Monday, November 7, 2011

Steamy Southern Sounds: The Savannah Jazz Festival

By Seymour Kushner


The United States' Southern region never sits still for long. They have a long history of triumph and tragedy which is perhaps why the south has given the world some of the most treasured music of all time. Each year, thousands of music fans from all over the globe come to Savannah, Georgia for the Savannah Jazz Festival. International and local jazz and blues musicians get together in Savannah annually to celebrate the jazz music and its rich history.

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.

Since its beginning, the Savannah Jazz Festival's goal has been to promote one of America's foremost original forms of art. Jazz is thought by many to be the classical music of America as it is the root of every American form of music. Thanks to the Coastal Jazz Association in concert with the city of Savannah, people of all ages and musical persuasions can either discover or rediscover the spirit that is jazz.

The Savannah Jazz Festival has been going strong for 28 years and continues to draw musicians locally as well as from all parts of the globe in front of enthusiastic audiences numbering in the thousands. The festival includes artists such as James Brown and The Deborah Brown Quartet as well as unknown local and regional musicians from the southern states of America. Swarming the music venues are generations of jazz fans and musicians enjoying the music once again as they have for 28 years past. People hear the blaring trombones and are drawn in.

Bring your horn or old six-string and collaborate with fellow musicians. Jam sessions are regular events on the festival schedule. Where else can you perform in front of crowds as one massive jam band with jazz legends and local heroes? The Savannah Jazz Festival is really an experience you won't forget.

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.

There are no limits to who appreciates jazz music whether they be life long aficionados or new discoverers of this highly original music genre. One can learn the history of jazz music at the festival as well as lay back and listen and love it. Between the jam sessions and the awesome professional performers, you may gather your nerve to pick up your instrument and join in so don't leave it behind.




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