SMF is one of the region’s leading arts presenters, producing an internationally acclaimed cross-genre music festival, education programs for local schoolchildren and budding musicians in jazz and acoustic music, a weekly public radio series and off-season concert events.

Schedule of Events:

February 15, 2024:

8:00 pm - 9:30 pm: Tinsley Ellis - Naked Truth Tour

Presented by Savannah Music Festival and Co-Produced by Plant Riverside District

Tinsley Ellis describes his forthcoming Feb. 9 Alligator Records release “Naked Truth,” which is his first solo acoustic project in a career spanning four decades, as both “a departure and an arrival.” Throughout his career, Ellis has recorded and traveled the world, delivering his feral, guitar-fueled, original electric blues-rock to ever-growing audiences at concert halls, festivals and clubs. His latest album is steeped in the folk-blues traditions of Muddy Waters, Skip James, Son House, Robert Johnson and Leo Kottke. For Ellis, this legacy is a natural extension of his music, as he taps into the raw essence of the blues.

This is a seated General Admission concert. All ages are welcome.

Location: District Live at Plant Riverside District, 400 West River Street, Savannah, GA 31401.

Cost: $25

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March 23, 2024:

8:30 pm - 10:00 pm: Samara Joy

Join us for what will be a season kickoff concert like no other, with the return of Samara Joy! Following a Savannah Music Festival house concert performance in 2022 and a festival appearance that same year, Samara Joy won Best New Artist and Best Jazz Vocal Album Grammy Awards in 2023 and has toured all over the world.

Location: Lucas Theatre for the Arts, 32 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA 31401.

Cost: $39 - $85

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March 28, 2024:

12:30 pm - 1:45 pm: Noon30: Lena Jonsson Trio

Part of the new generation of contemporary folk musicians, Lena Jonsson is one of Scandinavia’s most influential fiddlers. Her unique style combines a deep knowledge of traditional Swedish folk music and the youthful sounds of rock, pop, jazz, American old-time and bluegrass. Lena Jonsson is joined by Kristofer Sundström and Ian Carr.

Location: Metal Building at Trustees’ Garden, 660 East Broughton Street, Savannah, GA 31401.

Cost: $32

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5:00 pm - 6:15 pm: Oumou Sangare

Referred to as the “songbird of Wassolou,” Malian superstar Oumou Sangaré is known worldwide for her vibrant and powerful music. A Grammy Award winner, Sangaré’s sound spans traditional to contemporary, with distinctive vocals that have propelled her onto the international stage. Don’t miss this Savannah Music Festival debut on opening night!

Location: North Garden Assembly Room at Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum, 41 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Savannah, GA 31401.

Cost: $42

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5:00 pm - 7:10 pm: Lena Jonsson Trio/ Kieran Kane and Rayna Gellert

Part of the new generation of contemporary folk musicians, Lena Jonsson is one of Scandinavia’s most influential fiddlers. Her unique style combines a deep knowledge of traditional Swedish folk music and the youthful sounds of rock, pop, jazz, American old-time and bluegrass. Lena Jonsson is joined by Kristofer Sundström and Ian Carr.

Kieran Kane and Rayna Gellert have collaborated on multiple acclaimed solo and duo projects since 2016. Kane’s songs have been performed and recorded by a who’s who of Americana artists, and Rayna Gellert’s solo work combines her love of rural stringband music with heartfelt gospel songs and old ballads. Sparse and skillful arrangements of guitar, fiddle and banjo accompany their rich vocal harmonies in a sound that embodies “an understated and unpretentious virtuosity” and “exudes a seductive magic” (No Depression).

Location: Metal Building at Trustees’ Garden, 660 East Broughton Street, Savannah, GA 31401.

Cost: $42

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6:00 pm - 7:40 pm: David Finckel, Cello and Wu Han, Piano

SMF favorites David Finckel and Wu Han return with a program entitled Three Cultures. Recipients of Musical America‘s “Musicians of the Year” award, David Finckel and Wu Han enjoy a multi-faceted musical life that encompasses performing, recording and artistic direction at the highest levels. Join us on stage at the Lucas Theatre for the Arts for this opening night concert.

Program:

SHOSTAKOVICH
Sonata for Cello and Piano in D minor, Opus 40

MENDELSSOHN
Sonata No. 2 in D Major for Cello and Piano, Opus 58

GRIEG
Sonata for Cello and Piano in A minor, Opus 36

Location: Lucas Theatre for the Arts, 32 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA 31401.

Cost: $57

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8:00 pm - 9:15 pm: Oumou Sangare

Referred to as the “songbird of Wassolou,” Malian superstar Oumou Sangaré is known worldwide for her vibrant and powerful music. A Grammy Award winner, Sangaré’s sound spans traditional to contemporary, with distinctive vocals that have propelled her onto the international stage. Don’t miss this Savannah Music Festival debut on opening night!

Location: North Garden Assembly Room at Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum, 41 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Savannah, GA 31401.

Cost: $42

Buy Tickets

8:30 pm - 10:40 pm: Lena Jonsson Trio/ Kieran Kane and Rayna Gellert

Part of the new generation of contemporary folk musicians, Lena Jonsson is one of Scandinavia’s most influential fiddlers. Her unique style combines a deep knowledge of traditional Swedish folk music and the youthful sounds of rock, pop, jazz, American old-time and bluegrass. Lena Jonsson is joined by Kristofer Sundström and Ian Carr.

Kieran Kane and Rayna Gellert have collaborated on multiple acclaimed solo and duo projects since 2016. Kane’s songs have been performed and recorded by a who’s who of Americana artists, and Rayna Gellert’s solo work combines her love of rural stringband music with heartfelt gospel songs and old ballads. Sparse and skillful arrangements of guitar, fiddle and banjo accompany their rich vocal harmonies in a sound that embodies “an understated and unpretentious virtuosity” and “exudes a seductive magic” (No Depression).

Location: Metal Building at Trustees’ Garden, 660 East Broughton Street, Savannah, GA 31401.

Cost: $42

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March 29, 2024:

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm: Marta Pereira da Costa feat. Duarte / Bridget Kibbey’s “Bach to Brazil”

Marta Pereira da Costa is the first and likely only professional female Portuguese guitar player specifically versed in fado, the soulful music from Portugal recently acknowledged by UNESCO as part of the World’s Intangible Cultural Heritage. She draws on threads of fado, jazz and Brazilian folk music, and is joined by fado singer Duarte for this Savannah Music Festival debut.

Called the “Yo-Yo Ma of the harp” by Vogue, SMF favorite Bridget Kibbey expands the expressive and virtuosic scope of the instrument as she ushers listeners from the baroque courts of Europe, to the rhythms of Western Africa, to the indigenous melodies of South America – landing right in the heart of New York City. With an ensemble featuring Nuevo Latino luminaries, Bach to Brazil is J.S. Bach meets Albéniz, meets gnawa, jequibau, cumbia and more.

Location: Metal Building at Trustees' Garden 660 East Broughton Street, Savannah, GA 31401.

Cost: $42

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6:00 pm - 7:00 pm: Bayou Boogie! A Tribute to Clifton Chenier “The King of Zydeco” Feat. C.J. Chenier, Marcia Ball & The Red Hot Louisiana Band

Clayton Joseph Chenier is Creole music royalty. His father, the legendary Clifton Chenier, invented the style of music we know today as Zydeco and was the first Creole musician to be recognized with a Grammy Award. Marcia Ball’s rollicking Texas boogies, swampy New Orleans ballads and groove-laden Gulf Coast blues have made her a one-of-a-kind favorite for music lovers worldwide.

