SAVANNAH — A dozen jazz bands from high schools across the U.S. will be swinging into Savannah for a competition in March.
Organizers of the Savannah Music Festival have announced the bands will battle for $13,000 in cash awards during the Swing Central Jazz competition and workshop that coincides with the spring festival.
The 12 bands chosen for the competition span the country — from Agoura Hills, Calif., to Camden, N.J., and Tarpon Springs, Fla. Also competing will be the Savannah Arts Academy jazz band, giving locals a hometown favorite to cheer for.
Jazz pianist Marcus Roberts will lead a group of 19 musicians scheduled to hold workshops with visiting students during the competition, which runs March 27 through 29. The first-place prize is $5,000.