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.
If you are of the musical persuasion, bring your instrument, any instrument to the festival and join in a jam session with your fellow musicians. Jam sessions are a regularly scheduled part of the festival every year. It is the one place that you can perform your music in front of huge audiences along with legendary musicians of jazz. The Savannah Jazz Festival will provide you with lifelong memories year after year.
Along with the musicians, local restaurants and businesses join the week-long celebration. The crowds can sample some of Savannah’s best food and drink while moving to the music. The Blowin’Smoke BBQ sponsors several Savannah Jazz Festival events. Spend the perfect balmy summer evening under the stars with tasty BBQ and tasty jazz. It doesn’t get any better than that.
Believe it or not there is yet more to love than the good music and food. In 2011, the Psychotronic Film Society and the Concord Music group co-sponsored a film that was shown at the festival titled The Anatomy of Vince Guaraldi. The film highlights the life of the jazz musician and his complete mastery of the piano. The performances and drinks are also sponsored by the Minor Family Vineyards.
Savannah has an open container law that allows people to bring their own drinks along and sit on the lawn to enjoy the music and the imbibing. Don’t bring glasses or any drinks in glass containers, but that shouldn’t stop anyone. Pack the cooler with six packs in cans or a box of wine and plenty of plastic glasses. If drinks on tap are your thing, there is a large variety of brands to choose from in both beers and wine.
This year, The Savannah Children’s Jazz Festival began the final day of the celebrations with performance by the Coastal Jazz Association Allstars. The Savannah Jazz Festival always ends on a nostalgic note. Another year and another week of Blues bliss, and new generation is privy to the sounds and culture of Jazz.
All music lovers can find themselves in jazz and blues music. The Savannah Jazz Festival is an ideal venue to discover more about the history of America’s rich musical heritage. Once you are surrounded by amazing performances, jam sessions and great food and drink, you may find it impossible to leave your own musical instrument at home. So don’t. Bring it along and jam with the best.
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