Connect Savannah - July 14, 2021 by Connect Savannah

CONNECT SAVANNAH

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A NIGHT TO CELEBRATE SD GUNNER FUND 10

SAVANNAH CARNAVAL AND PLANT RIVERSIDE TEAM UP FOR AN EVENT FULL OF SURPRISES

INTERSTATE OF I-16 I-95 DEVELOPMENTS TO YIELD LONG-TERM REWARD

DISTRICT LIVE VENUE TO BRING NEW TALENT TO HOSTESS CITY

CONNECT SAVANNAH | MONTH 00, 2021

JULY 14-20, 2021

w w w .v i c t o ry n o r t h c o n c e r t s . c o m

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 Inc., with the generous support of Georgia Southern University, the Georgia Ports Authority, Georgia Power and Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, the first ever forum is taking place on September 12-14, 2021 at Trustees’ Garden in Savannah, Georgia. To help our communities succeed in an ever changing and fast paced society, the forum is focused on discovering our collective potential to be greater by committing to new ideas, supporting the growth of our emerging and established leaders, and by being purposeful in building collaboration from all segments of our diverse communities. Working together we can make our communities stronger and better.

visit www.southeastGAleadershipforum.com for more information! Thank you to our Platinum Sponsors:

Media Sponsors:

Y O U R H O M E T O W N E V E N T S PA C E A H I G H E N D V E N U E F O R W E D D I N G A N D C O R P O R AT E E V E N T S

INFO@TRUSTEESGARDEN.COM | 912-233-8938 | TRUSTEESGARDEN.COM

WEEK CONNECT SAVANNAH

AT A GLANCE

WEDNESDAY 7/14 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. adults $39, $16 and under $19.50 savannahtheatre.com

Open Mic at Mint to Be Mojito Bar 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.

Trivia Night with Jess Shaw

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 7/15

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

JULY/

14-20

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.

sunglasses, water and a friend. 9-10 a.m. The Deck Beachbar and Kitchen, 404 Butler Ave.

Martinis at the Mansion

Enjoy a special martini menu, live music by Jacob Evans and Wayne Wilson, pop-up vendors and a raffle with 100-percent of raffle ticket sales going to Future Minds Literacy and Adult Education. third Thursday of every month, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Casimir’s Lounge 700 Drayton St. $5 suggested donation

Salsa Thursdays at Mint to Be Mojitos 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.

FRIDAY 7/16

308 Ghost Train

Head to Coach’s Corner on Friday evening to listen to 308 Ghost Train rock out as they play what they call, “Message oriented Rock with a classic vibe.” 7-10 p.m. Coach’s Corner 3016 E Vivtory Dr.

Bluegrass By The Pint with Swamptooth

Join Service Brewing for Bluegrass by the Pint every Friday featuring live bluegrass from local favorite’s, Swamptooth. 6 p.m. Service Brewing Company 574 Indian St.

Greenbriar Children’s Center Annual Day of Giving

Join Greenbriar Children Center as they host an online day of giving via their website. All Day Online greenbriarchildrenscenter.org

Thursdays and Sundays. Enjoy great family fun, good food at the snack bar and many chances to win cash. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Elks Lodge 183 Wilshire Blvd.

SATURDAY 7/17

Gino Castillo and the Cuban Cowboys

Fire & Wine

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

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

Party on the Pavement

Enjoy live music by original rock & roll musical group, Phantom Wingo, food trucks for lunch, and Ritas Ice of Savannah for desert. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Savannah Harley-Davidson 1 Fort Argyle Rd. savannahhd.com

SUNDAY 7/18

Bingo! at Elks Lodge

Join Elks Lodge for Bingo on

Returning to Savannah from Charleston, SC is Gino Castillo and The Cuban Cowboys coming to serve up some jazz music. Arrive early— cocktails served by 4:20 p.m. 5-7 p.m. The DeSoto Savannah 15 E Liberty. Savannah Jazz Members free, $20 guests

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 Plant Riverside 400 West River St. plantriverside.com/venues/ myrtle-rose-rooftop-garden/

MONDAY 7/19

Summer Reading Program

Join Live Oak Public Library for fun in the sun with a Summer Reading Program. Live Oak Public Libraries 2002 Bull St.

Tybee Island Farmers Market Weekly market featuring a variety of produce, baked goods, honey, eggs, BBQ, sauces and dressings, popsicles, dog treats, natural body products, and artisans features each week. The market is smokefree. Located behind the Historic

WEEK

CONNECT SAVANNAH

SAVANNAH’S PULSE NEWS | ARTS | ENTERTAINMENT

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.

ADVERTISING

ERICA BASKIN PUBLISHER erica@connectsavannah.com (912) 721-4378

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

WENDY WICKHAM BUSINESS MANAGER wendy@connectsavannah.com (912) 721-4373 HUNTER McCUMBER SENIOR CREATIVE DIRECTOR hmccumber@morrisnews.com (912) 231-0250

EDITORIAL NOELLE WIEHE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF noelle@connectsavannah.com (912) 721-4356 BRANDY SIMPKINS COMMUNITY/EVENTS JOURNALIST brandy@connectsavannah.com (912) 721-4358

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS

BUCKY BRYANT STRATEGIC MARKETING CONSULTANT bucky@connectsavannah.com (912) 721-4381 LAUREN WOLVERTON STRATEGIC MARKETING CONSULTANT lauren@connectsavannah.com (912) 721-4380 LOGAN HINTON STRATEGIC MARKETING CONSULTANT logan@connectsavannah.com (912) 721-4354 JAMIE BURTON MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST jamie@connectsavannah.com (912) 721-9854 MANDY YOUNCE REGIONAL DIGITAL SALES DIRECTOR mandy@connectsavannah.com (912) 503-0874

Bunny Ware, Frank Ricci, Lauren Wolverton, Nicole Youngblut, DJ Hellerman, Jamie Burton, Hunter McCumber, Beth Stewart and Melissa Hayes

DISTRIBUTION WAYNE FRANKLIN DISTRIBUTION MANAGER (912) 721-4376

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@ConnectSavannah

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ON THE COVER Sadé Harris rejoices with her service dog Bambi as she looks forward to the upcoming event, Savannah Carnaval, to be held at Plant Riverside District to benefit the SD Gunner Fund. Photo by Hunter McCumber

SAVANNAH CARNAVAL AND PLANT RIVERSIDE TEAM UP FOR AN EVENT FULL OF SURPRISES

INTERSTATE OF I-16 I-95 DEVELOPMENTS TO YIELD LONG-TERM REWARD

DISTRICT LIVE VENUE TO BRING NEW TALENT TO HOSTESS CITY

PROUD SPONSOR OF

connectsavannah.com

A NIGHT TO CELEBRATE SD GUNNER FUND

CONNECT SAVANNAH | MONTH 00, 2021

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JULY 14-20, 2021

CONNECT SAVANNAH

JULY 14-20, 2021

(CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE)

Tybee Lighthouse. 4 p.m. 30 Meddin Dr. tybeeislandfarmersmarket.com

Free Yoga on the Beach at the The Deck

TUESDAY 7/20

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.

ADMINISTRATIVE

AT A GLANCE

Alexander Hamilton at the Davenport House

The Davenport House Museum hosts a series of lectures about American patriot Alexander Hamilton on Tuesdays in July and August. Lectures begin in the house’s garden at 6:30 p.m. and performances begin at 7:15. Register early. Audience limited to 15 attendees. 6:30 p.m. Davenport House 324 East State St.

All experience levels welcome! Come out and give us your best 5 Enjoy free yoga on the minutes, or just come Tybee sponsored by and laugh at us, we like The Deck Beach Bar & it. Kitchen. Bring a large 8:30-11:45 p.m. beach towel, your mat Stafford’s Public or a tapestry, a hat and House sunglasses, water and a 306 W. Upper Factor’s friend. Walk 9-10 a.m. The Deck Beachbar and Toddler Tuesday Kitchen Explore the wonders of 404 Butler Ave. nature with all kinds of wild fun for your wee Stafford’s Tuesday ones. This week’s theme Comedy Open Mic is “Good for the Goose” The ghost of Savannah’s day. Pre-registration legendary open mic required. returns. Head out to the 10 & 11 a.m. sequel to the open mic Oatland Island Wildlife Hannibal Buress called Center “whack” and “please 711 Sandtown Rd. put that phone down”.

COLUMN

EDITOR’S NOTE

Afterglow BY NOELLE WIEHE noelle@connectsavannah.com

I’M SURE THERE is a great, academically sound reason we’re supposed to complete internships while we’re perusing journalism degrees in college. The ones I decided to partake in, though, changed my life. Two years in a row I interned with the Army’s Cadet Command. If you know me, you’ve heard all about this ever since 2011 when I applied to do it; these two years were two of my most valuable journalistic experiences in my 20s. It’s still affecting me in ways I couldn’t have imagined! Aside from still keeping in contact with the fellow interns I was working with even though we all live all across the U.S. - just recently I encountered two people in

this community who were also distantly connected to those experiences – Kasey and Allie. During the internships, I battled mosquito bites while chasing down cadets with my camera for that perfect action shot, I conducted stream crossing events alongside them and learned to get up earlier than I’d ever gotten out of bed to catch shots of them conducing physical training. Upon meeting these two ladies, I instantly had the utmost respect for them. I knew what they had gone through in pursuit of their journalistic dreams, because I had been through the same challenges. I know that sometimes the battles of completing all these requirements all seem uphill, but these daring experiences are worth it in the longest of runs. I know I’ll never forget mine.

