Connect Savannah | April, 2023

APRIL,

CATCHING

ALSO:

VOTED BEST JEWELRY STORE AND BEST LOCAL

APRIL

AT A GLANCE

SAVANNAH LIVE

APRIL 1 - 28

Savannah Live is a high-energy two hour variety show that features everything from “Pop” to “Broadway” and “Motown to “Rock & Roll!” Featuring a rockin’ live band and singers and dancers, it is sure to be the most fun that you have in Savannah! savannahtheatre. com

GATSBY GALA

APRIL 7

Savannah’s annual GATSBY GALA, a 1920s themed celebration, will take place April 7 at the Ships Of The Sea Museum in historic downtown. The event will feature live jazz music by the 7-piece SAVANNAH STOMPER’S

JAZZ BAND, dancing, 20s-era cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and multiple photo stations. Guests are encouraged to dress in 1920s fashion and bring cans of food for the CHARITY CANNED FOOD DRIVE that will benefit Emmaus House of Savannah. There will also be a Nighttime Garden Easter Egg Hunt and a Dance Contest. Tickets are still available for the event, which sold out in advance last year. markstercon.com

EASTER FUN AT FORT

MCALLISTER

APRIL 7-8

Bring the children and a basket for a fun egg hunt. Bring a picnic and spend the afternoon

enjoying our beautiful riverside park, and participate in our 2nd annual Easter Bonnet Parade. gastateparks.org/fortmcallister

EASTER BRUNCH AT PLANT RIVERSIDE

APRIL 9

This special Easter Brunch at Plant Riverside District will feature an elegant, expansive menu filled with traditional Easter favorites and other chefprepared cuisine plus a live performance by the Howard Paul Jazz Quartet. Attendees can also enjoy photos with the Easter Bunny on-site as well as a free Easter Egg Hunt for kids of all ages in Martin Luther King, Jr. Park at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. plantriverside.com

THE ART OF FASHION: EMILY MCCARTHY

APRIL 20

Telfair’s popular fashion series returns with local icon and owner of a favorite shopping institution, Emily McCarthy! Join us for this evening event that will feature the return of our member-favorite fashion show. McCarthy will be sharing her story of starting in graphic design, opening Emily McCarthy Shoppe in 2009, and her eventual transition to lifestyle brand designer. telfair.org

CELEBRATE EARTH DAY IN SAVANNAH

Earth Day is a worldwide event celebrated every year on April 22nd, aimed at raising awareness and promoting environmental protection. The day is an opportunity for people to come together and take action towards a sustainable future.

2023 SCAD SIDEWALK

ARTS FESTIVAL

APRIL 22

Experience the invigorating 42nd annual SCAD Sidewalk Arts Festival.During this treasured tradition, SCAD students, alumni, and local high school students transform Savannah’s most famous park into a technicolor landscape of chalk compositions for the chance to win coveted prizes. Community members can stroll through the outdoor gallery while enjoying local food and music. scad.edu

BUG FEST

APRIL 22

Savannah Children’s Museum invites the public to attend Bug Fest, the annual family-friendly celebration buzzing with bug-themed crafts, activities, and workshops. Savannah Children’s Museum educators will also be delivering exciting programs, such as the eata-bug club, insect activities, and many other creepy crawly programs throughout the day. We will also have many community partners providing bug-filled fun throughout the day! Chsgeorgia.org

BETTER OFF DEAD SCREENING AND REUNION

APRIL 28

A quintessential 1980s teen comedy, Better Off Dead starred John Cusack in one of his breakout roles as Lane,

a heartbroken teenager who has lost the will to live after a breakup. When his former girlfriend finds a new love interest, Lane joins forces with French exchange student Monique and his best friend Charles on a mission that pushes him to live again. Executive produced by SCAD professor of film and television Andrew Meyer, the film became a beloved cult classic for its pitch-dark humor, anything-goes gags, inspired claymation interludes, and zany heart. After the screening, Meyer will be joined by actors Diane Franklin (Monique), Amanda Wyss (Beth), Curtis Armstrong (Charles Le Mar), and other special guests for a reunion Q&A moderated by SCAD professor of film and television Michael Chaney. scadtheaters@scad.edu

JOY PROM

APRIL 28

Savannah Young Life will be hosting Joy Prom from 6-8pm at Compassion Christian’s Link building at 55 Al Henderson Blvd. Joy Prom is a prom night designed specifically to be a night of FUN and JOY for individuals with different abilities in Savannah and surrounding areas. Participants ages 15+ are welcome! The night of Joy Prom will include dancing, food and refreshments, a red carpet entrance, a photo booth, and

EARTH DAY SAVANNAH

APRIL 21

Earth Day Savannah is an annual event that celebrates environmental sustainability and conservation efforts in the Savannah community. The event brings together individuals, organizations, and businesses that are committed to protecting the planet and promoting eco-friendly practices. Earth Day Savannah offers a variety of educational and interactive activities, including live music, workshops, and demonstrations on topics such as composting, recycling, and

more! Each participant will be paired with a volunteer to guide them through the night. compassionchristian.com

HIGHLIGHTED PICKS FROM HOSTESS CITY HAPPENINGS THIS MONTH

To have your event considered for inclusion, please visit connectsavannah.com and enter your event in our online calendar. There, you can manage your entries, change and add dates, times, etc.

EARLY MORNING BEHIND THE SCENES AQUARIUM TOUR

APRIL 29

Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at the UGA Aquarium? For the first time ever, visitors are invited to join UGA marine educators as they make their morning rounds an hour before the aquarium opens on Saturdays.

Join our educators as they complete morning checks of our turtles, snakes, invertebrates and fish. Visitors will learn about the care of our ambassador education animals while accessing areas of the aquarium that are not typically open to the public. Animal feedings might also be part of the tour! These hour-long tours will start at 9 a.m. All ages are welcome, but children must be accompanied by an adult and strollers are not permitted in the back of the aquarium. gacoast.uga.edu

PLAN

Visit ConnectSavannah.com to find our 24/7, comprehensive list of all the things to do in Savannah this month. From theater performances to live music shows, art exhibitions to food festivals, Connect Savannah has got you covered. So, check out the website now and start planning your perfect March experience in the Hostess City today!

renewable energy. It also features a wide range of vendors offering eco-friendly products and services. By bringing together the Savannah community, Earth Day Savannah aims to raise awareness and inspire action towards a more sustainable future. earthdaysavannah.org

EARTH DAY BEER AND YOGA

APRIL 22

Earn that beer with Savannah Power Yoga on Earth Day! Includes a 60 min vinyasa yoga class and one pint of BEER! We have a special Earth Day beer release, Strawberry Grizz, a refreshing and crisp

Strawberry Grisette brewed with fresh strawberries. Nom Nom Poke Shop will be joining us with their shiny new food truck serving delicious poke bowls all day. 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. Namastay for a beer! Servicebrewing.com

SAAM: HONORING THE EARTH

APRIL 8

Savannah African Art Museum is slated to host a “Honoring the Earth: Upcycling

with Purpose” workshop in celebration of Earth Day on Saturday, April 8 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. on the second floor of the Terracotta Gallery, located at 201 East 37th Street in Savannah. During the workshop, participants will learn how to make plastic bed-roll mats for the homeless out of recycled plastic shopping bags. The twofold local & global goal is to share ways of protecting the environment by bringing awareness to the daily impact of single-use plastic shopping bags tossed in waterways and landfills, while providing support to the large population of homeless in the community.

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EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS

Jesse Blanco, Beth Logan, Bunny Ware,, Alan Sculley,

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

Dear Connect Savannah readers, Spring has officially sprung and we couldn't be more excited to welcome the warmer weather, blooming flowers, and longer days! As we embrace this season of renewal and growth, we are thrilled to present our April issue, which is all about spring and summer fun.

In this issue, we've curated a collection of articles and features that will inspire you to make the most of the coming months. From road trips to staycations, summer camps to outdoor adventures, we've got you covered with ideas for fun and memorable experiences that the whole family can enjoy.

But that's not all! We are also thrilled to announce that the 2023 Best of Savannah Party will be taking place on May 18. This highly anticipated event is where we reveal all the winners that make up the best of Savannah, GA. We can't wait to celebrate with you and honor the businesses, attractions, and experiences that make our city so special.

So mark your calendars and get your tickets now because this is a party you won't want to miss! We hope that this issue and the Best of Savannah Party will help you plan a spring and summer filled with excitement, adventure, and fun.

In addition to the exciting events and activities we've highlighted in this issue, we also have some amazing interviews and features that you won't want to miss. From an exclusive interview with musicians, to a deep dive into the entertainment and culture of our city, there's something for everyone in this issue.

We hope that this issue will not only inspire you to make the most of the spring and summer seasons but also help you learn more about the people, places, and experiences that make our community so special. Thank you for being a part of our magazine, and we can't wait to see you at the Best of Savannah Party on May 18.

ERICA BASKIN PUBLISHER

OUR VALUES

Connect Savannah is an 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.

Turner Horton (blue shirt) of Tybee Surf Lessons with (L-R) Adaline, Lincoln, and Lyndon on Tybee Island's North Beach.

Photo by Adriana Iris Boatwright

SAVANNAH FESTIVAL

Mark your calendar for 2024: March 28–April 13

savannahmusicfestival.org

SOUTHERN COAST

GO RED FOR WOMEN LUNCHEON & FASHION SHOW

04.26.2023

11:00 am - 1:30 pm

Savannah Country Club

Enjoy a delightful seated luncheon, a chic fashion show with local celebrity models, an exciting silent auction, and an informative educational talk focusing on women ’ s cardiovascular health, and more!

Speaker: Dr. Pam Gaudry Honoree: Sylvia Wallis

Fashions provided by Hannah E., J. Paige, LAKE Pajamas, & J. Parker, Ltd.

Tickets available at SavannahGoesRed.Heart.org!

2023 Go Red Chair

Anne Robin

Go Red Executive Leadership Team

Sandy Griffin

Erica Baskin

Catherine Cooper

Laura Dover

Go Red For Women is locally sponsored by

Randal Hamilton

Dr Sametria McFall

Lindsay Melvin

Go Red For Women is nationally sponsored by

Kenley Routhier

Ben Senger

Carolyn Adams Spellman

Table Sponsors:

Dr. & Mrs. Ryan O’Kelley

GHC Hospice

TV Sponsor:

Please contact Royceann.Friedman@heart.org for sponsorship opportunities.

Be

Be

Saturday, April 22, 2023

11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

INTRODUCTIONS: MEET TURNER HORTON

THE SURF MAESTRO: RIDING WAVES AND STRUMMING STRINGS

According to tybeesurflessons.com, Horton has surfed globally on both U.S. coasts, Canada, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, Peru, Mexico and Hawaii. He lived in Hawaii from 2010-2017 where he honed his surf, stand-up paddleboarding and kiteboarding skills. Growing up in Savannah (minus the seven years in Maui), his

love of the ocean was sparked by his dad, who taught him how to surf. However, it wasn’t until he was approached by a former public school bus driver to help start a surf program for kids on Tybee Island that he discovered his passion for teaching others how to surf.

Since then, Horton has become a fixture on the island, offering lessons to people of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re a first-time surfer or an experienced rider looking to improve your technique, Horton and his team of experienced instructors can help you take your skills to the next level.

“At Tybee Surf Lessons, safety and etiquette are always a top priority,” said Horton.

He emphasizes the importance of mastering the basics of surfing, including paddling, standing up on the board, and reading the waves. He also makes sure that every student understands how to

stay safe in the water, from navigating rip currents to avoiding collisions with other surfers. He has been certified by the Red Cross, National Surf Schools and Instructors Association and is also a former Tybee Ocean Rescue Lifeguard. But while safety is key, Horton also knows that surfing is all about having fun. That’s why he and his team work hard to create a supportive, encouraging atmosphere that makes everyone feel welcome in the water.

