Connect Savannah - June 16, 2021 by Connect Savannah

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BRINGING GRAY’S REEF

TO THE SURFACE

New virtual exhibit explores local marine life

COMMUNITY INVITED TO OBSERVE JUNETEENTH CELEBRATIONS

SAVANNAH COMIC-CON BACK WITH NEW FEATURES

CONNECT SAVANNAH | MONTH 00, 2021

JUNE 16-22, 2021

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AT A GLANCE

WEDNESDAY 6.16 Green Drinks Savannah

Like-minded folks from the Savannah area gather at Foxy Loxy once a month, have a drink and a snack, and discuss ‘green’ issues of the day. It’s a casual event and everyone is invited. 6 p.m. Foxy Loxy Cafe 1919 Bull St.

Legends on Live

Enjoy a cast of Broadway and Las Vegas singers, dancers, live bands and aerial artists perform a 2-hour tribute to pop music legends including Beatles, Jackson 5, Aretha Franklin, Bruno Mars, Earth, Wind & Fire, Celine Dion, and many more in a dazzling Vegas-style show. 8 p.m. The Historic Savannah Theatre 222 Bull St. $39 adults, $19.50 ages 16 and under savannahtheatre.com

Trivia Night with Jess Shaw

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

THURSDAY 6.17 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

JUNE/

16-22

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.

ticket sales going to Future Minds Literacy and Adult Education. 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 St.

Savannah Banana’s Beneﬁtting Rugby Savannah Join the Shamrocks Rugby Club as they cheer on the Savannah Bananas at Grayson Stadium. The Bananas will be taking on the Florence RedWolves in a night that’s sure to be unforgettable. 5:30 p.m. Grayson Stadium 1401 East Victory Dr. $18

What Happens in Las Vegas Burlesque & Drag Show

The Tied & Tasseled Fetish Cabaret brings Vegas to Savannah with a sizzling hot summer show. 8 p.m. Club 1 1 Jefferson Street. $20 general admission, $30 VIP

FRIDAY 6.18 Father’s Day Movie Night

Bring the family out for a movie under the stars. Skidaway Island Park will be showing ‘Kicking & Screaming’ starring Will Ferrell. Be sure to bring your own chairs or blanket and favorite movie snacks. The movie will be located behind

the visitor center. Pre-register for the program by calling the park number. 8:30 p.m. Skidaway Island State Park 52 Diamond Cswy. $5 parking fee (912) 598-2300

SATURDAY 6.19 Breath and Booze

Join Christine Graeber at Ghost Coast for a juicy, all-levels vinyasa ﬂow. Bring your own mat and be prepared to provoke your body, mind, and soul. Christine will offer variations to make this practice safe and challenging for practitioners of all levels. After class, Ghost Coast Distillery will offer exclusive discounted drinks and shot specials for half an hour. 10:30 a.m. Ghost Coast Distillery 641 Indian St. $12

Fire & Wine

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

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. forsythfarmersmarket.com

Tybee Island Wade In

Celebrate Juneteenth by participating in the annual Juneteenth Wade

In at Tybee. Meet at North Beach Grill by 9 a.m. After, head over to the African Art Exhibit in honor of the Wade In at Tybee Guard House, 31 Van Horne Ave. 6 p.m. Noth Beach Grill 33 Meddin Dr

Juneteenth at SAAM

Celebrate Juneteenth at Savannah African Art Museum. The event will include music, storytelling, art, tours, dance, crafts, and more. 12-4 p.m. Savannah African Art Museum 201 E. 37th St.

SUNDAY 6.20

2021 Fathers Day Brunch

Happy Father’s Day! Join Savannah Riverboat Cruises on board for our Special Father’s Day Brunch Cruise. Dad can sit back and relax while enjoying exceptional Brunch. 1-2:30 p.m. Savannah Riverboat Cruises 9 East River St. $63.95 adults, $38.95 children 5-12, free children 4 & under

2021 Father’s Day Dinner

Sit back, relax, and let Savannah Riverboat Cruises do all the work this Father’s Day. This 2-hour cruise includes a buffet dinner, live entertainment, and an unforgettable evening. 7-9 p.m. Savannah Riverboat Cruises 9 East River St. $76.95 adults, $39.95 children 5-12, free children 4 & under

Father’s Day at Ghost Coast

Show Dad how much you love him this Father’s Day by taking him to Ghost Coast for a free drink and live music with Jacob Evans. 12:30-5 p.m. Ghost Coast Distillery

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 16-22, 2021

WEEK CONNECT SAVANNAH

WEEK

CONNECT SAVANNAH

AT A GLANCE

SAVANNAH’S PULSE

641 Indian St.

NEWS | ARTS | ENTERTAINMENT

Father’s Day At Rhett

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.

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.

Have a drink with Dad this Father’s Day at Rhett, The Alida’s signature restaurant, and enjoy a complimentary whiskey tasting from local Georgia whiskey producer American Spirit Whiskey. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Rhett 412 Williamson St.

Phil the Garden

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

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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 Bunny Ware, Christopher Sweat, Frank Ricci, Lauren Wolverton, Lindy Moody, Nicole Youngblut, DJ Hellerman, Jamie Burton and Melissa Hayes

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

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ON THE COVER The new Tybee Island Marine Science Center allows visitors to experience sealife in-person and virtually through the new Gray’s Reef Exhibit. Photo by Hunter McCumber

COMMUNITY INVITED TO OBSERVE JUNETEENTH CELEBRATIONS

TO THE SURFACE

New virtual exhibit explores local marine life

SAVANNAH COMIC-CON BACK WITH NEW FEATURES

PROUD SPONSOR OF

connectsavannah.com

BRINGING GRAY’S REEF

CONNECT SAVANNAH | MONTH 00, 2021

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 9-15, 2021

CONNECT SAVANNAH

JUNE 16-22, 2021

Savannah Philharmonic presents “Phil the Garden” at Trustees’ Garden. This celebratory concert is family-friendly. Enjoy food trucks, an instru-

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ment-making station, and a concert full of classical hits with Keitaro Harada leading the full orchestra. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Kehoe Iron Works 660 E. Broughton St. $10

6th Annual Wade In at Tybee

Celebrate Juneteenth by participating in the annual Juneteenth Wade In on Tybee Island Beach. Meet up at North Beach Grill by 9 a.m. to particpate. Afterwards, head over to the African Art Exhibit in honor of the Wade In at Tybee Guard House, 31 Van Horne Ave. 9 a.m. North Beach Grill

COLUMN

33 Meddin Dr.

MONDAY 6.21

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

TUESDAY 6.20 Toddler Tuesday

Explore the wonders of nature with all kinds of wild fun for your wee ones. This week’s theme is “Marsh Magic.” Preregistration required. 10 & 11 a.m. Oatland Island Wildlife Center 711 Sandtown Rd.

