Jazz musicians launch festival

PATRICK HAMILTON/Nelson Mail

CROWD PLEASERS: Nelson Jazz Club member Andrew Leachman and Ken Richards Pascoe play at the launch of the Woollaston Jazz & Blues Nelson Festival 2010 at the Grand Mercure Nelson Resort in Monaco last night.

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A happy crowd of 270 people celebrated the programme launch of the 2010 Woollaston Jazz & Blues Nelson Festival last night.

Sixty events featuring more than 100 entertainers will perform at the festival, which will run for eight days from January 2 next year.

"Music brings people to life, what better way to start the year off,'' festival organiser Rowena Richards said.

Last night's launch, held at the Grand Mercure Monaco Hotel, featured music from Nelson jazz band Three Cool as well as members of The Nelson Jazz Club.

The lineup included one of the club's longest-serving members and saxophonist, Andrew Leachman, who has been involved with the festival for many years.

Next year's festival features the word "blues'' in its official title for the first time, which would give the festival a wider appeal, Mrs Richards said.

Securing the musicians for the eight-day festival was easy, with most asking if they could return or play at the festival for the first time, she said.

The visiting musicians were treated well and often incorporated a holiday into their visit. The festival will feature four Nelson bands including the Nelson Jazz Club Big Band, as well as musicians from the United States, United Kingdom and Australia.

Mrs Richards expects 25,000 people will attend the festival.