Connect Savannah - June 30, 2021

CONNECT SAVANNAH

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ROCK OUT

WITH CONNECT, ROCK 106.1 Local band Lilakk to open 20th Anniversary Concert at Trustees’ Garden

JUNE 30-JULY 6, 2021

The Bank That That SERVICE Built® The Bank SERVICE Built® Member FDIC. © 2021 United Community Bank Community | ucbi.comBank | ucbi.com Member FDIC. © 2021 United

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TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW!

20etRHsArY AnNiV T r E c N o C

Rock 106.1’s 20th Anniversary Celebration Concert in part with Connect Savannah are bringing live rock back to the Coastal Empire July 3rd, 2021! Five bands on one stage! This show will be one for the ages so do not miss out on your chance to escape the indoors and get outside for some pure rock and entertainment.

Trustees’ Gardens at the Kehoe Iron Works | Downtown Savannah, GA Doors open at 12 noon Tickets will move fast so get yours today!

ONE UNIT FOR

$7.95

THROUGH JULY 31

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30-

AT A GLANCE

WEDNESDAY 6.30 Open Mic at Mint to Be Mojito Bar

JUNE/

HIGHLIGHTED PICKS FROM HOSTESS CITY HAPPENINGS THIS WEEK TO HAVE YOUR EVENT CONSIDERED FOR INCLUSION IN WEEK AT A GLANCE, PLEASE SEND AN EMAIL TO WAG@CONNECTSAVANNAH.COM. INCLUDE THE EVENT NAME, DATE, TIME, LOCATION WITH ADDRESS, COST, WEBSITE ADDRESS FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, AND A CONTACT NUMBER. THE SUBMISSION DEADLINE IS 5PM EACH FRIDAY BEFORE THE FOLLOWING WEDNESDAY’S EDITION.

repeats every Monday in July.

4-7 p.m.

Leopold’s Ice Cream 212 East Broughton St.

Join host Larry Broussard for Savannah’s best open mic every Wednesday. Watch LIVE On TikTok @cajuncookin. Larry plays your favorite hits and requests between sets.

5-11 p.m.

Mint to Be Mojito’s 12 W State St.

Salsa Thursdays at Mint to Be Mojitos

Trivia Night with Jess Shaw

FRIDAY 7.2

Jess Shaw and Kevin Ryan guide participants through an evening of trivia and self discovery at Service Brewing. Test your trivia knowledge while also competing in interactive challenge rounds to gain extra points. The first place team receives a $100 cash prize.

6:30 p.m.

Service Brewing Company 574 Indian St. servicebrewing.com

THURSDAY 7.1 Free Yoga on the Beach at the The Deck Enjoy free yoga on the Tybee sponsored by The Deck Beach Bar & Kitchen. Bring a large beach towel, yoga mat or a tapestry, a hat and sunglasses, water and a friend.

9-10 a.m.

The Deck Beachbar and Kitchen 404 Butler Ave.

I Pledge for Ice Cream Kick Off

Children under 12 are invited to participate in the 11th Annual “I Pledge for Ice Cream” kick-off by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance from memory to be rewarded with a free child’s scoop of Leopold’s super premium ice cream. This event

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JULY/

Join Salsa Savannah on Thursdays at Mint to Be Mojitos for free beginner dance lessons. Enjoy Salsa, bachata music, and dancing.

7:30-10:30 p.m.

Mint to Be Mojito’s 12 W State Street.

Savannah Stars & Stripes

Enjoy the Fourth of July Weekend at Plant Riverside with free live music, performances by Savannah Cirque, mini golf, a boat parade and much more family-friendly fun.

1-10:30 p.m.

Plan Riverside District 400 W. River St.

Bluegrass By The Pint with Swamptooth

Join Service Brewing for Bluegrass by the Pint every Friday featuring live bluegrass from favorite local favorite’s, Swamptooth.

6 p.m.

Service Brewing Company 574 Indian St .

Legends on Live

Enjoy a cast of Broadway and Las Vegas singers, dancers, live band and aerial artistry perform a 2-hour tribute to pop music legends including Beatles, Jackson 5, Aretha Franklin, Bruno Mars, Earth, Wind & Fire, Celine Dion, and many more in a dazzling Vegas-style show.

8 p.m.

The Historic Savannah Theatre 222 Bull St. $39 adults, $19.50 ages 16 and under

savannahtheatre.com

SATURDAY 7.3

Rock 106.1 20th Anniversary Concert

The Rock 106.1 20th Anniversary Concert is hosted at the Trustees Garden with Connect Savannah.

Enjoy live performances by Puddle of Mudd, Filter, Sponge, and Lilakk.

Visit Rock1061.com for tickets.

The first 500 general admission tickets are only $25 The first 50 VIP tickets are only $75 Noon- 10 p.m.

Trustees Garden 10 East Broad St.

Fire & Wine

Enjoy half off bottles of wine and fire pits in the courtyard. Purchase one of our s’mores kits with marshmallows included for the ultimate fall experience.

6-9 p.m.

Foxy Loxy Cafe 1919 Bull St.

First Saturday Hike

This moderately-paced, 3-mile hike will include a talk about the different ecosystems of the park. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water and insect repellant. Parking pass is $5.

Visit website for more info.

10-11 a.m.

Fort McAllister Historic Park 3894 Fort McAllister Rd. $2 explore.gastateparks.org/

Forsyth Farmers Market

Local and regional produce, honey, meat, dairy, pasta, baked goods and other delights. Rain or shine.

9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Forsyth Park, Drayton St. & East Park Ave. 912-484-0279. forsythfarmersmarket.com

Islands Farmers Market

Weekly farmers market on Talahi Island highlighting local growers and makers, healthy foods and a positive environment.

9 a.m.-1 p.m.

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

Richmond Hill Celebrates the Red, White and Blue

Richmond Hill Celebrates the Red, White, and Blue. This free, family-friendly event features live music from The Swingin’ Medallions, a wide variety of food choices, inflatable water slides, and will be topped off with a fireworks show at sundown at approximately 9 p.m.

Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

4:30-9:30 p.m.

J.F. Gregory Park 521 Cedar St. richmondhill-ga.gov/

Savannah State Farmer’s Market

Stop by the Savannah State Farmers Market on Saturday mornings for fresh, local produce, plants, flowers, nuts, seasonings, and crafts by local artisans! Come early and visit the Farmbag At The Market table for your bag of free produce! first Saturday of every month, 9 a.m.-noon 701 US Hwy 80

SUNDAY 7.4

Independence Day Fireworks Show Savannah’s Waterfront will host the annual Independence Day Fireworks Show to recognize the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 30-JULY 6-, 2021

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SAVANNAH’S PULSE NEWS | ARTS | ENTERTAINMENT

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

OUR VALUES

Connect Savannah at its core is focused on arts and entertainment and the happenings in our community. We are also a news organization with professional journalists who write about community news and the about the people who live here.

Connect Savannah is dedicated to keeping readers informed and aware of all that goes on in the community.

The presentation of both news and opinion is designed to educate, entertain, inform and foster conversation.

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ON THE COVER Savannah local band Lilakk will open the Rock 106.1 20th anniversary Rock Concert with Connect Savannah following fellow locals, Whaleboat.

Photo by Adriana Iris Boatwright

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

We are your comprehensive source for the arts, entertainment, music, and community events. We are here to serve you.

We are blessed to be part of the greatest country in the world and the freedom it bestows on its citizens and its press.

Find us on these platforms or reach out to our newsroom at news@connectsavannah.com or 912-721-4378.

ROCK OUT

WITH CONNECT, ROCK 106.1 Local band Lilakk to open 20th

Anniversary Concert at Trustees’ Garden

JUNE 30-JULY 6, 2021

The Bank That That The Bank SERVICE Built® SERVICE Built® Member FDIC. © 2021 United Member Community FDIC. © 2021 United Bank Community | ucbi.comBank | ucbi.com

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

The City of Savannah will be offering a flat rate of $5 parking in city garages and the Savannah Convention Center will offer $5 self-parking.

9-10 p.m.

Savannah Waterfront 322 E Factors Walk

Live Jazz Sunday Brunch Featuring the Howard Paul Jazz Trio

Myrtle & Rose Rooftop Garden at Plant Riverside District will host weekly live performances by legendary jazz guitarist Howard Paul, beginning on Sunday, July 4.

11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Myrtle & Rose Rooftop Garden 400 West River St.

(CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE)

Welcome Whales at Henny Penny

Head to Henny Penny to engage in an environment for adults and kids to relax, create, and connect! This week at Henny Penny, the art class will focus on “Welcome Whale.”

7 a.m.-3 p.m.

Henny Penny Art Space & Cafe 1514 Bull St.

MONDAY 7.5 Summer Reading Program Join Live Oak Public Library for fun in the sun with Summer Readinh Program.

Live Oak Public Libraries Live Oak Public Libraries 2002 Bull St.

COLUMN

Tybee Island Farmers Market

Weekly market featuring a variety of produce, baked goods, honey, eggs, BBQ, sauces and dressings, popsicles, dog treats and natural body products. Artisans are also featured each week. Non-smoking and pet friendly.

4 p.m.

30 Meddin Dr.

TUESDAY 7.6 Stafford’s Tuesday Comedy Open Mic Head out to enjoy the ghost of Savannah’s legendary open mic.

All experience levels welcome.

8:30-11:45 p.m.

Stafford’s Public House 306 W. Upper

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

The first concert

BY ERICA BASKIN erica@connectsavannah.com

WHAT WAS you first concert after the pandemic?

A question of the future, that Connect Savannah and Rock 106.1 want to help you answer.

Aaron Wilborn, marketing manager with Dick Broadcasting and I are excited to announce Rock 106.1’s 20th Anniversary concert with Connect Savannah. We are bringing back live rock to the Costal Empire July 3.

We will have five bands on one stage.

• Puddle of Mudd • Filter • Sponge • Lilakk • Whale Boat

The concert will be held at the beautiful Kehoe Iron Work’s venue [660 E Broughton St]. We will feature a variety of food trucks, food vendors, beer, alcohol, soda, water and several local vendors.

Food vendors include Molly MacPherson’s, C. Alexanders, Bojangles, The Food Boxx, Pie Society, Krazian, Chez Georges and Reece’s Barbeque.

I want to thank Charles H. Morris, Trustee’s Garden staff, Dick Broadcasting and all of our sponsors for making this event possible. Stay tuned for more Connect events.

We can’t wait to see you there.

Cheers!

NEWS

COMMUNITY

Celebrations start with Stars and Stripes July 4th Weekend at Plant Riverside District

BY JAMIE BURTON jamie@connectsavannah.com

FROM JULY 2 through July 5, family-friendly festivities will take place at the Kessler Collection’s Plant Riverside District to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday; all of which are free and open to the public.

The four-day event at Plant Riverside District will offer free live music and performances by Savannah Cirque, mini golf, a boat parade, and food and drink options for all ages.

Of course, the weekend wouldn’t be complete without fireworks. Plant Riverside District will sponsor the Savannah’s Waterfront annual Independence Day Fireworks Show, which will light up the sky at 9:15 p.m. July 4 directly across from Plant Riverside District.

Take a seat on the riverwalk to watch the inaugural Freedom Floats Savannah July 4th Boat Parade, with the official judging in Montgomery Park on July 4 from 3-5 p.m. Presented by the Freedom

Boat Club, a parade of more than 40 ves- performers such as Lyn Avenue from sels decked out in red, white and blue 7-10 p.m. on July 2; The Talisman from decor will travel down the Savannah 7-10 p.m. on July 3; and Dueling PiaRiver to compete for prizes. nos at 2 p.m. on July 4, followed by the “We warmly welFabulous Equinox come Savannah resOrchestra from idents and visitors 6-9:30 p.m. to join us at Plant It doesn’t stop Riverside District there: a Red, White for a lively, fun-filled & Blue Spectacular Fourth of July celecircus show featurbration that is sure ing awe-inspiring to become a new performances by family tradition,” Savannah Cirque said Richard C. Keswill take place on sler, chairman and July 2; July 3; and CEO of The Kessler July 4 at 8:30 p.m. in Collection. “We Martin Luther King encourage everyone Jr. Park. to enjoy the best Plant Riverside views of the IndeDistrict will also IMAGE COURTESY OF PLANT RIVERSIDE present a nightly pendence Day fireworks show and the America the BeauFreedom Floats Savannah July 4th Boat tiful Fountain Show with themed music Parade at Plant Riverside District.” and stunning patriotic displays.

