RAW: Jazz SA announces $5000 scholarship for young jazz musicians

Jazz SA will help launch the career of a young South Australian musician through the inaugural $5000 Dr Wendy Wicks Memoriam Jazz Scholarship.

The winner of the scholarship will also have the opportunity to perform onstage alongside the acclaimed Mike Nock Trio in a special concert.

The new scholarship, which will be offered every year, has been developed by Michael Stratmannis in memory of his wife Wendy Wicks, an avid jazz supporter who co-ran the famous Wickes and Creole Room in Adelaide with him.

Many great national and international jazz acts played in the Creolo Room venue.

Jazz SA Coordinator Mike Stewart says Wendy was a passionate advocate for young jazz musicians.

“It was her wish to provide a platform that could help young South Australian artists achieve success at local, national and international levels,” he said.

“This scholarship is a fantastic way of honouring this wish.”

Scholarship applications are open only to South Australian residents aged under 26 as of 13 October 2011. All submissions are due by 19 August 2011.

Applicants need to provide a recording of three tunes and a short paper discussing what they would use the funds for. More details are provided in the terms and conditions of entry, available to download from the Jazz SA website (http://www.jazz.adelaide.onau.net/jazzcord.htm).

Three finalists will be selected by a panel of three jazz experts.

“These finalists will be given the opportunity to perform at the Adelaide Festival Centre’s Space Theatre on 13 October,” Mr Stewart said.

“The second half of the concert will feature the Mike Nock Trio performing with some of the great musicians who performed at the Wickes and Creole Room over the years.

“The scholarship winner will get the chance to do a special jam with the Mick Nock Trio as the grand finale for the night.

“Mike is an internally acclaimed jazz musician and his Trio is on the cutting edge of Australian jazz music.”

For more information about Jazz SA contact Michael Stewart on (08) 8303 4339 or bookings@jazzsa.org.au, or visit the Jazz SA website (http://www.jazz.adelaide.onau.net/jazzcord.htm).