Laura Collins and the Big Blues Band: Manawatu Jazz and Blues Festival 2025

Laura Collins, known for her soulful vocal delivery and upfront entertainment, is bringing a show with a ‘whole lot of brass’. Expect blues, soul, boogie and swing. You’ll hear Etta James, Aretha Franklin, Fats Domino, Ray Charles and more. The emphasis will be on having a hughly good time, with the brass enabling the dynamic energy to be turned up to 10!

Laura will be joined by some of her long-time Wellington based companions. Wayne Mason, Kiwi music icon, being utilised here in his capacity as a master of boogie keys. John O’Connor on sublime lead guitar. George Barris and Richard Te One bringing a powerhouse rhythm section. Adding that soulful uplift, our brass section are Manawatu locals, James Tait Jamieson (saxophone), Craig Collis (trombone) and Neville Lauridsen (trumpet).

Get your bling on and come out for a blast. We will be!