A Jason Isbell record always lands like a decoder ring in the ears and hearts of his audience, a soundtrack to his world and magically to theirs, too. Weathervanes carries the same revelatory power. This is a storyteller at the peak of his craft, observing his fellow wanderers, looking inside and trying to understand, reducing […]
PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PLANT RIVERSIDE DISTRICT Eddie 9V has always been drawn to the raw, soulful sound of Capricorn Studios in Macon, Georgia. Inspired by its legendary history, the Atlanta-born guitarist left school at 15 to cut his teeth on the Southern circuit, earning acclaim for Left My Soul in Memphis (2019) and Little […]
Join SMF’s 2025 Artist in Residence Kaia Kater and eight local songwriters in this very special showcase! Eight local songwriters have been honing their songcraft all year long with SMF’s Artist in Residence Kaia Kater, and are premiering original works in Savannah on September 25 at Front Porch Improv. Don’t miss a spectacular performance! (Doors […]
PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PLANT RIVERSIDE DISTRICT At a time when most people feel constantly distracted by technology and barraged by the news, authenticity and straightforward honesty are paramount. There’s something about the music of The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys that cuts right through the noise of the world and speaks plainly to the soul. Formed […]
Join us for this special off-season chamber music concert! Several years in the making, SMF is proud to present Raphael Bell with this esteemed trio in our first concert at the exquisitely restored Regina Coeli Hall. Violinist Stefan Jackiw, celebrated for his breathtaking lyricism and rare emotional clarity, has become a favorite of audiences and […]
Join the Savannah Music Festival on January 31st, 2026 at 5:00 PM for a night of music, fun, and philanthropy at Winter Bash: Havana Nights The event will feature a reception, dinner, live auction, professional dancers, and a performance by the SMF Jazz Academy.This unforgettable night will conclude with a performance from the acclaimed Cuban […]
Against the backdrop of the Savannah River, student musicians from across Savannah will perform in the first-ever student showcase. Schedule of performers:12 PM Charles Ellis Jazz Band 12:30 PM Jacob G. Smith Vibrant Voices 1 PM Savannah Christian Preparatory School Lower School Chorus 1:30 PM Heard Elementary Concert Band 2 – 4 PM (Break) 4 […]
As part of a new partnership with the Hilton Head International Piano Competition, SMF is honored to present 2025 HHIPC First Prize winner, Jonathan Mamora. Acclaimed for his “most assured pianism” and “natural, songful lyricism” by The Dallas Morning News, pianist and educator Jonathan Mamora has performed with such orchestras as the Royal Scottish National […]
Stefon Harris & Blackout, led by the visionary vibraphonist Stefon Harris, is a pioneering force in contemporary jazz. Harris has been named DownBeat Critics Poll Vibraphonist of the Year multiple times and has been heralded as “one of the most important young artists in jazz” by the Los Angeles Times. Characterized by a stellar lineup […]
Larkin Poe, the dynamic sister duo known for their electrifying blend of Southern rock, blues, and Americana makes their SMF debut with this band (although they played a bluegrass show as The Lovell Sisters at SMF 2009). Already hailed for the sincerity of their songcraft, the Lovell sisters now place an even greater spotlight on […]
St. Louis–born vocalist, composer, and educator Alicia Olatuja is celebrated for her rich fusion of jazz, gospel, classical, R&B, and Afropop. Classically trained as a mezzo-soprano, Olatuja earned degrees from the University of Missouri and Manhattan School of Music, debuting at Carnegie Hall and Opera Memphis. She gained national attention singing at President Obama’s 2013 […]
Mike Marshall is one of the world’s most accomplished and versatile string instrumentalists and a three-time Grammy nominee. A master of mandolin, guitar, mandocello, and violin, he blends American roots with classical, jazz, pop, and Brazilian music. At 19, he joined the David Grisman Quintet and has since produced over 40 recordings while collaborating with […]
Since their 2014 SMF debut, The Lone Bellow has appeared on The Tonight Show, Austin City Limits, and The Late Show, topped Americana charts, and headlined storied venues from Carnegie Hall to the Ryman Auditorium. Having recently recorded a new album live in Muscle Shoals after a writing retreat in a converted Kentucky firehouse, The […]
