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CAN AQUAPONICS HELP TACKLE THE ISSUE OF FOOD INSECURITY? THIS AIN’T NO SUSHI BAR: JAPANESE STREET FOOD SPOT UKIYO OPENS IN STARLAND
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JUNE 1 - 7, 2022
THE BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN AFTER BANANA-BALL WORLD TOUR, BANANAS SELL OUT ANOTHER SEASON LOOK TO DEFEND LEAGUE TITLE
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FREE JEPSON CENTER & TELFAIR ACADEMY ADMISSION FOR LOCALS* SAT & SUN THROUGH 8.28! *Includes residents of Chatham, Bryan, Effingham, Liberty, Beaufort, & Jasper Counties
VISIT TELFAIR.ORG
Lizabeth Rossof (American, b. 1973); 5 XI’AN AMERICAN WARRIORS, 2019; nylon fabric, electric fans. Sharon Engelstein (Canadian, b. 1965); Seeker, 2012; nylon fabric, electric fan. BLOW UP: Inflatable
Contemporary Art was organized by Bedford Gallery at the Lesher Center for the Arts, Walnut Creek, CA
JUNE/
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AT A GLANCE
WEDNESDAY 6/1 TRIVIA NIGHT WITH JESS SHAW
Jess Shaw and Kevin Ryan will guide participants through an evening of trivia and self discovery at Service Brewing. Test your trivia knowledge while also competing in interactive challenge rounds to gain extra points. The first place team receives a $100 cash prize. 6:30 p.m. Service Brewing Co., 574 Indian St.. servicebrewing.com
WHISKEY WEDNESDAYS
Discounted regional and international whiskey and bourbon selections every Wednesday at Oak 36 Bar + Kitchen. Come try something new on the rocks, as a smoked drink, or perhaps with natural shrubs and fresh pressed juices in one of their craft cocktails. 5500 Abercorn St. Suite #36
THURSDAY 6/2
CONNECT SAVANNAH CELEBRATES THE BEST OF SAVANNAH
@ kehoe iron works at trustees’ garden | 6-9 PM The annual celebration of all the BEST Savannah has to offer. Our readers have picked their favorites, now it’s time to celebrate like the winners we are. connectsavannah.com
TEDxSavannah -- an independently organized, day-long celebration of ideas worth spreading based on the international TED talk phenomenon -- has issued a call for volunteers to assist with the 11th annual event, which will take place on Friday, June 24, 2022 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Yamacraw Performing Arts Center at Esther F. Garrison School of Visual and Performing
To have your event considered for inclusion, please send an email to happenings@connectsavannah.com. Include the event name, date, time, location with address, cost, website address for additional information, and a contact number. The submission deadline is 5PM each Friday before the following Wednesday’s edition.
Arts, located at 649 W. Jones St. Volunteers are invited to join the team behind one of Savannah’s premier events, where they will have the opportunity to expand their network, meet interesting people, grow their portfolio and learn from local industry leaders. Volunteer opportunities are available the day before the event, during the event and immediately after the event in a multitude of service areas, ranging from customer service, food and merchandise to logistics, set up and tear down. 6-8 p.m. Junior Achievement Colonial Group Discovery Center on the GSU - Armstrong Campus 11935 Abercorn St. tedxsavannah.com
FREE YOGA ON THE BEACH AT THE THE DECK Enjoy free yoga on the Tybee sponsored by The Deck Beach Bar & Kitchen. Bring a large beach towel, your mat or a tapestry, a hat and sunglasses, water and a friend. 9-10 a.m. The Deck Beachbar and Kitchen, 404 Butler Ave.
BINGO! AT ELKS LODGE
Join Elks Lodge for Bingo on Thursdays from 7:30-9:30 p.m. and Sundays from 7-9 p.m. Enjoy great family fun, good food at the snack bar and many chances to win cash. Elks Lodge, 183 Wilshire Blvd.
FRIDAY 6/3
BLUEGRASS BY THE PINT WITH SWAMPTOOTH Join Service Brewing for Bluegrass by the Pint every Friday featuring live bluegrass from local favorites, Swamptooth.6 p.m. Service Brewing Co., 574 Indian St. servicebrewing.com
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SATURDAY 6/4
GATSBY GALA @GHOST COAST DISTILLERY
Join us as we take a trip back 100 years to the 1920s for a party unlike any that Savannah has seen for decades. Break out your best 1920s glamour and join us at Ghost Coast Distillery, Savannah’s first distillery since just before Prohibition. ghostcoastdistillery.com 8:00PM - 12:00AM Jazz great Stephanie Nakasian will be front and center with her vocals. bigtickets.com
FIRST SATURDAY HIKE
This moderately-paced, 3-mile hike will include a talk about the different ecosystems of the park. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water and insect
CONNECT SAVANNAH CELEBRATES THE BEST OF SAVANNAH @ KEHOE IRON WORKS AT TRUSTEES’ GARDEN | 6-9 PM The annual celebration of all the BEST Savannah has to offer. Our readers have picked their favorites, now it’s time to celebrate like the winners we are. connectsavannah.com repellant. Parking pass is $5. Visit website for more info. first Saturday of every month, 10-11 a.m. Fort McAllister Historic Park, 3894 Fort McAllister Rd. $2 912-727-2339. explore. gastateparks.org
FREE FAMILY WEEKENDS AT THE JEPSON CENTER & TELFAIR ACADEMY Telfair Museums is excited to offer local residents free weekend admission to the Jepson Center and Telfair Academy starting April 2 – August 28! Residents are invited to explore the largest museum exhibition of work by African American artist, William O. Golding, in The Art of William O. Golding: Hard Knocks, Hardships, and Lots
of Experience on view at the Jepson Center, along with other featured exhibitions free of charge. Free weekend admission includes residents of the following counties: -Chatham -Bryan -Effingham -Liberty (GA) -Beaufort (SC) -Jasper (SC) Jepson Center for the Arts, 207 West York St. Free 912.790.8800. telfair.org
LIVE MUSIC BY NATALIE GOODMAN
Plant Riverside District will host rising country singersongwriter and guitarist Natalie Goodman for a new weekly residency. Originally from Savannah, Goodman was honored in 2019 as a “Modern Country Rising Star” at the Josie Music Awards, the most
CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 1 - 7, 2022
TEDXSAVANNAH 2022 VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION SESSION
HIGHLIGHTED PICKS FROM HOSTESS CITY HAPPENINGS THIS WEEK
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ADMINISTRATIVE ERICA BASKIN PUBLISHER erica@connectsavannah.com (912) 721-4378 WENDY WICKHAM BUSINESS MANAGER wendy@connectsavannah.com (912) 721-4373
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OUR VALUES Connect Savannah is a weekly arts, entertainment and news magazine, focused on Savannah and the Coastal Empire life and experience. We strive to feature stories that impact our community and the people who live here— to educate, entertain, inform and foster conversation. We appreciate and encourage readers to share news and information with us, and to share any criticism and questions. We want to be your comprehensive source for what happens in our community and beyond. We are here to serve you. Find us on the following social media platforms or reach out to us at news@connectsavannah.com or 912-721-4378.
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Local and regional produce, honey, meat, dairy, pasta, baked goods, and other delights. Rain or shine. 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Forsyth Park. Drayton St. & East Park Ave.
ISLANDS FARMERS MARKET
Weekly farmers market on Talahi Island highlighting local growers and makers, healthy foods and a positive environment. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Islands Farmers’ Market, 401 Quarterman Dr. facebook.com/islandsfarmersmarket
SUNDAY 6/5
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm Alida Hotel, 412 Williamson St. Beat the heat and join the fun poolside at the Sunday Swim summer pool series at The Alida. Soak up the sun to the sounds of DJ Fancy Parker and friends, and enjoy inventive cocktails, slushies, and munchies from the Pool Bar. The spacious pool deck is open to all, or cabanas are available by reservation. Dip your toes or dive on in at Sunday Swim. thealidahotel.com Featuring the Howard Paul Jazz Trio Myrtle & Rose Rooftop Garden at Plant Riverside District will host weekly live performances by legendary jazz guitarist Howard Paul. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Myrtle & Rose, Rooftop Garden Plant Riverside, 400 West River Street. plantriverside.com
LOGAN HINTON DIGITAL SALES MANAGER logan@connectsavannah.com (912) 721-4369
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FORSYTH FARMERS MARKET
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INFORMATION: (912) 721-4378 sales@connectsavannah.com
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prestigious independent music awards. She is currently an official nominee for “Female Country Vocalist of the Year” at the 2022 Josie Music Awards, which will be held at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tenn. in October. Saturdays from 4:30-6 p.m. Outdoor Pavilion Stage at Plant Riverside District 400 W. River Street plantriverside.com
SUNDAY SWIM AT THE ALIDA
EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS
LAUREN WOLVERTON STRATEGIC MARKETING CONSULTANT lauren@connectsavannah.com (912) 721-4365
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BEATS, BREWS + BEERMOSAS
ON THE COVER Savannah Bananas players Bill Leroy, Kyle Luigs and Maceo Harrison head out to the field at Grayson Stadium. The Bananas have sold out the 2022 season and are looking to defend their Coastal Plain League title. Photo by Malcolm Tully.
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Catch those Sunday Vibes every week at Service Brewing with beats, brews and beermosas featuring sets from local DJs, delicious food trucks and 16 beers on tap. 12:30-5:30 p.m. Service Brewing Company, 574 Indian St. servicebrewing.com
MONDAY 6/6
MIDTOWN MONDAYS
Savannah’s largest industry night at Oak 36 Bar + Kitchen. Enjoy Pubstar Karaoke hosted by Shane along with DJ B-RAD playing today’s hits inbetween singers. Enjoy $4-$5 drink specials all night along with a late night menu and craft cocktail bar. The fun starts at 10pm every Monday! 5500 Abercorn St. Ste. 36
TYBEE ISLAND FARMERS MARKET
Weekly market featuring a variety of produce, baked goods, honey, eggs, BBQ, sauces and dressings, popsicles, dog treats and natural body products. Artisans are also featured each week. Located at 30 Meddin Dr., right behind the Historic Tybee Lighthouse. tybeeislandfarmersmarket.com
TUESDAY 6/7
TRIVIA TUESDAYS
Voted one of Savannah’s best places to enjoy trivia in 2021. Enjoy video trivia hosted by Hangover Entertainment at Oak 36 Bar + Kitchen. Free to play, and starts at 7pm with prizes for top 2 teams. Full menu and craft cocktail bar. 5500 Abercorn St. Suite #36
FIRST TUESDAYS BLUEGRASS WITH SWAMPTOOTH
first Tuesday of every month. Over Yonder, 2424 Abercorn St. overyondersav. com Drawing from a vast depth of internal talent, Swamptooth plants one foot firmly in the traditions of bluegrass, keeping a uniquely Southern string sound close to their hearts while bravely progressing the genre beyond its boundaries.
