several Big Bands over the years, the current Band is the longest-serving of them all having started in 1991 driven by well known Napier musician, the late Ernie Rouse.

The Band is a voluntary group and provides a comfortable, supportive and friendly environment in which to make music. The Musical Directors are James Lowe and Alex Walker.

The band rehearses weekly and members come from all over Hawke’s Bay – including Central HB – to attend both practices and performances. Currently the Band’s members range in age from 15 to 75 – proving that Jazz is something for all ages.

The Hawke’s Bay Jazz Club big band was reformed in 1991 and since then has become a major contributor not only to the annual Art Deco Celebrations, but also the dance and jazz communities in the region. The band regularly travels overseas to perform.

The best little arts festival in the bay is back! Fringe in the ‘Stings celebrates the breadth of talent in Heretaunga and beyond with a smorgasbord of artistic delights to suit every palate, at a price everyone can afford.

Fringe looks a little different this year, with a range of shows throughout the festival at St Matthew’s Hall on Eastbourne Street, from Thursday 10th to Sunday 13th October, with satellite venues around the town.

From an award winning run in Wellington, CRUNCH plays daily, exploring the crunchy parts of life via physical theatre and the vehicle of a chippie packet, to charm children and grown ups alike.

Our artist’s hub at the 118 Studio on Karamu Road transforms to an early morning dance party where you can get your boogie on with your coffee, then to an intimate theatre for a series of solo and duo shows that will make you laugh and cry.

There’s music of all sorts, from musicians with disabilities to big band jazz; spooky folk to full throated soul; djembe drumming to comedy ballads; ambient doom to anarchistic noise; heavy metal to heart-filled melodies.

Witness local legend, Stretch, launch his band, the Sinners, with brand new, never before heard material that you, the audience, will help co-create. Get All Folked Up with Ish’s eclectic mash-up made for dancing.

There’s rangatahi theatre - a self penned piece about grief; and Habyt’s Emilia, dealing with poetry and feminism in the time of Shakespeare. There’s drag and burlesque to tickle your fancy. There’s contemporary dance, set in the stars.

There’s something for everyone, and everyone is included. Fringe in the ‘Stings creates space for locals to experiment both as performers and audiences. Low ticket prices and free shows mean you can sample a medley of artistic experiences without breaking the bank.

Tickets are on sale now. Check out the full programme at www.fringeinthestings.co.nz.