The Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition presented by the City of Jacksonville, Yamaha Piano Division, and its Jacksonville dealership Keyboard Connection Pianos & Organs has been a Jacksonville tradition for more than 30 years. The competition will take place on Thursday, May 25th at The Florida Theatre, where five finalists representing the very best jazz pianists in the world are chosen by a blind panel of judges to compete for a cash prize and a chance to perform on the Swingin’ Stage at this year’s festival. This fierce competition has become an integral part of the festival and a favorite among many eager to witness some of the most incredible rising talents in the jazz world. Past judges have included jazz legends such as Marcus Roberts, Brian Culbertson, Jason Miles, Joey Calderazzo, Lynne Arriale, Dr. John, Per Danielsson, John Thomas, and other well-known jazz musicians.