The Savannah Folk Music Society proudly announces the events and highlights of the 19th Annual Savannah Folk Music Festival, October 10, 11 and 12, 2008. The Festival’s signature event, the Sunday Concert from 2:00 to 7:00 PM on Oct. 12, will be at historic, renovated Grayson Stadium and stars internationally acclaimed folksingers JESSE WINCHESTER and the CAROLINA CHOCOLATE DROPS. The three day, five-event Festival is presented by the Savannah Folk Music Society and the City of Savannah’s Cultural Affairs Department, Bureau of Leisure Services. The entire Festival is FREE TO THE PUBLIC.

The Festival begins with its traditional “Folkfest in City Market” from 7:00 to 11:00 PM on Friday, Oct. 10th. The Folkfest features a variety of Savannah’s top folk performers making joyful sounds in a number of folk music styles and genre. The evening also features part one of the “Noteworthy Art” silent auction, the sale of several Gretsch guitars, some signed by celebrities and others transformed into unique art objects by leading Savannah artists.

On Saturday, Oct. 11, there are three big events.

At 9:00 AM is a Sacred Harp Sing at First Primitive Baptist Church, 3212 Bee Road. This is participatory shape note singing, a living tradition of four-part a capella Americana. This event is conducted by the Savannah Sacred Harp Singers and will conclude at 3:00 PM.

At 2:00 PM will be the finals of the “Youth Song Writing Competition.” This is the culmination of a contest between Savannah-Chatham County youth (under 20 years old) for the best original song in the acoustic folk tradition. Winners divide $1,000 in prizes from event sponsor, AMR Music. The six Savannah area youth who are finalists in the 2008 Youth Songwriting Competition are: Lauren Maxwell, age 13;Christy Miltiades, age 18; Jamison Murphy, age 12; Lauren Trivitayakhun, age 18, Zachary Williams, age 17; and Cecelia Witt, age 15. All six will present their original songs. The first place winner is also given the opportunity to present the winning song on Sunday, October 12th at the Festival’s grand finale.

The third event on Saturday is the “Old Time Country Dance” from 8:00 to 11:00 PM at Notre Dame Academy gymnasium. The dance features music from Charleston, SC string band, THE HUNGRY MONKS and the assistance of a guest caller. Beginners and contra dance veterans are welcome to have a great time. Not a dancer? The music alone is worth the visit!

The “Concert at Grayson Stadium” features JESSE WINCHESTER, THE CAROLINA CHOCOLATE DROPS, MAD AGNES and THE HUNGRY MONKS as well as the winner of the Youth Songwriting Competition. The Sunday, Oct. 12 concert also includes the second half of the “Noteworthy Art” silent auction. Each of the performers will present two sets, one in an early and one in a later rotation.

The entire festival is FREE TO THE PUBLIC thanks to the support of the City of Savannah’s Department of Cultural Affairs, Leisure Services and a number of other event sponsors.

For more information, call 912-786-6953