Jul 22, 2026 12:37 PM
In Memoriam: Rodney Holmes, 1966–2026
Drummer Rodney Holmes, a powerful presence behind the kit who emerged as an in-demand player on the New York scene…
If you’ve ever wanted to show Ornette Coleman what you’ve got, this is your opportunity.
Coleman is one of the judges for the International Songwriting Competition, which is now accepting entries. The yearly contest awards thousands of dollars in prizes to aspiring and established songwriters, with categories ranging from jazz and blues to rock and country. The overall grand prize is $25,000 cash and $20,000 in merchandise.
The competition puts Coleman alongside a prestigious panel of judges, including jazz luminaries such as guitarist John Scofield and vocalist Cassandra Wilson, and other musicians of various genres such as Nelly Furtado and Tom Waits.
The application deadline is Oct. 15. See songwritingcompetition.com for details on how to submit an entry.
A drummer’s drummer, Rodney Holmes gigged with everyone from Joe Zawinul and Carlos Santana to Steve Kimock and the Brecker Brothers.
Jul 22, 2026 12:37 PM
Drummer Rodney Holmes, a powerful presence behind the kit who emerged as an in-demand player on the New York scene…
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Wilson’s ability to connect to audiences helped her to win two Grammy awards and multiple other accolades. She was named an NEA Jazz Master in 2022.
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Cassandra Wilson, a singer, songwriter and producer who was one of the most acclaimed and successful jazz vocalists of…
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Percussionist Poncho Sanchez was among the artists scheduled to perform at the now-canceled inaugural LA Jazz Festival.
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The inaugural LA Jazz Festival, originally scheduled to run Aug. 7–23 with dozens of events across Los Angeles’…
