Stroudsburg Resident Dennis Jeter to Perform at American Traditions Competition in Georgia

The 15th annual American Traditions Competition returns to its original venue, the historic First African Baptist Church, for its final round during the 2008 Savannah Music Festival. The illustrious four-day vocal showcase hosts 33 singers from around the United States between March 26 and 29. Judges narrowed the field of talent to these gifted vocalists after receiving the highest number of applicants in the last five years.

A panel of three judges spent several days independently listening to and critiquing all 92 applicants. Timothy Hall, Minister of Music at Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church remarks, “There were many talented vocalists this year. It will be exciting to see who makes it all the way.” Every Quarterfinalist who competes in Savannah is guaranteed a $250 award. The Oxnard Gold Medalist wins $10,000, second place receives $5000 with the Courtney Knight Gaines Foundation Silver Medal, and the Stanton Bronze Medal garners $2500. The two runners-up each receive $1000.

All contestants compete in Quarterfinal rounds at Trinity United Methodist Church on March 26-27 at 11:00 am and 2:30 pm. Of those quarterfinalists, twelve are selected to move on to the Semifinal rounds on March 28, each receiving a $500 cash award. Five contestants are chosen to compete in the Finals on March 29 at the First African Baptist Church. All rounds of the competition are open to the public. For ticket information, call (912) 525-5050 or visit www.savannahmusicfestival.org.

About the Savannah Music Festival
The Savannah Music Festival is Georgia’s largest musical arts festival and one of the most distinctive cross-genre music festivals in the world. SMF is building a robust history on its devotion to living, vibrant musical traditions, regularly producing premieres, commissioned works and rare regional appearances by renowned artists in jazz, classical, blues, bluegrass, gospel and other styles of American and international roots music. Artists collaborate, students and master musicians intermingle, vocalists showcase their talents and communities uplift and celebrate over seventeen specially conceived days and nights. For 2008 details visit www.savannahmusicfestival.org.