For more than 30 years, the Jacksonville Piano Competition has been a jazz fest tradition. Presented by Keyboard Connection, it continues to be one of the most exciting musical spectacles to be seen anywhere! Five finalists representing the very best jazz pianists are chosen by a blind panel of judges to compete for a cash prize and a chance to perform on the Main Stage at this year’s festival. This fierce competition has become an integral part of the festival and a favorite among many eager to witness some of the most incredible rising talent.
The Finalists Currently attending the Manhattan School of Music Precollege on a Nana’s Way Scholarship, Esteban Castro has already shared the stage with worldclass jazz musicians such as Christian McBride, Wynton Marsalis, Joe Lovano, Wayne Escoffery, Willie Jones III, and Sheila E., among others. At the age of 14, Castro has written more than 30 original compositions and has released two award-winning albums: On the Edge and Parade. Hope Udobi Nwachukwu is a world class artist who has performed and traveled all over the world. He has performed and traveled with a variety of world class musicians and singers in the business ranging from jazz, R&B, soul, and gospel. In 2016, he was selected by the Jazz at the Lincoln Center as an Artist in Residence, to perform an eight week residency in Doha, Qatar. Hope is currently recording his debut album. Jacob Hart began playing both guitar and piano at the age of seven. Along with his interests in classical music, Hart continued playing jazz piano and began studying jazz at The University of Miami Frost School of Music where he is currently in his junior year as a performance major. Hart has been mentored by and performed with Brian Lynch, Martin Bejerano, Mike Orta, Gary Campbell, John Hart, Patience Higgins and Thurman Baker. Zach Bartholomew earned his doctorate from the University of Miami Frost School of Music. His professional experience includes leading a jazz quartet on Princess Cruise Lines, releasing an album with his trio, and headlining at venues across the country such as Blues Alley, Twins Jazz Club, Andy’s Jazz Club, the Jazz Showcase, Nighttown, the BOP STOP Cliff Bells, the Jazz Kitchen, the Jazz Estate, the Velvet Note, WhyNot Jazz Room, and many others. Jazz pianist and composer Zoltan Balogh, first started playing piano at the age of six. He was born in Budapest, Hungary and his father was one of his first piano teachers. Zoltan began his early studies at the OSZK Hungarian Music Studio School. In 2007, he mastered the professional level of jazz piano. Zoltan creates his own musical sound and is inspired mostly by his native Hungarian music culture.
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The Master of Ceremony Courtney Lewis serves as music director of the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra. With clear artistic vision, subtle musicality and innovative programming, Lewis has established himself as one of his generation’s most talented conductors.
Host Band The Piano Competition will feature the talents of the UNF 30th Anniversary All-Stars featuring Lisa Kelly, J.B. Scott, Dr. Bill Prince, Todd DelGiudice, Aaron Lehrian, Barry Greene, Dennis Marks, and Danny Gottlieb.
The Judges Doug Carn is a highly acclaimed Jacksonville University alumni and past instructor of piano and improvisation. Doug’s accomplishments span five decades, including his own releases, and work with artists such as Nat Adderley, Earth, Wind & Fire, Shirley Horn, Stanley Turrentine, Irene Reid, and Joey DeFrancesco. Scott Giddens is an awardwinning jazz pianist and a current faculty member of Jacksonville University and the University of North Florida. His distinguished career includes performances with the Brecker Brothers, Joe Lovano, Russell Malone, John Pizzarelli and Diane Schuur, and in festivals and venues world-wide, including the Jacksonville Jazz Festival. Artist in Residence and Professor of Guitar at Jacksonville University, Gary Starling is a paragon of Jacksonville jazz. His accomplished resumé includes performances with Bob Hope, Diahann Carroll, Rita Moreno, Skitch Henderson, the Jacksonville Symphony Pops Orchestra and many others. Gary is a member of the Jacksonville Jazz Festival Hall of Fame.
2017 Jacksonville Jazz Festival