STAFF NOTES

New sheriff in town BY BRANDY SIMPKINS brandy@connectsavannah.com

Connect Savannah is switching it up this week, guys. This week I get to be the editor. As you can see from our contributors’ page, we have a pretty small in-house editorial team, but that comes with a plus— no one hogs their job duties. When our Editor-In-Chief Noelle asked me if I would take the position as editor for her while she went on a much-needed and well-deserved family vacation to Disney, I didn’t fl inch. I love new challenges and opportunities to develop new skills. Not to mention, though this is my fi rst time operating as editor — besides for the Week at a Glance and Art Patrol pages — this is not our Senior Creative Director Hunter’s fi rst time stitching the magazine together, so we’re still in good hands this week. Also, it would be unfair if I did not mention that Chris Sweat, the awesome

creator of Connect Savannah’s logo, also came to the office to help edit some content and add some cutlines to our photos as well. I am grateful for this experience not only because we have such a great community of people doing the work, but because I fi nally understand my editor a little better. The pressures of deadline day are real! Receiving last-minute stories and photos, searching for additional content to replace missing content, and meeting the deadline to send the paper to the printer is a lot to handle on a Monday morning. Then, there is the genuine concern that the paper turns out to be one that our readers enjoy and our team is proud of. Yet, all of this gets accomplished on a weekly basis. I want to thank my team for trusting me with this responsibility, and I hope you all enjoy this issue and the next issue of our Connect Savannah Magazine.

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COMMUNITY

Savannah Classical Academy provides focused attention Savannah’s Oldest

SAFELY DINE INSIDE, BY BETH STEWART CURBSIDE OR TO-GO. WHICHEVER SAVANNAH CLASSICAL ACADEMY, YOU CHOOSE, located at 705 E. Anderson St., offers students a WE’RE HERE unique educational experience FOR YOU! in downtown Savannah. One of five charter schools in the Savannah-Chatham County School System, SCA is the only tuition-free, public school option featuring grades K-12 where students can grow and develop in one location throughout their educational careers. Their mission is to provide every child with a classical and academically rigorous education while instilling commitment to civic virtue and moral character. Under the leadership of Executive Director Barry Lollis, SCA has become known for quality academic programs and results. “We support students with high expectations for student behavior supported by our eight SKIDAWAY • WATERS • ABERCORN • HWY. 80 • said. HWY. 21 • POOLER core virtues,” Lollis Modeled after the classical virtues, Savannah Classical Academy integrates compassion, courage, diligence, integrity, perseverance, respect, responsibility and temperance throughout the curriculum and at all grade levels. Classical education is rooted in the ancient Greek philosophy with the purpose of education being to provide better citizenry. Savannah Classical Academy provides students a challenging education focusing on mastering core subjects as a priority. Founded in 2013 by community members desiring a high-quality K-12 public school option for families, SCA has added an additional grade each year. They celebrated their first graduating class in 2020. With around 500 students projected for the 2021-2022 school year, class sizes are smaller than traditional schools enabling educators to provide focused attention for each student. Laurie Gaylord, a second grade teacher, has been in the public school system for 24 years and teaching at Savannah Classical Academy for three years. “SCA is unique because it is a small school where we get to see the children grow up and thrive throughout various avenues,” she said. “We get to see their academic, physical and social growth throughout the time they are with us.”

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With many academic and club options, SCA also offers a K-12 Spanish language program, a Strings Specializing program providing a musical instruin ORGANICS ment to each student once they reach third grade and an audio/video and film - WE CARRY - program. Sports programs include boys’ and girls’ basketball, track, cross country, golf, cheerleading, tennis and girls’ volleyball. andCONTROL girls’ socHAY• FENCING •TRAPSBoys’ •PEST cer will be added in 2021-2022. POTTERY & STATUARY•ANIMAL BEDDING Savannah Classical Academy also collaboPROPANE REFILLTechnical’s & EXCHANGE •LAWN & rates with Georgia Center for Education Integrating Science,VEGETABLE Mathematics, and GARDEN • SEASONAL PLANTS Computing program and Junior Achievement PET SUPPLIES•FARM SUPPLIES & MORE for STEM for hands-on practical application of conceptsLocated learned in class. downtown at High school students are also expected to earn college credit while working toward gradJust west ofClassical Bay St. Viaduct uation and Savannah Academy is the only school covering the cost of dual enrollment once a student exceeds the credit hours FAMILY paid for byOWNED the state.& OPERATED SINCE 1938 “SCA is the only local school, and the only school we are aware of in the state, that provides this funding and support to students once the hour maximum for state paid tuition is met saving parent tuition fees,” Lollis explained. In addition to dual enrollment courses, Savannah Classical Academy offers the only local culinary arts program, partnering with Savannah Technical College, where students earn college credits and technical college credentials while in high school. As the only local K-12 public school, Savannah Classical Academy’s goal is to have younger and older students working together to build school community and virtuous actions. They are able to hold assemblies with the entire school fostering a sense of togetherness unparalleled in other local public schools. “SCA is continuing to grow and add academic and extracurricular options for students,” Lollis added with the school expanding each year. “Students that matriculate K-12 will follow a rigorous academic program with many off-campus experiences and extracurricular programs for a balanced education.” To attend, families must submit an application and are chosen through an annual enrollment lottery. Slots are limited each year.

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Learn more by visiting savannahclassicalacademy.org.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 16-22, 2021

BRUNCH GUIDE

CULTURE

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Cheers to Dad

Rhett at The Alida offering free whiskey tasting for Father’s Day

CONNECT SAVANNAH | HUNE 16-22, 2021

BY LAUREN WOLVERTON lauren@connectsavannah.com

FATHER’S DAY is around the corner, which means it’s time to decide which golf club or funny mug to wrap up with some beef jerky for Dad this year. One local restaurant is urging people to mix it up this Father’s Day by taking Dad to a free whiskey tasting event. Rhett, The Alida’s signature restaurant, will be raising a glass to dads across Savannah at 11 a.m. June 20 with a free whiskey tasting from Georgia producer, American Spirit Whiskey. An American Spirit Whiskey brand ambassador will be on site serving up complimentary tastings of four signature varieties: Fiddler Bourbon, Resurgens Rye, Duality Double Malt and Tire Fire Single Malt. The brand ambassador will be sharing their deep knowledge and will answer all of Dad’s questions. Each whiskey will also be featured in a new specialty cocktail on the Rhett menu, so families can stay awhile and celebrate. “This Father’s Day, we wanted to create a special experience for dads to enjoy with our compliments at The Alida,” said Arthur J. Sertorio, Food and Beverage general manager. “We chose to partner with one of our favorite local whiskey producers, American Spirit Whiskey, for a Father’s Day Whiskey Tasting where dads

FEATURE

can sample an array of their distinctive small-batch silver whiskey.” American Spirits Whiskey is based in Atlanta and specializes in whiskies that are “unique to the American market.” They blend the techniques of Scottish whiskey-making tradition with modern innovations. For example, the Duality Double-Malt that will be featured in the Father’s Day lineup is made from both malted rye and malted barley, creating a whiskey that

blends American-style rye with Scottish-style single malt. Whether you and your old man are big whiskey folks or not, Sertorio said the experience is sure to be special. Plus, great memories with Dad go great with funny mugs and beef jerky. Learn more about Rhett and make a reservation at diningwithrhett.com. Visit thealidahotel.com to learn more about The Alida.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 16-22, 2021

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY RHETT AT THE ALIDA HOTEL.

