Explore the Savannah Music Festival and Scene
A charming coastal enclave draped in Spanish moss, Savannah is a favorite destination for artists, musicians, and visitors from around the world who are drawn to its beauty, diversity, and soulful energy. Explore the squares and famed River Street to discover pieces of the city's musical history and experience Savannah's live music scene – particularly during the city's festivals, when you can find bands in every club, on outdoor stages, and in many non-traditional venues.
Savannah Music Festival
The Savannah Music Festival is Georgia’s largest musical arts event. Each spring, it takes over the city for 17 days, featuring world-class artists from around the globe. The multi-genre lineup takes the stage at some of the city’s most glorious venues, among them District Live at Plant Riverside District, Lucas Theatre for the Arts, the Johnny Mercer Theater, and the North Garden Assembly Room at Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum.
Other big music festivals in Savannah
Savannah VOICE Festival
Established by world-renowned baritone Sherrill Milnes and his wife, soprano Maria Zouves, the Savannah VOICE Festival (SVF) brings classical vocal excellence to the Savannah area through a two-week celebration of concerts, events, and educational presentations during the month of August and throughout the year. The programs range from opera and classical music to musical theater and popular song, and offer accessible events to the public while highlighting the intrinsic value the vocal arts bring to the quality of life.
Savannah Jazz Festival
The Coastal Jazz Association was formed in 1981 to ensure that jazz would continue to thrive on the Georgia coast. Several years later, their efforts gave birth to the Savannah Jazz Festival, which brings a much-anticipated week of performances to Savannah each September, featuring styles ranging from Dixieland and swing to bebop and blues.
Savannah music venues
There’s a live music venue to suit everyone in Savannah.
Dive bars
Rub elbows with Savannah College of Art & Design students while taking in a swamp metal show or burlesque performance at local dive bars, such as Wormhole. This eccentric neighborhood dive and concert venue has opened its doors to a number of national punk and indie artists. The small stage is perfect for audiences who want to be eye level with their favorite unconventional musicians.
For a little bit of everything musically, consider The Warehouse, Little Lucky’s, and open mike Mondays at Abe’s on Lincoln.
Piano bar
Visit Savannah Smiles Dueling Piano Bar to watch four talented piano players duke it out (on the keys, of course) to win the audience’s affection.
Jazz bars
If you’re feeling grown ‘n sexy, hit up the swanky Jazz’d Tapas Bar for a martini and a bite to eat, and soak up the speakeasy vibe. Also, check out Vic's on the River, which has a jazz brunch on Sundays, and Rancho Alegre Cuban Restaurant, which has live jazz on weekends.
Beach bars
Tucked away on Savannah’s Wilmington Island, you can feel the sea breeze and sample island fare while enjoying live music every Saturday night at Molly McGuire’s Tavern. Molly McGuire’s is also known to be local musicians’ favorite neighborhood bar, just far enough away from main street with an ultra-relaxed “island time” vibe. You'll also find lots of restaurants and bars with live music on nearby Tybee Island.
The Lucas Theatre for the Arts
Established in 1922, the Lucas Theatre is a long-time cornerstone of culture in Savannah, featuring a regular schedule of films, performances, and concerts. Managed by the Savannah College of Art and Design, the Lucas hosts the Savannah Philharmonic and select Savannah Music Festival performances.
Trustees Theater
When it opened post-World War II, the Trustees Theater was known for being the first Southeastern theater with adjustable air conditioning. Today, the theatre is recognized for booking classic films and top touring bands. It also serves as a venue during the Savannah Music Festival.
Barrelhouse South
If you like to dance the night away to groovy bass lines, make the laid-back Barrelhouse South your destination. Most nights of the week, blues, funk, and jam bands blaze the stage.
Congress Street Social Club
At least four nights a week, Congress Street Social Club presents DJs and bands.
Savannah Theatre
First opened in 1818 in Chippewa Square, Savannah Theatre is one of the longest-operating theatres in the country. With a talented cast of musicians, the theatre presents a variety of seasonal and popular productions, including Savannah Live, a two-hour variety show featuring a high-energy band and eight singers.
Must-see spots for music fans
Graveface Records & Curiosities
Before you leave town, take the time to search out kitsch mecca Graveface Records & Curiosities to browse the carefully curated vinyl selection (including releases from their own Graveface record label) and bask in the macabre charm of the store’s décor.
Johnny Mercer's statue and gravesite
A visit to Ellis Square will put you face-to-face with a jaunty statue of beloved native son Johnny Mercer, the most famous name in Savannah’s music history. Mercer, born in 1909, was a lifetime music lover; he began performing in the Christ Church choir at age six and spent his teenage years wandering Savannah’s streets, seeking out Louis Armstrong records, and ducking into the city’s black churches to absorb the magnetic gospel music.
Mercer spent summers at his family’s second home on nearby Burnside Island; exploring that lush wilderness filled him with rich imagery he returned to time and time again throughout his storied career. Most famous for “Moon River,” the theme song from "Breakfast at Tiffany’s," which won him an Academy Award, Mercer wrote the lyrics for more than 1,500 songs and left behind a prolific legacy of Southern charm and sly, sophisticated lyrical genius. He also co-founded Capitol Records, Inc. and was founding president of the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Mercer is buried in Savannah’s hauntingly beautiful Bonaventure Cemetery, which was featured in the 1994 novel "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil."
