The 36th annual Savannah Jazz Festival takes place in that coastal Georgia city the week of September 17th. The lineup includes local and regional acts, nationally recognized artists, a generous helping of marching/military bands, a touch of gospel, blues and Latin sounds, and a salute to Ben Tucker including a live tribute band and documentary about the Savannah-based jazz bassist, who died in a traffic accident in 2013. The film has its premiere on Monday, Sept. 18th at the Lucas Theatre.
Among the Savannah acts playing various stages throughout the fest are Victor Wainwright, Savannah Jazz Hall of Fame Band, the Eric Culberson Band, Savannah State University Wesleyan Gospel Band, Armstrong State University Band and the Savannah Arts Academy Starlight Band.
Among the notable national acts playing in Forsyth Park that weekend are vocalist Carmen Bradford,tenor saxophonist Javon Jackson and guitarist Randy Napoleon on Friday, Sept. 22nd, and Georgia’s own Wycliffe Gordon (pictured) leading his International All-Stars on Saturday, Sept. 23rd.
The Savannah Jazz Festival is a free event taking place at a number of different downtown locations. For a full schedule and more information, check savannahjazzfest.com.
