Bill Frisell’s unmistakable voice on the guitar is equal parts jazz and Americana. Mixing rock and country with jazz and blues, he’s found what connects them: improvisation and a sense of play. He plays up the pleasure in the music while embracing tenderness and soul. This is his Savannah debut.
Bassekou Kouyate is a virtuoso on the West African lute known as the ngoni. One of the biggest stars in Mali’s burgeoning music scene, Mr. Kouyate leads a captivating African dance band called Ngoni Ba, featuring his wife, vocalist Amy Sacko. Another Savannah debut.

Celebrate a milestone in the life of Savannah icon Ben Tucker, whose diverse history of accomplishments in a 60-year professional career have recently resulted in his best-ever recording session. This one-time only program features the noted bassist and composer of over 300 songs with such outstanding talents as Wycliffe Gordon, Marcus Printup, Kevin Bales and others.

The extraordinary duo of Ken Peplowski (clarinet, saxophone) and Howard Alden (guitar) create gorgeous, melodic, swinging and virtuosic music.

Two incredible, but distinct, jazz trios contrast the exuberance of youth and the wisdom of experience. Pianist Dick Hyman, guitarist Howard Alden and clarinet/saxophonist Ken Peplowski purvey refined swing while the young Gerald Clayton Trio delivers a skillful blend of swinging tradition and refreshing innovation.

Pre concert talk 5:00 PM.

A living legend of jazz piano, octogenarian Dick Hyman showcases the music of one of his idols, the legendary Fats Waller.

SMF’s annual Piano Showdown has become a “not-to-be-missed” event. Featuring solos and never before seen duets, our 2010 lineup features a conflagration of piano legends and piano legends in the making. Dick Hyman is an undisputed historian and master of styles; SMF favorite Marcus Roberts worships the American Songbook; Crescent City stylist Henry Butler always ignites a room with his astonishing power; and young phenom Gerald Clayton guarantees to keep the others on their toes.

At only 25, the extraordinary pianist Gerald Clayton makes you feel like you’re listening to Oscar Peterson or Errol Garner with a 21st century sensibility.

Henry Butler is known for his prodigious technique and his ability to play in many styles. Referred to as “the pride of New Orleans,” Mr. Butler is his generation’s representative in the Crescent City’s unique lineage of piano legends such as Professor Longhair, James Booker, Tuts Washington, and Jelly Roll Morton. His trio is joined by special guests for this swinging, blues-filled occasion.

Two-time Parents’ Choice award-winning singer/songwriter Roger Day urges kids to reach their potential by using “body and brain, mind and muscle.” In this program for the entire family he performs songs from his new album “Why Does Gray Matter? And Other Brainy Songs for Kids.”

For over 30 years, American violinist and composer Mark O’Connor has led his own groups while working with artists as diverse as Renée Fleming, James Taylor, Alison Krauss, David Grisman, Wynton Marsalis, Patty Loveless, Béla Fleck and Yo-Yo Ma.  ‘Connor’s Hot Swing Trio!, featuring guitarist Julian Lage and bassist Gary Mazzaroppi, invokes the playfulness and fire of the hot club jazz idiom in the 100th birth year of jazz pioneer Django Reinhardt.

Virtuoso French bassist Renaud Garcia-Fons is a composer of Catalonian origin trained at the Paris Conservatory which specializes in the technique of playing arco on a customized 5-string bass. Influenced by the traditions of the Mediterranean rim, Latin America, flamenco and jazz, his playing stuns audiences around the globe. Another Savannah debut!