Leading acts line up for Auckland JazzFest

Leading acts line up for Auckland JazzFest

Leading local and international artists are lined up for three-days of inspiring entertainment during Auckland JazzFest (1–3 November) hosted by The University of Auckland’s School of Music.

Now in its fourth year, the festival emerged from a collaborative research project by the University’s Jazz Programme Coordinator, Ron Samsom, who noted an obvious lack of jazz activity in New Zealand’s largest city. According to Ron, this year’s performances will attract a wide audience catering for the enthusiast to the curious.

Over three nights, the 2010 festival will feature the Auckland Jazz Orchestra — a 17 strong group comprised of Auckland’s best session musicians performing a mix of jazz classics and original compositions, accompanied by diva Caitlin Smith as guest vocalist; bassist and composer Olivier Holland with his latest work Duets; pianist Kevin Field supported by a host of special guests including New Zealand jazz artists Bex Nabouta (vocals), Dixon Nacey (guitar), Karika Turua (bass), Josh Sorenson (drums); and feature supporting acts from the fresh collective talent of the Young Stallions and the Jimmy Garden Quintet.

Roger Manins, regarded as a blistering force in a new generation of jazz, will close the festival with the release of his latest album Latitude featuring Australian musical heavyweights Bernie McGann (saxophone), Carl Dewhurst (guitar) alongside New Zealand artists Olivier Holland (bass) and Ron Samsom (drums).

Ron says that it has been exhilarating to see the festival mature as a steadfast high-quality event on Auckland’s cultural scene. “JazzFest has brought out a large and enthusiastic jazz audience from the Auckland community,” he says. “The previous years have proven so successful that the School of Music has now initiated a Monday Night Jazz Series to satisfy the community’s substantial appetite. We would love to continue to grow and attract a greater range of performing artists.”

For more information: www.creative.auckland.ac.nz/jazzfest | jazzfest@auckland.ac.nz | +64 9 923 7707
Programme highlights for Auckland JazzFest
1–3 November 2010
Maidment Theatre, 8 Alfred Street, Auckland City
Doors open at 7pm/concerts start at 7.30pm
Tickets: $35 full price/ $15 concession/$10 school students; $15 groups 10+; $70 three nights
www.maidment.auckland.ac.nz | 09 308 2383

Monday 1 November
Auckland Jazz Orchestra
Featuring the beautiful vocal talents of Caitlin Smith interpreting the works of Billy Strayhorn Supporting act - Young Stallions

Tuesday 2 November
Holland | Field
A brilliant night of new music from Olivier Holland and Kevin Field with a host of special guests

Wednesday 3 November
Roger Manins’ Latitude
The new release album featuring legendary Australian artists Bernie McGann (saxophone) and Carl Dewhurst (guitar)
Supporting act - Jimmy Garden Quintet

The University of Auckland’s National Institute of Creative Arts and Industries comprises the School of Architecture and Planning, Elam School of Fine Arts, the Centre for New Zealand Art Research and Discovery (CNZARD), the School of Music and the Dance Studies Programme.

ENDS

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