Are you a friend of jazz and live in the Phoenix area? Then you can follow the JJA Jazz Awards live and celebrate with other local jazz fans at a "satellite party"to be held in Scottsdale, Arizona on June 14 simultaneously with the Jazz Awards ceremony and reception in New York City.
The casual party starts at 12 noon local time and will be hosted by Micheal, Jill and Mikayla Gilbreath in their Scottsdale home. Admission is free, and anyone interested in jazz is invited to attend, but guests must write m.gilbreath@cox.net in advance for location and other information. Light food and refreshments will be served.
According to host Micheal Gilbreath, the party aims to "raise awareness, interest and participation in jazz in Arizona by residents of all ages and allow Arizona jazz artists, journalists, educators and student jazz musicians to mingle and make connections. And of course to 'root' for our favorite JJA Jazz Award nominees."
Guests will be watching as the awards are announced in New York and as the JJA's "A Team" and "Jazz Hero" honorees are introduced. They'll also hear the music being performed at the Awards by pianist Ayako Shirasaki, guitarist Rale Micic's trio, pianist Marc Cary's Focus Trio, the Tia Fuller Quartet and the Bobby Sanabria Big Band.
Donations will be accepted at the party to support the Deer Valley High School Jazz Program, the largest in the state with three big bands. Host Mikayla Gilbreath --a JJA Student Member and published jazz journalist-- is lead alto saxophonist in the Deer Valley Performance Jazz Ensemble.
UPDATE 5/28: Saxophonist Marion Meadows and vocalist Khani Cole will attend. How about you?
Parties are also planned for other locales. More are being added every day, check the list here.
Not in one of those places? There are lots of other ways you can participate:
Throw your own JJA Jazz Awards satellite party!
If you'd like to organize a Jazz Awards satellite party in your area --anywhere in the world-- write JJA President Howard Mandel at jazzawards@jazzjournalists.org. "They don't have to be formal or fancy affairs," says Mandel, just provide an opportunity for local jazz lovers to recognize the best in jazz --and have a great time together on June 14.
Watch the JJA Jazz Awards live online
Come to the NYC Awards gala!
Of course, if you are in the New York area you shouldn't miss the awards presentation and reception at City Winery. Buy your tickets online now.
Donate
And --wherever you are-- please consider making a donation to the JJA to support our work of spreading the word about jazz