“To be moving is better than to be standing still,” Richard Thompson says, and Richard Thompson should know. The influential singer-songwriter and virtuosic guitarist has been on a singular musical journey for over half a century, from his days in the ‘60s as a pioneer of British folk rock with Fairport Convention, to his seminal […]
Tank and the Bangas explore the most tender and true parts of life’s journey. Unique and with a vibrance that could only come out of New Orleans, lead vocalist Tank has stretched her vocals over quirky raps, poetry, and rich melodies since the release of their debut album Think Tank in 2013. Four years later, […]
Over the course of 7 years, Atlanta filmmakers/ Sacred Harp singers, Matt & Erica Hinton, created Awake, My Soul: The Story of the Sacred Harp, the first feature documentary to explore the history, music, and traditions of Sacred Harp singing, the oldest distinctively American music. This haunting music has survived over 200 years tucked away from […]
Caleb Klauder and Reeb Willms are a dynamic duo in the world of modern honky-tonk and roots music. Known for their soulful harmonies and original songs, they’ve become key figures in the Pacific Northwest’s country scene. Both hail from Washington State–Caleb from the coastal islands, and Reeb from the high desert. In addition to touring […]
2-Day Wristbands: $250 3-Day Wristbands: $350 includes access to an additional hospitality zone 6-Day Wristbands: $850 includes all above perks + SMF swag bag and drink tickets at participating venues
CANCELLED: This concert has unfortunately been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. Ticket holders can contact the SCAD Box Office at 912.525.5050, and are encouraged to exchange their ticket(s) for any other General Admission concert at SMF2026. Dobet Gnahoré is a virtuosic singer, dancer, percussionist, and songwriter who has taken the modern Afropop sounds of her […]
Caleb Klauder and Reeb Willms are a dynamic duo in the world of modern honky-tonk and roots music. Known for their soulful harmonies and original songs, they’ve become key figures in the Pacific Northwest’s country scene. Both hail from Washington State–Caleb from the coastal islands, and Reeb from the high desert. In addition to touring […]
Pat Metheny is a groundbreaking jazz guitarist and composer. He started playing trumpet when he was eight, then switched to guitar at 12, and quickly gained recognition in Kansas City by the time he was 15. His 1975 debut album, Bright Size Life, redefined jazz guitar for a new generation. Metheny’s career spans collaborations with […]
CANCELLED: This concert has unfortunately been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. Ticket holders can contact the SCAD Box Office at 912.525.5050, and are encouraged to exchange their ticket(s) for any other General Admission concert at SMF2026. Dobet Gnahoré is a virtuosic singer, dancer, percussionist, and songwriter who has taken the modern Afropop sounds of her […]
The Infamous Stringdusters are a three-time Grammy-winning band marking their 20th anniversary and honoring their two-decade journey of innovation, collaboration, and boundless creativity. Formed in Nashville in the early 2000s, the quintet of Chris Pandolfi, Travis Book, Jeremy Garrett, Andy Hall, and Andy Falco continues to push bluegrass into new sonic territories, fusing traditional roots […]
For Caleb Klauder & Reeb Willms, country music is soul music. Blending classic country, bluegrass, old-time, and Cajun influences, the duo offers a refreshing departure from the often sorrowful themes found in traditional music. As a vocally-led band, Caleb & Reeb focus on the art of harmony, captivating listeners with the joy of telling universal […]
Dirk and Amelia Powell are a father-daughter duo with deep Cajun roots in the bayous of Louisiana and Appalachian heritage from the mountains of Kentucky. Amelia is known for her hard-driving guitar and soulful vocals, while Dirk’s banjo, fiddle, and guitar playing has earned him a reputation as a “musician’s musician.” Dirk has been a […]
CANCELLED: This concert has unfortunately been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. Ticket holders can contact the SCAD Box Office at 912.231.5811, and are encouraged to exchange their ticket(s) for any other General Admission concert at SMF2026. Amjad Ali Khan is an award-winning sixth-generation sarod virtuoso from the Bangash lineage credited with the creation and development […]
