A Truly Community Festival Returns. Martinborough is about to swing into spring as Jazz in Martinborough returns for its 13th edition on the first weekend of September 2025.
The beloved boutique jazz festival promises to delight once again with a stellar lineup, headlined by two powerhouse acts: the Royal New Zealand Air Force Jazz Orchestra on Saturday night, and the dazzling April’s Fools on Friday.
“We invite our supporters and friends to join us for another fantastic festival of jazz,” says Festival Music Director Lee Quayle. “We can’t believe there have been 13 festivals since our fundraiser for Christchurch Earthquake in 201I,” adds Lee.
The festival is very much a community effort with support from locals who help with accommodation, to community organisations like the business association and Destination Wairarapa, to venues who host bands and individuals who volunteer time and effort.
“Jazz in Martinborough keeps coming back year after year not only because we love bringing great Jazz to our town, but also because the community keeps asking us to put it on,” says Lee.
Big Band Brilliance
On Saturday, September 6, the RNZAF Jazz Orchestra will light up the Martinborough Town Hall with a high-energy show steeped in the golden era of swing. The 18-piece ensemble, a national treasure in big band jazz, is made up of some of Wellington’s most exceptional musicians—many with credits ranging from the NZSO to Shapeshifter.
“Their last full-band performance at our festival
was in 2014, and anticipation for their return is high,” says Lee.
A Speakeasy Experience
The festival opens on Friday, September 5, with a step back in time. April’s Fools is a six-piece combo featuring some of Aotearoa’s finest jazz talent.
Fronted by acclaimed jazz and blues singer April Phillips, the band includes top-tier players: drummer Greg Crayford, guitarist Zak Dikvert, saxophonist Nicholas Baucke-Maunsell, pianist Miles Crayford, and bassist Rory Macartney – all with impressive careers spanning local and international stages.
More Than Just Ticketed Shows
As always, Jazz in Martinborough will include a variety of free gigs and pop-up performances throughout town, bringing live music to local venues, wine bars, and cafes. The whole town becomes a stage, and visitors can expect to soak up that unique Martinborough vibe with a glass of local wine in hand and music in the air.
For tickets, updates, programme announcements, and full programme details, visit the festival website at www.jazzinmartinborough.co.nz. Or go to the iTicket website and search for Jazz.
