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.

The Auckland Blues Club is proud to be a supporter of the Mission Bay Jazz and Blues StreetFest. It's great to see the music we love get such fantastic encouragement and exposure.

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.

Tamaki Drive is closed off to traffic during the festival, allowing the bands to create a genuine street party. This year's festival also features a new venue perimeter taking in just the road, Reserve and Beach.

Comprehensive onsite food availability is via Streetfest food stalls with a great variety of food choices including Wood Fired Pizza, Asian fare, Paella and designer deserts, along with 2 large bar areas.

Cash-out facilities are also available onsite.

Gates open at approximately 5.15pm and bands start playing at 6pm.