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City of Savannah accepting ACE Grant applications BY BRANDY SIMPKINS brandy@connectsavannah.com

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW available for the Arts and Culture Enrichment Program Grant through the City of Savannah. “Savannah is the cultural and art provider for this region,” said Savannah Mayor Van Johnson. “Ultimately, we want to find ways that are able to make that a benefit that our citizens enjoy first. We also recognize that it attracts people here.” The Arts and Culture Enrichment Program is intended to integrate arts, culture, heritage, design, and other creative disciplines as strategies that strengthen the City of Savannah’s economic, physical and social vitality. An annual call for proposals is held each year to align fiscal year resources with the City of Savannah’s priorities in a measurable way. The City’s Cultural and Arts Investment Program was revised and renamed for funding year 2021 to become the Arts and Cultural Enrichment program, and city funding for these programs has occurred for over a decade, coordinators shared. “ACE is a catalyst in connecting the talents of area artists and arts providers with the residents who benefit as program participants,” Stuart Miller, director of Cultural Resources said. As the grant’s applications are open, the City seeks proposals from nonprofit

organizations that position arts, cultural, The submitted proposals will be reviewed and creative programs as catalysts to and evaluated by members of the Culrealize the City’s goals of increasing ecotural Affairs Commission, who are City of nomic growth Savannah citizens through appointed through skill-building, an application proemployment cess by the mayor and entrepreand aldermen. neurship. A series of virtual Miller noted meetings will be the ACE investhosted by the City ment program for individuals to has funded learn more infororganizations mation. Individthat have prouals can register vided a wide by emailing scacrange of procontracts@savangramming nahga.gov. from literacy development, Workshops will be to after-school held on the followmusic proing dates: grams, to cityJuly 10, at 11:00 a.m. wide cultural In person or virtual and theatrical July 13 at 11:00 a.m. events. Zoom only “Ideally an July 13 at 6:00 p.m. applicant will In person or virtual use ACE fundA member of Savannah Ballet dances on ing to expand For those unable to River St. PHOTO COURTESY OF SAVANNAH BALLET upon the organiattend a workshop, a zation’s offerings by creating new arts and prerecorded version will be available online cultural programming, or expanding access by July 9. Visit, savannahga.gov/2720/ to existing programming,” Miller said. Arts-Culture-Enrichment-Program.

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Performers take the stage during the 2019 Savannah Music Festival. PHOTO COURTESY OF CITY OF SAVANNAH

NEWS

Members of the community team up to feed the hungry. PHOTO COURTESY OF SCAD

Local arts college keeps Savannah area children fed

SCAD SERVE initiative to address essential needs in

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JULY 14-20, 2021

BY NOELLE WIEHE noelle@connectsavannah.com

THE SAVANNAh College of Art and Design announced a collaboration with Feed the Hungry to provide boxed lunches to more than 1,000 children in the Savannah and Chatham County community each week. The donated lunches are part of the university’s SCAD SERVE initiative which empowers the SCAD community to listen to the needs of its neighbors and local leaders, and to create meaningful design solutions that improve quality of life. Feed the Hungry is a non-profit charity formed by reverend and Georgia State Representative Carl Gilliard, his family and a host of volunteers. “I am thankful SCAD has answered the call to provide ‘hope in a bag’ to those in need,” Gilliard said. “The partnership between Feed the Hungry and SCAD comes at a defining moment because we know poverty plays a role in the reduction of crime because hunger knows no boundaries.” Once a week, SCAD SERVE volunteers hand-deliver the lunches to locations across the city, including summer camps, apartment complexes, and several Housing Authority of Savannah locations. SCAD SERVE Director Scott Linzey said, “It is so rewarding to bring nourishment and joy to the children. We hope lunches help eliminate a need in our community so the children can focus on learning, creativity and following their dreams.”

Sola Salon Studios awaits future visitors of the 2400 Bull St. location. PHOTO COURTESY OF SOLA SALON STUDIOS

Sola Salon Studios to celebrate new midtown location with ceremony here, while ensuring the utmost BY LAUREN WOLVERTON safety standards for their clients. lauren@connectsavannah.com We’re excited to welcome so many

SAVANNAH’S STARLAND DISTRICT will soon have 29 new business owners, all working out of the newly renovated Station 24 building at 2400 Bull St. Sola Salon Studios is the home to 29 individual, boutique salons with floor-to-ceiling walls and glass doors that fully close. The salon concept allows stylists to run their own business in a private space, while providing safety, on-site laundry, parking, utilities, Wi-Fi and more. On Thursday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., the public is invited to a ribbon cutting ceremony to meet local franchisee Heather Safrit, explore the new studios and learn what Sola Salon Studios is all about. “We are thrilled to offer Sola’s boutique salon concept in the downtown Savannah Starland District,” said Heather Safrit, owner of Sola Salon Studios in Chatham County. “There are incredible possibilities for salon professionals with an entrepreneurial spirit to expand their businesses

skilled professionals into our salon to serve the downtown and midtown Savannah community.” Amberly Colina is the owner of Palm + Sage Salon, and Katie Oakes is the owner of Hair by Katie Oakes Salon Studio. Both stylists have been with Sola Salon Studios for about four years and have salons at the new studio. Colina said the best way to describe Sola Salon Studios is as “an apartment complex for beauty professionals.” “You don’t just rent your chair, you rent your whole room,” Oakes said. “You’re in complete control of your space. I love the customization that it gives you.” Anyone who’s had a balayage or a highlight can agree that beauty services are forms of art, so it makes total sense that the new studios are in the heart of the Starland District. “I feel like the Starland District is the perfect match because it is the art district,” Colina said. “It’s a community based on creative people, so I feel like [the new studio] is going to shine even

brighter than any of the other Solas.” Colina and Oakes said they’re excited to support their new neighbors, too. “I love Starland Yard and all of the local restaurants like Starland Cafe, The Vault, Nom Nom Poke,” Oakes said. “I love all of the local businesses in the area.” “It’s wonderful to bring my clients into this Savannah community,” Colina added. Colina will be at Thursday’s ribbon cutting with other Sola Salon Studios stylists. Oakes said she will be working during the event, but said she’s actually excited for guests to get a peek into her work day. “It’s kind of a nice thing for people who have never experienced Sola before,” Oakes said. “They’ll get to see me in action, the space we utilize and what we offer.” You can check out some of Oake’s and Colina’s work on social media at @ hairbykatieoakes and @amberlymakeswaves. For information on local Sola Salon Studios, contact Savannah Area Manager LaDonna Dryer at 912-303-7221.

Community takes action against childhood hunger BY BETH STEWART

CHILDREN FACING HUNGER will receive much needed assistance from local non-profit People of Action Caring for Kids, also known as PACK. The ‘Childhood Hunger Doesn’t Take a Summer Vacay’ summer fundraising campaign will run through July 23, and individuals and businesses are being asked to help raise funds to prevent childhood hunger and food insecurity in the community. “Summer should be about relaxing and making fun memories,” said Malena Stone, founder of PACK. “However, summer often brings stress and anxiety for children who depend on school breakfast and lunch to meet their nutritional needs.” In Georgia, over 23% of children live in food-insecure homes. The campaign fundraising goal of $15,000 would sponsor food for 100 local children for a year. To help PACK achieve this goal, The Eichholz Law Firm has pledged to match donations made during this summer campaign up to $7,500. “The goal of the Summer Feeding Campaign is to sponsor 100 children, which will provide a bag of food each weekend for one year; so each child would get 52 bags of food,” Stone said. “Although we feed 3,000 kids each week, currently only a handful of them have sponsors. This means that we are perpetually fundraising to buy food. We believe sponsoring a child is a concrete way for members of our community to make a difference locally all year long.” Founded in 2013 as a kitchen table project with her three sons to learn the value of loving and serving others, Stone and her family began providing 50 bags a week to children needing food assistance on the weekends. Eight years later, they are delivering 12,000 bags of food each month to 37 schools and community centers. PACK currently serves Savannah as well as Richmond Hill, Pooler, Effingham and Bloomingdale. This volunteer-led non-profit is

hoping this first ever summer fundraising campaign will help provide further assistance to those in need. Students who receive free or reduced lunch are eligible for the feeding program, and schools and community centers who enroll in the PACK program help qualify students to receive donations. “Children who struggle with food insecurity need us more than ever during the summer when schools and programs are closed,” Stone said. With schools closed during the pandemic, The Eichholz Law Firm was looking for ways to make a difference in the community and a partnership with PACK was formed. David Eichholz, managing partner of The Eichholz Law Firm said, “Hunger and food insecurity unfortunately affects many children and families in the Savannah area. PACK and its dedicated volunteers have demonstrated an incredible commitment to feeding local kids. The Eichholz Law Firm is grateful for the opportunity to support this summer campaign as a matching sponsor.” While the feeding program is PACK’s largest endeavor, they also recently opened the PACK Boutique, currently serving 80 local children in foster care/CASA care. Children are able to come in every three months and choose new clothes, accessories, toiletries and toys at no cost until they are 18-years old. In addition, the PACK Cottages serve children in crisis and are accessible 24-hours a day to social workers and emergency workers. The cottages provide food, clothing, toiletries and comfort items to children in need. PACK also provides school supplies and Christmas gifts to approximately 1,000 children. People of Action Caring for Kids (PACK) is committed to inspiring the next generation of volunteers and to providing family-friendly service experiences for people of all ages. For information about Pack, or to donate, visit packsavannah.com. The Eichholz Law Firm is committed to fighting for justice and increased social responsibility in the community. For information, visit thejusticelawyer.com.

Historic preservation weekend workshops

July 16-18 ($150) Carpentry for Women II: Power Tools Blacksmithing III: The Final Heat www.savannahtech.edu/weekendworkshops

(912) 459-0065 10086 Ford Avenue Richmond Hill

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JULY 14-20, 2021

COMMUNITY

NEWS The Georgia DOT, the 16@95 Improvement Projects Design-Build team - Savannah Mobility Contractors - and the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety work together to convert two of those “leafs” into wide, semi-circle turbine ramps that will take traffic from I-16 up a central bridge that swoops around the I-16/I-95 interchange center.

