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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