The Grammy-nominated, pioneering, and progressive jamgrass ensemble Yonder Mountain String Band has redefined bluegrass music by pushing the envelope into realms of rock and roll and soulful improvisation for over 25 years. Yonder Mountain String Band is one of the most innovative groups on the live music scene and is comprised of founding members Adam […]
Plena Libre combines the traditional Plena and Bomba rhythms with other Afro-Caribbean styles and jazz to create a contagious dance music that honors the group’s deep sense of their unique indigenous musical traditions, while embracing modern sounds. The trailblazing Plena Libre has been thrilling international audiences for nearly three decades. Masters of the traditional Puerto […]
Tord Gustavsen began playing piano at four and composing before reading music. Trained in classical, gospel, and jazz traditions, he studied psychology, religion, and musicology at the University of Oslo before completing jazz studies in Trondheim. His debut trio album Changing Places launched an acclaimed international career, followed by several trilogies exploring lyrical, meditative jazz. […]
Benjamin Manis, conductor | Philip Dukes, viola Savannah Philharmonic Chorus | Paul Thornock, chorus master PROGRAM: CARLOS SIMON Wake Up! Concerto for OrchestraVAUGHAN WILLIAMS Flos CampiELGAR Enigma Variations, Op. 36
The Grammy-nominated, pioneering, and progressive jamgrass ensemble Yonder Mountain String Band has redefined bluegrass music by pushing the envelope into realms of rock and roll and soulful improvisation for over 25 years. Yonder Mountain String Band is one of the most innovative groups on the live music scene and is comprised of founding members Adam […]
Plena Libre combines the traditional Plena and Bomba rhythms with other Afro-Caribbean styles and jazz to create a contagious dance music that honors the group’s deep sense of their unique indigenous musical traditions, while embracing modern sounds. The trailblazing Plena Libre has been thrilling international audiences for nearly three decades. Masters of the traditional Puerto […]
Hailing from Greensboro, North Carolina, Sam Fribush is on the frontlines of the Hammond organ revival. Featuring Fribush on Hammond organ, Will Darity on guitar, and Chuck Pinckney on drums, the Sam Fribush Organ Trio recently released its latest LP People Please, featuring grooves like “Ok Boomer,” “Fat Nap,” and the title track “People Please.” […]
Felix Mendelssohn Octet for Strings in E-Flat Major, Opus 20 Johnny Mercer Selections (arr. Simon Mulligan) A fascinating fusion concert featuring the music of the boy genius Felix Mendelssohn and one of Savannah’s most celebrated sons, Johnny Mercer. The first half features Mendelssohn’s evergreen and dynamic String Octet, written when he was just 16 years […]
Three-time Grammy-winning guitarist John Scofield stands as one of modern jazz’s most innovative and versatile artists. Over his 54-year career, he has developed a distinctive sound that blends bebop, blues, funk, rock, and electronic jazz. Having recorded nearly 50 albums as a leader and collaborated with legends like Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, and Pat Metheny, […]
There are a lot of musical influences and sources that Daniel Donato has drawn on during his career and that inform Reflector, the Nashville guitarist-singer-songwriter-bandleader’s first all-original album. But within those Donato has carved out a unique and individualized spot for himself, one that speaks to the deep American music heritage that inspires him — […]
Reverie Road is a genre-defying Celtic powerhouse ensemble, uniting founding Solas members Winifred Horan (fiddle) and John Williams (accordion) with former Gaelic Storm fiddler Katie Grennan and Steinway Artist jazz and Raga pianist Utsav Lal. Together, these four exceptional musicians are celebrated as some of today’s most accomplished traditional and virtuosic folk music artists. Reverie […]
Giuseppe Verdi Quartet String Quartet in E minor Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart String Quartet No. 16 in E-Flat Major, K. 428 Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart String Quintet No. 5 in D Major, K. 593 In this concert, we welcome back to SMF the renowned Escher String Quartet who have delighted audiences on many recent occasions since their […]
Reverie Road is a genre-defying Celtic powerhouse ensemble, uniting founding Solas members Winifred Horan (fiddle) and John Williams (accordion) with former Gaelic Storm fiddler Katie Grennan and Steinway Artist jazz and Raga pianist Utsav Lal. Together, these four exceptional musicians are celebrated as some of today’s most accomplished traditional and virtuosic folk music artists. Reverie […]
