By Olusegun Olusanya
The 2009 Savannah Jazz Festival, held until Sunday, is being hosted for the first time by Blowin’ Smoke BBQ. The Jazz Festival brings style and rhythm to a legendary music genre loved by people of all generations.
“This event has been on from 1983 and it keeps getting stronger,”First Vice President of the Coastal Jazz Association board of directors Skip Jennings said.
Legendary jazz players collaborate to share the spirit of jazz and keep an everlasting tradition alive. The festival kicked off with a jam session serenading the crowd with funky tunes and catchy vibes to keep the party and the toes tapping late into the night.
“[It’s the] first time we’ve done a jazz festival,” Blowin’ Smoke owner Brian Huskey said.
“We’ve hosted several events here in the past. Tonight’s movie night has got me thinking of doing some movie nights here,” Huskey said.
On Saturday, Blowin’ Smoke will host a jam session at 11 p.m. after the festivities in Forsyth park.
“We’re hoping to bring a lot of people to come listen to the artists that play at Forsyth park to do a little Jam session, to have some beer and have some food. We’ll have a buffet session. That’s our goal,” Huskey said.
With only a few days of the festival left, there is little time left to fit in the jazz. All events are free of charge.
3 p.m. –The Jazz Corner All-Stars
4:15 p.m. –J.B. Scott’s Swingin’ All-Stars
5:30 p.m. –CJA Hall of Fame All Stars
7 p.m. –Grace Kelly
8:15 p.m. –Ben Riley Trio- featuring Guitarist Jim Hall
9:30 p.m.–Savannah
Sunday, September 27 at Forsyth Park
4 p.m. –Arts Academy Skyelite Jazz Band
5 p.m. –CJA All-Stars
