Esteemed Grammy-nominated vocalist Catherine Russell and celebrated pianist Sean Mason join forces for this opening Savannah Music Festival concert at District Live. Catherine Russell and Sean Mason share a profound connection that transcends their impressive individual talents. Both masters of jazz, their repertoires span the vast landscape of African-American and American popular music, from the […]
Son cubano is one of the most popular musical styles in Cuba, and Kiki Valera is one of its foremost exponents. Over the last century, this style of traditional Cuban music has contributed to many other genres of music, including jazz, cha cha cha, mambo, salsa, songo and timba. Kiki Valera is the oldest son […]
Esteemed Grammy-nominated vocalist Catherine Russell and celebrated pianist Sean Mason join forces for this opening Savannah Music Festival concert at District Live. Catherine Russell and Sean Mason share a profound connection that transcends their impressive individual talents. Both masters of jazz, their repertoires span the vast landscape of African-American and American popular music, from the […]
Son cubano is one of the most popular musical styles in Cuba, and Kiki Valera is one of its foremost exponents. Over the last century, this style of traditional Cuban music has contributed to many other genres of music, including jazz, cha cha cha, mambo, salsa, songo and timba. Kiki Valera is the oldest son […]
Five-time Grammy Award winner Angélique Kidjo is one of the greatest artists in international music today—a creative force with sixteen albums to her name. Time Magazine has called her “Africa’s premier diva” and named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world for 2021. The BBC has included her in its list […]
East Nash Grass, a standout band from Nashville’s vibrant music scene, built its reputation on nightly performances around Music City’s East side. What began as a casual weekly bluegrass night at Dee’s Country Cocktail Lounge gradually evolved into a dedicated group, eventually becoming one of bluegrass’s top young bands. In 2024, they won the IBMA […]
An unforgettable concert experience, unlike any we’ve presented at the Savannah Music Festival! A fabulous and extended evening featuring some of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s most popular compositions and readings from his letters. Step back in time and look forward to Savannah Music Festival chamber musicians as you have never seen them before—in 18th-century costume! Wolfgang […]
featuring Bill Frisell, Carmen Staaf, Tony Scherr and Kenny Wollesen Jenny Scheinman, acclaimed violinist and composer, for many years a stalwart of the New York jazz and creative music scenes, returned to her native Humboldt County, California in 2012. She has played Savannah Music Festival with her projects Mischief & Mayhem and Kannapolis: A Moving […]
For more than 40 years, four-time Grammy-winning Blues Hall of Famer Taj Mahal and his band have taken blues on a joyous ride through reggae, funk, jazz, Cajun, and more, leaving a trail of swinging hips and raised palms in their wake. The Quintet is made up of internationally renowned bassist Bill Rich and steel […]
British pianist Simon Mulligan is a prolific and versatile musician, having performed with Yehudi Menuhin, Lynn Harrell, and Joshua Bell, among many others. He also works in contemporary music, film and jazz, holds the Fellowship of the Royal Academy of Music, and is an Artist-in-Residence at the University of Maryland. In this Savannah Music Festival […]
Upon arriving in the United States in 1994, Colombian-born Edmar Castañeda made a name for himself as the preeminent jazz harp virtuoso. Castañeda brings forth a brilliance that beautifully merges the jazz tradition with a diverse set of styles and genres while bringing attention to the harp. Single-handedly, Castañeda has cemented the harp’s place in […]
Enjoy an encore duo lunchtime performance by Edmar Castañeda and his wife, vocalist Andrea Tierra. Colombian-born Edmar Castañeda has made a name for himself as the preeminent jazz harp virtuoso ever since arriving in the United States in 1994. Castañeda brings forth a brilliance that beautifully merges the jazz tradition with a diverse set of […]
Join Step Afrika! and members of The Front Porch’s Step Team for an interactive workshop exploring the African American art of stepping. Audience members will be invited to watch, listen, and step along. Funding for community impact programming is provided by the Wall Lynch Family
This new trio features a unique collaboration between three of the best-known names in traditional Irish music: Cillian Vallely on uilleann pipes, David Doocey on fiddle, and Alan Murray on guitar and vocals. They released their debut album to great critical acclaim, including a four-star review from the Irish Times. Armagh native Cillian Vallely has […]
