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Tauranga’s cries for its own blues festival have been answered, with a boutique event happening this month and plans to grow it in future years.
The new festival will run from 2pm to 6.30pm on November 15 at Holy Trinity Tauranga on Devonport Rd. Tickets cost $39 per adult plus a booking fee and under-18s gain free entry but still require a ticket. Group discounts are available.
Derek Jacombs, leader of Tauranga band Kokomo, is lead organiser of the inaugural festival, with a group of local musicians.
Kokomo leader Derek Jacombs encourages people to snap up ticket to the inaugural Tauranga Blues Festival. Photo / Kelly O’Hara
“It’s about time we had something like this in Tauranga. We’d like to take the atmosphere and fun of the jazz festival and create something that becomes another special event for the city.”
Jacombs said the festival will feature some of New Zealand’s finest blues acts, with dynamite guitar players, outstanding vocalists, a visiting sax maestro and more.
The line-up is Kokomo, The Mojo 3, Mike Garner Trio, Karen Clarke Blues Woman, and special festival guests Mark Dennison and Joanne Melbourne.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to experience the energy and passion of live blues at one memorable event,” Jacombs said.
“Tauranga is very lucky to have a lot of top blues musicians and we’ve chosen bands that are entertaining to watch and play music from people’s blues heroes be it Eric Clapton or Muddy Waters or Howlin’ Wolf,” he said.
“The Holy Trinity is such a fantastic venue: it’s comfortable, casual and has the most fantastic acoustics.”
Between sets, people can relax in the foyer, enjoy refreshments and more live music, and connect with fellow music lovers.
Jacombs hopes the event will launch the festival’s future.
“Whether you’re a dedicated blues enthusiast or simply enjoy great live music, come along, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy an afternoon of exceptional performances.”
Find out more and buy festival tickets at: www.httvenues.nz/event-details/tauranga-blues-festival-1