Today is International Jazz Day, a global celebration of jazz’s power to unite people, foster peace, and inspire creativity.

Born in the late 19th and early 20th centuries within the African American communities of New Orleans, Louisiana, jazz has grown into a genre that connects cultures worldwide—and has found a home in New Zealand’s heart.

Jazz emerged in New Orleans, where African, Caribbean, Creole, and European influences blended to create a distinctive sound.

Early jazz pioneers like Buddy Bolden, Jelly Roll Morton, and King Oliver shaped the genre with their innovative improvisation, bringing jazz from the intimate “sporting houses” of New Orleans to the mainstream.

By the 1920s, jazz had spread across America, evolving into a powerful form of musical expression.

For New Zealanders, jazz is more than just music—it’s a cultural connection that continues to thrive.

From early jazz music entering the country to the growth of a local jazz scene, New Zealand has embraced the genre’s spirit of improvisation and innovation.

Auckland’s own Ockham Jazz Club is hosting a fantastic tribute to this global celebration tonight at The Nix, Grey Lynn.

Sonia Wilson (ukulele and vocals), Nigel Gavin (guitar), Jeffrey Garus (percussion), and Ben Fernandez (piano) will take the stage from 7:30pm to 9:00pm, offering a night of live jazz that blends standards and original compositions.

Whether you're tapping your feet to the rhythm of a local jazz gig or reflecting on the genre’s global impact, today is a chance to celebrate jazz’s enduring influence in New Zealand and beyond.

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