Toast for Southern Jam

Though milestones usually come with round numbers, it is fitting that an event in which young people blossom would celebrate its 21st birthday. That will happen next week with the Southern Jam Youth Jazz Festival – four days of music spanning 13 venues across Marlborough.

What began as a local showcase now draws groups from as far as Invercargill to compete for South Island honours. This year, 12 of the 13 participating schools are travelling to the event.

“Marlborough District Council’s Southern Jam Youth Jazz Festival is much more than a music competition,” said Samantha Young, Events & Community Partnerships Manager at Council.

“It provides a unique and inspiring platform for talented secondary school musicians to come together for performance, competition, mentoring and collaboration.

“For many young musicians, these opportunities can be truly transformational, helping to build confidence, develop skills and foster a lifelong passion for music.”

Katrina Lange has witnessed this, too. With Pure Events Marlborough, she organizes the festival on Council’s behalf. She was there in early years when growth took root.

“It’s very different performing at school on stage in front of peers,” she explained. “This really gives them life experience, and it really is a fabulous week for these lovely students who are really passionate about their music.

“It really fills my cup so much to see them grow through the years. They come young, shy, when they’re 12, and so many have gone on to do so many great things … and some of them have said it’s purely from Southern Jam that started their interest and love of music.”

Culmination
Nineteen bands consisting of 220 musicians will participate this year. After a dozen shows, four each day from 5 August through 7 August, the festival will culminate on the night of 8 August at Whitehaven Theatre.

The Finale Gala Concert includes a performance from the All-Star Band comprising two-dozen musicians selected by judges Dave Wilson, Daniel Hayles, Lance Philip and Erna Ferrey. For the first time, the programme features pieces written specifically for Southern Jam; the two composers also will conduct a workshop.

What may audiences expect to take away from the festival? “They can see how much talent we have in our youth,” Katrina replied, “and what an amazing experience this is for them.”

Southern Jam Youth Jazz Festival
Free concerts: 5-7 August, various venues
Finale Gala: 8 August, 7pm, Whitehaven Theatre
Tickets: eventfinda.co.nz
Full programme: facebook.com/SouthernJamYouthJazz