And when the lessons are over, Horton often pulls out his ukulele and leads his students in a sing-along, adding a touch of music and camaraderie to the experience. There’s actually a series of surf camps in June and July called “UKE ’N SURF” that includes Ukulele lessons. Horton added “we are the ONLY surf school in Georgia that offers surfing camp with actual UKULELE instruction...sweeeeet!”

He said the camps combine “positive

As the owner of Tybee Surf Lessons, Turner Horton has become a beloved figure on the island, known for his easy-going nature, his passion for surfing and music, and his dedication to teaching others how to catch a wave.

role models, original programming, and the ultimate learning environment (our beaches & ocean). Our surf camps have earned the reputation as the one of the east coast’s premier place to get started and stay involved with the surf lifestyle.”

Horton is also an elementary school music

teacher and he is quite accomplished in the music world. According to turnerhorton.com, he’s won quite a few accolades in that realm as well. Horton received a “Best Original Score” award for his soundtrack for the 48-Hour Competition short film, “Baby Noir.” He also won college scholarships for original songs

“Grace” (“Friends of Johnny Mercer”, 2002) & “Keep A-Goin’”(2015, ISC Semi-Finalist) and has collaborated with multi-genre songwriters & artists.

Horton began his musical journey at May Howard Elementary by learning to play the trumpet. Later, in middle school, he also picked up piano studies. Along with enhancing his music repertoire and gaining experience in musical ensembles at Savannah Arts Academy, Horton delved into music theory and composition under the guidance of the local orchestra director.

His passion for music led him to complete a major in Music Composition at Georgia Southern University.

During his academic years, he was offered a chance to compose music for the trailer of a comedy film, “Arab in America” (2007), produced by a graduate student of the Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD).

His talent was further recognized by the SCAD community, as he went on to score several short films. His scores received accolades for “best picture and sound design” in “Reflection” (SCAD 2007) and “Best Horror Score” in “The Red Ball” (SCAD 2008). In 2007, he also composed music for a film noir, “White Spider”, and a zombie flick, “Quarantine”, both produced by SCAD. Horton’s music compositions continued to gain recognition beyond the film industry as well. His work was featured in the energetic reality show, “Human Resources” (2015). Recently, he composed the soundtrack for the immersive theater presentation, “Dickens After Dark” (2018), designed for the festive season.

While his interest in music production continues, the multi-talented virtuoso is also dedicated to his work with local youth. Horton said the most rewarding part of teaching surfing and music is seeing the “stoke” on his students’ faces.

“The stoke is the excitement and positive feeling we get from surfing,” he explained. “Knowing there’s always someone out there who has yet to experience the stoke of surfing (and music) is what gets me moving. We try to ‘promote the stoke!’”

And that’s exactly what he and his team are doing at Tybee Surf Lessons. Through their lessons, they’re sharing the joy and excitement of surfing with people from all over the country and all walks of life, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

So whether you’re a local looking to learn a new skill, or a tourist hoping to catch some waves on your vacation, Tybee Surf Lessons is the place to be, and you might just pick up a new song along the way!

- Marley Gibson and Connect Savannah Staff Reports

BONUS: Scan the code to watch a video of Horton surfing with a ukulele.

(LEFT) Turner Horton (blue shirt) with young surfers on Tybee Island. (Photo by Adriana Iris Boatwright). Previous page, Horton surfing on Tybee’s North Beach. (Photo provided by Tybee Surf Lessons)

PERMITTING UNDERWAY FOR ALDI SUPERMARKET AT JOHNNY HARRIS SITE ON VICTORY

Perhaps, the smell of barbecued pork, barbecued lamb, and fried chicken will linger in the air, or at least in the memories of some Savannahians, as they wheel their shopping carts up the aisles, remembering dances in the ballroom.

A building permit application was recently submitted, along with construction plans, to construct an Aldi grocery store at 1651 E. Victory Drive, where the Johnny Harris Restaurant was located prior to the beloved Savannah landmark’s closing and demolition in 2016. The grocery store is part of a development along Wicklow Street that includes the planned construction of a 280unit apartment complex.

Divisional Vice President Shaun O’Keefe said via email on Monday that the company was excited to confirm what will be the second location for the German-based supermarket chain, which they expect to open early next year. The site meets the criteria of the company, a convenient location for customers that can support high-traffic volume daily, O’Keefe said.

“We are happy to continue serving shoppers with this additional, future location,” he said.

Aldi opened its first store in Savannah in 2019 at 14070 Abercorn St., across from the Savannah Mall.

PROPERTY MATTERS SAVANNAH AGENDA:

By Eric Curl savannahagenda.com

Stay Engaged Savannah!

APARTMENTS AT EAST BAY AND PRICE

Site work is expected to begin in April on a 2-story apartment building at 501 East Bay St., a vacant parcel next to the Kimpton Brice Hotel’s parking garage.

Co-owner Neil Dawson, with Ls3P, said that work will begin in two to three weeks on the building, which will consist of three 2-bed, 2-bath condos with commercial space facing the corner on Bay and Price streets. While the site was approved for four stories and 100-lot-coverage, including an office or hotel, they decided to develop a less dense concept, Dawson said.

“We want to be respectful neighbors and want to encourage less density on this residential end of Bay Street,” he said.

ATLANTA DEVELOPER PLANNING RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT ON HUTCHINSON ISLAND

Patrick Malloy Communities recently submitted an amended master plan for a portion of the Reserve at Savannah Harbor, where the Atlanta-based developer is planning to construct 24 single-family homes. Under the amended plan, 42 lots would be combined to create 24 larger lots for the homes that are expected to start at about $650,000, according to John Gaskin, vice president of land acquisition. The ranch-style, 2-car garage detached houses are designed with people age 55 and older in mind, similar to some models the company has developed in Atlanta, Gaskin said.

While some people binge Netflix, I binge building permits and meeting agendas. This column is based on what I find.

Rendering of the proposed building by Emily Dawson, with LS3P. Rendering courtesy of LS3P.

The first Aldi in Savannah opened in 2019. Eric Curl/March 28, 2023

“We’d been looking around Savannah to expand that product and we thought Hutchinson was a good location,” he said.

Patrick Malloy Communities is currently constructing the Upper East River residential development at the Eastern Wharf along the Savannah River east of downtown. The company anticipates closing on the Hutchinson properties in September and beginning construction late this year or early next year, Gaskin said.

The long-stalled Reserve at Savannah Harbor development’s master plan was originally approved by the MPC in May 18,2004, amended on Dec. 4, 2007, and amended again on Nov. 10, 2009. Mopper Turner Investments is the current owner of all the lots.

GREEN TRUCK PUB LOOKING TO DUMP BUILDING’S ‘FAST FOOD’ LOOK, UPGRADE OUTDOOR SEATING

Turns out, eating outdoors is nice, even when breathing too close to your table mate is not your primary concern. And the experience of inhaling a grass-fed beef burger outside could soon be even more enjoyable at the Green Truck Pub. The owners are planning to improve the 12-yearold restaurant’s outdoor ascetics and seating accommodations, after first introducing the ability to enjoy a meal outdoors as a safety measure during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We just love having the patio so much and we want to make it nicer for people who are sitting out there,” said co-owner Whitney Shephard, who opened the restaurant with her husband Josh Yates in 2011.

The project’s architect recently submitted renovation plans for the restaurant at 2430 Habersham St. in Savannah’s Streetcar Historic District. The improvements consist of external improvements designed to improve the look of the building and better cater to outdoor diners and those waiting

outside for a table.

The improvements would replace the current setup, essentially consisting of a tarp and tables, by adding a covered patio with wooden trellises and outdoor fans to combat Savannah’s hot summers. The proposed landscaping, green screens and removal of the sloping mansard roof will also help shed the building’s “dumpy fast food” look from its past life, Shephard said. The drive-thru window is proposed to go as well.

The project is expected to go before the Historic Preservation Commission for consideration in April. If approved, Shephard said they hope to complete the improvements by September.

Such single story commercial projects within the district are common, according to the petition submitted by Greenline Architecture’s submission.

“Historical maps for this area also reflect a history of one and two-story buildings,” the petition states. “The design of the new building will blend into the same historical patterning.”

The plan is expected to go before the Historic Preservation Commission in April. The 1,828-square-foot lot is one of three parcels the Pinyan/Procida Development Group acquired from the city for $750,000 in late 2021, as approved that February by the Savannah City Council. The city sold the properties to the development group for the purpose of building affordable housing after the city’s Code Compliance Department building at the site was destroyed in a fire in 2020. In addition to the housing component and parking on the two larger parcels, the approved plan also included commercial space at the site of the proposed restaurant. The developer is now planning to submit another application to obtain competitive state low-income housing tax credits for the planned 42-unit apartment complex, after two failed attempts over the past two years.

NEW BUILDING PROPOSED TO HOUSE RESTAURANT ON FORMER CITY LOT

The developer behind a planned affordable housing complex on former city property recently submitted plans to construct the commercial component of the project.

The developer is proposing to build a onestory building for use as a restaurant on the site at 1705 Abercorn St. in the Streetcar Historic District, where a small parking lot currently exists.

Located at the corner of 33rd Lane and Abercorn, the proposed building is in a mixed-use zoning district and directly adjacent to a 2-story building used as a law office.

STARLAND DAIRY UPDATE

After years of planning, Maggie Fuller said this month that she and her husband, Nate are excited to finally start renovating the historic Starland Dairy building at 2425 Bull St., which the couple is converting into an 8-room inn with a bookstore, coffee shop, ice cream shop and restaurant. (Plans for a brewery have been scrapped.) With plans dating back to at least 2017, they are now hoping to open the business in early 2024, Fuller said. Built in 1932, the Starland Dairy supplied milk to Savannah residents through the 1980s. The rehabilitation project was approved by the Historic Preservation Commission in August 2020.

GREEN TRUCK PUB: Rendering of proposed exterior improvements by SHAH Architecture & Interiors as submitted with plan.

Rendering of proposed building at 1705 Abercorn. St. as submitted to the HPC

PITCH PERFECT

THE SAVANNAH CLOVERS

KICK OFF INAUGURAL PRO SEASON AT MEMORIAL STADIUM

The Savannah Clovers Football Club (SCFC) kicked off a new era for soccer in the city with a 1-1 tie against Michigan Stars FC at Memorial Stadium on April 1, in front of 2,180 fans. Competing in the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA), the Clovers are one of three new clubs beginning NISA play this spring.

Michigan Stars broke the deadlock after an even 35 minutes of play with a well-taken goal by midfielder Noah Robinson. Robinson was played into the left side by defender Andres Chalbaud before shooting low to the far post.

In the 42nd minute, the Clovers answered back with the first professional goal in team history. Midfielder Andrew Barrowman scored on a volley inside the box after a scramble off a Clovers corner kick taken by Ahadon Tait. Clovers midfielder Andrew Barrowman was sent off in the dying moments of the game for a second yellow card.

Goalkeeper Jack Pondy received the Clovers Player of the Match award after recording five saves.

“I would like to thank the Savannah Clovers fans for their incredible support in this historic game tonight,” said Clovers Head Coach David Proctor. “Their energy and passion in the stadium transcended onto the field and helped push the players to find that equalizing goal.”

On the success of the team’s home debut, Savannah Clovers CEO Shane Folgado said, “We are very thankful for everyone from the players to the staff and of course the fans. Everyone showed up and we all made historytogether!”

