Over eight years, the Ella Fitzgerald Competition, hosted by the historic Blues Alley in Georgetown, has welcomed registrants globally — from places including the U.S., Brazil, Switzerland, South Africa, China, Canada and Belarus. This year, the worldwide event that celebrates Fitzgerald and the blues, is open for more artists around the world to enter for a chance to win.
This year’s Ella Fitzgerald Competition honors the Harold Arlen Songbook with notable classics such as “World on a String,” “That Old Black Magic,” Let’s Fall in Love,” ”My Shining Hour,” “Blues in the Night,” and “Stormy Weather.”
“Countless generations have enjoyed Ella’s music, but future generations allow her legacy to endure,” said Harry Schnipper, executive director of Blues Alley. “She was first and foremost a songstress, but she was also a celebrated cultural ambassador, traveling the world singing songs of the American Dream.”
Past judges for the Ella competition have included world-known vocalists and musicians Rene Marie, Patti Austin, John Pizzarelli, Darden Purcell, Tierney Sutton, Jane Monheit, and New York Voices.
Applications are due on Jan. 31, and five finalists will be invited to submit video presentations with that cost underwritten by the Blues Alley Jazz Society.
This competition comes as Blues Alley marks its 60th anniversary as the nation’s oldest operating jazz supper club.
Schnipper, also added that this competition honors the 107th birthday of Fitzgerald, known as America’s “First Lady of Song.
“The only thing better than singing, said Fitzgerald, according to the competition page, “is more singing.”
For details, go to EllaFitzgeraldCompetition.org.