SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) -- The Savannah Music Festival's annual Winter Bash is Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Plant Riverside District. This elegant party and concert features Matthew Whitaker, a blind pianist who's been called "the next Stevie Wonder."
Whitaker began is musical journey at age three when he received a small keyboard from his grandfather, eventually teaching himself how to play the Hammond B3 organ at age nine. When he was 13, Whitaker became the youngest artist to be endorsed by Hammond in its 80-plus year history. He has collaborated music greats like Jon Batiste, Regina Carter, Ray Chew, Derrick Hodge, and Anderson Paak.
“Matthew Whitaker's phenomenal debut at the 2024 festival was a real highlight and a show who many say is one of the best they have ever seen," says Savannah Music Festival Executive Director Gene Dobbs Bradford. "It will be a real treat for the 250 people who will see him in the intimacy of District Live. I am not surprised that tickets are going fast for this special evening! Our goal is to raise $130,000 at Winter Bash to further our mission to present exceptional live music by artists like Matthew Whitaker that entertains, educates, inspires, and unites communities.”
The annual Winter Bash raises funds for the Savannah Music Festival's artistic programming and year-round free education programs and community outreach events.
This event is made possible by local supporters of the arts. “We are excited to be the Presenting Sponsor for the 2025 Winter Bash and to help raise funds to support Savannah Music Festival’s mission,” says Dr. Ryan Reeves, DDS, of Beyond Exceptional Dentistry. “Savannah Music Festival is a great asset for our community, and we are looking forward to this unique winter wonderland event and what is sure to be an amazing musical performance by Matthew Whitaker.”
Get your tickets to the Savannah Music Festival's Winter Bash by clicking here.
A leading nonprofit performing arts organization, Savannah Music Festival is dedicated to presenting world-class celebrations of the musical arts and creating timeless, adventurous productions that stimulate arts education, foster economic growth and unite artists and audiences in Savannah. In addition to year-round music education, community engagement and broadcast initiatives, the festival produces one of the most distinctive multi-genre music festivals in the world. Click here for a complete schedule of the 2025 Savannah Music Festival.