Savannah, Georgia is known for its commitment to the arts and the many festivals that are offered during the year. The week-long Savannah Jazz Festival, on September 20 – 28 2008, is one of the largest and most popular of the Savannah festivals, is presented by the Coastal Jazz Association and is dedicated to the growth of jazz and jazz audiences in the Coastal Empire.
The 27th Savannah Jazz Festival, celebrating jazz as a living art built on a constantly evolving tradition will offer all types of jazz, from Dixieland, traditional swing, straight-ahead and bop to melodic standards, and funky down-home “gutbucket” blues. The Festival kick-off on Saturday night (Sept 20) will be a Jazz Concert-Wine Tasting event to raise money for the Backus Children’s Hospital. The Ben Tucker Trio is headlining on this evening. Over 70 wines from 5 distribitors will be offered at event. For this event only, please click on “Celebration of Hope” on the Savannah Jazz Festival website.
The festival features the best in international, national, regional and local jazz talent. The 2008 festival will feature (among others), Bob James Quintet, The Savannah Jazz Orchestra-Featuring “Simone”, The Ben Riley Trio featuring ‘Larry Willis’, Ben Tucker Trio, Wanda Johnson with Shrimp City Slim, James Cotton, Freeport, Bob Baldwin, Eric Mintel, The Coastal Jazz Association All-Stars, The University of North Florida Jazz ensemble with Trombonist, Steve Davis, Dave Lugo and Jazz Motion, The Beer Parlor Ramblers, & The Skylite Jazz Ensemble.” Others will be added.
This year’s festival will also include “Jazz In Motion {Pictures}” featuring the critically acclaimed film, A Great Day In Harlem (Jewish Educational Alliance).
Thanks in large part to the City of Savannah Department of Cultural Affairs, there is no charge for the Savannah Jazz Festival.
Sponsor and vending opportunities available. Go to www.savannahjazzfestival.org and click on Savannah Jazz Festival or call 912-675-5419.
Click here to read our previous post about Savannah Jazz Festival.