Connect Savannah | December 1, 2021

CONNECT SAVANNAH

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DECEMBER 1 - 7, 2021

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BLACKBEARD ISLAND HISTORY HIGHLIGHTS NATIONAL RESPONSE TO KILLER DISEASE

A SPICY SUCCESS STORY: GETTING TO KNOW SAVANNAH’S HOT SAUCE GUY

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BILL EBERLEIN DISCOVERS ANCIENT TREASURES IN SAVANNAH RIVERS

A HOBBY TURNED BUSINESS WITH

BITE The Bank That That SERVICE Built® The Bank SERVICE Built®

Member FDIC. © 2021 United Community Bank Community | ucbi.comBank | ucbi.com Member FDIC. © 2021 United

SAVANNAH SAVANNAH 27 Bull Street | 912-234-6565 27 Bull Street | 912-234-6565 8201 White Bluff RoadBluff | 912-232-5884 8201 White Road | 912-232-5884 2225 East 2225 Victory Drive | 912-303-9667 East Victory Drive | 912-303-9667

DEC/

1-7

WEEK CONNECT SAVANNAH

AT A GLANCE

HIGHLIGHTED PICKS FROM HOSTESS CITY HAPPENINGS THIS WEEK 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.

WEDNESDAY 12/1

THURSDAY 12/2

(ongoing) The Historic Savannah Theatre presents the 20th Annual Holiday Spectacular with singers, dancers, live band and lots of comedy that’s fun for the whole family. Two hours of your favorite Christmas songs as well as Santa and his dancing reindeer. Now through Dec 24.

WED, THURS, FRI at 8pm / SAT at 3pm & 8pm SUN at 3pm Historic Savannah Theatre / 222 Bull St. $41. adults / $19.50 child 17 and under 912 233-7764 / savannahtheatre.com

Benefitting America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia First Presbyterian Church, 520 Washington Ave. This year’s luncheon speaker sessions feature Emily McCarthy, Founder and Designer of Emily McCarthy + Co and Caitlin Lindsey, Owner Fit to Entertain.

The event will also feature a bake sale, a marketplace full of holiday gifts, along with several incredible raffle items. 8:30 a.m. registration. savannahfpc.org/agracious-christmas.html#

A CHRISTMAS TRADITION LIVE ON STAGE

OPEN MIC AT MINT TO BE MOJITO BAR

Musicians & Singers Wanted!

Join host Larry Broussard (of the band LAX) for Savannah’s Best Open Mic every Wednesday.

Watch LIVE ON TIKTOK! (Cajuncookin). Larry plays your favorite hits and requests between sets. Call 912-713-1009 to book your 30 minutes of stage time. No cover charge! 5-11 p.m.

Mint to Be Mojito Bar & Bites, 12 W State St.

WHISKEY WEDNESDAYS

PHOTOS WITH SANTA AT BASS PRO SHOP

(ONGOING) Bass Pro Shop invites families to the beloved tradition of visiting Santa Claus this holiday season during the annual Santa’s Wonderland experience. The festive “Contactless Claus” experience runs through Dec. 24. Photos with Santa require FREE advance reservations, which can be made at basspro.com/santa

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.

FIRE AND WINE AT FOXY LOXY

Saturday night means Fire & Wine at Foxy! Every Saturday from 6-9pm, we put out the fire pits, you enjoy half off bottles of wine. Purchase one of our s’mores kits (marshmallows included!) for the ultimate Fire & Wine experience. 6 - 9 p.m.Foxy Loxy Cafe, 1919 Bull St.

FRIDAY 12/3

SAVANNAH CHRISTMAS MARKET AT PLANT RIVERSIDE DISTRICT

(ongoing) An open-air, European-style Christmas market with vendor displays showcasing a unique selection of holiday gifts and specialty food and beverages. Nov. 26, 2021 - Jan. 3, 2022 Plant Riverside District 400 W. River St. savannahchristmasmarket.com

BROTHERHOOD: A TRIBUTE TO THE DOOBIE BROTHERS

8 p.m. Brotherhood not only replicates the musicianship, but also those sweet vocal harmonies that shaped the Doobies’ incredible sound. These experienced musicians are also true fans who have come together to honor 50 years of the Doobie Brothers’ iconic music.

Get ready for a high energy show chocked full of hits, as well as some deeper cuts that will make you get up and dance as

you “listen to the music” to all of your favorite Doobie Brothers songs! tybeeposttheater.org

LAX AT COFFEE BLUFF MARINA

The dynamic duo of Larry Broussard and Jeri Boxx are Lectric Acoustic Xperiment. LAX plays your favorite songs with a fun and fast acoustic twist. This is not your typical coffee shop slow, sedation songs. Coffee Bluff Marina, 14915 Coffee Bluff Dr. 6-8 pm This is an All ages show, pet friendly, no cover Fresh seafood BYOB

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

SATURDAY 12/4

HOLIDAY CLASSICS: HOME ALONE (1990)

3:00 PM We’re gonna give you to the count of 10, to get your ugly, yella, no-good keister into the Lucas Theatre for everyone’s favorite child abandonment comedy where your $5 ticket gets you a “Little Neros” PIZZA gummy giveaway and other fun surprises. Kevin McAllister is accidentally left behind when his family takes a Christmas vacation to Paris, and to make matters worse, a pair of burglars are prowling around the McAllister home. Luckily, Kevin has paint cans on strings — and a few other tricks up his sleeve. $5 The Lucas Theatre fot the Arts lucastheatre.com

HOLIDAY CLASSICS: WHITE CHRISTMAS (1954) 7:00 PM It never gets old — celebrate the season with Bing

Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera-Ellen as they they sing and dance their way through Irving Berlin’s resplendent score. Shot in glorious VistaVision and ending with a Christmas extravaganza, this classic is a joyous and heartwarming holiday treat. $5 The Lucas Theatre fot the Arts lucastheatre.com

OFFICIAL UGA ALUMNI GAME WATCHING PARTY: SEC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

Never Bark Alone! B&D Burgers is the OFFICIAL UGA Savannah Alumni Chapter Game Watching location! (Downtown Congress St. and Abercorn St locations).

Don your red and black and head to one of two locations!

These events are free, fun and attended by passionate graduates and fans of the University of Georgia. Parties begin one hour before kick-off.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | DECEMBER 1-7, 2021

Discounted regional and international whiskey and bourbon selections every Wednesday at Oak 36 Bar + Kitchen. Come try something new on the rocks, as a smoked drink, or perhaps with natural shrubs and fresh pressed juices in one of their craft cocktails.

5500 Abercorn St. Suite #36

12TH ANNUAL A GRACIOUS CHRISTMAS

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WEEK

AT A GLANCE

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

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.

CONTENT CHRISTOPHER SWEAT CREATIVE | CONTENT DIRECTOR christopher @connectsavannah.com

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.

JAMIE BURTON MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST jamie@connectsavannah.com (912) 721-9854 /connectsav

@ConnectSavannah

/connectsavannah

MCKENNAH DRURY GRAPHIC DESIGNER

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Jesse Blanco, Frank Ricci, Jamie Burton, Marley Gibson, Kareem McMichael, Lauren Wolverton, Beth Stewart, Allen Sculley, Dan Chapman

Weekly farmers market on Talahi Island highlighting local growers and makers, healthy foods and a positive environment. 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. 912-6565626 401 Quarterman Dr.

Mingle with First City Pride Center donors and volunteers as we celebrate the holiday season with light refreshments in Chippewa Square. Folks will gather informally in the square -- under holiday decorations hung by FCPC volunteers -- to enjoy hot cocoa and tasty treats.

4:00pm -6:00pm Chippewa Square. Nonperishable food items will be collected during the event in support of our holiday food drive.

SISTERS ON THE FLY CARAVAN TOUR

Sisters on the Fly are making their way back to Tybee Island for a Christmas Caravan Tour. Join us on December 4th from 11 am to 1 pm at River’s End Campground and tour these vintage trailers all decked out for the holidays.

Tickets are $15.00 and proceeds benefit the Tybee Post Theater.

Enjoy half off bottles of wine and fire pits in the courtyard. Purchase one of our s’mores kits (marshmallows included) for the ultimate fall experience. 6 - 9 p.m.Foxy Loxy Cafe, 1919 Bull St.

SUNDAY 12/5

SAVANNAH MUSIC FESTIVAL: MUSICAL EXPLORERS FAMILY CONCERT

LOGAN HINTON DIGITAL SALES MANAGER logan@connectsavannah.com (912) 721-4354 BUCKY BRYANT STRATEGIC MARKETING CONSULTANT bucky@connectsavannah.com (912) 721-4381

ON THE COVER

Bill Eberlein shows off a fossilized shark tooth he found while searching the rivers near Savannah. Photo by Diane Dodd.

DISTRIBUTION

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FCPC HOLIDAY CELEBRATION

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.

INFORMATION: (912) 721-4378 sales@connectsavannah.com

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the snack bar, and many chances to win cash. Elks Lodge, 183 Wilshire Blvd.

FORSYTH FARMERS MARKET

ADVERTISING

WAYNE FRANKLIN DISTRIBUTION MANAGER (912) 721-4376

(So 3 p.m. this week to punch our ticket to the playoffs!) B&D Burgers, Congress St. and Abercorn St.

FIRE & WINE PROUD SPONSOR OF

LAUREN WOLVERTON STRATEGIC MARKETING CONSULTANT lauren@connectsavannah.com (912) 721-4380

(CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE)

© 2021, Savannah Media, LLC. 611 East Bay Street Savannah, Georgia 31401 Phone: (912) 231-0250 | Fax: (912) 238-2041

Featuring Laiken Love, Anders Thomsen and Gino Castillo & the Cuban Cowboys Forsyth Park Bandshell, Drayton and Gwinnett St. Free, 2 p.m. Join Musical Explorers young and old for a familyfriendly concert and experience SMF’s popular Musical Explorers program outdoors before it tours virtually and in-person to Savannaharea schools. Learn more about this program and the featured artists at savannahmusicfestival.org

LIVE JAZZ SUNDAY BRUNCH

Featuring the Howard Paul Jazz Trio Live performances from legendary jazz guitarist Howard Paul at Myrtle & Rose Rooftop Garden at Plant Riverside District. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. 400 West River St

BINGO! AT ELKS LODGE

Join Elks Lodge for Bingo from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Enjoy great family fun, good food at

ISLANDS FARMERS MARKET

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 12/6

MIDTOWN MONDAYS

Savannah’s largest industry night at Oak 36 Bar + Kitchen. Enjoy Pubstar Karaoke hosted by Shane along with DJ B-RAD playing today’s hits inbetween singers. Enjoy $4-$5 drink specials all night along with a late night menu and craft cocktail bar. The fun starts at 10pm every Monday! 5500 Abercorn St. Suite #36

TYBEE ISLAND FARMERS MARKET

Weekly market featuring a variety of produce, baked goods, honey, eggs, BBQ, sauces and dressings, popsicles, dog treats and natural body products.

Artisans are also featured each week.

Located at 30 Meddin Dr., right behind the Historic Tybee Lighthouse. tybeeislandfarmersmarket.com

PILATES CLASS

Skidaway Island United Methodist Church (SIUMC) offers, to church and non-church members alike, basic Mat Pilates classes on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:15-10:15 a.m., for only $5.00-$6.25 per class. Classes focus on improving core strength, posture, flexibility and muscle tone. Visit siumc. org/nurture or call 912-598-8460. 54 Diamond Causeway

TUESDAY 12/7

WHISKEY TASTING CLASSES

Taste and learn differences between six different whiskey varieties.

Reservations required. 7:30 p.m.

Congress Street Up, 220 W. Congress St. americanprohibitionmuseum.com

TRIVIA TUESDAYS

Voted one of Savannah’s best places to enjoy trivia in 2021. Enjoy video trivia hosted by Hangover Entertainment at Oak 36 Bar + Kitchen. Free to play, and starts at 7pm with prizes for top 2 teams. Full menu and craft cocktail bar.

5500 Abercorn St. Suite #36

COMMUNITY Truitt Zipperer (center)with his sonsHolland (left) and Webb. Photo provided by Truitt Zipperer.

INTRODUCTIONS:

MEET TRUITT ZIPPERER OF TRUITT’S CHRISTMAS TREE FARM IN GUYTON

By Beth Stewart

It’s after Thanksgiving, so it’s time to start with the holiday decorations: most importantly for a lot of local families, that includes choosing a Christmas tree. There are several live tree farms in the region, and we sat down with Truitt Zipperer, owner of Truitt’s Christmas Tree Farm in Guyton, to learn more about how a South Georgia tree farm gets busy this time of year.

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED SELLING CHRISTMAST TREES?

