Canadian-born songstress Melissa Lauren has been confirmed to perform at the 2013 British Jazz Awards. Melissa is an accomplished Jazz singer and songwriter who is making her mark on the Canadian music scene. She will perform at the prestigious awards ceremony on 10^th July at St Paul’s Church in the Jewellery Quarter. The event, known in the industry as the ‘Jazz Oscars’, makes a return to Birmingham, 27 years after it started in the city. It is being produced in partnership with the Jewellery Quarter BID and the Birmingham International Jazz & Blues Festival. With a strong influence in jazz and blues, Melissa has developed an original style of her own; melting together old school sounds with modern flare. Melissa’s latest album, The Other Side, is a collection of original compositions and jazz standards produced by Eric St-Laurent. Melissa has worked with many respected jazz musicians, including: Jeff Healey, Gordon Lightfoot, Renee Lee, Henry Questa, Tommy Ambrose, Peter Appleyard, Buddy DeFranco, Jackie Richardson, and Clark Terry. Melissa said: “I’m very excited to be performing at the 2013 British Jazz Awards and share the stage with such respected and talented musicians. I love that the event is taking place in such a unique venue - the church will be stunning.”  Jazz fans from throughout the UK have voted for their favourite artists in 16 categories. These include 11 instrumental categories, awards for Rising Star, Big Band, and Small Group, plus industry awards to record companies for Best New Album and Best Reissue. There is also an award for Services to British Jazz, decided by the British Jazz Awards panel. Winners will be presented with a treble clef award provided by Jewellery Quarter-based  company WH Darby. The Birmingham Assay Office will engrave the awards with the winners’ names. Several of this year’s nominees, along with an exciting array of musicians from around the world, will also be playing at venues across the city as part of the 29^th Birmingham International Jazz & Blues Festival (5^th -14^th July). Over 200 (mostly) free performances will take music to pubs, restaurants and public places around the city, making up Europe’s biggest free jazz party. For more information on jazz events in the Jewellery Quarter, please visit www.jewelleryquarter.net/jazz. Tickets to the event are on sale now. Visit www.ticketsellers.co.uk to book or email jilly@jqdt.org.

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