The National Jazz Awards will be going ahead in October 2020.

This year, the focus in on VOCALS.

The Awards will be open for submissions from Monday 2 August to Friday 31 August 2020 with applications accepted from Australian citizens aged 36 years and under as of the 2020 calendar year.

Wangaratta Festival of Jazz & Blues Chair Dave Fuller noted that this year has been a time of great uncertainty for festivals, artists, and the Creative Industries as a whole.

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

“This marks the 30th anniversary and provides something positive for the Jazz community to look forward to.

“These Awards have played an important role in developing, showcasing, and nurturing Australian talent over three decades with many past winners and finalists going on to achieve both national and international acclaim,” he said.

The National Jazz Awards will be conducted in Wangaratta in strict accordance with the COVID19 restrictions in place at the time and a full COVID Safe Plan will be implemented with the safety of all participants at the forefront.

Mr Fuller has advised that as there will be restrictions on attendance, the Award heats and finals will be live-streamed so that all interested audiences can enjoy the performances.

“This is a great opportunity for the many talented vocal musicians across the country to take part in these nationally renowned Awards,” he said.

Mr Fuller said the prize pool has reduced somewhat as the philanthropic support that was previously in place has concluded however further philanthropic support is being sought.

“The Awards have a strong reputation and are highly regarded regionally, nationally and internationally. They are often a key launching pad in artists’ musical careers,” he said.

First prize is $7,000, second is $4,000 and third is $2,000.

The full details of the Awards, including rules, submission procedures and competition presentation will be posted on the Festival website (www.wangarattajazz.com) from Friday 31 July, 2020.

Media enquiries:

Michele Bauer, Project Co-Ordinator, michele@leftbauerproductions.com, mobile: 045 046 1040

image credit: Vivian Sessoms captured at the 2018 festival by Marc Bongers | North East Photography