Savannah Music Festival

Songwriter Showcase Finale featuring Kaia Kater
2025-09-25 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | GA
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 open at 6:30pm)

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The Po' Ramblin' Boys
2025-10-11 20:00 - 21:30 | GA
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 in the Smoky Mountains, The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys are at once exactly what you would expect and not at all what you would expect from a tattooed East Tennessee Bluegrass outfit.

No strangers to hard work, the boys are as much at home riding in their 1965 GM Tour bus as they are crawling underneath to fix it when it needs maintenance. But they take pride in being ambassadors of their genre, and the group has brought their music from rural bluegrass festival stages to the rock clubs of Europe, with stunning results.

Stefan Jackiw, Raphael Bell, and Andrew Armstrong
2026-01-15 18:00 - 19:30 | Regina Coeli at The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, 222 E Harris St, Savannah, Georgia, 31401
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 orchestras from Boston to Cleveland to London, where his performances are praised for their honesty and depth. He is joined by cellist Raphael Bell, the distinguished Principal Cellist of the Antwerp Symphony Orchestra, Belgium, whose warm sound and generous musical spirit have shaped a career spanning acclaimed solo, chamber, and orchestral stages across three continents. At the piano, Andrew Armstrong brings his boundless energy and expressive touch—qualities that have carried him through more than 1,400 performances around the world and made him a cherished collaborator among today’s leading musicians.

PROGRAM:

Shostakovich Piano Trio No. 2 in E minor, Op. 67

Dvořák Piano Trio No. 4 in E minor, Op. 90 “Dumky”

Winter Bash 2026: Havana Nights
2026-01-31 17:00 - 23:59 | Plant Riverside Ballroom and District Live Club, 400 W River St, Savannah, Georgia, 31401, United States
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 jazz ensemble, Orquesta Akokán, in District Live. After the concert, DJ Precisa will take the stage for dancing and dessert until midnight.

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AUCTION PREVIEW

About Orquesta Akokán
Orquesta Akokán is a Grammy-nominated ensemble of Havana’s finest musicians, celebrated for their electrifying blend of mambo, Afro-Cuban jazz, and classic big band energy. Led by dynamic vocalist José “Pepito” Gómez, the group channels the golden age of Cuban dance music with a contemporary edge, creating performances that are as soulful as they are exhilarating.The band made its Savannah debut at the 2024 Savannah Music Festival, captivating audiences with its infectious rhythms and undeniable showmanship. Their return for Winter Bash: Havana Nights promises an unforgettable finale, transporting guests straight to the heart of mid- century Havana for a night of music, movement, and pure celebration.

Jonathan Mamora, piano
2026-03-25 18:00 | Trinity United Methodist Church, 127 Barnard Street, Savannah, GA, 31401, United States
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 Orchestra, Orquesta Sinfónica de Madrid, and New Mexico Philharmonic. In addition to this SMF debut, his current season recital engagements include L’Auditori Festival Emergents in Barcelona, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and Chopin Foundation of the US, among others.

Stefon Harris & Blackout
2026-03-25 19:00 | Kehoe Iron Works, 660 E Broughton St, Savannah, ga, 31401, United States
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 of musicians, Stefon Harris & Blackout seamlessly blend funk, R&B, and global influences, transcending traditional jazz boundaries. Their music showcases a dynamic interplay of intricate arrangements and soulful improvisation, solidifying their status as trailblazers in the modern jazz landscape. Their live performances promise an electrifying fusion of tradition and innovation, leaving an indelible mark on audiences and further shaping the evolving narrative of jazz expression. This is their SMF debut.

Larkin Poe
2026-03-25 20:00 | Lucas Theatre for the Arts, 32 Abercorn St., Savannah, GA, 31401, United States
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 their gift for storytelling, delving deep into personal narratives with universal themes of self-acceptance and individuality against a backdrop of contemporary blues and rock influences. Following their Grammy-winning success with Blood Harmony in 2024, the duo has ventured deeper into their musical journey, with a distinctive musical style that resonates with introspection, authenticity, and a profound connection to their roots in American music.

