All that Jazz in Martinborough – 3-5 September 2026

It’s Swingtime in Springtime at the Martinborough Town Hall on the first weekend of September.

The weekend of jazz kicks off on Thursday 3 September with Jan Preston’s Boogie Circus. Jan is an Australian-based New Zealander who has an international reputation as a fine exponent of piano boogie. Also known for her compositions and film soundtracks Jan is a popular entertainer returning to the Martinborough stage.

On Friday 4 September, Wellington-based septet ‘Les Tripes’ plays the music of Django Reinhardt. With his famous Quintette du Hot Club de France playing in the cafes and clubs in Paris Django became not only the pre-eminent jazz musician in Europe but was also acknowledged in America when he performed with musicians like Louis Armstrong and Dizzy Gillespie.

The 1930s and 40s theme comes together on Saturday 5 September with a memorable concert of Cole Porter music presented by Zak Dikvert’s Zak Pack featuring vocalist Lisa Tomlins. To use one of Porter’s best-known song titles - It’s Delightful, it’s Delicious, it’s De-Lovely.

Partnering with two fabulous local businesses, The Good Way vineyard and Good Times Food Truck to help complete a perfect night out. 

Tickets are $49 plus booking fee, more information will be on JIM’s Website and Facebook.

  

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Jazz in Martinborough have partnered with South Wairarapa Rotary to present an extra concert in 2026.

Thursday 3rd September
Concert for Rotary
Jan Preston’s Boogie Circus

Known as Australasia’s Queen of Boogie Piano, New Zealander Jan Preston has a reputation as an astonishing piano player with a rich resonant voice who is a magnetic live performer. Jan captivates, moves and uplifts audiences around the world with her original songs, compositions and her mastery of boogie woogie.

After studying classical piano, then working in theatre and rock bands in New Zealand, Jan had a No. 1 Hit, ‘Doctor I Like Your Medicine’, with her band Coup D’Etat, and soon after moved to Sydney where she is still resident.

ABC Music’s Winner of 5 Music Awards for her CDs and soundtracks, she plays festivals and concerts throughout Australia, NZ and Europe, writes music for film and TV, and composes and performs for Silent Movies. Her composition "Trout Blues" is currently being used as the theme music to BBC Radio London "Evenings” programme.

Completing the boogie circus is bass player Nick Tipping, a three-time Aotearoa Music Award Winner for Best Jazz Artist. He has played with everyone from the Roger Fox Big Band to the NZSO, and in styles ranging from free jazz to klezmer. Nick is well known for presenting long-running programmes on classical music and jazz on RNZ concert.

Finally percussionist Mike Pullman specialises in using a small number of drums played with brushes only. His first love is washboard, which he began playing in various skiffle and folk bands in Wellington in the 1970’s.

Good Times food truck will be available with a full menu.

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Friday 4th September
Les Tripes play the music of Django Reinhardt

Jean Reinhardt, known as Django, was a Belgian-born Romany jazz guitarist and composer who lived most of his life in France.He was one of the first major jazz talents to emerge in Europe and has been hailed as one of its most significant global exponents. With violinist Stéphane Grappelli Reinhardt formed the Paris-based Quintette du Hot Club de France in 1934, playing what is known as 'gypsy swing' or simply 'Django jazz’. The group was among the first to play jazz that featured the guitar as a lead instrument. Reinhardt recorded in France with many visiting American musicians, including Coleman Hawkins and Benny Carter, and briefly toured the United States with Duke Ellington's orchestra in 1946.

Wellington-based ‘Les Tripes’ present the music of Django Reinhardt, playing in the classic style of Django and Grapelli, with two guitarists James Quick and Adrian Jensen, and bassist Rob Henderson. For our Jazz in Martinborough concert the Les Tripes trio have added trumpettist Mike Costeloe. This is an entertaining programme of sit-down listening music that's also foot-tapping and very film-noir.

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Saturday 5th September
An Evening of Musical Elegance
IT'S DE-LOVELY

Experience a night of pure sophistication as the Zak Pack Quintet, featuring the mesmerizing vocals of Lisa Tomlins, breathes new life into the definitive Cole Porter songbook.

This musical celebration of American singer-songwriter Cole Porter features NZ vocalist Lisa Tomlins and a lineup of brilliant performance band including Zak Dikvert (Guitar & Vocals), Anita Schwabe (Piano), Russell Henderson (Saxophones), Alistair Isdale (Bass) and Greg Crayford (Drums).

Cole Porter’s compositions represent the pinnacle of mid-century sophistication, blending witty lyricism with complex, seductive harmonies. This performance reimagines his most celebrated masterworks—including "Night and Day," "I’ve Got You Under My Skin," "Love for Sale" and many more — through the lens of this top-class jazz quintet.

Join us for an evening of music that is truly delightful, delicious…DE-LOVELY!

About the BAND:

Lisa Tomlins
One of New Zealand's most versatile performers, Lisa has been the 'gun-for-hire' for many bands, cementing her place as a much sought after vocalist. Lisa Tomlins has worked with Rhombus, Hollie Smith, Deva Mahal, Shapeshifter, Fat Freddy's Drop, TrinityRoots and many more.

Zak Dikvert
The driving force behind the band, an accomplished jazz guitarist and vocalist for over 30 years. Zak brings a wealth of experience and knowledge, his smooth vocals bringing his interpretation to Porter's lyrics.

Anita Schwabe
Anita Schwabe is an award-winning Wellington jazz pianist and composer. She has performed with her own groups at all major jazz festivals in NZ and is currently a member of the Rodger Fox Big Band.

Russell Henderson
Originally from the Scottish Highlands, saxophonist Russell gained many years of performance experience by establishing himself on the Scottish jazz scene. Russell relocated to Wellington, New Zealand in 2018 where he completed a PhD in composition.

Alistair Isdale
Bassist Alistair Isdale has performed throughout New Zealand and internationally for the past 25 years. He has played with a wide range of artists, including Brooke Fraser, Aaradhna, Rosita Vai, Bella Kalolo, Hetty Kate, Rodger Fox, Fire Waltz, and Richter City Rebels. Alistair also serves as Operations Manager for the Royal New Zealand Air Force Band and directs the RNZAF Jazz Orchestra which headlined last year’s Jazz in Martinborough programme.

Greg Crayford
Greg has over 30 years professional experience, primarily as a jazz musician. Greg’s group Pleasure Point has various incarnations who have played at most of NZ’s national and international jazz festivals. He is also a current or past member of dozens of local bands; has played on radio and tv shows; accompanied overseas artists such as The Drifters; and recorded or toured with local legends such as Rodger Fox and Frankie Stevens.

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Scrumptious Platter for 2 (available Friday & Saturday evening's only)

GoodTimes have joined the jazz vibe of our festival and put together a scrumptious platter for 2. These have been a hit at gin parties and functions around the region and we’re pleased to be able to offer them to our festival ticket holders.

Each platter comes with three types of cheese - brie, blue, cheddar, a beetroot cream cheese dip, a variety of charcuterie meats, tasty olives, delicious cornichons, fresh seasonal fruit, a selection of dried fruit and yummy crackers. All this for just $50.

Just select the Platter for 2 Add On option when selecting your tickets.

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If you are looking for accommodation in the Wairarapa please contact the Martinborough i-SITE on 06 306 5010 or visit www.wairarapanz.com.

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