Call for Jazz Artists to Compete at 3rd Annual Downtown Albany JazzFest Competition

Winner to Play Set at the City of Albany's Riverfront Jazz Festival

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(c)2012 Julia Zave

ALBANY, NY (06/20/2013)(readMedia)-- The Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID), in conjunction with the City of Albany, announce the call for artists to compete in the 3rd Annual Downtown Albany JazzFest Competition. Slated for Friday, September 6, 2013 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM in various Downtown venues, selected regional jazz bands and artists will compete for a chance to perform at The City of Albany's Riverfront Jazz Festival the next day, Saturday, September 7, 2013. The event is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to visit each location and cast their vote for the best performance. The winner will be determined by a computation made up by 50% public vote and 50% designated judge. Each competing band will receive a stipend for their performance.

"For over a decade, The City of Albany's Riverfront Jazz Festival has brought jazz music to the residents of Albany immersing them in culture and attracting visitors to our beautiful City," said Mayor Gerald D. Jennings, "We are excited that once again we can include the addition of the JazzFest Competition creating an entire jazz weekend event that engages residents."

Capital Region jazz bands and artists interested in competing are invited to complete and submit an application along with two (2) mp3 files and a promotional photo (jpeg format) no later than July 16, 2013. A panel of judges will select eligible applicants and notify them by July 19, 2013. Applications can be emailed to Don Wilson at dwilson@downtownalbany.org or mailed to 40 North Pearl Street, Albany, New York 12207. Applications and more information can be found on the BID's website downtownalbany.org. Questions should be directed to Don Wilson,Director of Operations, 518.465.2143 x 12 or dwilson@downtownalbany.org.

"Every year the Jazzfest competition gets busier and continues to gain in popularity," stated Jason Hayes, Owner and JazzFest venue participant, Blue 82, "It's turning out to be a huge success."

Georgette Steffens, Executive Director of the Downtown Albany BID, explained that, "The JazzFest Competition is an event designed to showcase local talent while highlighting different venues in New York's Capital City. We are proud to offer this event as an economic driver, and expose Capital Region residents to the fabulous restaurants and bars in Downtown during this free competition. Last year's event brought out 800 people to experience live, high quality jazz music, creating a New Orleans like feel on North Pearl Street."

The Albany Riverfront Jazz Festival is a free event presented by the Special Event division of the City of Albany. The festival will be held Saturday, September 7, 2013 from 12:00 PM to 8:30 PM at the Albany Riverfront Park Amphitheater at the Corning Preserve with an expected attendance of over 10,000. More information about the Riverfront Jazz Festival can be found at www.albanyevents.com or by calling 518.434.2032.

Since 1996, the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID) has worked to restore, promote and maintain the character and vitality of downtown Albany and improve the quality of life and overall image of downtown for those who work in, live in and visit New York's Capital City. The BID is a private, not-for profit 501(c) (3) organization. For more information about the Downtown Albany BID please visit downtownalbany.org or @downtownalbany.