NEW ZEALAND: The New Zealand International Jazz & Blues Festival 2012

JAMES MORRISON - A TRIBUTE TO DUKE ELLINGTON WITH THE CHRISTCHURCH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Perennial Jazz Festival favourite, James Morrisonreturns to once again thrill and astound Christchurch audiences – this time with our own Christchurch Symphony Orchestra - in a tribute to the great Duke Ellington. Widely regarded as one of the world’s finest Jazz trumpeters, this multi-instrumentalist also plays trombone, euphonium, flugel horn, tuba, saxophones, and piano. A virtuoso in every sense of the word, he has dazzled audiences around the globe with his dynamic playing and charismatic showmanship. A once in a lifetime event –James Morrison in concert with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestraplaying music from one of the greatest American composers of the twentieth century. Tickets available from Ticketek

CAVELL LEITCH LAW JAZZ IN THE GEO The Cavell Leitch Law JAZZ IN THE GEO will feature an eclectic mix of musical styles and artists including Women in Jazz headlined by the very talented and popularJennine Bailey, the dynamic singer Tessa Quayle and our very own gems of jazz Toni Randle and Courtenay Washington. The series continues throughout the week with famed German jazz greatKlaus Doldinger’s Passportthe jazz fusion band formed in 1971 by saxophonist, pianist, composer and arranger Klaus Doldinger,Harry Harrison’s Nothin’ But the Blues featuring a fantastic line up of local talent and the legendaryAnnie Crummer with Oval Office performing a night of great soul music with more than a few surprises. Tickets available now from Dash Tickets

JAZZ FOR LUNCH The Geo Dome will also play host to a series of daytime concerts. Enjoy gypsy swing quartetSwing 42 on Wednesday 11 April, Jeff Bradley’s Delta Swing Trio - an uplifting and exciting musical experience for listeners on Thursday 12 April and La Petite Manouche a creative collaboration between Christchurch guitaristsBurke Goffe and Robbie Averill on Friday 13 April. The series also featuresAmiria Grenell - a highly regarded singer-songwriter and recording artist and recent ‘Best Folk Album’ Tui winner at the 2012 New Zealand Music Awards on Saturday 14 April andMalcolm McNeill, considered one of New Zealand’s finest jazz singers, performs A Matinee of Music on Sunday 15 April. Tickets available now from Dash Tickets