Milestone festival attracts top musical talent

Nervous organisers of this year's 50th National Jazz Festival are gearing up for a week of intense ticket sales - with 50 per cent of tickets traditionally snapped up in the week before opening.

But director Arne Herrmann said it was a "very scary thing" waiting to see if sales would mimic years gone by, and a mad rush by locals in the days leading up to the festival's kick-off.

Tickets are available for all shows.

This year's National Jazz Festival, from April 5-9, is celebrating a milestone birthday with international guests Mr Herrmann likens to "Oscar winners".

Earth, Wind & Fire, whose hit Boogie Wonderland is known by generations, are performing for the first time in New Zealand.

And nine-time Grammy nominated Kurt Elling is the "stand out" vocal artist in the world at the moment, according to The New York Times.

Joining world famous artists on stage at Baycourt is Klaus Doldinger who is German jazz royalty.

Mr Herrmann said Mr Doldinger was to music what Jack Nicholson was to movies.

The calibre of performers this year - more than 500 musicians in total - is what Mr Herrmann hopes will lure Tauranga residents to ticket booths.

He said 70 per cent of the tickets for Earth, Wind & Fire were bought by people living outside the Bay of Plenty.

Many people were travelling from as far away as Christchurch and Dunedin.

"We're really proud to be able to attract the calibre of artists [we have], to celebrate this historic event," Mr Herrmann said.