Tickets for the 2009 ASB Queenstown JazzFest go on sale on Tuesday, and Tahuna Breaks is one of more than 50 bands confirmed to perform.
Organisers are promising a "carnival atmosphere" when Queenstown swings into spring from October 17 to 26.
The festival will feature elite New Zealand entertainers Rodger Fox and Ray Woolf, the Neil Cowley Trio direct from the United Kingdom, multi-talented singer-songwriter Caitlin Smith, the Baden Project and Tambolele.
Leading New Zealand drummer Frank Gibson, saxophonist Lewis McCallum, blues boys Mike Frost and the Icemen, plus King Leo and the Growling Dogs are back for the 31st annual jazz festival.
More than 200 New Zealand and international performers will deliver cool blues, big band swing, funky rhythm and blues, vibrant Latin sounds, Dixie bands and jazz-influenced dance music in a 10-day programme of free gigs, ticketed concerts and music workshops.
Up-and-coming musicians between the ages of 12 and 25 will be given a chance to shine through a national youth competition, emerging talent competition and the JazzFest Trust awards.
Long-serving festival trust members Harvey Maguire and Trevor Tattersfield stepped down at the beginning of the year, but remain involved as musicians.
Queenstown Lakes District Council arts and events facilitator Jan Maxwell has joined the team of existing trustees: Nicola Lindsay, Peter Howe and chairman Luke Baldock.
Mr Baldock told the Queenstown Times the trustees were excited about highlighting Wakatipu, national and international talent.
The opening concert was held successfully on the Village Green for the first time last year and organisers wanted to bring more music to the streets.
"The aim is to increase the profile of the event, so wherever you go, you'll be exposed to the energy and vibrancy of the festival."
The ASB Queenstown JazzFest attracts about 21,000 visitors to the resort over Labour Weekend and pumps about $6 million into the economy.
• Festival tickets will range from $25 to $85 and will be available from www.asbjazzfest.co.nz, which will be relaunched next week. Tickets will also be on sale at i-Site Queenstown Visitor Information Centre or by calling TicketDirect on 0800 224-224 (03 450-9110).
