It was Frank Sinatra who once said he wished he could sing like Tony Bennett. And it is Tony Bennett who has since said, "I wish I could sing like Allan Harris."
On Sunday 23 October, Queenstown locals and visitors will have the chance to discover why this singer receives accolades wherever he performs, in a one-off performance as part of the Queenstown International Jazz Festival.
Allan’s talents have earned him the prestigious award of New York male singer of the year 2004, and the New York Times has described Allan as "one of the best male jazz vocalists of his genre". Allan was taken under the wing of Tony Bennett as a young protégé and has acquired some of the best qualities of all the greats.
Allan will also be tutoring a vocals workshop on Saturday 22 October at Queenstown’s Performing Arts Centre. David Cole from the Jazz Festival says this is a rare opportunity for both amateur and professional singers to pick up tips and ideas from one of New York’s most talented jazz singers.
The SKYCITY Queenstown Casino Community Trust granted $5,147 to the Festival to fund Allan Harris’ performance and workshop. Chairperson of the Trust Mary Stamers-Smith says, "the Jazz Festival is a fantastic event and is good for both Queenstown businesses and the community."
"We’re delighted to be able to support the Festival and to help provide a performer of the calibre of Allan Harris to be a part of it," she said.
SKYCITY Queenstown Casino will also be playing host to jazz bands over four nights running from Thursday 20 October to Sunday 23 October, as part of the jazz extravaganza. Thursday 20 October sees a performance from George Washingmachine; two bands take to the stage on Friday 21 October - Briar Ross Trio followed by Mojave; Continuum perform on Saturday 22 October; and from midnight on Sunday 23 October there will be a Monster Jam session for all jazz musicians.
Over the last three years, the Trust has distributed over $450,000 to organisations and community groups in the Queenstown Lakes District Council area.
Funding by SKYCITY Queenstown Casino Community Trust will continue each year with applications sought every June. The amount will either be 2.5% of the net profit from the operation of the casino, or a minimum of $100,000 per annum. For more information refer to www.skycityqueenstown.co.nz.
