Every year I look forward to the Savannah Music Festival, which brings a fantastic variety of acts for this annual musical feast. This year, Lee and I were able to see 4 shows (5 if you count the kid show I saw as chaperone on Camille’s field trip). Sharon Jones was our first show – a woman with a dynamic, commanding voice who exudes energy and charisma. The audience was a mixed bag of old and young, dancers and watchers, but by the end of her fantastic R&B set hardly a person was sitting. You just couldn’t help yourself.

Another first for me was seeing Robert Randolph have his way with a steel guitar alongside The Family Band, a funk/soul group full of talented musicians. 

Last night, we saw Band of Horses, a rock group I was somewhat familiar with because Lee plays their music in the office and car from time to time. I wouldn’t have called myself a fan before the show, but I am now. I’ve had one of their songs (No One) stuck in my head for the last 24 hours and I don’t mind a bit. I’m looking forward to discovering more of their music in the next few months now that I’ve seen them live, and I’d love to see them again.

But my favorite show, so very dear to my heart, was The Avett Brothers. I’ve only been a fan for a year, but in short order they skyrocketed to the top of my list.

The Avetts are two brothers from a farm in North Carolina, and their folk/bluegrass/rock music is infused with so many things I hold dear – love of family, a desire to be a good person, to live a good life, to learn from mistakes, to have fun. There is an honesty in their music that I find completely disarming. And during their show, I sang at the top of my lungs.

As if their songwriting and vocals weren’t enough, I find their mix of instruments just as appealing. There is plenty of guitar, percussion, keys and banjo, but also classical instruments like cello and stand-up bass. I’ve always admired a thoughtful combination of rock and classical instruments, and The Avetts weave a wonderful musical tapestry with their diverse band.

I’m feeling a little post-festival depression setting in, longing to see such good music again sooner rather than later. But at the same time, I’m buoyed by all these wonderful songs still floating through my head.

Until next year!