When March rolls around, Savannah is on the lips of thousands of people. St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in this historic Southern city are the third largest in the world, behind New York City and Dublin, Ireland.

Savannah kicks off its 18th annual Savannah Music Festival, March 15. The festival begins March 15 with Celtic folk group Leahy performing in the historic Lucas Theatre for the Arts.

 On the following evening, four-time Grammy winner and jazz great Dianne Reeves will perform along with blues singer Susan Tedeschi.

On St. Patrick’s Day itself, Irish ensemble Flook will give two performances.

Throughout the festival, nearly 100 performances will be spread out across the city, including Music at Midday, a free celebration of instrumentalists, organists, soloists and choirs in the city’s most venerable and beautiful landmarks.

Another highlight will be the American Traditions Competition – something akin to a popular music competition television show, but highlighting American composers and works across a variety of genres including spirituals, opera, jazz, blues, Broadway, bluegrass and Early American. Last year, more than 60 applications were received from 22 states and five foreign countries. The winner takes home $10,000.

Savannah Jazz Party will feature four consecutive evenings and myriad jazz styles ranging from ragtime and stride piano to hot jazz and big band swing. The festival ends April 1.

Ticket prices range from $15-$85, with many events free of charge. Call 912-525-5050 for more information.

If you go …
While Savannah’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration is the third largest in the world, there is another reason to head south in March. Starting March 15, Savannah’s Music Festival will flood the streets with music, from jazz to Celtic folk and more. The festival ends April 1. Ticket prices range from $15-$85, with many events free of charge. Call 912-525-5050 for more information.