CONNECT SAVANNAH
connectsavannah.com
JANUARY 19 - 25, 2022
9
PLANT RIVERSIDE DISTRICT DEDICATES MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. PARK, UNVEILS NEW MONUMENT A SEA FULL OF STARS: LOCAL SINGER, SONGWRITER, PRODUCER DEDICATES EMOTIONAL MUSICAL TO HER DAUGHTER
26
DO YOU BELIEVE IN
MAGIC?
‘FINDING MAGIC MIKE’S’ RICKY NEGRON WANTS TO MAKE A BELIEVER OUT OF YOU
ST PATRICK’S DAY
IN SAVANNAH RIGHT AT YOUR FINGERTIPS
COMING SOON A NEW APP FROM CONNECT SAVANNAH AND CREATURE COMFORTS BREWING CO.
NEWS EVENTS PHOTOS BEER MAP ST PATRICK’S DAY
IN SAVANNAH
connectsavannah.com
SAVANNAH MUSIC FESTIVAL
March 24–April 9, 2022 more information: savannahmusicfestival.org box office: 912.525.5050
Thursday, March 24
Thursday, March 31
Thursday, April 7
Balsam Range/ Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper*
NOON30: Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley
NOON30: Samara Joy
Kittel & Co./Mr. Sun*
Philip Dukes & Friends III: Brahms & Schumann
Benjamin Grosvenor, piano
Hot Club of Cowtown
Friday, March 25 NOON30: Kittel & Co. Celebrating Bach: Dover Quartet & Bridget Kibbey Cajun Dance Party: The Revelers*
go s t e k Tic le on on saary 21! Janu
Dee Dee Bridgewater & the Memphis Soulphony: Memphis...Yes, I’m Ready
Saturday, March 26 Latin Dance Party: Spanish Harlem Orchestra* Olga Kern, piano Remembering Ray Brown: Christian McBride, Benny Green and Jeff Hamilton with Special Guest Dee Dee Bridgewater Bruce Hornsby & the Noisemakers
Sunday, March 27 Lúnasa Philip Dukes & Friends I: Saint-Säens & Faure
Béla Fleck’s My Bluegrass Heart feat. Stuart Duncan, Sierra Hull, Bryan Sutton, Mark Schatz and Justin Moses
Friday, April 1 Ring Shout of the Georgia Coast: McIntosh County Shouters Q&A Philip Dukes & Friends IV: All Beethoven Foghorn Stringband
Saturday, April 2 NOON30: McIntosh County Shouters Sebastian Knauer, piano Les Filles de Illighadad/ True Blues: Corey Harris, Phil Wiggins, Cedric Watson*
Sunday, April 3 Les Filles de Illighadad Atlanta Symphony Orchestra: Robert Spano, conductor; Avi Avital, mandolin The Wood Brothers
Diana Burco/ Jorge Glem & Sam Reider*
Tuesday, April 5
Remembering Ray Brown: Christian McBride, Benny Green and Jeff Hamilton/ Sean Jones Quartet
Beethoven and the Mandolin: Caterina Lichtenberg & Mike Marshall
Tuesday, March 29 Philip Dukes & Friends II: Tales of the Unexpected
Wednesday, March 30 John Jorgenson Quintet/ Frank Vignola/ Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley* Watchhouse (formerly Mandolin Orange)
Mike Marshall’s Stringband Spectacular feat. Allison de Groot & Tatiana Hargreaves, Mile Twelve, Westbound Situation Trio Blind Boys of Alabama/ The Campbell Brothers Zydeco Dance Party: C.J. Chenier & the Red Hot Louisiana Band
Friday, April 8 NOON30: Allison de Groot & Tatiana Hargreaves Lakou Mizik/Leyla McCalla* Academy of St Martin in the Fields Wind Ensemble with Simon Crawford-Phillips Voices of Mississippi feat. William Ferris, Cedric Burnside, Sharde Thomas and Luther & Cody Dickinson of the North Mississippi Allstars
Saturday, April 9 From the Archives of Dr. William Ferris: Select Documentary Films from Voices of Mississippi and Q&A with Ferris and Lance Ledbetter (co-founder of Dust-toDigital) Jon Cleary & the Absolute Monster Gentlemen/ Lakou Mizik Closing Night Party: Eddie 9V/Cedric Burnside
Drive-By Truckers Vijay Iyer Trio feat. Linda May Han Oh
Wednesday, April 6 NOON 30: Emmet Cohen Trio Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out/Mile Twelve* Allison Russell/ Katie Pruitt Emmet Cohen Trio/ Samara Joy
*denotes multiple concerts
JAN/
19-25
WEEK CONNECT SAVANNAH
AT A GLANCE
WEDNESDAY 1/19
VOLUNTEER FOR MEALS ON WHEELS
(Ongoing, Mondays-Fridays, 10:45 a.m.) Senior Citizens Inc., 3025 Bull St., There are seniors in our community who are hungry. You can make a difference by volunteering one hour a week to delivering Meals on Wheels to homebound seniors. We have routes throughout Savannah, so we can match you to an area that is convenient. Training included. Volunteers use their own vehicle. Gas stipend is optional. There are over 500 seniors on the waiting list to receive meals, and the number continues to grow. For more information, contact Lauren at Volunteer@seniorcitizens-inc. org or 912-236-0363
OPEN MIC AT MINT TO BE MOJITO BAR
Musicians & Singers Wanted! Join host Larry Broussard (of the band LAX) for Savannah’s Best Open Mic every Wednesday. Watch LIVE ON TIKTOK! (Cajuncookin). Larry plays your favorite hits and requests between sets. Call 912-713-1009 to book your 30 minutes of stage time. No cover charge! 5-11 p.m. Mint to Be Mojito Bar & Bites, 12 W State St.
WHISKEY WEDNESDAYS
THURSDAY 1/20 SEUSSICAL
(ongoing) Savannah Children’s Theatre, 2160 E Victory Dr, Oh, the thinks you can think when you think about Seuss!
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.
Live theatre for the smallest of small, the tallest of tall, and everyone in between! Eventbrite and search for “Seussical.”
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.
FRIDAY 1/21
SAVANNAH CHAMPAGNE BRUNCH COOKING CLASS
In this interactive cooking class, guests will learn new skills and create an elegant three-course brunch from scratch! Class menu items include Blackened Shrimp on a Cornbread Waffle with Maque Choux and a Lemon & Pea Tendril Salad; Crab Cake Benedict with Sherry Mustard Hollandaise with Wilted Swiss Chard and a Cheddar Scallion Biscuit; and Chocolate Ganache Crepes with Macerated Berries. Champagne and mimosas will be served at the beginning of the class. 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. 700 Kitchen Cooking School at The Mansion on Forsyth Park. 700 Drayton Street. pre-registration required; spaces limited. mansion.classesbykessler.com
LAX AT COFFEE BLUFF MARINA
The dynamic duo of Larry Broussard and Jeri Boxx are Lectric Acoustic Xperiment. LAX plays your favorite songs with a fun and fast acoustic twist. This is not your typical coffee shop slow, sedation songs. Coffee Bluff Marina, 14915 Coffee Bluff Dr. 6-8 pm This is an All ages show, pet friendly, no cover Fresh seafood BYOB
THE BEATLES CABARET WITH THE FABULOUS EQUINOX ORCHESTRA @THE THOMPSON HOTEL COCKTAILS AT 6 PM | SHOW AT 7 PM The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra’s Monday Night Cabaret Celebrating the Music of the Beatles at the new Thompson Hotel in the Eastern Wharf district. Tickets are available at equinoxorchestra.com
BLUEGRASS BY THE PINT WITH SWAMPTOOTH Join Service Brewing for Bluegrass by the Pint every Friday featuring live bluegrass from favorite local favorite’s, Swamptooth.6 p.m. Service Brewing Co., 574 Indian St.
SATURDAY 1/22
LOW COUNTRY HOME & GARDEN SHOW
returns to the Savannah Convention Center on January 22-23. PLUS – Admission is FREE courtesy of Spa Manufacturers!Enjoy free admission, free onsite parking, and get inspiration, solutions and great deals for home improvement and outdoor projects Whether you are renovating, building, landscaping, or decorating, this is the weekend to solve all your
home and garden challenges. Get inspired by new home and garden ideas, explore aisles of the latest home products and services, save money with show-only discounts, and shop at the Art, Gift & Gourmet (AGG) Marketplace. Show hours are Saturday, January 22, 9a.m. – 7p.m. and Sunday, January 23, 10a.m. – 5p.m. The show will be held at the Savannah Convention Center on Hutchinson Island.
FORSYTH FARMERS MARKET
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.
YOGA + SIPS AT KIMPTON BRICE HOTEL Celebrate the weekend during anupbeat, poolside yoga classes. 60-minute high energy yoga class with Savannah Yoga featuring a welcome cocktail, social hour, and more! Reservations required. Kimpton Brice Hotel 601 E Bay St. bricehotel.com
FIRE & WINE
Enjoy half off bottles of wine and fire pits in the courtyard. Purchase one of our s’mores kits (marshmallows included) for the ultimate fall experience. 6-9 p.m. Foxy Loxy Cafe, 1919 Bull St.
GARDENING SESSION
First and Third Saturday of every month, 9:30 a.m. Charles H. Morris Center10 East Broad St., Savannah Free and open to the
CONNECT SAVANNAH | JANUARY 19-25, 2022
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
HIGHLIGHTED PICKS FROM HOSTESS CITY HAPPENINGS THIS WEEK
5
WEEK
AT A GLANCE
ADMINISTRATIVE ERICA BASKIN PUBLISHER erica@connectsavannah.com (912) 721-4378 WENDY WICKHAM BUSINESS MANAGER wendy@connectsavannah.com (912) 721-4373
CONTENT CHRISTOPHER SWEAT CREATIVE | CONTENT DIRECTOR christopher @connectsavannah.com JAMIE BURTON MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST jamie@connectsavannah.com JASON BIRKELBACH COMMUNITY JOURNALIST jason@connectsavannah.com MCKENNAH DRURY GRAPHIC DESIGNER
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.
/connectsav
@ConnectSavannah
/connectsavannah
PROUD SPONSOR OF
SONGS AND STORIES IN THE SQUARES
The Savannah VOICE Festival has partnered with the Historic Savannah Foundation to host the inaugural “Songs and Stories in the Squares” event on Sunday, January 23 beginning at 2 p.m. outside the Davenport House Museum, 324 E State St., Savannah, GA 31401, on Columbia Square. Docents and HSF supporters will give 10-minute lectures in Columbia, Greene, and Crawford Squares and SVF artists will perform selections, two songs in each square, that complement the theme of the lectures. This event is free and open to the public. Contingency plans have been put in place in case of bad weather.
Featuring the Howard Paul Jazz Trio Live performances from legendary jazz guitarist Howard Paul at Myrtle & Rose Rooftop Garden at Plant Riverside District. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. 400 West River St Join Elks Lodge for Bingo from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Enjoy great family fun, good food at the snack bar, and many chances to win cash. Elks Lodge, 183 Wilshire Blvd.
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. 912-6565626 401 Quarterman Dr.
ADVERTISING INFORMATION: (912) 721-4378 sales@connectsavannah.com
SUNSET PARTY SUNDAY
LOGAN HINTON DIGITAL SALES MANAGER logan@connectsavannah.com (912) 721-4354
ON THE COVER
LAUREN WOLVERTON STRATEGIC MARKETING CONSULTANT lauren@connectsavannah.com (912) 721-4380
Pooler resident and ‘Finding Magic Mike’s’ Ricky Negron photographed at Starland Yard by Adriana Iris Boatwright
DISTRIBUTION
© 2021, Savannah Media, LLC.
WAYNE FRANKLIN DISTRIBUTION MANAGER (912) 721-4376
611 East Bay Street Savannah, Georgia 31401 Phone: (912) 231-0250 | Fax: (912) 238-2041
6
SUNDAY 1/23
BINGO! AT ELKS LODGE
Jesse Blanco, Frank Ricci, Jamie Burton, Marley Gibson, Kareem McMichael, Lauren Wolverton, Bunny Ware, Angie Miller, Travis Jaudon, Erica Lang, Adriana Iris Boatwright, Tanner Levi
6
public. Learn how to garden and harvest vegetables and herbs to bring home. Kerry Shay, an organic farmer and owner of landscaping company Victory Gardens, provides free instruction. First and third Saturday of every month.
LIVE JAZZ SUNDAY BRUNCH
EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS
BUCKY BRYANT STRATEGIC MARKETING CONSULTANT bucky@connectsavannah.com (912) 721-4381
(CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE)
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
MONDAY 1/24
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
PILATES CLASS
Skidaway Island United Methodist Church (SIUMC) offers, to church and non-church members alike, basic Mat Pilates classes on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:15-10:15 a.m., for only $5.00-$6.25 per class. Classes focus on improving core strength, posture, flexibility and muscle tone. Visit siumc. org/nurture 54 Diamond Causeway
TUESDAY 1/25
TACOS FOR A CAUSE SAVANNAH REPERTORY THEATRE
Bull Street Taco. Join us on Tuesdays in January for show-stopping food, drink, and merch specials benefitting the Savannah Repertory Theatre… our non-profit playhouse passionately dedicated to telling great stories in one of America’s foremost literary and artistic cities. Your support will help the players settle into their new home on Broughton St.
WHISKEY TASTING CLASSES
Taste and learn differences between six different whiskey varieties. Reservations required. 7:30 p.m. Congress Street Up, 220 W. Congress St. americanprohibitionmuseum.com
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
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.
