2005 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition will be shown
on BET J on April 11th and 25th at 10am, 6pm and 5am EST

Presented by the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz in Washington, D.C., the 2005 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition featured ten of the most outstanding young jazz guitarists competing for over $60,000 in scholarships and prizes.

Filmed at the Smithsonian Institute and at the Kennedy Center. In addition, there was a wonderful tribute to legendary guitarist George Benson with special guest appearances by Terence Blanchard, Clark Terry, Dee Dee Bridgewater and Wayne Shorter. The Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition is recognized as the most prestigious jazz competition in the world. Each year, the TMIJC focuses on outstanding musicians of a selected instrument. For the 2005 guitar competition, several of jazz's finest, including Bill Frisell, Stanley Jordan, Earl Klugh, Russell Malone, Pat Martino and John Pizzarelli, came together to judge this exciting contest. Hosted by Billy Dee Williams. After the competition segment, there was an incredible performance by the judges with the help of friends Herbie Hancock, T.S. Monk, Jimmy Heath, Bob James, and others.

Directed and Produced by Maui Filmmaker, Ken K Martinez Burgmaier and his Maui Based Jazz Alley TV/Film Crews. The entire TV Special was edited up country on Maui, at our studios.

Air dates again are: April 11 and 25 at 10am,  6pm,  5am EST