presented by SMF Encore Steep Canyon Rangers are Asheville, North Carolina’s GRAMMY winners, perennial Billboard chart-toppers, and frequent collaborators of the renowned banjoist and comedian Steve Martin. The Rangers are made up of Graham Sharp on banjo and vocals, Mike Guggino on mandolin/mandola and vocals, Aaron Burdett on guitar and vocals, Nicky Sanders on…
Born in Italy and now based in New York, Pasquale Grasso has developed an astounding technique and concept informed not by jazz guitarists so much as by bebop pioneers like Bud Powell, Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie, as well as the classical-guitar tradition. The sparkling, immaculately balanced tone; the tasteful tinges of stride and boogie-woogie…
Celebrate the incomparable jazz pianist Kenny Barron in his 80th birthday year! This exquisite collaboration between Kenny Barron and Dave Holland expands on the fruitful relationship forged by the two jazz icons with the seamless addition of the masterful young drummer, Johnathan Blake. Separated in age by only three years, Kenny Barron and Dave Holland—both…
Chopin Étude in A-flat Major, Opus 25, No. 1 Étude in F minor, Opus 25, No. 2 Étude in F Major Opus 25, No. 3 Étude in F Major Opus 10, No. 8 Ravel Gaspard de la Nuit Schumann Fantasie in C Major, Opus 17 Acclaimed young American pianist Drew Petersen is a sought-after soloist,…
MIKE MARSHALL, MUSIC DIRECTOR David Benedict Sharon Gilchrist Caterina Lichtenberg Josh Pinkham Dana Rath Eric Stein Joe K. Walsh Jeff Warschauer Tony Williamson Radim Zenkl Conceived by Israeli-American Avner Yonai, whose ancestral research led him to a tattered photograph of his relatives playing in a pre-WWII Jewish mandolin orchestra in Góra Kalwaria, Poland (Ger in…
Trying to fit Regina Carter into a neatly defined musical category is futile. Carter enjoys performing many styles of music, including but not limited to jazz, R&B, Latin, classical, blues, country, pop and African. In each she explores the power of music through the voice of the violin. The MacArthur “Genius,” Doris Duke Artist Award…
Bassekou Kouyate is one of the true masters of the ngoni, an ancient traditional lute found throughout West Africa. He has collaborated with many notable musicians in and outside of Mali, including Ali Farka Touré, Toumani Diabaté, Taj Mahal and Béla Fleck. Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba is an ensemble with unusual instrumentation, including three…
Bassekou Kouyate is one of the true masters of the ngoni, an ancient traditional lute found throughout West Africa. He has collaborated with many notable musicians in and outside of Mali, including Ali Farka Touré, Toumani Diabaté, Taj Mahal and Béla Fleck. Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba is an ensemble with unusual instrumentation, including three…
Haydn Quartet in E-flat Major, Opus 33, No. 2, “The Joke” Walker String Quartet No. 1 Dvořák String Quintet No. 2 in G Major, Opus 77 Joel Link, violin; Bryan Lee, violin; Hezekiah Leung, viola; Camden Shaw, cello; Joseph Conyers, bass Named one of the greatest string quartets of the last 100 years by BBC…
A self-taught guitar player and songwriter, Leo Kottke was born in Athens, Georgia. A stint in the US Navy was followed by a move to Minneapolis, where he found a nurturing environment in the city’s thriving folk scene. Kottke’s breakthrough came in 1969 when his mentor, legendary guitarist John Fahey, invited him to record for…
The beautiful mountain Knocknarea in Ireland’s County Sligo is said to be the final resting place of the ancient Irish warrior-queen Maeve. The ‘Alt’ is a storied glen on the side of Knocknarea, and it was in the shadow of this glen in the little village of Coolaney that the three master Irish traditional musicians…
The beautiful mountain Knocknarea in Ireland’s County Sligo is said to be the final resting place of the ancient Irish warrior-queen Maeve. The ‘Alt’ is a storied glen on the side of Knocknarea, and it was in the shadow of this glen in the little village of Coolaney that the three master Irish traditional musicians…
Celebrate the incomparable jazz pianist Kenny Barron in his 80th birthday year! This exquisite collaboration between Kenny Barron and Dave Holland expands on the fruitful relationship forged by the two jazz icons with the seamless addition of the masterful young drummer, Johnathan Blake. Separated in age by only three years, Kenny Barron and Dave Holland—both…