“Gems” of repertoire and “gems” of artists come together to deliver a glittering program of variety and some more light-hearted presentations—with one or two hidden talents on display! Philip Dukes and his chamber musician friends welcome a new artist to the chamber group: Grace Park on violin. It will be an evening to remember! Franz […]
This new trio features a unique collaboration between three of the best-known names in traditional Irish music: Cillian Vallely on uilleann pipes, David Doocey on fiddle, and Alan Murray on guitar and vocals. They released their debut album to great critical acclaim, including a four-star review from the Irish Times. Armagh native Cillian Vallely has […]
With a combined 18 IBMA Fiddle Player of the Year awards, these two phenoms have joined forces for a new duo project that is already taking the industry by storm. Their first single “Give It Away” reached #1 on Bluegrass Today’s charts, and weeks after its release, the duo received two standing ovations at the […]
Founded in 1994 by C. Brian Williams, Step Afrika! is the world’s leading authority on the art form of stepping. Under Mr. Williams’ leadership, stepping has evolved into one of America’s cultural exports. The company’s self-titled work Step Afrika! introduces audiences to stepping through both a traditional and contemporary lens. Step Afrika! combines percussive dance […]
Darol Anger and Bruce Molsky have been musical explorers together for years, sharing a creative universe that’s resulted in some epic collaborations, including the Grammy-nominated Fiddlers Four (with Michael Doucet and Rushad Eggleston), crashing each other’s concerts and recordings, and just finding big joy in playing together. Freestyle fiddler, composer, producer and educator Darol Anger […]
Join us for a special Meet & Greet with Matt Hebermehl, the artist behind the official 2025 Savannah Music Festival poster. Stop by the Festival Pop-Up Shop at 402 East Broughton Street to meet Matt, learn about his creative process, and get your official festival poster signed. While you’re there, browse a selection of festival […]
Celebrating Sherrill Milnes on the 60th anniversary of his Metropolitan Opera Debut Join American baritone Sherrill Milnes, who shares stories about the debut that launched him into international stardom and his life as the most recorded American opera singer of his time. Through exciting live performances from Milnes’ colleagues and mentees, along with special video […]
For over four decades, The Wooten Brothers—Victor on bass and vocals, Joseph on keyboards and vocals, Roy on percussion and vocals and Regi on guitar and vocals—have been redefining jazz, funk, soul, R&B, rock, and bluegrass. Growing up as military kids, they shared stages with artists like Curtis Mayfield, The Temptations, and Ramsey Lewis. In […]
Väsen + Hawktail is the culmination of decades of influence and musical relation. Brittany Haas, Jordan Tice and Paul Kowert met while in college on the East Coast, jamming on Väsen tunes and attending their concerts. These experiences proved highly formative to their musical identities. There’s a strong tie between their respective fiddle traditions and […]
Marcus King faces heartache, addiction, and mental health head-on in his music. The Grammy-nominated fourth-generation musician from Greenville, SC, started playing guitar at eight years old following in the footsteps of his guitarist father and grandpa. Logging thousands of miles on the road as “The Marcus King Band,” he established himself with unparalleled performance prowess. […]
Väsen + Hawktail is the culmination of decades of influence and musical relation. Brittany Haas, Jordan Tice and Paul Kowert met while in college on the East Coast, jamming on Väsen tunes and attending their concerts. These experiences proved highly formative to their musical identities. There’s a strong tie between their respective fiddle traditions and […]
Known as one of the most vibrant emerging artists in jazz, Endea Owens is a Detroit-raised bassist and composer. She has been mentored by Marcus Belgrave, Rodney Whitaker, and Ron Carter. She has toured and performed with Wynton Marsalis, Jennifer Holliday, Diana Ross, Rhonda Ross, Solange, Jon Batiste, Jazzmeia Horn, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and Cyrus […]
What series would be complete without dramatic and tragic elements? In this concert, Philip Dukes and Friends feature three incredible French masters who, for different reasons, suffered through various addictions or afflictions: Gabriel Fauré’s chain-smoking contributed to his death, alcoholism killed Erik Satie, and Ernest Chausson’s mental health issues resulted in an apparent suicide when […]
In the 100-year anniversary of her birth, the late Hazel Dickens’ pioneering musical legacy will be celebrated by her former duo partner Alice Gerrard, along with some of the leading women of bluegrass, Laurie Lewis and Della Mae. In a career spanning more than 50 years, Alice Gerrard has known, learned from, and performed with […]