NEWS

June’s OneSeed minigrant, is Latecka Moore of the B.E. Loved Moore Foundation, poses with OneSeed Board Members

Nonprofit profits nonprofits

New initiative, OneSeed, Inc. distributes grants to smaller nonproﬁts

CONNECT SAVANNAH | HUNE 16-22, 2021

BY BRANDY SIMPKINS

OFTEN TIMES, it only takes one seed for something to grow. Th is is why Executive Director Moncello Stewart founded OneSeed, Inc. which has begun to distribute minigrants, or “seeds,” to small nonprofit organizations. Stewart said OneSeed, Inc. is a local nonprofit, supporting other small, local nonprofits to realize and reach their full potential through three initiatives: Seed Money— $500 Mini Grants, Deep Roots— Board Development — and Twining Stems— Community Collaborations. “Our goal is to be a catalyst as far as money through the minigrants we provide to nonprofits that wouldn’t typically qualify for certain funding or grants because they’re a community group and not a 501(c)(3) organization or they are a 501(c)(3) in an infancy or early development stage,” Stewart said. The executive director said he has worked with many small organizations over the years and they always run into the same problem — funding. They are great organizations with great ideas, but it takes so much for these organizations

to get even a few hundred dollars to support their vision and mission, Stewart shared. “$500 is not a lot of money, but it is a lot of money when you’re in these small organizations,” Stewart said. “When you’re in these small groups, whether it be a dance team or a cheerleading team or a mentoring group, a lot of the money that you spend to run those organizations comes out of your own pocket.” Stewart said though leaders’ hearts are in their organizations, they often sacrifice their own livelihoods for the sake of the organization. Th is is why the minigrants are helpful whether the money is paying for gear and helmets, transportation, food for the youth or anything else the organization may need. Stewart said raising money is one small part of the initiative. OneSeed is also developing professional resources such as board development and community collaborations trainings to support the small organizations to become larger and stronger. They also bring exposure to the organizations by sharing their stories with the community. Stewart said he began to raise funds, after launching the business idea last year on his birthday in July 2020. March

COMMUNITY of this year is when Stewart and his team of board members decided that they had raised enough funds to begin disbursing the grant money. So far, the organization has raised enough money to provide grants through the end of this year. Grant winners are chosen quarterly. The July 2021 winner is The B.E. Loved Moore Foundation, Inc., an organization run by Latecka Moore-Early, with a mission to empower youth between the ages of 10-15 to have confidence in themselves during their adolescent years. The fi rst mini grant recipient chosen in April 2021 was Latasha Barnes of Save Our Youth Savannah, a small local organization that feeds over a thousand families annually. In May 2021, the mini grant was

given to the TIP organization, founded Executive Director Angela Williams Brantley, to support at risk youth through the Department of Juvenile Justice. “OneSeed is here to help support these organizations in their efforts to make the community a better place,” said Kellie Fletcher, director of operations. Applications are still open for the July-September quarter for grant recipients. Stewart said OneSeed, Inc. plans to continue to grow to be a statewide agency, telling the stories of and supporting many small organizations in several cities across the state of Georgia. Visit oneseedinc.com to donate and become a seedsewer or to apply for a OneSeed, Inc mini grant.

(Above) Latasha Barnes, Save Our Youth Founder. (Left) Angela Williams Brantley, TIP organization founder. Photos Courtesy of OneSeed

N E W L O C AT I O N

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CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 16-22, 2021

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

NO SCUBA EQUIPMENT NECESSARY

Gray’s Reef comes to life virtually at Tybee Island Marine Science Center

CONNECT SAVANNAH | HUNE 16-22, 2021

A touch screen at the Tybee Island Marine Science Center educates visitors on the reef and the sea-life occupying it. PHOTO BY HUNTER MCCUMBER

FEATURE

BY JAMIE BURTON

IMAGINE BEING SUBMERGED in water, surrounded by 200 species of fish varying in color and over 1,000 species of invertebrates,while simultaneously watching the branching corals swaying in the current. Believe it or not, this underwater wonderworld is closer than you would think. Just 70 miles under the water and 20 miles off of Sapelo Island, Gray’s Reef occupies the water. This hidden treasure is so close to us without many realizing it. For most of us, we may never get down to see the beauty in person— but no need to fret — the reef is being brought to you. “The idea is that you can’t protect something you don’t care about unless you know about it,” said President of the Board of Trustees for Tybee Island Marine Science Foundation, Cathy Sakas. “You’re not going to know about it and you’re not going to care about it

unless you can see it, touch it, breathe it, smell it, or hear it. The way to do that is through modern technology — to bring virtual reality to people —so that’s why we have these exhibits.” The exhibit includes a touch screen, inviting people to learn more about fish, the sea turtles that are offshore and even Great White sharks. Those checking out the exhibit will get the inside scoop of what the reef looks like, what sea life populates it, and how it has all changed overtime, thanks to photo documentation. With a space five times bigger than the old one, the crew hopes for new faces to come not only explore, but also to learn about what lies beneath the surface. “Our mission is to protect, conserve, educate. We want to have stewardship in the end. We want anybody that comes through here to feel that this is their coast, this is their science center, this is their place — their ocean, their global

The new Tybee Island Marine Science Center welcomes guests. PHOTO BY HUNTER MCCUMBER

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 16-22, 2021

A new exhibit at Tybee Island Marine Science Center allows visitors to virtually visit Gray’s Reef through interactive photos and videos. PHOTO BY HUNTER MCCUMBER

CONNECT SAVANNAH | HUNE 16-22, 2021

(LEFT) A guest navigates the virtual Gray’s Reef Exhibit at the Tybee Island Marine Science Center. (ABOVE and OPPOSITE) A variety of coastal Georgia marine life make up the live exhibits at the new center. PHOTOS BY HUNTER MCCUMBER

ocean,” Sakas said. “We want them to have stewardship of it. Take ownership of it, take responsibility of it. That’s what we’re after.” For one who has dived on Gray’s Reef several times, Sakas said the virtual exhibit does a pretty good job, comparing it to what she has experienced firsthand. But, the reef is not just about the sights seen —it’s also about the sounds heard. “The video is what seals it; that really gives you the visuals that you are at Gray’s Reef,” Sakas said. “Now, the only thing that you’re missing is the pressure of the water [and] you breathing through your regulator, but you also hear the marvelous sounds,” Sakas said. “The ocean is not quiet around a reef. It is not quiet. It sounds like the snapping shrimp — like a bowl of Rice Krispies, the ‘snap, crackle, pop.’ That’s what’s going off all

