Connect Savannah | June 15, 2022

CONNECT SAVANNAH

connectsavannah.com

JUNE 15 - 21, 2022

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HERE’S THE BEEF: JESSE BLANCO’S FAVORITE BURGERS IN TOWN

BLOW UP: INFLATE YOUR ART EXPERIENCE AT JEPSON’S NEW EXHIBITION

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NOW A NATIONAL HOLIDAY, LOCAL JUNETEENTH CELEBRATIONS FEATURE FAMILY, FOOD, REFLECTION

CELEBRATING

JUNETEENTH

Absolutly Truly Frth of July Celebrate the fourth VIP style at topdeck, with LIve music, FOOD and fireworks. visit our facebook page for ticket info or find us on eventbrite

Advanced purchased tickets automatically entered to win absolut and truly summer gear!

thursdays & Sunday

Live MUSIC | 6-9 pm Drink specials

125 West River Street On top of the cotton sail hotel DAILY 11AM TO 11 PM*

www.topdeckbar.com *CLOSING HOURS SUBJECT TO CHANGE

GET INSPIRED! 13 SPEAKERS PLUS LIVE COMEDY, POETRY & MORE

11th Anniversary

Savannah

Friday, June 24, 2022

Theme: Standard Deviation

YAMACRAW CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

Esther F. Garrison School for the Arts 649 W. Jones Street

TICKETS ON SALE at TEDxSavannah.com

LIMITED AVAILABILITY

SELLING FAST!

NO JOKE!

ENTER OUR

CONTEST SWEEPSTAKES:

TELL US YOUR FAVORITE

DAD JOKE

AND BE ELIGIBLE TO WIN! DINNER AND AN IMAX SHOW COURTESY OF THE GREATER POOLER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND CONNECT SAVANNAH

Win a $100 Texas Roadhouse Gift Card (for use at the Pooler/ Tanger Outlets location) and Four (4) tickets to a show at Pooler’s Royal Cinemas & “World’s Tallest” IMAX Theater.

Enter the sweepstakes online at connectsavannah.com (click CONTESTS).

Full contest rules available online.

ADM

I T FO UR

JUNE/

15-21

WEEK CONNECT SAVANNAH

AT A GLANCE

WEDNESDAY 6/15 THE 70’S SHOW LIVE ON STAGE

Singers, dancers and live band perform a 2-hour show including all the diverse musical styles and pop culture icons of this outrageous decade. It’s fun for all ages.

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday at 8pm THE SAVANNAH THEATRE at 222 Bull St., Downtown 912 233-7764 / savannahtheatre.com

WEDNESDAY BLUES SERIES

Plant Riverside District will host a new Wednesday Blues Series at the Pavilion Stage along the Savannah River, featuring free performances by top regional blues artists. Willie Jackson and the Tybee Blues Band will be the featured artist for the month of June, offering soulful blues by seven-time Indie Music Channel Award winner Willie Jackson on June 8, 15, 22 and 29.

DATE: Every Wednesday - June 8, June 15, June 22 & June 29 6-9 p.m. District Live at Plant Riverside District - Pavilion Stage 400 W. River Street plantriverside.com

TRIVIA NIGHT WITH JESS SHAW

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.

new on the rocks, as a smoked drink, or perhaps with natural shrubs and fresh pressed juices in one of their craft cocktails.

5500 Abercorn St. Suite #36

THURSDAY 6/16

BINGO! AT ELKS LODGE

Join Elks Lodge for Bingo on Thursdays from 7:30-9:30 p.m. and Sundays from 7-9 p.m.

Enjoy great family fun, good food at the snack bar and many chances to win cash. Elks Lodge, 183 Wilshire Blvd.

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 6/17

BLUEGRASS BY THE PINT WITH SWAMPTOOTH Join Service Brewing for Bluegrass by the Pint every Friday featuring live bluegrass from local favorites, Swamptooth.6 p.m. Service Brewing Co., 574 Indian St. servicebrewing.com

SATURDAY 6/18

WHISKEY WEDNESDAYS

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.

FIRE & WINE

Enjoy half off bottles of wine and fire pits in the courtyard.

Purchase one of our s’mores kits (marshmallows incl.)

6-9 p.m. Foxy Loxy Cafe, 1919 Bull St.

FORSYTH FARMERS MARKET

SUN/

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ISLANDS FARMERS MARKET

Weekly farmers market on Talahi Island highlighting local growers and makers, healthy foods and a positive environment. 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Islands Farmers’ Market, 401 Quarterman Dr. facebook.com/ islandsfarmersmarket

SUNDAY 6/19

BEATS, BREWS + BEERMOSAS

Catch those Sunday Vibes every week at Service Brewing with beats, brews and beermosas featuring sets from local DJs, delicious food trucks and 16 beers on tap. 12:30-5:30 p.m. Service Brewing Company, 574 Indian St. servicebrewing. com

SUNSET PARTY SUNDAY@ TOP DECK

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

BINGO! AT ELKS LODGE

Join Elks Lodge for Bingo on Thursdays from 7:30-9:30 p.m. and Sundays from 7-9 p.m.

Enjoy great family fun, good food at the snack bar and many chances to win cash. Elks Lodge, 183 Wilshire Blvd.

SUNSET PARTY SUNDAY Wrap up the weekend with a Sunday Funday Sunset Party on the roof. Local DJ Doc Ock on the 1s and 2s, an amazing view, Long Drink and Herradura specials, and $3 Rosé all day. 6 - 9 p.m. Top Deck, 125 W. River Street

MONDAY 6/20

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

TUESDAY 6/21

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.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 15 - 21, 2022

Jess Shaw and Kevin Ryan will guide participants through an evening of trivia and self discovery at Service Brewing.

Test your trivia knowledge while also competing in interactive challenge rounds to gain extra points. The first place team receives a $100 cash prize. 6:30 p.m. Service Brewing Co., 574 Indian St.. servicebrewing.com.

Discounted regional and international whiskey and bourbon selections every Wednesday at Oak 36 Bar + Kitchen. Come try something

HIGHLIGHTED PICKS FROM HOSTESS CITY HAPPENINGS THIS WEEK

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ADMINISTRATIVE ERICA BASKIN PUBLISHER erica@connectsavannah.com (912) 721-4378 WENDY WICKHAM BUSINESS MANAGER wendy@connectsavannah.com (912) 721-4373

CONTENT CHRISTOPHER SWEAT CREATIVE | CONTENT DIRECTOR christopher @connectsavannah.com (912) 721-4358 ALEX ARANGO COMMUNITY JOURNALIST alex@connectsavannah.com (912) 721-4379 CHANTEL BRITTON MULTIMEDIA CONTENT MANAGER chantel @connectsavannah.com (912) 721-4379 MCKENNAH DRURY GRAPHIC DESIGNER (912) 721-4354

OUR VALUES

Connect Savannah is a weekly arts, entertainment and news magazine, focused on Savannah and the Coastal Empire life and experience.

We strive to feature stories that impact our community and the people who live here— to educate, entertain, inform and foster conversation.

We appreciate and encourage readers to share news and information with us, and to share any criticism and questions.

We want to be your comprehensive source for what happens in our community and beyond.

We are here to serve you.

Find us on the following social media platforms or reach out to us at news@connectsavannah.com or 912-721-4378.

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@ConnectSavannah

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EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Jesse Blanco, Frank Ricci, Bunny Ware, Travis Jaudon, ADVERTISING INFORMATION: (912) 721-4378 sales@connectsavannah.com LOGAN HINTON DIGITAL SALES MANAGER logan@connectsavannah.com (912) 721-4369 BUCKY BRYANT STRATEGIC MARKETING CONSULTANT bucky@connectsavannah.com (912) 721-4381 LAUREN WOLVERTON STRATEGIC MARKETING CONSULTANT lauren@connectsavannah.com (912) 721-4365 JAMIE BURTON STRATEGIC MARKETING CONSULTANT jamie@connectsavannah.com (912) 721-4380

DISTRIBUTION WAYNE FRANKLIN DISTRIBUTION MANAGER (912) 721-4376

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ON THE COVER Check out our guide to Juneteenth events happening all over the area on page 10.

© 2022, Savannah Media, LLC. 611 East Bay Street Savannah, Georgia 31401 Phone: (912) 231-0250 | Fax: (912) 238-2041

INTRODUCTIONS:

MEET

DARRELL NAYLOR JOHNSON ALUMNUS AND PROFESSOR NAMED

SCAD VP

By Chantel Britton

chantel@connectsavannah.com

Both a SCAD alumnus and professor, Naylor-Johnson has been a part of the SCAD community for more than 30 years.

He initially became acquainted with the university back in 1980 when his high school art teacher recommended he pursue his collegiate studies at the then new art school.

After graduating, Naylor-Johnson went on to complete an M.F.A. in painting from Pennsylvania State University, and then he became a SCAD professor in 1992 teaching foundation studies.

In 2000, he was promoted to Dean of the School of

“Since its founding, SCAD has had a natural inclination towards communion with the greater Savannah community.” He hopes to see this relationship continue to blossom. “I think that SCAD and Savannah have both grown in scope over the years. . . There is a greater integration of involvement and engagement happening in very organic ways,” he began.

“There are so many intersecting impact points between SCAD and our local community. For example, my church has an elevator and bell tower thanks to a SCAD architecture faculty member who also attends the church, who designed and drafted the plans for the structure,” he explained.

As SCAD continues to impact the local community in positive ways, Naylor-Johnson expects the relationship to grow even stronger.

Naylor-Johnson plans to enhance the learning experience for SCAD students by relying on those touchpoints within the community.

“The students who attend SCAD in Savannah see Savannah as their home away from home. They are

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 15 - 21, 2022

The Savannah College of Art and Design recently announced that Darrell Naylor-Johnson will serve as the new vice president for SCAD Savannah.

Fine Arts. Since then, he has served the SCAD community in a number of leadership roles including assistant vice president for academic services, vice president for SCAD eLearning, interim associate vice president for SCAD Atlanta, and senior director of library services.

Having begun on June 13, Naylor-Johnson said he is honored and excited to take on this new role.

“I will have the honor of serving as an ambassador to the Savannah community,” Naylor-Johnson said.

He will champion the school’s SCAD SERVE collaborations, which engage the entire SCAD community in helping those in need.

“Our students, faculty and staff listen and respond to the needs of our neighbors and local leaders to create meaningful design solutions to improve the quality of life for all involved,” he remarked.

“I will also be engaging with community leaders and our neighborhoods to continue to engage them in SCAD events and inform them about new initiatives, new degree programs, new partnerships that bring the world’s top brands to Savannah, and our growing economic impact,” he added.

Over the years, he’s seen the relationship between SCAD and the local Savannah community thrive.

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MEET DARRELL NAYLOR -JOHNSON (CONTINUED)

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US

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CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 15 - 21, 2022

FEED THE GATORS!

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eager to volunteer through the university’s SCAD SERVE initiative — from designing and building homes for homeless mothers to teaching art to disadvantaged children. Many of our alumni choose to stay in Savannah, to work, start new businesses and raise their families.”