NOON30: Alicia Olatuja & Christian Sands
2026-03-26 12:30 | Kehoe Iron Works, 660 E Broughton St, Savannah, ga, 31401, United States
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 Inauguration and later collaborated with artists like Christian McBride, Gregory Porter, Billy Childs, and Dianne Reeves. A dedicated educator and certified life coach, Olatuja founded the Vocal Breakthrough Academy, and her live performances showcase her dynamic artistry and global musical vision. This is her SMF debut.

Christian Sands is a celebrated jazz pianist known for his mastery of post-bop and swing traditions. A protégé of the late Billy Taylor, he began playing piano at age three and composing by five. After studying at the Manhattan School of Music, Sands gained early acclaim through Grammy Award performances and appearances at the Kennedy Center. He was also a regular participant in the Jazz in July music camp at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he first met Taylor. He released his debut album Footprints, at 12 and has played with luminaries such as Lou Donaldson, Kirk Whalum, Phil Woods, James Moody, and Wycliffe Gordon, among many others. This is Sands’ third appearance at SMF.

Mike Marshall & Alessandro Penezzi
2026-03-26 18:00 | Regina Coeli at The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, 222 E Harris St, Savannah, Georgia, 31401
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 Bela Fleck, Edgar Meyer, and Chris Thile. Deeply committed to education, Mike directed the Acoustic Music Seminar at SMF and teaches globally. With his wife, German mandolinist Caterina Lichtenberg, he co-founded the Mandolin World Retreats and continues to tour internationally, inspiring musicians worldwide.

Born in Piracicaba, Brazil, Alessandro Penezzi is one of the great virtuosos of Brazilian guitar. He graduated in Popular Music from Unicamp with a specialization in Creative Processes from Faculdade Souza Lima, and has been teaching courses, workshops, and seminars at various music festivals in Brazil and abroad. Penezzi is a multi-instrumentalist and prolific composer and has toured extensively worldwide. He plays the seven-string guitar, tenor guitar, cavaquinho, mandolin and flute, and has received numerous honors and nominations for his performances as an instrumentalist and composer. He has also been highlighted in the Visa MPB Instrumental, Tim de Música Brasileira, and Shell de Teatro and Prêmio da Música Brasileira awards.

The Lone Bellow
2026-03-26 19:00 | Ships of the Sea, 41 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Savannah, GA, 31401, United States
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 Lone Bellow continues to solidify their sound through lush harmonies, heartfelt lyrics, and genre-blurring arrangements steeped in folk, rock, and gospel. Founding members Zach Williams, Brian Elmquist, and Kanene Pipkin are joined by drummer Julian Dorio and multi-instrumentalist Tyler Geertsma.

Richard Thompson & Muireann Bradley
2026-03-26 19:30 | Lucas Theatre for the Arts, 32 Abercorn St., Savannah, GA, 31401, United States
“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 ‘70s duo work with Linda Thompson, to the exploratory, deeply emotional music of the solo career that has been his primary concern ever since. Along the way he has been touted as one of the 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time by Rolling Stone, covered by everyone from Robert Plant, R.E.M. and David Byrne to Sleater-Kinney, Bonnie Raitt, Del McCoury Band and Emmylou Harris, bestowed with the Ivor Novello Award for songwriting, and even appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire by the late Queen Elizabeth II. This is his second SMF appearance, following a 2017 festival performance.

Opening the show is the young Muireann Bradley from County Donegal in Ireland, a prolific and nuanced fingerstyle guitarist and singer who grew up steeped in American acoustic blues music and just released her first heralded album, I Kept These Old Blues.

Tank and The Bangas
2026-03-26 20:30 | Victory North, 2603 Whitaker St., Savannah, GA, 31401, United States
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, they had a viral breakthrough as winners of NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest, with an eclectic performance that has more than 14 million YouTube views. In 2025, the group won a Grammy for Best Spoken Word Poetry Album for The Heart, The Mind, The Soul, which is described by Tank as exploring “self-discovery, the journey to confidence, believing your ability, matters of the heart, the mind, and just free thought flowing.” This is their SMF debut. This event is standing room only.

