Wellington Jazz Festival To Energise The Capital With Exclusive Debuts And Bold New Sounds

From 15-19 October, the Wellington Jazz Festival returns to the capital with a powerhouse programme of internationally acclaimed artists making their Aotearoa debuts, leading homegrown musicians, and fresh new music - cementing its place as one of the country’s most anticipated music events.

More than 100 gigs will take over Te Whanganui-a-Tara, transforming the city into a vibrant celebration of jazz. From intimate bars to grand stages, Wellington will pulse with the sounds of soul, swing, funk, and everything in between.

“Having four international debuts exclusive to Wellington reinforces the city’s place on the global jazz map,” says Festival Co-Director Dolina Wehipeihana. “This Festival not only brings world-class artists to our doorstep but also gives our homegrown jazz legends and rising stars the chance to shine alongside them.”

The Festival opens with award-winning composer, vocalist and Noongar woman Bumpy (AUS), live at San Fran. Known for her powerful voice and hypnotic stage presence, Bumpy seamlessly fuses soul, folk, funk, and jazz, and is one of Australia’s most compelling new artists. She headlined the Sydney Opera House, wowed London Jazz Festival crowds, and performed alongside jazz legends such as Herbie Hancock and Marcus Miller. Hot on the heels of the upcoming release of her acclaimed debut album Kanana, this marks her first performance in Aotearoa. (Wednesday 15 October, 8pm).

Five-time GRAMMY Award-winning singer Samara Joy (USA) also makes her Aotearoa debut. At just 25, she is a global breakout jazz sensation - celebrated for her rich tone, refined phrasing, and deep love and understanding of the Great American Songbook. Since winning the GRAMMY for Best New Artist in 2023, she has sold out major venues and headlined festivals across the globe - from Carnegie Hall to Jazz at the Lincoln Centre. Joined by her seven-piece band, Joy will perform tracks from her acclaimed new album Portrait - praised as a “true artistic statement” (The Times) - alongside fan favourites. A rare chance to witness one of jazz’s brightest stars live. (Thursday 16 October, 8pm)

Firing up Friday night is two-time GRAMMY Award-winning vocalist, composer, and bandleader Gregory Porter (USA). Known for his ‘liquid gold’ vocals and dynamic storytelling, Porter’s timeless sound blends jazz, soul, and gospel. Porter rose to global fame with his breakout album Liquid Spirit on Blue Note Records, which sold over a million copies and earned him his first GRAMMY Award for Best Jazz Vocal Album in 2014. A leading voice in contemporary jazz, he plays for the first time in Aotearoa at St James Theatre. (Friday 17 October, 8pm)

The Wellington Jazz Festival has commissioned new music from Wellington-raised drummer, composer, and rhythm master Myele Manzanza. Festival Co-Director Tama Waipara says “We are so excited and proud to welcome home Myele with his international supergroup lvdf for the world premiere of his groundbreaking Festival commission Music for a Multi-Polar World and to present tracks from their upcoming self-titled EP.”

lvdf will be bringing their genre-bending, globally informed sound to Aotearoa for an exclusive Wellington Jazz Festival appearance at Meow Nui. All bandleaders in their own right, lvdf is a cross-cultural quartet featuring saxophonist Alex Hitchcock (UK), double bassist Michelangelo Scandroglio (ITALY), special guest Daniel Hayles (NZ) on piano & synths (stepping in for Maria Chiara Argirò) and drummer Myele Manzanza (NZ/UK). (Saturday 18 October, 8pm)

Be part of history at the Aotearoa Jazz Orchestra’s highly anticipated inaugural performance at Meow Nui. Born from a collective vision championed and inspired by jazz legend Rodger Fox, this national orchestra brings together the finest jazz talents in the country. The concert features Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn’s bold reimagining of The Nutcracker Suite - a groundbreaking fusion of classical and jazz. Expect lush arrangements, swinging grooves, and top-tier musicianship in this landmark performance. (Thursday 16 October, 6.30pm)

Closing the Festival on a high is Aotearoa’s legendary Rodger Fox Big Band with a soulful tribute to Ray Charles, whose fusion of gospel, R&B, and jazz changed the sound of 20th century popular music. Featuring GRAMMY award-winning vocalist and former Santana lead singer Tony Lindsay (USA), powerhouse blues vocalist Erna Ferry, soul sensation, pianist, and singer Louis TM, and The Beatgirls, this high-energy show at Meow Nui celebrates one of music’s true greats. (Sunday 19 October, 6pm)

Mark Oldershaw, CE at WellingtonNZ, says the 2025 line-up is a major moment for the city. “It’s rare to see this calibre of international talent all making exclusive debuts in the same place at the same time, and what better place for this to happen than the country’s creative and cultural heart. This Festival will invigorate Wellington with world-class music and a cultural buzz that will be widely felt across the city. Whether you're a longtime jazz fan or curious newcomer, I encourage you to come out and enjoy the Festival - take in the music, explore all the city has to offer, and soak up the lively atmosphere it brings to Wellington.”

Stay tuned for the full City Line-Up announcement on Wednesday 3 September. 
Tickets for the First Release Line-Up are available now from jazzfestival.nz

ABOUT WELLINGTON JAZZ FESTIVAL 
The annual Wellington Jazz Festival is the highlight of Aotearoa’s music calendar, featuring some of the finest musicians from across Aotearoa New Zealand and around the globe. For 2025, the Festival’s First Release acts will be presented at St James Theatre, San Fran, and Meow Nui. 
Festival Dates 15 - 19 October 2025

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