The club’s acceptance into NISA was announced on January 11, 2022, marking the first time professional outdoor soccer would be played in Savannah. NISA is a U.S. third-tier professional men’s league with nine member clubs, according to its website.

Founded in the summer of 2016, the Savannah Clovers played in the United Premier Soccer League for five seasons and participated in the 2020 and 2021 editions of the NISA Independent Cup. In June of 2022, David Proctor was named the first SCFC professional head coach.

All home matches will be played at Memorial Stadium, a 5,000-seat stadium that recently underwent renovations. The club reached an agreement with Chatham County last summer to host games at the stadium.

SAVANNAH CLOVERS

GOALKEEPER JACK PONDY

SOCCER 101:

A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO SAVANNAH’S FIRST PROFESSIONAL

SOCCER TEAM

Savannah, are you ready for some soccer? The beautiful game is coming to our beautiful city with the debut of the Savannah Clovers FC, Savannah’s first professional soccer team. As the team prepares to kick off their inaugural season at Memorial Stadium on April 1, we’re here to give you a comprehensive guide to the sport of soccer and get you pumped for what’s sure to be an exciting season.

Let’s start with the basics. Soccer is played with a ball on a rectangular field with goals at either end. Each team consists of 11 players, including a goalkeeper who can use their hands only within their own penalty area. The goal of the game is to score more goals than your opponent within the allotted time.

KICKING THINGS OFF

Possession is key in soccer, and the Clovers will be looking to keep the ball as much as possible to control the pace of the game and create scoring opportunities. Passing is critical, and the team will need to work together to create chances and move the ball up the field. Defensively, the Clovers will be looking to prevent the other team from scoring by intercepting passes, tackling, and blocking shots. The goalkeeper will be the last line of defense, stopping shots on goal and keeping the opposition at bay.

Offensively, the Clovers will be looking to score using various tactics, such as counterattacks and set pieces. A counterattack is when the team quickly moves the ball up the field after winning possession, while a set piece is a pre-planned play involving free kicks, corner kicks, or throw-ins. The team’s success will depend on their skill, strategy, and teamwork.

One of the unique features of soccer is the offside rule. This rule prevents players from being in an illegal position when a

pass is made to them. If a player is offside, the opposing team is awarded a free kick. Another interesting aspect of soccer is the use of yellow and red cards. Yellow cards are issued to players who commit a cautionable offense, while red cards are given to players who commit serious offenses or receive two yellow cards in the same game. These cards add to the drama and excitement of the game.

FAN INVOLVEMENT IS KEY

As Savannah’s first professional soccer team, the Savannah Clovers FC is generating a lot of excitement in the city. The team’s owners, coaches, and players are all committed to making the Clovers a success and bringing quality soccer to the area. With talented players hailing from all over, the team is out to impress fans with their skill and passion for the game.

But it’s not just about the players on the field. The fans play a crucial role in soccer, and the Clovers surely will be no exception. As a new team, they need the support of the community to help them thrive. So come out to Memorial Stadium, cheer on your new favorite team, and be a part of history as the Savannah Clovers FC take the field for their first professional soccer match. So get ready to cheer them on as they make their mark on Savannah’s sports scene. It’s going to be an exciting season, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for this exciting new team.

For tickets, gameday information and more, visit savannahclovers.com and follow Connect Savannah as we keep you filled in on soccer madness as it makes its way across the Coastal Empire!

Connect Savannah is a media partner of the Savannah Clovers

SAVANNAH CLOVERS INAUGURAL GAME

PHOTOS BY: Chris Hayes April 1, 2023 Memorial Stadium

JAUDON SPORTS: UGA, GA SOUTHERN FOOTBALL IN CAMPS AHEAD OF ANNUAL SPRING GAMES

By Travis Jaudon @JaudonSports

Spring signifies new beginnings, and for college football teams across the country, this month is the start of something new. Spring camps at Georgia and Georgia Southern began in March with spring games for each set for later in April.

Here’s a look at the key storylines in each camp as well as the dates for spring games.

GEORGIA BULLDOGS

2022 RECORD: 15-0

G-DAY GAME: April 15

Coming off of back-to-back CFP National Championships, the Bulldogs are loaded once again. The primary off-season storyline highlighted in spring camp is the quarterback position for head coach Kirby Smart’s team. Smart, entering his eighth year at the helm, commented on what he is focusing on in the position battle between Carson Beck, Brock Vandagriff and Gunner Stockton.

“Demeanor and communication. I can get the stats, but a true quarterback is a decision maker,” said Smart following an April 1 spring scrimmage at UGA. “In our system, because

some systems take all the pressure off of the quarterback and they just go really fast, we don’t do that. We’re a quarterback driven offense. So, can you process the information?”

“Decision-making is the number one thing I want to see at the quarterback position. Can you make consecutive, good decisions over and over that don’t cost our team games?”

Georgia begins its 2023 season on September 2 versus UT-Martin at Sanford Stadium.

GEORGIA SOUTHERN EAGLES

2022 RECORD: 6-7

BLUE-WHITE GAME: April 22

Much like the Bulldogs, Georgia Southern is returning some reserve quarterbacks from last season in guys like Connor Cigelske as well as Colton FitzGerald, David Dallas and Kyle Toole. The expectation, however, is for the Eagles to go with one of the three transfers in camp. Davis Brin (Tulsa), J.C. French (Memphis) and Beau Allen (Tarleton State) have all come to Statesboro in the hopes of winning the gig guiding coordinator Bryan Ellis’ high flying offense.

Brin and French are the perceived favorites for the job, but GS will have a total of 40 prac-

tices to decide on a QB before the season opener on September 2 at Paulson Stadium against The Citadel. At Tulsa, Brin started 22 games (2021 and 2022). He threw for 5,407 yards and 35 touchdowns.

Head coach Clay Helton is looking to guide the program back to a bowl game in his second season leading the Eagles. Last year, GS finished at 6-7 with a loss in the Camellia Bowl to Buffalo. A big aspect to improve on is the defense, which allowed 31.4 points per game in 2021 and 31.6 in 2022. Brandon Bailey is the new defensive coordinator and he’ll be using a 4-2-5 scheme similar to what GS has used last season.

The April spring practice schedule for the Eagles is as follows:

Mon., April 3; 4:30 PM

Tues., April 4; 9:30 AM

Thurs., April 6; 9:30 AM

Sat., April 8; 11 AM

Tues., April 11; 9:30 AM

Thurs., April 13; 9:30 AM

Sat., April 5; 11 AM

Tues., April 18; 9:30 AM

Thurs., April 20; 9:30 AM

Sat., April 22; 12 PM (Blue-White Game)

UGA Athletics (Rob Davis) & GS Athletics (AJ Henderson)

HERITAGE FIRE TOUR HEATS UP SAVANNAH’S FOOD SCENE WITH OPEN-FIRE COOKOUT FESTIVAL

EAT IT & LIKE IT

PRESENTED BY SAVANNAH TECHNICAL COLLEGE

EAT IT AND LIKE IT

By Jesse Blanco eatitandlikeit.com

For as much time as we spend talking about the food scene around here (disclaimer: That is all I do), it is hard to fathom why Savannah doesn’t have a major food festival event on the calendar.

The Savannah Food and Wine Festival went away after 2019 for more reasons than we have time for here, and nothing has really come along to take its place. Until now.

The Heritage Fire Tour is a 14-city series of one-day events making its way across the country. A traveling food festival, if you will. Chefs from a particular city/region are invited to participate, and it doesn’t take much to get them to show up. They’ve been doing so since the first event in Napa just about 13 years ago.

Originally it was called Cochon 555 and developed a solid reputation and serious following throughout the industry. On April 16, they’ll be here in Savannah.

The original intent with Cochon over a decade ago was to create an event that was focused on education and camaraderie amongst chefs. The foods are prepared largely over an open fire and sourced locally, with sustainability a major factor in what is offered.

Sounds like a fancy-pants backyard cookout, doesn’t it? Well, that’s because it kind of is, but the food is a few steps above Nana’s potato salad and coleslaw. The entire Heritage concept is based upon locally raised proteins in support of local farmers and purveyors. The antithesis of industrial agriculture.

“Exactly what is prepared varies per chef, proteins, and vegetables,” says Lauren Melamed, Senior Marketing Director for A21, the parent company that is putting on this tour. Their approach is serious business. A21 is responsible for nearly 2 dozen major festivals nationwide, including the Atlanta Food and Wine Festival, South Beach Food and Wine, as well as New York City Food and Wine. Serious business, indeed.

“There will be pigs, ducks, fish, and of course, shrimp,” Lauren says. “It used to be a very formal competition. Now there will just be a ‘consumer vote’ prize awarded to the best dish.

The local lineup is outstanding. Practically a who’s who of some of Savannah’s best restaurants will be represented, including Common Thread, Folklore, Emporium Kitchen and Wine Market, Farm Bluffton, Fleeting, The Garage, Late Air, and Rhett. The lineup should feature 20 chefs.

“I’m super stoked,” says Victoria Shore, newly named Executive Chef at Fleeting in the Thompson Hotel. “I’ve always loved live fire restaurants. I love getting to work with the smoke and the grill and the nuance. It’s not as failsafe or predictable as some of the other techniques that we use here (in a restaurant).”

“Cochon 555 in Atlanta, I never personally got to attend, but a lot of chefs that I worked with did, and it was a huge success. They really enjoyed it.”

She isn’t the only one that is excited. A lot of times chefs will turn their attention to a particular weekend a few days out. I can tell you this is different. I’ve been hearing buzz and excitement from a handful of participants as far back as January and various points along the way.

They are clearly fired up. Pun very much intended.

They are expecting roughly 600 people at the 3-hour event at The Westin Savannah Harbor. All guests are entitled to unlimited food and drink, including specialty cocktails, wine, and craft beer. It is a 21-plus event, and while it is entirely outdoors, the puppies are not welcome.

General Admission will set you back $125.00. VIP Tickets (which provide you 45 mins early entry) are $175.00. Not a bad deal for one of the best food days of the year in Savannah.

The Heritage Fire Tour will stop in Savannah on Sunday, April 16, from 4pm until 7pm. You can see more of what it is about and a link to tickets now at heritagefiretour.com

Photos courtesy of Heritage Fire

Victoria Shore

SAVANNAH’S BEST AND LONGEST HAPPY HOUR

MONDAY THRU FRIDAY 2PM-6PM

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

$11.95 LUNCH SPECIALS!

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MONDAY POKER NIGHT TUESDAY TRIVIA @7PM

RESTORED and RESOUNDING

LUCAS THEATRE’S PIPE ORGAN FINDS ITS VOICE ONCE AGAIN

The Savannah College of Art and Design has announced the return of the original 1925 Wurlitzer organ to the Lucas Theatre for the Arts as part of its ongoing commitment to historic preservation across its university locations. The move is part of the university’s commemoration of the Lucas Theatre’s 100year anniversary.

“Five years ago, President Paula Wallce made the decision to bring the Lucas’ Wurlitzer home.

A call from Savannah native (and owner of Leopold’s Ice Cream) Stratton Leopold alerted SCAD that this may be the last opportunity,” said Danny Filson, executive director office of the president at SCAD.

Filson, who grew up in Savannah and has been with SCAD for over 25 years, has memories of going to movies at the Lucas Theatre.

Arthur Lucas opened the eponymous Lucas Theatre in December, 1921, during the silent film era. The building was designed by noted Richmond, VA, architect C.K. Howell.

The Theatre’s Wurlitzer was produced in 1925 and installed with a three-manual console, 11 ranks (speaking voices of pipes), plus full percussion. It holds the serial number Opus 1180.

