Savannah Jazz Festival carries on through COVID: second year going virtual
Written by David Dufour, Illustration by Halle Garrett
Without the intensity of an in-person show, this year’s Savannah Jazz Festival still hosted excellent performers whose talent certainly compensates for the virtual setting.
Hosted last weekend, September 23–26, it was the 40th annual Savannah Jazz Festival. It was also its second year as a virtual event, which was filmed from the live stage at Savannah Station. In-person seating was available but only to a limited number of guests.
The Savannah Jazz Foundation has also started a COVID-19 relief fund for musicians that have lost working gigs due to the pandemic. Their website now features links to resources for independent gig workers experiencing financial issues.
Notable to the festival is the dedication of the performers. Many of them have been inducted into the Savannah Jazz Hall of Fame, continuing to perform each year.
Some performers include the Savannah Jazz Hall of Fame All-Stars featuring the Savannah Divas, Robert Lee Coleman (formerly a member of the James Brown and Percy Sledge live groups), the U.S. Navy Commodores Band (an 18-piece band that has been performing for 50 years). Performers have come from across the east coast, from Pennsylvania to Jacksonville, Florida.
Much of the enjoyment of live music comes from being there, with the actual performers, but the livestream gave us plenty of excellent sounds. Soul, southern blues, big band jazz; just a few of the varying styles unique to each artist.
The U.S. Navy Band had a stunning performance of big band jazz. Robert Lee Coleman and his band performed an excellent set of blues. The Savannah All-Stars band performed with vocalist Huxsie Scott.
Every year, significant jazz players are honored at the Savannah Jazz Hall of Fame Ceremony. This year’s was held Sept. 25. Inductees are chosen if they have had any impact on a national or international level. The induction ceremony began with Howard Palm thanking the audience. He announces that there will be a new Savannah Jazz Museum, currently a work in progress.
Inductee Kirk Lee, lead trumpet player for the Savannah Jazz orchestra and flugelhornist, has performed in Savannah for the last 32 years. Former Savannah Mayor Otis Johnson and current Savannah Mayor Van Johnson joined them on stage. Mayor Van Johnson on stage thanked the audience, announcing Dr. Teddy Adams as a Savannah Jazz Ambassador.
Former Mayor Otis Johnson said in an interview, “Savannah has a history of producing jazz musicians.” He went on to say, “This is our way to pay tribute, keep their memories alive and for those still living to honor their contributions for their work to Savannah jazz as well as the field of jazz.”