Musically, the weekend will feature In addition, free mini golf will be

available from 1-5 p.m. July 2, 3 and 4 in Montgomery Park. The nine-hole course will have a Savannah theme and appeal to guests of all ages.

The holiday weekend is jam packed with events for families and friends to attend - even the iconic smokestacks, fountains and other familiar landmarks are joining in on the fun. After dark, all of them will be illuminated with red, white and blue lights.

While running around, don’t forget to stop at one of the 13 restaurants at Plant Riverside District. They will be serving a variety of cuisine from around the world, and will also offer a wide range of 4th of July food and drink specials.

For information about the Fourth of July festivities at Plant Riverside District or to view a complete entertainment schedule, visit plantriversidedistrict.com.

Support mental health through raffle Local organization to hold live raffle

THE FOUR-DAY EVENT at Plant Riverside District will offer free live music and performances by Savannah Cirque, mini golf, a boat parade, and food and drink options for all ages.

Mental health and wellness is more important than ever and Heads-Up Guidance Services is asking for the community’s help to make this a reality for those in need.

A $10,000 raffle is being held live July 5 on WTOC between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. and tickets are on sale now. Proceeds will cover 80% of the mental health guidance costs incurred by HUGS who currently offer sessions for only $20.

Tickets start at $100 for one entry and there are several ticket packages and sponsorship options available. Each individual $100 ticket bought will go to fund five sessions to those in need of mental health

counseling with the entire raffle assisting about 500 local residents.

Kelly Long, Chief Office Administrator and Executive Assistant, said, “There’s so much that goes into keeping our organization going, from basics such as keeping the doors open and keeping the lights on, but we also need help providing the low cost services. We’re able to do it with 100% volunteer counselors. We provide sessions for only $20 which is better than the best insurance co-pay - but when we do that, there is still $80 on the table we need the community to help us cover.”

HUGS’s mission is to make exceptional behavioral health counseling accessible and affordable to all, and to train and utilize compassionate volunteer professionals to meet community counseling needs.

“We provided over 6,800 services in 2020 to adults, couples, children, adolescents and families, and are on track to double this in

2021,” Long said.

Open since 2009, HUGS has been saving taxpayers money for over a decade.

By not accepting insurance or government funding, HUGS was able to save taxpayers over $1 million in 2020 and they are on track to save 35% more this year.

“HUGS gives opportunities for mental health services to those who could not otherwise afford it,” said James Dubry, volunteer counselor.

The organization believes in a transformational, not transactional, environment and are asking the local community for help.

“We depend on community support to help us. We believe in a hand up, not a hand out.

By supporting us, you’re supporting the community,” Long said.

For information, or to purchase raffle tickets, visit headsupsavannah.org. The deadline for raffle entries is today.

SAFELY DINE INSIDE, CURBSIDE OR TO-GO. WHICHEVER YOU CHOOSE, WE’RE HERE FOR YOU!

SKIDAWAY • WATERS • ABERCORN • HWY. 80 • HWY. 21 • POOLER

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 30-JULY 6-, 2021

BY BETH STEWART

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NEWS

COMMUNITY

Omega Construction’s Georgia Division breaks ground on a new two-story building to be built right off of Chatham Parkway. PHOTO COURTESY OF OMEGA CONSTRUCTION

New Class-A Office Building to be Built Off Chatham Parkway

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 30-JULY 6, 2021

BY JAMIE BURTON jamie@connectsavannah.com

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THE GROUND has been broken.

Omega Construction’s Georgia Division started its latest project, May 24, being a new two-story office building to occupy 110 Park of Commerce Drive, off Chatham Parkway.

The 28,000 square foot Class-A building will house the corporate offices of DAI Commercial, Broughton Partners, Omega Construction’s Georgia Division and future tenant space.

“We are honored to work with Omega Construction on this significant project,” said DAI Commercial Vice President Guy Davidson. “This project will complement the other Class-A office buildings we previously developed on adjacent property and we expect this new building to be the best one” Davidson went on to say the building will be constructed on the last undeveloped lot within the Savannah Park of Commerce, which his partner Mike Kistler developed in the mid-1990s helping establish Chatham Parkway as the premier office corridor in the county.

The office park is located in the geographic center of Chatham County which

allows for a convenient drive to anywhere within our MSA, Davidson said.

DAI Commercial is set to handle leasing of the additional tenant space.

“We are thrilled to team up with DAI and Broughton Partners to bring this project to fruition,” said Todd Mayo, vice president of Omega’s Georgia Division. “There has been excellent collaboration between our teams to get to the starting line. The new office is also a great milestone for Omega and the growth of this division.

“The hard work and dedication of their employees over the last three afforded us this opportunity and by anchoring our division with a new office, we can support Savannah’s growth by adding resources and continuing to build trust within the community,” Mayo said.

Additional project partners for the new office building include Studio Plaid, Coleman Company, First Citizens Bank and Method Engineering.

The Park of Commerce office building is expected to be complete in the Spring of 2022. Visit omegaconstruction.com or call 912-480-0135 for information. Inquiries on tenant space can be directed to Katie Chancy at 912-308-3111, or Andrew Benton at 912-656-1878.

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Savannah Classical Academy provides focused attention

BY BETH STEWART

With many academic and club options, SCA also offers a K-12 Spanish language program, a Strings program providing a musical instruSAVANNAH CLASSICAL ACADEMY, ment to each student once they reach third located at 705 E. Anderson St., offers students a grade and an audio/video and film program. unique educational experience in downtown Sports programs include boys’ and girls’ basSavannah. One of five charter schools in the ketball, track, cross country, golf, cheerleading, Savannah-Chatham County School System, tennis and girls’ volleyball. Boys’ and girls’ socSCA is the only tuition-free, public school cer will be added in 2021-2022. option featuring grades K-12 where students Savannah Classical Academy also collabocan grow and develop in one location throughrates with Georgia Technical’s Center for Eduout their educational careers. cation Integrating Science, Mathematics, and Their mission is to provide every child with a Computing program and Junior Achievement classical and academically rigorous education for STEM for hands-on practical application of while instilling commitment to civic virtue and concepts learned in class. moral character.

High school students are also expected to Under the leadership of Executive Director earn college credit while working toward gradBarry Lollis, SCA has become known for qualuation and Savannah Classical Academy is the ity academic programs and results.

“We support studentsWWW.THECRABSHACK.COM with high expectations only school covering the cost of dual enrollment once a student exceeds the credit hours for student behavior supported by our eight paid for by the state. core virtues,” Lollis said.

“SCA is the only local school, and the only Modeled after the classical virtues, Savanschool we are aware of in the state, that pronah Classical Academy integrates compassion, vides this funding and support to students once courage, diligence, integrity, perseverance, the hour maximum for state paid tuition is met respect, responsibility and temperance saving parent tuition fees,” Lollis explained. throughout the curriculum and at all grade In addition to dual enrollment courses, levels.

Savannah Classical Academy offers the only Classical education is rooted in the ancient local culinary arts program, partnering with Greek philosophy with the purpose of education being to provide better citizenry. Savannah Savannah Technical College, where students earn college credits and technical college creClassical Academy provides students a chaldentials while in high school. lenging education focusing on mastering core As the only local K-12 public school, Savansubjects as a priority. nah Classical Academy’s goal is to have Founded in 2013 by community members younger and older students working together to desiring a high-quality K-12 public school build school community and virtuous actions. option for families, SCA has added an addiThey are able to hold assemblies with the entire tional grade each year. They celebrated their school fostering a sense of togetherness unparfirst graduating class in 2020. alleled in other local public schools.

With around 500 students projected for the “SCA is continuing to grow and add aca2021-2022 school year, class sizes are smaller demic and extracurricular options for stuthan traditional schools enabling educators to dents,” Lollis added with the school expanding provide focused attention for each student. each year. “Students that matriculate K-12 will Laurie Gaylord, a second grade teacher, has follow a rigorous academic program with many been in the public school system for 24 years off-campus experiences and extracurricular and teaching at Savannah Classical Academy programs for a balanced education.” for three years.

To attend, families must submit an applica“SCA is unique because it is a small school tion and are chosen through an annual enrollwhere we get to see the children grow up and ment lottery. Slots are limited each year. thrive throughout various avenues,” she said.

“We get to see their academic, physical and Learn more by visiting savannahclassisocial growth throughout the time they are calacademy.org. with us.”

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‘Survive to Thrive’ Grant awarded to local Neighborhood Comics store

BY JAMIE BURTON jamie@connectsavannah.com

AMONG 115 INDEPENDENT bookstores sharing a $1.1 million grant is Neighborhood Comics in Savannah. The ‘Survive to Thrive’ bookstore grant is by the Book Industry Charitable Foundation.

The grant recipients were determined by a juried application process, and winners will receive up to $10,000 in capital. The goal of the grant program is to assist independent bookstores that are prepared to make a strong recovery from the pandemic.

“Bookstores and comic shops are vital to the cultural and economic fabric of their communities, and by helping to retain these community anchors, we are helping to preserve the literacy, economic and social benefits bookstores and comic shops provide,” said Pamela French, Binc’s Executive Director. “Every bookstore and comic shop is important to their community, and we are delighted to help as many as we can.”

A gift of $500,000 given jointly by Ingram Charities and Ingram Content Group helped launch the Survive to Thrive initiative in March. Survive to Thrive

Olivia Hamilton, Lee Heidel, owner, Chris Cowgill and Edwin Galmon accept the bookstore grant from the Book Industry Charitable Foundation.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SAVANNAH YACHT CLUB

received strong support from across the publishing and bookselling communities with leading gifts from Bookshop. org, Hachette, HarperCollins, Macmillan Publishers, Penguin Random House and Simon & Schuster.

“This generous grant provides Neighborhood Comics a secure foundation to forge ahead with our digital outreach initiatives, expanding our ‘neighborhood’ from around town to around the globe,”

said Lee Heidel, Owner at Neighborhood Comics. “Our mission is to share the art, culture and pure joy that comics can provide. Our sincere thanks to Binc and its donors for helping us fulfill this mission.”

Visit Binc.com for the full press release and list of winners: bincfoundation.org/survive-to-thrive-gives-1-1m-in-grants-to-115stores. Editors Note: Lee Heidel contributed to this article.

Savannah Yacht Club Hosts Regional D12 LASER REGATTA CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 30-JULY 6, 2021

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WE OPEN EARLIEST: DAILY AT 10AM! 21 E MCDONOUGH ST, SAVANNAH, GA 31401 M–SAT 10AM TO 3AM | SUN 10AM TO 2AM

WWW.MCDONOUGHSLOUNGE.COM

Breeze, competition and southern hospitality make for a successful D12 Laser Regatta June 5-6, hosted by the Savannah Yacht Club. The Laser District 12 Championship Regattas included 44 sailors traveling from Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SAVANNAH YACHT CLUB

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COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY

Represent Tybee Island, support its historical society

Vote to choose the new Tybee Island Lighthouse License Plate design

BY RENEÉ LASALLE

THE TYBEE ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE could soon have its own Vanity License Plate and community members can help choose its design.

Georgia State Representative Jesse Petrea introduced House Bill 203 last February to create the vanity plate which would benefit the Tybee Island Historical Society.

“I grew up on this coast and the Tybee Island Lighthouse is one of its most recognizable landmarks,” Petrea said.

Designs for the vanity plate have been narrowed down to two

choices, an artistic rendering titled “Morning Moonset” by Dawn Tanis and an untitled photograph by Kathryn Boaen.

Votes are being tallied in a poll at TybeeLighthouse.org and the winner will be announced Sept. 1.

But, the Tybee Lighthouse License Plates need more than just votes to become reality. One-thousand Georgia residents must pre-order their vanity plates before Jan. 1, or the bill won’t make it out of committee.