PROVIDING SAFE PASSAGE New developments at the I-16/I-95 interchange are a short-term payoff for long-term reward

PHOTOS COURTESY OF GDOT

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JULY 14-20, 2021

BY MELISSA HAYES

THE INTERSECTION of I-16 and I-95 is a bustling and precarious thoroughfare. Over the years, an increase in traffic from motorists and freight traffic from our ever-growing port has caused congested, often dangerous conditions. To improve these roadways for all, the Georgia Department of Transportation initiated an improvement project in 2019 which is still ongoing. The intention of the project is to “increase capacity, improve freight movement, and provide overall operational improvements,” said Jill Nagel, District Communications Officer for Georgia DOT. “This will enhance safety and decrease travel times.” I-16 is being widened to three lanes in

both directions to the east of the I-16/I-95 interchange, and the interchange itself is being restructured. The two existing loop ramps located on the west side of the interchange are being replaced with a rare, partial-turbine configuration of ramps. For those of us who aren’t in construction, here’s a visual: from a bird’s eye view, a full turbine configuration looks like an enormous concrete spiral or whirlpool. Right now, the interchange is set up in a cloverleaf design. The interstate entries and exits consist of four loops creating a perfect clover shape from above. This improvement project is going to convert two of those “leafs” into wide, semi-circle turbine ramps that will take traffic from I-16 up a central bridge that swoops around the I-16/I-95 interchange center. This design allows heavy traffic to move

COMMUNITY Workers continue to make progress on the I-16/I-95 interchange. The intention of the project is to “increase capacity, improve freight movement, and provide overall operational improvements,” said Jill Nagel, District Communications Officer for Georgia DOT. PHOTOS COURTESY OF GDOT

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THURSDAY TRIVIA @7PM KARAOKE @9PM construction crews. “Right now, this feels like growing pains in this area,” Nagel said. “To make it better, we ask everyone going through that area to slow down and pay attention. The roadway is still safe but you have to be an alert driver. “When this is all complete, there will be three lanes and more room to maneuver. In the meantime, stay safe, and if possible, find an alternate route.” The Georgia DOT, the 16@95 Improvement Projects Design-Build team Savannah Mobility Contractors - and the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety are working together to keep this stretch of highway safe. Now is not the time to speed through here. Law enforcement officers have increased their presence in the area and have issued over 400 citations between February and March of this year. “When you get behind the wheel of a vehicle on Georgia roadways, you’re part of a community,” Nagel said. “We’re a community of drivers, and we really need to look out for each other and do what we can to keep everyone safe.” Shifting, narrowing lanes can catch motorists by surprise. Construction

workers are often close to the main road with little protection from oncoming traffic. The public is urged to stay focused, wear seatbelts, and stay within the 55-mph speed limit to prevent injuries and, worse, fatalities to themselves or others. The 22-mile span of 1-16 extending away from Savannah at Dean Forest Rd. toward the Bryan/Bulloch County line has seen nearly 1,800 crashes and 16 fatalities since 2016. “We’ve seen an increase in distracted and impaired driving,” Nagel said. “We’re just getting the message out there to put down your cell phones, buckle up and drive alert. You need to be aware of your surroundings and the vehicles around you. Motorists are also urged to slow down while in work zones. These workers are someone’s family, and everyone wants to go home to their loved ones.” If you’d like to stay updated on the progress of these improvements, you can follow along through the project webpage at majormobilityga.com or through Georgia 511 channels – 511ga.org or dial “511” from your phone. You can also follow Georgia DOT through their social media channels.

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swiftly through the interchange rather than stalling in the tight turns of a cloverleaf design. Other improvements include a twolane median crossover for emergency use and hurricane evacuations, installing Intelligent Transportation System technology such as cameras and traffic condition signage, the addition of lighting through the interchange for improved nighttime conditions, and new collector-distributor lanes on I-95 northbound which will separate vehicles exiting and entering from I-16 and allow for safer merging. “We saw a lot of weaving with people trying to get on and off and then having to cross three lanes, so this will create space for those vehicles,” Nagel said. All in all, the completed project will allow for more than 100,000 vehicles to navigate this stretch of highway simultaneously. But as we know, highway construction can seem slow-going and lead to a temporary increase in congestion. All travel lanes are expected to open to traffic in the third quarter of 2022, but in the meantime, conditions are less safe for everyone including motorists and

FOOD & DRINK

EAT IT AND LIKE IT

Patrons dine on delectable dishes at a preivous year’s Seafood and Spirits Festival.

Gourmet Seafood, Spirits Festival Aug. 20-29 Also going on the last full week of August is this weeklong seafood lovers’ party. With several events taking place across Savannah, including a Sunset and Seafood event at The Wyld Dock Bar and a weekend luau. You can find information and tickets at seafoodandspirits.com.

A shrimp dish is served at the annual Seafood and Spirits Festival a previous year. PHOTOS COURTESY OF SEAFOOD AND SPIRITS FESTIVAL

Island, city delectable events return Food festivals, restaurant week schedule and reschedule to area

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JULY 14-20, 2021

BY JESSE BLANCO

YOU MAY NOT THINK SO just by looking around, but there was never going to be a ‘flip the switch’ moment as to when everything will feel normal again around here. The dead horse has been beaten plenty. We are all aware of how difficult 2020 was for plenty of people in one form or another. But now that we’ve all determined that it is largely safe to wade back into the social agenda swimming pool, we can begin to entertain the thought of attending the increasing number of food festivals and food related events that have begun to

announce their return to action later this year, especially considering the announced cancellation of the 2021 Savannah Food and Wine Festival, which was supposed to take place in November. The dog days are most certainly here. Before you know it, we’ll be on the back side of the summer, so what better time to put a few dates of interest on your calendars than now so you can join us to “Eat It and Like It” late Summer and beyond. Here is a list of a few events that have returned and are eager to show you a good time. There most certainly will be more, but for now, here’s some dates to remember:

Savannah Restaurant Week Aug. 20-29 “Eat It and Like It” is thrilled to be presenting this celebration of food in Greater Savannah. Up to two dozen area restaurants will be participating in the fun. Price points will be three courses for either $30, $35 or $40 — each restaurant will choose. The event will go for nine days which means two weekends — plenty of opportunity to get in on the fun. You can find some details at eatitandlikeit.com. A running list of participating restaurants will be announced July 17.

35th Hilton Head Wine Festival Sept. 14-18 Always a great time on the island in March, the HHI Wine Festival is in September this year. Some of their most popular events are set to return including Sip and Stroll, Friday night’s Grand Tasting and the Saturday afternoon public tasting which will be held at Celebration Park on Pope Ave. for the first time. Whiskey, Wine and Wildlife Sept. 9-12 This event is one of the most popular events of the year. The setting is Jekyll Island, a beautiful, quiet getaway for three days of food and fun that is 100 yards from the beach. I know a lot of Savannah folk who have made the trip down there. This year, rather than cancel, they moved it to September. It will still feel plenty beachy down there in September, without the huge summer crowds. The event will be held again in its normal February slot in 2022. Hilton Head Oyster Festival Nov. 12-13 All kinds of shuckin’ fun for two days — Friday night will be held at Shelter Cove Park and Saturday’s main event at Celebration Park. Tickets are available now at hiltonheadoysterfestival.com.

FEATURE

S AVA N N A H C A R N AVA L

A T T E N D S A V A N N A H ’ S A W A R D - W I N N I N G F U N D R A I S I N G E V E N T T O B E N E F I T T H O S E I N N E E D O F S E R V I C E D O G S Service dog Bambi sports some stunning shades on the lawn at Electric Moon at Plant Riverside. PHOTO BY HUNTER MCCUMBER

BY JAMIE BURTON jamie@connectsavannah.com

IT’S GOING TO BE a night to remember for a cause that often flies under the radar. On July 31, SD Gunner Fund and Plant Riverside will host the award-winning

fundraising event, Savannah Carnaval, combined with the unveiling of the new Atlantic Building — the final installment of the Plant Riverside Project. The night will include live music, dancing, Capoeira, culinary tastings, and a live auction with hand-picked curated

experiences, all to support the mission of the SD Gunner Fund. The members of the SD Gunner Fund nonprofit organization will recognize guest of honor, Richard Kessler, with a Legacy Award for his remarkable contribution to philanthropy in the community.

