More than 70 musicians from the United States, Australia and New Zealand will entertain visitors and residents in Queenstown over Labour Weekend, during the inaugural Queenstown International Jazz and Blues Festival which replaces the previous Queenstown Jazz Festival.
The festival, presented by Steamer Wharf, Murdoch James Estate Wines, The Breeze and Choice TV, will be held from October 24 to 27.
Festival director Billy Te Kahika, better known as Billy TK Jun, a blues guitarist, said the jazz, blues, soul funk and acid jazz musicians were ''simply excellent''.
''This ... along with amazing Queenstown as the backdrop, the close proximity of venues and affordable ticketed events means an incredible weekend for people who love great music.''
The festival hub would be at the Steamer Wharf, with venues around central Queenstown.
One of the headline acts will be
guitarist Kevin Borich, of Kevin Borich Express. Borich began his career with New Zealand band the La De Das.
Other artists for the event include Paul Ubana Jones, Mahia Blackmore, King Leo Blues band, Lorraine Haville and Margaret Umbers.
California-based Mofo Party Band and Billy TK Jun will also be performing at the festival.