HOW LONG HAVE YOU HAD THE BUSINESS? The location is family land that we’ve had for generations, and we are fortunate to be in a very good location. This is my 20th year selling Christmas trees, so that makes it about 25 years I’ve been growing Christmas

IS THERE A SPECIFIC KIND OF TREE YOU SELL? We have learned from past experience. We used to grow Virginia Pine, but they took a long time to grow. So, we graduated to Leyland Cypress, and you want them to grow to be 8 ft tall, but we have now totally transitioned to Murray Cypress due to their strength and durability.

CAN FAMILIES CUT THEIR OWN CHRISTMAS TREE? I have guys that will cut the trees for you, or I have saws families can use to cut down their own tree at no extra charge. I like to hire high school kids because it teaches them good work ethic, gives them some extra money over the holidays and teaches them how to interact with customers.

People like to see young kids out there working and making a few bucks. We tie people’s trees on for them because there is a large majority of people who don’t own a pickup truck. I have tied several trees to the

backseats of convertibles over the years!

WHAT IS THE GROWING SEASON LIKE FOR YOUR TREES? We have to plant a section of trees every year for 5 years before you realize any income so it’s not a quick turnaround.

Most folks don’t realize when they come here and things are perfect and there as a family and it’s the happiest time of year, and it’s romantic and they don’t realize how much work goes into it during the summer months. Fast forward 20 years—a wife and 2 boys later—and we are still in the Christmas tree business, and it’s been good to us. It teaches responsibility to our children, and work and dedication.

HOW MANY FAMILIES WOULD YOU SAY VISIT YOUR TREE FARM EVERY YEAR? Oh it would be thousands.

ARE THERE ANY INTERESTING STORIES TO TELL ABOUT ANY OF YOUR CUSTOMERS? The reason why I open Thanksgiving day— for numerous customers and families, in particular—is for members of the military.

In the Savannah area, having the military around, Thanksgiving is their time to get together. They will come out before lunch

and pick a tree and put the tree up while they are cooking or they will eat and take a nap and then come and get a tree.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO BUY A CHRISTMAS TREE? I monitor when Thanksgiving falls. These trees are fairly good at longevity, and if you do as you should and take care of your Christmas tree, it will last about a month. We typically try to open around Thanksgiving which is about a month before Christmas.

HOW MUCH SHOULD SOMEONE EXPECT TO PAY FOR A TREE? It’s not based primarily on size, quality is factored in as well. They range from $20$50 plus tax and they range from 4 to 12 ft. tall. That doesn’t mean I have 12 ft. trees two weeks before Christmas because the biggest trees go first. We sell trees until they are all sold out.

Truitt’s Christmas Tree Farm is at 1308 Hodgeville Rd. in Guyton. Visit truittschristmastreefarm.com Please note that only cash and checks are accepted on site. They are open Sat. and Sun. only through Christmas, (9 a.m. ‘until dark’)

CONNECT SAVANNAH | DECEMBER 1-7, 2021

My dad is a forester and he began moonlighting throughout his career and started a Christmas tree farm in Screven County, so it’s all I’ve known since I was about seven years old. I helped my dad for over 20 years on his farm and when I needed money to pay for college, he had this land so he said why don’t we grow some trees in Effingham County?

trees because an average tree takes about five years to grow. They are a little like people, some grow faster than others, just like genetics.

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COMMUNITY

Blackbeard Island history highlights national response to killer disease

By Dan Chapman U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service The virus spread through cities large and small, overwhelming hospitals, shuttering businesses, and killing thousands. It originated, supposedly, overseas and quickly jumped from country to country. Not until the federal government imposed mandatory quarantines and jumpstarted the search for a cure did the pandemic release its grip on the nation.

It wasn’t Covid-19. It was yellow fever, the epidemic of 1878 that killed more than 20,000 people across the South and prompted a federal response that ultimately relegated the contagion to the history books.

Nowhere was the threat, and response, more critical than today’s Blackbeard Island National Wildlife Refuge. Back then, the barrier island below Savannah was turned into a quarantine site with two lazarettos, or pandemic hospitals, and a fumigation wharf to rid in-bound ships and sailors of the possible virus.

A red-brick crematorium for disposal of infected bodies is all that remains on the uninhabited island. Nobody knows if it was ever used. But it serves as a forlorn, yet

poignant testament to the government’s ability to respond to a crisis – then and now.

“You can see the government’s impact, and how they tried to reach out and help their fellow citizens,” said Russ Webb, who manages Blackbeard Island for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service). “All for the right reasons.”

‘A TERRIBLE YEAR’ A partially collapsed brick structure nestled in a beautiful landscape surrounded by dwarf fan-shaped palms and spanish moss hanging from tree limbs.

The crematorium on Blackbeard Island National Wildlife Refuge. Photo Credit: Dan Chapman, USFWS. The South, Savannah in particular, is no stranger to yellow fever. Hot, semi-tropical climes offer perfect breeding grounds for Aedes aegypti, the mosquito responsible for killing millions, mostly in Africa. Slaves brought the virus to the Western Hemisphere with the first epidemic reported in the Yucatan Peninsula in 1648.

Outbreaks occurred frequently in coastal U.S. cities over the next 250 years.

“We know about the Savannah epidemic of 1820,” said Jamie Credle who, along with husband Raleigh Marcell,

runs the Davenport House Museum in Savannah which annually produces a dramatic recreation of the yellow fever epidemic that ravaged the city two centuries ago. (Covid canceled the 2020 production.)

“1820 was a terrible year,” Credle continued. “One day in August it rained like 10 inches. The first victims were in the Washington ward, a poor part of town. It just started to roll across the city from there.”

Yellow fever was a scary, deadly mystery. Nobody knew what caused it. Most surmised it came from a miasma of foul air brought on by rotting organic matter found in swamps and fetid wetlands. They knew the symptoms, though: chills, fever, back pains, jaundice (the skins turns a yellow-green tint), and uncontrollable hemorrhaging of fluids from the mouth and nose. Death typically came within a week. Roughly 60 percent of the infected died.

Officially, 666 people perished from the plague in 1820 in Savannah, then a city of 7,500 residents. Credle said if African-Americans had been counted the death tally would’ve been higher, closer to 900 people.

“You wonder how a little town like this could handle that sort of carnage,” Credle, the museum’s director, said.

Another yellow-fever pandemic struck Savannah in

The Savannah Council on World Affairs

CONNECT SAVANNAH | DECEMBER 1-7, 2021

How America Lost Its Mind: Our Misinformation Crisis

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Presentation by Dr. Thomas Patterson at Skidaway Community Church 7:30 PM - December 9, 2021 I Register at SAVANNAHCWA.ORG

Hosted by the Savannah Council on World Affairs and sponsored by Critz Auto Group, Daily Chatter, and Morris & Templeton

1854, killing 1,040. And another in 1876 (1,066 dead). Many of Savannah’s doctors, according to the Georgia Historical Society, blamed the local climate and sanitary conditions around town. Others believed the ships and sailors debarking at the ports of Savannah, Brunswick and Darien introduced the disease from overseas.

Finally, two years later, after a pandemic ravaged the port town of New Orleans before heading upriver to Memphis, Congress created a National Board of Health.

One of its first acts: opening the South Atlantic Quarantine Station on Blackbeard Island.

A steamship in 1895 alongside the disinfecting wharf on Blackbeard. Photo Credit: The U.S. Public Health Service.

states, and even the entire country, cannot be overestimated,” the Surgeon General reported in 1892. “It is the best-equipped station along the Atlantic coast, as it is believed there are more infected vessels sent to this station, and are treated at this station, than at any other on this coast.”

The annual reports detail everything from number of employees (23) to buildings (13) to wharf frontage (250 feet), yet they don’t list how many patients were treated or died. Neither does Buddy Sullivan. It’s unclear whether the crematorium, built in 1904, was ever used (although Clemson University researchers hinted that it was). By then, though, the scourge of yellow fever had passed. U.S. Army pathologist and bacteriologist Walter Reed, and members of his Yellow Fever Commission, had proved that the disease was transmitted by the bite of a mosquito and not by foul water or rotting vegetation. A vaccine was all that was needed to defeat yellow fever.

LESSONS FOR TODAY The South Atlantic’s largest marine quarantine station was deactivated in 1909. The remaining buildings were dismantled and sold for scrap. President Woodrow Wilson signed an executive order in 1914 turning Blackbeard Island into a wildlife preserve for the protection of migratory birds. It became a national wildlife refuge in 1940.

Today, nearly half of the island is designated as National Wilderness, destined to remain in a natural, untrammeled state forever. All that remains of the quarantine era, amid the salt and freshwater marshes, the endless beaches and the maritime forests, are some old water and sewer lines and ballast piles off the north end.

And the crematorium, of course.

“This is it,” Webb said as he crunched along a carpet of live oak leaves on Crematorium Road. “This is what’s left.”

The 12-foot-long brick furnace, with iron doors on either end, remains in good shape with some bricks crumbling

and ferns jutting from the roof. It sits 15 feet above sea level on a sandy ridge affording a lovely view of dunes and swales leading to the ocean. A chimney rises alongside the tapered kiln. Bits of coal lie about.

Webb says the crematory should be preserved as a reminder of the government’s role in response to a national emergency. Maybe, he says, lessons learned from a previous pandemic offer guidance for today’s pandemic.

John Tone agrees. He’s a history professor at Georgia Tech who’s writing a book on the history of yellow fever.

While he credits the Marine Health Service for establishing the quarantine station on Blackbeard, he rightly notes that real progress against yellow fever didn’t come until 1900 when Walter Reed and colleagues corroborated research that showed infected mosquitoes, not miasma, caused the disease. The federal government then mobilized the U.S. Army and other departments to rid infected areas of standing water. After a vaccine was created in 1937, the government undertook vaccination campaigns and provided money to states for inoculation. Today, states also require school children to be vaccinated against a wide variety of diseases, including diphtheria, pertussis and meningitis.

“The federal government has to step up and do whatever it takes to get vaccines in peoples’ bodies,” Tone said. “We do require vaccines for kids to be able to go to school or to travel abroad to certain places. It’s not unprecedented to require vaccination.”

Credle, the museum director, says the Covid pandemic, yet again raging across the country, requires a federal response.

“Who do we look to for help in a time of need? Who do we look to alleviate so much suffering?” she asked. “Now, for better or worse, we look to the federal government. We need to follow the science as best we can. What else are we going to do?”

CONNECT SAVANNAH | DECEMBER 1-7, 2021

FIGHTING AN ‘ENEMY’ Blackbeard was an obvious choice for a maritime hospital. It was isolated and unpopulated, yet close enough to Sapelo Island for food and the daily mail. Ships could anchor off the island’s north end. The south end, site of the hospital and living quarters, was free of standing water.

And, most important, the federal government already owned Blackbeard.

A fallen tree on a sandy beach past a sign on the left that reads East Trail.

Trail’s end at the beach on Blackbeard Island National Wildlife Refuge. Photo Credit: Dan Chapman, USFWS. The island was named for Blackbeard the pirate who, supposedly, availed himself of the region’s meandering creeks and hidden harbors in the early 1700s. Legend has it that Edward Teach, the infamous freebooter, buried plundered treasure among the sandy ridges and live oak forests of the eight-mile-long island. None has ever been found.

In 1800, the U.S. Navy Department paid $15,000 for Blackbeard at public auction. Shipbuilders coveted the island’s gnarled, yet sturdy, live oaks as hulls for warships. Post-Civil War, as the timber industry across Georgia rebounded in force, Blackbeard took on evermore importance.

“Yellow fever should be dealt with as an enemy which imperils life and cripples commerce and industry,” said Surgeon General John Woodworth, a year after the plague ravaged the lower Mississippi River Valley.

All ships enroute to ports between Savannah and St. Augustine, Florida were required to drop anchor at Blackbeard’s northern end for a yellow fever inspection and, if necessary, fumigation. A boarding station, with quarters for a policeman, and a “disinfecting apartment” – where the sulfurous gas was stored – stood along the north shore, according to an account at the time in the Savannah Morning News. Ships were disinfected twice.

Passengers and crew were escorted from the ship, placed into the steam launch Gypsy, and ferried to the island’s south end. The sickly entered the hospital. The hale, quartered separately, were checked twice daily for yellow fever and malaria. Buddy Sullivan, who wrote Blackbeard Island, A History, labeled as “awkward” the logistics of ferrying people from one end of the island to the other. The hospital was eventually moved to the north end.

Most of the ships quarantined at Blackbeard hailed from the Caribbean or South America – yellow fever hot spots. In 1891, for example, 28 vessels that alighted from “infected ports” were inspected at Blackbeard. Yet only one case of yellow fever was treated at the lazaretto, according to the Surgeon General. The following year, 35 vessels that departed from Havana, Rio de Janeiro or Barbados were detained. Indeed, 52 mariners had died prior to leaving those ports. Yet none of the ships required disinfection at Blackbeard.

