After much thought, we want to share some bittersweet news with our community: the Wellington Jazz Cooperative has made the decision to close its doors.

For the past nine years, WJC has been incredibly proud to present fortnightly headliner concerts, showcasing an inspiring mix of international artists and Aotearoa’s finest jazz musicians. These shows were about more than gigs — they were about creating a space where original music could be heard, shared, and truly listened to.

Alongside our headliner series, we were especially passionate about supporting emerging artists. Through our Emerging Artist Series, we had the privilege of giving countless up-and-coming musicians a platform to present their music to a listening audience. Watching a new generation of Kiwi artists grow, take risks, and find their voice has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey.

Many of you will also remember our weekly Sunday Sessions, which ran for five memorable years and became a regular meeting point for musicians, listeners, and lovers of live jazz.

None of this would have been possible without the incredible venues that welcomed us over the years. A heartfelt thank you to The Pyramid Club, Third Eye, Southern Cross, Lovebite, The Library, Moon Bar, and Cavern Club for your support and for helping keep live music thriving in Wellington.

To the artists — from all corners of the globe — who graced our stage, played their socks off, and trusted WJC as a place to launch albums and new projects: thank you. Your music, generosity, and creativity are what made WJC what it was.

We also want to thank the hundreds of people who became WJC members over the years. Your support, enthusiasm, and belief in what we were doing kept us going. A massive thank you as well to the WJC team, Dylan and Seth, for your outstanding contribution, dedication, and love for the music and the community.

And finally, the biggest thank you of all goes to Veronica, whose tireless work — often day and night, and then day again — made so much of this possible. Ronny, you are truly the rock behind WJC.

To everyone who ever stopped by to check out a show: please know that your listening ears and good vibes always meant the world to the artists on stage.

We send much love and music happiness to you all. Please keep stepping out to gigs, keep supporting live music, and keep backing the artists and venues that continue to make Wellington such a special place to hear jazz.

Mark Lockett
WJC Artistic Director