Haydn String Quartet No.5 in G Major, Opus 33, Hob. III: 41 “How Do You Do” Mozart String Quartet No. 15 in D minor, K. 421 Beethoven String Quartet No. 8 in E minor, Opus 59, No. 2 Eugene Drucker, violin; Philip Setzer, violin; Lawrence Dutton, viola; Paul Watkins, cello The Emerson String Quartet will…
This is a mid-day encore performance by Irish traditional music band Téada featuring Oisín Mac Diarmada on fiddle, Paul Finn on accordion, Damien Stenson on flute, Seán McElwain on guitar and Tristan Rosenstock on bodhrán. “Téada…determinedly keep the traditional flag flying at full mast…they imbue their music with a decidedly Old World feeling…unhurried and satisfied…
Hailed by The New York Times as “an auteur” and by JazzTimes as “a daring improviser who delivers with heart-wrenching lyricism,” Etienne Charles is also the Assistant Professor of Jazz Trumpet at Michigan State University. He has received critical acclaim for his exciting performances, thrilling compositions and knack for connecting with audiences worldwide. In June…
Hailed by The New York Times as “an auteur” and by JazzTimes as “a daring improviser who delivers with heart-wrenching lyricism,” Etienne Charles is also the Assistant Professor of Jazz Trumpet at Michigan State University. He has received critical acclaim for his exciting performances, thrilling compositions and knack for connecting with audiences worldwide. In June…
One of the most influential accordionists and vocalists in modern zydeco music, Jeffery Broussard continues to be one of the genre’s most dynamic performers. Broussard began his career with traditional zydeco music playing drums in his father’s band, Delton Broussard & The Lawtell Playboys. After developing the nouveau zydeco sound as a member of the…
One of the most influential accordionists and vocalists in modern zydeco music, Jeffery Broussard continues to be one of the genre’s most dynamic performers. Broussard began his career with traditional zydeco music playing drums in his father’s band, Delton Broussard & The Lawtell Playboys. After developing the nouveau zydeco sound as a member of the…
Clarke Dumka Mozart Clarinet Quintet in A Major, K. 581 Brahms Piano Quartet No. 1 in G minor Adam Barnett-Hart, violin; Benny Kim, violin; Jack Liebeck, violin; Brendan Speltz, violin; Philip Dukes, viola; Robin Ashwell, viola; Keith Robinson, cello; Eric Kim, cello; Michael Collins, clarinet; Anna Tilbrook, piano; Sebastian Knauer, piano Rebecca Clarke was an…
Tedeschi Trucks Band is a Grammy Award-winning 12-piece powerhouse ensemble led by the husband/wife duo of guitarist Derek Trucks and singer/guitarist Susan Tedeschi, “two of the best roots rock musicians of their generation” (NPR). With their own potent original songwriting alongside an extensive canon of influences, the dynamic all-star band owns a reputation for world-class…
In this lunchtime performance, Bruce Molsky (see page 22) performs work from his most recent album for solo guitar, his original instrument. Known and respected internationally for decades as a master fiddler, preserver of American music traditions and multi-style collaborator, Bruce Molsky’s first musical love was finger-style guitar. With this project, Molsky dives into intimate…
Learn a step before the show! Dance instructor Jannelle Cortes is offering FREE lessons at 5:15 & 6:45 PM before each performance. Put your new moves to work at 6 & 8:30 PM! All ticket buyers for respective performances are welcome. Eddie Palmieri is an acclaimed pianist, bandleader, arranger and composer of salsa and Latin…
Learn a step before the show! Dance instructor Jannelle Cortes is offering FREE lessons at 5:15 & 6:45 PM before each performance. Put your new moves to work at 6 & 8:30 PM! All ticket buyers for respective performances are welcome. Eddie Palmieri is an acclaimed pianist, bandleader, arranger and composer of salsa and Latin…
A powerhouse trio encompassing old-time and bluegrass, Bruce Molsky, Tony Trischka and Michael Daves are exceptional exponents of American roots music. Tony Trischka is one of the most influential banjo players in the world, referred to as “the great banjo liberationist” by NPR and the “father of banjo fusion” by The Wall Street Journal. Georgia-born…