He continued, “22% of SCAD’s 50,000 global alumni remain in Georgia after graduation and SCAD alumni own and operate more than 120 businesses in Savannah. In my new role, I hope to continue the work of connecting our talented students to this community by fostering new collaborations.”

When Naylor-Johnson first learned of the new role, he said he was a little overwhelmed by “the enormity of the position.”

But he said that was quickly washed over as he reflected on the people that he has come to know working at SCAD. “They are kind, generous, collaborative, smart people who, in no matter what role I have played at SCAD, have been supportive and great colleagues,” he expressed.

He draws upon his vast experience within the university and the local community, which he feels has prepared him for his new role.

“My contextual experience and history as an educator at SCAD and my work in the community have been intertwined in many ways for many years.”

He recalled the university’s early days when SCAD founder and president Paula Wallace first introduced their now-lauded Sidewalk Arts Festival.

“As an educator, she recognizes the importance and the power of teachable moments like the festival. Many new traditions and ideas . . . have evolved since those early days. Being a part of these many aspects of SCAD and the community has been a HEALTH | WELLNESS | CONNECTIONS naturally-occurring process that I think in the end has collectively prepared me for this new role,” he said.

In the future, Naylor-Johnson expects SCAD to continue to grow and impact communities and industries both 9AM|SATURDAY|1PM locally and globally.

“SCAD is a dynamic and evolving organism. At the core of this conception of SCAD is THE VENUES AT OGEECHEE TECHNICAL COLLEGE an intelligent design element whereby growth and evolution FREE HEALTH SCREENINGS • SAMPLES • MAKEOVERS come from the interactions, MEDICAL INFO • DOOR PRIZES • AND MORE collaboration, global connections, research and creativity of the SCAD community. I think the future will be the outgrowth of today’s work and our collective aspirations. My goal is to contribute as mightily as I can to those efforts.”

To learn more about SCAD, www.shewomensexpo.com visit scad.edu

WOMEN’S

EXPO

AUGUST.20.2022

Pet Friendly, Outdoor Deck with ample Covered seating & views of Chimney Creek!

Often imitated, NEVER duplicated

912-786-9857

40 Estill Hammock Rd., Tybee Island, GA, 31328

FREE TO ATTEND

Lights On! Program gives Chatham Co. Police Dept. alternative method to issuing traffic citations On June 6, the Chatham County Police Department became the first law enforcement agency in Georgia to partner with the Lights On! program.

Under the program, officers are given an alternative to issuing citations to motorists in Chatham County. Instead of ticketing drivers for minor traffic violations like broken tail lights or signals, CCPD will instead issue vouchers for car repairs.

The vouchers are redeemable at certain auto repair businesses and cover $250 dollars in light-repair repair costs. Vouchers expire 14 days after being issued to a motorist.

Five auto repair shops in Chatham County that have partnered with Lights on! As of now those businesses are: • AAMCO Transmissions and Total Car Care • Auto Intensive Care • Automotive Services of Savannah • Mitchell’s Auto Shop • Scorpion Motorsports According to the program’s website, Lights On! Provides a tool for law enforcement agencies to heal and transform police-community relationships and lead to safer vehicles on roads.

The program also recognizes the financial ramifications that citations can have on lower-income individuals that rely on their cars for transportation.

“A tail light or brake light violation fine can be a major expense for many in our community. When we can give someone a voucher for a minor auto repair that gets them back in compliance – instead of a citation with a fine – that is a great example of the community policing mission that our department is built on,” said Chatham County Police Chief Jeff Hadley in a state-

ALEXANDER’S BISTRO 1201 Bull Street

Serving Breakfast, Lunch & Sunday Brunch

Dine-in I Dine-out I Carry-out Freshly Baked Pastry & Breads House Cured: Oven Baked Meats, Cafe, Espresso, Select Wines & Beers

In The Heart Of Savannah’s Historic Victorian District Photo of CCPD Police cruiser by Alex Arango

ment.

District 8 Commissioner Kenneth Adams was also instrumental in connecting the program with CCPD. “I thought it would be a good project for the police department. Mainly because it would have a positive impact, especially right now, with gas prices and grocery prices,” said Adams.

“People can’t really afford to get things like headlights and tail lights fixed because they can be a little costly.”

Lights On! is a community-funded program that partners with law enforcement agencies and auto repair businesses to provide alternatives to officers issuing traffic citations for minor traffic violations.

For more information on Lights On! visit lightsonus.org.

(912) 349 - 5334

alexandersbistro.com

- Alex Arango

LIBRARIES’ DIGITAL EXHIBITS SHARE UNTOLD STORIES

In “Hyman Wallace Witcover: Designer of Savannah’s Architectural Jewels,” viewers explore the creative versatility of Witcover, one of Savannah’s most prolific architects, who designed significant and historic buildings with distinctive architectural character, including the stunning Bull St. Library, formerly known as the Savannah Public Library.

“Not everybody can necessarily come physically to the library to see and touch these things, so anyone can access it [the exhibits] online. They can see, for example, a variety of photographs and postcards, and they can read a little bit more about the different buildings,” said Collier.

To see the exhibits, visit georgialibraries.omeka.net, and to learn more about Live Oak Public Libraries, visit liveoakpl.org

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 15 - 21, 2022

Three new public library digital exhibits offer a free way for public library patrons to interact with and learn about Georgia’s history and culture.

“Hyman Wallace Witcover: Designer of Savannah’s Architectural Jewels,” from Live Oak Public Libraries; “Columbus, Georgia: Hear Us Talking,” from Chattahoochee Valley Libraries; and “Rituals of Wartime Labor in Brunswick, Georgia,” from Marshes of Glynn Libraries, each tell a story of a little-known aspect of community history particular to a geographic area, using digitized materials made available through the Digital Library of Georgia.

While digitization provides free and open access to materials that might otherwise be challenging to find or fragile to handle, digital exhibits give library users the tools they need to make sense of these materials in context.

“Live Oak Public Libraries had the opportunity to partner with the Georgia public library service through their program called DigEX. The idea behind that [DigEX] is to focus on some of the digital resources that are available to preserve older materials and local history information that exist in the libraries,” explained Sarah Collier the director of communications for Live Oak Libraries. “When the opportunity came about, one of our reference librarians thought it’d be a great idea to focus on Savannah’s architecture. The opportunity was also wonderful because we have such a rich environment of beautiful buildings here in our city.”

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JUNETEENTH CELEBRATING FREEDOM

Tybee MLK group hosts Juneteenth festival and wade-In commemorating island’s civil rights history

By Chantel Britton

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Juneteenth is a special holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved people in America.

Specifically, it celebrates the freedom of the last slaves in Texas who became aware of Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation two years after it was issued on June 19, 1865.

Juneteenth has historically been celebrated in the African American community for years, but the holiday wasn’t necessarily well-known throughout the entire American populace. However, that changed last year when President Joe Biden declared Juneteenth a national holiday.

In and around Savannah, there have been a few Juneteenth celebrations happening for years.

The Tybee MLK Human Rights Organization has been observing Juneteenth with a beach wade-in since 2015.

“We’re coming up on the seventh year of it,” said Tybee MLK co-founder and coordinator, Julia Pearce. A local nonprofit dedicated to social justice issues and human rights, The community comes together to wade-in to the water, commemorating the integration of the beach in the 1960s.

“We combined Juneteenth along with the wade-in because we were researching the history of the wade-in in the 60s here on Tybee. It was against the law for African Americans to go into the water, and that did not change

Pat Gunn and Roz Rouse.Photo by Vicky Hardy

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 15 - 21, 2022

chantel@connectsavannah.com

JUNETEENTH

CELEBRATIONS AND OBSERVANCES There are several Juneteenth events taking place throughout the greater Savannah area. If you’re wondering what’s happening and where you can go to celebrate Juneteenth this year, here’s a list of several Juneteenth observances, events and celebrations taking place locally.

JEPSON CENTER JUNETEENTH LECTURE On Thursday, June 16 at 6 p.m., the Jepson Center will host a special Juneteenth lecture called “Turning Freedom Dreams into Reality: Black Activism in the Georgia Low Country.” Dr. Allison Dorsey, who is a professor of History at Swarthmore College, will speak about how Black men and women in the region began life as freed people after the Civil War.

SAVANNAH AFRICAN ART MUSEUM JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION Saturday, June 18 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Savannah African Art Museum will host its second annual Juneteenth Celebration on the museum grounds. The event will feature music and dancing, spoken word performances by Deep Slam artists, a diaspora marketplace, African food samples and more.

Attendees can look forward to tours of the museum’s West African collection as well. This year’s theme for the festival is Sankofa, which is a Ghanian concept that speaks to the importance of the past in preparing for the future. Thusly, the festivities will reflect on and honor the past while celebrating the future.

TYBEE MLK JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM On June 18 and 19 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., the Tybee MLK Human Rights Organization will hold a special celebration of freedom to commemorate Juneteenth. Traditionally held at North Beach, this is the first year that the celebration will take place at South Beach’s pier and pavilion. There will be Afro-centric vendors, live music, entertainment, and speakers at this two-day celebration. And on Sunday, June 19, at 9 a.m. there will be a special beach wade-in, where attendees will wade into the water commemorating Juneteenth and also the end of segregation on the beach.

DAFFIN PARK JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION FESTIVAL On Saturday, June 18 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, June 19 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., there will be a Juneteenth Celebration Festival at Daffin Park. Put on by the Black & Minority Business Network of Southeast Georgia, the two-day festival will feature live music, poetry, storytelling, dancing, vendors and more. Christian recording artist Todd Galbret will perform in addition to various local artists. It’s a family-friendly festival that will include bounce houses and water slides for kids and a fun scavenger hunt. There will also be food trucks on site and wine tastings.

JEPSON CENTER JUNETEENTH FAMILY DAY The Jepson Center will host a free family day on June 18, with Juneteenth activities taking place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be a libation ceremony, drumming and an appearance by the African Spirit at 1 p.m. Families can enjoy hands-on art making activities from 1 to 4 p.m. There will also be artist demonstrations of Gullah/Geechee basket making and dollmaking. Attendees can look forward to performances including storytelling, African dance by Kwanzaa Collective 365, and a musical performance by the Bailey Sounding Angels of Joy from the United House of Prayer. The event is free to all local residents from Chatham, Bryan, Liberty, Effingham, Beaufort and Jasper counties.

WELLS PARK JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL On Saturday, June 18 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., The Daughters of Mary Magdalene will host a special Juneteenth Festival in Savannah at Wells Park. This family-friendly festival will educate, entertain and inspire with live music, dancing, face painting, games and more. Performers include the Tommy Stokes Band, the ILA Gospel Band, Ra Search, Brothesr Balance, the Hispanic Dance Ensemble and many others.

