BILL CUNLIFFE (USA) is the 2010 Grammy Award Winner for the best Large Ensemble Arrangement. After Bill Cunliffe won several Down Beat Awards as an Eastman student, he taught at Central State University, in Wilberforce, Ohio. His first major gig was as pianist and arranger with Buddy Rich, touring Europe with Frank Sinatra. He later performed with Ray Brown, Joe Henderson, Freddie Hubbard, Art Farmer, Woody Shaw and James Moody.  As a composer/arranger Bill has been nominated both for an Emmy and two Grammys and has composed extensively for big band, chamber groups, choir and orchestra.

BOB SHEPPARD (USA) has quickly become established as one of the most highly respected and well-known improvising artists on the music scene today. Complementing his success as an international jazz artist, he is also in high demand in Los Angeles for session work in many music studios, having recorded more than 100 television and movie soundtracks. A musician who meets the highly disciplined requirements of session work with equal artistry in all musical situations and styles. In addition to being an accomplished saxophonist he is an impressive multi- instrumentalist playing flutes, clarinet, and bass clarinet.

RODGER FOX AND HIS BIG BAND. Rodger is well known as a leading light in the New Zealand jazz scene not only as a fine trombone player but also as a jazz educator. He has presented New Zealand jazz musicians to the world and has given New Zealanders the opportunity to hear and see some of the world's finest jazz performers. Rodger and the big band will be a highlight of the Festival.

PAUL GIBENS (Australia) is recognised as one of Australia’s leading jazz arrangers and orchestrators. However Paul was born in NZ and before moving across the water he was the principal arranger for Television New Zealand for such shows as Happen Inn, Ray Woolf Show and 12 Bar Rhythm and Blues. He is also a multi instrumentalist and is leader of Dechahedron.

STU BUCHANAN (New Zealand) An icon of the New Zealand jazz scene, Stu played in some of the great YA bands back in the 60’s and has played with some of the top visiting jazz musicians. He is a multi instrumentalist, arranger, composer and perhaps above all an educator having helped numerous young musicians on their way to successful careers. Still a regular performer on the Christchurch scene Stu is the Musical Director of the Garden City Big Band.

CLAUDE ASKEW (USA) Now living in New Zealand, Claude was the drummer with the ‘Airmen of Note’, the re-named Glenn Miller Army Air Force Band, which continues to perform today. Not only a superb percussionist Claude is also a jazz educator and as worked with schools and youth programmes for many years. He will head this years your big band programme.

IAN EDWARDS Now living in Australia Ian is well known on the New Zealand jazz scene having been in much demand as a recoding session musician over many years. A top exponent of the saxophone and clarinet Ian taught for many years and the CPIT Jazz School. He will be performing with Decahedron.

JEVON CLARK Born in NZ is now based in Australia; he was the male vocalist of the original Midas Touch jazz vocal group. He then turned his attention to pop music and has toured the world as a Rock ’n Roll piano player singer. He returns to Christchurch and the jazz idiom singing with Decahedron.

NEW ZEALAND ARMY BAND is one of the most diverse musical entertainment establishments in New Zealand today. As soldier/musicians they hold a unique position in the New Zealand Army. Their duties include performing at State and Ceremonial occasions. However the scope of performance that the New Zealand Army Band undertakes is immense and varied. Often they are able to show their ability as versatile performers promoting the New Zealand Army at home and around the world.