Monk Institute Announces 2008 Jazz Saxophone Competition Semifinalists

By I Oct. 7, 2008

The Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz today announced the semifinalists in the 21st annual Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition, to be held on Oct. 25 at UCLA’s Schoenberg Hall.

This year’s competition highlights the saxophone. Twelve young saxophonists from across the globe will compete for more than $50,000 in scholarships and prizes in front of an esteemed panel of judges including Wayne Shorter, Jimmy Heath, Greg Osby, Jane Ira Bloom and David Sanchez. The event is free and open to the public.

The 2008 semifinalists are David DeJesus (N.Y.), Quamon Fowler (Texas), Tim Green (Md.), Alex Hoffman (N.Y.), Jon Irabagon (N.Y.), Jason Marshall (N.Y.), Troy Roberts (Australia), Joris Roelofs (native of France), Gilad Ronen (Israel), Evan Schwam (N.Y.), Walter Smith (Calif.) and Gian Tornatore (N.Y.).

Three contestants will move on to perform in a final round at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, backed by an all-star house band, and with some selections accompanied by Dee Dee Bridgewater. The first place winner will receive a $20,000 scholarship and a recording contract with Concord.

More info: monkinstitute.org