“Don’t wait,” said Tybee Island Historical Society Executive Director Sarah Jones. “Order your

Tybee Lighthouse license plate today. If you wait to see if HB 203 passes it will be too late, help us hit that 1,000-plate pre-order goal.

Your $25 pre-order goes toward the $55 cost of your vanity plate and every plate that’s ordered helps us preserve and protect this incredible piece of Tybee and Coastal Georgia history.”

Pre-order the Tybee Island Lighthouse License Plate by visiting tybeelighthouse.org/product-page/ tybee-lighthouse-license-plate. Each online order will also include a $2 processing fee.

A vanity license plate option shows the Tybee Island Lighthouse. PHOTO COURTESY OF TYEE ISLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY

A vanity license plate option will be available for pre-order and shows the Tybee Island Lighthouse.

PHOTO COURTESY OF TYEE ISLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY

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and complete medical and surgical care as necessary during their lifetime.

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Guests view a collaboration of design + art as part of the CodaWorx Annual Awards Program. PHOTO COURTESY OF CODAWORX

Art enthusiasts view a collaboration of design + art, part of the CodaWorx Annual Awards Program. PHOTO COURTESY OF CODAWORX

SCAD places in top 100 at international design competition, CodaWorx

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 30-JULY 6, 2021

BY NICOLE YOUNGBLUT

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CODAWORX STANDS FOR the collaboration of design + art, and it’s an award-based collaboration and all of the people working together to create a large body of art. The international award features ten different design categories are ranging from hospitality, education, institutional, transportation, and jury scores determine winners of those categories. The Savannah College of Art and Design’s submitted project placed in the top 100 CodaWorx Annual Awards Program.

“SCAD submitted a wonderful project, and that project is in the top 100; it’s got over 500 votes,” said CodaWorx CEO Toni Sikes.

“There are some great photos that go along with this project, and it tells a very good story. Then, there are two other projects from Atlanta that are also in the top 100.”

An international jury of 16 members from top professions in art and design ranging from architects, designers, artists, and people who run organizations in

those fields score submissions of pieces of artwork. Typical artwork submissions are seen displayed on buildings, airports, or a wide variety of work, and a team collaborates to design a space.

“This [SCAD project submission] is an environment in a building that SCAD has developed to tell the history and story of SCAD,” Toni said. “It’s very multidisciplinary; it involves some performance. It involved artwork. It involves all of the disciplines that students take at SCAD, and it involves telling a story, so it’s very, very cool.

“It’s a little unusual for us. I’m thrilled, clearly, the jury felt that it was outstanding because they rated it really highly. It’s a really interesting project for us,.”

SCAD Project Collaborators are: executive producer Paula Wallace and Glenn Wallace, production SCAD Design Group, alumni including Trish Anderson, B.F.A., fibers, 2005; Jeff Billon, B.F.A., broadcast design, 2007; B.F.A., motion graphics, 2007; Sarah Brand, B.F.A., sequential art, 2016;

Works are on view as a collaboration of design + art, part of the CodaWorx Annual Awards Program. PHOTO COURTESY OF CODAWORX

Sam Chi, B.F.A., animation, 2005; Hannah Chiclana, M.F.A., performing arts, 2017; Joanna Davidovich, B.F.A., animation, 2005; Cameron Hoss, B.F.A., industrial design, 2018; Marcus Kenney, M.F.A., photography, 1999; Masud Olufani, M.F.A., sculpture, 2013; Will Penny,M.F.A., painting, 2013; B.F.A., painting, 2008; Jonathan Plsek, M.F.A., themed entertainment design, 2015; Olivia Plsek, M.F.A., themed entertainment design, 2015; Michael Porten, M.F.A., painting, 2012, B.F.A., illustration, 2004; and Shannon Snow, B.F.A., illustration, 2011.

Along with design and production consultant B.R.C. Imagination Arts, general contractor The Kicklighter Company, electrical/plumbing engineer CDDC LLC, mechanical engineer Island Engineering PC, Kneupper Music, Ears Up, TechMD Inc, Henchmen, Johnathan Martin Creative Inc, Renegade Animation, Remarkable Light, Clearwing Systems Integration, Entech Innovative Engineering, Stimulant.

“It’s very exciting to me that we are getting this kind of project submitted, it’s new and unusual to us, and that says a lot about SCAD, frankly,” Sikes concluded.

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Members of Team Savannah for Veterans particiate a motorcyle ride to visit veterans in Hospice.. PHOTO COURTESY OF TEAM SAVANNAH FOR VETERANS

Heroes without capes

BY BRANDY SIMPKINS brandy@connectsavannah.com

LAST WEEK in Connect Savannah’s ‘Connected’ photos taken by Bunny Ware, we mentioned Team Savannah for Veteran’s Chris O’Malley receiving an accolade from Step One Automotive Group, but now it’s time to share some community stories about the local hero and his hardworking partners.

Team Savannah for Veterans focuses on helping veterans in the Savannah/low country area. TS4V is a hands-on group assisting veterans through peer support, manual labor, and providing essential items that veterans may need to limit stress in their lives.

“I was given the Local Hero Award by Step One Automotive Group, but obviously that’s not just for me,” O’Malley said. “It was given to Team Savannah for Veterans. It was a good night and a great honor.”

That night, TS4V was recognized for improving the life of a local veteran swiftly and efficiently.

O’Malley shared, due to life’s circumstances, though this one veteran was employed, he was living inside of his vehicle.

“What he was doing was paying for a hotel for a couple of nights, then his money would

run out until his next paycheck, and he’d sleep in his car for a couple of days,” OMalley said. “Then he’d do it again. So obviously in that situation, there’s no opportunity to get ahead, so he’s always behind. We knew if we could cover his lodging for a certain period of time he could stop paying for that. We got him some groceries so he could save that money up and a small loan from a friend and he was able to get into a lease the next month.”

TS4V also furnished his new home with a couch, a kitchen table and other items. This is just one of the many circumstances and projects where team Savannah has helped a local veteran.

Chris O’Malley, along with his co-founder and Vice President Thomas Nash, the treasurer, O’Malley’s wife Alison O’Malley, social media coordinator, Nash’s wife Myra Nash, secretary Amanda Ebert, and public relations coordinator Janine Geddes, are all non-paid members who are veterans — or spouses of veterans — and work for other veterans through love and dedication.

The team president is a veteran of 21 years.

He retired from the U.S army as a first sergeant. He said he struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder and making other veterans’, like himself, lives better helps him cope with everyday life.

“Some of my friends that have retired have gone on and done great things, and there are some guys who’ve had struggles,” O’Malley said. “So, one thing I’ve always wanted no matter what I did was have some sort of mission and to help people. When I was in the Army no matter what I did I always helped my soldiers as a team player, so that idea of continuing to help other veterans helps me.”

O’Malley said he and Nash started TS4V after being exposed to larger veteran organizations.

“We were a part of a national organization but as it grew we found that we needed more local help,” O’Malley said. “As we started, we started on PTSD awareness and peer support but as we grew we heard there was a big assistance need for local veterans.”

The organization president said in the beginning stages, the organization members focused primarily on helping veterans with in-home improvement projects such as home repairs, vehicles repairs, yard work, and eventually began to provide groceries and help improve lodging issues for homeless veterans.

He said what really pushed them to become an official nonprofit organization was an occurrence where a Vietnam veteran lost his mobile home to a fire and they

wanted to help him get a new one.

“We started doing some fundraising to possibly get him a new home and as we went through that process we realized while not being a nonprofit, you could get but so much funding,” O’Malley said. “We didn’t have the connections.”

O’Malley said theses days the organization raises funds through events and grants. In the past, they have received funds from Publix, Walmart, and by doing some hands-on work for Endurance Race Services who hosts Savannah’s race marathons.

O’Malley said after the team does work for Endurance Race Services they receive money that can help one veteran in a large way or many veterans in a small way.

“Helping them is what really drives us,” O’Malley said.

TS4V is currently hosting a gun raffle where tickets are $20 each for a chance to win a gun cleaning kit .45, glock, shotgun or a revolver. The money will be distributed to their home repair fund for veterans. TS4V invites all to support veterans by purchasing a raffle ticket or donating on their website.

Visit ts4v.com or their Facebook page at facebook.com/TeamSav4Vets to purchase tickets or learn more about TS4V.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 30-JULY 6-, 2021

Team Savannah for Veterans improves the lives of those who served

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FOOD & DRINK

EAT IT AND LIKE IT

Introducing Connect Savannah’s newest food writer

Jesse Blanco of Eat It and Like It to contribute local food, restaurant reviews each week

BY JESSE BLANCO

ONCE UPON A TIME over a decade ago, we decided to start a blog. It was a blog about food in and around Savannah. We thought Savannah had more good food than we were being given credit for, so my business partner Senea Crystal and I set out to do something about that. We chose to call it Eat It and Like It so that we wouldn’t be limited in our scope of what we talked about. Good food is good food. Even if the Savannah/Hilton Head Island region is clearly home.

All these years later, it’s pretty amazing how far our food scene has come. Some people may want it to be more than it is today, but those of us who remember what it was

like around here 10-12 years ago are thrilled to have as many options as we do now. And it is only going to get better from here.

I was asked to write an introduction in this space this week to introduce myself to Connect Savannah’s readers. My name is Jesse Blanco. I’ve had a front row seat to Savannah’s evolving food culture for 10 years. Before that, I was a television news anchor for over two decades.

I will never stop being amused when someone assumes I was a chef turned writer. No chance. My background and my passion is storytelling and journalism. It’s why I was incredibly honored to have been asked by Connect to contribute a weekly column here beginning next week.

We are thrilled to have this opportunity because it’s another outlet to share stories

about great people doing wonderful things with food. That list of people is literally endless and it is without question my favorite part of the gig. Oh yeah, and the grub is pretty damn good too. Well, most of the time.

If you are familiar with our work over the years then you know we don’t do traditional reviews. There are too many opinions already on the internet. Y’all can make your choices on what you are going to do with your dining dollar.

My job is to point you in the right direction. While shining a light on what is great about food in Savannah. Because there is a lot of it. At the same time, if there is something you’d like to share…we are always lis- Jess Blanco of Eat It prepares to dine and tening. Tips@eatitandlikeit.com. review his favorite local restaurants and bars.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JESSE BLANCO See you next week.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 30-JULY 6, 2021

Now Open

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WORLD RENOWNED BREWMASTER MEETS WORLD CLASS CHEF 120 WHITAKER ST. SAVANNAH NEWREALMDISTILLING.COM

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From songs to stills

Local photographer shares how his love for music evolved his photographic art

ONE OF SAVANNAH’S FAVORITE photographers conducts his craft with a musical brain.

Somi Benson-Jaja is the founder of Shot by Somi Studios located in the Savannah Mall, 14045 Abercorn St. Shot by Somi Studios is a commercial portrait photography studio that specializes in brand and portrait photography including headshots, maternity, family, weddings. They also host events and do food photography.

Shot by Somi Studios has received local accolades including Connect Savannah’s Best Of Savannah 2021 ‘Best Photography Studio’ in and Savannah Morning News’ Best of the Best.

The photographer said that when he was younger, his career pursuit had actually always been music.

“In high school, I was in the band,” Benson-Jaja said. “I loved band life. I loved playing my trombone, I loved marching. I went to Jenkins for High School. ‘We are the marching warriors. We are family,’ was our motto.

‘We’re the best in the land.’ Band, band, band.’ That’s all I lived and breathed through high school.”

Benson-Jaja even went on to attend Armstrong University — before it became Georgia Southern’s Savannah campus — for Music Education with a goal and dream of becoming a high school band director. He played in the university band, the jazz band, and sang in the gospel choir.

“I was full on immersed in music education,” Benson-Jaja said.

Though he always had a love for music, the camera was always in his hand as well, the photographer shared.

“When I was a kid, I did not like being in pictures,” he said. “In a family that loved photographs, out of five siblings, I always volunteered to take the pictures.”

In high school, he even got the nickname ‘Kodak’ for always being the guy to volunteer to take photos. Nonetheless, after he graduated college he taught elementary school

music at Gadson Elementary while subsequently teaching band part-time at Garrison School for the Arts.

