The Savannah Music Festival (SMF), renowned for its high-energy mix of jazz, classical, blues, Americana, and global roots music, returns for its 36th annual festival from March 26 to April 14, 2025. Nearly 100 live performances by acclaimed artists from around the world will take place in iconic venues across Savannah’s National Historic Landmark District.

“We’re thrilled to bring incredible live performances to Savannah offering a world of music in one city,” said Savannah Music Festival Executive Director Gene Dobbs Bradford. “Savannah Music Festival has a deep commitment to the local community and to expanding access to live music. We invite everyone to enjoy their favorite musicians and to discover exciting new artists at the 2025 festival.”

Highlights of the 2025 festival lineup include theater performances by Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Angélique Kidjo, Warren Haynes Band, Branford Marsalis Quartet, Marcus King, Shovels & Rope / Langhorne Slim, and the Taj Mahal Quintet. Dance programs make a highly anticipated return with performances by BalletCollective and Step Afrika!, while a fresh six-concert chamber series led by Philip Dukes and friends adds to the festival's rich classical offerings.

The classical lineup features renowned artists such as Danish String Quartet, Julia Fischer & Jan Lisiecki, and Michelle Cann, along with a special co-production with Savannah VOICE Festival, celebrating the 60th anniversary of Sherrill Milnes’ Metropolitan Opera debut.

A variety of acclaimed jazz artists will be making a stop in Savannah including Catherine Russell & Sean Mason, Lakecia Benjamin, Emmet Cohen and New Jazz Underground, Alfredo Rodriguez & Pedrito Martinez, Endea Owens & the Cookout, Edmar Castañeda Quartet, Allison Miller’s “Rivers In Our Veins” and Jenny Scheinman’s “All Species Parade.” 

International roots music remains a cornerstone of the 2025 Savannah Music Festival, featuring a dynamic lineup of global talent. Highlights include the return of DakhaBrakha from Ukraine and Anda Union from Mongolia, along with the festival debut of southern Italian traditional group Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino. One of Cuba's foremost virtuosos of the Cuban cuatro, Kiki Valera y su Son Cubano, will ignite the annual Latin Dance Party, while Irish trad trio Cillian Vallely, David Doocey, and Alan Murray bring the sounds of Ireland to Savannah. The festival also celebrates the 30th anniversary of Irish-American powerhouse Solas. In a unique cross-cultural collaboration, Mali meets France with Ablaye Cissoko and Cyrille Brotto, and South African group Ladysmith Black Mambazo will make a highly anticipated return appearance.

In American roots music, the 2025 Savannah Music Festival will showcase an exciting mix of bluegrass, Cajun, and country legends. Highlights include a bluegrass co-bill featuring East Nash Grass, the International Bluegrass Music Association’s 2024 New Artist of the Year, alongside renowned fiddler Bronwyn Keith-Hynes; a new collaboration between fiddle phenoms Michael Cleveland and Jason Carter; and a tribute to the legendary Hazel Dickens, performed by all-female ensemble Della Mae with special guests Laurie Lewis and Dickens’ longtime collaborator Alice Gerrard. Cajun music champions BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet make their festival debut in their 50th anniversary season, headlining the popular Cajun Dance Party. Other festival highlights include heartland singer-songwriter John Moreland at District Live; jamgrass pioneers Leftover Salmon at Victory North on opening night; the festival debut of Victor Wooten & the Wooten Brothers; an exciting collaboration between American stringband Hawktail and Swedish folk masters Väsen, sharing a bill with Darol Anger and Bruce Molsky; Texas country and rockabilly legend Junior Brown, performing on closing weekend; and the iconic Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas, leading the annual Zydeco Dance Party.

In addition to live music, SMF will present pre-dance party dance lessons and the 2025 Encounters Series, which encompasses free artist talks, panel discussions, and workshops.  

TICKET INFORMATION/DISCOUNTS/EXPLORER PASSES

Savannah Music Festival tickets start at $39 and can be purchased online at savannahmusicfestival.org, by phone at 912.525.5050, in person at the Savannah Box Office (216 E. Broughton St.), or at the performance venue one hour before showtime.

The festival offers ticket discounts for students, military personnel, educators, and seniors. Tickets to classical concerts are available for $20 at a discounted rate for patrons age 40 or younger.

During the festival, last-minute rush tickets at heavily discounted rates will be available for select concerts to festival volunteers, students, educators, and military personnel. These tickets can be purchased 30 minutes before showtime at the venue box office on a first-come, first-served basis. Information on select concerts offering rush tickets will be published on the Savannah Music Festival website and social media.

Additionally, the Explorer Pass provides Savannah-Chatham Public School System students with free access to general admission performances. Explorer Pass tickets are available on the day of the show at the performance venue by presenting proof of enrollment at an SCCPSS school to the box office.