Charlap won in the category of outstanding jazz soloist, and Lovano for outstanding jazz combo performance. Paula West was named outstanding female jazz vocalist, and Jackie Paris was posthumously given the award for outstanding male jazz vocalist.

The Nightlife Awards are also given for outstanding performances in New York comedy and cabaret. Other winners include Karen Akers and Keely Smith (outstanding female vocalist in a major engagement); Carolyn Montgomery (outstanding cabaret female vocalist); Phillip Officer (outstanding cabaret male vocalist); Laurie Kilmartin and Patrice O'Neal (outstanding female and male standup comedians); and Dave Gorman's Googlewhack Adventure (outstanding comedy performance).

The winners are chosen by a panel of more than 20 New York critics, including jazz critics Will Friedwald and Ira Gittler.

Producer Scott Siegel said of the awards, in a previous statement, "It is our particular intention to give New York City's nightlife: its clubs and performers: the same importance in the public mindset as Broadway."

The awards were first presented in 2003.