over the place. There’s thousands of these things.” The fish and toads will also join in. Even dolphins will add to the symphony of sounds. Does anyone else picture the “Kiss the Girl” scene from “The Little Mermaid” or is it just me? “I’ve been pounded by their echolocation, they’ve echolocated me,” Sakas said. “You feel it and you’re like ‘What? Oh, it’s a dolphin!’” This exhibit is another addition to their new Science Center located at 37 Meddin Dr. on Tybee Island. Sakas said a new center has been a dream of theirs for 20 years. After gaining popularity, they made the dream a reality. She calls it the “education hub.” “We want Tybee to be seen as a place for families,” she said. “So by moving our center up here, we’ve got a really nice flow: you can go to Fort Pulaski, then you

can come to the lighthouse, then you can come to Tybee Historical Society’s museum, and then you can come to the center and then you can go to the beach.” Their capital campaign is to “Bring the Outside In” and the building does just that, especially being able to hold and touch some of the animals yourself. For someone who didn’t grow up near a beach—let alone hold a sea creature — this building truly connects visitors with the ocean’s gifts. This is a place for all people, including the 98-year old residents, to feel like a kid again, even if for a moment. “It’s just wonderful,” Sakas said. “If you can touch a living animal and know that it’s safe to do that, and that they’re going to be protected, that has a huge impact.” Sakas said by having this center and the exhibit, it brings to life how what we do everyday affects our

ocean one way or another. “It’s really important to know what our coast is all about and Gray’s Reef is an integral part of it that people aren’t aware of and they should be aware of because they affect it everyday,” Sakas said. “Whatever you put down your sink; whatever you put down your toilet; whatever you put on your yard— all of that eventually works its way into the watershed and will get into the ocean and affect Gray’s Reef. It affects the inshore water, too. We all need to be responsible.” Being able to hear stories from Sakas herself about the reef in addition to the virtual exhibit is truly a treat. The “Swamp Goddess” herself said, “ … no matter how much you go down there, you can’t see it all.” To learn more about the new center visit tybeemarinescience.org.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 16-22, 2021

FEATURE

NEWS

FEATURE

REUEL ALLEN

ZAMIRA BAFFIELD

JAMEEL FRAZIER

MARCOS GODINEZ-HERNANDEZ

MADISON MCPHERSON

ORION MYERS

PATRICK PINCKNEY

SHANIAH REDDICK

CONNECT SAVANNAH | HUNE 16-22, 2021

Second-ever class graduates SCA

BY NOELLE WIEHE

THE SECOND CLASS of high school seniors to graduate from the Savannah Classical Academy walked to receive their diplomas May 21 at the Savannah Convention Center. The Savannah Classical Academy was founded in Chatham County in 2013 as a lottery enrollment public charter school. The academy’s mission is to provide every

child with a classical and academically rigorous education while instilling a commitment to civic virtue and moral character. They are committed to developing literate and articulate students who will become active, responsible members of the community and will make a positive contribution to society. To learn about SCA, visit savannahclassicalacademy.org. ZEKIAH THOMAS

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CULTURE Historian Jamal Toure dressed in traditional clothing ans educates the public about African Traditions. PHOTO COURTESY OF

CONNECT SAVANNAH | HUNE 16-22, 2021

JEPSON CENTER FOR THE ARTS

The Jepson Center kicks off Juneteenth with other organizations close behind

Local businesses and organizations host celebrations surrounding June 19

BY BRANDY SIMPKINS

ON JAN. 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation freeing southern slaves held captive in Confederate states. However, many of the captives did not get the memo. Texans managed to hide their slaves deep in the state, and even slave owners from other states took their slaves to Texas to hide them until the end of the Civil War, assuming The Confederate States of America would be victorious. Instead, the south lost the war, and on June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger rode to Texas with his troops to announce that all slaves were free. Thus marks the beginning of Juneteenth — the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the abolishment of chattel slavery in the U.S., dating back to June 19,1865. Today, Juneteenth is still celebrated in recognition of that day 156-years ago. The celebration has grown with 47 states and the District of Columbia passing legislation recognizing Juneteenth as a state holiday or day of observance. Below are a few ways that Savannah is celebrating Juneteenth: Jepson Center for the Arts The Jepson Center will kick off the Juneteenth festivities on Saturday and Sunday, June 12 and 13, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. by admitting Savannah and Chatham County residents into the museum for free. “As we mark Emancipation Day, we’re excited to welcome respected historians and the public to come together to reflect upon, share, and honor the unique history of our city and our region,” said Jason Kendall, Telfair’s public relations director. Over the weekend, activity kits focusing on the Black experience and themes related to current exhibitions at the Jepson Center, as well as works by Savannah artist Sauda Mitchell, will be distributed. The weekend will also be highlighted with a libation ceremony at noon on Saturday lead by local historians Vaughnette Goode-Walker and Jamal Toure. “A libation ceremony draws from common historical, spiritual practices shared across many African cultures. It’s an offering to ancestors, an opportunity to honor and reflect on those who came before and to make an honored place for them and acknowledge their existence, their rights, and their unique histories,” Kendall said. “And it’s also a celebration and invitation to be in harmony with

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one another and the world around us.” Telfair hosted its annual Juneteenth lecture June 15 with a virtual appearance by historian and author Anthony Cohen, whose book “Patrick & Me” chronicles his journey as a fourth-generation descendant of an enslaved man who escaped to freedom on the Underground Railroad. Savannah African Arts Museum The Savannah African Art Museum is hosting a Juneteenth community celebration on June 19 from noon-4 p.m.at the museum grounds located at 201 E. 37th St in downtown Savannah. Founding Director and Chief Curator Billie Stultz said, “Juneteenth is a day of remembrance and a day of freedom that we must all commemorate and celebrate. Especially in light of the events of the past year, we must continue the fight for freedom and healing, but celebrate our victories together as a community. We invite all to celebrate this important holiday with us at the Savannah African Art Museum through sharing of African art, dance, practices, storytelling, crafts, music and info/resources to empower the family — there will be something for all to enjoy.” Tybee Island For the sixth year, Tybee Island

Beach hosts its Juneteenth Community Wade In which will be held on June 19th from 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Participants are asked to meet at North Beach Grill by 9 a.m. ‘Things Left Behind’ —an African Art Exhibit in honor of Juneteenth Wade In—will be on view on June 19 and June 20 from noon–6 p.m. at the Tybee Guard House at 31 Van Horne Ave. Lastly, the Juneteenth Arts Festival will take place on June 19 and June 20 from noon–8 p.m. at the Tybee Island Pier and Pavilion. The Culturist Union The Culturist Union, Savannah’s first-of-its-kind and only Black-owned coffee house and artisan marketplace to open at 702 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. released it aims “to bring back a new normalcy for Juneteenth” by hosting events throughout the month. On June 13, TCU hosted yoga at Lake Mayer Park lead by radio personality Lady Mahogany. On June 29, TCU in conjunction with Eden Supper Club will host a cocktail, fundraiser dinner at Ardsley Station from 5 p.m.- 8 p.m. Editor’s note: Beth Stewart contributed to this article.

