The Savannah Music Festival’s Rob Gibson is fond of pointing out to those less than enchanted with his choice of headline acts that while many of them may not be “big names” in the mainstream (read: pop and rock) world, most are huge names in their respective roots and traditional music genres. However, the average country fan will be hard pressed to ask for a more crowd-pleasing fill-in for the late, great Porter Wagoner than Travis Tritt.
Tritt, a Marietta native who has sold more than 25 million albums over the course of his career, is a superstar in the world of modern C & W, as well as a respected name among fans of southern rock and —to a lesser extent— “blue-eyed soul.” His just-confirmed appearance with old pal Marty Stuart lays to rest the question of just who would fill the gap left in the festival’s 2008 schedule caused by the untimely passing of Wagoner.
Billed as “An Evening with Travis Tritt and Marty Stuart,” this show will feature just the two old buddies, sitting on stools with nothing but acoustic guitars. The idea was Stuart’s, and reportedly it’s a one-time deal and the only show of this kind Tritt has ever agreed to do.
While Tritt is by no means Porter Wagoner, he is by far the most well-known popular singer/songwriter the SMF has ever presented, and this unexpected pairing will likely introduce the multi-faceted, 17-day showcase to a demographic that might otherwise never have considered testing those particular waters. When: 7:30 pm, Fri., March 21 Where: Trustees Theater Cost: $50 - $15 Info: www.savannahmusicfestival.org or call 525-5050.
Celtic Woman
Irish sextet of female singers/musicians, known as “the Riverdance of the voice.” No, seriously. When: 7:30 pm, Sun., March 2 Where: Johnny Mercer Theater Cost: $60 - $40 Info: www.savannahcivic.com or call 651-6556
Dailey & Vincent
New bluegrass “super-duo” featuring ex-members of Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver and Rhonda Vincent & The Rage. When: 7:30 pm, Fri., Feb. 8 Where: Randy Wood’s Concert Hall (Bloomingdale) Cost: $20 Info: www.randywoodguitars.com or call 748-1930
Fresh Aire: The Music of Mannheim Steamroller
This new 15-piece lineup is owned and “cast” by MS founder Chip Davis, who won’t be on hand for this tour. When: 8 pm, Fri., March 7 Where: Johnny Mercer Theater Cost: $50 - $25 Info: www.savannahcivic.com or call 651-6556
16th Annual Irish Festival
Family-oriented event featuring music, dancing, arts & crafts, food, drink and merchandise. When: Sat., Feb. 16 - Sun., Feb. 17 Where: Civic Center Cost: $10 per day, kids under 14 free with parent Info: www.savannahcivic.com or call 651-6556
Pianist Dimitiri Levkovich
Savannah Concert Association Presents this winner of the 2006 Hilton Head Piano Competition. When: 8 pm, Sat., Feb. 23 Where: Lucas Theatre Cost: $35 - $12.50 Info: www.lucastheatre.com or call 525-5050
2nd Annual Diva/Divo Gala
Celebration of European light opera and American musical theater by the Savannah Sinfonietta — featuring soloists Malinda Haslett, soprano and Jonathan Boyd, tenor. When: 8 pm, Thurs., Feb. 14 (Trinity United Methodist) & 8 pm, Fri., Feb. 15 (Landings Plantation Club) Cost: $35 - $25 Info: www.savannahorchestra.org or call (800) 514-3849 
