The American Traditions Vocal Collection (ATC) has announced the return of their international vocal competition to an in-person, live format. The 29th annual competition takes place from February 21-25, 2022 at various locations in Savannah. 

With contestants from Italy, Serbia, Moldova, Canada, Armenia and across the United States, this year’s contest is set to be another wonderful lineup of internationally recognized artists. Contestants come from various musical backgrounds to compete in this singular, multi-genre singing competition.  Singing from styles such as Jazz, Pop, Blues, Broadway, Opera, and even religious music, all songs performed must be written by an American composer.  A special nod is given towards songs that Savannah’s own Johnny Mercer helped to pen. 

Judges for this 2022 competition are an exceptional group of artists as well, spanning various musical backgrounds and offering a high level of expertise. Internationally-recognized jazz icon Jane Monheit has one of the most sumptuous and recognizable voices in jazz today.  Having released 11 solo albums, and serving as a guest vocalist on dozens of others, Monheit has also been featured as a vocalist in films such as Sky Captain and The World of Tomorrow, and Never Let Me Go.  Renowned Operatic Baritone Robert Sims boasts an international career, and has performed all over the country and world. Sims not only performs standara opera, but Spirituals, Folk Music, and American Songbook.  In addition to serving as a judge in 2022, Sims is the 1999 Gold Medalist of this competition.  The third judge is Tony, Outer Critics Circle and Drama Desk-winning dancer, actress and singer, Karen Ziemba.  Debuting on Broadway in A Chorus Line, Ziemba has gone on to play many well-loved roles, such as Roxie Hart in Chicago, Peggy Sawyer in 42nd Street, and Dolly Gallagher Levi in Hello, Dolly. Her work in the Kander and Ebb musical Steel Pier garnered additional nominations for Tony and Drama Desk Awards. 

On Monday, February 21, the judging panel takes the stage at Skidaway Island United Methodist Chuch (54 Diamond Causeway) for special performances with ATC pianist, David Shenton. This performance begins at 7:30pm and tickets are just $30.  

From Tuesday February 22 through Wednesday, February 23,  27 contestants will compete in Quarterfinal rounds to determine which singers will move forward to the Semifinal Round. Quarterfinal events take place at 4:00pm and 7:30pm each day, and are offered as a Day Pass for $25, meaning one ticket to both performances on each date.  All Quarterfinal performances take place at Skidaway Island United Methodist Chuch (54 Diamond Causeway).

On Thursday, February 24, twelve semifinalists compete to move onto the finals, where only five contestants will compete for the largest awards for musical excellence.  Semifinal events take place at 4:00pm and 7:30pm, and are offered as a Day Pass for $35, meaning one ticket to both performances. All Semifinal performances take place at Skidaway Island United Methodist Chuch (54 Diamond Causeway).

The Final Round of competition will take place at 8:00pm on Friday, February 25, 2022 at Georgia Southern University- Armstrong in the Fine Arts Hall Auditorium (11935 Abercorn Street Savannah, GA 31419).

The American Traditions Vocal Collection, a musical not-for-profit, based in Savannah, Georgia, is a unique organization that celebrates, promotes and preserves all styles of classic American song.  Through musical education, community events, concerts and their annual, professional vocal competition, the ATC keeps classic genres of American music alive.  Over $35,000 in cash prizes are awarded during their annual vocal competition to serve their mission.