During the heyday of the theater pipe organ and the movie palace, Wurlitzer was renowned for installing the finest instruments of the era.

Dubbed “The Unit Orchestra,” the theater organ had pipe voices that mimicked a full orchestra of sounds including strings, clarinets, trumpets, flutes, xylophone, marimba, drums, cymbals and sound effects necessary for making music for silent films.

As populations shifted to suburbia, television and watching entertainment at home increased, and the Hollywood studio system changed, the Lucas Theatre was hit with a decline in attendance, and closed its doors in 1976. It was sold shortly thereafter to

new owners.

“I remember when the Lucas closed, but it was converted into a comedy club and restaurant right there in the lobby of the Lucas. I remember when everything closed down at the Lucas, and it was just a shell of a crumbling building,” said Filson.

Also during this time, the organ was purchased and removed by Dr. Ed Simmons. Following his death, it came into the hands of the Theatre Organ Society, which assisted in moving it from Atlanta back to Savannah.

A decade later in 1986 after the restaurant and comedy club failed, those owners obtained a demolition permit and made arrangements to turn the Lucas Theatre into a parking lot. This news encouraged a group of Savannah citizens to come together, and they founded The Lucas Theatre for the Arts nonprofit.

They pulled together their assets and used their resources to purchase the building to start what would be a $14 million-dollar restoration. All of these things Filson remembers.

“I think it’s important to remember that the community of Savannah saved Lucas. Some very dedicated historic preservationists banded together to actually, physically, keep the Lucas from being demolished, and then the community stepped up and put together the funding with support from the city of Savannah,” said Filson.

The Lucas Theatre was saved and the doors reopened, but once again maintaining the building and keeping the doors open proved to be a challenge.

“I believe the owners turned to SCAD because of its reputation in preservation. But not only that, it’s one thing to preserve a building, it’s another to bring it back to life. That’s what SCAD did when it became a partner and was entrusted with the stewardship of the Lucas,” said Filson.

Now, the Lucas Theatre hosts an array of

diverse events throughout the year. Some are SCAD functions, while others — like the MountainFilm Fest, Savannah Jazz Festival, Savannah Black Heritage Festival, Savannah Music Festival and more — keep the theater accessible and open to the entire community.

Like the theater, the organ has been through its share of tribulations. After disassembly, storage in an outside barn, a fire, and numerous attempts by others to restore the organ failed, Wallace took the lead to restore a unique Savannah treasure before it was gone forever.

Now audiences can travel back in time to the golden age of the Lucas Theatre during a special concert on April 14 at 7 p.m. that will future the Wurlitzer organ at its finest.

At 98-years-young, the instrument is being reinstalled with seven additional sets of pipes for a much larger scope of sound, featuring over 1,620 pipes in total.

“We have an extraordinary event planned, a little bit of vaudeville, a little bit of speaking, a little bit of thanks and appreciation, and a whole lot of great fun and great memories that will be created. At the heart of the celebration is a brand new short film,” said Filson.

The live vaudeville show will feature SCAD performing arts students and the premiere of a SCAD student and alumni-produced silent film made in honor of the theater’s centennial celebration. There will also be a “one-man orchestra” performance by renowned organist Ken Double.

“In addition to the opening event, SCAD will host programming throughout the year showcasing the historic Wurlitzer organ,” said Filson.

Tickets can be purchased online at lucastheatre.com, by phone at 912-525-5050, or in person at the Savannah Box Office, 216 E. Broughton St.

-Kareem McMichael

THE ANN TENENBAUM AND THOMAS H. LEE COLLECTION

William Eggleston; Memphis, 1970; Ann Tenenbaum and Thomas H. Lee Collection

CULTURE

THE CIRCUS IS IN TOWN:

By Beth Logan ART COLUMNIST

Possibly influenced by Jack Kerouac’s “Desolation Angels” and John Steinbeck’s “Cannery Row,” Bob Dylan’s 1965 song “Desolation Row” features a surreal parade of Fellini-esque characters and vignettes that suggest the disordered urban chaos of America in the mid-60s.

At over eleven minutes in length, the song’s opening lines, “They’re selling postcards of the hanging” and “the circus is in town,” reference Dylan’s father’s memories as an eight-yearold of a lynching in Duluth. Three black men employed by a traveling circus were accused of raping a white woman, and on June 15, 1920,

MARCUS KENNEY’S PORTRAYAL OF ‘DESOLATION ROW’

they were taken from custody and hanged, with photos of the lynching later sold as postcards. Featuring a blind beggar, a one-eyed undertaker, literary characters (T. S. Eliot and Ezra Pound), biblical characters (Noah, the good Samaritan, Cain, and Abel), historical characters (Einstein and Nero), fictional characters (Cinderella, Romeo, and Ophelia), and many more, “Desolation Row” provides rich and complex imagery and has been the inspiration for local artist Marcus Kenney’s solo show of the same name, currently on display at Laney Contemporary.

I meet Kenney (b. 1972) in his storefront studio on Waters Avenue where he is in the final push of preparing over fifty large-scale oil paintings inspired by the song he has always

loved. “Every time I would hear it, I would have these visuals in my head.” With all the work created during the past three years, he began the project in early 2020 during COVID.

A native of rural Cooter Point, Louisiana, Kenney came to Savannah in 1994, earned an MFA in Photography from SCAD in 1999, and subsequently built a practice of photography, collage, mixed media installations, taxidermy, and neon sculpture. He has shown in New York, London, Miami, Hong Kong, Paris, and more, and is collected nationally and internationally. This is his first solo show in Savannah in five years.

“Painting was always something I wanted to do but was afraid to do,” he confides. “I went to Europe last summer and went to the Vatican

The Circus is in Town

and Uffizi and other major museums and saw so many oil paintings that it made me think about my own body of work. I’m getting to the age now where I’m starting to think about my own legacy and how maybe I should start using a medium that’s got longevity.”

Kenney says he gets a little tired of the other mediums he has explored in his career: “The fun part for me has gone. I love teaching myself new things, and so it’s been enjoyable learning the process of oil painting for the first time.” After graduating from SCAD, he started “doing collage to teach myself to paint because all my friends were painters, but it was just something I was always terrified of. I think having that time during COVID was a gift. I had all my kids at home; I didn’t have any commissions or shows.” The pandemic provided the opportunity to learn the new medium of oil painting and to put together a huge new body of work, “all done with this song in mind.”

He is excited but slightly nervous to mount the show. “I’m not a trained painter, but I am a trained artist, and I know how to create things that are interesting for people to look at.” Painting is far from his comfort zone, “even though compositionally and in subject matter, they are similar to my collage works. It’s been enjoyable to create them. There have been so many discoveries – just even learning how to mix paint!”

Kenney had a solo show at Laney Contemporary five years ago and a solo show “Topics in American History” at the Jepson Center in 2007. “I always want to give people something new. My heroes are people like David Bowie. Every

album has a different style, a different sound, even though we all know it’s David Bowie. Or Prince’s influential album “Purple Rain”… His next album “Around the World in a Day” was completely different, even though it would have been so easy to pick up right where he left off.” Similarly, he says it would have been easy for him to do another neon show, “but I’ve already cracked that code and want to try new things.”

We discuss how sticking with what has proven commercially successful as an artist takes a toll on creativity. “And I could have easily done that. Years ago, I was established as a collage artist, and when I showed Marcia Wood (a gallerist in Atlanta) new taxidermy stuff, she was hesitant to introduce it. But I love the idea of just pushing yourself to find new ways to speak.”

Kenney continues, “I’ve really enjoyed painting and look forward to coming to the studio every morning. Having the song to encapsulate what I’m doing has kept me focused, and then doing what I’ve always done by incorporating a contemporary ethos. I’m using the line “the circus is in town” as a metaphor for our culture.” Some of the paintings allude to current political and racial tensions and the BLM movement. Be sure not to miss the installation referencing lynchings in the mirrored room at Laney Contemporary… He ponders, “What do we do with history? How do we reframe it?”

When Kenney first came to Savannah, he had jobs selling cemetery plots and getting up at six in the morning to clean the stalls at Wicklow Stables. “In Louisiana, I worked in a catfish plant filleting catfish on the night shift. I’ve worked at an Exxon plant. I’ve had some real shitty jobs, so I knew if I was going to be an artist, I’d have to get serious.” Besides earning his MFA, one of the smart things he did was run a gallery because “it got people to know who I was.”

He continues, “We had some great shows: Monica Cook, Michael Scoggins, Summer Wheat, so many artists who have done so well. Back then, it felt like everything was possible.” He reminisces about renting a 25,000 square foot studio on Broughton(!) “But Savannah is so expensive now, and artists can’t really afford to live here anymore if they’re straight out of art school. Where are they going to work?”

This period of the early 2000s is when I first met Kenney, and I express my deep gratitude for his vision in bringing First Fridays to Starland. I am also grateful for his

work with young local investors and SCAD graduates Greg Jacobs and John Deaderick, who were trying to prevent the destruction of properties in the area of 41st and Bull. Furthermore, I commend him for his curation of over thirty shows at Gallery 28, the first property they revitalized on the corner of 41st and Drayton. “We did shows in the warehouse across the street and then all over downtown. The new Savannah has no idea about all that,” he says.

Although he does not have an official relationship with SCAD, he feels like an ambassador for the school. “They’ve been so supportive of me in my career. In a way, their patronage is like what the churches did for artists during the Renaissance. Artists need somebody to be able to keep on going. Savannah has a very small base of collectors; those people probably have more Marcus Kenneys than they want – and I’m very grateful for that, but SCAD has kept me going by buying my work and commissioning me to create things on different campuses.”

Although he and his wife Sarah talk about eventually having a place in the country, Savannah is home now. “I became who I am here. This is my town.”

Come and support this artist who has shaped and supported the art scene in his town for so long.

The opening reception for “Desolation Row,” featuring special guests and outdoor lighting installations, is on Friday, April 14, from 7 to 10 pm. Laney Contemporary is located at 1810 Mills B. Lane Blvd., and the work hangs from April 4 through June 10.Find out more about Marcus Kenney at marcuskenney.com and follow him on Instagram @ marcuskenneysparade. His work is represented by SCAD Art Sales, Florida Mining Gallery in Jacksonville, FL, Marcia Wood Gallery in Atlanta, TFA Fine Art Advisory in Charlotte, NC, and of course by Laney Contemporary.

The Good Samaritan

Dr. Filth

‘... I love the idea of just pushing yourself to find new ways to speak.’

ART PATROL: BETH LOGAN’S APRIL RECOMMENDATIONS

By Beth Logan ART COLUMNIST

My 2022 year-end column bemoaned the loss of several galleries, including Stephanie Forbes’ exciting space, RO3 Gallery at 915 Montgomery Street (@ro3_gallery).To finish out her lease Forbes is mounting four(!) shows that you won’t want to miss. First up is “Even A Worm Will Turn” by multidisciplinary artist Abigail Tankersley which hangs through April 12 with an opening reception on Friday, March 31. Tankersley’s fiber installations reference our part in a larger whole, pondering the meaning of ugliness in our world and imagining a place where it all has purpose.

“Lonely Hearts” (above) is a return of Stephanie Forbes’ collaboration with the Humane Society of Greater Savannah. Portraits of ten dogs, surrendered and available for adoption,

will be on display April 14. The Lonely Heart candidates will be on leash with volunteers in front of the gallery during the reception from 5-8pm. The following night, Saturday, April 15, join ceramic sculpture artist Derek Larson (the subject of my February 2022 column) as he shows “Artifacts Recovered,” work created during his recent SCAD Ateliership.