Location: North Garden Assembly Room at Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum 41 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Savannah, GA 31401.

Cost: $42.00

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8:00 pm - 10:40 pm: Futurebirds / T. Hardy Morris

Rock juggernaut Futurebirds is an Athens, Georgia based group described by singer/guitarist Carter King as “always too indie rock for the jam festival, too country for the indie scene, a little too psych-rock to feel like we were Americana.” Founding members King, Savannah native Daniel Womack, singer/guitarist Thomas Johnson and bassist Brannen Miles began playing together as students at UGA. In recent years, the quartet has added pedal steel player Kiffy Myers, keyboardist Spencer Thomas and drummer Tom Myers.

Opening the show is fellow Athenian T. Hardy Morris, an insightful songwriter and frontman who has drawn from his early experience with psych rockers Dead Confederate and the indie supergroup Diamond Rugs (with members of Deer Tick, Los Lobos, and Black Lips). His latest release The Digital Age of Rome is an incisive rock album centered on the idea that technology doesn’t necessarily equal progress.

Location: Lucas Theatre for the Arts 32 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA 31401.

Cost: $37 - $77

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8:30 pm - 10:40 pm: Marta Pereira da Costa feat. Duarte / Bridget Kibbey’s “Bach to Brazil”

Marta Pereira da Costa is the first and likely only professional female Portuguese guitar player specifically versed in fado, the soulful music from Portugal recently acknowledged by UNESCO as part of the World’s Intangible Cultural Heritage. She draws on threads of fado, jazz and Brazilian folk music, and is joined by fado singer Duarte for this Savannah Music Festival debut.

Called the “Yo-Yo Ma of the harp” by Vogue, SMF favorite Bridget Kibbey expands the expressive and virtuosic scope of the instrument as she ushers listeners from the baroque courts of Europe, to the rhythms of Western Africa, to the indigenous melodies of South America – landing right in the heart of New York City. With an ensemble featuring Nuevo Latino luminaries, Bach to Brazil is J.S. Bach meets Albéniz, meets gnawa, jequibau, cumbia and more.

Location: Metal Building at Trustees' Garden 660 East Broughton Street, Savannah, GA 31401.

Cost: $42

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9:00 pm - 10:15 pm: Bayou Boogie! A Tribute to Clifton Chenier “The King of Zydeco” Feat. C.J. Chenier, Marcia Ball & The Red Hot Louisiana Band

Location: North Garden Assembly Room at Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum 41 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Savannah, GA 31401.

Cost: $42.00

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March 30, 2024:

12:30 pm - 1:30 pm: Noon30: Marta Pereira da Costa feat. Duarte [rescheduled]

Marta Pereira da Costa is the first and likely only professional female Portuguese guitar player specifically versed in fado, the soulful music from Portugal recently acknowledged by UNESCO as part of the World’s Intangible Cultural Heritage. She draws on threads of fado, jazz and Brazilian folk music, and is joined by fado singer Duarte for this Savannah Music Festival debut.

Location: Metal Building at Trustees' Garden 660 East Broughton Street, Savannah, GA 31401.

Cost: $32

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5:30 pm - 6:45 pm: The Art of the Kora: Derek Gripper & Ballake Sissoko

Malian virtuoso Ballaké Sissoko is considered one of the greatest touring kora players. He joins Derek Gripper, a renowned South African guitarist, whose love of the kora set him to transcribing and recording some of its greatest works. In this collaboration, Sissoko and Gripper explore the ancient musical traditions of the griots of Mali.

Location: Metal Building at Trustees' Garden 660 East Broughton Street, Savannah, GA 31401.

Cost: $42.00

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6:00 pm - 7:00 pm: Dervish

Dervish is renowned for their live performances, which combine dazzling sets of Irish tunes with stunning interpretations of traditional songs. Having recently received a lifetime achievement award from the BBC, all six members of Dervish are steeped in the musical traditions of counties Sligo and Leitrim in northwest Ireland. The Irish Times said their “integrity makes the group a formidable heir to the throne abandoned by The Bothy Band, if not a serious contender for The Chieftains’ international space.” Don’t miss their Savannah Music Festival debut!

Location: North Garden Assembly Room at Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum 41 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Savannah, GA 31401.

Cost: $42.00

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6:00 pm - 7:00 pm: Dubhe Ensemble feat. Joseph Conyers

Savannah native Joseph H. Conyers is a highly acclaimed, multi-faceted artist whose innovative work in music education and youth advocacy has been recognized internationally. Now principalbass of the Philadelphia Orchestra, Conyers is also the artistic director and founder of Dubhe, a collective of some of the most influential chamber and orchestral musicians in the world that creates performances centered on authentic community connection, inclusivity and long-lasting impact. In their Savannah Music Festival debut, the Dubhe Ensemble performs the Quintet in the Key of Blue, composed by Stefan L. Smith and co-commissioned by SMF and the National Orchestra Institute.

Program:

Rossini Duet for Cello and Double Bass in D Major
Solo Double Bass (arr. Joseph Conyers)
Stefan L. Smith Quintet in the Key of Blue (co-commission)
Schubert Quintet in C Major, D. 956

Personnel:

Ruben Rengal, violin
Vijay Gupta, violin
Michael Casimir, viola
Yumi Kendall, cello
Joseph Conyers, double bass

Location: Congregation Temple Mickve Israel 20 East Gordon Street, Savannah, United States

Cost: $57.00

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7:30 pm - 9:00 pm: Faircloth Jazz Series - Chucho Valdés Royal Quartet

Winner of seven Grammy Awards and five Latin Grammy Awards, Cuban pianist, composer and arranger Chucho Valdés is the most influential figure in modern Afro-Cuban jazz. In a rich career spanning 60 years, through a variety of ensembles, Chucho has pushed boundaries in pursuit of new expressions in Afro-Cuban music.

Location: Lucas Theatre for the Arts 32 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA 31401.

Cost: $39 - $85

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8:00 pm - 9:15 pm: The Art of the Kora: Derek Gripper & Ballaké Sissoko

Malian virtuoso Ballaké Sissoko is considered one of the greatest touring kora players. He joins Derek Gripper, a renowned South African guitarist, whose love of the kora set him to transcribing and recording some of its greatest works. In this collaboration, Sissoko and Gripper explore the ancient musical traditions of the griots of Mali.

Location: Metal Building at Trustees' Garden 660 East Broughton Street, Savannah, GA 31401.

Cost: $42.00

Buy Tickets

8:30 pm - 9:30 pm: Dervish

Dervish is renowned for their live performances, which combine dazzling sets of Irish tunes with stunning interpretations of traditional songs. Having recently received a lifetime achievement award from the BBC, all six members of Dervish are steeped in the musical traditions of counties Sligo and Leitrim in northwest Ireland. The Irish Times said their “integrity makes the group a formidable heir to the throne abandoned by The Bothy Band, if not a serious contender for The Chieftains’ international space. Don’t miss their Savannah Music Festival debut!

Location: North Garden Assembly Room at Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum 41 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Savannah, GA 31401.

