Venue Partners Contribute to Community of Cool

Miho Wada during last year’s festival at The Village Cafe, Jazz in Martinborough’s “second stage” and valued venue partner.

“One of the outstanding features of Jazz in Martinborough over the last nine years has been the invaluable contribution made to the ongoing success of the festival by our venue partners.  They are an integral part of our Community of Cool,” says festival producer Ted Preston.

Each year the cafes, bars and restaurants of Martinborough have provided venues for over 200  bands, groups and musicians.  “At our first festival we were able to provide places for displaced Canterbury jazz school groups with the help of our venue partners,” says Ted.  “And every year since they have contributed in any way they can to make our festival successful.”

The Village Cafe, hosted by Chris and Bruce, even became the main stage for three years of the festival.  “They’ve been great!” says festival music director Lee Quayle.  “The Village Cafe is our second stage, providing us with the space for bigger groups than most of the other cafes can provide,” adds Lee.  “Bruce and Chris have supported us immensely each year and we totally appreciate their help.”

Other stalwart venues of the festival include Circus, Medici, Martinborough Hotel (in various guises), Martinborough Brewery, Peppers Parehua and P&K.  “Even the Puke has been on board most years, despite the fact they’re not really a jazz crowd!” says Lee.

The Wine Bank is joining the list of venues hosting jazz performances over the festival weekend this year.  “We always knew wine and jazz would go together well, and now festival goers have the chance to enjoy the experience for themselves,” says Lee.

“I’m really looking forward to the opportunity to relax at the end of the weekend in the cosy surrounds of The Wine Bank listening to some sultry acoustic jazz,” says Lee.  “A great way to end a busy, exciting and jazzy weekend.”

A full programme of over 30 Free gigs and including our three ticketed events is available on our website (jazzinmartinborough.co.nz) and will be printed in Jazz Times a week or so before the festival.