COMMUNITY
INTRODUCTIONS
MEET DAVID JOWERS
MAGICIAN By Bunny Ware
Born in Las Vegas but raised in Savannah, local magician David Jowers has spent his entire life sharing magic across the United States.
magnetism. From the theatrics he uses on stage, the way he moves to the lighting, music, movement. He is a performer I admire.
After paying his dues working the comedy circuit, Jowers was recently awarded the position of resident magician at the JW Marriott Plant Riverside District.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRST PERFORMANCE.
Specializing in close-up magic with everyday objects rather than large-scale illusions, Jowers has appeared on VH1’s Celebracadabra, performed at Caroline’s on Broadway and been featured on the Food Network alongside famed chef Rachael Ray. He also performed at the Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas as part of the launch of former professional wrestler and television personality Hulk Hogan’s gaming machine Hulkamania.
HOW OLD WERE YOU WHEN YOU PERFORMED YOUR FIRST MAGIC TRICK. When I was 6 years old my grandfather took me to a magic show then bought me a magic kit for Christmas. My first trick was the Ball and the Vase. It was a little vase with a ball in it. I put the ball in my pocket, placed the lid on the vase and made the ball reappear in the vase. I’ve been totally self taught since that first magic kit 42 years ago.
THERE ARE SO MANY FAMOUS MAGICIANS. WHO DO YOU ADMIRE AND WHY?
A: David Copperfield is my hero. I admire his style and his
Big performance, to me? I was 14 and it was at the old Comedy House Theater on Mall Boulevard here in Savannah. They did amateur nights and said I could come in and do my five minutes but then had to leave. I made a dove appear. With lights streaming down on me, I remember the stool supporting an aluminum pan filled with lighter fluid. I threw the match in, the flames came up, I put the lid on and out came the dove. First try—perfect!
DO YOU CONSIDER MAGIC AN ART, SCIENCE, TRICK OR REALITY?
It’s definitely art and dates back to Jean Robert-Houdin, the father of modern magic.
Lombardi. He invited me to perform in Canada, Las Vegas, New York and Philly. It was my first time in New York. It was beyond freezing cold and it was the first experience I had with snow. Traveling to all these places, it was pretty amazing!
WHAT IS YOUR MOST DIFFICULT TRICK TO PERFORM?
The one that pops into my head is the straight jacket escape. It was at the grand opening of the Distillery in Feb., 2009. They put me in a straight jacket and hoisted me up 40 feet in the air by a boom crane. I had to get out while hanging upside down. I got out in under two minutes.
AS THE RESIDENT MAGICIAN HERE AT JW MARRIOT PLANT RIVERSIDE DISTRICT FOR THE PAST 3 MONTHS—WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR EXPERIENCE WORKING HERE?
WHEN IT COMES TO MAGIC HOW DO PEOPLE RESPOND?
It has been unbelievable since I started. Time goes by so fast but I’m having a ball and I’m very honored to be a part of the JW Marriott Plant Riverside District team. Richard Kessler and his had a really good vision on bringing me in.
YOU’VE PRACTICED MAGIC FROM AGE 14 TO NOW 48, WHAT ARE SOME OF THE UNIQUE PLACES YOU HAVE PERFORMED.
Jowers performs magic regularly at Plant Riverside District and is typically on-site Wednesday through Saturday from 6-10 p.m., performing free strolling magic throughout Savannah’s Entertainment District. To learn more or to view a performance schedule, please visit plantriverside.com.
They pretty much have all the same reaction, disbelief and awe. I really enjoy putting a smile on someone’s face.
When I was doing amateur nights at the Comedy House Theater, I got to do some performances with John “Gemini”
7
COMMUNITY CITY ESTABLISHES OFFICE OF NEIGHBORHOOD SAFETY AND ENGAGEMENT, HIRES DIRECTOR The City of Savannah has established the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (ONSE), dedicated to implementing crime reduction strategies and increasing neighborhood safety through a collaborative community approach, and is pleased to announce John M. Bush, Jr. as the first neighborhood safety and engagement director. Bush brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in community engagement to the role and will provide leadership and daily management of the department, assist with developing and implementing communitywide crime reduction goals, and work directly with law enforcement, concerned citizens and partner organizations to identify and connect individuals in need to support services. Bush will begin his role with the City
of Savannah on Tuesday, Jan. 18. The Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement will focus on: Identifying and engaging individuals at the highest risk of participating in or being a victim of violent crime, Connecting them to comprehensive support services, and Providing an “off-ramp” for individuals to pursue positive growth and development opportunities. Once fully staffed, the ONSE team will work with the community to develop and sustain a citywide network of violence prevention and intervention services and track the community’s progress toward reducing crime and increasing neighborhood safety. The Savannah City Council approved $1 million in 2022 funding to support the city’s neighborhood safety and engagement initiative. These funds will provide community grants to organizations to support credible messengers, violence interrupters, conflict management, out-of-school activities, youth sports, counseling and mentoring activities that engage the most vulnerable youth in alternatives to violence and crime. More information about the ONSE Community Grants program will be available this spring.
ENMARKET ARENA UPDATES COVID-19 POLICIES
CONNECT SAVANNAH | JANUARY 19-25, 2022
The Enmarket Arena staff have updated COVID-19 policies in accordance with local and national guidelines. There are a few key changes being implemented. Per the City of Savannah’s COVID-19 mandate, Enmarket Arena, will require that all guests attending gatherings or events must show either a negative COVID-19 test (PCR or Rapid) taken within 72 hours of the event date OR proof of full vaccination*. Guests can provide proof of full vaccination one of the following ways:
8
1. Using the Bindle app - Learn more about Bindle here (Choose Enmarket Arena or Savannah Civic Center) 2. Their physical vaccination card along with a photo ID that matches the name on the presented card 3. A front and back photo of vaccination card, along with a photo ID that matches the name on the presented card *Individuals are considered fully vaccinated if it’s been 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as
NEWS & NOTES Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine. If you don’t meet these requirements, you are not fully vaccinated. Limited testing will also be available on-site day of the event starting 1.5 hours before show time. Pre-Register at: Lab-fast.com using site code: RAPID NOTE: At home tests WILL NOT be accepted as proof of a negative test, as we can not verify the ticketholder was the individual to take the test. For all events, regardless of capacity, the mandate also requires that all guests must wear a mask while in the facility, unless actively eating or drinking. For those needing a test, officials remind that COVID-19 testing is available at the Savannah Civic Center Mon - Fri., 7:30 – 2:30 or until capacity is reached and 1st and 3rd Saturday, 8:30 – 11:30. Testing is also available at Savannah RX at 1000A Eisenhower Dr. Savannah, GA. Requirements For Children: Children age 5 to 12 years old will need to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test Children age 2 and older are required to wear a mask while in the facility.
CHATHAM CO. HEALTH DEPT. SHIFTS TO ESSENTIAL SERVICES ONLY As of January 11, the Chatham County Health Department has shifted operations to cope with staffing shortages due to COVID-19 cases and exposures. For the time being, the Midtown Clinic at 1602 Drayton Street will be closed for routine public health services. Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and PREP services will still be offered at the Midtown clinic by appointment only. The main clinic at 1395 Eisenhower Drive will offer essential services only. Individuals with existing appointments may be contacted to reschedule. This change does not affect Environmental Health services or Vital Records, nor does it impact operations at the Chatham County Health Department’s COVID testing sites or COVID-19 vaccination sites. Dr. Chris Rustin, the administrator of the Chatham County Health Department, said normal opera-tions will resume as soon as staffing levels improve. For more information, visit coastalhealthdis-trict.org/chatham.
COMMUNITY NEWS waiting and planning this for ten years now. From the time we bought the property, until we designed it, worked through all of the committees to get their approval to build Plant Riverside. Part of that concept from the very beginning was to do this park in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It’s exhilarating to finally get here after ten years. I was ten years younger at the time, you know, and time flies. It’s wonderful today. It was a historic event here in Savannah. I feel so so pleased with all the people that participated, all the people that came out today to enjoy and to recognize Dr. King for all he did for America and for Savannah. So, it’s great. It’s wonderful.” When asked about what it meant personally for him to be able to provide this park and monument to the people of Savannah, Kessler added: “In life, we do certain things and this is one of the things that I really realized today was part of my gift to Savannah and part of my legend here in Savannah. It gave me a great feeling. Really, it’s the combination of ten hard years of work and a lot of people participating. I’m pleased that we could do this today. It really caps off all of the ten years of work so I’m extremely extremely happy. I hope and I believe the community of Savannah, first of all, recognizes what Dr. King did for Savannah and for the Nation. I think the people here are really taking a lot of pride in this and so many people have told me that. They’re so proud to be here, to be a part of it, to enjoy it, and to recognize Dr. King for what he did. So, I think there’s a lot of excitement within the people of Savannah about this project and about this event today.” - Compiled from Staff Reports and reporting by Erica Lang visit connectsavannah.com for more photos and video coverage.
Dr. Naomi King, Savannah Mayor Van Johnson, Georgia State Representative Edna Jackson and The Kessler Collection Chairman and CEO Richard C. Kessler (l-r) unveiled the new Martin Luther King, Jr. monument and dedicated Martin Luther King, Jr. Park at Plant Riverside District in Savannah, Ga. on January 15. (Photo provided by Plant Riverside District)
anatomy at the Art Students League of New York and the School of Visual Arts in New York City. The monument includes an inscription on a stately granite base and will anchor Martin Luther King, Jr. Park at Plant Riverside District in perpetuity. “Today has been 10 years in the making,” Richard C. Kessler, Chairman and CEO of The Kessler Collection, told the audience gathered along the riverfront. “We wanted to create a park and a memorial to Martin Luther King, Jr. at Plant Riverside District, since this is the terminus of Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. in Savannah. This event marks the culmination of 10 years of hard work. I hope this park and this monument will inspire Savannah residents and guests for many years to come.” The construction of Martin Luther King, Jr. Park was a collaboration between The Kessler Collection, Georgia Power Foundation and the City of Savannah. “I thank Richard Kessler for his vision and for this public-private partnership,” said Savannah Mayor Johnson, who supported Kessler’s plans for Martin Luther King, Jr, Park and for a King memorial tribute while serving as an Alderman for the City of Savannah a decade ago. “Generations to come will see this memorial tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr. and will be inspired.” “Today’s a big day,” said Kessler. “We’ve been
CONNECT SAVANNAH | JANUARY 19-25, 2022
Plant Riverside District officially dedicated Martin Luther King, Jr. Park and unveiled a new commemorative bronze and granite memorial to the late Civil Rights leader on Jan. 15. The memorial bust, which was approved by the King family, is the first monument to honor Dr. King in the City of Savannah and is located in Savannah’s first public park named in his memory. Dignitaries addressing the crowd included Dr. Naomi King, sister-in-law of Martin Luther King, Jr.; Savannah Mayor Van Johnson; Georgia State Representative and former Savannah Mayor Edna Jackson; Georgia State Representative Carl Gilliard; and Kessler Collection Chairman and CEO Richard C. Kessler. The event, which attracted several hundred attendees, included moving gospel performances by the Mass Choir of St. Paul CME Church and the Savannah State University Wesleyan Gospel Choir. “In the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and on behalf of the entire King family, it is good to see your wonderful faces today,” said Dr. Naomi King, who received a standing ovation from the enthusiastic audience. “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with us.” The new Martin Luther King, Jr. monument was commissioned by The Kessler Collection and created by acclaimed sculptor Franco Castelluccio, who studied
Photo by Tanner Levi
Plant Riverside District officially dedicates Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, unveils city’s first monument to the late Civil Rights Leader
9
THE FRED AND DINAH GRETSCH SCHOOL OF MUSIC PRESENTS
Travels in Time THURSDAY
January 27
Featuring GRETSCH SCHOOL OF MUSIC FACULTY
7:30 P.M.
FINE ARTS AUDITORIUM Armstrong Campus
Works by Handel, Tartini, Mozart, Kreisler and Shchedrin
Larisa Elisha
Violin
Karla Rocker
Piano
General Admission: $12 (Discounts Available) Georgia Southern Faculty, Staff and Students- Free GeorgiaSouthern.edu/armstrongtickets 912-344-2801 | Mon.–Fri., 12–3 p.m.
COMMUNITY PETS OF THE WEEK Each week, we will highlight pets available for adoption from local rescue organizations. In January, we are featuring One Love Animal Rescue.
LACE
AGE: 6 YEARS COLOR: FAWN WITH A DARKER MUZZLE WEIGHT: 60 POUNDS Meet Lace! Such a pretty girl with soulful eyes and a sweet smile. Lace started out with One Love as a puppy and was adopted out. But she has come back to us through no fault of her own. Lace is now six years old, super affectionate, a snuggler extraordinaire who adores getting attention from her people. She’s house trained and crate trained and has been very well behaved in her foster home. She’s cat and kid friendly, but is best as the only dog. She is working on her leash manners, and enjoys her walks. Lace is a playful, friendly pup with lots of love to give, and she really deserves a family that will cherish her forever! To set up a meet and greet with this gorgeous gal go to oneloveanimalrescue.com
SOPHIE
AGE: UNDER A YEAR COLOR: TUXEDO WEIGHT: SEVEN POUNDS
CONNECT SAVANNAH | JANUARY 19-25, 2022
Little Sophie is just a doll. She was found as a solo kitten in a culvert, howling for someone to help. She’s a precious young kitten and we love her little white socks! Sophie is very affectionate. Her foster mom has watched Sophie attempt to insert herself between her foster dad and a dining room chair. When it’s cuddle time, it’s cuddle time! She hasn’t been dog tested yet, but she’s very brave and hasn’t met a stranger so we think that if the dog is fine with cats, she would get along.
10
12- 8PM Y L I A D N O PE
R O N I E N DI T U O Y R R CA NOW SHIPPING NATION WIDE!