Cost: $42.00

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March 31, 2024:

4:00 pm - 5:45 pm: Renee Fleming, Voice of Nature: The Anthropocene

Kennedy Center Honoree Renée Fleming is one of the most highly acclaimed singers of our time, performing on the stages of the world’s great opera houses and concert halls. Winner of five Grammy Awards and the US National Medal of Arts, she has sung for momentous occasions from the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony to the Super Bowl. This special performance, inspired by her 2023 Grammy Award-winning album, Voice of Nature: the Anthropocene, spans classical, romantic and contemporary music, exploring nature as both inspiration and victim of humanity, with an original National Geographic Society film created to reflect the musical selections in the 2nd half. Don’t miss this Savannah Music Festival debut performance!

Program:

CAROLINE SHAW
“Aurora Borealis”

GABRIEL FAURE
Au bord de l’eau, Opus 8, No. 1
Les Berceaux, Opus 23, No. 1

MAURICE RAVEL
“Jeux d’eau”

FRANZ LISZT
S’il Est Un Charmant Gazon, S. 284
Uber allen Gipfeln ist Ruh, S. 306

EDWARD GRIEG
Lauf der Welt, Opus 48, No. 3
Zur Rosenzeit (Six Songs), Opus 48, No. 5

JEROME KERN “All The Things You Are”

INTERMISSION

HAZEL DICKENS
“Pretty Bird”

GEORGE FRIDERIC HANDEL
“Care Selve” from Atalanta

NICO MUHLY
“Endless Space”

JOSEPH CANTELOUBE
“Bai le ro”

MARIA SCHNEIDER
“Our Finch Feeder” from Winter Morning Walks

BJO RK
“All is Full of Love”

HOWARD SHORE
“Twilight and Shadow” from The Lord of the Rings

KEVIN PUTS
“Evening”

BURT BACHARACH AND HAL DAVID
“What the World Needs Now”

Personnel:
Hartmut Höll, piano

Location: Lucas Theatre for the Arts 32 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA 31401.

Cost: $39 - $85

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April 1, 2024:

6:00 pm - 7:00 pm: Encounters Artist Talks - Music and Mind: Renée Fleming

A PUBLIC PANEL DISCUSSION ABOUT THE ARTS AND HEALTH

The powerful benefits of the arts for human health are becoming clearer every day. In addition to using music to better understand the complex functioning of the brain, researchers have found music and art therapies effective tools in addressing the effects of an ever-widening array of conditions. As Artistic Advisor to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, renowned soprano Renee Fleming—recently named World Health Organization Goodwill Ambassador for Arts and Health—has spearheaded collaborations to further this work, including initiatives with the Kennedy Center, the National Institutes of Health, and National Endowment for the Arts. For this free public presentation of Music & Mind, Fleming is joined by local experts for a panel discussion and Q&A to discuss exciting developments in this growing field.

Location: Savannah Cultural Arts Center 201 Montgomery Street, Savannah, GA 31401.

Cost: Free

April 2, 2024:

12:30 pm - 1:30 pm: Sebastian Knauer Celebrates Gershwin

In celebration of the 100th anniversary of Gershwin’s Rhapsody In Blue, Savannah Music Festival favorite Sebastian Knauer brings a program of American music anchored by the solo piano version of the celebrated composition. Knauer has appeared in almost every season of SMF since 2004 in roles including recitalist, soloist, conductor and chamber musician. He began playing piano at age 4 and made his debut at the age of 14 at the Laeiszhalle in his hometown of Hamburg, Germany. In 2012, Knauer founded the Mozart@Augsburg Festival. He is also the Artistic Director of the Internationale Musikfestwoche in Bad Berleburg and the Beethoven Festival in Aachen.

PIANOS BY STEINWAY & SONS

Program:

COPLAND
Four Piano Blues

GERSHWIN
Songbook (18 Songs)
Merry Andrew
Three Quarter Blues
Promenade
Rhapsody in Blue (for Solo Piano)

Location: Trinity United Methodist Church 127 Barnard Street, Savannah, GA 31401.

Cost: $45.00

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7:00 pm - 9:00 pm: TISRA: Zakir Hussain Trio with Debopriya Chatterjee and Sabir Khan

Tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussain is proud to present TISRA (three) with two of India’s finest young musicians: Sabir Khan and Debopriya Chatterjee. This trio includes tabla (drum), sarangi (strings), and bansuri (bamboo flute), a combination not often heard on the classical stage. Sarangi and bansuri, both folk instruments, have roots in ancient India and its mythology. TISRA showcases rich folk and classical traditions: the musical influence of Rajasthani nomads has been heard far beyond the borders of India, and Uttar Pradesh incorporated folk music forms of Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet into its music. This colorful mix, combined with Indian classical music and the rich rhythm repertoire of Punjab, makes for a compelling and unique ensemble.

Location: Trustees Theater 216 East Broughton Street, Savannah, GA 31401.

Cost: $45.00

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April 3, 2024:

4:30 pm - 6:40 pm: Faircloth Jazz Series - Warren Wolf & Wolfpack: History of the Vibes / Isaiah J. Thompson Quartet

Isaiah J. Thompson is the 2023 Cole Porter Fellow with the American Pianists Association. Thompson has performed with many acclaimed jazz artists, including Ron Carter, John Pizzarelli, Christian McBride, Cécile McLorin Salvant and Buster Williams. As a performer, he focuses on emitting love, spirit and respect, and conveying his own experiences and his everlasting love of jazz.

Bandleader and vibraphonist Warren Wolf has gained recognition for his remarkable technical abilities and versatile style. He has performed with Wynton Marsalis, Christian McBride, Aaron Diehl, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Etienne Charles and Bobby Watson, among others. Fresh off a tour as a member of the SFJAZZ Collective, Warren Wolf brings his band Wolfpack back to Savannah Music Festival for the first time since 2015.

Location: Metal Building at Trustees' Garden 660 East Broughton Street, Savannah, GA 31401.

Cost: $42.00

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7:30 pm - 9:00 pm: Rosanne Cash with John Leventhal

Rosanne Cash is a composer and singer-songwriter with four Grammy Awards, in addition to having partnered in programming collaborations with Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, SFJAZZ, the Minnesota Orchestra, and the Library of Congress. She is also an author, whose 2010 memoir “Composed” landed on The New York Times bestseller list. In 2021, she became the first female composer to receive the MacDowell Medal, awarded since 1960 to an artist who has made an outstanding contribution to American culture. Cash is joined by her husband and longtime creative partner John Leventhal for their first SMF performance in six years, this time celebrating the 30th anniversary of her acclaimed album The Wheel, which the duo co-produced and which led to their partnership. Leventhal is a six-time Grammy Award-winning musician, songwriter, composer and producer.

Location: Lucas Theatre for the Arts 32 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA 31401.

Cost: $39 - $81

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8:00 pm - 10:10 pm: Faircloth Jazz Series - Warren Wolf & Wolfpack: History of the Vibes / Isaiah J. Thompson Quartet

Isaiah J. Thompson is the 2023 Cole Porter Fellow with the American Pianists Association. Thompson has performed with many acclaimed jazz artists, including Ron Carter, John Pizzarelli, Christian McBride, Cécile McLorin Salvant and Buster Williams. As a performer, he focuses on emitting love, spirit and respect, and conveying his own experiences and his everlasting love of jazz.

Bandleader and vibraphonist Warren Wolf has gained recognition for his remarkable technical abilities and versatile style. He has performed with Wynton Marsalis, Christian McBride, Aaron Diehl, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Etienne Charles and Bobby Watson, among others. Fresh off a tour as a member of the SFJAZZ Collective, Warren Wolf brings his band Wolfpack back to Savannah Music Festival for the first time since 2015.