As with all nomads, the Mongols have an oral culture, passed on through generations in stories, music and songs, and thus Anda Union sings their history. The band’s thoroughly addictive combination of Mongolian musical styles is a reflection of their roots. Formed in 2000, Anda Union has influenced a generation of young Mongolians in Inner […]
Visionary Grammy Award-winning artist Warren Haynes is a cornerstone of the American music landscape, lauded as one of the most formidable guitarists and vocalists of the modern era, and a prolific songwriter and producer. He effortlessly cross-pollinates genres and unfurls solos that broil with passion in his distinctive signature style. Throughout his prolific career as […]
Known as one of the most vibrant emerging artists in jazz, Endea Owens is a Detroit-raised bassist and composer. She has been mentored by Marcus Belgrave, Rodney Whitaker, and Ron Carter. She has toured and performed with Wynton Marsalis, Jennifer Holliday, Diana Ross, Rhonda Ross, Solange, Jon Batiste, Jazzmeia Horn, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and Cyrus […]
As with all nomads, the Mongols have an oral culture, passed on through generations in stories, music and songs, and thus Anda Union sings their history. The band’s thoroughly addictive combination of Mongolian musical styles is a reflection of their roots. Formed in 2000, Anda Union has influenced a generation of young Mongolians in Inner […]
Following his acclaimed projects Überbach, This Is (Not) Beethoven, and The Mozart / Nyman Concert, Savannah Music Festival favorite Sebastian Knauer’s artistic journey has now taken him to Hollywood. His latest album, Hollywood, showcases the work of American composers such as George Gershwin, Aaron Copland, Alex North, Elmer Bernstein, Bernard Herrmann, and Jerry Goldsmith—all of […]
For 60 years, South Africa’s five-time Grammy Award-winning ensemble Ladysmith Black Mambazo has warmed the hearts of audiences worldwide with uplifting vocal harmonies, signature dance moves and charming onstage banter. The group sings a traditional music style called isicathamiya (Is-Cot-A-Mee-Ya), which developed in the mines of South Africa. It was Paul Simon’s 1987 Graceland album […]
Solas is hailed by The Boston Globe as “the finest Celtic ensemble this country has ever produced.” Since forming in New York City in 1995, they have been a galvanizing element in the Irish music scene—a lightning rod of talent and inspiration that set new standards for musicianship, repertoire, and intensity. Over the course of […]
For more than three decades, Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas have toured extensively, performing everywhere from local Louisiana spots to international stages, with an ensemble that has always been a family affair. Bandleader Nathan Williams started his professional music career at 21, recording singles for his brother’s El Sid label. Sid also opened a […]
Solas is hailed by The Boston Globe as “the finest Celtic ensemble this country has ever produced.” Since forming in New York City in 1995, they have been a galvanizing element in the Irish music scene—a lightning rod of talent and inspiration that set new standards for musicianship, repertoire, and intensity. Over the course of […]
For more than three decades, Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas have toured extensively, performing everywhere from local Louisiana spots to international stages, with an ensemble that has always been a family affair. Bandleader Nathan Williams started his professional music career at 21, recording singles for his brother’s El Sid label. Sid also opened a […]
Following an impressive run of albums in the 2010s that earned him a devoted fanbase, accolades from outlets like The New York Times, Fresh Air, and Pitchfork, and a place in the upper echelon of modern Americana singer-songwriters, John Moreland recently took an entire year off from playing shows and didn’t use a smartphone for […]
Saxophonist Branford Marsalis is one of the most influential and revered figures in contemporary music. The NEA Jazz Master, Grammy Award winner and Tony Award nominee is equally at home performing concertos with symphony orchestras and sitting in with members of the Grateful Dead, but the core of his musical universe remains the Branford Marsalis […]
Motion and music have always been synonymous, as was Dvořák and his obsession with trains—hence the title “The Locomotive Man”—and his love of cigars and beer. Philip Dukes and his chamber musician friends present some of Dvořák’s best-loved chamber works, which include the evergreen “American” String Quartet and the beguiling Piano Quartet in E-Flat. This […]
Senegalese griot Ablaye Cissoko is part of a new generation of artists from his home country and is one of the most famous kora players in the world. Also a gifted singer, he brings Mandinka traditions into various global roots music, jazz and even classical and Baroque music universes. This collaboration with the well-known French […]