STAFFORD’S TUESDAY COMEDY OPEN MIC
The ghost of Savannah’s legendary open mic returns. Head out to the sequel to the open mic Hannibal Buress called “whack” and “please put that phone down”. All experience levels welcome! Come out and give us your best 5 minutes, or just come and laugh at us, we like it. 8:30-11:45 p.m. Stafford’s Public House, 306 W. Upper Factor’s Walk.
SUNSET PARTY SUNDAY
Wrap up the weekend with a Sunday Funday Sunset Party on the roof. Local DJ Doc Ock on the 1s and 2s, an amazing view, Long Drink and Herradura specials, and $3 Rosé all day. 6 - 9 p.m. Top Deck, 125 W. River Street
FIND OUT MORE HAPPENINGS THIS WEEK AT CONNECTSAVANNAH.COM
INTRODUCTIONS:
MEET
JENNIFER ABSHIRE HANNAH BYRNE
+ LIFE IS SHORT, GET DIVORCED: TWO LOCAL PODCASTERS AND THEIR OUTLOOK ON LIFE By Chantel Britton
chantel@connectsavannah.com
vulnerable, allowing listeners to really connect with the hosts. “We have a lot of life experiences combined, and we are not going to filter our opinions. We will say a lot of things that people are thinking, but they can’t articulate,” Byrne said. In the few months that the podcast has been around, they’ve already amassed a following of about 1,000 listeners, with more people tuning in every episode. It’s likely because Abshire and Byrne are just downright fun. They’re well-rounded ladies with a wealth of experience to share and razor-sharp wits that make their exchanges particularly enjoyable. All it takes is one episode to make listeners feel like they’ve found two new friends. “It’s really been fun, and it’s been very humbling to be stopped in the street [by people] saying they really like
CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 1 - 7, 2022
Jennifer Abshire and Hannah Byrne are two Savannah transplants who became fast friends when they first met fifteen years ago. Seven businesses, six weddings, five mothers-in-law, four divorces, three kids, and two house fires later, these two have launched their latest enterprise: the” Life Is Short, Get Divorced” podcast. After toying with the idea for a few years, the ladies finally committed to the podcast, having launched their first episode this year on March 1. The title came to the ladies naturally. “It was sort of my catch phrase,” Byrne said. “When someone would complain about something regardless of
[whether they had] a husband or not, [they] would complain about this nail salon, or [their] hair, and I’d be like, ‘life is short, get divorced.’ Divorce that s—t. You don’t need that anymore,” she remarked. For these two, divorce is about so much more than ending a marriage. It’s really about clearing your life of the things that no longer serve you. “We really want to change the nomenclature of the word ‘divorce’. Divorcing things from your life can be really positive and renewing,” Byrne continued. “We really want to be a voice for people to not feel shame or guilt about getting rid of crap in your life,” Abshire added. In the podcast, the ladies cover a wide range of topics including everything from beauty and business to shopping and sex. They have a raw, no-filter conversation style that allows them to speak candidly while being
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the podcast and how open and honest it is. . . We thought this would be fun and enjoyable but if we’re also providing something that can help someone divorce what they need to, we’d love it,” Abshire commented. The hosts have had to divorce many things throughout the years, and some separations are easier than others. “Everyday, I try to divorce carbs,” Byrne laughed. “I was doing a really good job at divorcing shopping [and] overspending,” Abshire expressed. “I haven’t done such a good job in the last two weeks,” she said under her breath. “I think you have to find that you have to divorce things at different times in your life.” Byrne added, “We have found through this process that depending on the things we’re divorcing and the times we’re divorcing them, that leaves opportunities for us to marry new things [and] bring joy into our lives in other ways, with other hobbies, other friends, or other outlets. We’ve gone through these cyclical phases in terms of what we’re bringing into our lives and what we’re expunging.” As they continue to divorce the downers and embrace positive change, they encourage others to follow them on their journey. They say there’s a lot more to come for the podcast. “There’s some interesting future collaborations and interviews coming up that I think people will really like, from comedians, to bloggers, to [authors],” Abshire shared. The podcast is bimonthly, with new episodes coming out at 8 a.m. every other Wednesday. Listeners can find the podcast at lifeisshortgetdivorced.com and on most major platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Follow the podcast on Instagram @LifeIsShortGetDivorced to stay informed about upcoming episodes and updates.
HYUNDAI MOTOR GROUP TO BUILD NEW ELECTRIC VEHICLE MANUFACTURING FACILITY ON BRYAN COUNTY MEGASITE On Friday, May 20, local and state officials and press gathered at what is known as the Bryan County Megasite up 1-16 fron Savannah for a special ceremony celebrating an important feat for the region. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp announced that Hyundai Motor Group will open its first fully dedicated electric vehicle and battery manufacturing facility in state. The state-of-the-art smart factory will be built at the Bryan County Megasite, with hopes of bringing thousands of jobs and billions of dollars to the region. “With over $5.5 billion of direct investment and another roughly $1 billion in investment from suppliers as well as approximately 8,100 jobs coming to the region in this state as a result, I have the privilege of welcoming the largest economic development project in our state’s history,” said Governor Kemp during his speech at the event. “It is clear companies recognize that in Georgia, we do not rest on our laurels, and we will always continue to work towards our future. And after today, no one can doubt that Georgia is not only leading the great recovery as a whole, but we’re also the unrivaled leader in the nation’s emerging electric mobility industry,” he remarked. Several local leaders were in attendance to celebrate this huge announcement. Savannah’s District 4 Alderman Nick Palumbo was present. “The crown jewel of economic development is to get an auto manufacturer in your area. It [offers] some of the highest-paying jobs with excellent benefits and a huge economic boost
to the entire Savannah region. . . You can see a multijurisdictional effort that really had to pull together to make this possible. . . I know that as we’re casting our eye to the future, that Savannah’s going to be the leader in global technology and manufacturing,” he stated. U.S. Representative for Georgia’s 1st Congressional District, Buddy Carter was in attendance as well. He said he was excited about what this achievement means for the state. “Georgia’s the number one state in the nation to do business and this proves it. . . We are just ecstatic over this and I want to congratulate everyone who was involved in it. The people at the state level, especially the local people with SEDA (Savannah Economic Development Authority), they’ve done such an outstanding job,” he said. Savannah Mayor Van Johnson was beaming with pride. “What an absolutely magnificent day for greater Savannah. . . It shows what the benefits are of working together collaboratively. . . We have been able to do this and the benefits for our region are going to be enormous,” he expressed. Tybee Island Mayor Shirley Sessions even came out to show her support. “I celebrate with [everyone] and I celebrate with the businesses that [will] want to come to our area. . . I think it’s going to encompass a world of opportunities, so I’m very excited. . . To everybody who participated in making this happen, I say thank you and congratulations,” she said. Hyundai Motor Group plans to begin construction on the new facility in January 2023. Full production is expected to begin in 2025. To stay up-to-date on the latest developments regarding the Hyundai facility, visit savannahjda.com.
SARC’S RESEARCH CENTER ON GSU’S ARMSTRONG CAMPUS
Can aquaponics help tackle the issue of food insecurity in the region?
By Alex Arango
alex@connectsavannah.com
AQUAPONICS AND FOOD INSECURITY? Joesting said that aquaponics facilities can be placed almost anywhere, making them ideal for Urban environments that experience food insecurity and food deserts. The U.S. Department of Agriculture defines food insecurity as a lack of consistent access for enough food for an active healthy lifestyle.
This issue doesn’t just affect large cities in the country, it also impacts smaller ones like Savannah. In the U.S. it’s estimated that 15% of households identify as food insecure. In 2021 a study conducted by Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative focused on improving access to healthy foods in communities without a grocery store within a mile, specifically Savannah’s westside neighborhoods. Billy Dugger is the owner and operator of Billy’s Botanicals in Richmond Hill. In 2021 Dugger worked alongside Savannah State University as “farmer partners” to help the university obtain a sustainable agricultural grant focused on combating local urban food deserts. “Traditional agriculture, you need lots of space. The more acreage you have a flat land open field to farm the better, right? Aquaponics challenges that ideology, because you can actually produce an impressive amount of food with a really small system that you can put just about anywhere,” said Dugger. Dugger explained that his 1,440 square foot facility can produce upwards of 75 pounds of greens a week if conditions are favorable. All produce and fish from Bil-
CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 1 - 7, 2022
The Sustainable Aquaponics Research Center (SARC) is a partnership between Georgia Southern University and the FORAM Foundation. SARC’s aquaponics facility is a 4,100 square foot greenhouse located on GSU’s Armstrong Campus, showcases how to grow fresh produce and fish without the use of soil or pesticides. Additionally, aquaponics systems use substantially less water compared to traditional farming and aquaculture systems, and reduce carbon emissions inherent with soil-based farming. “One of the great things about aquaponics is that it’s self-sustaining, and it also has a really small land footprint,” explained Heather Joesting the senior scientist of the Sustainable Aquaponics Research Center at Georgia Southern University’s Armstrong Campus. “It [aquaponics] can be located in areas where you don’t have bodies of water, and it can be placed somewhere with no
farmable land.” Aquaponics is a closed-loop system that is a combination of aquaculture—the controlled cultivation of fish and other aquatic organisms—and hydroponics—the growth of plants without soil. The system is completely self-sustaining, cycling through resources that are already present within the system without depositing excess waste to the outside environment. How an aquaponics system works is simple. Fish waste is broken down by nitrogen-fixing bacteria into nitrites and nitrates, which plants use as nutrients. While plants soak up nutrient rich waters, they also act as a filtration system that recirculates fresh oxygenated water back to the fish.
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HOW AN AQUAPONICS SYSTEM WORKS
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ly’s Botanicals can be purchased from their website, or on Saturdays at the Forsyth Farmers Market. Dr. Sue Ebanks, an associate professor of marine and environmental science at Savannah State University, is part of the university’s Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) project. Ebanks has worked with SARC, Dugger and other organizations to create a working group that addresses food deserts in urban food deserts. The goal of the projects is to educate and show how to create micro aquaponics systems that are accessible and easy to set up. Barrel Ponic systems for instance, are an example of an accessible system that can be installed in a back porch or yard. “The focus was to be able to do it on a smallest possible footprint that can be run on a back porch let’s say or in a kitchen with some ornamental fish if they wanted to with the gravel grow bed on the top and be able to produce the herbs and green leafy vegetables in the top with minimal price and, and relatively minimal effort,” explained Ebanks. According to Ebanks the SARE project, which featured six workshops, saw the creation of a microscale aquaponics system with a footprint of about 24 square feet. This small system was successful in growing a variety of vegetables such as chard, that were harvested and given to SSU students in the “Students that are Rising Program.” According to America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia, it’s estimated that about 175,540 people in Coastal Georgia struggle with food insecurity, and the number is bound to increase as our population rises. In fact the 2020 U.S. census saw the population of Savannah increase by 11%. Aquaponics facilities do not need to be large or overly complicated to produce large quantities of food.However there are a variety of drawbacks that have caused these systems not to be as wide spread. “It’s [aquaponics] labor intensive. The fish need to be fed every day, and the system needs to be checked. The size of our facility is farmed on a commercial scale so you have to keep seeds planted, trim out dead plants and get rid of bugs,” said Joesting. The initial cost of a commercial aquaponics facility can also be expensive, with the SARC facility costing around $150,000. Despite the cost and labor, aquaponics can provide a way to help address the issue of Urban food deserts and rising populations by providing fresh food without needing to find large tracts of farmable land.