In this lunchtime performance, Bruce Molsky performs work from his most recent album for solo guitar, his original instrument. Known and respected internationally for decades as a master fiddler, preserver of American music traditions and multi-style collaborator, Bruce Molsky’s first musical love was finger-style guitar. With this project, Molsky dives into intimate and unique arrangements…
Clara Schumann Three Romances for Violin and Piano, Opus 22 Clarke Midsummer Moon for Violin and Piano Ysaÿe Violin Sonata No. 3 in D minor, Opus 27, “Ballade” Mendelssohn Variations sérieuses, Opus 54 Brahms Violin Sonata No. 1 in G Major, Opus 78 “[Jack Liebeck’s] playing is virtually flawless in its technical ease, scintillating articulateness…
Vivian Leva & Riley Calcagno write and perform old-soul roots music with stunning breadth and originality. Though both just out of college, their talents extend far beyond their years. Both Leva and Calcagno grew up in the Appalachian stringband tradition, have noted parents in the old-time scene, and spent formative years running wild around festival…
Vivian Leva & Riley Calcagno write and perform old-soul roots music with stunning breadth and originality. Though both just out of college, their talents extend far beyond their years. Both Leva and Calcagno grew up in the Appalachian string band tradition, have noted parents in the old-time scene and spent formative years running wild around…
The Grammy Award-winning Cajun band the Lost Bayou Ramblers continues to excite, challenge and redefine both genre expectations and cultural preconceptions. Founded in 1999 by brothers Andre and Louis Michot, the last five years have brought them a feature on Jack White’s American Epic, score contributions to the Oscar-nominated film Beasts of the Southern Wild…
Alexa Tarantino is an award-winning young jazz saxophonist, woodwind doubler, composer and educator. She was recently named one of the Top Five Alto Saxophonists in the JazzTimes Critics’ Poll and nominated as a “Rising Star – Alto Saxophone” in the Downbeat Critics’ Poll. Tarantino has played prestigious venues such as Jazz in Marciac Festival, Umbria…
Alexa Tarantino is an award-winning young jazz saxophonist, woodwind doubler, composer and educator. She was recently named one of the Top Five Alto Saxophonists in the JazzTimes Critics’ Poll and nominated as a “Rising Star – Alto Saxophone” in the Downbeat Critics’ Poll. Tarantino has played prestigious venues such as Jazz in Marciac Festival, Umbria…
Stanton Moore is a Grammy Award-winning drummer, educator and performer born and raised in New Orleans. He is especially connected to his hometown city, its culture and collaborative spirit. In the early ‘90s, Moore helped found the New Orleans-based essential funk band Galactic (see page 32), who continue to amass a worldwide audience via recording…
Stanton Moore is a Grammy Award-winning drummer, educator and performer born and raised in New Orleans. He is especially connected to his hometown city, its culture and collaborative spirit. In the early ‘90s, Moore helped found the New Orleans-based essential funk band Galactic (see page 32), who continue to amass a worldwide audience via recording…
Mahler Piano Quartet Brahms Quintet in B minor, Opus 115 for Clarinet (or Viola) and String Quartet Dohnányi Sextet in C Major Adam Barnett-Hart, violin; Benny Kim, violin; Brendan Speltz, violin; Robin Ashwell, viola; Philip Dukes, viola; Eric Kim, cello; Keith Robinson, cello; Michael Collins, clarinet; French horn TBA; Sebastian Knauer, piano; Anna Tilbrook, piano …
The 2023 season kicks off with a solo piano performance by renowned jazz pianist Christian Sands, whose abundant piano technique accomplishes a much deeper musical goal: a fresh look at the entire language of jazz. The power and prowess of his playing has taken him to the Kennedy Center, Newport Jazz Festival, Monterey Jazz Festival…
Christian Sands’ High Wire Trio celebrates and elaborates upon the musical legacy of Erroll Garner, the Pittsburgh-born jazz pianist, composer, concert hall artist and recording star. In addition to several other creative and educational roles, five-time Grammy-nominee Christian Sands also serves as the Creative Ambassador for the Erroll Garner Jazz Project. He is a natural…
Christian Sands’ High Wire Trio celebrates and elaborates upon the musical legacy of Erroll Garner, the Pittsburgh-born jazz pianist, composer, concert hall artist and recording star. In addition to several other creative and educational roles, five-time Grammy-nominee Christian Sands also serves as the Creative Ambassador for the Erroll Garner Jazz Project. He is a natural…
