Vibrant violinist again wows festival crowd

MARTIN DE RUYTER

GLOWING PERFORMANCE: Fiona Pears performs at the Port Nelson Jazz and Blues in the Park at Fairfield Park.

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In a bright-red dress and with a glowing smile, outstanding Kiwi violinist Fiona Pears was a ray of sunshine during the first day of the Woollaston Jazz and Blues Festival.

The weather may have been a bit miserable, but 4000 Nelsonians did not seem to mind as they flocked to watch the musician at the Port Nelson Jazz and Blues in the Park event on Saturday afternoon. Held at Fairfield Park, the show was the first of the festival's 60 events. Pears is popular each year and on Saturday again had the crowd enthralled by her exuberant style.

"Fiona was on fire and brought the crowd to their feet with her charismatic style and inspirational violin playing," said festival organiser Rowena Richards.

Another Pears concert, due to be held at the Woollaston Estate cellar tonight, sold out early last week and will be attended by about 220 fans. Pears, who has attended the festival off and on for the last 10 years, is back from a whirlwind year of touring and performing in places as far flung as Bermuda, Japan and Britain.

Mrs Richards said Pears was an incredible woman with an amazing career which takes her to Europe's elite halls. The jazz and blues festival runs for eight days, and Saturday's event at Fairfield Park was the first of four park events. The weather was far from the minds of those who attended the family day out.

"The rain stopped no-one from enjoying themselves," said Mrs Richards. "We've had a great time and it's world-class entertainment. It has to be rated a huge success."

The crowd was mostly made up of families, and entertainment for children included balloon creations and face painting.

The exciting mix of musicians also included blues guitarist Billy TK Jr, classic blues band Brilleaux, blues musician Mike Garner and Latin-style band Zamba Flam.

"There were lively renditions of jazz standards, Latin American toe-tapping rhythms, exuberant gypsy violin playing and cruisy old blues. It was all there," said Mrs Richards.

"The bands were equally overwhelmed by the support they received. The crowd demanded encores and were on their feet dancing until it was all over."

Yesterday there were five concerts, including the sold-out Blues Party at Woollaston Estate, which received "encore after encore", said Mrs Richards. Featured was soul blues singer Edna Love from San Francisco.

The Emma Pask concert on Tuesday night at Woollaston Estate is also sold out.

- © Fairfax NZ News