Media Release

28 July 2006

HOT INTERNATIONAL ACTS TO BLAST WINTER BLUES

ASBJAZZFEST HEADLINE ACTS ANNOUNCED

Australia's best loved jazz band is set to blast away the winter blues at a major free international outdoor concert at Queenstown on Saturday 14 October.

Galapagos Duck will kick start this year's 28th ASB JazzFest with a big bang, musical director Harvey Maguire announced today (Friday).

This year the 10-day Festival, beginning October 14, will feature more than 150 musicians from all over the world playing in more than 35 venues throughout the Wakatipu Basin.

"We wanted a big act to make a big statement to launch this year's festival. The Duck will be the centre of attraction for a two hour late afternoon concert and Festival launch - that promises to delight and surprise. It?s a real family outing for all of Queenstown," Mr Maguire said.

The ASB Jazzfest, beginning with the free lakeside Earnslaw Park concert, is gearing up to be one of the greatest live music Festivals Queenstown has seen.

"And to capture the spirit of everything that Queenstown represents we have planned an opening concert that will combine fantastic music, great wine, good fun and all in God's-own amphitheatre," Mr Maguire said.

Top international act James Morrison will keep the Festival momentum going.

"This act is a real Festival coup, Morrison travels the world playing to sellout performances wherever he appears, the Trust is thrilled he has agreed to play Queenstown," Mr Maguire said.

Morrison had played all the great venues including Royal Albert Hall, Covent Gardens and New York?s Blue Note.

"And now you can hear this outstanding international musician play Queenstown. This is a rare treat for New Zealanders to see and hear one the world's top exponents in the peak of his career," Mr Maguire said.

Morrison will feature at the Festival in a one-off concert at Memorial Hall on Friday 20th October, with his own six piece band, including the attractive and vivacious singer Emma Pask.

"This year the Festival caters for all tastes and all demographics and I am delighted to announce that the Festival has attracted one of New Zealand's most innovative sounds, 8- piece Wellington band Rhombus", Mr Maguire said.

The group delves into the musical mix of hip hop, soul and dub/reggae to create a unique brand of music that has attracted big accolades wherever they play / both in New Zealand and overseas.

"Rhombus will be featured in the Festival at one concert at Memorial Hall on Saturday 21 October and judging from early feedback this dance party will be a sellout," Mr Maguire said.

From hip hop to African rhythms, the Festival takes great delight this year in featuring an 8-piece line-up called Gahu. The band will feature in two concerts over Labour Weekend.

The band delivers a truly creative and imaginative sound that delivers a funky Afro beat style of music borrowed from the traditional rhythms of Ghana.

"To those who have been lucky enough to see and hear this group on stage, it is quite a spellbinding experience. You won't want to miss them," Mr Maguire said.

Another international headline act will feature at a cabaret night at Millbrook Resort Wednesday 18th October, during the Festival.

"Direct from New York, where he is currently based, we are privileged to have attracted Brazilian high flyer Tom Lellis," Mr Maguire said.

Lellis, who has also agreed to run a vocalist workshop during his time in Queenstown, is a gifted composer, piano player as well an acclaimed jazz singer.

In addition to the sizzling international line up, some of last year's favorite acts are returning due to hot demand.

"Continuum, which wowed the audiences everywhere, last year has agreed to come back, as has Cambio / four of Dunedin's most accomplished musicians," Mr Maguire said,

Another talent not to be missed this year is talented violinist, Fiona Pearse / currently based in London.

Top up these performances with the Young Jazz Performers Competition for local young musicians and it really is a Festival for everyone.

"Get ready to shake off the blues and welcome spring with one of the greatest live music Festivals Queenstown has seen," Mr Maguire said.

The full programme can be viewed at www.asbjazzfest.co.nz.

ENDS

For further information please contact Harvey Maguire 03 442 7061

By: Sarah