Eventually, Benson-Jaja began to see the potential for photgraphy as a side-hustle.

“It didn’t blossom until I had been teaching elementary school music for about six years and one of my friends in college said that her sister needed pictures for prom,” he said.

After the request, he bought a camera from Ebay to take the pictures, and eventually it became a weekend hobby.

“I think my first shoot was $50,” Benson-Jaja said. “It was just a stress reliever and my side-hustle as a teacher.”

Benson-Jaja ahred that he had never been one to settle for mediocrity. Though he received a formal education in music only, he leveraged the knowledge he developed amid the music educational structure to build and grow his photography craft. He said he never wanted to seem like the underdog in any field.

“There’s music theory, so I researched photography theory,” he said. “There’s music composition, so I researched the composition elements to make a photo. I also researched the history of photography, so I wasn’t a novice. I could speak to photographers that went to school for it.”

To make his work even greater, the photgrapher says he even leverages skills he learned outside of music education to engage in photographer-client relations. The photographer said he developed much of his people skills while he served as president of the student government organization at Armstrong University. He said, during that time, he had a goal to meet as many people as possible and what he found is that people warm up when they can find some sort of connection.

“I ask them what they like, what they love, and what they do,” Benson-Jaja said.

“Then they automatically become confident and they forget they have jitters and nerves because they are speaking of some things that they are knowledgeable about.”

Benson-Jaja enjoys his work as art, but he also takes it seriously.

“Photography is half business and half

“Stories of Savannah” project shares how the homeless in Savannah survive. PHOTO COURTESY OF SHOT BY SOMI STUDIOS

art and you need to know both to get in the game,” he said.

The photographer said he works on personal projects to continue to ignite his creative fuse while simultaneously avoiding the five-year-burnout span of the average photographer.

“Photography is the manipulation of light so I want to be able to spread light on things from the perspective of my own artistic expression,” he said. “One project I did last year was my homeless series called ‘Stories from Savannah.’”

During the project, Benson-Jaja said he found people that were living on the street and asked them questions pertaining to their personal processes including how they got to where they are now and how they are surviving.

“It was definitely eye opening,” he said.

“It showed me that people are still people despite their situations. They all still smiled and it showed me that they have hope and resilience.”

In that light, Benson-Jaja wants to encourage young people to stick to what they love and learn how to do it well.

“For the young photographer, artist, musician, painter or anything that you’re doing as a young entrepreneur, take time to learn your craft. Take time to study to get to where you want to go,” Benson-Jaja said. “Meet as many people that can lend a helping hand to get you to where you want to go because that possibility is out there for you, and there shouldn’t be anybody that says you can’t do it.”

Visit shotbysomi.com to learn more about Somi Benson-Jaja and his photgraph studio.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 30-JULY 6-, 2021

BY BRANDY SIMPKINS brandy@connectsavannah.com

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Rachel Faucette, Alexander Hamilton’s mother, is depicted in a photograph on display at the Davenport House Museum. Her story will be told through a one-woman show by Eva Dorrepaal every Tuesday in July and August.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DAVENPORT HOUSE MUSEUM

History of Hamilton at The Davenport House

New York City historians and performer bring Alexander Hamilton to Savannah

BY BRANDY SIMPKINS brandy@connectsavannah.com

www.shewomensexpo.com

KNOWLEDGE OF THE GREAT Alexander Hamilton is coming live to Savannah from New York City.

On Tuesdays of July and August, the Davenport House Museum, located at 324 E.

State St., will host a series of lectures about American patriot, Alexander Hamilton in the house’s garden beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Each lecture, lead by Historian Jimmy Napoli, will spotlight a specific aspect in the remarkable life of Hamilton beginning with his childhood, moving to his military years during the American Revolution,

COMMUNITY

Above: Jimmy Napoli will lead a lecture to spotlight the life of Alexander Hamilton while Eva Dorrepaal will perform a one-woman show Tuesdays in July and August at the Davenport House Museum. PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE DAVENPORT HOUSE MUSEUM

then expanding on his experience in the creation of the new nation, and ending with an analysis of Hamilton and Aaron Burr’s relationship as Revolutionaries, politicians and opponents.

Napoli, who has lectured and led tours on Alexander Hamilton for over 25 years, who has been a licensed tour guide in New York City since 1996, will deliver a four-part lecture series in July, which will be repeated in August. Accompanying each lecture will be a one-woman performance by Eva Dorrepaal, “Raising a Revolutionary,” about Hamilton’s mother, Rachel Faucette.

Credle said the coordination of the performance was serendipitous and a result of

living in Savannah where interesting people just show up at your door.

“In March, Eva and Jimmy showed up at the Davenport House and they were interested in our period-accurate story and how it synced up with Alexander Hamilton and they asked us if we would be willing to put on a performance, so Eva did a performance preview in March,” said Jamie Credle, director of the Davenport House Museum.

Organizers felt that the performance dedicated to the life of Hamilton’s mother would make a good addition to the show.

“Alexander Hamilton’s mother was all kinds of controversy,” Credle said. “She had Hamilton out of wedlock; and she had all

kinds of problems with her ex husband; and all kinds of things. So, her place as a woman in history is one that is documented and it’s one that maybe we should know a little bit more about since she was the person that raised an imminent person [Hamilton] who lost everything and became somebody quite important though his personal tenacity but also through the gifts of a mother.

“People are wanting to connect with each other,” Credle said. “I think we’ll enjoy an opportunity to see live theatre from someone who’s skilled and people will hear about some things they’ve never learned about before. It’s a great privilege to be able to offer something like that,

and we’re thrilled that we have people that are talented and want to share with the Savannah community.”

The lectures and performances will be held in the Davenport House Museum garden, but in the case of inclement weather, the event will be moved inside the museum. The audience will be limited to 15 attendees. Each program will begin at 6:30 p.m. and end at 8 p.m. Tickets are $40 per person for one night, with each additional night costing $20.

Visit davenporthousemuseum.org or call 912-236-8097 to purchase tickets or learn about The Davenport House Museum.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 30-JULY 6-, 2021

The Davenport House Museum garden will house lectures and performances Tuesdays in July and August.

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NEWS

COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY

Community welcomes new garrison, post commanders Col. Manuel Ramirez to serve as installations’ garrison commander

BY NOELLE WIEHE noelle@connectsavannah.com

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Antonio A. Aguto, outgoing commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, passes the Division colors to Lt. Gen. Michael Kurilla, commanding general of the XVII Airborne Corps, symbolizing the relinquishment of command June 21 during a change of command ceremony. PHOTO BY PFC. CAITLIN WILKINS

Maj. Gen. Charles Costanza to serve as 3rd Infantry Division commander

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 30-JULY 6, 2021

BY JAMIE BURTON jamie@connectsavannah.com

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AFTER 24 MONTHS in command, Maj. Gen. Antonio A. Aguto, Jr. has handed the torch as commander of the Marne Division to Maj. Gen. Charles D. Costanza. Costanza returns to the Division after commanding the now-deactivated 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, on Fort Benning from 2013 to 2015.

Friends, family members, and soldiers gathered on Cottrell Field on Fort Stewart to witness the Division change of command ceremony on June 21.

Leading the ceremony was Lt. Gen. Michael E. Kurilla, commanding general of the XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg.

He shared his own words about two commanders, as well as hardships the Division encountered and overcame throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Dogface Soldiers were not stopped

by COVID,” Kurilla said. “Gunnery continued, schools remained open, scheduled Combined Training Center rotations were supported. [The year] 2020 was a defining moment; you all met that moment.”

Aguto and his wife, Melanie, were thanked for their service to the 3rd ID

soldiers, families and the community. Under Aguto’s command, the Marne Division provided support through Hurricane Dorian and COVID-19, all while balancing planned mission requirements and training.

“What an unprecedented time it’s been these last couple of years,” Aguto said. “I don’t think I have to say the word COVID19 to understand what it meant to all of us.

I don’t think I have to say things like hurricanes or deployments … Sometimes the hardest decisions we have to make are those not covered by doctrine.”

Aguto continued to reflect on how proud he was of how the soldiers, families and community leadership came together to overcome these nontraditional adversities as a whole; from Hinesville to Savannah.

The passing of the Division’s colors from Aguto to Costanza symbolized a new chapter in the Division’s history. Being familiar with the Division, Costanza shared his excitement to now lead and return as a 3rd ID Soldier.

“For everyone out on the parade field, all the families and civilians, thank you for your service,” Costanza said. “I look forward to having the opportunity to serve with you and I think that’s an important way to phrase it.”

THE SAVANNAH COMMUNITY can look forward to building new partnerships with the military communities through a new garrison commander as of last week.

Col. Bryan Logan, garrison commander for the past 24 months, relinquished command to the leadership of Col. Manuel Ramirez June 22 during a ceremony held in the Marne Club on Fort Stewart.

“Commanding a garrison today is a challenging business, and it requires strong, resourceful and inspiring leadership,” said Brenda Lee McCullough, Senior Executive Service director, Installation Management Command – Readiness, who hosted the ceremony.

Ramirez will take over as the Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield garrison commander, in charge of partnerships with the communities outside the gates of the military bases as well as community involvement within the gates.

“I’m extremely honored to take command and serve alongside a distinguished team that directly supports the Army’s priority: people,” Ramirez said.

A garrison commander is the temporary steward of an installation’s, or in the case here, two installations’, history with the responsibility to honor the history of the installation while simultaneously laying the groundwork for the future.

Throughout his time as garrison commander, Logan lead Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield garrison through an Army

wide housing crisis, a global pandemic and several hurricanes.

“Through all of this, Logan provided effective and efficient support to Fort Stewart; his leadership was nothing short of excellent,” McCullough said. “Excelling at community engagement, he embraced the coastal Georgia community as his own.”

McCullough said Logan took the lead during the COVID-19 pandemic by establishing a weekly video conference that included all of the surrounding municipal leaders. This provided a forum to share best practices, discuss restrictions and even welcome tours to the installation to showcase daily operations in a COVID environment.

McCullough thanked Logan for his time.

“I looked for several ways to close this out, not to say goodbye but to say goodbye for now,” Logan said.McCullough informed Ramirez he has big shoes to fill as the new garrison commander, but stated she was confident in his leadership capabilities.

“He is ideally suited to lead the Fort Stewart team and support the priorities and requirements set by the Maj. Gen. [Charles] Costanza and the IMCOM priorities set by Lt. Gen. [Douglas] Gabram,” McCollough said.

Ramirez’s most recent assignment was as the director for the U.S. Army G-2’s Foreign Intelligence Directorate in Washington, D.C. He brings with him his wife the former Helen Cerro of Auburn, Alabama, and their three children, Gabriel, Aurora and Liliana.

“This is going to be a great opportunity that I look forward to,” Ramirez said. “It’s going to be a challenging opportunity but it’s also going to be a great one.”

The colors are passed between Col. Manuel Ramirez, incoming garrison commander, Brenda McCullough, Installation Management-Readiness, 3rd Infantry Division’s Command Sgt. Maj. Bryan Buchanan and outgoing Garrison Commander Col. Bryan Logan to signify the change of command between the colonels, June 23 at the Club Stewart. PHOTO BY NOELLE WIEHE

FEATURE

20etRHsArY AnNiV T r E c CoN IMAGE COURTESY OF CONNECT SAVANNAH

BY FRANK RICCI

CLASSIC ROCK RADIO STATION Rock 106.1 turns 20 this year, and they’re throwing themselves an all-day party on July 3 with Connect Savannah at Trustees’ Garden. Puddle of Mudd, Filter, and Sponge top the bill, with local acts Lilakk and Whaleboat opening. More than 15 vendors will add to the festival atmosphere, along with eight food options.

“People can expect something that hasn’t been here in forever, a massive rock show,” said Aaron Wilborn, marketing manager at Rock 106.1. “We thought we should do something amazing that would bring us all together after the quarantines, celebrate the new Kotter and Marshall Morning Show, and throw a party for the 20th anniversary of Savannah’s number one rock station.”

Event co-sponsor Connect Savannah was similarly motivated to get a big crowd together to celebrate getting a big crowd together, with music, food, drinks and more.

