Entry Deadline Announced for 5th Annual Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition at NJPAC

For the fifth consecutive year, female singers from around the world will compete online for a coveted spot in the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, a 21st century version of the amateur night at the Apollo Theater that helped launch the career of a gifted teenager from Newark, Sarah "Sassy" Vaughan, more than 70 years ago. The deadline to enter this year's competition is Monday, September 12 at 5pm.

The only vocal competition of its kind in the world, the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition culminates in a rousing performance on the final day of the TD James Moody Jazz Festival (November 1-20), a yearly celebration of jazz at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC).

The contest, presented by NJPAC and WBGO Jazz 88.3FM, provides a platform for one outstanding jazz singer to gain widespread recognition in the music industry. Past winners include Cyrille Aimée, who has called "one of the most undeniably talented vocalists making music today" (Jonathan Schwartz, WNYC); Jazzmeia Horn, winner of the 2015 Thelonious Monk Competition; Ashleigh Smith, whose Concord label debut Sunkissed will be released this month; and, Arianna Neikrug, who dazzled audiences at the 2016 Montreal International Jazz Festival.

The competition is open to vocalists age 16 or older who are not presently signed to a major record label. Singers must submit audio clips online through a website powered by Indaba Music (sarahvaughancompetition.com) by September 12 at 5 pm.

Think you have what it takes? The judges are looking for vocal quality, musicality, technique, performance, individuality, artistic interpretation and ability to swing. The grand prize winner of the coveted SASSY Award will receive a $5,000 cash prize and a recording deal with Concord Music Group.

The incomparable singer Sarah Vaughan was born in Newark in 1924 and was known as "Sassy" throughout her life for her vibrant personality. After winning the top prize of $10 at the Apollo Theatre's amateur night at age 18 in 1942, she went on to record with the greatest names in jazz, including Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Billy Eckstine and countless others.

The 2016 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition finals will take place on Sunday, November 20 at 3 p.m. in NJPAC's intimate Victoria Theater. For tickets, call 1.888.GO.NJPAC(1.888.466.5722) or visit njpac.org.The TD James Moody Jazz Festival's title sponsor is TD Bank. The festival also is generously supported by the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation. Special program support is provided by the National Endowment for the Arts.

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