2015 Savannah Music Festival Brochure by Savannah Music Festival

WELCOME KO D O Thursday, March 26 at 8 PM Lucas Theatre for the Arts ⊲ See page 20

We are elated to present the 26th edition of the Savannah Music Festival, our largest and most unique festival to date. Connecting artists and audiences remains our raison d’être, and as our community’s visitor numbers continue to grow, so do we. As Georgia’s largest musical arts event and one of the most distinctive cross-genre music festivals anywhere, we always look for new ways to use historic Savannah as a backdrop for the thousands of festival attendees who travel to Savannah to experience our eclectic mix of musical styles. Many visitors come to experience musical traditions indigenous to the South, and SMF has always delivered the finest artists within these traditions. Whether it’s bluegrass, blues, gospel, country, Cajun, Zydeco, Texas swing, New Orleans music, slave shout songs or the ever-evolving blend of Americana styles including rock ‘n’ roll, the profusion of amazing talent in 2015 has never been better. One of the recurring questions we have been asked over the years has been “when are you going to produce an opera?” The answer is 2015, in collaboration with the Savannah Voice Festival, whose leadership under Sherrill Milnes and Maria Zouves has brought the experience and expertise required for such an undertaking. Together we are delighted to be staging original productions of Suor Angelica and Gianni Schicchi, two of the three one-hour operas from Puccini’s Il Trittico, featuring the Savannah Philharmonic and members of its chorus in the Lucas Theatre for the Arts. Nearly all of our classical and jazz programming involves producing either original programs or one-time only productions. Our 2015 season includes ten world-class chamber music concerts, five stellar recitals, and a symphonic concert on the classical side, while the jazz programming includes a myriad of styles spread across eleven different events, most of which are projects conceived especially for SMF audiences. As always, a wealth of artists from across the planet will showcase their extraordinary musical talents within the festival. This year’s event features musicians from Russia, Japan, England, South Africa, Germany, Canada, Montenegro, Ireland, Cuba, Austria, Iran, Sweden, Brazil, Italy, Ukraine and elsewhere, performing a vast range of styles and genres. We stage our musical productions from morning until late night throughout the alluring historic district of downtown Savannah, allowing patrons the opportunity to travel by foot, bicycle or pedicab from one event to the next while relishing the weather of early spring. We invite you to participate and experience the reason that we live for live music! Rob Gibson Executive & Artistic Director

BOX OFFICE 912.525.5050

INFO & TICKETS savannahmusicfestival.org

SCHEDULE & INDEX

TUE 3/24

$20

CMC

$35

CHAMBER MUSIC I : Around Beethoven

110

TUMC

$47

The Wood Brothers/AJ Ghent Band

120

SOS

$35

8 PM

Balsam Range/The Boxcars

120

CMC

$35

8 PM

One True Vine: Mavis Staples

$25, $35, $45, $55

6 PM 7:30 PM

The Boxcars

CMC

$20

7 PM

Zydeco Dance Party: Buckwheat Zydeco

CMC

$35

7 PM

Southern Troubadours featuring Joe Ely, Ruthie Foster and Paul Thorn

$25, $35, $45, $55

7:30 PM

Suor Angelica & Gianni Schicchi

120

$45, $65, $85, $105

8 PM

Shovels & Rope/Shakey Graves

120

SOS

$35

9 PM

Zydeco Dance Party: Buckwheat Zydeco

CMC

$35

8 11

McIntosh County Shouters

CMC

$20

3 PM

CHAMBER MUSIC II : Orchestral Masterworks by Mozart & Mendelssohn

110

$47

5 PM

Blues in the Garden: Heritage Blues Orchestra

100

SOS

$35

5 PM

Come Rain or Come Shine featuring Kurt Ollmann, J.J. Hobbs & Rebecca Flaherty

CMC

$35

7:30 PM

Come Rain or Come Shine featuring Kurt Ollmann, J.J. Hobbs & Rebecca Flaherty

CMC

$35

7:30 PM

Earls of Leicester

$25, $35, $45, $55

8:15 PM

Blues in the Garden: Heritage Blues Orchestra

100

SOS

$35

2 PM

Suor Angelica & Gianni Schicchi

120

$45, $65, $85, $105

5 PM

Come Rain or Come Shine featuring Kurt Ollmann, J.J. Hobbs & Rebecca Flaherty

CMC

$35

6 PM

RECITALS I : Nikolai Lugansky, piano

100

TUMC

$52

6:30 PM

Pre-Concert Talk with Kurt Ollmann, J.J. Hobbs & Rebecca Flaherty

CMC

FREE

7:30 PM

Come Rain or Come Shine featuring Kurt Ollmann, J.J. Hobbs & Rebecca Flaherty

CMC

$35

12:30 PM

Come Rain or Come Shine featuring Kurt Ollmann, J.J. Hobbs & Rebecca Flaherty

CMC

$20

CHAMBER MUSIC III : Brahms & His Influences

TUMC

$47

The Barr Brothers/The Apache Relay

120

CMC

$30

Dave Stryker Quartet

CMC

$20

Arias & Encores

110

TUMC

$35

The Barr Brothers/The Apache Relay

120

CMC

$30

Bouncin’ with Bud: Tardo Hammer plays Bud Powell

CMC

$20

6 PM 7:30 PM 12:30 PM 6 PM 7:30 PM 12:30 PM

WED 3/25

5:30 PM

Warren Vaché Quintet plays Benny Carter/Jason Marsalis Vibes Quartet

120

CMC

$35

6 PM

RECITALS II : Miloš Karadaglić, guitar

TUMC

$52

8 PM

Warren Vaché Quintet plays Benny Carter/Jason Marsalis Vibes Quartet

120

CMC

$35

Warren Vaché Quintet plays Benny Carter

CMC

$20

4 PM

Jazz on the River

180

Rousakis

FREE

6 PM

CHAMBER MUSIC IV : Early Masters

TUMC

$47

Sean Jones Quartet/Warren Wolf & Wolfpack

120

CMC

$35

8 PM

Kodo One Earth Tour: Mystery

120

$25, $35, $45, $55

9 PM

Sean Jones Quartet/Warren Wolf & Wolfpack

120

CMC

$35

Sean Jones Quartet

CMC

$20

12:30 PM

THU 3/26

6:30 PM

12:30 PM

FRI 3/27

6 PM

RECITALS III : Stephen Hough, piano

110

TUMC

$52

7 PM

The Louis Armstrong Continuum/Swing Central Jazz Finale

150

$22, $32, $42, $52, $62

8 PM

Lúnasa

SOS

$35

8:30 PM 10 PM 2

R BE

MON 3/23

UM N

SUN 3/22

E G PA

CMC

120

12:30 PM

SAT 3/21

G IN IC PR

Balsam Range/The Boxcars

12:30 PM

FRI 3/20

Balsam Range

5:30 PM

THU 3/19

CK TI

UE N VE RT CE N TH CO G N ) LE ES X. T O INU PR M AP (IN

12:30 PM

Lucinda Williams

$32, $42, $52, $62

Late Night Jam with Sean Jones Quartet featuring Wycliffe Gordon & Friends

120

CMC

$30

S AVA N N A H M U S I C F E S T I VA L

MARCH 19 – APRIL 4, 2015

THU 4/2

$70

5 PM

New Orleans Soul & Brass Party: Irma Thomas/Dirty Dozen Brass Band

130

SOS

$40

Hot Rize

$25, $35, $45, $55

7 PM

Pre-Concert Talk with Ken Meltzer

FREE

8 PM

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra with Lynn Harrell

110

$32, $42, $52, $65, $75

8 PM

Latin Dance Party: Adonis Puentes & The Voice of Cuba Orchestra

CMC

$35

New Orleans Soul & Brass Party: Irma Thomas/Dirty Dozen Brass Band

130

SOS

$40

Latin Dance Party: Adonis Puentes & The Voice of Cuba Orchestra

CMC

$35

CHAMBER MUSIC V : Emerson String Quartet

TMI

$52

4:30 PM

Giants of Texas Swing: Hot Club of Cowtown/Asleep at the Wheel

120

CMC

$40

7 PM

Giants of Texas Swing: Hot Club of Cowtown/Asleep at the Wheel

120

CMC

$40

7:30 PM

3 PM

Julian Lage & Jorge Roeder

CMC

$20

5 PM

Giants of Texas Swing: Hot Club of Cowtown/Asleep at the Wheel

120

CMC

$40

6 PM

CHAMBER MUSIC VI : Emerson String Quartet with Daniel Hope & Friends

TUMC

$52

31 32

7:30 PM

Giants of Texas Swing: Hot Club of Cowtown/Asleep at the Wheel

120

CMC

$40

8 PM

Kayhan Kalhor & Brooklyn Rider

100

$25, $35, $45, $55, $65

11 AM

CHAMBER MUSIC VII : Vive la France

TUMC

$30

5 PM

Giants of Texas Swing: Hot Club of Cowtown/Asleep at the Wheel

120

CMC

$40

7:30 PM

Giants of Texas Swing: Hot Club of Cowtown/Asleep at the Wheel

120

CMC

$40

7:30 PM

Béla Fleck with Brooklyn Rider

100

$25, $35, $45, $55, $65

CHAMBER MUSIC VIII : Brooklyn Rider

TUMC

$30

12:30 PM

Mike Marshall & Choro Famoso

CMC

$35

6 PM

RECITALS V : Paul Lewis, piano

TUMC

$52

8 PM

The Brazilian Soul: Mike Marshall & Choro Famoso/Clarice Assad/Off The Cliff

120

$25, $35, $45, $55, $65

11 AM

CHAMBER MUSIC IX : Bruch & Brahms

UUC

$30

The World of Clarice Assad featuring Off The Cliff & Mike Marshall

CMC

$25

South Africa meets the American South: Vusi Mahlasela/Dirk Powell & Riley Baugus

120

CMC

$35

38 39

12:30 PM 6:30 PM 8 PM

Josh Ritter

$22, $32, $42, $47, $55

9 PM

South Africa meets the American South: Vusi Mahlasela/Dirk Powell & Riley Baugus

120

CMC

$35

Dirk Powell & Riley Baugus

CMC

$20

6 PM

Acoustic Music Seminar Finale: Stringband Spectacular

130

$15, $25, $35, $45

7 PM

Cajun Dance Party: The Band Courtbouillon

CMC

$35

12:30 PM

FRI 4/3

SAT 4/4

R BE

$35

TUMC

11 AM

WED 4/1

UM N

CMC

12:30 PM

TUE 3/31

E G PA

RECITALS IV : Murray Perahia, piano

8:30 PM

MON 3/30

G IN IC PR

Marcus Roberts Trio

3 PM

10:30 PM

SUN 3/29

SAT 3/28

CK TI

UE N VE RT CE N TH CO G N ) LE ES X. T O INU PR M AP (IN

12:30 PM

8 PM

Dianne Reeves

$32, $42, $52, $62

9 PM

Cajun Dance Party: The Band Courtbouillon

CMC

$35

3 PM

CHAMBER MUSIC X : Passionate Piano Quartets

100

$47, $57

7:30 PM 9 PM

Rosanne Cash

$32, $42, $52, $62, $75

Closing Night Party: DakhaBrakha

SOS

$30

Our Supporters.................................................................................................................pages 44–45 Music For Our Schools. . ...........................................................................................................page 46 Swing Central Jazz................................................................................................................... page 47 Acoustic Music Seminar. . ......................................................................................................... page 47 Support Us..................................................................................................................................page 48 Tickets & Policies......................................................................................................................page 49 Area Map.................................................................................................................................... page 50 Festival Venues..........................................................................................................................page 51 Where to Stay............................................................................................................................ page 52 BOX OFFICE 912.525.5050

CONCERT VENUE K EY CMC Charles H. Morris Center LT Lucas Theatre for the Arts SOS Ships of the Sea North Garden ST Savannah Theatre TMI Temple Mickve Israel TUMC Trinity United Methodist Church TT Trustees Theater UUC Unitarian Universalist Church ⊲ see page 51 for venue locations and more information INFO & TICKETS savannahmusicfestival.org

THURSDAY MARCH 19

1 2 : 3 0 PM

Balsam Range Charles H. Morris Center | $20 Kicking off the 2015 festival at the Charles H. Morris Center, Balsam Range (above) arrives fresh off the 2014 International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) awards ceremony with more nominations than any other band in bluegrass music. Singer/fiddler Buddy Melton took home Male Vocalist of the Year, and the group was honored with the Vocal Group of the Year award and the prestigious Entertainer of the Year crown. Their collective experience is as extensive as it comes, with members having played with Ricky Skaggs, Doc Watson, Tony Rice, Ralph Stanley and many others. Bluegrass and acoustic music fans won’t want to miss this SMF debut! 5:30 & 8 PM

Balsam Range/ The Boxcars Charles H. Morris Center | $35 This opening night double bill pairs two present-day powerhouses of bluegrass, whose origins straddle the Tennessee/North Carolina border where the Smokies meet the Blue Ridge Mountains. Both Balsam Range and The Boxcars have made their names playing real, authentic and soulful bluegrass. For more information about The Boxcars see page 7.

