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Festival hits the right note

Waitaki App

Ashley Smyth

26 March 2024, 10:19 PM

Festival hits the right notePaul Ubana Jones plays to a packed Craftwork Brewery at last weekend's Harbour Street Jazz and Blues Festival. Photo: Alice Hore

Another successful Harbour Street Jazz and Blues Festival has come to a close with music makers and music lovers alike packing Ōamaru venues, filling the street, and soaking up the atmosphere at the weekend.


The weather played the perfect supporting role for the multi-gig event, which included almost 70 performances in and around town, from Friday evening until the grand finale on Sunday night.



Festival co-ordinator Jacob Barwick said the weekend was amazing.


"Venues throughout Ōamaru were standing room only. Harbour Street had a vibe all of its own, with people roaming town and listening to all the musicians," he said.


"The highlight for many was the spontaneous performances by The Traveling Blueberries, which packed Harbour Street."


Alice Hore - part of the mobile musical madness that was The Traveling Blueberries, as well as starring in her usual gigs as lead singer of The Saggy Britches Band - also captured some photos on her travels, which she has kindly shared with the Waitaki App.


Waitaki District Councillor and photographer extraordinaire Rebecca Ryan has also generously shared some photos.


A huge thank you to them both, it takes a village!


Harbour Street thronged with people, making the most of the music and the sunshine. Photo: Rebecca Ryan


The Timaru Dixieland Jazz Band playing at the Harbour Street Collective Cafe. Photo: Alice Hore


The Merc 6 in form at festival headquarters in the Grainstore. Photo: Alice Hore.


Craig Conlan of Ōamaru band Hot Mess. Photo: Alice Hore


Ōamaru's resident Brazilian band Iara takes to the Ruby Marris Trust stage. Photo: Alice Hore


The Traveling Blueberries bring music to Ōamaru's main street. Photo: Rebecca Ryan


One-man band Jed Jeffries outside the Steampunk HQ. Photo: Alice Hore


Visitors to Ōamaru take a seat, while they soak up some tunes. Photo: Alice Hore


The Curio Club with their offering at the Grainstore. Photo: Rebecca Ryan


The Traveling Blueberries on the road again. Photo: Rebecca Ryan


Trumpeting to the masses. Photo: Rebecca Ryan