The JJA Jazz Awards New York City party is on June 11, and tickets are available now to the general public (with discounts for JJA members and nominees; winners are invited free of charge but must make reservations). The JJA”s 18th annual such event, 3:30-5:30 p.m at the Blue Note Jazz Club (131 3rd St., NYC), is a cocktail party with hors d’ouevres and all-star entertainment at which winners of the Awards for excellence in media — including Lifetime Achievement in Jazz Journalism — will be announced.
Cuban-born pianist Elio Villafranca is the musical headliner with his Jass Syncopators (featuring trombonist Steve Turre, tenor saxophonist Greg Tardy, altoist Vincent Herring, bassist Carlos Enriquez, drummer Joel Mateo, two percussionists and a dancer). Sheila Jordan will sing, accompanied by bassist Cameron Brown, and trumpeter Stephanie Richards will perform two original works with her Trumpet Quartet. Brother Thelonious Belgian Style Abbey Ale will be served, along with wine, waters and sodas. Videographer Michal Shapiro will document the event, as she did in 2013 and 2012.
The JJA announced winners of Awards for musical achievement on April 15, and recipients have been presented with their engraved statuettes at their gigs around the U.S. (some of them have already rsvp’d their intensions to be at the party). Some Jazz Hero awards remain to be presented: Newark Hero Cephas Bowles and NYC hero Meghan Stabile will receive their statuettes at the June 11 party, and Chicago Hero Jennifer Johnson Washington will receive hers June 21 at a free party at Elastic Arts, 2830 N. Milwaukee, Chicago, starting at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 21.
Sponsors of the JJA Jazz Awards, and other information on the Awards initiative, are on view at JJAJazzAwards.org
