Savannah Music Festival gets bigger and better

Let's put it this way. They don't hand out MacArthur Genius Grants to just anybody. When Punch Brothers mandolin player Chris Thile unexpectedly won the prestigious prize in 2012, it was confirmation of something that fans had known for ages: The musician isn't just mind-bogglingly accomplished at his instrument, he's an artist with an outrageously ambitious creative vision whose horizons include everything from Bach to bluegrass. At the event, expect flawlessly executed and wide-ranging explorations of folk songs, Celtic melodies and bluegrass classics, undoubtedly with a few surprises along the way. 8:30 pm, March 22, $25-$55. Trustees Theater, 216 E Broughton St.

Robert Cray

We have nothing against music that's "blues-inspired" or "blues-influenced," but sometimes you just want to skip all that and get right down to the real deal: Authentic blues music. There are few better places to hear it than at a concert by legendary blues guitarist and singer Robert Cray. With no fewer than five Grammys (and 15 nominations) under his belt, the Georgia-born icon was recently inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame. We love the fact that the Savannah Music Festival's website earnestly warns ticket-buyers about the possibility of obstructed views for those who remain seated: "This performance is likely to have audiences up on their feet and dancing." Ya think? 8 p.m., Thursday, April 3, $25-$65. Lucas Theatre for the Arts, 32 Abercorn St.

The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

It may seem strange to recommend that Atlantans head to Savannah to hear the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, but the symphony, which is making its ninth consecutive appearance at the festival, performs in Savannah at the charming 1921 architectural gem the Lucas Theatre under the direction of Robert Spano and will be joined by soprano Jessica Rivera for Mahler's Symphony No. 4 and British violinist Daniel Hope for Prokofiev's Violin Concerto No. 2. Hope actually plays a central role in the festival itself: the violin virtuoso acts as associate artistic director for the event, arranging an incredible line-up of smaller classical chamber music concerts which take place throughout the festival's run. The opportunity to hear one of the most sought-after musicians in the classical music world — and a driving force behind the festival itself - -perform with the ASO is not to be missed. 7 p.m., March 22, $32-$75. Lucas Theatre for the Arts, 32 Abercorn St.

Cécile McLorin Salvant

Even though she's just 24, it's almost impossible not to think of the great jazz divas of another era when you hear Cécile McLorin Salvant. Like Dinah Washington and Ella Fitzgerald, she combines gorgeously crystalline vocal power with an emotionally incisive, often whimsical approach to jazz standards. The singer performs three times in one day at the Savannah Music Festival, once in a solo lunchtime performance and then in two evening concerts on a double-bill with the Christian McBride Trio. 12:30 p.m., 6 p.m., 9 p.m., March 27, $20-$35. Charles H. Morris Center, 10 E Broad St.

Estrella Morente

When you're the daughter of a legendary flamenco singer and a famous flamenco dancer, and you're married to a matador, it's fair to say that the authenticity of your connections to the traditions of Spain are unassailable. Such is the case for Estrella Morente, daughter of legendary cantaor Enrique Morente and dancer Aurora Carbonell, who is married to famous bullfighter Javier Conde. Though she's been music royalty in her native Spain since the time she first began performing with her father at the age of 7, this will be her first appearance in the Southeast. 8 p.m., March 21. $25-$65. Lucas Theatre for the Arts, 32 Abercorn St.

Avett Brothers

North Carolina natives and brothers Scott and Seth Avett share vocal duties and play several instruments as the Avett Brothers. Their first fans fell in love with the unrefined rawness of their country-inflected hooks and harmonies. With several slick Billboard charting albums and a Grammy nomination, they can't claim to be indie underdogs anymore, but a concert with the brothers is still bound to deliver at least some of the down-home fervor and soulfulness that devoted fans long to hear. 8:30 p.m. March 20, and 8:30 p.m. March 21. $32-$75. Johnny Mercer Theatre at the Savannah Civic Center, 301 W. Oglethorpe Ave.

Taj Mahal

Even when he was a young man, Taj Mahal's deep voice sounded like it belonged to a seasoned veteran from another era. Mahal, 70, has now become that veteran, having built his career by pushing blues into new frontiers, incorporating elements of Caribbean and African music into his singular sound. The musician shares the bill with pianist and composer John Simon who produced recordings by The Band, Leonard Cohen, Janis Joplin, Simon & Garfunkel and Blood Sweat & Tears in the 1960s. 8 p.m., March 29. $25-$65. Lucas Theatre for the Arts, 32 Abercorn St.

Preservation Hall Jazz Band

There aren't many bands you could describe as an American treasure, but the Preservation Hall Jazz Band certainly qualifies. Originally formed in the waning days of the popularity of New Orleans-style jazz in the early 1960s, the band has remained absolutely true to its mission to save a classic American sound, even as the personnel gradually changed over the years. The band is worth seeing no matter where or when the opportunity arises, but the four Savannah performances will be especially worthwhile because they take place in the lovely and intimate Charles H. Morris Center on the grounds of the Trustees' Garden near Savannah's waterfront. 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. March 20, 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. March 21. $35. Charles H. Morris Center, 10 E Broad St.