Whirinaki Whare Taonga is deeply saddened by the passing of Rodger Fox yesterday and acknowledge his great contribution to big band Jazz in New Zealand.

Rodger was a great friend of Whirinaki and has performed many times as part of our annual music festival over Kings Birthday. His passion, enthusiasm and talent was something he shared and he was such a joy to work with. We will miss you Rodger.

Our thoughts are with the family and the members of the big band music community.

We will advise as soon as we can whether the concert on Friday night will be proceeding.

Update:

In true spirit and in acknowledgement of the late Rodger Fox, the Jazz Gala will be proceeding on Friday night with support from Bill Cunliffe and The Fullerton Big Band. It will be a great night to remember and celebrate.

Whirinaki Whare Taonga submitted this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

28/05/24