Coastal Ga. Weekend: Savannah And Coastal Events Mar. 29-Apr. 1

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Ranky Tanky, of Charleston, will play the SMF-commissioned Gullah Roots show Sunday with Etienne Charles / Ranky Tanky on Facebook

There's plenty to do around Savannah this weekend. Anna Chandler of Connect Savannah and Claire Sandow of the Tourism Leadership Council have your guide.Anna and Claire share some weekend tips.

Claire's picks:

-The Telfair kicks off the latest in its #art912 series featuring local artists with an artist talk Thursday. Adolfo Alvarado will discuss his exhibit Grounded, which explores his journey and the influence of his upbringing in Mexico's Ciudad Juaréz, a city known for its vibrant culture and notorious violence.

-It's that time of year: the Savannah Music Festival kicks off Thursday, with concerts around town from a staggering array of artists and musical styles. Check out the whole schedule here.

-Sunday is Easter, which for many families means brunch. Plenty of restaurants have special events, including Moss and Oak, 1540 Room and 700 Drayton. And Savannah Riverboat Cruise has a special brunch cruise - featuring the Easter Bunny.

-Anna's picks:

-The first weekend of the music festival brings a few local tie-ins and other highlights. On Thursday, Savannah's own Benedetto Guitars will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a show at the Lucas. Friday, Ships of the Sea will host Jenny Scheinman's Mischief and Mayhem - featuring Nels Cline of Wilco and many more. Then on Sunday, there are two chances to catch the SMF-commissoned Gullah Roots, exploring the connections between Gullah and Afro-Caribbean music, featuring Ranky Tanky of Charleston and Etienne Charles of Trinidad. 

-In a weekend of music, go behind the scenes with rock journalist Sylvie Simmons, speaking (and playing some tunes) at The Book Lady. Simmons wrote the bestselling biography I'm Your Man: The Life of Leonard Cohen and has spent decades writing about music. Friday, 7-8:30 p.m.; free.

-Get ready to dance at Southbound Brewing when Empire Strikes Brass comes to town. The high-energy brass band from Asheville is rooted in the New Orleans second line tradition, infused with funk and rock. Saturday, 7-10 p.m.; $15.