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Historian and author Anthony Cohen poses in front oof Harriet Tubman Mural. PHOTO COURTESY OF JEPSON CENTER FOR THE ARTS

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CULTURE

Celebrate Juneteenth victories at Savannah African Art Museum

Local museum seeks volunteers, offers internships

CONNECT SAVANNAH | HUNE 16-22, 2021

BY BETH STEWART

THE SAVANNAH African Art Museum is hosting a Juneteenth community celebration June 19 from noon-4 p.m.at the museum grounds located at 201 E. 37th St in downtown Savannah. Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the abolishment of chattel slavery in the U.S., dating back to June 19,1865. The celebration has grown with 47 states and the District of Columbia passing legislation recognizing Juneteenth as a state holiday or day of observance. Founding director and Chief Curator Billie Stultz said, “Juneteenth is a day of remembrance and a day of freedom

that we must all commemorate and celebrate. Especially in light of the events of the past year, we must continue the fight for freedom and healing, but celebrate our victories together as a community. We invite all to celebrate this important holiday with us at the Savannah African Art Museum through sharing of African art, dance, practices, storytelling, crafts, music and info/resources to empower the family – there will be something for all to enjoy.” The Savannah African Art Museum is a nonprofit institution that introduces all audiences to African art and culture with the mission to provide engaging experiences that educate and start conversations about the power, diversity,

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and spirituality of African art. In addition, the museum is looking for volunteers and interns with good communication skills. “A volunteer will learn how to present a tour and provide accurate information regarding the artifacts on display,” Stultz said. “An intern is a student desiring to learn how a museum operates and how their course of study is applicable to a museum’s operations.” The intern will also learn how to lead a tour. They will also be given an assignment to complete during the internship, which lasts for a single term, and will result in the student earning college credit. During training sessions, volunteers

will learn about the museum and its collection through instruction from museum staff and by shadowing current volunteers. Tours are provided to visitors by walk-in and appointment while adhering to safety guidelines. Julie Gilliart has been volunteering for three years and had only positive things to say. “I like the learning environment, you learn things every day, also the staff is friendly here,” she said. To apply or for information, email apply.saam@gmail.com, call the Savannah African Art Museum at 912-7217724, or visit in person at 201 E. 37th St. Savannah, GA 31401.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 16-22, 2021

10086 Ford Avenue Richmond Hill

MUSIC

(ABOVE and OPPOSITE) Members of Tied and Tassled Fetish Cabaret are preparing for their new Savannah show “What Happens in Las Vegas...” PHOTOS BY T&TFC

Audiences can get lucky with Tied and Tasseled Fetish Cabaret’s Vegas-themed burlesque show

CONNECT SAVANNAH | HUNE 16-22, 2021

BY FRANK RICCI

CITIES OFTEN TAKE ON the vibe of their leading industries. Los Angeles, home to Hollywood, is known for glitz and glamour. New York, the nation’s capital of commerce, is very fast-paced and competitive. Washington, DC, the seat of government, is predictably dull. Savannah has a dominant tourism industry well-known for delivering fun, lax drinking rules, and Southern hospitality. Swap out the regional reference for a heaping dose of sensuality and you’ve just described Las Vegas. Add that naughtiness to Savannah and you get “What Happens in Las Vegas…,” a new show by local burlesque troupe The Tied and Tasseled Fetish Cabaret. Born six years ago to two bartenders at the sorely-missed Bayou Café, T&TFC has been producing six shows a year on a regular basis. Unlike traditional burlesque, they are squarely in the neo-burlesque movement that eschews much of the feathers and rhinestones of striptease and incorporates fetish, cosplay, comedy

and drag. There is, of course, crossover between the two. Indeed, the term burlesque is rooted in the Italian burla, meaning joke or ridicule. “Neo is about being wild and making a mess, playing a character, telling a story,” said Mandi FruFru, performer, social media maven and co-manager of T&TFC. She first came across the troupe in 2015 at a Wormhole show and liked everything she saw. “I was into cosplay in high school, and what I saw inspired me,” she said. “It was all things I love meshed into one.” Soon after, she auditioned and was part of the group. Since then, FruFru and the merry band of mischief-makers have been performing here and on tour in Atlanta, Augusta and Jacksonville, Florida, often to packed rooms of longtime fans and new converts. T&TFC also hosts fetish parties, a widely misunderstood concept in an entirely different category than sex shows or pornography. One take on a fetish party is it’s largely similar to any

other: a group of people gathered to talk, see friends, make new ones, share a joke, have fun, listen to music and probably have a glass or three of social lubricant. The difference is the addition of performance, often more than one simultaneously, and what it brings out in the people watching. For example, you might see acts of flogging, mummification, foot worship and dominance. Whether you find it erotic or not, it will make you think — if not deeply explore — what turns you on. This translates to the theme of the upcoming show. The behavior of people at fetish parties is reflected by many who visit Las Vegas looking for fun. “Some are discreet, some just meet and mingle, some unleash their wild side,” FruFru explained. The entire troupe works together brainstorming ideas for shows, but majority wins and all take part. Previously T&TFC themes have included Goth, metal, and multiple iterations of fetish. For Sin City inspiration FruFru dove

into movies and music about the city. Her routine is based on Nomi Malone, the main character in Paul Verhoeven’s cult classic “Striptease,” a film she describes as “perfectly terrible.” Despite a poor box office and critical lambasting, that film was very profitable from home video sales for MGM, who got the last laugh. Apparently, strippers, sex, camp and Vegas appear to be a popular combination. For FruFru, the creative process is to take that inspiration, visualize the performance and “bring it to life as hard as I can.” An extra treat at the show will be the inclusion of guest performers Blair Williams and Treyla Trash, two Club One regulars. They will also be taking part in a free drag show in the Club One basement after T&TFC, which all are invited to. After the delay everyone experienced last year, T&TFC were back at it earlier than most live performers, boldly playing to limited audiences at Club One in June 2020. Now in full stride again, “What

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SAT JUNE 26TH night. “You’ll defi nitely laugh and see something you’ve never seen before,” FruFru said. It’s a Vegas show. Bet on it. Tied & Tasseled Fetish Cabaret presents “What Happens in Las Vegas…” Thursday, 8 p.m. at Club One at 1 Jefferson St.

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Happens in Las Vegas…” is their third production of 2021. The Savannah burlesque scene is quite robust, and also includes The Downtown Delilahs and Savannah Sweet Tease. A burlesque festival is planned for December, with a live and a virtual night. For immediate needs, get your naughty self to Club One on Thursday

SOUNDBOARD

June/

16-22

WHO IS PLAYING WHERE THIS WEEK WEDNESDAY 6/16 LIVE MUSIC

Driftaway Cafe Chuck Courtenay, 6 p.m. McDonough’s Blues with Eric Culberson, 9 p.m. Nickie’s 1971 Ray Tomasino, 7 p.m.

TRIVIA & GAMES

El-Rocko Lounge Trivia with Jules and Chris Grimmett, 9-11:30 p.m. Service Brewing Company Trivia Night with Jess Shaw, 6:30 p.m. The Wormhole Bingo, 10 p.m.

KARAOKE

Bootleggers Pooler Karaoke, 7 p.m. Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m. Mint to Be Mojito’s Open Mic/Live Karaoke, 5-11 p.m. Wet Willie’s Karaoke, 9 p.m.