1895 was a busy year on the barrier island: 90 ships were temporarily detained; 31 required the sulfurous spray.

“The importance (of Blackbeard) to the south Atlantic

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Diving for prehistoric relics BILL EBERLEIN DISCOVERS ANCIENT TREASURES IN SAVANNAH RIVERS

CONNECT SAVANNAH | DECEMBER 1-7, 2021

By Marley Gibson

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Since arriving in Savannah in 1999 from Erie, PA, to work for Gulfstream, Bill Eberlein has “strapped on a tank” almost daily to dive Savannah’s local rivers and search through the dark and silt for fossilized teeth.

“I got hired at Gulfstream Aerospace here and moved in 1999,” Eberlein said. “I was certified as a diver in 1986 in Lake Erie. I mostly did shipwreck dives in the lake, but I never found anything valuable.”

Eberlein was excited at the opportunity to be in warmer, clearer water once he made the move to the Lowcountry.

“I did a lot of research on SCUBA message boards and was excited to have a longer boating season,” he said. “I actually ended up meeting a guy who also worked at Gulfstream who was a diver. He was the one who told me about how he and other friends would dive in the rivers for shark teeth.”

Eberlein met his colleague for lunch one day where he shared some of the megalodon teeth he’d collected diving.

“I was amazed,” Eberlein said. “I had heard of and seen pictures of megalodon and shark teeth, but I never knew they were that large. I also didn’t know you could find them diving in the rivers here… and, my God… to just find one.”

“I did a charter out of Hilton Head and when we got to the spot, I went down and dug like I would do in the lake shipwrecks. I did really well that first day and I was hooked.”

Eberlein said it is almost like an obsession for him.

“We were on a four-day workweek at Gulfstream—four 10-hour days—so I was able to go diving on my days off as well as on the weekend. Now, it’s daily.”

He would eventually move jobs to teach information technology at Savannah Tech.

“I went out so often and I would find so many teeth that I’d toss them into an empty pizza box and shove it under the bed. After a year, I had more pizza boxes under the bed than you can imagine.”

When the prehistoric fossils began piling up, Eberlein turned to eBay to sell some of them for extra money—help with boat expenses and fees.

But, using his computer skills, he built his first website to showcase his experience, background, dives, and his discoveries and found his new career.

“I wanted to be able to sell enough teeth every month to make a boat payment and it went beyond that quickly to where after a few years, I knew I could probably make a living at it.”

Even when the economy crashed in 2008, Eberlein quit his job at Savannah Tech to manage the business of finding and selling teeth on a full-time basis.

“I’ve never regretted it or looked back,” he said. “Not even once. It doesn’t feel like work to me. On the coldest, worst day, I’d rather dive than sit inside at a desk job.”

Diving for megalodon teeth is not an easy job. In addition to being a certified SCUBA diver, one also needs to expect zero visibility on such ventures into the water. While Eberlein has found somewhere upwards of 20,000 teeth doing anywhere from 400-500 dives per year, it’s often frustrating.

“When you’re getting certified as a diver, you’re told never to dive alone or in hazardous situations, yet here I am doing these deep, dark dives on my own.”

On a given day, he will do at least two dives per day in the morning and then be home by the early afternoon to examine his finds.

“I’m diving down anywhere from 40-60 feet and often looking for holes or the hard bottom,” he explained. “I have a favorite spot in the ocean that I go to that is almost 80 feet, but most materials I find in the rivers will be more in the 25–50-foot range.”

Once submerged, he settles on the bottom and begins to dig through the mud and sand on to where fossils lie.

“If I find fossilized whale bones—rib bones, vertebrae—I know I’m in a good location and I’m likely to make some good finds.”

Bill Eberlein shows off a fossilized elephant tooth he found while searching the rivers near Savannah. Inset: fossilized elephant and shark teeth Eberlein has found in local waters. Photos by Diane Dodd.

According to Eberlein, there is no way to properly do carbon dating on megalodon fossils because they have been surrounded by mud and mineral that affect the color. Also, there is no organic matter to do proper tests. However, scientists state megalodon teeth date back anywhere from 2-10 million years old.

The experience of finding these fossils never grows old with Eberlein.

“I find myself in awe when I’m diving. There’s all of this emotional excitement and exhilaration. I could be going along for a while—in a bad spot—and I may be about to give up when I find a gigantic tooth.”

“To know it has just been here for millions of years and now it’s getting exposed… by me. I’m the one who found it. I love what I do and would still go diving even if I couldn’t sell the teeth anymore.”

Eberlein said megalodon teeth are not uncommon—probably a fairly common fossil as fossils go—but he believes these are important discoveries.

“I think the most important thing that makes me feel really good is when a parent or grandparent calls me to say their kid or grandchild got all these expensive toys and a bike or such for Christmas, but it’s the megalodon tooth the kid can’t put down or take their eyes off.”

“Other folks will contact me throughout the year because the kid in their life is into dinosaurs and sharks and science and they want to get him/her a tooth.” Eberlein added, “I want that tooth to steal the kid away from video games and toward science and the Earth. It’s something real. It wasn’t made in a factory.”

Eberlein said it’s rewarding to hear stories of past holiday gifts that still mean something to people today. “A lot of times, someone tells me they got their child a tooth from me years ago and he or she still has it on their desk. It moves me to hear how kids are inspired and how a simple fossil can make an impact. It’s paleontology at its best.”

And, it’s in Savannah’s backyard.

While Eberlein does not take anyone out diving with him due to liability and safety issues, his finds can be viewed and purchased through his website megateeth.com.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | DECEMBER 1-7, 2021

Eberlein said he averages about three teeth per dive. He knows when he has his hands on a tooth because he can feel the enamel.

“I have a 10,000 lumens light I use underwater, but in conditions like that, it’s like using your high beams in the fog. Most areas have little to no visibility. But, the enamel on the tooth feels like glass—very slick.”

Eberlein scoffed and added. “There have been times I think I’ve got the right material out of the mud and it turns out to be… a stingray! You have to be very careful when you’re searching. The claws of the blue crab can also be a snapping surprise if they get you.”

When asked why the rivers around Savannah and the Lowcountry seem to be ideal spots for finding relics such as these, Eberlein explained, “It’s not so much about our waters specifically, rather these types of fossils seem to be found predominately from North Carolina all the way down the East coast to Florida more than anywhere else. These waters have traditionally been warmer areas that could provide a lot of food for the megalodon.”

However, there is a distinct difference between shark teeth and megalodon ones.

Eberlein noted, “Sharks teeth are loose and not imbedded like ours. They usually lose a lot of teeth from eating, so you’ll find more of them. The features of the teeth are similar to the megalodon’s which are thicker, larger, and have a bourrelet characteristic.” (Bourrelet is a French term for the ridge-like feel of the tooth.)

The largest megalodon tooth Eberlein has found to date measures 6 15/16 inches. “I have it in a safety deposit box because it is the discovery of a lifetime,” he said. He has been offered up to $10,000 for the tooth, but he doesn’t want to part with it.

Most of the teeth he discovers are worth about $100 each.

He stresses, though, “If you’re going into the battle of getting a boat, equipment, and diving, you better love hunting for fossils because it’s going to be a while before you’re successful at it.”

Eberlein said he has searched in about 300 spots and has only found teeth in about a dozen different ones. “Only about six or seven are worth going back to over and over again.”

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COMMUNITY PETS OF THE WEEK 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 www.b l ack r abbit sav .co m

Each week, we will highlight pets available for adoption from local rescue organizations. In December, we are featuring Coastal Pet Recue.

ALEX

AGE: 10 MONTHS COLORS: MALE TABBY WEIGHT: X-SMALL ( < 10 LBS.) If you’re looking for an affectionate kitten, Alex could be your guy.

This Pisces kitty (born Feb. 22) started off rather timid and shy, but has really come out of his shell to be quite the little lover! He often rubs your legs, waiting for you to give him pets and head scritches. Which is easy to oblige since he is SUPER soft.

He has become quite playful (the more toys the better) and continues to play with his roommates, often snuggling with one or two of them after sharing a big meal. If you have a kitten around the same age needing a friend, Alex would be a good contender.

He has grown up with kitties and would love a friend to pal around with.

When being introduced to his new home, he’ll need a little bit of time, patience and a whole lot of love to get settled in and know that he’s finally found his forever home.

MARA

CONNECT SAVANNAH | DECEMBER 1-7, 2021

AGE: 10 YEARS COLORS: BLACK/BROWN/WHITE FEMALE HOUND MIX WEIGHT: LARGE (50 – 75 LBS)

10

Mara came to us at the age of ~10, so we don’t know what her previous life was like before us.

She gets along great with male dogs but can be very selective of the female company she keeps, if any.

While she was in foster, this sweet golden girl learned some new tricks, like sitting politely to wait for dinner. She is a quick learner and very treat (and food) motivated.

She can be somewhat territorial, so she does bark but has gotten much better about it. She walks on the leash—no pulling at all—and is completely house-trained.

She loves people and is happy to snuggle on the couch or just hang out. She isn’t overly energetic and is pretty chill for the most part. She’ll lay on her blanket next to the bed, but also likes to snuggle and lay with you on the couch, or in bed.

And did we mention her smile? She will greet you with a smile and an enthusiastic tail wag.

12- 8PM Y L I A D N O PE

R O N I E N DI UT O Y R R A C NOW SHIPPING NATION WIDE!

Call 912-786-9857

WWW.THECRABSHACK.COM

Coastal Pet Rescue is a 501(c)(3) non-profit animal rescue organization dedicated to saving the lives of homeless, abused and neglected dogs and cats in Savannah and surrounding areas. Founded in February 2003, Coastal Pet Rescue changes the lives of homeless pets in Chatham, Bryan and Effingham Counties through its foster home program and small capacity shelter, Camp Pawsawhile Retreat.

(912) 228-3538 coastalpetrescue.org

Compiled by Jamie Burton

BRUNCH GUIDE

PRESENTED BY

CUTWATER SPIRITS

1-7

DEC/

CONNECT SAVANNAH

WHERE TO GRAB BRUNCH IN SAVANNAH

To have your restaurant considered for inclusion in the weekly Brunch Guide, please send an email to happenings @connectsavannah.com. Include the restaurant name, a few menu highlights, address, contact number, and website. The submission deadline is 5PM each Friday before the following Wednesday’s edition.

THE HOSTESS CITY IS FAMOUS FOR BRUNCH! AND CONNECT SAVANNAH HAS YOU COVERED 24/7 IF THAT’S WHAT YOU’RE CRAVING! VISIT OUR ONLINE BRUNCH GUIDE AT CONNECTSAVANNAH.COM OR SCAN THE QR CODE BELOW. HUEY’S

Located on River Street, Huey’s is a Southern Cafe serving both New Orleans style classics and Lowcountry favorites.

Some of their brunch specialties include a Seafood Omelette filled with wild caught shrimp, lump crab, scallops, and thermidor sauce. And the best part? Their brunch specials are served all day, every day starting at 8 a.m.

115 E. River St. hueysontheriver.net

CHURCHILL’S

Two words: bottomless mimosas. Churchill’s serves up British cuisine with unique ingredients from Costal Ga. Join them for one of their unique menu items like the roasted vegetable quiche.

13W. Bay St. thebritishpub.com

WORLD OF BEER

Join the World of Beer on the weekends for bottomless mimosas, beermosas, or Bloody Marys. Don’t forget to pair it with a chicken and waffle sandwich or one of their breakfast flatbreads.

112 W Broughton St. worldofbeer.com

THE SENTIENT BEAN

Serving a special brunch menu with seasonal ingredients fresh from Forsyth Farmers’ Market, join the Sentient Bean every Sun. from 9 - noon for brunch. Some local favorites include a brunch bowl and vegan pancakes.

13 E. Park Ave. sentientbean.com

THE FUNKY BRUNCH CAFÉ

Colorful brunch spot featuring a cook-yourown pancakes option on griddles built into the tables.

304 E Broughton St. thefunkybrunchcafe.com

HENRY’S RESTAURANT

Stop by Henry’s for one of Savannah’s classic breakfasts downtown.

28 Drayton St. henrys. restaurantwebexpert.com

TOP DECK

Chill out on the rooftop and take in the city views at Top Deck, located above the Cotton Sail Hotel on River St. Offering craft cocktails, charcuterie boards, small plates, and more, Check out their famous “Mimosa Tower.”

125 W. River St. topdeckbar.com

ARDSLEY STATION

Famous for their Johnny Cake Benedict. 12hr-pork, poached eggs, and collard greens béarnaise.

