“With the breadth and depth of this year’s finalists, there is no doubt that the 2017 National Jazz Awards will be a highlight of the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz & Blues. “ Adam Simmons

Finalists in Australia’s most prestigious Jazz competition, the National Jazz Awards have been announced today. The National Jazz Awards have been a central feature of the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz & Blues since the Festival’s inception in 1990.

The spotlight this year turns to brass. 10 outstanding musicians have been invited to perform at this year’s festival, congratulations to:

Thomas Avgenicos · Josh Bennier · Niran Dasika · Simon Ferenci · James Macaulay · Ricki Malet · Eamon McNelis · Joe O’Connor · Alex Taylor · Patrick Thiele

Designed to provide encouragement and exposure to young musicians (up to 35 years of age), this year’s finalists will go into the running to win up to $12,000 in prize money and valuable opportunities to gain industry recognition to boost their careers, including an invitation to perform at the Sena International Jazz Laureate Festival including flights, accommodation and a small artist’s fee. The winner, runner up and second runner up will also have the opportunity to have their compositions featured on the Australian Jazz Real Book. Recording sessions from ABC Jazz and Pughouse Studios are also up for grabs.

Co-Artistic Director of the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz & Blues Adam Simmons said the National Jazz Awards would not be possible without the continued support of sponsors. “The 2017 National Jazz Awards are made possible by very generous support of our sponsors including the Anthony and Sharon Lee Foundation, ABC Jazz, Australian Jazz Real Book, Pughouse Studios and APRA”, Mr Simmons said. “It is thanks to the generous support of our sponsors that for the first time in the history of the National Jazz Awards, that this year’s winner, will have the opportunity to perform on the international stage at the Sena International Jazz Laureate Festival. “We are especially excited about this as not only does it reinforce that the rewards of the National Jazz Awards are far reaching, but that the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz & Blues is committed to showing the world what Australian Jazz has to offer”, he added.

The introduction of new guidelines that ensure over 66% of the music played by finalists are Australian compositions will only strengthen the musical delights of this year’s showing”, concluded Mr Simmons. The winner will be announced at the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz & Blues on Sunday the 5th of November.

 

 

Wangaratta Jazz & Blues festival 3 – 5 November, 2017
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