Senegalese griot Ablaye Cissoko is part of a new generation of artists from his home country and is one of the most famous kora players in the world. Also a gifted singer, he brings Mandinka traditions into various global roots music, jazz and even classical and Baroque music universes. This collaboration with the well-known French […]
To witness a live performance by the alto saxophonist, emcee, and bandleader Lakecia Benjamin is to never forget it. The success of her most recent releases has positioned Benjamin among jazz music’s most celebrated recording artists. In addition to absolute raves in outlets like The New York Times, The Guardian and DownBeat, she received three […]
Students in SMF Jazz Academy perform for and receive feedback from Lakecia Benjamin. The bands will be playing Benjamin’s tunes as well as their own compositions. This masterclass features the Messengers, SlamBand and Outreach ensembles, with students in 6th-12th grade from nine different schools. Funding for community impact programming is provided by the Wall Lynch […]
The Grammy-nominated Danish String Quartet continues to assert their preeminence among the world’s finest string quartets. Celebrated for their “intense blend, extreme dynamic variation (in which they seem glued together), perfect intonation even on harmonics, and constant vitality and flow” (Gramophone) and renowned for the palpable joy they exude in music-making, the Danish String Quartet […]
To witness a live performance by the alto saxophonist, emcee, and bandleader Lakecia Benjamin is to never forget it. The success of her most recent releases has positioned Benjamin among jazz music’s most celebrated recording artists. In addition to absolute raves in outlets like The New York Times, The Guardian and DownBeat, she received three […]
Students in SMF Jazz Academy’s Messengers, SlamBand and Outreach ensembles perform for and receive feedback from Allison Miller, including works from Rivers in Our Veins. These three ensembles are open to SMF Jazz Academy students by audition only, and offer unique opportunities for public performance in professional settings. Funding for community impact programming is provided […]
Grammy-nominated artists Alfredo Rodriguez and Pedrito Martínez first worked together on Rodriguez’s 2012 release The Invasion Parade. Since that initial recording session, they have had the rare occasion to perform together as a duo, leaving audiences completely mesmerized by their fearless and virtuosic playing. Each artist brings a different approach to the collaboration. A protégé […]
Join the local musicians of SMF’s 2024-25 Songwriting Workshop as they discuss creative process, songcraft, music in Savannah, and their work with the 2024-25 Artist in Residence, Kaia Kater. They will also perform select works-in-progress. Savannah Music Festival’s Artist-in-Residence Kaia Kater is a Canadian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist known for her innovative blend of folk, bluegrass, […]
Grammy-nominated artists Alfredo Rodriguez and Pedrito Martínez first worked together on Rodriguez’s 2012 release The Invasion Parade. Since that initial recording session, they have had the rare occasion to perform together as a duo, leaving audiences completely mesmerized by their fearless and virtuosic playing. Each artist brings a different approach to the collaboration. A protégé […]
Junior Brown’s inimitable brand of country music fuses western swing with the blues, rockabilly, bluegrass and rock n’ roll. A guitarist and lap steel player of the highest order, he and his luthier Michael Stevens developed his signature double-necked instrument, the guit-steel, in the mid-80s, when switching cables between his lap steel and guitar on […]
Acclaimed drummer and composer Allison Miller invites you to embark on a riveting journey through her commissioned jazz suite, Rivers In Our Veins, exploring cultural, environmental, and ecological themes surrounding American rivers. Rivers In Our Veins is an immersive live performance that seamlessly blends original music, captivating river imagery, and the expressive artistry of contemporary […]
Junior Brown’s inimitable brand of country music fuses western swing with the blues, rockabilly, bluegrass and rock n’ roll. A guitarist and lap steel player of the highest order, he and his luthier Michael Stevens developed his signature double-necked instrument, the guit-steel, in the mid-80s, when switching cables between his lap steel and guitar on […]
Panel begins at conclusion of Allison Miller’s Rivers in our Veins concert. Join Allison Miller, UGA Marine Science Institute, and others in conversation about Miller’s original jazz suite and the unique cultural and ecological significance of rivers in our lives. A brief Q&A will follow the discussion. Funding for community impact programming is provided by […]
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 […]
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 […]
