Lisa Tomlins with The Wellington Jazz Orchestra

WJO Rodger Fox’s Wellington Jazz Orchestra. Special guest: Lisa Tomlins. The band presents a performance on the last Tuesday of each month at Sandwiches bar/restaurant. Support “live” music.

Special Guest for Tuesday August 31 is the one and only Bella Kalolo. Bella Kalolo is of Samoan, Tongan and Maori (Ngati Porou) decent. Bella has a unique musical background and experienced success in her early years. Performing country and western songs with her father, to her year spent in Paraguay as a teenager performing with the band ‘Dos Tribus’. Their song “Ascuncion” was a hit on the Paraguayan charts.

On her return to NZ, Bella has worked extensively in theatre and screen as well as many live performances and recordings. As one of New Zealand’s most exciting performers, she has worked with artists including Dave Dobbyn, Don McGlashan, Hollie Smith, Nathan Haynes, Tina Cross, Delta Goodrem, Paul Potts, Jackie Clarke, Renee Geyer, Vince Harder, Iva Lamkum, Suzanne Lynch, Fat Freddy's Drop and the NZSO to name to few.

As a singer on TVNZs ‘Dancing with the Stars’ for the last three seasons, Bella has worked with Carl Doy. Bella’s talent as a performer has also included a leading role in the TV2 children’s series “Jandal’s Away” and appearing in the very successful film "Sione’s Wedding". Bella has toured extensively with Hollie Smith and more recently with the immensely popular Pink Floyd Experience 2009 as a backing vocalist on the “Back Catalogue Tour” which is set to Tour Australia and South Africa. A recording with Don McGlashan for the feature film ‘Matariki’ will be released in 2010.

Wellington’s premier big band featuring the capital's finest jazz talent. Founded by New Zealand jazz-big band legend Rodger Fox this band covers all bases. Sizzling ensemble playing, stunning soloists and the desire to give people a good time through music.

Members of the WJO have performed with some of the biggest names in jazz including Michael Brecker, Bill Cunliffe, Joe Williams, Louie Bellson, Bob Sheppard, Bruce Forman, Bill Reichenbach and Jim Pugh to name but a few. This experience impacts on the band in a very positive way and it is hoped the band can further develop this link with national and international artists and become the jazz orchestra of choice for visiting jazz musicians.

A band of this nature can only be good for the Wellington music scene and further foster that Wellington is truly a musical hub for New Zealand.

For further information contact Rodger Fox - mobile 0211433526, email: rdfox@ihug.co.nz.

Event listed by Rodger Fox

View their other events or contact promoter