Winter Bash – A Party & Concert to Benefit Savannah Music Festival

Imagine stepping into a breathtaking winter wonderland in the Salzburg Ballroom at Plant Riverside District. Enveloped by the delicate beauty of snowy décor, you’re greeted with a delectable Winter Bash cocktail. As you sip, the air fills with melodies, a seamless stream of live music enhancing every moment from start to finish. Your evening reaches an electrifying pinnacle with an exclusive performance by the acclaimed jazz sensation Matthew Whitaker.

This is not just an event; it’s a night that will ignite conversations and linger in memories!
Don’t let this enchanting experience pass you by!

Proceeds from the Winter Bash support Savannah Music Festival programming, including year-round free education programs and community outreach events, off-season concerts, and the signature springtime festival.

HONORARY CHAIR Tim Coy
EVENT CHAIR Rhegan White-Clemm
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Gene Dobbs Bradford
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR Ryan McMaken

About the Artist

“This young man is a genius!”
–Jon Batiste

Blind since birth, Matthew Whitaker has been called “the next Stevie Wonder” and a musical prodigy. Matthew’s musical journey began at age 3 when his grandfather gifted him a small keyboard. He taught himself how to play the Hammond B3 organ at nine, and by age 13, he became the youngest artist to be endorsed by Hammond in its 80+ year history.

Between his studies at The Julliard School in the Jazz Studies program, Matthew continues to captivate audiences at performances around the globe. He has made notable appearances on shows like Showtime at the Apollo, the Today Show, Ellen, and a feature on 60 Minutes. Matthew’s performance blew audiences away at the 2024 Savannah Music Festival, leading to an enthusiastic invitation to return as the featured artist for SMF’s benefit party.