COMEDY

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

THURSDAY 6/17 LIVE MUSIC

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

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

KARAOKE

Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m. McDonough’s Karaoke, 9 p.m. Nickie’s 1971 Karaoke Night, 8 p.m.

COMEDY

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

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 9-15, 2021

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

BAR & CLUB EVENTS

Club One What Happens in Vegas Burleque & Drag Show, 8 p.m. Service Brewing Company Service Brewing Run Club, 6:30 p.m.

FRIDAY 6/18 LIVE MUSIC

bar.food Dave Smith, 6 p.m. Bohemian Hotel DJ Chris, 8 p.m. Churchill’s Pub Palmer & Neal, 7 p.m.

SAT// SAT

Jazz’d Tapas Bar Ramona Quimby, 7:30 p.m. Rancho Alegre Cuban Restaurant JodyJazz Trio, 6:30-9:30 p.m. River House Josephine Johnson, 6 p.m. Service Brewing Company Bluegrass By The Pint with Swamptooth, 6 p.m. Sting Ray’s Robert Willis, 6 p.m.

TRIVIA & GAMES

PS Tavern Beer Pong Tournament, 10 p.m.

KARAOKE

Bay Street Blues Karaoke, 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. Congress Street Social Club DJ Flip, 10 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 6/19 LIVE MUSIC

Bootleggers Pooler

DAMON & TSK @ SERVICE BREWING COMPANY, 6 P.M. Bootleggers Pooler, 9 p.m. Churchill’s Pub Ga Kyle Band, 7 p.m. Coach’s Corner Back N Black, 7 p.m. Congress Street Social Club Eric Culberson, 7 p.m. Elan Savannah EazyBaked at Elan Savannah (Sat, Mar 13th), 9 p.m. Jazz’d Tapas Bar Erez Dessel Duo, 7:30 p.m. Rancho Alegre Cuban Restaurant JodyJazz Trio, 6:30-9:30 p.m. River House Matt Eckstine, 6 p.m. The Shrimp Factory Thomas Harmon, 6 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 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 6/20 LIVE MUSIC

Collins Quarter at Forsyth Ember City, 2 p.m. Congress Street Social Club Voodoo Soup, 10 p.m.; Voodoo Soup, 10 p.m. Nickie’s 1971 Roy Swindell, 7 p.m. Sting Ray’s Robert Willis, 6 p.m. The DeSoto Savannah Teddy Adams, Bruce Spradley, Gina Rene, 5 p.m. The Warehouse Thomas Claxton, 6:30 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 6/21 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 6/22 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 Night With Chris Grimmett, 6:30-8:30 p.m.; Trivia with Chris Grimmett, 6:30 p.m. The Wormhole Trivia, 9:30 p.m.

KARAOKE

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

COMEDY

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

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

THE BAND PAGE

ERIC CULBERSON @ CONGRESS STREET SOCIAL CLUB Savannah is fortunate to have several stalwart musicians call this city home, and local blues guitar king Eric Culberson is one of them. He’s been playing bars here since he was a teenager and released his first album in 1995. Consider how much better he is now and then prove yourself right at the always-f riendly Congress Street Social Club. SATURDAY, JUNE 19 | 7 PM

BACK:N:BLACK @ COACH’S CORNER

EREZ DESSEL DUO @ JAZZ’D TAPAS BAR

Erez Dessel is another example of a world-class musical talent based in Savannah. The pianist and composer also doubles as an educator in his day gig as the music director fellow of the Savannah Music Festival Jazz Academy. He’s been winning awards since high school and has studied and taught at the New England Conservatory and the 2019 School for Improvised Music workshop in Brooklyn, NY. Learn a thing or two about jazz piano at this intimate gig. SATURDAY, JUNE 19 | 7:30 PM

ANTAGONIZERS ATL @ THE WORMHOLE

Punk has its share of subgenres, but none as overly specific (or ridiculous) as metal’s despicable Pornogrind or hip-hop’s awful Crunkcore. Antagonizers ATL play oi! and street punk, two of the earliest subgenres of punk, and both purist movements. To non-nerds, it’s just rowdy, anthemic old-school punk rock by a lineup of veterans who play with heart. Wilmington, NC’s Patriot and local miscreants Jeff Two Names warm it up. It’s pogo time! FRIDAY, JUNE 18 | 8 PM

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 16-22, 2021

Band Page is going out on a limb here and assuming you’ve never seen a hard rock cover band from Switzerland. We’re betting the farm that you’ve never seen an all-female AC/DC cover band from Switzerland in Savannah. If you love AC/DC — and 200 million records sold says you probably do — and you like unique experiences, put on a schoolboy uni, throw a shirtless friend on your shoulders and duckwalk directly to Coach’s Corner. SATURDAY, JUNE 19 | 7 PM

Crystal Nails Salon

CULTURE

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Phil the Garden

A time for artists of all facets

Season Finale Celebraton

CONNECT SAVANNAH | HUNE 16-22, 2021

Savannah Mega Comic Con comes to Savannah Convention Center in July

June 20 7:30 pm $10 Morris Center at Trustees’ Garden KEITARO HARADA I conductor

The Savannah Philharmonic is excited to partner with the Telfair Museums for an outdoor pops concert on Father’s Day to close the season. The event will include kid-friendly instrument making stations, local food trucks, and a full orchestra.

For tickets visit savannahphilharmonic.org

SAVANNAH PHILHARMONIC

GET READY TO TRADE your COVID mask for your favorite cosplay or comic book character costume. On July 24 and 25, the Savannah Convention Center will be full of comic fans, creators, experts and actors. Celebrating its seventh iteration, the Savannah Mega Comic-Con will be bigger and more exciting than ever, with ambitions to be the “premier pop culture event of southeast Georgia,” explains Tony Privette, general manager of the Savannah Mega Comic Con. “I am most excited to fi nally be able to have comic-con again. We are so excited to bring back Savannah’s largest comic convention and we can’t wait to see all the fans come out and have fun again.”

In 2019, before the pandemic, the Savannah Mega Comic Con drew in 7,400 people. Th is is their fi rst year hosting the event at the Savannah Convention Center and they are expecting an even larger turn out. New to this year’s convention is Tattoo Alley, a special section featuring local tattoo artists and shops that will be ready to discuss your wildest tattoo ideas or to give what their website describes as “the most awesomely geektastic tattoo ever!!” For Privette, adding Tattoo Alley to the convention has been years in the making. “Duke of Twin Tigers Tattoo will be participating,” he said. “Duke and I have been talking about this for a few years.

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FRED AND DINAH GRETSCH SCHOOL OF MUSIC

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 16-22, 2021

CULTURE

CONNECT SAVANNAH | HUNE 16-22, 2021

Visitors peruse vendor booths at a previous Savannah Mega Comic Con.

COMMUNITY

For information, check out facebook. com/Savannahmegacomiccon/ or IG @ savannahmegacomiccon.

IT’S MY TURN. AND I’M TAKIN’ IT.

