Connect Savannah | December 21, 2022

SAT 4/1

4:30 & 7:30 PM

6 & 8:30 PM

Church

VIVIAN LEVA & RILEY CALCAGNO/ THE FOREIGN LANDERS

Metal Building at Trustees’ Garden

CAJUN DANCE PARTY: THE LOST BAYOU RAMBLERS

North Garden Assembly Room at Ships of the Sea Museum 8 PM

TERENCE BLANCHARD FEAT. THE E-COLLECTIVE & TURTLE ISLAND QUARTET

Lucas Theatre for the Arts

NOON30: PASQUALE GRASSO TRIO

12:30 PM

4:30 & 8 PM

5 & 8:30 PM

Metal Building at Trustees’ Garden

ALEXA TARANTINO QUARTET / PASQUALE GRASSO TRIO

Metal Building at Trustees’ Garden

STANTON MOORE TRIO / ROOSEVELT COLLIER

North Garden Assembly Room at Ships of the Sea Museum 6 PM

PHILIP DUKES & FRIENDS III DOHNÁNYI’S DELIGHT

Trinity United Methodist Church 8 PM LOS LOBOS Lucas Theatre for the Arts

SUN 4/2 4 PM

GALACTIC / CORY WONG / NATE SMITH + KINFOLK Trustees’ Garden TUE 4/4 5 PM

PHILIP DUKES & FRIENDS IV THE FINALE Trinity United Methodist Church 7:30 PM GER MANDOLIN ORCHESTRA Trustees Theater WED 4/5 6 PM REGINA CARTER: GONE IN A PHRASE OF AIR Trustees Theater 7:30 PM

SAM BUSH PLAYS JOHN HARTFORD / THE JERRY DOUGLAS BAND Lucas Theatre for the Arts

WEEK CONNECT SAVANNAH

AT A GLANCE

WEDNESDAY 12/21

UNION MISSION

HOLIDAY MEALS

In the spirit of the holidays, Union Mission will serve over 375 Thanksgiving meals, provided by Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation with the support of Sodexo, to local families and homeless individuals in need on Wednesday, December 21st from 11:00am – 1:00pm at Union Mission’s administrative parking lot (125 Fahm Street). This event is free and open to the public. Union Mission will also provide free clothing and household items through their Clothing Closet. Over 40 volunteers are expected to help set up tables, prepare hot to-go boxed meals and spread holiday cheer.

SAVANNAH

CHRISTMAS MARKET

(Ongoing) The third annual Savannah Christmas Market at Plant Riverside District will offer a wide range of holiday-themed events as well as a dazzling European-style outdoor holiday market, live performances, children’s activities, gingerbread house, photos with Santa and more. The Savannah Christmas Market at Plant Riverside District blends the best of European and Southern holiday traditions into a festive, inclusive, family-friendly celebration. Plant Riverside District, 400 W. River St. December 21-23: 2-10 p.m. December 24: Noon - 6 p.m. December 25: Closed December 26-31: 2-10 p.m.

CHRISTMAS

SPECTACULAR LIVE ON STAGE

(Ongoing) The Historic Savannah Theatre presents its 20th Annual musical production “A Christmas Tradition” which features a live band, singers, and dancers performing holiday favorites with comedy, aerial artistry and appearances by Frosty and Santa with his dancing reindeer! It’s fun

DECEMBER/21-31

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.

for the whole family. 222 Bull St. Wednesday, Dec 21, at 8pm Thursday, Dec 22, at 8pm Friday, Dec 23, at 8pm Saturday, Dec 24, at Noon & 4pm savannahtheatre.com

DECEMBER NIGHTS & HOLIDAY LIGHTS

(Ongoing) A family-oriented walk through once again this year, spanning 5 acres at the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens. Festivities run on select nights through Saturday, December 24. S’mores stations, Hot chocolate and coffee bar, Light dinner options from the Dawg House Café, A special visit from Santa Claus! Tickets are only available online and are sold by entry timeslot. Visit coastalbg.uga.edu for ticket information.

TOTALLY MADE-UP HOLIDAY MOVIE

(Ongoing) Front Porch Improv is creating a new Holiday comedy experience right before your eyes. Using your audience suggestions, the cast will perform a totally made-up, live holiday movie that has never been performed before and will never be performed again. Using Improv games, songs, & audience ideas, this show is merrily overflowing with your favorite Christmas things like Santa, presents, & Die Hard! (Yes, it’s a Christmas movie.) frontporchimprov.com

SECRET COMEDY SHOW

One night only! A secret lineup of comedians is taking over the Savannah Comedy Underground! Don’t tell your friends the best Wednesday night in Savannah is at Totally Awesome Bar Doors 7:00, Showtime 9:00, No Cover, 21+ Only

THURSDAY 12/22

HOLIDAY CLASSICSMOVIE:

THE POLAR EXPRESS

Based on the beloved children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg. When a doubting young boy takes an extraordinary train ride

THRU DEC 31 SAVANNAH CHRISTMAS MARKET

The third annual Savannah Christmas Market at Plant Riverside District will offer a wide range of holiday-themed events as well as a dazzling European-style outdoor holiday market, live performances, children’s activities, gingerbread house, photos with Santa and more. Blends the best of European and Southern holiday traditions into a festive, inclusive, family-friendly celebration. December 21-23: 2-10 p.m., December 24: Noon - 6 p.m., December 25: Closed, December 26-31: 2-10 p.m.

to the North Pole, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe. Tybee Post Theater, tybeeposttheater.org

FRIDAY 12/23

SAVANNAH AFRICAN ART MUSEUM’S KWANZAA MARKETPLACE

Savannah African Art Museum is hosting special marketplaces leading up to Kwanzaa, an African American celebration of family, community, and culture, celebrated from December 26 to January 1. Each marketplace will include different vendors from the local and regional community bringing patrons unique creative cultural art and goods. The final marketplace will take place 12-4 PM Free

savannahafricanartmuseum.org, 201 E. 37th Street.

SATURDAY 12/24

XMAS EVE BONAVENTURE CEMETERY AFTER DARK LANTERN TOUR

There’s no greater place to feel akin to A Christmas Carol than inside of The South’s most acclaimed Victorian Cemetery and on Noel Night with lanterns and some gothic tales from Shannon Scott. From tales of the ancient mound builders, the origins of Freemasonry, to root doctors, bootleggers, crisscrossed lovers, and Midnight In The Garden of Good and Evil done right -- Savannah’s only after-hours tour for the past 14 years is the perfect gift to yourselves or others! Reserve at shannon@shannonscott.com

SUNDAY 12/25

MERRY CHRISTMAS! MONDAY 12/26

DAVENPORT HOUSE MUSEUM’S HOLIDAY TOURS BY CANDLELIGHT

The Davenport House Museum invites guests to a special holiday tour by candlelight starting December 26-30 from 6-8:00 p.m. Glistening by the flame of candlelight, the federal-style home welcomes visitors to the end-of-year celebrations of early 19th century Savannahians, including the Davenport household, who lived in the brick home on Columbia Square. $15 for adults in advance, $18 at the door; $10 for children in

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OUR VALUES

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

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

We appreciate and encourage readers to share news and information with us, and to share any criticism and questions. We want to be your comprehensive source for what happens in our community and beyond. We are here to serve you.

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

advance, $12 at the door. $15 6-8 p.m.. davenporthousemuseum.org.

TUESDAY 12/27 STAFFORD’S TUESDAY COMEDY OPEN MIC

The ghost of Savannah’s legendary open mic returns. Head out to the sequel to the open mic Hannibal Buress called “whack” and “please put that phone down”. All experience levels welcome! Come out and give us your best 5 minutes, or just come and laugh at us, we like it. 8:30-11:45 p.m. Stafford’s Public House, 306 W. Upper Factor’s Walk.

WEDNESDAY 12/28 TRIVIA NIGHT WITH JESS SHAW

Jess Shaw and Kevin Ryan will guide participants through an evening of trivia and self discovery at Service Brewing. Test your trivia knowledge while also competing in interactive challenge rounds to gain extra points. The first place team receives a $100 cash prize. 6:30 p.m.. servicebrewing.com. Service Brewing Company, 574 Indian Street.

NEW YEAR’S EVE FIRE & WINE

This New Year’s Eve celebration will feature DJ Jose Ray and Press Play spinning vinyl in the courtyard all night! The evening will be full of Foxy’s usual Fire and Wine s’mores, wine specials, and fire pits, as well as a free champagne toast at midnight. Tacos and other Tex-Mex favorites will be served up until the new year rings in. This is a family friendly and weather dependent event.

DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER NEW YEAR’S EVE GALA

PROUD SPONSOR OF

SATURDAY 12/31 NEW YEAR’S EVE!

THE JINGLE BELLS CEMETERY TOUR

(11AM to 1PM) Christmas isn’t over until you’ve come back to where Jingle Bells was authored and to the grave of the composer, James L. Pierpont! Join us for refreshments and a 2-hour story and scenery-filled tour in Savannah’s only Victorian cemetery! If reserving by phone, please ask for the Laurel Grove Cemetery Tour! shannon@shannonscott.com.

BEER & YOGA & NEW YEAR INTENTIONS

ON THE COVER

The Hostess City is full of holiday cheer for the season. Check out our online calendar at connectsavannah.com to find events and information.

PUBLISHING NOTE:

This week’s edition of Connect Savannah will be the last weekly printed edition. Please continue to visit us on the web at connectsavannah.com. New printed editions and schedules will be announced in the new year! Thank you for reading!

Service Brewing. The new year represents a chance to reflect on the past and the opportunity to create something new. Join Savannah Power Yoga and Service Brewing on December 31st at 12pm for beer, yoga and new year intentions. This 75 min class will begin by tuning inward and journaling on 2022 and creating the foundation for setting your 2023 intentions, followed by a 60 min vinyasa yoga class. $15 gets you a journal, 60 min yoga class, and one pint of beer of your choice! Be sure to bring your mats and feel free to come as early as 11:30AM. Class starts promptly at noon. Our little brew cat, Black Hawk, will be onsite checking poses and looking for back scratches. *All ages and levels welcome. Beer tickets can be substituted for nonalcoholic beverages. servicebrewing.com

The return of Savannah’s most exclusive New Year’s Eve celebration with an elaborate themed gala inspired by the iconic 1971 James Bond film Diamonds are Forever. The New Year’s Eve Gala at Plant Riverside District will be hosted by The Kessler Collection’s Chairman and CEO Richard C. Kessler and will feature a lavish welcome reception with dazzling James Bond stunt reenactments, ultrapremium open bar, exquisite passed hors d’oeuvres and stations, inspiring art installations, a private terrace to view the fireworks display over the Savannah River, luxury party favors and more.

This exclusive event will feature a fourcourse gourmet dinner and includes a celebratory Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame Champagne toast at midnight. Room specials at the JW Marriott are also available. Visit plantriverside.com

GLO SIDE OF THE MOON NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY AT ELECTRIC MOON

Plant Riverside District will host a special New Year’s Eve party at Electric Moon Skytop Lounge, featuring a live DJ, glow sticks, a photo booth, neon décor, party favors and spectacular views of the fireworks over the Savannah River at midnight. $20 cover charge at the door

NYE CELEBRATION AT MYRTLE & ROSE ROOFTOP GARDEN

The restaurant and lounge located atop Plant Riverside District’s Three Muses Building, will host a special New Year’s Eve Celebration. This fun-filled, rooftop party for ages 21+ will feature sizzling live blues performances by The Eric Culberson Band, special cocktails and incredible views of the fireworks show over the Savannah River at midnight. $20 cover charge at the door.

