Long River Swing

The jazz beat returns to The Gaiety Theatre in Wairoa for Long River Swing this month. A trio of jazz pianists will play at the Gaiety on November 28th when Wairoa jazz artist David Paquette and pianist Wil Sargisson team up again alongside new addition, Ben Wilcock.

It is also a chance to reunite jazz lovers with the Model C Steinway grand piano made in 1893 and bought to Wairoa in 1958 from Wellington.

Now the former Waiheke Jazz festival founder is looking forward to introducing Wairoa to Rotorua and Hamilton keyboard maestro Ben Wilcock.

Paquette is expecting another big crowd for this month’s Long River Swing.

The patron saint of Poverty Bay Blues Club, Paquette graduated from high school in the 60’s and in the early 70’s attended University College on Staten Island.

He carved out a career in jazz recordings and performing at jazz festivals around the world including a long association with Ascona in Switzerland. This was followed by 16 years directing the Waiheke Jazz Festival.

Long River Swing will see the three piano wizards each performing solo sets then duets followed by an improvised pianorama on the state-of-the-art electric keyboard and two pianos.

It will be a really good night and a bit different from previous concerts, and as seasoned jazz performers, each with something special to offer.

Book tickets by calling the Wairoa i-SITE on 06 838 7440 or get them from the Gaiety Theatre!