Apply Now for the 2nd International Jarek Smietana Jazz Guitar Competition

Applications are now being accepted for the 2nd International Jarek Smietana Guitar Competition. Held in memory of influential Polish guitarist Jarek Smietana, the competition is open to guitarists of all nationalities up to 35 years of age, performing jazz and musical genres related to improvised music.

There are three prizes up for grabs - 1st place is approx. £4000, 2nd place approx. £2000 and 3rd place approx. £1000.

Semi-finals take place in Kracow on 28th and 29th June and the finals on 30th June. The judging panel will include Mike Stern and John Abercrombie.

Requirements -

- Brief bio in English (max. 1500 words)

- Two high quality photographs

- 3 recordings - 2 audio and 1 video (not to exceed 10 minutes each)

For more information, , visit the Jarek Smietana Jazz Guitar Competition website.

International Jarek Smietana Jazz Guitar Competition

The first International Jarek Smietana Jazz Guitar Competition is being held in Krakow this year and applications are now being invited by guitarists across the world.

The competition is in celebration of the year of Jarek Smietana, a polish guitarist whose extensive career included performances with Art Farmer, Joe Zawinul, John Abercrombie and Nigel Kennedy. Smietana passed away in 2013.

The competition will be judged by a panel including Mike Stern, John Abercrombie and Ed Cherry. First prize is $10,000, second prize is $5,000 and third is $2,000. There will also be a special prize funded by Smietana's wife and daugther.

Guitarists who wish to enter the competition are asked to submit two audio files and one video file by March 31st with a 30euro entry fee. Those who are successful will take part in the semi finals and finals in Krakow on 1-4th July. Participants will be required to cover their own travel expenses.

Full details can be found on the Jarek Smietana Jazz Guitar Competition website.