The South has always been responsible for revolutions of all kinds. The rich and often tragic history of the region gave rise to some of America’s most treasured musical traditions. Every year, music fans from all over the world visit Savannah, Georgia for the Savannah Jazz Festival. Both international and local Jazz and Blues musicians come together to celebrate the music and history of Jazz.
We can thank the Coastal Jazz Association for making the Savannah Jazz Festival available at little or no cost to the public and for making all the events local ones. The largest of these local event venues is Forsyth Park. This humongous public park lined with live oak trees is big enough to hold large crowds sitting right up stage front or back on the lawn with a picnic basket. There are booths to peruse containing local crafts, food and drink while you enjoy the music and the people watching.
From its beginning, the goal of the Savannah Jazz Festival has been to promote one of the most genuine and original of America’s art forms. Jazz is thought by many to be the national classical music of America. Certainly, jazz is at the root of every modern form of American music. Thanks to the work of the Coastal Jazz Association of Savannah, all generations can either newly discover or rediscover the joy that is jazz.
Jazz and blues musicians from all parts of the globe and down the block have come to Savannah for the past 28 years to perform in front of thousands of appreciative music lovers over the course of one week. Artists like James Brown and The Deborah Brown Quartet perform in the same venues and at the same time as local and regional musicians drawn from the southern states. All generations of jazz fans and musicians come to the festival to become involved in this lively musical scene. No one can resist the sound of a blaring trombone accompanied by that steady backbeat peculiar to jazz.
Any musician can grab an instrument and jam with fellow musicians. These jam sessions are regular events on the festival schedule. It is a rare thing when an amateur musician can pick up his instrument and play in front of thousands of music lovers with jazz legends and local heroes. The Savannah Jazz Festival is always an unforgettable experience.
Local restaurants and businesses join in the celebration all week long. Sample some of Savannah’s finest while you feed your ears with the delicacies of Jazz. The Blowin’ Smoke BBQ sponsors many of the Savannah Jazz Festival events. There’s nothing like an evening of blues and barbeque under the stars.
There is even more to love than great music and great food. There are also films sponsored by the Psychotronic Film Society and Concord Music group as shown at this year’s Jazz Festival. The film The Anatomy of Vince Guaraldi, hits the highlights of this formidable American jazz artist’s life and his mastery of the piano. Then there is the Minor family sponsoring not only musical performances but drinks as well.
Savannah has an open container law that allows folks to bring their own booze to the festival, though anything in glass, or drinking glasses must be left at home. No problem. Pack your cooler with six packs in cans and bring a box of wine with plastic glasses. If you would like your brew on tap, go to one of the many booths or if you want a taste of a new wine variety, there are booths for that too.
In 2011, the Savannah Children’s Jazz Festival started the last day of the events with performances by the Coastal Jazz Association Allstars. The Savannah Jazz Festival always ends on a high note with a bit of nostalgia thrown in for fun. Another year and another week always bring new generations to share in and appreciate the great American original music that is jazz and blues.
Music lovers of all types and ages can find their reflection in Jazz. The Savannah Jazz Festival is the perfect place to learn more about the history of our country’s rich musical legacy. Between the stunning performances and jams sessions, you might become inspired to strum out a lick of your own!
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