Women in Jazz Festival

Inspired by Mary Lou Williams (1910-1981), Dr. Billy Taylor (1921-2010) founded the Women in Jazz Festival, held annually at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. "Mary Lou Williams" he explains "set a high standard for Jazz musicians. Composer, pianist, arranger, teacher, music historian, a role model and a humanitarian, she was the quintessential Jazz master. A sensitive, caring, self effacing performing artist, she shared her vast experience and musical skills with fellow artists."

Since 1996, some of Jazz music's most talented players have assembled for the three day event. From the eminent stateswoman of Jazz, Marian McPartland, to female artists who recently arrived on the scene, the Mary Lou Williams Women in Jazz Festival has set the tempo for encore events internationally.

Among the 2011 scheduled performing artists were Janis Siegel, Laurel Masse, Lauren Kinhan, Jamie Baum, Tia Fuller, Terri Lyne Carrington, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Dianne Reeves, Cassandra Wilson, Corky Hale, Peggy Stern, Sue Terry, Marlena Shaw, Sherrie Maricle, Janelle Reichman, Noriko Ueda, Tomoko Ohno and Jami Dauber. The 2012 performing artists will be announced soon.

Also on May 20 & 21 on the Millennium Stage, Explore the Arts presented a free Showcase of exceptional pianists selected as the second annual class of the Mary Lou Williams Women in Jazz Emerging Artist Workshop.

The 16th Anniversary of the Mary Lou Williams Women in Jazz Festival again hosted a competition, this time of five female Jazz pianists judged by a jury of renowned International musicians. In this two-part competition performance, the finalists shared solo Jazz works and trio arrangements showcasing their individuality and style. The competition prize is the opportunity to play in the 17th Annual Mary Lou Williams Women in Jazz Festival in May 2012.

The 2012 Women in Jazz Festival is held May 10 to 12.

Related Links:
• Women in Jazz Festival - Official website of the annual event.
• Other Jazz Festivals - AP4J Festival Guide