Feb 3, 2026 12:10 AM
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 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
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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