Celebrating Georgia’s legends, landmarks and unsung heroes
February 11 & March 10
Albany Civil Rights Movement Museum, Albany, GA
Revelers have been ringing in the new year on Georgia’s coast for almost four decades. Over 20 bands will perform including Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, The Little Roy & Lizzy Show, Cedar Hill, Lonesome Will Mullins & The Virginia Playboys and more.
Albanycivilrightsinstitute.org
February 25 & 26
River Center for the Performing Arts, Columbus, GA
Classical guitarists should not miss this two-day event featuring guest artist concerts, master classes, lectures and competition, all presented by the Schwob School of Music.
This year’s guest artists include Gabriel Bianco, Marko Feri, Duo Spiritoso, Michael Partington and Luthier Fang Renjun.
March 22 - April 7
Savannah, GA
The musical arts are celebrated annually in this city-wide festival that Afropop Worldwide aptly describes as a “global crossroads of music.” For 17 days, Savannah’s enchanting beauty and charm provide the backdrop for performances by artists who in 2012 include: Béla Fleck & the Flecktones, violinist Daniel Hope, guitarist Paco De Lucia, pianists Sebastian Knauer, Kenny Barron and Cedar Walton (who first came to prominence as a member of Art Blakely’s Jazz Messengers in the 60s), cellist Josephine Knight, trumpeter Jon Faddis and his quartet, Georgia’s own Sweet Singing Harmony Harmoneers and the McIntosh County Shouters, Takás Quartet, Ruthie Foster, classical guitarist Milos Karadaglic, The Campbell Brothers, IIIrd Tyme Out, The Preservation Hall Jazz Band and Del McCoury Band.
March 3
Atlantic Station, Atlanta, GA
Rock and blues bands provide the soundtrack to a day of beer and bourbon tastings, seminars with master distillers, brewmasters and pitmasters, exhibits and how could we forget: Atlanta’s Best Beer Belly Competition and the Daisy Dukes & Boots Contest.
March 23 & 24
Savannah, GA
The town made famous by Blind Willie McTell's blues standard tries it hand at a two-day festival promising bands in multiple genres, a Battle of the School Bands and more. Stay tuned for more details.
April 1
Atlantic Station, Atlanta, GA
The 2nd annual festival celebrates Latin and Caribbean heritage with live salsa bands including MaCuba and Serenata, DJ’s, dance lessons, exhibitions and competitions and authentic Latin foods.
April 6 & 7
Woodruff Park, Columbus, GA
The fifth annual gathering combines the nostalgia of an old-fashioned fair with food vendors hawking funnel cakes, Italian sausage and more with kids’ activities and music from regional Americana, bluegrass and rock bands.
April 20
Fox Theatre, Atlanta, GA
The prestigious Dove Awards returns to Atlanta for the second year and will be once again broadcast on Georgia-based gmc network. Fans can purchase tickets and be a part of a gala evening celebrating Christian and gospel music. Last year’s event quickly sold out so visit the Dove Awards website to monitor availability.
April 27 & 28
Five Spot, Atlanta, GA
Atlanta-based online magazine IMR (Indie Music Reviewer) hosts two days of bands, activities and contests. Performers announced so far include Trances Arc, Jungol, Heavy Mogo, Jack of Hearts, Damon Moon & The Whispering Drifters, Detroit Mutant Radio and more. Interested artists can submit their music on the website.
