15th Annual Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition (The SASSY Awards) at New Jersey Performing Arts Center
Dates: 11/22/2026
📍 Theatre: New Jersey Performing Arts Center
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The 15th Annual Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, known as The SASSY Awards, takes place on November 22, 2026, at New Jersey Performing Arts Center as part of NJPAC's TD James Moody Jazz Festival. Open to singers over 18 of all genders and nationalities who are not signed to a major label, the competition evaluates contestants on vocal quality, musicality, technique, performance, individuality, artistic interpretation, and ability to swing. Finalists will compete before a panel of judges including José James, Gretchen Parlato, Jason Olaine, Lillias White, and T.S. Monk, with the event hosted by WBGO Radio's Gary Walker and featuring a performance by 2024 winner April May Webb. The competition honors the legacy of Newark-born jazz legend Sarah Vaughan, and past winners include Samara Joy, Cyrille Aimée, Jazzmeia Horn, and Quiana Lynell, among others.
Cast and Creative Team for 15th Annual Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition (The SASSY Awards) at New Jersey Performing Arts Center
Cast
Kate Kortum
Ensemble
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Gretchen Parlato
Ensemble
Tyreek McDole
Ensemble
Lucía Gutiérrez Rebolloso
Ensemble
G. Thomas Allen
Ensemble
Tawanda Suessbrich-Joaquim
Ensemble
Gabrielle Cavassa
Ensemble
Samara Joy
Ensemble
Laurin Talese
Ensemble
Quiana Lynell
Ensemble
Deelee Dubé
Ensemble
Arianna Neikrug
Ensemble
Ashleigh Smith
Ensemble
Jazzmeia Horn
Ensemble
Cyrille Aimée
Ensemble
April May Webb
Ensemble
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Jose James
Ensemble
Jason Olaine
Ensemble
Lillias White
Ensemble
T.S. Monk
Ensemble
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About the Theatre
New Jersey Performing Arts Center Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
What shows are coming up next at New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC)?
The North to Shore Festival (6/13/26-6/28/26)
Dodge Poetry Festival (10/15/26-10/17/26)
Patti Smith: Songs and Stories (10/15/26-10/17/26)
Def Poetry Reunion (10/15/26-10/17/26)
Dodge Poetry Festival (10/15/26-10/17/26)
Patti Smith: Songs and Stories (10/15/26-10/17/26)
Def Poetry Reunion (10/15/26-10/17/26)
What shows have played recently at New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC)?
New Jersey Ballet - New Voices. Bold Visions. (4/24/26-4/25/26)
Nimbus Dance & NJ Symphony Present Firebird and Dark Water (3/7/25-3/9/25)
Backstage Pathways (10/3/24-5/17/24)
Hillary Clinton Live (9/17/24-9/17/24)
Nimbus Dance & NJ Symphony Present Firebird and Dark Water (3/7/25-3/9/25)
Backstage Pathways (10/3/24-5/17/24)
Hillary Clinton Live (9/17/24-9/17/24)
What shows are coming up next at New Jersey Performing Arts Center?
Dodge Poetry Festival (10/15/26-10/17/26)
Patti Smith: Songs and Stories (10/15/26-10/17/26)
Def Poetry Reunion (10/15/26-10/17/26)
Patti Smith: Songs and Stories (10/15/26-10/17/26)
Def Poetry Reunion (10/15/26-10/17/26)
What shows have played recently at New Jersey Performing Arts Center?
The North to Shore Festival (06/13/26-06/28/26)
Ben Folds with New Jersey Symphony (06/13/26-06/13/26)
New Jersey Ballet - New Voices. Bold Visions. (04/24/26-04/25/26)
Nimbus Dance & NJ Symphony Present Firebird and Dark Water (03/07/25-03/09/25)
Backstage Pathways (10/03/24-05/17/24)
Hillary Clinton Live (09/17/24-09/17/24)
Ben Folds with New Jersey Symphony (06/13/26-06/13/26)
New Jersey Ballet - New Voices. Bold Visions. (04/24/26-04/25/26)
Nimbus Dance & NJ Symphony Present Firebird and Dark Water (03/07/25-03/09/25)
Backstage Pathways (10/03/24-05/17/24)
Hillary Clinton Live (09/17/24-09/17/24)
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