News Summary
The Savannah Jazz Festival will feature over 15 free concerts from September 19th to 21st, bringing together a diverse lineup of performers at Forsyth Park and District Live. With support from local sponsors, the festival allows community engagement through music and aims to inspire young talents. Highlights include a tribute to the blues and performances by world-renowned jazz artists, including Kirk Whalum and Spyro Gyra.
Savannah
The 44th Savannah Jazz Festival is set to take place from September 19th to 21st, 2025, featuring over 15 free concerts designed to celebrate musical traditions and inclusivity. Organized by Savannah Jazz in collaboration with the City of Savannah, this year’s festival aims to attract approximately 50,000 attendees to various performances held at Forsyth Park and District Live in the Plant Riverside District.
Lead sponsorship for the festival comes from Nickel & Oak, with additional contributions from Miner Family Winery, The Colonial Group, JodyJazz Inc., Roger Wood Foods, and Spyhop Media. The executive director of Savannah Jazz expressed appreciation for the support of the City of Savannah, emphasizing that this festival offers more free musical events than any other festival in the region.
Festival Highlights and Performers
The festival will kick off with a tribute to the Blues, featuring The Eric Culberson Band. On Friday night, the world-renowned jazz fusion group Spyro Gyra will headline the event. The following evening will feature a celebration of JodyJazz’s 25th anniversary with the performance of two-time GRAMMY winner Kirk Whalum. Additionally, the Savannah Jazz Hall of Fame Band will hold a tribute honoring James Moody’s centennial on Saturday.
An impressive lineup of performers is scheduled, including Jocelyn Gould, the USC Left Bank Big Band, the GRAMMY-nominated clarinetist Anat Cohen, and Rodney Jordan, a bassist with roots in Memphis. The festival will also feature high-energy acts such as the B-3 organ sensation Tony Monaco and the 10-piece orchestra LPT. The Saturday night will conclude with a traditional Late Night Jam Session led by Teddy Adams at the DeSoto Hotel.
Community Engagement and Educational Opportunities
On Sunday, the festival will conclude with School Band Day at District Live, aimed at inspiring and encouraging young jazz talents. Organizers are dedicated to fostering an environment that highlights free world-class music for a diverse audience. The festival aims to engage over 100,000 people globally through its sponsorship support.
Event Details and Ticket Information
For those interested in premium experiences, tickets for the Patron’s Tent, which includes seating and refreshments, can be purchased online at www.savannahjazz.org. Festival organizers encourage all attendees to visit the same website for a full schedule and lineup details.
Background Context
The Savannah Jazz Festival has become a significant cultural event in the region since its inception, renowned for promoting jazz music and its related genres. It serves not only as a showcase for local and national artists but also stands as a testament to the musical heritage and community spirit of Savannah. Because of its commitment to providing free access to music, the festival has gained a reputation as a cornerstone of the area’s artistic and cultural landscape.
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Additional Resources
- Savannah Tribune: Announcing the Annual Savannah Jazz Festival 2025
- WSAV: Savannah Jazz Festival Returns September 19-21
- WTOC: Lineup Announced for 2025 Savannah Jazz Festival
- Wikipedia: Jazz Festival
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Jazz
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