SARC’S AQUAPONICS FACILITY AT GEORGIA SOUTHERN UNIV. ARMSTRONG CAMPUS
COMMUNITY SPORTS
SAVANNAH SPORTS NOTES The Savannah Ghost Pirates announced they’ll be affiliated with the NHL’s Las Vegas Golden Knights in a ceremony at EnMarket Arena in mid-May. Mayor Van Johnson was there for the announcement, and MVJ proudly proclaimed: “If we were going to do hockey
here, we had to do it right. My only stipulation (for a new professional sports team in Savannah) was that we have a team that won. Because Savannah is a city of champions.” One of the city’s most successful public school football programs over the past decade, Jenkins High School hosted the first ever on-campus football game at its newly built turf field on May 20. Although it was a spring exhibition game versus Savannah Country Day – Jenkins won, for what that’s worth – the game allowed for many ponder the future possibility of Savannah Chatham County Public School System teams hosting football games on their campuses, rather than SCCPSS continuing to shell out rental fees to use venues like Memorial Stadium, Pooler Stadium and Garden City Stadium. Unlike the two other newly built SCCPSS stadiums on campus at Islands High School and Savannah High School, Jenkins’ field does not have enough seating required by the GHSA to host regular season football games. This begs the question: Why spend roughly $5 million to build the football field at Jenkins if it isn’t able to host regular season football games? As they did in 2021, the Atlanta Braves entered the month of June with a record below .500 this season. On June 2, 2021, the Bravos were 25-28 and five games back of the first place New York Mets in the National League East division. As we know, Atlanta went on to win the World Series last year despite the slow start. Braves fans are hoping for a similar result this fall as the club looks eerily similar to where it was this time last summer. Follow Travis Jaudon on Twitter/Instagram @JaudonSports. Email him at travisLjaudon@gmail.com. Listen to him talk sports weekly on the Hot Grits Podcast.
JAUDON SPORTS:
THE BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN BY TRAVIS JAUDON Sports Columnist @JaudonSports
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Last week, the Savannah Bananas opened their 2022 season with the first of 24 home games scheduled for this summer at Grayson Stadium. It’s the team’s seventh season in the Coastal Plain League, a collegiate wood-bat circuit with 50 regular season games between 14 teams across the southeast (Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia). But you already know about the Bananas don’t you? Who doesn’t? Since arriving in Savannah back in 2016, the Banana baseball revival effort has been led by the brilliantly wacky yellow-suited team owner Jesse Cole. The Los Angeles Times dubbed him “equal parts P.T. Barnum and Walt Disney,” and that’s exactly the lane Cole and company were hoping to thrive in when they came to town. By any measure, they’ve been wildly successful. This summer, ESPN+ will broadcast many of the Bananas’ CPL contests. Just last week, Cole and the team were featured in a segment on HBO’s “Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel.” The “Banana-Ball” version of America’s Pastime has been the catalyst for the team’s social media boom. It has a two-hour time limit. Bunting isn’t allowed. Batters can’t step out of the batter’s box between pitches. Foul balls drifting into the stands can be caught by a fan for an out. These are just a few of the rules for Banana-Ball, nevermind the costumes, dancing and general charades which are a given for nearly every member of the team. “We said let’s look at every friction point, every boring part of baseball, and do the exact opposite,” explains Cole in the segment. “We aren’t in the baseball business, we are in the entertainment business.” It has all led to them being called “TikTok’s favorite baseball team” as the team’s official account on the social media platform boasts 2.6 million fans and over 60 million likes. These are the stats which matter most to Cole, forget the back of the baseball card. All 24 home dates are sold out for this summer, as the Bananas will be shifting back to the traditional baseball format for CPL competition. That’s part of the tradeoff, but something tells me if Cole had it his way, every baseball game would be played under Banana-Ball rules. A fact that irks many traditionalists of the sport, to be sure. “Baseball traditionalists hate what we’re doing,” says Cole. “Baseball is supposed to be played a certain way. We will always get criticized by the traditionalists.” Last season, Savannah finished the regular season with a 40-10 record, winning the franchise’s second CPL championship. Head coach Tyler Gillum (who can be seen rocking cowboy boots while coaching from the third base box) won the 2021 CPL coach of the year award. Find out more about the team by visiting www.thesavannahbananas.com and follow them on Twitter/Instagram @TheSavBananas.
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COMMUNITY MAKING FINANCIAL LITERACY FUN:
Junior Achievement aims to educate, inspire at Discovery Center By Chantel Britton
CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 1 - 7, 2022
chantel@connectsavannah.com
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Founded in 1919, Junior Achievement (JA) is a nonprofit organization with chapters all over the country that are dedicated to equipping students with financial and job-readiness skills that they will need in adulthood. “We teach [students] about the work world and try to focus on work readiness. We teach them about managing money within a household or even within a business, so financial literacy and then entrepreneurship as well. Sometimes you just have to give kids the framework that they need to put their ideas into work, to understand a little bit about how the business world works, so they can see where they fit into that,” said Camille Russo, Vice President of Marketing for Junior Achievement of Georgia. Here in Savannah, JA has been operating for more than 40 years. But, they recently introduced a new way to deliver JA’s programs. Featuring several local businesses, the Junior Achievement Colonial Group Discovery Center opened this past February on the Armstrong campus of Georgia Southern University. In the center, students receive an immersive, interactive business education, learning about things like how to run a business and how to stick to a budget, among others. “It used to be that we sent business people out into the school system to connect with kids. With this center, we’re bringing kids into the center and connecting with the businesses here,” Russo explained. Some of the businesses and corporate partners featured in the Discovery Center include Enmarket, Publix, United Way of the Coastal Empire, the City of Savannah, St. Joseph’s/ Candler, Georgia Power, Critz Auto Group and more. There are 18 storefronts in the center in total. Through the center, JA delivers a variety of programs
to middle school students in the area. “We currently have partnerships with Savannah Chatham, Effingham, Bryan, and Evans [school systems], and [we also] have some private and charter schools,” said Kyle Redner, Director of Development and Volunteer Partnerships. Since opening, the center has reached about 5500 students. “Next year, we will have the whole school year to play with, so we’ll be able to add Bulloch, Liberty, Glenn, more private schools and different school systems. So we’ll see about 15,000 middle schoolers next school year,” he continued. There are two main programs that middle schoolers participate in at the Discovery Center. “We have ‘JA Biztown,’ that’s for our sixth-graders. That’s where they get to come and run businesses for the day. They spend the day as CEOs, CFOs, marketing managers. They apply for jobs back in the classroom, and then they come and work those jobs,” Redner explained. The students are given a product to sell and they have to work through the logistics of applying for a business loan, selling that product, and generating revenue for their business. “They’re learning about what does an economy look like and what is their role within an economy. But beyond that, they’re learning those skills they need to be successful within an economy like collaboration, communication, critical thinking skills. They’re doing it in an exciting, fun environment in a way that teaches them about the macro economy. [The program] teaches them about big economic things like supply and demand, but also while they’re working as a team and working on all of those key skills that they’re going to need in order to be successful,” he continued. Their seventh grade program is called ‘JA Finance Park.’ “That’s where the students are given a life scenario. That life scenario has level of education, credit score, how much money they make, whether or not they have
kids, whether or not they’re married. And then they spend the day making a budget, and trying to stick to that budget throughout the day,” explained Redner. The businesses in the center then become line items in a budget. “They go to Publix and learn about the cost of groceries. They go to Critz Auto Group to learn about the cost of transportation, so more the personal finance side of things,” he added. For these programs, the students receive 20 hours of curriculum back in the classroom. The curriculum is aligned with the Georgia Standards of Excellence and connects in-classroom learning to realworld application. Junior Achievement also offers a program for high school students, but it doesn’t take place at the Discovery Center. “We have an initiative called 3DE by Junior Achievement. That’s where we take case studies and case challenges and implement them into high school curriculum. That’s going on at Savannah High right now. We’re in our third year going on to our fourth year where students work on real world, business-created cases that adds that relevancy into education,” said Redner. The programs are designed to augment students’ education by adding that hands-on, real-world experience to facilitate deeper, more impactful learning. “We hear from teachers . . . all the time about how they will see a student who maybe is . . . very shy or slow to engage come here and be the CEO of a company or just have an experience where, because it’s interactive, it just resonates with them,” said Russo. The programs also help students realize that certain things they thought impossible before are actually attainable. “Maybe they’re in a situation where they don’t know anybody who’s in college, but we have ten interns from Georgia Southern helping them throughout their day. [The student says] ‘you know what, I can do that too,’ and
this is a college campus. Now it’s not so scary,” she added. JA has about 15 paid interns from Georgia Southern Univ. who help deliver programs in the Discovery Center, which is funded through their Dulany Waters Leadership Scholars Program. “Because we’re on the Georgia Southern campus here, we partnered with Georgia Southern to create this new internship program. The funding comes half from private donors, Reed Dulany and Don Waters, and the other half comes from Georgia Southern,” Redner explained. “[The interns] are the ones who are helping the students as they go through the day. They help on the operations side, but . . . the real thing they’re doing is helping the students connect what the students are doing to what they’ll see in the real world. They’re sharing their life experiences. They’re mentoring these students for a day, imparting their wisdom and giving them role models to look up to,” he continued. Through the scholars program, interns receive valuable leadership development and networking opportunities. “The goal is to make [the interns] better as well. We’re really growing as an organization by adding this internship program,” he added. The program has been so successful that JA is considering replicating it in other locations. JA has actually hired one of the interns in the program to fill a full-time position in Atlanta: Leviticus “Levi” Collins. He got involved with JA last year after receiving a flyer from one of his professors. “I read more into Junior Achievement and saw that it was a nonprofit and saw what the mission was. Then I applied, and then I met Kyle,” Collins recounted. He believes that his internship with JA has helped make him career-ready and prepared for the future.