@ConnectSavannah /connectsavannah /connectsav

INTRODUCTIONS: MEET CODY THORPE

Cody Thorpe likes to consider himself “the first friend people make in Savannah.”

So, it’s no surprise to see that he topped the list as the 2022 Connect Savannah’s “Best All-Around Savannah Resident” when voting was announced earlier this year.

Working for the Savannah Slow Ride, Thorpe was already excited to hear his company had won Savannah’s Best Bar Crawl, but when he was told he’d been bestowed this coveted title, he was excited and humbled.

At 29, Thorpe has been in Savannah now for almost a decade.

“I’m originally from the greater Philadelphia area. I moved here with a friend who was living in Atlanta at the time. He came back up to Pennsylvania for Christmas break. He had a really good job offer here in Savannah. I had never been south of Maryland at that point in my life, and he suggested I move with him. I was up to try something new for two weeks. So, I packed up my car and I’ve been here ever since.”

Savannah has a way of doing that to folks.

Thorpe laughed at his journey to town.

“A fun fact is I had never even heard of Savannah before I moved here. I had heard of Atlanta, obviously, but I didn’t know anything about Savannah— especially it being a tourist destination or a place to live. I looked it up and got some information on it. I liked how it looked and I decided to give it a shot. I had never done anything super crazy and I figured… ‘hey let’s move 800 miles away.’”

When speaking about Savannah, Thorpe said, “Beside the fact that it’s sincerely beautiful, the tourism is just incredible. I had obviously been a tourist in other places, but now that I’m working in the tourism industry— having done it for some time now—I enjoy watching people on vacation and showing them my beautiful city and all that it has to offer. I think that’s the one thing that really keeps me here because I absolutely adore getting to live here every day while some people come here on a quick three-day weekend or vacation. I get to enjoy it every day of my life.

#WeLiveWhereYouVacation

Cody is also involved in a bicycle club called the Wolf Pack that has charity events all over town raising money for select organizations.

He also hosts a billiards night at The Wormhole and is a big golf enthusiast.

“I’m golfing at least twice a week. Working, golfing, playing pool, living the life that’s it,” he said.

What does the title of best Savannah resident represent to Thorpe?

“I think a lot of it has to do with— only because I’ve heard this so many times—I feel like I have a very welcoming personality. A lot of people come here or move here and a lot of times they don’t know anyone. I’ve been many people’s first person they’ve met [in Savannah]. I love to bring folks into the city, show them around and make them feel welcome. I’ve maintained most of those friendships for over a decade now. I just love making people feel welcome and I

think that has a lot to do with me getting this award. For people to say I’m their first friend in Savannah seriously moves me.”

Chatham County has seen an influx in people moving here. Thorpe said for anyone thinking of moving here to Savannah, come visit first.

“If someone hasn’t been here yet and is thinking about moving here, I would love for them to come to visit to get a feel for our city. I do believe there’s something for everyone here in [this} wildly eclectic city. I have looked at cities all over the country and this is one where the community of Savannah has no problems with a 20-year-old hanging out with a 60-year-old and all walks of life can come together, congregate, and have a good time together, which is something I feel doesn’t happen in a lot of other places,” he said.

“People are wildly bonded over

activities and interests here without the segregation of color or age or anything… that is a huge factor. I think that’s an interesting thing people always get to see. There are so many activities and things to do because almost everything is offered in this city.”

He paused for a moment. “Okay…maybe there’s a lack of an amusement park... but we pretty much have everything else all around us. We have great weather, although we do have to put up with some humidity here in the nine-month-long summer we have, besides that, everything is good.”

The “Best All-Around Savannahian” loves his beautiful city.

“I never regret not even one day moving here. I’ve met so many people along the way that have helped me continue along on my journey. I hope I have helped other people on their journey, too.”

- Marley Gibson

DAVENPORT HOUSE MUSEUM CONTINUES ANNUAL

HOLIDAY EVENING TOURS BY CANDLELIGHT

Davenport House Museum (DHM), a property of Historic Savannah Foundation, announced the return of its annual Holiday Evening Tours by Candlelight event celebrating the coming of the New Year as it would have been observed 200 years ago.

This family friendly event will feature costumed docents telling the story of early nineteenth century holiday festivities. Light refreshments, music and skilled interpreters are among the highlights of the presentation. Please be aware that this tour requires guests to be able to walk up and down stairs and maneuver in dimly lit rooms.

“Attending one of our holiday evening tours is a terrific way to experience our historic city when it is at its most beautiful.” said Davenport House Museum Director Jamie Credle. “Many enjoy it so much they make it a tradition returning with their families.”

DHM asks that patrons call about scheduling a time to visit or indicate on their online ticket purchase the time when they hope to enter the house. The mission of the Davenport House Museum is to preserve and interpret the American Federal-style house and the artifacts within, built by Master Builder Isaiah Davenport for his household, with an emphasis on the years 1820-27.

The 50-minute experience will take place at the historic house. Online reservations in advance are strongly encouraged with a reserved date and time for attending noted.

To purchase tickets, please visit davenporthousemuseum.org, or visit the Davenport House Museum Shop on Broughton St.

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES OF THE COASTAL EMPIRE PRESENTED WITH $8,000 FROM WTKS NEWSRADIO AND DEWITT TILTON GROUP THROUGH SHOP WITH A COP CHRISTMAS CAMPAIGN

WTKS Newsradio and the Dewitt Tilton Group partnered once again for Shop With A Cop, helping children from families who are staying at Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Coastal Empire go shopping for Christmas gifts with a police officer.

Representatives from the Dewitt Tilton Group and WTKS Newsradio presented a check for $8,000 to Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Coastal Empire. The presentation took place in front of the Christmas tree in the living room of the House, located at 4710 Waters Ave, Savannah, GA 31404.

Immediately following the check presentation, the beneficiary families traveled with a police caravan to a local Target for the shopping spree.

“These children and families stay at the Ronald McDonald House for periods of time when they are displaced from their own homes due to the need to be close to a hospital,” said Scott Ryfun, host of WTKS Newsradio. “It’s so important to give these children a real Christmas, and we are overwhelmed by the community’s support of this program and these families.”

This is the third consecutive year that the Dewitt Tilton Group has sponsored the program. At last year’s check presentation ceremony, president Chris Tilton met a pediatric patient whose family was staying at Ronald McDonald House. Her story inspired Tilton to become more involved with the home, and as a result, the construction firm became a corporate sponsor with a commitment to ongoing support. “Ronald McDonald House does truly great things for children facing difficult times. We are proud to lend our support to their mission. A welcoming and comfortable place for a family to stay when a child is getting treatment for a serious injury or a life-threatening illness is priceless,” Tilton said.

Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Coastal Empire helps families of seriously ill and injured children cope with the stress and expense of daily living while remaining close by and emotionally strong for their child.

For more information on the program, visit newsradio1290wtks.iheart.com or to make a donation to the Ronald McDonald House of the Coastal Empire, visit rmhccoastalempire.org

BARRY MANILOW ANNOUNCES MUSIC TEACHER AWARD TO COINCIDE WITH HIS WINTER ARENA TOUR

Music icon Barry Manilow announced his Manilow Music Project will once again award a deserving music teacher in each city of his summer arena tour which includes Savannah.

The Grammy award winner previously announced a one-night-only concert set for Saturday, January 15, at Savannah’s Enmarket Arena.

The Savannah School Board and Enmarket Arena participated in the contest by suggesting schools and teachers in their area that they want to be considered for this award. In each city, the winning teacher will receive $5000 cash award and another $5000 in “Manilow bucks” presented by Barry Manilow to purchase musical instruments for their school’s music program. The winner will also receive VIP tickets to the concert.

“It is wonderful to partner with our concert venues to identify schools and music teachers in their neighborhoods that deserve this small token of my gratitude, said Manilow. “Many school music programs have either been terminated, or their funds have been severely depleted. I always want to do my part through The Manilow Music Project to keep music in schools.”

The Manilow Music Project is pleased to open voting to anyone who has ever been moved by the power of music to vote for their favorite music teacher. It has given away over ten million dollars’ worth of funds and music instrument donations.

For more information or to vote, visit on.barrymanilow.com/trk/voteMMP

Honorees include: Emily Graham, Islands High School; Chloe Washington, Windsor Forest High School; Lashon Leggett, Herschel V Jenkins High School; Reginald Mitchell, Savannah High School.

Georgia Southern University’s latest Economic Monitor, which reflects Q3 2022, reports Savannah metro economy continued to grow, albeit at a slower and more sustainable pace. “While overall employment demonstrated strong growth, important underlying sectors of the economy wavered somewhat,” stated Michael Toma, Ph.D., Georgia Southern’s Fuller E. Callaway Professor of Economics. “Port activity eased slightly while retail sales and hotel room sales dipped. Further, electricity sales – a broad indicator of industrial, commercial and residential activity – declined.”

Notably, the business forecasting index fell for the second consecutive quarter as weakness in the housing and labor markets pulled the index down. Issuance of building permits for single-family homes declined significantly again. Further, new claims for unemployment insurance jumped. With two quarters of decline in the forecasting index, it is now more strongly signaling potential weakness in 2023, said Toma.

However, continued growth in the regional logistics industry and associated real estate development along with ramping up for the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant should insulate the Savannah metro economy from decline on a similar scale to nationwide economic contraction expected in 2023, said Toma. In general, the forward momentum of the regional economy should continue into early 2023. Thereafter, growth is expected to slow, but avoid a notable downturn in 2023.

JOB GAINS, BUT SOME WEAKNESS

The business index for the Savannah metro economy increased 0.8% in the third quarter of 2022. The arc of growth has bent downward since the frenetic period of job gains of mid-2021. The quarter’s 3% annualized growth matches the average pace of expansion recorded in the years from 2016 to 2019. The index of current economic activity increased to 212.6 from 211.1. The index was buoyed by overall employment growth and boardings at the airport. Electricity sales, retail trade and hotel room rentals declined roughly 5%, after adjusting for normal seasonal variation. Port activity eased slightly (-0.6%) compared to the second quarter.

EMPLOYMENT TRENDS

Metro Savannah employers added 1,900 jobs, pushing the total to 200,600, which topped 200,000 workers for the first time. This is 3.6%

higher than year-ago employment and 5% higher than the pre-pandemic peak in early 2020.

In the service sector, logistics (transportation) added 1,000 workers while education and health added 700. Leisure and hospitality added 400 employees. Business and professional services shed 2,200 workers but remained 6% higher than last year. Logistics employs 18,100 workers to support port activity. Business and professional services, education and health, and tourism remain the top three sectors in terms of employment. They are remarkably balanced with approximately 27,000 employees in each sector.

Indicators of the regional tourism industry remained mixed in the third quarter. Seasonally adjusted hotel and motel sales tax receipts declined about 6%, but boardings at the airport increased 3.5%. Car rental taxes fell 5.2% and alcohol tax revenue declined 2%. Employment in tourism and hospitality increased by 400 workers to 26,900, partially offsetting the previous quarter’s loss. Overall, employment in the hospitality sector is only slightly below its pre-pandemic peak.

On the goods-producing side of the economy, manufacturing added 100 jobs rising to 18,800 workers. Manufacturing has grown 4.5% over the year. Construction employment increased by 400 workers, rising to 8,900 jobs, which is the most employment recorded since 2008.

