Competition Schedule
Our goal will be to solicit as many contestants as possible, adjudicate their audio submissions, select five finalists, and narrow that field to five finalists with only one first-place winner. Contestants will record in the key and interpretation of their choice. Typical instrumentation is a backup rhythm section. The timeline is as follows:
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November 1, 2025: Opening Announcement
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Audio Submissions: Between November 1st through January 31, 2026
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Adjudication Review begins February 1st
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Finalists Announced: Mid March 2026
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Finalists Video Submissions Due: March 27, 2026
The five finalists will then be invited to submit video presentations with that cost underwritten by the Blues Alley Jazz Society or equivalent to Five hundred dollars ($500.00) per contestant submission. The five finalists will then be announced on Saturday, April 25th with our first prize winner performing alongside our featured artist, educator, and adjudicator on our world-renowned Blues Alley stage. Finalists will receive honorariums as follows:
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1st Place Winner = $2,500.00
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2nd Place Winner = $1,000.00
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3rd Place Winners = $500.00
Events at Blues Alley Jazz
April 25- Sachal Vasandani
Winner Announced at the 7 pm Show
April 26 History of Ella Fitzgerald Masterclass 11 am - 1 pm
April 26 Vocal Masterclass with Sachal Vasandani 1 pm - 3 PM
April 26 Sachal Vasandani
visit bluesalley.com for tickets
Live Stream Options Available
We are excited to partner with the Anasazi Group (Graham and Glover Park Hotels) for this year's competition. Click for discounted rate.
Graham Hotel
Glover Park Hotel
