Queenstown Jazzfest Continues To Grow

The organisers of the Queenstown Jazzfest 2011 is broadening its horizons with this year’s programme, with some new additions widening the festival’s focus while still leaving plenty of room for the jazz traditionalist.

Ticket sales have been steady for the event, which is only a month away and Queenstown Jazzfest Trust spokesperson Luke Baldock said the programme offered plenty of variety in the way of music as well as branching out into film and art.

“Organisers have worked hard over the years to embrace all types of jazz and keep Jazzfest’s appeal as wide open as possible,” he said. “We’re now at a stage where we can broaden that even further, including aspects that aren’t necessarily rooted solely in jazz performance.”

Jazzfest would be working with the Queenstown Film Society on a series of free outdoor screenings and would also be facilitating an art installation Rhythmic Verve by New Zealand artist Shannon Novak on the Village Green, which would be renamed the Jazz Village for the duration of the five day festival.

Mr Baldock said Jazzfest would be continuing with the community stages in Arrowtown and Remarkables Park, which had worked successfully in the past and was sticking with its tried and tested formula of a mix of ticketed concerts and free gigs.

“There are a lot of highlights in this year’s programme but we think the Jazz’n’Beats concert featuring Fat Freddy’s Drop is going to be a great show and a real crowd pleaser, “ Mr Baldock said.

“We’re also really excited about the Craig Naughton Quartet, which will be playing at the Skyline Jazz Brunch. Craig Naughton is one of Australia’s top jazz drummers and the quartet features some of the best in contemporary Australian musical talent. Not only that but at $51 for a trip on the gondola, a buffet brunch and a performance, it’s fantastically good value as well.”

Mr Baldock said that with Jazzfest being an official ‘Real NZ Festival’ event, he was hoping it would spur people to come and get a taste of real jazz, kiwi style.

“We’ve got some great overseas artists but the backbone of Jazzfest is all the incredible New Zealand artists who come and play, especially our local contingent,” he said. “This year we’re delighted to be hosting the premiere performance of the Queenstown Jazz Orchestra, the district’s own 18 piece big band plus we’re also acknowledging the work of the younger generation with our Tribute Evening, celebrating Queenstown’s young jazz performers.”
Tickets are available from the following venues:

Jazz'n'Beats - Fat Freddy's Drop (NZ)

Buy your Tickets for $70 + booking fee from:

Ticketek - Online: www.ticketek.co.nz or Phone: 0800 TICKETEK (842538)

i-Site Cnr Shotover & Cam Street, Queenstown

Queenstown Events Centre Joe O'Connell Drive, Frankton

Quenstown Young Jazz Performers - Tribute Night

Buy your tickets for $20 from the front desk at Queenstown Lakes District Council or Lakes District Museum, Arrowtown

Skyline Jazz Brunch - Craig Naughton Quartet (AUS)

Buy your tickets for $51 from Skyline Queenstown - Phone: 03 441 0101