“After a year of isolation, our main goal was to bring people together again,” said Publisher Erica Baskin of Connect Savannah. “Working with Rock 106.1 has been fun.”

Headliner Puddle of Mudd exploded on the scene around the time Rock 106.1 was born. Their debut album “Come Clean” went triple platinum in the U.S., with sales of over five million worldwide. The second single from the album, “Blurry” reached No. 5 on the Billboard singles chart. The third single, “She Hates Me,” was a blockbuster, winning the Kansas City band the ASCAP award for Most Played Rock Song of The Year.

Cleveland, Ohio, band Filter formed after Nine Inch Nails touring guitarist Richard Patrick wanted to start his own band. He joined with drummer and programmer Brian Liesegang to record the industrial rock album “Short Bus.” Fueled by “Hey Man Nice Shot,” the ode to Pennsylvania treasurer R. Budd Dwyer’s filmed, gruesome suicide,

“Short Bus” went platinum.

After Liesegang left the band, Patrick fleshed out the lineup and expanded it from the original studio duo, decreasing the industrial and increasing the rock on their follow-up, “Title of Record.” The second single “Take a Picture” was a surprise pop hit, landing at No. 12 on the Hot 100 chart and affording Filter unexpected mainstream success.

Hailing from Detroit, Sponge has been playing their brand of gritty rock and roll for almost 30 years. They gained fame on the strength of their alternative rock hit single “Plowed” — the one that goes “…in a world of human wreckage…,” you know it — off their debut album “Rotting Piñata.” They haven’t slowed down much since, releasing seven more albums.

Getting into the act is local grunge pop band Lilakk — pronounced lil’lack). Heavily influenced by 90s alternative giants like Nirvana, Stone Temple Pilots and The Breeders, they recently played the packed Kraken

Music Fest in Orlando, Florida. The band is fronted by married couple Kirk and Calli Joiner, who started as an acoustic duo before forming a full band and turning it up.

Fellow Savannah band Whaleboat brings their dreampop-shoegaze sound, which has a distinct British accent, reminiscent of early 90s The Cure and lesser-known pioneers of the genre like Kitchens of Distinction.

They’ve been playing for 10 years and make specific mention of New Order bassist Peter Hook as the personification of the rhythm ethos. That’s a solid foundation to build some rock on.

The sponsors want to make sure everyone gets home safe, so they have partnered with Uber. There will be a designated pick up and drop off area, if attendees need a ride home.

Start your Fourth of July fireworks early at Trustees’ Garden 2 p.m., Saturday, July 3, with a day-long rock party. Eat, drink and get loud!

Purchase tickets at etix.com/ticket/p/4889994.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 30-JULY 6-, 2021

Rock 106.1 turns 20, gives Savannah a concert

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MUSIC Get Lost with Global Ghost Meet the Savannah-based acoustic indie-folk band ahead of release of new singles

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 30-JULY 6, 2021

BY LAUREN WOLVERTON lauren@connectsavannah.com

Brian Crowley, lead singer for Global Ghost, performs at one of the band’s outdoor shows.

PHOTO COURTESY OF GLOBAL GHOST

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SAVANNAH IS THE TYPE OF PLACE that inspires you to write music,” Brian Crowley said.

Crowley is the lead singer, songwriter and piano player for acoustic indie-folk band Global Ghost. Alongside him is Chris Hagan on guitar and Tom Townshend, who does a little of everything including production, guitar, backup vocals and other instruments. The band just released its new single “Mistakes in Madrid” and has multiple other songs set to be released by the end of the year.

Like many people in Savannah, Crowley is a transplant. He’s originally from Ireland and moved to Georgia in 2009. He said the band’s name, Global Ghost, is heavily inspired by his moving around, explaining the feeling of being “a ghost between towns.”

“It’s that theme of displacement, that nostalgia, and that inspiration for storytelling,” Crowley said. “That’s what Global Ghost is about. It’s about telling stories about my journey to America, moving down South, my journey to becoming a father.”

The theme is clear throughout all of the band’s music, which has a distinct haunting — but not too spooky — sound to it, transporting the listener to another place or another time.

Crowley said all of Global Ghost’s songs have meaning and inspiration behind them.

However, he prefers to leave it up to the listener to create their own story, adding to the band’s themes of mystery and anonymity.

“People are always asking me what these songs are about,” Crowley said. “I’ll tell them a little bit about it, but I hate doing that. It’s always worth holding back a little bit and letting other people decide what the song is about. It’s so much more fun to hear.”

FEATURE

The cover photo for Global Ghost’s newst single, “Mistakes in Madrid,” shows a piano in a field.

Regardless of how the listener interprets his songs, Crowley said the goal is to impact the audience and give them music to enjoy.

“For me, the best movies are the ones where, rightly or wrongly, you’re somewhat changed a little bit by having watched the movie,” Crowley said. “Even with a scary movie, if you’re thinking about that days later, then that affected you. I hope the combination of the lyrics and the haunting vibe in our music captures something in the listener.”

On the opposite side of the listener, Crowley said he’s just as impacted by songwriting.

“It’s weird,” Crowley said. “I’ve never been more vulnerable than when I’m releasing

music. It’s like I’m really putting myself out there, I’m kind of telling my life story to people. I’m doing it because it’s like scratching an itch. It’s like there are these songs in the back of my mind that need to be written.”

He added that some songs take him back to hard times in his life and help him better understand them.

“Songwriting is a form of therapy,” he said.

“It’s like making peace with a ghost.”

Crowley said Global Ghost plans to release one single at a time, rather than an entire album at once.

“I feel like all of our songs deserve to have their own space, so we decided to just release one song at a time,” he said. “There’s

three more songs left, and then we’ll call it an album, called ‘Killing My Darlings.’”

The album title comes from a series of ironic events, Crowley said.

It all started when Crowley was asked to write a speech for his sister’s wedding a few years ago. Crowley said he asked a friend to proofread his speech, and the friend said, “You know Brian, William Faulkner once said, ‘You must kill your darlings.’”

“That was his nice way of telling me I needed to rewrite my speech,” Crowley said, laughing. “I also later had a song ironically called ‘Killing My Darlings,’ and at one point, we realized that it wasn’t as good as the other songs. We had to cut it.

It seemed only natural that the first album would be called ‘Killing My Darlings.’”

The complete album will be out by the end of 2021.

As far as live shows go, Global Ghost is just getting started. The band did some live shows at local venues before the COVID19 pandemic, but Crowley said he feels like this summer is really the beginning for Global Ghost live gigs.

You can stay up to date on new releases and live shows by following Global Ghost on Facebook @globalghostmusic and Instagram @global_ghost_music. You can also listen to them on Spotify as “Global Ghost.”

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 30-JULY 6-, 2021

PHOTO COURTESY OF GLOBAL GHOST

21

MUSIC

FEATURE

Monkey Man: A Stones Band promises moves like Jagger at Starland Yard

BY CHRISTOPHER SWEAT

LOCAL ROLLING STONES tribute band Monkey Man: A Stones Band will bring a little British Invasion to Starland Yard Friday, July 2, just before Independence Day. The free show kicks off the holiday weekend at 6:30 p.m., and the first 50 guests get a surprise from the band if they give them a special shout on social media.

Monkey Man—named after a song from the 1969 album “Let It Bleed”—draws from select vintage Stones tunes from the 60s, 70s, and a maybe a few from the early 80s, said co-founder, rhythm guitarist and vocalist Stewart Marshall, also known for local groups Junkyard Angel and Stewart and Winfield.

“We perform them true to ragged form,” Marshall said. “We’ve been around since about 2004, and have a decent sized following even though we don’t play that many shows a year.”

The band is further comprised of Stewart’s brother Joe Marshall on vocals and guitar, Craig Johansen on lead guitar and vocals, Jason Anderson on piano, organ and vocals, Scott Tanner on bass, and Billy Groves on drums.

Marshall shrugs at being called a true “tribute band,” since they don’t don any costumes, but their set is straight Stones favorites, and Joe “does all the Mick duties,” he added. “I moved back here from Athens, and Joe was just killing it on the karaoke circuit doing the Stones stuff. It’s really amazing to see him.

Craig plays a great lead guitar, and Jason plays piano and organ, and also sings, so it really opened up our repertoire,” Marshall said.

This is the band’s first time at Starland Yard, and they’re excited to see how the crowd reacts.

“We love interacting with the crowd,” Marshall said. “And it’s a cool spot—outdoors, good central location, and all last year we were basically playing on people’s docks. We had 60 or 70 boats as an audience though, so this will be our land show.”

Calling it the kickoff to their Summer Tour 2021, the first 50 guests to post “I’m a Monkey!” on the band’s Facebook page will get a free logo koozie.

“We love having the fans interact with us like that,” he added.

As far as the sound goes, if you’re a Rolling Stones fan, you’re in for a treat.

“We dig pretty deep on these Stones songs, so “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” and that

Members of Monkey Man: A Stones Band prepare for their upcoming concert at Starland Yard. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BAND

kind of thing, but we like to go into ‘Exile on Main Street’ as well as some ‘Sticky Fingers’— the Mick Taylor years, as some people call them. That’s actually something we lean pretty heavy on.”

“We’ll play something called ‘100 Years Ago’ which is a deep track on ‘Goats Head Soup,’ which — if you listen to it — you’ll see it’s a little different than normal; it’s a great jam song. It’s fun to play because it’s challenging,” Marshall said.

He added that the band’s vibe is to stick pretty close to the songs as they’re written.

“There are parts where you’ll get some

theatrics with some pretty convincing Mick Jagger moves,” he said. “But we try to add more to it because we have the ability to have more vocals in it. And Craig will be ripping his Keith Richards licks.”

“It’s engaging and fun. It’s great to be out playing music again. We’ve missed it for so long, and just enjoy it. It’s going to be a rock ‘n’ roll show, so if you’re looking for that, you’re going to have a great time!

See the band perform at 6:30 p.m., July 2 at Starland Yard, 2411 De soto Ave. Visit starlandyard.com.

Local Rolling Stones tribute band, Monkey Man: A Stones Band will perform at Starland Yard.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 30-JULY 6, 2021

PHOTO COURTESY OF STARLAND YARD

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MUSIC

FEATURE

Steven Dodd and members of his Elton John Tribute Band, Elton Live! - The Ultimate Tribute! perform the iconic musicians biggest hits for a live audience.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BAND

World-class musicians to take stage for tribute concert

BY DJ HELLERMAN

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW! On July 2nd, Coach’s Corner is hosting the nation’s most exciting Elton John tribute band, Elton Live!

-The Ultimate Tribute!

It’s a big year for Coach’s Corner: they’re celebrating their 30th anniversary and they’ve been voted Connect Savannah’s Best Sports Bar. The Atlanta-based, New Orleans-raised musician, Steven Dodd, had the idea to start the band in 2018 after attending his first Elton John concert. Dodd is the band’s lead singer and performs as Elton. His ability to emulate the voice and stage presence of Sir Elton has been described as a “dead ringer.”

The band’s vocal line-up includes former Elton John background vocalist L’Tonya “Sugarlips” Shields and world-class musicians like Scott Patton from Sugarland, and Kris Dale who toured with Corey Smith.

This show moves through the full range of emotions, the highs and lows, and the set list includes four decades of Elton John’s hits, like “Bennie and the Jets,” “Candle in the Wind,”

“Philadelphia Freedom” and “Rocket Man.” And, every performance includes an incredible light show with special effects designed to captivate audiences of every age.

In anticipation of their first show in Savannah, Dodd spoke with Connect about the power of performing and having a good time.

CS: When did you first discover Elton John?

SD: As a young kid growing up in New Orleans, Elton John’s music was everywhere; blasting in cars, on Bourbon Street, even on “Soul Train.” I was very interested from a young age.

CS: Can you tell me the band’s origin story?

SD: I’ve loved Elton John’s music all my life. But, the first time I saw him perform live was in 2018 at a huge arena in Atlanta. The production was incredible. The costumes, lasers, fire, and choreography were beyond any normal concert. Really, it wasn’t like a concert at all. The range of emotions were so intense it was more like a Broadway show. This show was my ‘A h-Ha’ moment.