S AVA N N A H M U S I C F E S T I VA L

7 :3 0 PM

The Wood Brothers/AJ Ghent Band Ships of the Sea North Garden | $35 Back for their third SMF performance after opening for the Derek Trucks Band in 2010 and kicking off the SMF concerts at the Ships of the Sea North Garden in 2013, The Wood Brothers (above) have since added drummer and multi-instrumentalist Jano Rix as a full-time member. Brothers Chris (bass) and Oliver Wood (acoustic/electric guitar) leave it all on stage, performing a high-energy mix that includes elements of blues, jazz, reggae, rock and even gospel. The AJ Ghent Band (right) fuses Southern rock, blues, soul and funk music, to create what frontman AJ Ghent calls “Southern Soul.” His father, great uncle and grandfather are all considered masters of the Sacred Steel gospel of the Pentecostal church, which exposed him to lap steel guitar at an early age. Often referred to by fans as Prince and James Brown’s musical love child, AJ Ghent and his singing slide guitar are guaranteed to get audiences moving.

MARCH 19 – APRIL 4, 2015

THURSDAY MARCH 19

“Hope is one of the most sought-after violinists of today, as comfortable and experienced in the field of baroque music and historical performance as he is versatile and convincing in classical and romantic repertoire. In this concert all sides of his talent could be heard…Hope and the Ensemble delighted the audience with great sensitivity, charm and joyful music making resulting in frenetic standing ovations.” – NEUE LUZERNER (LUCERNE, SWITZERLAND)

6 PM CHAMBER MUSIC I

Around Beethoven Trinity United Methodist Church $47

Schubert

dagio e Rondo Concertante, A D. 487 for Piano Quartet

Beethoven Piano Trio No. 1 in E-flat Major, Op. 1 Schubert String Quintet in C Major, D. 956, Op. posth. 163 Daniel Hope, the Mr. & Mrs. Curtis G. Anderson Associate Artistic Director Chair, brings together some of his favorite musical colleagues from across North America and Europe in Savannah each SMF season. Bookended by two of Franz

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Schubert’s great works (including his renowned cello quintet), this opening concert is centered around Beethoven’s innovative Piano Trio No. 1 in E-flat Major, Op.1, composed in 1793. Daniel Hope, violin Benny Kim, violin Philip Dukes, viola Eric Kim, cello Keith Robinson, cello Sebastian Knauer, piano

INFO & TICKETS savannahmusicfestival.org

THURSDAY MARCH 19

“More than half a century of American social history is embodied in the warm, earthy voice of the great R&B gospel singer Mavis Staples…her grainy, low-voiced, minimally ornamented singing is rooted to a family tradition that spans more than 60 years.” – THE NEW YORK TIMES

8 PM

One True Vine: Mavis Staples Trustees Theater Tickets start at $25

S AVA N N A H M U S I C F E S T I VA L

A National Heritage Fellowship Award winner, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement winner, Mavis Staples’ rich, raspy vocals and precise phrasing have been central to the definitive mark she has made on American music. In the six decades since her start within the delta-inflected gospel group The Staples Singers, Ms. Staples has continued

MARCH 19 – APRIL 4, 2015

to cultivate a genuine and inspired take on the combination of gospel, soul and folk music. Her two most recent albums (produced by Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy), one of which won a GRAMMY Award, show that Mavis Staples is at the top of her game. Don’t miss this opening weekend concert featuring one of the greats of gospel, soul and R&B!

FRIDAY MARCH 20

12 :3 0 P M

The Boxcars Charles H. Morris Center | $20 Led by 2014 IBMA Mandolin Player of the Year Adam Steffey and multi-instrumentalist Ron Stewart, The Boxcars (above) originated after the Dan Tyminski Band slowed down its touring in 2010. Teaming up with two leaders from Blue Moon Rising (Keith Garrett and Harold Nixon), The Boxcars began what is still a flourishing collaboration. The band recently welcomed dobro player Gary Hultman, a former student of Adam Steffey in the East Tennessee State University Bluegrass, Old-Time and Country Music program, and alumnus of SMF’s Acoustic Music Seminar (see page 47).

7 PM

Southern Troubadours Featuring Joe Ely, Ruthie Foster and Paul Thorn Trustees Theater | Tickets start at $25 Three distinctly different artists share the stage for an evening of song swapping. Joe Ely (above right), a founding member of The Flatlanders (who played at the Lucas Theatre during SMF 2011) is an American singer, songwriter and guitarist whose music touches on honky-tonk, Texas country, Tex-Mex and rock and roll.

“[Foster] sounds long-suffering, forthright, resilient and thoroughly at home.” – THE NEW YORK TIMES

Those who have followed Ruthie Foster (right) know that she can burn down any stage with her combustible blend of soul, blues, rock, folk and gospel. Ruthie’s astonishing voice has taken her on an amazing ride, one that has included two SMF performances and house concerts over the past five years. Paul Thorn (above center) has been pleasing crowds for years with his muscular brand of roots music—bluesy, rocking and thoroughly Southern.

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INFO & TICKETS savannahmusicfestival.org

FRIDAY MARCH 20

7 & 9 PM

Zydeco Dance Party: Buckwheat Zydeco Charles H. Morris Center $35

S AVA N N A H M U S I C F E S T I VA L

As the leading torchbearer of the classic sound of the late King of Zydeco, Clifton Chenier, Buckwheat Zydeco has performed for over three decades. After spending two years as organist in Chenier’s Red Hot Louisiana Band in the late 70s, Buckwheat took up the accordion, and within a year, he started his own band. He then became the first zydeco artist signed to a major label, and went on to play with Eric Clapton, Ry Cooder and Willie Nelson, among others. On a mission to bring the unique sound of zydeco into the musical mainstream, Buckwheat Zydeco combines traditional Creole tunes with blues and R&B in “one of the best bands in America… a downhome, high-powered celebration,” says The New York Times.

MARCH 19 – APRIL 4, 2015

“Musical magic in the form of R&B and zydeco music came to town Sunday night from Lafayette, La., home to these phenomenal Creole players who have made zydeco a major musical force since their 1979 debut. The whole spectacle was thoroughly entertaining, and brought to mind the finest elements of showmanship that night during the Buckwheat Zydeco concert.” – SHORELINE TIMES, NEW HAVEN, CT

FRIDAY MARCH 20

7: 30 P M

Suor Angelica & Gianni Schicchi Music by Giacomo Puccini Libretto by Giovacchino Forzano Directed by Joachim Schamberger Conducted by Eugene Kohn Featuring the Savannah Philharmonic A C O - P R O D UC TI ON WITH SAVANNAH VO I C E FEST IVA L I N C EL EB R ATI ON OF S H E R R I L L M I L NES’ 80 T H BIRTHDAY Lucas Theatre for the Arts Tickets start at $45

Giacomo Puccini, composer of La Bohème, Tosca and Madame Butterfly, was a leading exponent of Italian “verismo” opera. In the debut of opera at SMF, two of the three one-hour operas from Puccini’s Il Trittico: Suor Angelica (a tragedy) and Gianni Schicchi (a comedy), make up an exciting co-production by SMF and the Savannah VOICE Festival (SVF), featuring the Savannah Philharmonic and members of its chorus under celebrated opera conductor Eugene Kohn. Suor Angelica (sung by soprano Verónica Villarroel) is the tragic story of a young royal separated from her son by being exiled in a convent. As she awaits word about her life outside the nunnery, a visit from her Princess Aunt (sung by mezzo-soprano Susan Nicely) sheds light on the divergent paths of either eternal damnation or graceful redemption. BOX OFFICE 912.525.5050

The story of Gianni Schicchi (sung by baritone Mark Delavan) is about family, fortune and a clever man from Florence. A spin-off from Dante’s Divine Comedy, the farce centers around the Donati family as they mourn the death of their wealthy uncle, Buoso. Finding he has left his fortune elsewhere, they scheme to recapture his wealth by asking Schicchi to devise a plan. Why should Gianni save them? Because his daughter, Lauretta (sung by Micaëla Oeste), is in love with their nephew! Sung in Italian with projected English translations, this lavish production comes to life in a virtual set designed and directed by Joachim Schamberger. This special co-production is in honor of Sherrill Milnes’ (renowned baritone and Artistic Director of SVF) 80th birthday.

INFO & TICKETS savannahmusicfestival.org

FRIDAY MARCH 20

“If there is an American rock movement of the now, this acoustic twosome from Charleston, S.C., is close to the nerve center.” – THE NEW YORK TIMES

8 PM

Shovels & Rope/ Shakey Graves Ships of the Sea North Garden $35

S AVA N N A H M U S I C F E S T I VA L

Cary Ann Hearst and Michael Trent forged singular paths as solo artists before connecting —both musically and personally—in Charleston, South Carolina. Since that moment, Shovels & Rope has been on an upward trajectory, performing their unique style of rowdy and rootsy folk-rock. Energetic and copious live shows have played a large part in building Shovels & Rope’s reputation among audiences and their peers—the latter of whom voted for the duo in for two 2013 Americana Music Awards, Emerging Artist of the Year as well as Song of the Year (for the vivid, semiautobiographical “Birmingham”). MARCH 19 – APRIL 4, 2015

Recently described as “astonishing, unclassifiably original and frighteningly good” by NPR Music, Shakey Graves (pictured page 45) is one of those rare artists whose music inspires the kind of obsessive devotion that compels fans to spend hours searching for more. In his hometown of Austin, Texas, the Mayor has even given Shakey his own local holiday (February 9th is officially “Shakey Graves Day” in Austin). Armed with just a guitar and a homemade kick drum, Shakey Graves “makes the one-man band approach look effortless” (The New York Times).

SATURDAY MARCH 21

12 : 3 0 P M

McIntosh County Shouters Charles H. Morris Center | $20 The ring shout tradition of the Georgia coast was formed during times of slavery. A compelling fusion of dance, call-andresponse singing and percussion (consisting of hand-clapping and beating a stick on the floor), the ring shout has African origins but also contains strong elements of Christian belief. National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) National Heritage Fellows, the McIntosh County Shouters (above) are the foremost practitioners of this tradition, and have become SMF favorites. They are also performing for local schoolchildren grades K-2 as part of SMF’s new Musical Explorers curriculum (see page 46), which uses regional musical traditions to incorporate music into general classroom studies.

3 PM CHAMBER MUSIC II

Orchestral Masterworks by Mozart & Mendelssohn Featuring the Savannah Philharmonic, Daniel Hope, Benny Kim, Philip Dukes and Sebastian Knauer Lucas Theatre for the Arts | $47 Mozart Piano Concerto No. 9 in E-flat Major, KV 271 “Jeunhomme” Mendelssohn Violin Concerto in D minor for Violin and Strings Mendelssohn S tring Symphony No. 10 in B minor Mozart

Sinfonia Concertante

In this collaborative chamber orchestra program, musicians from the Savannah Philharmonic perform with guest soloists from SMF’s critically acclaimed chamber music series. Featuring rich orchestrations of works by Mozart and Mendelssohn, the centerpiece of this program is Felix Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in D minor, which was written when the composer was just 13 years old. Initially

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resurrected by violinist and former prodigy Yehudi Menuhin (Daniel Hope’s teacher and mentor), the concerto was edited for performance and received its US premiere at Carnegie Hall in 1952. Menuhin described the work as “full of invention... it exhibits remarkable freedom and elasticity of form.” The other Mendelssohn piece on this program, the String Symphony No. 10, was written when he was just 14 years old. Pianist and SMF favorite Sebastian Knauer opens the concert as soloist with the Savannah Philharmonic, performing the piano concerto that musicologist Alfred Einstein dubbed Mozart’s “Eroica” (No. 9 in E-flat Major, KV 271). The concert closes with Philip Dukes conducting Mozart’s most successful work in the cross-over genre between symphony and concerto, featuring violin soloist Benny Kim.

INFO & TICKETS savannahmusicfestival.org

SATURDAY MARCH 21

5 & 7:30 PM

Come Rain or Come Shine Featuring Kurt Ollmann, J.J. Hobbs & Rebecca Flaherty Charles H. Morris Center | $35 This is the first of three days of an original cabaret production featuring Kurt Ollmann, J.J. Hobbs and Rebecca Flaherty. See page 15 for more information.

S AVA N N A H M U S I C F E S T I VA L

5 & 8:1 5 PM

Blues in the Garden: Heritage Blues Orchestra Ships of the Sea North Garden | $35 The Heritage Blues Orchestra (above) is an inspiring testament to the enduring power, possibilities and boundless beauty of the blues. The grit of low-down country and urban blues with the hand-clapping fervor of gospel punctuated with fiery, haunting cries of work songs and pulsating drums that reach back to the roots of it all. Under the musical direction of Vincent Bucher, considered one of the most accomplished harmonica players anywhere, listeners journey across the Middle Passage, drive down Highway 49 from Clarksdale to New Orleans, go from chain gangs and juke joints to orchestra pits, church pews and even back porches.

