- By Mabel Pais
As part of the TD James Moody Jazz Festival (November 3-19), and closing the Fest, the top five finalists of the 12th Annual Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition will compete for coveted prizes.
The top five finalists are Daryann Dean (Los Angeles, CA), Bianca Love (New Orleans, LA), Tyreek McDole (St. Cloud, FL), Ekep Nkwelle (Washington, DC), and Emma Smith (London, UK). Chosen from a record 280+ submissions representing 37 countries, these gifted young contestants from around the world represent the next generation of great jazz singers.
They will compete on Sunday, November 19, 2023, on the iconic NJPAC stage in front of a live audience and before a distinguished panel of judges, including acclaimed female vocalists Jane Monheit, Madeleine Peyroux, and Lizz Wright; NJPAC’s Jazz Advisor and multi-Grammy-winning bassist Christian McBride; and three-time Grammy Award-winning producer and executive vice president of Mack Avenue Records Al Pryor. Hosted by WBGO Radio’s Pat Prescott, this special event will also include performance by G. Thomas Allen, winner of the 2021 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition.
PRIZES
The first-prize winner of The SASSY Awards will receive a $5,000 cash award, second-place $1,500, and third-place $500. The winner will perform alongside past winners and special guests at the Sarah Vaughan Centennial Concert Hosted by Dee Dee Bridgewater on April 19-20, 2024, at Jazz at Lincoln Center.
THE SASSY COMPETITION
The Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, also known as “The SASSY Awards,” is open to singers over the age of 18, of all genders and nationalities, from anywhere in the world, and not signed by a major label. Entrants are judged on vocal quality, musicality, technique, performance, individuality, artistic interpretation, and ability to swing. What has become one of the top annual vocal competitions in jazz, The SASSY Awards offers outstanding jazz singers a one-of-a-kind platform for embarking on a career in the music business—and offers audience members a chance to discover the jazz stars of tomorrow. Past winners include Cyrille Aimée, Jazzmeia Horn, Ashleigh Smith, Arianna Neikrug, Deelee Dubé, Quiana Lynell, Laurin Talese, Samara Joy (Grammy winner for Best New Artist 2023), Gabrielle Cavassa and Tawanda Suessbrich-Joaquim, G. Thomas Allen, and Lucía Gutiérrez Rebolloso.
SARAH VAUGHAN & NJPAC
The competition recalls the humble beginnings of legendary jazz singer/NEA Jazz Master Sarah Vaughan (1924-1990) who, back in 1942, was a Newark teenager and winner of an amateur singing contest at the Apollo Theater. That memorable night helped launch the lifework of one of the most successful, influential jazz vocalists in the history of American music. NJPAC has a long history of preserving and celebrating Sarah Vaughan’s music and impact. In 1999, NJPAC officially proclaimed the street in front of it as “Sarah Vaughan Way.” In addition to The SASSY Awards, NJPAC hosts several celebrations in the 2023-24 season honoring the centennial of Vaughan’s birth. Earlier this year, NJPAC paid tribute to “The Divine One” at its Women@NJPAC Spotlight Gala. In 2024, NJPAC partners with Jazz at Lincoln Center for the Centennial Concert series (April 19-20), and more.
THE COMPETING FINALISTS
Daryann Dean
Learn more at darynndean.com.
Bianca Love
Learn more at linkedin.com/in/bianca-love.
Tyreek McDole
Learn more at tyreekmcdole.com.
Ekep Nkwelle
Learn more at ekepnkwelle.com.
Emma Smith
Learn more at emmasmithmusic.co.uk.
TICKETS
For tickets to watch the performances, visit NJPAC.org
The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC)
888.GO.NJPAC (888.466.5722)
Follow NJPAC Online:
Website: njpac.org
Twitter: @NJPAC
Instagram: @NJPAC
Hashtag: #NJPAC
Facebook: facebook.com/NJPAC
YouTube: NJPACtv
Follow NJPAC’s Standing in Solidarity Series Online:
Website: njpac.org/takeastand
Hashtag: #NJPACTakeAStand Youtube: Standing in Solidarity playlist
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ENCHANTING HOLIDAY CONCERT TRIUMPHS LIGHT OVER DARKNESS
- By Mabel Pais
Light up this holiday season with a stunning performance by the New Jersey Youth Chorus (NJYC) and special guest handbell choir, the Walsh Memorial Bell Choir from the Presbyterian Church of Morris Plains. This enchanting holiday concert is illuminated by candles of peace, hope, renewal, and the triumph of light over darkness.
As part of the 2023-24 season’s vision to engage alumni by building a passionate, caring, and broad community of chorus members, the concert features NJYC Alumna Emmalee LaFean. Readings and Carols: Season of Light (whartonarts.org/calendar/njyc-readings-and-carols) will take place on Sunday, December 3 at 4:30 p.m. at the Morristown United Methodist Church located at 50 South Park Place, Morristown.
NJYC Founder and Director Trish Joyce said, “Since the dawn of time, light has been celebrated as a symbol of hope, peace, wisdom, truth, and goodness. It is a common thread, woven throughout humanity. We are excited to present a program which celebrates the importance of light in the cultures dear to our NJYC families. Our choristers will light the Advent wreath, Menorah, and Diyas; share readings and poetry; and lead the audience in songs and carols honoring the light within all of us.”
Joyful selections performed by NJYC’s Coriste ensemble, led by Director Trish Joyce, and Camerata ensemble, led by Director Dan Malloy, include ‘Veni, Veni Emmanuel’ by Michael John Trotta, ‘TāReKiTa’ by Reena Esmail, ‘One Light’ by Evan Ramos, ‘Night of Silence’ by Daniel Kantor, ‘Faith is the Bird that Feels the Light’ by Elizabeth Alexander, ‘Hold Out Your Light’ by Stacey V. Gibbs, ‘Season of Light’ by Jacob Narverud, and ‘Carol of the Bells’ arranged by Peter J. Wilhousky. Arrangements of seasonal favorites will be performed by the Walsh Memorial Bell Choir and soloist Emmalee LaFean.
TICKETS
Tickets priced for adults, discounts for seniors & students, are available at NJYC.org
Wharton Arts
Learn more at WhartonArts.org
(Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Spirituality, Education, Cuisine, Health & Wellness, and Business)