Tickets: $49 Mezzanine / $39 Floor (General Admission, Standing Room Only)

Caleb Klauder & Reeb Willms / Dirk & Amelia Powell
2026-03-27 16:00, 2026-03-27 19:30 | Kehoe Iron Works, 660 E Broughton St, Savannah, ga, 31401, United States
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 as a duo, they can also be found playing with the Foghorn Stringband and the Caleb Klauder Country Band. Their music blends classic country, bluegrass, and Americana with heartfelt authenticity. Revered for their timeless sound, their music continues to captivate audiences worldwide with its raw, honest storytelling. This is the duo’s second SMF appearance.

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 frequent part of Transatlantic Sessions and toured with artists such as Joan Baez, Eric Clapton, Loretta Lynn, and Rhiannon Giddens. Together, Dirk and Amelia perform the music of their shared heritage and bring audiences the kind of soulful connection that comes from a family playing together with trust, humor, and love. This is the duo’s SMF debut, though Dirk played both SMF 2013 and 2015.

VIP Weekender Wristbands
2026-03-27 16:00 - 2026-04-04 21:00 | GA
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

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Dobet Gnahoré
2026-03-27 18:00, 2026-03-27 20:30 | Ships of the Sea, 41 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Savannah, GA, 31401, United States
Dobet Gnahoré is a virtuosic singer, dancer, percussionist, and songwriter who has taken the modern Afropop sounds of her native Ivory Coast in exciting new directions. Known for her jaw-dropping dance moves, powerful stage presence and richly emotional vocal style, Gnahoré has earned numerous accolades throughout her career, including a Grammy Award for Best Urban/Alternative Performance in 2010 for her collaboration with singer India.Arie. Motivated by the struggles facing African children, Gnahoré dedicated her most recent album Zouzou to the youth who will define the future of the continent. It served as the launch of a new orphanage project in Côte d’Ivoire, and affirms her commitment to promoting positive change and opportunities for the next generation. This is Dobet Gnahoré’s SMF debut.

Pat Metheny Side-Eye III+
2026-03-27 20:00 | Lucas Theatre for the Arts, 32 Abercorn St., Savannah, GA, 31401, United States
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 legends like Gary Burton, Ornette Coleman, and David Bowie. As a music pioneer, he’s developed custom instruments and embraced new technologies over the course of his career. With 20 Grammys and numerous honors, including the NEA Jazz Master title, Metheny continues to be a leading figure in jazz and music education. This lineup features Chris Fishman on piano/keyboards, Joe Dyson on drums, and Jermaine Paul on bass. This is Pat Metheny’s second SMF appearance, the first being in 2019.

The Infamous Stringdusters
2026-03-27 20:30 | Victory North, 2603 Whitaker St., Savannah, GA, 31401, United States
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 with rock-inspired energy and modern experimentation. Known for their electrifying live shows and deep musical craftsmanship, the Dusters embody evolution through intention and joy, blending individual artistry into a collective sound that celebrates curiosity, connection, and the spirit of musical exploration. This is their fourth SMF appearance, the first being in 2009. This event is standing room only.

Tickets: $55 Mezzanine / $45 Floor (General Admission, Standing Room Only)

NOON30: Dirk & Amelia Powell
2026-03-28 12:30 | Kehoe Iron Works, 660 E Broughton St, Savannah, ga, 31401, United States
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 frequent part of Transatlantic Sessions and toured with artists such as Joan Baez, Eric Clapton, Loretta Lynn, and Rhiannon Giddens. Together, Dirk and Amelia perform the music of their shared heritage and bring audiences the kind of soulful connection that comes from a family playing together with trust, humor, and love. This is the duo’s SMF debut, though Dirk played both SMF 2013 and 2015.