MARCH 19 – APRIL 4, 2015

“The Heritage Blues Orchestra are like a more potent Carolina Chocolate Drops, their basic guitar, harmonica and handclap grooves given further colour and character by bustling drums... Railroad shuffles, swampy slide-guitar throbs, gospel call-and-response chants and a reggae-like take on Rosco Gordon’s jump-blues slouch are applied. The results are never less than infectious.” — THE INDEPENDENT (UK)

SATURDAY MARCH 21

7: 30 PM

Earls of Leicester Featuring Jerry Douglas, Shawn Camp, Charlie Cushman, Tim O'Brien, Johnny Warren and Barry Bales Trustees Theater Tickets start at $25

Born out of dobro master Jerry Douglas’ lifelong love of the music of Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs, the play-on-words band name Earls of Leicester (pronounced “Lester”) is led by Douglas. The band also features acclaimed writer, producer and solo artist Shawn Camp on lead vocals and guitar, renowned Nashville banjoist Charlie Cushman, veteran songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and Hot Rize member Tim O’Brien, second-generation fiddle phenom Johnny Warren and bassist Barry Bales, Douglas’ longtime bandmate in Alison Krauss and Union Station. BOX OFFICE 912.525.5050

“...the silent pilot is the late Josh Graves, the dobro giant who drove Flatt & Scruggs’ greatest records and served as Douglas’ foremost formative influence. How epic it is to hear Graves’ royal inspiration edging on such dutiful subjects.” – LEXINGTON HERALD-LEADER

INFO & TICKETS savannahmusicfestival.org

SUNDAY MARCH 22

2 PM

Suor Angelica & Gianni Schicchi Music by Giacomo Puccini

6 PM R E C I TA L S I

Nikolai Lugansky, piano Trinity United Methodist Church | $52

Libretto by Giovacchino Forzano Directed by Joachim Schamberger

Schubert

2 Scherzos, D. 593

Conducted by Eugene Kohn

Schubert

Sonata No. 19 in C minor, D. 958

Featuring the Savannah Philharmonic

Tchaikovsky Selections from The Seasons, Op. 37a: January: By the Hearth, August: The Harvest, November: On the Troika

Lucas Theatre for the Arts Tickets start at $45 Co-produced by the Savannah Music Festival and Savannah VOICE Festival and featuring the Savannah Philharmonic, this matinée performance closes out the SMF debut of opera with two of the three one-hour operas from Puccini’s Il Trittico: Suor Angelica (a tragedy) and Gianni Schicchi (a comedy). See page 9 for more information.

S AVA N N A H M U S I C F E S T I VA L

Tchaikovsky Grand Sonata in G Major, Op. 37 Russian pianist Nikolai Lugansky’s 2011 SMF debut was without a doubt a festival highlight, featuring a primarily Chopin recital that included deft interpretations with dynamics and phrasing that ranged from the lilting and dreamy to the staunchly resolute. He has since performed recitals at venues including Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw, London’s Wigmore

MARCH 19 – APRIL 4, 2015

Hall and Madrid’s Auditorio Nacional de Música, toured with the Russian National Orchestra and Mikhail Pletnev and the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra and Hannu Lintu. He has also appeared at some of the world’s most distinguished classical music festivals, including the BBC Proms, La Roque d’Anthéron, and the Verbier, Rheingau and Edinburgh International festivals. Nikolai Lugansky’s most recent recital recording, featuring Rachmaninov’s two Piano Sonatas, won the Diapason d’Or. Piano lovers won’t want to miss what will be his triumphant return to Savannah.

SUNDAY MARCH 22

5 & 7: 30 PM

Come Rain or Come Shine Featuring Kurt Ollmann, J.J. Hobbs & Rebecca Flaherty Charles H. Morris Center $35

A mainstay of nearly every festival, this year’s original SMF cabaret production comes with the arrival of two new singers in Savannah. Musical theatre/opera star Kurt Ollmann (pictured center) first came to prominence singing on a recording of West Side Story under Leonard Bernstein with Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, José Carreras and Marilyn Horne. Ollmann has since sung with leading opera companies and orchestras throughout America and Europe. Sharing this three-day run of “Come Rain or Come Shine” is another new Savannahian, J.J. Hobbs (pictured right), who performs in multiple styles and genres, from opera and art song to musical theatre and jazz. Hobbs has BOX OFFICE 912.525.5050

worked with the Atlanta Opera under William Fred Scott, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus under Robert Shaw, and has performed lead roles with the Baltimore Opera Company and Atlanta Lyric Theatre. Ollmann and Hobbs will also be joined by special guest Rebecca Flaherty (pictured left), a classically-trained soprano who performs, teaches and advocates for the vocal arts throughout the Lowcountry. The program will range from the sultry, bluesy ballads of Harold Arlen to the urbane wit of Stephen Sondheim by way of old-time specialty songs like “Hard-Hearted Hannah (The Vamp of Savannah),” all with intimate conversational patter that is personal, comedic and endearing. INFO & TICKETS savannahmusicfestival.org

MONDAY MARCH 23

12:30 F IN A L PER FO R M AN CE!

6 PM CHAMBER MUSIC III

Come Rain or Come Shine

Brahms & His Influences

Featuring Kurt Ollmann, J.J. Hobbs & Rebecca Flaherty

Trinity United Methodist Church | $47

Charles H. Morris Center | $20 This is a special lunchtime performance and the last chance to see an original cabaret production at the Morris Center. See page 15 for more information.

Dvořák

iano Quartet No. 2 in E-flat Major, P Op. 87

Webern Langsamer Satz for String Quartet Brahms S tring Quintet No. 2 in G Major, Op. 111 Johannes Brahms’ “Prater Quintet,” a viola quintet that the composer intended to be his swan song, anchors this Daniel Hope & Friends concert. The sensational reaction to the quintet’s premiere in 1890 led Brahms to reconsider his earlier declaration: “I have worked enough; now let the young fellows take over.” The program begins with Dvořák’s 2nd piano quartet, one of his most popular chamber pieces. In the words of the late British Dvořák scholar John Clapham: “[it] probably epitomizes more completely the genuine Dvořák style in most of its facets than any other work of his. Laughter and tears, sorrow and gaiety, are found side by side, as

well as many moods that lie between these two extremes.” Also on this program is an important work from one of the founding fathers of the Second Vienna School, Anton Webern. Daniel Hope, violin Benny Kim, violin Philip Dukes, viola Carla Maria Rodrigues, viola Eric Kim, cello Keith Robinson, cello Sebastian Knauer, piano

7 :3 0 PM

The Barr Brothers/The Apache Relay Charles H. Morris Center | $30 Montreal meets Nashville in this two-night stand of folk-rock in the intimate Charles H. Morris Center. The Barr Brothers (above) are Brad Barr on guitar/vocals and Andrew Barr on drums, who began their musical career in Boston with the improvisational rock trio The Slip. They moved to Montreal where they were 16

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joined by classical harpist Sarah Page (who Brad first heard playing through his apartment wall) and pianist/bassist Andrès Vial. They are fresh off an extensive European tour and a new recording, Sleeping Operator, which extends into cinematic and otherworldly territories while maintaining a campfire-like intimacy. MARCH 19 – APRIL 4, 2015

The Apache Relay (opposite page, bottom) came together on the campus of Belmont University in 2008. They toured in support of Mumford & Sons and soon found themselves playing major venues and festivals, including Bonnaroo, the Newport Folk Festival and Voodoo Music Experience, among others.

TUESDAY MARCH 24

12 :3 0 P M

Dave Stryker Quartet Charles H. Morris Center | $20 Jazz guitar great Dave Stryker (above) has made 25 recordings as a bandleader and as a sideman for such artists as Stanley Turrentine, Jack McDuff and Kevin Mahogany. He has been voted in the Top Ten Guitarists in the DownBeat readers’ poll, and a Rising Star in the DownBeat critics’ poll. Highly regarded as one of the finest jazz guitar instructors, Stryker has been on the faculty of Swing Central Jazz (page 47) since 2009, and has performed in the Finale concert every year. This is his first SMF performance as a leader, so come and find out why Pat Metheny calls Stryker a guitarist with “one of the most joyous feels around.” Stryker is joined by pianist Bill Peterson, bassist Rodney Jordan and drummer Jason Marsalis.

6 PM

Arias & Encores Featuring artists from the Sherrill Milnes VOICE Programs Christopher Cano, piano Directed by Maria Zouves Trinity United Methodist Church | $35 As part of the operatic offerings of SMF and its collaboration with the Savannah VOICE Festival and VOICExperience, artists from Puccini’s Suor Angelica and Gianni Schicchi (see page 9) give

an exciting encore performance that includes favorites from the canons of opera, musical theater and song. Featuring the artists from the Savannah VOICE Festival’s 2014 season, this specially conceived program showcases some of the best new talent in opera and musical theatre.

7 : 30 PM

The Barr Brothers/ The Apache Relay Charles H. Morris Center | $30 This is the second in a two-night run of folk-rock in the intimate Charles H. Morris Center. See opposite page for more information. BOX OFFICE 912.525.5050

INFO & TICKETS savannahmusicfestival.org

WEDNESDAY MARCH 25

1 2 : 3 0 PM

Bouncin’ with Bud: Tardo Hammer plays Bud Powell Charles H. Morris Center | $20 For more than three decades, jazz pianist Tardo Hammer (above) has been a major figure in New York’s bebop scene, having played with Johnny Griffin, Art Farmer, Junior Cook and Lionel Hampton, among many others. In this special lunchtime concert, Hammer will showcase the compositions of Bud Powell, the great bebop pianist, who along with his colleague Thelonious Monk, took Charlie Parker’s musical language and adapted it to the piano. In an interview with JazzTimes, Hammer remarked: “Bud Powell has so much to say… His music, it just has everything— he can play a ballad and make you cry, romp an uptempo and swing his ass off, and play the blues.”

5:3 0 & 8 PM

Warren Vaché Quintet plays Benny Carter/ Jason Marsalis Vibes Quartet Charles H. Morris Center | $35 Trumpet player Warren Vaché (right) returns to Savannah with his own quintet, following his 2014 appearance in the SMF production of “Ladies Sing the Blues” featuring Catherine Russell and Charenee Wade. Warren Vaché’s style has been influenced by a great variety of the classic players—Louis Armstrong, George “Pee Wee” Erwin (with whom Vaché studied for many years), Roy Eldridge, Bobby Hackett, Clifford Brown, Blue Mitchell and Billy Butterfield, among others—while developing his own inimitable style. This program features the music of jazz giant Benny Carter, the multi-instrumentalist, composer, bandleader and distinguished NEA Jazz Master whose arrangements were featured on recordings by Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, Count Basie and numerous Hollywood movie soundtracks. Vaché’s quintet features tenor saxophonist Houston Person (who wowed 2012 SMF audiences performing with Bill Charlap and leading his own quartet), pianist Tardo Hammer, bassist Nicki Parrott and drummer Leroy Williams. Percussionist Jason Marsalis (above) has performed in nearly every Savannah Music Festival since 2004, in addition to working as a core clinician at Swing Central Jazz (see page 47) and serving as Music Director in last year’s finale concert, “Kind of Blue: Miles, Trane and Cannonball.” In recent years,

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MARCH 19 – APRIL 4, 2015

Marsalis has led his own band in which he performs on the vibraphone. Exploring a vast range of material that includes compositions by Bobby Hutcherson and Hermeto Pascoal, the quartet primarily focuses on Marsalis’ original compositions. While this band plays with the dynamic control and precision of a chamber ensemble, their bluesy authority and improvisational firepower leave no doubt as to why Jason Marsalis was named an NEA Jazz Master along with his father Ellis and his brothers Branford, Wynton and Delfeayo. He will be joined by Austin Johnson on piano, Will Goble on bass and Dave Potter on drums.

WEDNESDAY MARCH 25

6 PM R E C I TA L S I I

Miloš Karadaglić, guitar Trinity United Methodist Church $52

Sor

I ntroduction and Variations on a Theme by Mozart, Op. 9

Regondi Rêverie, Op. 19 Granados Danza No. 2, Oriental Bach

Chaconne, BWV 1004

De Falla Danza del Molinero (arr. Lewin) De Falla

Homenaje

De Falla Danza Española No. 1 (arr. Lewin) Rodrigo Invocation and Dance Velazquez Besame mucho (arr. Assad) Ben Jor

Mas que nada (arr. Assad)

Ginastera Sonata for Guitar, Op. 47 Since his sold-out 2012 SMF debut, 30-year old classical guitarist Miloš Karadaglić has become the pride of Montenegro, topping the UK classical charts and touring the world over as “the biggest classical-guitar phenomenon since BOX OFFICE 912.525.5050

John Williams in the 1960s and Julian Bream a decade below” (Sunday Times, UK). Miloš’ passion for the guitar is matched with an intuitive sense of how to bring the instrument across to his public—whether it be for an audience of thousands in the Royal Albert Hall or an intimate chamber music performance for 100 people. He enjoys performing in major concert halls

“...a thoughtful, intelligent artist, as supple in his phrasing as he is generous in his use of colour.” – GRAMOPHONE MAGAZINE

as much as in non-traditional venues such as New York’s Le Poisson Rouge, London’s Camden Roundhouse (iTunes Festival) and Deutsche Grammophon’s Yellow Lounge club nights in London, Berlin, Amsterdam, Madrid, New York, LA, Miami and Seoul.

