artscalendar.co.nz newsletter - 18 October 2004

18 October 2004

artscalendar.co.nz newsletter

Greetings from artscalendar.co.nz

Jazz explosion in Festival form Miles Davis' saxophonist, a French Grammy award winning harmonica player and our very own jazzy diva are just some of the highlights of this year's Montana Wellington International Jazz Festival which opened on Friday 15th and runs till 30th October 2004!

Into its eighth year, the annual, two week jazz festival brings international acts to the capital and draws from a buzzing musical hive of local talent. This year's international acts include: Dave Liebman, leading American modern jazz saxophonist since the 1970s who gained prominence first in drummer Elvin Jones' band and then with Miles Davis' incredible electric band, blows into Wellington direct from New York, to perform one concert at the Ilott Theatre, Wellington Town Hall. The Guilfoyle-Nielsen Trio from Dublin will perform with Dave. JJ Milteau, winner of numerous "Victoire de la Musique" (French Grammy) will perform his legendary blues, R'n'B and soul harmonica with his quintet in a one-off-concert.

Daughter of blues legend Taj Mahal and now Wellington resident, Deva Mahal, has garnered a name for herself as the capital's very own jazz diva. Heard singing the music of some of the great jazz vocalist and composers such as Ella Fitzgerald, Dinah Washington, Billie Holiday et al, in the local music scene, Deva and a nine piece band will present a very special show at the Ilott Theatre. Rising star composer and bandleader Rosie Langabeer teams up with her father, legendary saxophonist, Jim Langabeer and a 16 piece band to present an exhilarating Big Band experience. Of Ghanaian and New Zealand heritage, the beautiful singer and composer Leila Adu returns from Melbourne to premiere new songs written for violin, cello, piano and saxophone. Drummer and bandleader Anthony Donaldson (also of the legendary 1980s' band Six Volts) presents his fifth festival concert with his newly formed Flower Orphans which promises to be as infamous and stunningly original as last year's psychedel ic Oils of Ulan.

Outdoor Sunday Concerts at Frank Kitts Park, sponsored by Wellington Waterfront Limited, are just some of the free and jazzy events around the city.

The entire city embraces the Jazz festival during labour weekend and this year the Radio Active Massive Labour Weekend Music Marathon sees Wellington's vibrant cafs and restaurants filled with live music during the day and night. The weekend is also packed with free lectures, films and the popular Family Jazz Jam at Te Papa.

Programmes are available from libraries, information centers and online www.jazzfestival.co.nz

Shows will sell out! Tickets range from $10 to $40. Book now at Ticketek.

What's happening within the next week or so: Dance - Tristan and Isolde A Michael Parmenter Production - for three nights only - 27-30 October. Michael Parmenter has created a many layered and complex piece that explores themes of sex, love, religion, gender, politics, desire and death. Held at the Maidment Theatre, Auckland. Theatre - Falling Petals is a darkly comic fable about the consequences of a culture of disposable youth. Performed by the Hagley Theatre Company until 22 October in Christchurch. Film - NHNZ Film Series, Buddha's Giants will be screening at the Otago Musuem on 27 October at 7.00pm. Gold Coin Donation.

Don't forget the Italian Film Festival is still on throughout New Zealand. Congratulations to our competition winners, Emma Stevens, Shirley Ang, Robin Murphy (all from Wellington), Brian Adam from Auckland, and Sue Pepperell from Whanganui, who all received free tickets to the Italian Film Festival. The correct answer was Sergio Castellitto, who was both the director and lead actor.

Have an aim in life -- then don't forget to pull the trigger. Author Unknown

ENDS

© Scoop Media