Saxylady x Shantelle Dawn Saxylady x Shantelle Dawn: live sax, DJ and vibes for unforgettable events

We need a safe, level space for our equipment and access to a standard power outlet nearby. Space requirements depend on whether you book solo saxophone or the full DJ and saxophone duo. Let us know if the performance area is outdoors so we can plan for weather protection.

Please share the venue address, event timings, where you’d like us to perform, and the best place to unload equipment. It also helps to know about stairs, limited parking, noise restrictions and whether the performance area is outdoors. If the venue has its own sound system, please send us the details.

Yes, we can bring our own sound equipment for suitable events. We’ll confirm the right setup once we know the venue and guest numbers. If you’d like lighting, let us know when enquiring so we can discuss what’s available or arrange a suitable option.

Yes. We can provide curated background music before and between live saxophone sets. If you book the duo, Shantelle can also DJ throughout the event, building the energy from relaxed drinks and dinner music into house and dance tracks later in the evening.

Ayrburn’s opening was a standout gig. There was such a buzz in the room, and it was special to perform at the start of a new chapter for a Queenstown venue. Ayrburn is also one of our favourite places to play: the setting is beautiful and every event feels like an occasion.
Another truely exceptional experience was playing in zodiac in a cave in the Subantarctic Islands. Completely unplugged, in the darkness, the sax reverberating off the cave walls, it was a deeply cathartic and spiritual experience.

We love celebrations that have a natural build: relaxed music while guests arrive and mingle, then a lift in energy as the evening unfolds. Corporate parties, gala events and après ski celebrations are especially fun because we can move from soulful saxophone into DJ, vocals and dance music. We see ourselves as vibe curators, we do not just simply deliver background music, we create a bespoke experience, connecting people, their vibrations and heart coherence, to create truly one-off memorable and moving experiences.

Sarah, known on stage as Saxylady, trained with the late New Zealand jazz musician Roger Fox in Wellington. She spent decades playing in jazz orchestras and big bands before branching out in 2023 to perform solo saxophone and DJ gigs in Queenstown and across New Zealand. She has since played at events including the NZ Golf Open and Ayrburn’s opening, and opened for acts including SACHI and Peking Duk.

Shantelle Dawn brings DJing and vibe curation to the duo, alongside her experience as a professional photographer and content creator. She is also a qualified breathwork and somatic dance facilitator. Her instinct for connection, sound and movement, combined with Sarah’s live performance experience, helps them shape the music around the people and atmosphere at each event.

Sarah’s biggest influences include Charlie Parker and Lovely Laura, whose Ibiza performances show how powerful live saxophone can be alongside a DJ. Lovely Laura is a particular favourite for the way she connects with a crowd. Picking the greatest song of all time is much harder: for us, it’s the song that catches the mood of the room and brings everyone together.

We usually allow around an hour to set up and soundcheck, depending on the venue and whether you’ve booked solo saxophone or the full DJ and saxophone duo. Our performance times are flexible: we can provide music for a two hour cocktail reception or help shape the soundtrack across a longer event. We’ll agree on the timings with you in advance.

Absolutely. Outdoor performances are our preference, especially in Queenstown. We need a safe, level performance area, access to power and suitable protection for our instruments and equipment from rain, wind and direct sun. We’ll also agree on an indoor backup plan in case the weather changes.

You absolutely have a say. Tell us about the atmosphere you want to create, the styles and artists you love, and any songs you’d rather avoid. We’ll use that to curate music for your event while reading the room on the day. If there’s a particular song you’d like played live, let us know early so we can confirm whether we can include it. In saying that, we know what we do well and what we love which creates the energy, and we do not hesitate to recommend others if the style is not the vibe we like. i.e classic Party hits, Taylor Swift, ABBA, Oasis, that is not for us, but we'll happily send you in the right direction. Classical and Jazz, not for us either but we know plenty of local musos who can deliver just that.

Clients often tell us they love the energy Shantelle and I have together, and the live saxophone brings to an event and how naturally the music moves from a relaxed atmosphere into a celebration. We aim to make each performance feel warm, personal and in tune with the people in the room.