Location: Metal Building at Trustees' Garden 660 East Broughton Street, Savannah, GA 31401.

Cost: $42

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April 4, 2024:

12:30 pm - 1:30 pm: Faircloth Jazz Series - Noon30: Isaiah J. Thompson Duo

Isaiah J. Thompson is the 2023 Cole Porter Fellow with the American Pianists Association. Thompson has performed with many acclaimed jazz artists, including Ron Carter, John Pizzarelli, Christian McBride, Cécile McLorin Salvant and Buster Williams. As a performer, he focuses on emitting love, spirit and respect, and conveying his own experiences and his everlasting love of jazz.

Location: Metal Building at Trustees' Garden 660 East Broughton Street, Savannah, GA 31401.

Cost: $32.00

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5:00 pm - 7:10 pm: Faircloth Jazz Series - Stephane Wrembel Quartet / Tatiana Eva-Marie & Avalon Jazz Band

Widely considered one of the masters of the Django Reinhardt style, French guitarist Stephane Wrembel’s music has expanded to incorporate jazz, blues, classical, swing, flamenco and rock ‘n’ roll. He immersed himself in Django’s native Sinti culture (a Western European Roma group), learning from Sinti guitarists Angelo Debarre and Serge Krief. Wrembel then pursued studies at Berklee College of Music and has since been in New York City, becoming a renowned artist, bandleader, composer and producer.

Tatiana Eva-Marie and Avalon Jazz Band perform French jazz songs, old classics with a hot twist, and American standards, celebrating France, love, and music. Acclaimed as a “millennial shaking up the jazz scene” by Vanity Fair, singer Tatiana Eva-Marie explorers music of Django Reinhardt through her own original arrangements and lyrics in her latest project Djangology: a tribute inspired by her French and Romanian heritage and her love for the Parisian art scene of the 20s to the 1960s.

Location: Metal Building at Trustees' Garden 660 East Broughton Street, Savannah, GA 31401.

Cost: $42.00

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6:00 pm - 7:40 pm: Philip Dukes & Friends Chamber Series - Philip Dukes & Friends I: Bach’s Romantic Odyssey

This opening concert of the series traces a journey from Bach to Brahms and Shostakovich, through the Romantic Era, featuring two composers that admired Bach immensely.

Program:

BACH
Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G Major, BWV 1048

SHOSTAKOVICH
Piano Quintet in G minor, Opus 57

BRAHMS
String Sextet No. 1 in B-flat Major, Opus 18

Personnel:

Adam Barnett-Hart, violin
Benny Kim, violin
Jack Liebeck, violin
Brendan Speltz, violin
Robin Ashwell, viola
Pierre Lapointe, viola
Philip Dukes, viola
Eric Kim, cello
Keith Robinson, cello
Brook Speltz, cello
Ana-Maria Vera, piano

Location: Trinity United Methodist Church 127 Barnard Street, Savannah, GA 31401.

Cost: $52

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8:00 pm - 9:30 pm: Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder

Country Music Hall of Famer and 15-time Grammy Award-winner Ricky Skaggs returns to Savannah Music Festival after five years, fronting his powerhouse band Kentucky Thunder. “This group of guys meets my approval every night,” Ricky says. “Each and every one of the pickers in Kentucky Thunder totally amazes me in every show…and that, to me, outweighs any award we could ever win.” The all-star lineup includes Russ Carson (banjo), Jake Workman (lead guitar), Dennis Parker (baritone vocals, guitar), Gavin Kelso (bass), Mike Rogers (tenor vocals, rhythm guitar) and Billy Contreras (fiddle).

Location: Lucas Theatre for the Arts 32 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA 31401.

Cost: $39 - $81

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8:30 pm - 10:40 pm: Faircloth Jazz Series - Stephane Wrembel Quartet / Tatiana Eva-Marie & Avalon Jazz Band

Widely considered one of the masters of the Django Reinhardt style, French guitarist Stephane Wrembel’s music has expanded to incorporate jazz, blues, classical, swing, flamenco and rock ‘n’ roll. He immersed himself in Django’s native Sinti culture (a Western European Roma group), learning from Sinti guitarists Angelo Debarre and Serge Krief. Wrembel then pursued studies at Berklee College of Music and has since been in New York City, becoming a renowned artist, bandleader, composer and producer.

Tatiana Eva-Marie and Avalon Jazz Band perform French jazz songs, old classics with a hot twist, and American standards, celebrating France, love, and music. Acclaimed as a “millennial shaking up the jazz scene” by Vanity Fair, singer Tatiana Eva-Marie explorers music of Django Reinhardt through her own original arrangements and lyrics in her latest project Djangology: a tribute inspired by her French and Romanian heritage and her love for the Parisian art scene of the 20s to the 1960s.

Location: Metal Building at Trustees' Garden 660 East Broughton Street, Savannah, GA 31401.

Cost: $42.00

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April 5, 2024:

12:30 pm - 1:45 pm: Faircloth Jazz Series - Noon30: Stephane Wrembel Quartet

Widely considered one of the masters of the Django Reinhardt style, French guitarist Stephane Wrembel’s music has expanded to incorporate jazz, blues, classical, swing, flamenco and rock ‘n’ roll. He immersed himself in Django’s native Sinti culture (a Western European Roma group), learning from Sinti guitarists Angelo Debarre and Serge Krief. Wrembel then pursued studies at Berklee College of Music and has since been in New York City, becoming a renowned artist, bandleader, composer and producer.

Location: Metal Building at Trustees' Garden 660 East Broughton Street, Savannah, GA 31401.

Cost: $32.00

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3:00 pm - 4:30 pm: Encounters Artist Talks - Doc at 100

Celebrating the recent centenary of Doc Watson’s birth in Deep Gap, North Carolina, this free program begins with a talk led by host and author Ted Olson. Olson’s talk is followed by stories and performances shared by artists Jack Lawrence, Wayne Henderson and Jack Hinshelwood, who knew Doc as a friend and fellow performer. This event will be followed up by the group’s evening performance at the Metal Building.

Location: Savannah Cultural Arts Center 201 Montgomery Street, Savannah, GA 31401.

Cost: Free

5:30 pm - 7:40 pm: Crescent City Funk: Dumpstaphunk / Cha Wa

Dumpstaphunk is simply one of the funkiest bands out of the Crescent City. Born on the Jazz & Heritage Festival stage, and composed of Neville and Meters family bloodlines, the group ignites deep, gritty grooves that keep audiences on their feet. Alongside Tony Hall, Nick Daniels, Alex Wasily, John Michael Bradford and Deven Trusclair, cousins Ivan and Ian Neville have built upon their family’s iconic New Orleans legacy as they‚Äôve transformed Dumpstaphunk into the city’s pre-eminent 21st-century funk-fusion ensemble.

New Orleans brass band-meets-Mardi Gras Indian outfit Cha Wa radiates the energy of the city’s street culture. Their joyous music distills generations of New Orleans expression, and their name comes from a traditional Mardi Gras Indian shout. The ensemble is a new chapter in that tradition that celebrates African and Native American heritage, expanding it by incorporating second line brass, hip-hop and sweet soul music. PopMatters describes Cha Wa as “a grand gumbo of singing, intoxicating rhythms, and deep funk grooves that are impossible to resist.”

