
Nominations Open for Mayor’s Arts Awards
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2014 Mayor’s Arts Awards, recognizing the accomplishments of artists, arts and cultural organizations, and community members committed to enriching their communities through the arts. The six categories are Future Focus, Raising the Bar, Cultural Ambassador, City of Creativity, Cultural Investment, and Social Justice. The nomination deadline is Thursday, May 15. More info at www.seattle.gov/arts.
CityArtist Projects Funding
Seattle’s Office of Arts & Culture begins accepting applications on May 21 for their CityArtist Projects program. The program provides funding for Seattle-based individual artists to develop and present their work. The 2015 cycle will award grants to artists working in dance, music and theater arts. The application deadline is July 16. More at seattle.gov/arts.
Seattle Women’s Jazz Orchestra Composition Contest
In this 2nd jazz ensemble composition contest for women, all entries must feature an alto sax soloist.
The winning composition will be performed and recorded by the Seattle Women’s Jazz Orchestra with special guest Grace Kelly. The winner also receives a recording of her composition performed live, an honorarium of $300, and the winning piece will be published by SWOJO or their designated publisher.
The contest has been created to encourage the composition and performance of the highest quality jazz ensemble literature playable by high school, college and professional bands alike.Entry deadline is June 30; applications are being accepted now. More information at swojo.org.
Doris Duke Performing Artist Awards
In a 10-year initiative by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, in partnership with Creative Capital, jazz artists feature in one of three funding categories for the performing arts. An anonymous panel of arts professionals selected artists based on demonstrated evidence of exceptional creativity, ongoing self-challenge, and the continuing potential to make significant contributions to the fields of contemporary dance, jazz, and theatre in the future.
The 19 Doris Duke Artist Award recipients get a total investment of $275,000. Doris Duke Artist Award recipients: Oliver Lake, Steve Lehman, Roscoe Mitchell, Zeena Parkins, Craig Taborn, Randy Weston. A separate, anonymous panel of artists made the final selection of 20 Doris Duke Impact Award recipients.
Doris Duke Impact Award recipients each get a total investment of $80,000. Doris Duke Impact Award recipients: Muhal Richard Abrams, Ambrose Akinmusire, Steve Coleman, Ben Monder, Aruán Ortiz, Matana Roberts, Jen Shyu.
On the Horizon
Vancouver International Jazz Festival, Vancouver, BC
June 20-July 1
Medeski, Martin, Scofield and Wood, Hiromi, Bobby McFerrin, Arturo Sandoval, Maceo Parker, Charles Lloyd Quartet, Cassandra Wilson: www.coastaljazz.ca.
JazzVox Concerts Summer
June 21 & 22, July 18-20, August 9 & 10
Nich Anderson’s ever popular vocal jazz house concert series, JazzVox, has been on fire with sensational performances this year, and he promises to kick off the sizzling summer season with a bang! Anderson, who is an esteemed singer in his own right, will proudly be featuring New York-based songstress Linda Ciofalo in June, famed LA-based crooner John Proulx in July, and smokin’ powerhouse NYC diva Emily Braden in August. Please visit jazzvox.com for a complete listing of past and upcoming concerts, all the latest artist/concert information and to make your reservations early for these amazing shows.
– Libby Graham
Write Earshot Jazz
Earshot Jazz is seeking submissions from writers: Please email story pitches, comments, news and announcements to editor@earshot.org.
Help the Jazz Around the Sound Calendar
Please email news and announcements about jazz gigs, concerts and community events to jazzcalendar@earshot.org.