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Pooler Magazine

Winter Bash: An Evening to Benefit Savannah Music Festival

Step into a winter wonderland, and enjoy a private concert by acclaimed jazz pianist Matthew Whitaker!

Savannah Music Festival (SMF) is delighted to host Winter Bash: An Evening to Benefit Savannah Music Festival on Saturday, January 25 at 5:30 p.m. at Plant Riverside District.

This winter wonderland-themed event will feature a private concert by acclaimed jazz pianist Matthew Whitaker at District Live as well as a sumptuous supper in the Salzburg Ballroom. Proceeds from Winter Bash will support Savannah Music Festival’s free education programs for area youth and acclaimed year-round artistic programming.

Whitaker, who has been blind since birth and is often referred to as “the next Stevie Wonder,” is a musical prodigy who has been called a “genius” by legendary jazz artist Jon Batiste. His musical journey began at the age of three, when his grandfather gave him a small keyboard. At the age of 10, Whitaker served as the opening performer for Stevie Wonder’s induction into the Apollo Theater's Hall of Fame. Over the years, this talented jazz artist has captivated international audiences and has performed at top venues including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center and the Apollo Theater. He has been featured on “60 Minutes” and enjoyed notable performances on “The Today Show,” “Ellen” and “Showtime at the Apollo.”

Hosted by Event Chair Rhegan White-Clemm, Honorary Chair Tim Coy, SMF Executive Director Gene Dobbs Bradford and SMF Artistic Director Ryan McMaken, this fabulous evening will kick off with a lively reception, featuring an open bar, winter-inspired drinks and passed hors d’oeuvres. Guests will enjoy a performance by students from the SMF Jazz Academy, an after-school jazz program that is free to Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS) students in grades 5-12, and will be invited to participate in a fast-paced paddle raise led by Auctioneer Erin Kienzle of Giving4Good. Attendees can bid on a curated gourmet dinner for 10, prepared by SMF Executive Director Gene Dobbs Bradford.

Winter Bash tickets are currently available at savannahmusicfestival.org. Tickets are $400 per person and include complimentary valet parking, entry to the pre-concert reception, a delicious dinner, a bid paddle and admittance to the exclusive performance by Matthew Whitaker.

Date & Time

January 25, 2025

5:30PM - 10:00PM

Location

— Plant Riverside District - 400 West River Street, Savannah, GA, 31401 400 West River Street Savannah 31401 GA US

Get Directions

More Info

Event Website

912-234-3378

$400/person

Concerts & Live Music Benefit Winter Matthew Whitaker Savannah, georgia