Jazz stars to shine in Martinborough

LIVELY: International gypsy jazz violinist Fiona Pears was one of the stars of the inaugural Jazz in Martinborough Festival held in 2011.PHOTO/FILE

A jazz festival will liven up the streets of Martinborough for a fifth year with more than 20 free gigs happening in various venues over a weekend in September.

Jazz in Martinborough will be held from September 3-6, featuring an array of musical talent to "interest all tastes".

"Once again the stars are coming to our festival and we have a great line up," said festival publicist Lee Quayle.

The featured acts will include the David Feehan Band, Ol' King Cole and the Shake-'Em-On-Downers.

The David Feehan Band is led by Wellington-born Feehan, who has sung all over the world, accompanied by two female vocalists and an eight piece band.

"David is a master vocalist who always brings together an ensemble of super musicians and vocalists.

"He will be bringing with him stunning vocalists Coco Favre and Dawn Elder, solo performers in their own right," said Mr Quayle.

Ol' King Cole is a "lively and interesting" trio from Wellington and will open the festival.

Third main event in the line up, the "energetic" Shake-'Em-On-Downers, were so well received at last year's festival they will perform in the Martinborough Town Hall "to accommodate their increasing popularity".

"The cafes and streets will be alive with the sights and sounds of jazz - enough to move your feet, and maybe even your soul," said Mr Quayle.