From that day on, I knew what I had to do.

Our band is world-class and has only been

together for eight months. It takes so much to make the right mix of musicians. Growing and pruning. We are an all-star, arena-level group of musicians.

CS: Supporting charities is an important part of what you do.

SD: We give back whenever we can. It is about taking our gifts and helping others. We do a lot of work with local and national charities. It makes it all worthwhile.

CS: What’s your favorite Elton John song? Is that also your favorite song to perform?

SD: Yes, that’s simple. “Rocket Man.” No question.

CS: Is this your first show in Savannah?

SD: Yes! This is our first show in Savannah.

It’ll be so fantastic. Savannah has so much history. The energy is going to be amazing.

We are expecting the show to sell out.

CS: Do you feel like you carry a piece of Elton John with you when you are off stage?

SD: Off stage, I am a regular guy. Married, kids, 401(k), the whole nine yards. When I get into costume before the show and I do my vocal warm-ups, push-ups etc... when I put

on the costume, then, I feel like I am transformed. You know, I’m not trying to be Elton per se, this is my interpretation of Elton. It’s a time to be sincere, genuine, and have a lot of fun.

CS: What’s it like to embody an icon?

SD: For me, performing is an out-of-body experience. The vocals, the band … all of it.

I look around and wonder how is all of this possible? It’s surreal. It’s like I’m levitating.

I can’t explain the feeling. Out of body. The audience is always incredible; dressed up and ready to have a great time.

CS: Do you have any pre-show rituals or superstitions?

SD: I enjoy a cocktail and being around our manager and sound engineer, Joe. He’s always keeping us laughing and having a good time, no matter what’s happening. We are here to have fun and that’s the ritual: fun.

Coach’s Corner is located at 3016 East Victory Dr. coachs.net. Tickets start at just $25.

To purchase, visit: eventbrite.com/e/eltonlive-beyond-the-yellow-brick-road-tickets147011995837?aff=ebdssbdestsearch.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 30-JULY 6-, 2021

Coach’s Corner to host Elton Live! - The Ultimate Tribute! July 2

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SOUNDBOARD

30-July/6

June/

WHO IS PLAYING WHERE THIS WEEK WEDNESDAY 6/30 LIVE MUSIC

Driftaway Cafe Chuck Courtenay, 6 p.m.

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

Mint to Be Mojito’s Open Mic, 5-11 p.m.

Nickie’s 1971 Ray Tomasino, 7 p.m.

TRIVIA & GAMES

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

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

The Wormhole Bingo, 10 p.m.

KARAOKE

Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m.

Mint to Be Mojito’s Open Mic/Live Karaoke, 5-11 p.m.

Wet Willie’s Karaoke, 9 p.m.

COMEDY

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

THURSDAY 7/ 1 LIVE MUSIC

PS Tavern Beer Pong Tournament, 10 p.m.

KARAOKE

Bay Street Blues Karaoke, 8 p.m.

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

Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m.

McDonough’s Karaoke, 9 p.m.

Nickie’s 1971 Karaoke Night, 9 p.m.

Totally Awesome Bar Karaoke, 10 p.m.

DJ

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

VICE Lounge + Mojito Bar DJ Primal, 9 p.m.

BAR & CLUB EVENTS

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

Bar Food Trivia Night, 8 p.m.

McDonough’s Family Feud, 7 p.m.

Congress Street Social Club Of Good Nature, 7 p.m.

Jazz’d Tapas Bar Ben Keiser Duo, 7:30 p.m.

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

Sting Ray’s Robert Willis, 6 p.m.

20th Anniversary Rock Concert by Rock 106.1 and Connect Savannah at Trustees’ Garden Puddle of Mudd, Filter, Sponge, Lilakk and Whaleboat, 2 p.m.

KARAOKE

Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m.

McDonough’s Karaoke, 9 p.m.

Nickie’s 1971 Karaoke Night, 8 p.m.

COMEDY

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

DJ

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 30-JULY 6, 2021

TRIVIA & GAMES

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

Jazz’d Tapas Bar Georgia Kyle Shiver, 7:30 p.m.

TRIVIA & GAMES

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

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

Sting Ray’s Robert Willis, 6 p.m.

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

Top Deck Sunset Deck Party, 6 p.m.

VICE Lounge + Mojito Bar Latin Night with DJ Cesar, 9 p.m.

BAR & CLUB EVENTS

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

FRIDAY 7/ 2 LIVE MUSIC

Coach’s Corner Elton Live - Beyond the Yellow Brick Road, 7 p.m.

Congress Street Social Club Miss Paradise, 10 p.m.

Jazz’d Tapas Bar Ray Lundy, 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY 7/ 3 LIVE MUSIC

TRIVIA & GAMES

Blueberry Hill Pool Tournament, 2 p.m.

KARAOKE

Bar Food Karaoke Night, 10 p.m.

Bay Street Blues Karaoke, 8 p.m.

Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m.

McDonough’s Karaoke, 9 p.m.

Totally Awesome Bar Karaoke, 10 p.m.

DJ

Club 51 Degrees Dance Party

BAR & CLUB EVENTS

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

Stafford’s Public House

3

SAT// SAT

WHALEBOAT @ TRUSTEES GARDEN, 2 P.M.

Red, White, and Brews ~ Independence Day Themed Bar Crawl, 4 p.m.

SUNDAY 7/ 4 LIVE MUSIC

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

Congress Street Social Club Square One, Voodoo Soup, 5 & 10 p.m Myrtle & Rose, Rooftop Garden Plant Riverside Live Jazz Sunday Brunch Featuring the Howard Paul Jazz Trio, 11 a.m.3 p.m.

Nickie’s 1971 Roy Swindell, 7 p.m.

Sting Ray’s Robert Willis, 6 p.m.

TRIVIA & GAMES

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

KARAOKE

Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m.

McDonough’s Karaoke, 9 p.m.

MONDAY 7/ 5 LIVE MUSIC

Nickie’s 1971 Ray Tomasino, 7 p.m.

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

TRIVIA & GAMES

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

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

KARAOKE

Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m.

Wet Willie’s Karaoke, 9 p.m.

BAR & CLUB EVENTS Fia Rua Irish Pub Family Movie Night, 8 p.m.

TUESDAY 7/ 6 LIVE MUSIC

McDonough’s Open Mic/Jam, 9 p.m.

Nickie’s 1971 Roy Swindell, 7 p.m.

TRIVIA & GAMES

Basil’s Pizza and Deli Trivia, 7 p.m.

Fia Rua Irish Pub Trivia, 7 p.m.

McDonough’s Trivia Tuesday, 7 p.m.

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

Savannah Taphouse Trivia, 7 p.m.

Starland Yard Trivia with Chris Grimmett, 6:30 p.m.

The Wormhole Trivia, 9:30 p.m.

KARAOKE

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

Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m.

Wet Willie’s Karaoke, 9 p.m.

COMEDY

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

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

THE BAND PAGE

HOUSE OF BLUES! @ TYBEE POST THEATER

Not that you need an excuse to get to Tybee Island for an unbelievable Sea Wolf hot dog or anything, but this show gives you two! The Eric Culberson Band and Willie Jackson’s Tybee Blues Band co-headline to drop a three-hour blues rock bomb on Tybee Post Theater and those lucky enough to be inside to catch the blast.

SATURDAY, JULY 3 | 7PM

CHEATING ALETHIA @ THE WORMHOLE

ELTON LIVE – BEYOND THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD @ COACH’S CORNER

SYMPTOMS @ THE WORMHOLE

As murder spikes higher than Wattie’s Mohawk, it’s a great time to get far from Portland, Ore. Savannah is about 2800 miles away, so get off that thing and show some Hostess City appreciation for old-school punk rockers Symptoms. Blend the slashing lo-fi guitars of The Mummies with some poppy Descendents basslines and you get the idea. Authentic and entertaining.

Columbia, SC’s Soda City Riot and Atlanta’s Billy Batts and the Made Men (best band name ever?) warm it up.

THURSDAY, JULY 1 | 9 PM

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 30-JULY 6-, 2021

If you’re the right age and grew up in a place where radios were legal, you know and love and can recite the words to no less than 15 Elton John songs. No, really you can. It could be more. Sir Elton has sold over 300 million records and despite being well-known as a total disaster with finances, he’s still worth a mint. The Elton Live tribute show delivers a relentless onslaught of top 10 hits from one of the best catalogs in pop history.

FRIDAY, JULY 2 | 7 PM

The Brunswick power trio return to The Wormhole with their new “beast of a drummer” and a bunch of new songs to play. This is a versatile, risk-taking band who took advantage of the societal coma to practice, write like mad, and practice some more. Blending progressive elements into rock of various levels of heaviness, they are just as comfortable playing a jangly radio-friendly tune. See it all unfold.

SATURDAY, JULY 3 | 10 PM

25

CULTURE

VISUAL ART

Anya Driffil, Savannah College of Art and Design sequential design artist, displays her art which can be viewed on the walls of Gallery Espresso in Savannah. PHOTO COURTESY OF ANYA DRIFFIL

Gallery Espresso displays comic artist

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 30-JULY 6, 2021

BY ORRIN KONHEIM

26

IN HER SENIOR YEAR at Savannah College of Art and Design, Anya Driffil is debuting her first art show at Gallery Espresso. Her work consists of acrylic paints, though her concentration at SCAD is sequential design — the creation of comic books.

Her discovery came at the hands of her roommate who is a barista at Gallery Espresso and saw a lot of potential in her drawings and suggested her to the manager for display.

Anya Driffil had an unconventional childhood to say the least. When she was born in Richmond, Indiana, her parents were college freshmen and she lived on student housing in the first years of her life.

As her parents went to grad school and into

residencies, Driffil’s residence alternated frequently between Indiana, Illinois, and Maine with various combinations of parents and grandparents raising her.

“I was always drawing when I was little,” Driffil said. “It was fun but as I got older, it just helped me cope. Especially moving around.”

Her father was a comic book aficionado who had a large collection of back issues in his youth. When Anya started expressing an interest in comic books in 3rd grade, her father renewed his interest and took her to comic book stores and the like.

Upon graduating high school, she opted to go to SCAD because aside from her love of the city, this was one of the only schools with a program. Upon graduating high school, she opted to go to SCAD because aside from her love of the city, this was one

of the only schools in comic book design, or sequential design, as it is formally known.

By that time, her mom had became a doctor and her dad an ornithologist — the study of birds.

“They were very supportive [of my education],” Driffil said. “They, in college, didn’t have as much financial support as I do, and I think they just wanted me to be able to do what I wanted without the stress that they had, so we all feel very fortunate.”

Although it’s a narrow field, she explains, “All the professors have all worked in the industry. With the amount of classes we take, it prepares you to do a lot of stuff in the art world. I can go to illustration or surface design.”

As she is in her last quarter at SCAD, she has already interviewed for one comic book company and is well-versed in the

outlets she can pursue whether they be indie comic books, the big companies like Marvel or DC, or self-publishing Meanwhile, Driffil has pursued painting as a pastime when she’s not doing homework. For her, it’s a more relaxing activity.

To a degree, it’s still a way to cope with situations.

“A lot of my paintings I do to cope with situations,” Driffil said.

In one picture, she has a picture of a man in a bed that’s plastered on a billboard alongside of a road. She explained that this came after a breakup and that “when you break up, you see him everywhere so I put them on a billboard.”

She also has drawn inspiration from a Bruce Springsteen CD, a poetry magazine she received form her grandfather, the first chair she owned, and her roommate. For the most part, however, she doesn’t like to explain her work.

“I really don’t think it’s necessary for art,” she said. “I think it can be interesting but it can color someone’s perception of an art work. I guess that’s something that I like if I’m at an art museum or something.”

That abstraction is what Jessica Barnhill latched onto when she selected her.

“There were a few pieces that have this dreamscape [or] imagination,” Barnhillsaid.“Like the girl on the phone with the fish floating around her head. You can read whatever you want into that but I kind of like the idea of ‘where that’s going’ and the possibilities of what you think it’s really about. So, I do enjoy that aspect where you can question the piece or even yourself.”

