Highlighting the 2014 Queenstown JazzFest Concert Programme!

Highlighting the 2014 Queenstown JazzFest Concert Programme!

Labour Weekend 24-26 October 2014

Legendary New Zealand jazz pianist, composer and bandleader Mike Nock and acclaimed Christchurch jazz and blues songstress Jennine Bailey are headlining this year’s annual Queenstown JazzFest over Labour Weekend.

Mike Nock, who has been based in Sydney since 1986, has been at the forefront of Australasian jazz and in February received the 2014 Don Banks Award, one of Australia’s most prestigious music prizes. Having previously spent 25 years in the USA, Nock has performed with many of the world’s top jazz artists throughout his highly celebrated career.

Jennine Bailey is renowned as one of New Zealand’s top jazz singers and promises to channel the “First Lady of Song” Ella Fitzgerald for JazzFest audiences. Joined by some of New Zealand’s finest jazz talent, Bailey will perform such classics as I've Got You Under My Skin, the jazzy blues ballad Cry Me a River and popular jazz standard Mac the Knife.

The pair are among several firsts in this year’s programme which includes a great mix of free and ticketed concerts featuring performers from the United States, Germany, England, Australia and New Zealand.

Emerging New Zealand jazz pianist Steve Barry is regarded as a rising star on the Sydney jazz scene following his arrival in 2009 to study at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Accolades include winner of the 2013 Bell Award for Young Australian Jazz Artist of the Year and runner-up in the 2013 National Jazz Awards The Steve Barry Quartet will bring a dynamic live set that is sure to be a highlight of the festival.

Playing for the very first time in Queenstown, is the Mike Nock Trio from Australia. Mike's compositions include orchestral music, woodwind/percussion ensembles and electronic works. The Mike Nock Trio perform at the Queenstown Memorial Centre, Friday 24th October at 7.30pm. Click here for more info.

Steve Barry is a pianist, improviser and composer based in Sydney, Australia.

Brought up in New Zealand, Barry (who studied with Mike Nock) is joined by the incredible talents of Roger Manins (Sax), Brett Hirst (Double Bass), James Waples (Drums). Manins is regarded as one of New Zealands best jazz saxophonists, and is a prolific composer and recording jazz artists. The Steve Barry Quartet will perform at the Queenstown Memorial Centre 6.00pm, Saturday 25th October. Their dynamic set will one of the highlights of the festival! Click here for more info.

Jennine Bailey is a name synonymous with style and individuality on the New Zealand jazz and blues scene.

Singer, performer and recording artist, Jennine puts her own soulful and unique stamp on every song she sings, and refuses to be defined or limited by one genre. Jennine's sold out shows see the enthusiastic audiences respond with standing ovations.

Joined, by some of New Zealand's finest jazz talent, A Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald featuring Jennine Bailey, is our finale concert at the Queenstown Memorial Centre on Saturday 25th October at 8.30pm. This concert will be a wonderful tribute to one of the greatest singing legends of our time.

For more information or to view the full Festival programme, visit www.queenstownjazzfest.co.nz or join the official Festival Page on Facebook.

Tickets are selling fast and there are now only a small handful of tables left at each event. You can purchase your ticket online at Eventfinder.co.nz or by visiting the Queenstown iSite on the corner of Camp Street and Shotover Street.

ENDS

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