The Savannah Music Festival (SMF) held its annual Winter Bash fundraiser on January 31, 2026, at 5 p.m. at the Plant Riverside Ballroom and District Live. This year’s theme, Havana Nights, included a night of music, fun and philanthropy as attendees came together to support SMF’s music education and artistic programming to ensure the nonprofit organization continues to fulfill its mission to bring a world of music to the Hostess City. The event raised $235,000 to sustain and grow these programs in the festival’s 36th year.

“Each year, Winter Bash brings our community together in such a meaningful way, and this year was bigger and better than ever,” said Executive Director Sinisa Ciric. “It’s truly inspiring to see so many supporters unite to enable us to continue to offer ‘A World of Music. One City’ through our annual festival and offer educational programs including our Jazz Academy and Musical Explorers program.”

“Winter Bash is in its 5th year, and I’m delighted to continue raising the bar for this annual fundraiser,” said Rhegan White-Clemm, Winter Bash Event Chair. “This year’s theme, Havana Nights, was spectacular and although the weather was cold outside, community members showed up and dug deep to support our mission.”

SMF announced a new education initiative for 2026-2027: the SMF Jazz Academy Big Band, which debuted at the Winter Bash. Students played Latin Jazz classics by Tito Puente and Dizzy Gillespie. The big band tradition is one of the foundations of jazz, teaching collaboration, listening, leadership, and performance excellence at the highest level.

“The generosity shown at this year’s Winter Bash directly fuels our education initiatives, from expanding opportunities in the SMF Jazz Academy to enriching classrooms through our Musical Explorers program,” said Senior Director of Community Impact Jenny Woodruff. “This support helps us reach more young people across the region and ensures that music education continues to thrive in our community.”

During the annual fundraising event, guests enjoyed a reception, dinner, live auction and SMF Jazz Academy performance before taking to the dance floor to hear the acclaimed Cuban jazz ensemble Orquesta Akokán.  Live auction items included a Journey Concert VIP Experience for four, Balkan dinners for 10 with SMF Executive Director Sinisa Ciric, a Martha’s Vineyard retreat and yacht experience for six, and a VIP concert experience for four with music icon Sting.

Since 2003, Savannah Music Festival has grown a music education program that is unlike that of any arts organization in the region. It is rooted in the belief that the arts are fundamental to the cognitive, affective, physical and intellectual development of all children and young adults. Through the generous support of donors and sponsors, Savannah Music Festival provides a suite of education and community outreach programs at no cost to participating students or their families, teachers, or schools. 

The Savannah Music Festival will be held March 25-April 5, 2026. For more information, visit www.savannahmusicfestival.org.