All Blues Strike Gold at 2025 Dunedin Youth Jazz Festival

By Dr William Martin | Posted: Sunday July 27, 2025

All Blues, the Otago Girls’ and Boys’ Jazz Big Band, competed at the 2025 Dunedin Youth Jazz Festival and received a Gold Award for an outstanding performance in their category.

The group performed a fast-swinging version of Wayne Shorter’s One by One, a high-energy rendition of Madonna’s Four Minutes, and a funky arrangement of Steely Dan’s Home at Last. The Big Band was a favourite with the audience and received a rousing reception at the close of their set.

The exceptionally high standard of the band was reflected by the seven players selected for the All-Star Big Band: Finn Marshall, Callan Power, Emily Lokman, Nikita Lu, Theresa Radka, Anson Fung, and Grace Tiko—the largest number of any ensemble in the competition.

Nicole Lo, James Phipps-Green, and Carlotta Schwefel are to be congratulated for competing in their first competition, as well as Jayden Lu and Phoenix Haddow for performing on new instruments.

Returning horn players Oban Voice, Jasmine Potter, and Callum Thompson continue to serve the band well, alongside the dependable Sarah Pushenko and Fleur de Clifford in the rhythm section.

The band was prepared for the competition by Dr. Martin, who is also the Chair of the Dunedin Jazz Foundation and the chief organiser of the festival. He was ably supported by Mr. Eugene Shields, who managed the administration of the festival and handled the stage set-up on the day.

Photos by Bayard Randel.

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