Sarod Trilogy with Maestro Amjad Ali Khan, Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash
2026-03-28 15:00 | Trustees Theater, 216 E Broughton St., Savannah, GA, 31401, United States
Amjad Ali Khan is an award-winning sixth-generation sarod virtuoso from the Bangash lineage credited with the creation and development of the sarod. Trained by his father, the legendary Haafiz Ali Khan, Amjad performed his first recital at the age of six. Recognized by Songlines Magazine as “one of the 20th Century’s greatest masters of the sarod,” he has not only preserved the sarod’s legacy, but has also enhanced the instrument with new dimensions by skillfully blending innovation with a deep respect for tradition. For this performance, he will be accompanied by his two sons, Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash, who carry forward the family’s extraordinary musical legacy.

Yonder Mountain String Band
2026-03-28 17:00, 2026-03-28 20:00 | Ships of the Sea, 41 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Savannah, GA, 31401, United States
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 Aijala (guitar, vocals), Dave Johnston (banjo, vocals), and Ben Kaufmann (bass, vocals), alongside multi-instrumentalist Nick Piccininni (mandolin, banjo, fiddle, vocals). Their newest album, Nowhere Next, is a mix of bluegrass, rock, and country, with soulful, funky grooves, and their live performances feature the band at their most vibrant and unrestrained. This is their SMF debut.

LATIN DANCE PARTY: Plena Libre
2026-03-28 18:00, 2026-03-28 20:30 | Kehoe Iron Works, 660 E Broughton St, Savannah, ga, 31401, United States
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 Rican plena and bomba styles, Plena Libre fuses well-loved traditions with modern Afro-Caribbean influences, putting a new and always electrifying spin on this scintillating music. With mesmerizing hand drumming, raucous horns, and soaring three-part vocal harmonies, this multi-Grammy Award–nominated band always brings the heat. ​ Captivating and moving audiences over the course of a 30-year, 15-album career, this fine-tuned, original band of 12 virtuoso musicians has only gotten better with age. Their last SMF appearance was during the 2019 season.

Tord Gustavsen Trio
2026-03-28 19:00 | Trinity United Methodist Church, 127 Barnard Street, Savannah, GA, 31401, United States
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. Gustavsen’s collaborations span singers like Kristin Asbjørnsen, Solveig Slettahjell, and Simin Tander. A composer for major festivals and church musician in Bærum, he’s received numerous honors, including France’s 2024 Prix du musicien européen. He is joined by his long-time creative partner Jarle Vespestad and bassist Steinar Raknes for this performance. This is Gustavsen’s SMF debut.

Savannah Philharmonic Orchestra: Elgar's Enigma
2026-03-28 19:30 | Lucas Theatre for the Arts, 32 Abercorn St., Savannah, GA, 31401, United States
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

Philip Dukes and Friends I: Mendelssohn & Mercer
2026-03-29 17:00 | Oglethorpe Ballroom at The Desoto Hotel, 15 E Liberty, Savannah, Georgia, 31401
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 old. In the second half, with brilliant arrangements for voice, piano, double bass and string quartet by pianist and returning SMF artist Simon Mulligan, we’ll hear a selection of Mercer’s most famous and much loved songs.

John Scofield Trio featuring Vicente Archer & Bill Stewart
2026-03-29 19:00 | Kehoe Iron Works, 660 E Broughton St, Savannah, ga, 31401, United States
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, Scofield continues to expand the boundaries of improvisational music. He will be joined for this year’s SMF performance by bassist Vicente Archer and drummer Bill Stewart. Whether leading his beloved trio or new ensembles, Scofield’s music embodies creativity, groove, and fearless exploration. This is his SMF debut.

Daniel Donato's Cosmic Country
2026-03-30 19:30 | Victory North, 2603 Whitaker St., Savannah, GA, 31401, United States
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 — and that he’s pushing towards the future with inspired, intentional vigor. He calls it Cosmic Country, a moniker that’s both self-descriptive and a statement of purpose. It’s an organic rock band aesthetic with plenty of roadhouse twang, a showcase for Donato’s instrumental virtuosity and facility for songcraft. Bridging Nashville and the Great West, Kentucky and mid-60s northern California, tie-dye and plaid, it’s a world of his own, and a wide world of musical adventure at that. This is their SMF debut. This event is standing room only.

Tickets $47 Mezzanine / $37 Floor (General Admission, Standing Room Only)
