Finalists Named for 2019 American Pianists Award: Video

Kenny Banks, Jr., Emmet Cohen, Keelan Dimick, Dave Meder and Billy Test have been announced as the finalists for the Cole Porter Fellowship.

The American Pianists Association revealed the five finalists vying for the Cole Porter Fellowship: Kenny Banks, Jr., Emmet Cohen, Keelan Dimick, Dave Meder and Billy Test.

The Cole Porter Fellowship is awarded every four years to a young American jazz pianist. The winner of the 2019 American Pianists Awards will receive a prize valued at more than $100,000 including cash, two years of career assistance, a media and performance tour, a recording contract with Mack Avenue Records, and other opportunities.

Each finalist has already won a cash prize of $20,000, performance opportunities and publicity from advancing in the competition. They will also be invited to Indianapolis for the Premiere Series: two sets at The Jazz Kitchen, both a solo and trio performance. These performances will take place between September 2018 and February 2019.

The five finalists will return to Indianapolis for the Club Finals at the Jazz Kitchen on April 5, 2019 and the Gala Finals at Hilbert Circle Theatre on April 6, 2019. The Gala Finals will be hosted by Dee Dee Bridgewater and the finalists will perform with the Buselli-Wallarab Jazz Orchestra and vocalist Kurt Elling.

Visit the American Pianists Association’s website to learn more about each finalist and for more information regarding the awards. Previous winners include Sullivan Fortner, Aaron Diehl and Dan Tepfer.