The year 2024 also marked the remarkable return of DeeAnn DiMeo, whose artistry was recognized in multiple categories. She was awarded Jazz Female Vocalist of the Year, received the most votes for her Jazz CD It’s My Time and earned runner-up recognition for both Most Memorable Performance and the John Hunt Jazz Artist of the Year Award.

My Cousin Toné continued to delight audiences, earning the top spots for Jazz Group of the Year and Jazz Large Ensemble of the Year. Their captivating performances of the Great American Songbook, especially during their Monday summer series at Tappo and a sold-out show at Jazz at Richardson, made them audience favorites.

This year’s poll also saw the arrival of new winners such as Jamie Sunshine, Dean Gionis, Ian Liedke, Back Room Jazz Band, and more. This is a testament to how our jazz community continues to grow.

Abdul-Rahman Qadir was also recognized as the region’s favorite drummer! This is indicative of the numerous projects that found Abdul in the drum chair.

The Jazz at the Ballroom program at the Northwest Jazz Festival in Lewiston, NY, celebrating the Great American Songbook, produced a winner for most memorable International Jazz performance by Champian Fulton and the ‘Flying High’ portion of the program. Which also featured Vanessa Perea and Olivia Chindamo.

The poll also revealed a rising star in jazz vocalist Vanessa Vacanti, introduced to many through JazzBuffalo events featuring incredible outstanding musicians like our John Hunt Jazz Artist of the Year winner Abdul Rahman Qadir and Ian Liedke, this year’s winner for Jazz Piano/Keyboards. Ian’s versatile talent in jazz and musicals continues to captivate listeners and enrich the jazz experience in our community.