January 2009 is a great month for Jazz fans. If you are planning a tour though Georgia, then you should include the local favorites. January offers several musical tributes, here's a free one and another will follow in a later post:

11th Annual Musical Salute To MLK
by The Savannah Jazz Orchestra & Savannah Arts Academy Skyelite Band
The concert is free and open to the community. 
7PM on Tuesday, January 13th 
At the Jewish Educational Alliance (5111 Abercorn St), a short cab ride from the historic district.
There will be a dessert reception at intermission.

This event will feature the Savannah Jazz Orchestra, co-led by Teddy Adams and Randall Reese, & The Savannah Arts Academy Skyelite Jazz Band, under the baton of Michael Hutchinson.

The Savannah Jazz Orchestra is comprised of the areas best musicians and has backed some of the biggest names in jazz, including:  Benny Golson, Jimmy Heath, Diane Schuur, Clark Terry and Bobby Watson.  They have performed at most of the Savannah Jazz Festivals. Their annual Tribute to the Duke Ellington Concert is a favorite among local jazz fans.  The Skyelite Jazz Band has traveled the globe representing Savannah and has won many awards and accolades. 

This year's event is being co-presented by the Jewish Educational Alliance, the Savannah Jewish Federation Community Relations Council, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Observance Day Association, the Coastal Jazz Association, through a grant from the City of Savannah's Department of Cultural Affairs and the Southeast Georgia Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers.  
Portman's Music Superstore, Hands On Savannah of United Way and MorningStar Cultural Arts are the event's sponsors. 

CityTrex thanks the Savannah Jazz Association for this information and for just being so cool.
We can dig it . . . Smart Tours :: Cool Places