102 E. Victory Dr. ardsleystation.com

BAR•FOOD

Guys, trying to get your lady to watch more sports?

Ladies, need a way to get your man out to brunch on Sundays? Bar•Food has both. Join them for brunch on Sundays at 11 a.m. for biscuit and gravy casserole or loaded avocado toast.

4523 Habersham St. savannahbarfood.com

22 SQUARE

RESTAURANT

Gather with your friends and family to share a farmto-table Southern inspired brunch at 22 Square Restaurant, located inside the Andaz. Build your own omelet or try their shrimp n’ grits paired with a Bloody Mary or Citrus Mimosa.

14 Barnard St.

MCDONOUGH’S RESTAURANT

Known around town as a place where locals go, McDonough’s extensive menu ensures that everyone is able to find something to eat, even the pickiest of eaters. Kitchen is open at 10 a.m. seven days a week.

21 E. McDonough St. mcdonoughslounge.com

THE PIRATES HOUSE

If you enjoy brunch with a side of history, their brunch offers an all-you-can-eat buffet with a range of Southern style dishes and dessert. Full menu is available as well. 20 E. Broad St. thepirateshouse.com

BARNES RESTAURANT

A BBQ favorite of locals, Barnes serves up a variety of different Southern BBQ specials seven days a week. Try their fried or rotisserie chicken with one of their home-made Southern sides.

5320 Waters Ave. barnesrestaurant.com

LILI’S RESTAURANT & BAR Relax and enjoy brunch

FEATURED: ARDSLEY STATION

Ardsley Station’s new brunch menu is famous for their Johnny Cake Benedict. 12hr-pork, poached eggs, and collard greens béarnaise. 102 E. Victory Dr. ardsleystation.com

on Wilmington Island with bottomless mimosas!

Try the Spicy Tataki Bloody Mary, made with Savannah Bloody Mary Mix and pepper-infused Vodka, garnished with pickled vegetables and seared Tuna. Brunch specialties: crab cakes benedict and breakfast burritos. Brunch is 11:00-3:00, Sundays 326 Johnny Mercer Boulevard, Wilmington Island

OAK 36 BAR + KITCHEN

The menu features items like creamy gouda grits with shrimp and chorizo topped with a Lowcountry Sauce, or buttermilk cheddar biscuits smothered in Hunter

Cattle sausage gravy.

Try Bottomless bubbles, peach, strawberry and raspberry bellini, Savannah Coffee Roasters Espresso Martini, Oak’s pickled bloody mary. oakthirtysix.com

ANOTHER BROKEN EGG CAFÉ

Lobster Benedict – a toasted “everything” bagel topped with sauteed asparagus, poached eggs and sauteed lobster in a creamy bisque-style sauce.

Served with grits or fresh country potatoes.

201 C Tanger Outlet Blvd, Suite 530 anotherbrokenegg.com

EGGS UP GRILL

Chorizo Quesadilla - a flour

tortilla stuffed and grilled with crumbled chorizo sausage, scrambled eggs, pepper jack cheese, sautéed bell peppers, onions, and ancho chili sauce. Topped with housemade corn salsa.

5710 Ogeechee Rd, Suite 450 eggsupgrill.olo.com

BRUNCH IN SAVANNAH IS BEST ENJOYED WITH

FOOD & DRINK EAT IT & LIKE IT PRESENTED WEEKLY BY SAVANNAH TECHNICAL COLLEGE

GETTING TO KNOW SAVANNAH’S

HOT SAUCE GUY

CONNECT SAVANNAH | DECEMBER 1-7, 2021

EAT IT AND LIKE IT

By Jesse Blanco eatitandlikeit.com

12

By now we’ve heard every kind of version of story to come out of 2020.

The good ones, the bad ones and everything in between. It has been tough for most of us.

More than tough for just as many too.

Here we are a stones throw from 2022 and the lasting effects of what happened last year are still very much in play. In this case, you might be able to turn it into a creative Christmas gift.

Jeremy Bauer arrived in Savannah a handful of years ago because of one simple reason. He ran out of money.

“I was traveling the country in my truck. I was thinking about heading to Florida. On my way there, my radiator died. I had a spare, so I was able to fix it, but I was running out of money. So I stayed here.”

He means that almost literally. When his truck gave out on him, he pulled into a random parking lot off of the highway in Pooler to fix it.

Faced with the idea of continuing that journey with no money he figured this was as good of a stop as any. So he found himself a job as a bartender. One thing led to another and he discovered, like so many do, that he kinda liked it here. So he stayed.

Last year, he lost his job. This is where the story gets spicy.

You see, all the while, he’d been receiving shipments from his dad back home in South Dakota. Shipments of peppers.

“Every birthday. Every Christmas.” He says.

“No, I never asked for them.”

Apparently, these peppers grow like weeds in South Dakota. Who’da thunk it?

At the same time, Jeremy developed a curiosity about making hot sauce. He’d visited some hot sauce shops hither and yon and found himself intrigued by what he could do with his regularly arriving bounty.

Couple that with not much happening on the job front during 2020 and he enrolled in school. You Tube University.

“I started reading about it and watching videos.” he says. “I thought I could do something different.”

With a little encouragement from his girlfriend, he decided to go for it.

M.F. Hot Sauces are being created in a variety of different flavors once a week during the off hours of a Broughton St. restaurant.

Most Sunday evenings you’ll find Jeremy in a 2nd floor kitchen tinkering and making batches of this product that, yes, is for sale. Products that are very different than your run of the mill stuff you will find at the grocery store.

“Most store bought sauces are full of preservatives and Xantham Gum as a binder.” He tells me. “A lot of vinegar, tomato and some onion.”

“I have a cherry, chocolate and espresso hot sauce. I like to use different flavors to bind things together.”

There’s another he’s made called “Hotermelon” The day we visited with him, he was making a Thai Basil Curry Hot Sauce which I can tell you is absolutely delicious.

I’m looking forward to hitting some fried chicken with it very soon.

“When you are using unique ingredients like figs, rhubarb, blueberries, bacon and maple syrup you

can’t just jump from one to the other.

Your mouth won’t know what to do.

Finding a balance between all of these weird ingredients is tough, but I think I’ve figured it out.”

A couple of local restaurants, Top Deck, Double Wide Diner are carrying his sauces. He’s working with Broughton Common Restaurant (the spot he makes it all) to develop a sauce for their oyster program.

For now, sales are limited pretty much to farmers markets, artisan sales around town and, of course, good ol’ person to person transactions.

“I’m not licensed to ship yet.” he says. “But I can sell it to you and you can ship it to whoever you’d like.”

He’s hoping the full blown business side of this operation will catch up by middle of next year. In the meantime, he’s batching a handful of flavors every Sunday. Stockpiling what he isn’t selling. Because oh by the way, dad hasn’t stopped shipping.

It’s the perfect time of the year to grab some, don’t you think?

You can find him on Facebook or Instagram: MF Hot Sauces.

There’s no website or phone number.

Shoot Jeremy a message and he will make sure you Eat It and Like It. Opposite: M.F. Hot Sauce already comes in a variety of flavors and heat levels. Right: Bauer in the kitchen working on new recipes.

COCKTAIL OF THE WEEK The Shacket ENJOY AT:

STARLAND YARD MADE WITH:

SCOTCH, AMARO, CINNAMON, ALLSPICE, CIDER, BITTERS

Also on the menu (created by Brandon) Leaf Peeper IRISH WHISKEY, LEMON, MAPLE SYRUP, AMARO, ALLSPICE, APPLE CHIP

The leaf peeper is my favorite still. It’s made with Slain Irish Whiskey, BroVo amaro, a citrusy spicy Amaro, lemon juice, maple syrup, St. Elizabeth’s Allspice Dram, and then topped with apple chips. There’s no cider added, but it tastes like a delicious apple cider.

BRANDON BERNARD

I’m originally from New York State, but decided to move down South.

I’ve been in Georgia for 11 years, seven of those being in Savannah. I went to school and found that, after I graduated, I didn’t want to continue down that road right away. I’ve been in the service industry scene for about the last six and a half years.

From being a good tour guide to bartending. It’s definitely the different people I meet on a daily basis that do it, as well as the amazing regulars.

When I’m not working, I like to hang out at Over Yonder. Everyone who works there and goes there is like family to me. It’s a very chill place with an amazing burger.

I have two favorite spirits. For a shooter, it’s 4 Roses Yellow Label.

For a spirit to sip on, it’s Old Forester 1920. Why are those my favorite?

Because Bourbon.

Compiled by Jamie Burton

CONNECT SAVANNAH | DECEMBER 1-7, 2021

The shacket uses Dewar’s Blended Scotch, Ramazottii Amaro (made from roots, herbs, orange peels, and star anise), house made cinnamon simple syrup, just a tiny bit of St. Elizabeth’s Allspice Dram and, of course, Cider. It’s a well-blended cocktail where even a Scotch hater can love it.

It was originally created for last year’s “Hot Drinks” by James Nowicki.

MEET THE BARTENDER:

13

An immersive, 2-day leadership experience.

FEB. 28 & March1 Trustees’ Garden The Southeast Georgia Leadership Forum is a two-day event that brings together more than 400 leaders representing neighborhoods, non-profits, civic groups, government, businesses and the up and comers.

Organized by Morris Multimedia Inc., with the generous support of Georgia Southern University, the Georgia Ports Authority, Georgia Power and Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, the first ever forum is taking place on February 28 & March 1 2022 at Trustees’ Garden in Savannah, Georgia. To help our communities succeed in an ever changing and fast paced society, the forum is focused on discovering our collective potential to be greater by committing to new ideas, supporting the growth of our emerging and established leaders, and by being purposeful in building collaboration from all segments of our diverse communities.

Working together we can make our communities stronger and better.

visit www.southeastGAleadershipforum.com for more information!

CONNECT SAVANNAH’S ANNUAL HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE A Carefully Curated Collection of Last-Minute, Clever and Unique Gift Ideas from Coastal Empire Shops and Businesses.

Want to feature your Local Business or Gift ItemHere on Our MERRYWISHLIST? CONTACT US AT: 912.721.4378 OR SALES@CONNECTSAVANNAH.COM

ATELIER GALERIE JEWELRY Anne Koplik is our jewelry designer that uses Swarovski crystals and enamels. She also makes the jewelry for Dancing with the Stars.

Add some to your wardrobe and for gifts for some Holiday bling. Visit the Atelier Galerie for Savannah’s best, most affordable selection of jewelry..

Atelier Galerie 150 Abercorn St. (912) 233-3140 agsavannah.com

ONE-OF -A-K I ND A RTWORK FROM G ET G I F TY WI T H I T Up your gift game! Locally crafted, using official US Patents, famous historical drawings, maps of just about anywhere, and pop-culture icons, these great designs are carefully laser-burned into painted pinewood and ready to hang on the wall!

You just won Christmas.

Get Gifty With It 502 E River St. (912) 228-6553 getgiftywithit.com

ARDSLEY STATION G IVE LO CA L H O LI DAY GIF T S F R O M T H E SA LT TA BL E Countless gift options that say “Savannah” are available at the Salt Table’s newly located shop on Ellis Square, next to City Market. Or, shop at the stores in Pooler, on Jekyll Island, and at the Savannah Hilton Head International Airport.

Purchases online ship FREE anywhere with product purchases over $49. Many gift sets come with a cute Holiday Elf! The Salt table • 912-447-0200 Savannah • Pooler • Jekyll Island SaltTable.com

GIFT CARD

Give the gift of great food, and treat yourself too! All month long, when you purchase an Ardsley Station gift card, you’ll get a bonus gift card equal to 20% of your gift card amount. Get Uncle Joe a $100 gift card, and we’ll give you a bonus one for $20!

Come by Ardsley Station at 102 E. Victory Dr. to purchase. ardsleystation.com 912-777-5888

60 TONS OF SNOW!

FUN AND GAMES!

SANTA CLAUS & MORE!

100% CHANCE OF SNOW! AT THE 2021 TRUSTEES’ GARDEN CHRISTMAS FESTVAL

ONE DAY ONLY! ACTIVITIES FOR ALL AGES

SNOW SLEDDING • TRAIN RIDES • BOUNCE HOUSE • ROCK CLIMBING

MAKE PLANS

NOW!

SATURDAY

2021 DEC. 18 10 AM - 6 PM AT SAVANNAH'S HISTORIC KEHOE IRON WORKS 660 E. Broughton St.

Advance tickets available at trustees-garden-christmas.eventbrite.com or scan the code to the left Questions? info@trusteesgarden.com EVENT SPONSORS:

23 FOOT CHRISTMAS TREE FOOD TRUCKS • HOT COCOA CHRISTMAS MARKET FEATURING LOCAL VENDORS

SANTA CLAUS 10AM - 3PM CHARLES H. MORRIS PRESENTS

2021 ENTRY FORM:

DECORATE THE TREE CONTEST Our tree is looking a little bare! Use your crayons, markers, construction paper, glue, glitter, or craft supplies! Decorate the tree so it’s fit for the Christmas Festival! You may even win a gift card to a local merchant and your photo in Connect Savannah!