Location: North Garden Assembly Room at Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum 41 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Savannah, GA 31401.

Cost: $42

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6:00 pm - 7:30 pm: Escher String Quartet feat. Philip Dukes

Escher String Quartet has received acclaim for its profound musical insight and rare tonal beauty. Violinists Adam Barnett-Hart and Brendan Speltz have been residents in the Philip Dukes & Friends series for the past two seasons. For this season of SMF, the full quartet returns for their first featured appearance since 2021, welcoming Dukes to the stage.

Program:

HAYDN
String Quartet in D Major, Op. 64, No. 5 “Lark”

JANÁ EK
String Quartet No. 2 “Intimate Letters”

BRAHMS
String Quintet No. 2 in G Major, Opus 111

Personnel:

Escher String Quartet:
Adam Barnett-Hart, violin
Brendan Speltz, violin
Pierre Lapointe, viola
Brook Speltz, cello
Philip Dukes, viola (for Brahms Quintet)

Location: Trinity United Methodist Church 127 Barnard Street, Savannah, GA 31401.

Cost: $57.00

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8:00 pm - 10:30 pm: Doc and Earl: Doc at 100 / Tony Trischka’s EarlJam

Doc Watson and Earl Scruggs both had transformative impacts on bluegrass and American acoustic music. Celebrating their 100th birth years, this co-bill spotlights each of their musical legacies through stories, tunes and songs.

Doc at 100 pulls together friends and former musical collaborators of Arthel “Doc” Watson, also featuring commentary from Ted Olson, author of “Doc’s World: Traditional Plus.” This set includes solo and ensemble performances of Doc’s music by Jack Lawrence, Wayne Henderson and Jack Hinshelwood, all renowned musicians, scholars and artists in what Doc referred to simply as “mountain music.”

Tony Trischka is considered one of the most influential living banjo players. Trischka’s EarlJam honors Scruggs, the pioneer of a unique three-finger banjo style and one of the most important figures in bluegrass. “The depth of Earl’s genius becomes ever more apparent when I transcribe his solos, which I’ve been doing my entire life and with renewed vigor. Discovering new twists and turns in his playing is pure joy and in fact the inspiration for this show,” remarks Trischka. He is joined by Michael Daves on guitar and vocals and Jared Engel on bass.

Location: Metal Building at Trustees' Garden 660 East Broughton Street, Savannah, GA 31401.

Cost: $42.00

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9:00 pm - 11:10 pm: Crescent City Funk: Dumpstaphunk / Cha Wa

Dumpstaphunk is simply one of the funkiest bands out of the Crescent City. Born on the Jazz & Heritage Festival stage, and composed of Neville and Meters family bloodlines, the group ignites deep, gritty grooves that keep audiences on their feet. Alongside Tony Hall, Nick Daniels, Alex Wasily, John Michael Bradford and Deven Trusclair, cousins Ivan and Ian Neville have built upon their family’s iconic New Orleans legacy as they’ve transformed Dumpstaphunk into the city’s pre-eminent 21st-century funk-fusion ensemble.

New Orleans brass band-meets-Mardi Gras Indian outfit Cha Wa radiates the energy of the city’s street culture. Their joyous music distills generations of New Orleans expression, and their name comes from a traditional Mardi Gras Indian shout. The ensemble is a new chapter in that tradition that celebrates African and Native American heritage, expanding it by incorporating second line brass, hip-hop and sweet soul music. PopMatters describes Cha Wa as “a grand gumbo of singing, intoxicating rhythms, and deep funk grooves that are impossible to resist.”

Location: North Garden Assembly Room at Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum 41 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Savannah, GA 31401.

Cost: $42

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April 6, 2024:

12:30 pm - 1:45 pm: Noon30: Tony Trischka

Tony Trischka is considered one of the most influential living banjo players. Trischka’s EarlJam honors Scruggs, the pioneer of a unique three-finger banjo style and one of the most important figures in bluegrass. “The depth of Earl’s genius becomes ever more apparent when I transcribe his solos, which I’ve been doing my entire life and with renewed vigor. Discovering new twists and turns in his playing is pure joy and in fact the inspiration for this show,” remarks Trischka.

Location: Metal Building at Trustees' Garden 660 East Broughton Street, Savannah, GA 31401.

Cost: $32.00

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4:30 pm - 5:45 pm: Cajun Dance Party: The Savoy Family Cajun Band

Aptly named the “First Family of Cajun Music,” the Savoy Family Cajun Band hails from Eunice, Louisiana. Patriarch and celebrated accordion builder Marc Savoy is a National Heritage Fellow. His wife Ann Savoy wrote a well-known book on Cajun music history, and has produced numerous recordings with the likes of Linda Ronstadt and T-Bone Burnett. Their sons Joel and Wilson have also performed, recorded and toured extensively, including a 2012 Grammy Award-winning Band Courtbouillon album that features Wilson‚Äôs fiddle playing and Joel‚Äôs work as producer (and Valcour Records label owner). Together, The Savoy Family Cajun Band is known for delivering stellar traditional Cajun music, celebrating its beauty and function.

Location: Metal Building at Trustees' Garden 660 East Broughton Street, Savannah, GA 31401.

Cost: $42.00

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6:00 pm - 7:00 pm: Latin Dance Party: Orquesta Akokán

Led by dynamic singer José “Pepito” Gómez, producer Jacob Plasse, arranger Michael Eckroth and the “island’s greatest instrumentalists” (The New York Times), Orquesta Akokán has a cohesion forged by years of international touring. The Cuban powerhouse ensemble’s sound has blossomed into an intimate dialogue between good friends, allowing for fearless musical exploration, risk-taking and expression. Contemporary sensibilities along with a deep knowledge of folkloric traditions propel Orquesta Akokán’s danceable grooves into previously uncharted vistas, dismantling the conventions of what is considered mambo.

Location: North Garden Assembly Room at Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum 41 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Savannah, GA 31401.

Cost: $42.00

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6:00 pm - 7:45 pm: Philip Dukes & Friends Chamber Series - Philip Dukes & Friends II: Bach and Beyond

This concert features two composers that were most definitely not influenced by JS Bach, and in the case of Tchaikovsky, Bach’s music was very much “back and beyond.” Although he acknowledged his technical skills, he in no way regarded Bach as a musical legend.

Program:

BACH
Violin Partita No. 2 in D minor, BWV 1004

HAYDN
Piano Trio in G Major, Hob. XV:25, “Gypsy Rondo”

TCHAIKOVSKY
String Sextet in D minor, Opus 70, “Souvenir de Florence”

Personnel:

Benny Kim, violin
Jack Liebeck, violin
Robin Ashwell, viola
Philip Dukes, viola
Eric Kim, cello
Keith Robinson, cello
Sebastian Knauer, piano

Location: Trinity United Methodist Church 127 Barnard Street, Savannah, GA 31401.

Cost: $52.00

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7:00 pm - 8:15 pm: Cajun Dance Party: The Savoy Family Cajun Band

Aptly named the “First Family of Cajun Music,” the Savoy Family Cajun Band hails from Eunice, Louisiana. Patriarch and celebrated accordion builder Marc Savoy is a National Heritage Fellow. His wife Ann Savoy wrote a well-known book on Cajun music history, and has produced numerous recordings with the likes of Linda Ronstadt and T-Bone Burnett. Their sons Joel and Wilson have also performed, recorded and toured extensively, including a 2012 Grammy Award-winning Band Courtbouillon album that features Wilson‚Äôs fiddle playing and Joel’s work as producer (and Valcour Records label owner). Together, The Savoy Family Cajun Band is known for delivering stellar traditional Cajun music, celebrating its beauty and function.