Before the live auction a rock-paper-scissors contest will also take place. For the contest, guests can purchase beads to wear signifying they’re a part of the game. When it’s time to play, participants will find others also wearing beads and play a round of ‘CARNAVAL’ CONTINUES ON PAGE 14

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JULY 14-20, 2021

TO TA K E OVE R PLANT RIVERSIDE

‘CARNAVAL’ CONT.. FROM PAGE 13

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JULY 14-20, 2021

rock paper scissors. Winners will take the other player’s beads and continue playing until there are only two left standing. Those two finalists compete against one another in a winner-takes-all battle royale where the winner takes half the pot and is crowned the Coastal Empires Rock Paper Scissors King or Queen 2021. Head Chair of SD Gunner Fund and Director of Savannah Carnaval Jess Belfry said the first Carnaval happened in Venice in the year 1268. “Historically, Carnaval is the world’s longest running party,” Belfry said. “So, we knew that it needed to come to the Hostess City and we wanted it to have kind of that

“ L I T E R A L LY E V E R Y SINGLE PENNY MAKES A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE IN THE COMMUNITY. SO, THAT TO ME IS A NOBRAINER TO GET INVOLVED WITH AN ORGANIZATION LIKE THAT.” -JESS BELFRY

flare of ‘melting pot; everything goes.’” Belfry said SD Gunner Fund makes no discriminations about who their beneficiaries are, where they came from, what they’re doing, or where they plan to go next. There are no judgments. So, throwing a Carnaval event kind of fit perfectly. While the night is full of entertainment, Belfry doesn’t want patrons to forget about the very important cause of the event: that all of the money raised will go back to the SD Gunner Fund. “This year we have been tasked with raising - during just the live auction $20,000 and that will fully fund the adoption and training of a service dog for a local veteran,” Belfry said. With every fundraising event she

attended, Belfry felt as if she was experiencing Groundhogs Day over and over again. From that needed change came Savannah Carnaval. “When I wanted to create Savannah Carnaval, I said, ‘I want it to be colorful, multicultural; I want everybody and their mother to be able to go and have a good time, and I want no seating,’” Belfry said. “I want everyone on their feet the whole time, forced to move around.” Belfry has been fundraising for the SD Gunner Fund for five years, but Savannah Carnaval - just being three years old - has become the nonprofit’s largest fundraising event. “Through this fundraiser, we’ve been able to double their impact in the community

SD Gunner fund beneficiary Sadé Harris laughs with Leilani Tenan and service dog Bambi on the lawn at Electric Moon at Plant Riverside. PHOTO BY HUNTER MCCUMBER

FEATURE every single year,” Belfry said. “This year - if we hit the goals we want to hit - we will triple their impact into the community.” The SD Gunner Fund was created to assist veterans, exceptional children and first responders with the financial expense of owning much needed service and therapy animals. Belfry said last year, the nonprofit impacted 33,000 individuals just in the local area. “There’s no CEO, overhead costs, there’s nobody on payroll,” Belfry said. “Literally every single penny makes a positive difference in the community. So, that to me is a no-brainer to get involved with an organization like that.” Longtime Savannah resident Bucky Bryant and his wife, Hollie Bryant, will soon be granted one of SD Gunner Fund’s service dogs to aid their daughter, Emmaline, through emotional support. Hollie said she hopes this dog acts as a friend to lean on when her daughter needs it most. “She’s always had a hard time making connections with people,” Hollie said. “I

want her to be able to have a friend and have somebody that she can just connect with, bring her out of her shell a little bit more and make her comfortable in certain situations.” Hollie said Emmaline struggles with sensory issues. “Most of it has to do with sound, so taking her to a restaurant is just impossible because it’s so many things going on at once,” Holie said. “She hears things differently than we do so it’s very overwhelming for her.” Bucky said he is relieved to have found the SD Gunner Fund to help his daughter. Proposed themed attire for the event is “colorful cocktail.” Tickets are $100 for individual tickets or $175 for two tickets. Rock-Paper-Scissors beads are $10 and can be pre-brought when purchasing your ticket. Tickets come with entry, light bite tastings and two drink tickets. Arrive at 6:30 p.m. for registration. Do not miss the opening drumline at 6:45 p.m.! Visit sdgunner.org.

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JULY 29 King of Pop - A Tribute to the Genius of Michael Jackson JULY 30 Pandora’s Box - The Ultimate Aerosmith Tribute AUG. 7 Grand Paradise - A Tribute to STYX AUG 13 Monkey Man-A Tribute to the Rolling Stones 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

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CONNECT SAVANNAH | JULY 14-20, 2021

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NEWS

COMMUNITY

Black Rifle Coffee Company coffee and apparel await purchase at the River St. location.

The newest Black Rifle Coffee Company shop opens inside of Nine Line Apparel on River St. The location will hold their official grand opening this Saturday with giveaways and a chance to meet the founders.

Patriotic lifestyle apparel lines the walls of the Nine Line Apparel and BRCC shop on River St.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF NINE LINE FOUNDATION

Veteran-supported apparel, coffee shop announces official, unrestricted grand opening Nine Line, Black Rifle Coffee Company to hold opening celebration with giveaways at River St. location

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JULY 14-20, 2021

BY NOELLE WIEHE noelle@connectsavannah.com

THE NINE LINE Apparel and Black Rifle Coffee Company coffee shop on River St. has been open for some time, but due to COVID19 restrictions, the location never got to have a grand opening free of masks and restrictions on numbers of guests. So, this is it. “We haven’t really advertised and promoted the downtown location, so this is our big announcement,” said retired U.S. Army Capt. Tyler Merritt, CEO and founder of Nine Line Apparel. Join the Black Rifle Coffee Company and Nine Line Foundation teams July 17 as they announce the grand opening of their apparel and coffee shop combined into one location at 307 W. River St. The location offers barista-crafted caffeinated beverages, Black Rifle Coffee Company

Gear and Nine Line Foundation apparel. Merritt said tradition for a grand opening is to invite the community. “The idea is to bring the community together and have a fun event,” Merritt said. The BRCC and Nine Line Foundation founders, Mat Best, Jared “JT” Taylor, and Merritt will be in attendance to mingle with guests. “This is the official grand opening to get everyone together – Tyler, JT, Mat Best,” said Regina Wages, events manager for Nine Line. “It’s crazy the following they have.” As if the visiting founders weren’t enough of a draw, the first 50 patrons at the grand opening will get an engraved Black Rifle Coffee Company — BRCC 20 oz Yeti — good for one year of free coffee. There will be giveaways beginning 8 a.m. to noon. Bass Pro Shop will giveaway over $500 in prizes, including a Cabela’s 24-Can Polar

Cap Cooler grand prize, a Cabela’s Stainless steel table top grill and two Cabela’s Big Outdoorsman XL chairs. Nine Line will also giveaway two helicopter rides and Nine Line Apparel prizes. “We’ll go fly around downtown Savannah and land at the headquarters [on Fort Argyle Rd.],” Merritt said. The headquarters was the first location of the Black Rifle Coffee Company, but they have opened several since then. Merritt said this will be BRCC’s 10th location. “Their goal is to hire 10,000 veterans,” Merritt said. “They’re trying to grow as fast as possible. Both Nine Line and BRCC are veteran-owned and operated businesses. “Their founders are Rangers and [Special Forces] guys; it’s a small community within [Special Operations Command],” Merritt said. “We’ve had discussions about missions

we were on where I was in the air, they were on the ground. Now, fast-forward a decade later, we’re doing business together.” Founded in 2012, Nine Line Apparel is a patriotic lifestyle brand based out of Savannah. Nine Line is known as a give-back organization that supports our nation’s veterans and first responders through the Nine Line Foundation and other non-profit initiatives. Visit, ninelineapparel.com. Black Rifle Coffee Company specializes in premium, small-batch, roast-to-order coffee. Founded in 2014 by Green Beret Evan Hafer and Army Ranger Mat Best, Black Rifle develops their explosive roast profiles with the same mission focus they learned while serving in the military. They’re committed to supporting veterans, law enforcement, and the American way of life. With every purchase you make, they give back. Visit, blackriflecoffee.com.

NEWS

COMMUNITY

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SEABOLT REAL ESTATE

BY BETH STEWART

FIVE LUXURY HOMES represented by Seabolt Real Estate in Savannah need your votes to secure a win, as they have been selected as finalists have been selected as finalists in the HGTV Ultimate House Hunt 2021. Voting is open through Aug. 4 and viewers can tour the 66 homes selected as finalists by visiting HGTV.com/ househunt before casting a vote for their favorite properties. Last year, the HGTV Ultimate House Hunt generated more than 1.5 million votes. Seabolt Real Estate, the exclusive coastal Georgia affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate, is proud to announce this is the second year homes they represent will be showcased in the contest. ”It’s incredibly prestigious for a home to be selected for the HGTV Ultimate House Hunt, as this honor includes some of the most impressive homes across the

country,” said Seabolt Real Estate Founder and Broker Elaine Seabolt. “I’m delighted to give my sellers the opportunity to showcase their homes on a national level for the second consecutive year.” A winner will be chosen in eight different categories based on the highest number of votes received, and an overall favorite will be awarded for the listing receiving the most votes. The winning homes will receive editorial exposure on HGTV.com as well as the prestige of being selected as an HGTV fan favorite. In order to be selected as a finalist in the HGTV Ultimate House Hunt, information and photos had to be submitted, and five homes were selected as finalists in four categories including Downtown Dwellings, Homes With a History, Curb Appeal and Waterside Homes. In the Downtown Dwellings category is the Saussy Mansion located at 23 West Gordon St. This property stands apart as one of Savannah’s most exceptional

historic residences. Originally built in 1872, this seven-bedroom home is located on a residential tree-lined street just steps from Monterey Square and Forsyth Park. Featured in the Homes With a History category, the Chesnutt House is an 1897 Queen Anne Victorian home located at 701 Whitaker St. This residence overlooks Forsyth Park and features museum-quality details. Also featured in this category is the 1854 Federal-style 4-story brick home, the Jesse Mount House,and is positioned at 209 West Jones St. in the heart of Savannah’s National Historic Landmark District. The Curb Appeal category features a Victorian home in the Starland neighborhood located at 122 East 38th St. This newly-renovated home built in 1895 is also the winner of the Historic Savannah Foundation Preservation Award. Finally, the Waterside Homes category features a Causton Bluff Custom Home on the Intracoastal Waterway. Located at 19 Bartow Point Dr. in the gated Causton Bluff

neighborhood just east of downtown Savannah, this waterfront home offers panoramic waterfront views. Seabolt said, “The fact that five of the 66 HGTV Ultimate House Hunt finalists selected from across the United States are located right here in Savannah is a real tribute to the quality of real estate opportunities we have in the Hostess City. Savannah offers an incredible range of exceptional homes to suit every lifestyle and every budget.” Two of the featured listings selected as finalists have already sold, the Saussy Mansion located at 23 West Gordon St. and the Victorian home at 122 East 38th St. in the Starland neighborhood. The three remaining properties are still on the market and showings can be arranged through Seabolt Real Estate for qualified, serious buyers. To take a virtual tour of the homes and cast your vote, visit HGTV.com/househunt. To learn more about Seabolt Real Estate, visit seaboltrealestate.com.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JULY 14-20, 2021

Five Savannah homes selected as finalists in HGTV Ultimate House Hunt 2021

NEWS

A single wreath rests on the grave site of a fallen service member in Marietta National Cemetery on Wreaths Across America Day one December. Though the organization aims to provide enough wreaths to decorate each and every grave, sometimes the amounted donated falls short and some years, some graves are left without a wreath.