HOUSING MARKET

In the housing market, the seasonally adjusted number of single-family homes permitted for construction plunged another 12% following a 19% decline in the previous quarter. The number of permits issued in the third quarter was onethird fewer than in the same period last year. The seasonally adjusted number of permits issued in the third quarter decreased to 463 from 528 in the previous quarter. The average valuation per single-family unit increased 3% to $291,600 from $282,700. Note, however, after accounting for inflation, this represents a 4% decline in terms of true purchasing cost.

ECONOMY TO CONTINUE TO GROW

The Savannah metro economy is expected to continue growing into the new year, but weakening national economic conditions are expected to emerge toward the middle of 2023. In the Savannah area, this is more likely to translate into a leveling off of economic activity rather than a significant decline.

Continued growth in the logistics industry and the accompanying development in both nonresidential and residential development will help insulate the regional economy from a significant downturn. Further, development associated with ramping up for the Hyundai Metaplant and accompanying supplier companies will support the regional economy more so toward the end of 2023 and into 2024 with an expected opening of the plant in 2025. While prospects for the economy are very good in the upcoming two to three years, there likely will be a period of modest growth in 2023.

Q3 reports regional economy continued to grow at more sustainable pace, will avoid notable downturn in 2023

JAUDON SPORTS:

DANSBY SWANSON DEPARTURE MORE PROOF THAT BRAVES WON’T BUDGE ON PLAN

BY TRAVIS JAUDON Sports Columnist @JaudonSports

The Atlanta Braves are who we thought they were. The team’s General Manager, Alex Anthopoulos, is who we thought he was.

Last weekend, any lingering hopes that free agent shortstop Dansby Swanson would return to Atlanta on a “hometown discount” were squashed when the 28-year-old signed with the Chicago Cubs for $177 million over seven years. That’s an average annual value (AAV) of $25.3 million, significantly more than the Braves’ final offer of $100 million over six years ($16.3M AAV).

As much as the fanbase wanted him back, myself included, it now seems like that was never really a possibility. That’s a bummer, because if there was one player worthy of the Braves parting ways with their spending strategy under Anthopoulos, it was Swanson. In April, he became only the second player in team history to start six consecutive Opening Days at shortstop for the Braves (Rafael Ramirez). He was a childhood Braves fan, a former No. 1 overall pick in the MLB Draft, a World Series champion and the only player in the sport to start all 162 regular season games.

That’s nice, but it ain’t 25-million-per-year nice. If we thought that the Braves would budge on their budget strategy simply because Swanson was a fan-favorite, we were wrong. Maybe, that’s a good thing.

Maybe it’s a good thing that the Braves won’t be paying a 35-year-old shortstop over $25 million seven seasons from now. But that doesn’t make it any easier to accept. It doesn’t lessen the sting of Swanson’s see-ya. And it doesn’t soften the hard truth that has arrived at the team’s doorstep: Come Opening Day 2023, the Braves will have to fill a void at shortstop for the first time since 2016.

I like Vaughn Grissom as much as the next guy. The 21-yearold seems to be the likely replacement at shortstop for Swan-

son, maybe with a little Orlando Arcia sprinkled in along the way. Grissom could be good, he could be really good. We’ve seen flashes of it already in his brief 41 games played at the big-league level. But to transition from a proven player like Swanson, to a mostly unproven guy like Grissom…And at the shortstop position no less? Well, that’s tough to rationalize for a team squarely in the midst of its “window” for winning World Series titles.

Starting pitcher Max Fried, also 28 and also a former firstround pick, hits free agency in 2025 just ahead of his age 31 season. With basically every other core player locked up long term, Fried is the last of the unsigned stars on the Braves. If the Swanson and Freddie Freeman sagas are any indication, there should be no doubt about his future with Atlanta. He’s going, going, gone.

SPORTS NOTES

The early National Signing Period for Division I college football programs begins on Wednesday (Dec. 21) and concludes on Friday (Dec. 23). In this period, college football teams can accept National Letters of Intent from high school recruits in the Class of 2023. The rising number of players in the NCAA Transfer Portal – nearly 1,500 as of December 16 – has led to the devaluation of high school talent in recent recruiting classes. It’ll be interesting to see which schools sign a majority of their class in the early period as opposed to on the traditional National Signing Day (Wednesday, February 1, 2023).

More on the recruiting front … Georgia entered the week with the nation’s No. 2 class, according to the 247Sports composite rankings. UGA (23 commits) was behind only Alabama for the Class of 2023. Georgia Southern was ranked 5th in the Sun Belt and 93rd overall at the start of the week. Clay Helton and staff had 14 hard commitments, according to 247. Of the 14 commitments, 11 are rated as 3-star prospects. The Eagles are favored by three points ahead of their December 27 Camellia Bowl matchup with Buffalo.

Poor Matt Ryan. The former Atlanta Falcons quarterback, now with the Indianapolis Colts, was on the losing end of the biggest comeback in NFL history on Saturday when the Vikings overcame a 33-0 halftime deficit to shock the Colts and Ryan in overtime, 39-36. For Ryan, it was the latest loss in a career largely defined by missed chances. He was the quarterback for Atlanta in the infamous Super Bowl game against the Patriots when the Birdz led 28-3 before losing 34-28 in overtime. He also lost the following leads as a Falcon: Atlanta 30, San Diego 20 (4Q/5:59); Atlanta 39, Dallas 24 (4Q/4:57); Atlanta 26, Chicago 10 (4Q/6:22); Atlanta 17, Miami 0 (3Q/12:10).

COMING SOON: BLITZ BORDER BOWL V

The 2023 Blitz Border Bowl is right around the corner, set for Saturday, January 14 at Savannah’s Memorial Stadium. Kickoff between Team Coastal Empire (Georgia) and Team Lowcountry (South Carolina) is scheduled for noon.

In its fifth year, the high school football all-star game matches up the top prep seniors from South Carolina’s low country with the best from the coastal empire for one final gridiron showcase. Proceeds from the game benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Coastal Empire. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased ahead of time, online by searching “Blitz Border Bowl” on Eventbrite.com.

The game will also be televised live on WSAV-TV and streaming online at WSAV.com/Sports.

Many of the players on each roster have already committed to colleges to play on Saturdays next fall. In previous editions, players excelling in the Blitz Border Bowl have earned college scholarship offers in the hours and days following the game. Team Lowcountry won 14-13 in the fourth edition of the game last year.

For more information about sponsorship opportunities related to the Blitz Border Bowl, contact: dflaxer@wsav.com. For general information about the 2023 Blitz Border Bowl, call 912-6510300.

Atlanta Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson (7) takes the field against the Philadelphia Phillies in the ninth inning during game two of the NLDS for the 2022 MLB Playoffs at Truist Park. | Brett Davis-USATSI

COMMUNITY TRUSTEES’ GARDEN CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL

By Bunny Ware

Bringing back a good old fashioned family event, Trustees’ Garden Christmas Festival returned for the third year on Saturday, December 17. With their promise of “100% chance of snow”, train rides, rock wall, life size globe bouncy houses, food trucks, and a merry marketplace, this event has become the signature event of the season!

Out for her Christmas break, Windsor Forest Elementary teacher Cindy Nipper jumps out of my Jeep and waits impatiently for me to enter the iconic Kehoe Iron Works complex and have her picture taken with”ExperBear” from the fabulous ExperCARE team. Standing tall and quiet, the blue bear leans towards me and whispers, “Hey Bunny, it’s me!”

Because I’m uber distracted, it doesn’t dawn on me that inside the bear suit is their chief of staff, Jackie Schott. Giggling when she tells me she is “always up for anything” when she volunteered to wear the “hugging officer mascot suit”, I take a minute to commend her on their four locations before grabbing a few hand sanitizer clip-ons.

At the check-in desk across from us is professional volunteer and retired oil dude Larry Baskin. When I met Larry and his zany wife Erica two years ago, I introduced them to the Lions Club of Savannah (they were enlisted on site) and to Peggi Moon of Pegasus Riding Academy. I’m not sure how many days a week you can find Larry teaching horseback lessons, mucking stalls and feeding horses but Peggi hit the jackpot with this giving guy!

Also, Larry is my winner of the best costume of the year with his rendition of Clark Griswold at the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s Waiting for Wishes event a few weeks ago. Remembering his St. Patrick’s Day green sequin jacket and his authentic Halloween attire as an old-school gangster, this relatively quiet guy sure does come up with the best costumes! Hoping to grow a fierce white beard for next year to star as Santa, Larry agrees to pose with Lois Klitsch, Jeff Samuels and the G.O.A.T. volunteer, Lisa Roberson!

BUNNY IN THE CITY

Charles Hill Morris Sr., Kaitlin Sells

Scarlett Jackson, Ava Jarvis

Cindy Davis, Jackie Schott, Jennifer Abeita

Larry Baskin, Lisa Roberson, Jeff Samuels, Lois Klitsch

Perennially pleasant, always dressed to the nines and one of the most beloved ladies in town, Lisa loves pics so much that she will interrupt my photos to ask for selfies! The Savannah Arts Academy media assistant is lavishly attired in a green plaid scarf, black fur vest and has a set of antlers perched on her head!

When I ask the fourth generation Savannah girl why she volunteers so much, she responds with, “The charities that I support are so important. The Ronald McDonald House needs help for these precious children and their families and The Center for Blind and Low Vision needs all the assistance they can get. One day we may need their help and if everyone did a little bit, the world would be a better place,” shares the sweetest blonde I know.

As the view opens up ahead of me, I see a massive Christmas tree perched at the top of the hill where lines have already formed to sled down 60 tons of snow! Knowing that I am going to get some wicked funny pics of families, I find the perfect one with Glenn and Tammi Brantley with their family, Sutton, Caitlin and Gunnar Hendrix.

The retired Savannah Fire Department Captain admits retirement is “glorious.” After 32 years serving our city and three years enjoying the “good life,” Glenn adds, “I miss the camaraderie of my brothers and sisters in all five of the stations I worked in. I miss the kids coming by the station to check out the fire trucks but I love being with my family even more and now we travel, camp, boat and fish as much as we want.”

Wishing I could talk all day, I trot over to snap a pic of first time attendee Randy Chu as he videos his daughter Alena and her Savannah Country Day classmate Harper Sheridan zooming down the snow slope, besties Scarlett Jackson and Ava Jarvis as they run into the flurries of snow at the train track then introduce photographer Kaitlins Sells to Mr. Charles Hill Morris, Sr. and his childhood friend from Augusta, Dr. North Goodwin.

While Kaitlin and I chat with the retired orthopedic surgeon about what we love about today’s festivities, Mr. Morris adds, “How many events can you go to that have this many generations attend. We wanted to give an event that everyone can enjoy, and Kathy Kurazawa has done a tremendous job creating a special family-friendly Christmas event for all of us.”

Amen to that! While looking out over the wide lawn filled with vendors, I see kids getting their face painted, dads having a beverage, grandparents watching kids practice their hockey swing with the Ghost Pirates while Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus hold court. For me, I have to say thank you to Mr. Morris for restoring a historic structure that hosts events and creates fabulous memories for generations of Savannahians to come! Thank you sir!

Jordan Young, Adrienne Arkwright, Jada Lassiter, Joen Mincey

Randy Chu, Alena Chu, Harper Sheridan, Mai Chu

Ford, Amber and Ella Grace Giles, Tina Armour, Justin Giles

Glenn Brantley, Sutton, Caitlin and Gunnar Hendrix, Tammi Brantley

By Jesse Blanco eatitandlikeit.com

My 63 year old sister, who hasn’t driven a car in over a decade and very likely hasn’t enjoyed a Krispy Kreme doughnut in longer than that was aghast.