INFO & TICKETS savannahmusicfestival.org

THURSDAY MARCH 26

1 2 : 3 0 PM

Warren Vaché plays Benny Carter Charles H. Morris Center | $20 This is an exclusive lunchtime performance by the Warren Vaché Quintet, featuring tenor saxophonist Houston Person, Tardo Hammer on piano, Nicki Parrott on bass and Leroy Williams on drums. See page 18 for more information.

6 PM CHAMBER MUSIC IV

Early Masters Trinity United Methodist Church | $47 Schubert

String Trio in B-flat Major, D. 471

Schumann

iano Quartet in C minor, WoO P 32 (1829)

Borodin

String Sextet in D minor

Mendelssohn Piano Sextet in D Major, Op. 110 Often times, the works in a composer’s formative period are the ones that propel and shape their career. In a look at the early masterworks of several great 19th century composers, this program brings together the nucleus of Daniel Hope’s European and U.S. colleagues. This concert marks the 2015

return of bassist Joseph Conyers, a Savannah native and Assistant Principal Bass of the Philadelphia Orchestra. Daniel Hope, violin Benny Kim, violin Philip Dukes, viola Carla Maria Rodrigues, viola Eric Kim, cello Keith Robinson, cello Joseph Conyers, double bass Simon Crawford-Phillips, piano Sebastian Knauer, piano

8 PM

Kodo One Earth Tour: Mystery Lucas Theatre for the Arts | Tickets start at $25 Excitingly varied, marvelously theatrical, fascinating from start to finish, with moments of vivid physical excitement, Kodo is a group of dancers and drummers from Japan who explore the limitless possibilities of the traditional Japanese “taiko” drum. Kodo is forging new directions for a vibrant musical and theatrical art form, and since the group’s debut at the Berlin Festival in 1981, Kodo has given over 3,700 performances on ﬁve continents. They spend about a third of the year overseas, a third touring in Japan and a third rehearsing and preparing 20

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MARCH 19 – APRIL 4, 2015

new material in their home on Sado Island. Of the “Mystery” program that will be performed in Savannah, Artistic Director Tamasaburo Bando remarks, “This time, I created this piece with the idea that theatre-goers would experience the mood of mystery that they meet at a temple or a shrine, or when you go into the forest—places that are removed from daily life. A feeling that emerges from deep darkness. At the end of the show, I’ll be happy if they leave with a sense of purification.” Audiences can expect a visual and aural delight at Kodo’s SMF debut!

THURSDAY MARCH 26

6 : 30 & 9 PM

Sean Jones Quartet/ Warren Wolf & Wolfpack Charles H. Morris Center $35

SMF audiences will remember trumpeter, bandleader, educator and composer Sean Jones (above) from when he performed at SMF 2012 with Jon Faddis or SMF 2010 with Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra (JLCO), but his current quartet is his finest project to date. Jones was originally a drummer but discovered the trumpet at the age of 10 upon hearing Miles Davis. He went on to hold the lead trumpet chair in the JLCO for six years, and toured with Wayne Shorter and Herbie Hancock on the “Tribute To Miles” tour, among many other musical accomplishments. He is presently the Brass Department Chair at Berklee College of Music. Jones will be joined by Orrin Evans on piano, Luques Curtis on bass and Obed Calvaire on drums.

recorded with a wide variety of jazz musicians, including the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Nicholas Payton, Aaron Goldberg, Cyrus Chestnut, Willie Jones, Eric Reed, Mulgrew Miller, Ron Carter, Esperanza Spalding and many others. Wolf will be joined by Alex Brown on piano, Kris Funn on bass and Billy Williams, Jr. on drums.

Warren Wolf (right) first performed at SMF 2003 with Lewis Nash and has since made appearances here as a leader and as a sideman with Aaron Diehl and Walter Blanding. Endless possibilities open up when Wolf stands over the vibraphone, and his “Wolfpack” quartet plays with soul and fire. He has performed and/or BOX OFFICE 912.525.5050

INFO & TICKETS savannahmusicfestival.org

FRIDAY MARCH 27

“Swing Central Jazz... an all-star galaxy.” – JAZZ TIMES

1 2 :3 0 PM

Sean Jones Quartet Charles H. Morris Center | $20 This is an exclusive lunchtime performance by the Sean Jones Quartet, featuring Orrin Evans on piano, Luques Curtis on bass and Obed Calvaire on drums. See page 21 for more information.

7 PM

The Louis Armstrong Continuum/ Swing Central Jazz Finale Lucas Theatre for the Arts | Tickets start at $22 Following performances by the top three finalists from the Swing Central Jazz competition (see page 47 for more information about Swing Central Jazz), this original production will be an evening devoted to the legacy of Louis Armstrong, an American genius of 20th century

music. Groups led by Marcus Roberts, Warren Vaché and Wycliffe Gordon (above) will all be featured, performing such classics as “Dear Old Southland,” “On the Sunny Side of the Street,” “Mahogany Hall Stomp” and other treasures from the repertoire of Louis Armstrong.

10 PM

Late Night Jam with Sean Jones Quartet featuring Wycliffe Gordon & Friends Charles H. Morris Center | $30 A highlight of every festival season has become the annual late night jazz jam, which wraps up our week with Swing Central Jazz in a fiery concert at the Charles H. Morris Center. This year, the Sean Jones Quartet provides the backbone to the jam and will welcome a variety of musicians including acclaimed soloists such as Wycliffe Gordon, Marcus Roberts, Warren Vaché and many others. A must-see for fans of swing and improvisation! 22

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MARCH 19 – APRIL 4, 2015

FRIDAY MARCH 27

“A virtuoso who begins where others leave off.” – WASHINGTON POST

6 PM R E C I TA L S I I I

Stephen Hough, piano Trinity United Methodist Church $52

Debussy

La plus que lente

Debussy

Estampes

Chopin

Ballade No. 2 in F Major, Op. 38

Chopin

Ballade No. 1 in G minor, Op. 23

Chopin Ballade No. 3 in A-flat Major, Op. 47 Chopin

Ballade No. 4 in F minor, Op. 52

Debussy

Children’s Corner

Debussy

L’isle joyeuse

Named by The Economist as one of 20 Living Polymaths, British pianist Stephen Hough is a rare renaissance man of our time, and was conferred as a Commander of the British Empire BOX OFFICE 912.525.5050

by Queen Elizabeth II. Over the course of a long and distinguished career as one of the world’s leading concert pianists, he has also excelled as a writer and composer. In 2001, he was the first classical performing artist to receive a MacArthur Foundation Fellowship. At the piano, he combines an exceptional facility and tonal palette with a uniquely inquisitive musical personality, and his musical achievements have resulted in many awards and accolades for his concerts and a discography of more than fifty recordings. He has appeared with almost all of the major European and American orchestras and plays recitals regularly in halls and concert series around the world. INFO & TICKETS savannahmusicfestival.org

FRIDAY MARCH 27

8 PM

Lúnasa Ships of the Sea North Garden $35

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Named for an Autumn harvest festival, Lúnasa is without a doubt one of the most prolific and enduring bands in Irish music. Comprised of Seán Smyth (fiddle and low whistles), Kevin Crawford (flute, low whistles and tin whistles), Cillian Vallely (uilleann pipes and low whistles), Trevor Hutchinson (double bass) and the group’s newest member Ed Boyd (guitar), Lúnasa delivers music with a passion that informs every note and

MARCH 19 – APRIL 4, 2015

continues to define and redefine the genre. Their innovative arrangements and unique approach to the music create a singular sound that has propelled Irish acoustic music from familiar ground into surprising and exciting new territory. Called “the hottest Irish acoustic group on the planet” by The New York Times, this is Lúnasa’s first SMF performance since their debut on St. Patrick’s Day in 2006.

FRIDAY MARCH 27

“She’s pithy and penetrating, bruised but steadfast, proud of the grain and drawl of her voice. Her music places itself in a vanishing, idealized Southland where country, soul, blues and gospel all share a common spirit and a vocabulary of twang.” – THE NEW YORK TIMES

8: 30 P M

Lucinda Williams Trustees Theater Tickets start at $32

American rock, folk, blues and country music singer-songwriter Lucinda Williams is one of a kind. She has been maneuvering down a musical path all her own for more than three decades since emerging from Lake Charles, Louisiana, a town with rich traditions of indigenous American music. Several years of playing the hardscrabble clubs of her adopted state of Texas gave her a solid enough footing to record a self-titled album that would become a touchstone for the Americana movement— BOX OFFICE 912.525.5050

helping launch a thousand musical ships along the way. More than 30 years later, after having been named “America’s best songwriter” by TIME Magazine in 2002, Williams’ distinctive delta-infused country soul sound is as strong as ever. Though her songs offer poetry filled with pain and longing, Williams says, “People misunderstand me and think I’m this depressed person, and I’m not. At the end of the day, I’m an optimist.”

INFO & TICKETS savannahmusicfestival.org

SATURDAY MARCH 28

“The qualities that make Perahia one of today’s leading artists of the keyboard lie in his ability to shine a penetrating and personal light on such music, in such a way that there is nothing at all ‘standard’ about it. In other words, the commanding insights he brings to this repertory are more than enough to breathe freshness and distinction into works we’ve heard many times before, but seldom played at this inspired level.” – CHICAGO TRIBUNE

3 PM R E C I TA L S I V

Murray Perahia, piano Trinity United Methodist Church $70

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Murray Perahia’s Savannah debut could be the most highly anticipated classical piano event in the history of SMF. In the more than 40 years that he has been performing on the concert stage, Perahia has become one of the most sought-after and cherished pianists of our time, performing in all of the major international music centers and with every leading orchestra. He is the Principal Guest Conductor of the Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields, with whom he has toured as conductor and pianist MARCH 19 – APRIL 4, 2015

throughout the world. He is the recipient of two GRAMMY Awards, for his recordings of Chopin’s complete Études and Bach’s English Suites Nos. 1, 3 and 6, and has won several Gramophone Awards. Perahia is an honorary fellow of the Royal College of Music and the Royal Academy of Music, and he holds honorary doctorates from Leeds University and Duke University. In 2004, he was awarded an honorary knighthood by Queen Elizabeth II, in recognition of his outstanding service to music.

SATURDAY MARCH 28

12 : 3 0 P M

Marcus Roberts Trio Charles H. Morris Center | $35 SMF Associate Artistic Director Marcus Roberts (above) offers another extraordinary look into his original artistry with a rare full-concert SMF appearance with his trio featuring bassist Rodney Jordan and drummer Jason Marsalis. After nearly 20 years of performing together, the near telepathic sound of the Marcus Roberts Trio is one in which all the musicians share equally in shaping the direction of the music through changing its tempo, mood, texture or form, through a system of musical cues. As a result, each

“We call him ‘the genius of the modern piano,’ because he is.” – WYNTON MARSALIS

trio member’s enormous individual talent is showcased along with the powerfully rhythmic group sound. One of the most enjoyable aspects of a Marcus Roberts Trio concert is that these three musicians are really having fun playing together, which means you’re in for a lunchtime set that is sure to be enjoyable and swinging.

5 & 8:3 0 P M

New Orleans Soul & Brass Party: Irma Thomas/ Dirty Dozen Brass Band Ships of the Sea North Garden | $40 Internationally heralded as the “Soul Queen of New Orleans,” singer Irma Thomas (right) had her first hit single “You Can Have My Husband, But Don’t Mess with My Man” (1960) when she was just 19 years old. With a career spanning six decades, Thomas is a Louisiana Music Hall of Famer and GRAMMY Award winning artist. Growing up listening to Mahalia Jackson and Pearl Bailey, Thomas developed a rich vocal style with an awareness of what it means to be a true entertainer. She remains one of America’s most distinctive singers, a treasure from the golden age of soul music whose performances are as compelling and powerful as ever. In 1977, The Dirty Dozen Social and Pleasure Club in New Orleans began showcasing a traditional Crescent City brass band. It was a joining of two proud, antiquated traditions at the time: social and pleasure clubs dated back over a century to when black southerners could rarely afford life insurance and the clubs would provide proper funeral arrangements. Brass bands, early predecessors of jazz, would often follow the funeral procession playing somber dirges, before

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bursting into jubilant tunes as casual onlookers danced in the streets. By the late 70s, few of either existed. Thirty-seven years later, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band (DDBB; top) is a world famous music ensemble whose name is synonymous with genre-bending romps and high-octane performances. The DDBB has maintained an appetite for musicological adventure, a commitment to honor tradition while not being constrained by it, and a healthy sense of humor. Whether reinvigorating standards or looking beyond the New Orleans songbook, the DDBB remains a wellspring of musical inspiration and a living, breathing embodiment of the Crescent City sound.