As for what’s next for Driffil, she is not sure whether she will remain in Savannah where she has a larger network of fellow SCAD students and alumni or move to a bigger city like Atlanta where there are more opportunities.

She does know that this gallery debut is a great first step for her.

“I think it just opened my eyes that there are possibilities and opportunities and at the stage that I am right now, about to graduate,” she said. “It’s intimidating but having this experience made me feel better, and that it’s not as difficult to pursue these things.”

The art show runs through July 31 at Gallery Espresso, at 234 Bull St. For information, the website is galleryespresso.com.

VISUAL ART

Artist captures controlled explosions in photography

BY NICOLE YOUNGBLUT

Los Angeles-based artist Kevin Cooley exhibits his photography and video installation “Exploded Views,” a series of controlled explosions in the desert, in at Laney Contemporary in Savannah from July 1 through September 18.

The exhibition opens Thursday with an artist talk Cooley led by Lisa Jaye Young, Ph.D., from 5 p.m.-6 p.m. Engage in a socially distanced artist reception with refreshments from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. throughout the lawn and gallery.

Cooley, School of Visual Arts, 2000, is an inspiration to photographers and patrons alike, with his vividly intense and intimate photos of controlled explosions and wildfires examine the underlying behavior and physics of fire. His photographs were recently published in a 16-page spread in Harper’s Magazine. His commissioned work appears frequently in the pages of The New Yorker, The New York Times, and many other notable publications.

“One of his ‘Controlled Burn’ images was on the November cover of Wired Magazine last year; they’re just gorgeous,” said Art Director Susan Laney. “In the same vein of the Exploded Views, these images stop time for an event that you normally think of so differently, that happens so quickly; it changes the way you think about things, it’s beautiful.”

Cooley’s photography and installation work has been exhibited in solo exhibitions at galleries and museums including Kopeikin Gallery, The Museum of Photographic Arts, Pierogi, Ryan / Lee Gallery, The Savannah College of Art and Design, and Catharine Clark Gallery. His work is in prominent public collections including The Guggenheim Museum, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, The Museum of Fine Arts Houston, 21c Museum, The Nelson-Atkins Museum, and The Museum of Photographic Arts.

“We’re very excited to bring his work to Savannah,” Laney said. “I’ve worked with Kevin a number of times such as showing his work at art fairs with Kopeikin Gallery out of LA, organizing a solo exhibition of his work, High Water Mark, in Atlanta, and an incredible installation, Smoke and Mirrors, in Savannah a few years back. Exploded

Views is an exhibition of his most recent photography.”

The “Exploded Views” debut coincides with Independence Day, but unlike the Fourth’s explosive booms, Cooley’s images depict a “Exploded View Sunset” silence repre- by Kevin Cooley. sented by the PHOTO COURTESY OF LANEY CONTEMPORARY stillness. In this collection of documented photos, he is conveying a subversive magnitude that can’t be silenced. “‘Exploded Views’ is part of an ongoing photographic study of the physical properties of fire, its connection to nature, and to our culture,” explained Cooley. “I intend for the work to be considered within the context of climate change to examine our collective relationship to a planet that we are slowly destroying. I am particularly interested to see how this work is perceived in Savannah, far from the increasingly flammable landscape of my home state of California.”

“Kevin’s work is striking and he is extremely driven,” Laney said. “Right after his installation here in 2018, the volcano was erupting in Hawaii and he was getting calls from different publications. He was immediately on his way there to capture an incredible moment in history.”

View Kevin Cooley’s “Explosive Views,” a photography exhibition of controlled explosions in the desert, and three channel videos in the gallery’s upstairs, mirrored room, July 1 at Laney Contemporary.

“The majority of artists that we exhibit are regional, but this is an artist we are passionate about and well connected to because of Paul Kopeikin, who will be here for the opening, and his incredible gallery out in LA,” Laney said. “I think it is kind of perfect to have this particular body of work on exhibition at this time of year, too.”

Learn more about the artist at kevincooley.net or through his Instagram @kevincooley_.

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CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 30-JULY 6-, 2021

CULTURE

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An immersive, 3 day leadership experience.

September 12-14 The Southeast Georgia Leadership Forum is a three-day event that brings together more than 400 leaders representing neighborhoods, non-profits, civic groups, government, businesses and the up and comers.

Organized by Morris Multimedia, with the generous support of Georgia Southern University, the Georgia Ports Authority and Gulfstream, the first ever forum is taking place on September 12-14, 2021 at Trustees Garden in Savannah, Georgia. To help our community succeed in an ever changing and fast paced society, the forum is focused on discovering our collective potential to be greater by committing to new ideas, supporting the growth of our emerging and established leaders, and by being purposeful in building collaboration from all segments of our diverse community.

Working together we can make our communities stronger and better.

visit www.southeastGAleadershipforum.com for more information!

CONNECT SAVANNAH

30-July/6

ART PATROL ‘Exploded Views’

by Kevin Cooley

Laney Contemporary Fine Art is pleased to present Exploded Views, a recent body of photography and video work, “Exploded Views”

by Los Angeles-based artist Kevin Cooley. This work will be on view at the gallery from July 1 through September 18.

On Thursday, July 1 at 5 pm., the gallery will host an artist talk and exhibition walkthrough with Kevin Cooley and Lisa Jaye Young, Ph.D. A reception will follow from 6-9 p.m. Refreshments will be served with plenty of room on the lawn and within the gallery to maintain social distancing.

Free admission 5-9 p.m..

912.438.4442. sarahc@laneycontemporary.com laneycontemporary. com/exhibitions/kevin-cooley-1.

Laney Contemporary 1810 Mills B. Lane Blvd.

ONGOING EXHIBITS

Southbound - 2021 Arts on the Coast Annual Exhibit

Southbound is an art exhibit visually interpreting Georgia’s vibrant and diverse musical heritage. Fifteen songs have been selected to form the 2021 Arts on the Coast Annual Exhibit Playlist, a list that includes only music performed, arranged, written, composed, produced, and/ or created by a music artist from Georgia.

The selection features a wide variety of genre: rock, jazz, pop, and R&B, to soul, country and folk. Artists shall create an original work of art that depicts a song/ artist and/or its various aspects, to visually interpret the obvious to the abstract, from the down and dirty, to the sublime.

9123985776. joy.dunigan@joysavannah.com artsonthecoast. org/2021-annual-exhibit.

Deep South Photopoint Gallery 30 Cherokee Street.

‘An End to the End Times’ by Marcel Dzama

An End to the End Times offers a unique opportunity to encounter the span of this prolific artist’s career and ever-expanding lexicon.

Presenting works from the past 20 years, the exhibition opens with a selection of small ink and watercolor paintings inspired in part by allegorical tales including Dante’s Divine Comedy (1308–20).

More on scadmoa.org SCAD Museum of Art 601 Turmer Blvd.

‘Dreaming Savannah’ by Amiri Geuka Farris Part of the 2021 Savannah Series, view artist Amiri Geuka Farris’ multimedia works in a solo exhibit inspired

by Savannah, Georgia.

Free and open to the public. July 9, 10 a.m.6 p.m.. 912-721-5007. carmen.aguirre@ kesslercollection.com. kesslercollection.com/

mansion/experiences/ art-gallery/. grandbohemiangallery.com/.

The Grand Bohemian Gallery 700 Drayton St.

‘A City View from the Table of My House’ by Carlos Garaicoa

Based in Madrid and Havana, Carlos Garaicoa originally trained in thermodynamics and later in painting, lending him a unique perspective on the relationship of social and historical structures to architecture and urbanism. For his solo exhibition A City View from the Table of My House, Garaicoa will present a very particular retrospective exercise, which studies the format of the table as one of the most fertile substrates for his artistic production. scadmoa.org/.

SCAD Museum of Art 601 Turner Blvd.

‘Mainly for Women’ by Paulina Olowska

‘Mainly for Women’ will continue to be on display until July 11. The show displays a sumptuous array of paintings

by Polish artist Paulina Olowska, highlighting her storied exploration into female archetypes.

Olowska immerses herself within the world of womanhood via her mastery of appropriation and homage, creating paintings that draw out the psychosexual and sociopolitical constructs of the female experience. Her rapid brushstrokes render naïve photorealist

forms that are redolent with the feeling of bygone eras, as her colors appear softened by the passage of time. scadmoa.org/. SCAD Museum of Art 601 Turner Blvd.

‘A Message from Venus’ by Christto & Andrew

In A Message from Venus, the duo’s first U.S. museum exhibition, the artists present recent photographs that speak to our globalized culture at a time when our relationships to and experiences of image-making technology are dissimilar. The artists’ photographs proffer objects loaded with symbolism and figures that paradoxically seem to inhabit a place neither past nor future that could exist within various cultural systems... more on Scadmoa.org $10 scadmoa.org/exhibitions/a-message-from-venus. scadmoa.org/.

SCAD Museum of Art 601 Turner Blvd.

‘Re-Cor-Dare’ by Sauda Mitchell

Re-Cor-Dare is a solo #art912 exhibition of Savannah-based artist Sauda Mitchell (American, b. 1981). Mitchell’s prints, paintings, and artist books serve as compelling visual responses to her sustained engagement with archival collection materials. In researching personal papers, photographs, artifacts, and curated digital collections, her work explores thematic topics

of study relating to the Black experience. Utilizing QR codes, selected works link to digitized collection materials focusing on their ability as teaching tools recalling stories embedded within the African American collective memory. telfair.org/exhibitions/ re-cor-dare-saudamitchell/.

Jepson Center for the Arts 207 West York St.

‘Vehicles of Change’ by Anne-Solene Bayan

This exhibition will consider the pivotal role the automobile played in advancing societal and political revolutions in the United States in the 20th century.

During the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s, buses and cars were used to combat systematic racism and segregation enforced by Jim Crow.

This was exemplified most famously in the Montgomery bus boycott and in the Freedom Riders’ journeys to the South... more on telfair.org. . telfair.org/jepson/.

Jepson Center for the Arts 207 West York St. com/.

CLASSES

Welcome Whales at Henny Penny

Head to Henny Penny to engage in an environment for adults and kids to relax, create, and connect! This week at Henny Penny, the

art class will focus on “Welcome Whale.” $8 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Henny Penny Art Space & Cafe, 1514 Bull St.

Disney Week Kid’s Camp at Painting with a Twist

Painting with a Twist hosts a week-long camp for children ages 5-11. Classes are held Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Campers will paint a painting on a canvas surface each day along with the theme for the week with instruction from local artists.

All campers will play games and make different crafts. The week will end with an art show Friday after camp from 11:30 a.m.12:00 p.m. The host asks that you please bring a water bottle and a snack for your camper.

150 9 a.m.-noon. Painting with a Twist, 513 E. Oglethorpe Ave.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 30-JULY 6-, 2021

OPENINGS & RECEPTIONS

June/

29

EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT 7-10 OPEN MIC NIGHT WITH HOST TOMMY HOLLAND

CULTURE

GROUPS OR INDIVIDUALS CAN COME SHOWCASE THEIR TALENTS

FRI JULY 2ND

SAT JULY 3RD

UPCOMING SHOWS JULY 10 Purple Madness - Prince Tribute

JULY 24 Chicago Authority - The Premier Chicago Tribute JULY 30 Pandora’s Box - The Ultimate Aerosmith Tribute AUG. 7 Grand Paradise - A Tribute to STYX AUG 14 Interstellar Echoes - A Tribute to Pink Floyd AUG 27 The Petty Hearts - The National Tom Petty Tribute Show SEPT 4 Slippery When Wet - A Tribute to Bon Jovi NOV 6 On The Border- The Ultimate Eagles Tribute Show

BREAKFAST IS BACK!

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 30-JULY 6, 2021

7-10:30 • TUESDAY - FRIDAY 8-11:30 • SATURDAY

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3016 E. VICTORY DR. 912.352.2933 COACHS.NET

DOWNLOAD OUR APP!