Finally, “Hold the Light” runs April 22 – 29 with a reception on Saturday, April 22 from 6-9 pm. A continuation of Rob Forbes’ work “Childish Things” (reviewed in April 2022), this show should be brighter and lighter as the photographer and installation artist says he has taken a conscious step away from the darker side of abuse.

I wrote about Jeanette McCune’s Cleo the Gallery (@cleo_the_gallery) on January 24. While waiting for the gallery’s new home on Waters Avenue to open, McCune has curated a “Cleo on Location” show at Frist City Pride

Center, 1515 Bull Street. “Garment Werk” by Savannah-based multidisciplinary assemblage artist Joseph E. Malson, hangs April 7 through May 5 and can be viewed Monday-Thursday, 9:30-5:00. The show explores identity, gender, and sexuality by presenting traditionally masculine, military, and utilitarian clothing in a distinctly non-masculine fashion. Malson graduated with a BFA in Fiber Art from Maryland Institute Collège of Art, had a 2019 residency at ARTS Southeast’s Sulfur Studios, and has exhibited in New York, Wisconsin and Maryland.

For a fun day of art, music, poetry, and food trucks, you can’t miss the April 22 SLAM (Savannah Local Artists Market) when over 75 local and regional artists will converge on the Salvation Army baseball field at 3000 Bee Road between 10 and 4:00 pm. This free, family-friendly event is organized by the indefatigable octogenarian Charlie Ellis (subject of my October 2021 column). It’s always a SLAMtastic day!

COASTAL ECOLOGY CAMP MOON RIVER ATHLETIC CAMPS RISE-UP READY

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

CULTURE

WHAT ARE WE READING?

PRESENTED AND CURATED BY E. SHAVER, BOOKSELLER

Spring has finally arrived, and what better way to enjoy the warm weather than with a good book in hand? Whether you’re lounging in a hammock or taking a stroll through one of the squares, April is the perfect time to soak up some sun and dive into a captivating read. Here are three books that are sure to keep you entertained this season.

First on the list is “THE HOUSE ON MANGO STREET” by Sandra Cisneros. This coming-ofage novel follows the story of Esperanza, a young girl growing up in a predominantly Latino neighborhood in Chicago. Through a series of vignettes, Cisneros explores themes of identity, family, and the struggles of navigating life as a young woman. The prose is lyrical and vivid, painting a rich picture of Esperanza’s world and the people in it. This book is perfect for readers who enjoy characterdriven stories that are both poignant and hopeful.

Next up is “THE PEOPLE WE HATE AT THE WEDDING” by Grant Ginder. This witty and relatable novel follows the dysfunctional Plumb family as they gather for their brother’s wedding in England. Told from the perspectives of each family member, the story explores the complexities of sibling relationships, love, and forgiveness. Ginder’s writing is sharp and humorous, making for a refreshing and entertaining read. If you’re looking for a book that will make you laugh and cry,

326 Bull Street

Behind the Desoto Historic Downtown Savannah 912.234.7257 eshaverbooks.com

Last but not least is “A BRIEF HISTORY OF LIVING FOREVER” by Jaroslav Kalfar. This imaginative and thought-provoking novel tells the story of a young man named Jan who discovers a potion that grants him eternal life. However, as he watches the world around him change and evolve, Jan begins to question the value of immortality. Kalfar’s writing is poetic and introspective, exploring themes of mortality, love, and the human condition. This book is perfect for readers who enjoy philosophical and thought-provoking stories that challenge their perspectives on life and death.

XIU XIU BRINGS THEIR EMOTIONALLY INTENSE SOUND AND LATEST ALBUM TO LODGE OF SORROWS

By Thomas Crone Music and Clubs

These days, Xiu Xiu, known for creating wildly-divergent explorations of sound and intense lyrical imagery, is made up of founder Jamie Stewart, longtime collaborator Angela Seo and newcomer David Kendrick, formerly of Devo and Sparks and a host of other acts. This version of the band, said mainstay Stewart, is the perfect incarnation of the project, be it in the studio or on the road, which is where Xiu Xiu will spend a decent chunk of 2023.

They’ll be out in support of the band’s latest work, “Ignore Grief,” released in early 2023, an album that sees Stewart and Seo trading vocals, with both exploring some of the heaviest material a listener could imagine.

Of the album, “Slant Magazine” says, “Xiu Xiu has always been at home in moral and artistic in-betweens, their sound strewn somewhere across the stylistic continuum of abrasive, artsy rock music. But on “Ignore Grief,” the thematic and aesthetic nook they’ve carved out

often feels lurid and unpleasant, with few moments of tenderness to alleviate its crushingly hideous atmosphere.”

“Under the Radar,” meanwhile, adds that “The premise of” Ignore Grief” leaves a sparser breadcrumb trail than any Xiu Xiu album preceding it. Themes of suicide, generational trauma, neglect, death, possession, and psychosis aren’t sleekly forged within pop structures, like on the excellent “Angel Guts: Red Classroom.” This is predominantly shapeless, cinematic music that is unleashed upon your senses like some fetid blight. The vocals of Jamie Stewart and Angela Seo—who take on separate vocal duties—sound perpetually trapped within these discordant hauntologies, chronicling ‘staggeringly horrendous events that occurred to people close to the band over the past two years,’ according to the band themselves.”

While not light stuff, this material allows fans a chance at true catharsis in the live setting. This time out, even Stewart’s wanting to feel some of that release from the live setting,

happy with not only the musicality of his bandmates, but the social ties that bind them.

“Finally, we have a good lineup,” Stewart said matter of factly. “It’s been a long time. Angela started touring with the band in 2010 and that had some life changes that didn’t always make her touring possible. She was always involved, deeply involved with the records and during the videos, but now she’s able to tour again. I’m really excited about that. And then David Kendrick, who I used to play with when I was a teenager, he’s joined the band and he’s played with Devo and Sparks and the three of us get along socially very, very well. And, you know, we’re friends outside of being in the band. This is my favorite lineup ever and I’m really excited to go on tour. I really don’t like touring and this is the first time that I have looked forward to touring in my life, entirely because of the opportunity to play with them.”

Xiu Xiu, as fans might expect, are a group that’s not necessarily the standard-issue band, CONTINUED ON PAGE 41

Cody Cloud

ROCKING THE ARENA: SHINEDOWN’S REVOLUTIONS TOUR HITS ENMARKET

By Alan Sculley Music and Clubs

Spring 2020 saw Shinedown’s unplugged “Deep Dive” tour go up in smoke when the pandemic hit. The anticipated tour was going to be a rare opportunity for fans to see the hit-making group play a selection of rarely performed album cuts from across their career.

Now three years later, plans for the acoustic tour are on indefinite hold. But fans have seen that Shinedown put the unexpected down time to good use.

Some of the time was spent making the band’s latest studio album, “Planet Zero” (more on that later), but there were other activities as well.

In September 2021, the band released a film, “Attention Attention,” which collects the videos for all 12 songs from Shinedown’s 2018 album of the same name. The album generated four No. 1 mainstream rock singles – “Monster,” “Get Up,” “Devil” and “Attention Attention.” The film, meanwhile, was intended to further elaborate on the album’s themes of overcoming negativity and adversity.

“As far as the movie goes, we did our best to visualize what we thought it was,” Myers said. “And we got (director) Bill Yukich to do it, and Bill’s kind of a weirder, darker guy. You can kind of see it in the ‘Devil’ video. You can especially see it in the ‘Monster’ video. And those elements are in the movie, those viadeos. It’s not really, it’s not a movie per se. It’s a collection of videos. There’s a video for every song. But it tells a story of kind of the start of this, where you start at kind of the end. It starts in the darkest place ever and in the end, it ends on a song like ‘Brilliant,’ which is so overpowering and upbeat.

“I think we did our best to kind of visualize, but we’re not giving too much away,” the guitarist elaborated. “We’re not really a band that likes to tell people necessarily what our songs are about because I think that ruins it for people. If you have a song that you really love or you really enjoy, and you equate it to a breakup or something that happened in your life and I go ‘This is a song about a ham sandwich,’ I don’t like those things. I think you can pull the curtain back a little bit, but we don’t want to let everybody know exactly how the sausage was made.”

In addition to getting the “Attention Atten-

tion” film finished, singer Brent Smith and Myers reactivated their acoustic-oriented duo Smith & Myers, releasing a pair of acoustic-oriented EPs (“Smith & Myers Vol.1” and “Vol. 2”) and doing a pair of short tours.

The duo debuted in 2014 with “Acoustic Sessions,” which featured a set of acoustic versions of hit songs by other artists. “Vol. 1” and “Vol. 2” expand on that idea. Those two EPs each contained 10 largely acoustic songs, five of which were originals written by Smith and Myers and five covers.

And the band as a whole (which also features Eric Bass on -- what else? -- bass and Barry Kerch on drums), of course, finished their seventh studio album, “Planet Zero,” which was released last April.

Myers offered a few thoughts about the album.

For one thing, it stands as the most topical album in the career of Shinedown, which formed in Jacksonville, FL in 2001 and has become one of mainstream rock’s most popular bands, thanks to such hit-filled albums as “Us and Them” (2005), “The Sound of Madness” (2008) and “Attention Attention,” which continued Shinedown’s unbroken string of platinum

Jimmy Fontaine

or gold-certified albums.

While as a duo, Smith and Myers had some topical content in their original songs on “Volume 1” and “Volume 2,” Shinedown has, with only rare exceptions, avoided social commentary – until “Planet Zero.”

“When we started making this record, we were at a time when it was very uncertain. When we started writing, the world had just shut down,” Myers said. “It was supposed to be 10 days and it ended up being 16 months, and even more now. So when you’re in a place like that, you have all of this other stuff around you. You have people stating opinions that aren’t necessarily political or racial or anything else, and they’re still getting canceled for their opinions. So there was a lot to write about. It may be one of the first records where there’s a lot of stuff that isn’t necessarily specific to one person in the band. There’s a ton of social commentary on this record, which really hasn’t happened with a Shinedown record.

“I think if you lived in the last (two years) we’ve just been in and you come out with a song, oh, here’s a song about a breakup, I think, excuse the language, you’re f*****g full of s***,” Myers added. “I think if that’s what you choose to write about when the world is changing to such a degree that it’s changing and you go

XIU XIU (CONTINUED)

incorporating a host of unique sounds in the studio. Some of them can be replicated precisely on stage with original instrumentation, while others are brought to life via samples or through reinterpreting the source recordings.

In the live context, Stewart’s preferred mode of operation owes to time spent on the road with Swans, whose Michael Gira taught him that one of the world’s most-powerful bands plays with nothing more than a single, white palette onstage.

Kindly explaining the obvious on the topic of Xiu Xiu’s direct approach to concerts, Stewart said “We don’t really need a lighting crew because we prefer incredibly simple lighting and we’re very specific about that. On one hand, it’s just practical. I’m super allergic to any kind of smoke or Mister Fog, so we just can’t have any in the room at any time when I’m in there or it ruins my throat. Then on the other hand, I can’t see in the dark, like at all. My eyes are almost totally blown out by direct light. So we have to have a lens that’s really bright and we just tend to sort of slowly shift through one monochrome to another.

“The other part of that is what I got from Michael,” he said. “We got kind of a makeover from someone who just has a bright white light for the entire time. They don’t change in any way. He had mentioned that, you know, if you’re not playing well enough and you need a lot of visuals, then you should probably practice more, you know, if you need that to make a show of it. And I don’t think that’s the case for everybody, but it made me really not want

‘Hey, here’s a party song!’ You missed me with that. I don’t want to hear that right now.”

