from staff
This year’s Great American Jazz Piano Competition at the Florida Theatre is May 21 at 7 p.m. and the City is looking for talented amateur jazz pianists. The competition has been part of the Jacksonville Jazz Festival tradition for the past 25 years.
Five finalists will be chosen through “blind” judging and will compete for the top honor — a cash prize of $3,500 and the opportunity to perform May 23 at the Jacksonville Jazz Festival. The remaining four finalists will also receive cash prizes.
The Great American Jazz Piano Competition is open to acoustic jazz pianists of any age who do not currently have or have not previously had a contract with a major record label. Pianists who have previously won the grand prize are not eligible to apply again. Those interested should send a clean CD, postmarked by March 31, with a copy of their recording on it. Finalists will be notified the week of April 13.
Five judges will select a winner based on individuality, melody, rhythm, sound, harmony and improvisation. Finalists will play three selections during the competition, for a performance time of no longer than 20 minutes.
One of the selections must be a solo piece and the other two must be trios. Winners will be notified immediately after the competition.
Tickets are $10 plus applicable service charges.
For guidelines, repertoire requirements, entry information and details regarding the live competition visit www.jaxjazzfest.com or www.makeascenedowntown.com, call 630-3690, or e-mail [email protected].