Written by Atlas Harris and Graphics by Sofia Ritz
Savannah Jazz Festival has come and gone over the weekend, bringing an expansive lineup of 15 free acts, good food and a crowd of more than 25,000 people, as reported by the WTOC. This long-standing tradition has continued in strength for 43 years, showcasing musicians from all different backgrounds– professional, student or otherwise– and offering the chance to learn about and enjoy jazz in a city integral to the genre and its history. For SCAD students, such as attendee Katherine Meyer, Jazz Fest is an event to look forward to in the fall.
“I had never been, and I was really, really excited to go this year. It was honestly the most exciting thing I was looking forward to this quarter,” said Meyer. “I went for two of the three days as well as one of the paid and ticketed nights.”
Among the festival’s features was an impressive lineup of talented musicians, including standouts such as Doreen Ketchens, Nicole Zuraitis and The US Air Force Airmen of Note. “I’ve loved them for a long time,” Meyer said. “I was shocked that they had them there. Doreen Ketchens is a monster, and she killed it. Nicole, too.”
Beyond the talent on display, Savannah Jazz Fest offers something unique: a welcoming, friendly atmosphere and a diverse community of people fostering an enthusiasm for jazz. “It was a very diverse group of people. Everyone was super friendly,” Meyer said. “All of Saturday I spent right against the gate before the stage, and every so often, people would sit next to me and just start talking to me, and they were all so excited to be there– they would tell me about the bands they were in and how much they loved and missed playing.” Meyer continued, “I’ve been to festivals before, but not a Jazz festival of this scale. There was this general appreciation for a genre of music that I love and love seeing people appreciate. It was so cool!”
All things considered, Meyer strongly recommends SCAD students mark their calendars for next year’s festival. “I would definitely recommend it. It’s super accessible. Three out of the five nights that they hosted are free, all at Forsyth Park.”The Jazz Savannah Society’s free student membership program also makes the event and others like it especially appealing. “It gives you free access to certain shows and the Jazz History exhibit at the Savannah History Museum,” Meyer said. “They’re also always looking for volunteers, so anyone interested in that experience should also look into it!”
With an exciting weekend of jumping, jiving, and electric sliding passed, we should look forward to the next Savannah Jazz Festival!
