JAZZ IN THE PARK
Church Road Winery, Napier
Saturday 12th April 2025
2.00pm - 7.00pm
We’re bringing back the magic! After more than a decade, the park at Church Road Winery will once again hum with the sweet sounds of jazz. This special edition of Jazz in the Park is a love letter to those sun-soaked afternoons of the late 90’s and early 2000’s, where music, wine, and community blended seamlessly into something truly special – putting Church Road on the map as one of Hawke’s Bay New Zealand’s, most beloved concert venues.
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This year, we’re bringing back the spirit of those unforgettable days with an extraordinary lineup headlined by the remarkable Thabani Gapara, whose soulful saxophone will transport you to a world of Afro-Jazz, funk and soul. Thabani’s journey from Zimbabwe to New Zealand has seen him share stages with legendary acts such as Katchafire, Stan Walker, and Troy Kingi, while his own work, including his latest album “Dzindza,” masterfully blends African jazz traditions with fresh, contemporary flair.
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Supporting Thabani are four of the region’s finest jazz and funk ensembles, each ready to fill the air with melodies as ageless as the venue itself. Opening the afternoon, we have the legendary Hawke’s Bay Jazz Club Big Band, followed by some of Hawke’s Bay’s sassiest songstresses—Margot Pierard with Whiskey Green Horse, Jess Atkins with Deep Fried Funk, and Lady Larisa and her Band.
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For those who hold a special place in their hearts for Church Road’s rich heritage and for true jazz lovers who know the power of a perfect note at golden hour—this event is for you. Join us on the lush lawn, surrounded by friends, a glass of world-class wine in hand, and lose yourself to the rhythm of the music and the warmth of shared nostalgia. This one-of-a-kind event is set to be the highlight of the season. With memories ready to be made and only limited tickets available, now is the time to secure your place at this remarkable homecoming.
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Don’t miss out—this is the return we’ve all been waiting for!
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Gates open from 1.30pm with music from 2pm.
This event is all ages, anyone under the age of 18 must be supervised by a parent of guardian.
FAQ's
What time do the gates open & where is the entry?
The gates open at 1.30pm, with music from 2.00pm and the event runs until 7pm. Entry is via the Cellar Door Carpark end of the venue – 150 Church Road, Taradale.
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Is this an all-ages event & where can I buy tickets / how much are they?
Yes this event is a family friendly all ages show. Please note anyone under the age of 18 must be supervised at all times. Tickets can be purchased from littlestone.flicket.co.nz
$59 General Admission (2nd Release)
$69 General Admission (Final Release)
$19 Child (12 years & under)
*Please note booking fees apply
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What are the set times?
2.00pm Hawke’s Bay Jazz Club Big Band
2.55pm Whiskey Green Horse
3.45pm Deep Fried Funk
4.55pm Lady Larisa & Band
6.00pm Thabani Gapara
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*Set times are subject to change
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What kind of food and drinks can I expect to be available for purchase at the concert?
We have hand-picked some of our favourite Hawke’s Bay vendors for this one – The Doghaus serving up the best dogs on freshly made buns with gourmet crafted toppings, Greek Street prepping those delicious charcoal pitas, and for the afternoon coffee or hot choccy fix we have Boost Espresso joining us.
Orton’s Catering will have cheese boards, platters, and their special event menu available also, so there will be plenty to choose from. The bar will be selling Church Road wine, and a selection of beer, RTD’s and non-alcoholic beverages.
Is there free water available at the venue?
Yes, there will be free water available at multiple locations onsite for you to refill your water bottles.
Is there parking available at the venue?
There will be a limited number of carparks available for a cash Koha/Donation in the Paddock by the Unison Substation along Church Road – entry is just off Tironui Drive to your right. Please follow the directions of our parking wardens. First in first served! Otherwise there is plenty of street parking available in the surrounding neighbourhood and along Church Road. There will be no parking permitted along the grass verge on Tironui Drive.
Are there buses to the venue?
There are no buses to the event. Recommended Taxi companies - Hawke’s Bay Combined Taxis ph 06 835 7777 or Hastings Taxis ph 06 878 5055.
Will there be seating available, or should I bring my own?
There will be a limited number of picnic tables at the event, first in first served. Picnic chairs and blankets are welcomed, so please feel free to bring along whatever will keep you comfy for a jazzy afternoon on the lawn.
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Can I bring food and drinks into the event?
Small picnics are welcomed, no commercial food please and no glass or knives. Keep in mind when packing what you need that all bags will be searched on entry which takes time, so to keep things moving please just bring what you need and make the most of our delicious lineup of vendors who are joining us for the afternoon.
Can I leave the event and come back in later?
Unfortunately, there will be no pass-outs for this event as a condition of the liquor license.
What if it is raining on concert day?
The concert is an outdoor event and can be affected by the weather. The stage is fully covered, the area for concert goers is uncovered and open-air. Please note the concert will proceed rain or shine so we advise if you are concerned about the conditions, to come prepared with weather appropriate clothing as there are no pass outs once you are within the venue.
Is my pet welcome in the festival?
Sorry, no furry friends are permitted entry into the event, so leave the pups at home and treat yourself to an afternoon out.
What facilities are available for the disabled and people with restricted movement?
Church Road Winery - Venue access will be via the cellar door carpark which is a sealed road and is suitable for wheelchair access. Disabled parking is located within the Church Road car park, there are limited spaces, so we recommend booking ahead of time. Please contact us early on hello@littlestone.co.nz so we can look after you on the day!
Where is the nearest accommodation?
For all accommodation enquiries, please go to www.hawkesbaynz.co.nz
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CONDITIONS OF ENTRY
Pass outs will not be issued for the Event. Alcohol will not be permitted to leave the Event site. Personal items brought into the Event will be at the owners own risk and management will not be held responsible for the loss or damage to any personal property.
For the comfort, safety and enjoyment of all patrons, Event Management reserve the right to remove or refuse entry to any patrons, without refund whom:
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are deemed to be intoxicated and / or disorderly
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refuses to have a bag/ person search conducted
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cannot produce adequate ID to confirm they are over the age of 18 & are not accompanied by a guardian
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are carrying items which are deemed to have the potential to cause injury or public nuisance
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holding a ticket purchased through an unauthorised seller
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have been issued a trespass notice that still applies
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participates in dangerous activities such as stage diving, crowd surfing or climbing of any structure
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What can’t be brought into the Event:
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Alcohol, drugs or drug paraphernalia
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Liquid beverages of any kind
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Gazebo’s & umbrellas
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Weapons or any item that could be used as a weapon
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Gang patches or regalia
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Professional camera, video equipment or drones
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Audio recording devices for commercial purposes
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Any item that could cause injury
What can be brought into the Event:
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Picnics & snacks
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Picnic blankets & camping chairs
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Empty water bottles
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Hats & sunscreen
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Personal cameras
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Mobile phones
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Ear plugs ​​