The New Jersey Performing Arts Center has announced five finalists for the 15th annual Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, selected from a field the organization says exceeded 360 entrants from 38 countries. The finalists — Alyssa Allgood of Chicago, Vahn Black of Detroit, Nathan Farrell and Jackie Ribas of New York City, and Angélique Nicolas of Paris — will perform live at NJPAC on Sunday, Nov. 22, as part of the TD James Moody Festival.
The competition, known informally as the SASSY Awards, has previously launched the careers of singers including Samara Joy, Jazzmeia Horn and Cyrille Aimée; Joy went on to win the Grammy for Best New Artist in 2023. This year’s judging panel includes vocalist José James, three-time Grammy nominee Gretchen Parlato, Jazz at Lincoln Center programming VP Jason Olaine, actress and singer Lillias White, and drummer T.S. Monk. WBGO Radio’s Gary Walker will host, with a performance from 2024 winner April May Webb.
Prize money totals $5,000 for first place, $1,500 for second and $500 for third. The competition, named for Newark native and NEA Jazz Master Sarah Vaughan, is open to unsigned singers over 18. Tickets for the Nov. 22 event are on sale now through NJPAC.
Based on a press release provided to Music Industry Weekly by NJPAC (njpac.org).