Location: Metal Building at Trustees' Garden 660 East Broughton Street, Savannah, GA 31401.

Cost: $42.00

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8:00 pm - 9:30 pm: Christone “Kingfish” Ingram

Grammy Award-winning guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Christone “Kingfish” Ingram has quickly become the defining blues voice of his generation. From his hometown of Clarksdale, Mississippi to stages around the globe, the young blues star has already headlined multiple U.S. and European tours. Selected in summer 2022 to open for The Rolling Stones in London’s Hyde Park, Kingfish has also performed and toured with friends including Vampire Weekend, Jason Isbell, Steve Miller and Buddy Guy, a mentor of his, with whom he appeared on Austin City Limits and at the 2023 Savannah Music Festival at Trustees’ Garden. Don’t miss his first headlining show at SMF!

Location: Lucas Theatre for the Arts 32 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA 31401.

Cost: $39 - $81

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9:00 pm - 10:15 pm: Latin Dance Party: Orquesta Akokan

Led by dynamic singer José “Pepito” Gómez, producer Jacob Plasse, arranger Michael Eckroth and the “island’s greatest instrumentalists” (The New York Times), Orquesta Akokán has a cohesion forged by years of international touring. The Cuban powerhouse ensemble’s sound has blossomed into an intimate dialogue between good friends, allowing for fearless musical exploration, risk-taking and expression. Contemporary sensibilities along with a deep knowledge of folkloric traditions propel Orquesta Akokán’s danceable grooves into previously uncharted vistas, dismantling the conventions of what is considered mambo.

Location: North Garden Assembly Room at Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum 41 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Savannah, GA 31401.

Cost: $42.00

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April 7, 2024:

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm: Philip Dukes & Friends Chamber Series - Michael Collins & Friends

Back for his second chamber music residency at Savannah Music Festival, clarinetist Michael Collins performs his first Savannah recital, also featuring returning pianist Ana-Maria Vera. As Gramophone noted, “Collins plays with an irresistible exuberance.

Program:

BRUCH
Four Pieces for Viola, Clarinet, and Piano, Opus 83, No. 2, No. 5, No. 8, No. 7

RAVEL
Sonatine

DEBUSSY
Preludes, La fille aux cheveux de lin, L. 117, No. 8
L’isle Joyeuse, L. 106

POULENC
Clarinet Sonata, FP 184

Personnel:

Michael Collins, clarinet
Philip Dukes, viola
Ana-Maria Vera, piano

Location: Trinity United Methodist Church 127 Barnard Street, Savannah, GA 31401.

Cost: $45.00

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3:00 pm - 5:10 pm: The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys / AJ Lee & Blue Summit

Formed in the Smoky Mountains, The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys are exactly what you would expect and not at all what you would expect from a tattooed East Tennessee bluegrass outfit. However, they take pride in being ambassadors of their genre. The group has brought their music from rural bluegrass festival stages to the rock clubs of Europe, and even the Grammy red carpet. Emerging Artist of the Year at the 2018 IBMA Awards, the Po’ Ramblin’ Boys’ passion for bluegrass is as clear as it is contagious.

AJ Lee & Blue Summit are an acclaimed bluegrass band from California’s Bay Area. Led by singer-songwriter and mandolinist AJ Lee they have performed throughout the US, UK, Ireland and France. The ensemble also features Jan Purat on fiddle, Sullivan Tuttle and Scott Gates on guitars and Chad Bowen on bass. Drawing from influences such as country, soul, swing and rock ‘n’ roll, their undeniable talent and insatiable passion for bluegrass is grounded in the tradition while still remaining uniquely modern.

Location: North Garden Assembly Room at Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum 41 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Savannah, GA 31401.

Cost: $42.00

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7:00 pm - 9:10 pm: The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys / AJ Lee & Blue Summit

Formed in the Smoky Mountains, The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys are exactly what you would expect and not at all what you would expect from a tattooed East Tennessee bluegrass outfit. However, they take pride in being ambassadors of their genre. The group has brought their music from rural bluegrass festival stages to the rock clubs of Europe, and even the Grammy red carpet. Emerging Artist of the Year at the 2018 IBMA Awards, the Po’ Ramblin’ Boys’ passion for bluegrass is as clear as it is contagious.

AJ Lee & Blue Summit are an acclaimed bluegrass band from California’s Bay Area. Led by singer-songwriter and mandolinist AJ Lee they have performed throughout the US, UK, Ireland and France. The ensemble also features Jan Purat on fiddle, Sullivan Tuttle and Scott Gates on guitars and Chad Bowen on bass. Drawing from influences such as country, soul, swing and rock ‘n’ roll, their undeniable talent and insatiable passion for bluegrass is grounded in the tradition while still remaining uniquely modern.

Location: North Garden Assembly Room at Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum 41 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Savannah, GA 31401.

Cost: $42.00

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April 9, 2024:

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm: Kaia Kater / Viv & Riley

Grenadian-Canadian Kaia Kater’s jazz-fueled voice and deft songcraft have garnered her extensive critical acclaim. Through artful banjo playing and lush songwriting, Kaia draws on influences rooted in Quebec, the Caribbean and Appalachia, all of which reflect the diversity of her background. Kater was a participant in SMF’s Acoustic Music Seminar, and was also a featured artist in SMF’s Musical Explorers program with bassist Andrew Ryan.

Viv & Riley (Vivian Leva and Riley Calcagno) play old-soul roots music, combining a traditional backbone with the fresh melodies of indie folk, and the tightly wound vocal harmonies of the old-time and classic country music they grew up with. Since 2018, they’ve recorded and released multiple albums to critical acclaim. The two also play in the old-time stringband The Onlies, and serve as co-artistic directors of The Festival of American Fiddle Tunes.

Location: Metal Building at Trustees' Garden 660 East Broughton Street, Savannah, GA 31401.

Cost: $42.00

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6:00 pm - 8:00 pm: Philip Dukes & Friends Chamber Series - Philip Dukes & Friends III: Bach’s Eternal Inspiration

Some 200 years after Bach’s death, 20th Century composers were still heavily inspired by the Baroque Era and the compositional techniques used (fugue, counterpoint, etc.), Stravinsky being one such composer. The fact that this will unquestionably still be the case in 2050, makes Bach’s music an eternal inspiration.

Program:

BACH
Piano Concerto in D minor, BWV 1052

SAINT-SAËNS
Septet in E-flat Major, Opus 65

STRAVINSKY
“The Soldier’s Tale”

Personnel:

Benny Kim, violin
Jack Liebeck, violin
Robin Ashwell, viola
Philip Dukes, viola
Eric Kim, cello
Keith Robinson, cello
Leigh Mesh, double bass
Michael Collins, clarinet
Brad Balliett, bassoon
Jean Laurenz, trumpet
Hillary Simms, trombone
Sebastian Knauer, piano
Ana-Maria Vera, piano
Victor Cacchese, percussion
Gene Dobbs Bradford, narrator
Gabrielle Lamb, dancer
Joshua Gersen, conductor

Location: Savannah Cultural Arts Center 201 Montgomery Street, Savannah, GA 31401.

