History
The Festival was founded in 1988 as an effort by community leaders to increase cultural tourism in Savannah and its surrounding area. Originally known as "Savannah Onstage International Arts Festival," the festival staged music, dance and film programs that attracted audiences primarily from the coastal Southeastern United States. During its fourth year, the organization launched its programmatic centerpiece, the American Traditions Vocal Competition, which still attracts talent from all over North America.
The organization was renamed "Savannah Music Festival" in 2002, and began focusing its artistic scope to spotlight the musical arts. The financial impact of the festival on the city of Savannah is now second only to the annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration.
Read more about this topic: Savannah Music Festival
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