The area’s brightest young jazz singers and musicians have a chance to win $1,000 and an opportunity to perform at the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, which is May 27-30 in downtown Jacksonville.

The second annual Generation Next Youth Jazz Talent Competition, a live talent showcase and competition for young jazz singers and musicians ages 7 to 21, will take place during this year’s festival. The winner will receive a $1,000 savings bond to be used specifically for the purpose of furthering his or her musical education.

The deadline to enter is Friday, April 9. Auditions will take place on Saturday, April 17 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Keyboard Connection, located at 9912 San Jose Blvd. Finalists will compete during the jazz festival before a panel of music industry judges who are specialists in traditional and contemporary jazz and blues music.

For applications and more information on the talent competition, visit www.JaxJazzFest.com or call the Office of Special Events at (904) 630-3690.

This is a great opportunity young jazz singers and musicians should not miss. The festival always features great music and this competition will be a way to see some of the area’s finest up-and-coming talent. Don’t miss it!