The “Hostess City of the South,” Savannah is widely recognized for its rich history and architecture, as well as that Southern charm that ensures your drink never runs dry. Savannah embraces music and the arts. A melting pot of musical creativity, the city is home to the Savannah Philharmonic, the Coastal Jazz Association, the Savannah Folk Music Society, rock and punk bands like Cusses and Crazy Bag Lady, Americana bands like Waits & Co. and The Train Wrecks, hip hop artists like DJ Basik Lee and Miggs, and a metal scene anchored by internationally recognized bands Kylesa and Black Tusk.
Savannah also hosts more festivals than anywhere else in the state. The 17-day Savannah Music Festival, Georgia's largest musical arts event, creates timeless and adventurous productions while the indie-focused Savannah Stopover emphasizes new and emerging acts. The Savannah Jazz Festival celebrates the uniquely American art form, the Savannah Folk Festival immerses visitors in folk music and dance traditions and the Savannah VOICE Festival focuses on opera, classical music and musical theatre.
Street artists and buskers playing in the parks and squares add to the soul, charm and character of the world-renowned historic district. No matter where Savannah’s famed cobblestones lead you — to restaurants, nightclubs, art galleries, museums, churches or theatres — you’re likely to encounter music that is anything but ordinary… just like Savannah.
Spend your weekend experiencing Savannah’s endless music and the arts opportunities. During your own Savannah stop-over, listen to music by local artists in the "Our Savannah Picks" playlist.
Savannah's Musical Melting Pot
Friday
Start with Food, Music, Beer, Bourbon, Repeat
In Savannah, it’s go big or go home, so start at Congress Street Social Club with large outdoor seating, bourbon-to-the-brim cocktails, a lively crowd, live music and a late night. There is also a full menu of BBQ, tacos and burgers (and a late-night patio grill). At least four nights a week, Congress Street Social Club presents DJs and bands, including local favorites like DJ Blackout, The Accomplices, The Train Wrecks, Eric Culberson and on Sundays, the blues-jam of Voodoo Soup.
Marvel at the Outdoors
Forsyth Park in Savannah
Make one of your first visits to Forsyth Park. Savannah was never designed to be experienced indoors and the draping splendor of Forsyth Park is a testament to that. The Park hosts large and small-scale events year-round. Among its grasslands, historical monuments, statues and the dazzling fountain built in 1858, the historic district’s bustling 30-acre Forsyth Park now includes an amphitheater, which features concerts and serves as home base for the Savannah Jazz Festival.
Saturday
Shop with Live Music at the Market
In the early 1700s, farmers and fishermen brought seafood, tobacco, okra, watermelon and other goods to the city’s social and commercial center, Savannah City Market (corner of Jefferson and West St. Julian Street). As the modern-day “art and soul of Savannah,” the open-air marketplace, lined with galleries, shops, restaurants and bars, still draws crowds and live music is a staple, indoors and outdoors. Standard hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Hours vary according to seasons and individual businesses, with the Market home to multiple late night entertainment spots.
Say Hello to Johnny
Johnny Mercer statue in Savannah's Ellis Square
The life-size bronze statue of larger than life lyricist and composer Johnny Mercer stands in Ellis Square. It was unveiled in 2009 as part of the worldwide centennial celebration of the Savannah native’s birthday. Mercer wrote the song “Moon River” and nearly 1,400 others, co-founded Capitol Records, Inc., was founding president of the Songwriters Hall of Fame and nominated for 18 Academy Awards for best song, of which he won four. 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.
Dig Up Vinyl Rarities and More
A curiosity in and of itself, Graveface Records & Curiosities popped up 12 years after owner and musician Ryan Graveface moved to Savannah and started an independent record label. The shop deals in new and used vinyl, taxidermy and other curiosities and even includes a VHS rental store in the back.
Go on Island Time
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 the main street hustle and bustle, with an ultra-relaxed “island time” vibe.
Sunday
Get Jazzed with Brunch
Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa
The Aqua Star at The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa has earned its own gold star in the Savannah restaurant scene. Perhaps most notable is the "Sunday Jazz Brunch" (noon to 3 p.m.) featuring the Jeremy Davis Equinox Trio, where diners enjoy an unending array of options like sushi, shrimp and grits, steak, impressive raw-bar and desserts. Located across the river, the view is considered one of the best of Savannah. Take a free ferry ride from River Street, or cross the bridge for free parking.
Sing Along to Familiar Tunes
Catch a Sunday show of all-ages fun at the Historic Savannah Theatre. Shows range from jazz, Broadway, Motown, disco, country and the fabulous '50s. The two-hour musical comedy productions have audiences laughing, singing and toe-tapping to the melodies of familiar songs of the past and current hits, performed by talented, local stars.