Singer, songwriter & multi instrumentalist Lisa Crawley is a unique talent in New Zealand.

She has travelled the world with her music and played in every manner of environment, from dodgy pub gigs to the VIP lounge at The Ritz in london, to 5-star hotels in japan, to just about every available space back at home. Until last year, 22 year-old Lisa was living in london, playing her own songs and also as part of Rodney Fisher's (ex-Goodshirt) live band - playing keys, guitar and even banjo!

Most often seen at the piano, Lisa is just as au fait with the guitar, melodica, clarinet, glockenspiel, omni chord, and yes - the recorder! With a sound that can't be pinned to one genre and a live show that incorporates elements of jazz, country, pop, indie and a charmingly dry wit, Lisa Crawley is a lover of life and music who defies definition.

The original Riverrockers were formed in 2001 by Bryon Steenson and Haggis Macguiness when they began jamming at venues provided by the Hamilton Blues Society. John Bisset was the first guitarist with the Riverrockers.  His musical history included playing in a band for three years, and whose lead singer of that band, at the time, was Bon Scott, latterly of AC/DC fame. 
 


Haggis Macguiness, as harmonica player for the Riverrocks, has performed in Australia with Kevin Borich, Phil Emanuel, Jeff Lang , Doc Neeson, Barry Charles, Neil Finn and twice before the Queen.    
 


'Herbie the Great' on keyboards for the Riverrockers, has been a leading paino player in the Waikato for 20 odd years.  His musical career includes having performed with many various high class acts and bands throughout Australian and New Zealand.  
 
Bryon Steenson on drums, and Bill Uruamo on bass guitar for the Riverrockers,  have been sessional players in both Australia and New Zealand, with artists such as Renee Geyer , Billy T James , Barry Charles, and more recently in New Zealand this year with purportedly the world's No. 1 harmonica player, Brendon Power.  
 


Chris Dunn, current guitarist with the Riverrockers, is a slide player with notable talent . 
 


The Riverrockers newest member of 12 months is vocalist, Julia Steenson.  Julia has brought a fresh new essence to the band which includes a jazz/blues combination.

Fluent, in the universal language of music. It’s all happening in the now…

Realising what everyday brings and who we are. Fulfilling your destiny.

The Usmani Collective" is a group of musicians led by Adam Usmani (vocalist, songwriter) and complemented with jazz overtones by guitarist Tristan Hancock, classically inspired instrumentalism by violinist Coralie Usmani, poetry and hip-hop from rapper Dacio Ferreira and a rocking rhythm section courtesy of Kovi Mongelli (Drums) and Ross Larsen (Bass).

The group also collaborates with guest artists regularly (past guests include Alexandra Ioan, Elad Katz, Yair Katz, Lily Neumegen, Robert Ashworth and Dylan Wade).

Auckland’s finest blues trio was formed in 2006, with the current line-up performing since 2007. Founded by lead singer/guitarist Phil Roberts, the early life of the band had more than it’s fair share of ups and downs with hirings, firings, a broken arm, a stuffed knee, a broken foot and a keyboard player who didn’t turn up to a gig and was never seen again. This was dubbed the “Los Diablos curse”, since the name means The Devils in Spanish.

The curse aside, Los Diablos were soon playing blistering performances, helped along by blues promoter Dean Morris who said of their first gig “It was awesome! They had a great sound and I took my hat off to them, it showed that they had spent a lot of time on the detail and getting it just right.”

June 08 saw the fellas back British delta blues player Dave Boy Ferry for his New Zealand gigs and in September they were joined by 60s legend: former Procol Harum guitarist Dave Ball for an explosive night of classic tunes and traded licks. Influences include: Eric Clapton, Albert Collins, Jimi Hendrix, Johnny Cash and Stevie Ray Vaughan. The fellas penned around 10 original songs last year, others are waiting to be recorded.

The one and only 37P.S.I have been  performing and touring all over New Zealand - from tiny intermit Cafes, to large Jazz and blues festivals with massive crowds of 1000s - including a performance at a function for the Prime Minister of New Zealand - The Right Honorable John Key, and senior members of Parliament.