Painting by Maggie Hayes, 4ft x 4ft oil on canvas . PHOTO COURTESY OF SULFUR STUDIOS

The Play of Light: A mother-daughter exhibit

The Play of Light will be on display

BY NICOLE YOUNGBLUT

SULFUR STUDIOS presents “The Play of Light,” a collaborative mother and daughter exhibition by Kathy and Maggie Hayes, which takes into consideration the way that light is experienced in the natural world and how that can reflect an inner experience of light and dark as well, both ripe with feeling, color and texture.

Using their primary mediums of creative expression, respectively clay and paint, the pieces are in a dialogue of form and color. Maggie’s works of figurative paintings explore the body in nature’s light, and Kathy’s ceramics and installations explore the colors and reflections of light through water and earth. The pieces all relate to each other within “The Play of Light” to capture a glimpse of these fleeting images.

The artists both share a fascination with

art, nature, and the human condition. Kathy has a background in psychology and worked as a therapist before spending time at home as a mother and then eventually returning to school and continuing on to teach elementary school art for many years. Her daughter Maggie also shares an interest in the psychological and spiritual aspects of life and has been teaching yoga for over a decade.

“The idea for the show came from being fascinated with the way light functions,” Kathy said. “So many magical things that you see are based on the science of light, but also our interpretation of what we see. Being at the beach and seeing all these different water ripples and the light’s effect on the movements of water was very inspiring...We had also gone to the mountains where we have a little cabin in North Carolina and it was the same there, seeing these mesmerizing images of light interacting with the

VISUAL ART

Painting by Maggie Hayes, 4ft x 4ft oil on canvas . PHOTO COURTESY OF SULFUR STUDIOS

Visit and shop the collection at sulfurstudios.org/ playoflight.

Take an Atlanta day trip to Illuminarium

BY NICOLE YOUNGBLUT

ATLANTA WILL WELCOME the world’s first illuminarium on July 1. Take a day trip and be a part of this permanent attraction that will provide ever-changing entertainment and culture off Atlanta’s BeltLine. Their first experience will be Wild Safari, which will take you and your family on a once-in-a-lifetime interactive experience with touch, smell and sight.

“You will feel the animals as they walk by you through the habit system that is built through our floors, you will smell like Africa because of our scent systems, and then you will actually affect the experience,” said CEO Alan Greenburg. “For example, if you’re walking down the dirt path that is projected on the floor you will actually kick up dust and leave footprints as you walk.

Or, if you step on a puddle, ripples will be formed. If you walk up to a tree, a hundred birds might fly away.”

Patrons that stand 20 feet apart from each other will each have a different sensory experience.

“I think that Illuminarium is going to be a huge regional draw because people, particularly as we are getting a bit into the post-Covid world,” Greenburg said.

“People have been staying at home, staying close to home. They’re dreaming about going to places, and here from Savannah, you can drive a few hours and be on safari and feel like you’re in Africa.”

Illuminarium is a one-of-a-kind global attraction that will continue opening locations worldwide, starting with Atlanta and then moving to open locations in Las Vegas and then Miami. Planning for other locations

in places like Dubai, Australia and New Mexico has started. Atlanta will remain Illuminarium’s main headquarters with the Illuminarium lab that will serve the world and handles post-production.

“There’s a lot of entertainment talent here with places like SCAD,” Greenburg said. “We just hired our first SCAD graduate who is working for us now.”

The virtual venue can also function as a private celebratory or corporate event space for a wedding in Paris — or anywhere you want to be — but in Atlanta.

“We open a window to the world that is really rare and special and bring it to life as realistically as possible,” Greenburg said. “With our technology, we can transform our Illuminarium to an after-dark evening experience. When we do that, we will have the coolest bar in town. One day you will walk into the Illuminarium bar, and you’ll be at the bottom of the ocean. You come back two weeks later you might be in the Himalayans or two weeks later in Tokyo. It’s going to be like something like no one’s ever experienced before. You will literally feel like you’re at the bottom of the ocean, completely surrounded by sea creatures and coral as you are sipping your martinis.

“Illuminarium is a really unique global attraction.

What’s unique about it is that we have built a place that can take you anyplace through our technology and cinematic immersion. We can make you feel like you are actually there,” concluded Greenburg.

Make a reservation to The Bar at Illuminarium at OpenTable.com.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 30-JULY 6-, 2021

natural world.

“It was this amalgamation of the ideas of how we are influenced as humans by light and how we interpret our moods and emotions. We may have darker periods or times when things look and feel bright,” she continued.

Some of Kathy’s pieces are stoneware pottery and the glazes that she uses are very luminescent along with other work that relies more on the quality of the clay itself in installations made with translucent porcelain which allows light to shine through.

Breaking ground by entering the gallery world at 63, this happens to be Kathy’s first formal exhibition of her own work, but she has also been an essential part of the creative paths for hundreds of students she has taught, as well as for her daughter Maggie’s artistic career. From first encouraging art making in her children’s earliest years as toddlers to as recently as this past April, assisting Maggie with the gallery installation and art direction of her solo show in Atlanta, the shared mother and daughter passion for creative expression has been lifelong.

“I felt really honored to be able to support this idea... I have been able to do a lot of exhibitions and my mom has always been a really essential and helpful part of that happening for me,” Maggie said. “When she [Kathy] approached me about doing a show together it was the perfect opportunity for me to invite her into the side of the process that I’ve been on more often, as far as being the exhibiting artist.”

Each artist’s work complements each other’s mediums filling the space with 3D ceramics and textural paintings hanging on the walls.

Maggie continued, “This was also the perfect opportunity for a collaborative exhibition in an even broader sense because I have a great relationship with all of the people at Sulfur Studios as well as Jared Jackson of Eden Supper Club who is the head chef for the dinner event in the gallery on July 1st. We’ve all been longtime friends and supporters of one another and Sulfur was our first choice for where to show this work. It’s really great that we were able to make this happen and that it’s all finally coming together.”

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COME GET SOCIAL WITH US!

JONESIN’ CROSSWORD

BY MATT JONES ©2021 “PRETTY COOL” — FROM THE OUTSIDE.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 30-JULY 6, 2021

@CONNECTSAVANNAH

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ACROSS 1 “25” singer 6 “No thanks” 11 “Awesome!” (and the letters seen on the outside of each theme answer) 14 Cartoon cat with a “bag of tricks” 15 “Same here” 16 Fight of the Century participant 17 They’re coming to save the day 19 Downside 20 Announcer Hall 21 Hardly sympathetic 23 Noble partner?

26 “A ... crawly thing!”

27 Fivesome on a clock face 28 Gathered 30 “Semper Paratus” org.

32 Cereal box activity, maybe 33 Easy two-pointers 36 Tire filler 39 “Carmen” composer 41 “La ___” (Debussy opus) 42 “Gandhi” character 44 “Angry Anymore” singer DiFranco 45 “The Wizard of Oz” setting 48 Illuminating gas 49 Financial subj.

51 ___ souchong tea 53 Get hold of 55 Come up short 58 “Sir, this is a ___” (fast food-based meme response) 59 Rookie 61 It gets spilled, so to speak

62 Singer Rita 63 Colorful final track in most Mario Kart games 68 Make a dent in 69 Kemper who plays Kimmy Schmidt 70 Avoid skillfully 71 Button on some flip phones 72 “Black Velvet” singer Alannah ___ 73 Suffix with poly DOWN 1 2nd-largest continent, for short 2 River in Scotland that sounds like a letter 3 See 57-Down 4 Franchise operator 5 Gives off 6 Proofs of age 7 Raise, as curiosity 8 Carry ___ 9 Compare 10 Vending machine drink 11 Leaving competitors in the dust 12 Privately 13 Fender flaws 18 Automotive disaster of the 1950s 22 Sinbad’s giant egg-layer 23 “La ___” (Ritchie Valens hit) 24 At full speed, on the sea 25 What “Dolittle” won in the category of Worst Prequel, Remake, Rip-off or Sequel, in 2021

29 2017 Kendrick Lamar album 31 Taxpayer’s no.

34 Positive feedback 35 Mountain range separating Europe and Asia 37 O. Henry’s specialty 38 Ladder parts 40 Ring decision 43 Gets tangled up 46 Deviation 47 Handled, as a matter 50 “Hockey Night in Canada” broadcaster 52 TV “Playhouse” name 53 Lawn figurine 54 Put on TV again 56 Brecht’s “Threepenny Opera” collaborator 57 With 3-Down, golf legend from South Africa 60 City NNW of Provo 64 Wanna-___ (copycats) 65 On vacation 66 Sports drink suffix 67 “Dawson’s Creek” actor James Van ___ Beek

CROSSWORD ANSWERS

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Photos by Bunny Ware

PHOTOS FROM LOCAL EVENTS

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 30-JULY 6, 2021

View more photos online at connectsavannah.com/connected

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Cheryl Klein, Sharon Grefski and Linda Barker gather in Pooler June 15 during the ribbon cutting for RE/MAX and Lanier Management at their new office on Pine Barren Rd.

Caity Elliott, Amy Gutting and Michele Gutting wave to community members from the new RE/MAX and Lainer Management office building in Pooler.

Hunter Lanier and Bucky Lanier celebrate at the ribbon cutting among fellow community members.

Kim and Jody Lanier represent their company at the Pooler Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau ribbon cutting at the new office at Pine Barren Rd. in Pooler.

Gracie Kiro takes a moment during the ribbon cutting to celebrate with family.

NEW OFFICE NOW OPEN TO SERVE COMMUNITY REAL-ESTATE NEEDS Community members of Savannah, Pooler and surrounding areas gather June 15 at 1000 Pine Barren Rd. to witness the ribbon cutting and celebrate the opening of the new RE/MAX and Lanier Management office building to serve the needs of the Low Country. The Lanier Management Company is family-owned and operated, having served the area for over 40 years through their property management services for single-family homes, multi-family residences, homeowners associations, condominium associations and commercial properties.

Jenn Huff and Chris Huff celebrate the ribbon cutting of the new RE/MAX and Lainer Management office building in Pooler.

PHOTOS FROM LOCAL EVENTS

Photos by Bunny Ware

View more photos online at connectsavannah.com/connected

CAR ENTHUSIASTS JOIN TOYS FOR TOTS FUNDRAISING EFFORTS The Royal Cinemas & IMAX theater in Pooler hosts members of the Brooklands Motor Club June 23 as they fund raise for Toys for Tots and show off their cars. Members and guests talked all things cars and were treated like royalty in the comfort of the Royal Cinemas seats.

Evan Parker poses with his 2008 Mustang GT during a car show prior to a movie screening June 23 at the Royal Cinemas & IMAX in Pooler.

Tracy Goucher, left, admits her husband Steve may be the better driver, but she is the better “markswoman,” as the two enjoy the car show June 23 in Pooler.

David and Celia Nguyen pose with their 2013 Civic SI June 23 in the parking lot at the Royal Cinemas & IMAX.

Royal Theatre queens Larkin Bessent, Camille Penney, Payton Swords, Stephanie Colon-Arroyo and Megan Small greet hundreds of supporters June 23 in Pooler.

Leaving her two-seater Mercedes SL 450 at home, Lawanna Tsoulos arrives with good friend Deborah Cole June 23 to the car show and movie screening in Pooler.

This Nissan Skyline R33 gets a lot of love for Justin Ziemak at the car show and movie screening June 23 at Royal Cinemas & IMAX in Pooler.

Kylee, Emilee and Karen Hernandez seem to love their new 2021 Subaru WRX STI as much as Black Hawk crew chief Chris Hernandez does June 23 at the car show in Pooler.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 30-JULY 6, 2021

Valient’s Racing Ethan Cu invites carloads of friends like Jonathan Cox for the night’s fundraiser June 23 in Pooler.

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THIS IS HOW I STAY CONNECTED “Captivating and creative, Connect Savannah keeps up with the local events and happenings in the area every week.

With a local perspective, Connect offers an inside guide to all things arts, entertainment and popular news. This is how I stay connected in Savannah.” - Lauren

WE’RE REACHING THE LANDINGS. Connect Savannah recently started mailing every home at the Landings – all 4,600 of them!

It’s our way of introducing the exciting new format and contents of Connect, Savannah’s premier News, Arts and Entertainment publication.

We want to make it easy for everyone to read Connect! We’ve added new locations all over town – especially out in the fast-growing Westside and Pooler locations!

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