The New Zealand International Jazz and Blues Festival 2012

FESTIVAL STARTS TODAY WOMEN IN JAZZ kicks off theCavell Leitch Law JAZZ IN THE GEO series tonight! Be prepared to swing with the Divas during an evening of sultry smooth jazz presented by some of New Zealand’s top female jazz talent. In this concert, Tessa Quayle, Toni Randle andCourtenay Washington join Christchurch’s very own jazz chanteuse, Jennine Bailey in tribute to the wonderful women in jazz. In turn, our four leading ladies will take to the stage to express their admiration and respect for the women who paved the way and influenced their personal journey into the world of jazz. This concert will feature stunning performances ofFeeling Good, Skylark, New York State of Mind, Lullaby of the Leaves, and much more. An incredible musical event that is not to be missed! Tickets available from Dash Tickets. Limited door sales. The series continues throughout the week withKLAUS DOLDINGER'S PASSPORT, NOTHIN' BUT THE BLUES and ANNIE CRUMMER WITH OVAL OFFICE.

SWING 42 Gypsy swing quartet, Swing 42 opens The NZ International Jazz & Blues Festival with a little bit ofJAZZ FOR LUNCH today at the Geo Dome at 1pm. Swing 42 has a repertoire that includes the music of Django Reinhardt, as well as jazz standards played in a swing style. Comprising some of New Zealand’s finest musicians, Swing 42is great for listening or a bit of dancing – a fun and frenetic way to spend your autumn lunch hour. Tickets available from Dash Tickets. Door sales from 12pm. JAZZ FOR LUNCH continues through until Sunday 15 April with JEFF BRADLEY & THE DELTA SWING, LA PETITE MANOUCHE, AMIRIA GRENELL and a special 2pm performance from MALCOLM MCNEILL - A MATINEE OF MUSIC. Congratulations to our newsletter winner Liz Wikstrom who correctly answered Amiria Grenell to win a JAZZ FOR LUNCHdouble pass package.

YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS JAMES MORRISON - A TRIBUTE TO DUKE ELLINGTON with the CHRISTCHURCH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA - Friday 13 April, 8pm at the CBS Arena. Tickets from Ticketek. JAZZ AT 7PM The CPIT JAZZ SCHOOL STUDENT SERIES starts tonight! Graduates and senior students of the CPIT Jazz School perform in this series that highlights the up and coming jazz luminaries of the future. $5 door sales NOTHIN' BUT THE BLUES Congratulations to our newsletter winner Brent Allingham who correctly answered Tor Sutton as one of the three sassy women performing with Harry Harrison to win a double pass to NOTHIN' BUT THE BLUES.