Call 912-786-9857
WWW.THECRABSHACK.COM
ABOUT ONE LOVE ANIMAL RESCUE ONE LOVE, ONE LIFE AT A TIME
A licensed non-profit 501(c)(3) rescue organization, the mission of One Love Animal Rescue, Inc. is to help abandoned, neglected, abused, and unwanted pets by partnering with shelters, rescue groups, and the community to facilitate the adoption of these animals into permanent and loving homes.
Compiled by Jamie Burton
Spoiler alert for fans yet to finish watching HBO Max’s ‘Finding Magic Mike.’ Ricky Negron didn’t win.
U O Y DO N I E V E BELI
? C I G A M
The show is dubbed as an “exhilaratingly sexy reality competition series” wherein 50 male contestants who “fear they’ve lost their mojo, bare their souls–and bodies–for a life-changing opportunity.” Only 10 men make it beyond the first half of the first episode, and from there, they are ousted by the show’s hosts one-by-one based on performances in various (mostly half-naked dancing) competitions. Negron, the undeniable funny guy throughout the series, was eliminated in the sixth of seven episodes.
GRON E N Y K C I R ’ C MIKE’S I G A F YOU M O G T N U I O R E ‘FIND A BELIEV E K A M O T WANTS
He fell just one cut shy of making the finale, despite longshot odds of his ever making it onto the show in the first place. Following the conclusion of the show’s two-month filming process in July and August, Negron and his girlfriend decided to move to Pooler in September of 2021. He recently spoke with Connect about his time on the show, how it changed him and what he plans to do now that he is living in the Savannah area. Negron, 28, was born and raised in Allentown, Pennsylvania, a city 48 miles from Philadelphia. He stayed in Allentown for college and, in 2015, Negron graduated from The Muhlenberg College of Theater & Dance with a degree in Film Study & Communications. At the age of 26 he headed west to Sherman Oaks, California, a suburb of Los Angeles. Like so many others hoping to make it in the film industry, he wasn’t going with plentiful pockets. Quite the opposite.
“I was by myself and I really needed health insurance and so I was just mass-applying to any (jobs) I could. Random things too,” Negron recalled with a laugh in a January phone call. “I started selling women’s shoes at a Bloomingdale’s out there in a world that was really completely foreign to me. But, I did realize quickly that I was pretty fucking good at selling shoes.” He attributes the sole-selling success to his being different than most any other person slinging shoes in the department store.
“It became such a lucrative thing that I was like ‘screw anything else in California, I’m just gonna’ keep selling shoes,’” he says. “I felt like I was on top of the world because I could afford pretty much anything.” As financially fruitful as the female footwear business was for him, Negron doesn’t regret leaving the money in favor of competing on Finding Magic Mike. He was, as he frames it, “stuck in the comfort” of a nine-to-five gig. This show was offering the opposite of comfort. Through stripping (or dancing semi-clothless if you prefer) and partaking in intense choreography sessions, the contestants were judged on how they “grew” physically and socially. And yeah, it’s grand prize was $100,000 cash and the chance to perform alongside the cast of “Magic Mike Live” cast members at the SAHARA in Las Vegas. Shoes to … stripping? Not exactly a career cliche.
be like a ld u o w it “I thought ute application . two-min asn’t that w it t u b s proces
b g out a jo in ll fi e k li It was you were y h w r o f n applicatio your clothes off.” fit to take
“You go through college, or you go through high school and you think you want to be one thing your whole life,” says Negron. “And then, you wake up one day like ‘Oh shit. Maybe I don’t want to do that. Maybe I don’t want to be that.’ “You’re fine, but it’s like … you’re just stuck.” Stuck is exactly what he was when he received the link to apply for the show from a roommate at a moment that perhaps was a sign of things to come. Negron filled out his original contestant application with his pants pulled down to the ankles, sitting on the toilet in his Sherman Oaks apartment. Nature called. Destiny dialed. Ricky answered both. “I was truly just ‘doing my business’ in the bathroom and my legs went numb because I was just sitting there applying for so long,” he recalled. “I thought it would be like a two-minute application process but it wasn’t that. It was like filling out a job application for why you were fit to take your clothes off.
NEGRON NEED-TO-KNOW NAME: Ricardo
By Travis Jaudon
“Ricky” Negron AGE: 28 FROM: Allentown, PA
Photographed by Adriana Iris Boatwright at Starland Yard
Ever the outlier, Negron used humor to make his way through the application process and he used that same tool to reach the show’s final four. Negron has mockingly called himself a “caramelflavored Harry Potter” in the past, and throughout the show, he shows actual growth on camera. A trait that this show–like most all reality programs of its kind do–so desperately desires for its magicless males. On camera and on a phone interview, he is selfdeprecating in the smartest manner and self-reflective
INSTAGRAM/TWITTER: @rickynegron_
in the smallest moments. After all, if he was picked for the show, he must’ve lost his “magic” at some point. If he made it as far as he did in the competition, he must’ve found at least some portion of the potion once again. “I did feel lost and kind of like I didn’t know what was going on or where I fit in (before going on the show). I definitely feel like the lure of ‘finding your magic’ worked for me,” he says when asked for an overview of the show’s impact on him. “For me, it was just about finding something that makes you unique, important when you’re lacking features that make you stand out in society focused on physical features. “The show came at a perfect time for me.”
Negron says he isn’t sure that comedy is an actual career path for him. It’s not “a viable option” when trying to pay the bills, he admits. He is in search of a job now that he has decided to make Savannah his home, and he is hoping to bring the same energy to his next adventure as he did on his last. Host of the show and actor in the film Magic Mike, Adam Rodriguez seems to think that Negron has a bright future ahead of him. Rodriguez spoke while Negron’s departing montage played in episode six following his elimination. “I really believe Ricardo’s got just a unique point of view and that he can do something to enrich the world.”
CONNECT SAVANNAH | JANUARY 19-25, 2022
“Naturally I was sitting on that toilet for a long while because I didn’t know if I should answer (the questions) seriously or with humor. I think I thought millions of other guys would be sitting on their toilets filling this thing out.”
RESIDES: Pooler, GA
13
BRUNCH
19-25
JAN/
CONNECT SAVANNAH
GUIDE
PRESENTED BY
CUTWATER SPIRITS
WHERE TO GRAB BRUNCH IN SAVANNAH
To have your restaurant considered for inclusion in the weekly Brunch Guide, please send an email to happenings @connectsavannah.com. Include the restaurant name, a few menu highlights, address, contact number, and website. The submission deadline is 5PM each Friday before the following Wednesday’s edition.
THE HOSTESS CITY IS FAMOUS FOR BRUNCH! AND CONNECT SAVANNAH HAS YOU COVERED 24/7 IF THAT’S WHAT YOU’RE CRAVING! VISIT OUR ONLINE BRUNCH GUIDE AT CONNECTSAVANNAH.COM OR SCAN THE QR CODE BELOW. HUEY’S
Located on River Street, Huey’s is a Southern Cafe serving both New Orleans style classics and Lowcountry favorites. Some of their brunch specialties include a Seafood Omelette filled with wild caught shrimp, lump crab, scallops, and thermidor sauce. And the best part? Their brunch specials are served all day, every day starting at 8 a.m. 115 E. River St. hueysontheriver.net
CHURCHILL’S
Two words: bottomless mimosas. Churchill’s serves up British cuisine with unique ingredients from Costal Ga. Join them for one of their unique menu items like the roasted vegetable quiche. 13W. Bay St. thebritishpub.com
CONNECT SAVANNAH | JANUARY 19-25, 2022
WORLD OF BEER
14
Join the World of Beer on the weekends for bottomless mimosas, beermosas, or Bloody Marys. Don’t forget to pair it with a chicken and waffle sandwich or one of their breakfast flatbreads. 112 W Broughton St. worldofbeer.com
THE SENTIENT BEAN
Serving a special brunch menu with seasonal ingredients fresh from Forsyth Farmers’ Market, join the Sentient Bean every Sun. from 9 - noon for brunch. Some local favorites include a brunch bowl and vegan pancakes. 13 E. Park Ave. sentientbean.com
THE FUNKY BRUNCH CAFÉ
Colorful brunch spot featuring a cook-yourown pancakes option on griddles built into the tables. 304 E Broughton St. thefunkybrunchcafe.com
HENRY’S RESTAURANT
Stop by Henry’s for one of Savannah’s classic breakfasts downtown. 28 Drayton St. henrys. restaurantwebexpert.com
TOP DECK
Chill out on the rooftop and take in the city views at Top Deck, located above the Cotton Sail Hotel on River St. Offering craft cocktails, charcuterie boards, small plates, and more, Check out their famous “Mimosa Tower.” 125 W. River St. topdeckbar.com
ARDSLEY STATION
Famous for their Johnny Cake Benedict. 12hr-pork, poached eggs, and collard greens béarnaise. 102 E. Victory Dr. ardsleystation.com
BARFOOD
Guys, trying to get your lady to watch more sports? Ladies, need a way to get your man out to brunch on Sundays? BarFood has both. Join them for brunch on Sundays at 11 a.m. for biscuit and gravy casserole or loaded avocado toast. 4523 Habersham St. savannahbarfood.com
22 SQUARE RESTAURANT
Gather with your friends and family to share a farmto-table Southern inspired brunch at 22 Square Restaurant, located inside the Andaz. Build your own omelet or try their shrimp n’ grits paired with a Bloody Mary or Citrus Mimosa. 14 Barnard St.
MCDONOUGH’S RESTAURANT
Known around town as a place where locals go, McDonough’s extensive menu ensures that everyone is able to find something to eat, even the pickiest of eaters. Kitchen is open at 10 a.m. seven days a week. 21 E. McDonough St. mcdonoughslounge.com
THE PIRATES HOUSE
If you enjoy brunch with a side of history, their brunch offers an all-you-can-eat buffet with a range of Southern style dishes and dessert. Full menu is available as well. 20 E. Broad St. thepirateshouse.com
BARNES RESTAURANT
A BBQ favorite of locals, Barnes serves up a variety of different Southern BBQ specials seven days a week. Try their fried or rotisserie chicken with one of their home-made Southern sides. 5320 Waters Ave. barnesrestaurant.com
FEATURED: 22 SQUARE RESTAURANT
Gather with your friends and family to share a farm-to-table Southern inspired brunch at 22 Square Restaurant, located inside the Andaz. Build your own omelet or try their shrimp n’ grits paired with a Bloody Mary or Citrus Mimosa. EGGS UP GRILL
Chorizo Quesadilla - a flour tortilla stuffed and grilled with crumbled chorizo sausage, scrambled eggs, pepper jack cheese, sautéed bell peppers, onions, and ancho chili sauce. Topped with housemade corn salsa. 5710 Ogeechee Rd, Suite 450 eggsupgrill.olo.com
LILI’S RESTAURANT & BAR
Relax and enjoy brunch on Wilmington Island with bottomless mimosas! Try the Spicy Tataki Bloody Mary, made with Savannah Bloody Mary Mix and pepper-infused Vodka, garnished with pickled vegetables and seared
Tuna. Brunch specialties: crab cakes benedict and breakfast burritos. Brunch is 11:00-3:00, Sundays 326 Johnny Mercer Boulevard, Wilmington Island
OAK 36 BAR + KITCHEN
The menu features items like creamy gouda grits with shrimp and chorizo topped with a Lowcountry Sauce, or buttermilk cheddar biscuits smothered in Hunter Cattle sausage gravy. Try Bottomless bubbles, peach, strawberry and raspberry bellini, Savannah Coffee Roasters Espresso Martini, Oak’s pickled bloody mary. oakthirtysix.com
ANOTHER BROKEN EGG CAFÉ
Lobster Benedict – a toasted “everything” bagel topped with sauteed asparagus, poached eggs and sauteed lobster in a creamy bisque-style sauce. Served with grits or fresh country potatoes. 201 C Tanger Outlet Blvd, anotherbrokenegg.com
BRUNCH IN SAVANNAH IS BEST ENJOYED WITH
FOOD & DRINK EAT IT & LIKE IT PRESENTED WEEKLY BY SAVANNAH TECHNICAL COLLEGE
RANDOM RUMINATIONS FROM THE FOOD SCENE EAT IT AND LIKE IT By Jesse Blanco eatitandlikeit.com
HOP ATOMICA A couple of weeks ago we briefly set the table for some of the eats we can expect along the Savannah landscape in 2022. At the time we told you about the 4 biggies we knew about and promised there would be others. A week later, one of those biggies we’d known about but weren’t at liberty to share made national news. Vogue Magazine to be exact. What is it, you ask?
owner Kyle Jacovino has been wanting to bring to Savannah for years. To his credit, he executed his pizza vision somewhat perfectly first, now he’s planning to build on that. Lucía is coming to the Starland District in Savannah featuring grinders during the day and pastas at night. That project is still roughly 12-14 months away. But it is coming.
Sticking in that part of town for now, now open on Whitaker Street is THE GARAGE AT VICTORY NORTH. It is in the space previously occupied by Troupial coffee shop. The Garage has a good looking menu of small plates and a full liquor bar. I’m very much looking forward to a visit there.
Speaking of the Farmer’s Market, they made the big announcement last week that they were retiring the food truck they’d been using for a number of years and beginning a fundraiser to purchase another. You will undoubtedly be hearing more about this going forward, but if you can see the full story right now at eatitandlikeit.com From the “Call it like I see it” Department... the burger at ARDSLEY STATION is fantastic and the pizza at HOP ATOMICA is dramatically improved from my last two visits there. Similarly, if you have not tried the grilled cheese at FINCHES SANDWICHES AND SUNDRIES, shame on you. (continued next page)
CONNECT SAVANNAH | JANUARY 19-25, 2022
LUCÍA is an Italian concept Pizzeria Vittoria
Meanwhile, TROUPIAL is moving directly across Whitaker into a newly refurbished older home. They will re-open soon. In the meantime, you can find Majo and her magic at the FORSYTH FARMER’S MARKET.