The Sleek and refined Jazz/Latin trio feature blistering improvised jazz guitar solos, funky James Brown rhythmic guitar grooves, and hypnotic avant-garde drumming flavours, which truly makes a 37 P.S.I show definitely not to be missed.

Hammond Gamble - New Zealand Music legend calls 37P.S.I an “Exuberant sound, modern but with a touch of 1950s class", And Billy T K Jr - New Zealand’s Guitar Blues Master says 37P.S.I is "incredibly entertaining and a unique musical experience"

Latin Fever, it's hotter than HOT!

A celebration of Latin America's most popular rhythms and dances. Latin Fever brings you the Madriga or Fiesta. This spectacular is guaranteed to bring you to your feet!

If you've ever dreamed of experiencing the Carnival atmosphere in Rio De Janeiro or becoming part of true Latin culture. Latin Fever will produce a night you'll never forget.

Latin Fever Productions offer the best authentic Latin and Brazilian entertainment. Beautiful dancers, live drums, pulsating rhythms and music will make evening one to remember.

Rojak (roh-jahk) is a six piece, groove-based ensemble that plays an exciting mixture of originals and original takes on familiar tunes, all falling under the genre of “jazzy funk and funky jazz”. Formed early in 2009 by keyboardist and bandleader Eli Moore, Rojak made its debut at the Mission Bay Jazz & Blues Street Festival, and since then has been laying the groove down around town, most recently at Music In Parks.  

The members of Rojak are all current or former students of the Jazz programmes at either the University of Auckland or Massey University and as such frequently rub shoulders with the impressive likes of Kevin Field, Stephen Small, Olli Holland, Ron Samsom, Roger Manins, Nathan Haines, Lance S’ua, Roger Fox and Lauren Mitchell.

The Rojak line-up is:

Isaac Crandell-Tanner (Alto Saxophone)

Jonathan Tan (Trombone)

Eli Moore (Keyboard/Vocals)

Andrea Groenewald (Vocals/Guitar)

Isaac Etimani (Bass/Vocals) 

Adam Tobeck (Drums)

Glenn Ross Campbell -– guitar, born in Riverside, Southern California but resident in NZ for 20+ years, Glenn was famous in a serious cult way in the 60’s with the legendary The Misunderstood and even toured with Joe Cocker. Rolling Stone Magazine in 2004 described as a cross between Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page.

Walter Bianco is an old blues brother to this band. –He played with John Thomson and Brett Neilsen in Hattie and the Hotshots, and has been in demand all his career as a session player and a live player who belongs to an old school of sax playing

Stuart Pearce - keyboards. Stingray and Campbell are delighted to have Stuart play with them - one of the most in demand keyboard players in Auckland - Stuart returns to his roots with this band. He was a long time member of Street Talk– and Hammond Gamble bands. Stuart plays with Kantuta and has his own recording studio , there no end to this man's talent.

Holly Shepheard is a new light in Auckland's blues scene -– she's worked as a background singer with Rick Bryant, but here she steps out in front of Stingray & Campbell and delivers a set of sassy blues.

Hailing from the sunny Bay of Plenty, Kokomo has been together now for 18 years, and has become renowned for dynamic live shows and smart distinctive song-writing, as well as the band’s unique harmonica-trumpet horn section. During this time the band has toured extensively throughout New Zealand, performing at the country’s major rock, blues, jazz and folk festivals.

Between touring the band has released eight albums on Wellington’s Jayrem label. The first two were collections of traditional blues, while subsequent albums feature the band’s own songs.

During 2009 the band have featured at the National Jazz Festival and in August headlined the Bay of Islands Jazz & Blues Festival, where trumpeter Sonia Bullot released her first solo trumpet album, Tonight On Trumpet, supported on the CD by the boys from Kokomo as well as Wellington swing kings Shaken Not Stirred, Julia Deans (Fur Patrol), and Sydney-based jazz piano virtuoso Gerard Masters.   

“Guitar” was Josh Leys first word.  Born 10^th of November 1986, Josh was obviously destined from a very early age to have a guitar in his hand. 

Therefore it is not  surprising that this Auckland native has been heralded as one of New Zealand’s freshest young talents.   

