Galactic / Cory Wong / Nate Smith + Kinfolk
Galactic draws on 25 years together in order to progress with each performance and subsequent record. After 10 albums, over 2,000 gigs and tens of millions of streams, the proud New Orleans, Louisiana quintet—Ben Ellman (saxophone, harmonica), Robert Mercurio (bass), Stanton Moore (drums, percussion), Jeffrey Raines (guitar) and Richard Vogal (keyboards)—are the rare collective who can support Juvenile on Jimmy Kimmel LIVE!, contribute music to a blockbuster soundtrack, and light up the stages of Coachella, Bonnaroo and New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (a staggering 22 times). Joined by vocal powerhouse Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph, they continue to forge ahead, making their 2023 SMF debut at Trustees’ Garden.
Guitarist, composer and producer Cory Wong considers himself a “hype man” first and foremost. The Minneapolis native brings head-spinning rhythm guitar wizardry, technical ebullience, laugh-out-loud jokes and radiance on stage that have established him as both a sought-after collaborator and celebrated solo artist. After an impromptu meeting at the weekly jam hosted by Prince’s rhythm section (where the Purple One often either performed or watched), he crossed paths with Vulfpeck who welcomed him as a frequent collaborator and member of the band. He and Nate Smith are members of storied cult funk band The Fearless Flyers. “The guiding light is to impart a feeling of joy,” remarks Cory Wong. “I want people to experience instrumental music in a different way. This is hype. It’s more than just guitar.”
Nate Smith is a drummer, composer and producer from Chesapeake, Virginia. His visceral, instinctive and deep-rooted style of drumming has led to three Grammy nominations and work with esteemed artists including Pat Metheny, Dave Holland, Brittany Howard, The Fearless Flyers and Norah Jones. Smith fuses his original compositions with an eclectic mix of music, including everything from jazz to R&B to hip-hop to pop. His KINFOLK project has charted his evolution as a musician, enlisting a wide range of special guests since its 2018 debut. This ensemble includes Amma Watt on vocals, Jaleel Shaw on saxophones, Brad Allen Wiliams on guitar, John Cowherd on keyboards, Fina Ephron on bass and Nate Smith on drums.
Please note: This concert does not qualify for the Savannah Music Festival Explorer Pass. No seating is provided to any Trustees’ Garden ticket holder, VIP or GA. All patrons can bring their own seating to this event.
Answers to commonly asked questions: Trustees’ Garden FAQs General Admission tickets start at $79 + fees and include access to: VIP Tickets start at $199 + fees and include Allowed items: Not allowed: Children 5 years of age and younger receive free admission. Older children, 15 years of age and younger, qualify for a 50% discount on general admission tickets. Children must be accompanied by a ticketed adult (only 2 children allowed per ticketed adult). Discounts for children are not available on VIP tickets. Free or reduced-price tickets for children are only available in person at the Savannah Box Office at 216 East Broughton Street or at the on-site box office on the day of show. All sales are final; no refunds or exchanges. Concerts are held rain or shine. Artists are subject to change.
All General Admission ticket benefits, plus: