The 7Virtual Jazz Club is a global online competition for both professional and amateur musicians and/or bands. UKJazz News interviewed the organiser Valerio Pappi last November here. This year’s competition is now open for entries.
The contest is now open for 2021 and entries are invited in two categories – for professionals and amateurs over 25 entries cost €45; with unsigned under 25s able to enter for only €15. Entries are invited HERE.
Demonstrating the way that the project has grown in popularity, in this, the 6th edition, there are a set of new judges, new sponsors, and new prizes.
Judging is based on video submissions which get reviewed by 32 jurors from around the world. This time there are a selection of new judges from USA, Europe and Australia added to the existing group from Europe, Asia, Africa and South America. Prizes go to the top three places in each category and include cash, a paid live concert at Club Ferrera in Italy; a workshop and masterclass at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam, promotion contracts and technical products.
As evidence of the global reach of the competition, last year’s winner came from Brazil, closely followed by artists from UK, USA and Canada. In the Under-25 category an Italian band came out on top, with bands from Spain, USA and Ukraine close behind. My personal favourites came from Japan and Finland.
I will declare my interest as one of the 32 judges, but I have been impressed with the overall quality of the submissions, and I have seen lots of new names for the first time, including artists from countries I’ve never even looked at before. I would urge all musicians to consider submitting an entry.
