Countdown to Festival

With only five-days to go until the official launch of the 2007 ASB Jazzfest at Queenstown, the excitement is hotting up.


“It’s all happening , the banners are going up around Queenstown, the buskers are warming up, ticket sales are really heating up and we are poised for an incredible nine-days,” JazzFest Trust Chairman David Cole said.


The party was set to start at Earnslaw Park this Sunday with the free Gala Opening from 3-6pm, featuring Yuval Ron and the Residents of the Future, a four-piece band that has been wowing audiences in Europe with its North American rhythms.


Also featured on Sunday, favourite local sound the Master Blasters and a special appearance by last year’s AJ Hackett Jumpstart young jazz artist of the year Beth Hamilton.


“Not only first class entertainment but also a magnificent setting, complemented with food and wine and free giveaways for the kids,” Mr Cole said.


Beach Street would be closed to accommodate the wine and food stalls on the day.


“This will be a feel good family concert to remember. What a fantastic way to start this year’s festival,” Mr Cole said.


Highlights of the programme this year included: the sizzling Sinatra Lives night; the Mountain Scene Jazz Party featuring One Million Dollars; the Millbrook Resort International Cabaret featuring Vince Jones and hosted by Gary McCormick; the Sky City Jazz Club night featuring four international artists; and the magnificent Bill Cunliffe concert, also featuring the Geoff Culverwell band of nine, hand picked, leading New Zealand musicians.


“Not to mention the ever popular locals night; the Blues Explosion featuring Midge Marsde; the fantastic Skyline Lazy Brunch with Hot Club Sandwich and the many free gigs happening all over the Wakatipu,” Mr Cole said.


In addition, as of Monday, the festival had its own radio frequency with George FM radio beaming out its jazz programme to central Queenstown on FM 107.7.


Tickets could be purchase three-ways: on-line at www.asbjazzfest.co.nz  or at TicketDirect or at i-site on the corner of Shotover and Camp Street.