Believe it or not, jazz has been jiving in Auckland for some time now. Back in 1918, soldiers returning from war introduced New Zealand’s capital to the genre’s soulful sounds and rhythms. Now, over 100 years later, The Jazz Room in Auckland is treating the city to an electrifying live music show that celebrates the genre’s enduring legacy. Packed with groovy improvisations as well as jazz classics by Sinatra, Fitzgerald and more, the evening journeys through the golden ages of jazz, paying tribute to stars from NOLA and beyond.
What is The Jazz Room?
More than just a concert, this 60-minute spectacle captures the essence of jazz in its most authentic form—a vibrant, living art that thrives on spontaneity. Set against a dimly lit stage reminiscent of a 1920s New Orleans bar, complete with a street lamp providing atmospheric illumination, the show features expert musicians performing timeless classics like “Georgia On My Mind” by the Preservation Hall Jazz Band and Louis Prima’s energetic “Sing Sing Sing”.
What’s on at The Jazz Room in Auckland?
The Jazz Room: A Journey to the Heart of New Orleans
The story of jazz is inseparable from the story of America itself—born in the late 19th and early 20th centuries from the creative resilience of African-American communities in New Orleans. This revolutionary genre emerged from the fusion of African rhythmic traditions with European harmonic structures, building upon the foundations of blues and ragtime to create something entirely new.
The Jazz Room honours this legacy through a thoughtfully structured musical journey that begins with New Orleans classics featuring vocalists on Louis Armstrong’s optimistic “On The Sunny Side Of The Street,” before transitioning to sophisticated instrumental improvisations following tracks by the likes of Herbie Hancock and Miles Davis. The final segment showcases the Great American Songbook through iconic vocal interpretations, including Frank Sinatra’s “Fly Me To The Moon” and Oscar Peterson’s elegant take on “Night And Day.”
The Jazz Room: Tribute to Soul
The soul movement of the 1960s transformed American music through its combination of gospel fervor and blues honesty that created anthems for a generation seeking social change. This intimate concert features classics like “Never Too Much” and “Mustang Sally” performed with the emotional authenticity that made soul music a powerful force for cultural expression. Professional musicians recreate the dynamic energy of legendary soul venues where audiences experienced music as both entertainment and spiritual awakening.
Reviews for The Jazz Room in Auckland
Although this event is debuting in Auckland in a couple of months, it has premiered in more than 50 cities around the world and has been rated 4.8 stars out of 5 from thousands of audience members. We’ll be updating this section soon with reviews from Auckland, but for now see what people are saying about The Jazz Room around the world.
Paris
Superb
“Superbe!” – 18 May
Milan
A wonderful evening, highly recommended.
“Serata stupenda, consigliatissima” – 18 May
San Francisco
“Great venue. Great show. Smooth transaction.” – 29 May
Jazz lovers and jazz newbies alike will come together at The Jazz Room in Auckland. In other words, whether you’re a jazz expert or have never been to a jazz show before, there’s something for everyone at this groovy NOLA-inspired show. With famous jazz tunes performed alongside soulful improvisations, the unforgettable 60-minute concert pays homage to the history and legacy of authentic jazz.