Many thanks to
STU MELVILLE and
Coastal News to provide us with the frontext.
The weekends' inaugural Whangamata Jazz, Art and Blues Festival is now firmly established as yet another"not to be misssed' cultural event provided by our town.
Best described as a three day jazz and blues smorgasbord served al fresco style in cafés all over town - as well as more formal venues for those wishing to dine and dance.
Along with some of the best Kiwi jazz and blues exponents in the land the festival's major attraction touted internationally acclaimed singing sensation Renee Geyer and her equally talented five-piece band.
And while one would agree that yes - she was pretty good and her band probably even better - festival goers that made the efford to sample the myriad of home grown acts on offer discovered some absolute first class performers.
You know there's something really special about being able to cruise the main street after dark with friends, enjoying excellent music, food and wine in a friendly, safe environment, then get up to the next day to do it again.
Being a musician and music lover have selected a few acts from the festival that in my opinion deserve special mention.
For the paltry sum of $35 music lovers enjoyed a meal and show with Wellington's preeminent jazz art - The Kevin Clark Trio - at the Titoki Golf Club.
Kevin, a superb pianist who recently toured South Africa and Cuba along with the excellent band pumped out jazz grooves for an enthusiastic crowd and were perfectly complemented by vocalist and TV star Fran Barton.
Riverhead Slide - the band named after a charity fundraiser that yes, involved a new slide - proved very popular and drew big crowds at every performance. Lead vocalist Gale Ludlow belted out rock and jazz tunes with a style reminiscent of Bonny Tyler and Linda Rondstat.
