New Zealand jazz greats to headline Queenstown JazzFest

Thursday 1st September

2016

Press Release from Queenstown JazzFest

New Zealand jazz greats to headline Queenstown JazzFest

The 39th annual Queenstown JazzFest has lined up two of New Zealand’s finest jazz musicians to perform in the resort this October. Tickets for the performances, to be held at the Queenstown Memorial Centre, will be released for sale this Friday, 2nd September.

New Zealand jazz heavyweights Nathan Haines and Phil Broadhurst will perform as part of an entertaining programme of free and ticketed concerts celebrating live music over Labour weekend from Friday 21st to Monday 24th October.

Acclaimed saxophonist, producer and vocalist Nathan Haines is one of New Zealand’s greatest jazz exports; he’s recently returned from a 20-year stint playing in London’s greatest music venues. Nathan Haines has released ten solo albums, two of which have Gold status in New Zealand and has won the Tui Jazz Album of the Year award three times. Nathan Haines will play alongside brother Joel on guitar and a hand-picked ‘super band’ on Saturday 22nd October.

Fellow headline artist Phil Broadhurst is another Kiwi musical treasure who’s too good to miss. Winner of the 2016 Tui Jazz Album of the Year award, Mr Broadhurst is one of New Zealand’s finest jazz pianists and in 2001, became the first jazz musician to be awarded the MNZM (Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit) for services to jazz. He’ll be playing alongside bassist Alberto Santarelli and legendary drummer Frank Gibson and accompanied by the incredible voice of Julie Mason on Friday 21st October.

Exceptional Italian violinist and loop artist Luca Ciarla will join Friday’s showcase with an imaginative and dazzling multi-instrumental performance.

The swinging Labour weekend line-up will continue on Sunday 23rd with an exciting, vocally driven show presented by bandleader and award winning drummer Reuben Bradley. The Reuben Bradley Sextet, featuring three talented young vocalists and a cracking rhythm section, will join the Queenstown Jazz Orchestra in performing a fantastic selection of jazz hits from the 1920s to the present day.

Queenstown JazzFest Trust spokesperson Luke Baldock described this year’s festival line-up as “not-to-be-missed”.

“There are some exceptionally talented performers taking part in this year’s festival and music-lovers are truly in for a treat.”

“Expect cracking rhythms, genre-bending tunes and addictive riffs,” he said.

“We’ve endeavoured to ensure that that the festival’s headline concerts remain accessible to all with a top ticket price of $40.” Mr Baldock added.

Special youth rates are available and there’s a festival pass priced at $99 which enables access to all three ticketed concerts at the Queenstown Memorial Centre.

Queenstown’s annual jazz festival will showcase a selection of the finest jazz musicians performing over 50 free and ticketed concerts at over 20 different locations around Queenstown.

Tickets will be available from eventfinda.co.nz this Friday, 2nd September with early bird pricing on offer until mid-September.

ENDS

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