09 September 2010 - 0 Comments

The countdown is on to the 2010 ASB Queenstown JazzFest and organisers are extending the invitation to local music lovers and businesses to sign up for its earlybird Patronage Programme.

The programme entitles those in the community to a slice of the front row action, and preferential booking and entry to an array of highlight performances at Queenstown’s major springtime event, taking place this year from 21 to 25 October.

Now in its 32^nd year, the annual jazz festival showcases a breadth of jazz styles from around New Zealand and the world, and the Private Patronage or Corporate Patronage passes enable local businesses and individuals to get involved and support the five-day music ‘feast’.

ASB Queenstown JazzFest Chairman Luke Baldock said he was looking forward “hugely” to this year’s festival and welcoming more than 150 international, national and local musicians to the region.

“We’re really excited about the calibre of this year’s line-up of musicians and bands, some of whom we’ve never heard here before,” he said.

“The festival aims to deliver the highest levels of musicianship and entertainment possible for the enjoyment of locals, visitors and our surrounding communities. 

“By joining our patronage programme, individuals and businesses will not only be appreciating and acknowledging the contribution that the festival makes to the region, but they’ll be helping to grow this contribution in a very real and direct way.

“In return for their support, we recognise our patrons by giving them top treatment over the festival period, ensuring them the best seats in the house at concert events at the ASB Jazz Club, and tickets to some of our best events, such as the Gala Opening Concert, our hugely popular Jazz’n’Beats night and the Rodger Fox Big Band.

“The packages come with complimentary wine and VIP hosting opportunities for corporate patrons.”

Mr Baldock said the website www.queenstownjazzfest.co.nz was set to go live next week with the full programme of events along with additional information on musicians and bands.  “Those with patronage programmes should take first advantage of the pass’s exclusivity and jump online to secure their tickets before they go on general release in the next couple of weeks,” said Mr Baldock.

Private Patronage is priced at $500 and Corporate Patronage at $1,000. Full details of what each package includes are available by contacting [email protected] or calling Sarah Swale on 027 293 5055.

Meanwhile entries are coming in thick and fast for the festival’s 2010 NZONE ‘JumpStart’ Jazz Competition. The Jumpstart competition will be held on October 23 and 24 as part of the JazzFest. The Youth Competition (12-17years) and Emerging Talent Competition (18-25 years) aim to give exposure to young musicians and help ‘jump start’ their careers.

Jazz vocalist and coach Caitlin Smith and the legendary Calder Prescott – the man known as ‘Mr Jazz’ in Dunedin -- are competition judges, alongside a selection of well known Queenstown jazz aficionados.

The ASB Queenstown JazzFest is Queenstown’s major springtime event.  It brings music to the masses in a 5-day live music celebration from 21 to 25 October.

The 32nd annual jazz festival has a sensational line-up of more than 50 bands and 150 Kiwi and international performers.

Thanks to www.queenstownjazzfest.co.nz for this story.

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