Indeed, tracks like “The Saints of Violence and Innuendo,” “No Sleep Tonight,” and “America Burning,” examine the divisions in today’s society. But Shinedown also offers moments of hope and spotlights the need for unity on songs like “Daylight,” “Dysfunctional You,” and “A Symptom of Being Human.”

A unique twist in the album is the introduction of a robot-like character, Cyren, who acts as a narrator and guides listeners through the album and helps connect the themes of the songs.

Musically, “Planet Zero,” which was produced by Bass and recorded primarily at the band’s own Big Animal Studio in South Carolina, has a more raw feel than some other Shinedown albums, and Myers thinks fans will hear that the four band members are very invested in the new songs.

“What I think you’re going to take away from it musically is that it’s a very inspired record,” Myers said. “Musically it’s some of my favorite (work) we’ve done. I think we pushed ourselves as musicians.

“This is the most cliché thing to say, but it’s my favorite record we’ve ever done,” Myers added. “It’s my favorite record we’ve ever done be-

cause, just like ‘Attention Attention’ was, there was nobody to answer to. Management wasn’t in the studio, the label wasn’t in the studio going ‘Well, you know.’ And our management and our label have always been great about that. They always kind of let us, they trust us implicitly, which that’s a great feeling to have.”

Shinedown began the touring cycle behind “Planet Zero” with a run of dates in spring 2021, followed by a summer tour. Now the band is doing another headlining tour. The show, of course, will feature some of the new songs, but the rest of the set is likely to be heavy on the hits. Choosing what songs to play has become increasingly challenging, as their total number of singles approaches 30.

“It gets a little dicey. When you try to make a set list, you want to make everybody happy,” guitarist Zach Myers said. “Obviously, you have your, we call them the four corners. You’ve got to play ‘Second Chance.’ You’ve got to play ‘Simple Man.’ You’ve got to play ‘Sound of Madness’ and you’ve got to play ‘Cut The Cord.’ Other than that, you can kind of maneuver around a bit.”

Shinedown brings The Revolutions Live Tour with special guests Three Days Grace & From Ashes to New to Enmarket Arena April 17. Tickets are at ticketmaster.com

to be dependent on visuals in order for the show to potentially be fulfilling for the people who came, in addition to my, you know, feeble, physical, practical requirements.”

Experimenting with machines, with toys, with anything that could make sounds has been a hallmark of Stewart’s life. He recalls that his father was an early adopter of ProTools, a person who actually worked in production with the software.

This was a time, Stewart said, “way before it was a common sort of consumer program. I had some in-kind, Frankenstein, put-together version of ProTools. At one point after my dad had died I needed to get some service done. I took it to a ProTools place and they were all incredibly amused at the setup I had because they said it shouldn’t work because some of the stuff was like he basically had stolen from his work to give to me. So it was like prototypes that they made like, you know, two copies of this were in the box, but they never made it commercially available. I thought it was really pretty funny that I could get it to work at all.

“I have a lot of collections in music and outside of music,” he added. “All kinds of fuzz pedals, different kinds of synthesizers. I never had a guitar collection, but certainly the things around guitars.”

Fans, if they’ve not already, would be wellserved to check out YouTube, where Stewart, over the course of quite some years, has appeared in several, super-watchable videos. Be they detailing his studio setup or curating must-hear cuts, the artist’s impeccable taste in

experimental music and sound creation is second to none and his examination of his art and that of others both whip-smart and amusing.

With his chops and knowledge and charisma, one could guess that Stewart and his music might occasionally be the target of, say, a soundtrack producer. That would be the wrong guess.

Xiu Xiu’s music is for the album on which it appears, not a video game, not an art house flick, not a commercial campaign of any sort.

The Berlin-based Stewart said, “ I mean, it comes up occasionally. Not that often. I mean, ehh, we’re not all that famous. And we also have a reputation for being a little bit unpalatable sometimes. So I think that kind of prevents more commercially-based people from approaching this, which I’m fine with, because there’s really few things in that world that I would be all that interested in doing. And I’m going to, again, sound like kind of an ass, but I do mean this: music is extraordinarily important to me, and I’m sorry to use these words, but it is a sacred pursuit. And the songs are about – not in every case, but largely about –extraordinarily personal things. And, you know, to recontextualize it’s about maybe one of the worst things that ever happened in my life. So to pay for something like that is… I don’t know. It’s for me the absolute antithesis of what music is about.”

Xiu Xiu plays Lodge of Sorrows on Sat, Apr 15 at 8:00 p.m. For more information visit graveface. squarespace.site

SPRING AND SUMMER FUN GUIDE

As the weather begins to warm up and the flowers start to bloom, it’s time to embrace all the fun that spring and summer bring. Luckily, we’re in Savannah, the perfect place to enjoy this season with a variety of activities available for all ages.

From summer camps for kids to day trips for adults, Savannah has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to soak up the sun at the beach or enjoy a staycation in the city, Savannah has it all. With so much going on, it’s hard to know where to start, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this section, we’ll explore some of the best ways to enjoy spring and summer in the Coastal Empire. So, get ready to have some fun in the sun!

- Compiled by Chantel Britton, McKennah Drury and Connect Staff Reports

YOUTH SUMMER CAMP PROGRAMS

Summer camps provide an exciting opportunity for kids to explore the outdoors, make new friends, and develop new skills. Savannah is home to a variety of summer camps for all ages. ranging from traditional day camps to camps that focus on specific interests such as sports, music, or STEM.

Whether your child is interested in exploring the great outdoors, developing their artistic talents, or building new friendships, there is a summer camp in Savannah that can meet their needs.

YMCA OF COASTAL GEORGIA

Exploring Music in STEM

THE SAVANNAH COUNTRY DAY

SCHOOL’S CAMP MOON RIVER

A full-day traditional-style summer day camp with an “overnight feel” for rising K-8th-grade children. Camp Moon River offers 6 different themed camp sessions that allow children to use their imagination. For more information visit campmoonriversavannah.com

“SUPERHEROES”

DATES: June 12th - 16th

TIME: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

GRADES: Rising K - 8th

HOGWARTS - HARRY POTTER!

DATES: July 10th - 14th

TIME: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

GRADES: Rising K - 8th

OLYMPICS!

DATES: July 17th - 21st

TIME: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

GRADES: Rising K - 8th

TELFAIR MUSEUMS SUMMER

2023 ART CAMPS

The Telfair Museums Summer 2023 Art Camps provide a unique opportunity for children to explore their creativity and imagination while learning about different art forms. Led by experienced artists and educators, the camps offer a range of activities such as painting, drawing, printmaking, and photography. For more information visit telfair.org

DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY CAMP

DATES:

June 26-30 (Ages 10-12 years)

July 3–7 (Ages 13-16 years)

TIME: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

Youth Art Club Drawing and Painting Camp

DATES:

June 19–23 (Ages 10 -12 years)

July 24–28 (Ages 12-14 years)

TIME: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

Art with the Pros

DATES: June 5 – June 9, June 12-16

TIME: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm (Ages 10 – 14)

At Y camp, children have the opportunity to make their summer active and fun through crafts, sports, indoor and outdoor games, new friends, and other fun ways to learn, grow and thrive. For more information visit ymcaofcoastalga.org

Gymnastics Camp

DATES: May 30 - July 28, 2023

TIME: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Princess & Royal Ballet Camp

DATES: June 12 - June 16, 2023

AGES: 3-5

Stand-Up Paddle Board Camp

DATES: June 26 - July 21, 2023

AGES: 8- 16

SAVANNAH CHILDREN’S THEATRE

The 2023 Savannah Children’s Theatre Summer Camp offers diverse programs for all ages, including musical theatre and aerial camps. With experienced instructors, this fun and enriching 10-day camp teaches children the entire process of producing a theater show, from performing to costume and prop design, and working with microphones. Extended care hours are available, and each two-week camp concludes with weekend performances where children can showcase what they have learned. For more information, visit savannahchildrenstheatre.org.

Finding Nemo Jr

DATES: May 29, 2023 - Jun 11, 2023

AGES: 2nd - 8th grade

Aerial Arts Beginners - 2 Years Experience

DATES: Jun 26, 2023 - Jul 2, 2023

AGES: 5th - 12th grade

Highschool Musical Jr

DATES: Jun 26, 2023 - Jul 2, 2023

AGES: Jul 17, 2023 - Jul 30, 2023

GEORGIA TECH STEM/STEAM PROGRAMS

Each week-long STEM/STEAM program has a unique theme, ensuring a summer filled with fun and learning for all. Moreover, all programs now feature a significant take-home component, enabling participants to further develop their STEM/STEAM knowledge even after the week has ended.For more information visit ceismc. gatech.edu

DATES: June 20-23, 2023

AGES: 6th-8th Grades

LEGO Robotics

DATES: June 5-9, 2023

AGES: 4th-5th Grade

Food Science

DATES: July 17-21, 2023

AGES: 2nd-3rd Grades

UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA MARINE EDUCATION CENTER

The UGA Marine Education Center and Aquarium has provided science day camps every summer since 1993. The Summer Marine Science Camp (SMSC) sessions teach kids about marine science and coastal ecology while nurturing their curiosity and stewardship potential. Each session is designed for kids aged 6-14, with activities including live animal lessons, salt marsh explorations, and crabbing. For more information, visit gacoast.uga.edu

Salty Dawgs

DATES: July 24-28

AGES: 9-10

Fishing for Fun

DATES: July 10-14

AGES: 11-12

Coastal Guardians

DATES: June 12-16

AGES: 12 -14

COASTAL KITCHEN CHEF’S SUMMER CAMP

Coastal Kitchen unveiled its inaugural Chef’s Summer Camp, where children can engage in enjoyable kitchen activities such as cooking, measuring foods, potting herbs, and even painting. The program includes a Cookbook, apron, pot, and herbs for the children to take home as well. With only 12 slots available, it’s important to sign up now to secure a spot! For additional details, email coastalkitchensavannah@gmail.com.

DATES: July 10-11

TIME: 9:30 - 2:30

AGES: 8-12

EXPERIENCE LIFE ON THE WATER

Savannah is one of the South’s most charming coastal community, with a bustling port and a beautiful riverwalk. For many years, the Savannah River has been a significant site not only of commerce but also recreation. Also, the Hostess City’s proximity to the Atlantic is perfect for all kinds of water-specific adventures. With warmer weather on the horizon, it’s time to enjoy some off-land excitement. Splash into spring and summer by taking advantage of all the fun opportunities awaiting you on the water.

GEORGIA BIGHT CHARTERS

(MIDDLE PHOTO) If you want to take an eco-tour that’s eco-conscious, look no further than Georgia Bight Charters. Offering in-shore fishing charters, dolphin tours, and eco-tours, GBC helps patrons explore the Georgia coast. The charters launch from Skidaway, Wilmington and Tybee islands, allowing you to take in the sights, sounds and scents of our vibrant estuary systems. You can spend up to 8 hours on the water, and custom tours are available. For more information, visit georgiabightcharters.com/.

COMPASS SAILING

Cruise along on ‘Zingara’, Compass Sailing’s classic Morgan sailing yacht, and enjoy striking vistas of Savannah’s salt marshes and the Atlantic Ocean. The watercraft is spacious with a large cabin, refrigeration and a private restroom to accommodate your needs. Gather your friends and sail with Captain Steve throughout Savannah’s waterways. He might even let you take the wheel! Visit compasssailing.com/ to learn more about their charters.

OUTSIDE SAVANNAH

(BOTTOM PHOTO) Outside Savannah offers uniquely crafted experiences and excursions for adventurers to enjoy. With several daily and private tours, it’s easy to find an option that works for you. Embark on a boat tour of the Savannah port or admire wildlife while learning about the riverfront’s rich history on the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge Tour. Whatever you choose, you’re sure to enjoy your time cruising along the coast with Outside Savannah. For more details, visit outsidesav.com/.