Planning for Christmas in July

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JULY 14-20, 2021

Wreaths Across America honors fallen, supports current service members

BY NOELLE WIEHE noelle@connectsavannah.com

We have living veterans that need help, but we can’t forget our past.”

THE GRAVESTONES of fallen service members are adorned with wreaths each December, thanks to Wreaths Across America, but the fundraising starts well before that memorable day for veteran-supported organizations across the country. U.S. Air Force Maj. Adam Davidson, commanding officer of the Georgia Wing Headquarters Group 2, Southeast Region-Georgia-119, has been involved with Wreaths Across America for 10 years and said it is a fundraising effort as much as it is a memorial effort. “Wreaths Across America is one of the best fundraisers out there,” Davidson said. “This is just one that teaches our cadets how we honor those that came before us.

This year, more than 2,500 cemeteries will participate in National Wreaths Across America Day, including more than 50 in Georgia – Dec. 18. Thousands of local sponsorship groups are working in their communities to raises funds and awareness to honor the local service members with the placement of veterans’ wreaths made of fresh Maine balsam. Throughout the month of July, national nonprofit WAA will be featuring its annual Giving in July campaign — a month dedicated to the groups and individuals giving back in their communities. Davidson explained his unit is the Civilian Auxiliary U.S. Air Force, whose core job is to provide open land search and

rescue, and cadet programs and aerospace education. He commands the eight squadrons within the group, complete with 322 members in Northeast Georgia. Davidson’s unit generally sells about 2,000 wreaths, which he said is basically funds the squadron’s utility bills, rent and activities. “On top of that, it teaches our cadets how to honor our veterans,” Davidson said. In December, all cemeteries across the globe which participate in laying wreaths will operate off of eastern time, in line with Arlington Cemetery, the final resting place of over 400,000 service men and women. Since its founding in 2007, WAA has partnered with hundreds of like-minded charities, community programs, and civic groups throughout the country to

remember and honor our nation’s veterans and active-duty military all year long. Giving in July celebrates these groups and highlights the opportunity to ‘do good twice’ through the sponsorship of veterans’ wreaths through the organization’s Group Sponsorship Program. “I have long said, it would be disingenuous for us as an organization whose mission is to Remember the fallen, Honor those that serve and their families, and Teach the next generation the value of freedom, if we do not support other likeminded programs doing just that in their communities,” said WAA Executive Director Karen Worcester. Through the program, donations received in fact ‘do good twice’ because WAA gives back $5 of each $15 wreath sponsorship made to support the local

COMMUNITY

A volunteer places a lone wreath at the gravestone site of a fallen service member at Marietta National Cemetery in Georgia following a request from a family member during Wreaths Across America Day one December. PHOTOS COURTESY OF WAA

group’s own mission, which include programs helping veterans, military families, youth and more, in communities across the country. The wreaths Davidson’s unit receives will be placed on the more than 18,000 graves at Marietta National Cemetery. “They have a [veteran] who was buried there that served in the Revolutionary War, and every war until the War on Terror,” Davidson said. “The big thing that we do is to honor and not to forget. As families grow older and pass on, these graves do not get visited. It’s very humbling to go in there just thinking that certain people have never actually gone to certain parts of the cemetery just because there is no one left of those families, or especially those unknown markers.” The Warriors Walk on Fort Stewart and

the Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery - Glennville have already surpassed their goals to honor each of their fallen service members on site with a wreath. Every wreath will find its home on a grave this winter, however, as the surplus go to cemeteries which need them. “Our Group Sponsorship Program is a year-round effort, but through Giving in July we hope to remind people that veterans and our current military serve and protect us 365 days a year and it is never too early to make a difference in your own community,” Worcester said. Visit wreathsacrossamerica.org to sponsor a wreath through a local organization or to volunteer to lay them in December for Wreaths Across America Day. To sponsor a link through Davidson’s unit, follow this link, wreathsacrossamerica.org/GA0026P.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JULY 14-20, 2021

The American flag and a Prisoner of War/Missing in Action flag wave over the Marietta National Cemetery on a previous year’s Wreaths Across America Day in December.

the STAGE PAGE DRAG SHOW @ CLUB ONE When those around you are getting loose and being comfortable with themselves, good chance you will as well. You’d be hard-pressed to find people who live with fewer apologies than performers at a drag show. Savannah has always been friendly, with memorable drag shows at the old Hang Fire and The Jinx. Club One has been hosting them regularly. You have to try to not have fun here. FRIDAY, SATURDAY NIGHTS | 10:30 PM, 12:30 AM

STEVEN ROGERS AND CAITLIN PELUFFO @ THE WORMHOLE Syracuse-native and New York City-based comedian Steven Rogers appeared on “The Late Show with Steven Colbert,” winning the audience with his rapid-fire, observational humor. Caitlin Peluffo is a San Francisco transplant living in Brooklyn and known for going there, early and often. THURSDAY, JULY 15 | 8 PM

BASSHOLE XVIII @ THE WORMHOLE

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JULY 14-20, 2021

The children and grandchildren of Roland TR-808 have kept bass music alive for more than 30 years. BASSHOLE XVIII drops a state of sound address with crushing low-end frequencies that science has proven people respond to. Get ultra-low with Kozmic, Xenotype, Shakes, Squionee, B-Riel, with mind-bending visuals by Psykiss. 21 to drink, 18 to party. FRIDAY, SATURDAY NIGHTS | 10:30 PM, 12:30 AM

GINO CASTILLO & THE CUBAN COWBOYS @ THE DESOTO

A native of Quito, Ecuador, Gino Castillo rules the Afro-Cuban, Latin jazz and salsa scene in Charleston, South Carolina. Channeling the sounds of Buena Vista Social Club and Tito Puente, the percussionist and his band will liven up your Sunday. The show is part of the Savannah Jazz monthly series of concerts. Free with a membership, but ticket prices are a deal. SUNDAY, JULY 18 | 5 PM 20

MUSIC

FEATURE

Homegrown Summer Jam to debut at Victory North

BY DJ HELLERMAN

THIS THURSDAY, Victory North will present Homegrown Summer Jam: an Americana concert featuring some of Savannah’s favorite Americana bands. Located in the Starland District, Victory North is one of Savannah’s newest concert venues. With a standing capacity of approximately 500, the mid-sized venue opened in May of 2019, just about one year before the pandemic forced venues to shutter. As live music returns, Victory North is welcoming back audiences by providing a stage for local musicians. Andrea De La Higuera, Lighting Director at Victory North, explains, “We want to feature local music. We want to support local musicians and give the community a place to go. We are hoping this becomes a regular part of our concert line up.” Homegrown Summer Jam will be the first indoor show at Victory North since reopening. The venue used the past year to make infrastructure improvements. “We’ve had local bands play in our courtyard, but this will be an indoor show.

We’re excited.” De La Higuera continues, “Recently, we installed a new sound system so that we can sound the best of the best. We used the COVID time as best we could, to upgrade the experience.” Thursday’s line-up features The New American Hologram, Jason Bible, Eckstine and Rose, and Aaron Zimmer Duo - featuring Vito Gutella. For Matt Eckstine of Eckstine and Rose, this will be his first in-person performance of music he released during the pandemic. “Things are finally opening up,” he said. “Personally, I know that people rallied behind me and supported my live streams and record releases. I’m looking forward to getting out and playing the new songs off of my new record in a venue that is designed for live music. When we started playing, back in the 2010’s, there wasn’t a place in Savannah for this kind of music, besides the Jinx. Now, we finally have a venue that is the perfect size for us. Can’t wait to get people out and to perform. I really appreciate that Victory North is supporting this show.” Eric Britt of The New American Hologram organized Homegrown Summer

Jam. Britt’s history with Savannah’s Americana scene provided a perfect template for bands to include on the bill. “This line-up has been involved with several Americana shows going back ten years or more. The original event was called the Homegrown Holiday Hoedown. Basically, it was a Christmas party concert with The Train Wrecks and The Accomplices, at the ballroom above Betty Bombers. People loved that party. And we’re going to do the same thing at the Homegrown Summer Jam. This is the first event like this at Victory North.” For Britt, support from venues like Victory North are essential for making Savannah a great city for musicians to make a living. There is at least a year’s worth of pent-up excitement and anticipation for in-person concerts. “It is an amazing feeling for local

IMAGE COURTESY OF VICTORY NORTH

musicians, doing hand-to-mouth gigs, to be given a night at a great venue like Victory North. It is very validating to be able to have friends, family, and supporters come to experience the music through a giant PA with great sound and lights. That’s the way it should be: validating and exciting. Plus, these bands are amazing and they deserve to be heard in a venue where they can truly shine.” For information or tickets visit, victorynorthsavannah.com/event-details/ homegrown-summer-jam Vicotry North is located at 2603 Whitaker St., Savannah.

