February 27, 2026 – The Savannah Music Festival (SMF) which runs March 25-April 5, 2026, is not only about the extensive range of concerts taking place but also about SMF’s commitment to students, who have an opportunity to explore this musical diversity right in their classrooms and for free at concerts. This year’s festival features artists from all over the world and a wide variety of musical backgrounds, including jazz, global roots, Americana, classical, bluegrass, blues-rock and more.
“Afropop Worldwide” called SMF “one of the best world music festivals in the country,” noting that “each spring the City transforms itself into a global crossroads.” In the 2026 season, artists are visiting from Brazil, England, Northern Ireland, Ivory Coast, India, Norway, Puerto Rico, Germany, Ireland, Morocco, Wales, Canada, and Scotland.
This broad spectrum of music is made available to students through free music education programs within Savannah-area schools. All Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS) students can attend SMF general admission shows for free with SMF’s Explorer Pass. Students need to bring an adult family member and proof of SCCPSS enrollment at the venue box office beginning one hour prior to show time. “At Savannah Music Festival, our commitment to global roots music extends beyond the stage,” said Jenny Woodruff, Senior Director of Community Impact at Savannah Music Festival. “By connecting students with artists and musical traditions from around the world, we foster curiosity, cultural understanding, and a lasting sense of belonging in the arts.”
Since 2003, Savannah Music Festival has developed a music education program that is unlike that of any arts organization in the region. Its community impact programs, which include the Explorer Pass, SMF Jazz Academy, Musical Explorers and Ambassadors program, offer world music education at absolutely no cost to participants.
SMF developed the Musical Explorers Program in partnership with Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute. The free program connects elementary students to diverse musical communities and allows them to build basic music skills. Students learn songs from different cultures and reflect on their own communities. After focusing on three musical traditions, in-person concerts allow students to “meet” the professional musicians. students to “meet” the professional musicians.
During the 2025-2026 school year, elementary school students explored the musical traditions of opera, Afro Cuban music and Korean music. The Festival’s Jazz Academy is a free program open to all Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS) students in grades 5 through 12.
For more information on the Savannah Music Festival’s community impact programs and to buy tickets for the Festival, visit www.savannahmusicfestival.org
