2008 Future of Jazz Competition

This year’s competition featured six categories, with six winners.  The competition categories included Contemporary Instrumental, Contemporary Vocal, Traditional Instrumental, Traditional Vocal, Nu-Jazz and Fusion Jazz.  Three bands from each of the jazz genres competed for a panel of industry and celebrity judges to become a Future of Jazz Winner.  Each of the six winners will perform during the 2008 Atlanta Jazz Festival.  In addition, the Atlanta Jazz Festival will present each winner with a check in the amount of $500.

2008 Winners

Contemporary Instrumental Jazz

ZON3

Contemporary Vocal Jazz

Heather Johnson

Nu Jazz

Bradford

Straight Ahead Instrumental

Mace Hibbard

Fusion

Genetic Drift

Straight Ahead Vocals

Kemba Cofield

2007 Winner

Ron James

2006 Winner

Jaspects

2005 Winners

Jaspects

Christian Tamburr

Adams Township

International Groove Conspiracy

2004 Winner

International Groove Conspiracy

About the Competition

The Future of Jazz Competition is a showcase of Atlanta's best and brightest live jazz artists.  These artists are blazing the trail to success and are poised to achieve national recognition. 

In February 2004, The Future of Jazz Showcase was created by Tammy Allen, in conjunction with the City of Atlanta Office of Cultural Affairs, to highlight original jazz. The showcase evolved into a competition as a way to identify the best Atlanta based talent for Atlanta’s Jazz Festival. To date, 63 groups have participated in 5 series of competitions.  The competition features all forms of Jazz and encourages new directions and creativity in the ever-expanding world of Jazz music. For more information on the Future of Jazz Competition, please visit www.futureofjazz.com.