WHERE TO SEND YOUR ENTRIES You can mail your entry or drop it off at: 611 E. Bay St. ATTN: Decorate the Tree Contest Savannah, GA 31401 CONTEST RULES • All fields on entry form must be completed to be considered valid.

• Only one entry per person.

• Artwork must be created by name on entry.

• No adult’s work will be accepted.

• No photocopies accepted. Original work only.

• Entries will not be returned.

• The judge’s decision is final.

• All entries become property of Connect Savannah.

• Winners agree to allow publication of their name, and, if necessary, their likeness in Connect Savannah and connectsavannah.com. Acceptance of any prize indicates acceptance of this clause.

• Employees of Connect Savannah or Morris Multimedia and their immediate families are not eligible to win.

ADDITIONAL COPIES MAY BE DOWNLOADED AT CONNECTSAVANNAH.COM ALL ENTRIES WILL BE DISPLAYED AT THE TRUSTEES’ GARDEN CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL ON DEC. 18.

WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED THERE. AGE CATEGORIES • 5 and under • 6-10 years • 11-14 years • 15-18 years ALL ENTRIES ARE DUE ON THURSDAY, DEC 15, 2021 BY 5PM.

Name________________________________________________ Age__________________________________________________ Birthdate_____________________________________________ Parent or guardian____________________________________ Street address________________________________________ City, State, Zip________________________________________ Phone_______________________________________________ email happenings@connectsavannah.com for more info.

CULTURE

CONNECT SAVANNAH | DECEMBER 1-7, 2021

CATCH A HOLIDAY MOVIE THIS WEEK:

18

HOME ALONE

WHITE CHRISTMAS

MIRACLE ON 34TH ST.

LOVE ACTUALLY

SAT. DEC 4 | 3 p.m.

Lucas Theatre ($5)

SAT. DEC 4 | 7 p.m.

Lucas Theatre ($5)

MON. DEC 6 | 7 p.m.

Tybee Post Theater ($9 | $5)

TUE. DEC 7 | 3 p.m. & 7 p.m.

Tybee Post Theater ($9 | $5)

Kick-off the holiday season and get in the spirit with Shelter From the Rain as they host their 5th annual Christmas Show at The Savannah Theatre on Sunday, Dec. 5 at 7:00 pm.

This live holiday show benefits single mothers and their children in need in our area.

“It is always a very fun event for our families and supporters. This year will be very special for our guests and it will be a show like no other show we have done in the past. So, our annual supporters are in for something totally new,” said Shelter From the Rain Founder and Executive Director Jennifer Graham.

This year The Savannah Theatre will include a portion of their Christmas Tradition Show in the benefit as well.

The Savannah Theatre has been a source of creativity and producing shows in Savannah for over 200 years and Shelter From the Rain is honored to partner with them to help families. “​​The Savannah Theatre is such a local treasure. We welcome our single parent families, volunteers, supporters and the entire community to kick off the holiday season with a lovely show full of cheer in the heart of the downtown historic Savannah district,” said Graham.

“This is the fifth year that they’ve had the fundraiser at the theater, but this will be the first year that the Savannah Theatre performers are going to be giving entertainment at the event, so we are excited about that,” said Mike Zaller, Savannah Theatre partner and performer.

Shelter From the Rain, Inc. (SFTR) is a non-profit that was established by Graham in 2010. Based out of Savannah, it provides assistance to low-income single mothers and children in need. They have had over 600 giveaways for single mothers in Chatham County.

“Shelter from the Rain is a really special organization for me because I started it because I am a single mom,”said Graham. “I became a single mom at the age of 16, so my passion for helping single moms is very sincere.

The proceeds from this event will go to help single ​​ mothers with supplies for intants through their diaper bank, purchase needed household items, grow mentorship, a support group, virtual tutoring services for the children of single mothers, virtual mental health counseling, and job search assistance.

“Just within Chatham County alone, the percentage of single women is higher than the average for the state of

Georgia, so events like this really help to supply the needs that they have in this area while they are going through such a difficult time,” Graham said.

Graham is thankful that the organization has been able to partner with several local organizations to ensure that single mothers have all the tools and resources that they need to be successful.

“In 2022 Shelter From the Rain is focusing on developing the economic independence of single mothers through education, mentorship, personal and professional development, homeownership, health, and wellness,” said Graham who recognized that single mothers across the country continue to face several challenges as a result of

the pandemic.

She says she wants Shelter From the Rain 2022 initiatives to help them overcome the obstacles caused by the pandemic with programs to help single mothers maintain childcare, secure employment, and obtain affordable housing solutions.

The benefit is one way the community can help this organization while enjoying some delightful holiday entertainment.

For ticket info, visit eventbrite or shelterfromtherain. com/christmas-tradition. Single mothers, single fathers and refugee families can attend at no cost by completing an RSVP form at shelterfromtherain.com/rsvp

VISUAL ART

LOCAL MAKERS, CRAFT BREWS AND HELPING VETERANS HIGHLIGHT SERVICE BREWING’S FIRST HOLIDAY MAKERS MARKET

THURSDAY-SUNDAY @9PM

Vendors at Service Brewing Co.’s Holiday Makers Market: (clockwise) Yaupon Tea House, Beer Candles by Lumiere, Heather Lindsey Steward, Bon & Venture.

By Beth Stewart

CONNECT SAVANNAH | DECEMBER 1-7, 2021

Enjoy craft beers, local artisans, live music and make a difference in the lives of veterans all in one place on Sat., Dec. 4.

Service Brewing Company hosts their first ‘Holiday Makers Market’ to support local makers, artists, designers and collaborators from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Located at 574 Indian St. downtown, the event will feature 38 booths with unique and original works, goods and other products, as well as food trucks, a DJ and craft beer all while supporting a veteran-owned non-profit.

Meredith Sutton, Co-owner and Creative Marketing Director at Service Brewing Co., is a SCAD alum and jewelry maker who is excited about the opportunity to highlight local makers.

“We’ve always supported the maker community with folks who are creating these events and this year we wanted to do it ourselves so we could lower the booth fees for artists and do it all in house,” she said.

Organizers said there will be something for everyone from jewelry, illustration, fiber arts, painting, stained glass, photography, ceramics, food, drinks, leather accessories, macrame, plants, candles, health and wellness items, bath and body products and apparel.

“Red Taco truck will be there all day with delicious tacos. Jose Ray is also a maker with prints and paintings and a DJ so he will be selling his work and DJ’ing at the same time. He will be the first booth everyone walks into - the Jose Ray Stage and art booth. It’s an opportunity to buy local and support artists making things in our community,” added Sutton.

Local maker Kristian Edwards will be showcasing his unique crafting at the event to brighten up the day.

He said, “Beer Candles by Lumiere started as a Covid relief project back in 2020. Since then, I have created a business to spread a little light and love in the world while supporting non-profits along the way. This market showcases the passion, talents and creativity of this beautiful city we call home.”

In addition to 16 beers on tap, Service Brewing Co. will be releasing a new craft beer.

“The Big Churro” is a bourbon barrel-aged blonde pastry stout brewed and aged with vanilla bean, cinnamon and cocoa, and will be available on draft and in 16 oz. cans.

For every craft brew pint sold in the taproom, 25 cents will be donated to Operation Combat Bikesaver, a non-profit supporting veterans suffering from emotional and/or physical disabilities by providing a therapeutic motorcycle workshop with hands-on building and customization from the ground up.

Andrew Hasty, Operation Combat Bikesaver’s National Marketing Director said, “We build custom motorcycles with disabled veterans.

This project gives them a new sense of worth with a purpose. We want to help veterans get back into a more stable emotional state. All of the donations help keep the doors open and buy parts and equipment.

Every cent counts.”

The event is free, open to the public and is family and pet-friendly.

For more information, visit servicebrewing.com

19

CULTURE

VISUAL ART

Thompson Savannah features new art installation, curated by local gallerist Susan Laney

By Lauren Wolverton

lauren@connectsavannah.com

Thompson Savannah is featuring a new art installation with hopes of connecting both locals and tourists to art and culture in the Hostess City.

The new installation is a part of the Thompson brand’s “Culture Lives Here” campaign.

The hotel has partnered with local gallerist Susan Laney, owner of Laney Contemporary, to bring 40-50 pieces of work by Atlanta-based Benjamin Jones to its lobby.

Jones’ featured works include sculptures of rabbits made from multicolor pins and pom poms, a display of hundreds of toy animals from Jones’ childhood, drawings and more.

Laney Contemporary says Jones has been creating art for over 25 years that shows his “innermost feelings and insecurities, while touching a familiar place in all of us.”

Matt Graham, General Manager of the Thompson Savannah, says the point of the “Culture Lives Here” campaign is not to feature Savannah-themed art in the hotel’s lobby, but to celebrate work found in local galleries or by local artists that will be attractive to Savannahians.

He says when locals enjoy a hotel in town, it creates a better experience for tourists and ultimately benefits the entire community.

“The best way to make a hotel great for visitors to Savannah is to make it relevant to locals in Savannah,” Graham said. “If we can position this hotel as having some relevance to what we find interesting, whether it’s established or up-and-coming, here, it lends a value to the community that guests feel when they visit.”

“If you come to the bar in the evening as a visitor, and the person to your left or to your right is someone from Savannah, it opens up the experience of visiting Savannah in a different way and connects you a little more to what’s happening in our town than a hotel may normally be able to do,” Graham added.

Graham says finding art, both established and up-andcoming, to feature in the hotel was a fun task.

“Savannah punches over its weight culturally,” he said.

“I think there’s our history, the influence of SCAD, the people who choose to make this place their home. It’s not difficult to find things to celebrate. There’s a lot of things going on when you just go for a walk around town.”

Ultimately, Thompson Savannah landed on Laney Contemporary to put together the first “Culture Lives Here” installation.

“Susan graduated from SCAD and has been in town most of the time since then,” Graham said. “I think she has a good eye and she’s a really fantastic person.”

Laney has also put together a list of local “hot spots” for

visitors of the hotel to check out. Graham says he’s excited about the idea of visitors looking at art curated by Laney, then being able to go visit her favorite spots around town, feeling even more connected to the community.

“I hope they feel that they chose a hotel for their visit to town that allowed them to connect to Savannah in a more meaningful way,” he said. “I hope that they feel the same love and connection to the arts that we all feel here and that they come away with the idea that culture matters in this town. If our hotel can be a small part of that just by celebrating others, then I feel like we’re on the right track.”

Jones’ work will be on display at Thompson Savannah, located at 201 Port St., through January, and then a new installation will go in.

You can follow Thompson Savannah on Instagram at @thompsonsavannahga and learn more about Laney Contempory at laneycontemporary.com

CONNECT SAVANNAH | DECEMBER 1-7, 2021

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CONNECT SAVANNAH

ART PATROL ‘NOEL W ANDERSON: HEAVY IS THE CROWN’ EXHIBITION

‘Noel W Anderson: Heavy is the Crown’ considers Black experience and its legacies between the temporal brackets of two “kings”–1963 when Martin Luther King Jr. presented his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech and 1992, the brutal beating of Rodney King and his subsequent plea “Can we all just get along…?”

The printed works, tapestries, and paperworks on view in the exhibition utilize found imagery from various media and archives that are reprocessed by Anderson through assorted means of distortion and manipulation to collectively expose the haunting relationship of black masculine (mis)representation to structures of power. telfair.org Jepson Center for the Arts, 207 West York St.

“PONY BOY” ARTWORK BY BRAD SISKIN

Siskin’s exhibition “Pony Boy”— named after the 1983 Teen Drama “The Outsiders”—is currently on display at Stonelords Boutique at 415 Whitaker Street. The exhibition is made up of 19 crayon and marker drawings and five highly-rendered paintings, all stemming from the influence of the artists’ childhood. The exhibition will be on display through Dec. 4.

‘SUGAR’ EXHIBITION

BENJAMIN JONES: DRAWINGS AND SCULPTURE, 1994-2021

(on view Oct. 1 - Dec. 22) Laney Contemporary is pleased to present the work of artist Benjamin Jones, whose practice has been established in Atlanta and revered internationally. Drawings and Sculpture 1994 2021 represents a survey of his celebrated work and his experience of isolation during the pandemic. This very personal selection of drawings and sculpture

reveals the continuities of a creative life, and the connections between past iconography and renewed energy. free admission (912) 438-4442. sarahc@ laneycontemporary.com. laneycontemporary.com/exhibitions/upcoming-benjamin-jones-bb2ka. Laney Contemporary, 1810 Mills B. Lane Blvd.

