Stunning entertainment line-up announced for Hawke’s Bay Wine and Food Festival
- From NZ’s hottest DJ to Aussie jazz singer/songwriter to a Kiwi soul classic

Top New Zealand DJ Dick (Magik) Johnson will mix it up with Australian jazz singer/songwriter Vince Jones, and old school soul favourites Ardijah at the Hawke’s Bay Wine and Food Festival on January 29, 2011.

Festival organiser Carol-Ann Stubbs said she was thrilled with the range of artists secured for the region’s biggest celebration of local wines and food at the picturesque Roy’s Hill in the Gimblett Gravels winegrowing region, near Hastings.

“With a total of six bands, a fashion show, food and wine workshops and 24 wineries the day will be back to back entertainment,” Ms Stubbs said.

Ms Stubbs welcomed the return of Ardijah to Hawke’s Bay where they have been warmly welcomed by audiences in the past.

“Everyone knows Ardijah and they have a new look, a new album, (The Best Polyfunk), and are really looking forward to coming to play in the Bay - their laid back soul sound will really suit the Festival feel,” Ms Stubbs said.

Ardijah are well known for chart toppers including Gimme Time, Time Makes the Wine , Your Love is Blind, Give me Your Number, Love so Right, and others.

Ms Stubbs said Vince Jones, who has headlined the majority of wine festivals across the Tasman, would be new to some Kiwis but he was sure to be welcomed by all lovers of superb jazz.

“There’s no doubt that Vince Jones is at the top of his genre and contemporary jazz lovers are sure to be won over the Australian musician’s sublime talent,” she said.

Based in New South Wales, Vince Jones is well known as a leading vocalist, songwriter, trumpet player and composer however he has rarely toured in New Zealand.

Hugely popular New Zealand DJ Dick Magik Johnson is renowned as being one of New Zealand’s most successful DJ’s and is also a radio host on Auckland’s George FM.

Johnson will set a faster pace for the Festival and will also provide music to accompany the fashion show by Degas of Napier.

They will be joined by the Ryan Edwards Band, the six piece Lindisfarne Reggae Band, “Rutsu” and the Soulers to provide all day entertainment for the festival.

This year’s Festival is set to be bigger than last year with 24 wineries confirmed for the event including: Askerne, Ash Ridge, Bilancia, Beach House Wines, CJ Pask, Clearview, Craggy Range, Esk Valley, Frizzell, Hawkes Ridge, Lime Rock, Lindauer, Matariki, Mission, Moana Park, Sacred Hill, Trinity Hill, Tukipo River Estate, The Grail, Vidal, Unison and Wild Rock.

There will be an increased focus on seafood and wine with seafood workshops and a large marquee offering a wide range of seafood, including crayfish, from Hawke’s Bay Seafoods.

There will also be four fun and informative workshops including; a syrah workshop with leading winemaker Tony Bish from Sacred Hill, a food and wine match showcasing the ‘essence of Clearview with winemaker Tim Turvey and head chef Kerry McKay, and Jeremy Rameka of Pacifica will host a seafood workshop with wine matched by Gordon Russell from Esk Valley.

A workshop titled “The seed of life – Caviar, Quail, Chook and Ostrich” promises a new look at eggs with the Omelette Guy - Ian Thomas, Lime Rock Wines and the Manurau Quail Egg farm.

Local food producers will be showcased in a Festival Market and children will be well catered for with a fully equipped play area, complete with merry go round, bouncy castle and giant sandpit.

The event has attracted high profile sponsors including Mercedes Benz and TSB Bank.

Mercedes Benz are opening a new sales showroom and a service centre in Napier early next year and are tipped to showcase some of the new range of Mercedes Benz cars at the Festival.

Tickets are available through www.hawkesbaywineandfoodfestival.co.nz

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