Queenstown jazzes it up this Labour Weekend

Queenstown’s ASB Queenstown JazzFest hits a high note this Labour Weekend with a fantastic line-up of headline concerts and free gigs around the district.

The long weekend kicks off on Friday night (23 October) with some cool blues from Mike Frost & the Icemen, King Leo and the Growling Dogs, Mojo Webb, and Brilleaux performing in bars around town. For those keen to catch all four together, the late night Blues Jam at the SKYCITY Casino is a must.

Also headlining on Friday night is Brazilian group The Afro Sambas of Baden Powell whose infectious rhythms will take over St Peter’s Church Hall.

The Latin flavour continues on Saturday (24 October) with samba-land favourites Tambolele in a free concert on the Village Green stage from 12pm. Diners at threesixty will enjoy Afro Cuban Latin jazz from Descarga Hunter, then later the party picks up the pace at Revolver with a high energy performance from Batucada Sound Machine, followed by a late night Latin Jam that includes all three bands as well as the Afro Sambas, and Dunedin band Mbryo.

Jazz maestro Rodger Fox and legendary multi-award winning Kiwi entertainer Ray Woolf headline at the Millennium Hotel this Saturday night. Backed by an 18-piece band, they’ll transport concert-goers back to the dance halls of the 1930s and ‘40s with an evening of classic swing hits.

Music lovers keen to pick up techniques and ‘trade secrets’ from some of the JazzFest’s world-class performers can choose from a range of low-cost workshops this Saturday and Sunday. Classes include Vocals with renowned singer, composer and vocal coach Caitlin Smith, Saxophone Techniques and Jazz and Modern Music with Lewis McCallum, one of New Zealand’s most extraordinary saxophonists, and Drum Rhythms with Brazilian percussionists Tambolele.

For those who enjoy their laidback Sundays and food with panoramic views the Skyline JazzFest Sunday Brunch will fit the bill. From 11am, Caitlin Smith will take locals and visitors to new heights with her smooth, spellbinding vocals and eclectic mix of sophisticated jazz, blues, pop and folk. The $49.50 ticket includes a sumptuous buffet brunch and return Skyline gondola ride.

ASB Queenstown JazzFest trustee Nicola Lindsay says she hopes everyone gets out to enjoy the weekend’s festivities.

“It’s a great chance to see top quality musicians for little or no cost and soak up the great festival atmosphere. We’ve got outdoor concerts at the Village Green, Earnslaw Park, Remarkables Park and Arrowtown throughout Labour Weekend so we’d love people to pack a picnic and out to soak up some great entertainment.”

The 10-day music festival wraps up on Labour Day at The Winehouse and Kitchen in Gibbston Valley with a special performance from Kiri Winders and her 1940s Jazz Club.

Festival tickets can be purchased online through www.asbjazzfest.co.nz, at Queenstown i-Site (corner of Shotover and Camp streets) or by calling TicketDirect on 0800 224 224 (03 450 9110).