“It helped with leadership, being able to command a room, being able to speak in front of a crowd, and deal with a bunch of different personality types. All those things have prepared me.” Collins recently accepted a position with JA in Atlanta as Simulation Manager, making the leap from intern to employee. He recommends other GSU students to participate in the internship program with JA. “I think that this is a great program to get you started in the real world. . . Any job, any major could use leadership development. All of the things that I learned, anyone would benefit from them. So I definitely recommend it to all Georgia Southern students.” Beyond the internships, JA is always looking for people to help advocate for their mission. There are limited volunteer opportunities available, but the main thing they want people to do is help spread the word. “We’re so new here [and] continuing to tell people what we’re doing and continuing to advocate for what we’re doing is so helpful,” Redner expressed. A point of distinction is the fact that the Colonial Group Discovery Center was a community effort as several businesses and organizations came together to raise the capital for the Savannah site. “It really was a vision of the community to make this happen,” said Redner. With the community’s support, he and Russo and the Discovery Center team look forward to continuing to deliver JA’s interactive, immersive programs to students throughout the Lowcountry. To learn more about Junior Achievement and the programs they offer, visit georgia.ja.org
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CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 1 - 7, 2022
OPEN LATE
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COMMUNITY
VETERAN CARRIERS:
TRUCKING FOR A CAUSE GOLF TOURNAMENT
Tabitha Guy, Cliff White, Kym Hogan
BUNNY IN THE CITY By Bunny Ware Joseph Alford, Rob Cooch
Jamie Gunby, Jason Cowan, Willie Puskas
When I got the invite to attend Veteran Carriers(VC) third annual Trucking for a Cause Golf Tournament to benefit the TACP - Tactical Air Control Party Foundation on May 13, I loaded up my Jeep and headed south to Sapelo Island.
CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 1 - 7, 2022
Cruising down I-95 with me is Kym Hogan, a corporate recruiter for Yancey Brothers and a chatty close friend who may be more amped than I am to spend the morning with TACP supporters. With her hair whipping around, Kym asks me to explain what TACP is.
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While giving her the abbreviated version of TACP– a division of the Air Force that calls in airstrikes for the military–I get a call from VC event coordinator and recruiter Tabitha Guy. My Jefferson County home-girl tells us to park next to VC’s mammoth electric blue Peterbilt 389, where we are greeted by a group of Sapelo Hammock’s Golf Course “owners.” I meet Marilyn Saxon, a five-year SHGC owner who shares a little of the back story of the coastal golf course. “12 years ago, the previous owner was bankrupt and the golf club closed. 12 people in the Southerland Bluff community purchased the club and made large investments into what it is today. We now have 166 owners/investors that support the club from clean up days and maintenance- we are a hands-on club,” shares the SHGC board member. Making a lap through the classy golf clubhouse, I do a double take when I see VC’s “general counsel” Conan “Ox” Higgins wearing red, white and blue Cheryl O’Kelley, Kathy Carey, Marilyn Saxon
Marsha Hardy, Mary Richards
Rob and Hannah Cooch
Abby Kubie with children
capri jockey pants, long white socks, a red shirt and jaunty white cap. The Maine native points over the rail to Irishman Damien Shields who is looking like a mirror image of Ox and singing “Yankee Doodle Dandy.” Wait! There are two more colorful characters making up the VC team - Roy White and Kiko Rieves who join their teammates for my best pic of the day! Arriving with Kiko is his vivacious fiance, Emalee Tison. Asking Emalee how the two met, I giggle when she tells me, “I was a firefighter, he was a cop, he told me I was too old for him - I told him he wasn’t!” Five years later, I’m happy to say that Emalee was right! More volunteers arrive so I snap pics of Marilyn with Cheryl O’Kelley and Kathy Carey, Marcia Hardy with Mary Richard then take a seat to chat with Sapp’s Wrecker Service team. I meet longtime driver Bryan Dixon, his uncle, Waynesboro GA native George Dixon, Savannah native Thomas Powell and LA (Lower Alabama) quiet guy Kane McKinney. Next up is Hannah Cooch, one of the planners for the golf tournament, who explains to Kym what we are doing here today. “Trucking for a Cause raises funds to give support to the families of fallen TACP. Wes Kubie lost his life almost a year ago. The money raised today will help his wife Abby take care of her three children by getting a car at 16, college expenses and starting their adult lives,” shares the vivacious blonde.
George Dixon, Bryan Dixon, Thomas Powell, Kane McKinney
It’s go time! Watching dozens of golf carts zoom past me to play in over 170 acres filled with live oak trees and marsh views, I jump on a cart with Tabitha, Kym and Emalee to follow VC founders and former TACPs Rob Cooch and Cliff White out to the first hole.
This is why I drove an hour to a coastal golf course at 0-dark-thirty to watch 144 supporters raise over $127,000 for the TACP Foundation. Knowing that every penny of their net profit is going to ease the financial burden of Abby and her three children is all the reason I need to support Veteran Carriers. See y’all next year! Kiko Nieves, Conan “Oz” Higgins, Roy White, Damien Shields
CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 1 - 7, 2022
As I watch Cliff teach Abby’s youngest son how to swing a golf club, I think of what Cliff told me earlier: “The coolest thing about having success is being able to help others in need; that’s the American way and what life’s about.” None of it hits as hard as when he says, “I was one of the fortunate ones to make it home, some of my brothers didn’t make it back, this is a chance to take care of the families of those that are no longer here.”
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LIVE OAK PUBLIC
LIBRARIES
PETS OF THE WEEK Each week, we will highlight pets available for adoption from local rescue organizations. In June, we are featuring Chatam County Animal Services.
SHELLY
AGE: 1.5 YEARS OLD WEIGHT: 35 LBS COLOR: BLACK AND WHITE Shelly is a young terrier mix who came to us as a pup and grew up in our Operation New Hope (ONH) program. She’s a high-energy firecracker who loves to play! She’s a little shy of new people at first, then warms up quickly and loves attention. She likes going new places and meeting new friends and adjusts well to new environments. She will do best in a home without other pets, and without young children. Contact ONH staff at (912) 644-9430 to meet Shelly. Operation New Hope is a partnership between Chatham County Animal Services and the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office. ONH staff and inmates provide husbandry, socialization, and training to CCAS animals to increase their adoptability.
NORA
AGE: ONE YEAR OLD WEIGHT: 48 LBS COLOR: BLACK AND WHITE
CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 1 - 7, 2022
Nora came to CCAS in March and is currently our longest resident. We can’t figure out why – she’s super friendly, loves anyone she meets, and has a great time in the play yard with other dogs! She plays fetch and absolutely loves a game of tug. A little under 50 lbs, she doesn’t pull too hard on leash, but she would have fun getting a refresher on leash manners with her new forever-family – if you’ve got treats, she’s ready to learn! Call 912-652-6575 to set an appointment to meet Nora!
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liveoakpl.org @liveoakpl
Chatham County Animal Services (CCAS) is located at 7211 Sallie Mood Drive in Savannah, behind the Humane Society. We are open from 1 – 4:30 PM 6 days a week, closed on Wednesdays and major holidays. CCAS serves as a safety net for the lost, abandoned, and abused animals in our community. We offer volunteer opportunities, dog and cat adoptions, enforce animal-related ordinances, and intake stray or surrendered animals. Visit animalservices.chathamcountyga.gov for more information.
Compiled by Jamie Burton
FOOD & DRINK EAT IT & LIKE IT
PRESENTED WEEKLY BY SAVANNAH TECHNICAL COLLEGE
UKIYO
Japanese street food now in Starland District
EAT IT AND LIKE IT By Jesse Blanco eatitandlikeit.com
Brunch spot. “I hate cooking eggs, scrambled blah blah blah” The interview with Southern Cross’ Hospitality’s Culinary Director went so well, AJ mentioned his desire to one day open a ramen shop. He talked about the drawings he’d made and what his menus would look like. The Collins Quarter was Anthony Debreceny’s first restaurant. He will tell you he’s as surprised as the next guy that it wasn’t his last. Since then, they’ve opened The Fitzroy, The Deck on Tybee Island and CQ in Forsyth Park. It should be mentioned that he’s about to open an Italian concept on Broughton Street near Bull as well. Where these two paths cross is at the point where Anthony has wanted to open an Asian concept of some kind for years. His company has snapped up space here and there around town in hopes of finding the right fits and staff. Naturally, AJ got a call back. “Anthony text me an hour later. Told me he lived in Japan for 18 years and asked me to come back to talk to him.” “I thought it was a second interview with The Collins Quarter” he says. “I thought we’d talk about the job and
maybe some Japanese culture.” During that interview, Anthony drove AJ to a space he had secured at Bull Street and 39th Street in the heart of Savannah’s Starland District. “I could see it. I saw the bones. I could see the kitchen. I could see the equipment. It was what I had drawn up. So I pulled out my laptop and said ‘this is it.’” AJ says. The two visions lined up on the spot. “Anthony said lets do it. I said let’s go.” A few weeks later, Anthony had a name. UKIYO is loosely translated as ‘living in the moment. Detached from the bothers of life.” They agreed it was perfect for the type of vibe they wanted in here. “I had an idea for some blasting punk rock and Notorious BIG.” AJ says “You know, the stuff I grew up on. But this is going to be more edgy elegance.” The menu, like most new spots, will ebb, flow and evolve. The first one I saw had 16 items on it. There will always be items available that aren’t on it too. The idea is to feel approachable to someone who wants an evening out with bites flowing for a couple of hours or someone who just left work wanting to pop in for a bowl of ramen.
CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 1 - 7, 2022
The energy coming from the open kitchen was palpable. In front of it sat a row of invited guests looking to indulge in anything and everything that was coming across the counter. Way down at the end from my vantage point, was AJ Benacquisto, Executive Chef of Savannah’s newest eatery. Like any orchestra, every person in that kitchen had a role to play. Chef AJ’s job was to make sure it ran smoothly and also step in to help wherever needed. Everything they dropped in front of us was delicious. Some of it on the menu, some of it not. All of it small plates. A couple of bao buns and a nice-sized bowl of ramen. Two mornings later, I was sitting in this now very quiet space with chef to find out what it is that could make UKIYO one of Savannah’s culinary hot spots. Raised in South Florida, Chef tells me he’s been in kitchens since he was 15. By the time he was in his early 20’s he had a veteran chef suggest to him that he leave college and focus on cooking.
