Coastal Empire area music lovers are in for a treat with four exciting musical themed soirees planned for this spring season.  The Savannah Friends of Music, a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization, has four fabulous fundraising Parties à La Carte arranged for the spring season with the music, food and wine reflecting the theme of the events.  These parties fund donations to local students and musical groups with over $700,000 allocated since the organization’s inception in May, 2003.

After Savannah’s St Patrick’s Day festivities an elegant but relaxed Irish evening has been arranged for Thursday March 24^th.  A Celebration of Bayou and Shamrocks will be hosted in an 1868, beautifully restored Victorian house that sits near Pulaski Square in the Historic District of Savannah. Appetizers, ale, beer, wine and a buffet dinner featuring Irish and Cajun dishes will be served. Casual attire is requested. The cost is $60 per person.

Savannah’s Best Young Musicians Concert will be held on Sunday, April 17^th from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. in a beautifully restored home in Mary Marshall Row.  Young Musicians will be selected by Kelli Horton, Director of Piano at Savannah Arts Academy; Lorraine Jones, Ex. Director of the Armstrong Youth Orchestra; and Kerri Sellman, Director of Debut and Serenade Strings, AYO. Guests can enjoy their favorite hors d’oeuvres and wine in the formal dining room, or venture downstairs into the walled garden where BBQ sliders and beverages will be served. Cost is $75 per person.

“Bassoons, Bourbon, and Barbeque” will be held on Saturday, April 24^th from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at The Landings. Professional bassoonists Rae Feldcamp, Emily Graham, Michael Nestor, and Raymond Patricio will provide the music, and the lovely venue offers coastal scenery overlooking the greens and marshland.  This is a special invitation to hear this unique instrument in a solo, duet, trio and quartet ensembles featuring light classics AND enjoy a barbeque dinner with all the traditional sides. Cost is $50 per person. Casual attire is suggested.

“An Evening with Franz Schubert” will be held Friday, May 13^th in the Historic District’s “Gardens on Jones.”  The host’s collection of American silver, Herend porcelain and antique furnishings is the perfect setting for a 19^th century “Schubertiad,” although Rebecca Flaherty, soprano, and Kelli Horton, pianist, will also perform art songs from France, England and America. This is a complete evening: music, wines, appetizers, a light summer supper and dessert.  Cost is $60 per person. Dressy casual attire is suggested.