The nominees for the third annual National Smooth Jazz Awards have been announced and trumpeter Rick Braun leads the competition with five nominations. Rick has been nominated for Best Brass Performer of the Year, Collaboration of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year and Male Artist of the Year. With three nominations each are saxophonists Dave Koz, Richard Elliot and Boney James, guitarist Marc Antione and vocalist Sade. Smooth jazz lovers are able to vote in all major catagories onlin …

Artists are signing up to perform at the 3rd annual National Smooth Jazz Awards in San Diego Saturday night, March 2nd. Al Jarreau, Peter White, Kirk Whalum, Wayman Tisdale, Keiko Matsui, Fattburger and last year's big winner Rick Braun have already signed to perform at the ceremony, which will be held at the Golden Hall Theatre. There should be at least 30 smooth jazz artists performing in the show, which will be taped for future airing on the BET on Jazz cable channel. Keyboardis …

For the first time in the three year history of the National Smooth Jazz Awards, there will be a co-host for the ceremony that will be held Saturday night, March 2nd. Vocalist Brenda Russell will join saxophonist Dave Koz to host the event that will be held at the Golden Hall Theatre in downtown San Diego. Russell has been no stranger working with Koz because they have been touring the country for the last five years at Christmas time to present Dave Koz and Friends: A Smooth Jazz Chri …

Producers for the National Smooth Jazz Awards have announced additional performers for the event that will be held this Saturday night at the Golden Hall Theater in San Diego. Percussionist Sheila E, trumpeter Chris Botti, saxophonists Boney James, Euge Groove and Jaared, guitarist Joyce Cooling, and keyboardist Freddie Ravel have been announced to join Al Jarreau, Rick Braun, Peter White, Keiko Matsui, Kirk Whalum, Wayman Tisdale, Fattburger, Everette Harp and Brian Bromberg as performer …

Rick Braun was the big winner at the National Smooth Jazz Awards Saturday night. Braun won five awards, including Song of the Year and Album of the Year for Kisses in the Rain. Here is a list of the award winners.Guitarist of the Year: Peter WhiteDrummer of the Year: Harvey MasonBassist of the Year: Waymon TisdaleProducer of the Year: Paul BrownBrass Player of the Year: Rick BraunIndustry Advancement Award: Art Good of Jazz TraxGroup of the Year: The Rippington …