INFO & TICKETS savannahmusicfestival.org

SATURDAY MARCH 28

7: 30 PM

Hot Rize Trustees Theater Tickets start at $25

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For a dozen years beginning in 1978, the band Hot Rize was arguably the most influential bluegrass band of its time. While their name was a knowing nod to Flatt & Scruggs’ long-time flour mill sponsor, Hot Rize’s music was and is equally informed by a taste for the music of Leadbelly and Freddie King, swing, old-time Appalachia and more in ways that mirror the broad sweep of Bill Monroe’s influences. So when Hot Rize retired in 1990, it was natural for members to go on to distinguished careers of their own, although there was an occasional group reunion. Now, 24 years after their last studio album, this MARCH 19 – APRIL 4, 2015

incredible foursome brings an even deeper strength to bear with a new recording and tour. Multi-instrumentalist and singer Tim O’Brien, who closed out SMF 2014 with Darrell Scott at the Acoustic Music Seminar finale, performs alongside early members Pete Wernick and Nick Forster. Renowned flatpicker Bryan Sutton, in place of the late Charles Sawtelle, says “Nobody’s been a bigger Hot Rize fan than me, and that’s a perspective I’ve tried to maintain as a member of the band. I’m excited about this new record, and I can’t wait to introduce new fans to the Hot Rize experience.”

SATURDAY MARCH 28

8 & 10 : 30 PM

8 PM

Latin Dance Party: Adonis Puentes & The Voice of Cuba Orchestra

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

Robert Spano, Music Director Lynn Harrell, cello Lucas Theatre for the Arts | Tickets start at $32

Charles H. Morris Center | $35 Dvořák Cello Concerto in B minor, Op. 104, B. 191 Lynn Harrell, cello

Fronting a dynamite ten-piece band, Cuban born Adonis Puentes (above) is a GRAMMYnominated singer and bandleader who opens up the marvelous world of Cuban music with syncopated rhythms, propulsive bass lines, nuanced horn arrangements and melodic piano and guitar. Back in the dance-friendly environs of the Charles H. Morris Center, audiences can expect joyful performances of hip-shaking song at this year’s Latin Dance Party. Come dance the night away!

Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 4 in F minor, Op. 36 In their tenth consecutive SMF appearance, the world-renowned Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (above) brings a powerful program of symphonic masterworks. Music sometimes expresses feelings better than words. Dvořák’s Cello Concerto captures all of the grandeur of a big symphonic concerto and conveys the composer’s grief at the loss of his sister-in-law, Josefina, with whom he was deeply in love (in spite of being married to her sister). Tchaikovsky once wrote, “an artist lives a double life: an everyday human life and an artistic life, and the two do not always go hand in hand.” His Fourth Symphony is a clear expression of that struggle to find his artistic voice, and it remains one of the most frequently performed symphonies of the late 19th century, while also ranking as one of Tchaikovsky’s finest.

“Original compositions richly imbued with tradition; superb arrangements with an international flavor; and a world-class band that delivers with great precision.” – LATIN JAZZ NETWORK

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INFO & TICKETS savannahmusicfestival.org

SUNDAY MARCH 29

3 PM

4: 30 & 7 PM

CHAMBER MUSIC V

Emerson String Quartet Temple Mickve Israel | $52 Beethoven String Quartet No. 12 in E-flat Major, Op. 127 Beethoven String Quartet No. 15 in A minor, Op. 132

“One of the characteristics of the Emerson Quartet is that its players all have the ability and the instruments to produce a sweet and glossy sound—but do so sparingly. Instead, they establish a chromatic scale of timbres that range from dry and tart over clean and zesty all the way to lustrous and singing.” – THE NEW YORK TIMES

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Making their fifth appearance at SMF (and first since the 2012 season), this all-Beethoven concert marks the first time Savannah audiences can see the renowned Emerson String Quartet (above) with new cellist Paul Watkins in action. The arrival of Watkins in 2013 has had a profound effect on the Emerson Quartet. Watkins, a distinguished soloist, award-winning conductor and devoted chamber musician, joined the ensemble in its 37th season, and his dedication and enthusiasm have infused the Quartet with a warm, rich tone and a palpable joy in the collaborative process. The reconfigured group has been greeted with impressive accolades. Eugene Drucker, violin Philip Setzer, violin Lawrence Dutton, viola Paul Watkins, cello

MARCH 19 – APRIL 4, 2015

Giants of Texas Swing: Hot Club of Cowtown/ Asleep at the Wheel Charles H. Morris Center | $40 This three-day run at the Charles H. Morris Center brings together two of the most influential bands playing western swing today, Hot Club of Cowtown (above)and Asleep at the Wheel (page 32). With similarities to gypsy jazz, western swing is a toe-tapping, danceable amalgamation of a variety of styles including cowboy country, polka, folk, Dixieland jazz and swing, whose most notable exponent was Bob Wills & the Texas Playboys.

MONDAY MARCH 30

12 : 3 0 P M

Julian Lage & Jorge Roeder Charles H. Morris Center | $20 Guitarist, composer and arranger Julian Lage (above) is often categorized as a jazz musician, though his music is also rooted in traditional and acoustic forms. In addition to five prior SMF performances both solo and with a variety of collaborators including Mark O’Connor, Martin Taylor, Mike Marshall and Casey Driessen, Julian Lage has served on the faculty of SMF’s Acoustic Music Seminar (see page 47) since its inception in 2012. For this special lunchtime concert, Lage is joined by Jorge Roeder, one of the most versatile bassists on the New York jazz scene. Roeder was awarded first prize at the 2007 International Society Of Bassists Jazz Competition, was a semi-finalist at the 2009 Thelonious Monk Jazz Bass Competition, and has played with such luminaries as Steve Lacy, Gary Burton and Kenny Werner. In this duo project, Julian Lage and Jorge Roeder display incredible musicianship, creative improvisation and boundless creativity.

6 PM CHAMBER MUSIC VI

Emerson String Quartet with Daniel Hope & Friends Trinity United Methodist Church | $52 Ravel

String Quartet in F Major

Liebermann String Quartet No. 5, Op. 126 Bruch Octet for Strings in B-flat Major (Op. posth.) The Emerson String Quartet opens this concert with Ravel’s String Quartet in F Major, one of the most widely performed works in the chamber music repertoire. Despite early pushback from the Parisian press and academia, in addition to criticisms of the work by Gabriel Fauré (to whom it was dedicated), the Quartet in F Major was a pivotal point in Ravel’s career and marks the start of his rise from obscurity. Liebermann’s String Quartet No. 5 was commissioned by Music Accord for the Emerson String Quartet. This program concludes with the Bruch Octet for

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Strings performed by Daniel Hope & Friends with three members of the Emerson: Eugene Drucker, Lawrence Dutton and Paul Watkins. The octet was one of Bruch’s final works, and was lost after his death until 1996, when it premiered. Lorenza Borrani, violin Eugene Drucker, violin Daniel Hope, violin Benny Kim, violin Philip Setzer, violin Lawrence Dutton, viola Carla Maria Rodrigues, viola Paul Watkins, cello Joseph Conyers, double bass

INFO & TICKETS savannahmusicfestival.org

MONDAY MARCH 30

5 & 7: 30 PM

Giants of Texas Swing: Hot Club of Cowtown/ Asleep at the Wheel Charles H. Morris Center $40

Hot Club of Cowtown’s influences have always been as much the musette music of the smoky bistros of 1930s Paris as they are the hoedowns and Western swing of the mythic American West. Praised for their “down-home melodies and exuberant improvisation” (The Times of London), the Hot Club has set up camp “at that crossroads where country meets jazz and chases the blues away” (The Independent), and “conscious always that above all else, the music is for dancing and an old-fashioned good time” (The New York Times). Asleep at the Wheel (above) has seen miles and miles of Texas. They got their kicks on Route 66, and in 2010, the band clicked another milestone on the odometer—their 40th anniversary. Altogether, they have won nine

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MARCH 19 – APRIL 4, 2015

GRAMMY Awards since their 1970 inception. In their career, they have released more than twenty studio albums, and have charted more than twenty singles on the Billboard country charts. The band continues to introduce the western swing genre to new generations of listeners. Taking a page from Bob Wills’ book, the band has constantly toured at a national level throughout its history, with anywhere from 7 to 15 of the finest players that founder Ray Benson could talk into jumping on the bus to play a string of dates. The alumni roster is over 80+ members, and includes an impressive list of musicians who have gone on to perform with artists such as Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Lyle Lovett and many more.

MONDAY MARCH 30

8 PM

Kayhan Kalhor & Brooklyn Rider Lucas Theatre for the Arts Tickets start at $25

Kayhan Kalhor is an acclaimed Persian musician and a founding member of Yo-Yo Ma’s Silk Road Ensemble. A virtuoso on the kamancheh (spike fiddle), his performances of traditional Persian music and his unique collaborations have attracted audiences around the globe. In his SMF debut, Kalhor will be performing with the string quartet Brooklyn Rider (pictured page 34 with Béla Fleck and on back cover), an adventurous, genre-defying string quartet that combines a wildly eclectic repertoire with a gripping performance style that is attracting legions BOX OFFICE 912.525.5050

of fans and drawing critical acclaim from music reviewers from all genres. NPR credits Brooklyn Rider with “recreating the 300-year-old form of string quartet as a vital and creative 21st-century ensemble.” The musicians play in concert halls and clubs, in venues as varied as Joe’s Pub in New York City, the San Francisco Jazz Festival, Todai-ji Temple in Japan, the Library of Congress and SxSW. In addition to multiple performances, Brooklyn Rider will be teaching young musicians during SMF’s Acoustic Music Seminar (see page 47). INFO & TICKETS savannahmusicfestival.org

TUESDAY MARCH 31

5 & 7 :3 0 PM

11 AM CHAMBER MUSIC VII

Vive la France Trinity United Methodist Church | $30 Ravel

onata No. 1 for Violin and S Piano (posthume)

Saint-Saëns Piano Quartet No. 2 in B-flat Major, Op. 41 Milhaud

onatine for Violin and Viola, S Op. 226

Chausson

iano Quartet in A Major, P Op. 30

F INA L PE RF O RMAN CE !

Giants of Texas Swing: Hot Club of Cowtown/ Asleep at the Wheel Charles H. Morris Center | $40 This is the last of three nights of this double bill of hot Texas Swing at the Charles H. Morris Center. See page 32 for more information.

This all-French program spotlights two of the great works in the piano quartet literature. Though Saint-Saëns and Chausson both wrote opera and song, areas of primary focus for many of their contemporaries, the two composers stood out with their substantial contributions to the chamber music repertoire. Lorenza Borrani, violin Daniel Hope, violin Benny Kim, violin Carla Maria Rodrigues, viola Eric Kim, cello Keith Robinson, cello Simon Crawford-Phillips, piano

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MARCH 19 – APRIL 4, 2015

7 : 30 PM

Béla Fleck with Brooklyn Rider Lucas Theatre for the Arts | Tickets start at $25 Banjoist/composer Béla Fleck has performed on seven different occasions at SMF, each time with distinctly different projects. His 2015 appearance will be no exception, as he joins forces with the acclaimed string quartet Brooklyn Rider (see page 33) during their 2015 SMF residency. Of this new collaboration, Béla Fleck remarks: “After doing my research on string quartets, a powerful tide pushed me towards Brooklyn Rider, one of the very special groups playing in this format today. They play a lot of new music, and the format of banjo with string quartet was so compelling that we decided to create a whole night of music and tour with it.” Fleck has written several new compositions for the ensemble, which will be showcased at this concert.

WEDNESDAY APRIL 1

11 AM CHAMBER MUSIC VIII

Brooklyn Rider Trinity United Methodist Church | $30 Celebrating its 10th anniversary together, Brooklyn Rider is one of today’s most technically accomplished string quartets, attracting legions of fans and drawing critical acclaim from classical, world and rock critics. Their latest recording Almanac is a multidisciplinary project for which the quartet commissioned 15 new works, each inspired by a respective artistic muse, by composers ranging from Wilco’s Glenn Kotche of indie rock fame to jazz icon Bill Frisell, to singersongwriter Aoife O’Donovan. The quartet charged the composers with an inspired framing device: Each work should take the output of another creative muse of the last 50 years as its inspiration. This concert will feature a selection of works from Almanac. Johnny Gandelsman, violin Colin Jacobsen, violin Nicholas Cords, viola Eric Jacobsen, cello

6 PM R E C I TA L S V

Paul Lewis, piano Trinity United Methodist Church | $52 Beethoven Sonata No. 30 in E Major, Op. 109 Sonata No. 31 in A-flat Major, Op. 110 Sonata No. 32 in C minor, Op. 111 Paul Lewis’ (above) cycles of piano works by Beethoven and Schubert have received unanimous critical and public acclaim across the globe, solidifying his reputation as one of the world’s foremost interpreters of European classical repertoire. His numerous awards have included the Royal Philharmonic Society’s Instrumentalist of the Year, two Edison awards, three Gramophone awards, the Premio

“There are many prized recordings of the Beethoven sonatas from past masters and current artists. But if I had to recommend a single complete set, I would suggest Mr. Lewis’ distinguished recordings.” – THE NEW YORK TIMES

Internazionale Accademia Musicale Chigiana, and others. Lewis performs regularly as soloist with the world’s greatest orchestras, and as a recitalist in the major halls of Vienna, Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, Zurich, Barcelona and Sydney. He is also a frequent guest at festivals including Lucerne, Mostly Mozart, Tanglewood, Salzburg, Edinburgh, La Roque d’Antheron and The BBC Proms.

