Auckland Jazz and Blues Club

Welcome to the home of jazz in Auckland

Birkenhead RSA, Recreation Drive, Birkenhead.

Please see EVENTS section for weekly concert details.

($10 members/$25 non-members - cash only)


The club was formed around 1992 to further the interests of jazz & blues music in Auckland.

The club has a membership of around 250 and has regular club nights every Tuesday evening at the Birkenhead RSA.

Concerts start at 7.30pm and finish at 9.30pm with a break at half time. Meals are available before the concert. Full bar service.

Ample off-street parking. Come early to secure your seating.

Each night features a different local or out of town band.. Sometimes an International star makes an appearance.

Back to All Events

TOBY AND THE REST

  • Point Chevalier RSA 1136 Great North Road Auckland, Auckland, 1022 New Zealand (map)

'TOBY & the REST'. The quartet consists of four students from Avondale College: Max Barrett (Drums) Toby Barrett (Saxophone) Tyler Diprose (Bass) and Lucas Kewell (Piano/keys).

They play a variety of jazz pieces ranging from Joseph Kosma and Burt Howard from the 1950's to Joshua Redman in the 90's. Lucas Kewell will also play some of his own impro-solo-piano with hints of Michel Legrand, Keith Jarrett and always a hint of Chic Corea. The quartet formed 18 months ago and have won several awards at youth jazz contests, they have also played a few public performances. People left those gigs inspired at the skill and passion of these young lads. 

FRINGE REVIEW from GOING PLACES 

I recently went to see ‘Toby and the Rest’ play at their sell-out gig at the Lopdell Precinct, Titirangi. I knew they were young and had heard they were good but nothing had quite prepared me for the performance that they gave. From the very start they gripped me and the rest of the audience (a full house) Nothing easy, they kicked off with Joshua Redman’s ‘Jazz Crimes’ with Toby Barrett on sax entering the stage from behind the audience, a pied piper effect and from that point on the audience was hooked. Not only did they play versions of jazz classics but also their own material, ‘Chicago’ composed by Lucas Kewell played with the energy and tightness of Snarky Puppy followed by a very moving piece entitled ‘Poor America’ influenced by recent events in the USA. The set was full of variety and in the second half two vocal tracks from a fellow college pupil Delores. The communication between these young musicians and their connection with the audience make them stand out, filled with fun and skill, this was live music at its best and as people left I heard someone say "that was a $100 ticket concert”     Mike Rosendale (Fringe Review 4th July 2020)

At the National Youth Jazz contest in Tauranga 'TOBY & the REST'quartet won the most outstanding jazz combo. Lucas Kewell was awarded the most outstanding pianist award and Tyler Diprose was awarded the most outstanding bass player award. 

Earlier Event: May 4
GE LUZ
Later Event: May 18
TAKADIMI