I’m getting COVID vaccinated. “COVID is not a joke. The after effects are still in my system so we have to have a vaccine. I don’t want to get COVID ever, ever again. I look forward to my category opening up. I’m going to be there waiting. I’m taking one of my older brothers from Tybee Island with me, I have five of them, and my youngest brother, who is mentally challenged is closest to my heart. The three of us are going to get our vaccines together. I’m looking forward to it, we’re counting it down.” — Patt Gunn, Gullah Geechee Native of Savannah, CEO of Underground Tours

SPREAD THE FACTS NOT THE VIRUS

www.sjchs.org/vaccine

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 16-22, 2021

Now is a good time to add this to the mix of what we are offering. They are all artists; it is just a different format.” There are a lot of special guest appearances for this year’s Comic Con: • The WWE Hall of Fame Wrestler and G.I. Joe Legend, Sgt. Slaughter and WWE Legends Kevin Nash and Scott Steiner • Actors Michael Biehn from “Terminator,” “Aliens,” “Tombstone,” and “The Mandalorian” and Noah Hathaway, Atryu from “Neverending Story,” “Troll,” “Harry Potter Jr.,” and “Battlestar Galactica” • Voice actors • Streamers • Marvel and DC comic artists including Karen Whitfield (Batgirl). And, that’s not all, be sure to check the website for special anime guests that will be announced closer to the convention. More than 100 vendors will be onsite selling the full range of Comic Con ephemera: comic books, toys, t-shirts and posters. Th roughout the weekend there will be panel discussions and question and answer sessions with the celebrities and special guests. On both Saturday and Sunday, there will be two cosplay competitions judged by Lynnjutsu, Molly Mayhem and Summer Noelle. The Savannah Mega Comic-Con will be open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 24 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 25th. On Saturday at 7 p.m., one hour after the convention floor closes, the After-Con party will begin, featuring BMX demonstrations by professional bicycle stuntman Rob Nolli of BMX Tricksters, a Coastal Empire wrestling event, and special guest DJs including DJ HD and DJ Stiltz. Th is all-ages afterparty is sure to be an eclectic good time. If you’re interested in attending, there are a few ticket options: $30 for a weekend pass, $20 for Saturday, $15 for Sunday, and VIP Passes start at $100. Children 6-years old and under are free. Tickets for the Savannah Mega Comic Con can be purchased in advance through savannahmegacc.com or at the door on the day of the event.

ART PATROL A Return To... Commemorating Juneteenth

A Return To… curated by Alexis Javier features artists who are creating in the spirit of Sankofa, by making work that takes intentional steps into the future while looking back to the past in honor of those who came before. The Adinkra symbol implores those of Afrikan descent to reach back into ancient history for traditions and customs that have been left behind - “It is not wrong to go back for that which you have forgotten.” 12-5 p.m.. sulfurstudios.org Sulfur Studios 2301 Bull St.

Amiri Geuka Farris - “Dreaming Savannah” Art Exhibit

Part of the 2021 Savannah Series, view artist Amiri Geuka Farris’ multimedia works in a solo exhibit inspired by Savannah, Georgia! The Grand Bohemian Gallery, located in The Mansion on Forsyth Park in Savannah, Georgia, continues its 2021 Savannah Series -- an annual presentation of art exhibits and artist talks showcasing talented local artists as well as the region’s inspiring landscapes -- with a solo exhibit by multimedia artist Amiri Geuka Farris. The exhibit “Dreaming Savannah” features Amiri’s signature multimedia work, deﬁned by vivid colors and layered textures. .

Free and open to the public. Through July 9 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 912-721-5007. carmen.aguirre@ kesslercollection.com grandbohemiangallery.com/ The Grand Bohemian Gallery 700 Drayton St. CONTINUING EXHIBITS

‘Count Down’ by Rose Simpson

In Countdown, a major commission of new works by Rose B. Simpson, the artist surpasses the signature human scale typical of her ﬁgurative sculptures, bringing bodily forms to an unprecedented totemic stature. Simultaneously, Simpson further probes the capabilities of sculpture with forays into two-dimensional laser-cut metal formations. These works act as ﬂattened sundials that serve as points of contact to matching vinyl designs placed on the window of each SCAD Museum of Art Jewel Box. $10 general admission scadmoa.org/ SCAD Museum of Art 601 Turner Blvd.

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

Based in Madrid and Havana, Carlos Garaicoa originally trained in thermodynamics and later in painting, lending him a unique perspective on the relationship of social

and historical structures to architecture and urbanism. For his solo exhibition A City View from the Table of My House, Garaicoa will present a very particular retrospective exercise, which studies the format of the table as one of the most fertile substrates for his artistic production. scadmoa.org/ SCAD Museum of Art 601 Turner Blvd.

‘Mainly for Women’ by Paulina Olowska

‘Mainly for Women’ will continue to be on display until July 11. The show displays a sumptuous array of paintings by Polish artist Paulina Olowska, highlighting her storied exploration into female archetypes. Olowska immerses herself within the world of womanhood via her mastery of appropriation and homage, creating paintings that draw out the psychosexual and sociopolitical constructs of the female experience. Her rapid brushstrokes render naïve photorealist forms that are redolent with the feeling of bygone eras, as her colors appear softened by the passage of time. scadmoa.org/. SCAD Museum of Art 601 Turner Blvd.

‘A Message from Venus’ by Christto & Andrew In A Message from Venus, the duo’s ﬁrst U.S. museum exhibition, the artists present recent photo-

June/ graphs 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 Every 7 days. scadmoa.org/ exhibitions/a-message-from-venus. scadmoa.org/ SCAD Museum of Art 601 Turner Blvd.

Re-Cor-Dare by Sauda Mitchell

Re-Cor-Dare is a solo #art912 exhibition of Savannah-based artist Sauda Mitchell (American, b. 1981). Mitchell’s prints, paintings, and artist books serve as compelling visual responses to her sustained engagement with archival collection materials. In researching personal papers, photographs, artifacts, and curated digital collections, her work explores thematic topics of study relating to the Black experience. Utilizing QR codes, selected works link to digitized collection materials focusing on their ability as teaching tools recalling stories embedded within the African American collective memory. telfair.org/exhibitions/ re-cor-dare-saudamitchell/. telfair.org/ jepson/. Jepson Center for the Arts

16-22

207 West York St.

‘Vehicles of Change’ by Anne-Solene Bayan

This exhibition will consider the pivotal role the automobile played in advancing societal and political revolutions in the United States in the 20th century. During the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s, buses and cars were used to combat systematic racism and segregation enforced by Jim Crow. This was exempliﬁed most famously in the Montgomery bus boycott and in the Freedom Riders’ journeys to the South... more on telfair. org. Jepson Center for the Arts 207 West York St. ONGOING

Art Opening/ Artist Reception

NEW PAINTINGS by local artists Thomas Mitz & Emmy... An explosion of contemporary new work boasting unique styles, vibrant colors, lots of movement, and high energy will be showcased. Their work is both figurative in nature with an abstract spin. Thomas’s classical figures peek from beneath bold abstract patterns and colors, while Emmy’s more whimsical figures peer through almost leafy bits of color, connecting the piece as a whole. Come feel the passion in their paintings and meet the artists!

