National Jazz Awards to go ahead, applications now open

The National Jazz Awards will be held this year, as part of the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues which stages mid-spring for the 30th anniversary.

“This year has been a time of great uncertainty for festivals, artists, and the creative industries as a whole,” festival chair, Dave Fuller said.

“Under these circumstances, we are particularly pleased to move ahead with the delivery of the National Jazz Awards.”

Applications have opened for vocalists aged 36 or younger to apply by August 31.

Each year the awards focus on a different instrument, this year it celebrates the vocals.

In 2012, singer Kristin Berardi took out first prize.

Other winners included Alex Hirlian (drums), James Macauley (brass), Sam Anning (bass), Carl Morgan (guitar), Zac Hurren (brass), Phil Stack (bass), Julien Wilson (brass), Scott Tinkler (brass), Michelle Nicolle (vocals) and Barney McAll (piano). 

This year’s prize pool has reduced as “the philanthropic support that was previously in place has concluded, however further philanthropic support is being sought,” Fuller explained.

First prize is $7,000 and a recording session with Pughouse Studios. Second prize is $4,000 and third is $2,000.

The 2020 National Jazz Award semi-finals and finals will be held in Wangaratta on the weekend of October 30 – November 1 in accordance with the COVID-19 restrictions (and audience restrictions) in place at the time.