Street party ... and all that jazz

Second Katikati Jazz Street Party shines through wet weather

And the jazz band played on... the soulful sounds of jazz music flooded katikati’s main rd on saturday. the second katikati jazz street party was to go ahead rain or shine, and unfortunately, the wet weather was a constant, unwelcome party guest.

But the bands courageously played on, sending the sweet sounds of swing and jazz tunes throughout the town — loved by local music fans who stayed to soak it all up.

katch katikati promotions manager jacqui knight says the weather probably kept some away, but the music bought more in.

Bands moved to dodge the rain — katikati and tauranga duo sammie and kane moved from outside to indoors at western Bay museum, kati katz played at junction theatre and the lucky strike jazz trio (liam ryan, leith milson and simon graham) played at Cherry Court.

“there were over 250 people through the western Bay museum and over 300 through the Arts junction. Cherry Court makes a great location for bands - the first set for lucky strike was pumping,” jacqui says.

“the street entertainers were epic as they kept going through the rain. skew whiff, the thames high troupe are always amazing, and we were thrilled to have Bubbletopia nz there for the first time in katikati.

“i am sure if it had been fine there would have been more people, but i am really happy with the numbers that did attend and thank those who still supported the event in the rain. we received a lot of great comments on the day.”

the jazz street party is the first event of the port of tauranga 61st national jazz festival, and jacqui says they appreciate working with festival manager marc Anderson to involve katikati as part of the event.

PHOTOS: Rebecca Mauger Clockwise from above: Bubbletopia NZ enthralled the kids with their bubble mania; Grandparents Del and Mark Smith with Marley, 3, and Harper, 5. Gudrun Penn from Party in the Bay was the artist behind all the painted faces about; Saviours of the city fighting crime from Thames High Troupe; Sammie and Kane escaped the rain and performed inside the museum.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council representatives were there to talk to passers-by about the council representation review

The Thames High Troupe performers did not break character throughout the event.

Photo / Katch Katikati Luke the magician from Thames High Troupe.

Puppeteers and magicians Skew Whiff from Tauranga.

All smiles are Lottie, Brady and Annie Dobson.

Photo / Katch Katikati Kati Katz Jazz Band.

A sweet old lady wanders the Main Rd.

Holly and Kyra Lord from Aglow NZ.

Lucky Strike.