Tauranga is set to celebrate New Zealand's top jazz talent with concerts for every taste from April 1 through to April 10.

More than 200 artists from around Aotearoa and abroad will perform in the 60th Port of Tauranga National Jazz Festival – and yes, it's a special one!

The event celebrates 60 years since a few intrepid local musicians pooled their money, hired a hall and held the first festival here in 1963!

Since then the festival has grown and incorporated the National Youth Jazz Competition, which celebrates its 45th anniversary this year. And 2023 is the 50th anniversary of the Rodger Fox Big Band too.

Tauranga Jazz Society president Jeff Baker says this iconic national festival based in Tauranga has a raft of sponsors, funders, supporters, volunteers, musicians, schools, teachers and band leaders behind it.

'Many thanks to our principal funders, the Port of Tauranga, TECT and the Tauranga City Council and all of our other sponsors. Without their assistance this event would not be possible.

'And most importantly to our fantastic audience – music helps the world go round, thank you for your support!”

Festival manager Marc Anderson says the festival offers the chance to catch your favourite musicians, discover new artists, or just revel in all the fun and atmosphere it creates across the city.

'There is something for everyone – so head to our website now to check out events at: jazz.org.nz”

For the entire 60th Port of Tauranga National Jazz Festival programme, click on the ‘Events' tab.

For a map and programme of the Downtown Carnival on Easter Saturday, April 8, and Easter Sunday, April 9, click on the ‘Festival info' tab.

Andrew Hall will be playing with his band Panacea at Downtown Carnival.