News        from ABAC

Michael D. Chason Director of Public Relations ABAC 30 -- 2802 Moore Highway Tifton, GA 31793-2601 Phone 229-391-5055 Fax 229-391-5051 mchason@abac.edu

IMMEDIATE April 9, 2009

GEORGE SCOTT DAY, JAZZ FESTIVAL AT ABAC APRIL 23

TIFTON - George Scott Day, an annual Celebration of the Arts, and the 31st annual ABAC Jazz Festival will take place on April 23 on the campus of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College.

The event, sponsored by the ABAC School of Liberal Arts and the ABAC music program, is held each year as a tribute to George Scott, an associate professor of English at ABAC, who passed away in 1994.

The George Scott Day festivities will feature performances by high school jazz bands from throughout Georgia from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. in an area near the ABAC dining hall. All these performances are free of charge to ABAC students and the public.

Peach County High School kicks off the day at 10 a.m. followed by Thomas County Central at 10:30 a.m., Northside (Warner Robins) at 11 a.m., Americus-Sumter at 11:30 a.m., Valdosta at noon, Colquitt at 12:30 p.m., Lanier County at 1 p.m., Lee County at 1:30 p.m., Henry County at 2 p.m., Tift County at 2:30 p.m., Ware County at 3 p.m., and Lowndes at 3:30 p.m.

In addition to the excellent performances, there will be giveaways, spotlights on club activities, art displays, and great food. Bring your own lunch or purchase one from Sodexho dining services. In the event of rain, the Jazz Festival will take place in the Donaldson Dining Hall on the ABAC campus.

Other events will kick off in the music building at 10 a.m. with the Pegasus awards, poetry readings, and art exhibit. Short story and poetry readings by ABAC faculty and staff will also be held in the same location from 11:30 a.m. - noon. An ABAC art exhibit will be in The Meadows next to the dining hall from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. The 40th Annual Lew Akin Speech Showcase will be held on the third floor of Conger Hall from 5-7 p.m.

To culminate the Jazz Festival, a special Arts and Entertainment Series performance by the ABAC Jazz Ensemble with guest jazz artists Bill Watrous, trombone; Roger Pemberton, saxophone; and Jeff Jarvis on trumpet will take place at Howard Auditorium at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students to this event. ABAC students will be admitted free. Advance tickets can be obtained by calling the ABAC Arts Connection office at (229) 391-4820. Tickets will also be available at the door.

For additional information, call the ABAC music program office at (229) 391-4945.

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