San Diego jazz piano phenomenon Joshua White has been announced as one of the three finalists in the International Thelonious Monk Piano Competition.

This is basically the most prestigious instrumental jazz contest in the world. Modeled after the famous Von Cliburn classical music competition, winners receive a recording contract, concert bookings and scholarship money.

More than a hundred pianists from around the world submitted applications for the event, 12 semifinalists were chosen, and today, White has won his way to the final three.

Just being a finalist has made the careers of scores of today's most recognized young musicians like pianist/organist Joey DeFrancesco, tenor saxophonist Eric Alexander, and vocalist Jane Monheit.

White's winning program included "Monk's Dream", the Billy Strayhorn classic, "Lush Life" and Wayne Shorter's 1960s gem "Nefetiti".

The young San Diegan will be joined in the finals by Kris Bowers from LA, and Emmet Cohen from Miami.

The piano competition has become a celebrity hotspot in Washington DC. This year's co-chairs include multi-Grammy award winner Quincy Jones, former Secretary Of State's Colin Powell and Madeline Albright as well as BET president Debra Lee.

Jazz legend Herbie Hancock, (who will perform at the Balboa Theater on Sept. 23), heads up the panel of judges.

The finals will be held tomorrow night at the Kennedy Center.

photo courtesy Michael Oletta