Over a hundred people soaked up the sun at Queenstown Village Green and enjoyed melodic sounds ranging from Miles Davis to the Beatles.
As part of the 2010 ASB Jazz Festival, 10 youth jazz acts gave their all to impress the three judges -Caitlin Smith, Calder Prescott and David Cole.
Entrants were judged on their mastery of official jazz standards and the judges paid particular attention to originality and the contestants' "jazz ear".
Ms Smith said choosing the winners was not easy.
"We deliberated the final decisions over and over. It really was a very tight call."
The best solo vocalist award went to Valerie Fasavalu from Auckland for her "wonderfully balanced" rendition of Misty Blue by Bob Montgomery.
The best solo instrumentalist award went to Rory Macmurdo from Dunedin for his drum rendition of So What by Miles Davis.
Macmurdo struck gold again as part of Dunedin-based five-piece band Hoodoo Voodoo, winner of the best combo award.
Sam Vennell, Hoodoo Voodoo double bass player, said he was "stoked" to take home the award.
Long-standing jazz ambassador Cole said he was impressed by the exceptional level of talent throughout the competition.
"From what I have heard here today, the future of music is in very safe hands."
