Savannah showcases musical talent in kid-friendly festival
After countless "Sesame Street on Ice" shows, I was jazzed to experience a real music festival again as I hit the Voodoo Music Experience in New Orleans: Smashing Pumpkins, Wilco, Sinead O'Connor and Spoon were a few musicians on my radar and, of course, I wished some or all of my kids could be there with me.
Two hours into it, I realized that standing around in a muddy field with thousands of tipsy fans had lost more than a modicum of charm over the years, and if my kids were with me I would have become the party-pooper parent.
There is a place, however, where music festivals and families meet quite nicely, along with history, Southern charm and lovely spring temperatures. Let's go to Savannah, Ga., shall we?
The Savannah Music Festival, or SMF, has become one of the largest cultural tourism draws in the Southeast. In 2007, 45 percent of concert-goers traveled from out of town to enjoy a selection of premieres, one-time-only productions, exclusive U.S. appearances by international artists and a cornucopia of educational opportunities.
Under the direction of Rob Gibson (former co-founding director of Jazz at Lincoln Center), SMF offers classical and jazz concerts as well as various styles of American and international roots music. The ambitious 2008 program is a 17-day musical arts marathon (March 20 to April 5) featuring nearly 100 events. Venues range from theaters and auditoriums to open-air locations and historic places of worship, so you needn't fret about standing for hours, nor forcing your energetic kids to sit still.
The variety of performers assembling in the old seaport city makes SMF one of the most distinctive festivals in the country. Kids and teens can see a rock icon, Police drummer Stewart Copeland, premiere an original work with classical musicians. If the kids are studying guitar or piano, how about catching "The World of Slide Guitar" featuring virtuosos or "Piano Showdown" showcasing masters such as Hank Jones, Marcus Roberts and Eric Reed?
They might begin to better understand rock roots by experiencing regional and American musical genres, including jazz, blues, Cajun, zydeco, country and bluegrass. International artists include the dazzling Brazilian mandolin player Hamilton de Holanda; a 25-year old Spanish vocal prodigy, Antonio Pitingo; Angelique Kidjo offering contemporary West African music; and Ana Moura's modern Portuguese fado singing.
Other musical luminaries on the bill include Blind Boys of Alabama, Audra McDonald, Wycliffe Gordon, Marty Stuart, Emerson String Quartet, Bela Fleck, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Ricky Skaggs and Bruce Hornsby.
Adding to the joyful mood, the 19th annual festival takes place as Savannah celebrates the 275th anniversary of its founding.
Consider weekend passes, which must be purchased by phone, to save more than 10 percent. The theme for opening weekend is World Music, Classical and American Roots, while up-and-coming high school musical stars will want to attend the middle weekend's "For the Love of Singers." The final weekend is all about "Jazz and a Touch of Americana."
Single tickets and series passes can also be purchased by phone at (912) 525-5050 or online at www.savannahmusicfestival.org.
Parents should note that the Festival's Music Education series takes place in theaters in the historic district and, although the audience is primarily local schoolchildren, visiting parents and kids are encouraged to attend free of charge. Take a look at www.savannahmusicfestival.org/performances/gulfstream-music-education. Check availability at (912) 234-3378, ext. 112, or just show up at the specified venue 10 minutes before show time to ask for overflow seating.
Savannah's climate in March and April is nothing less than heavenly, with average highs around 75. Two hotels in the historic district, The Mulberry Inn and the new Holiday Inn Express, have bundled lodging with weekend festival passes. Call (912) 234-3378, ext. 105, to book.
Teens may go for an iPod walking tour (www.itoursavannah.com) and younger kids will take to an Old Town Trolley Tour of the city (www.historictours.com/savannah).
After an earful of roots music, how about some straight-up Southern food at Angel's Barbecue (www.angels-bbq.com) or Mrs. Wilkes' Boarding House (www.mrswilkes.com)?
Your girls might want to visit the birthplace of Juliette Gordon Low, founder of Girl Scouts USA, and everyone enjoys a day trip to Tybee Island Beach, an easy 20-minute drive. Take a dolphin or kayak tour, climb Georgia's oldest and tallest lighthouse or explore Tybee's two forts.
The Savannah Area Convention & Visitors Bureau can help with details on lodging and other family-oriented activities. Go to www.savcvb.com or ring (877) 728-2662.