Jun 17, 2025 11:12 AM
Kandace Springs Sings Billie Holiday
When it came time to pose for the cover of her new album, Lady In Satin — a tribute to Billie Holiday’s 1958…
The 8th annual Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, also known as the SASSY awards, is accepting submissions through Sept. 9.
The competition, which is part of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center’s TD James Moody Jazz Festival, is open to vocalists 16 years old and up, who are not signed to a major label, according to a press release from the event. To enter, submit three songs to the competition’s website.
Five finalists will be announced on Oct. 15, who then will perform for a panel of judges, which includes Dee Dee Bridgewater, Christian McBride, Jane Monheit, Gary Walker and Matt Pierson, on Nov. 24.
The grand-prize winner will take home $5,000.
Past winners of the competition include Cyrille Aimée, Laurin Talese, Jazzmeia Horn, Quina Lynell and Arianna Neikrug. DB
“There’s nothing quite like it,” Springs says of working with an orchestra. “It’s 60 people working in harmony in the moment. Singing with them is kind of empowering but also humbling at the same time.”
Jun 17, 2025 11:12 AM
When it came time to pose for the cover of her new album, Lady In Satin — a tribute to Billie Holiday’s 1958…
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At 56, Rodney Whitaker, professor of jazz bass and director of jazz studies at Michigan State University, is equally…