SAVANNAH CRUISE COMPANY

Love to party but tired of the typical nightlife scene? Consider booking a party boat tour with Savannah Cruise Company. They offer daily sunset cruises and a variety of private charters for a fun, unforgettable experience. The boat can accommodate up to 20 people, so gather your pals and prepare to have a blast. All cruises are BYOB with catering options available, so you can really get the party going. Visit them online at savannahcruisecompany.com/ to learn more.

THE SEA DAWG

(TOP PHOTO) The UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant has several vessels available to support research efforts in coastal Georgia. While these research vessels are generally reserved for the scientific community, every now and then there will be special instances where the public can climb aboard and enjoy an educational adventure. One such opportunity is coming up on May 26. UGA Marine Extension invites you to cruise on their 43-foot trawler, the Sea Dawg, for an exciting estuary trawl. Collect samples from our aquatic communities and sort and record species and environmental data. Educators will be present to share about the natural history and ecology of animals collected during the trawl. If leisure and learning is a winning combination for you, you won’t want to miss this opportunity. Head to gacoast.uga.edu/ for more info.

ONE-TANK ROAD TRIPS

Spring is here and summer is around the corner, which means it’s time to pack your things and hit the road. There’s nothing like gathering with family members or a group of friends, packing into the car and going on a fun road trip. It’s one of life’s simple pleasures. Savannah is proximal to several lovely locales that are perfect to visit for a quick getaway. So, fill up the tank, buckle up and take a fun trip to these delightful destinations soon!

CHARLESTON

Savannah’s sister city, Charleston, is just little more than two-hours away. Like the Hostess City, Charleston is well known for its rich history and cultural legacy. A visit to Charles Towne Landing will take you back to the city’s origins in 1670, when English settlers first landed there. Present-day

destination this time of year, as visitors flock to its beaches, but Jax has so much more to offer. The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is a fun attraction for families, as is the Museum of Science and History. Nature lovers will enjoy Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary, and the city’s parks, preserves and arboretum. Shopaholics can score unique finds at local flea markets. No matter what you’re into, you’re sure to have a good time in Jacksonville. Just 45 minutes away, you’ll find St. Augustine, so why not make this trip a twofer?

Founded in 1565 by a Spanish conquistador, St. Augustine is America’s oldest city, so you can expect rich history in this scenic Floridian city. Go on a dolphin adventure, visit St. Augustine’s many museums, and revitalize yourself at the Fountain of Youth for an unforgettable experience.

ST. SIMONS ISLAND

(ABOVE) Less than a two-hour drive away, this Golden Isle is an ideal place for a nice daycation. St. Simons Island has beautiful beaches and a lot to offer when it comes to dining and recreation. Go horseback riding on the beach, hike through Cannon’s Point Preserve, or play pickleball at Epworth Park. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, you’ll find lots of great options to satisfy your stomach. Many of the island’s eateries boast some of the freshest seafood around. You can also enjoy bold barbecue and Southern comfort cuisine in casual settings.

CUMBERLAND ISLAND

Folkston. You can get a pass to both and enjoy a multi-day vacay. Learn about the history and heritage of the swamp on a guided tour by boat or train. See wildlife thrive in their natural habitat. And soak in the scenery of the serene swamp.

BEAUFORT

Charleston is home to a vibrant art scene, and if you love the arts, you may want to make your trip between May 26 and June 11 to be in town for the Spoleto Festival. This world-renowned festival is a 17-day celebration of performing arts, with operatic, dance, musical and theatrical performances taking place in historic venues all throughout the city. With spectacular art, longstanding history, stellar dining and striking architecture, Charleston is the epitome of Southern charm (next to Savannah, of course).

JACKSONVILLE AND ST. AUGUSTINE

About 140 miles south of Savannah, Jacksonville is a popular

MACON

(ABOVE) 2.5 hours west in middle Georgia is the city of Macon. Home to ancient indigenous mounds and the state’s largest collection of African American artifacts, Macon is brimming with history and culture. The Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park is an absolute must-visit, particularly for those interested in learning more about Native American culture. Macon also boasts a bevy of fascinating museums, outdoor attractions and artistic outlets. There’s also plenty of great restaurants in town from farm-totable fine dining to familiar soul food staples.

Just a bit further south than Jekyll Island is Cumberland Island, Georgia’s largest barrier isle. Home to loggerhead sea turtles, a wide variety of birds, and a population of free-roaming feral horses, Cumberland is an unadulterated natural marvel. Anyone looking for an encounter with nature will find it here. There are several camping sites on the island with ample opportunities for hiking, swimming, hunting, bird watching, boating, fishing and other outdoor activities. Clearly, Cumberland Island is an ideal location for a wild adventure.

OKEFENOKEE SWAMP

Situated on the Georgia-Florida line, Okefenokee Swamp is an expansive wetland with a unique ecosystem and natural beauty. Drawing its name from a Native American word meaning “trembling earth,” Okefenokee is home to a swamp park in Waycross and national wildlife refuge in

Roughly one hour northeast, Beaufort is a South Carolina city known as a Lowcountry gem. The area is steeped in history and Gullah Geechee tradition and culture. There are three relaxing beaches each with their own appeal, and there’s plenty of biking, hiking and kayaking opportunities to take advantage of. One must-see attraction in Beaufort is the Kazoo Museum & Factory, which you can visit for free. Journey through American history with the country’s most unique musical instrument. If you want to go behind the scenes and make a kazoo of your own, there is an affordable guided tour available as well. The museum is great fun for visitors of all ages, so be sure to add it to your itinerary.

ATLANTA

Atlanta is the furthest out on our list, but it’s still totally doable on one tank of gas. There are countless things to do and see in Atlanta, which is why it’s a favored destination not only for Savannahians but travelers throughout the country and world. Some things worth checking out include the World of Coca Cola, Starlight Drive-In and the Illuminarium. Truth is, one trip simply won’t cut it, which is why so many locals visit ATL on the regular.

STAYCATION: TAKE IN A MUSEUM OR TWO

A staycation is a great way for families to rediscover their own communities and spend quality time together without the hustle and bustle of airports or interstates. Fortunately, we live in a region blessed with culture. Take advantage of the time afforded you by your staycation to soak up all the culture and recreational activities Savannah has to offer. Visit nearby museums, take in a performance at your local theater or explore a nearby park, be it for a day of hiking, boating or a more laid back picnic in the sun. Plan a few days when you can act like someone visiting for the first time. See if you can visit all the fantastic city squares or get a tour of a local business. Sign up for one of those ghost tours you’ve secretly wanted to take. Seek out and visit all the forts, monuments, cemeteries and points of history. There are a LOT of them. Hop on one of those sight-seeing trolleys and learn something new about where you live. You may just be surprised at what you can discover right outside your back door. Of course, there are numerous options for taking in some of the thriving art scene, and a plethora of world-class museums and galleries. Here are a few of the major spots.

TELFAIR ACADEMY

The oldest public art museum in the South, this was once the home of the Telfair family, a political-planter-merchant powerhouse that occupied a place of prominence for more than a century. Mary Telfair, the diminutive doyenne who died in 1875, provided for the museum in her will. Drastically altered from its days as a Regency-style mansion, the Telfair Academy of Arts and Science opened in 1886. It’s now part of Telfair Museums, a downtown arts force that also includes the Owens-Thomas House and the Jepson Center. The Telfair Academy frequently hosts traveling exhibitions, and it has an extensive permanent collection that includes works by Gari Melchers, Frederick Frieseke, William Hogarth, James Abbott McNeill Whistler and Romare Bearden. It also features such Savannah-centric artists as Augusta Oelschig and Luther Vann. Also on display is The Bird Girl, the piece of Bonaventure Cemetery statuary that photographer Jack Leigh made famous with the cover of “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.” Several of the rooms have been restored to reflect the original 1819 design of the house, including the dining room, which boasts a New York sideboard and set of chairs attributed to Duncan Phyfe.

If you go: Telfair Academy is located at 121 Barnard St. For more information, go to telfair.org.

JEPSON CENTER FOR THE ARTS

This is famed architect Moshe Safdie’s vision for Savannah, a blocksized, glass-fronted, plain-sided contemporary museum that has a drastically different look at different parts of the day, depending on the angle of the sun. Safdie’s resume is impeccable – the National Gallery in Ottawa, the Holocaust History Museum in Jerusalem, the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, built in Bentonville, Ark., for Walmart heiress Alice Walton, and a long list of others – but that didn’t help when he presented his original plans for the Jepson in 1999. Savannahians protested loudly and at length, charging that Safdie’s creation did not fit in with the city’s carefully crafted plan. Changes were made, and the Jepson finally opened in 2006. Today, the Jepson fits flawlessly, especially when school buses are outside, letting children out so they can enter through the glass doors. The Jepson serves as the Telfair’s edgy outlet. Its exhibits include such nontraditional works as Sarah Frost’s Arsenal, a display of hundreds of hand-made paper guns hung from the ceiling. An interactive gallery for children is located on its second floor, and there are also galleries devoted to photography, space that displays works by such artists as Walker Evans, Jack Leigh and Dan Winters. The Jepson also has a swanky gift shop, one that offers designer purses and jewelry, coffee-table-sized art books and replicas of The Bird Girl.

If you go: The Jepson Center is located at 207 W. York St. For more information, go to telfair.org.

SHIPS OF THE SEA MARITIME MUSEUM

(ABOVE) You enter Ships of the Sea through the rear, an opportunity to amble through the largest garden in the historic district, a 19th-century space that stays cool and inviting, even during Savannah’s sultry summer. The display spaces inside the museum reflect the house’s riches-torags-to-restoration history. Once a magnificent Regency-style residence that played host to President James Monroe in 1819, it sat vacant for years over a couple of stretches and served as the West Broad Street School from 1878 until 1962. Ships of the Sea purchased it in 1995, and painstakingly recaptured its grandeur as much as possible. Models of many prominent vessels, including the Titanic, the infamous slave ship Wanderer and the light cruiser U.S.S. Savannah sit in glass-enclosed cases, and large, bold, vivid nautical paintings line the walls, several of them placed above black-marble mantelpieces. The scrimshaw collection, a testament to the spare time sailors had at sea and their skill at carving, is on the third floor. The museum also has a well-stocked gift shop, a chance to buy books on Georgia and maritime history, along with several sizes of ships in a bottle.

If you go: Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum is located at 41 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. For more information, go to shipsofthesea.org.

THE SCAD MUSEUM OF ART

Reflective of SCAD’s skill at renewing and renovating old buildings and spaces, this cutting-edge museum occupies what was once an antebellum railroad complex. The 1856 headquarters of the Central of Georgia was refurbished and refined for its role as the main space, and the 1853 railroad depot, which was beyond repair, was pulled into the project as well, its two remaining walls saved with artful style, and its thousands of scattered Savannah gray bricks used throughout the grounds. The new museum, covering some 82,000 square feet, hosts ambitious and audacious traveling exhibitions and features several permanent collections, including the Walter O. Evans Center for African American Studies, which contains works from renowned artists Jacob Lawrence, Clementine Hunter, Romare Bearden and others, and the Andre Leon Talley Gallery, which displays garments from modern fashion designers. In keeping with SCAD’s educational role, the museum also holds 10 classrooms, two study suites and a 250-seat theater. One of its other focal points is the 12-foot-long horizontal touch pad in the atrium, a quicklook, no-paper catalog that previews visiting exhibitions and provides detailed information on the permanent collections.

If you go: The SCAD Museum of Art is located at 601 Turner Blvd. For more information, visit scadmoa.org.

