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VOCAL JAZZ SUMMIT:

Announcing the 2024 Headliner:

säje

The GRAMMY® nominated vocal supergroup, säje (rhymes with “beige”), is the brainchild of vocalist/composers Sara Gazarek, Amanda Taylor, Johnaye Kendrick, and Erin Bentlage. Born out of close friendship and deep admiration, these world-renowned artists, composers, and arrangers have come together to explore, create, and celebrate the music that moves them. As individuals, each artist has crafted their own notable solo career, and now are delighted to bring their collective voices to this union, traversing a vast array of compelling original material, beloved jazz standards, and contemporary re-imaginings (The Bad Plus, YEBBA, Björk, etc). After debuting an inspiring and energized set at the 2020 Jazz Education Network Conference in New Orleans, säje went on to tour multiple jazz festivals and clubs from January to March. During quarantine, säje received their first GRAMMY® nomination, for their composition “Desert Song” in the Best Arrangement Instruments and Vocals category. They were awarded the John Lennon Songwriting Contest Grand Prize Award for their second composition “Wisteria”, as well as their first Jazz Journalists Association Award Nomination for “Best Vocal Jazz Group”. The collective also recently received gracious support for their continued work through the Chamber Music of America New Jazz Works grant, the Super Patron Grant, the Jazz Road Creative Residencies grant, and the USC Visions + Voices grant. The union of säje is rooted in the tradition of joy, curiosity, lush harmony, heart-felt expression, and profound sisterhood.

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The Vocal Jazz Summit brings together emerging and established artists, industry leaders, and vocal jazz fans for a unique, intensive weekend dedicated to performance, connection, and education. Leading jazz vocalist Alexis Cole and the team at JazzVoice.com lead the festival events, with workshops and masterclasses scheduled alongside non-stop performances.

Passes2

ARCHIVE ACCESS PASS-$35

Virtual pass gets you access to all recorded performances & events.

Schedule

Sneak a peek at the previous year's schedule! Stay tuned for 2024's events!

Watch the 2023 Vocal Jazz Summit with an Archival Pass

7:00pm- Jane Monheit Performance (Main Stage)

Featuring
Michael Kanan-piano
Luca Alemanno- bass
Rick Montalbano- drums

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8:30pm- Liz Terrell & Alexis Cole Performance (Studio)

Featuring
John Toomey- piano
Chris Brydge- bass
Brian Caputo- drums

9:00pm- Open Jam Session (Studio Theater)

 

Our local airport is: Norfolk international Airport (code “ORF")
Only 10 miles away from The Z
Artists

Festival Co-Directors - Alexis Cole & Liz Terrell

CLICK ANY PHOTO FOR ARTIST BIO

Travel

Plan ahead for the 2024 Summit!

Summer Travel Tips:

  • Additional Lodging: Virginia Beach is a beautiful summer destination with many accommodations! Check out these additional lodging options before they sell out!
  • Nearby Lodging: Book in our neighboring cities for additional options!
    • Norfolk: 20mins from VB
    • Chesapeake: 20-30mins from VB
    • Hampton: 20-30mins from VB
  • Make it a Beach Week: Stay the week in beautiful Virginia Beach! Book a beachfront rental and enjoy the music, sun and sand all in one!
  • Travel by Bus: GotoBus.com offers very affordable bus tickets from New York to Virginia Beach. Listed below the VA Beach bus stops in order of closest to furthest away from The Z:
    • Stop 1: 448 Newtown Rd, Virginia Beach, VA
    • Stop 2: 649 Newtown Rd, Virginia Beach, VA
    • Stop 3: 5792 Northampton Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA
    • Stop 4: 5461 Wesleyan Drive, Virginia Beach, VA
  • Room Sharing: Join the Vocal Jazz Summit Facebook Group to connect with fellow attendees and find a friend to room with.
  • Fly Breeze Airways: The new discount Breeze Airways has many legs to and from our home airport in Norfolk, ORF. Take advantage of cheaper flights!
  • Dont Forget-Book early to save big!
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