SAVANNAH VOICE FESTIVAL BRINGS LIVE MUSIC TO HOPE
HAVEN
SAVANNAH, GA – August 21, 2025 – Three Savannah VOICE Festival artists — Chad Sonka, Michael Ching
and Lavonya Johnson — brought the gift of live music last week to the members of Hope Haven, a social club
for people in the early to mid-stages of dementia.
Hope Haven provides joyful community for them, respite for caregivers and a place for volunteers to love and
serve. Studies show that live music sparks memory and connection for those living with dementia, and that
familiar songs reduce anxiety and bring comfort.
SVF artists lead off the program with four virtuoso solo pieces before joining members in singing some Hope
Haven favorites, “This Land Is Your Land” and “Amazing Grace”.
“The SVF artists filled the room with joy, touching the hearts of our members, their caregivers and our
volunteers,” said Cathy Baxter, director of Hope Haven. “Beyond showcasing their remarkable talent, they
created an inclusive and engaging atmosphere by inviting everyone to sing along.”
Caregiver Twyla Abo shared, “The singing made me really emotional… truly beautiful voices.”
The Savannah VOICE Festival’s partnership with Hope Haven is one of many community outreach efforts,
which also include programs with the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System, Historic Savannah
Foundation and Hospice Savannah.
“We are incredibly grateful for the partnerships that help bring world-class vocal music to the heart of our
community,” said Evelina Erickson, Executive Director of SVF. “SVF is proud to provide this kind of outreach
led by world-renowned faculty, that promotes arts accessibility while giving back to those we serve the
community."
Savannah VOICE Festival is a 501(c) 3 tax exempt nonprofit arts organization in the state of Georgia. The
Festival brings classical vocal excellence to the Savannah area through a two-week celebration of concerts,
events and educational presentations during the month of August and throughout the year. Focusing on arts
awareness and audience development in the performing arts, it offers music from opera, musical theatre and
popular song. Donations are tax-deductible. The Savannah VOICE Festival is supported in part by the Georgia
Council for the Arts through the appropriations from the Georgia General Assembly. GCA is a Partner Agency
of the National Endowment for the Arts.
– ENDS –
For media inquiries, please contact Allie Robinson at allie@lesleyfrancispr.com, Lesley Francis at 912-429-
3950 or lesley@lesleyfrancispr.com, or the team at 912-417-LFPR (5377).