POOLER JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL Pooler will host its first-ever Juneteenth Festival on Sunday, June 19 from 12 to 5 p.m. at the Tanger Outlets. There will be a health fair, live music, storytellers, guest speakers, vendors, games, food trucks and more. The festival is produced by the Pooler Juneteenth Celebration Committee, which works to educate the public about the significance of Juneteenth and acknowledge the end of slavery in the United States while honoring the fortitude of African American people.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 15 - 21, 2022

until [around] 1965,” Pearce explained. “Savannah State students along with the leadership of the NAACP and W.W. Law, who was the president of the NAACP Savannah at the time, they trained those young people to be nonviolent and to come out here at risk their lives to integrate the beach,” she continued.

The Tybee MLK organization holds the wade-in each year during Juneteenth to honor and commemorate the young people who successfully integrated the beach, while also celebrating freedom with a free festival featuring Afro-centric vendors, live music, performances, guest speakers and more.

Traditionally, the festival has been held on North Beach.

“The African American community that did exist on Tybee at one time, that’s where they felt the most comfortable. . . And Tybee’s only African-American [owned] restaurant is housed at North Beach, which is North Beach Grill,” Pearce explained. But this year, for the first time, the festival will take place on the beach near Tybee’s pier and pavilion.

The festival will take place on June 18 and 19, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., with the wade-in happening on Sunday, June 19 at 9 a.m.

“We’re asking everyone to come out . . . to celebrate freedom and to celebrate Juneteenth,” Pearce said.

There will be various festivities both days, and speakers include Gullah Geechee storyteller Pat Gunn, Attorney Chad Mance, who is the president of the Savannah NAACP chapter, and Tybee mayor Shirley Sessions, among others.

Pearce believes that it is vitally important for everyone both locally and nationally to recognize Juneteenth and what it means for our country.

“We understand Juneteenth to be the only freedom holiday that America has. . . During the Fourth of July, a third of the population of the United States was in bondage, and they remained in bondage for another 93 years,” said Pearce.

“We understand that freedom from the British still had people in America enslaved. . . and so the real freedom celebration of America is when the last of the slaves found out that the emancipation had been issued. . . And so we as a nation should celebrate the end of chattel slavery in America. And that’s what Juneteenth is. It’s for everybody’s freedom. It’s America’s true freedom day,” she continued.

She believes that Juneteenth being made a national holiday is an important step in the right direction for our country.

“It means that we’re trying to move closer to a more perfect union. It means that we are trying to talk about the real nature and history of the United States. Our history began with people enslaved . . . and the legacy of that beginning continues to live with us today. And so, what we’re trying to do is let people realize that there’s still work to be done. It’s our obligation to do this work [towards] the freedom and justice of all the people in America, so that we can reach our full potential together.”

Beyond Juneteenth, Tybee MLK works throughout the year to advocate for human rights and social justice. Pearce encourages anyone who is interested in doing that work to consider joining the nonprofit.

“If you would like to be involved with social justice activities, we are a place for you to do that. And we welcome you to join us as we work together in the struggle for justice.”

To learn more about Tybee MLK and how you can support the work that they do, visit tybeemlk.org

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COMMUNITY

STEP FEST AT DAFFIN PARK Nathaniel, Kiera, Natalie, Julian and Jessica Cook

BUNNY IN THE CITY

By Bunny Ware

Celebrating their fifth anniversary with a community day and a fundraiser for Savannah Center for Blind and Low Vision, Step One Automotive Group (SOAG), along with Savannah Food Truck Force, held Step Fest at Daffin Park on June 5.

Checking out the massive stage, rock climbing wall, bounce houses and food trucks as far as the eye can see, my new assistant Wren Nix and I decide to divide and conquer this massive event. As Wren heads off to snap pics of vendors, I head over to find SOAG marketing manager Maja Ciric.

Frank Floyd

Sinisa and Maja Ciric

The Serbian beauty has worked tirelessly for months preparing for today’s celebration, and judging by the people already here, her wish for a day to celebrate her community partners is going to be a success. “After 31 Grab-nGo Meals for first responders where we awarded local community heroes, we decided to host a day where we could celebrate everyone we have partnered with, and the entire community,” shares Maja.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 15 - 21, 2022

Helping Maja is Step One Event Coordinator Chelsea Altman. In her signature black attire and dramatic makeup, Chelsea is living her life long dream of orchestrating the details of social functions. “This is my passion, where I thrive and it literally feeds my soul to bring people together. Being able to work with a company that is devoted to supporting non-profits is a dream come true,” shares the vivacious brunette.

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Chelsea then introduces me to her favorite volunteers, Danielle Hughes and Abstract Samm. The Cycle Savannah writer and game host for Top Shelf Trivia is one fascinating female! Sporting three face tattoos, Abstract tells me. “You can find me busking most weekdays at Forsyth Park with a guitar covered in Sharpie doodles. I encourage people to come up and draw on my guitar.” On her own YouTube channel, this eccentric talent interviews people, especially musicians, in black and white and with her camera turned sideways.

Crossing over the grassy stretch between the food trucks and stage, I find Savannah Food Truck Force’s Vince Zambito directing 20 food trucks into their designated spots. The former Bayou Cafe restaurant owner has made a name for himself by having the largest access to food trucks in the area and I have grown immensely fond of this witty foodie!

Connor Guvitt, Jefferson Alvarez, Donovan Smith, Andrew Royal

Ashonna and Terrance Tubbs

April Floyd

Abstract Samm, Danielle Hughes

Knowing half of the food truck peeps, I head over to see Tier One’s Nathaniel Cook and his gorgeous family. While the sports nutritionist is conconting a tea loaded with collagen, minerals, vitamins and protein, I ask his wife Jessica how they met. She answers, “When I was working at Smoothie King, Nate came in every day for a month and asked me out. I didn’t think about going out with him until I saw how his fellow 1st Ranger Battalion treated him.” Fast forward ten years and the now US Army Captain’s persistence has paid off. Married with three little ones, Nate tells me that drinking all those smoothies was worth it!

Ok! It’s snack time! While sampling some Fiesta Punch from Jack and Terry Ann Jackson at Six Gear Sandwich Factory, I learned about I Sparkle Party Palace.

“Imagine parents being able to drop off 5 to 12 year olds for three hours of spa services like warm facials, mini-manicures and hand massages then visiting the royal closet where they select princess dresses colorful boas, angel hats and wings before hitting the runway,” shares the four month old business owner.

Waving at Sweet Spice’s Donovan Smith and Molly MacPherson’ Chris Boulanger, I catch a whiff of funnel cake and follow the scent over to Miss Katie’s Sweets.

Consider my mind blown because April Floyd tells me that they have red velvet funnel cakes covered in banana pudding AND fried cinnamon rolls!

Passing by me is Step One South Savannah Store Director Terrance Tubbs and his gorgeous wife Ashonna. Married three years, the happy couple tell me they love living in the south because of the culture, the friendly people and all the hugging!

Speaking of hugs, I trot over to hug retired Gulfstream royalty Al Wright, then squeeze culinary genius Joel Bullock. “You know I worked with Paul Kennedy Catering for 13 years. After he sold the company and moved to Johnson City TN, I came over to the Ark Royal aka British Pie Company,” shares my longtime friend.

Elaine Brown, Shamoy Spence, Domonique Brown

My next longtime friend sighting is of legendary coach Karl DeMasi. The Long Island New York native hasn’t shaken that northern accent after 27 years in the south and reluctantly allows me to take a selfie with him before I head over to talk with The Savannah Center for Blind and Low Vision team.

During my final lap through Step Fest, I pause to compliment Step One Auto Group’s Georgia Platform Director Rick Brinkman on Step One’s commitment to first responders, veterans and the dozens of nonprofits that have been graced by Rick, Maja and her loyal team. Y’all have truly Stepped Up! Tammy Crowder, Danielle Wheeler, Ashley Swab, Ava Hansel

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 15 - 21, 2022

The center’s Lois Modell tells me, “The money raised today will go toward travel expenses for our employees to provide orientation and mobility services, daily living tasks and our current assisted technology services like cell phone applications and GSP techniques. Having Step One partner with us doubles our reach because they are all about the community - just like we are,” shares the 10 year executive director.

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CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 15 - 21, 2022

COMMUNITY

14

Over the last few weeks, the professional golf world has been turned upside down by a story extending well outside the proverbial ropes. Since forever, the PGA Tour has been golf’s most prestigious circuit and home to the world’s top players. A real, legitimate rival to the tour’s supremacy has never truly existed, before now.

Last weekend, 17 PGA Tour players teed it up at the LIV Golf International Series’ inaugural event played just outside of London. By now, you know the deal with the LIV Tour. If you haven’t been briefed, Jay Rigdon, a golf writer for Awful Announcing, did a great job of summing it up.

It is, as Rigdon writes, “a Saudi-backed sportswashing venture designed not to make money, but to launder an entire regime’s reputation over time.”

Essentially, the LIV Tour offered professional golfers the choice that has never been as easy to answer as we’d like it to be. It forced each of them to ask a question of themself: Do I value generational wealth more than my individual legacy? More simply put, is this amount of money worth the trouble it’ll cause me and mine?

For many, including the likes of Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, Patrick Reed, Sergio Garcia and others, the answer was yes, the money was worth it.

So, those players (and 13 others) were suspended by the PGA Tour for making the decision to join LIV. A decision made presumably because they felt it was what was best for them and their families.

I guess I can’t blame the PGA Tour. Any rival to them would only mean unnecessary competition to their collective bottom line. So, even if the LIV Tour was funded by the 12 disciples and Ghandi, the PGA’s top brass wouldn’t be too thrilled about it. Other pro tours, like the European Tour, are fine with the PGA, because they aren’t offering real competition in terms of prize money for players.

The LIV Tour, on the other hand, is making its players wealthier than most any professional golfer on the planet. That spells danger for the PGA, and since Saudi Arabia is an objectively bad actor, that gives them the built-in reason to prevent any of its players from playing in LIV events.

I have no problem with the golfers who chose to bolt for huge paydays on the LIV Tour. I do, however, disagree with the decision they made. Disagreeing shouldn’t automatically lead to blacklisting. I don’t think any less of them now than I did a month ago, and that’s because I don’t look to my athletes for morality guidance. Nor should you.

Recent winner of the PGA Championship last month Justin Thomas summed it up well when he was asked about the exodus of players.

“People are entitled to choose as they wish. I don’t dislike (Dustin Johnson) now. I don’t think he’s a bad dude. I’m not going to treat him any differently. He’s entitled to choose as he wishes,” Thomas said. “It’s just so negative that you see it in everything. Sports, politics, whatever it is – if you disagree with someone, you just feel that you’re entitled to hate them and talk bad about them and just bash their decision. But everybody is entitled to their own opinion.”

SPORTS

LOCAL SPORTS NOTES

The 5th Annual Undefeated Warrior Anthony M Lanier II Foundation Football Camp is scheduled for Saturday, June 18 at Jenkins High School (1800 E DeRenne Ave.) from 8-10 a.m. Youth football players ages 4-14 can attend the free camp hosted by the former Jenkins football star. Lanier is a former NFL defensive end (Washington, Kansas City, New Orleans, San Diego) and current Canadian Football League player with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. All campers will receive an AML2 Foundation T-Shirt as well as lunch after the conclusion of the camp. More information about the foundation, Lanier and the camp can be found online at www.undefeatedwarrior. org and by calling 912-210-2719 or 912-224-4647.

