Harbour Street Jazz and Blues Festival artistic director Jane Campbell has them.
Not only has she been putting in the hard yards on the Oamaru jazz festival's organising committee, she is taking the stage as a vocalist for the first time - after just three rehearsals with the band.
The Merc 6 was formed for the festival; the six-piece jazz blues band of well-known local players backs up Mrs Campbell and festival co-ordinator Julie Barclay as featured vocalists.
``The jazz festival gives an opportunity to someone like me who's never done it before,'' Mrs Campbell said.
``We want our homegrown talent to get involved. Because we've got lots of talent in this town, man - it is one of the most talented towns,'' Mrs Barclay said.
Committee chairwoman Lucianne White said keeping things open and the music accessible was a big deal.
The festival starts next Friday with seven venues in Oamaru's historic centre and music from 5pm.
Local sponsors, venue fees and fundraisers had allowed 44 of 46 performances over the weekend to be free.
With the sixth Oamaru jazz festival, music was again ``synonymous'' with the town.
``This festival ... it's not just for jazz and blues lovers. It's for families, it's for young performers who just want to get a bit of stage time. It's for anyone who loves the vibe of a town that comes alive for a weekend with music everywhere,'' Mrs White said.
Saturday night's Freaky Meat show at The Penguin Entertainers' Club Inc and the grand finale, ``An Elegant Affair'', were this year's only ticketed events.