1 2:3 0 PM

Mike Marshall & Choro Famoso Charles H. Morris Center | $35 Associate Director of SMF’s Acoustic Music Seminar (see page 47), Mike Marshall is one of the world’s most accomplished mandolinists. Marshall began his love affair with the music of Brazil after a visit there, before embarking on an in-depth study of the roots of the Brazilian choro (see page 36). This obsession has led to recordings and concerts with some of Brazil’s finest musicians, including Hamilton de Holanda,

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Danilo Brito, Jovino Santos Neto and Hermeto Pascoal. His group Choro Famoso has helped spearhead a wave in the U.S. for this infectious style and features clarinetist/soprano saxophonist Andy Connell, 7-string guitarist Colin Walker and percussionist and pandeiro player Brian Rice. Their new recording, Segunda Vez, spans virtually the entire history of the choro from 1870 to the present, forming the repertoire of this concert.

INFO & TICKETS savannahmusicfestival.org

WEDNESDAY APRIL 1

8 PM

The Brazilian Soul

Featuring Mike Marshall & Choro Famoso Clarice Assad Off The Cliff Lucas Theatre for the Arts Tickets start at $25

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When French composer Darius Milhaud first heard Brazilian pianist Ernesto Nazareth playing in downtown Rio de Janeiro, he stated that it gave him a deeper insight into the Brazilian soul. Nazareth was a formative figure in the development of the Brazilian choro, the instrumental popular Brazilian music that originated in 19th century Rio, which will be showcased on this evening by the group Choro Famoso, featuring mandolinist Mike Marshall (above right), clarinetist Andy Connell, 7-string guitarist Colin Walker and percussionist and pandeiro player Brian Rice. A native of Rio de Janeiro, Clarice Assad (above left) was born into one of Brazil’s most famous musical families MARCH 19 – APRIL 4, 2015

(she is the daughter of Sergio Assad, one of today’s preeminent guitarists and composers), and has performed professionally since the age of seven. Versatile, sophisticated and accomplished, Clarice Assad is a sought after symphonic composer, arranger, producer, jazz pianist and vocalist of musical depth and ability. Off The Cliff is Assad’s group that mixes Brazilian music with other styles featuring drummer/percussionist Keita Ogawa and João Luiz Rezende on guitar, bass, cavaquinho and banjo. They will perform original interpretations of works by such Brazilian composers as Milton Nasciemento, Caetano Veloso and others, all comprising the Brazilian soul.

THURSDAY APRIL 2

11 A M

12 : 30 PM

The World of Clarice Assad

CHAMBER MUSIC IX

Bruch & Brahms

Featuring Off The Cliff & Mike Marshall

Hosted by SMF Associate Artistic Director Daniel Hope Unitarian Universalist Church | $30

Charles H. Morris Center | $25 Bruch Selections from Eight pieces for Violin, Viola and Piano, Op. 83 Brahms Piano Quartet No. 2 in A Major, Op. 26 In a recent article in The Guardian (UK) entitled “The Best of Brahms: Lesser-Known Treats,” SMF Associate Artistic Director Daniel Hope remarked, “Brahms plays such an important role in my musical life. Curiously, his Piano Quartet No. 2 in A Major, Op. 26, has fallen somewhat from grace over the years. And yet during Brahms’ lifetime this was the more often performed of his three piano quartets. Its ‘divine length’ at 50 minutes, and its

appreciation of Schubert, make it a rewarding and inspiring piece to study and perform.” Bruch’s “Eight Pieces” are a product of the 19th century cultural climate, epitomizing the aspects of Romantic thought that glorified the sensual, the emotive and the sentimental. Lorenza Borrani, violin Carla Maria Rodrigues, viola Eric Kim, cello Simon Crawford-Phillips, piano

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A visionary composer and virtuoso pianist who draws on Heitor Villa-Lobos and Hermeto Pascoal in equal measure, and an overall practitioner of vocalese, Brazilian native Clarice Assad (above) is as comfortable performing with a symphony orchestra as with her ancient-to-future unit Off The Cliff, which, as she puts it, “uses different combinations of instruments from song to song so that it never sounds the same.”

INFO & TICKETS savannahmusicfestival.org

THURSDAY APRIL 2

6 : 30 & 9 PM

South Africa meets the American South: Vusi Mahlasela/ Dirk Powell & Riley Baugus Charles H. Morris Center $35

“I’ve seen [Vusi] perform around the world and he never fails to connect with sparkling results and joyous energy.” – TAJ MAHAL

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Vusi Mahlasela (above right) is simply known as “The Voice” in his home country, South Africa, and is celebrated for his distinctive, powerful voice and his poetic, optimistic lyrics. His songs of hope connect Apartheid-scarred South Africa with its promise for a better future. Vusi Mahlasela has shared the stage with Dave Matthews Band, Sting, Josh Groban, Paul Simon, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Hugh Masekela, Angelique Kidjo, Ray LaMontagne, Amos Lee and many more. His captivating performance during the SMF 2009 presentation of the Béla Fleck Africa Project was remarkable, and his return to SMF features some of South Africa’s most revered musicians. Bassist Bakithi Kumalo played on the original “Graceland” tour with Paul Simon, with whom he has toured regularly since 1986, and has also collaborated with Herbie Hancock and Gloria Estefan. Ian Herman is widely considered to be South Africa’s most gifted drummer and has backed Paul Simon, George Duke and many others. Mongezi Chris Ntaka was the former lead guitarist with Lucky Dube and the Slaves (Africa’s top selling artist), and is known for his strong rhythm playing and warm tone. Learning guitar from his father and banjo and fiddle from his grandfather, Dirk Powell MARCH 19 – APRIL 4, 2015

(above left) has expanded on the deeply rooted sounds of his Appalachian heritage to become one of the preeminent traditional American musicians of his generation. Having recorded and performed with artists such as Emmylou Harris, Levon Helm, Jack White, Joan Baez, Steve Earle, Kris Kristofferson and Linda Ronstadt, his ability to unite the essence of traditional culture with modern sensibilities has also led to work with such film directors as Ang Lee, Anthony Minghella, Spike Lee and Victor Nuñez. He was a founding member of the Cajun group Balfa Toujours and has been a regularly featured artist in the BBC series The Transatlantic Sessions. Powell’s soulful and emotionally fearless music has carried him to a unique place in today’s musical landscape—one where tradition, innovation and inspiration meet without borders. Riley Baugus (see page 40) represents the best of old-time American banjo and song. Starting on the fiddle, Baugus quickly moved on to the banjo, building his first instrument from scrap wood with his father. When not teaching or building banjos, Baugus can be found out on the road performing. As solo performers, Dirk Powell and Riley Baugus are each superb. Together, they are an old-time music dream.

THURSDAY APRIL 2

“How refreshing and inspiring it is to encounter a young artist whose achievements match his ambitions.” – THE WASHINGTON POST

8 PM

Josh Ritter Lucas Theatre for the Arts Tickets start at $22

Since 1997, American songwriter, guitarist and author Josh Ritter has been creating some of the best folk-rock music to hit the airwaves. He has seen tremendous growth as an artist, and his unique style has been treasured by an ever-growing fan base. In 2006, Josh was named one of the 100 Greatest Living Songwriters by

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Paste Magazine. Currently on an acoustic world tour, Ritter has put together new arrangements spanning his entire collection of works. With a distinctive Americana style and unforgettable narrative lyrics, Josh Ritter never fails to captivate audiences.

INFO & TICKETS savannahmusicfestival.org

FRIDAY APRIL 3

1 2 :3 0 PM

6 PM

Charles H. Morris Center | $20

Featuring Mike Marshall, Casey Driessen and Julian Lage

This is an exclusive lunchtime performance by two masters of old-time music Dirk Powell and Riley Baugus (above).

Lucas Theatre for the Arts | Tickets start at $15

Dirk Powell & Riley Baugus

See page 38 for more information.

Acoustic Music Seminar Finale: Stringband Spectacular

After five days of collaborations and instruction by some of the world’s finest acoustic musicians, the 16 participants of the 2015 Acoustic Music Seminar (AMS) present their latest compositions in an original program. This fourth annual “Stringband Spectacular” will feature performances by Casey Driessen, AMS

Associate Director Mike Marshall and lead clinician Julian Lage. This momentous event is the culmination of a week of hard work and has become one of the crowd favorites of SMF. For more information about SMF’s Acoustic Music Seminar, see page 47.

7 & 9 PM

Cajun Dance Party: The Band Courtbouillon Charles H. Morris Center | $35 Three is the magic number when you’re counting Cajun music virtuosos in this GRAMMY winning supergroup. In their Savannah debut, The Band Courtbouillon (left)—Wayne “Le Boss” Toups, Steve Riley (of the Mamou Playboys) and Wilson Savoy (of the Pine Leaf Boys)—will let the good times roll the old-fashioned, two-stepping way. This promises to be one of the great SMF Cajun Dance Parties.

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MARCH 19 – APRIL 4, 2015

FRIDAY APRIL 3

“Dianne Reeves is one of our generation’s definitive jazz masters, a vocal stylist of extraordinary skill and vivacity.” – THE HUFFINGTON POST

8 PM

Dianne Reeves Trustees Theater Tickets start at $32

Returning for her fourth SMF appearance and her first since the 2011 double bill with Brazilian guitarist Chico Pinheiro, jazz singer Dianne Reeves is among the preeminent jazz vocalists of the past three decades. A multiple GRAMMY winner, Reeves has recorded and performed extensively with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra featuring Wynton Marsalis, who said of Reeves, “She has one of the most powerful, purposeful and accurate voices of this or any time.” Reeves has also recorded with the Chicago BOX OFFICE 912.525.5050

Symphony Orchestra conducted by Daniel Barenboim and was a featured soloist with Sir Simon Rattle and the Berlin Philharmonic. In addition, she was the first Creative Chair for Jazz with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the first singer to ever perform at the famed Walt Disney Concert Hall. Reeves appeared throughout George Clooney’s award winning film, Good Night and Good Luck, and performed every song on the GRAMMY-winning soundtrack.

INFO & TICKETS savannahmusicfestival.org

SATURDAY APRIL 4

3 PM

9 PM

Passionate Piano Quartets

Closing Night Party: DakhaBrakha

Savannah Theatre | Tickets start at $47

Ships of the Sea North Garden | $30

CHAMBER MUSIC X

Mahler

Piano Quartet in A minor

Schumann P iano Quartet in E-flat Major, Op. 47 Brahms Piano Quartet No. 1 in G minor, Op. 25 This collaboration of four extraordinary musicians was born out of the incredible success at a 2012 Chamber Music Society (CMS) of Lincoln Center performance in New York that explored the influence of violinist Joseph Joachim. Revered by the composers of his day for his virtuosity and musical integrity, Joachim actually introduced Johannes Brahms to Robert and Clara Schumann. Three members of CMS, including Co-Artistic Directors David Finckel and Wu Han along with Paul Neubauer, join forces with SMF Associate Artistic Director Daniel Hope to present a powerful program of

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Romantic era masterworks, including arguably the greatest piano quartet in the chamber music repertoire. Perhaps the most prolific cultural institution promoting the growth of chamber music, CMS “has been expanding its activities at a dizzying pace. Since taking over the organization in 2004, the husband and wife team of cellist David Finckel and pianist Wu Han has forged it into an unstoppable entity— an exploding star in the musical firmament. Its directors seem incapable of anything but success” (The Wall Street Journal). Daniel Hope, violin Paul Neubauer, viola David Finckel, cello Wu Han, piano

MARCH 19 – APRIL 4, 2015

DakhaBrakha (above)—meaning “give/take” in the old Ukrainian language—is a world music quartet from Kyiv, Ukraine. The band creates a universe of unexpected new music in a variety of native melodies and rhythms. Founded by former underground theater performers, DakhaBrakha has mesmerized audiences across the globe, from last year’s Roskilde Festival to globalFEST 2014. In Rolling Stone’s “Best Things We Saw at Bonnaroo 2014” recap article, DakhaBrakha was deemed “Best Breakout” with the following description: “Ukrainian folkdrone Björkpunk quartet DakhaBrakha went into Bonnaroo as unknowns but ended up with one of the most receptive crowds of the weekend. They got cheers for mournful accordion and apocalyptic cello sawing. Animal noises and bird whistles and howls got the audience to return favor, turning the tent into a happy menagerie.” Join us to close out the 2015 festival with a bang!