“I’m devastated!”

Why?

“Krispy Kreme is closed!”

Sandy, you are ridiculous. You’ve only lived here 6 years. Did you ever even go to that store?

“No, but…”

I almost ended the conversation, but I let her continue.

“When Schwinn announced they were closing their bicycle operations, I got really

sad. And I hadn’t ridden a bike in 20 years either.”

Fair enough. She salvaged the argument. The announcement last week that Krispy Kreme Doughnuts were closing their Skidaway Road location in Savannah was met with a tsunami of tears across town. And I use the word “announcement” loosely.

A printed sheet of paper essentially saying “we are done here. Go to Abercorn Street.” didn’t even give this community a chance for a final visit or a moment of silence to reflect on what this proclamation meant.

Nevermind that so many of us hadn’t been in that store in years. Many years. That is not the issue here. It is the fact that another Savannah fixture on the landscape is now gone.

Likely to be torn down at some point. It has already been stripped of any branding on the building. Unless, of course, someone finds a creative way to turn it into a hotel.

That would kind of give a new meaning to “Hot and Now” huh? But I digress.

I was well aware of the fact that this store closing in Savannah was a big deal before we posted it to social media. What I truly didn’t expect was just how massive the emotional reaction would be. Absent an actual reason from Krispy Kreme corporate offices in Charlotte, North Carolina, the theories were flying 100 to nothing. Every smart guy and gal in Savannah absolutely knew the reason why.

“No one wants to work.” “They didn’t care and ran a business into the ground.” And of course my favorite reason: “Brandon Economics.”

We also learned that Abercorn at Largo is just short of Brunswick. No one interested in driving “all the way out there.”

I was even thanked by email by a reader for “covering this tragedy.”

The reality is Krispy Kreme, founded in 1937 in Winston Salem, North Carolina, is still extremely profitable. Everywhere. But, as the smart guys with the money like to do, they’ve been evaluating the most efficient way to grow their business going forward.

What they decided to do was expand their “Hub and Spoke” model. Which is to say, one store will make doughnuts and deliver them along their ‘spokes’ to other locations.

According to corporate, the stores without a significant number of spokes (like Skidaway Road) have been labeled “hot light theatres.”

They may be popular and profitable, but they are essentially there for show. They

don’t serve the greater good.

There are 118 such ‘hot light theatres’ in America and all of their days are pretty much numbered. Because they don’t have any spokes.

But, hey, let’s drag politics into this.

Ultimately, none of you really care about any of that. None of that will soften the blow of the fact that you used to go there every Saturday morning with your grandfather.

The fact that the building had been there your entire life. The fact that another Savannah icon has gone the way of Williams Seafood and Johnny Harris.

Of course it hurts. Like a great song, foods and flavors evoke emotion on the regular. Especially this time of the year. Pardon me for a second while I reach into my bag of clichés.

Just remember, it’s better to have lost at love, than never to have loved at all.

Besides, in 1982, Krispy Kreme stopped being Savannah’s best doughnut anyway.

That distinction has for 40 years now belonged to Baker’s Pride on Derenne Avenue.

I stopped in over the weekend to rekindle my romance with these doughnuts and I was not disappointed. The line at the counter on a Saturday morning proved me right.

The look on the young man’s face when I asked him if I could take a picture with a few trays of his doughnuts during the Saturday morning rush was priceless.

“You know you picked probably the worst time of the day to do this.” He said.

“I know” I said. “But I need to save Savannah anymore heartbreak over the loss of our doughnuts.”

Then I bought a half dozen. And saved one for my sister.

It’s going to be OK, everyone. I promise.

COCKTAIL

SAVANNAH AT MIDNIGHT

ENJOY AT: THE BAMBOO ROOM TIKI BAR 116 W Congress St.

OF THE WEEK

MADE WITH: Espresso-Infused Dark Rum, Borghetti Espresso Liqueur, Cinnamon Simple Syrup, Cream, A Dash of Orange Bitters

The Savannah at Midnight is The Bamboo Room’s take on the espresso martini. Featuring rich, robust flavors this classic cocktail is perfect to sip on as you ring in the New Year in the Hostess City. The Savannah at Midnight is one of two specialty cocktails that will be available at The Bamboo Room on New Year’s Eve.

The other celebration libation is their Blushing Bubbles, which combines Don Q cristal rum, Plantation pineapple, hibiscus honey syrup and Montenegro. Topped with champagne, the Blushing Bubbles is light and floral with a subtle sweetness.

FOOD TRUCK OF THE WEEK

OKAN

Okan is a Bluffton-based food truck delivering West African-inspired dishes to patrons throughout the Lowcountry and the Coastal Empire. They offer unique cultural flavors that are hard to come by, putting Okan in a class of their own.

Their menu features West African favorites like Jollof Rice as well as Caribbean dishes like Aloo Hand Pie, which is a popular island street food made from fried mashed potatoes. They also have Jerk Chicken Skewers; Maduros, or sweet plantains; Roti, which is an African flatbread, and more.

by Chantel Britton

by Chantel Britton

BAKERS PRIDE

BOOKS

BOOKS

WHAT ARE WE READING?

WHAT ARE WE READING?

AND

PRESENTED

CURATED WEEKLY BY E. SHAVER, BOOKSELLER

BY E. SHAVER, BOOKSELLER

AND CURATED WEEKLY

DINOSAURS

BY LYDIA MILLET

ELIZABETH TAYLOR: THE GRIT & GLAMOUR OF AN ICON

BY KATE ANDERSEN BROWER

The story of a man named Gil who walks from New York to Arizona to recover from a failed love. After he arrives, new neighbors move into the glass-walled house next door and his life begins to mesh with theirs. In this warmly textured, drily funny, and philosophical account of Gil’s unexpected devotion to the family, Millet explores the uncanny territory where the self ends and community begins―what one person can do in a world beset by emergencies.

A novel that asks: In the shadow of existential threat, where does hope live?

No celebrity rivals Elizabeth Taylor’s glamour and guts or her level of fame. She was the last major star to come out of the old Hollywood studio system and she is a legend known for her beauty and her magnetic screen presence in a career that spanned most of the twentieth century and nearly sixty films. But her private life was even more compelling than her Oscar-winning on-screen performances. During her seventy-nine years of rapid-fire love and loss she was married eight times to seven different men. Above all, she was a survivor—by the time she was twenty-six she was twice divorced and once widowed. Her life was a soap opera that ended in a deeply meaningful way when she became the first major celebrity activist to lead the fight against HIV/AIDS. A co-founder of amfAR, she raised more than $100 million for research and patient care.

DEAD MAN’S HAND

BY JAMES J. BUTCHER

WHEN WOMEN RULED THE WORLD: MAKING THE RENAISSANCE IN EUROPE

BY MAUREEN QUILLIGAN

On the streets of Boston, the world is divided into the ordinary Usuals, and the paranormal Unorthodox. And in the Department of Unorthodox Affairs, the Auditors are the magical elite, government-sanctioned witches with spells at their command and all the power and prestige that comes with it. Grimshaw Griswald Grimsby is…not one of those witches.

After flunking out of the Auditor training program and being dismissed as “not Department material,” Grimsby tried to resign himself to life as a mediocre witch. But he can’t help hoping he’ll somehow, some way, get another chance to prove his skill. That opportunity comes with a price when his former mentor, aka the most dangerous witch alive, is murdered, and Grimsby becomes the number one suspect.

The sixteenth century in Europe was a time of chronic destabilization in which institutions of traditional authority were challenged and religious wars seemed unending. Yet it also witnessed the remarkable flowering of a pacifist culture, cultivated by a cohort of extraordinary women rulers—most notably, Mary Tudor; Elizabeth I; Mary, Queen of Scots; and Catherine de’ Medici—whose lives were intertwined not only by blood and marriage, but by a shared recognition that their premier places in the world of just a few dozen European monarchs required them to bond together, as women, against the forces seeking to destroy them, if not the foundations of monarchy itself.

THIS BLINDING ABSENCE OF LIGHT

LORD OF THE FLY FEST

BY GOLDY MOLDAVSKY

BY TAHAR BEN JELLOUN

Rafi Francisco needs a splashy case to put her true-crime podcast on the map. Her plan? Land an interview with Fly Fest headliner River Stone, who rocketed to stardom after his girlfriend’s mysterious disappearance―and expose him as the killer she’s sure he is.

Ben Jelloun crafts a horrific real-life narrative into fiction to tell the appalling story of the desert concentration camps in which King Hassan II of Morocco held his political enemies under the most harrowing conditions. Not until September 1991, under international pressure, was Hassan’s regime forced to open these desert hellholes. A handful of survivors--living cadavers who had shrunk by over a foot in height--emerged from the six-by-three-foot cells in which they had been held underground for decades.

But when Rafi―and the hordes of influencers―arrive at Fly Fest, the dreamy Caribbean getaway they were promised turns out to be a nightmare. Soon, Rafi is fighting for her life against power-hungry beauty gurus and spotty WiFi. And, as she gets closer to River, she discovers that his secrets might have even bigger consequences than she suspected.

Working closely with one of the survivors, Ben Jelloun eschewed the traditional novel format and wrote a book in the simplest of language, reaching always for the most basic of words, the most correct descriptions. The result is a shocking novel that explores both the limitlessness of inhumanity and the impossible endurance of the human will.

PRESENTED

Local mom releases children’s book aimed to help in overcoming obstacles

By Angie Miller

Local mom and author Haley Cranman has a new children’s book and it sends a positively inspiring message.

According to Cranman, who teaches at LifeSpring Christian Academy in Bloomingdale, she started writing “The Pandemic and Me: A Child’s Perspective,” inspired by her nine year old son, during the pandemic lockdown.

“This is my first book and I wrote this during the pandemic fall/winter semester when everyone was online,” Cranman noted. “I just graduated this year from Grand Canyon University with my bachelors degree but when this was going on I was learning virtually. So, while my son was doing his school work I was next to him doing my school work and helping him at the same time.”

According to Cranman, the initial stages of writing her book happened by accident and was the result of a concentration tactic she uses to keep her thoughts organized.

“The class that I was taking just happened to be a literature class and my son Collins and I both have ADHD,” she explained. “What I’ve noticed that helps me when I’m trying to write something for class and it’s not happening, I’ll go and just start free writing. That free writing that I was trying to get out of my head so that I could focus on my school work turned into my son’s experience which turned into the book that we have today.”

The story follows Collins as he learns what the pandemic is, deals with being abruptly pulled away from friends and adjusts to online learning.

Cranman says she aims to showcase that kids can adapt to new environments and obstacles aren’t a hindrance to their success.

“Don’t let anything stop you because what I saw as a parent and as a teacher, while our children are technologically savvy, going from a one-on-one teacher to student real life scenario to virtual is traumatizing. While us adults, we’re on computers all the time…we don’t see it as a problem but they do.”

“Collins hated it. He didn’t want to be there and he wanted to go back to school. But, at the end of it he related so much and he bonded with his teacher so well that when they gave him the choice to come back but come back with a different teacher he actually chose to stay and finish out with that teacher.”

Illustrations for the book were done by Nidhom and Cranman added that she is

beyond pleased with the results.