Josh naturally developed his innate skills from a very young age.  Learning the Ukulele (Josh was too small to learn on a full sized guitar!) from 2 years of age, Josh started professional lessons at the tender age of 4, and graduated to a full sized guitar at 7.

Josh then continued his passion throughout High school with attending Sewlyn College’s performing arts class.  Upon leaving school Josh went straight to MAINZ and worked diligently towards his Diploma in Music which he obtained in 2006. 

Moving on to work with James Gaylyn, Josh continued to develop several  key skills including vocal training, professional recording, and artist training. 

Josh’s musical talents are diverse.  Under the guise “Metronome” Josh is one of New Zealand’s top Beat Boxers Having performed at the Big Day Out for three years, and dropped a beat at “The Battle For Supremacy”.

Josh’s song writing influences include:

John Mayer, Liam Finn, Stevie Wonder, Jeff Buckley, zero 7, John Legend, Ben Harper, Jamie Cullum, The Roots, The Beatles, James Brown, Michael Jackson, The Script, The Jackson 5, James Taylor.  

Josh is also interested and active in producing and writing Hip Hop.  These influences include:

Timberland, Kanya west, Pharel Williams(neptues), Jay-Z, The roots, Scott Storch, So So Def, Jazzy fay, polo the don, Usher, Lil John, Michael Jackson.

Another string to Josh’s bow is definitely his acting talents.  Josh as appeared in several key NZ productions including The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, Shortland Street, Sensing Murder, Burying Brian and TV commercials for Sovereign Assurance, 50 Plus, Kelloggs, and Nintendo Wii.

This diversely talented musician and actor is destined for big things.  Josh’s first Single “Miracle” was released on Thursday 20^th of November 2008. 

Tama Waipara is a soulful sophisticate, whose vocal career began when a head injury temporarily interrupted his clarinet studies at the prestigious Manhattan School of Music in New York. This pause gave birth to a soul filled vocal talent and equally thoughtful songwriting, and shortly after graduating with a Masters degree in clarinet, he was signed by New York label, ObliqSound as its premiere recording artist.

Late 80s Mercedes rock a live show like none you have ever seen before! Infusing classic Rock and brand new Pop/Funk with their infectious Swing flavour, the dance floor is never empty. Late 80s Mercedes adds a Brass section to a solid band line up of Guitar, Bass, Drums, and Percussion then tops it off with world-class vocals.

High Energy and full of life, these guys will have you groovin’ and movin’ till your feet hurt

Out of a rehearsal in 2009, a gathering of four players with a common drive to play this brand of blues resulted in the formation of The Flaming Mudcats.

Craig Bracken - Vocals & Harmonica

Craig has a harmonica style and grace that is the envy of other harp players. Whether blowing that penetrating single hole note, hanging out back or tearing the roof off...any which way, you can't resist his feel and tone.

Doug Bygrave - Guitar

Influenced primarily by the music of Lightning Slim, Magic Sam, Jimmie Vaughan and Johnny Guitar Watson, Doug was in a number of blues bands bursting out of the Bay of Plenty in the late 80’s-early 90’s, including Austin Texas, Jigsaw Blues and the Gurus of Groove. He retired from playing in the mid-90’s, until a chance meeting with drummer Ian in early 2009 inspired him to haul out his strat again and replace its rusted strin

Ian Thomson - Drums

Hearing those early Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Jimmy Reed and Bill Black numbers way back when, Ian was hooked forever on those great feels and back beats. This has lead to a on going drumming career playing with many bands including, The Dark Ages, Underdogs, The Brew, Sonny Day, Mumbo Gumbo, The Lonely Ones, Red McKelvie, Al Hunter, Glen Moffatt, Gary Harvey.....now the Flaming Mudcats.

Sean McCarthy - Bass

Sean is a blues bass player. He's not a Jazz player or a Rock player who doesn't know better, and he's pretty sure there's a difference.

Introducing the brand new, hot and steamy LATIN QUARTER. Come and shake your booty on the beach to the sounds of popular latin band MATECITO and LATIN FEVER. Sharing the beach front with Auckland’s hottest latin dance the newest latin hip hop, presented by NZ’s leading dance instructor Paul Te Whata.