A songwriter and guitarist from Hickman, Kentucky, S.G. Goodman’s hard-hitting songs are anchored in the complexity and beauty of the rural South. Having recently recorded her second album in Athens, Georgia (following a critically acclaimed debut produced by Jim James of My Morning Jacket), Goodman’s music ranges stylistically from southern indie rock and Appalachian balladry,…
Sona Jobarteh’s music stands on the mighty shoulders of the West African griot tradition; she is a living archive of the Gambian people. With one ear on the family’s historic reputation, one on the all-important future legacy and her heart in both places, she is preparing a place today for the next generation. Her singing…
Sona Jobarteh’s music stands on the mighty shoulders of the West African griot tradition; she is a living archive of the Gambian people. With one ear on the family’s historic reputation, one on the all-important future legacy and her heart in both places, she is preparing a place today for the next generation. Her singing…
Beethoven Sonata No. 14, Opus 27, No. 2, “Moonlight” Beethoven Sonata No. 17, Opus 31, No. 2, “Tempest” Weinberg Sonata No. 4, Opus 56 Rachmaninov Sonata No. 2, Opus 36 (Revised by the composer in 1931) Alexander Malofeev came to global prominence when he won the International Tchaikovsky Competition for Young Musicians in 2014 at…
Schubert Piano Quintet in A Major, Opus 114, D. 667, “Trout” Octet in F Major, D. 72 Adam Barnett-Hart, violin; Benny Kim, violin; Brendan Speltz, violin; Robin Ashwell, viola; Philip Dukes, viola; Eric Kim, cello; Keith Robinson, cello; Joseph Conyers, bass; Sebastian Knauer, piano; Michael Collins, clarinet; French horn and bassoon TBA The first performance…
Strauss Nottorno, Opus 44, No. 1 Mendelssohn Songs Without Words (a selection for solo piano) Saint-Saëns Bassoon Sonata in G Major, Opus 168 Brahms Clarinet Trio in A minor, Opus 114 Anna Tilbrook, piano, Keith Robinson, cello; Michael Collins, clarinet; French horn and bassoon TBA; This program features the brilliant woodwind and brass guest artists…
Acclaimed alto saxophone player, composer and bandleader Charles McPherson returns to SMF after 10 years, with a quintet featuring Sean Jones on trumpet, Jeb Patton on piano, David Wong on bass and Bill Drummond on drums. McPherson left Detroit for New York in 1959 at 19 years of age, joining Charles Mingus’ band the following…
Acclaimed alto saxophone player, composer and bandleader Charles McPherson returns to SMF after 10 years, with a quintet featuring Sean Jones on trumpet, Jeb Patton on piano, David Wong on bass and Bill Drummond on drums. McPherson left Detroit for New York in 1959 at 19 years of age, joining Charles Mingus’ band the following…
Described by one critic as “a phenomenal harp player who can make her instrument ring with unparalleled purity,” Maeve Gilchrist has taken the Celtic (lever) harp to new levels of performance and visibility. Born and raised in Edinburgh and currently based in New York, her innovative approach to her instrument stretches its harmonic limits and…
This is a mid-day encore performance by alto saxophone player, composer and bandleader Charles McPherson with a quintet featuring Sean Jones on trumpet, Jeb Patton on piano, David Wong on bass and Bill Drummond on drums. See page 19 for more information on Charles McPherson Quintet feat. Sean Jones. Pianos by Steinway & Sons |…
Purcell Chaconne in G minor, Z. 730 Mozart Piano Concerto No. 12 in A Major, K. 414 Beethoven Septet in E-flat Major, Opus 20 for Violin, Viola, Horn, Clarinet, Bassoon, Cello and Bass Adam Barnett-Hart, violin; Jack Liebeck, violin; Brendan Speltz, violin; Robin Ashwell, viola; Eric Kim, cello; Keith Robinson, cello; Joseph Conyers, bass; Anna…
Experience Buddy Guy on his final tour at two special outdoor concerts on opening weekend of the 2023 Savannah Music Festival! Bring a lawn chair or blanket, grab some food from the food trucks and enjoy two days of spectacular blues anchored by electric blues pioneer and living legend, Buddy Guy. Saturday, March 25 performances…
Experience Buddy Guy on his final tour at two special outdoor concerts on opening weekend of the 2023 Savannah Music Festival! Bring a lawn chair or blanket, grab some food from the food trucks and enjoy two days of spectacular blues anchored by electric blues pioneer and living legend, Buddy Guy. Sunday, March 26 performances…
