Queenstown to come alive with Brazilian and African rhythms

From October 21st to 25th the city of Queenstown will dance to a different beat, as the ASB Queenstown JazzFest is set to bring the best Brazilian and African music to New Zealand.

With Brazilian legend Marku Ribas performing with the Batucada Sound Machine, couples can look forward to a distinctly Latin flavour for a few days of their New Zealand honeymoon.

Joining them will be eight-piece funk band Humlai along with 50 other ensembles and no fewer than 150 Kiwi and international performers.

Luke Baldcock, chairman of the Queenstown JazzFest Trust, said what makes the event so special is the diverse range of musicians who celebrate their own interpretation of what the modern jazz sound is all about.

"This year we're excited to present two related but distinctly unique concerts that explore different elements of Latin jazz. Both performances by Marku and Batucada combine African and Brazilian rhythms and music styles which break the boundaries from the traditional style of jazz," he stated.

Among the other acts performing will be Grammy-nominated composer and pianist Bill Cunliffe and Queenstown's 'first lady of song' Margaret O'Hanlon.