Wild Thyme at Sky City Queenstown Casino and Crowne Plaza's threesixty Restaurant & Bar will be the venues for concerts by some of the festival's top acts, JazzFest Trust chairman Luke Baldock said.
"People used to dine and listen to great jazz by the hottest bands. We're sure the dinner series will be extremely popular with jazz aficionados and foodies alike."
Wild Thyme will host two dinner concerts from the Stevie Rice Quartet while threesixty will feature the Reuben Bradley Trio and the Jason Thornton Quartet.
"This is the first time the Stevie Rice Quartet has appeared at JazzFest and we're looking forward to hearing their eclectic mix of jazz, blues, swing, Latin and popular classics," Mr Baldock said.
"New Zealand group the Reuben Bradley Trio will be offering intriguing arrangements of old and new standards, exploring styles from bebop to swing and beyond, while Jason Thornton will bring with him not just a talent honed by playing with big names like Frank Sinatra, Shirley Bassey, Gloria Estefan and James Taylor, but a group of top-notch musicians."
Tickets for the dinner events were available through the venue and include a special three-course menu and a complimentary glass of bubbles for each ticket holder.
Diners would also be able to stay on for the free late-night entertainment at each venue - Adam Page at Skycity Casino and Mundi at threesixty.
Mr Baldock said as well as the ticketed dinner shows, there would be an extensive programme of free gigs at JazzFest official venues.
"Every one of the gigs we've organised is a highlight, but I think people will be especially attracted to hear the sublime voice of UK singer Gilly Darbey at the Post Office Cafe and locals will be keen to welcome back former Queenstowner Janelle Aston who'll be playing with Queenstown keyboardist Mark Wilson at the Left Bank Cafe.
"Sky Bar plays host to 2 Five 9 from Auckland featuring bass player Andy Atwill and night owls will love the Late Night Jam session at 1 o'clock on Monday morning which promises to be very lively indeed."
