Heart of the Festival

“The free gigs are the heart of Jazz in Martinborough,” says festival producer Ian Cresswell. “I used to think that we put the festival on to sell tickets and fund raise for the town – which is true and important – but more and more I realise that having free-of-charge jazz all around the town truly is the heart of the festival.”

Having jazz about the town creates a village atmosphere that adds to the wonderful, unique nature of the festival. “One of the most attractive aspects of the festival is that people can be in the coolest little wine village in New Zealand, drift around from gig to gig, have some local wine, have a coffee, enjoy a meal or just sit and listen to music more-or-less non-stop, day and night for 3 or 4 days – and it’s all basically free,” says Ian. “With Martinborough being only about an hour from the country’s capital city, it all adds up to a great weekend.”

Fiund out more about the free gigs on the Jazz in Martinborough website programme page: jazzinmartinborough.co.nz/shows. And follow us on Facebook.