Norfolk Island and all that Jazz!

JAZZ buffs can score themselves a double-dose of holiday fun with a package that combines both this year’s Norfolk Island Jazz in the Pines Festival, and the opportunity to delve into some of Australia’s most fascinating convict-era history on this picturesque island that’s just 2-hours-10-minutes from Brisbane, and twenty-minutes more from Sydney.

The Festival will run from December 8 to 12 with a line-up that includes Dorian Mode, Julie Wilson, the Malcolm McNeil & Mike Walker Trio, Les Crosby and Shoalhaven Jazz, Trevor Furner & Unsafe Sax, the Jo Elms Band, and Al Dave & the monSTARS.

Norfolk & Pacific Holidays has week-long packages that start from just $1409pp twin-share from Brisbane and from $1459pp twin-share ex-Sydney at the Hillcrest Motel, with bonus Continental Breakfast daily.

This includes return air and taxes, airport transfers, an Island Tour, two Jazz Festival Dinner Shows, a Festival Lunch Show, Matinee Concert, two Night Concerts, Reserved seating at Concerts, and a free Souvenir Program; a $30 Departure Tax is payable on leaving the Island..

See travel agents, Freecall 1800 111 653 or email res@norfolkpacific.com.au

AS WELL as the fascinating ruins of its convict-era penal colony and its Bounty Mutineer heritage, Norfolk Island also offers exceptional diving, snorkelling and fishing, and is a magnet for garden buffs and star-gazers.

It is also a duty-free haven for bargain-shoppers and is unhurried, uncrowded and knows no such thing as peak-hour traffic.

Visitors can also visit several Island homes that are open for inspection, and which offer refreshments during meetings with the locals to hear of their connections with the Bounty Mutineers and about life on the Island.

-David Ellis & Associates

Norfolk Island hosts country music festival

• PICTURE: The Flood band members from left to right: Scott Hills, Tim Weede, Kevin Bennett (front man) and James Gillard.
Aussie country musicians Bill Chambers and The Flood along with New Zealand trio The Darlings will feature at this year’s Norfolk Island County Music Festival from May 25 - June 1.
Now in its 15th year, the festival has become a hot item for both country music fans and performers, the latter competing for the festival’s Trans-Tasman Entertainer of the Year Award.
The Flood, which took out the Tamworth 2006 Golden Guitar Award for Vocal Group, will take centre stage with singer-guitarist Bill Chambers, father of country music icon Kasey Chambers.
Sharing top billing will be The Darlings’ Jackie Clark, Callie Blood and Wayne Bell, who regularly woo audiences around NZ with melodic versions of numbers made great by the likes of Emmy-Lou Harris, Lucinda Williams and Johnny Cash.
Providing support will be 2007 Trans-Tasman Entertainer of the Year winner Kylie Austin, fellow New Zealanders Jenny Blackadder on the banjo and Marion Burns, who will lend her energetic fiddling skills to Sydney-based soloist Steve Passfield, formerly with popular Country group Handpicked Band.
Also on the four-day program will be Aussie duo Camille Te Na Hu and Stu French, and American Charley Groth, a member of America’s National Traditional Country Music Association Hall of Fame and a regular on the international circuit performing swing, country, blues, jazz, folk, ragtime and American roots music.
This year’s Trans-Tasman Entertainer of the Year award will see eight entrants compete for the Norfolk Pine trophy and $7000 in cash prizes plus $5000 worth of recording time.
The festival takes place over four evenings, allowing fans plenty of time during the day to enjoy Norfolk’s rich history, beautiful coastal scenery, beaches, fine dining, stylish bars, low-tax shopping and new adventure activities and eco experiences.
Oxley Travel is offering special seven-night Country Music Festival packages for the event, with deals available from Aud$1207 from Brisbane, Aud$1260 Newcastle, Aud$1282 Sydney and Aud$1475 Melbourne. Prices are per person twin share and include return flights with Norfolk Air, seven nights accommodation and car hire, airport transfers, a half day island tour, entry to three evening sessions and passes to after-show parties. Subject to availability. Call Oxley Travel toll-free on (Aus)1800 671 546 or visit www.oxleytravel.com.au
For general information on Norfolk, visit www.norfolkisland.nf