Reeves, Weston Among USA Fellowship Recipients

News, Vijay Iyer, Randy Weston, Dianne Reeves

By DownBeat I Nov. 17, 2016

Vocalist Dianne Reeves is the recipient of a 2016 USA Fellowship Award.
(Photo: Jerris Madison/Courtesy of United States Artists)

Singer Dianne Reeves, pianists Randy Weston and Vijay Iyer and drummer Mike Reed are among the 46 artists who have been honored with a 2016 United States Artists (USA) Fellowship Award. Each artist will receive an unrestricted cash award of $50,000.

USA awarded fellowships in nine categories: Architecture & Design, Crafts, Dance, Literature, Media, Music, Theater & Performance, Traditional Arts and Visual Arts.

There were six recipients in the Music category. Along with the aforementioned musicians, Raven Chacon and Eddy Kwon also received fellowships.

“By supporting American artists, USA is supporting creativity, free expression and a strong diverse culture. Our Fellows cross all ages, ethnicities and stages in their careers,” said United States Artists Interim President & CEO Sunny Fischer. “Each has a unique artistic voice that expands the creative environment of the United States. It is an honor to support these artists, contribute to their financial security and to facilitate future works. We are encouraging the best of what American artists can achieve.”

Earlier this year, Weston, 90, was inducted into the DownBeat Hall of Fame via the 2016 DownBeat Critics Poll. On Dec. 2–4, Weston will perform with his African Rhythms Quintet at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola in New York.

The 2016 USA Fellows will be celebrated in Chicago at USA’s annual Artist Assembly on March 27–29, 2017. The assembly includes performances, artist presentations and opportunities for artists to give back by partnering with local not-for-profit organizations, community arts organizations, and schools that serve young art students.

For 10 years, USA Fellowships have been awarded to artists at all stages of their careers and from all areas of the country through a rigorous nomination and panel selection process. Previous recipients include novelist Annie Proulx, playwright David Henry Hwang, choreographer Bill T. Jones and visual artist Kara Walker.