Savannah Music Festival to look for new leader, as executive director announces summer resignation

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Outgoing Savannah Music Festival executive director Gene Dobbs Bradford

Credit: Savannah Music Festival

The Savannah Music Festival will soon begin a national search for new leadership, as the arts nonprofit announced that executive director Gene Dobbs Bradford will resign this summer after having led the organization and its springtime concert series for three years.

During his tenure, SMF expanded its year-round presence through community engagement initiatives such as its children's jazz academy, as well as partnerships with local venues, including District Live in downtown Savannah and Victory North in the city's Starland District.

"What I love about the audiences here is that they're willing to give things like the international acts a chance," Bradford said of Savannah's festivalgoers. "They're willing to come out and participate in and take in music that they may have no familiarity with — but they come out of it oftentimes finding their new favorite band."

Bradford added that the annual festival itself feels "more welcoming," which he attributed in part to targeted engagement efforts "to try to get some new people in, to enjoy what I think is one of the best festivals going."

A blues harmonicist by training, Bradford joined SMF in February 2022 after serving as president and CEO of Jazz St. Louis for 23 years.

He will remain in his role through the end of the organization's fiscal year on June 30 before returning to St. Louis to help care for his parents-in-law.

The nonprofit reported a 25% increase in contributed revenue under Bradford's direction, and this spring, its staff will move to new office space in the Starland District.

SMF board chair Mary Armstrong Dugas praised his leadership, saying in a statement that Bradford had made "a lasting impact on Savannah's arts community," and that "along with leading a world-class music festival, he has been a remarkable advocate, not only for the festival but for Savannah as a whole, locally and nationally."

Looking ahead to his eventual successor, Bradford said that he hopes the next executive director will expand the organization's reach and strengthen its connection with local audiences.

"How can we help people to understand the music that we're presenting?" he asked, hinting toward "an artist-in-residence who can come in and share more about their art and their culture than one would get from just a single performance. We've actually been working towards that, and I think next year you're going to see some of the fruits of our labor."

Bradford reflected fondly on his time in the Hostess City: "One of the joys of being here is I've discovered a world of music in this city. I think Savannah is such a fantastic place," he said, adding that he intends to make trips in the years ahead as a concertgoer.

As he prepares to put on his final festival — scheduled to run March 27 through April 12 — Bradford expressed optimism about the nonprofit's future.

"It's going to be a really good time for somebody else to come in because the organization is really strong, in great shape. I think that, as the area grows, it offers more opportunities for the next person to build on. I wish them all the best."