Johann Sebastian Bach Piano Concerto in D Major, BWV 1054 Johann Christian Bach Piano Concerto in E-Flat Major, Opus 7, No. 5 Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach Piano Concerto in G Major, Wq. 475 Johann Sebastian Bach Piano Concerto in G minor, BWV 1058 Pianist Sebastian Knauer and a string quintet take a musical journey from […]
Santa Rosa-born guitarist Julian Lage has emerged as a stunningly accomplished creative force in modern music. He was the subject of the Oscar-nominated documentary film Jules at Eight, a Grammy Award performer at 13, and achieved faculty status at the Stanford Jazz Workshop at 15. Lage joined the vibraphone innovator Gary Burton’s star-making quartet in […]
Sierra Hull is a seven-time IBMA Mandolin Player of the Year, two-time Grammy nominee, and one of the most dynamic voices in bluegrass and Americana. Hull has shared stages with legends like Alison Krauss, Eric Clapton, Sturgill Simpson, Slash, and Robert Randolph, blending technical mastery with heartfelt storytelling. In 2025, Hull became the first female […]
Santa Rosa-born guitarist Julian Lage has emerged as a stunningly accomplished creative force in modern music. He was the subject of the Oscar-nominated documentary film Jules at Eight, a Grammy Award performer at 13, and achieved faculty status at the Stanford Jazz Workshop at 15. Lage joined the vibraphone innovator Gary Burton’s star-making quartet in […]
Johannes Brahms Piano Quartet No. 3 in C minor, Opus 60 César Franck Piano Quintet in F minor In the first of two classic chamber music recitals to close the 2026 Philip Dukes & Friends series, we hear two works from the great Romantic masters Johannes Brahms and the Belgian born composer Cesar Franck. The […]
SMF teams up with the American Traditions Vocal Collection (ATC), Savannah’s premier singing competition, for a co-production featuring four of Broadway’s brightest stars. Join these former ATC medal winners, all of whom are notable performers on Broadway and of Broadway songs, for an evening of popular musical theatre selections. Anchored by religious themes in honor […]
The Darrell Scott String Band is a bluegrass/folk band featuring Darrell Scott on dobro, piano, and guitar, Bryn Davies on upright bass, Matt Flinner on mandolin and banjo, and Shad Cobb on fiddle. The band’s music explores Scott’s Kentucky roots and features string-based instrumentation, with a sound that’s rooted in bluegrass and folk. Scott has […]
Christone “Kingfish” Ingram is a Grammy Award–winning guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter from Clarksdale, Mississippi, hailed as the defining blues voice of his generation. Since his explosive 2019 debut, he has toured the world, opened for The Rolling Stones, and performed with icons and SMF alumni like Buddy Guy and Jason Isbell. Winner of 12 Blues […]
The Darrell Scott String Band is a bluegrass/folk band featuring Darrell Scott on dobro, piano, and guitar, Bryn Davies on upright bass, Matt Flinner on mandolin and banjo, and Shad Cobb on fiddle. The band’s music explores Scott’s Kentucky roots and features string-based instrumentation, with a sound that’s rooted in bluegrass and folk. Scott has […]
Le Vent du Nord is an award-winning, internationally acclaimed band at the forefront of Québec’s vibrant Francophone folk scene. Blending traditional roots with original compositions, their powerful, rhythm-driven sound draws from Celtic influences and diverse global traditions. Since their debut in 2002, they’ve performed over 2,200 concerts across four continents, released 12 albums, and earned […]
American pianist Maxim Lando was lauded by The New York Times for his “brilliance and infectious exuberance.” He first made international headlines performing together with Lang Lang, Chick Corea, and The Philadelphia Orchestra led by Yannick Nézet-Séguin at Carnegie Hall’s 2017 Opening Night Gala. Since then, he has performed with major orchestras around the world, […]
Co-led by Maâlem Hassan Ben Jaafer and Daniel Freedman, the critically-acclaimed ensemble Saha Gnawa unites the founders of Innov Gnawa with leading figures from New York City’s jazz and contemporary music scenes to reimagine modern Gnawa music. Often referred to as “Sufi Blues,” Gnawa is rooted in Morocco’s ancient history. Over centuries, infectious rhythms and […]
