Those planning their Easter entertainment should move fast to grab early-bird tickets for the 2024 Port of Tauranga Jazz Festival before the offer closes February 9.

The 61st National Port of Tauranga Jazz festival is on March 23-April 1, offering entertainment across nine days throughout Tauranga City, including a Katikati Opening Street Party on March 23.

“Ticket sales have been going very well,” says organiser Marc Anderson. “So it’s a good idea to buy tickets before February 9 to save money and to secure your seats to see the great international acts at the 2024 Baycourt Concert Series.”

The five-act Baycourt Series includes headline performer James Morrison, who’ll play with his quartet 8pm, Friday, March 29, at Baycourt’s Addison Theatre.

“We’re really looking forward to having James back. The Australian amazed audiences at his last festival appearance here and we can’t wait to hear his voice again,” says Marc.

New York-based jazz guitarist and composer Russ Spiegel’s latest album has been in the USA Top 10 Jazz charts for a number of weeks, and plays at Baycourt’s X Space on Saturday, March 30.

“Russ’ trio act will really inspire – they are top-notch musicians.”

The ‘All Girl Big Band: Powerhouse of Sound’ plays Baycourt’s Addison Theatre 8pm Thursday, March 28; while Tauranga man Akash Dutta’s ‘The trio Sessions’ play Baycourt’s X Space 6pm Friday, March 29.

“Akash is a total professional. He plays popular pop tunes – so tunes everybody will know – but he performs them in a really intriguing way. So don’t miss him!”

And Aotearoa soul star Louis Baker plays Baycourt’s Addison Theatre 8pm Saturday, March 30.

“Louis plays around the world, and has just returned from Europe, performing infectious and authentic modern soul – make sure you get to see this Kiwi star.”

Also not-to-miss is the Jazz Village on Good Friday, March 29, from 11am-5pm at Historic Village. “This is an absolute crowd-pleaser, with two stages oozing true New Orleans style live music from out-of-town bands, and a few local acts.”

Main stage acts include fresh, exciting fusion jazz Michal Martyniuk Quartet, funky swingin’ jazz and blues by Shaken Not Stirred, poppy groovy dancing tunes from Chill Winston, and red hot rhythm and blues courtesy of The Flaming Mudcats.

Jazz at the Village is on Good Friday, March 29, from 11am-5pm at Historic Village. Photos: supplied.

“There’ll be people dancing, relaxing, meandering artisan market stalls, and enjoying a wide variety of food and refreshments amongst the music – so make a day of it!”

Jazz at the Village’s entry is $23 each – but early-birds can pay $20 before February 9. The 61st National Port of Tauranga Jazz festival is offering a huge range of events across nine days in Bay.

Visit the National Port of Tauranga Jazz festival website at: https://jazz.org.nz