The 2012 Jazz Festival Brings Music, Food, and Fun to Savannah

In late 1982, three students from Ben Tucker's Jazz Appreciation course at what is now Savannah State University decided to take their love of Jazz to the next level.  After some discussion, The Coastal Jazz Association was created with the purpose of sharing the music they so loved with others, and to support jazz education by sponsoring scholarships for students.  To further these efforts, the group decided to showcase local artists with the Savannah Jazz Festival on October 1, 1983.  The rest, as they say, is history.  This coastal celebration has continued through today, and the member B and Bs of the Romantic Inns of Savannah welcome you as our guests during this year's Festival, being held from September 23-30, 2012!

Savannah's Jazz scene has long followed that of New Orleans.  With deep southern roots, a creative environment, and an influx of different musical talents through the nearby military bases, the jazz movement flourished in our beautiful city from the start.  In fact, we have produced some worldwide jazz talents in the form of Jabbo Smith, Trummy Young, Ben Riley, and James Moody.  Even the Jazz Association's own Teddy Adams has performed both here and around the globe, and still performs at the Jazz Festival each year.  These greats have inspired others from the area to contribute to this musical genre, giving the annual event reason to stay alive.

Now in its 29th year, the Jazz Festival draws attendees from the local area, around the United States, and even from other countries.  Featuring 18 different performances, workshops, seminars, and a film viewing, there is truly something for all jazz appreciators and musicians.  The free-to-the-public event even offers an opening-night Jam Session with Teddy Adams, and three additional late-night jam sessions, where anyone and everyone can join in the music (bring your own instrument)!  All activities take place at Forsyth Park in the Heart of the Historic District and Blowin' Smoke BBQ, just east of the Park at 514 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard (very easy walking distance from the Festival).

Speaking of food, there will be no shortage of nourishment, as Blowin' Smoke and a number of other local eateries will offer food and drink throughout the week.  Great food and great music at a landmark event... what more could you ask for?

For the first time this year, the event will host the Coastal Jazz Association Golf Tournament on September 24th, 2012 at the Club of Savannah Harbor!  Groups of four will be assembled to play through the tournament, which features live Jazz during lunch, a Hole 17 Hole-in-One prize of a Buick Verano, and a raffle and auction.  Mulligans are available!!!  Early-bird registration prices are active through August 23, 2012.  Registration deadline is September 6, 2012.

Let's recap.

What:  Savannah Jazz Festival
When:  September 23-30, 2012
Venues:  Forsyth Park and Blowin' Smoke
Admission:  FREE!!!

35,000 attendees are expected during the Festival, meaning that rooms will fill up quickly for these dates!  Staying at a RIOS establishment makes attending a breeze, as many of our members are within a block of Forsyth Park itself, and all of our current members are within one mile of both event sites!  So make your Jazz Festival vacation plans at your favorite Savannah Inn for first-class accommodations with all the comforts of home!