Cost: $52.00

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8:00 pm - 10:00 pm: Kaia Kater / Viv & Riley

Grenadian-Canadian Kaia Kater’s jazz-fueled voice and deft songcraft have garnered her extensive critical acclaim. Through artful banjo playing and lush songwriting, Kaia draws on influences rooted in Quebec, the Caribbean and Appalachia, all of which reflect the diversity of her background. Kater was a participant in SMF’s Acoustic Music Seminar, and was also a featured artist in SMF’s Musical Explorers program with bassist Andrew Ryan.

Viv & Riley (Vivian Leva and Riley Calcagno) play old-soul roots music, combining a traditional backbone with the fresh melodies of indie folk, and the tightly wound vocal harmonies of the old-time and classic country music they grew up with. Since 2018, they’ve recorded and released multiple albums to critical acclaim. The two also play in the old-time stringband The Onlies, and serve as co-artistic directors of The Festival of American Fiddle Tunes.

Location: Metal Building at Trustees' Garden 660 East Broughton Street, Savannah, GA 31401.

Cost: $42.00

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April 10, 2024:

5:00 pm - 7:10 pm: Faircloth Jazz Series - Brandee Younger Trio / Immanuel Wilkins Quartet

A leading voice of the harp, Brandee Younger recently made history at the 2022 Grammy Awards as the first Black female solo artist nominated in the Best Instrumental Composition category for her song “Beautiful Is Black.” The mesmerizing track is from her 2021 major label debut album, Somewhere Different, that also received a 2022 NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Jazz Album — Instrumental. Over her career Younger has performed and recorded across countless genres with artists including John Legend, The Roots, Lauryn Hill, Common, Pharoah Sanders, Ravi Coltrane, Ron Carter, and Charlie Haden.

The music of saxophonist and composer Immanuel Wilkins is filled with empathy and conviction, bonding arcs of melody and lamentation to gestures of space and breath. His acclaimed debut album Omega, was named the #1 Jazz Album of 2020 by The New York Times. The album (along with his latest, The 7th Hand) features his remarkable quartet with Micah Thomas, Daryl Johns and Kweku Sumbry.

Location: Metal Building at Trustees' Garden 660 East Broughton Street, Savannah, GA 31401.

Cost: $45

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7:30 pm - 9:00 pm: Muddy and Wolf Revisited: A Tribute to Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf feat. Bobby Rush with North Mississippi Allstars

The North Mississippi Allstars are joined by blues and R&B showman Bobby Rushto celebrate the music of pioneering bluesmen Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf.

After 25 years, twelve albums, four Grammy Award nominations, and sold out shows all over the world, North Mississippi Allstars continue to expand the band’s sound, which is always rooted in the blues tradition of the Mississippi hill country. For this special project, the North Mississippi Allstars are joined by Blues Hall of Famer and Grammy Award winner Bobby Rush.

During his storied stage show, Rush frequently jumps high into the air, arms spread and legs tucked, only to land gracefully and return without a hitch. It’s a move you might expect at a contemporary R&B show, but it’s downright shocking when you realize that Rush is now 90 years of age. Born Emmett Ellis, Jr. in Homer, Louisiana, Rush settled in Chicago in the 50s. He established himself as an unparalleled entertainer through relentless touring and releasing singles on Chess, ABC and Philadelphia International. This is his Savannah Music Festival debut.

Location: Lucas Theatre for the Arts 32 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA 31401.

Cost: $39 - $81

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8:30 pm - 10:40 pm: Faircloth Jazz Series - Brandee Younger Trio / Immanuel Wilkins Quartet

A leading voice of the harp, Brandee Younger recently made history at the 2022 Grammy Awards as the first Black female solo artist nominated in the Best Instrumental Composition category for her song “Beautiful Is Black.” The mesmerizing track is from her 2021 major label debut album, Somewhere Different, that also received a 2022 NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Jazz Album — Instrumental. Over her career Younger has performed and recorded across countless genres with artists including John Legend, The Roots, Lauryn Hill, Common, Pharoah Sanders, Ravi Coltrane, Ron Carter, and Charlie Haden.

The music of saxophonist and composer Immanuel Wilkins is filled with empathy and conviction, bonding arcs of melody and lamentation to gestures of space and breath. His acclaimed debut album Omega, was named the #1 Jazz Album of 2020 by The New York Times. The album (along with his latest, The 7th Hand) features his remarkable quartet with Micah Thomas, Daryl Johns and Kweku Sumbry.

Location: Metal Building at Trustees' Garden 660 East Broughton Street, Savannah, GA 31401.

Cost: $45

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April 11, 2024:

12:30 pm - 1:45 pm: Faircloth Jazz Series - Noon30: Brandee Younger Trio

A leading voice of the harp, Brandee Younger recently made history at the 2022 Grammy Awards as the first Black female solo artist nominated in the Best Instrumental Composition category for her song ‚”Beautiful Is Black.” The mesmerizing track is from her 2021 major label debut album, Somewhere Different, that also received a 2022 NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Jazz Album — Instrumental. Over her career Younger has performed and recorded across countless genres with artists including John Legend, The Roots, Lauryn Hill, Common, Pharoah Sanders, Ravi Coltrane, Ron Carter, and Charlie Haden.

Location: Metal Building at Trustees' Garden 660 East Broughton Street, Savannah, GA 31401.

Cost: $35

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6:00 pm - 7:45 pm: Philip Dukes & Friends Chamber Series - Philip Dukes & Friends IV: The Voice of Bach, A Musical Salute

No series featuring the music of Bach would be complete without his music for voice. Collaborating with the Savannah VOICE Festival to present Mark Delavan (who played Gianni Schicchi in the collaborative Puccini production at SMF 2015), the Bach Cantata in the first half is contrasted by a second half of songs by Copland and Weill. How interesting would it have been for Bach to have sat in the audience to hear the songs by Copland and Kurt Weill and to see his response.

Program:

BACH
Ich habe Genug, BWV 82

MOZART
Trio in E-flat Major for Clarinet, Viola and Piano,
K. 498, “Kegelstatt”

COPLAND
Old American Songs (selections)

WEILL
The Threepenny Opera (selections)

Personnel:

Benny Kim, violin
Jack Liebeck, violin
Robin Ashwell, viola
Philip Dukes, viola
Eric Kim, cello
Leigh Mesh, double bass
Michael Collins, clarinet
Andrew Ripley, oboe
Mark Delavan, baritone
Sebastian Knauer, piano
Ana-Maria Vera, piano

Location: Trinity United Methodist Church 127 Barnard Street, Savannah, GA 31401.

Cost: $52

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7:00 pm - 9:00 pm: Madison Cunningham / Juana Molina

Madison Cunningham is a 26-year- old Grammy Award-winning artist and songwriter known for her “wonderfully tangled imagery and cutting self-awareness” (NPR). As a guitarist, Madison has pushed the boundaries of a conventional singer-songwriter as her “guitar work is both classic and wildly emotive, and her soaring vocals are pristine and inspired” (Consequence of Sound). Madison first picked up a guitar at an early age, and was singing and performing alongside her five siblings in church by the time she was twelve. Cunningham’s recent album Revealer won the Grammy Award for “Best Folk Album.”

A master of mysterious experimental pop, Juana Molina is recognized as a wholly original, visionary artist whose work has been championed by the likes of David Byrne and Will Oldham. Her career trajectory has been unique, from initial success as a popular comedic actress in her native Argentina to her decision to devote herself to forging her own inimitable style of music. That decision has since gained her worldwide recognition as a critically-lauded recording and touring artist, who The New York Times says “doesn’t imitate anyone. She has too much fun just being herself.”

