Whanganui, New Zealand – September 27, 20XX – Jazz aficionados, prepare to be spellbound as the Whanganui Jazz Club welcomes a prodigious talent to its stage. Jazz, often regarded as a gift from America to the world, transcends borders and adapts to the culture it encounters. In Aotearoa New Zealand, the embodiment of jazz’s vitality arrives this Sunday at the Whanganui Jazz Club.
Meet Oscar Laven, an eclectic tenor saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist hailing from Wellington. Nurtured in a musical family, Laven embarked on his musical journey at a tender age, eventually earning a bachelor’s degree in jazz and classical performance from the prestigious New Zealand School of Music. Now in his 30s, Laven is a dynamic full-time performer, composer, and teacher. His name resonates in various musical realms, from symphony orchestras to the esteemed Royal New Zealand Air Force Band, and every stage where serious music, or any genre for that matter, graces the ears of listeners.
A glimpse into Laven’s recent diary entries reveals his boundless musical pursuits:
“Amped to play alongside American blues guitarist Chris Cain and the formidable Rodger Fox Big Band, tonight at Jack Hackett’s.”
“What a day! From performing Copland and Bernstein with the symphony at 6:30 pm at the Michael Fowler Centre to serenading with 90s nostalgia video game tunes at 9 pm at Hashigo Zake.”
“A baroque concert today! 12:15 pm at St. Andrew’s on the Terrace… Leading the band from the baritone chair tonight with The Wellington Mingus Ensemble.”
“Diving into the whimsical film-noir music of Django Reinhardt tonight.”
“Last-minute fun gig! Grooving to the hardest standards tonight… Sharing the stage with the ever-fantastic jazz vocalist Eugene Wolfin at the Realm.”
“Tonight at The Rogue & Vagabond! Anticipating a surreal performance of my wacky and (hopefully) wonderful original music from my album ‘Questions in Red.'”
Oscar Laven is poised to grace Whanganui with one of his all-star quintets, featuring the captivating vocalist Eugene Wolfin and hometown favorite Ayrton Foote on electric keys. Expect an evening of well-known tunes reimagined with a fresh twist. This is an event that jazz enthusiasts should not miss!
The performance will take place on Sunday, October 1st, at 6:30 pm at St. John’s Club, 158 Glasgow Street. Doors open at 5:30 pm for meals. General admission tickets are priced at $25, with a reduced rate of $15 for members.