“It was actually a very long process,” she said. “We wanted the character in the book to match my son and Nidhom captured it perfectly. He decided to make the mother blonde even though I’m not blonde to make it more aesthetically pleasing but it kinda helps capture the eye and focus on who she is in the book.”

Cranman, who’s next project is a book about her younger son who is not as social, added one more final note.

“It’s great to be able to get this book out there. I just want to make sure that anyone who feels like they’re not making a difference to know that they are and don’t let any obstacles get in your way to finding success.”

“The Pandemic and Me: A Child’s Perspective” is on sale now from Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Amplify Publishing Group.

To set up an interview, reading, book-signing, or for more information regarding the book contact info@forewordpublicity.com

Collins and the book written about his immersion and experiences with the pandemic. His mother wrote the book in the hopes of helping other kids overcome obstacles.

AT THE CINEMA 2022: Locally produced films highlight a year of unprecedented focus, spotlight on the region as a whole

By Kareem McMichael Arts & Entertainment Writer

The 25th SCAD Savannah Film Festival wrapped over a month ago, but a lot of the films that screened at the festival are now out in theaters or streaming online.

Some of them are already generating Oscar buzz.

Here is a recap of some films that filmed in our area and others that didn’t, but whose stars were at the film festival to talk about their highly anticipated projects.

Filmed in Savannah and surrounding areas is “Devotion.” The movie is an American biographical war film based on the 2015 book “Devotion: An Epic Story of Heroism, Friendship, and Sacrifice” by Adam Makos, which retells the comradeship between naval officers Jesse Brown and Tom Hudner during the Korean War.

The film stars Jonathan Majors as Brown who was attracted to this project after reading it and finding Brown to be “quite contemporary.”

“He was marginalized, put down and denied access because of his skin color. That story is unfortunately in the DNA of our country. He literally took himself from the mud of Mississippi to the sky and became first Black naval aviator. That, in and of itself, is a high level of difficulty,” said Majors honoring the man he portrayed in the film.

Also starring in the movie is Glen Powell as Hudner, with Christina Jackson, Joe Jonas, Nick Hargrove, Spencer Neville, Thomas Sadoski, and Daren Kagasoff in supporting roles.

The movie was written by Jake Crane and Jonathan Stewart and directed by J. D. Dillard. Dillard spoke about his time filming in the area.

“It’s going to sound like I’m lying, but Savannah is the best place I’ve ever shot. It’s incredibly warm by way of the people that are here. It’s so great to have such a great art school so close to your production,” said Dillard who was happy to be back in Savannah to share the film at the festival.

Dillard’s assistant went to SCAD. There were a variety of locals working on this film in above the line and below the line positions. In addition to SCAD students and grads, there were also students and alums from the Savannah Film Academy at Savannah Technical College that worked on this film as well.

“Devotion” was released on November 23 and is out in theaters now.

You might have missed “Knives Out: Glass Onion” since it was on in theaters one week November 23 to 29. This is the highly anticipated sequel to the 2019 film “Knives Out,” with Daniel Craig reprising his role as master detective Benoit Blanc as he takes on a new case.

This one again brings together a stellar cast including actress and singer Janelle Monáe. She got to speak with some SCAD students while attending the festival.

“These are going to be game changers and shape shifters, and they’re going to do that through storytelling, through being right here. I remember also being at performing art school and wanting to have somebody like myself come in and talk to me and give me some gems and tell me it’s going to be okay,” said Monáe.

Monáe credits her mother with encouraging her and paving the way for her to do the things she’s done in life. Monae’s mom was at the festival with her cheering her on and encouraging the crowd to see the new ‘Knives Out’ movie.

The ensemble cast includes Monáe, Edward Norton, Kathryn Hahn, Leslie Odom Jr., Jessica Henwick, Madelyn Cline, Kate Hudson, and Dave Bautista. The movie will be out on Netflix on December 23.

Serving up madness on a platter is “The Menu.” This black comedy/horror film directed by Mark Mylod was filmed in Savannah.

Cast member Aimee Carrero was at the film festival and she talked about the experience of working on this project.

“It was a good script, which is hard to find. I’ve always wanted to work with Fox Searchlight, it was kind of a dream come true to do because I feel like they made the best movies I like to watch. I also got to work with John Leguizamo one-on-one. and that was dream come true,” Carrero.

Carrero, who has worked on several projects in Atlanta, was thrilled to work on a project in Savannah and enjoyed getting to know the city and working with local crew.

“The crews were fabulous because they’ve had so much experience. Georgia is like the new Hollywood, so we just had a ball,” she said.

The film features an ensemble cast that includes Ralph Fiennes, Anya Taylor-Joy, Nicholas Hoult, Hong Chau, Janet McTeer, Reed Birney, Judith Light, and John Leguizamo. “The Menu” is in theaters now.

“Wednesday” is now out on Netflix. This coming-of-age supernatural comedy/ horror television series is based upon the character Wednesday Addams from The Addams Family.

Created by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, it stars Jenna Ortega as the title character.

While at the festival for the screening of the movie “X” Ortega also talked about the popular record-breaking show on the streaming network.

“I do feel freedom in the fact that I am starting with kind of a clean plate with a new generation. It’s interesting kind of making her my own and adding my own little choice while also staying true to what everyone knows and loves about Wednesday already,” said Ortega.

The show also features Catherine Zeta-Jones, Luis Guzmán, Isaac Ordonez, Gwendoline Christie, Riki Lindhome, Jamie McShane, Fred Armisen, and Christina Ricci (who played the character in the 1990’s films) appearing in supporting roles.

“It was a really wonderful project for me to be on and I worked with some really talented, iconic people and for that it was very good,” said Ortega.

“A Savannah Haunting,” a local-lensed feature film based on a true story, debuted at the Royal Cinemas IMAX on Oct. 28 in Pooler.

“So many local Savannah individuals and companies and local establishments came together and gave us a huge amount of support that allowed us to make the movie… For us, the film feels like a love letter to Savannah,” said writer and director William Mark McCullough in a previous interview with Connect Savannah.

A Savannah Haunting is in select the-

aters and available to stream on iTunes.

“Panhandle” released a great video review of our local Savannah locations, cast, and crew. You can see this video on the Film Savannah website at filmsavannah.org

The Spectrum Original television series, follows the eccentric Bell Prescott (Luke Kirby), an agoraphobic arm-chair detective and a reluctant traffic cop Cammie Lorde (Tiana Okoye) as they investigate a murder in their small Florida town.

Another filmed in Georgia project is the feature by Marvel Studios “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” the highly anticipated sequel to “Black Panther.”

“Working on films has changed me because it opened my mind to doing things, I never thought I’d do though I dreamed about it, now I am in the industry doing it,” said Patrick Tennerson a graduate of the Georgia Film Academy that worked as a staff walkie production assistant in the AD department on the movie.

The production permeated the Georgia economy with more than $314 million in local economic activity, according to data from Disney and Marvel Studios. The production also created more than 1,800 local jobs for Georgia residents and supported many local businesses.

Governor Brian Kemp announced in August that film and television industry productions spent $4.4 billion in Georgia during the fiscal year 2022 as the industry continues to boom in Georgia as well as the Coastal Empire.

Jonathan Majors and Glen Powell in Savannah-shot ‘Devotion’ (Sony)

SCAD SERVE DEBUTS ‘PAINT OUR PARKS’ INITIATIVE IN SAVANNAH

Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) recently announced the “Paint Our Parks” SCAD SERVE public art initiative, with the unveiling of a brilliant large-scale mural enlivening the playground at Coastal Middle School in Chatham County.

Envisioned by SCAD President and Founder Paula Wallace, organizers say the project is focused on serving the citizens of Savannah (and Atlanta) through the “creativity, expertise and altruism of SCAD’s supremely talented network of students and alumni.”

Since the initiative launched in fall 2021, five playgrounds, basketball courts, and other recreational spaces have been painted in Atlanta. The playground mural at Coastal Middle School marks the first for Savannah.

“This SCAD SERVE initiative comprises our sixth SCAD POP transformation, and we’re not finished yet, because in 2023, SCAD is bringing transformative outdoor art to five more middle school playgrounds in the Savannah Chatham-County School System. SCAD POP never stops!” said Wallace.

This public arts beautification project was developed in partnership with the Savannah Chatham County Public School System.

SCAD contributed significant funds for the restoration of the Coastal Middle School playground’s court surface, and towards the creation of a larger-than-life mural.

More than 100 SCAD SERVE students, faculty, and staff volunteered. They started painting on December 5 and contributed more than 480 hours to this project - using more than 150 gallons of special acrylic paint.

“SCAD has given our students and our community the most amazing gift - a gift that combines art, joy, and play. The SCAD POP team transformed what was an eye soar of an outdoor space into a work of art,” said principal Allison Schuster-Jones. “Our Parent Teacher Student Association has been working to beautify the space for years, but SCAD swept in and worked their magic as only they can. Our students, families, and community will enjoy this amazing spot for years to come. Thank you SCAD!”

SCAD alumnae Peach Tao (B.F.A., illustration and printmak-

ing, 2010) designed the mural. She used Coastal Middle School’s vibrant yellow and grounding navy brand colors to unify geometric design elements inspired by native American tribes in Georgia—the Cherokee and Creek peoples.

“Meeting and working with people from all walks of life rejuvenates me. I have witnessed the power of community-centered public art, how elevated design

instills joy and hope and creates a connection between passersby and the creatives involved in the mural installation,” said Tao. “I’m proud, excited, and grateful to create this design and contribute my skills to an initiative as positive as SCAD POP! This is my opportunity to give back to the gorgeous second hometown I spent my formative years in. I’m humbled to share life lessons with fellow SCAD bees on a creative journey similar to mine when refining my visual voice and professional skills as a SCAD student.”

The Brooklyn-based illustrator, muralist, and printmaker loves creating whimsical images inspired by her environment and worldly travels. She aspires to design works that evoke the feeling of having a delicious sweet on a sunny Sunday afternoon. Peach’s impactful murals are located in schools, hospitals, businesses, and public spaces throughout New York City and her hometown in Beijing, China.

According to organizers, SCAD SERVE will continue working with local schools, civic and community leaders bringing these thrilling murals to deserving communities and neighborhoods. For more information visit scad.edu/scadserve.

ART THAT INSPIRES: Kessler Collection announces ‘The Next Original’ competition winners

By Chantel Britton chantel@connectsavannah.com

On Nov. 7, the Kessler Collection, which boasts several luxury hotels throughout the country, launched a nation-wide competition to find the next great artist.

“The Next Original” competition closed on Dec. 10, receiving submissions from more than 1,800 artists.

After reviewing the more than 5,000 original pieces of art, Richard Kessler, the Chairman and CEO of Kessler Enterprise, Inc., and his panel of judges identified ten finalists.

These artists gathered in the Amethyst Ballroom of the JW Marriott at Plant Riverside District for their final judging, which took place on Dec. 16.

The artists come from all over the country and represent a variety of visual art disciplines. They also work with a range of different mediums.

Submissions included paintings, sculptures, photography, mixed media, fiber, printmaking and more.

The finalists are a group as diverse as their artworks.

“They come from all kinds of backgrounds. Some are teachers. One is a concrete mason — all kinds of backgrounds. But what’s interesting about it is that they always knew they were artists. They always had that passion,” said Kessler.

A known art aficionado, Kessler wanted to find a way to support emerging artists and help them gain exposure for their artworks. The idea for “The Next Original” competition was initially sparked when Kessler was presented with a special opportunity.

