SunLive - Jazz swinging down town Tauranga

Downtown Tauranga is alive with jazz.

The two-day Downtown Jazz Carnival which started on Saturday is set to go to 6pm today with musicians and bands spread across Wharf Street, the Red Square and along The Strand.

Around 40 bands and musicians including That's Life, The Afrolites, Charrúas, Shaken Not Stirred, and Voxnova are playing on multiple stages over the two-day carnival. Entry is by gold coin donation and free to children aged under 14, making it one of the most affordable jazz experiences of the whole Port of Tauranga 60th National Jazz Festival which runs from April 1 - 10.

The bands and musicians are playing on the Eves Realty Stage, Hotel Armitage Stage and Downtown Tauranga Stage along The Strand, as well as stages on Wharf Street and in the Red Square.

The Little Big Markets Jazz Festival Market is running from 10am - 2pm along the waterfront today and a Jazz Cafe & VIP Bar is happening on Elizabeth Street at Picnicka.

Enjoying a relaxing day shopping, dining and dancing in the street, carnival goers are able to chill out as well as being able to attend some of the world-class performances and shows at Tauranga's Baycourt Theatre over the weekend.

Tonight the mighty Black Comet is playing at Baycourt following a packed day at the theatre with Tauranga Big Band, Blue Train and Sassy & the Blue Riders.

For those keen for more jazz, head to the Tauranga Citizens Club from 5.30pm - 8.30pm today for the Tea Dance. Ably led by band leader John Page you will hear some of Tauranga's best jazz musicians performing favourite Big Band numbers from the great bands like Basie and Kenton. Enjoy an optional buffet meal in the interval.

On Easter Monday head over to Mount Maunganui to soak up the sounds on Mount Mainstreet. Jazz at the Mount runs from 9.30am - 5pm at Mount Mainstreet, with a vintage car parade at 11am and a vintage car display at 12pm.

Road closures in downtown Tauranga are in place until 9pm today.