After ending the month of May with an overall record of 23-27, the Atlanta Braves began the month of June with an eight game winning streak they sorely needed. Atlanta (31-27 before play on June 10) swept the Rockies and Athletics before taking on the lowly Pittsburgh Pirates last weekend. A large reason for the Braves’ recent success is shortstop Dansby Swanson. The 28-year-old began the season hitting .216 through his first 22 games … he hit .311 over his next 36 games. In Atlanta wins this season, Swanson is hitting .330 … in losses, he’s hitting .217. Ya think he matters much, maybe?

Benedictine product and starting pitcher at Vanderbilt Carter Holton put together a fantastic freshman season on the mound for the 2021 National Champions. Holton started 15 games (80 innings) and struck out 97 batters while posting a 3.14 ERA. Last week, Holton was named to Collegiate Baseball Newspaper’s Freshman All-American team for his efforts. Not too shabby for a guy who professional scouts said was “too short” to be a top draft pick out of high school (he chose Vanderbilt after declining a Brewers contract offer in the draft’s 19th round).

FOLLOW Travis Jaudon on Twitter/Instagram @ JaudonSports. Email him at travisLjaudon@gmail. com. Listen to him host Hot Grits Podcast, Savannah’s No. 1 sports podcast, with new episodes released each Tuesday.

Team Hy Flyers Phil Mickelson of the U.S. in action during the first round as Team 4 Aces’ Dustin Johnson of the U.S. looks on during the first round of the inaugural LIV golf invitational golf tournament at the Centurion Club.

Mandatory Credit: Paul Childs-Action Images/Reuters via USA TODAY Sports

JAUDON SPORTS:

GOLFERS CHOOSING THE LIV TOUR MADE CHOICE THAT SHOULDN’T SURPRISE ANYONE

BY TRAVIS JAUDON Sports Columnist @JaudonSports

FOOD & DRINK EAT IT & LIKE IT

PRESENTED WEEKLY BY SAVANNAH TECHNICAL COLLEGE

JESSE’S FAVORITES: HOSTESS CITY

BURGER LIST

Feed six for $150 order by: June 24 | pick up: June 30

THE FITZROY

EAT IT AND LIKE IT

By Jesse Blanco eatitandlikeit.com Every once in a moon phase, I get on a burger kick across the area. I’ll hit a flurry of them in a hurry over a few months and make some mental notes.

There was a time when all we really had was Green Truck Pub and everyone else.

Of course, that is no longer the case.

You can find several outstanding burgers across the region depending on what you are looking for. Especially when you con-

This is just a partial list of burgers that I think are consistently great that you should make sure you try this Summer.

SMASH BURGER FOOD TRUCK This food truck is new to the scene in 2022. We talked about him at length in this space a few months ago. Since then, I’ve sampled a couple more here and there and they are a consistently solid burger.

ARDSLEY STATION’S SOUTHERN CHARM Admittedly, I am about up to here with Pimento Cheese popping up on practically every menu in Savannah. It’s absolutely overdone, however, because this particular burger at Ardsley Station is char grilled so well, the ‘pimmena cheese’ is a perfect

Meal includes:

Cheerwine Pulled Pork, Dry Rubbed Spare Ribs, 3 Gourmet Sides, 2 BBQ Sauces, Potato Rolls & Dutch Oven Cherry Cobbler

SavannahTech.edu/BigPig An equal opportunity institution.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 15 - 21, 2022

Burgers are always a source of conversation with people. It might be the one food item I am asked about most. What is most amusing is when I am asked to share my “Top THREE Burgers” only to get asked for a few more when I don’t mention that person’s particular favorite. It is all subjective, of course and I respect that.

sider how many you will find on the food truck circuit. So, I’m sharing my favorite burgers of the ‘21-’22 season. Keep in mind that this is not a ranking. Every burger out there can have a good day and a bad day.

15

COCKTAIL OF THE WEEK PAINKILLER ENJOY AT: SEA WOLF TYBEE 106 S Campbell Ave.

MADE WITH:

Pusser’s Rum, cream of coconut, fresh orange juice, fresh pineapple, fresh lime juice, nutmeg

FARM BLUFFTON

compliment. The Southern Charm is Brasstown Farms beef (which is fantastic) topped with the cheese, cripsy onions, sneaky sauce and served with pickles and fries. I’ve had it a few times. Absolutely love it.

THE WYLD DOCK BAR True story: I loved this burger so much I tracked down the farm they source their beef from and purchased many pounds of it last summer before a week at the beach. No, I’m not sharing who.

THE FITZROY Fitzroy and The Collins Quarter locked down amazing burgers long ago. Consistently great.

HUSK When he was still a part of Husk, Chef Sean Brock obsessed about the perfect burger. He’s gone but the great burgers at Husk continue. And oh, btw if you are in Nashville this summer he is CRUSHING

the burger game at Joyland in East Nashville. Put it on your short list.

CASTAWAYS SANDFLY It will tell you something about a burger when it is regularly the #1 seller at a seafood heavy restaurant. Kirk Blaine has been mastering burgers in Savannah for a long time, especially when you consider the work of art he was serving up once upon a time at The (now closed) Howlin’ Hound.

FARM BLUFFTON (Over the river) If you are a burger connoisseur and haven’t at least tried this one... epic fail. Do it. Tomorrow.

THE GREY MARKET The Burger at The Grey Market is absolutely delicious. My only beef with it (see what I did there) is that it is a smidge on the tiny side for $18 if you add bacon and a fried egg. Because, I mean, why wouldn’t you?

The Painkiller served at this island eatery is aptly named. Once you try it, whatever pains that ail you will fade away as your taste buds are taken on a journey to a sunny place where everything is alright in the world.

Topped with an orange wheel and cherry, this delicious cocktail is perfect to cool you down on a hot summer day. Manager Caroline Sansone explains the Painkiiller’s appeal: “It’s a classic cocktail but one of our most popular. It’s tropical yet refreshing and well-balanced. You take a sip and are instantly transported to paradise!”

If you’re a libation lover, head to Sea Wolf Tybee to try the Painkiller soon.

-Chantel Britton

FOOD TRUCK OF THE WEEK

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 15 - 21, 2022

VIDA FRESH

16

by Latin Chicks

ARDSLEY STATION’S SOUTHERN CHARM BURGER

Brought to you by the culinary geniuses at Latin Chicks, Vida Fresh is a food truck that brings a fresh perspective to Latin American classics.

They offer healthy yet delicious dishes that will leave a lasting impression on your taste buds.

Their menu includes Latin favorites like their authentic Tacos de la Casa, the Grande Quesadilla, and El Cuban Sandwich. The Latin Bowl is a great option, featuring your choice of meat, or vegetarian, served with lettuce, tomatoes, black beans and rice. Add creamy avocados or sweet plantains to punch up the flavor.

Follow Latin Chicks on Facebook and Instagram @latinchicksrestaurant to find out where the Vida Fresh food truck will be next.

-Chantel Britton

PETS OF THE WEEK Each week, we will highlight pets available for adoption from local rescue organizations. In June, we are featuring Chatam County Animal Services.

JUNE BUGG

LIVE OAK PUBLIC

LIBRARIES

AGE: 3 YEARS OLD WEIGHT: 45 LBS COLORS: BLACK AND WHITE June Bugg is a young terrier mix who has been at our Operation New Hope (ONH) facility for almost a year!

She’s calm, gentle taking treats, and has great manners all around, including walking very well on leash.

She warms up to new people quickly and loves going to new places and meeting new friends. She wants all of your attention so would like to be the only pet in the home. Contact ONH staff at (912) 644-9430 to meet June Bugg!

Operation New Hope is a partnership between Chatham County Animal Services and the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office. ONH staff and inmates provide husbandry, socialization, and training to CCAS animals to increase their adoptability.

INDIE

AGE: 1 YEAR OLD WEIGHT: 50 LBS COLORS: BROWN BRINDLE AND WHITE

Chatham County Animal Services (CCAS) is located at 7211 Sallie Mood Drive in Savannah, behind the Humane Society. We are open from 1 – 4:30 PM 6 days a week, closed on Wednesdays and major holidays.

CCAS serves as a safety net for the lost, abandoned, and abused animals in our community. We offer volunteer opportunities, dog and cat adoptions, enforce animal-related ordinances, and intake stray or surrendered animals. Visit animalservices.chathamcountyga.gov for more information.

Compiled by Jamie Burton

liveoakpl.org @liveoakpl

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 15 - 21, 2022

Indie’s a medium-high energy barrel of fun! She’s super outgoing and is so enthusiastic about getting attention from people it’s hard not to be immediately charmed. She’s a little overweight, so if you need an exercise partner for those morning/evening walks, she would LOVE to fill that role for you. She has lived with other dogs before so she might look forward to having a pet-sibling – don’t worry, your current dog would meet Indie as part of the adoption process. How can you resist that smile? Call 912652-6575 to set an appointment to meet Indie at the Adoption Center!

17

CULTURE MAKING CONSERVATION COOL:

AUTHORS MARY ALICE MONROE, ANGELA MAY RELEASE SEQUEL TO NYT BESTSELLER Co-authors Mary Alice Monroe and Angela May, the duo behind New York bestseller “The Islanders,” are back chantel@connectsavannah.com with their second installment of their riveting adventure series. The sequel, which became available for purchase on June 14, is called Search for Treasure. It follows protagonist Jake and his friends Macon and Lovie as they embark on an adventure throughout the bucolic Dewees Island. “[Readers] can expect to have a page-turning adventure that they’re going to fall in love with,” said May. The story is multigenerational and focuses in part on relations between Jake and his grandmother Honey, and most notably, his father Eric, who was injured during a combat tour in Afghanistan. It’s a timeless tale about friendship, family, and love for the land.

The authors were motivated to tell this story in part by the beauty of Dewees Island, which is a barrier island just north of their home city, Charleston, S.C. “We fell in love with Dewees Island for its unique qualities. . . There’s nothing quite like [it],” May began.

“There are literally no paved roads.

No cars. No restaurants or stores, which at first, sounds really shocking . . . but it feels like a wild wonderland when you step foot out there because nature is all around you. . . We wanted to capture that nature magic, that feeling, and share it with readers,” she explained.

Ecological conservation is a key theme in the book, and the authors really want to encourage readers, particularly young people, to get outdoors and explore. May hopes to inspire readers to become “treasure hunters” in their own right.

“When I say ‘treasure hunters’, I don’t necessarily mean to go out searching for gold coins and other buried treasure, but to go and see what kinds of treasures are awaiting you outdoors.”

She wants to inspire readers to “spend a little more green time and a little less screen time,” encouraging families to discover and appreciate the vast treasures of nature. May quoted her co-author Monroe:“This is a message she has repeated in many of her novels . . . ‘Once you know, you care, and then you take care.’” Once someone is made aware of the environment and the importance of conserving it, compassion is fostered and action is taken.