“He said, I’m not in the habit of telling people that they should give up on their education but you’re really good at this.” AJ said. So he jumped in and started taking his lumps. He paid his dues and moved up the culinary ladder. After a few successful stops in Florida and Denver, he applied for a management position in Savannah. He was splitting his time between the front of the house and the kitchen. “It was a really tough time for me to do something like this. During COVID with masks and everything.” AJ says. “I was in new skin with suits instead of a chef’s coat hanging out with my pirates all night long.” He quit that job not really knowing what the next step was. In that interim, he created a concept for what he called a “ramen shop” He’d always been fascinated with Asian flavors and Japanese culture. He drew a logo, what the space would look like and played with ideas for the kinds of foods he would like to serve. Perhaps even here in Savannah. His first interview was for the Executive Chef position at The Collins Quarter, Savannah’s most popular
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CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 1 - 7, 2022
“This is a badass spot. I want industry people to feel like ‘I’m gonna get great food that’s not expensive.’” The Charred Edamame with a Bourbon and Tamari Glaze were a perfect snack, for example. As were charcoal grilled skewers of Shishito Peppers, Japanese Eggplant and Jowl and the Chilled Peanut Noodles with apple, spinach, sprouts and dressing. Scallops are coming in twice a week from Japan. Noodles are sourced from California. The goal here is to make this as authentic as they possibly can, knowing full well of some of the challenges you may run into from lil’ ol’ Savannah, Georgia. “I just ordered duck wings. Once they come, I’m excited to see what we can do with them.”AJ says. What you won’t find is sushi. Not any time soon anyway. AJ tells me they want to establish themselves as what he believes they are and that’s Japanese Street Food before being labeled ‘another sushi spot.’ Fair enough. Clearly AJ and his staff have taken the ball and run with it. But it is also
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important to mention that you don’t spend 18 years in Japan and not have an idea of what you’d like to see in your first Japanese restaurant. Anthony very clearly does, but he believes he’s found the man to execute his vision. “We’ve found a happy ground. I’m excited about the direction we are going.”
FOOD TRUCK OF THE WEEK C. ALEXANDERS C. Alexanders is a local food truck bringing American comfort food to the Hostess City. They offer familiar, flavorful sandwiches including their classic cheeseburger, buffalo chicken sandwich, and the fried shrimp po’ boy.(pictured). That Po’ Boy is definitely a fan favorite, featuring plump, golden brown shrimp nestled inside a hoagie roll with juicy tomatoes and crisp lettuce. It’s topped with a punchy remoulade that will leave your taste buds wanting more. C. Alexanders also offers loaded fries. Their slowroasted pulled pork fries feature BBQ sauce, peppercorn ranch, green onion and cheese curds. And their shrimp loaded fries are topped with parmesan cheese and a delicious garlic aioli. Visit calexandersfoodtruck.com or follow them on Facebook and Instagram @c.alexandersfoodtruck to stay updated on the truck’s whereabouts. -Compiled by Chantel Britton
CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 1 - 7, 2022
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TH E SAVA N N A H - G EORG I A CON V E NTION CE NTE R AUTHORIT Y is thankful for over
$64 MILLION
in funding support to dozens of Savannah/Chatham County-based construction companies and contractors for our expansion project (opening in late 2023).
Special thanks to
GOVERNOR BRIAN KEMP for his leadership along with the support of those listed below: LI E UTE N A NT GOV E RNOR
SPE A K E R OF TH E HOUSE
M AJORIT Y LE A DE R
Geoff Duncan
David Ralston
Jon Burns
R E PR E S E N TAT I V E S
Ron Stephens, Bill Hitchens, Jesse Petrea, Carl Gilliard, Craig Gordon, and Mickey Stephens S E N ATO RS
Ben Watson, Lester Jackson, and Blake Tillery
C H AT H A M CO U N T Y
C I T Y O F S AVA N N A H
CIT Y OF T Y BEE ISL AND
Chairmen Chester Ellis and the Chatham County Commissioners
Mayor Van Johnson and the Savannah City Council
Mayor Shirley Sessions and the Tybee Island City Council
CIT Y OF POOLER
CIT Y OF GARDEN CIT Y
C I T Y O F P O R T W E N T WO R T H
Mayor Rebecca Denton and the Pooler City Council
Mayor Don Bethune and Garden City City Council
Mayor Gary Norton and Port Wentworth City Council
The Savannah Convention Center supports over 27,000 local-area jobs, has generated over $1.4 billion in economic impact to the community and is self-sustaining with hotel/motel taxes covering any shortfalls.
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JUNE/
CONNECT SAVANNAH4-10
ART PATROL THE ART OF WILLIAM O. GOLDING: HARD KNOCKS, HARDSHIPS AND LOTS OF EXPERIENCE
Telfair Museums presents the first large museum survey of the work of William O. Golding (1874-1943), an African American seaman and artist who recorded a half-century of maritime experience in more than one hundred vibrant drawings. In the 1930s, Golding was a patient at the United States Marine Hospital in Savannah, where he represented his experiences in expressive pencil and crayon drawings which combine memory, imagination, and sailors’ lore. 72 works will be exhibited, including 23 drawings from Telfair Museums’ permanent collection, and others from the Morris Museum of Art, The Georgia Museum of Art, and private collections. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.. 912-790-8800. info@telfair.org. telfair.org/ exhibitions/golding/. telfair.org/jepson/. Jepson Center for the Arts, 207 West York St.
BLOW UP: INFLATABLE CONTEMPORARY ART
BLOW UP: Inflatable Contemporary Art explores the imaginative ways that artists use air as a tool for creating larger-than-life sculptures. Featuring nine cutting-edge installation projects, this exhibition shakes up traditional associations of inflatables with balloons, beach toys, and blimps. As a group, these demonstrate the wealth of visual possibilities for inflatable art, from playfully familiar subjects to colorful abstractions and thought-provoking conceptual work. The exhibition includes an international roster of artists and art collectives who are well known in contemporary art circles: Nicole Banowetz, Sharon Engelstein, FriendsWithYou, Joshua Harker, Susan Lee-Chun, Matt Ritchie, Lizabeth Rossof, Max Streicher, and Jen Stark. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.. 912-790-8800. info@ telfair.org. telfair.org/exhibitions/blow-up/. telfair.org/jepson/. Jepson Center for the Arts, 207 West York St.
Given the past 15 years in its exact founding location, Kobo Gallery and its army of contemporary, locally-based artists has persevered. Kobo Gallery is an establishment, a Savannah art authority, where one goes to look for the finest in local contemporary art. The last couple of years has tested not only the tenacity of Kobo Gallery artists individually, but also the business model of selling art. Perseverance — Kobo Gallery at 15 is a beacon show, a strong-
hold of art, concept, design and visual proof, regardless of medium, symbolizing that Kobo is here to stay. 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.. 912.201.0304. info@kobogallery.com. kobogallery.com/. kobogallery.com. Kobo Gallery, 33 Barnard St.
“AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY” EXHIBIT BY TODD BERGERT
A self-taught artist, Bergert utilizes the Flemish Technique, a method of oil painting that begins with a detailed pencil drawing followed by the meticulous application of layers of thin coats of paint. The exhibit is free and open to the public. The gallery is open Tues.through Sun. from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Free and open to the public. 10 a.m.-7 p.m.. Plant Riverside Dist. Grand Bohemian Gallery, 400 W. River St.
GHOSTS
GHOSTS is a collection of paintings along with a video installation produced by artist, Meg Kettelkamp, and filmed and edited by Grace Harding. Kettelkamp’s naturally dyed fabrics with plant material gathered around Savannah take on new forms and purposes in the film, continued by a new presentation in the gallery. Contemplating the complexities of the past and its effects on the present, she invites the viewer into a quiet reflection of both light and shadow, and seeing the familiar with childlike simplicity. All work at the exhibition will be for sale. 5-9 p.m.. megkettelkamp.com. The Nest Gallery, 601 E 33rd St.
THROUGH THE EYES OF ERIC HARTLEY, A PHOTOGRAPHIC COLLECTION
The Arts on the Coast in partnership with Great Oaks Bank is proud to present ‘Through the Eyes of Eric Hartley, A Photographic Collection’, a black and white photography exhibition that features over 25 extraordinary images from Hartley’s personal collection. An opening reception will be held on Friday, June 3rd from 5-7 p.m. The full show dates at June 3-August 12, 2022. Free 5-7 p.m.. 9123985776. artsonthecoastaoc@gmail. com. artsonthecoast.org/eric-hartley. Estes Gallery at Great Oaks Bank/Arts on the Coast, 42 Town Centre Drive.