KOBO GALLERY 360

Kobo Gallery artists Morgan Adler, Angela Burson, Antoine de Villiers, Joy Dunigan, Marta McWhorter, David Kaminsky and Daniel E. Smith rotate the gallery, prompting a display of new work arrivals and a fresh take on existing works. 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. kobogallery. com. Kobo Gallery, 33 Barnard Street

STAGES BY DANIEL E. SMITH

Stages by artist Daniel E. Smith is an exhibition of architectural abstracts and abstract paintings inspired by previous works accepted into Telfair Museum’s permanent collection. Through the use of color, shape, and light, the exhibition features work that reflects on the human existence and our role in the global, political, environmental, and social crises spanning the past forty years. Stages by Daniel E. Smith. On view at Kobo Gallery. Sept. 17 - Dec. 31. 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.. kobogallery.com Kobo Gallery, 33 Barnard Street

TITTYBATS IN THE DRIVE THRU ART BOX

@The Drive Thru Art Box at Green Truck Pub. This work will be on display through Dec. 8, and can be seen anytime of day or night. . The Drive Thru Art Box was started in 2012 by Matt Hebermehl and Mike Williams as part of the SeeSAW (See Savannah Art Walls) Project, a public arts initiative.

BEFORE MIDNIGHT: BONAVENTURE AND THE BIRD GIRL

Telfair Museums presents Sylvia Shaw Judson’s iconic sculpture Bird Girl within the context of the history and art of Bonaventure Cemetery. Made famous by Jack Leigh‘s photograph for the cover of John Berendt’s bestselling novel of Savannah, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, Judson’s sculpture was removed from the cemetery to Telfair Museums where it has been enjoyed by visitors for decades... more on telfair.org $5-20 telfair.org/jepson/. Jepson Center for the Arts, 207 West York St.

“CULTURE LIVES HERE” INSTALLATION AT THOMPSON SAVANNAH FEATURING BENJAMIN JONES The hotel has partnered with local gallerist Susan Laney, owner of Laney Contemporary, to bring 40-50 pieces of work by Atlanta-based Benjamin Jones to its lobby. Follow Thompson Savannah on Instagram at @thompsonsavannahga and learn more about Laney Contempory at laneycontemporary.com

SULFUR STUDIOS

IMPACT exhibition (on display from November 4th - 28th, 2021) - featuring over 40 artists that have either: rented a studio with us, showed with us, collaborated with us, or artists that have made a big impact on Savannah itself. IMPACT will be in the Main Gallery and will also spill out onto every wall of the ground floor of the studio! sulfurstudios.org

‘SONYA CLARK: FINDING FREEDOM’ EXHIBITION

‘Sonya Clark: Finding Freedom’ consists of a large-scale canopy quilted together from cyanotype reactive fabric squares that were made with the help of workshop participants over the course of Clark’s various residencies. 10 a.m.-noon. 912-7908800. info@telfair.org. telfair.org/ exhibitions/sonya-clark-finding-freedom/. telfair.org/jepson/. Jepson Center for the Arts, 207 West York St.

KOBO GALLERY: 2021 HOLIDAY ART OPENING & JEWELERS’ TRUNK SHOW

Kick off the 2021 holiday shopping season at the Kobo Gallery.

DECEMBER 3 6 - 8 p.m.

Kobo 2D, 3D and fiber artists will assemble a small works wall that is designed just for holiday shopping.

Extraordinary contemporary art created by some of Savannah’s best artists will be available for purchase.

DECEMBER 4 10:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Come and join Kobo Gallery for an all-day Jewelers’ Trunk Show featuring the insanely talented Gillian Trask, Nancy Boyd and Susanna Guerrero.

It’s the perfect place to start your holiday shoppin for that very special person that has everything.

33 Barnard St. kobogallery.com

CONNECT SAVANNAH | DECEMBER 1-7, 2021

Explore the sweet culinary habits of Savannahians in this fun exhibition dedicated to the consumption of sugar in the port city. Using furnishings and portraits from Telfair Museums’ permanent collection, this unique display gives visitors a glimpse into humans’ connection to sugar and its complicated history.

Porcelain and silver were shipped from Europe and beyond into the Port of Savannah, providing the elite of this city with purchasing options far surpassing those of any inland towns of the 19th century. 10 a.m.-noon. 912-790-8800. info@telfair.org. telfair.org/exhibitions/ sugar/. telfair.org/jepson/. Jepson Center for the Arts, 207 West York St.

To submit an ART PATROL listing, please email us at happenings@connectsavannah.com

21

MUSIC Although it’s been more than 25 years since Alabama’s last No. 1 country single, the influence of this trio – singer/guitarist Randy Owen, bassist Teddy Gentry and multi-instrumentalist Jeff Cook – continues to reverberate through today’s country scene. Formed in 1969, Alabama was the first act to incorporate a rock influence into country, and the group’s sound was nothing short of revolutionary at the time.

Their music brought scores of new fans into country, and at their peak during the 1980s, these natives of Fort Payne, Alabama reeled off 21 straight No. 1 hits – a record for consecutive chart-topping songs that is unlikely to be broken.

Eventually, the nearly non-stop grind of touring and recording took a toll, and the group, which beginning in 1979 also included drummer Mark Herndon, broke up in 2004.

But in 2010, Owen, Gentry and Cook began working together again – minus Herndon, who was never an official band member. A first post-reunion tour followed in 2013 and Alabama released their first new album in 14 years, “Southern Drawl,” in 2015.

The group hasn’t had any top 10 hit singles in this second chapter, but after being forced off the road for more than a year by the pandemic, Alabama is back on tour, playaing Johnny Mercer Theatre on Dec. 5. And as the current string of arena concerts shows, Alabama remains a major live draw.

Owen and Gentry agreed to answer some questions via e-mail. Here’s what Owen and Gentry had to say about 50-plus years of Alabama WERE YOU ABLE TO PLAY ANY LIVE SHOWS IN ANY FORM DURING THE PANDEMIC TEDDY GENTRY: No, we were not, but we did do a live stream concert from Nashville for Camping World/Gander MT that had over 1.2 million viewers on New Year’s Eve.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | DECEMBER 1-7, 2021

WHAT DID THE THREE OF YOU DO WITH THE EXTRA FREE TIME DURING THE PANDEMIC?

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RANDY OWEN AND GENTRY: Both of us have working cattle farms and Jeff has a recording studio, so that kept us all busy. And we wrote a lot of songs in the past 12 months.

ARE YOU ABLE NOW TO PLAY SHOWS WITH FULL CAPACITY IN THESE MARKETS OR ARE THERE CROWD SIZE LIMITS FOR ANY OF THE VENUES THAT ARE ON THE CURRENT TOUR ROUTING? GENTRY: From what the promoters have told us, as of today 95 percent of the venues we are playing are at or are going to be at 100 percent capacity when we play.

DO YOU SEE OR FEEL MUCH OF A DIFFERENCE IN THE KIND OF SHOW

YOU PUT ON THESE DAYS COMPARED TO DURING THE ‘80S? HAS WHAT YOU WANT TO ACHIEVE EACH NIGHT ON STAGE CHANGED AT ALL? OWEN: We are not in our 20s and 30s anymore, but we have always given 200 percent at our live shows and want to deliver what the fans want to hear. This tour will be the best of the best Alabama live.

WHAT’S YOUR SET LIST LIKE THESE DAYS? I’D IMAGINE YOU CAN’T FIT ALL OF YOUR BIG HITS INTO A SET, SO HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHAT SONGS MAKE IT INTO THE SHOW? OWEN: We are so thankful that we have had 43 No. 1 songs through the years. We can’t do all of them, or even half of them, in a show, but we normally try to do around 15 to 18 songs. Depending on the crowd, we may add more.

JEFF REVEALED HE HAS PARKINSON’S DISEASE IN 2017. THAT IS A VERY DIFFICULT THING WITH WHICH TO LIVE. HOW IS HE DOING AND WHAT IMPACT IS PARKINSON’S HAVING ON JEFF’S PLAYING AND SINGING? WILL HE BE ABLE TO PLAY ALABAMA’S SHOWS THIS YEAR? GENTRY: Parkinson’s robs you of your muscle control and it has affected Jeff’s instrument playing and singing. At this time, we cannot say if Jeff will be able to appear or not. It is based on how he feels day to day. He would love to be out with us and we would love to have him on stage. He supports Randy and I doing the tour to continue the legacy of the band.

DO YOU LOOK AT YOUR BAND AS THE ACT THAT PIONEERED THE MIX OF COUNTRY AND ROCK THAT CHARACTERIZES A LOT OF MAINSTREAM COUNTRY TODAY? GENTRY: To be honest, we are the first “country” rock band to come along, four guys with long hair, jeans, tennis shoes and t shirts having hit records in country music. It was unheard of in the late ‘70s. Nashville did not know what to expect from us and was a little scared until we had hit records.

RANDY TOLD ONE INTERVIEWER, ALABAMA IS A COMPLICATED BUNCH, BUT WHEN YOU THREE DO WHAT YOU DO TOGETHER IT’S A MAGICAL THING. WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE MAGIC IN THE SOUND THAT COMES FROM THE THREE OF YOU? OWEN: We are all from the same small town.

We all live on top of a mountain and we all are cousins. Something about that has to do with the Alabama magic sound.

WERE YOU ABLE TO TAKE IN AND ENJOY THE SUCCESS YOU WERE HAVING IN THE 1980S?

60- to- 80-city tours anymore. This tour, when it’s done, will have been to about 30 cities.

GENTRY: Blur is a good way to put it. We worked 350 days a year for almost 30 years in a row. Think about that, raising a family and running a business that employed 80-some people. But we did also enjoy our success, and it allowed us to have things we would never have been able to get or do without our success.

ALABAMA BROKE UP FOR MANY REASONS, ONE OF WHICH WAS SIMPLY THE STRAIN AND STRESS OF RECORDING AND TOURING PRETTY MUCH NONSTOP FOR TWO-PLUS DECADES. HOW HAVE YOU SET THINGS UP SINCE REUNITING TO AVOID THE BURNOUT THAT OCCURRED DURING THE GROUP’S PREVIOUS TIME TOGETHER?

ARE THE FRIENDSHIPS WITHIN THE GROUP DIFFERENT SINCE THE REUNION? WHAT, IF ANYTHING, HAS CHANGED IN HOW YOU GET ALONG ON A DAY-TODAY BASIS?

GENTRY: Well, we took about 10 years off.

We now tour in a way that is comfortable, no more than two shows a week. We also have the best band we have ever had on the road and that helps make it easy. We also don’t do

ALABAMA plays the Johnny Mercer Theatre on Dec 5, with special guests Marshall Tucker Band. Visit savannahcivic.com for tickets and information. Visit connectsavannah.com for an online exclusive with Marshall Tucker Band.

GENTRY AND OWEN: We get along like brothers. We have been through a lot together with good times and hard times, but now we are enjoying ourselves and loving the feedback from our fans and having a fun time back on the road.

DO YOU SEE ANY MORE STUDIO ALBUMS IN ALABAMA’S FUTURE? GENTRY: If I was a betting man, I think you should look for that to happen sooner than later.

Blues guitarist Joe Bonomassa plays Johnny Mercer Theatre

#EXPERIENCEVICTORY

By Alan Sculley

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9

SALIVA

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 28

PETER MAYER from Jimmy Buffett

& The Coral Reefers “I mean, it wasn’t conscious when I wrote it. It just kind of scaled that way,” Bonamassa said of the album’s feel.

Writing and recording in New York City marked a homecoming of sorts for Bonamassa, who managed to scrape by as he started his career doing recording sessions around the city, By that time, he had already made waves on the blues scene, getting tutored at age 11 by Danny Gatton and the following year opening some 20 shows for B.B. King, who was generous in his praise of the young guitarist.

He made his debut as a solo artist in 2000 with the album “A New Day Yesterday.” He’s released 13 studio albums since then, nearly all of which have topped the “Billboard” magazine blues album chart. Along the way, his formidable skills as a guitarist have grown more refined and his songwriting has improved considerably.

The size venues he plays have also grown to the point where he commonly plays large theaters and arenas.

Producer Shirley, in press materials, has said he views “Time Clocks” as an album that could elevate Bonamassa from a blues artist to a superstar. Bonamassa isn’t concerning himself with such talk. His focus is on his music.

“I really don’t know what my future holds, personally and professionally, it’s a very difficult landscape at this point to navigate. And only I can answer that, and only I can see the true (path),” he said. “Everybody can speculate, but I actually have to go out and do the work. It’s like you’ve got to make sure your heart’s in it still.”

