Contest Riga Jazz Stage art director Māris Briežkalns, contest director Diāne Briežkalne, Maestro Raimonds Pauls, Tele2 board chairman Valdis Vancovičs, first Riga Jazz Stage contest winner Ieva Kerēvica, this year contests’ finalist Elīza Baķe, trumpeter and Riga Jazz Stage 2016 jam sessions host Oskars Ozoliņš, and bassist Jānis Rubiks – were all taking a part of the press conference dedicated to the particular event.

Riga Jazz Stage art director, Māris Briežkalns, presented participants from Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Ukraine, Belgium, Poland, Uzbekistan, France, Hungary, Italy, Germany, Slovenia, Russia, Turkey, United Kingdom and USA, also telling that their performances are going to be judged by international jury. He pinpointed that contests’ geographical content increased, which only means that the musical one did also. During the press conference more information was also given about the special guest of the contest American jazz singer – Charenée Wade, which is going to perform at the awards ceremony together with her quartet.

Maestro Raimonds Pauls, member of the jury, said that he is pleasantly impressed with the participant from Uzbekistan. Yet he refrained to name his favourite, saying we should wait for the performances firstly. “Wishing good humour to everybody, as there will certainly be interesting to listen to the new achievers!” – added Maestro. He will present his sympathy prize – 1000 euros – to the chosen participant, which name is going to be announced at the awards ceremony on April 9.

This year Tele2 and festival Rigas Ritmi are celebrating their 20 years cooperation anniversary. Along with the festival, Tele2 also supported contest Riga Jazz Stage from its very beginning. As Tele2 board chairman, Valdis Vancovičs, admits this is a special year not only for the cooperation of Tele2 and Rigas Ritmi, but also of Riga Jazz Stage: “For the first time of the contest existence we are going to offer the viewers an opportunity to vote for their favourite young artists, using specially prepared website. We will present Tele2 Riga Jazz Stage viewers’ choice award and a top class smartphone to the winner, and in case it is going to be a representative from Latvia he or she will have a year use of mobile communication free of charge. I wish good luck to all the participants, especially the Latvian representatives, who raise the quality of jazz not only in Latvia, but also glorify the name of Latvia in the world!”

Director of the contest, Diāna Briežkalne, noted that along with the contest, on 6^th, 8^th and 9^th of April there are also going to be jam sessions at music hall Daile.

Oskars Ozoliņš – musician and jam sessions’ host, told about the occure, highlighting previous years winners’ performance, in which Ieva Kerēvica, Intars Busulis and Kristīne Praulina are going to participate. “Each evening will be divided into two parts. During the first part guests will jam together with the so-called house band, while the second one implies also other musicians to play with us. So, participants then will be able to sing and play without any stress, and could also start a new musical collaboration.”

Riga Jazz Stage 2004 winner - Ieva Kerēvica - shared her feelings about the first contest.

“Experience was incredible, as it was the first time in my life when I could go on stage and perform as a singer. It is an important opportunity for participants to test themselves both for their psychological resilience and talent. If one of these aspects is not followed, there is no change to win. It was a good motivation to continue doing something in music. Therefore, I suggest all of the contestants to use this opportunity. I also invite everyone to the jam session or improvisation evening on April 6, when I am going to perform together with other previous years’ contest winners!”

In the first instance this year finalist Elīza Baķe thanked for the contest to happen, and noted, that she is waiting not only for the contest itself, but for the jam sessions as well.

Contest winners will receive both money and other prizes. Grand Prix winners in vocal and trombone categories will receive 1500 euros, 2ⁿd prize winner – 1000 euros, but 3^d prize winner – 700 euros. Vocal category winner will also receive A&T trade special Shure Super 55 –

a microphone of the classic collection. Trombone category winner will get a new instrument as well. Winners will also receive invitations to perform at international jazz festivals and foreign clubs, as for example, festival Rigas Ritmi, Kaunas Jazz, JazzTime in Tallinn, and

Nardis Jazz Club in Istanbul and Ronnie Scott's in London.

Riga Jazz Stage 2016 contest tickets are available at “Biļešu serviss” ticket offices, but jam session tickets – only at “Biļešu paradīze” ticket offices.

Green light to talent!