FREE FAMILY WEEKENDS AT THE JEPSON CENTER/TELFAIR ACADEMY Telfair Museums is excited to offer local residents free weekend admission to the Jepson Center and Telfair Academy starting April 2 – August 28! Featured exhibitions free of charge. Telfair.org
THIS WEEK:
BETH LOGAN’S RECOMMENDATIONS Lots happening Friday, June 3 in Starland on 39th Street between Bull and Desoto Avenue: Sulfur Street Fair features over 15 artist vendors, Sweet Spice Food Truck, live painting, and performances by The Saltwata Players, Performing Artist Collective of Savannah and more. Sulfur Studios, 2301 Bull Street, also celebrates the finale of ON::View Artist-in-Residence Timothy Harding’s month-long project. And in Sulfur’s Main Gallery, be sure to catch the Opening Reception for Past Presence: Commemorating Juneteenth, the 2nd Annual exhibition featuring artists from across the country whose work takes into consideration their own personal history as it relates to the Black experience in the United States. Working in a variety of media from photography to sculpture, these artists explore themes of ancestry, modern media narratives, vulnerability, and resilience. Past Presence will be on display in the Gallery at Sulfur Studios through June 25. There will be a Jurors’ Talk on Sunday, June 19 at 2PM (in-person and simulcast via IG Live @sulfurstudios), and works from the exhibition may be viewed and purchased at sulfurstudios.org/pastpresence Meanwhile, in Richmond Hill Friday, June 3, join Arts on the Coast, in partnership with Great Oaks Bank, as they present Through the Eyes of Eric Hartley, A Photographic Collection, a black and white photography exhibition that features over 25 images from Hartley’s personal collection. The opening is from 5 to 7 at Great Oaks Bank, 42 Town Center Drive, and the show hangs through August 12. I will write about these fabulous photographs later this month. IMAGE: “Davu” by Abiodun David, from the Past Presence show at Sulfur Studios
CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 1 - 7, 2022
PERSEVERANCE KOBO GALLERY AT 15
To submit an ART PATROL listing, please submit an event at connectsavannah.com
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CULTURE
BEATING DOWN THE HYPE By Beth Logan
CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 1 - 7, 2022
ART COLUMNIST
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Peter Roberts, the magician behind the endless stream of brilliantly executed art shows at Savannah’s Location Gallery, is a wordsmith par excellence. In fact, in last February’s inaugural show in the Gallery’s new space (on the busy corner of Liberty and Bull Streets), Roberts showed his usual wit and humor with his solo show “Pundred.” He had painstakingly created one hundred intricately cutout visual representations of one hundred puns. It is often this love for words that forms the genesis of the art exhibitions he so professionally curates. This Friday’s show “HYPE” is no exception. HYPE’s concept was born from the idea of considering what constitutes art. Roberts believes all artists get annoyed when someone considers a framed poster of a popular saying or meme to be art. Especially when the same investment could purchase an original painting or sculpture. He considers such memes as “Do the right thing,” Hang in there, baby,” “There is no I in teamwork,” and “Just Do It” as particularly cloying and “cringey.” However, there have been other sayings like “Don’t Tread on Me,” “Keep Calm and Carry On,” or “We Can Do It” that are more enduring and universal. To bend the perception of value, Roberts asked participating artists to reinterpret these sayings and memes, and to make art that was directly inspired by them. The only requirement was that text could not be used in the work and whatever saying motivated the art is the title of the piece. “This gives the viewers a ‘wobble’ between the art being seen and the title being read. In that wobble space, the connection of ‘This is art’ is engaged,” says Roberts. “It’s definitely going to be our most experiential show of the year and that’s why I feel it’s important.” As always, the show will benefit a local nonprofit. It feels so fitting and appropriate in this midterm election year filled with the hype of politicians and the propaganda of warring parties, that profits will be donated to The League of Women Voters of Coastal Georgia. This nonpartisan, grassroots organization works to protest and expand voting rights while defending democracy through advocacy, education, and litigation at the local, state, and national levels. Roberts considered the work of the League and how “...they kind of beat down the hype. They ask candidates about policy in an open forum. I think it is so important that people know the candidates, their platforms and
THIS PAGE: Stacie Jean Albano’s “Hang In There Baby,” acrylic, Peter Roberts, Gallery Director OPPOSITE PAGE: Michelle Stafford’s “Keep Calm and Carry On,” mixed media, Adam Stafford’s “Flower Power,” ceramic
CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 1 - 7, 2022
what they stand for.” Mediums for HYPE include painting, sculpture, and mixed media and the artists include Stacie Jean Albano, Chariton Alexakis, Lino Azevedo, Jenny Eitel, Maxx Feist, John Harkins, Rob Hessler, Caro Jenk, Deborah Sherron Miller, Melody Postma, Jose Ray, Adam & Michele Stafford, and of course, the Gallery Director himself, Peter E. Roberts who will be showing “This is Your Brain on Drugs,” “Give Peace a Chance,” and “Keep America Beautiful.” Roberts holds a BFA in Video Production from SCAD and parlayed his love of storytelling into a career in television production. Later he transitioned to the ad sales side, becoming quite expert in ad creation, media buys, ad campaigns, branding, graphic design, and messaging. Ultimately founding his own agency focusing on the packaging and branding side of business, Roberts was the recipient of several Graphic Design USA Awards. On his connection with realtor Austin Hill, he says, “I’d been doing some graphic work for Austin, and he came to one of my solo art shows and said he was moving his real estate office to Whitaker and wanted to put a gallery in it. He asked, ‘Do you want to run it?’ He had seen my work doing art auctions for local organizations like the Telfair and Historic Savannah Foundation and seen how I’d raised funds while also paying the artists. His idea was to have a gallery that would raise money for nonprofits. And so, that’s what we did.” Location Gallery opened in 2016 in Hill’s former offices in the Design District on Whitaker Street. “There was such a need to show local artists because there aren’t a lot of avenues for them. It’s a way to help them put some money in their pockets and help foster what they are doing creatively.” As mentioned above, Hill’s business and Location Gallery have since moved to a larger space on Bull and Liberty Streets following a merger with Three Oaks Realty and a subsequent affiliation with Corcoran. In tandem with serving as Locations’ Director, Roberts maintains a successful solo art practice. Best known for his geographical and pop culture inspired ‘Headcases’ series of cutout art pieces, his lighthearted rows of tiny, stylized portraits are available in the gift shop at the Jepson Center for the Arts and have led to solo shows in Oklahoma City, the Florida Keys and New York City. Roberts meticulously cuts out images on monochromatic paper often with a lustrous metallic surface. He tells me that he can obviously paint and draw, but that “there is a finality to cutting. When it’s done, it’s done.” The future looks as busy as ever for this energizer bunny of an art promoter. “I’m getting ready to be part of a group show in St. Petersburg, Florida,” Roberts says, while at the Gallery he has shows scheduled out through the end of the year. Look for Jennifer Nolan’s solo show next month and then the annual Hospice Savannah Summer Nights fundraiser on which I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with him in prior years. “We’ll have multiple artists and hold it next door (at Soho South on Liberty) on August 25. This year it’s benefiting the Pediatric Hospice Butterfly Program.” He continues, “We’ll be doing a large group show in October for Gay Pride Month. And of course, I’ll close out the year with the holiday show ‘$300 And Under’ which will again support WRUU.” Stay tuned for the themes of the shows…the fun for wordsmith Roberts is to tie the artwork back to the nonprofit in some way…. “I think it gives the show more strength as then there is something for the artist, the nonprofit, and the patron to talk about. A slight framework is good, but there have been times when I’ve made artists feel they are back in school and have received an assignment,” he laughs. “I’ve had to learn how to make the parameters a little wider, a little looser, not so specific. Sometimes I overthink things.” HYPE by Various Artists, opens Friday, June 3 from 6-8pm at Location Gallery @ Corcoran Austin Hill Realty, 251 Bull Street. Gallery profits donated to The League of Women Voters of Coastal Georgia. Find out more at LocationGallery.net or Instagram @LocationGallery
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Savannah’s Premier Wine Bar
STYLE: WHAT ARE WE WEARING? By Lauren Wolverton
lauren@connectsavannah.com
Wine Flights I 50 + Wines By the Glass Guided Wine Tastings I Live Music Charcuterie I Private Events
GAME | SET | MATCH
PIECE TOGETHER AN AMAZING LOOK
www.208winebar.com
ALEXANDER’S BISTRO 1201 Bull Street
Serving Breakfast, Lunch & Sunday Brunch
CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 1 - 7, 2022
Dine-in I Dine-out I Carry-out
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Freshly Baked Pastry & Breads House Cured: Oven Baked Meats, Cafe, Expresso, Select Wines & Beers
In The Heart Of Savannah’s Historic Victorian District (912) 349 - 5334
alexandersbistro.com
Sets are everywhere right now. From workout sets to formal twopiece gowns, there’s a set for every occasion. The great thing about sets is that the pieces can be worn together, or separate, giving you more bang for your buck and endless styling opportunities. This blue and green floral set would be perfect for a day spent brunching and exploring Savannah or your favorite weekend destination. If you have a music festival in your summer plans, this outfit would be great paired with some pink sunglasses, white boots, daisy earrings, and glitter on your cheeks. When wearing the pieces separately, style the top with your favorite mini skirt or jeans, and style the pants with a simple white T-shirt or tank top. Style this black and white set with chunky white sneakers and a trucker hat for an effortlessly cool daytime look. At night, style it with simple black heels, a sleek low bun, and gold accessories. When breaking this set down, style the black and white top with these groovy pink pants and yin and yang earrings. Or, style the skirt with a simple black bodysuit or your favorite graphic T-shirt. Blue and green set, pink mini skirt, daisy earrings, pink sunglasses, black sunglasses, yin and yang earrings, black and white set, and trucker hat available at Starland Strange (17 W. 41st St.)
BOOKS
WHAT ARE WE READING? PRESENTED AND CURATED WEEKLY BY E. SHAVER, BOOKSELLER
Savannah’s Independent Bookstore since 1975 offering a selection of fiction, nonfiction, regional, and children’s books
BOOK LOVERS BY EMILY HENRY
Nora Stephens’ life is books—she’s read them all—and she is not that type of heroine. The only people Nora is a heroine for are her clients, for whom she lands enormous deals as a cutthroat literary agent, and her beloved little sister Libby. Which is why she agrees to go to Sunshine Falls, North Carolina for the month of August when Libby begs her for a sisters’ trip away—with visions of a small town transformation for Nora, who she’s convinced needs to become the heroine in her own story. Nora keeps bumping into Charlie Lastra, a bookish brooding editor from back in the city. If Nora knows she’s not an ideal heroine, Charlie knows he’s nobody’s hero, but as they are thrown together again and again—in a series of coincidences no editor worth their salt would allow—what they discover might just unravel the carefully crafted stories they’ve written about themselves.
THIS TIME TOMORROW BY EMMA STRAUB
On the eve of her 40th birthday, Alice’s life isn’t terrible. She likes her job, even if it isn’t exactly the one she expected. She’s happy with her apartment, her romantic status, her independence, and she adores her lifelong best friend. But her father is ailing, and it feels to her as if something is missing. When she wakes up the next morning she finds herself back in 1996, reliving her 16th birthday. But it isn’t just her adolescent body that shocks her, or seeing her high school crush, it’s her dad: the vital, charming, 40-something version of her father with whom she is reunited. Now armed with a new perspective on her own life and his, some past events take on new meaning. Is there anything that she would change if she could?
THE UNFAMILIAR GARDEN (THE COMET CYCLE BOOK 2) BY BENJAMIN PERCY
It isn’t until five years later that the rains finally return to nourish Seattle. In this period of sudden growth, Jack uncovers evidence of a new parasitic fungus, while Nora investigates several brutal, ritualistic murders. Soon they will be drawn together by a horrifying connection between their discoveries— partnering to fight a deadly contagion as well as the government forces that know the truth about the fate of their daughter.
326 Bull Street
Behind the Desoto Historic Downtown Savannah 912.234.7257
eshaverbooks.com
CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 1 - 7, 2022
The night the sky fell, Jack and Nora Abernathy’s daughter vanished in the woods. And Mia’s disappearance broke her parents’ already fragile marriage. Unable to solve her own daughter’s case, Nora lost herself in her work as a homicide detective. Jack became a shell of a man; his promising career as a biologist crumbling alongside the meteor strikes that altered weather patterns and caused a massive drought.
