Everyone should be able to kick back and enjoy some jazz music. That’s the premise behind the Savannah Jazz Festival, with almost all the performances free to the public.
WHAT: The Savannah Jazz Festival, presented by the Coastal Jazz Association, started in 1983.
WHEN: Sept. 18-22: On Sept. 18 and 19, performances start at 7 p.m. The music begins at 6 p.m. on Sept. 20; 3 p.m. on Sept. 21; and 2 p.m. on Sept. 22.
WHERE: Venues include the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum and Lucas Theatre, but the free performances are held at Forsyth Park on Friday and Saturday and District Live on Sunday.
WHO YOU’LL HEAR: The 2024 lineup includes Gino Castillo & The Cuban Cowboys; Robert Lee Coleman; Jimmy Hall; The SCAD Bee Sharps; The Sapphire Bullets of Pure Love; Nicole Zuraitis with the U.S.C. Left Bank Big Band; Bernie Williams; the University of North Florida Jazz Ensemble; Jazz of Fame; The Airmen of Note; Ed Calle; Doreen Ketchens Band; John Dokes and the Savannah Jazz Orchestra; The Savannah Arts Academy Skylite Jazz Band; Hilton Head Christian Academy; Savannah Country Day Jazz Ensemble and the Georgia State Jazz Band.
COST: All the Forsyth Park and District Live concerts on Friday, Sept. 20-Sunday, Sept. 22 are free admission. Tickets start at $30 for the Latin Night concert on Wednesday, Sept. 18; and Blues Night at the Lucas Theatre on Thursday, Sept. 19.
WHAT TO BRING: Feel free to bring a camp chair, blanket, or lawn chair, and a cooler for drinks. Bring cash as there is no ATM in the park.
WHAT NOT TO BRING: Leave the tents and beach umbrellas at home. Also, grills are not allowed. No worries, there are plenty of food vendors.
WHAT ELSE: Jazz lovers will want to visit The Savannah Jazz History and Hall of Fame Exhibit, 301 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Located in the Savannah History Museum, the exhibit tells the rich story of Savannah’s jazz history. Savannah was one of jazz’s birthplaces and is a leading center of the art form through its noted composers, performers, venues, festivals, media, and businesses since the 1920s. The museum uses artifacts, displays, and interactive multimedia to showcase Savannah’s storied jazz history from its inception to today. The hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., seven days a week.
WHERE TO STAY: We’ve got a great spot for you to crash after enjoying music all day and into the night. Book the perfect accommodations for your stay, within steps of Forsyth Park.