“This came about in an unusual way. . . We were offered a large electronic billboard in Times Square . . . and we [decided] we would like to take it. And then we thought about how we could use our interest in art and our interest in emerging artists . . . to promote the artist and their art as a part of our culture and DNA in the Kessler group. So then the next step was [putting] together a contest to bring out these emerging artists,” Kessler explained.

The grand prize includes having the winning artwork featured on the electronic billboard in Times Square near the ball drop on New Year’s Eve.

The art will also be showcased in the Kessler Collection’s newest properties. It’s a coveted prize that compelled many artists to enter the competition.

One such artist is Shannon Fannin from Austin, Texas. She found the contest online and decided to enter.

“I just happened across it, and I think it was the universe saying ‘this is for you.’ I thought, ‘well, why not?’ And I just threw my hat into the ring,” she explained.

After a career in marketing and raising a family, Fannin has decided to follow her dreams and pursue art professionally. Fannin describes herself as “a realist vehicle painter.” And she uses every tool at her disposal to create her vibrant vehicle paintings.

“I paint with my hands, my fingers, my palms and brushes,” Fannin explained.

One of the pieces she submitted for the competition is a painting of the 1971 Mercedes AMG 300, aka the “Red Pig.”

Juxtaposing the realism of the race car against an abstract background, the piece is vibrant and captivating. She chose to paint this vehicle because it celebrates the

underdog. Large and heavy, weighing in at nearly two tons, “The Red Pig” was an unlikely winner that people quickly discounted. However, the race car ended up winning in its division. It’s an inspiring story that Fannin relates to.

“This painting is kind of my life. I’ve done all these things in life and you get kicked to the curb and everything, but you keep going. . . This is one of my very favorite paintings [because] this one speaks to my heart,” she expressed.

She said she is elated to have been selected as a finalist for “The Next Original” and sees it as validation that she’s on the right track.

“When you’re creative, you’ll do something in your life and you’re thinking, ‘nobody cares. Why am I doing this? But then that one thing will happen and, ‘oh okay. I’m on the right path.’ I got recognition or I sold a piece, so keep going. That’s why I do it,” she explained.

For Fannin, winning would be “a dream.”

Elaine Schloss from Upstate New York is another finalist with her eye on the prize. She learned of The Next Original competition from her niece and decided to apply. She does figurative and portrait paintings, and describes her work as “emotional, dramatic and dynamic.”

Schloss connects with her models to breathe life into her works and is adept at capturing the emotional context that the model is experiencing. For Schloss, her art is all about connection, not only between her and the model, but between her art and its viewers.

“People say if a tree falls in the forest, and nobody’s around, does it make a sound? I don’t know the answer to that, but I know that if you paint a painting and nobody sees it, it’s not complete. It’s complete when somebody feels it. . . And that’s success to me,” she explained.

Schloss said she is excited by the opportunity to have her work featured in Kessler properties, but she’s also glad

to be in the company of other talented emerging artists.

“The artists are all fabulous. . . Each one has a story and each one’s work is just really lovely and different. . . It happens that they’re all wonderful, so I’m really excited,” she beamed.

With such a talented group of finalists, Kessler and the judges had their work cut out for them. There are two qualities that they considered when evaluating the submissions.

“What was amazing is that we graded . . . from the artistic quality and also from the salability. Those were the two criteria that we looked at. Because as an artist, being creative, you have to have the creativity first. It’s also helpful if you have the salability in that art because you have to make a living. So being able to sell is very important. . . So we looked at both, and it was amazing across the board,” Kessler explained.

From the ten finalists, Kessler and the judges couldn’t narrow the competition down to just one winner. So, they decided to declare all of the finalists grand winners.

All of the finalists will have their artwork displayed in Times Square on New Year’s Eve, and they will all be exhibited at Kessler properties throughout the United States.

“It’s my honor to do this because these people have spent their lives perfecting their art. They’re emerging artists and they’re working very hard at it, always striving to get there. That’s what these people are doing. . . We want to sponsor and encourage young and existing artists in their work because it is important. . . These are smart, capable, loving people who want to give to society, and their art is their gift,” said Kessler.

Kessler plans to hold more competitions in the future to give emerging artists across the country a platform to showcase their work.

For more information about the competition, visit kesslercollection.com/thenextoriginal

Richard Kessler (center) with artists in the competition.

Photo provided by Kessler Enterprise, Inc.

ART PATROL

“TWO ROADS”: TOM CURRAN

Cedar House Gallery

DECEMBER 21-31, 2022 Enjoy a local art show focused on natural forms created with pencils and paint.

PETE SCHULTE

Laney Contemporary Fine Art

through January 14, 2023 Visitors will enjoy a thoughtful drawing exhibition focused on abstract ideas such as time, perception, and thought.

8

Laney Contemporary Fine Art through January 14, 2023

Viewers will experience a philosophical contemporary art exhibition created by a group of female artists.

SHIN JINSONG: “WAITING FOR A RESPONSE WHICH WE MIGHT NEVER GET”

SCAD Museum of Art

Through January 2, 2023

Experience a thoughtful exhibit on the rapidly changing world in the modern age through fascinating sculptural work.

SEHER SHAH AND RANDHIR SINGH: “STUDIES IN FORM”

SCAD Museum of Art

Through December 26, Viewers will take in an exhibit focusing on architecture using cyanotype, “an early photographic process and precursor to the blueprint.”

“THE DOG SHOW”

SCAD Museum of Art

Through Dec. 26.

A great exhibition for Savannah’s dog lovers! This art collection focuses on the characteristics of our canine friends in a variety of mediums.

ROXY PAINE: “SEDIMENTARY LENS”

SCAD Museum of Art

Through Jan. 2, 2023 Roxy Paine displays her large scale sculptures that dive into topics such as the natural world and human actions.

MARIA

from traditional Brazilian straw weaving techniques combined with other materials including beads, ceramic, and more.

“STUDIES

IN FORM”

Seher Shah and Randhir Singh

SCAD Museum of Art

Through Dec. 26.

Viewers will take in an exhibit focusing on architecture using cyanotype, “an early photographic process and precursor to the blueprint.”

ANNA PARK: “LAST CALL”

SCAD Museum of Art

Through Jan. 2, 2023

Experience Anna Park’s large scale charcoal drawings that exist in a blended style of abstraction and figuration.

“AARON

DOUGLAS: SERMONS”

SCAD Museum of Art

Through Dec. 31. The exhibition looks at celebrated artist, Aaron Douglas, from the Harlem Renaissance era and displays modern artists’ work alongside his to display his lasting influence.

GISELA COLÓN:

“THE

ELEGIES: STILL LIFES IN CONTEMPORARY ART

A group exhibition bringing together an international collection of artists who have disrupted or extended the traditional presentation of still lifes. The artists have appropriated the genre in order to create works within a framework of Black diasporic identities, histories, and collective experiences. Jepson Ctr.

“FEELS LIKE FREEDOM”: PHILLIP J. HAMPTON

Jepson Center

Through January 29, 2023 This exhibition takes viewers through the entire career of the late painter Phillip J. Hampton. The varied work includes everything from abstract to illustrative realism, many of which were created in Savannah.

PHIL MUSEN @GALLERY ESPRESSO

The work features whimsical canvases that show cats doing very “un-catlike” things such as riding dragons, fighting with lightsabers, and going on martini dates.

FEMINIST DIVINE”

SCAD Museum of Art

Through Jan., 2023

A perfect exhibition for 3D art enthusiasts. The work showcases invented design features and construction of sculptures influenced by the natural world.

ALLISON SCHULNIK: “OMINOUS, CRUDE BEAUTY’’

SCAD Museum of Art

Through Jan. 16, 2023

A truly unique claymation based exhibition that will fulfill any macabre art lover’s interests.

GOTHIC SOUL: CHARLES MERYON

“DAWN ON OUR DARKNESS”

The Hidden Life of Christ from the Annunciation to the Epiphany - Artworks by Ivanka Demchuk St John’s ChurchArts + Faith. This outdoor exhibition is open all day and features prints of six of Demchuk’s works: a striking, minimalistic take on traditional eastern iconography. Come by the arches between St John’s Church and the Green-Meldrim House and take in engaging artwork. Free through Jan. 6. St John’s Church, 1 Macon St.

TELFAIR’S PULSE ART + TECHNOLOGY FESTIVAL

30 + DAYS OF ARTEESTS by Peter E. Roberts in the Drive Thru Art Box @Green Truck Pub

This very special edition of Roberts’ well-known “Headcases” series features some of Savannah’s most beloved local artists. A new paper-cut portrait will be revealed daily. Peter E. Roberts’ project in the Drive Thru Art Box will be on display through March 8, 2023 and can be seen any time of day or night.

There will be a Happy Hour Artist Talk & Reception at Green Truck Pub on Friday, January 13 from 6 - 8 PM.

NEPOMUCENO:

“DENTRO E FORA INFINITAMENTE”

SCAD Museum of Art

Through Dec. 26.

Experience sculpture derived

Jepson Center, Through Jan. 8, 2023. Come see the revealing exhibit that focuses on the art and life of Charles Meryon, a French artist who specialized in black and white etchings after finding that he was colorblind. This is an amazing opportunity to step back in time and view a celebrated artist of the 19th century.

returns for 2023 with an exhibition of interactive installations by Gregory Lasserre and Anais met den Ancxt, two French artists who work as a duo under the name Scenocosme. Interactivity is integral to their work, which encompasses software, sound, visuals, a variety of materials, and architecture.

Peter E. Roberts grew up amidst impromptu gatherings of neighbors, extended family and cronies from the Manhattan commuter train. The ribald, oft-repeated stories from those gatherings led to an early fascination with potentially explosive social situations.

Exposure to a great aunt’s personal cache of Mardi Gras Krewe invitations from the 1930s cemented a lurid fascination of how the celebrated night began, why it ended and who were the guests that may have behaved “badly”. When not serving as Gallery Director of Location Gallery, he enjoys bringing his “Headcases” series of examinations to other strange locales.

To

Compiled by Joshua Alexander

YEAR END THOUGHTS: SAVANNAH’S VISUAL ARTS SCENE

By Beth Logan ART COLUMNIST

As 2022 draws to a close, I am feeling discouraged and a bit angry.

I recently learned that some of the artists that set up shop in City Market are being forced to leave, and that the Gallery at the Mansion abruptly closed December 11 due to “a business decision” in advance of their summer of 2023 closure for renovations.

I have written before about the commendable work of the Mansion’s Gallery Director Carmen Aguirre in showcasing such stellar Savannah artists as Stacie Jean Albano, Kristen Baird, Benjamin Dory, Joy Dunigan, Amiri Farris, Richard Law, Dottie Leatherwood, Dana Richardson, Lisa Rosenmeier, Heather L. Young and others. Now they have lost this prestigious representation (for many, their only gallery representation) and Aguirre has lost her job.

I have also written about the financial struggles faced by Stephanie Forbes to keep her Rule of Three Gallery viable. And I have mentioned that Leslie Lovell’s Roots Up Gallery has been displaced (again) because of an exorbitant rent increase in her West Bay Street space. Recently, Cleo the Gallery closed abruptly to find a more cost-efficient home, and after 11 years, Tiffany Taylor has decided to give up her gallery space on Whitaker Street. Even the consignment emporium Merchants on Bee which represented numerous local artists has closed – the building will become offices for the Savannah Bananas.

