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| Sonny Rollins, Amiri Baraka Help Celebrate JJA's 25th Birthday A special message from Sonny Rollins, a presentation by poet Amiri Baraka, and performances by harpist Edmar Castañeda, singer/actress Paulette Dozier with pianist Danny Mixon, and the Zach Brock Trio will highlight the 2013 JJA Jazz Awards Party at the Blue Note Jazz Club on Wednesday, June 19, 4 to 6PM, where the Jazz Journalists Association will celebrate its 25th birthday with Awards for excellence in jazz media. This event is open to the public; winners and nominees are especially invited. Having announced 29 winners of 2013 JJA Awards for musical achievement, and 26 North America-wide "Jazz Heroes" in April and May (see the complete list of winners), the non-profit, 300-member JJA turns its focus on "Best of the Year" Awards for writing, photography, broadcasting, short form videos, blogs, periodicals, websites, books and Lifetime Achievement in Jazz Journalism at its 17th annual gala, a cocktail party fundraiser with music. The JJA was born in 1988 from meetings of jazz writers and radio broadcasters. Today its 300 members around the world explore and encourage best uses of media to document jazz of all forms and eras, with an emphasis on the present. The organization's year-round activities include interactive online introductory and advanced training sessions and workshops; mentoring of new jazz journalists; consultations on media for jazz communities, educational institutions and industries, and professional networking. The JJA's Jazz Awards, initiated in 1997, have gained renown for recognition of excellence in musical activities and, uniquely, for the people who convey news and seriously informed views through their research and reports about jazz. Sonny Rollins, saxophone colossus, was named "Emeritus Jazz Artist Beyond Voting" this year, and is creating an audio treat especially for the JJA party. Amiri Baraka, author of the groundbreaking books Blues People and Black Music (among many other works), received the JJA's Award for Lifetime Achievement in Jazz Journalism in 2012 and comes to the Blue Note this year to present the award to this year's honoree, who will be announced at the party. Colombian harpist Edmar Castañeda is winner of the 2013 Jazz Award for "Player of Instruments Rare in Jazz, " and will perform solo. Paulette Dozier, portrayer of Billie Holiday in the play "Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill" and with a newly released recording, In Walked You, will be accompanied by Danny Mixon, veteran Harlem pianist and longtime musical director of the Lenox Lounge. Violinist Zach Brock was a finalist for the JJA's Best Violinist/Violist/Cellist Award; he'll be joined by Matt Penman on bass and Obed Calvaire on drums. Josh Jackson, host of WBGO's "The Checkout, " will serve as master of ceremonies. Tickets for the Jazz Awards costs $120 for reserved stage-side seating; $60 general admission; $45 for Jazz Awards nominees and JJA members. Awards winners are guests of the JJA.Tickets are available JJA Jazz Awards tickets. 2013 winners who plan to attend are asked to email Howard Mandel, President@JazzJournalists.org write your comments about the article :: © 2013 Jazz News :: home page |