MATECITO LATIN BAND will be playing Salsa Merengue Bachata Cumbia bringing latin rhythms to you from South America and beyond. The band is led by Gerardo Torres and consists of singers, musicians and dancers bringing latin beats happiness and fun to you.

LATIN FEVER is a spectacular that guarantees to bring you to your feet! If you've ever dreamed of experiencing the Carnival atmosphere in Rio De Janeiro or becoming part of true Latin culture. Latin Fever will produce a night you'll never forget. Latin Fever offer the best authentic Latin and Brazilian entertainment. Beautiful dancers, live drums, pulsating rhythms and music will make the evening one to remember.

 
BIG BAND BATTLE GROUND

Introducing the BIG BAND BATTLE GROUND. Two of Auckland’s most popular big bands will battle for supremacy with nothing but the dance floor for defence. It’s show-time with 12 piece show band THE SWING CATS, the masters of jump-swing, versus 22 piece QUEEN CITY BIG BAND presenting a front line of everyone’s favourite jazz & swing standards. Bring your dancing shoes and witness the battle!

QUEEN CITY BIG BAND presents swing music from the stars of the big band era like Duke Ellington, and Glen Millar, right through to music by contemporary jazz artists such as Tom Kubis, Bob Florence, Gordon Goodwin as well as R&B, rock n roll and pop.

The SWING CATS are a high energy band that plays everything from Blues Brothers to the Commitments, Frank Sinatra to Aretha Franklin, swing, jazz, R&B, rock n roll, and Motown. The Swings Cats are sharp dressed with the best tunes in town. They don’t just play, they entertain!

Introducing the GROLSCH BEACH STAGE. One of two main stages at the event, this stage will offer performances from three big performers.

LISA CRAWLEY is a unique talent in New Zealand. Singer, songwriter & multi instrumentalist, Lisa has travelled the world with her music. With a sound that can't be pinned to one genre and a live show that incorporates elements of jazz, country, pop, indie and a charmingly dry wit, Lisa is a lover of life and music defying definition.

ROJAK (roh-jahk) is a six piece, groove-based ensemble that plays an exciting mixture of originals and original takes on familiar tunes, all falling under the genre of “jazzy funk and funky jazz”. Rojak most recent performance was at Music In Parks.

TAMA WAIPARA is a soulful sophisticate, whose vocal career began when a head injury temporarily interrupted his clarinet studies at the prestigious Manhattan School of Music in New York. This pause gave birth to a soul filled vocal talent.

Introducing BLUES ROW. Come listen to the finest blues in town with four fantastic acts that'll knock your socks off.

THE RECLINER ROCKERS play a mixture of rootsy Blues and Rockabilly with a dash of Psychedelic spice thrown in. These boys are possibly the busiest festival band in the country at the moment.

The original RIVERROCKERS were formed in 2001. The band includes; Haggis Macguiness, as harmonica player, 'Herbie the Great,' on keyboards, Bryon Steenson on drums, and Bill Uruamo on bass guitar, Chris Dunn, guitarist, and vocalist, Julia Steenson.

LOS DIABLOS play blistering performances. In June of 08, the fellas backed British delta blues player Dave Boy Ferry and in September they were joined by 60s legend: former Procol Harum guitarist Dave Ball.

THE FLAMING MUDCATS are a new Auckland-based rootsy blues band. This four piece band swings, playing those great grooves along with burning harp and smoking guitar lines.

Introducing the GROLSCH FOUNTAIN STAGE. One of two main stages at the Mission Bay Jazz and Blues Streetfest this stage will offer performances from two big artists.

JAN PRESTON can best be described as Australia’s “Queen of the boogie woogie piano.” Her stunning ability as a boogie, honky tonk and ragtime pianist, is matched by a resonant voice and a joyful stage personality. Jan has won 4 Best Female Blues Artist and Blues Artist of the Year Awards. Jan has a way of fully engaging the audience in her shows.

LATE 80’S MERCEDES rock a live show like none you have ever seen before! Infusing classic Rock and brand new Pop/Funk with their infectious Swing flavour, the dance floor is never empty. Late 80s Mercedes adds a Brass section to a solid band line up of Guitar, Bass, Drums, and Percussion then tops it off with world-class vocals.