Location: Trustees Theater 216 East Broughton Street, Savannah, GA 31401.

Cost: $42

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April 12, 2024:

6:00 pm - 7:10 pm: Amy Helm

Singer and multi-instrumentalist Amy Helm makes her SMF debut on closing weekend with her ace band. The daughter of Levon Helm of The Band and singer-songwriter Libby Titus, Amy Helm was a member of her father’s band in the 90s and 2000s, was a founding member of acclaimed roots-rock ensemble Ollabelle, and has released three solo albums over the last decade. She also organizes the annual Dirt Farmer music festival and curates the storied Midnight Ramble monthly series at Levon Helm Studios in Woodstock, NY. Her rich, emotive voice is at home in music across the American roots spectrum, from R&B to folk and country to gospel, and her live performances are always buzzed about.

Location: Metal Building at Trustees' Garden 660 East Broughton Street, Savannah, GA 31401.

Cost: $42

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6:00 pm - 7:15 pm: Emanuel Ax, Piano

For this long-anticipated Savannah Music Festival debut, celebrated pianist Emanuel Ax brings a unique program of Beethoven Sonatas interspersed with works by Schoenberg.

Program:

BEETHOVEN Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Opus 13, “Pathétique”
SCHOENBERG 3 Pieces, Opus 11
BEETHOVEN Piano Sonata No. 2 in A Major, Opus 2, No. 2
SCHOENBERG 3 Pieces (1894) / 6 Little Pieces, Opus 19
BEETHOVEN Piano Sonata No. 23 in F minor, Opus 57, “Appassionata”

Location: Trinity United Methodist Church 127 Barnard Street, Savannah, GA 31401.

Cost: $65

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7:30 pm - 8:45 pm: Faircloth Jazz Series - Matthew Whitaker

Musical prodigy Matthew Whitaker grew up surrounded by music. At age 9, he began teaching himself how to play the Hammond B3, and four years later became the youngest artist to ever be endorsed by Hammond. His always joyful performances, which span jazz, R&B and soul, display an innate mastery of the keyboard. Now three years into a Jazz Studies degree at The Juilliard School, the blind 22-year old pianist has already toured the world over as a solo artist, performed with the likes of Christian McBride, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Regina Carter and Jon Batiste, composed acclaimed music for film and television, and been featured on Showtime at the Apollo and 60 Minutes, among others. Don’t miss this Savannah Music Festival debut!

Location: Trustees Theater 216 East Broughton Street, Savannah, GA 31401.

Cost: $45

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8:30 pm - 9:40 pm: Amy Helm

Singer and multi-instrumentalist Amy Helm makes her SMF debut on closing weekend with her ace band. The daughter of Levon Helm of The Band and singer-songwriter Libby Titus, Amy Helm was a member of her father’s band in the 90s and 2000s, was a founding member of acclaimed roots-rock ensemble Ollabelle, and has released three solo albums over the last decade. She also organizes the annual Dirt Farmer music festival and curates the storied Midnight Ramble monthly series at Levon Helm Studios in Woodstock, NY. Her rich, emotive voice is at home in music across the American roots spectrum, from R&B to folk and country to gospel, and her live performances are always buzzed about.

Location: Metal Building at Trustees' Garden 660 East Broughton Street, Savannah, GA 31401.

Cost: $42

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8:30 pm - 10:10 pm: Mighty Poplar

Featuring Noam Pikelny and Chris Eldridge (Punch Brothers), Andrew Marlin (Watchhouse) and Greg Garrison (Leftover Salmon)

At its heart, bluegrass music is about what happens when you commit to the moment. The joy of improvisation keeps the music fresh. This true spirit of bluegrass infuses Mighty Poplar, a new all-star roots project featuring Andrew Marlin, Noam Pikelny, Chris Eldridge and bassist Greg Garrison. Regarded as some of the finest players of their generation, the playing is never showy and always in service of the song. Though Pikelny, Eldridge and Garrison all knew each other from their early work with Punch Brothers, impromptu backstage jams with Marlin at festivals across the country were the key that unlocked the project.

Location: Lucas Theatre for the Arts 32 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA 31401.

Cost: $39 - $81

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April 13, 2024:

3:00 pm - 5:00 pm: Island Prayers: Turtle Island Quartet

Following their appearance with Terence Blanchard & E-Collective, the Turtle Island Quartet returns with Island Prayers. This performance features four new works co-commissioned by Savannah Music Festival, composed by founding violinist David Balakrishnan, Rhiannon Giddens, Terence Blanchard and Jerod Impichchaachaacha’ Tate.

Program:

DAVID BALAKRISHNAN Little Mouse Jumps
RHIANNON GIDDENS Pompey Ran Away
JEROD IMPICHCHAACHAAHA’ TATE Little Loksi’
DAVID BALAKRISHNAN
Island Prayers:
Dialog
Atonement
Redemption
Groove in the Louvre
Darkness Dreaming
TERENCE BLANCHARD Turtle Trajectory
DAVID BALAKRISHNAN The Second Wave

Personnel:

Gabe Terracciano, violin
David Balakrishnan, violin, Artistic Director
Benjamin Von Gutzeit, viola
Naseem Alatrash, cello

Location: Trustees Theater 216 East Broughton Street, Savannah, GA 31401.

Cost: $52

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7:30 pm - 9:00 pm: Soledad Barrio & Noche Flamenca: Searching for Goya

Inspired by the transformative visual art of Francisco Goya, Noche Flamenca’s latest work references the prolific Spanish artist’s response to the political turmoil and injustices of 18th and 19th century Spain. Choreographed by Artistic Director Martin Santangelo and his award winning wife and Principal Dancer Soledad Barrio, Searching For Goya features a company of dancers, singers and musicians whose mastery of flamenco stretches the boundaries of the art form. Searching for Goya takes the audience on a journey through Goya’s graphic imagination.

Creative Consultant: Mark McDonald, Curator, Drawings and Prints, The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Location: Lucas Theatre for the Arts 32 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA 31401.

Cost: $39 - $81

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8:00 pm - 10:50 pm: Closing Night Party: Rebirth Brass Band / Eddie 9V

For nearly four decades, the Grammy Award-winning Rebirth Brass Band has been one of the Crescent City’s premier musical ambassadors. Their trademark sound pays homage to the New Orleans brass band tradition while weaving a tapestry that combines elements of jazz, funk, soul, R&B and the sounds from the streets they grew up on. Founded by brothers Phil and Keith Frazier over 35 years ago, Rebirth has since shared the stage and collaborated with everyone from the Grateful Dead to the Trombone Shorty.

Back to close out SMF again as he did in 2022, Eddie 9V opens this co-bill. An Atlanta native, Eddie 9V (a.k.a. Brooks Mason) has retooled the soul-blues genre on his own terms, reminding a new generation why the music hits so hard. When Eddie infiltrated his home state’s live circuit, he quickly pricked up ears everywhere he played. His artistic vision became fully realized when he adopted the solo moniker that promises an electrifying night out: Eddie 9 Volt.

Location: Metal Building at Trustees' Garden 660 East Broughton Street, Savannah, GA 31401.

Cost: $42

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Dates: March 28, 2024 - April 13, 2024

Location:

Various Venues,
Savannah, GA 31401.

Click here for more information.