The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), now in its 12th year, has announced that the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, also known as the SASSY Awards, is open for entries. A truly international event, the competition encourages vocalists from all over the world to submit entries before September 5, 2023. According to the guidelines, the competition is open to “singers over the age of 18, of all genders and nationalities, from anywhere in the world, and not signed by a major label.” In addition, the organizers state that “Entrants are judged on vocal quality, musicality, technique, performance, individuality, artistic interpretation, and ability to swing.” Entrants can submit by visiting sarahvaughancompetition.com.
The finalists will compete in front of a live audience on November 19, 2023 at NJPAC before a panel of judges that includes Dee Dee Bridgewater, Christian McBride, Madeleine Peyroux, Al Pryor and Lizz Wright. WBGO’s Pat Prescott will host the event, which will also include a performance by the 2021 winner G. Thomas Allen. The first prize winner receives a cash award of $5,000, while second place receives $1,500 and third-place $500.
Past winners of the competition include Cyrille Aimée, Jazzmeia Horn, Ashleigh Smith, Arianna Neikrug, Deelee Dubé, Quiana Lynell, Laurin Talese, Samara Joy, Gabrielle Cavassa and Tawanda Suessbrich-Joaquim, G. Thomas Allen, and, most recently, Lucía Gutiérrez Rebolloso.