Plant Riverside District, which is widely known as Savannah’s Entertainment District, is pleased to partner with the American Traditions Vocal Collection to present the 30^th Annual American Traditions Vocal Competition at District Live, to be known as ATC x PRD, from February 20-24, 2023. ATC x PRD will bring some of America’s top vocalists to Savannah to compete for more than $35,000 in prizes. 

“We’re thrilled to host the American Traditions Vocal Competition, which is one of the nation’s leading professional singing competitions, at District Live,” said Richard C. Kessler, Chairman and CEO of The Kessler Collection. “At Plant Riverside District, we have a strong commitment to the arts and want to bring world-class events like ATC x PRD to District Live to celebrate the American vocal tradition.”

Featured musical genres at ATC x PRD will include Americana, Art Song, Blues, Country, Contemporary Songwriters from 1980-Today, Folk, Gospel, Great American Songbook, Hollywood, Jazz, Musical Theater, Opera, Popular Music of 1950-1980, Religious, Songs of Johnny Mercer, Spirituals and Story Songs. The event will feature a Live Quarterfinal Round (28 singers), Live Semifinal Round (12 singers) and Live Final Round (5 singers). A panel of esteemed judges will select the winners.

“We are incredibly proud to represent the melting pot of America, as told through its music,” said American Traditions Vocal Collection Executive and Artistic Director Mikki Sodergren. “For the past three decades, our competition has fostered a heightened appreciation for and celebration of varying forms of musical expression. It is our hope that we will all become more intensely aware of the fact that our diversity ultimately serves as the beauty and strength of America.”

Originally founded in 1993 as part of Savannah Onstage, the ATC was a vehicle for Black singers to perform African American music. The American Traditions Vocal Competition celebrates all classic styles of American songs and stands apart as one of Savannah’s signature annual cultural events. The new collaboration, ATC x PRD, continues ATC’s dedication to fostering and preserving traditions of musical expression, which have been significant in the culture of the United States, both in past eras and at the present time.

In contrast to many music competitions that focus on European repertoire, the ATC celebrates the music that represents the art and the popular culture of the United States. The competition features songs written by American composers and songwriters and is inclusive of all languages, religions and ethnicities. 

“We can’t wait to debut ATC x PRD in 2023,” said Sodergren. “We invite everyone to support this world-class event at its new home at Plant Riverside District.”