Gilda Rogers is a multifaceted creative force whose career spans journalism, literature, theater, and education. As a journalist, she has consistently been the voice for the voiceless, crafting narratives that resonate with impact and authenticity. Her talent as an author and playwright has captivated audiences, while her work as a producer and director showcases her versatility and commitment to storytelling.

A passionate jazz aficionado, Gilda actively supports the music, believing strongly in its power to connect communities and express the soul's deepest emotions. Her dedication to this genre not only enriches her creative endeavors but also helps to keep this vital art form thriving.

Currently serving as the Executive Director for the T. Thomas Fortune Foundation & Cultural Center in Red Bank, NJ, Gilda spearheaded the vital grassroots movement to preserve the historic home of T. Thomas Fortune, a trailblazing African American journalist and social justice advocate. Her dedication to history and education extends into the classroom as an Adjunct Professor at Brookdale Community College, where she inspires new generations with her profound knowledge and passion for the past.

Her role as a Community Relations Manager at the Two River Theater further underscores her commitment to engaging communities through arts and culture. Gilda’s tireless efforts continue to leave a transformative mark on the cultural landscape through her boundless creativity and dedication. Her own company, Frank Talk Multi-Media Network, is all about connecting arts, culture and entertainment to the community. This award is presented to Gilda Rogers for her outstanding contribution to the cultural possibilities in our communities and for her love of and inclusion of jazz music, history and culture to our realm.

Warren Vaché is that supremely accomplished, versatile and rare performer who delights and astounds audiences all over the globe with his superb cornet, trumpet and flugelhorn stylings. Through live performances and recordings, along with stage, screen, radio and television appearances, Warren conveys incredible warmth through his burnished tone and intelligent improvisations. Warren is a true jazz veteran, highly respected in the industry and has performed and recorded with anybody who is anybody and then some, including such luminaries as: Benny Goodman, Rosemary Clooney, Benny Carter, Urbie Green, Zoot Sims, Slam Stewart, Hank Jones, Gerry Mulligan, Woody Herman, Ruby Braff and Bobby Short to name but a few. He has been heard on thousands and thousands of recordings both as a leader and as a sideman as well as TV jingles, and movie scores

Warren was a charter member of the Juilliard Program for Jazz Studies, offering the breadth of his experience in the arts which includes acting, performing and music direction for the film by Frank Gilroy "The Gig," on stage appearances in "Dr. Jazz," music direction for the Richard Burton-Elizabeth Taylor revival of "Private Lives." Warren composed and performed the music for the movie "The Luckiest Man In The World," and has performed on the soundtrack for numerous films including "Money Pays," "Biloxi Blues," "Simon," and "The Dain Curse." He also trained actor Richard Geer to play trumpet for his role in the movie "The Cotton Club."

In Vaché, jazz has found a creator whose prodigious, hard-earned skills enable him to craft swinging performances of beauty, emotion and surprise. Over the years Warren has been a frequent performer at our own Jazz Arts Project concerts and events.