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In Memoriam: Ken Peplowski, 1959–2026
Ken Peplowski, a clarinetist and tenor saxophonist who straddled the worlds of traditional and modern jazz, died Feb. 2…
The ‘Sassy Awards’ are open to solo vocalists who are not signed to a major record label.
(Photo: Courtesy NJCPA)Applications are now being accepted for this year’s Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, open to solo vocalists of all nationalities who are not signed to a major record label.
Often called Newark, New Jersey’s greatest musical gift to the world, the late jazz vocalist Sarah Vaughan got her start as the winner of a talent contest at Harlem’s Apollo Theater in 1942. Every year, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center honors her legacy with the vocal competition, commonly known as the “Sassy Awards.” As part of the TD James Moody Jazz Festival, this year’s finals will be held Nov. 24 at NJPAC in Newark.
The public performance will present the next generation of powerhouse jazz vocalists who are ready to take their place in the global spotlight. Singers are evaluated by a panel of special guest judges and are rated for vocal quality, musicality, technique, performance, individuality, artistic interpretation and ability to swing. The winner receives a $5,000 cash prize and a one-of-a-kind platform for embarking on a career in the music business. All interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications online at njpac.org.
Past winners of the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition include Lucía Gutiérrez Rebolloso, G. Thomas Allen, Gabrielle Cavassa, Tawanda Suessbrich-Joaquim, Samara Joy, Laurin Talese, Quiana Lynell, Deelee Dubé, Arianna Neikrug, Ashlight Smith, Jazzmeia Horn, Tyreek McDole and Cyrille Aimée.
Serving as judges this year are Terri Lyne Carrington, Bill Charlap, Lisa Fischer, Christian McBride (NJPAC’s Jazz Advisor) and Madeleine Peyroux.
Hosted by WBGO Radio’s Sheila Anderson, the November event will also include performances by the 2022 competition winner Lucía Gutiérrez Rebolloso. DB
Peplowski first came to prominence in legacy swing bands, including the final iteration of the Benny Goodman Orchestra, before beginning a solo career in the late 1980s.
Feb 3, 2026 12:10 AM
Ken Peplowski, a clarinetist and tenor saxophonist who straddled the worlds of traditional and modern jazz, died Feb. 2…
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