The seven-year-old Savannah Music Festival has established a reputation for interesting programming crossing diverse musical boundaries, but their just-announced 2009 program may be the event's most interesting and most diverse yet. With top artists in various genres of jazz, roots, blues, world music, and classical, the upcoming festival, set for March 19 to April 5, 2009, puts a feather in the historic city's cultural cap.
The event's more than 100 performances are programmed in themes, series and special events. Some of the highlights are as follows:
In roots categories, Long Time Travelin' is a celebration of American folk song traditions featuring Rayna Gellert of Uncle Earl, gospel bluegrasser Doyle Lawson and hosted by Americana singer-songwriter Jim Lauderback, while Roots & Twang is a concert serieis featuring Neko Case and Crooked Fingers, Punch Brothers with Chris Thile, The Infamous Stringdusters, The Lovell Sisters and more.
In jazz, the Jazz Now and Forever series offers Dianne Reeves, a powerhouse combo of Chick Corea, John McLaughlin and Christian McBride, and more. A three-night Savannah Jazz Party series will present Bucky Pizzarelli, Ellis Marsalis, Eddie Palmieri and more. And The Gershwin Songbook will be performed by a tandem of jazz and classical pianists.
In blues, an authentic blues review, the Blues Was Born Here, will showcase Piedmont blues masters and other stylists. In world music, the Big World of Music series will feature international stars Toumani Diabate and Zakir Hussain as well as world-themed projects by American musicians Bela Fleck, Mike Marshall and Darol Anger. A three-concert dance series shines a light on Louisiana styles with zydeco great Cedric Watson and Cajun ensemble Feufollet.
Savannah is unique by incorporating a substantial classical program with its other musical components. In 2009, Resplendent Recitals showcases world class piano, guitar and vocal soloists, while The Complete Brandenburg Concertos are performed by the Academy of Ancient Music.
Other notable program elements include Georgia On My Mind featuring home-state performers and competitions for aspiring vocalists and high school jazz bands.
