TNT! – Where Big Band Meets Te Ao Māori

Experience a thrilling musical collaboration at the Christchurch Big Band Jazz Festival. TNT! combines the explosive power of big band jazz with the mana, rhythmic energy and lyrical beauty of waiata Māori in a bold and inspiring concert.

Conceived by drummer and māngai Māori, Greg Crayford, it features Wellington's Capital City Big Band, with bespoke arrangements by Vaughn Roberts, featuring acclaimed vocalist Lisa Tomlins with her rōpū kaiwaiata, TNT! presents an exciting programme of newly commissioned works, beloved waiata, and jazz classics reimagined in Te Reo Māori.

From timeless favourites such as Me He Manurere, Pokarekare Ana and Tōku Reo Tōku Ohooho to Great American Songbook standards transformed into "Te Tino Pukawaiata Māori", this innovative production celebrates the meeting of two rich musical traditions with warmth, creativity and heart.

Presented bilingually in a welcoming and accessible format, TNT! is a joyful celebration of music, culture and connection. The Christchurch Big Band Jazz Festival is proud to present this unique concert at The Piano as part of the 2026 Festival. Don't miss this unforgettable fusion of jazz and te ao Māori.

This event is part of the Christchurch Big Band Jazz Festival. Sign up to the festival newsletter and follow our socials for more information on all Festival events, free and ticketed. As a charitable, community-run festival, donations from music lovers like you help us keep the majority of performances free for everyone to enjoy. If you’d like to support the festival, please consider making a contribution.

Ticketing Enquiries

For any ticketing enquiries, please get in touch directly with Christchurch Big Band Festival at info@bigbandfest.org.nz