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CULTURE
DUET KIDS
DUET Kids: music lessons for underserved communities By Alex Arango
alex@connectsavannah.com
CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 1 - 7, 2022
Develop Unify Educate Together (DUET) Kids is a non-profit organization started by Faith Morrison, a local Savannahian. DUET’s goal is to engage high school student teachers with elementary students through their Student Teaching Students Initiative. DUET Kids trains community volunteers and provides multiple opportunities in learning and pedagogy for Pre-K through College age students. The non-profit provides no-cost private music lessons to K-8 students in at-risk underserved schools, emergency centers and children centers. Lessons are available inperson or over zoom with keyboards being provided to students for at home use in between lessons. Being homeschooled, Faith Morrison said she had trouble finding volunteer hours during her junior year of high school in 2020. To find hours she contacted Mel Whitehead, Performing Arts Specialist for SCCPSS and Chorus Master for Savannah Philharmonic, who put her in touch with teachers at Andrea B. Williams elementary school. Morrison began providing free 30 minute to hour long piano lessons to students at AB Williams before having to go to college in Florida. Morisson’s mother, Paige, said that in Faith’s absence it was difficult to find musicians who were able to continue
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teaching students at the elementary school, prompting herself and her daughters to create the non-profit. “I thought about how music had always been a part of my life, and how it’s so nice to be able to have music lessons, and I realized that a lot of kids didn’t have that privilege,” said Faith Morrison. To find volunteers the Morrison’s sought the help of Kelli Horton, director of piano at Savannah Arts Academy. Horton was able to find students in her classes that were willing to teach piano for DUET Kids. When Horton pitched the idea to juniors and seniors in her classes she said there was a lot of interest. Horton even set up classes to train high-school teachers on how to instruct beginner level piano to students. “I started looking at this as a way we could offer internships to students that are majoring in piano,” explained Horton. “I’ve been working with them and helping them learn how to teach and how to best serve students.” Horton has been teaching piano since she was 15 and says the dynamic between Student-teachers and children can be beneficial, compared to if the teachers were adults. “Often the relationship is different when it’s a student teacher, maybe there could be more of a connection for these young kids.” Classes are currently conducted over Zoom due to COVID-19, but Faith Morrison noted that students have responded well to the online format. “The kids actually respond to them very well. They liked
Photo of Tommy Holland , Faith Morrison, and Grace Morrison. Holland assists DUET Kids in finding keyboards.
being in their own home, so I feel like it made them more comfortable,” explained Morrison. Currently, the non-profit is working alongside Urban Hope to provide musical lessons for their summer camp which started on May 28 and runs through the end of July. The summer camp seeks to keep children on a positive path with their academics, with a majority of activities revolving around arts, music, dance and more. For more information on Duet Kids visit duetkids.org.
Thank you, Savannah! ~ Brian & Jen
Savannah Psychics Brian & Jen
www.SavannahPsychics.com
THANK YOU TO OUR AMAZING CUSTOMERS AND FANS FAR AND WIDE FOR REMINDING US WHY WE LOVE DOING WHAT WE DO! WE ARE PROUD TO BE THE FIRST AND ONLY SPIRITS OF SAVANNAH™. VISIT US AND FIND YOUR SPIRIT TODAY!
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DISTILLERIES IN THE U.S.
THANK YOU FOR VOTING US
Best Seafood & Best Outdoor Tybee Restaraunt Visit us at our new website! www.TheCrabShack.com
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641 INDIAN ST. DOWNTOWN • GHOSTCOASTDISTILLERY.COM
‘Voted Best Art Gallery in Savannah 2022’
Boiled Seafood, BBQ, Ribs, Brisket, 3 Bars, Views of the water & an experience to remember! FEED THE GATORS!
33 Barnard Street • Open 7 Days • 10:30 a.m. -5:30 p.m. kobogallery.com • @kobogallery • #kobosav
Often imitated, NEVER duplicated
912-786-9857
40 Estill Hammock Rd., Tybee Island, GA, 31328
CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 1 - 7, 2022
An artist cooperative featuring contemporary painters, jewelers, photographers, sculptors, designers, printmakers, mixed media and fiber artists
Pet Friendly, Outdoor Deck with ample Covered seating & views of Chimney Creek!
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THE STAGE PAGE
By Frank Ricci
HIP HOP NIGHT WITH BASIK LEE @ VICTORY NORTH
Quality Eats + Drinks
LUNCH DINNER FULL BAR MON-SAT 11AM-1AM SUN 11:30AM-5 PM
C lassic Sandwiches on Locally Baked Bread
savannah’s newest home for local & regional
FRESH HOUSE MADE
Live Music
dine in 912.200.4940 take out
6/2 7:30-10:30
soup
sides
pickles
Weekly Specials 1215 barnard street savannah, ga 31401 ww w. b l ac krab bitsav.com
The third installment of Lee’s rebirth of Savannah’s Hip Hop Night bounces along with DJ exhibitions and freestyle rappers to warm everyone up. The competitions follow, with emcees, beat and track battles. Hip hop hooray. TUES JUNE 7 | 7 PM
JD music group
slim anD the gems 6/3 7:30-10:30
country night 6/3 10:00
OPEN MIC COMEDY @ EL ROCKO LOUNGE
Pros make it look easy, but can you handle a five minute set? Stop by Wes Daniel’s popular rock club, have a glass of two of courage, and see if you are anywhere near as funny as you think. You know, when you’re actually trying to be. MON JUNE 6 | 9 PM
carolina reign 6/4 3:00-6:00
GATSBY GALA @ GHOST COAST DISTILLERY
Live jazz from vocalist Stephanie Nakasian and her killer band, heavy hors d’oeuvres, all kinds of booze, and a distinct speakeasy atmosphere are the vibe at this party. Dress for the event (photographers will be on hand), say things like “the bees knees” and have a 1920s kind of night. SAT JUNE 4 | 8 PM
xuluprophet
6/4 7:30-10:30 american iDol winner canDace glover with banD
CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 1 - 7, 2022
6/5 7:00-10:00
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canDace glover anD willie
6/7 7:00-10:00
open noon until late everyDay of the week
127 w. congress st. eclipsesav.net
RYAN PLAYS THE HITS @ SEA WOLF TYBEE
His friends call him Juicy Tubesteak and he’s back for CBGB Brunch at the Hot Dog Capital of The Universe. Hear unique acoustic reinterpretations of songs you know from artists that neatly fit between (but don’t include) powerviolence and opera. Sea Wolf Hot Dog not included, but recommended. SAT JUNE 4 | NOON - 3 PM
MUSIC & CLUBS
COMEDY
CAJUN COMEDY: Theo Von brings ‘Return of the Rat’ tour to Johnny Mercer Theatre June 2
SOUNDGARDEN EVENTS FRI JUNE 4TH
By Angie Miller
Music & Clubs Writer
AN EVENING WITH RANDALL SAT JUNE 11TH BRAMBLETT SAT JUNE 5TH
guy, that’s crazy in itself. And my dad was old….I remember the first funeral he took me to - he had to get me a suit and he got me a Beetlejuice costume by accident. So, I went to a funeral in a Beetlejuice outfit.” When it comes to Von’s favorite type of audience, he says he enjoys good people just trying to get by and of course, who can take a joke. “A lot of my audiences are just regular folks trying to stay well in this world that feels odd,” he said. “That’s really what it’s all about, but you have to be able to take a joke.” In addition to performing stand-up comedy at various venues throughout the country, Von regularly hosts his weekly podcast “This Past Weekend” and this last Oct. he released his second Netflix comedy special titled “Regular People.” He’s currently on the road now with his “Return of the Rat” tour and making his way to Savannah. “I’ve never been to Savannah so I’m curious to see what the vibe is like there and I’m just grateful to be able to experience it,” he said with gratitude. ”I hear there are a lot of ghosts so I’m planning on bringing my Ouija board to see who I can contact…maybe I’ll be able to get Richard Pryor to be able to come open up for me!” Von will perform on June 2 at the Johnny Mercer Theatre at 8 p.m. To purchase tickets or for more information visit ticketmaster.com or savannahcivic.org
FRI JUNE 17TH
FRI JUNE 11TH
SAT JUNE 18TH SAT JUNE 12TH
SAT JUNE 25TH HEAD GAMES
A TRIBUTE T0 FOREIGNER T I C K E T S ON E V E N T B R I T E
3016 E. VICTORY DR. 912.352.2933 COACHS.NET
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CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 1 - 7, 2022
As the son of two parents who were 38 years apart, comedian Theo Von says his view of the world has always been a little bit fragmented. “My father was 70 when I was born,” Von said. “So when you come into the world through an odd door you seem to build an odd foundation along with it.” Raised in a small town on the outskirts of New Orleans, Von says he grew up surrounded by a lot of storytelling. “My father was old and older people like to tell stories,” he said with a chuckle. “So, I just grew up around a ton of storytelling. The Mississippi river runs right through there and all of that lore, that sort of humorous bile that sort of flows out of America kind of coagulates right down there. It was an interesting area.” According to Von, he started exploring stand-up comedy at the age of 18 when he decided to make the drive to New Orleans to perform at an open mic night, but it wasn’t exactly what he was expecting. “The guy at the place actually wanted it to be a poetry night,” he said. “Sometimes we would have to dress up in stuff like Renaissance fair gear just to get him to think that we were going to read poetry but we would get up there and tell jokes instead. It would make him furious, but because there were still patrons in there watching, he wouldn’t stop us.” After getting his comedy feet wet in an unusual way, Von says he eventually ventured out of his home turf to fully pursue a career in the industry. “New Orleans has always had a lot of humor but it’s never been able to keep a comedy club,” he said. “I think people would rather just laugh at their friends telling a story a lot of the time. So, I left Louisiana to do the comedy stuff in Los Angeles for a while. That took its toll on me, so I live in Nashville now.” Although it’s been many years since Von has lived in Louisiana, he says he still carries his cajun storytelling roots with him and thanks his odd childhood for giving him comedic material. “My style comes from all of the interesting stuff that I grew up with in Louisiana,” he said. “It was an interesting area with a lot of Southern stories. My first job…I used to sell hamsters for a
DONT MISS T HI S!
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JUNE/
1-7
CONNECT SAVANNAH MUSIC
SOUNDBOARD WHO IS PLAYING WHERE THIS WEEK WEDNESDAY 6/ 1 LIVE MUSIC
Cohen’s Retreat Midtown Pickers, 6 p.m. District Live at Plant Riverside District Robert Earl Keen, Live in Concert, 8-10 p.m. Driftaway Cafe Chuck Courtenay, 6 p.m. McDonough’s Blues with Eric Culberson, 9 p.m. Nickie’s 1971 Ray Tomasino, 7 p.m.
TRIVIA & GAMES
El-Rocko Lounge Trivia with Jules and Chris Grimmett, 9-11:30 p.m. Moodright’s Duckpin Bowling League Night, 8 p.m. Service Brewing Company Trivia Night with Jess Shaw, 6:30 p.m. The Wormhole Bingo, 10 p.m.
KARAOKE
Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m. Wet Willie’s Karaoke, 9 p.m.
COMEDY
Totally Awesome Bar Savannah Comedy Underground, 9 p.m.
THURSDAY 6/ 2 LIVE MUSIC
Cohen’s Retreat Munchies & Music, 5-9 p.m. Electric Moon Skytop Lounge and The Moon Deck, Plant Riverside District - Power Plant Building rooftop Moon Deck LIVE at Electric Moon featuring Individually Twisted, 7-10 p.m.
CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 1 - 7, 2022
TRIVIA & GAMES
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Bar Food Trivia Night, 8 p.m. McDonough’s Family Feud, 7 p.m. The Wormhole Trivia, 10 p.m.
KARAOKE
Bay Street Blues Karaoke Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m. McDonough’s Karaoke, 9 p.m.
COMEDY
Totally Awesome Bar Open Mic Comedy, 8:30 p.m.
DJ
Club 51 Degrees DJ B-Rad, 9 p.m. Top Deck Sunset Deck Party, 6 p.m.