15
COCKTAIL OF THE WEEK Plethora of Piñatas ENJOY AT:
BULL STREET TACO MADE WITH: MADE WITH: DARK RUM, PINEAPPLE, COCO LOPEZ Plethora, that’s the rum that we use. Tiki Lovers, it’s a tiki-style dark rum. That is blended with some Coco Lopez and then we have a housemade Tepache. The owner actually makes it at home so it’s a lightly fermented pineapple juice. It is really our spin on a Piña Colada. Plethora of Piñatas is also available as one of their cocktail bottles to-go. Bring it home, shake it well, and pour over ice. There’s enough for three drinks!
MEET THE MIXOLOGIST:
Lindsay Sparmann I love the Ancho Honey Margarita. It’s got a little spice to it. Honey is added to it. It’s a well-balanced, amazing cocktail. If I wasn’t at work, I usually like to drink a beer with a shot of tequila.
It also helps to work for genuinely good owners. That’s a big deal. It’s a game-changer. Nine times out of ten you’re spending more time at work than you are anywhere else so it makes a big difference.
My favorite part about being a bartender is knowing that every day isn’t going to be the same when you wake up. It’s generally a very social job which makes time go by quickly. I’ve been at Bull Street Taco for two years.
During my free time in Savannah, I do love taking a walk in Forsyth Park. I wish I could head over to Tybee Island more often. Mostly, I’m looking to see what events are going on. I also like to go to a brewery.
The food is fresh and consistently delicious. I was very nervous I was going to get bored of guacamole after working here this long. To this day, ours is still one of my absolute favorites.
EAT IT & LIKE IT (CONT.) We’ve gotten several inquiries about WINTER RESTAURANT WEEK in Savannah. There will not be one. Knowing
CONNECT SAVANNAH | JANUARY 19-25, 2022
what we know about staffing shortages across the board, it would not have been the smartest move to approach restaurants with this idea right now. That said, we are planning one later this year.
16
For those of you who aren’t allergic to the Talmadge Bridge, Bluffton/HILTON HEAD RESTAURANT WEEK begins on January 29 and will run through February 5. If you enjoy road trips, join us just over an hour away on Jekyll Island for WHISKEY WINE AND WILDLIFE. The most beautiful food festival on the Georgia Coast. 100 yards off of the beach. If you use the promo code EALI10 you will save $10 on General Admission tickets. Don’t say we’ve never given you anything.
OAK 36 at the Twelve Oaks Shopping Center will be closed for
the better part of this week after a small kitchen fire last weekend. Work to clean it up has been ongoing. Check with them before you make plans to head over there.
ARDSLEY STATION
By Jamie Burton
jamie@connectsavannah.com
CULTURE
THEATER WORKSHOPS
Quality Eats + Drinks
LUNCH DINNER FULL BAR MON-SAT 11AM-1AM SUN 11:30AM-5 PM
C lassic Sandwiches on Locally Baked Bread FRESH HOUSE MADE
soup
sides
pickles
dine in 912.200.4940 take out
Weekly Specials 1215 barnard street savannah, ga 31401 w w w . b l a c k r a b b i t s a v. c o m
SAVANNAH STAGE COMPANY AUDITION PREP WORKSHOPS PREPARING ACTORS TO SHINE Do you feel you have what it takes to shine on stage as an actor? Well, here’s a way to sharpen those audition skills before the big audition, for the 5th year the Savannah Stage Company is hosting their Audition Prep Workshop series. The in-person workshop series will be taught by professional actors and is primarily for students interested in developing their audition skills, but the series is open to everyone. “We’re super excited to be back in person this year. Over the years, we’ve fine-tuned the workshops and focused the content,” said Jayme Tinti, Artistic Director and Co-Founder of the Savannah Stage Company. Tinti and Director of Education Lexi Balaoing Ambrose are leading the workshops that are designed to helps students auditioning for Savannah Arts Academy for Visual and Performing Arts and Esther F. Garrison School for the Arts. “Garrison and Savannah Arts audition in the beginning of the year for their theater program. We make sure that we are including the requirements needed for those in our workshops,” said Tinti. The different workshops will hit on a variety of topics including monologue selection and coaching, cold reading, professional technique, Shakespeare and imporv. Savannah Stage Company noticed the area of needs for the students and designed a curriculum that would better equip them for school auditions and beyond. “We make sure that everyone has a monologue that suits them and that the monologues are active, engaging, imaginative, and simplified,” said Tinti. “We do lots of cold reading because they can feel so scary, but we show the students a lot of good tips and tools that they can use to get them as prepared as possible for that.” The Shakespeare component was added after Savannah Arts Academy switched up things a few years ago and asked students to prepare a Shakespeare monologue. Improv is another huge
component because it provides another way for students to engage and understand material. In addition to the creative side, the workshops give insight to the professional side of things as well. “We reinforce the professional standards like showing up on time. The audition starts as soon as you arrive and you never know who is watching you. Maybe it’s the resume, cover letter or headshots but we make sure that they understand the professional standards and have the necessary requirements,” Tinti said. In summer of 2021 Savannah Stage Company introduced “Teen Company”, which is a group of 14-17-year-old professional teen actors. This group uses live productions to display and expand their skills. “We met tons of really great people at the audition prep workshops and we asked how we can include them and highlight these young artists, so we created a teen company,” said Tinti. “We have a high success rate for students making it into their programs after going through our workshops.” The workshops are one of many ways the Savannah Stage Company is making theater accessible and continuing education. The company has also started virtual field trips, which bring the theater experience to schools in a literary educational experience. “It’s everything a teacher needs to provide their students with an engaging, immersive theatrical experience right to their screen,” Tinti said. Though there are four workshops, there is an option to choose two. It is a part of the Savannah Stage Company’s mission to be sure that what they offer is accessible so there are “pay what you can” options available as well. For adults they are offering 1 on 1 coaching audition services. For more information on the virtual field trips and to register for the workshops visit savannahstagecompany.com
CULTURE
STELLA RANAE VON SCHMID’S
ULTIMATE CALLING By Beth Logan ART COLUMNIST
Stella Ranae Von Schmid is just as interesting and unique as her name may suggest…a slim, attractive woman with a vintage 50’s clothing and hair vibe who always sports THE best frames (thanks to Dr. Morrow of Foresight Eye Care). She meets me at the jam-packed antique and furniture consignment store Merchants on Bee that is also home to many artists and makers. Her booth is filled with silk velvet scarves and wraps, framed leather pieces and purses, kimonos, wool and leather brooches, pillowcases, and napkins—all sewn in the most beautiful array of colorful eco-dyed fabrics, many botanically printed. A native of the coal mining region of Pennsylvania, Von Schmid grew up in Mount Carmel and studied Communications at Bloomsburg University. A selfdescribed “textile whore” she tells me how she was drawn to fabrics from an early age. “I always had an affinity for clothing and sewing. I was a Catholic school girl who had to wear the uniform, but I have a great auntie who would send me this horrendous mess of vintage clothing that I would cut up, restyle and wear. I loved playing dress-up and thinking I was cool.” Her passion for vintage continued from junior high to today, and for a time, she made her living buying and selling vintage clothing online and at shows. Five years ago, Von Schmid moved to Savannah to be closer to her son. She loves the small-town feel, saying it reminds her of “sections of Philly where there’s a lot of artisans and artists. It’s very easy to connect with people.” When I ask her if she considered continuing selling vintage clothing after relocating, she says she still has vendors from up north who call her to source particular vintage pieces, but that she is slowly selling off clothing online to collectors. “I was doing the vintage to feed this current work. I was selling it to be able to afford more research and development into my natural dyes. Vintage is still very close to my heart. I use a lot of older fabrics and textiles, but this is the ultimate calling.” I tell her that she and her husband always look very fabulous, and she laughs and says, “I still have a very extensive wardrobe. I have a coat for every year I’ve been on this earth. That’s 48 coats. Completely unnecessary!” It was her need to restore the vintage clothing that eventually drew Von Schmid into her current art form—making wearable fashion from naturally dyed fabrics.
Above: Von Schmid in her booth at Merchants on Bee. Opposite: Eco print
“I did a lot of hand sewing, a lot of taking things apart and seeing how things were constructed. But the challenge in the restoration work was to find original color matches. I was using Rit dyes and just not getting the color right, so I started doing research, figuring out my dyes through lots of trial and error.” Part of the Slow Art Movement derived from centuries’ old folk traditions, Von Schmid is self-taught and spent years perfecting her unique dying processes. She did, however, sign up for an indigo and eco-print workshop on Ossabaw Island after moving to Savannah. Now she grows her own Sea Island Indigo from the generational seeds garnered from that visit. “I grow it every season and I dye a select few pieces from it each year.” In addition to the rich blue of indigo, Von Schmid’s fabrics are naturally dyed in a rainbow of other colors... I buy a bandana for my granddog in a beautiful pink derived from the female Cochineal bugs of Peru and the Canary Islands and admire a scarf in orange and yellow hues derived from Osage Orange tree shavings. She sources fair-trade and self-sustaining dyes worldwide from such places as Guam and Mexico, though says she is making more of an effort to find them within the U.S. whenever possible and, of course, creates many herself. Von Schmid, husband Peter, chi/pit mix Machete Von Trejo, and Australian shepherd Doc Holiday Browne reside in the Live Oak neighborhood, a short walk from Merchants on Bee. Her home has two art spaces she describes as “an outdoor, messy, sloppy space for all of the dyes, steamers, pans, and boiling pots” and a bedroom that she’s converted into a “clean space for all the fabrics.” Von Schmid explains that botanical printing is contact printing in its simplest form: “It’s basically a sandwich to make the botanical matter come in contact with the fibers.” She forages locally, often by bicycle, for the leaves, blossoms, and other seasonal botanicals. “ I lay out the leaves and flowers in a very organic way on the fabric and then cover them in a blanket saturated with dye. Then the bundle is rolled up into a cigar and wrapped even tighter by applying pressure so that the contact is complete. Finally, I boil or steam the bundle, usually for about 90 minutes, to ‘lift’ the colors off the blanket and off the botanical matter.” Before unbundling the piece, Von Schmid has a general idea of how the fabric will appear, but sometimes there are magical surprises “because I am working with completely organic material.” After the fabrics are scoured to release all gums and resins, they are conditioned and washed and are finally ready to be pressed, stitched, and made into fabulous one-of-akind creations. “I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and fibromyalgia that were diagnosed during the pandemic. I can only do so much. This work excites me, but it’s also therapy for me. It’s therapy for my body, my hands, and my mind. Selling it is the bonus. It’s a gift when someone compliments and buys your work.” Inherited from the maternal side of her family, she calls her R.A. a blessing. “It slows me down and makes me more mindful. Now I’m thankful for recognizing my limitations.” Not knowing what the future holds for her health, Von Schmid is transitioning into teaching more classes to show others how to color fibers, marble fabric and make botanical prints. “Maybe one of my students can bring this to a whole new level. I love to see the discoveries in this field. It’s fascinating to connect to the worldwide botanical printing community; I love to see what someone is doing in Bali or in Singapore or Japan and learn about their techniques.” Sign up for classes or see Von Schmid’s work at Merchants on Bee, GDC Home Furnishings & Decor on East York, at StellaRanae.com, and at Instragram.com/StellaRanae, where you can also find videos of her process.