SATURDAY APRIL 4

“Ms. Cash has a voice both dark and sweet, with a gentle and reliable vibrato, and she knows how to convey the quiet sting of heartache.” – THE NEW YORK TIMES

7: 30 PM

Rosanne Cash Lucas Theatre for the Arts Tickets start at $32

For more than three decades, Rosanne Cash has been one of the most compelling figures in country music. The eldest daughter of Johnny Cash and stepdaughter of June Carter Cash of the legendary Carter Family, Rosanne’s musical and family legacy is rooted in the origins of American country music with its deep cultural and historical connections to the South. Her own thoughtful, genre-blurring approach, BOX OFFICE 912.525.5050

which encompasses country, rock, roots and pop influences, has garnered her a GRAMMY Award, twelve GRAMMY nominations and eleven No. 1 singles. Leading publications such as The New York Times, Rolling Stone, The Oxford American and New York Magazine have published her essays, columns and fiction. Whether she’s writing prose or lyrics, Cash is a natural born storyteller who cuts to the bone. INFO & TICKETS savannahmusicfestival.org

OUR SUPPORTERS CORPORATE & GOVERNMENT SUPPORTERS F O U N DER

Major Funding for the Savannah Music Festival is provided by the City of Savannah through the Department of Cultural Affairs

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P L AT IN U M

GO L D

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BR O N Z E  

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

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MARCH 19 – APRIL 4, 2015

OUR SUPPORTERS

S HAKE Y G RAVE S Friday, March 20 at 8 PM Ships of the Sea North Garden â&#x160;˛ See page 10

CONCERT CIRCLE CONTRIBUTORS FOUNDER Bob & Jean Faircloth DIA MO N D Mr. & Mrs. Curtis G. Anderson Nancy & Larry Fuller Charles & Rosalie Morris Ron & Susan Whitaker P L AT IN U M Julius & Danyse Edel Dayle & Aaron Levy Wilson & Linda Fisk Morris Dave & Sylvaine Neises Shelby G. Schavoir The Alice M. & Thomas J. Tisch Foundation Anne P. West

GOLD Anonymous David & Linda Bush Charles A. Frueauff Foundation Courtney Knight Gaines Foundation Marla & Morris Geffen The Hodge Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Robert S. Jepson, Jr. Tom & Ruth McMullin Jackie & Stephen Rabinowitz Thomas V. & Susan G. Reilly Pamela & Peter Voss SILV E R Byck-Rothschild Foundation The Chatham Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Timothy E. Coy Don & Kay Gardner Kole Family Foundation Robert M. & Diane v.S. Levy Dick Miller in memory of Ann Miller Barbara & Michael Ruddy Maureen & David Smith Mr. & Mrs. John L. Tucker The Solomons Family Gail & Paul Wickes Harold & Peggy Yellin

MEDIA SPONSORS B RO N ZE Bob & Jane Anspach Joan & Gary Capen Karin & Richard Counts William J. Donahue Friends of Savannah Music Festival Sally Headley Mr. Robert Hochstetler & Ms. Jill Kammermeyer Willard & Jean Holland Mrs. Toby W. Hollenberg George & Ann Hubbs Joan & Jim Hunter The Hunter Foundation Frances & John Kane Dr. David Lake & Dr. Linda Wright Richard K. Lane Kenneth & Nancy Larsen Philip & Judith Lattavo The Marjorie E. & B.H. Levy, Jr. Charitable Fund Jim & Sandy Murphy Elizabeth C. Peeples Don & Phyllis Powell Dr. & Mrs. Andrew T. Sheils, Jr. Marti & Austin Sullivan The Sussman Family in memory of Seymour Sussman The Albert Tenenbaum Family Fund Drew & Julie Wade Doug & Lamar Webb

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www.savannahnow.com

INFO & TICKETS savannahmusicfestival.org

EDUCATION PROGRAMS

“Musical Explorers is such fun, and a rich celebration of musical artists in our Lowcountry community! ” – BETH GREEN, HILTON HEAD, SC

MUSICAL EXPLORERS FEATURES:

Music for Our Schools Sponsored by Gulfstream Aerospace Corp.

Music education remains a cornerstone of SMF’s mission. Music for Our Schools produces free stage shows and in-school residencies throughout the year for children from PreKindergarten through 12th grade.

surrounding counties embark on an interactive musical journey through the Georgia and South Carolina Lowcountry, exploring ring shout, jazz, bluegrass, blues, opera and African American spirituals.

“It has been so rewarding to see the smiles on my students’ faces during Musical Explorers! I can’t wait to bring music into the classroom just for the sheer joy of it!”

Musical Explorers builds basic music skills inside every classroom and enhances curricula in literacy, writing, social studies, math and other core subject areas. Through lessons and creative extensions for year-long coursework, children learn songs from different cultures, reflect on their communities and develop listening and singing skills.

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→ s emester-end concerts featuring local musicians → p rofessional development workshops for all participating teachers

2014-15 MUSICAL EXPLORERS ARTISTS McIntosh County Shouters (Ring Shout) Kim Polote (Jazz)

– SAVANNAH TEACHER

As part of SMF’s year-round efforts, we are proud to launch Musical Explorers, a new comprehensive K-2 program produced in partnership with Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute. In 2014-15, over 9,000 students and more than 200 teachers from Savannah and

→ f ree classroom resources, including a 100-page teacher guide with accompanying CD and interactive website

“Musical Explorers is changing lives for these children!”

Jimmy Wolling (Bluegrass)

– ERIN SHELDON, SAVANNAH, GA

Huxsie Scott (African American Gospel and Spirituals)

SMF is nurturing a new generation of musicians and music lovers all across the region! MARCH 19 – APRIL 4, 2015

Eric

Culberson (Blues)

Rebecca Flaherty (Opera)

EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Swing Central Jazz In this unique workshop and competition, twelve high school jazz bands from across the country spend three days immersed in the world of swing and big band jazz. More than 300 high school students learn about

“I learned more in an hour than I have in my entire time playing jazz.” – BRETT MAXSON, 17, TARPON SPRINGS, FL

Wednesday, March 25 through Friday, March 27, 2015

improvisation, instrumental techniques and big band repertoire from some of the world’s finest jazz performers and educators. Led by pianist/ composer/educator and SMF Associate Artistic Director Marcus Roberts, this year’s clinicians include Sean Jones, Dave Stryker, Rodney Whitaker and Jason Marsalis, among others. Prizes are awarded to the top three finalists at the Swing Central Jazz Finale on Friday, March 27 at the Lucas Theatre for the Arts (page 22).

Acoustic Music Seminar “It was incredible to have such knowledge and passion for music together in one room.” – JAKE HOWARD, 18, MUNROE FALLS, OH

FREE PUBLIC PERFORMANCES: JAZZ O N T HE RIVE R Thursday, March 26, 4 – 7 PM Rousakis Plaza on River Street S W IN G CE N T RAL JAZZ CO MPE T IT IO N Friday, March 27, 9 AM – 3 PM Lucas Theatre for the Arts

Sunday, March 29 through Friday, April 3, 2015

Sixteen of the world’s most talented young string players, all under the age of 22, travel to Savannah for a week of hands-on instruction and performances during this groundbreaking mentorship program, led by acclaimed multiinstrumentalist Mike Marshall. Selected from a competitive pool of pre-professional young musicians, this year’s Acoustic Music Seminar (AMS) students will learn from a team of BOX OFFICE 912.525.5050

diverse faculty including Béla Fleck, Clarice Assad, Kayhan Kalhor and Daniel Hope. The program concludes with Stringband Spectacular at the Lucas Theatre for the Arts on April 3 (page 40). AMS students perform their own compositions and arrangements alongside Mike Marshall, Casey Driessen and Julian Lage.

INFO & TICKETS savannahmusicfestival.org

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TICKET INFO & POLICIES

GET YOUR TICKETS O N L IN E s a va n n a h m u s i c f es t i v al .o r g Choose performances and seats 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Print-athome option available. BY PHO N E 9 12 . 52 5. 50 50 Monday to Friday, 10 AM – 5 PM IN PE RS O N S a va n n a h B ox O f fi ce 2 16 E a s t B r o u gh t o n St r e e t Monday to Friday, 10 AM – 5 PM O N E HO U R PRIO R TO S HOW T IME AT T HE PE RF O RMAN CE VEN U E Subject to availability.

Festival Samplers & Ticket Bundles Give yourself flexibility and a taste of the SMF experience with a festival sampler, which allows you to create an individualized series that suits your own particular interests and schedule, or choose from a selection of unique ticket bundles and save. To take advantage of festival samplers and ticket bundles, visit savannahmusicfestival.org/2015deals.php or call the box office at 912.525.5050.

P IC K 5 SAM P L E R Purchase five or more 2015 performances and receive a 10% discount. Offer expires December 31, 2014. P IC K 1 0 SAM P L E R Purchase ten or more 2015 performances and receive a 15% discount. Offer expires December 31, 2014. FESTIVAL E X P LO RE R B UNDL E S Choose from a variety of unique ticket bundles and save. Limited availability.

N O CAN CEL L ATIONS OR R EFUN DS Savannah Music Festival does not refund tickets. Tickets can be exchanged or donated to the festival for resale. Tickets for donation must be received by the SMF office at least 24 hours before the scheduled performance. Exchanges are subject to availability and exchange fees. In the case of a ticket donation, you will receive written acknowledgment for tax deduction purposes. H OUSE RU L ES The photographing, videotaping or sound recording of any performance or the possession of any device for such use inside any venue, without the permission of SMF management, is prohibited by law. Food and smoking are not permitted inside venues. Cell phones and all other mobile devices must be turned off. L ATE SEATING Patrons arriving late to a performance and those who exit the theater during a performance will be seated only at the house manager’s discretion and at an appropriate interval. In certain circumstances, late admission will not be permitted.

Senior, Student & Military Discounts Senior citizens over the age of 65, students and military may receive a 10% discount on single ticket purchases with valid ID. To receive these discounts, ticket purchases must be made in person at the box office. Limited to one ticket per person per performance.

Group Sales Discounted rates are available at select performances for groups of 15 or more. For more information, please call SMF Patron Services at 912.234.3378 ext. 111. E Please call the box office at 912.525.5050 to request handicap accessible seating.

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COLUMBIA SQUARE

GREENE SQUARE

President Street

East Oglethorpe Avenue

COLONIAL PARK CEMETERY

Hull Street

CHIPPEWA SQUARE

McDonough St

CRAWFORD SQUARE

Perry Street Perry Lane

4 1

Liberty Street

Louisville Rd Harris Street

MADISON SQUARE

PULASKI SQUARE

LAFAYETTE SQUARE

TROUP SQUARE

Macon Street

MONTEREY SQUARE

Price Street

Habersham Street

Lincoln Street

Abercorn Street

East Broad Street

Taylor Street

CHATHAM SQUARE

Drayton Street

Whitaker Street

Barnard Street

Tattnall Street

Jefferson Street

Montgomery Street

Martin Luther King Jr Blvd

Charlton Street

Jones Street

CITY PARKING GARAGES

CALHOUN SQUARE

Gordon Street

BWHITEFIELD RYAN STWayne RE EStreet T GA R AGE 2 3 4 5 SQUARE 912.651.6477 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

TO AIRPORT TO I-16 AND I-95

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Gaston Street

West Huntingdon Street

Howard Street

West Hall Street

FORSYTH PARK

West Gwinnett Street

Waldburg Street S A V A N N A H M U S I C F E S T West I VA L MARCH 19 – APRIL 4, 2015

RO B IN S O N GARAG E East Huntingdon Street 4 5 912.651.6478 Mon–Thur 5 AM–1 AM Fri 5 AM–Sun 1 AM STAT E ST RE E T GA R AGE 5 912.651.6473 Sun–Fri 5 AM–1 AM; Sat 24 hours East Gwinnett Street

1 West Bolton Street

L IB E RT Y ST RE E T GA R AGE 3 4 5 912.644.5934 Mon–Fri 5 AM–9 PM; closed Sat & Sun

East Hall Street

WASHINGTON SQUARE

WARREN SQUARE

York Street

Martin Luther King Jr Blvd

Turner Blvd

State Street

TELFAIR SQUARE

E St. Julian St

Abercorn Street

Broughton Street

TO TYBEE ISLAND

9 Drayton Street

Whitaker Street

Barnard Street

Jefferson Street

Montgomery Street

Congress Street

East Broad Street

Houston Street

Price Street

EMMET PARK 8East Bay Street

Habersham Street

Lincoln Street

West Bay Street

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TO I-95

W HITAKE R ST RE E T GA R AGE 912.525.2820 24 hours a day, 7 days a week East Bolton Street

East Waldburg Street

FESTIVAL VENUES

C H A R L E S H. M O R R I S CENT E R 10 East Broad Street The Charles H. Morris Center is SMF’s premier club-style venue. Flexible seating accommodates dance parties, concerts and cabaret performances. Craft beer, wine and beverage service is available. On-site parking is limited.

JOHNNY ME RCE R T HE AT RE 301 West Oglethorpe Avenue Located at the Savannah Civic Center, the Johnny Mercer Theatre holds just over 2,500 patrons, making it SMF’s largest venue. Beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages are available in the lobby. On-site parking is available.

LU CAS T HE AT RE F O R T H E A RTS 32 Abercorn Street The Lucas Theatre is one of SMF’s primary performance halls with seating for over 1,200 patrons. Beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages are available in the lobby. Parking is limited to city-operated garages and on-street spaces.

Savannah’s breezy, cobblestone-lined River Street is home to Swing Central Jazz’s Jazz on the River, featuring free open-air performances by the twelve high school big bands participating in the Swing Central Jazz competition. Parking is very limited.

SAVA NNAH T HE AT RE 222 Bull Street First opened in 1818, the Art Deco style Savannah Theatre is located on Chippewa Square in Savannah and is one of the United States’ oldest continually-operating theaters. Concessions are available in the lobby. Parking is limited to on-street spaces.

S HIPS O F T HE S E A N O RT H GA R D E N 41 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Constructed in 2012, this indoor/outdoor covered space is home to concerts on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during the festival. Craft beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages are available at this venue. On-site parking is very limited.