Savannah Jazz monthly concert sizzles with Afro-Cuban Jazz, Salsa 40th annual Savannah Jazz Festival returns to Forsyth Park in September

ON THE HEELS of last week’s announcement of the 2021 Savannah Jazz Festival lineup and the welcomed news that the 40th annual event will be held live in Forsyth Park, Sept. 23–26, Savannah Jazz has a lot to celebrate. Perfect timing for July’s monthly concert with Afro-Cuban Jazz and Salsa band Gino Castillo and the Cuban Cowboys. This Sunday at 5 p.m., at The DeSoto Hotel, master percussionist Castillo is set to show Savannah how one earns an honorary degree in teaching music from the George Gershwin Conservatory. Based in Charleston, South Carolina, Castillo is the undisputed leader of the

Holy City’s Afro-Cuban jazz and salsa scene. Those who have seen the band live know why. Castillo and The Cuban Cowboys electrify audiences with a relentlessly upbeat style reminiscent of “The King of Latin Music” Tito Puente. That is to be expected. Castillo also adds a healthy dose of Cuban folk elements like Son cubano, guaracha, and bolero made famous by the late Ibrahim Ferrer and Ry Cooder’s Grammy-winning Buena Vista Social Club. Carrying this musical recipe is a tight horn section that plays off calland-response vocals, with world-class percussion making everything move. It is nearly impossible to stand still or sit down when an artist of this caliber is

leading a powerful Afro-Cuban jazz and salsa band. Consider this the perfect remedy to mid-summer doldrums and one way to get excited for the full-blown Savannah Jazz festival in September. The show is free for Savannah Jazz members, $20 at the door for the general public. Music-loving Savannahians can support the cause with a membership to Savannah Jazz. Starting at $50 annually for an individual, or $75 for a couple, the 10 free yearly concerts make it an exceptional bargain. Savannah Jazz presents Gino Castillo and The Cuban Cowboys, Sunday, July 18, 5 p.m. | The Desoto Hotel, 15 E. Liberty. Free with membership, $20 general admission. Visit savannahjazz.org for information.

Gino Castillo and the Cuban Cowboys bring the crowd to their feet during a live performance. They will play at 5 p.m. Sunday at The Desoto Hotel. PHOTOS COURTESY OF SAVANNAH JAZZ FESTIVAL

Percussion king Terry “Doc” Handy infuses Latin jazz and R&B into his sounds during a live performance. Catch Doc Handy this year at the Savannah Jazz Festival.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JULY 14-20, 2021

BY FRANK RICCI

SOUNDBOARD

July/

14-20

WHO IS PLAYING WHERE THIS WEEK WEDNESDAY 7/14 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 at Mint to Be Mojito Bar, 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 Night 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.

BAR & CLUB EVENTS

Two Tides Brewing Company Bring Your Own Vinyl Night, 7 p.m.

THURSDAY 7/15 LIVE MUSIC

55 Wharf St BLUFFTON SUNSET PARTY SERIES, 5:30 p.m. Cohen’s Retreat Munchies & Music, 5-9 p.m. Jazz’d Tapas Bar Paul “Dr. K” Kempkes, 7:30 p.m.

TRIVIA & GAMES Bar Food Trivia Night, 8 p.m. McDonough’s Family Feud, 7 p.m.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JULY 14-20, 2021

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.

Club 51 Degrees DJ B-Rad, 9 p.m. Top Deck Sunset Deck Party, 6 p.m.

BAR & CLUB EVENTS

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

FRIDAY 7/16

LIVE MUSIC

55 Wharf St BLUFFTON SUNSET PARTY SERIES, 5:30 p.m. Coach’s Corner 308 Ghost Train, 7 p.m. Congress Street Social Club Basik Lee, 10 p.m. Jazz’d Tapas Bar Phil Tittle, 7:30 p.m.; Rancho Alegre Cuban Restaurant JodyJazz Trio, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Service Brewing Company Bluegrass By The Pint with Swamptooth, 6 p.m. Sting Ray’s Robert Willis, 6 p.m. The Wormhole Neighborhood Pub & Music Venue Actus Reius/ Dead Reckoning/ Yosemite in Black/ Guns to Gallows, 9 p.m.

TRIVIA & GAMES

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.

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.

SATURDAY 7/17 LIVE MUSIC

Coach’s Corner Reggae Party with Unifya, 7-10 p.m. Congress Street Social Club Revelry Soul, 10 p.m. Jazz’d Tapas Bar Ramona Quimby, 7:30 p.m. Rancho Alegre Cuban Restaurant JodyJazz Trio, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Sting Ray’s Robert Willis, 6 p.m.

TRIVIA & GAMES

Blueberry Hill Pool Tournament, 2 p.m.

KARAOKE

Bar Food Karaoke Night, 10 p.m. Bay Street Blues Karaoke, 8 p.m. Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m. McDonough’s

FRI// FRI

308 GHOST TRAIN @ COACH’S CORNER, 7 P.M.

Karaoke, 9 p.m. Totally Awesome Bar Karaoke, 10 p.m.

Club 51 Degrees Dance Party

BAR & CLUB EVENTS

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

SUNDAY 7/18 LIVE MUSIC

Collins Quarter at Forsyth Ember City, 2 p.m. Congress Street Social Club Voodoo Soup, 10 p.m. Myrtle & Rose, Rooftop Garden Plant Riverside Live Jazz Sunday Brunch Featuring the Howard Paul Jazz Trio, 11 a.m.3 p.m. Nickie’s 1971 Roy Swindell, 7 p.m. Sting Ray’s Robert Willis, 6 p.m. The DeSoto Savannah Gino Castillo and the Cuban Cowboys, 5-7 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 7/19 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 7/20 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.; Trivia Night With Chris Grimmett, 6:30-8:30 p.m. The Wormhole Trivia, 9:30 p.m.

KARAOKE

Blueberry Hill Karaoke, 9 p.m.-3 a.m. Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m. Wet Willie’s Karaoke, 9 p.m.

COMEDY

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

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

THE BAND PAGE

HOMEGROWN SUMMER JAM @ VICTORY NORTH

Savannah’s Americana scene showcases four of its best acts in a mellow, midsummer feast for the ears. Eric Britt and the New American Hologram headline the show, with Jason Bible of The Trainwrecks, Eckstein & Rose, and Aaron Zimmer starting things off. A singer-songwriter fan’s happy place. THURSDAY, JULY 15 | 6PM

RAMONA QUIMBY @ JAZZ’D TAPAS BAR

Named after the children’s novel series, the band Ramona Quimby is the brainchild of singer Jeanetta Salyer and her partner and multi-instrumentalist Alberto Cebollero. They perform jazz with soul, from instrumentals to tunes that feature Salyer’s unique vocals. A smooth sonic complement to a venue Cosmopolitan magazine called one of “the sexiest places in the world.” FRIDAY, JULY 16 | 7:30 PM

GEORGIA METAL MASSACRE @ THE WORMHOLE

Four Georgia metal bands converge for a night of sheer brutality. Buford’s Actus Reus does beastly metalcore with gobs of groove and buttloads of blastbeats. Dead Reckoning from Columbus features active-duty veterans and are heavier than 1,000 Abrams tanks. Yosemite in Black, spawned in Douglasville, moved on from hardcore punk to metal but kept the ferocity. Savannah’s own Guns to Gallows conjure what a modern Pantera might sound like. Burn your earplugs and get knee-deep in minced posers. FRIDAY, JULY 16 | 9PM

REVELRY SOUL @ CONGRESS STREET SOCIAL CLUB

Anthemic rock songs with soul, a touch of alternative and a bit of the blues sums up Revelry Soul’s sound. As in many cases, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Lead singer Josh Hamilton sounds like a guy you’ve heard on the radio a thousand times. He can really sing. Plus, the bass player’s nickname is Squid. That alone seals it … no? SATURDAY, JULY 17 | 10 PM

MUSIC

COMMUNITY

District Live’s upcoming concerts includes: Kendell Marvel Tuesday, Aug. 24 at 8 p.m. - $20 in advance; $22 at the door

SUSTO Saturday, Sept. 11 at 8 p.m. - $22.50 in advance; $25 at the door

Amos Lee Wednesday, Sept. 22 at 8 p.m. - $55 in advance; $60 at the door A rendering of District Live of Plant Riverside District shows fans enjoying live entertainment at the soon-to-open venue.. PHOTO COURTESY OF PLANT RIVERSIDE DISTRICT

Maddie & Tae Thursday, Sept. 23 at 8 p.m. - $35 in advance; $40 at the door

The Nude Party Tuesday, Sept. 28 at 8 p.m. - $15 in advance; $17 at the door

Passafire

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JULY 14-20, 2021

BY BRANDY SIMPKINS brandy@connectsavannah.com

THE NEW is bringing in the newer. The soon-to-open Atlantic Building, located in The Kessler Collection’s JW Marriott Plant Riverside District, is bringing on “the future of entertainment,” Plant Riverside’s Director of Entertainment Tyler Gray said. “It’s going to be entertainment central.” Once open, the new Atlantic Building will be full of many neat attractions including a rooftop bar and pool with a fantastic view of the Hostess City, a ballroom for events, a recording studio to host a radio station, and likely the greatest detail, District Live— a state-of-the-art, 500-patron-capacity music venue where officials plan to bring the best of the best in entertainment to the waterfront. To make this plan a reality, a landmark partnership has been forged between The Kessler Collection and Live Nation — an entertainment company that engages in producing, marketing and selling live concerts for artists via a global concert pipeline. This is the first time that Live Nation, the market leader in concerts, ticketing and sponsorship, has partnered

with The Kessler Collection to present live performances. Beginning Aug. 24 and continuing through December, a series of concerts hosted amongst the new partnership will take place. A total of 16 acclaimed artists representing a range of musical genres from rock, funk and alternative to pop and country are scheduled to perform at District Live. General admission tickets to all shows will go on sale to the public at 10 a.m. on July 16 , available at ticketmaster.com. According to Senior Vice President of Southeast Booking for Live Nation, Jim Mallonee, the partnership was long-awaited. “This partnership has been in the making for the past few years, and now that the venue is very close to completion, we were excited to be able to launch this exciting project,” Mallonee said. “We all look forward to bringing world-class entertainment to Savannah. The initial entertainment calendar looks great. District Live is undoubtedly the premier venue of its kind in Savannah. This high-quality venue will attract artists to the market as well as give returning musicians a new world-class experience.”