“This is really important to us, for all of us to have a better understanding and appreciation for the landscape around us so that we can continue to enjoy it for many generations to come,” May expressed.

To promote the book and get kids excited about summer reading, May will be visiting two local libraries to host special events that are free and open to the public: On June 18 at 10 a.m., May will be at the Village Library on Skidaway Island. She will also be at the Whitemarsh Islands branch on June 20 at 1 p.m.

“I look forward to visiting the Savannah libraries because this gives me a chance to share with families and children of all ages that summer reading is fun. And it can be fun especially when you read together,” she said. At the events, she will speak about the book and then lead attendees in an exciting D-I-Y nature journal project. May encourages people to come out because “it’s a great opportunity to do something together, to celebrate summer reading, to make it fun, and important.”

May encourages readers of any age to read Search for Treasure.

“This is truly a book that kids as young as eight and adults as old as 88 can enjoy. For adult readers, it’s going to feel nostalgic. . . It captures all of the best things that you love about summertime as a kid. And for the youth, I hope it excites them to want to get outdoors more and go explore.”

She also hopes that readers will use this opportunity to discover the treasures at their local libraries.

“After they finish reading this book, they can dive into other wonderful adventure stories that feed their imaginations and interests,” she added.

Search for Treasure is available online and at bookstores throughout the country. To learn more about the book, please visit maryalicemonroe.com/search-for-treasure

MARTIN DE PORRES SOCIETY HOSTS 4TH ANNUAL JAZZ BENEFIT CONCERT FOR CAMP LIGHTHOUSE

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 15 - 21, 2022

By Chantel Britton

18

Founded in 1986 by late philanthropists Dr. George Negron and his wife Yolanda Negron, the Martin de Porres Society is a local nonprofit committed to serving disadvantaged children and families in Savannah.

Named for a Peruvian Saint who delivered food and alms to the poor, the organization helps local children in several ways. The society provides after-school programs and distributes food and toys to families in need during the holiday season. The nonprofit also sends volunteers to local schools and hosts a week-long summer camp, Camp Lighthouse, where children can explore creative arts, learn life skills, and receive technology training.

Started in 2000, Camp Lighthouse is a summer camp for underserved children in Savannah. The camp usually serves about 100 children from the ages of 5 to 13, who are referred to the camp by the local school system. This year, the camp will take place from July 11-15.

During that week, children will be immersed in music, art, and dance. They’ll also participate in health and personal fitness training.

Campers will engage in entrepreneurship, financial literacy, character development, and leadership development as well. The camp is delivered to these students at no cost to the families and includes field trips to exciting sites like the zoo and the Beach Institute. To raise funds for Camp Lighthouse, the Martin de Porres Society is gearing up to host their 4th annual Jazz Benefit Concert.

Taking place at Congregation Mickve Israel on Sunday, June 26 at 4 p.m., the concert will feature local jazz legends musician Teddy Adams and vocalist Huxsie Scott. The concert is returning after a two-year Covid hiatus, and society members and organizers Gail Brown and Lillian Grant-Baptiste said they are looking forward to hosting attendees once again.

“It’s an amazing time of sharing and listening to jazz. Teddy Adams and Huxsie Scott are just amazing performers [who are] well known in our community. . . I think we are all so excited about any opportunity to come back together. . . It will be a wonderful and warm opportunity to celebrate and give back and enjoy the community,” said Grant-Baptiste.

Brown encourages people to come out to the event to support young people in need here in our community: It’s a chance “to sow into the lives of young people in our community who would otherwise not be able to be a part of the camp because they can’t afford it.”

Congregation Mickve Israel, First African Baptist Church, First Bryan Baptist Church and St. James Catholic Church have partnered together for it for the event. The organizers believe it’s a beacon of light for youth in an, at times, dark world.

“If ever there was a time in our community that we needed a light, it certainly is now. I love the name of the camp, Camp Lighthouse. [It’s a] place where young people find light, where they find love, and where they find hope,” said Grant-Baptiste.

The deadline to purchase tickets for the benefit concert is Wednesday, June 22. Tickets can be purchased at Mickve Israel, First African Baptist Church, or online at martindeporressociety.org -Chantel Britton

VISUAL ART

‘BLOW UP’ AT JEPSON

INFLATE YOUR VISUAL ART EXPERIENCE

By Kareem McMichael

Arts & Entertainment Writer

Mann.

“I am not an artist myself but when I am looking at works in an exhibit I look beyond the emotional reaction I get from the art and also look at how can I make this work and how it was made and what was the process to make it.

I hope visitors will feel that as well,” said Mann.

“BLOW UP: Inflatable Contemporary Art”will be up until September 18. Local residents are encouraged to visit the Jepson Center for free on Saturdays and Sundays through Aug. 28. Telfair Museums is waiving admission fees at its two sites on Telfair Square to residents across a six-county region: Chatham, Bryan, Effingham, and Liberty (GA), and Beaufort and Jasper (SC).

TOP (L-R): Lizabeth Rossof (American, b. 1973), 5 XI’AN AMERICAN WARRIORS, 2019 Nylon fabric, electric fans. Sharon Engelstein (Canadian, b.

1965), Seeker, 2012, Nylon fabric, electric fan. BOTTOM: Jen Stark; Cones; 2019; Nylon fabric, electric fans; courtesy of Bedford Gallery at the Lesher Center for the Arts.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 15 - 21, 2022

“BLOW UP: Inflatable Contemporary Art,” an imaginative traveling exhibition of large scale inflatable works, has made its way from the Bedford Gallery in Walnut Creek, CA, to the Jepson Center.

“BLOW UP is a showcase of creativity and technology, and each artist has a unique approach to this medium.

It will be something new and exciting for our audience,” said Alex Mann, Telfair’s Director of Curatorial Affairs and Chief Curator.

The exhibition will be on view at the Telfair Museums’ Jepson Center through September 18 and features inflatable art by well-known contemporary artists and art collectives.

This year, inflatable art will be presented on a larger scale with works averaging nine feet tall.

“While some pieces are hand-sewn, others are modeled on computers and custom-fabricated, using lightweight and durable synthetic materials to achieve their impressive scale. The results are bold and unforgettable,” said Mann.

Telfair audiences were exposed to inflatable art in 2019 with the exhibition “Summon the Sea: Contemporary Artists and Moby Dick” which introduced new audiences to Tristan Lowe’s massive wool felt, inflatable whale, “Mocha Dick.”

As with Lowe’s inflatable work, this exhibition will enlighten visitors of all ages to explore new mediums of contemporary art.

The installations in BLOW UP will encourage the viewer to look beyond the conventional associations of inflatables with balloons, beach toys, and blimps.

“Savannah is a creative city so with these works it was important to show something new and cutting edge for

people and artists to explore,” said Mann.

This show features nine different artists that are working with the medium of fabric, air and machinery to create these works. Some museums are not large enough to display many of these works, but the Jepson Center’s size figured perfectly into the scope of this exhibition.

This is one of the biggest shows Mann has worked with in relation to size of the pieces being displayed.

“The medium of inflatables has a basic concept and it allows these artists to do works that are on a large scale.

They can explore their ideas and see their work bigger than they normally could and the Jepson Center is a wonderful space to feature this work in,” said Mann.

The international roster of artists and art collectives well known in contemporary art circles includes: Nicole Banowetz, Sharon Engelstein, FriendsWithYou, Joshua Harker, Susan Lee-Chun, Matt Ritchie, Lizabeth Rossof, Max Streicher, and Jen Stark.

Their works are known for using bold colors, pop culture references, and overwhelming scale to address an array of serious themes, including consumerism, climate change, cultural identity, and mortality.

Organizers hope that will be evident when walking through the exhibit, captivating the viewer with the scale of the work juxtaposed with the variety of colors and media.

“When you see this show you will see that all of these concepts and subjects from the recognizable to the abstract are all possible and are coming together from these artists and they are a lot of great pieces to see,” said Mann.

BLOW UP: Inflatable Contemporary Art is organized by Carrie Lederer, Curator of Exhibitions, Bedford Gallery at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek, CA. This exhibition is the second iteration of BLOW UP, which was also curated by Bedford Gallery. The presentation of this exhibition at Telfair Museums is designed by

19

CULTURE HAPPY HOUR MONDAY-FRIDAY 2PM-6PM

HALF PRICED APPS, $3 WELLS $4 GEORGIA & DOMESTIC DRAFTS $5 JAMESON & FIREBALL

MONDAY

SEQUENTIAL ART

Meet Neighborhood Comics June Artist-in-Residence Andy Gordon

By Alex Arango

alex@connectsavannah.com

POKER @7PM KARAOKE! @9PM

TUESDAY TRIVIA @7PM

@9PM OPEN JAM HOSTED BY

ERIC CULBERSON

WEDNESDAY

ERIC CULBERSON LIVE BLUES @9PM

Andy Gordon is Neighborhood Comics’ current Sequential Artist-in-Residence. Originally from Knoxville and attended The Univ. of Tennessee before earning his Sequential Art MFA from SCAD this year.

For Gordon, art has always been something that he has gravitated toward since he was young.

“Ever since I was in middle school some of the first stuff, I remember drawing was ‘Dragon Ball Z’ characters with my brother,” recalled Gordon. It’s something I’ve always kind of just enjoyed doing.

Gordon explained that in addition to art he was also big on theater, but saw more opportunity in creating comics and illustrations.

“I felt like I had the opportunity to build a career in art more so than I did a career in theater. I still would love to do theater, but it’s so hard to actually become an actor. I could just sit at home and draw comics all day and that could be my life,” remarked Gordon.

Compared to other visual mediums such as animation, Gordon believes comics and graphic novels to be the fastest, and perhaps even the purest way to visually tell a story.

“When you’re storyboarding, you’re making something for something else that’s going to be filmed or animated, but comics are a final product. You really have the most creative freedom THANK YOU for

YEARS

KARAOKE THURSDAY-MONDAY @9PM CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 15 - 21, 2022

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Andy Gordon holds his comic “Frankie Langley and The Inter-Galactic Post Office” and his “Sticky Note Sketchbook.” Photo by Alex Arango.

to tell a story through comics,” said Gordon. “It’s truly a unique medium that is still always changing especially with things like webcomics and stuff coming around. I don’t think it can really go anywhere because it fills a void that animation can’t.”

Throughout his residency term some of Gordon’s original works will be available at Neighborhood Comics.

“Frankie Langley and The Inter-Galactic Post Office” is a comic that Gordon and his friends have been working on since his time at SCAD. Gordon came up with the idea during a class, creating a concept art and a pitch.

After creating character designs with fun retro spacesuits, Gordon thought about how he could make his ideas into a story.

He talked with a friend, a creative writer back in Knoxville, and got the ball rolling on imagining what would become Frankie Langley and The Intergalactic Post Office.”

The comic follows the intergalactic exploits of Senior Post Officer Frankie Langley, who works for a futuristic post office.

“She’s this old lady who’s been working in this post office her whole life, and she’s flying across the galaxy to deliver packages.