Rumors are that City Market plans to convert their north side into some kind of tourist rental situation after the artists move out when their leases expire in June. The artists on the south side have a year and a half’s reprieve while the experiment is

conducted. It feels like a foregone conclusion that repeat rental income from tourists will far exceed monthly rental income from artists. How many hotels and Airbnb’s do we need?!

Artists are struggling to make a living but I wish some of the largest players in city business would care less about only increasing the number of hotel nights spent by guests.

Tourists want to visit galleries and spend money on art when they are on vacation. Sight-seeing, landmarks/historical sites, and culinary experiences are an integral part of their experience, but visitors from all income brackets want to buy locally created art. Many ask directions to the “art district,” so common in other cities, where they can meet artists at work in their studios. The American for the Arts’ “Arts and Social Impact Explorer” shares that arts are the fourth largest driver of decisions made when planning a trip.

Our city is dominated by an art school that has brought so much prosperity and creativity, but provides no tax revenue. Does it have any ethical or moral compunction to step in and fund an area of rent-controlled artist studios? Is philanthropic support the only way forward?

Savannah needs to recognize that quality of life for our residents is deeply connected to the arts. But how does that happen when the city appears to be so narrowly focused on hotel/motel tax income? The problem seems overwhelming to me. I can’t imagine how overwhelmed an artist kicked out of their gallery must feel.

Artists have to be business and marketing gurus to manage websites, Instagram and TikTok accounts to sell their work. There are only so many pop-ups art shows and art fairs a year. Many creatives rely on foot traffic, but in Savannah, creatives cannot afford to have studio or gallery space in areas with high foot traffic.

Sulfur Studios’ ARTS Southeast is a non-profit organization whose mission is to make Savannah a destination for art and culture in the Southeast “by supporting established and emerging artists and engaging a diverse community with creative programming by developing awareness and appreciation of the arts.” It is fighting the good fight and is worthy of our support, but without major financial underpinning their advocacy can only go so far.

In a thought-provoking post-pandemic article, “Five Ways Cities Can Foster the Arts and Catalyze Equitable Economic Recovery,” Econsult Solutions’ (ESI Center for the Research of Cities at econsultsolutions.com) senior advisor Maud Lyon acknowledges that tax revenues can barely keep up with the need to improve infrastructure, maintain public safety, educate the young, care for aging residents, and provide basic and essential services to residents.

“Arts and culture are way down the list of priorities, ” Lyon writes. “It is not the product of the arts that makes cities vibrant – though we all appreciate murals, festivals, performing arts productions and museums. It is the process of creating art that matters. Understanding how arts and culture improves education, health, business activity, social cohesion is far more powerful.”

My dream would be that the Savannah Economic Development Authority (SEDA) which is charged with creating, growing, and attracting jobs and investments in the Savannah region, will broaden their purview and encourage the City, County, and Chamber to recognize that supporting visual artists is good for all businesses. Growing jobs is important, but so is quality of life. A rising tide lifts all ships.

My dream would be that every business will “adopt” artists on a rotating monthly basis. Imagine walking down Bull, Liberty, and Broughton Streets and in every window there was one piece of locally created art with matching signage directing shoppers to that artist’s contact information.

My dream would be that we live in a city where we do more than pay lip service to the importance of a diverse and robust art scene.

Buy art from local artists - however you stumble across them. Bring your out-of-town visitors to the remaining art galleries we have left. They need the foot traffic, and they need our dollars. Visit and support them. Before they are gone.

ABOVE: Painting by Stacie Jean Albana (@staciejeanalbano) who has lost her representation at the Gallery at the Mansion. OPPOSITE: Detail of a Painting by Lisa Rosenmeier (@lisarosenmeier) who will lose her City Market studio and has lost her representation at the Gallery at the Mansion

21-31, 2022

The Southeast Georgia Leadership Forum to be held February 27-28, 2023, at Kehoe Iron Works at Trustees Garden. With its core mission being to include, listen, learn, act and grow, the Forum was founded to help our region address generational systemic poverty, isolated silos of community and communication, while moving the community forward towards excellence and growth opportunities for all.

Forum attendees include emerging, established and diverse leaders from civic groups, non-profits, neighborhoods, government, and business.

visit southeastleadershipforum.com for more information!

By Frank Ricci

CHI-CHI & FRIENDS

@ CLUB ONE

Chi-Chi Bonet Sherrington Is Club One’s “Hot Tamale” so of course she gets her own show. She’s got the pipes to take on Lady Ga Ga and the cheek to handle Nicki Minaj. Expect drama, laughs and sass. Chi-Chi also emcees the Thursday and Sunday cabaret.

WEDNESDAYS | 10 PM

TOTALLY COMEDY OPEN MIC

@

TOTALLY AWESOME BAR

You think five minutes will can’t be too long, and you’re probably right. Have another Fireball or two and that five minutes is going to be easy. You got this. Get your best material together and crush it. Or lurk and watch others soar or go SPLAT! Funny no matter what.

THURSDAYS | 8:30

A CHRISTMAS TRADITION @ SAVANNAH THEATRE

An audience favorite for nearly 20 years, this is Savannah’s version of the Radio City Christmas show. Singers, dancers, comedy and a live band performing holiday classics will get you in the spirit. Of course Santa makes an appearance, so behave.

DAILY TO DEC 24 | TIMES VARY

CHRISTMAS IN JULY IN DECEMBER

@ THE WORMHOLE

The Wormhole does a lot of live entertainment heavy lifting in Savannah. It’s easily the most reliable place to see someone on a stage south of Liberty. Show some love with an ugly sweater and check out comedy, music and (I hope, I didn’t check) unbelievable drink specials.

FRI DEC 23 | 8 PM

SOUNDBOARD

WEDNESDAY 12/21

LIVE MUSIC

Cohen’s Retreat

Midtown Pickers, 6 p.m.

Driftaway Cafe

Chuck Courtenay, 6 p.m.

Jazz’d Tapas Bar

Joseph Wilson

McDonough’s Blues with Eric Culberson, 9 p.m.

Nickie’s 1971 Ray Tomasino, 7 p.m. Oak 36 Bar + Kitchen

OAK 36 LIVE MUSIC

WEDNESDAY, 5:308:30 p.m.

TRIVIA & GAMES Moodright’s

Duckpin Bowling League Night, 8 p.m.

Service Brewing Company

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

The Wormhole Bingo, 10 p.m.

KARAOKE Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m. Wet Willie’s Karaoke, 9 p.m. COMEDY

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

THURSDAY 12/22

LIVE MUSIC

Cohen’s Retreat

Munchies & Music, 5-9 p.m.

Jazz’d Tapas Bar

Bottles and Cans

TRIVIA & GAMES

Bar Food

Trivia Night, 8 p.m.

McDonough’s Family Feud, 7 p.m.

The Wormhole Trivia, 10 p.m.

KARAOKE

Bay Street Blues

Karaoke

Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m.

McDonough’s Karaoke, 9 p.m.

COMEDY

Totally Awesome Bar

Open Mic Comedy, 8:30 p.m.

DJ Club 51 Degrees

DJ B-Rad, 9 p.m.

Top Deck

Sunset Deck Party, 6 p.m.

BAR & CLUB EVENTS

House of Mata Hari

Downtown Delilahs

Modern Burlesque Cabaret, 11-11:59 p.m.

Service Brewing Company

Service Brewing Run Club, 6:30 p.m.

FRIDAY 12/23

LIVE MUSIC

Coffee Bluff Marina LAX, 6 p.m.

Jazz’d Tapas Bar

Hitman Blues Band Moss + Oak Savannah Eatery

Live Music on the Patio, 6-9 p.m.

Rancho Alegre Cuban Restaurant

JodyJazz Trio, 6:309:30 p.m.

Service Brewing Company

Bluegrass By The Pint with Swamptooth, 6 p.m.

Sting Ray’s Robert Willis, 6 p.m.

TRIVIA & GAMES

PS Tavern Beer Pong Tournament, 10 p.m.

KARAOKE Bay Street Blues Karaoke

Blueberry Hill Karaoke, 9 p.m.-3 a.m. Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m.

McDonough’s Karaoke, 9 p.m. Nickie’s 1971

Karaoke Night, 9 p.m.

The Hive Repertory Theatre LLC

Adult Night OutKaraoke!, 8 p.m.

Totally Awesome Bar Karaoke, 10 p.m.

DJ Club 51 Degrees

DJ Fer, DJ Emalo, DJ Lil G, DJ BRad, 9 p.m.

Congress Street Social Club

DJ Flip

BAR & CLUB EVENTS

Club One

Drag Show, 10:30 p.m. & 12:30 a.m.

House of Mata Hari

Downtown Delilahs

Modern Burlesque Cabaret, 9:30-10:30 & 1111:59 p.m.

Rock House Music & Dance, 10 p.m.

SATURDAY 12/24

LIVE MUSIC

Coffee Bluff Marina Gary Strickland, 6 p.m. Moss + Oak Savannah Eatery

Live Music on the Patio, 6-9 p.m.

Rancho Alegre Cuban Restaurant

JodyJazz Trio, 6:309:30 p.m. Sting Ray’s Robert Willis, 6 p.m.

TRIVIA & GAMES

Blueberry Hill Pool Tournament, 2 p.m.

KARAOKE

Bar Food Karaoke Night, 10 p.m.

Bay Street Blues Karaoke Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m. McDonough’s Karaoke, 9 p.m. Rock House Karaoke, 9 p.m.

Totally Awesome Bar Karaoke, 10 p.m.

COMEDY

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

DJ Congress Street Social Club

DJ Low Boy BAR & CLUB EVENTS Club One

Drag Show, 10:30 p.m. & 12:30 a.m.

Over Yonder Honky Tonk Saturdays

SUNDAY 12/25

LIVE MUSIC

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

Congress Street Social Club

Voodoo Soup, 10 p.m.

Myrtle & Rose, Rooftop Garden Plant Riverside

Live Jazz Sunday Brunch

Featuring the Howard Paul Jazz Trio, 11 a.m.3 p.m.

Nickie’s 1971

Roy Swindell, 7 p.m. Sting Ray’s Robert Willis, 6 p.m.

Tubby’s Tank House (Thunderbolt)

Bucky and Barry, 1 p.m.

TRIVIA & GAMES

Moon River Brewing Co. Trivia, 6 p.m.

KARAOKE

Bay Street Blues

Karaoke Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m. McDonough’s Karaoke, 9 p.m.

MONDAY 12/26

LIVE MUSIC

Nickie’s 1971 Ray Tomasino, 7 p.m. The Wormhole Open Mic, 6 p.m.-2 a.m. TRIVIA & GAMES Club One Super Gay Bingo, 5:30 p.m. Moodright’s BINGO, 8 p.m. Starland Yard Music Bingo, 7 p.m. KARAOKE Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m. Wet Willie’s Karaoke, 9 p.m. BAR & CLUB EVENTS

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

TUESDAY 12/27

LIVE MUSIC

McDonough’s Open Mic/Jam, 9 p.m. Nickie’s 1971 Roy Swindell, 7 p.m. Totally Awesome Bar Savannah Spotlight Hosts Open Mic Night at Totally Awesome Bar, 9 a.m.-noon 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

OAK 36 TRIVIA TUESDAY, 6:30 p.m.; Trivia Tuesday, 9 p.m.

Savannah Taphouse Trivia, 7 p.m. Starland Yard Trivia with Chris Grimmett, 6:30 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, 8:3011:45 p.m.

