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The New Zealand International Jazz & Blues Festival is a celebration of music and of the city of Christchurch - a city that is quickly becoming known for its rich and vibrant music scene. The 2009 festival will feature an array of events showcasing some of the most talented musicians in New Zealand - and beyond - at both ticketed and free events.

The Press Headliners includes American legends of blues and gospel, The Blind Boys of Alabama. Known for spreading the spirit of soul, blues and gospel throughout the world for the past seven decades, The Blind Boys of Alabama will be acknowledged for their outstanding accomplishments, legendary passion and artistry with a Lifetime Achievement Award at this year's Grammy Awards.

The festival keeps the enery of the blues going with a sure to get you moving concert featuring Midge Marsden and Harry Harrison - 'Voice of the Blues.'

The Cavell Leitch Law Jazz in the Hall series returns in 2009 with a varied line-up of jazz music and artists including the Nairobi Trio, Women in Jazz - Singing Billie, Otis, Mike Nock and Frank Gibson Jr, Peter Urlich and Emma Pask. Jazz City Series returns as well with a line-up of talent that can swing and move.

New events to the 2009 festival include The Jazz, Funk and R&B Series at the old Legends Bar (Bedford Row), featuring five great shows presented by the best of our local and national jazz and blues talent including: Daniel Kennedy and band with a tribute to Tom Waits, the Alan Brown Trio, Oval Office, Solaa and Departure Lounge.

Fans of great jazz, food and wine will need to mark April 19 on their calendars and make their way to the Arts Centre's North Quad where the festival and the Arts Centre will be presenting TASTE JAZZ.

As always a special thank you goes out to all our sponsors for your ongoing support which makes the continued success of the festival possible.

Enjoy!

Jodi Wright - Director