Both partners show enthusiasm about the new agreement. “This is the first project that Live Nation has ever done within Savannah,” Gray said. “We are premier Savannah and we’re showing entertainment in a brand new and unique way. People are hungry for live music following the COVID-19 pandemic, so the opening of District Live could not come at a better time. We look forward to bringing artists from a wide range of musical genres to the stage and welcoming guests to enjoy the intimate, in-person performances they’ve been waiting for.” In addition to the concert announcement, Gray also shared that as the concert tickets go live, 419 hotel rooms within the Atlantic Building, serving as part of the JW Marriot Plant Riverside District, will become available. This makes the JW Marriot Plant Riverside the largest hotel in Savannah. Luckily, the new hotel guests will not have to worry about noise because District Live will be sound proof and have an event curfew of 11 p.m. “This is going to take the live music destination of Savannah to the next level,” Gray said.

Friday, Oct. 1 at 8 p.m. - $20 in advance; $22 at the door

Paul Cauthen Wednesday, Oct. 13 at 8 p.m. - $35 in advance; $40 at the door

Turkuaz Wednesday, Oct. 20 at 8 p.m. - $20 in advance; $25 at the door

White Reaper Thursday, Oct. 21 at 8 p.m. - $25 in advance; $30 at the door

Funk You Friday, Oct. 22 at 8 p.m. - $20 in advance; $20 at the door

Marc Broussard Wednesday, Oct. 27 at 8 p.m. - $27 in advance; $30 at the door

Liz Cooper & The Stampede Saturday, Oct. 30 at 8 p.m. - $15 in advance; $18 at the door

Drake White Thursday, Nov. 4 at 8 p.m. - $25 in advance; $30 at the door

CULTURE

VISUAL ARTS

Art lines the walls of the Photopoint Gallery in Richmond Hill. The community will be able to vote on 20 different pieces from local artists in the exhibit. PHOTOS COURTESY OF

Art on display at the Photopoint Gallery, each inspired by a song produced by an artist from Georgia.

JOY DUNIGAN

Georgians pick Georgia art

BY JAMIE BURTON jamie@connectsavannah.com

A PLAYLIST OF 15 songs all performed, arranged, written, composed, produced, and/or created by musicians from Georgia; that’s what 20 artists had to get inspired. From that playlist came 20 pieces of artwork now on display at the Photopoint Gallery in Richmond Hill. The community has the chance to vote on their favorite piece of artwork from June 28 to Sept. 7. In the end, one will come out victorious and win the People’s Choice Award as a part of this year’s 2021 Arts on the Coast Annual Exhibit, “Southbound.” The annual exhibit is the crownjewel of art show events for the Arts on the Coast. This is the sixth consecutive year that it has been hosted by the

Photopoint Gallery in Richmond Hill. A three-person panel jury selects a Best in Show, Second Place, Third Place and Honorable Mention — cash prizes, ribbons and certificates are awarded. Joy Dunigan serves as both the Photopoint Gallery Owner and board member of Arts on the Coast. She is excited to share locally made art once again this year. “Each year - because it’s a big one - we go all out,” Dunnigan said. “There’s a theme and there’s a giant call for entries put out. This isn’t just an art show that we set up for ourselves or for those that are just generally interested in collecting work, but this is a bigger way to get them to engage with us.” When it comes to the playlist, Dunigan said they made sure to pick a variety of artists from different genres so there would be something for everyone to choose from.

With many gravitating towards music from Johnny Mercer and Ray Charles, the tunes served as a guide for what the artwork ended up becoming. “There’s paintings; there’s photography; there’s fibers; there’s mixed media,” Dunigan said. “Essentially, as artists, the first thing we do when we go into the studio is we put on music. When we do that, we want to get in the mood, set the tone; in some shape or form we are influenced by the music.” Work anticipated to be on display is by Arts on the Coast Members Tate Ellington, Joy Dunigan, Heather Young, Paul Downs, Patricia Harper Mathews, Carol Hartley, Nancy Schlossbach, Peter E. Roberts, Susan Diaz, Sarah Volker, Brenna Baluh, Jim Leahy, Peggy Jo Aughtry, Brenda Seagraves, Stella Ranae Von Schmid, Kathleen Hatcher, Juanita Middleton, Cindi Williams Lewis, Peach Hubbard and Brian Gilbert.

“For ages, you know, music artists have been inspired by visual art to create songs that are almost as famous as the painting,” Dunigan said. “So, you had Nat King Cole singing to “Mona Lisa,” and Don McLean singing “Starry, Starry Night” as a tribute to Vincent Van Gogh. Coldplay - in 2008 they had an album and the actual name and words of the album came from a Frida Kahlo painting; of course classical composers for ions have been inspired by Botticelli and so on.” All 20 pieces of art are on display now and ready for fans’ votes. The winner of the People’s Choice Award will be announced on Arts Sept. 8 on the Coast Facebook Page LIVE. To view the virtual exhibit, visit deepsouthphotopoint.com/ peoples-choice-award-2021.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JULY 14-20, 2021

Local community invited to vote on artwork at Richmond Hill gallery

CONNECT SAVANNAH

ART PATROL 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. artsonthecoast. org/2021-annual-exhibit 9123985776. Deep South Photopoint Gallery 30 Cherokee St.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JULY 14-20, 2021

‘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 SCAD Museum of Art 601 Turner Blvd.

‘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.

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

Before Midnight: Bonaventure and the Bird Girl

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

‘From Dust to Gold’ by David Gumbs

This exhibition represents the first U.S. solo exhibition by Caribbean artist David Gumbs, featuring immersive, interactive digital installations

July/ and drawings. Gumbs is a multidisciplinary artist from the island of Saint Martin, currently based in Martinique. Inspired by Caribbean flora, fauna, history, and mythology, Gumbs’ work often is concerned with “the offscreen of perception, the cycle of life, the visible and invisible.” telfair.org/jepson Jepson Center for the Arts 207 West York St.

Never Spoken Again: Rogue Stories of Science and Collections

The internationally recognized contemporary artists featured in the exhibition, including Morehshin Allahyari, Daniel R. Small, Carlos Motta, and Michael Rakowitz, perform as artist-scholars, opening a critique of material culture, iconography, and political ecologies. Their practices examine not only the objects and the systems of distribution that facilitate their circulation but also the disciplines and subjects of study that perpetuate boundaries. The works shed light on myths, simulations, fake currencies, war games, and the slow violence of systematic racism that historically underpin collecting practices. telfair.org. telfair.org/jepson/. Jepson Center for the Arts

207 West York St.

CLASSES

Alexander Hamilton at the Davenport House

The Davenport House Museum will host a series of lectures about American patriot Alexander Hamilton on Tuesdays in July and August. Accompanying each lecture will be a one-woman performance about Rachel Faucette, Hamilton’s mother. Lectures begin in the house’s garden at 6:30 p.m. and performances begin at 7:15. In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved inside the museum, which is located at 324 E. State St. in Savannah. The audience will be limited to 15 attendees. 6:30 p.m.. davenporthousemuseum.org Davenport House Museum 324 East State St.

Date Night: Summer Sun, Winter Moon

Painting with a Twist is offering a guided painting date night. Paint the Summer Sun and the Winter Moon with a special other that evening. paintingwithatwist. com $37-$47 per person 9:30 a.m.- 11:30 p.m. Paintng with a Twist 513 Oglethorpe Ave

Open Studio at Painting with a Twist

Painting with a Twist is offering guided paint-

14-20 ing during an ‘Open Studio’ Night. Choose from multiple paintings to emulate or paint what your heart desires on a number of canvas options and sizes. Paintingwithatwist. com $37-$57 per person 9:30 a.m.- 11:30 p.m. Paintng with a Twist 513 Oglethorpe Ave

Summer Terrariums 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 “Summer Terrariums.” $8 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Henny Penny Art Space & Cafe 1514 Bull St.

