American Traditions Vocal Collection returns with new home at Plant Riverside District

Do Johnny Mercer tunes wrap around you like a deep sentimental squeeze? Perhaps, you’re into early American Jazz with a penchant for Tin Pan Alley? Maybe you’re that Broadway buff belting out “Anything You Can Do” in the shower before busting into a busy day?

If you enjoy watching talented singers perform iconic American standards, mark your calendar. The American Traditions Vocal Collection's 2023 competition celebrates its 30th season beginning Monday, Feb. 20, and running through Friday, Feb. 24, in its new venue at District Live.

What began as part of the Savannah Music Festival, then launched as its own organization in 2010, has grown into one of the nation’s premiere vocal competitions attracting top performers from across the globe.

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The competition is truly one of a kind. American Traditions is open to anyone 18-years or older with no upper age limit. Contestants must select and perform a program of nine songs from strictly American writers and composers. Each composition must represent a different musical genre like Americana, Blues, Country, Folk, Jazz, the Johnny Mercer catalog, Musical Theatre, Jazz and more.

The weeklong competition then culminates in a performance of the top five singers with the gold medal winner taking home a prize of $40,000. No wonder hundreds of vocalists apply each year for a chance to be one of 24 performers selected for this prestigious and potentially lucrative week of singing in Savannah.

Mikki Sodergren, 2014 ATC gold medalist and now executive director of the competition, considers this year’s venue a great opportunity for competitors.

“This week we are in one place the whole time with a parking garage below the building,” said Sodergren. “There aren’t any stairs and the venue is very easy for supporters to move through. I’m most excited for the performers. The space has state-of-the-art sound and lighting, and competitors will be singing on a stage made specifically for live music performance.”

The week of competition kicks off Monday with the annual Judges’ Concert. Broadway sensation, Capathia Jenkins, along with French jazz singer, Cyrille Aimee, share the evening in separate sets. Jenkins, who has more than 20 years performing on Broadway, brings a high-energy full band with her. Aimee, a 2007Montreux Jazz Festival winner, innovates a range of jazz standards with her trademark vocal improvising prowess.

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On Tuesday, the competition begins with a roster of hopefuls eager to share their talent with the Hostess City.

Anais Reno grew up in New York City, graduated from LaGuardia High School of Music and Performing Arts then went onto SUNY Purchase where she’s part of the school’s nationally recognized jazz program. The competition marks her first time in Savannah, thanks to her voice instructor and former ATC competitor, Alexis Cole.

“My teacher recommended I apply because it’s a great way to meet singers and network with talented people who perform in different genres,” said Reno. “I study jazz, and preparing for this performance helped me think outside of what I typically do and how I can apply what I do as a jazz vocalist to these different genres of songs to make them unique.”

One genre in the ATC competition includes American music between 1950-1980. Reno selected a Billy Joel tune and is excited about performing “Vienna” in one of her competition rounds.

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Jaime Barcelon is no stranger to performing. He grew up singing in the Philippines where Karen Carpenter’s voice was queen. In college he sang with a popular traveling ensemble then after graduation went to Los Angeles where he’s been acting in film and TV, including the first season of “Picard,” since 2013. His entrance into the world of ATC came about because of the pandemic.

“I’m a fan of listening to and watching top notch vocalists,” emphasized Barcelon. “I was scrolling YouTube during lockdown and found Mykal Kilgore from his 2019 ATC performance and was amazed. His performance inspired me to research the organization and apply.”

Barcelon is looking forward to the competition as an opportunity for exchange and learning from a range of new professionals. In his program he has included The Carpenters’, “I Need to Be in Love,” as homage to growing up in the Philippines.

Jessica Fishenfeld competed in ATC in 2020. Not long after, she and her husband moved from New York City to Savannah where they found refuge from the pandemic at his parents’ home.

Fishenfeld, a classically trained opera performer, started working with Savannah Cirque learning aerial silk and hoop techniques. Then, she combined those new skills with her opera chops to land an “America’s Got Talent” audition singing Puccini while twisting and twirling midair in a white hoop. For her ATC performances, she’s looking forward to the new venue as well as the program she’s curated.

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“I’m excited to perform at District Live, it’s modern and tuned for these kinds of performances, and I think the space will set the right kind of mood,” said Fishenfeld. “I’m also looking forward to the songs I’ve selected. It’s a tailored, personal program with material that the audience probably hasn’t heard before.”

Kenny Williams is another Mykal Kilgore fan and comes to the competition from Austin, Texas, by way of Broadway and New York City. No stranger to ATC, he was a top five finalist in 2020. Williams studied voice at University of Texas, Austin, and then went on to work 15 years in New York in on and off-Broadway shows.

“Mykal Kilgore is a friend, and he encouraged me to get involved with ATC a few years back,” said Williams. “Not because it’s all about winning, but because the people you meet are extraordinary. And that’s the biggest surprise. I have made incredible friends and professional connections being involved with ATC that’s really life-changing.”

Williams performs regularly in Austin at private events and in musical theater. His 2019 album release, “Kenny Williams Sings,” features jazz and American classics.

“This year’s competition includes several returning performers and many that this will be their first experience with American Traditions,” emphasized Sodergren. “We are thrilled to have each and every one of these performers sharing who they are and their talents with music lovers of Savannah.”

IF YOU GO

What: American Traditions Vocal Competition - Judges’ Concert

When: Monday, Feb. 20 at 7 p.m.

Tickets: $30

What: 2023 Competition

When: Tuesday, Feb. 21 and Wednesday, Feb. 22 at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Tickets: $25, includes access both days

What: Competition

When: Thursday, Feb. 23 at 7 p.m.

Tickets: $35

What: Final Competition

When: Friday, Feb. 24 at 7 p.m.

Tickets: $60 to $75; Full week performance pass $140 to $160

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Savannah GA concerts: 2023 American Traditions Vocal Collection