On this episode of The Art of the Story, we showcase the singing of NJPAC's 2025 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition winner Kate Kortum.
The 23-year old Kortum is a breakout jazz vocalist from Houston, Texas, whose warm, distinctive sound blends bebop, blues, the Great American Songbook, and musical theatre with captivating, story-driven lyrics. Her artistry bridges tradition and innovation, offering audiences a fresh, contemporary take on the jazz vocal legacy.
Kortum now lives in New York City and has appeared at Mezzrow, SXSW, Birdland, Blue Note and Dizzy’s, collaborating with Peter Bernstein, Emmet Cohen, Bryan Carter, Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.
NPAC's 14th annual Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition is part of the 2025 TD James Moody Jazz Festival.
You can SEE Doug Doyle's entire interview with Kate Kortum and the other competition finalists below:
