Savannah Music Commission
Established through Georgia House Bill 762 and signed into law on May 1, 2025, to advance and champion Savannah's music industry by promoting the area as a premier music destination, supporting local artists, and honoring the city's rich musical heritage
The Savannah Music Commission was created for the purpose of promoting the Savannah area as a music destination; recruiting and organizing music festivals and concerts; partnering with local businesses, schools, and organizations to create diverse music programs; working with local government and businesses to secure funding and sponsorships for music initiatives; advocating for music education and resources in local schools; and otherwise promoting the music industry in the Savannah area.
Georgia House Bill 762
Commission Members
Rep. Carl Gilliard | Commission President
Carl Gilliard is a Georgia state representative from Savannah, serving House District 162 and currently serving on the Appropriations, Insurance, Interstate Cooperation, State Properties, and Transportation committees.
Matt Campbell | Commission Vice President
Matt Campbell is the founder and CEO of Georgia Matters LLC, a government relations and advocacy firm, with extensive experience in Georgia legislative affairs and a strong focus on connecting businesses, communities, and policymakers.
Mary Armstrong Dugas | Commission Secretary
Mary Armstrong Dugas is the Founder and Executive Director of Savannah Music Collective, a longtime music industry executive and artist manager dedicated to connecting Savannah’s music community, supporting local artists, and strengthening the city’s music ecosystem.
Trey Myers is the founder and president of Turnipblood Entertainment, a full-service entertainment company specializing in talent booking, event production, and creating exceptional live entertainment experiences.
Trey Myers | Commission Treasurer
Dinah Gretsch is Executive Vice President and CFO of the Gretsch Company, a longtime music-industry leader and advocate for music education who has helped advance Savannah’s music community through her business, philanthropic, and educational work.
Dinah Gretsch
Monty Jones Jr. is General Manager of Enmarket Arena, VyStar Pavilion and the Savannah Civic Center with Oak View Group, bringing more than 20 years of venue-management experience to Savannah’s growing live entertainment and events industry.
Monty Jones
Brian Hudson is the managing principal of The Hudson Group, a government relations and strategic consulting firm, as well as, a studio and touring musician, voting member of the Grammys, a board member of Oconee Performing Arts Society, an advisor for Georgia music partners, a member of the Savannah Music Commission and a longtime advocate for Georgia’s music industry.
Brian Hudson
Harold Yellin is a partner at Hunter Maclean specializing in commercial real estate, zoning and land use, and a longtime Savannah civic and arts leader. He is the past chairman of the Savannah Music Festival and is currently serving as its secretary.
Harold Yellin
William Austin Smith is a Savannah-based composer, filmmaker, and media producer whose work spans original music, film, video, and immersive audiovisual experiences, and who serves on the Savannah Music Commission.
William Austin Smith
COMMISSION ADVISORY COUNCIL
BENJAMIN ADAMS | EVENT PLANNER, DJ “PRO2KALL”
DEANNA BROWN | VP JAMES BROWN FAMILY FOUNDATION
EDWARD BROWN | “DJ ICE”
SINISA CIRIC | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SAVANNAH MUSIC FESTIVAL
BRIAN GOLDMAN | TALENT BUYER, VICTORY NORTH SAVANNAH
SCOTTY HENLEY | TALENT BUYER, DISTRICT LIVE AT PLANT RIVERSIDE
CJ JACKSON | PROGRAMMER CUMULS MEDIA, RADIO DJ
RYAN MCMAKEN | ARTISTIC DIRECTOR SAVANNAH MUSIC FESTIVAL
ROGER MOSS | MUSICIAN, CHATHAM COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD PRESIDENT
WINSTON PITTMAN II | VP PITTMAN ENTERPRISES
ANDREW SOVINE | MUSICIAN, PRODUCER / OWNER BACK ROOM RECORD STUDIO
MARK STEPHENS | CITY COUNCILMAN PORTWENTWORTH, GA
JOHN TISBERT | ARTISTIC DIRECTOR SAVANNAH CHILDRENS CHOIR
Purpose & Goals
Market the Savannah region as a premier music destination and cultural hub.
Promote Savannah:
Organize and Recruit Events:
Help set up, coordinate and recruit concerts, live performances and major music festivals.
Foster Collaboration:
Build strong networks and partnerships between local artists, independent venues, recording studios, businesses and schools.
Partner with local government entities and corporate sponsors to obtain financial backing and grants for music initiatives.
Secure Funding:
Advocate for resources, programs and dedicated music education in local schools.
Support Education:
Strengthen working connections between Savannah’s growing music community and its film/entertainment sectors.
Bridge Industries:
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