February 17-20, 2022
TICK ETS
ON SALE
January 27
David Baldacci
International #1 Best-Selling Author
Thursday, February 17
OPENING ADDRESS 6:30 PM
Lucas Theatre
William Kent Krueger Edgar Award-Winning Author
Friday, February 18
KEYNOTE ADDRESS 6:00 PM
Lucas Theatre
Friends & Fiction
Mary Kay Andrews, Kristin Harmel, Kristy Woodson Harvey, Patti Callahan Henry
Sunday, February 20
C LO S I N G A D D R E S S 2:00 PM
Lucas Theatre
TICKETS Savannah Box Office 912.525.5050 or savannahboxoffice.com
$
25
TO
$
30
FESTIVAL SATURDAY · February 19 FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC OVER 30 AUTHORS · 7 VENUES For a complete schedule of events, visit www.SavannahBookFestival.org Presenting Sponsors THE PHILIP E. AND NANCY B. BEEKMAN FOUNDATION DAVE AND NANCY CINTRON
Signature Media Sponsor
CULTURE
THE ART SCENE
Photo by Nuno Serrano
Savannah ranked top art-buying city in the U.S. Artfinder, which bills itself as the world’s largest online art marketplace, has revealed the top art-buying cities across the U.S., with Savannah taking the crown. Savannah ranks as the top art-buying city, with 133 artworks sold per 100,000 inhabitants. The Top 10 also includes Alexandria, Huntington Beach, Bellevue, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Arlington, Saint Louis, Miami and Seattle – making them the U.S.’ most arty cities. Interestingly, art lovers in Savannah buy more paintings than any other kind of art, with oil paintings making up 51% of all pieces bought. People and portraits seem to be their preference when it comes to the subject on their artworks, as they make up 28% of all purchases and landscapes, sea and sky follow closely (24% of all purchases). When it comes to style and color, impressionistic art is most popular (43% of all purchase). Interestingly though, when it comes to which color is the most popular the whole of the US can seemingly agree, as grey comes out on top across every Art Capital, with grey artwork making up 43% of Savannah’s pieces. Michal Szczesny, CEO at Artfinder adds: “It’s brilliant to see the spread of cities across the US with an interest of art. 2020 saw a real boom for the online art market, with overall online art sales worldwide doubling to a record high of $12.4 billion in 2020, accounting for an all-time high of 25% of the art market’s overall value, up from just 9% in 2019.” “Fueled by our community of independent artists, we believe that art should be enjoyed by everyone, and from buying to living with it. All without the pretense or pomp. We couldn’t be happier to provide art-fans with unique work they love.” Artfinder sells original art from 6,000 artists in 96 countries, making it the world’s largest online marketplace for art. Find out more about the Top 10 art capitals in the US at artfinder.com
ARTFINDER.COM TOP ART-BUYING CITIES 1. SAVANNAH 133 art sales per 100,000 2. ALEXANDRIA 95 art sales per 100,000 3. HUNTINGTON BEACH 92 art sales per 100,000 4. BELLEVUE 90 art sales per 100,000 5. BOCA RATON 90 art sales per 100,000 6. FORT LAUDERDALE 66 art sales per 100,000 7. ARLINGTON 57 art sales per 100,000 8. SAINT LOUIS 49 art sales per 100,000 9. MIAMI 48 art sales per 100,000 10. SEATTLE 45 art sales per 100,000
LET'S BRUNCH
EVERY WEEK AT OAK 36 MIDTOWN MONDAYS "INDUSTRY NIGHT" WITH KARAOKE 10PM-2AM TRIVIA TUESDAY 7PM BRUNCH EVERY SATURDAY + SUNDAY 11AM- 3PM OPEN LUNCH TO LATE-NIGHT 11AM-2AM 5500 ABERCORN ST., SUITE 36, TWELVE OAKS ~ OAKTHIRTYSIX.COM ~ 912.999.8112 ~ ORDER FOOD + RESERVATIONS AVAILABLE ONLINE
CONNECT SAVANNAH
ART PATROL CHRISTIAN SIRIANO ‘PEOPLE ARE PEOPLE’
People Are People, famed American designer Christian Siriano’s first solo museum exhibition, honors the undisputed industry leader’s electrifying contributions to fashion. Drawn from his extensive archive, the exhibition features bold creations from Siriano’s decade-plus career that celebrate self-expression for every body at every age. Jan. 30. scadmoa. org. scadmoa.org/. SCAD Museum of Art, 601 Turner Blvd.
CHUL-HYUN AHN: BEYOND
Telfair Museums’ 2022 PULSE Art + Technology Festival features a solo exhibition by Baltimore-based artist Chul-Hyun Ahn (Korean, b. 1971) whose light boxes made from LEDs, one-way mirrors, and sculptural materials create the suggestion of infinite space, whether the illusion of a railroad track curving into the darkness or geometric abstractions in vibrant color. Ahn’s precise and mesmerizing works also reflect the influence of Zen Buddhism and providing otherworldly experiences that connect to the spiritual as well as the language and history of abstraction. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.. 912-790-8800. info@telfair.org. telfair.org/exhibitions/ chul-hyun-ahn-beyond/. telfair.org/jepson/. [secondary event]
TELFAIR MUSEUMS’ 2022 PULSE ART + TECHNOLOGY FESTIVAL
DETACHMENT SWEET DETACHMENT A STACEY ISENBARGER EXHIBIT
Mixed-media artist Stacy Isenbarger seeks ways to examine our sense of home using materials ranging from upholstered forms, needle work, and velvet to concrete, tree branches, and rocks. Located in the Armstrong Fine Arts Hall gallery. Admission: Free Jan. 28, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.. 912-344-
To submit an ART PATROL listing, please email us at happenings@connectsavannah.com
2801. armstongboxoffice@georgiasouthern.edu. cah.georgiasouthern.edu/ armstrong-box-office/tickets/. Armstrong Campus, Georgia Southern University, 11935 Abercorn St.
‘FROM DUST TO GOLD’ BY DAVID GUMBS
This exhibition represents the first U.S. solo exhibition by Caribbean artist David Gumbs, featuring immersive, interactive digital installations and drawings. Gumbs is a multi-disciplinary artist from the island of Saint Martin, currently based in Martinique. Inspired by Caribbean flora, fauna, history, and mythology, Gumbs’ work often is concerned with “the offscreen of perception, the cycle of life, the visible and invisible.” More on telfair.org 10 a.m.-5 p.m.. telfair.org/exhibitions/david-gumbs-fromdust-to-gold/. telfair.org/jepson/. Jepson Center for the Arts, 207 West York St.
ROBERT WILSON ‘A BOY FROM TEXAS’
Renowned for his masterful use of light in theatrical productions across the world’s most important theaters, Robert Wilson (b. 1941, Waco, Texas) has often cited the expansive horizons of the Texas landscape as a source of inspiration for his stage environments. His earliest performance works were actions of extreme duration, “silent operas” with no words, few sounds, and slow, exacting movements: theatrical movement at the pace of nature. A Boy From Texas is in part homage to the work of George Paul Thek, Wilson’s close friend and collaborator on early performances. Thek’s visionary installations were environments of fantasy and detritus constructed over a span of weeks by an ensemble of artists working collectively. Recurring in these installations was the motif of a stag as well as a room-sized “tomb” in the form of a truncated pyramid, envisioned by Thek as a site of rebirth and renewal. Jan. 25. scadmoa.org. scadmoa.org/. SCAD Museum of Art, 601 Turner Blvd.
STAGES BY DANIEL E. SMITH
Stages by artist Daniel E. Smith is an exhibition of architectural abstracts and abstract paintings inspired by previous works accepted into Telfair Museum’s permanent collection. Through the use of color, shape, and light, the exhibition features work that reflects on the human existence and our role in the global, political, environmental, and social crises spanning the past forty years. Stages by Daniel E. Smith. On view at Kobo Gallery. September 17th - December 31st, 2021. ongoing, 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.. 912-201-0304. Kobo Gallery, 33 Barnard Street
BETH LOGAN’S RECOMMENDATIONS Don’t miss this Friday evening’s (Jan. 21) opening reception at Location Gallery, 251 Bull Street, when A.J. Perez, co-founder and studio manager of Sulfur Studios, shows his portraits of local, regional and global personalities. What would a show at Location Gallery be without a clever title? Famously punning curator Peter Roberts does not disappoint: “Headliners” is a nod to both the personalities and to Perez’s technique of drawing in one continuous line, not letting his pigment leave the paper’s surface. Perez will offer in-person portraits both on opening night and on the afternoons of Saturday, January 22 and Saturday, January 29. Gallery profits will be donated to ARTS Southeast, a non-profit with the mission of making Savannah a destination for art and culture in the Southeast.
MONTHLY PHOTO GROUP CRITIQUE
A monthly gathering of photographers / photo-based artists who are interested in cultivating a photo community in Savannah. We aim to provide a forum for artists at all levels, digital or analog, to
receive critical feedback. All who wish to provide a safe but challenging environment to grow with input from a group of peers are welcome. Hosted by Bridget Conn & Emily Earl. third Wednesday of every month, 6 p.m.. sulfurstudios.org. 2301 Bull St.
CONNECT SAVANNAH | JANUARY 19-25, 2022
features a solo exhibition by Baltimore-based artist Chul-Hyun Ahn (Korean, b. 1971) whose light boxes made from LEDs, one-way mirrors, and sculptural materials create the suggestion of infinite space, whether the illusion of a railroad track curving into the darkness or geometric abstractions in vibrant color. Ahn’s precise and mesmerizing works also reflect the influence of Zen Buddhism and providing otherworldly experiences that connect to the spiritual as well as the language and history of abstraction. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.. 912-790-8800. info@telfair.org. telfair.org/exhibitions/chul-hyun-ahn-beyond/. telfair.org/jepson/. Jepson Center for the Arts, 207 West York St.
19-25
JAN/
21
LIVE THEATER CULTURE Savannah Children’s Theatre’s ‘Seussical’ brings message of togetherness to the stage
CONNECT SAVANNAH | JANUARY 19-25, 2022
By Kareem McMichael
22
The Savannah Children’s Theatre presents “Seussical” this January. “Seussical” is a musical comedy by Tony winners Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, based on the many children’s stories of Dr. Seuss, with most of its plot being based on “Horton Hears a Who!”, “Gertrude McFuzz”, and “Horton Hatches the Egg while incorporating many other stories. This production has been in the making for a while. “We actually cast this back in January of 2020, and production was shut down because of covid-19. We promised the cast that one day we were going to bring the show to fruition, that we would see it through. Some of these cast members have literally been preparing and waiting for these roles to come to life for two years,” said Jenn Doubleday, The Savannah Children’s Theatre Associate Director. This is not their first time producing “Seussical,” but the Savannah Children’s Theatre feel that it is the timeless and timely message of the show that makes it great to present again right now. “This is like our 10-year challenge since we did this show in 2012,” said Doubleday. “It also seems like the perfect show to bring to Savannah right now because it is about including your community and everyone in your community, from the smallest of small to the tallest of tall. It’s a really great message for togetherness and for inclusion.” “I am lucky to be surrounded by such talented people of various ages. Finally getting the chance to do this show is very refreshing for me. I absolutely love doing this show,” said JoJo Ward who plays the Cat in the Hat in the show. In addition to actors being on stage there will be puppeteers, costumers, prop makers and a newly installed video wall where Dr. Seuss images will be projected onto the stage. They also added circus elements to this show. “I’ve been the director and choreographer. We’ve been working on circus elements like aerial silks to bring some of our circus students to the stage. There has been a lot of choreography, both on the ground and in the air,” said Doubleday. Driven by their mission to inspire, educate & entertain children & families through the experience of live theatre, both on & off the stage the Savannah Children’s Theatre has produced more than 60 productions since its debut in 2004. For them this show matches their theme and in the spirit of togetherness they are seeing this show through. “This cast is one of the most dedicated and dynamic groups of people I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with. They all know every moment of the show, they sing on stage, they dance on stage, they cover for each other. They’ve been working on costumes and on props. They have been such a huge part of creating this supportive, collaborative community. I wouldn’t have wanted to do this two-year journey with any other group of people. They are outstanding,” said Doubleday.
JoJo Ward & Nikki DeCubellis in Savannah Children’s Theatre’s ‘Seussical.’ Photo by Kendra Norwood Brown
Covid-19 has continued to cause various groups to continue to adjust and the Savannah Children’s Theatre is taking the necessary steps to keep everyone safe, but they are excited to present this show live. “In Act 1, the Cat in the Hat says ‘How Lucky to be in the Theatre. More lucky than you know’ That pretty much sums it up for me. I am very lucky to be a part of this production,” said Ward.
FILM CINEMA CIRCLE 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY BACK TO THE BIG SCREEN! THURSDAY JANUARY 20 AT 7:00 PM TRUSTEES THEATER, BROUGHTON ST. A film that transformed and transcended cinematic achievements kicks off the return of SCAD Cinema Circle. Directed by none other than the fearsomely brilliant Stanley Kubrick from a story by Arthur C. Clarke, it’s a staggering spectacle that can only truly be experienced on the big screen. Tickets are free for SCAD cardholders; $5 for students, military, and seniors; $8 for the general public.
Hearing that line gives Doubleday says gives goosebumps. “I just keep coming back to that line whenever I think about the show and what we’re doing right now. We are very lucky to be in this theater, and we are very lucky to still be able to serve this community this way,” she said. The show runs January 20–23 and 27–30. Tickets can be purchased at savannahchildrenstheatre.org
STYLE: WHAT ARE WE WEARING? By Lauren Wolverton
lauren@connectsavannah.com Mid length, knit dresses and skirts are everywhere right now. Try pairing a knit skirt with a classic black tee, tied to the side. Layer it with your favorite cardigan for a cozy look with a chic twist. A knit skirt is comfortable, but looks a bit more put together than knit sweatpants. Paid this look with an interesting bag and you’ll be the most fashionable, and the most comfortable, person in the room. Black tee, brown cardigan, knit skirt, peacock purse available at Delaney Rose Boutique (1813 Bull St).
CONNECT SAVANNAH | JANUARY 19-25, 2022
Though it’s not a cold, gloomy winter here in Savannah, you may still need some help fighting the January blues. A pop of red in your outfit is the key to brightening your day. Bring the heat to your go-to jeans and T-shirt look with a bold bag like this one. Bonus points for matching your lipstick to the same shade of red! Rolling Stones tee, cream coat, blue jeans and purse available at Delaney Rose Boutique (1813 Bull St).
23
CULTURE Savannah’s Independent Bookstore since 1975 offering a selection of fiction, nonfiction, regional, and children’s books
BOOKS
WHAT ARE WE READING? PRESENTED AND CURATED WEEKLY BY E. SHAVER, BOOKSELLER LAND OF BIG NUMBERS: STORIES BY TE-PING CHEN
Gripping and compassionate, Land of Big Numbers traces the journeys of the diverse and legion Chinese people, their history, their government, and how all of that has tumbled—messily, violently, but still beautifully—into the present. Cutting between clear-eyed realism and tongue-incheek magical realism, Chen’s stories coalesce into a portrait of a people striving for openings where mobility is limited. Twins take radically different paths: one becomes a professional gamer, the other a political activist. A woman moves to the city to work at a government call center and is followed by her violent ex-boyfriend. A man is swept into the highrisk, high-reward temptations of China’s volatile stock exchange. And a group of people sit, trapped for no reason, on a subway platform for months, waiting for official permission to leave.
