With over 7500 jazz fans in attendance, the 2011 Oasis Contemporary Jazz Awards were presented Saturday, April 16th at the Seabreeze Jazz Festival at Pier Park in Panama City Beach, Florida. The long-awaited announcement of the winners in 19 different categories, was the result of nationwide voting from over 10,000 fans held in February. Trophies were awarded to each winner.

"What an exciting addition to what already is a star-packed weekend of smooth jazz entertainment", said Mark Carter, co-owner of WSBZ The Seabreeze in Destin , FL and promoter of the event. "This is a great way to show our appreciation to these amazing artists who create this music we all love. And with many of the nominees performing at this year's Seabreeze Jazz Festival, the timing was perfect!"

Winners included:

Oasis Jazz Entertainer of the Year Brian Culbertson

Oasis Jazz Male Artist of the Year Brian Culbertson

Oasis Jazz Female Artist of the Year Mindi Abair

Oasis Jazz Saxophonist of the Year Dave Koz

Oasis Jazz Guitarist of the Year Peter White

Oasis Jazz Bass Player of the Year Marcus Miller

Oasis Jazz Brass Player of the Year Cindy Bradley

Oasis Jazz Keyboardist of the Year Brian Culbertson

Oasis Jazz Percussionist of the Year Sheila E

Oasis Jazz CD of the Year XII - Brian Culbertson

Oasis Jazz Song of the Year That's Life - Brian Culbertson

Oasis Jazz Group of the Year Fourplay

Oasis Jazz Vocalist of the Year Jonathan Butler

Oasis Jazz Collaboration of the Year That's Life – Brian Culbertson and Earl Klugh

Oasis Jazz New Artist of the Year Cindy Bradley

Oasis Jazz Producer of the Year Jeff Lorber

Oasis Jazz Best Festival Award Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival

Oasis Jazz Best Venue Award Spaghettini Grill and Lounge

Artist of the Decade 2001-2010 Boney James

CD of the Decade 2001-2010 Shine – Boney James

Brian Culbertson, Cindy Bradley, Boney James, and Peter White were in attendance at the festival are received their awards personally. A standing ovation from the crowd of 7500 fans capped off the presentation and a great element to the sellout weekend of stellar contemporary jazz performances.

"With a sell-out weekend of smooth jazz fans here on the Gulf Coast of over 25,000 fans, what wouldn't be better fitting than to honor these artists here and celebrate their music?" said Mark Carter of WSBZ Radio.

The Seabreeze Jazz Festival also extended complimentary admission to Oasis Contemporary Jazz Award ticket holders for the jazz festival on Saturday. The event was supported by major sponosrs ResortQuest and The Smooth Jazz Cruise.

Tickets for the 2012 event go on sale May 1st online at www.seabreezejazzfestival.net and by phone at 800-595-4849. The dates for the 2012 Seabreeze Jazz Festival is set for April 18th-22nd.

For more information, contact Mark Carter at WSBZ-FM Radio at 850-267-3279.