Savannah Jazz Festival kicks off at Forsyth Park

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - It’s that time of year again.

The annual Savannah Jazz Festival kicked off at Forsyth Park.

The weekend of events brings thousands to the downtown area.

Friday night’s performance by Eric Culberson is just one of 14 free performances that’ll be through the weekend.

It’s the 44th annual Savannah Jazz Festival.

Organizers say it brings thousands of people to Forsyth Park.

“I would definitely recommend it, I mean it’s a lot of fun, the park is really beautiful. Just being around a lot of other people, even if you don’t listen to Jazz, just getting a different change of scene is always good,” said Savannah resident, Katie Savage.

Savage says she’s been before.

For her, it’s a time to enjoy music and community, even if jazz isn’t your thing.

“It’s good to just get out and be around other people,” said Savage.

The weekend-long event comes with a few guidelines if you’re planning to come out:

• Lawn chairs, coolers, and blankets are permitted.
• If you bring tents and beach umbrellas, they ask that you set them up along the park’s perimeter. 
• Refrain from standing or leaning on the barricades in front of the stage for the safety and visibility of others.
• No drone video or photography allowed.
• No grills or open flames in the park.
• There will be food and beverages sold at the park.
• They ask that you bring cash.

“I saw the flyer for it, and I was like oh, looks interesting, It’s nice that it’s in a space where you’re around the nature and stuff, a very relaxed vibe and jazz music is really something I’ve enjoyed for a minute now,” said Jackson Ferguson, visiting Savannah.

He says once he saw the flyer and early set up, he was sold to come out.

Events will conclude Sunday afternoon.

In the case of extreme weather; rain won’t stop the show.

Organizers listed on their website that if there’s lightning or thunder, the event will be relocated to a different venue.