The Harvey Maguire Jazz Group

Harvey Macguire was one of the founders of Queenstown’s JazzFest. 

Harvey’s musical career began when he started to learn classical piano in Invercargill at just 10 years old.  By the age of 15, he had realised his passion for jazz and started playing in bands at bible class dances and dance halls.

Harvey went on to enjoy a successful and varied musical career tickling the ivories.  In Invercargill he formed his own trio, recorded programmes for Radio NZ, and played with the very popular South City Swingers Band. 

In 1971, he moved to Queenstown where he entertained locals and tourists at various venues including the Esplanade Hotel, the Trans Hotel and O’Connells Hotel.  It was here the JazzFest was born. 

Harvey has played a key role throughout the festival’s 31 year history and worked tirelessly each year to help produce a first class event.  He retired from the Queenstown Jazz Festival Trust in 2008 after the 30^th anniversary festival.