Joe Bonamassa plays the Johnny Mercer Theatre at the Savannah Civic Center on Dec 07, 8:00 p.m. Visit savannahcivic.com for tickets and information.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 7TH

CITIZEN COPE THURSDAY, JANUARY 27

ATLANTA RHYTHM SECTION FEBRUARY 2ND & 3RD

THE DEAD SOUTH #EXPERIENCEVICTORY STARLAND DISTRICT | 2603 WHITAKER ST

WWW.VICTORYNORTHCONCERTS.COM @victorynorthsavannah

@victorynorthsav

CONNECT SAVANNAH | DECEMBER 1-7, 2021

For the first 20 years of Joe Bonamassa’s career, one constant has always been touring. Even as he maintained a schedule that has seen him release 14 solo albums, even more live CDs or DVDs, as well as multiple releases with the bands Black Country Communion and Rock Candy Funk Party and collaborations with Beth Hart, among others, Bonamassa has generally played a pair of extensive U.S. tours and a trip through Europe every year.

So seeing the pandemic interrupt what has been a key component in making Bonamassa arguably the world’s most popular bluesrock artist – all while self-releasing his albums rather than singing to a record label -- had to turn life upside down for the talented guitarist/singer.

Bonamassa isn’t complaining too much, though.

“It was definitely the break that I needed to take that I would never have taken myself,” he said in an early October phone interview. “So there’s that. I mean, it is what it is. There was nothing anybody could have done about it. I was just fortunate to be in a position where I didn’t have to sell my car.”

Now Bonamassa is back playing in person for audiences. He has plenty of songs to work with, including material from his 2020 album, “Royal Tea” (the pandemic prevented him from touring behind that album) and his new effort, “Time Clocks,” which was released on Oct. 29. Despite the wealth of new songs, Bonamassa said his show will cover his back catalog as well.

“We have a lot of new stuff. The whole show is new,” Bonamassa said. “So yeah, I brought back a few old songs, a couple of songs from (older) records we never played (live). I did a lot of stuff. We have a lot of alternates, too, that we haven’t gotten to. The cool thing is it keeps it fresh for us. We can change the sets every night, and still hopefully achieve the same result.”

Writing and recording “Time Clocks” was one way Bonamassa passed time during the pandemic. His plans for “Time Clocks” had to be adjusted to meet COVID protocols.

Rather than being able to bring into the studio any number of musicians and singers, Bonamassa had to take what he called a bare bones approach to the project.

“It was (drummer) Anton (Fig), (bassist) Steve Mackey and myself and a couple of engineers, and my assistant, who was acting as my guitar tech, and a whole bunch of masks and just whatever,” he said.

Another person who wasn’t in the studio was Bonamassa’s longtime producer, Kevin Shirley, who was stuck in Australia at the time. Once again, they found a way to adjust, using Zoom calls so Shirley could be in touch as takes were recorded.

“Obviously, it was something that was very odd at first,” Bonamassa said. “But then we got our heads around it. It wasn’t a thing that, it was odd at first, but it was workable. But everything was odd. So what can I do?”

What Bonamassa did was make a rock album with a decidedly big and epic feel – somewhat surprising considering the rather minimal approach that needed to be taken to recording the basic tracks. “Time Clocks” features swaggering, blues-laced rock on songs like “Notches,” “Hanging on a Loser” and “The Heart That Never Waits” a chunky rocker in “Questions And Answers” and several multi-faceted songs, such as “Mind’s Eye,” which opens on a silky note and builds into an expansive rocker and the Zeppelinish “Curtain Call.”

23

MUSIC

LIVE MUSIC

Michigan Rattlers slither into town

By Angie Miller

Contributing Writer

Music fans looking for folk-rock with a twang of country, look no further than the Michigan Rattlers, a self proclaimed heavy-hearted folk-rock band with an aching dose of Midwestern nice.

Formed in Los Angeles by northern Michigan natives and childhood friends, the Michigan Rattlers are a fourpiece band that consists of singer-songwriter and guitar player Graham Young, bassist Adam Reed, keyboardist Christian Wilder, and drummer Tony Audia.

“We all grew up in Petoskey Michigan and we’ve been friends and performing together on and off since middle school,” said Young. “We were all in the school band and we actually had our own side band that performed at our high school’s battle of the band’s competition every year.

But, after high school we all kind of dispersed and went our separate ways for college.”

After graduating high school, Young left Petoskey and studied music at Columbia College in Chicago before deciding to embark on his own musical journey as a singer-songwriter in Los Angeles. Young added that although he was pursuing his own musical endeavor at the time, the idea of forming a band with his buddies from back home was in the back of his mind.

“A year or so after I moved to L.A. Adam graduated from college and I convinced him to relocate here,” he said.

“We took a cross-country road trip to move him out here and after that the Michigan Rattlers were born.”

With Young on acoustic guitar and Reed on the upright bass, the Rattlers took their first steps as a duo and they released their debut EP “Illinois Sky” in 2016. According to Young, the plan was always for them to be a fourman band, specifically with their current lineup, and he continued to work on getting his other two childhood friends and past bandmates to join him in L.A. “After playing as a duo with Adam for a while, we

convinced Christian to move out here followed by Tony a little later on drums,” he said. “So, eventually I was able to get the full band back together.”

With their desired musical lineup in play, the Michigan Rattlers were able to expand their sound and Young credits several classic rock musicians as some of the band’s musical influences.

“We all listened to the classic rock radio stations growing up and have a strong appreciation for these great songwriters,” Young said. “Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, Bob Seger, Creedence Clearwater Revival, they’re all incredible. And they have definitely influenced our music, but we have adapted our own style and sound.”

Young noted that although he’s living in Los Angeles, he draws a lot of his songwriting inspirations from his home state of Michigan.

“I think I draw a lot of inspiration in my songwriting from northern Michigan and my rural hometown of

Petoskey. Early on, when I first moved to Los Angeles I was pretty homesick so a lot of those early songs do draw a lot of inspiration and directly mention northern Michigan. But, I love cinema and I read quite a bit...I like to write about the sad stories too.”

The Michigan Rattlers first album as a four-piece band titled “That Kind of Life” debuted in May of this year.

“We spent a lot of time during the lockdown writing new material and we were much more deliberate in our approach to arranging and recording our newest record,” Young said. “‘That Kind of Life’ is a record about relationships and the time we give to other people. There has been a lot of growth and self-reflection for everyone over the past year and we hope our new record serves a role on the path of rediscovery.”

The Michigan Ratters will perform at District Live on Wed., Dec. 8 at 8 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets visit ticketmaster.com and search for the band.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | DECEMBER 1-7, 2021

The Eagles will kick off 2022 Tour in Savannah at Enmarket Arena

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TICKETS GO ON SALE DEC. 3 The EAGLES - Don Henley, Joe Walsh, and Timothy B. Schmit, with Deacon Frey and Vince Gill –announce the band’s “Hotel California” 2022 Tour.

And the tour kicks off here in Savannah at the new Enmarket Arena on Feb. 19, 2022.

The tour then makes its way to Charlotte, Orlando, Ft. Lauderdale, Tampa, Raleigh, Atlanta, and Austin, TX. Each show will feature ‘Hotel California,’ played from beginning to end, accompanied by an orchestra and choir, along with an additional set of the band’s greatest hits.

Tickets go on sale Friday, Dec. 3, at 10 a.m. local time. A variety of presales are available starting Thurs., December 2. Check Eagles.com for complete tour and ticket information.

A limited number of VIP packages will also be available. VIP packages include premium seats, exclusive merchandise, parking & more.

Get tickets now at eagles.com/events

THE STAGE PAGE AARON PAUL ZIMMER/ SELDOM SOBER @ FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

The Savannah Folk Music Society’s First Friday for Folk Music soldiers on with Savannah singer-songwriter Aaron Paul Zimmer, who leans into storytelling and autobiographical tales sung over sweet melodies. The Seldom Sober sound is R T Y OinUtraditional Irish music, but rooted GE takes T on Pete O NSeeger, The Beatles and KE S TIC modern hits. !

ITE E N T B RDEC 3 | 7:30 PM V FRIDAY

E

THUR JULY 29 Music In the Soundgarden

FRI FRI JULY 30 DEC 3

KING OF POP - A TRIBUTE TO THE GENIUS OF MICHAEL JACKSON

THE ULTIMATE AEROSMITH TRIBUTE

College Football FRI AUG 6 Conference Championships SAT JULY 31

HARK, THE HERALD CELLO SINGS @ UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH

FRIDAY, DEC 3RD

For a lovely way to wind down your weekend, take in a classical music performance at this Sunday matinee. Dr. Steven Elisha, cellist, is accompanied by Dr. Michael Braz on piano for the Boccherini Sonata No. 6 in A Major, Schubert “Arpeggione” Sonata, and other works by Debussy and Popper. Wine and cheese to follow the concert.

SUNDAY DEC 5 | 3 PM

Western Kentucky vs Texas-San Antonio 6pm A TRIBUTE TO THE ROLLING STONES Oregon vs Utah 7pm

UPCOMING SHOWS SATURDAY, DEC 4TH AUG. 7 Grand Paradise - A Tribute to STYX

ANDY SANDFORD @ THE WORMHOLE

The Comedy Planet series returns with another reason to laugh that ass off. Andy Sandford has a formidable TV resume, with appearances on Conan O’Brien, The Late Late Show, Adult Swim’s “Aqua Teen Hunger Force” and an Amazon Prime special. The Village Voice called him “one of New York’s comedic gems.”

SATURDAY DEC 4 | 8 PM

Oklahoma AUG State Baylor 11am 13vs FA-Q State vs Echoes Northern Illinoisto11am AUGKent 14 Interstellar - A Tribute Pink Floyd Utah State vs San Diego State 2pm AUG 20 The Bitteroots Appalachian State vs Louisiana 2:30pm AUG 27 The Petty Hearts - The National Tom Petty Tribute Show Houston vs Cincinnati 3pm AUG 28 The Stratton James Trio Georgia vs Alabama 3pm SEPT 3Prairie TributeView -A Celebration of theState Allman Bros. Band vs Jackson 3pm SEPT 4 Slippery When Wet A Tribute to Bon Pittsburgh vs Wake Forest 7pm Jovi SEPT 11 Jupiter Coyote Michigan vs Iowa 7pm

BREAKFAST IS BACK! COME WATCH ALL THE SPORTS

7-10:30 • TUESDAY - FRIDAY ACTION THIS HOLIDAY SEASON HERE 8-11:30 • SATURDAY AT COACH’S CORNER!

The popular local act takes to the stage at Coach’s Corner for a night of music, dancing, some interesting takes on Christmas songs, and to raise money for a worthy cause. Half of the evening’s proceeds go to Family Promise, the only full-service emergency shelter program within Savannah that provides day-to-day shelter.

FRIDAY DEC 3 | 7 PM

3016 E. VICTORY DR. 912.352.2933 COACHS.NET

DOWNLOAD OUR APP!

CONNECT SAVANNAH | DECEMBER 1-7, 2021

LOVE HANDLES @ COACH’S CORNER

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1-7

DEC/

CONNECT SAVANNAH MUSIC

SOUNDBOARD WHO IS PLAYING WHERE THIS WEEK WEDNESDAY 12/ 1 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.

TRIVIA & GAMES

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

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

The Wormhole Bingo, 10 p.m.

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 12/ 2

PS Tavern Beer Pong Tournament, 10 p.m.

KARAOKE

Bay Street Blues Karaoke, 8 p.m.

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

Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m.

McDonough’s Karaoke, 9 p.m.

Nickie’s 1971 Karaoke Night, 9 p.m.

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

Totally Awesome Bar Karaoke, 10 p.m.

COMEDY

VICE Lounge + Mojito Bar Diva Royale Drag Queen Show Savannah, GA - Weekly Drag Queen Shows, 6 p.m.; Diva Royale Drag Queen Show Savannah, GA - Weekly Drag Queen Shows, 9 p.m.

DJ

LIVE MUSIC

TRIVIA & GAMES

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

Bar Food Trivia Night, 8 p.m.

McDonough’s Family Feud, 7 p.m.

KARAOKE

Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m.

McDonough’s Karaoke, 9 p.m.

Nickie’s 1971 Karaoke Night, 8 p.m.

COMEDY

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

DJ

CONNECT SAVANNAH | DECEMBER 1-7, 2021

TRIVIA & GAMES

Club 51 Degrees DJ Fer, DJ Emalo, DJ Lil G, DJ BRad, 9 p.m.

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

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Sting Ray’s Robert Willis, 6 p.m.

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

Top Deck Sunset Deck Party, 6 p.m.

