The first annual JAM Musician Awards, presented by the KC Jazz Ambassadors, will be announced on Tuesday, December 14 at Johnnie’s Jazz Club, 14th and Main in Downtown Kansas City. Following a 7pm opening set by the UMKC Conservatory Jazz Ensemble, awards in fourteen different categories will be distributed to Kansas City’s favorite jazz artists, clubs and venues.
“We’ve received over 700 ballots for everyone’s favorite Kansas City jazz musicians,” explained JAM Magazine editor David Basse. “It should be a great night, recognizing KC’s favorite jazz guitarist, vocalist, sax and trumpet players, pianists—everybody, plus categories for favorite jazz clubs, concert venues and radio shows.”
Nominees for favorite jazz vocalist include Laura Barge, Eboni Fondren, Angela Hagenbach and Deborah Brown. Piano nominees are Joe Cartwright, Charles Williams Roger Wilder and Mark Lowery. In the favorite jazz club categories, Corvino’s, the Blue Room, the Phoenix and Green Lady/Black Dolphin are all in the running.
“As they say, ‘it’s an honor just to be nominated by so many jazz fans,’” continued Basse. “We’re hoping this becomes an annual event to celebrate the important contribution our musicians make and how much they’re appreciated by the jazz community.”
There is no cover charge at the JAM Musician Awards this year; and Johnnie’s has a full bar and restaurant. Music will continue after the awards are presented; expect some of the JAM Award winners to sit in with the UMKC Jazz Ensemble.
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