An annual event in the region’s entertainment calendar – Jazz in Martinborough [JIM] – is returning this weekend, marking the start of spring.
The community-organised event was first initiated as a fundraiser to help student musicians affected by the devastating Christchurch earthquake in 2011, JIM producer Ted Preston told the Times-Age.
“That festival was considered to be so successful that it became an event presented each year on the first weekend of September,” he said.
“JIM enjoys a reputation for running an entertaining event. Musicians want to play here, local venues and organisations are supportive, and the headline acts are always sell-outs.”
Friday and Saturday night’s headline acts include old favourites Nairobi Trio [September 1], and “saxophonist and composer of rare talent” Lucien Johnson with his quartet on Saturday night [September 2].
In and around Martinborough, at least seven partner venues are also offering free gigs during the weekend, ranging from the Kuranui College Jazz Band to one of the country’s “jazz doyens”, Kevin Clark.
Preston has high hopes the event’s reputation will draw visitors to the region, making the event a “sell-out”.
“Locals also emerge from their winter cosiness to enjoy the free gigs in bars and cafes – usually experiencing some spring sunlight,” he said.
- JIM, Martinborough Town Hall, September 1 – 2.
- Purchase your tickets from iticket.co.nz or check out jazzinmartinborough.co.nz for details about the bands, the venues, and the performance times.
