This year’s Gala Concert features the beloved Rodger Fox Big Band with guest artists Carl Verheyen and Erna Ferry.

New Zealand’s premier jazz band, the RFBB is well-known within New Zealand and internationally, having performed at the prestigious Monterey and Montreux Jazz Festivals, International Jazz Network Conference in New Orleans and also in Australia, Singapore, UK and Poland. For over 50 years the band has toured New Zealand extensively, giving public concerts and education workshops for the benefit of emerging and experienced musicians throughout the country.

Carl Verheyen
The current lead guitarist of the smash hit British rock group Supertramp, Carl is a critically acclaimed musician, vocalist, songwriter, arranger, producer and educator and is the ‘go-to’ session guitarist in L.A. Carl has performed and/or recorded with: Christina Aguilera, Bee Gees, Cher, Belinda Carlisle, Little Richard, Dolly Parton, B.B. King, Leanne Rimes, Miley Cyrus, to name but a few.

Erna Ferry
Manawatu jazz & blues afficionado Erna Ferry is well-known to Manawatu audiences. She has performed at most of the jazz clubs and festivals throughout the country. Career highlights include travelling to the Monterey and Montreux jazz festivals as vocalist for the Rodger Fox Big Band, touring NZ with a Peggy Lee tribute show and playing support for Al Jarreau and George Benson. On a good day she also plays a mean harmonica.