She works on the special parcel unit, where she has to go to the furthest places across the galaxy to deliver packages in remote and dangerous areas,” explained Gordon.

Although this is only the first issue of Frankie Langley’s story, Gordon has plans for it to be a full-blown graphic novel.

The comic draws heavy influence from science fiction and western genres. Two genres that Gordan says he feels most at home in.

Gordon has also come out with a sketchbook that consists of sticky notes drawings that he drew over the past year, titled “Andy Gordon’s Sticky Note Sketchbook.”

“It started out as a fun thing I was doing for myself to sort of loosen up my drawing practice, and to stop taking drawing like super seriously,” said Gordon.

Gordon will continue his residency throughout the month of June, and can be found working Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays at Neighborhood Comics.

Neighborhood Comics’ Sequential Artist-in-Residence program offers artists a dedicated space to produce comic books, graphics novels and other forms of sequential art.

The program is available in one-month blocks, and the artist for that month gets to keep all proceeds made from their work during their residency term.

For more information on Neighborhood Comics and their Sequential Artist-In-Residence program visit neighborhoodcomics.com

CONNECT SAVANNAH

ART PATROL THE ART OF WILLIAM O. GOLDING: HARD KNOCKS, HARDSHIPS AND LOTS OF EXPERIENCE

Telfair Museums presents the first large museum survey of the work of William O. Golding (1874-1943), an African American seaman and artist who recorded a half-century of maritime experience in more than one hundred vibrant drawings. In the 1930s, Golding was a patient at the United States Marine Hospital in Savannah, where he represented his experiences in expressive pencil and crayon drawings which combine memory, imagination, and sailors’ lore. 72 works will be exhibited, including 23 drawings from Telfair Museums’ permanent collection, and others from the Morris Museum of Art, The Georgia Museum of Art, and private collections. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.. 912-790-8800. info@telfair.org. telfair.org/exhibitions/ golding/. telfair.org/jepson/. Jepson Center for the Arts, 207 West York St.

TRADING SPACES

February 1, 2022 - November 30, 2022 Kobo Gallery artists Morgan Adler, Suzanne Carmack, Antoine de Villiers, Joy Dunigan, Marta McWhorter, David Kaminsky and Daniel E. Smith rotate the gallery, prompting a host of new work arrivals and a fresh take on existing works.

2022 Trading Spaces Events are as follows: • June 1 - July 31, 2022 • August 1 - September 30, 2022 • October 1 - November 30, 2022

BLOW UP: INFLATABLE CONTEMPORARY ART

To submit an ART PATROL listing, please submit an event at connectsavannah.com

org/jepson/. Jepson Center for the Arts, 207 West York St.

KOBO 360°

December 1, 2022 - January 31, 2023 Kobo Gallery artists Morgan Adler, Suzanne Carmack, Antoine de Villiers, Joy Dunigan, Marta McWhorter, David Kaminsky and Daniel E. Smith rotate the gallery, prompting a host of new work arrivals and a fresh take on existing works.

“AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY” EXHIBIT BY TODD BERGERT

A self-taught artist, Bergert utilizes the Flemish Technique, a method of oil painting that begins with a detailed pencil drawing followed by the meticulous application of layers of thin coats of paint. The exhibit is free and open to the public. The gallery is open Tues.through Sun. from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Free and open to the public. 10 a.m.-7 p.m.. Plant Riverside Dist. Grand Bohemian Gallery, 400 W. River St.

GHOSTS

GHOSTS is a collection of paintings along with a video installation produced by artist, Meg Kettelkamp, and filmed and edited by Grace Harding.

Kettelkamp’s naturally dyed fabrics with plant material gathered around Savannah take on new forms and purposes in the film, continued by a new presentation in the gallery. Contemplating the complexities of the past and its effects on the present, she invites the viewer into a quiet reflection of both light and shadow, and seeing the familiar with childlike simplicity. All work at the exhibition will be for sale. 5-9 p.m.. megkettelkamp.com. The Nest Gallery, 601 E 33rd St.

THROUGH THE EYES OF ERIC HARTLEY, A PHOTOGRAPHIC COLLECTION

The Arts on the Coast in partnership with Great Oaks Bank is proud to present ‘Through the Eyes of Eric Hartley, A Photographic Collection’, a black and white photography exhibition that features over 25 extraordinary images from Hartley’s personal collection. An opening reception will be held on Friday, June 3rd from 5-7 p.m. The full show dates at June 3-August 12, 2022.

Free 5-7 p.m.. 9123985776. artsonthecoastaoc@gmail.com. artsonthecoast. org/eric-hartley. Estes Gallery at Great Oaks Bank/Arts on the Coast, 42 Town Centre Drive.

RISING TO THE SURFACE: A SUMMONING OF SAVANNAH’S TITANIC SHIPS OF THE SEA MARITIME MUSEUM

One of the greatest maritime disasters known to Savannah and Charleston was nearly forgotten.

On the night of June 14, 1838, the steam packet Pulaski exploded killing families from Savannah and Charleston, along with enslaved individuals, seamen, and a former U.S. Congressman.

Now the story is being told at Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum in a new exhibition, “Rising to the Surface: A Summoning of Savannah’s Titanic.” The display is curated by museum curator and interim executive director of Ships of the Sea, Wendy Melton, and is bolstered by contributions from New York Times best-selling author Patti Callahan and shipwreck hunter Micah Eldred, who found the wreckage of the Pulaski in 2018.

Rising to the Surface opens at Ships of the Sea Friday, June 17 at 6:00 p.m., with one of America’s most captivating storytellers -- Patti Callahan – examining what we know and can imagine about that fateful night. Joining Patti is Micah Eldred, who reveals the real-life story of solving one of our country’s most durable maritime mysteries. Tickets to the event are $25 and can be ordered in advance via Eventbrite. After the lecture, guests will enjoy a guided tour of the exhibition. A cash bar will be available.

15 JUNE 2022 - 30 DECEMBER 2022 OPENING RECEPTION: 17 JUNE 2022, 5:30-9 P.M. $25.00 ADMISSION TICKETS FOR JUNE 17 ARE AVAILABLE AT EVENTBRITE MUSEUM HOURS: 10 AM - 5 PM (LAST ADMISSION: 4:15)

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 15 - 21, 2022

BLOW UP: Inflatable Contemporary Art explores the imaginative ways that artists use air as a tool for creating larger-thanlife sculptures. Featuring nine cutting-edge installation projects, this exhibition shakes up traditional associations of inflatables with balloons, beach toys, and blimps. As a group, these demonstrate the wealth of visual possibilities for inflatable art, from playfully familiar subjects to colorful abstractions and thought-provoking conceptual work.

The exhibition includes an international roster of artists and art collectives who are well known in contemporary art circles: Nicole Banowetz, Sharon Engelstein, FriendsWithYou, Joshua Harker, Susan Lee-Chun, Matt Ritchie, Lizabeth Rossof, Max Streicher, and Jen Stark. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.. 912-790-8800. info@telfair. org. telfair.org/exhibitions/blow-up/. telfair.

15-21

JUNE/

21

BOOKS

Savannah’s Independent Bookstore since 1975 offering a selection of fiction, nonfiction, regional, and children’s books

WHAT ARE WE READING? PRESENTED AND CURATED WEEKLY BY E. SHAVER, BOOKSELLER THE MUTUAL FRIEND

BY CARTER BAYS

It’s the summer of 2015, and Alice Quick needs to get to work. She’s twenty-eight years old, grieving her mother, barely scraping by as a nanny, and freshly kicked out of her apartment. If she can just get her act together and sign up for the MCAT, she can start chasing her dream of becoming a doctor . . . but in the Age of Distraction, the distractions are so distracting.

There’s her tech millionaire brother’s religious awakening. His picture-perfect wife’s emotional breakdown.

Her chaotic new roommate’s thirst for adventure. And, of course, there’s the biggest distraction of all: Love.

From within the story of one summer in one woman’s life, an epic tale is unearthed, spanning continents and featuring a tapestry of characters tied to one another by threads both seen and unseen. Filled with all the warmth, humor, and heart that gained How I Met Your Mother its cult following, The Mutual Friend captures in sparkling detail the chaos of contemporary life.

EMPIRE OF THE VAMPIRE

BY JAY KRISTOFF

It has been twenty-seven long years since the last sunrise. For nearly three decades, vampires have waged war against humanity; building their eternal empire even as they tear down our own.

Gabriel de León is a silversaint: a member of a holy brotherhood dedicated to defending realm and church from the creatures of the night. But even the Silver Order could not stem the tide once daylight failed us, and now, only Gabriel remains.

Imprisoned by the very monsters he vowed to destroy, the last silversaint is forced to tell his story. A story of legendary battles and forbidden love, of faith lost and friendships won, of the Wars of the Blood and the Forever King and the quest for humanity’s last remaining hope: The Holy Grail.

THREE

BY VALERIE PERRIN 1986: Adrien, Etienne and Nina are 10 years old when they meet at school and quickly become inseparable.

They promise each other they will one day leave their provincial backwater, move to Paris, and never part.

326 Bull Street

Behind the Desoto Historic Downtown Savannah 912.234.7257

eshaverbooks.com

2017: A car is pulled up from the bottom of the lake, a body inside. Virginie, a local journalist with an enigmatic past reports on the case while also reflecting on the relationship between the three friends, who were unusually close when younger but now no longer speak. . As Virginie moves closer to the surprising truth, relationships fray and others are formed.

Valérie Perrin has an unerring gift for delving into life.

In Three, she brings readers along with her through a sequence of heart-wrenching events and revelations that span three decades. Three tells a moving story of love and loss, hope and grief, friendship and adversity, and of time as an ineluctable agent of change.

STYLE: WHAT ARE WE WEARING?

FEEL GOOD, LOOK GOOD:

CLOTHES CREATED LOCALLY

By Lauren Wolverton

lauren@connectsavannah.com

Finding an outfit you look great in feels good, but finding an outfit that was created locally feels even better. Head to Bull Street and visit Blank Canvas Showroom next time you go shopping.

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 kr a b b i t s a v. c om

Owner Anna McCraney uses the space as a showroom full of her own creations alongside other artists. She also employs and trains students from SCAD in the art of pattern making. Blank Canvas serves as a developmental space that makes the customer feel welcome and excited to shop intentionally with sustainability and creativity in mind.

This navy and neon look is part of the 2022 Summer Collection, Stick & Poke. Style the dress or the shorts with a pair of white sneakers for a classic, every day outfit. Add a pop of color with red accessories, like these sunglasses.

Navy dress, checkerboard dress, neon tank, printed shorts, sunglasses, sneakers, checkerboard purse available at Blank Canvas Showroom (1815 Bull St.).

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 15 - 21, 2022

Checkerboard print is bold and effortlessly cool. Slip this dress on with a pair of bright sneakers for an easy, fun look. That isn’t a tank top next to the dress, that’s a matching purse. Style this purse with anything in your closet and instantly gain cool points.

