Savannah Jazz History and Hall of Fame Exhibit

Savannah: Jazz Birthplace, West Broad Street, Tybee, Modern Era, Hall of Fame

CHOOSE TO BE RECOGNIZED FOR SUPPORTING ONE OF THE FIVE EXHIBIT COMPONENTS

T H E E X H I B I T The exhibit will be housed in the Savannah History Museum downtown, operated by the Coastal Heritage Society. Utilizing a combination of artifacts, displays, and interactive media, it will tell Savannah’s jazz history from its inception to today in five distinct areas: Savannah: Jazz Birthplace, West Broad Street, Tybee, The Modern Era, The Hall of Fame.

The evolution of jazz in Savannah, from its earliest incarnations to the present, will be the main focus of the exhibit. Visuals of old West Broad Street (now MLK Blvd.) venues will include theaters and clubs that were meccas in the African-American musical tradition. Images and stories of Tybrisa Pavilion, the legendary dance hall on Tybee Island that hosted the top big bands of the day, black and white, will also be featured. Artifacts on display will include Ben Tucker’s historic

B A C K G R O U N D Savannah, like New Orleans, was one of jazz’s birthplaces and has been a leading center of the art form through its noted composers, performers, venues, and festivals, since the 1920s. Deeply rooted in African traditions, Savannah jazz has evolved through brass bands, vaudeville, blues, big bands, and orchestras to take its place in our nation’s jazz pantheon. Following its near demise in 1960 resulting from the ascendency of Rhythm ’n Blues and Rock ’n Roll, Savannah jazz was reborn in the late 1970s by the Coastal Jazz Association, and today, jazz music is enjoyed by Savannah’s visitors and residents, black and white, young and old, alike. Yet this story has not been told until now.

B E N T U C K E R J O H N N Y M E R C E R

E D D I E P A Z A N T

J O E “ K I N G ” O L I V E R

B U D G E T :It is estimated that cost for equipment, construction, and design of the exhibit will be $100,000.

Most items in the exhibit will be contributed or donated. Coastal Heritage Society’s expertise will be utilized, as well as that of other exhibit and curatorial professionals.

K E N P A L M E R H U X S I E S C O T T

B E N R I L E Y

I R E N E R E I D 2 0 1 7 H A L L O F F A M E I N D U C T I O N O F Q U E N T I N B A X T E R W I T H T E D D Y A D A M S , M A Y O R D E L O A C H , H O W A R D P A U L A N D K E I T H D A V I S

bass violin, Jabbo Smith’s trumpet mouthpiece, a Benedetto jazz guitar handcrafted at its Savannah headquarters, photos and posters from CJA’s acclaimed concerts and festivals, and news articles, recordings, and videos of the legends who performed in Savannah.

The Savannah Jazz Hall of Fame, totaling over 40 inductees, represents a “Who’s Who” in the jazz world. Their biographies, combined with images and music, will solidify Savannah’s reputation as a major jazz center. From Joe “King” Oliver, Louis Armstrong’s mentor, to renowned lyricists and signer Johnny Mercer, to acclaimed bassist and composer Ben Tucker, who led the jazz revival from the 70s, the Savannah Jazz Hall of Fame will draw visitors into the main exhibit.

The exhibit will immerse visitors in Savannah jazz, engaging them with the various styles of jazz music to experience the difference between genres such as Swing and BeBop. Interactive audio-visual aids will bring these jazz experiences to life.

J A M E S M O O D Y

With over 400 members today, the organization accomplishes this mission through vibrant programs comprised of the following:

• Annual Savannah Jazz Festival• Monthly Jazz Concerts

• Coastal Jazz Hall of Fame• Scholarships to regional school jazz programs

• Community performances for senior citizens, and other benefit shows

ABOUT COASTAL JAZZ ASSOCIATION

“To promote, present, preserve, and perpetuate the art form known as Jazz through community and regional events, programs, and activities.”

Since its inception as a 501C3 charitable organization in1982, the Coastal Jazz Association’s mission has been:

C OASTALJAZZ.ORG A 501C3 NON-PROFIT ORGANIZ ATION PAUL A@C OASTALJAZZ.ORG(912) 228 - 3158