WEDNESDAY 12/28

LIVE MUSIC

Cohen’s Retreat Midtown Pickers, 6 p.m. Driftaway Cafe Chuck Courtenay, 6 p.m. Jazz’d Tapas Bar Freespirits

McDonough’s Blues with Eric Culberson, 9 p.m. Nickie’s 1971 Ray Tomasino, 7 p.m. Oak 36 Bar + Kitchen

OAK 36 LIVE MUSIC WEDNESDAY, 5:308:30 p.m.

TRIVIA & GAMES

Moodright’s Duckpin Bowling League Night, 8 p.m. Service Brewing Company Trivia Night with Jess Shaw, 6:30 p.m. The Wormhole Bingo, 10 p.m. KARAOKE Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m. Wet Willie’s Karaoke, 9 p.m.

COMEDY

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

THURSDAY 12/29

LIVE MUSIC

Cohen’s Retreat Munchies & Music, 5-9 p.m. Jazz’d Tapas Bar Jonathan Santana Trio TRIVIA & GAMES

Bar Food Trivia Night, 8 p.m. McDonough’s Family Feud, 7 p.m. The Wormhole Trivia, 10 p.m. KARAOKE

Bay Street Blues

Karaoke

Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m. McDonough’s Karaoke, 9 p.m.

COMEDY

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

DJ Club 51 Degrees

DJ B-Rad, 9 p.m. Top Deck Sunset Deck Party, 6 p.m.

BAR & CLUB EVENTS

House of Mata Hari Downtown Delilahs Modern Burlesque Cabaret, 11-11:59 p.m.

Service Brewing Company

Service Brewing Run Club, 6:30 p.m.

FRIDAY 12/30

LIVE MUSIC

Coffee Bluff Marina LAX, 6 p.m.

Jazz’d Tapas Bar Ben Keiser Band Moss + Oak Savannah Eatery Live Music on the Patio, 6-9 p.m.

Rancho Alegre Cuban Restaurant JodyJazz Trio, 6:309:30 p.m.

Service Brewing Company

Bluegrass By The Pint with Swamptooth, 6 p.m. Sting Ray’s Robert Willis, 6 p.m.

TRIVIA & GAMES

PS Tavern Beer Pong Tournament, 10 p.m.

KARAOKE

Bay Street Blues Karaoke

Blueberry Hill Karaoke, 9 p.m.-3 a.m. Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m. McDonough’s Karaoke, 9 p.m. Nickie’s 1971

Karaoke Night, 9 p.m.

The Hive Repertory Theatre LLC

Adult Night OutKaraoke!, 8 p.m.

Totally Awesome Bar Karaoke, 10 p.m.

DJ

Club 51 Degrees

DJ Fer, DJ Emalo, DJ Lil G, DJ BRad, 9 p.m.

Congress Street Social Club

DJ Live Produce

BAR & CLUB EVENTS

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

House of Mata Hari

Downtown Delilahs Modern Burlesque Cabaret, 9:30-10:30 & 1111:59 p.m.

Rock House Music & Dance, 10 p.m.

SATURDAY 12/31

LIVE MUSIC

Coffee Bluff Marina Gary Strickland, 6 p.m. Moss + Oak Savannah Eatery

Live Music on the Patio, 6-9 p.m. Myrtle & Rose, Rooftop Garden Plant Riverside

New Year’s Eve Celebration at Myrtle & Rose Rooftop Garden, 9-11:59 p.m. & 12-1 a.m. Rancho Alegre Cuban Restaurant

JodyJazz Trio, 6:309:30 p.m. Sting Ray’s Robert Willis, 6 p.m.

TRIVIA & GAMES

Blueberry Hill Pool Tournament, 2 p.m. KARAOKE

Bar Food Karaoke Night, 10 p.m. Bay Street Blues Karaoke Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m. McDonough’s Karaoke, 9 p.m. Rock House Karaoke, 9 p.m. Totally Awesome Bar Karaoke, 10 p.m.

COMEDY

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

DJ

Congress Street Social Club

DJ Flip Electric Moon Skytop Lounge and The Moon Deck, Plant Riverside District - Power Plant Building rooftop GLO Side of the Moon

New Year’s Eve Party at Electric Moon, 8 p.m.1 a.m.

BAR & CLUB EVENTS

Club One

Drag Show, 10:30 p.m. & 12:30 a.m.

House of Mata Hari Downtown Delilahs Modern Burlesque Cabaret, 9:30-10:30 p.m. Over Yonder Honky Tonk Saturdays HAPPY NEW YEAR!

DRED “PERKY” SCOTT & THE ERIC JONES TRIO

THE DOG APOLLO + FRIENDS @ THE WORMHOLE

@ GOOD TIMES JAZZ BAR

This combination of the best of Savannah jazz is a real holiday treat. Scott played bass for Isaac Hayes and the early 70s and has more than 50 years in jazz. Jones’ is a piano maestro who blends unique influences of spiritual and African in his sound. Expect fireworks.

THU DEC 22 | 7PM

Get your Halloween weekend going with four bands that rock. The headliners play a strange mix of post-punk, shoegaze and roots. BAS Music uses two drummers to reach new psychedelic heights. The Maxines are grungy hard rock bordering on punk, and Xuluprohpet jam funk, reggae and rock. Like a pillowcase full of candy from strangers, there’s something for everyone.

FRI OCT 28 | 8 PM

FRI DEC 23 | 8 PM

HALLOWEEN HAVOC @ THE WORMHOLE

Lots of bands, so note the decidedly un-spooky daylight start time. Hard rockers Kamenar (pictured) headline with support from Kill the Sound, The Dood, Once Kings, Hassleinone, and Losing Daylight. That’s six!…six!!…six!!! live bands to rock that ass on a Halloween weekend night. $300 in cash prizes for best costumes, so get creative and go home with the munny.

MARKUS KUHLMANN @ FOXY LOXY CAFE

The busy local singer/songwriter/guitarist has been a member of roots rockers Clouds & Satellites for years, he launched a side project Mike Kilo earlier this year, and is a huge Donna Savage fan. Still, he’s somehow managed to find the time for pre-Christmas solo set. So…enjoy.

SAT OCT 29 | 6:30 PM

FRI DEC 23 | 6 PM

THE BAND PAGE

THE BAND PAGE

LATIN NIGHT: I LOVE RAGGAETON @ ELAN

156/SILENCE @ LODGE OF SORROWS

By Frank Ricci

By Frank Ricci

The hyper-danceable niche born from Puerto Rican and Panamanian dance music marathons emerged from underground club mixtapes in the early 90s. It’s now a staple in the Caribbean, and keeps dancefloors everywhere loaded. Ugly sweaters requested.

FRI DEC 23 | 9:30 PM

The Pittsburgh-based metalcore act headlines the loudest Halloween party in Savannah. Bang your head bloody with these yinzers and fellow metalcore madmen Circle Back (Charleston) and If Only (Augusta). Local beatdown specialists Omenkiller get the carnage splattering early. Finish your trick-ortreating, eat a razor blade apple, and mosh into the void.

MON OCT 31 | 7:30 PM

NORDISTA FREEZE @ EL ROCKO LOUNGE

BOTTLES & CANS @ JAZZ’D TAPAS BAR

Entertaining Savannah for close to 15 years, Bottles & Cans plunge the depths of their signature swamp blues sound and emerge from the murk with bayou boogie, Americana, country, folk and rock. These guys can play it all, play it well, and with a ton of soul.

THU DEC 22 | 6 PM

The hardest working man in indie pop returns to Savannah for the fourth time in the last 12 months. As cliché as it sounds, the shows keep getting better. If you’ve seen the relentless Freeze and his band in action, you already know this. If you’ve managed to miss the last three, prepare for Friday Night Rectification. A guaranteed monster show.

FRI OCT 28 | 9 PM

DECEMBER 10-22, 2022

Get ready for the 12 Days of Giftmas! We’re partnering with Savannah businesses to bring you great prizes for the holiday season. Make sure to visit the sweepstakes page at the QR code below every day from 12/10 - 12/22 and enter to win up to 12 different sweepstakes! All winners will be announced on 12/23. Merry Giftmas! Scan the code to enter!

THE SALT TABLE

SPICE GIFT SET

Dozens of holiday gift sets featuring local food products priced from $18.95 to $120.

912.988.1154 190 W. Bryan Street

SALTTABLE.COM

Locations: Pooler, Savannah Airport, Jekyll Island

BOSTON COFFEE TRADERS

COFFEE-FILLED GIFT BASKET

Our 100% Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee beans are one of our most sought after coffee origins and we offer the perfect roast. Our beans have balanced, deep chocolate notes and a rich aroma. We offer wholesale small batch roasted, 100% Jamaican Blue Mountain whole bean coffee for retail and wholesale purchase. 770-722-9580

BOSTONCOFFEETRADERS.COM

LOCALLY MADE EARRINGS

Locally made long and festive earrings for the Holidays. Made in house of sterling and bronze and set with garnets.

150 ABERCORN STREET 912.233.3140

AGSAVANNAH.COM

WOOF GANG BAKERY & GROOMING

FULL GROOM WITH UPGRADED SPA PACKAGE

If you are looking for a dog groomer near Savannah, Ga, then look no further than Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming. Our Professional pet groomers deliver exceptional service with a delicate touch to have your pet looking their finest. We offer tidy, safe, and pleasant place to freshen up your dog. $150 Value

141 BULL STREET, (912) 358-0537

BULLSTREET@WOOFGANGBAKERY.COM

SAVANNAH JEWELRY GALLERY

OPAL AND PERIDOT LILY RING

THE SOAPERY SAVANNAH

LUXURY BATH SET

1 Pink Plush Cozy Robe, 1 Pair Of Cozy Slippers, 5 Assorted Bath Bombs, 1 Sugar Scrub, And 1 Lotion From The Soapery Savannah. $250 value

(912) 999-8696 320 W BROUGHTON ST

THESOAPERYUSA.COM

WATER WITCH TIKI

TIKI GIFT SET

tiki mug,$50 gift certificate, tshirt, and Tiki water bottle 2220 BULL STREET (912) 201-3164 WATERWITCHTIKI.COM

THE PRINTED PEACH

STONEY CLOVER LANE POUCH

This ring features a stunning gold vermeil sculptural Lilly with jelly opals and peridots all set in sterling silver. It currently is a US size 7 1/2, but we can resize it in house if need be. It is valued at $95.

SAVANNAH JEWELRY GALLERY (912) 777-2223 307 W BRYAN STREET

SAVANNAHJEWELRYGALLERY.COM

Enter to win a stylish prize from Savannah’s Lilly Pulitzer Signature Store, The Printed Peach!

417 WHITAKER ST SAVANNAH, GA 31401 912-233-6375 THEPRINTEDPEACHSAVANNAH.COM

PHOTOS BY BECKY

PHOTO SESSION + GIFT

Pet+People modeling session, and a free 8x10 print OR pack of 24 custom note cards! Nobody gets your furry (or scaly or slithery) friends to shine in front of the camera like Photos by Becky!

(912) 655-5032 7805 WATERS AVE STE 1B PHOTOSBYBECKY.NET

VEL

12-MONTH SUBSCRIPTION

The Winner will receive a year’s worth of access to our app which includes advanced booking for seating & advanced mobile ordering. They will also have access to VEL’s secure rapid wifi and other benefits. Value of $120 VEL • 1508 BULL ST • MYVEL.COM

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

FULL YEAR FAMILY MEMBERSHIP to the Savannah Children’s Museum, which includes unlimited access to all 6 Coastal Heritage Society museums and attractions!

CHSGEORGIA.ORG