National Jazz Awards
Australia's most prestigious jazz competition, the National Jazz Awards have been a highlight of the Wangaratta Festival Of Jazz each year since the Festival began in 1990. The Awards are designed to provide encouragement and exposure to young musicians (up to 35 years of age). The ten finalists each year are given the chance to perform with high-level accompanists at Australia's most important jazz event.
National Jazz Award Instrument for 2011 is: DRUMS
Australian Register of Cultural Organisations
The National Jazz Awards proudly announces the beginnings of a new era of generous support from those wishing to contribute to the development of Australian culture, in particular the development and recognition of young jazz and blues musicians. The Wangaratta Festival of Jazz is listed on the Australian Register of Cultural Organisations which means gifts donated to our Jazz and Blues Development Fund are tax deductible.
The 2009 and 2010 National Jazz Awards were supported by a donation from Anthony and Sharon Lee from Sydney who are "delighted to be associated with the prestigious National Jazz Awards and the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz." Members of the Festival Board, Adrian Jackson and all those associated with the Festival thank Anthony and Sharon for their generosity and contribution to the development of Australian music.