The Wellington City Shake-’Em-On-Downers will open a portal to a parallel universe where syncopation is currency and jive is the nation's most beloved contact sport, captivating the country with their big band-era swing and New Orleans second line sound.

The Wellington City Shake-’Em-On-Downers are the Strait city’s most swinging septet, bringing you energetic and iconoclastic interpretations of vintage jazz classics. As well as standards from the New Orleans and swing songbook, they also perform raging new compositions inspired by the era.  And they are coming back again to Jazz in Martinborough. 

“The ‘Shakes are a funky, fun, talented group from Wellington who bring energy, excitement and expertise to their renditions of New Orleans swing jazz,” says Festival Publicist Lee Quayle.  “They are a joyful group of youthful musicians who have wowed audiences throughout the country with their infectious humour and talented musicianship.  We are more than happy to have them back again in 2016.

This debonair seven-piece is made up of prolific NZSM graduates Hikurangi Schaverien-Kaa (drums), Emma Wollum (accordion and vocals), Michael Costeloe (trumpet and vocals), Robert Henderson (double bass), Oscar Laven – with hat - (saxophone, clarinet and vocals), Cameron Kidby (trombone) and Jacqui Nyman (guitar).

Check them out on Facebook.

For more information about Jazz in Martinborough 2016 go to the website

*Please note that these tickets do not include your dinner reservations at The Village Cafe, this will need to be arranged with the Cafe directly.

Part of Jazz In Martinborough

Jazz In Martinborough is is dedicated to supporting our supporters and offer you a discounted Combo Ticket that gives entry to all 4 Feature Shows. These four events, Black Spider Stomp, Reuben Bradley 'Sing! Sing! Sing!, Wellington City Shake-'Em-On-Downers and The Jhan Lindsay Quintet have a ticket value of $135 and a Combo Ticket is available for only $115.