[jja-announce] 9th annual Jazz Awards FINALIST ballot

[Jazzmandel at aol.com]

Hi JJArs, 

the Finalist Ballot for the 9th annual Jazz Awards is now viewable and 
votable at www.Jazzhouse.org. Only full JJA members -- no support members, no 
civilians -- may vote. Please do. And view the nominated "best photos of the year" 
before voting, so you know what to vote for before you get to that (last) 
category. 

The Jazz Awards this year will be presented by BETJazz, the 24 hour jazz 
channel. The JJA is currently in negotiation with a slew of other highly regarded 
sponsors. The Jazz Awards are again a benefit for the Jazz Foundation of 
America's Musicians Emergency Fund, which tries to provide  quick and comprehensive 
assistance to musicians facing health crisises, housing difficulties, and 
even intense needs of career support. The JJA itself will also benefit from this 
year's jazz Awards -- we are seeeking funding for our participation in the 
National Critics Conference, our mentoring/education initiatives, and overall 
expenses involved with our new status as a legal 501c3 not-for-profit service 
organization. 

The Jazz Awards nominees will be seen and hear at 
www.JazzJournalistsAwards.com, a website created by bassist-composer Ben Allison and hosted by 
JazzCorner.com (Lois Gilbert, principal), where you will also be able to reserve tickets 
for the Jazz Awards, June 14 at BB King's in NYC ($50 to JJA members; $150 
for the general public), and/or the 2nd West Coast Jazz Party, May 29 at the 
Jazz Bakery in LA ($25 for JJA members, $75 to general public). 

Music so far for the Jazz Awards at B.B.'s: an ensemble directed by JJA 
member and Mingus Big Band music director Sy Johnson, a solo by Jack DeJohnette. 
Further surprises to be announced. .. 

best, Howard