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ASB JazzFest Queenstown

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27 Oct 2008

Jazzin' with Queenstown's Best

Local musicians entertained at Novotel on Monday night. Featured in the above slideshow is Nigel Hirst, Mark Wilson, Lyall McGregor, Taff Hewton, Peter Doyle, Jean Foster, Karen Reid, and band LA Social Club.

Press pause and scroll down to view a Labour Weekend jazz slideshow.

The Long Weekend of Jazz

The slideshow above features just a small sample of the jazz that was on over the weekend.
Saturday night: Mountain Scene Jazz 'n' Beats Dance Party featuring Lewis McCallum, Cherie Mathieson and DJ Chris Cox at Memorial Hall. Paul Van Ross Quartet at Sky City Casino and King Leo and the Growling Dogs at Dux de Lux. Sunday afternoon: Frank Gibson Trio at Brazz (featured audio recording) and LA Mitchell Trio at Guilty.

Photographs by Michael Christian and Jess Parker

Jazz festival celebrates 30 years of tunes

ASB JazzFest Queenstown celebrates 30 years of bringing music to the South Island on October 18-27.

Since the first jazz festival in 1978, held at O’Connells Hotel Cellar Inn, it has grown phenomenally – both in size and in the maturity stakes.

Now, in 2008, the festival has hit its stride with the most acts ever – 50 bands and more than 200 musicians will play 45 gigs throughout the resort and at surrounding venues.

Headlining the festival is Anika Moa (right) like you’ve never seen her before – a jazz siren, crooning ballads in a dimly lit, jazz club-styled venue.

Other top billings include American King Leo and Dunedin’s Growling Dogs, Melbournians Mike Frost & The Iceman and Auckland’s Frank Gibson Trio.

The Vegas Cabaret is a further highlight, featuring silken-tongued Tim Beveridge, funny man Gary McCormick and the stunning Candy Lane Dancers

A mix of free and ticketed gigs will be playing throughout the 10-day festival.

For a comprehensive list of gigs, and more on tickets and pricing, head to the official website: www.asbjazzfest.co.nz.