Savannah Music Festival Announces Quarterfinalists for 2007 American Traditions Vocal Competition

February 14, 2007 (Savannah, Georgia) — The Savannah Music Festival announces that 29 vocalists from across the country and Canada have been chosen to compete in the 14th annual American Traditions Competition (ATC).

A panel of five judges – John Clanton, director of The U.S. Army Chorus; Robert Marks, noted Broadway vocal coach and arranger; Bernice Johnson Reagon, composer, lecturer and founder of Sweet Honey in the Rock; Robert Sims, 1999 Oxnard Gold Medalist and acclaimed recitalist; and Sandra Walker, international opera star and educator - will select the top three vocalists during the ATC Finals concert on March 30 at in the Lucas Theatre for the Arts.

"The ATC is a wonderful opportunity for vocalists to demonstrate their range in different styles of American music. Vocal music lovers will enjoy the diversity of singing offered by these extremely talented performers. This year’s contest features songs by Savannah lyricist Johnny Mercer," said program coordinator Gene Pinion.

Because of the significant cash awards, this contest attracts top vocalists from throughout the North America. The leading singers earn the Oxnard Gold Medalist, $10,000; the Courtney Knight Gaines Foundation Medalist, $5,000; or the Mr. and Mrs. Frank C. Stanton Medalist, $2,500. Every quarterfinalist who competes is guaranteed a $250 award.

Quarterfinal rounds will be held on March 27-28 at Trinity United Methodist Church. From these rounds, ten to twelve vocalists are selected to move on to the semifinal rounds on March 29. As many as six contestants compete in the ATC Finals, which is sponsored by Sea Island Bank. All rounds of the competition are open to the public. For ticket information, call (912) 525-5050.

The American Traditions Competition is part of the 18-day Savannah Music Festival, an annual celebration of the musical arts featuring timeless and adventurous productions.

Quarterfinal contestants are:

Anna Sophia Ahlborn Evanston IL
Sean Anderson New York NY
Laura Avery The Woodlands TX
Inyang Bassey Brooklyn NY
Sara Bielanski Cambridge MA
Catherine Clarke Maysville KY
Sharon Clark Hyattsville MD
Kimberly Gordon Wheeling IL
Connie Guy Frederick MD
Richard Heard Winston-Salem NC
Christine Heath Washingtonville NY
Hope Hudson New York NY
Morgan James Astoria NY
Cherresa Lawson Kokomo IN
Shanna Lesniak Kew Gardens NY
Barbi McCulloch Antioch TN
Monica Murphy Charlotte NC
Djore Nance New York NY
Lorna Jane Norris Pembroke MA
Michael Parr Livonia MI
David Patrone San Diego CA
Jeff Ray Plainfield IL
Brenda Rucker Savannah GA
Josef Spencer Miami FL
Lara Stevens New York NY
Margo Watson Sandy UT
Jalyn Webb Loveland CO
Amber Williams Windsor ONTARIO
Laurie Williamson Marietta GA

About the Savannah Music Festival
The Savannah Music Festival is one of the nation’s most distinctive musical arts festivals and Georgia’s largest musical event. During eighteen specially conceived days and nights each spring, the Savannah Music Festival produces an extraordinary event, presenting 100 world-class musical performances by renowned classical, jazz, blues, bluegrass and international artists in intimate venues throughout Savannah’s historic district. The Festival schedule of events, artist profiles, support, and online ticket purchase links are provided at www.savannahmusicfestival.org and through the Festival offices at 912-234-3378.