Jazz 'royalty' to kick off some good times

SOMETHING SPECIAL: Jazz in Martinborough 2013 starts tonight with the Kevin Clark group featuring Fran Barton. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Get ready Martinborough - the annual jazz festival is about to heat things up.

Jazz in Martinborough kicks off tonight with the award-winning jazz pianists Kevin Clark and his group, with vocalist Fran Barton at the Village Cafe.

"The acts are booked, the venues are ready and we're looking forward to a really great time," said festival producer Ian Cresswell.

Music director Ted Preston said Clark and Barton had been working together since the 1970s in radio, television, recordings and, of course, doing live gigs.

"I consider them to be this country's jazz royalty," he said.

The festival will be officially opened tomorrow by South Wairarapa Mayor Adrienne Staples at the Women in Jazz concert in the town hall.

Female chanteuses Tessa Quayle, Carolina Moon and Susan de Jonghas will each have a set and come together at the end for a collaborative performance.

"The audience is in for a special evening of super, smooth jazz singing," said Mr Preston.

Saturday night's Las Vegas style tribute concert featuring James Tait-Jamieson has sold out.

Mr Preston said the Sons of Sinatra would perform songs by superstars such as Harry Connick Jr, Jamie Cullum and Michael Buble.

Tickets can be bought from the Martinborough Wine Centre or online at www.martinboroughwinecentre.co.nz. There are also 24 other events being held from August 29 to September 1. See www.jazzinmartinborough.co.nz for more