JUST ONE DAMNED THING AFTER ANOTHER BY JODI TAYLOR Behind the seemingly innocuous facade of St. Mary’s Institute of Historical Research, a different kind of academic work is taking place. Just don’t call it “time travel”—these historians “investigate major historical events in contemporary time.” And they aren’t your harmless eccentrics either. The Chronicles of St. Mary’s tells the chaotic adventures of Max and her compatriots—Director Bairstow, Chief Leon Farrell, Mr. Markham, and many more—as they travel through time, saving St. Mary’s and thwarting time-travelling terrorists, all the while leaving plenty of time for tea. From 11th-century London to World War I, from the Cretaceous Period to the destruction of the Great Library at Alexandria, one thing is for sure: wherever the historians at St. Mary’s go, chaos is sure to follow in their wake.
TO PARADISE
CONNECT SAVANNAH | JANUARY 19-25, 2022
BY HANYA YANAGIHARA
24
326 Bull Street
Behind the Desoto Historic Downtown Savannah 912.234.7257
eshaverbooks.com
In an alternate version of 1893 America, New York is part of the Free States, where people may live and love whomever they please (or so it seems). The fragile young scion of a distinguished family resists betrothal to a worthy suitor, drawn to a charming music teacher of no means. In a 1993 Manhattan besieged by the AIDS epidemic, a young Hawaiian man lives with his much older, wealthier partner, hiding his troubled childhood and the fate of his father. And in 2093, in a world riven by plagues and governed by totalitarian rule, a powerful scientist’s damaged granddaughter tries to navigate life without him—and solve the mystery of her husband’s disappearances. These three sections are joined in an enthralling and ingenious symphony, as recurring notes and themes deepen and enrich one another. What unites not just the characters, but these Americas, are their reckonings with the qualities that make us human: Fear. Love. Shame. Need. Loneliness.
OSSABAW ISLAND FOUNDATION
Ossabaw Island Foundation celebrates the life and legacy of Eleanor “Sandy” Torrey West By Kareem McMichael
THURSDAY-SUNDAY @9PM
Make your vehicle a rolling billboard viewed by over 30,000 people a day! Don’t let those views go to waste. Let our wide format team help you get
noticed!
1700 EAST PRESIDENT STREET • SAVANNAH, GA 31404 • 912.233.4532 • 800.673.6455 • WWW.KENNICKELL.COM
CONNECT SAVANNAH | JANUARY 19-25, 2022
The Ossabaw Island Foundation will be hosting the 2022 Virtual Ossabaw Night in Savannah on Thursday, Jan. 20. “What We Learned from Sandy: Reflections on the life and legacy of Eleanor “Sandy” Torrey West, 1913-2021” is the purpose and theme of the event. “We are disappointed we aren’t able to meet in person to honor Sandy because of Covid, but switching to virtual is what we had to do to go forward,” said Elizabeth DuBose, Executive Director of the Ossabaw Island Foundation. Eleanor “Sandy” Torrey West, known as the Matriarch of Ossabaw Island, is Ossabaw Island’s best-known and longest resident. Born in 1913 West first set foot on Ossabaw Island at age 11 in 1924 and from 1987 to May 1, 2016, she lived on the island full time. West passed away on Jan. 17, 2021, her 108th. “How poetic that she would pass on her birthday. It is hard to imagine that the death of someone at age 108 is surprising, but we were in shock over the loss of our visionary and friend,” said DuBose. West’s love of the island began in her childhood, shortly after her parents, Henry and Nell Torrey of Detroit, Michigan, purchased Ossabaw Island in 1924 as their winter retreat. West transformed Ossabaw into an intellectual and artistic space after inheriting it in 1960, spending much of her wealth supporting retreats for artists, writers and scientists. Property taxes threatened her longterm ownership of the island, rather than sell Ossabaw for private development, the Torreys and the Wests sought to assure that the island would remain in the unspoiled condition that they valued and had worked to preserve for nearly half a century. After years of negotiations the family sold Ossabaw Island to the state in 1978, at 50% percent of its estimated market value. The sale specified that Ossabaw Island be acknowledged as Georgia’s first heritage preserve, set aside for scientific, educational, and cultural uses only. Hundreds of people would come to Ossabaw Island to explore and enjoy programing funded by the Ossabaw Foundation. West became a strong conservationist for coastal Georgia. She wanted to share her special place with others and wanted Ossabaw’s visitors to be transformed by the island. It is this legacy that they are celebrating on Jan. 20.
“A year later after her passing we thought it would be appropriate to invite some of Sandy’s family and friends who knew her over the years to come and speak and just share what they learned from Sandy West and how they were called to action to continue her vision,” said DuBose. “It’s going to be a reflection of her life and her legacy and just what lessons we can take away from Sandy.” The virtual event will feature three speakers and a film called “Island Vision” that was created by a friend of West who has known her over the years. The film explores West’s vision for the island and how the foundation hope to continue it. “This film is a great way to honor Sandy and talk about the future. She intended for Ossabaw to continue to inspire people,” Dubose said. The virtual event is on Thursday, Jan. 20 and can be viewed on the Ossabaw Island Foundation Youtube Channel or Ossabaw Island Lovers Facebook Page. For more information visit ossabawisland.org
25
MUSIC
MUSICAL
A SEA FULL OF STARS: Local singer-songwriter-producer dedicates emotional musical to her daughter By Angie Miller
THURSDAY, JANUARY 27
ATLANTA RHYTHM SECTION
FEBRUARY 2ND & 3RD
THE DEAD SOUTH FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11 GEORGE PORTER JR. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16
YONDER MOUNTAIN
CONNECT SAVANNAH | JANUARY 19-25, 2022
STRING BAND
26
NOW OPEN!
KITCHEN+BAR
#EXPERIENCEVICTOY STARLAND DISTRICT | 2603 WHITAKER ST
WWW.VICTORYNORTHCONCERTS.COM @victorynorthsavannah
@victorynorthsav
Eleven years ago, singer-songwriter and producer April Aguilera’s world came crashing down the moment she heard the words no parent ever wants to hear - “your newborn daughter Paloma has Down Syndrome.” Over a decade later, guilt-ridden about her reaction to the unexpected diagnosis, Aguilera has composed a 45-minute, onewoman acoustic musical that she will perform at 8 p.m. at the historic Savannah Theatre on Sat., Jan. 22 as a “love letter” to her daughter. The musical, “A Sea Full of Stars,” which made its debut in New York City at the Emerging Artists Theatre in 2019, will also serve as a fundraiser to help complete post-production of a short film, “For Paloma,” which is tied to the musical and written and produced by Aguilera. “For Paloma,” will hit the 2022 film festival circuit later this year and follows Aguilera as she travels back in time to the birth of her daughter in pursuit of a do-over. The film aims to show audiences a humanized and realistic portrayal of a side of motherhood not often seen. “I grew up in a really musical family and I traveled as a singersongwriter up until Paloma was born,” Aguilera said. “So, music and writing songs has always been a big part of me. When Paloma was born and we received the diagnosis, it was a very dark time. I was heartbroken and devastated and I know that I didn’t hold her very much. I have a lot of guilt that as a newborn baby she probably didn’t receive the comfort she should have from her mom.” With a heavy heart, Aguilera says she originally wrote the song “A Sea Full of Stars” after leaving the hospital with Paloma but creatively she lost her ability to write the rest of the musical. “I tried to write another song called ‘A Silent Night’ and I could never really finish it…I wanted to encompass all of the feelings that I felt when Paloma was born - the fear, the heartbreak, but at the time I just couldn’t write anymore.” Aguilera added that she didn’t touch her guitar for almost a decade. “It took me almost a decade to pick up my guitar and write another song,” she said. “In 2019, I started singing that original song and after those first few chords I started talking about her birth and I realized ‘wow this song is a story not just a song.’ So,I finished the song and the rest of the musical that same day.” Told through monologs and songs, Aguilera says the musical covers three very tough days in the hospital and explores the depths of emotion in her journey towards acceptance. “The show really talks about wishing I could go back and rewelcome her. If I would have known how beautiful my life has been because of her it would have been a party because everything with Paloma has been one magical thing after the next.” “I feel like so often in the disability community there’s almost like an expiration date on how long we’re able to say ‘ wow the diagnosis really hurt..or life is difficult sometimes when you have a child that is disabled,’ she continued. “I do hope that my show does give permission to show parents that it’s okay to still hurt a little bit and it’s okay to cut yourself a little bit of slack for those feelings.” Although Aguilera is looking forward to sharing her raw, emotional journey, she says she’s still a bit nervous about opening up to the rest of the world. “As a creative person, it’s kind of a double-edged sword. For us, it’s hard to share something that we’re very passionate about. But at the same time, we need to share it. My friends at the Savannah Theatre have been so gracious to allow me to perform ‘A Sea Full
of Stars’ and I am so very excited to share this special piece with you.” Musical director Andrew Sovine will also be on stage with Aguilera in addition to her oldest daughter who will be playing the cello. “I am so excited to have my oldest daughter on stage as well as Andrew as our musical director. He is also leading the team on the music for, ‘For Paloma.’ We are using the original songs from my show for the film and he’s been a huge part of this entire project.” For more information or to purchase tickets visit eventbrite.com and search for “A Sea Full of Stars.”
SAVANNAH VOICE FESTIVAL
New leadership and events from the Savannah VOICE Festival By Marley Gibson
music so others can take something away from it – imprint and make a new memory of their own.” Zouves is also proud of the new leadership within the organization. “Creating and fostering the Savannah VOICE Festival has been such a joy and honor, and I thank everyone who has supported us throughout the years. Sherrill and I will always remain at the heart of the organization and couldn’t be happier about the appointments of the very talented Jorge Parodi and Chad Sonka,” Zouves said. “This team is known and respected by artists and supporters, and I know our community partners and patrons will once again be swept off their feet this year.” Sonka, a versatile American baritone, is an active voice teacher, director, and currently serves on the voice faculty at Iowa State University. He previously served as the Education and Outreach Coordinator for the Sherrill Milnes VOICE Programs. “I’m thrilled to be part of this wonderful organization and to participate in the events this weekend,” Sonka said. “I’ve worked with Maria and Sherrill—a true operatic legend—for the past few years… one of the great privileges of my career. I am literally working with my musical mentors and their legacy.” Sonka has performed as the baritone soloist in Vaughan Williams’ Dona Nobis Pacem at Carnegie Hall with Iowa State University and Mahler’s Kindertotenlieder with Oneota Valley Community Orchestra. He was the firstplace winner of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions – Iowa District in 2017. Chad is an active voice teacher and director and currently serves on the voice faculty at Iowa State University. Directing credits include multiple scenes programs, Cendrillon (Viardot), Hansel and Gretel (Humperdinck), and The Little Prince (Portman). “I couldn’t be more excited to take on this significant leadership role and carry on their [Maria and Sherrill’s] legacies during this very special 10th anniversary. I’m looking forward to a season of community, talent, cultivation, and fun.” “Even with the growing concerns of COVID-19 in our community, we are incredibly lucky we have been able
CONNECT SAVANNAH | JANUARY 19-25, 2022
The Savannah VOICE Festival (SVF) has partnered with leading city arts organizations, including the Historic Savannah Foundation, Davenport House Museum, and the Savannah African Art Museum, for a weekend of artistic collaboration as part of SVF’s upcoming 10th-anniversary celebration. The events to be held on January 22 and 23 will include performances by new artists, as well as SVF’s presidents and co-founders, Maria Zouves and Sherrill Milnes, Chad Sonka, the new Executive Director, and Jorge Parodi, newly named Artistic Director. “This change in leadership coincides with SVF’s 10th anniversary, which will be held in August,” said Maria Zouves, who co-founded the festival with her husband, world-renowned operatic baritone, Sherrill Milnes. Zouves is looking forward to the new year, new leadership, and the new events, particularly the ones this weekend. “In our tenth year,” Zouves began, “SVF has not only blossomed, but it has expanded. We are working hard to put Savannah on the operatic map. We do that by bringing more of the world here to Savannah and vice versa.” “The weekend of collaboration will start with a free livestreamed event on the evening of Saturday, January 22,” said new Executive Director of SVF, Chad Sonka. “SVF has partnered with the Savannah African Art Museum (SAAM) to create this virtual live experience where our artists perform a repertoire of music. We are so excited to offer this concert with a diverse array of music from the world.” The music will be interspersed with SAAM Chief Curator, Billie Stultz, introducing highlights from the museum’s extensive collection of African art, located at 201 East 37th Street. Sonka said, “It’s important for us [at the Savannah VOICE Festival] to support and promote all forms of art in the community and to follow our mission of providing educational and creative programs not only during our August festival, but throughout the year.” “We are so fortunate to be able to combine our music and singing with the gorgeous artwork at the Savannah African Art Museum,” he added. “If you haven’t had the chance to visit this museum yet, this is the perfect opportunity.” The concert from SAAM’s will be streamed from 6-7 p.m. and will be available on SVF’s website, savannahvoicefestival.org, and SAAM’s website, savannahafricanartmuseum.org. “The next event, which is free and open to the public, takes place on Sunday, January 23 with the inaugural ‘Songs and Stories in the Squares,’ a new partnership between SVF and Historic Savannah Foundation,” Zouves said. The event will begin at 2 p.m. outside the Davenport House Museum on Columbia Square. “Docents and HSF supporters will give 10-minute lectures in Columbia, Greene, and Crawford Squares and SVF artists will perform two selections in each square that complement the theme of the lectures,” Sonka explained. In addition to Sonka, artists Peter Lake, Kyaunnee Richardson, and Sara Zoe Budnik will present repertoire accompanied by Savannah VOICE Festival Composer-inResidence, Michael Ching. “We’re so excited to present these events to the community,” Zouves said. “When we hear music, we’re imprinting. We feel it, see it, sense it, and share it. Then, when we share the experience together, that’s what community is all about. We love to show up and make
