The headline act at this year's Bay of Islands Jazz and Blues Festival is a piano prodigy from Switzerland.
Frank Salis, who has played at festivals around Europe, will be joined by 200 other musicians playing in 50 jazz and blues acts at venues in Paihia, Haruru Falls and Russellfrom August 9-11.
Organiser Shirley May said a good mix of jazz and blues would keep followers of either genre happy. Street performances in Kawakawa, Paihia and Russell each morning would add to the flavour of the festival.
The event is organised by a non-profit charitable trust and is in its 28th year, making it one of the longest running festivals of its kind in New Zealand.
Other top acts include Australians Marji Curran, the popular duo Wizard and Oz, Blues Mountain, Kniki and Mike Beale, Tony Martin and Heather Honey. Top Kiwi acts include Blue Monkey Racket, Brilleaux, trumpeter Edwina Thorne, Good Oil, Joe Carbery Swingtet, Kokomo and Juice on the Loose.
High school jazz bands from Bay of Islands College and Kerikeri High School will have a chance to showcase their talent, as will the Russell Ukelele Orchestra.
Entry badges cost $50 for the three-day festival and are available from the festival website, www.jazzblues.co.nz, any of the six venues or the Paihia i-Site. Day passes are also available for $30.
