By Mabel Pais

The search is on for the next great jazz singers!

The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) is accepting submissions for its 12th Annual Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition. Solo vocalists from around the world are encouraged to submit their entries before September 5, 2023, by visiting njpac.org/sarah-vaughan-international-jazz-vocal-competition.

In the Fall 2023, the Top Five Finalists will be announced followed by a star-studded final performance on the iconic NJPAC stage.

The Sarah Vaughan International 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. On November 19, 2023, the finalists will compete at NJPAC in front of a live audience and before a distinguished panel of judges including Grammy and TONY Award-winning jazz vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater, singer-songwriter Madeleine Peyroux, acclaimed vocalist 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 performances by the 2021 winner of the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition G. Thomas Allen. The first-prize winner of The SASSY Awards will receive a $5,000 cash award, second-place $1,500, and third-place $500.

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.

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.

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. Gifted young contestants from around the world are evaluated on vocal quality, musicality, technique, performance, individuality, artistic interpretation, and ability to swing. For more information about The SASSY Awards, visit SarahVaughanCompetition.com.

NJPAC

The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), located in downtown Newark, N.J., is America’s most diverse performing arts center, and the artistic, cultural, educational and civic center of New Jersey – where great performances and events enhance and transform lives every day. NJPAC brings diverse communities together, providing access to all and showcasing the state’s and the world’s best artists while acting as a leading catalyst in the revitalization of its home city.

Through its extensive Arts Education programs, NJPAC is shaping the next generation of artists and arts enthusiasts. NJPAC has served more than 10 million visitors (including over 1.9 million students and families) since opening its doors in 1997, and nurtures meaningful and lasting relationships with each of its constituents.

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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NJS OFFERS A FREE PREVIEW CONCERT FOR NEXT SEASON

By Mabel Pais

Calling all lovers of Classical Music!

The New Jersey Symphony (NJS) invites you to a free preview of the 2023-2024 season.

Mark your calendars for the New Jersey Symphony’s (NJS) free 2023-2024 season preview concert!

PROGRAM

Classical Favorites: Beethoven, Tchaikovsky and More!

Wednesday, August 30 at 2 pm

Victoria Theater

New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark

Conductor: Tong Chen

Enjoy a delightful summer afternoon of orchestral favorites featuring overtures by Berlioz and Mendelssohn, excerpts from Beethoven and Tchaikovsky’s symphonies and more! Conducted by former New Jersey Symphony Associate Conductor Tong Chen, this preview of the 2023–24 season delivers a lineup of beloved works you won’t want to miss! 

CONCERT INFORMATION

Tong Chen conductor

New Jersey Symphony

Berlioz Roman Carnival Overture

Mendelssohn Overture to A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Elgar “Nimrod” from Enigma Variations

Tchaikovsky “Valse” from Symphony No. 5

Beethoven “Finale: Allegro Molto” from Symphony No. 3, “Eroica”

New Jersey Symphony

The Emmy and Grammy Award-winning New Jersey Symphony (NJS) is redefining what it means to be a nationally leading, relevant orchestra in the 21st century. NJS is renewing its deeply rooted commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion by championing new, and often local, artists; engaging audiences for whom the inspiring depth and breadth of classical music will be new; and incorporating the broadest possible representation in all aspects of its organization—all to better reflect and serve its vibrant communities.

Since 2021, Music Director Xian Zhang has worked together with composer, violinist, educator and social-justice advocate Daniel Bernard Roumain, the orchestra’s Resident Artistic Catalyst, to offer programming that connects with diverse communities in Newark and throughout New Jersey.

Internationally renowned Chinese American conductor Xian Zhang began her tenure as the New Jersey Symphony’s current Music Director in 2016. Since her arrival at the New Jersey Symphony, Zhang has revitalized programming with an industry-leading commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in mainstage concerts.  In its second century of bringing concerts to the people of New Jersey, the Symphony will present audience favorites and exciting new works including Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9, “From the New World,” Orff’s Carmina Burana, Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, violinist Joshua Bell leading the Orchestra and performing Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto, composer and pianist Gabriella Montero performing her own Piano Concerto No. 1, “Latin,” pianist Daniil Trifonov playing Gershwin’s Concerto in F, and the “classically trained garage band” Time for Three performing composer Kevin Puts’ ‘Contact.’

The New Jersey Symphony co-commissions include works by internationally renowned living composers—Anna Clyne’s Piano Concerto, Jessie Montgomery’s New Work and Augusta Read Thomas’ Selection from ‘Jubilee.’ Composers Rob Kapilow and Daniel Bernard Roumain will present world premieres on the season.

For more information about the New Jersey Symphony, visit njsymphony.org or email information@njsymphony.org.

For tickets to concerts, visit  njsymphony.org or call 1.800.ALLEGRO (255.3476).

(Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Education, Cuisine, Health & Wellness, Spirituality, and Business)