With Founding Member Willie Watson O.C.M.S. Big Iron World Tour: Back to the Roots Old Crow Medicine Show will return to rooms where it all began this spring with the O.C.M.S. Big Iron World Tour: Back to the Roots—a series of intimate shows celebrating the band’s earliest recordings and some of the places where those songs […]
Le Vent du Nord is an award-winning, internationally acclaimed band at the forefront of Québec’s vibrant Francophone folk scene. Blending traditional roots with original compositions, their powerful, rhythm-driven sound draws from Celtic influences and diverse global traditions. Since their debut in 2002, they’ve performed over 2,200 concerts across four continents, released 12 albums, and earned […]
Lee Fields, sometimes nicknamed “Little JB” for his physical and vocal resemblance to James Brown, has recorded with acts like Kool and the Gang, Darrell Banks, and Little Royal, and worked with musicians such as B. B. King, Clarence Carter, Dr. John, Denise LaSalle, and Bobby Womack, among many others. Originally from Wilson, North Carolina, […]
The Jay Rudd Band brings together deep southern roots, seasoned musicianship, and a fresh wave of original songwriting. After 15 years performing throughout the Southeast in bluegrass and country bands, Jay Rudd steps into the spotlight with a project that blends heartfelt originals with the timeless sounds of classic country and bluegrass. Fronted by Jay […]
Le Vent du Nord is an award-winning, internationally acclaimed band at the forefront of Québec’s vibrant Francophone folk scene. Blending traditional roots with original compositions, their powerful, rhythm-driven sound draws from Celtic influences and diverse global traditions. Since their debut in 2002, they’ve performed over 2,200 concerts across four continents, released 12 albums, and earned […]
Closing Weekend Pre-Party for Dwayne Dopsie & the Zydeco Hellraisers / Sally Baby’s Silver Dollars For more than half a century, Scott Alexander has been playing and singing blues and roots rock ’n’ roll, seasoned with New Orleans R&B. Over the years, he has shared the stage with artists such as Taj Mahal, Clarence “Gatemouth” […]
#SMF2026 CLOSING PARTY! Dwayne “Dopsie” Rubin is a Louisiana native from one of the most influential zydeco families, and has carved his own energetic and soulful path in modern zydeco music. Teaching himself accordion by studying videos of his father and Clifton Chenier, Dwayne developed a fiery style that blends tradition with innovation. At 19, […]
Robert Schumann Piano Quartet in E-Flat Major, Opus 47 Antonín Dvořák Piano Quintet No. 2 in A Major, Opus 81 In the series finale, we hear music from more Romantic Era geniuses, namely Schumann and Dvorak. The concert begins with Schumann’s popular Piano Quartet in E-Flat (another ravishing slow movement to savor), before closing with […]
Since 1974, The Robert Cray Band has been touring and recording their unique groove, born from a love of Soul, R&B, Gospel, Blues, and Rock n Roll. The five-time Grammy winner has been inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame and earned the Americana Music Awards Lifetime Achievement for Performance. They have shared the stage […]
Dan Tyminski was six years old when his parents began taking him to fiddle contests, square dances, and bluegrass festivals across New England. For a young musician who would later become one of the biggest names in modern-day bluegrass, those early experiences were life-changing. His voice famously accompanies George Clooney’s performance of the Stanley Brothers’ […]
Acclaimed Grammy-nominated indie band Lucius has been turning heads since the start thanks to their irrepressibly catchy songs, explosive harmonies, and bold aesthetic. In 2025, the band released their fourth studio album, Lucius, which Rolling Stone called “the best album of their career.” Lucius’ most personal and purposeful album to date, which includes the song “Gold Rush” that landed on NPR’s best songs […]
#SMF2026 CLOSING PARTY! Dwayne “Dopsie” Rubin is a Louisiana native from one of the most influential zydeco families, and has carved his own energetic and soulful path in modern zydeco music. Teaching himself accordion by studying videos of his father and Clifton Chenier, Dwayne developed a fiery style that blends tradition with innovation. At 19, […]
This special centennial program keeps one foot rooted in the rich legacy of Miles Davis while the other leaps boldly into the future. Under the direction of award-winning pianist and composer John Beasley, this all-star sextet delves into the visionary spirit and boundless creativity of Davis, exploring the vast directions his music continues to inspire. […]
