5 Weekly competitions held February – April

JAZZ SEARCH WEST is an Annual Jazz Talent Search for instrumentalists and vocalists (adults/teens). Five exciting preliminaries, open to the public, are held February through April and culminate in a Semi-Final at the Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse and Grand Finale at renowned jazz club, Yoshi’s Oakland.

At each week’s preliminary, 16 contestants have the chance to perform with a professional rhythm section for a live audience, receiving valuable feedback from a panel of prestigious judges. All competitions are held in Bay Area jazz venues and are open to the public. 3 finalists will be chosen each week, with the help of the audience vote, to move on to the Semi-Final making a total of 15 Semi-Finalists.

Of these 15 Semi-Finalists, 8 will be chosen to move on to the Grand Finale at Yoshi’s Oakland. 4 top winners will be awarded prizes designed to enhance their musical career such as full tuition to Jazz Camp West, a 50% scholarship to the California Jazz Conservatory, professionally produced demo CD, recording studio time at Live Oak Studios in Berkeley and a performance slot at Piedmont Piano Co. with marketing support.

Jazz Search West provides visibility, invaluable connections and exciting opportunities for pre-professional artists, while educating and exposing the public to the jazz genre and emerging talent.

Interested in competing or attending as an audience member?

Competition space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Enroll online early to guarantee your spot!

Visit our Enroll page or call 510.858.5313.

To attend, check our schedule page to purchase tickets.