Having a blast

Toes have been tapping to live tunes in venues across Marlborough this past week thanks to the efforts of student bands attending the annual  Southern Jam Youth Jazz Festival.

After four days of concerts across the region, Saturday night’s Gala event at the ASB Theatre saw Wakatipu High School’s Best Served Chilled win the overall festival and best combo, while Marlborough Boys’ College’s Funkasaurus Rex won Best Jazz Ensemble and Shirley Boys’ High School took out the Rodger Fox Memorial Trophy for Best Big Band.

The traditional highlight of the evening, the All Stars Big Band performance bringing together the judges’ selections, was accompanied by pieces where every musician who played throughout the four days put their musical talents together to entertain the eager audience.

Event organizer Katrina Lange of Pure Events Marlborough said, “We’ve had so much positive feedback from audiences with the high calibre of talent once again at the public venues, as well as the students themselves. The bands have been buzzing from all the learning they have received from our judges, the excitement of the competition and the experience of performing to live audiences at a variety of venues.

“I love seeing new students’ first-time experience of Southern Jam and the way they evolve from the opportunities we give them, as well as the learning and performances that they don’t get to experience at school or any other competition.

“It takes a fantastic team - from Pure Events staff to the techs, venues, sponsors, ASB Theatre and Marlborough District Council that we collaborate with - to put on such an amazing event for the region.”