23

MUSIC & CLUBS

MUSIC EDUCATION

Get to know Eric Davis, the first-ever Gretsch Distinguished Scholar of Guitar/Music Industry

WHERE ARE YOU FROM, HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY AND HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN AT GEORGIA SOUTHERN?

I am a classically trained guitarist, I trained at The Juilliard School and I have lived in NYC for the last 32 years. I started at Georgia Southern in January, so it has been, to say the least, a quick and ongoing transition to a city where I still know very few people.

I grew up playing most contemporary styles in bands, including my father’s, professionally from the age of 12. I learned about the differences in musical approaches for these styles through playing with people much better than me.

By ‘industry,’ many think of engineering in a recording studio or being behind a mixing board at a live event. The industry is much more than this and encompasses many topics and experiences from performing to engineering to teaching. It’s basically the means by which you are able to sustain yourself in your chosen aspect of the industry.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 15 - 21, 2022

WHAT WERE YOU DOING PRIOR TO JOINING GSU?

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I have been in the Broadway-freelance scene in New York City, and continue to be to this day. While there is obviously great music being done all over, there are many, many people trying to carve out their place in the New York scene. It took me almost seven years to accomplish this. I have played in about 20 or so Broadway shows, and on Broadway original cast albums, some of which have been nominated for or won Grammy awards. I have also done work on many album projects, films, TV and jingles.

WHAT EXCITES YOU MOST ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY AT GSU?

Working both with the Gretsch name and with the students with whom I have, so far, had a fantastic experience. Anybody in the guitar and drum world knows the Gretsch name. My goal and mission is to pass along

my experiences to this generation of students. Both my successes and my failures, and how to pass things often not taught in music school to this group.

WHAT EXACTLY WILL YOU BE DOING IN YOUR ROLE?

I hope to be the instrumental (guitar-wise) liaison between the needs of the school and the vision of the Gretsch family.

This is still being navigated since the music industry program is new, but I am optimistic we will navigate this journey as the program develops and increases in size.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH IN YOUR ROLE?

To be the person who knows guitars, help our students develop these skills, and, to the extent that we are able, make the community aware of our program and the desire to make it well-known — especially in the southeastern states.

HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE THE FIRST-EVER GRETSCH DISTINGUISHED SCHOLAR OF GUITAR/MUSIC INDUSTRY?

Fortunate would be an understatement.

I love working with young, committed students, and of course, I have been a fan of Gretsch guitars my whole musical life. I own three vintage instruments myself.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH GRETSCH GUITARS AND INSTRUMENTS.

My father-in-law owned three Gretsch guitars from the 1950s. All vintage, and he was the original owner. When he passed, I got them all restored to perfect condition.

The Duo Jet is Gretsch’s first solid-body electric and one of the first batches made in 1952 or 1953. My guitar tech in New York, with the help of a couple of others who worked on Bob Dylan’s guitars, put it into such great shape that he guarantees that no one in New York has one in this condition and that plays so well. When my father-inlaw was a younger man, he walked by the Gretsch store in Brooklyn and told himself that he was going to buy that guitar when he had the money.

YOU’VE BEEN INVOLVED WITH MANY BROADWAY PRODUCTIONS — WHICH ONE WAS YOUR FAVORITE, AND WHY?

Broadway is more than just sitting in a pit for a couple of weeks. It is part of the larger freelance scene. These same musicians are seen in every facet of the industry.

It’s hard to pick a favorite, but “Matilda” was great. Not only the positive energy of

the dozen or so children in the cast, but the vibe and teamwork of the rest of the cast, crew and music department, from the top-down. Plus it was such a clever and well-written show.

WHEN DID YOU FIRST BECOME INTERESTED IN MUSIC?

I was probably two years old when my parents played Beatles albums in the house.

I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t interested in music. As I got to adolescence, it became clear that it would be my path. A decision to pursue it was never made because it was always clear.

WHO/WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR MUSICAL INSPIRATIONS?

The Beatles, Chicago, classic rock, Abba, ‘yacht rock’ like Toto, 80s metal and hard rock, disco, Sibelius and Beethoven. Also, George Benson, Paco de Lucia and Brazilian music.I was an exchange student in Brazil during college, and this is still very important to me and my life now. So, pretty much everything.

TELL US A LITTLE MORE ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE IN BRAZIL AND HOW IT SHAPED YOUR LIFE AND MUSIC CAREER.

In Brazil, I participated in an exchange program where I lived with a family and was immersed in Portuguese. It changed my life, and to this day I have many friends there. The people, the culture and the hospitality are so great. I wanted to move there for so long, but my music career here in

the U.S. kept getting busier and busier, and I realized that a permanent move would never happen. I got into Juilliard and have been in New York ever since. There is some regret, but memories and regular visits to this day have helped. The music is my favorite because it has so much depth and richness to it.

WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU WOULD LIKE THE GEORGIA SOUTHERN COMMUNITY TO KNOW ABOUT THE GRETSCH SCHOOL OF MUSIC?

It is fully committed to serving its students and having individual interaction, knowing each one, by all faculty. We want them to discover and pursue the very music that made them want to be musicians in the first place, while at the same time adding new skills in the process. We also want to give them tools to make a living by giving them as many different experiences as possible. Basically, all the things I didn’t learn in music school, and in the process, not leaving them with $200,000 in debt after they leave!

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO ADD OR SHARE?

We are student-centered and want students to take ownership and have decision-making power in what they play. At least that is my philosophy, and my colleagues are phenomenal. Everyone brings something unique to the table, so we are very complete as a department. I couldn’t be happier.

- Special to Connect Savannah

Images provided by A.U.R.A Fest

Professional and award-winning musician Eric Davis joined Georgia Southern Univ.’s faculty in the Fred and Dinah Gretsch School of Music in January. Davis has a variety of experience in the music realm having played professionally since a young age. Davis says he enjoys mentoring students not only to enhance their musical talents, but also to ensure they are ready for a lifelong career in music.

Read on to learn more about Davis, his musical influences and plans for his role at GSU.

THE STAGE PAGE

By Frank Ricci

KATIE HUGHES @ THE WORMHOLE

Atlanta’s 2019 Critics’ Choice Best Comedian drops in at the Wormhole for a night of giggles.

She’s done a slew of festivals like SXSW, Limestone and Laughing Skull, cracking up audiences with biting snark and aggressive silliness.

SAT JUNE 18 | 8 PM

savannah’s newest home for local & regional

Live Music karaoke

6/15 9:00-1:00am

country night all night!

6/17 banjo brandon & the critters

6/17 7:30 - 10:30

COWBOY – KID ROCK TRIBUTE @ COACH’S CORNER

Previously unknown levels of badassery have been achieved

by Kid Rock on the way to 27 millions records sold and the most successful rap-rock-country career in popular music. He’s a long way from the early lo-fi hip-hop of The Polyfuze Method, and Cowboy leans more into the rock and country. You will hear all the hits.

SAT JUNE 18 | 7 PM

dropkick turbo 6/18 7:30-10:30

stedic music group on tour 6/19 7:00-10:00

6/20 7:00-10:00

open noon until late everyday of the week

127 w. congress st. eclipsesav.net

The Savannah family band started out doing covers before branching out to originals. Their two releases, the “Clean Slate” LP and the “Accelerate” EP, boast a polished pop sound with great harmonies and a healthy dollop of country twang. Proceeds benefit a charity for troubled young men and boys, so imbibe enthusiastically.

It’s for a cause.

THUR JUNE 16 | 8 PM

FRI JUNE 11TH SAT JUNE 25TH SAT JUNE 18TH SAT JUNE 12TH

SAT JUNE 25TH HEAD GAMES

A TRIBUTE T0 FOREIGNER SAT. JULY 2ND T I C K E T S ON E V E N T B R I T E

3016 E. VICTORY DR. 912.352.2933 COACHS.NET

DOWNLOAD OUR APP!

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 15 - 21, 2022

stedic music group on tour

TELL SCARLET @ ELECTRIC MOON SKYTOP LOUNGE

AN EVENING WITH RANDALL SAT JUNE 11TH FRI JUNE 17TH BRAMBLETT

SAT JUNE 17TH 18TH FRI JUNE Fleetwood Mac tribute bands are treated to an embarrassment of riches when it comes to selecting hit songs to play.

Fleetwood Max, led by Sharon and David Epperson (as Stevie and Lindsey), choose well and portray a convincing version of the legendary UK-LA supergroup.

SAT JUNE 18 | 8 PM

6/19 1:00-6:00

FRI JUNE 4TH DONT MISS T HI S!

SAT JUNE 5TH

FLEETWOOD MAX @ TYBEE POST THEATER

rythem & brunch

SOUNDGARDEN EVENTS

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JUNE/

15-21

CONNECT SAVANNAH MUSIC

SOUNDBOARD WHO IS PLAYING WHERE THIS WEEK WEDNESDAY 6/15 LIVE MUSIC

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.

Plant Riverside District - Pavilion Stage Wednesday Blues Series feat. Willie Jackson and the Tybee Blues Band, 6-9 p.m.

The Roasting Room Lounge and Listening Room Ruthie Collins: Wish You Were Here Tour, 8 p.m.

TRIVIA & GAMES

El-Rocko Lounge Trivia with Jules and Chris Grimmett, 9-11:30 p.m.

Moodright’s Duckpin Bowling League Night, 8 p.m.

Service Brewing Company Trivia Night with Jess Shaw, 6:30 p.m.

The Wormhole Bingo, 10 p.m.

KARAOKE

Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m.

Wet Willie’s Karaoke, 9 p.m.

COMEDY

Totally Awesome Bar Savannah Comedy Underground, 9 p.m.

THURSDAY 6/16 LIVE MUSIC

Cohen’s Retreat Munchies & Music, 5-9 p.m.

Electric Moon Skytop Lounge and The Moon Deck, Plant Riverside District - Power Plant Building rooftop Moon Deck LIVE at Electric Moon featuring Tell Scarlet, 7-10 p.m.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 15 - 21, 2022

TRIVIA & GAMES

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Bar Food Trivia Night, 8 p.m.

McDonough’s Family Feud, 7 p.m.

The Wormhole Trivia, 10 p.m.

KARAOKE

Bay Street Blues Karaoke Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m.

McDonough’s Karaoke, 9 p.m.

COMEDY

Totally Awesome Bar Open Mic Comedy, 8:30 p.m.

ENTER YOUR EVENT ONLINE AT CONNECTSAVANNAH.COM

DJ

McDonough’s Karaoke, 9 p.m.

Club 51 Degrees DJ B-Rad, 9 p.m.

Top Deck Sunset Deck Party, 6 p.m.

MONDAY 6/20

BAR & CLUB EVENTS

LIVE MUSIC

Service Brewing Company Service Brewing Run Club, 6:30 p.m.

Nickie’s 1971 Ray Tomasino, 7 p.m.

The Wormhole Open Mic, 6 p.m.-2 a.m.

OTHER

6 East State Jazz Vespers, 6-8 p.m.

TRIVIA & GAMES

Club One Super Gay Bingo, 5:30 p.m.

Moodright’s BINGO, 8 p.m.

Starland Yard Music Bingo, 7-9 p.m.

