It’s Savannah Jazz Festival time once again and this year’s event promises 5 days of exciting and invigorating live jazz music as performed by a variety of groups and players! September 18th through the 22nd in and around historic, downtown Savannah.
Savannah’s jazz connections are deep and storied with many a legend having called the city their home through history. Iconic performers like Johnny Mercer, Ben Tucker, Irene Reid, Joe “King” Oliver, and many others. Is it any wonder our historic city is also home to a popular, annual jazz festival?
Savannah Jazz Festival 2024 celebrates both this rich history and jazz’s bright future with a series of concerts by local, regional, and nationally recognized jazz musicians.
This year’s event includes 17 live concerts held in and around Savannah’s downtown historic district – our neighborhood! McMillan Inn, our Savannah bed and breakfast, is within five minutes or much less of all venues except for Sunday’s program, held just 10 minutes away on the river at District Live. The festival’s two biggest days, Friday and Saturday, are in historic Forsyth Park, just five minutes away by foot!
Highlights at this year’s event include a Latin Dance Night, a Blues Night, two days of free shows in Forsyth Park, and a day of free school band concerts in the River District.
2024 concert venues once again include the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum, the Lucas Theatre, Forsyth Park, and the Savannah Riverfront.
Savannah Jazz Festival 2024 Schedule
September 18th through the 22nd, 2024.
Only the first two nights include ticketed entry. The rest of the festival offers free shows but tickets are available for spots in the Patron’s Tent, which includes seating, two complimentary drink tickets, appetizers, cover from the elements, and a great view of the stage.
Wednesday, September 18 – Latin Dance Night at Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum
7pm – Gino Castillo and the Cuban Cowboys
Thursday, September 19 – Blues Night at Lucas Theatre for the Arts
6:30pm – Robert Lee Coleman, Jimmy Hall
Friday, September 20 – Free shows in Forsyth Park
6pm – SCAD Bee Sharps
6:35pm – USC and Nicole Zuraitis
7:50pm – Sapphire Bullets of Pure Love
9pm – The Bernie Williams Collective
Saturday, September 21 – Free shows in Forsyth Park
3pm – University of North Florida Ensemble #1
4:15pm -Savannah Jazz Hall of Fame Band
5:15pm – Air Force Airmen of Note
6:30pm – Ed Calle
8pm – Doreen Ketchens Band
9:15pm – John Dokes and the Savannah Jazz Orchestra
11pm – Late Night Jam Session
Sunday, September 22 – Free shows at District Live
2pm – Savannah Arts Academy Skylite Band
2:50pm – Hilton Head Christian Academy Jazz Band
3:40pm – Savannah Country Day School Jazz Band
4:30pm – Georgia State University Jazz Band
Visit savannahjazz.org for tickets and more information. You can also find the Jazz Fest on Facebook.
Do you plan on attending Savannah Jazz Festival 2024? Great idea! Make your stay even better and book your room at McMillan Inn for comfortable accommodations at a convenient distance from, not just the festival concerts, but all the best that Savannah has to offer. See you soon!