R O U SA K I S PL AZA O N RIV E R ST RE E T

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T E MP L E M I C K VE I S RS AA ELV A TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH T RU ST E E S T HE AT E R N N A H R IV127 E RBarnard Street 20 East Gordon Street 216 East Broughton Street Located on Monterey Square, Temple Mickve Located on Telfair Square, the Trinity United Recently renovated, SCAD’s Trustees Theater Israel opened in 1878, and is Georgia’s oldest Methodist Church is SMF’s primary venue is one of SMF’s primary performance halls, River Street Jewish congregation. The Gothic Revival building for classical music. The sanctuary provides seating over 1,100 patrons. Non-alcoholic TO I-95300 people, and hosts the 2015 performance seats wonderful acoustics, plentiful sight lines and beverages and snacks are available in the lobby. EMMET PARK of the Emerson String Quartet. Parking is limited a simple, elegant interior. Parking is limited to East Bay Parking is limited to city-operated garages and West Bay Street Street TO TYBEE ISLAND to on-street spaces. city-operated garages and on-street spaces. on-street spaces. 

Bryan Street

REYNOLDS SQUARE

E St. Julian St

WRIGHT SQUARE

Bull Street

York Street

Habersham Street

OGLETHORPE SQUARE

Lincoln Street

Abercorn Street

State Street

The Savannah Box Office, located outside of the Trustees Theater, acts as the primaCOLUMBIA GREENE President Street ry box office for SMF ticket purchases and SQUARE SQUARE is open Monday–Friday from 10 AM–5 PM.

East Oglethorpe Avenue

COLONIAL PARK Hull Street

ORLEANS SQUARE

Drayton Street

Broughton Street

SAVAN N AH B OX O F F IC E 216 East Broughton Street Phone: 912.525.5050 savannahmusicfestival.org

CHIPPEWA SQUARE Perry Street

BOX OFFICE CEMETERY 912.525.5050

INFO & TICKETS savannahmusicfestival.org McDonough St

CRAWFORD SQUARE

Randolph Street

Turner Blvd

artin Luther King Jr Blvd

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH 311 East Harris Street TELFAIR SQUARE Located on beautiful Troup Square, the historic Unitarian Universalist Church was home to SMF’s “Music at 11” chamber music series in 2011 and Asif Ali Khan in 2014. The sanctuary West Oglethorpe Avenue creates an intimate concert setting for 175 people. Parking is limited to on-street spaces.

Whitaker Street

Barnard Street

Jefferson Street

Montgomery Street

Congress Street

WASHINGTON SQUARE

WARREN SQUARE

East Broad Street

JOHNSON SQUARE

Houston Street

ELLIS SQUARE

Price Street

FRANKLIN SQUARE W St. Julian St

WHERE TO STAY HOTELS

A NDAZ SAVAN NA H 14 Barnard Street | 912.233.2116 savannah.andaz.com

With its artful decor, warm hospitality and prime downtown location, Andaz delights with new south sophistication. Sample sensational farm to table dining or sip a signature cocktail at Andaz’s 22 Square Restaurant and Lounge. An easy walk to SMF events. Rates starting at $209.00.

EM B ASSY SUI TES HI STO R I C SAVA NNA H

All 150 rooms are two room suites that include: complimentary “cooked to order” full breakfast, complimentary evening reception, Historic District location, walking distance to all attractions and SMF venues, and an on-site restaurant and bar.

605 W. Oglethorpe Ave. | 912.721.6900 savannah.embassysuites.com

THE HAM PTO N INN 201 E. Bay Street | 800.576.4945 savannahlodging.com

The Hampton Inn Historic District features traditional Savannah style and an unmatched location, just steps away from all SMF venues. Ask about specials offered exclusively to SMF patrons. Packages include your stay in a deluxe guestroom, hot breakfast, complimentary drinks and discounts from local businesses.

HI LTO N SAVAN NA H DESOTO 15 E. Liberty Street | 912.232.9000 desotohilton.com

Special rates available. Located in the Center of Historic Savannah, surrounded with garden squares, historic mansions, restaurants & pubs, and more. Rooms with beautiful views of Savannah, full-service restaurant and bar.

THE HO LI DAY INN E XPRESS HI STO R I C D I STRICT

The Holiday Inn Express is an award winning contemporary hotel located just steps away from all SMF venues. Exclusive specials and packages for SMF patrons are available and include your stay in a deluxe guestroom, hot breakfast, complimentary drinks and discounts from local businesses.

199 E. Bay Street | 888.231.9006 savannahlodging.com

PL ANTER S I NN 29 Abercorn Street | 800.554.1187 plantersinnsavannah.com

The Planters Inn on Reynolds Square, in the heart of Savannah’s Historic District, is a 200-yearold boutique hotel offering a thoroughly modern hotel experience. As one of the most popular Savannah hotels, Planters Inn is the perfect choice for your Savannah Music Festival lodging needs. Use discount code SAVMUSIC15 when booking.

SPR I NG H I L L S UIT E S SAVANNAH H I STORIC DI STR I C T 150 Montgomery Street | 912.629.5300 springhillsavannah.com

SpringHill Suites by Marriott is an all suites hotel and is centrally located within walking distance to everything the Historic District has to offer. Offering free hot breakfast buffet and welcoming service, it is the perfect place to rest your head while creating lasting memories in Savannah.

STAYB R I D G E SUIT E S 301 E. Bay Street | 912.721.9000 bit.do/staybridge

Located in the heart of historic downtown Savannah, Staybridge Suites offers amenities including: full hot breakfast, wireless internet, kitchens in all guest rooms, complimentary guest laundry, 24 hour fitness & business center and evening receptions.

SAVANNAH VACATION RENTALS STAY SAVANNAH VACATI O N R ENTA LS 888.919.0008 staysavannahvacationrentals.com

The largest locally owned and operated vacation rental agency in Savannah, Georgia. Over 60 luxury vacation rental homes located in the Historic District on our beautiful squares of Savannah.

TYBEE ISLAND VACATION RENTALS O C E ANFR O NT C OTTAGE R E NTALS 800.786.5889 oceanfrontcottage.com

S AVA N N A H M U S I C F E S T I VA L

Come experience Southern hospitality. Homes ranging from 1-7 bedrooms, featuring hot tubs and pools (some heated). Located 20 minutes from Historic Downtown Savannah, Oceanfront Cottage Rentals welcomes you to the hostess city!

MARCH 19 – APRIL 4, 2015

JA Z Z O N TH E R I VER Thursday, March 26 at 4 PM Rousakis Plaza on River Street ⊲ See page 47

SAVA N N AH M USI C FEST IVA L B OA R D O F D I R EC TO R S

SMF A RTIST IC & A DMINIST RAT IVE T E AM

Ron Whitaker, Chairman Dave Neises, Secretary Stephen Rabinowitz, Treasurer

Rob Gibson Executive & Artistic Director

Jennifer Abshire Christopher Cay Scott Center Tim Coy Bill Dickinson Barbara Eschenbach Ruddy Bob Faircloth Don Gardner Marla Geffen Dayle Levy Joe Marinelli Ruth McMullin Dick Miller Henry Monsees David Paddison Thomas Reilly Shelby Schavoir David Smith David Solana Trip Tollison Andrew Wade Anne West Gail Wickes Harold Yellin, Immediate Past Chairman

More than 300 dedicated volunteers contribute to the success of each annual Savannah Music Festival. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please email volunteers@savannahmusicfestival.org or call the SMF office at 912.234.3378. Thank you!

Daniel Hope Mr. & Mrs. Curtis G. Anderson Associate Artistic Director Chair Marcus Roberts Associate Artistic Director Mike Marshall Acoustic Music Seminar Associate Director Erin Tatum Director of Artist Relations MA RKE T IN G & PRO DU CT IO N Ryan McMaken Marketing & Managing Director Larissa Thut Davidson Marketing & Graphic Design Manager Halle Rubnitz Marketing & Patron Services Associate F INA NCE & HU MAN RE S O U RCE S Sharon Peake-Jones Chief Financial Officer DE V ELO PME N T Christine Beddia Development Director Joshua Hildebrandt Development & Grants Associate Samantha Pogorelsky Development Associate E DUCATIO N Jenny Woodruff Education Director Katie Griffith Education Assistant

P H OTO C R E D ITS Cover: 2015 season Savannah Music Festival poster illustration by illustrator Mark Smith Inside cover and pg. 1: Kodo by Takashi Okamoto pg. 4: Balsam Range courtesy of the artist | Wood Brothers by Ayano Hisa AJ Ghent Band courtesy of the artist pg. 5: Daniel Hope by Bailey Davidson pg. 6: Mavis Staples courtesy of the artist pg. 7: The Boxcars courtesy of the artist | Paul Thorn courtesy of the artist | Joe Ely courtesy of the artist Ruthie Foster by Ayano Hisa pg. 8 : Buckwheat Zydeco by DraganTasic pg. 9: Opera production image courtesy of Opera Tampa pg. 10: Shovels & Rope by Leslie Ryan McKellar pg. 11: McIntosh County Shouters by Frank Stewart | Daniel Hope and Symphony by Frank Stewart pg. 12: Rebecca Flaherty, Kurt Ollmann and JJ Hobbs by Bailey Davidson |Heritage Blues Orchestra courtesy of the artist pg. 13: Earls of Leicester courtesy of the artist pg. 14: Opera production image courtesy of Opera Tampa | Nikolai Lugansky by Marco Borggreve/ Naave Ambroise pg. 15: Rebecca Flaherty, Kurt Ollmann and JJ Hobbs by Bailey Davidson pg. 16: Philip Dukes by Peter MacDiarmid | The Barr Brothers by John Londono pg. 17: Dave Stryker by Frank Stewart Arias & Encores singers by G. Konstantinidis | The Apache Relay courtesy of the artist pg. 18: Tardo Hammer by Safidy Andrianantenaina | Jason Marsalis Vibes Quartet by Frank Stewart | Warren Vaché courtesy of the artist pg. 19: Miloš Karadaglić by Lars Borges/Mercury Classics pg. 20: Benny Carter by William Gottlieb | Chamber Musicians by Frank Stewart | Kodo by Takashi Okamoto pg. 21: Sean Jones by Frank Stewart | Warren Wolf by Ayano Hisa pg. 22: Sean Jones by JimmyKatz | Wycliffe Gordon and Ron Westray by Ayano Hisa | Late Night Jam by Ayano Hisa pg. 23: Stephen Hough by Jonathan Becker pg. 24: Lúnasa by Con Kelleher pg. 25: Lucinda Williams courtesy of the artist

pg. 26: Murray Perahia by Nana Watanabe pg. 27: Marcus Roberts by Ayano Hisa | Dirty Dozen Brass Band courtesy of the artist | Irma Thomas courtesy of the artist pg. 28: Hot Rize by Nathan Rist pg. 29: ASO by Frank Stewart | Lynn Harrell courtesy of the artist | Adonis Puentes courtesy of the artist pg. 30: Emerson String Quartet by Lisa-Marie Mazzucco | Hot Club of Cowtown courtesy of the artist pg. 31: Asleep at the Wheel by Mary Keating-Bruton pg. 32: Julian Lage by Ayano Hisa Daniel Hope and Benny Kim by Frank Stewart pg. 33: Kayhan Kalhor by Ali Boustan pg. 34: Chamber Musicians by Frank Stewart | Béla Fleck and Brooklyn Rider by Shervin Lainez pg. 35: Paul Lewis by Josep Molina Harmonia Mundi Mike Marshall & Choro Famoso courtesy of the artist pg. 36: Clarice Assad by Maria Camillo | Mike Marshall by Bailey Davidson pg. 37: Lorenza Borrani and Simon Crawford-Phillips by Frank Stewart | Clarice Assad courtesy of the artist pg. 38: Dirk Powell courtesy of the artist | Vusi Mahlasela by Frank Stewart pg. 39: Josh Ritter by Laura Wilson pg. 40: Riley Baugus by Abigail Seymoure | Acoustic Music Seminar by Ayano Hisa | The Band Courtbouillon courtesy of the artist pg. 41: Dianne Reeves by Jerris Madison pg. 42: Daniel Hope and Wu Han by Frank Stewart | DakhaBrakha by Yevhen Rakhno pg. 43: Rosanne Cash by Clay Patrick McBride pg. 45: Shakey Graves courtesy of the artist pg. 46: Schoolchildren by Ayano Hisa | Illustration by Sophie Hogarth Musical Explorer artist images courtesy of the artists pg. 47: AMS and SCJ images by Frank Stewart and Ayano Hisa pg. 48: Images by Bailey Davidson, Ayano Hisa and Frank Stewart Inside back cover: Jazz on the River by Ayano Hisa Back cover: Brooklyn Rider by Sarah Small

200 East Saint Julian Street, Suite 601 Savannah, Georgia 31401 savannahmusicfestival.org

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Contact mail@savannahmusicfestival.org

B RO O KLY N R I D E R Monday, March 30 at 8 PM Tuesday, March 31 at 7:30 PM Wednesday, April 1 at 11 AM ⊲ See pages 33, 34 and 35

The Kennickell Group is an official sponsor of the Savannah Music Festival