Sounds from near and far

The 2010 Queenstown ASB Jazzfest begins tomorrow at the Queenstown Memorial Hall, at 8pm. Photo supplied.

Jazz lovers across the region will once again be welcomed by the smooth sounds of the annual jazz festival as it springs to life tomorrow evening. Naeem Alvi takes a look at what we can expect.

An international cast has been assembled for the five-day Queenstown Jazz Festival.

Now entering its 32nd year, the JazzFest has attracted more than 50 bands and 150 performers from across the globe who will entertain from October 21 to 25.

JazzFest trust chairman Luke Baldock says everything is in place to make sure this year's jazz offering is a step up from previous years.

"It's all happening; the banners are up around Queenstown, ticket sales are on fire and we're poised for a sensational five days of jazz," Mr Baldock said.

As well as hosting myriad jazz acts, the festival will be offering "mix it with the masters" workshops to aspiring musicians at the Queenstown Performing Arts Centre.

The workshops will be hosted by either musical duo Richard Adams and Nigel Gavins or Calder Prescott on Saturday, and contemporary vocalist Caitlin Smith on Sunday.

Local talent will also have the chance to impress the judges at the NZONE Skydive Jumpstart competition on Saturday and the Emerging Talent competition on Sunday.

Jazz ambassador and former JazzFest trust member David Cole will serve as a judge for the Jumpstart event.

"There are many world-class acts appearing for 2010. In particular, I'm looking forward to watching Bill Cunliffe, who is incredibly talented and last year received a standing ovation for his freestyle melodies," Mr Cole said.

Tickets for the JazzFest are available now.

Full details of all ticketed concerts can be found in the ASB Queenstown JazzFest programme.