A firm favourite on the Eastern Bay summer arts calendar, Jazz in the Park returns next Saturday with an afternoon of soulful melodies and infectious rhythms in a picture-perfect setting.

O’Hagan Home Loan and Insurances Jazz in the Park runs from 3pm to 8pm on Saturday, February 28, at the Whakatāne Rose Gardens.

The line-up features Eastern Bay favourites EBOPers, alongside Auckland acts The DeSotos and Croque Madame.

Festivalgoers can also enjoy food and beverages on site, and performances from Lance Fuller and his dance group.

For Auckland Americana country-blues outfit The DeSotos, it will be their first time performing at the Whakatāne Jazz in the Park.

The four-piece band comprises Paul Gurney (lead vocals, guitars and blues harp), Stuart McIntyre (bass and vocals), Ron Stevens (Hammond organ, keyboards and vocals) and Greg Tell (drums and percussion).

Fresh from appearing at Music in the Parks in Auckland, Gurney said the band was excited to be heading to Whakatāne.

“We do many jazz and blues events around the country,” he said.

The DeSotos are regulars at jazz clubs throughout the North Island and have appeared at major festivals, including the National Jazz Festival in Tauranga and the New Zealand Blues Festival in Rotorua.

“It’s interesting because in some respects we’re neither a pure jazz band nor a blues band, but we sit on both those schedules because we’re a roots-based band,” Gurney said.

“‘Roots’ can mean reggae in New Zealand, but internationally it speaks more to country, folk, jazz and blues. That’s very much where we sit.

“Our music draws on elements of rock, country, blues and jazz.”

Their Los Angeles-born drummer, Greg Tell, brings strong jazz credentials to the group.

“Greg recorded four albums with Renee Geyer, as well as touring with her and Marcia Hines while living in Australia.

“DeSotos is a very melodic band, and that is felt around the vocals,” Gurney said.

“We all sing and do harmony work.”

Much of the band’s repertoire is original. They are recording now at Auckland’s Lab Recording Studio, with five tracks completed for their third album.

Some of that new material will feature in their Jazz in the Park set, alongside songs from earlier releases.

Their debut album, Cross Your Heart, was released in 2008, followed by Your Highway for Tonight in 2011.

Gurney has also produced two solo albums – Shadow of Love (2017) and the recent Blue Horizon. The latter received extensive airplay on US radio and led to showcase performances at Nashville’s AmericanaFest in 2023 and 2025.

If they dip into covers, audiences may hear songs by Neil Young, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers or The Allman Brothers Band, alongside New Orleans-inspired jazz and funk.

The band’s music has also featured in television series including The Brokenwood Mysteries, Shortland Street and TVNZ’s South and North.

Gurney and McIntyre first played together in a Wellington country-rock covers band in the 1980s. After both relocating to Auckland, they reconnected musically.

“We started playing some gigs together and then really formed the DeSotos, around 2005, we became a serious line-up and Ronnie, our keyboard player, joined us.”

Gurney cites the West Coast country-rock sound as a key early influence.

“Then I started going to the Jazz Fest in New Orleans every year and listening to more of a funky kind of sound, the likes of people like Bonnie Raitt, who I love and adore.

“I think the rhythm sections out of New Orleans are the best in the world. It’s incredible to soak it all in. It’s also a great place to go from a songwriting point of view and let that sound wash over you.”

With a diverse line-up, Gurney believes the Whakatāne audience is in for something special.

“It’ll be a fabulous afternoon of music. And it sounds like a beautiful setting. We’re excited to come down and do the show.”

The DeSotos perform from 4.50pm to 6.20pm.

Bring a picnic blanket or chair and settle in for an afternoon and early evening of relaxed vibes, quality music and summer atmosphere.

Jazz in the Park
■ Where: Whakatāne Rose Garden
■ When:3pm-8pm, Saturday,February 28
■ Tickets: Eventfinda – students $5; adults $23