It’s a jam-packed programme for this year’s Harbour St Jazz and Blues Festival, happening in Ōamaru on March 17-19.

Musicians, both local and visiting, will be sending sounds out into the streets from more than 20 venues stretched across Ōamaru, from the harbour to the North End.

Harbour St Jazz and Blues Festival chairperson Jane Campbell said people were looking forward to having the festival back on the calendar, after Covid forced them to pull the pin in 2020 and 2022.

“People are very ready to get back on board and go to another festival.”

At least 10 local bands, and 30-plus acts from out of town, were performing at more than 70 events over the weekend.

Highlights on the schedule included The Ellesmere Big Band, from Christchurch, which was playing at the Oamaru Club on Friday and Saturday nights, and also running a dance workshop.

Saxophonist, guitarist and singer Stevie Rice, and A Soul Salute to Van Morrison were both on at the Dine and Dance finale, being held at the Loan and Merc building on Harbour St, on Sunday night.

“Everyone’s really excited, really positive,” Jane said.

“It’s going to be a lovely weekend - there’s lots of venues involved, lots of bands. It’s quite a full programme, and there’s a bit of variety.”

Wanaka's Katrina Bristow Band is playing at the Catto Building at 8pm on Saturday night, and Sunday morning at the Ōamaru Farmers Market. PHOTO: Supplied

Opening night at the Brydone Hotel will also feature Rice - a Dunedin-based Irishman, followed by five-piece Dunedin swing band Skin and Bone.

While the opening and closing acts were ticketed events, most other acts were “walk in and out”, at venues around town, Jane said.

Most performances were based around Ōamaru’s Victorian precinct, but Wellington-based Dr Blue was playing at the Northstar Motel, Restaurant and Bar on Saturday evening, while new local band 3 Hats were playing at Rockvale Gardens, Weston on Sunday at 12.30pm.

Jane said she expected visitors to come from all around the South Island to soak up the weekend atmosphere, including a bus load which travelled regularly from Nelson.

For the less-established acts, there was also the Talent Showcase being held at the Catto Building on Harbour St, on Sunday at 10am.

This was ideal for people wanting to gain experience performing in public, but without an avenue to do it, she said.

“So that ranges in ages and instruments, and it can be a little bit of anything, and we’ve had some fabulous people come in.”

People wanting to enter should register by March 11, by contacting Jay Morris at [email protected]. 

Prizes, which included first prize of a recording session with Sublime Studios, had a total value of $2,500, and the winner also received a trophy guitar created by BuggyRobot Man Martin Horspool.

Musicians will be on rotation at Harbour St’s Catto and Grainstore buildings with bars at both venues, as well as two street marquees set up, creating a real festival atmosphere, Jane said.

“On Sunday night, for those that don’t want to go to the finale, there will be, like, a jazz lounge in the Catto building as well.

“In previous years, people have been saying 'well, where is there to go?' whereas now there will be somewhere for them to go.” 

More information can be found on the Harbour St Jazz and Blues Festival Facebook page, or pick up a free programme from a number of local businesses.