Alexander Townsend was a constant source of inspiration for fellow artists and musicians.
Growing up, he was dedicated to music, festivals, and supporting any and all who doubted themselves in their artistic endeavors. Now, three years after his death, music and art are dedicated to him at the A-Town Get Down festival.
Hosted by family and friends, the festival seeks to bring together established artists and musicians with aspiring ones, resulting in a greater confidence for creative youth in their own future. This year’s festival will be held at the Charles Morris Center on March 2 from noon to midnight.
Headlined by Grammy award-winning folk singer, Loudon Wainwright III, other featured musicians include the Savannah Children’s Choir, local ensemble Word of Mouth, and blues songwriter, Sam McTavey.
Live art exhibitions will also take place, featuring renowned stencil artist Peat Wollaeger. Other activities include ceramics, screen-printing, painting, urban art, and children’s art activities.
Townsend was a second-year sound design major who was killed in a car accident in February 2010. Friends and family imagined that a celebration of both Townsend’s life and the local art community would be the best way to remember him.
The event is more than just a music festival or a memorial to an inspiring person. Rather, A-Town Get Down is a way to bring together and celebrate art in, not a passive, but active way.
“Alex would be thrilled to know that we are celebrating his life through the art community here in Savannah,” said Tom Townsend, Alex’s father. “He truly loved nothing more.”
Organizing the festival has been a large part of the healing process for the Townsend family.
“Part of the reason I wanted to do this was because I wanted to engage in Savannah instead of fear it the rest of my life,” Townsend said. “I want it to be an ongoing festival that can grow every year and be Savannah’s own. A festival that is more and more associated with the love of music and art in Savannah — not so much about the loss of one person, but the music and art it spawned.”
Attendees are encouraged to buy advance tickets because the concert is expected to sell out. All proceeds from the festival will go to fund SCAD scholarships.
For information on the schedule and ticketing visit the festival website.
