"JUMPSTART" The NZONE Emerging Talent Competition Winners Announced

26 October 2009 8:00pm - 11:00pm

The 14 NZONE Emerging Talent Competition finalists were chosen from DVD and YouTube submissions and performed at the Millennium Hotel on Sunday evening.

First place and $1,000 cash went to 24-year old vocalist Saelyn Guyton from Invercargill, Amy Jansen, a 21-year old from Christchurch, took second place and $400 cash and third place went to 19-year old Queenstowner David Bell, who sang an original composition.  The three finalists also received a free NZONE skydive.

Up and coming drummer Jeremy Hantler, a 21-year old from Wellington, won the solo instrumental category and $1,000 cash.  Second place and $400 went to 21-year old guitarist Burke Goffe from Christchurch while third place went to 23-year old alto-saxophonist Blair Clarke from Wellington who played an original composition.  A Highly Commended was also given to young female drummer Andie Gibbs.  Each of the three finalists also received a free NZONE skydive.

All NZONE Emerging Talent finalists were given free entry to a workshop, forum or masterclass of their choice from the jazz festival's development programme.

Jumpstart Competition Organiser Stephanie Percy says seeing the level of talent exhibited by all of the competitors absolutely reinforced their decision to expand the competition and split it into two age groups this year.

"I'm absolutely thrilled with the amazing young talent we have in New Zealand.  It's so inspiring to see the dedication and talent shown by these young musicians.

"The aim of the Jumpstart Competition is to reward these musicians and vocalists with some exposure and help 'jump start' their musical careers so I'm looking forward to seeing them shine in years to come."

The judges of 18-25 year category were Caitlin Smith, a renowned Kiwi singer, composer and vocal coach, leading Dunedin jazz musician Calder Prescott, and ex-JazzFest Trust Chairman David Cole.  They were extremely impressed with the standard and said that it was an honour and privilege to judge such a high level of talent. 

The 2009 Jumpstart Competition was held in association with The Edge FM and Creative Queenstown.

This year's ASB Queenstown JazzFest ran from 17 to 26 October.  It brought music to the masses in a 10-day live music celebration which showcased a breadth of jazz styles from New Zealand and around the world.