September
Drive–By Truckers. Patterson Hood and his crew of hard–rocking southern songsters have a long–awaited date in the Trustees Theater Sept. 8.
Savannah Philharmonic Orchestra. Re: the date, the season opener consists almost entirely of music by American composers. Sept. 11, Lucas Theatre.
Darius Rucker. Don’t call him Hootie, folks, because the Big Blowfish has established a lucrative second career as a country singer. Sept. 16, Johnny Mercer Theatre.
Mountain Heart. One of the finest progressive bluegrass bands in the country returns to Randy Wood Guitars in Bloomingdale Sept. 16.
Savannah Jazz Festival. It starts on Sept. 18, and there are shows by local and regional players at various venues through the 25th. But guitarist Pat Martino and his group headline the BIG concert, Sept. 24 in Forsyth Park.
Hot Club of San Francisco. It’s swinging gypsy jazz, played live as accompaniment to vintage 1920s silent films. And these guys are the best in this particular business. Sept. 23, Lucas Theatre
October
Widespread Panic. Two nights of Panic – the heirs apparent to the Grateful Dead kick out the jams, and more jams, Oct. 4 and 5 in the Johnny Mercer Theatre.
Savannah Folk Festival. Tom Chapin and the April Verch Band headline the big event Oct. 9, held for the first time in Forsyth Park.
Casting Crowns. Grammy–winning, Florida–based Christian rock band, Oct. 15 in the Johnny Mercer Theatre.
Savannah Philharmonic Orchestra. The second concert, “Brahms’ Requiem: A German Requiem,” held Oct. 21 in the breathtaking sanctuary of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist.
Terrance Simien & Zydeco Experience. This Cajun dance party (“progressive zydeco”), Oct. 22 at American Legion Post 135, is the first in the Savannah Music Festival’s SMF Live series (the actual festival dates are March 22–April 7, 2012). Simien and his band will spend the lead–off week performing at various public schools.
November
Audra McDonald. The Broadway singing star (four Tony Awards) currently co–stars on TV’s Private Practice. She’s at the Lucas Theatre Nov. 9. This is another in the SMF Live series.
John Mellencamp. The sometime Chatham County resident is on tour behind his latest album No Better Than This, parts of which were recorded in Savannah. Nov. 11, Johnny Mercer Theatre.
Joe Bonnamasso. Hot–wired blues guitarist and his band, Nov. 20 in the Johnny Mercer.
Lady Antebellum. Currently the hottest thing in country music, the Nashville trio has a pile of Grammys and CMA awards. Nov. 27, Johnny Mercer Theatre.
December
Ruth Moody Band. This Canadian singer/songwriter and multi–instrumentalist was a longtime member of the fabulous Wailin’ Jennys. Dec. 3, Lucas Theatre.
Third Day. Georgia–based Christian pop band, Dec. 1 in the Johnny Mercer.
Vince Gill/Amy Grant. Nashville’s First Couple and their 12 Days of Christmas show come to the Johnny Mercer Theatre Dec. 11.
Savannah Philharmonic Orchestra. “Holiday Pops: The Festival Season” rings in Yuletide Dec. 16 in the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. cs