to continue these collaborative initiatives outdoors and virtually so we can continue to provide and support the arts in Savannah,” Sonka said. Jorge Parodi, an internationally acclaimed conductor, has been also working with the Savannah VOICE Experience since 2004 and with Zouves and Milnes for 20 years. “I’m part of their core team,” Parodi said. “It’s not easy growing and building at the same time, but it’s something we’re all excited to take on in our new roles.” Parodi has worked throughout North America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia with varying, acclaimed opera companies and orchestras. Maestro Parodi is the General and Artistic Director of Opera Hispánica, and the Music Director of Opera in Williamsburg (Virginia), and of the Senior Opera Theatre at the Manhattan School of Music, where he has led its productions to critical acclaim. He has been a faculty member at The Juilliard School for over a decade and was recently appointed Music Director of the International Summer Opera Festival of Morelia (Mexico). He is also the Founder and Artistic Director of the Tokyo International Vocal Arts Academy Summer Workshop. When asked about bringing operatic music to The Hostess City, Parodi said, “I adore this city and am a fan of both history and architecture, so Savannah is the perfect place. It’s with humble excitement that I accept this position and opportunity to work alongside my dear friend, Chad Sonka.” It’s all about collaboration for Parodi. “I’ve always been involved coaching, planning, casting, and scheduling, but planning a whole season is wonderful and to get to work in collaboration with other artists I respect so much… well, it’s a blessing. What I do with SVF includes every creative aspect with the singers, the repertoire, mentoring, training, and just making music. It’s a joy and a dream,” he said. Parodi looks forward to watching the SVF programs grow even more. “It’s a great way to bring people together. Cater to them with vocal music, opera, musical theatre.” “I’m just delighted to come back to Savannah regularly to connect with the people and help foster and grow the cultural offerings in this wonderful city,” Parodi said. “The programs we’re offering are a great opportunity for both visitors and locals to learn more about our city’s history and get more specific stories from trained docents while also enjoying great music and singing,” Zouves said. “It’s about enjoying each other’s company again.” Sonka said participating and performing affects him personally. “It’s so important for me to give back to Savannah because it is my musical home. I’m honored to make music and give something to this city’s already rich culture, contributing with our voices.” Parodi said in these times, “Music is so special and speaks to all of us.” He hopes folks will come out to the events and “get a taste of these vocal offerings and spending time together.” With all our society has dealt with in recent years, Zouves said the meaning of the arts in our lives during times like these, “is always the same answer.” “It means hope… community… solace… memories… and making new memories.” “As SVF’s trademarked motto says, ‘Where music meets life,’ and nothing could be truer,” Zouves said. “We hope people will come make new life memories with us.” Sonka invites everyone to come out and join them for the fellowship and fun. “Don’t miss a note.” For more information about these events and how to get tickets and/or register, visit savannahvoicefestival.org
27
MUSIC
SAVANNAH MUSIC FESTIVAL 2022 LINEUP ANNOUNCED Savannah’s Oldest
URBAN FARM & PET
SUPPLY STORE
Specializing in ORGANICS
ALL TYPES OF FEED & SEED HAY • FENCING • TRAPS • PEST CONTROL • POTTERY & STATUARY • PROPANE REFILL & EXCHANGE • LAWN & GARDEN • SEASONAL VEGETABLE PLANTS • PET & FARM SUPPLIES • MORE! Located downtown at
307 Carolan St Just west of Bay St. Viaduct
912.233.9862 FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1938
The lineup and schedule for the 2022 Savannah Music Festival (SMF) season, which runs March 24 through April 9, are now live at savannahmusicfestival.org. Tickets will go on sale to the public on Friday, January 21 at 10 a.m. Additional concerts are likely to be announced in the coming weeks. “This season’s lineup reinforces the Savannah Music Festival’s longstanding tradition of presenting unique artistic collaborations, rare regional appearances and special projects designed to encourage exploration and bring joy to audiences and artists,” remarks SMF Artistic Director Ryan McMaken. “We welcome music lovers from Savannah and all over the world to experience the annual confluence of emerging artists and masters, all within the city’s alluring and walkable Historic District, in March and April.” The 2022 Festival Will Feature Debuts Including Dee Dee Bridgewater & the Memphis Soulphony, Watchhouse (formerly Mandolin Orange), Benjamin Grosvenor & Olga Kern, and Les Filles de Illighadad, Plus Special Projects Including Voices of Mississippi and Philip Dukes & Friends Chamber Music Series. (compiled from staff reports)
SAVANNAH MUSIC FESTIVAL 2022 SCHEDULE (*denotes multiple concerts): THURSDAY, MARCH 24 Balsam Range/Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper* Kittel & Co./Mr. Sun* Benjamin Grosvenor, piano FRIDAY, MARCH 25 NOON30: Kittel & Co. Celebrating Bach: Dover Quartet & Bridget Kibbey Cajun Dance Party: The Revelers* Dee Dee Bridgewater & the Memphis Soulphony: Memphis...Yes, I’m Ready SATURDAY, MARCH 26 Latin Dance Party: Spanish Harlem Orchestra* Olga Kern, piano Remembering Ray Brown: Christian McBride, Benny Green and Jeff Hamilton with Special Guest Dee Dee Bridgewater Bruce Hornsby & the Noisemakers SUNDAY, MARCH 27 Lúnasa Philip Dukes & Friends I: Saint-Säens & Faure Diana Burco/Jorge Glem & Sam Reider* Remembering Ray Brown: Christian McBride, Benny Green and Jeff Hamilton/ Sean Jones Quartet TUESDAY, MARCH 29 Philip Dukes & Friends II: Tales of the Unexpected WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30 John Jorgenson Quintet/Frank Vignola/ Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley* Watchhouse (formerly Mandolin Orange) THURSDAY, MARCH 31 NOON30: Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley Philip Dukes & Friends III: Brahms & Schumann Hot Club of Cowtown Béla Fleck’s My Bluegrass Heart feat. Stuart Duncan, Sierra Hull, Bryan Sutton, Mark Schatz and Justin Moses FRIDAY, APRIL 1 Ring Shout of the Georgia Coast: McIntosh County Shouters Q&A Philip Dukes & Friends IV: All Beethoven Foghorn Stringband SATURDAY, APRIL 2 NOON30: McIntosh County Shouters Sebastian Knauer, piano Les Filles de Illighadad/True Blues: Corey Harris, Phil Wiggins, Cedric Watson*
SUNDAY, APRIL 3 Les Filles de Illighadad Atlanta Symphony Orchestra: Robert Spano, conductor; Avi Avital, mandolin The Wood Brothers TUESDAY, APRIL 5 Beethoven and the Mandolin: Caterina Lichtenberg & Mike Marshall Drive-By Truckers Vijay Iyer Trio feat. Linda May Han Oh WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6 NOON 30: Emmet Cohen Trio Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out/Mile Twelve* Allison Russell/Katie Pruitt Emmet Cohen Trio/Samara Joy THURSDAY, APRIL 7 NOON30: Samara Joy Mike Marshall’s Stringband Spectacular feat. Allison de Groot & Tatiana Hargreaves, Mile Twelve, Westbound Situation Trio Blind Boys of Alabama/ The Campbell Brothers Zydeco Dance Party: C.J. Chenier & the Red Hot Louisiana Band FRIDAY, APRIL 8 NOON30: Allison de Groot & Tatiana Hargreaves Jazz on the River (SMF Jazz Academy showcase) Lakou Mizik/Leyla McCalla* Academy of St Martin in the Fields Wind Ensemble with Simon Crawford-Phillips Voices of Mississippi feat. William Ferris, Cedric Burnside, Sharde Thomas and Luther & Cody Dickinson of the North Mississippi Allstars SATURDAY, APRIL 9 From the Archives of Dr. William Ferris: Select Documentary Films from Voices of Mississippi and Q&A with Ferris and Lance Ledbetter (co-founder of Dust-to-Digital) Jon Cleary & the Absolute Monster Gentlemen/Lakou Mizik Closing Night Party: Eddie 9V/Cedric Burnside
For the complete Savannah Music Festival schedule with program details, please visit: savannahmusicfestival.org/events
THE STAGE PAGE
FRI, FEB. 11TH TO SUN, FEB 13TH
CALL TO RESERVE THE BEST SEATS FOR THE BIG GAME
CREATIVELY CRAFTED @ STAFFORD’S PUBLIC HOUSE
All artists welcome to this multi-genre open night. Poets, singers, rappers, musicians, spoken word artists and the like are invited to be heard. Show your art, craft and passion. You are being dared to express yourself. Like Henry Rollins once commanded: “DO IT!” THURSDAY, JAN 20 | 9:30 PM
2022
BUY YOUR 2-DAY SUPERFEST CONCERT PASS TODAY!
FRIDAY FEB. 11TH
TON THOMAS CL AX H YT M E H &T WITH OPENING ACT DROPKICK TURBO
ROD HARRIS JR QUARTET WITH TONI BYRD @ GOOD TIMES JAZZ BAR
Harris spent more than a decade touring and recording with legendary artists, earning a Grammy nomination for his guitar work with Musiq Soulchild. He’s now shaking things up with his own band. Versatile vocalist Toni Bird’s 2014 album “Autumn in New York” won the Black Women In Jazz Awards for Best Black Female Jazz Record. FRI & SAT, JAN 21–22 | 8 PM
SATURDAY FEB. 12TH
OYSTER ROAST 2PM BACK N BLACK THE PREMIER AC/DC TRIBUTE BAND IN AMERICA 7PM
SUNDAY
PIERE GUYTON @ THE WORMHOLE
The Oakland native blends his west coast roots with Southern charm for a smooth delivery of clean and blue material. A non-stop worker in the Atlanta comedy scene, he’ll riff on his name, his mom, his woman and blame “microwave p.” SATURDAY JAN 22 | 8 PM
FEB 13TH
Taking reservations for parties of 6 or more!
OYSTER ROAST 2PM LIVE MUSIC WITH JASON & ROSS (AND FRIENDS)
COMING SOON SAT, FEB 26TH
The first Elan EDM show of 2022 features bass and dubstep artist Toadface. His latest release, the EP “Residue” hits all the subgenre sweet spots. It’s got a uniquely noisy whimsy, and is short and sweet enough to be an anytime 15-minute trip elsewhere. A whole night of it? Yes. SATURDAY JAN 22 | 9 PM
STRANGELOVE
-THE DEPECHE MODE E XPERIE TICKE TS ON E NC E VENTBRITE
3016 EAST VICTORY DR. 912.352.2933 • COACHS.NET DOWNLOAD OUR COACH’S CORNER APP TODAY!
CONNECT SAVANNAH | JANUARY 19-25, 2022
TOADFACE @ ELAN SAVANNAH
29
CONNECT SAVANNAH MUSIC
SOUNDBOARD
19-25
JAN/
WHO IS PLAYING WHERE THIS WEEK WEDNESDAY 1/19 LIVE MUSIC
Coffee Bluff Marina LAX, 6 p.m. Congress Street Social Club Square One, 10 p.m. Good Times Jazz Bar and Restaurant Rod Harris Jr Quartet featuring Toni Byrd, Jazz’d Tapas Bar Dave Smith 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.
El-Rocko Lounge Trivia with Jules and Chris Grimmett, 9-11:30 p.m. Service Brewing Company Trivia Night with Jess Shaw, 6:30 p.m. The Wormhole Bingo, 10 p.m.
PS Tavern Beer Pong Tournament, 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 1/20 LIVE MUSIC
Cohen’s Retreat Munchies & Music, 5-9 p.m. Good Times Jazz Bar and Restaurant Eric Jones Trio featuring Laiken Williams, Marc Chesanow & Robert Saunders Jazz’d Tapas Bar Whiskey & Wine
TRIVIA & GAMES Bar Food Trivia Night, 8 p.m. McDonough’s Family Feud, 7 p.m.
KARAOKE
CONNECT SAVANNAH | JANUARY 19-25, 2022
LIVE MUSIC
Bach Ascending Jeremy Denk, piano: Bach’s WellTempered Clavier Book 1, 7:30 p.m.; Jeremy Denk, piano, 7:30-9 p.m. Cohen’s Retreat Midtown Pickers, 6 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. The Wormhole Neighborhood Pub & Music Venue Inhuman Condition with Micawber and Crusadist, 8 p.m.-midnight
TRIVIA & GAMES
30
FRIDAY 1/21
Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m. McDonough’s Karaoke, 9 p.m. Nickie’s 1971 Karaoke Night, 8 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.
BAR & CLUB EVENTS
Service Brewing Company Service Brewing Run Club, 6:30 p.m.
TRIVIA & GAMES KARAOKE
Bay Street Blues Karaoke, 8 p.m. 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.
COMEDY
VICE Lounge + Mojito Bar Diva Royale Drag Queen Show Savannah, GA - Weekly Drag Queen Shows, 9 p.m.
DJ
Club 51 Degrees DJ Fer, DJ Emalo, DJ Lil G, DJ BRad, 9 p.m.
BAR & CLUB EVENTS
Club One Drag Show, 10:30 p.m. & 12:30 a.m.
SATURDAY 1/22 LIVE MUSIC
Coffee Bluff Marina Gary Strickland, 6 p.m. Congress Street Social Club Bottles and Cans, 10 p.m. Good Times Jazz Bar and Restaurant Rod Harris Jr Quartet featuring Toni Byrd Jazz’d Tapas Bar Jon Hill 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.
KARAOKE
Bar Food Karaoke Night, 10 p.m.
FRI/
21
Bay Street Blues Karaoke, 8 p.m. Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m. McDonough’s Karaoke, 9 p.m. Totally Awesome Bar Karaoke, 10 p.m.
BAR & CLUB EVENTS
Club One Drag Show, 10:30 p.m. & 12:30 a.m.
