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Think of the southern states of the United States and the civil war springs into mind. The south has always been big on revolutions including a musical one. This historically rich corner of America has given us some of the most treasured music in our country’s heritage. Savannah, Georgia is the host of a jazz festival drawing musicians and audiences from every part of the world and right down the block. International and local jazz and blues musicians meet here every year to celebrate the music and its history.

The Savannah Jazz Festival, sponsored by the Coastal Jazz Association, is mostly free to the public. The events are held locally with the largest one in Forsyth Park. This huge public park with its live oaks is big enough to handle large crowds who gather in front of the stage or back on the lawn with their picnic baskets. There are booths with local crafts and a variety of food and drink all from local restaurants to savor as you enjoy the music and 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.

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’s more to enjoy than just the music and great food. Recently, the Psychotronic Film Society and the Concord Music group co-sponsored a film shown at the 2011 Savannah Jazz Festival. The film, The Anatomy of Vince Guaraldi, highlights the life of the American jazz musician and his unmatched piano prowess. The Minor Family Vineyard sponsors not only performances, but drinks as well!

Savannah’s open container laws allow you to bring your own fun to the fest! Glass containers aren’t allowed, but there are plenty of options to choose from. Pack your cooler with a few six packs or bring your own box of wine. If you’d prefer a something on tap, beverage stands offer draft beer and wine straight out of the bottle.

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.

If you found interest in the above article, you are able to go take a look at other related items at Seymour Kushner or this Seymour Kushner Blog Post.

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