Whanganui Celebrates International Jazz Day

24/08/2026

IJD Jam Sessions highlight the spirit of the Whanganui community

18/08/2026

Keeping the fire burning

An August IJD Jam Session to Take Away the Winter Chill at Porridge Watson.
The ongoing monthly International Jazz Day (IJD) jam sessions are made possible through the support of club owner Tony Sundman at Porridge Watson, the dedication of participating musicians, and the continued growth and appreciation of the audience. This community spirited event aims to keep Jazz a regular event on the calendar in Whanganui.
The music is about allowing for free expression and inviting the community to participate in the process. There is always a house band that invites local talent to participate, whether that means getting up and performing with the band or singing, clapping or dancing with the audience.
This month’s band will be a collective led by Dave Griffiths on bass, Michael Franklin-Browne on drums and Sanji Gunasekara on keys, Fred Loveridge, Chris Salmon and Brian Baker sharing guitar duties, Joe Kennedy on saxophones and Richard Singleton on trumpet. That sets the scene for other musicians to step up and ‘join the party’. It’s sure to be an entertaining afternoon.
The session hours this month will be from 4pm to 6pm. Thanks to Tony there is no cover charge, but there is a roaring open fire, and there will be a mulled wine created especially for the occasion. Come out and meet up with friends, old and new and enjoy an afternoon of warm hospitality, camaraderie and musical adventure.
Sunday 23rd August at 4:00pm @ Porridge Watson, 30 Drews Ave.

11/06/2026

A treasure

Very rare footage of the free jazz sax master!!!Previously it was ...

20/05/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1BNKUzg1xQ/

11/05/2026

This is formidable ❤️🎶

Learn about the upcoming International Jazz Day in 2026, happening in Chicago and explore the 15th Anniversary All-Star Global Concert.

08/05/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1Dy3dSUkjV/

02/05/2026

Our sincerest thanks to everyone who either participated in or supported Whanganui's 2026 Celebration of International Jazz Day. You are awesome, and we appreciate you.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1QAxdPebry/

02/05/2026

And it's showtime ...
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DSDVJWAHy/

30/04/2026

It's about the learning. PhotographerJack Michalski captures the first sessions of the IJD Improvisation workshop held at the music department of Whanganui Collegiate School. Photos of the evening concert will follow. We've done our bit ... now we focus on the Global All Star Concert that will be held this year in Chicago.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DkSDY2Gys/