Tickets for the 29th International Queenstown ASB JazzFest are now on sale in conjunction with today's announcement that ticket prices are to be heavily subsidised by the trust, JazzFest Trust chairman David Cole said.

"The trust works year round to attract funding and sponsorship to bring the most incredible national and international line-up to southern stages at an affordable rate," Mr Cole said.

The Jazzfest was a community event.

"It's a major contributor to arts and culture on the Queenstown calendar and with support from community trusts and sponsors we can make sure top line, ticketed events are affordable to the local community" Mr Cole said.

The 2007 line-up was sensational but the work of the trust meant it was accessible.

"In addition to the free events including the spectacular gala opening on Earnslaw Park on Sunday 14 October, the trust is in a position to subsidise tickets across the nine-day programme to the tune of $30,000," Mr Cole said.

There was no excuse for anyone to stay at home.

"This is the jazz festival with something to appeal to everyone's taste and budget. Bigband swing, Pacifica beat, jazz-rock and classic combos," he said.

From breakfast time to the wee small hours of the night 150 musicians would perform in 80 events at 35 venues from the 14 October through to and including Labour Weekend.

"Based on last year's experience tickets have gone on sale early this year to give locals a chance to buy their tickets before they get mopped up by out-of-town visitors, which in turn led to sellout events," Mr Cole said.

The programme featured: leading US jazz pianist Bill Cunliffe; Mountain Scene Dance Party with One Million Dollars combined with top Wellington band Masef; the 18 piece orchestra and sizzling four vocalists performing for the Sinatra Lives night; international artists Bonnie Jensen, Mark Lockett and Di Bird; the world premiere of Free Bop Evolution; the Sofitel Blues Explosion with Midge Marsden and Chris Cain; the Skyline Jazz Brunch with Hot Club Sandwich; and the magic of Vince Jones at Millbrook Resort.

"Not to mention the AJ Hackett Bungy Jumpstart best young musicians competition and the sellout local night showcase, all combined with winning locations from Millbrook Resort to Sofitel, the Millennium ballroom, Rydges and Skyline. It  will be an unforgettable week," he said.

Festival tickets are on sale from TicketDirect or i-Site on the corner of Shotover and Camp Streets.

ENDS

For further information please contact David Cole 442 5481

By: Tamah