LOCAL ACTIVITIES EVERY SAVANNAHIAN SHOULD CHECK OFF THEIR LIST BY THE END OF THE SUMMER

Enjoy a fun challenge? Look no further than our list of 50 must-do activities for residents of our amazing city. We had a blast putting together this diverse and exciting list, which includes everything from trying new restaurants to exploring the city's rich history to taking advantage of its beautiful outdoor spaces. And we want to hear from you! If you have additional suggestions or want to share photos of your own Savannah adventures, please email us at happenings@connectsavannah.com or tag us on social media @connectsavannah. Let's make this spring and summer one to remember!

Join a guided walking tour of Savannah’s historic district to visit the most prominent landmarks and learn about the history and architecture of the city’s iconic buildings from an experienced guide.

Visit Forsyth Park and take a stroll around the park’s scenic paths, admire the park’s famous fountain, have a picnic in the lush greenery, and catch a live music performance or art show hosted in the park.

Take a free sunset ride across the river on a water-ferry. One of the best ways to experience the beauty of the Savannah River is by taking a sunset ride on a water-ferry. The ferries run from River Street to Hutchinson Island and offer stunning views of the river and the city’s skyline. The best part? The ride is completely free! It’s

the perfect way to relax and take in the beauty of Savannah at the end of the day. Don’t miss the chance to see the city from a different perspective.

Spend a day exploring Tybee Island’s stunning beaches and water activities, such as kayaking, paddleboarding, or parasailing, then grab a seafood lunch at one of the island’s popular restaurants, and end the day with a spectacular sunset view.

Take a guided tour of Bonaventure Cemetery to learn about the unique history and famous gravesites, including the famous “Little Gracie.” Johnny Mercer, and some giving nods to “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,” then capture memorable photos of the stunning architecture and sculptures.

Join a haunted pub crawl tour to experience Savannah’s spooky nightlife, visit some of the city’s most haunted pubs and taverns, and hear chilling tales of ghostly encounters and haunted history.

Explore the Telfair Museums’ diverse collections of art and artifacts, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts, and attend one of the museum’s special exhibitions, events, or workshops.

Attend a Savannah Bananas baseball game and enjoy the team’s unique baseball experience, including their quirky promotions, funny skits, and upbeat atmosphere, while indulging in a delicious ballpark meal. (If you can score one of their hard-to-get tickets, that is!

Join a food tour of Savannah to taste the city’s famous Southern cuisine, sample local dishes such as shrimp and grits, fried chicken, and biscuits, and learn about the history and culture of the city’s culinary scene.

Visit the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum: This museum is dedicated to preserving the history of the Eighth Air Force and features exhibits on World War II-era aircraft, artifacts, and personal stories of veterans.

Watch a Savannah Clovers Soccer game: This local pro soccer team plays at Memorial Stadium and offers an exciting and affordable way to experience the sport in a fun and family-friendly atmosphere.

Take a ghost tour: Savannah is known for its haunted history and offers a variety of ghost tours that explore the city’s spookiest locations and stories.

Explore the Savannah Children’s Museum: This interactive museum offers hands-on exhibits and activities that encourage children to learn about science, history, and art in a fun and engaging way.

Visit the SCAD Museum of Art: Located in the heart of Savannah’s historic district, the SCAD Museum of Art showcases a diverse range of contemporary art and design. Visitors can explore works by internationally renowned artists and designers, as well as rotating exhibits featuring SCAD alumni and faculty. The museum also hosts a variety of events and programs, including artist talks, workshops, and film screenings.

Take a trolley tour of Savannah: A trolley tour is a great way to see the sights of Savannah, and learn about the city’s history and culture. The trolley tours usually offer hop-on, hop-off service, so you can explore the city at your own pace. Locals often ride for free, so it’s a great way for Savannah residents to show their out-of-town guests around the city without breaking the bank.

Go fishing: Savannah is home to some of the best fishing spots on the East Coast, with opportunities to catch a variety of fish, including redfish, trout, and flounder.

Visit the Tybee Island Light Station and Museum: This historic lighthouse dates back to 1732 and offers a breathtaking view from the top, as well as exhibits on the history of the lighthouse and the island.

Take a kayaking tour: Explore the waterways around Savannah and Tybee Island on a guided kayak tour, which offers a unique perspective on the city’s natural beauty and wildlife.

Visit the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge: This beautiful wilderness area is home to a variety of wildlife, including alligators, deer, and migratory birds, and offers hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Visit the Savannah African Art Museum: This museum showcases the work of contemporary African artists and features exhibitions that explore the rich cultural heritage of Africa.

Go on a bike tour of Savannah: Rent a bike and take a leisurely ride through Savannah’s picturesque streets and squares, stopping to admire the historic architecture and beautiful scenery along the way.

Visit the Wormsloe Historic Site: This site features a stunning avenue of oak trees and a historic home dating back to the 18th century. Take a guided tour to learn about the site’s history and explore the scenic trails and gardens.

Attend the Savannah Jazz Festival: This annual festival features jazz performances by local and national artists and takes place in various venues throughout Savannah.

Take a cooking class: Learn how to make classic Southern dishes like fried chicken, collard greens, and sweet potato pie from a local chef.

Go on a dolphin watching tour: Take a boat out into the Atlantic Ocean and watch for dolphins swimming in their natural habitat.

Visit the Savannah Bee Company: This local company produces delicious honey and offers tours of their production facilities, as well as tastings of their different honey varieties.

Visit the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist: This stunning cathedral is one of Savannah’s most iconic landmarks and features beautiful stained glass windows and ornate interior decoration.

Go on a nature walk in Skidaway Island State Park: This beautiful park features over 6 miles of hiking trails, offering stunning views of marshes, forests, and wildlife.

Visit the UGA Aquarium: Located on Skidaway Island, this aquarium features exhibits on Georgia’s coastal ecosystems, including live animals like sea turtles, stingrays, and sharks.

Take a guided tour of the Bamboo Farm and Coastal Gardens: Located just outside of Savannah, this botanical garden features over 70 acres of bamboo, as well as a variety of other plants, flowers, and wildlife.

Visit the Fort McAllister State Historic Park: Located in Richmond Hill, this park features a well-preserved Civil War-era fort, as well as hiking trails, a campground, and a picnic area.

Take a surf lesson: tybeesurflessons. com has classes for all ages. You can catch a wave, then learn to play a ukelele!

Take a tour of the Richmond Hill History Museum: This small but fascinating museum features exhibits on the history of Richmond Hill, including the town’s Native American heritage and Civil War-era history.

Go on a nature hike in the Richmond Hill Wildlife Management Area: This beautiful wilderness area features over 7,000 acres of forest, wetlands, and open fields, offering hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Take a walking tour of Pooler’s historic district: This charming district features a variety of historic homes and buildings dating back to the 19th century, offering a glimpse into Pooler’s history and architecture.

Visit the Georgia State Railroad Museum: Located in Savannah, this museum features historic steam locomotives and other rail cars, offering a fascinating look at the history of transportation in Georgia.

Visit the Graveface Museum: Located in Factor's Walk, this quirky museum features a collection of oddities, including taxidermy, vintage medical equipment, and horror movie memorabilia.

Grab a bite to eat and play some games at Starland Yard: This outdoor food and entertainment venue in Savannah’s Starland District offers a variety of food trucks, a beer garden, and lawn games.

Experience the history and cuisine of Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room: This iconic Savannah restaurant offers Southernstyle family-style dining, with classic dishes like fried chicken, collard greens, and macaroni and cheese.

Explore the Tybee Island Marine Science Center: Located on Tybee Island, this science center offers interactive exhibits and touch tanks, as well as guided beach walks and turtle talks.

Go shopping at Picker Joe’s: Located in the heart of Savannah’s Design District, Picker Joe’s is a unique antique and vintage store that offers a treasure trove of one-of-a-kind items. Visitors can browse through the store’s curated collection of vintage furniture, clothing, art, and home decor.

Explore the Ogeechee Canal: Located just a short drive away, the Ogeechee Canal offers visitors a chance to explore the region's natural beauty and history. The canal was once a vital transportation route for goods and people, and visitors can learn about its history and importance at the nearby Ogeechee Canal Museum and Nature Center.

Explore River Street: River Street is a historic cobblestone street that runs along the Savannah River in the heart of the city’s historic district. The street is lined with shops, galleries, and restaurants housed in restored 19thcentury cotton warehouses. Visitors can stroll along the riverfront, watch cargo ships pass by, and enjoy live music and street performers. River Street also offers breathtaking views of the Talmadge Memorial Bridge and the Savannah River.

Explore SCADStory: This immersive exhibition tells the story of the Savannah College of Art and Design

(SCAD) and its impact on the world of art and design. Visitors can explore the school’s history through interactive exhibits, artifacts, and multimedia presentations, as well as learn about the achievements of SCAD alumni and faculty. The exhibition is a must-visit for anyone interested in art, design, and creativity, and is located in the heart of Savannah’s historic district.

Dine at Betty Bombers: Located inside the American Legion Post 135 in the historic district of Savannah, Betty Bombers is a unique restaurant that pays homage to the “Greatest Generation” and the era of World War II. The menu features classic American dishes such as burgers, sandwiches, and milkshakes, all with a creative twist. The decor is equally impressive, with vintage military memorabilia and artwork covering the walls

Attend First Fridays in Starland: On the first Friday of every month, the Starland District of Savannah comes alive with art, music, food, and fun. The event showcases the best of Savannah’s creative community and features art shows, live music, food trucks, and special events hosted by local businesses. Explore the district’s galleries and boutiques, enjoy live performances, and sample some of the city’s best food and drink.

Visit the Prohibition Museum: Located in the heart of Savannah’s historic district, the Prohibition Museum offers a unique glimpse into the era of Prohibition in the United States. The museum features interactive exhibits, including a speakeasy and a simulated moonshine still, that allow visitors to experience what life was like during the “roaring twenties” and the years of Prohibition. The museum also

features a wide range of artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of the rise of the Temperance Movement and the social, political, and economic forces that led to the passing of the 18th Amendment.

Explore Fort Pulaski: Located on Cockspur Island between Savannah and Tybee Island, Fort Pulaski is a must-visit destination for history buffs and nature lovers alike. The fort played a key role in the American Civil War and is now a national monument that offers visitors a chance to explore its historic structures and learn about the battles fought there. Visitors can also take a nature walk or go birdwatching in the surrounding salt marshes and tidal creeks.

Visit the Pinpoint Heritage Museum: Located in the historic African American community of Pin Point, the Pinpoint Heritage Museum is a small but powerful museum that tells the story of the Gullah/Geechee culture and the people who have lived in the area for generations. Visitors can explore the museum’s exhibits, which include interactive displays, artifacts, and photographs, and learn about the community’s history, traditions, and contributions to the local economy.

Dine at The Crab Shack on Tybee Island: Located on the shores of Tybee Island, The Crab Shack is a popular seafood restaurant that offers a unique and fun dining experience. The restaurant features outdoor seating and a relaxed atmosphere, as well as a wide range of fresh seafood dishes, including crab, shrimp, and oysters. Visitors can also enjoy the restaurant’s famous “Gator Pond,” where live alligators swim in a pond just outside the restaurant’s seating area.

THE BEAUTIFUL GAME

Future stars in the making! Young soccer players from Savannah United Premier Youth Soccer Club were all smiles as they watched Savannah Clovers FC play its first match at Memorial Stadium. With over 2,000 fans in attendance, there was an electric atmosphere that fueled their excitement for what’s known as “the beautiful game.”

PHOTO BY CHRIS HAYES

PHOTO BY HOWARD HACKNEY