FRIDAY 6/17 LIVE MUSIC

Coffee Bluff Marina LAX, 6 p.m.

Good Times Jazz Bar and Restaurant A TRIBUTE TO BEN TUCKER, 7 p.m.

Rancho Alegre Cuban Restaurant JodyJazz Trio, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Service Brewing Company Bluegrass By The Pint with Swamptooth, 6 p.m.

Sting Ray’s Robert Willis, 6 p.m.

Tybee Post Theater Charlie Fog Band, 7 p.m.

TRIVIA & GAMES

PS Tavern Beer Pong Tournament, 10 p.m.

KARAOKE

Bay Street Blues Karaoke Blueberry Hill Karaoke, 9 p.m.-3 a.m.

Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m.

McDonough’s Karaoke, 9 p.m.

Nickie’s 1971 Karaoke Night, 9 p.m.

The Hive Repertory Theatre LLC Adult Night Out - Karaoke!, 8 p.m.

Totally Awesome Bar Karaoke, 10 p.m.

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.

Mata Hari’s Speakeasy Downtown Delilahs Modern Burlesque Cabaret, 9:30-10:30 p.m.

Rock House Music & Dance, 10 p.m.

SATURDAY 6/18 LIVE MUSIC

Coffee Bluff Marina Gary Strickland, 6 p.m.

Good Times Jazz Bar and Restaurant A TRIBUTE TO BEN TUCKER, 7 p.m.

Rancho Alegre Cuban Restaurant JodyJazz Trio, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Sting Ray’s

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 6/21

SUN/

19

LIVE MUSIC

GOSPEL SUNDAY BRUNCH

McDonough’s Open Mic/Jam, 9 p.m.

Nickie’s 1971 Roy Swindell, 7 p.m.

@DISTRICT LIVE | PLANT RIVERSIDE Buffet-style brunch prepared by the exceptional culinary team at Plant Riverside District as well as inspiring live performances by Savannah State University’s Wesleyan Gospel Choir.

11AM-3PM OpenTable.com

Robert Willis, 6 p.m.

TRIVIA & GAMES

Blueberry Hill Pool Tournament, 2 p.m.

KARAOKE

Bar Food Karaoke Night, 10 p.m.

Bay Street Blues Karaoke Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m.

McDonough’s Karaoke, 9 p.m.

Rock House Karaoke, 9 p.m.

Totally Awesome Bar Karaoke, 10 p.m.

COMEDY

Front Porch Improv Adult Drop-in IMPROV Class, 10 a.m.

BAR & CLUB EVENTS

Club One Drag Show, 10:30 p.m. & 12:30 a.m.

Over Yonder Honky Tonk Saturdays

TRIVIA & GAMES

SUNDAY 6/19 LIVE MUSIC

Collins Quarter at Forsyth Ember City, 2 p.m.

Congress Street Social Club Voodoo Soup, 10 p.m.

District Live at Plant Riverside District Gospel Sunday Brunch, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Myrtle & Rose, Rooftop Garden Plant Riverside Live Jazz Sunday Brunch Featuring the Howard Paul Jazz Trio, 11 a.m.3 p.m.

Nickie’s 1971 Roy Swindell, 7 p.m.

Sting Ray’s Robert Willis, 6 p.m.

Tubby’s Tank House (Thunderbolt) Bucky and Barry, 1 p.m.

Basil’s Pizza and Deli Trivia, 7 p.m.

Fia Rua Irish Pub Trivia, 7 p.m.

McDonough’s Trivia Tuesday, 7 p.m.

Oak 36 Bar + Kitchen Trivia Tuesday, 9 p.m.

Savannah Taphouse Trivia, 7 p.m.

Starland Yard Trivia with Chris Grimmett, 6:30 p.m.; Trivia Night With Chris Grimmett, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

KARAOKE

Blueberry Hill Karaoke, 9 p.m.-3 a.m.

Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m.

Wet Willie’s Karaoke, 9 p.m.

COMEDY

Stafford’s Public House Stafford’s Tuesday Comedy Open Mic, 8:30-11:45 p.m.

TRIVIA & GAMES

Moon River Brewing Co. Trivia, 6 p.m.

KARAOKE

Bay Street Blues Karaoke Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m.

FIND MORE SOUNDBOARD EVENTS

SOUNDBOARD IS A FREE SERVICE - TO BE INCLUDED, PLEASE ENTER YOUR LIVE MUSIC INFORMATION WEEKLY ON CONNECTSAVANNAH.COM AND CHOOSE “SOUNDBOARD.”.

DEADLINE IS NOON MONDAY, TO APPEAR IN WEDNESDAY’S EDITION. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO EDIT OR CUT LISTINGS DUE TO SPACE LIMITATIONS.

THE BAND PAGE

By Frank Ricci

BAAUER @ ELAN SAVANNAH

He produced his first dance track at 13. His first full-length featured Future, MIA and Pusha T. He’s produced for Tom Morello and done official remixes for Flosstradamus, Missy Elliot, No Doubt, Kodak Black and Gorillaz. Think maybe this guy knows something about crafting beats and basslines that involuntarily move bodies? You know he does. SAT JUN 18 | 10 PM

After releasing a successful solo EP in 2019, Athens musician Jameson Tankersley needed a band to tour with. He promptly put one together, smartly named it Jameson Tank, and the boys have been churning out the quality good-time rock and roll ever since.

SAT JUNE 18 | 9 PM

The Magic Hour Pool Party series continues on the east end of the waterfront. Get your fill of trippy, meandering, psychedelic jams from a band whose name rhymes with Timothy Leary for a reason. Local mind expanders Rev. Bro Diddley and the Hips drop the first tab.

SUN JUNE 19 | 4 PM

CAROLINA REIGN @ THE WORMHOLE

Fronted by the big, bold voice of the striking Krystal Kodada, Myrtle Beach’s Carolina Reign is celebrating 10 years of existence in 2022. The band plays hard rock with a pop sensibility informed by the interesting covers they mix in with their strong originals.

SAT JUNE 18 | 10 PM

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 15 - 21, 2022

JAMESON TANK @ BARRELHOUSE SOUTH

TIMOTHY EERIE + REV BRO D & THE HIPS @ THOMPSON HOTEL POOL

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JONESIN’ CROSSWORD “This and That”--if one exists, the other does too.

by Matt Jones

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 15 - 21, 2022

©2022 Matt Jones

CONNECT SAVANNAH’S WEEKLY SUDOKU

28

FOR UP-TO-DATE NEWS AND CALENDAR LISTINGS, VISIT CONNECTSAVANNAH.COM

SUDOKU SOLUTION

ACROSS 1. “Be kind to animals” org.

5. Anna’s Disney sister 9. Figure out a Rubik’s Cube 14. Prepare carefully 15. “Let’s Make a Deal” option 16. Egg-shaped 17. Cardinal direction that doesn’t begin a state name 18. Braggy answer to a food allergens quiz if you know your wheat proteins?

20. Not all alone 22. Part of the teen punk band name with the 2022 song “Racist, Sexist Boy” 23. Fifth-century pope called “the Great” 24. 2022 horror sequel (or the 1996 movie that started it all) 26. Award for “The Crown” 28. Agcy. spawned by the Manhattan Project 29. “Sign me up!”

33. Crew equipment 35. Brings in 37. Barrel rib 38. Costar of Sid on “Your Show of Shows” 40. “Don’t worry about it” 42. Shade named for a flower 43. British racing town that lent its name to a kind of salt 45. Card game with Skips 46. Say it loud 47. “___ got a golden ticket ...”

48. “Field of Dreams” locale 50. Get ready for hockey 53. Soothing stuff 56. “Lawrence of Arabia” Oscar nominee

59. Accelerate 61. All-sock reenactment of the Swiss apple-shooting story?

63. Day saver?

64. Falco and Brickell, e.g.

65. ___ sci (college course) 66. Anti-D.U.I. group 67. Makeup of Maslow’s hierarchy 68. Put the brakes on 69. Pennsylvania port city

33. Shampoo bottle spec 34. Friend, in France 36. “Canterbury Tales” pilgrim 37. Pastry often served with mint chutney 39. Competed in the Kentucky Derby, say 41. ___ polloi (the masses) 44. French automaker with a lion logo 47. Rapper who starred in “New Jack City” 49. Message on a dirty car 51. Find ___-than-perfect solution 52. Taqueria option 54. He wrote three operas based on Shakespeare 55. Break down 56. Uncap 57. Sass, if you’re stuck in the ‘80s 58. “The Andy Griffith Show” kid 60. Resell quickly 62. Does a “harmless” prank (but it’s really annoying to clean up)

DOWN 1. Ejects, as lava 2. Interwoven hair 3. Giant medieval structure being transported on wheels?

4. “La Marseillaise,” for France 5. U2 guitarist The ___ 6. Hangs loose 7. Warhol motif 8. It’s designed to be on display 9. Justice Sotomayor 10. It’ll help you handle some hot stuff 11. Trucker’s haul 12. Discover competition 13. “Slow Churned” ice cream CROSSWORD ANSWERS brand 19. A public util.

21. Domestic class, briefly 25. Score silence symbols 27. PBS chef Martin 30. Ripping coupons with your bare hands, as opposed to fancy scissors?

31. View from the Royal Shakespeare Theatre 32. “People Got a Lotta Nerve” singer Case

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In The Boardroom - Reed Dulany III We cordially invite you to join us for an “In the Boardroom” session with our speaker Reed Dulany III, chairman and CEO of Dulany Industries, Inc. Brought to you by the Southeast Georgia Leadership Forum, “In the Boardroom” provides an exclusive opportunity to engage in dialogue with leaders of regional organizations. During this lunch-and-learn session, you will receive candid insight from a local leader about the steps they took to achieve success. “In the Boardroom” gives participants an opportunity to hear from leaders who are doing great work. It also gives speakers the opportunity to share and give back to those who are trying to level up both personally and professionally.

“In the Boardroom” facilitates the exchange of ideas by gathering local leaders together. We as humans learn primarily through stories and shared experiences. Both of these elements are highlighted in these sessions.

This is an intimate setting, capped at 50 attendees.

sept. 20 I 11:30 - 1:30 pm 30$ per person, includes lunch & refreshments scan the qr code to purchase tickets

Kehoe Iron Works at Trustees’ Garden 660 E Broughton St, Savannah, GA 31401 southeastleadershipforum.com

FREE JEPSON CENTER & TELFAIR ACADEMY ADMISSION FOR LOCALS* SAT & SUN THROUGH 8.28! *Includes residents of Chatham, Bryan, Effingham, Liberty, Beaufort, & Jasper Counties

VISIT TELFAIR.ORG

Lizabeth Rossof (American, b. 1973); 5 XI’AN AMERICAN WARRIORS, 2019; nylon fabric, electric fans.

Sharon Engelstein (Canadian, b. 1965); Seeker, 2012; nylon fabric, electric fan. BLOW UP: Inflatable

Contemporary Art was organized by Bedford Gallery at the Lesher Center for the Arts, Walnut Creek, CA