Are You The Next Jazz Star: The Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition Returns!

April 30, 2024

Calling all jazz enthusiasts and aspiring vocalists from Harlem to Newark and beyond!

The prestigious New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) is thrilled to announce the eagerly anticipated 13th annual Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition. This renowned event, known affectionately as “The SASSY Awards”, is on a quest to unearth the next great jazz sensation.

How to Enter If you have dreams of gracing the iconic NJPAC stage and winning the hearts of jazz aficionados worldwide, submit your entry before September 3, 2024, at SarahVaughanCompetition.com. The competition is open to solo vocalists over 18 years old, regardless of gender or nationality, who are not currently signed with a major label.

The Exciting Journey In the fall, the Top Five Finalists will be unveiled, paving the way for an electrifying final showdown on NJPAC’s legendary stage. Mark your calendars for November 24, 2024, when the finalists will captivate a live audience and a distinguished panel of judges with their extraordinary talent.


Meet the Illustrious Judges Prepare to be in awe as NEA Jazz Master and four-time GRAMMY Award-winning drummer, Terri Lyne Carrington, along with GRAMMY Award-winning pianist Bill Charlap, powerhouse vocalist Lisa Fischer, NJPAC’s Jazz Advisor Christian McBride, and singer-songwriter Madeleine Peyroux, take their seats as esteemed judges. This star-studded lineup guarantees an evening of unparalleled musical excellence.

The Grand Finale Hosted by WBGO Radio’s Sheila Anderson, this spectacular event will also feature a captivating performance by the 2022 competition winner, Lucía Gutiérrez Rebolloso. Witness the magic as the finalists compete for the coveted first prize of $5,000, with second and third place winners receiving $1,500 and $500, respectively.

Honoring a Jazz Legend The competition pays homage to the incomparable Sarah Vaughan (1924-1990), whose journey from a Newark teenager to a Harlem jazz icon inspires generations. Vaughan’s legacy lives on through this celebration of talent and dedication.

Past Winners and Future Stars Join the ranks of previous winners like Cyrille Aimée, Jazzmeia Horn, and Samara Joy (Grammy winner for Best New Artist 2023), who have used this platform to launch remarkable careers in jazz. The SASSY Awards not only empowers emerging artists but also enriches audiences by showcasing the stars of tomorrow.

About TD Bank: America’s Most Convenient Bank® The Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition is made possible by the generous support of TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank®. As one of the largest banks in the U.S., TD Bank is committed to nurturing arts and culture, providing banking solutions to millions, and fostering community engagement.

About NJPAC: Where Art and Culture Thrive Nestled in downtown Newark, NJPAC stands as America’s most diverse performing arts center, enriching lives through transformative performances and educational initiatives. Since its inception in 1997, NJPAC has welcomed over 10 million visitors and continues to inspire the next generation of artists through its comprehensive Arts Education programs.

Don’t miss your chance to witness jazz history in the making! For more information about The SASSY Awards and to follow the exciting journey of the next jazz superstar, visit SarahVaughanCompetition.com.

Let the jazz magic unfold at NJPAC!

Photo credit: Wiki.



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