1940’s swing, will be the theme when the “Fox and the Woolf” hit town next weekend to play two Salute 70 concerts as part of Memorial Weekend – remembering U.S.Armed Forces in New Zealand from 1942-44.
Roger Fox and his Jazz Ensemble will combine with veteran singer and actor Ray Woolf and special guest Erna Ferry in a walk down memory lane for those who remember big bands, dance halls, rhythm and swing.
Rodger Fox says his affinity for this music comes from his father who was the Pacific Musical Director of the 3rd Division Band who played for American forces in the Pacific. Erna Ferry’s Father, Tony Pierard, was a distinguished Kiwi fighter pilot in the Pacific who won a DFC and Ray Woolf born in the UK loves the music and is ready to rock.
With backing from the Rodger Fox Big Band, Fox and Woolf and have been a popular combo over the past 8-10 years. For the two concerts in the Memorial Hall in Paekākāariki (Sunday May 24 at 4pm and Sunday May 25 at 2.30pm) they will play with a five-piece jazz ensemble, all of whom are graduates from the New Zealand School of Jazz.
For jazz-lovers, the Paekākāariki concerts are part of a rich regional offering of Autumn jazz festivals. When the group leaves Kāpiti it will travel to Palmerston North to feature in the Manawatu International Jazz & Blues Festival, they will also feature at the Queen’s Birthday Jazz & Blues Festival at Expressions Jazz Caf in Upper Hutt.
Mulled Wine Concert organiser, May Gow says she’s delighted to be running her third Salute 70 40’s-themed jazz concert.
“All the concerts have been real crowd-pleasers; they’re a great way for the community to remember the music and the atmosphere of the times when U.S.Marines out-numbered the locals 15-1!” she says.
Other key events on Memorial Weekend are:
The Kāpiti Walkers & Joggers: In the Footsteps of the Marines: racewalk, social run & walk and competitive run 9am Sunday morning; www.enteronline.co.nz and
The Kāpiti U.S.Marines Memorial Day Service @ the U.S.Marines Memorial in Queen Elizabeth Park www.marinenz.com
For tickets & info: [email protected] or phone: 021 101 9609 or 04 902 2283
