from staff
In keeping with the long tradition of the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, the first notes played will be heard around 7 p.m. Thursday in the Florida Theatre when the curtain rises on the 2011 Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition.
The annual competition celebrates what is perhaps the purest form of jazz, with contestants performing solo and accompanied by only drums and bass. Prizes include a trophy, a cash award and the opportunity to perform at the festival.
Another advantage of winning first prize is notoriety. The competition has launched the careers of some of the most recognizable keyboard artists in jazz, including Marcus Roberts, Travis Shook and Harry Connick Jr.
This year’s competitors are Jose Garcia from Lawrenceville, Ga., Dan Cavanaugh from Arlington, Texas, Jiri Levicek from Denton, Texas, Hope Nwachukwu from Largo, Md., and Christopher Ziemba from Williamsville, N.Y.
The pianists will be accompanied by drummer Danny Gottlieb, an original member of the Pat Matheny Group; and bassist Dennis Marks, who teaches jazz studies at the University of North Florida and also toured with the Pat Matheny Group.
This year’s judges are Joey Calderazzo, a jazz pianist and music educator scheduled to perform at the festival 6:30 p.m. Friday at Hemming Plaza; Grammy Award-winning keyboardist Jason Miles, who is scheduled to perform with Global Noize 8:30 p.m. Friday at the Landing; and UNF Presidential Professor of Music Gary Smart.
Scheduled to mark his 11th year as the master of ceremonies of the event is jazz pianist Noel Freidline, a graduate of UNF who is on the festival schedule with his jazz quintet 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Landing. The group is also scheduled to host “Sacred Jazz,” at noon and 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Snyder Memorial, the former Methodist Church on Laura Street near Hemming Plaza.
Tickets for the Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition are available at the Florida Theatre box office, by calling 355-ARTS and at www.floridatheatre.com.