The Mission Bay Jazz and Blues festival has become one of those very Auckland things to do each year . . . like Christmas In The Park, barbecues and picnics on the beach. Any beach. We got hundreds of them.
Mission Bay is one of my favourite beaches. When I was rich and famous . . . well, maybe not famous, more infamous probably - I used to live in Mission Bay and sail my little 12ft Z-class sailboat there. Loved going to the restaurants and cafes that had started to spring up along the waterfront.
But that was years ago and today the seafront is alive with cafes, bars and shops.
On 27 Feb this year the whole beachfront will light up with the sound of music when the Jazz and Blues Festival, now in its tenth iteration, starts.
They actually close off Tamaki Drive, one of the main thoroughfares in the city, to allow bands to play on the street itself and thousands of music lovers to enjoy an event with friendly atmosphere, dining, dancing and festivity.
Fans can enjoy over 20 New Zealand bands and international acts made up of over 180 musicians who will entertain spectators from 6-11pm. Continuous concerts on various stages located within the venue, including beach front and fountain stages, ensure a night of non-stop entertainment.
For more - and to buy tickets - go to http://www.jazzandbluesstreetfest.com/
For more on what to see and what to do in Auckland go to http://New-Zealand-Travel-Guide.com/auckland.htm