SUNDAY 1/23 LIVE MUSIC
Collins Quarter at Forsyth Ember City, 2 p.m. Congress Street Social Club Voodoo Soup, 10 p.m. Good Times Jazz Bar and Restaurant Eric Jones Trio featuring Cynthia Utterbach, Marc Chesanow, Robert Saunders 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.
ERIC JONES TRIO FEATURING CYNTHIA UTTERBACH, MARC CHESANOW, ROBERT SAUNDERS @ GOOD TIMES JAZZ BAR & RESTAURANT | 7 PM
TRIVIA & GAMES
Moon River Brewing Co. Trivia, 6 p.m.
KARAOKE
Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m. McDonough’s Karaoke, 9 p.m.
MONDAY 1/24 LIVE MUSIC
Nickie’s 1971 Ray Tomasino, 7 p.m. The Wormhole Open Mic/Jam, 6-10 & 10 p.m.-2 a.m.
TRIVIA & GAMES
Club One Super Gay Bingo, 5:30 p.m. Starland Yard Music Bingo, 7-9 p.m.
KARAOKE
Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m. Wet Willie’s Karaoke, 9 p.m.
BAR & CLUB EVENTS Fia Rua Irish Pub Family Movie Night, 8 p.m.
TUESDAY 1/25 LIVE MUSIC McDonough’s
Open Mic/Jam, 9 p.m. Nickie’s 1971 Roy Swindell, 7 p.m.
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. The Wormhole Trivia, 9:30 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 SEND YOUR LIVE MUSIC INFORMATION WEEKLY TO SOUNDBOARD@CONNECTSAVANNAH.COM. 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
PAXTON PEAY @ BARRELHOUSE SOUTH
The up-and-coming Mississippi native promised to kick 2022 off with a bang. Fortunately, the tour stops in Savannah. Peay’s style is solidly old-school country-western, new-school countrywestern, and some of that middle-period country-western. Kick up your boots if you notice a trend. FRIDAY JAN 21 | 9 PM
It’s a day that ends in “-day,” so you can safely assume AURAfest is decimating Savannah with another heavy show. Jax’s thrash veterans Rhythm of Fear headline, with support from local noise/screamo act Holy Ghost Tabernacle Choir, groove metal maestros Steel Circuit, and the unclassifiable Pink Peugeot. SATURDAY JAN 22 | 7:30 PM
With crushing nods to classic thrash, late 80s hardcore, and enough metal to build 666 Death Stars, Inhuman Condition unleashes premium poser genocide. The addition of Monstrosity/Terrorizer drummer Lee Harrison adds dimensions of Hatröss. A pair of openers triangulate the brütality. WEDNESDAY JAN 19 | 8 PM
OBVIOUS LIARS, ST MAURICE, LILAKK @ THE WORMHOLE
The Charleston alt rock quartet plays here regularly, for good reason. With an eclectic list of influences, including H.I.M., Santana, and Journey’s Neal Schon, added to a deep well of talent, Obvious Liars put on a solid show. Superior vocals and harmonies level it up further. Openers St. Maurice spices prog rock with funk and R&B, and Lilakk does modern alt-punk. SATURDAY JAN 22 | 9:30 PM
CONNECT SAVANNAH | JANUARY 19-25, 2022
RHYTHM OF FEAR, HGTC, STEEL CIRCUIT, PINK PEUGEOT @ THE SENTIENT BEAN
INHUMAN CONDITION WITH CRUSADIST, MICAWBER @ THE WORMHOLE
31
JONESIN’ CROSSWORD CONNECT SAVANNAH
connectsavannah.com
“The Best of 2021”--keeping things positive. by Matt Jones
ACT II
AUGUST 11 - 17 • 2021
for DOLETTE McDONALD
7
REPLANTING WORMSLOE: KEEPING AN ICONIC SITE GROWING FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS
HER JOURNEY FROM THE WORLD STAGE TO SAVANNAH
MIDDAY CHEERS! FIRST-EVER FESTIVAL WILL CELEBRATE LOCAL BREWS & BOOZE
13
The Bank That That SERVIC The Bank E Built® SERVIC E Built® Member FDIC. © 2021 United Member Community FDIC. Bank Community © 2021 United | ucbi.comBank | ucbi.com
SAVANNAH SAVANNAH 27 Bull Street | 912-234-6565 27 Bull Street | 912-234-6565 8201 White Bluff RoadBluff 8201 | 912-232-5884 White Road | 912-232-5884 2225 East 2225 Victory Drive East | 912-303-9667 Victory Drive | 912-303-9667
Many of our readers who don’t have access to our FREE printed editions have asked for a way to receive Connect Savannah by mail. We are now able to deliver*!
We’d be happy to Send
CONNECT SAVANNAH Directly to YOU Every Week!
Perfect for a gift subscription for friends or family, or simply an easier way to get your weekly issue!
12 Months for Just $39! Act Today! Regularly $52/year Now 25% off for a Limited Time. (THAT’S ONLY 75 CENTS PER WEEK!)
CONNECT SAVANNAH | JANUARY 19-25, 2022
Name_______________________________________________
32
Address_____________________________________________ City/State____________________________________________ *Phone Number______________________________________ *Email_______________________________________________ (YOUR PRIVACY: We do not sell or distribute any email addresses.)
YES! Please SIGN ME UP! 1 Year Convenience Fee of $39 OR START RECEIVING COPIES IN YOUR MAILBOX BY CALLING
912-721-4360 *Someone will get your payment over the phone. If you wish to mail your payment, please include this ad in an stamped envelope and mail your check payment of $39 to Connect Savannah, Attn: Circulation, 611 E. Bay St., Savannah, GA 31401 *This offer only applies to Georgia residents
THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING US TO CONTINUE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH THE BEST NEWS, ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT COVERAGE IN THE COASTAL EMPIRE!
©2022 Matt Jones
YOU ASKED, SO WE’LL DELIVER! ACROSS 1 Kerosene lantern material 6 Invitation’s request 10 Current measures? 14 Displeased with 15 “A Change is Gonna Come” singer Redding 16 Cafe supplement 17 Basketball venue 18 Gymnastics gold medalist who made news in 2021 as the first Hmong-American Olympian 20 Horror movie revived in 2021 (with a script co-written by Jordan Peele) 22 “The ___ Ballerina” (Degas work) 23 Luggage checkers, for short 24 Crash maker 25 Low poker hand 28 Swampy land 32 Young ___ (small children) 33 British tennis star who won the 2021 U.S. Open, only the second Grand Slam tournament she had entered 37 Full of energy 38 Judges’ gp. 39 Rampageous revelry 43 2021 documentary directed by Questlove about the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival 46 Dad joke, generally 49 Ed of “Up,” “Elf,” and “JFK” 50 Sanitizer’s target 51 Battery poles 54 Occupational suffix 56 Prepared potatoes, as for hash browns
57 2021 Adele chart-topper that broke records on streaming services 62 2021 Netflix series that made Lee Jung-jae a star outside South Korea 65 Scheduled to arrive 66 Baseball scoreboard data 67 Make Kool-Aid 68 First class, briefly 69 Squirrel’s home 70 Where a Yankee follows November? 71 Ford’s failure DOWN 1 Auto financing co., formerly 2 “Tomb Raider” protagonist Croft 3 Yemeni port on the Red Sea 4 Course hazards 5 Sticks around 6 “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” detective Diaz 7 Shock and amaze 8 Diesel in an automotive vehicle? 9 Pressure unit, briefly 10 Warning signal 11 California surfers’ mecca 12 Nursery rhyme merchant 13 Swipes 19 Person with intelligence? 21 One of the Berenstain Bears 24 Dance step syllable 25 Treat in collectible dispensers 26 “___ seeing things?” 27 Rapscallion 29 Surname shared by two presidents 30 “American Idol” winner
Studdard 31 Sudden fright 34 Protagonist of the “Street Fighter” series 35 Bounced-check abbr. 36 Shipping option that skips air travel 40 Eggs in the water 41 Moldova’s cont. 42 Shady tree 44 Postgrad degrees 45 Metal minerals 46 “Winter Wonderland” clergyman 47 Matchless 48 “Wait your turn!” 52 Jefferson, by belief 53 “Ed, ___ n Eddy” (Cartoon Network series) 55 “Blame It on the Bossa Nova” singer Gorme 57 Cast forth 58 Dynamic prefix 59 Court dividers 60 Swampland 61 Organic compound 63 Channel that aired “Lingo” (which is pretty much what all your Wordle results posts are) 64 ___ high level
CROSSWORD ANSWERS
find the leader in you. an immersive 2-day leadership experience right here in savannah.
An immersive, 2-day leadership experience. FEB. 28 & March1 Trustees’ Garden
The leaders representing representing TheSoutheast Southeast Georgia Georgia Leadership Leadership Forum Forum is is aa two-day two-day event that brings together more than 400 leaders neighborhoods, non-profits, civic groups, government, businesses and the up and comers. neighborhoods, non-profits, civic groups, comers. Organized by Multimedia Inc., with generous support of Georgia Southern University, the Georgia Georgia Ports Ports Authority, Authority, The FIRST EVER Southeast Georgia Leadership Forum will bethe a two-day event Organized byMorris Morris Multimedia Inc., with the generous that brings togeherGeorgia more than 400and leaders representing neighborhoods, Power Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, February 28 28 & & March March 11 2021 2022 Georgia Power and Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, the first ever forum is taking place on February non-profits, civic groups, government, businesses and up-and-comers. at Trustees’ Garden in Savannah, Georgia. To help our communities succeed in an ever changing and fast paced society, the at Trustees’ Garden in Savannah, Georgia. To help our fast paced society, the forum supporting the the growth growth forumisisfocused focused on on discovering discovering our our collective collective potential potential to be greater by committing to new ideas, supporting
To help our communities succeed in anestablished ever-changing and fast-paced society, of segments of of our our diverse diverse ofour ouremerging emerging and and established leaders, leaders, and and by by being being purposeful in building collaboration from all segments the forum is focused on discovering our collective potential to be greater, by communities. committing to new ideas, supporting growth and being purposeful in building collaboration from all segments of our diverse communities.
feb. 28 - march 1
Working Working together together we we can can make our communities stronger and better.
Visit southeastgaleadershipforum.com trustees garden, Savannah visit visit www.southeastGAleadershipforum.com www.southeastGAleadershipforum.com for more information! for more information.
Photos by Bunny Ware
PHOTOS FROM LOCAL EVENTS View more photos online at connectsavannah.com/connected
DOWNTOWN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION WELCOMES CITY MANAGER JAY MELDER The Savannah Downtown Business Association (DBA) welcomed Savannah City Manager Jay Melder to their monthly networking meeting on January 12. Addressing 2022 priorities and investments, the city manager spoke on keeping Savannah safe, investments in housing and neighborhoods, the Broughton Street Project and reaching a $15 minimum wage for city employees. DBA lunches are held the second Wednesday of each month and provide an opportunity for members to connect through networking.
CONNECT SAVANNAH | JANUARY 19-25, 2022
Jay Melder, Jackie Schott
34
Daphanie Williams, Matthew Wirth, Lida Coleman
Brooke Phillips, Marianne Ganem Poppell, Jess Belfry, Carey Ferrara
David Hart, Ben Hart
Zerik Samples, Brian Judson
Heath Lloyd, Gary Sanchez
Jodi Clark, Captain Shamonica Badie, Leigh Anne
PHOTOS FROM LOCAL EVENTS
Photos by Bunny Ware
View more photos online at connectsavannah.com/connected
Michele Thompson, Lisa Boswell, Lisette Riccelli, Jackie Schott, Conni Reynolds, David Hart, Caleb Harkleroad, Karoline Moore, Erica Baskin, Michelle Rouzer
Tammy Mosley, Connie Hiott, Susan Flaherty, Carole Cornett
Gabby Lauretti, Brad Behr, Amy Williams
Kathleen Efird, Melanie Edwards, Shanna Anderson, Marti Tomlin, Damara Dahleo
Jimmy and Eddie Deloach
Maja Ciric, Scott Larson, Salita Hill
The 19th annual SmartWomen Luncheon was held January 12, 2022, at the Savannah Convention Center. The SmartWomen Luncheon & Expo is an annual fundraiser for St. Joseph’s/Candler’s Mary Telfair Women’s Hospital, which includes the Mammography Fund that provides mammograms and other breast care services for those who cannot afford those life-saving services. The event was headlined by Emmy Award winner, Golden Globe nominee, game show and talk show host, singer, and actress, Vicki Lawrence.
CONNECT SAVANNAH | JANUARY 19-25, 2022
ST. JOSEPH/CANDLER SMARTWOMEN LUNCHEON
35
MARCH 11-12, 2022
Soccer Mommy. of Montreal. American Aquarium.
We Were Promised Jetpacks. SASAMI.
The Bones of J.R. Jones. Sam Evian. Surfbort. Sarah Shook & the Disarmers. Daniel Donato. Tre’ Burt. Danielle Ponder. Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band. Kristine Leschper (fka Mothers). Tall Tall Trees. Boyish. Anjimile. Gustaf. Buffalo Nichols. Quinn Christopherson. Ceramic Animal. Christopher Paul Stelling. Sam Burchfield. Weakened Friends. Nordista Freeze. Boulevards. Pony Bradshaw. Glove. Hotel Fiction. Lo Talker. Peel Dream Magazine. Why Bonnie. Silver Synthetic. Locate S,1. Crumbsnatchers. & MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED... PLUS A SPECIAL APPEARANCE BY
Pylon Reenactment Society who will perform Pylon’s Chomp (1983) in its entirety
Five Stages. Food Truck Court. VIP Garden & more...
