Free jazz brings Savannah community together for the weekend

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - The second day of the Savannah Jazz Festival wrapped up at Forsyth Park Saturday night, as the 45th annual event continued its three-day run of free live music.

Organizers said more than 35,000 people attended Friday night. They said they expected Saturday’s attendance to exceed that number, with more than 45,000 people at Forsyth Park.

Festival mission focuses on access

Savannah Jazz Vice President Jim Carswell said the mission of the organization is to bring the message of jazz to the community. He said jazz represents freedom and expression for many people.

Carswell said the size and diversity of the crowd was meaningful to see.

“Every demographic every economic level of Savannah and surrounding area comes to this festival because it’s all about them,” Carswell said.

The festival lineup included 15 bands, and attendees came from across the country and around the world.

One festival goer from Australia had been in the United States for 24 hours and spent that time at Forsyth Park.

“I wouldn’t be anywhere else in the world except here today,” said Sykes Ouna, a festival attendee.

Festival is free to attend

The Savannah Jazz Festival is open to music lovers of all ages and is free to attend. Making art accessible is one of the main goals of Savannah Jazz, with the weekend featuring performances at no cost.

“It’s heartwarming, it breaks a lot of the tension that the rest of the world is experiencing,” Ouna said.

Festival honors philanthropist’s 90th birthday

This year’s festival is also honoring philanthropist Bob Faircloth ahead of his 90th birthday. Faircloth has been a prominent member of the Savannah arts community.

Carswell said it made sense to honor Faircloth’s life’s work by celebrating him throughout the weekend.

“He doesn’t do it for headlines; he doesn’t do it for recognition he just does it for making our community better that’s who Bob is,” Carswell said.

Festival continues Sunday

The festival continues Sunday with additional performances. The event is moving to the Plant Riverside District at District Live and will highlight younger musicians.