ENTER YOUR EVENT ONLINE AT CONNECTSAVANNAH.COM
KARAOKE
VICE Lounge + Mojito Bar Latin Night with DL Cesar, first Thursday of every month, 9 p.m.
Bay Street Blues Karaoke Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m. McDonough’s Karaoke, 9 p.m.
BAR & CLUB EVENTS
Service Brewing Company Service Brewing Run Club, 6:30 p.m.
FRIDAY 6/ 3
MONDAY 6/ 6
LIVE MUSIC
LIVE MUSIC
Coffee Bluff Marina LAX, 6 p.m. First Presbyterian Church First Friday for Folk Music - Chris Desa & The Massey Boys, 7:309:30 p.m. Rancho Alegre Cuban Restaurant JodyJazz Trio, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Service Brewing Company Bluegrass By The Pint with Swamptooth, 6 p.m. Sting Ray’s Robert Willis, 6 p.m.
Nickie’s 1971 Ray Tomasino, 7 p.m. The Wormhole Open Mic, 6 p.m.-2 a.m.
TRIVIA & GAMES
Club One Super Gay Bingo, 5:30 p.m. Moodright’s BINGO, 8 p.m. Starland Yard Music Bingo, 7-9 p.m.
KARAOKE
TRIVIA & GAMES
Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m. Wet Willie’s Karaoke, 9 p.m.
PS Tavern Beer Pong Tournament, 10 p.m.
KARAOKE
Bay Street Blues Karaoke Blueberry Hill Karaoke, 9 p.m.-3 a.m. Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m. McDonough’s Karaoke, 9 p.m. Nickie’s 1971 Karaoke Night, 9 p.m. The Hive Repertory Theatre LLC Adult Night Out - Karaoke!, 8 p.m. Totally Awesome Bar Karaoke, 10 p.m.
BAR & CLUB EVENTS
SAT/
4
DJ
Club One Drag Show, 10:30 p.m. & 12:30 a.m. Rock House Music & Dance, 10 p.m.
SATURDAY 6/ 4 LIVE MUSIC
Coffee Bluff Marina Gary Strickland, 6 p.m. Elks Lodge An Evening of Johnny Cash @ Savannah Elks 183, 6-9:30 p.m. Rancho Alegre Cuban Restaurant JodyJazz Trio, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Sting Ray’s Robert Willis, 6 p.m.
TRIVIA & GAMES
Blueberry Hill Pool Tournament, 2 p.m.
(JOHNNY CASH TRIBUTE ARTIST)
@SAVANNAH ELKS LODGE 183 Come out for an evening of all your Johnny Cash favorites. One night only in Savannah at the Elks 183. Doors 6-Show 7 Tickets $20 available at the Lodge or by calling 912-677-3394. 183 Wilshire Blvd., Savannah,
Club 51 Degrees DJ Fer, DJ Emalo, DJ Lil G, DJ BRad, 9 p.m.
BAR & CLUB EVENTS
AN EVENING OF JOHNNY CASH WITH BILL FORNESS
KARAOKE
Bar Food Karaoke Night, 10 p.m. Bay Street Blues Karaoke Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m. McDonough’s Karaoke, 9 p.m. Rock House Karaoke, 9 p.m. Totally Awesome Bar Karaoke, 10 p.m.
COMEDY
Front Porch Improv Adult Drop-in IMPROV Class, 10 a.m.
BAR & CLUB EVENTS
Club One Drag Show, 10:30 p.m. & 12:30 a.m. Over Yonder Honky Tonk Saturdays
SUNDAY 6/ 5 LIVE MUSIC
Collins Quarter at Forsyth Ember City, 2 p.m. Congress Street Social Club Voodoo Soup, 10 p.m. Myrtle & Rose, Rooftop Garden Plant Riverside Live Jazz Sunday Brunch Featuring the Howard Paul Jazz Trio, 11 a.m.3 p.m. Nickie’s 1971 Roy Swindell, 7 p.m. Sting Ray’s Robert Willis, 6 p.m. Tubby’s Tank House (Thunderbolt) Bucky and Barry, 1 p.m. Unitarian Universalist Church of Savannah Jazz in the Afternoon
TRIVIA & GAMES
Moon River Brewing Co. Trivia, 6 p.m.
Fia Rua Irish Pub Family Movie Night, 8 p.m.
TUESDAY 6/ 7 LIVE MUSIC
McDonough’s Open Mic/Jam, 9 p.m. Nickie’s 1971 Roy Swindell, 7 p.m. Over Yonder First Tuesdays Bluegrass with Swamptooth, first Tuesday of every month
TRIVIA & GAMES
Basil’s Pizza and Deli Trivia, 7 p.m. Fia Rua Irish Pub Trivia, 7 p.m. McDonough’s Trivia Tuesday, 7 p.m. Oak 36 Bar + Kitchen Trivia Tuesday, 9 p.m. Savannah Taphouse Trivia, 7 p.m. Starland Yard Trivia with Chris Grimmett, 6:30 p.m.; Trivia Night With Chris Grimmett, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
KARAOKE
Blueberry Hill Karaoke, 9 p.m.-3 a.m. Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m. Wet Willie’s Karaoke, 9 p.m.
COMEDY
Stafford’s Public House Stafford’s Tuesday Comedy Open Mic, 8:30-11:45 p.m.
SOUNDBOARD IS A FREE SERVICE - TO BE INCLUDED, PLEASE ENTER YOUR LIVE MUSIC INFORMATION WEEKLY ON CONNECTSAVANNAH.COM AND CHOOSE “SOUNDBOARD.”. DEADLINE IS NOON MONDAY, TO APPEAR IN WEDNESDAY’S EDITION. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO EDIT OR CUT LISTINGS DUE TO SPACE LIMITATIONS.
THE BAND PAGE By Frank Ricci
ROBERT EARL KEEN @ DISTRICT LIVE
The dean of Texas singer-songwriters pioneered Americana and continues to release inspiring music to a devoted fan base. He went straight to Austin after graduating from Texas A&M in 1978, started playing music, released his first record in 1983, and hasn’t stopped since. WED JUNE 1 | 8 PM
First Friday for Folk returns with Desa (pictured), a member of the Savannah Folk Society since 1993, and known for his mastery of the 12-string acoustic. The Massey Boys folk trio promise a high-spirited start to the night. FRI JUNE 3 | 7:30 PM
Josh and his four pals blend bluegrass, rock and funk and take it on the road regularly from their base in Athens. Lots of banjo up front with surprising harmonies and some even more surprising stank. Savannah is fortunate to be a stop on their spring tour. FRI JUNE 3 | 9:30 PM
RON HELMAN JAZZ ENSEMBLE @ UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH
Jazz in the Afternoon at the double-U church welcomes Savannah’s hometown trumpet Daddy-O. Helman doesn’t swerve or fuse, it’s strictly straight-ahead classic jazz that swings. Enjoy this Sunday afternoon shindig, with a wine and cheese reception included. SUN JUNE 5 | 3 PM
CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 1 - 7, 2022
CHRIS DESA & THE MASSEY BOYS @ FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
JOSH BENNET BAND @ THE WORMHOLE
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JONESIN’ CROSSWORD “Sandwiched In”--one thing between two other things. by Matt Jones
Savannah’s Oldest
URBAN FARM & PET
SUPPLY STORE
Specializing in ORGANICS
ALL TYPES OF FEED & SEED
Located downtown at
307 Carolan St Just west of Bay St. Viaduct
912.233.9862
CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 1 - 7, 2022
FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1938
32
HAVING A SPECIAL EVENT? Reserve our Banquet Room!
Seats up to 80 people
Call for more information
912.354.8745
©2022 Matt Jones
HAY • FENCING • TRAPS • PEST CONTROL • POTTERY & STATUARY • PROPANE REFILL & EXCHANGE • LAWN & GARDEN • SEASONAL VEGETABLE PLANTS • PET & FARM SUPPLIES • MORE!
5320 Waters Ave.
barnesrestaurant.com ACROSS 1. Some 1990s Toyotas 7. Chicken ___ 11. Big Sky Conference sch. 14. Low-tech counting device 15. Skater Kulik who won gold at Nagano 16. Sounds of hesitation 17. Get back into 18. Instructions within instructions 20. Bacon hunks 21. Kin, informally 22. Prefix for “venous” 23. City northeast of Reno 24. III, to Jr. 25. Hawkins of school dances 26. Ballet wear 28. Lovecraftian entity with tentacles 30. Prefix before “laryngologist” 33. More agile 35. Yale graduates, slangily 36. TV room, perhaps 37. Nassau’s country 39. “___ be my honor” 40. Pt. of many airport names 42. Audience member who isn’t bawling at the end, metaphorically 43. Word repeated in an Iris Murdoch title 44. Dangerous callout while bike riding 46. Monologue fodder 48. State a new way 49. Inc. relative 50. Nelson Muntz’s
catchphrase 54. Manufacturer of the SURFboard modem 55. Twice, in music 56. A.C. ___ (Serie A squad) 57. Readers’ haven 59. Rake it in 60. ___ mode 61. Like a souffle 62. Baskets for fish 63. Pixar’s “Turning ___” 64. McEntire with a part in “Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar” 65. Most peeved
24. March parade honoree, as preferred in Ireland 25. Went off track 27. Charging port, maybe 28. Bonds securely 29. Abbr. on some beef 30. Valhalla host 31. Don José or Otello, in opera circles 32. Kerouac novel 34. Stadium cheer 38. Replace a button, say 41. Eye surgery technique 45. Earnhardt’s org. 47. Black eye 49. Tripoli’s nation 51. Playwright Edward who won three Pulitzers 52. Comes down hard 53. Unsettling feeling 54. “A guy walks into ___ ...” 55. Commuter’s home, for short 56. Spanish surrealist Joan 58. Prevarication 59. British lavs
DOWN 1. Analyze, as grammar 2. “Nope, doesn’t ring ___” 3. “Wheel of Fortune” social correspondent Maggie 4. Self-sustaining automaton 5. Some votes in Quebec 6. IRS info 7. Leaning Tower city resident 8. Returning grad 9. “Spare” meat 10. “Emotions” singer Carey CROSSWORD ANSWERS 11. Country singer Pam’s father (and singer of “I Ain’t Never”) 12. Sexologist with a 1976 report 13. Fictional former space agency in the game Fallout 19. Excessive 21. Remarkable showing on a baseball box score (or 1/6 of a day)
ATLANTA
FORSYTH
LAWRENCEVILLE
MARIETTA
SAVANNAH
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finalist: Best College Bar Best Dive Bar Best Downtown Bar Best Overall Bar Best Sports Bar
206 W. SAINT JULIAN STREET • (912) 232-5778
SAY HELLO TO OUR FROZEN TREATS RITA’S OF SAVANNAH
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