(Prensa Latina - Cumbancha) Havana, Cuba - A jury headed by legendary Cuban jazz piano player Jesus "Chucho" Valdes, a winner of four Grammy Awards, extolled the abilities of young Cuban clarinet player Ernesto Vega, and saxophonist Luis Gonzalez Denis as the kings of the 2003 JoJazz Festival. The closing evening of the 2003 Jo Jazz Festival, celebrated here Sunday, included a special performance of musicians awarded in former editions, and the awards ceremony for this years participants.

In the 18 years and over category, Ernesto Camilo Vega (clarinet) was the winner, escorted by Rafael Zaldivar la Rosa (piano) and Jorge Vistel Serrano (trumpet); honorable mention was given to trumpeter Pavel Cabrera Cuesta. In the under 18 category, first place went to saxophonist Luis Gonzalez Denis, followed by Maikel Vistel Serrano (saxophone) and Edgar Fernando Rodriguez (piano), who finished third. Mentions went to Julio Valdes Fuente (violin) and Alfredo Rodriguez Salicio (piano).

Many of those present at Havana's Amadeo Roldan Auditorium applauded the verdicts and enjoyed the musicians.