The festival, which replaces the previous Queenstown Jazz Festival, will run from October 24 to 27 across the Wakatipu.
Festival director Billy Te Kahika, also known as Billy TK Jr, said the organisers had put ''a lot of effort'' into programming and selecting the artists, describing the musicians heading to the resort as ''simply excellent''.
''This fact 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.
''Having Renee Geyer as our headliner act is a great coup.''
Geyer, regarded as the ''Down under Queen of Soul'', has had hit albums and songs on both sides of the Tasman, including Shaky Ground, It Only Happens and Say You Love Me, along with highly acclaimed jazz soul albums in recent years.
She and her four-piece band would give a one-night-only performance at the festival with TK Jr and United Kingdom blues maestro Paul Ubana Jones.
TK Jr, who has just toured Europe and the United States promoting his new album Blues Benediction, said the hub of the festival would be at the Steamer Wharf, with CBD venues to provide for free and ticketed events, along with a special gala event.
''The festival has everything - a gala event featuring the best artists not in the general programme ... a free programme around town to enjoy as you walk around and special night gigs that are ticketed that will feature jamming and fun not seen in the light of day; the classic late-night scene that you will want to be at.''
Other artists would include Mahia Blackmore, the King Leo Blues Band, the Federation and jazz singers Lorraine Haville, Margaret Umbers and BlackSandDiva.
