Enjoy Jazz in the shade of Norfolk Pines on Norfolk Island

Norfolk Island has long been regarded as a gorgeous place to visit – weather you go with a loved one or simply want to enjoy a unique holiday with family and friends – there is an amazing array of things to enjoy.  In addition to fabulous culinary experiences and great accommodation there are countless activities to keep you occupied including swimming, fishing, snorkelling, kayaking, surfing and horse riding to name but a few.

But, what you might not know, is that Norfolk Island has secured its place well and truly in the jazz festival scene.  Each year their jazz festival attracts top notch performers, and a regular and ever growing crowd from Australia and New Zealand.  Those who are looking for a festival with a difference have the opportunity to mix and mingle with the stars while enjoying some seriously groovy jazz tunes and great food.

Normally held late November, early December you will enjoy Jazz under the shade of Norfolk Island Pines, beside the beach or you may even partake in a concert held in Emily Bay that serves up the islands famous 'fish fry' lunch.

Getting There:

Air New Zealand offers direct flights to Norfolk island from both Brisbane and Sydney or via Auckland from other Australian capital cities.

Norfolk Island is a tiny 8km x 5km island located between Australia and New Zealand in the middle of the South Pacific Ocean, a place where history, culture, friendship and community abound.

Less than 3 hours flying from Sydney, Brisbane or Auckland, the island boasts a pristine environment with beautiful beaches, a rugged coastline, World Heritage convict site and National Parks and Reserves dotted with the iconic Norfolk Island pines.

Goddess Tip:

Combining contemporary and traditional jazz with a South Pacific holiday on stunning Norfolk Island is something that should not be missed.  As tickets sell out early make sure you book them early to avoid disapointment, and to the get the best deals available.

For more inspiration please pop back here to Vacation Goddess and read our Norfolk Island feature stories that will appear shortly.  For information on planning your trip to Norfolk Island simply click here

Jazz Background:

Over the past 20 years the Norfolk Island Jazz Festival has grown bigger and bigger.  As a taster their Norfolk 2015 included:

  • The George Washingmachine Quartet
  • The Jazz Factory
  • The Andrew London Trio
  • Feral Swing Katz

 

The George Washingmachine Quartet will wash away the dust of everyday life. When it comes to knuckle-busting feats on a violin, George does not play second fiddle to anyone – and George's seductively smoochy vocals have made him one of Sydney’s most sought after entertainers. George Washingmachine is a swinging eccentric singer and dazzling violin player. He serves versions of standards and new compositions, with his own blend of string jazz in electrifying performances.

The Jazz Factory draws its inspiration from an earlier era of love songs, rip roaring jazz and great fun times. If you like Louis Armstrong, Irving Berlin and Duke Ellington, you will love this band! Two of the band members sing so you will not go short of some great vocals. One of the great delights of this band is the clean sound and harmonic balance achieved by the musician's compatibility, no doubt partially as a result of the many gigs played together.

The Andrew London Trio play an eclectic range of original songs and covers in a variety of styles ranging from 1930s swing to cool '60s 'Latin lounge'. Songwriter/satirist Andrew London, well-known for his involvement in popular trio Hot Club Sandwich and Kapiti country rockers The Cattlestops, explores middle-class obsessions and taboos in songs about rugby fans, television evangelists, weddings, male insecurities, technophobia, youth culture, household appliances, pretentious socialites, coffee, parenthood, and various other issues of concern to the average Kiwi.

Woodwind exponent and songwriter Nils Olsen contributes with jazz-influenced saxophone, clarinet and flute, and more introspective original songs that provide a contrast to London's characteristic levity. The trio is completed by bassist Kirsten London, also active with Kapiti-based quartet Henpicked, who have released several albums of original material, and featured at music festivals throughout NZ.

Feral Swing Katz plays some of the grooviest music you are ever likely to hear! Musicians and friends Stuart French and Michel Rose built more than just the core of a unique band when they combined their talents in 1996. Stuart’s hot guitar blended perfectly with Michel’s harmony licks on pedal steel in a partnership meant to be – forming the signature sound of The Feral Swing Katz. Their music is a blend of 40s Swing, Classic Country with a touch of jazz otherwise known as ‘Western Swing’. The Feral Swing Katz have made more than an impact on the Australian music market, earning a coveted MO award in 2001 for Best Country Band; in 2002 they added a Golden Guitar to their trophy shelf; then in 2006 the Ferals won the ACE award for Country Group of the Year. Add the velvet vocals of New Zealand-born Camille Te Nahu to the Feral Swing Katz lineup, and you are in for one seriously enjoyable concert. Sit back and just wait for your feet to start tapping. They will take on a life of their own. Happens all the time. It’s a Feral thing.

 

 

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