Savannah Music Festival facts for kids
The Savannah Music Festival (SMF) is a big music event in Savannah. It brings together amazing musicians from all over the world. The festival wants to celebrate music, help people learn, and bring artists and audiences together. It's the largest music event in Georgia. It's also one of the most unique music festivals because it features many different types of music. Each spring, over 17 days, there are more than 100 shows to enjoy.
SMF is a non-profit group. It works to inspire people of all ages through music. The festival offers many musical performances. These can include dance, film, and storytelling programs. SMF also works all year long. It puts on concerts for young people and gives lectures. There are also school programs and a jazz band competition for high school students. SMF also has a weekly radio show and online activities. The festival often creates new, special shows. These can be one-time performances or new musical pieces. SMF loves to work with other groups in Savannah. These include the Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD) and the Georgia Historical Society. Many local churches also help. These partnerships have helped bring many visitors to Savannah.
How the Festival Started
The festival began in 1989. It was first called the Savannah OnStage International Arts Festival. Community leaders and the Savannah Chamber of Commerce helped start it. Elizabeth Stewart and Stewart Gordon were the first leaders. This festival lasted about 10 days each year. It brought many different performers to Savannah. It also included the American Traditions Competition (ATC). This competition was special. It focused on American songs from the 1800s and 1900s. Most other singing contests focused on European music. Elizabeth Stewart helped Savannah OnStage grow. It became a popular event in early spring.
In 2002, the festival changed its name. It became the Savannah Music Festival (SMF). Rob Gibson became the new leader. He brought in two talented musicians in 2003. These were Daniel Hope and Marcus Roberts. Daniel Hope is a famous violinist. Marcus Roberts is a well-known jazz musician. He helped start SMF's high school jazz workshop. It's called Swing Central Jazz. Both Hope and Roberts have performed many new pieces at SMF. They have also played with many different musicians.
Festival's Big Impact
The Savannah Music Festival is a very important event. It is Georgia's biggest music festival. It is also known worldwide for its mix of music styles. The main festival lasts 17 days in the spring. But SMF also has music education programs all year. These programs help children in Savannah and nearby areas. SMF also has a weekly radio show. It plays live recordings from SMF concerts. The festival often asks musicians to create new music. It also has two programs for young musicians. These programs help young jazz and American acoustic musicians. They get to learn from master musicians.
In 2014, SMF celebrated its 25th birthday. The festival has sold more tickets every year since 2003. It helps bring more visitors to Savannah. It also gets praise from around the world. The festival connects artists and audiences. It does this in one of the South's most charming cities.
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a problem. The festival had to be canceled that year. It was moved to 2021 instead.
Music Education Programs
Since 2003, the Savannah Music Festival has built a great music education program. It's one of a kind in the area. SMF believes that art is important for kids. It helps them think, feel, and grow. The education program has three main parts:
- Music For Our Schools
- Swing Central Jazz
- The Acoustic Music Seminar
These programs reach many students. More than 12,000 children learn through SMF each year. They are in Savannah and the six counties around it.