VICE Lounge + Mojito Bar Latin Night with DL Cesar, first Thursday of every month, 9 p.m.

BAR & CLUB EVENTS

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

FRIDAY 12/ 3 LIVE MUSIC

First Presbyterian Church First Friday for Folk Music Concert, 7:30-9:30 p.m.

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

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

BAR & CLUB EVENTS

SATURDAY 12/ 4 LIVE MUSIC

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

Sting Ray’s Robert Willis, 6 p.m.

MON/

6

RAY TOMASINO @ NICKIE’S 1971 BAR AND GRILL

Ray Tomasino is a guitarist and vocalist based in Savannah.

Best known as a member of Southern rock band High Velocity, Tomasino is a veteran of the local live music scene and performs solo regularly around town. 7 pm at Nickie’s 1971 on Tybee Island.

TRIVIA & GAMES

Blueberry Hill Pool Tournament, 2 p.m.

KARAOKE

Bar Food Karaoke Night, 10 p.m.

Bay Street Blues Karaoke, 8 p.m.

Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m.

McDonough’s Karaoke, 9 p.m.

Totally Awesome Bar Karaoke, 10 p.m.

COMEDY

VICE Lounge + Mojito Bar Diva Royale Drag Queen Show Savannah, GA - Weekly Drag Queen Shows, 6 p.m.

DJ

Club 51 Degrees Dance Party

BAR & CLUB EVENTS

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

SUNDAY 12/ 5 LIVE MUSIC

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

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

The Historic Savannah Theatre Sister Act The Musical 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.

TRIVIA & GAMES

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

KARAOKE

MONDAY 12/ 6 LIVE MUSIC

Nickie’s 1971 Ray Tomasino, 7 p.m.

The Wormhole Open Mic/Jam, 6-10 & 10 p.m.-2 a.m.

TRIVIA & GAMES

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

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

KARAOKE

Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m.

Wet Willie’s Karaoke, 9 p.m.

Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m.

McDonough’s Karaoke, 9 p.m.

BAR & CLUB EVENTS

VICE Lounge + Mojito Bar Diva Royale Drag Queen Show Savannah, GA - Weekly Drag Queen Shows, 1:30 p.m.

LIVE MUSIC

COMEDY

Fia Rua Irish Pub Family Movie Night, 8 p.m.

TUESDAY 12/ 7 McDonough’s Open Mic/Jam, 9 p.m.

Nickie’s 1971 Roy Swindell, 7 p.m.

TRIVIA & GAMES

Basil’s Pizza and Deli Trivia, 7 p.m.

Fia Rua Irish Pub Trivia, 7 p.m.

McDonough’s Trivia Tuesday, 7 p.m.

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

Savannah Taphouse Trivia, 7 p.m.

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

The Wormhole Trivia, 9:30 p.m.

KARAOKE

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

Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m.

Wet Willie’s Karaoke, 9 p.m.

COMEDY

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

SOUNDBOARD IS A FREE SERVICE - TO BE INCLUDED, PLEASE SEND YOUR LIVE MUSIC INFORMATION WEEKLY TO SOUNDBOARD@CONNECTSAVANNAH.COM. DEADLINE IS NOON MONDAY, TO APPEAR IN WEDNESDAY’S EDITION. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO EDIT OR CUT LISTINGS DUE TO SPACE LIMITATIONS.

THE BAND PAGE

AURA FEST MOSH FOR TOTS @ THE SENTIENT BEAN Slam to the music and support a good cause. Experience an all-Georgia lineup of four metal bands: Steel Circuit (Sav), SIX (Atlanta), Lumen (Augusta), and Heart & Mind (Sav/Hinesville).

Bring an unwrapped toy for $5 off entry. Show the town that perpetual black t-shirt wearers, indeed, have a soul.

SATURDAY DEC 4 | 7:30 PM

One of Savannah’s favorite big bands presents “A Miracle on Swing Street.” The orchestra was formed by lifelong best friends Jeremy Davis and Clay Johnson who relocated to Savannah from Louisiana. Stuff yourself silly with a set of Christmas classics featuring a jolt of Cajun spice and wild bayou energy.

FRIDAY DEC 3 | 7:30 PM

Charleston’s premier party band ascends to the popular rooftop outdoor lounge for a Thursday night show to get your weekend started early. Lead singer Wilton Elder and his big band supply sounds so good, you’ll probably remember them come Monday morning, despite whatever else you do.

THURSDAY DEC 2 | 7 PM

NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS @ THE WORMHOLE

You want irony? Get into the holiday spirit enjoying the music genre known to often celebrates the other bookend on the Christmas “timeline.”

Three metal acts make the yuletide loud. Sarasota’s The Distinguished Order of Disobedience (DOOD, pictured) headline, with openers I; Alone and Dethcard heating it up early.

SATURDAY DEC 4 | 10 PM

CONNECT SAVANNAH | DECEMBER 1-7, 2021

THE FABULOUS EQUINOX ORCHESTRA @ DISTRICT LIVE

SUPER DELUXE @ ELECTRIC MOON

27

PHOTOS FROM LOCAL EVENTS

Photos by Bunny Ware

View more photos online at connectsavannah.com/connected

EIGHT AUTOMOTIVE’S THUNDERBOLT COMMUNITY APPRECIATION EVENT Hosting a community appreciation event in Thunderbolt on Saturday, Nov. 20, Eight Automotive (a service and repair shop) treated guests to food trucks: The Naked Dog and Bayou Cafe, a Hopping with Harkleroad bouce house, a kids craft station, raffles for car essentials and live music from Sister Ray Ray, Gary Byrd, and Garrett Johnson. There was also a special appearance from new Thunderbolt Mayor Dana Williams and Town Administrator Bob Milie.

Lacey, Jamison, Justin and Donovan Wyland

CONNECT SAVANNAH | DECEMBER 1-7, 2021

Wendy Melton, Shawn Patrick, Claire Buckner

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Ollie and Rhiley Boutte

Desiree & Duane Bartel

Todd Cunningham, Mark McPeak

Lawson, Palmer and Brady Poppell with Bella Bartel

Darwin Johnson, Duane Bartell, Dana Williams

PHOTOS FROM LOCAL EVENTS

Photos by Bunny Ware

View more photos online at connectsavannah.com/connected

Mayor Van Johnson with Dinah and Fred Gretsch

Heather Roller and Fred Gretsch, Jr.

Regent Don Waters and GS Provost Carl Reiber

Dinah Gretsch, Mayor Johnson and Kim Michael Polote

Timothy Andrews and Karla ReddingAndrews

GS President Kyle Marrero, Andrew Young, Richard Kessler and Alderman Kurtis Purtee

Project curator Aaron Phillips, architect Christian Sottile, Mayor Van Johnson, Richard Kessler, Dinah and Fred Gretsch and their daughter Lena Thomas, Georgia Southern’s President Kyle Marrero and Provost Carl Reiber, Regent Don Waters, Regent Everett Kennedy and student Nehemiah Robertson.

The That Great Gretsch Sound! museum, developed through a special partnership between the Fred and Dinah Gretsch School of Music at Georgia Southern University and The Kessler Collection, officially opened its doors on Nov. 18 with a ribbon-cutting in the Plant Riverside District. The permanent display of music memorabilia, highlighting more than 135 years of Gretsch instruments, is featured in District Live’s new lobby and performance space on the banks of the Savannah River.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | DECEMBER 1-7, 2021

‘THAT GREAT GRETSCH SOUND’ OPENING AND RIBBON CUTTING AT PLANT RIVERSIDE DISTRICT

29

JONESIN’ CROSSWORD “All Rise”--it happens because it’s scientific.

by Matt Jones

Savannah’s Oldest

URBAN FARM & PET

SUPPLY STORE

Specializing in ORGANICS

ALL TYPES OF FEED & SEED HAY • FENCING • TRAPS • PEST CONTROL • POTTERY & STATUARY • PROPANE REFILL & EXCHANGE • LAWN & GARDEN • SEASONAL VEGETABLE PLANTS • PET & FARM SUPPLIES • MORE! Located downtown at

307 Carolan St Just west of Bay St. Viaduct

©2021 Matt Jones

912.233.9862 FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1938

03

ACROSS 1 Polish-born author Sholem 5 Abrupt sound at the beginning?

10 Serpentine warning 14 Cut back 15 Make a court statement 16 “Inner” prefix 17 Pentagon figure?

18 High school divisions 19 Conflict of characters, in Greek drama 20 Run-down 22 24-hr. bank amenity 23 Some Crockpot meals 24 “Sesame Street” character who mainly tweets numbers on Twitter 26 “Muy ___!”

27 Prefix meaning “ear” or “gold” 28 Stop temporarily 32 Sea near Palm Springs 35 Time changers (abbr.)

36 Level of a stadium 37 Smart ___ 38 “Alter ___” (Fox singing competition show) 39 When you may have to be out of an AirBnB 40 Neighbor of Nevada 41 Bowen Yang’s show, for short 42 British insurance syndicate 43 Early Beatles hit 45 “La mer” contents 46 “30 for 30” cable channel 47 Upscale hotel offering 52 Met dos

54 Track placement 55 React like a superfan 56 Apple on a desktop 57 Influential industry person 59 “What have ___ to show for it?”

60 Initiation procedure 61 California mission founder Junipero 62 “___ Kleine Nachtmusik” 63 Stag or doe 64 “No Logo” author Naomi 65 Person with a vision DOWN 1 Secluded 2 Comedian Silverman 3 Largest of the Greek Islands 4 Exposes academic dishonesty, after the temperature conversion?

5 Observe covertly 6 Just-washed 7 Home of Shakespeare, after the temperature conversion?

8 Pleasant outside 9 YouTube interruptors 10 Old cereal slogan, after the temperature conversion?

11 Know-how 12 Store securely 13 People with Roman numerals after their names, usually 21 Concerned query 23 Snifter sample 25 “Ode on a Grecian ___” 26 “Butter” group 29 Response on the stand

30 Tournament placement 31 Seashore fliers 32 “Better Call ___” (AMC drama series) 33 Part of a sax ensemble 34 Stick around, then go 38 Tight position?

39 Feeling of dissatisfaction 41 China’s Sun Yat-___ 42 “___ the Right One In” (2008 movie) 44 Ottawa VIPs 48 Pong platform 49 ___ Boogie (“The Nightmare Before Christmas” villain) 50 Frontiersman who crossed the Appalachians 51 Head into 52 Brace (oneself) 53 Friend, in France 54 Jessica of “7th Heaven” 57 Rebuking noise that sounds even more pretentious with an “I” sound 58 “I’ll Be Your Mirror” photographer Goldin

CROSSWORD ANSWERS

Margarita Monday Margarita Monday Margarita Monday $4 teremana margs $4 teremana margs $4 teremana margs

tree-fifty tuesday tree-fifty tuesday tree-fifty tuesday $3.50 beer, titos, RBV, jameson

$3.50 $3.50beer, beer,titos, titos,RBV, RBV,jameson jameson

thursdays & Sunday thursdays &Sunday Sunday Live MUSIC | 6-9&pm Drink specials thursdays Live MUSIC | 6-9 pm Drink specials Live MUSIC | 6-9 pm Drink specials

Wine Winewednesday wednesday Half off Boles

Half off Boles

125 West River Street On top of the cotton sail hotel SUNDAY THRU THURSDAY 11AM TO 11 PM* 125 West RiverAND Street On top of11AM the TO cotton FRIDAY SATURDAY 1AM*sail hotel SUNDAY THRU THURSDAY 11AM TO 11sail PM*hotel 125 West River Street On top of the cotton www.topdeckbar.com FRIDAYTHRU AND THURSDAY SATURDAY 11AM TO SUNDAY TO 1AM* 11 PM* *CLOSING HOURS SUBJECT TO CHANGE FRIDAY AND SATURDAY 11AM TO 1AM* www.topdeckbar.com

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'tis the season!

Visit US online to book your special EVENT 'tis the season! Visit US online to book your special EVENT 31

‘Tis the Season of Giving!

Step One is starting our Season of Giving to support families, individuals, and other non-profits in need. Among different initiatives, we teamed up with Gilliard & Co to support kids and families in need.

Gilliard & Co serves beyond housing, their mission is Meeting The Needs of Foster Care, which also includes family preservation and foster care prevention. Donate today using the QR Code!

DROP OFF LOCATIONS : PLANTED 7360 Skidaway Rd Unit A-2 STEP ONE AUTOMOTIVE GROUP North: 1011 Chatham Center Dr. South: 8701 Abercorn Street G&CO 1 N Godley Station Unit A 105 Pooler

EVENT : DEC 18 I 1 - 4 PM TOY DROP OFF : NOV 1- DEC 8

Scan & Donate!