Intermediate to Advanced Jewelry Making

Perfect for the student who has experience with basic tools and techniques and is ready to keep building their skillset. Focused on design execution and process, you will learn to successfully combine techniques into pieces that require multiple soldering operations, forethought, and planning. This class will cover bezel and flush stone setting techniques. Projects are in copper and brass. Students can purchase silver as desired. $200 Sundays in July 9:30 a.m.-noon. 912-289-8337

CULTURE

VISUAL ARTS

Telfair Museum awarded arts grant

Various artists display their work as part of the show, “3+ Dozen,” featuring one item typically found in a set of twelve at Location Gallery. PHOTOS, IMAGES COURTESY OF LOCATION GALLERY

Indoor-outdoor gallery to benefit local farmers’ market ‘3+ Dozen’ opens at Location Gallery

BY NICOLE YOUNGBLUT

AN INDOOR-OUTDOOR event with various local artists opens Friday from 6-8 p.m., with gallery profits from the show donated to Forsyth Farmer’s Market programs. Location Gallery showcases art in their upcoming group show “3+ Dozen,” featuring one item typically found in a set of twelve, such as donuts, eggs, roses, zodiac signs, peeps and popsicles. Each item is isolated into a singularity, which is relatable to their individual isolation and playful at the same time. Each artist’s mediums range from painting, photography, sculpture and mixed media. “It’s a little bit of an odd curation because I left it up to chance by the artists, but it’s been really interesting seeing what’s come in from any medium, and we got a vast array of styles, work, and backgrounds for a layered experience. It’s a fun show process selecting the work with a lot of different viewpoints and perspectives, stuff for everybody. It’s been a mix for us as far as the artist. We try to use all local because I think that’s important since we’re local as well,” explained gallery director Peter Roberts. “3+ Dozen” features 17 local Savanah

artists, including Stacie Jean Albano, August Alderman, Claire Barrett, Lennie Ciliento, Jenny Eitel, Maxx Feist, James Graham, Mary Hartman, Ahmad Jackson, Robin Johnson, Rubi McGrory, Marta McWhorter, Michelle Perez, Peter E. Roberts, Shelley Smith, Rose Marie Woulfe and Jason Zimmer. Each artist found their subject based on what is sold in a pack of a dozen. Claire Barrett did zodiac signs, Jason Zimmer, an avid fisherman, painted a minnow, Lennie Ciliento, painted marshmallow peeps, Rubi McGrory, a popsicle, and Shelley Smith a welded rose. “Jenny Eitel does such great realistic, floating food items on a simple color background. That fried egg looks like you can eat it, it’s photorealistic. Claire Barrett, a local photographer from Ireland who did Zodiac signs she does these great photographs of a lion on Gaston Street. She has incredible digital photography skills, so it looks like there is wildlife in downtown Savannah,” added Roberts. All profits from this show go to programs benefiting the Forsyth Farmer’s Market programs that promote sustainable, nutritious, and affordable food to people in need in the community. While also supporting local

growers and producers’ environmentally conscious efforts. “The non-profit that we are donating the entire run of the show to is Forsyth Farmers Market, but we are directing it to their food coupon program. If people buy with a WIC card, this fund allows them to get double their dollars for their purchase. Healthy eating for underserved communities, which I think is just great getting fresh farm to food to people. We’re not just arts; we are also a community. We like to do shows that cater to non-profits. Location Gallery, we always say we that we’re building a better community one art show at a time—that’s our motto—because the gallery profits go to the local nonprofit,” concluded Roberts.

TELFAIR MUSEUMS HAS been awarded a $20,000 Bridge Grant by the Georgia Council for the Arts, a division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, to support its exhibitions and outreach programming in Savannah. The museum is one of 135 organizations in the state to receive a Bridge Grant for GCA fiscal year 2022, which begins this month. “As we emerge from this past year’s quarantine, the arts sector is vital to restarting the economy by attracting tourists, assisting with classroom learning, and igniting events to bring communities back together,” said Tina Lilly, GCA executive director. “The grants we have awarded will help cities and organizations leverage additional funds and bring people back to work while providing fun and educational opportunities for Georgians across the state.” Funds awarded by Georgia Council for the Arts include appropriations from the Georgia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts. Telfair’s grant will support its free outreach programs for at-risk Savannah youth and adults, as well as major upcoming exhibitions including “Sonya Clark: Finding Freedom” and “Noel W Anderson: Heavy Is the Crown,” which will open at the Jepson Center this October. “We’re grateful for Georgia Council for the Arts’ continued, expanded support,” said Jason Kendall, Telfair’s senior writer and public relations manager, who administers the museum’s grant program. “This is the largest grant Telfair has ever received from the state, and it’s a peer-reviewed process, so the fact that GCA Council members and our fellow arts professionals think so highly of our programming, the arts and cultural and tourism importance of our city and its residents—we don’t take it lightly. We’re excited to put this grant to work for the people of Savannah.”

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JULY 14-20, 2021

BY NOELLE WIEHE noelle@connectsavannah.com

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ACROSS 1 Italian pies, if you’re a Scrabble player (and trapped in the 1980s) 4 Backtalk 8 Fastener with a slotted head 13 Kappa preceder 15 Hardly any 16 TV intro music 17 Election Day day (abbr.) 18 Scruff of the neck 19 Gulf of Aden country 20 Disinfected / Completely wasted attempt to make angry? 23 Hospital section 24 “Star Wars” character who kills Jabba 25 Yodeler’s mountain 26 Jigsaw puzzle starting point, often 27 Furious state 29 1970s guerrilla org. 31 Positively 33 Catch a wave 35 Toy racer on a track 38 Electric car company 40 Yes, in France 41 Total prize money 45 Blogger’s personal bio section 48 Floating harbor marker 49 Bed grower 52 ___ Paulo, Brazil 54 “Catch ya later!” 55 Bowling alley rental 56 Group with the #1 hit “Butter”

59 Abbr. on a letter to Spain 61 Like some coffee or tea 62 Stabilizing, with “up” / Got out a piece of jewelry? 66 Horse noise 68 Japanese sashes 69 “Is that ___ or nay?” 70 English royal house after York 71 Delhi garment 72 Sleep in a tent 73 Bridge measurements 74 Biblical garden 75 Foot feature DOWN 1 Trouble spots for teens 2 August, in Paris 3 Pittsburgh players 4 Some beachwear 5 To the ends of the earth 6 Old photo tinge 7 Hunky-dory 8 Pig pen 9 Angelic figure / Ate the spice mix before preparing the meat? 10 Did a cover of 11 Come into existence 12 Proceeded 14 “... long ___ both shall live” 21 Ice, in a Berlin bar 22 Huge, story-wise 27 Suffix for art or humor 28 Regret deeply 30 Surname of three baseball brothers 32 A few Z’s 34 Drinking vessel at Re-

naissance Fairs / Imperfect geometric shape? 36 Gay and lesbian lifestyle magazine 37 Curry and Rice, for two 39 Homer’s father, on “The Simpsons” 42 Omar Khayyam’s poetry collection 43 ___ latte 44 Needle opening 46 Spheres 47 Enters carefully 49 Fire-striking stones 50 Tie, as sneakers 51 Flatware company named after a New York tribe 53 Airport code for O’Hare 57 “___ Were the Days” 58 “It’s ___ it’s good” 60 ___Fone Wireless (prepaid mobile phone provider) 63 Down to the ___ 64 Lost fish in a Pixar film 65 Open-mouthed stare 67 Divs. of days

CROSSWORD ANSWERS

tuesday Wine wednesday SIppin TEa Monday tree-fifty all beer, titos, RBV, $3 Truly Tea $13 Buckets

jameson: $3.50

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

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PHOTOS FROM LOCAL EVENTS

Photos by Bunny Ware

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JULY 14-20, 2021

View more photos online at connectsavannah.com/connected

Jake Henry, Mary McAllister and Nick Palumbo plant trees July 6 at the intersection of Liberty and Drayton streets.

Brenda McKinney and Christiana Turner have lunch and plant trees along with the Downtown Garden Club of Savannah July 6 at Liberty and Drayton streets.

Members of the Downtown Garden Club, Christy Cook and Kathleen Brenneman join in the dedication July 6 at the intersection of Drayton and Liberty streets.

Linda Ramsey, Jan Bradley, Wesley Olliff, Joan Levy, Susan Lowrey-Flaherty and Heidi Reid help beautify downtown as members of the Downtown Garden Club. Members of the club held a dedication ceremony at the intersection of Liberty and Drayton streets and planted five new trees from funds raised at the club’s Arboretum event.

Downtown Garden Club members Kathy Virant and Angela Coonce enjoy the sights at Liberty and Drayton St. July 6, where the club planted five new trees.

GARDEN CLUB ADDS BEAUTY DOWNTOWN Members of the Downtown Garden Club of Savannah hold a dedication ceremony for the planting of five trees at the intersection of Liberty and Drayton streets July 6 in hopes of jumpstarting the interest of replacing the tree canopy to areas of downtown. The DGC obtained the trees as a result of their fundraiser event, Arboretum held in February of last year. Savannah Tree Foundation‘s Jake Henry and Hunter Hall celebrate a successful dedication July 6 downtown.

Arboretum co-chair Kathryn Murph and a tree sponsor, Colony Bank Market President Wesley Olliff celebrate the beautiful addition of five trees being planted downtown.

PHOTOS FROM LOCAL EVENTS

Photos by Bunny Ware

View more photos online at connectsavannah.com/connected

ROCK STARS ALIGN WITH LOCAL VENDORS FOR LIVE CONCERT Local radio station Rock 106.1 hosts the 20th Anniversary Concert with Connect Savannah July 3 on the lawn at Trustees’ Garden. Headliners Puddle of Mudd, Filter and Sponge performed following local bands Whaleboat and Lillakk while vendors populated the lawn for attendees to shop and learn.

Rita’s Italian Ice team members man the food truck keeping patrons cool July 3 at the concert at Trustees’ Garden.

Members of the local band, Lilakk take in the sights and sounds of the 20th Anniversary Rock Concert held July 3 on the lawn at Trustees’ Garden.

The Tier One Nutrition team greet concert goers at their tent set up July 3 on the lawn at Trustees’ Garden.

The Reece Barbecue crew set up their food truck in anticipation of feeding guests on the lawn at Trustees’ Garden July 3 during the Rock 106.1 20th Anniversary Concert with Connect Savannah.

Christian Wilborn and Tracey Harvey man the BOB 106.9 tent at the 20th Anniversary Concert at Trustees’ Garden.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JULY 14-20, 2021

Service members man the U.S. Marines tent July 3 on the lawn of Trustees’ Garden during the concert.

WE’RE GOING FORWARD TO SCHOOL! JOIN US FOR AN INFORMATIONAL EXPO! JULY 24 at SAVANNAH MALL • 9 AM - 2 PM School Nutrition Information School Registration Information

(For new families or those who have moved)

School Supply Lists & Open House Information School Booths and Community Partners on site Athletics Information

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Student Organizations

SCHOOL STARTS WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 4! IN PERSON 5 DAYS A WEEK COVID ATION N I C C A V CLINIC

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