Additional gallery hours: Saturday, June 19- Monday, June 21st: 12 - 5 p.m. Free 646-263-8650 404-377-5396 thomaswmitz@gmail. com Cedar House Gallery, 122 E. 36th St. CLASSES

Kid’s Activity Space At Henny Penny

On June 1, Henny Penny Cafe will re-open Henny Penny’s Art Space for kids. Kids will have the chance to get creative seven days a week, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., and will be offering a new project weekly, plus art kits and play doh. New projects will be announced on their website and Instagram. The art space has been recently renovated and will also house indoor dining (although seating will be prioritized for kid’s activities) Every 7 days. 850.261.0805. ben@houseofkindling. com. hennypennycafe. com/. Henny Penny Art Space & Cafe 1514 Bull St.

Monthly Photo Group Critique

Join us for a monthly gathering of photographers / photo-based artists who are interested in cultivating a photo community in Savannah. We aim to provide a forum for artists at all levels, digital or analog, to receive critical feedback. All who wish to provide a safe but challenging environment to grow

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 16-22, 2021

CONNECT SAVANNAH

CULTURE

COMMUNITY

Attendees navigate the tables of books at the 2019 Savannah Book Festival. PHOTO BY MICHAEL WELSH

BY NICOLE YOUNGBLUT

THE SAVANNAH BOOK FESTIVAL will be back in 2022, and officials are busy planning for an in-person event scheduled to take place next February 17-20 with three main ticketed event headliners and a free Festival Saturday. In it’s fifteenth year, the Savannah Book Festival now brings around 45-50 nationally and regionally published authors, including bestselling and debut authors, to Savannah during their free Saturday event. Book lovers travel from near and far to see their favorite authors. In recent years — before going virtual last year — they boasted an estimated 8,000-10,000 people who attended Festival Saturday. “During the 2021 season we were happy to be able to stay connected to our Savannah Book Festival community with our virtual events,” said Erika Dongre, executive director. “We had a lot of big authors like Brad Thor, Michael

Connelly, Dave Barry, Brit Bennett and Ruth Ware; and they were pretty successful. We were very happy to have that option during this crazy past year we had, to still provide access to authors for them.” Year after year, the festival brings a diverse mix of books and authors to eager fans in the Hostess City. In 2022, author sessions will be in seven different venues in downtown Savannah around Telfair, Chippewa and Wright squares. Each author will give insight on their process, such as what got them into writing and what inspired them to write their books, and answer questions from the

audience. After each presentation, attendees can purchase a book and have it autographed in the author signing tent. The Author Selection Committee is a group of board members who volunteer their time by reviewing publishers’ catalogs of upcoming new book titles. They discuss their choices and what they think will appeal to attendees and aim to invite authors with new books published within the year. “We are just starting the author selection process [for next year],” Dongre added.

Members of the committee provide their recommendations of author and book titles for consideration and discuss any suggestions from the community to form a wishlist. Then, this summer, the Savannah Book Festival will begin its author invitation process. The author lineup will be officially announced later in the fall. “Savannah Book Festival is very excited to be back in person because we know that’s the best way to enjoy our festival,” Dongre said. “It’s great for our attendees to actually meet with the authors and get their book signed in person. And while our virtual events are great, everyone else is excited to be back in person eventually.” The dates for the next year’s in-person Savannah Book Festival are February 17 - 20, 2022. SBF’s Virtual Season begins October 14. Visit savannahbookfestival.org or on Instagram @savbookfestival to learn more about the festival.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 16-22, 2021

Savannah Book Festival organizers are gearing up for 2022 event, considering authors

“JUST IR-ISH” — OH, WHATEVER.

THE BEST BURGER AROUND!

Order ONLINE at www.FIVEGUYS.com SAVANNAH, GA

(Downtown - Bay Street)

SAVANNAH, GA (Whitemarsh Island)

SAVANNAH, GA (Twelve Oaks)

POOLER, GA (Pooler Parkway)

CONNECT SAVANNAH | HUNE 16-22, 2021

Georgia Southern University invites applicants for the following vacancies on the Armstrong campus:

Auto Shop Mechanic - Grounds Operations - JOB ID 228168 Admissions Counselor - JOB ID 228317 CE Program Coordinator- Job ID 228389 Military - Veteran Student Success - Joint Service Transcript Evaluator - JOB ID 228352

Please visit the Georgia Southern University employment website and complete the application process at https://apptrkr.com/2296389 The application process must be completed by the deadline to be considered. Georgia is an open records state. Individuals in need of reasonable accommodations under the ADA to participate in the search process should notify Human Resources: (912) 478-6947. Georgia Southern University is an EEO/AA/ADA/Veteran employer.

ACROSS 1 Concession stand drinks 6 Tugs 11 Shot in the arm 14 Authoritative decree 15 “You’re ___ and don’t even know it” 16 Need to square up with 17 Compliant “Transformers” director? 19 Milliner’s product 20 Printer reﬁll 21 Coast-to-coast vacation, maybe 22 “(You’re) Having My Baby” singer Paul 23 Sheepish sounds 24 Orchestra woodwinds 25 Beach atmosphere 28 Sapphire novel on which the ﬁlm “Precious” was based 29 T, e.g. 30 Allowed past the door 35 “Lara Croft: ___ Raider” 36 Showing little emotion 37 Roman emperor after Claudius 38 Mixed vegetables ingredient, maybe 40 Laundry day target 41 Distant lead-in 42 Car accessory 43 ___ pastry (eclair basis) 45 Five-iron nickname 48 Architect Ludwig Mies van der ___ 49 Casino customer 50 Bearded zoo animal

53 Intent 54 Pop soloist familiar with the Egyptian underworld? 56 “Don’t text and drive,” e.g. 57 Optimal 58 Come together 59 RR stop 60 Teacher’s summons 61 Printer refill DOWN 1 Big rig 2 Mythological deity with two ravens 3 Nickname for Nixon 4 German grumble 5 Illuminated, as at night 6 “Big Three” conference site of 1945 7 “To reach ___, we must sail ...” (FDR quote) 8 “Dona ___ pacem” (Mass phrase) 9 Hold onto 10 Mess of a spot 11 Unfortunate tractor inventor? 12 Up 13 Software versions still being tested 18 At any point 22 Kind of ballot 23 Potato chip flavor 24 In circulation 25 They haven’t flown for 18 years 26 Self-help Internet site 27 Disappointing “Save Me”

singer-songwriter? 28 File on a phone 30 “What am ___ do?” 31 Mail motto word 32 “F9” actor/producer Diesel 33 Reggae Sunsplash adjective 34 Taboo 36 Biol. or ecol. 39 Prom piece 40 Foments 42 Pest greeting 43 Vegas game with rolls 44 Raise, as a ﬂag 45 Battle royale 46 George Peppard TV series, with “The” 47 Mode of fashion 49 “I’ll ___ my time” 50 Hang on tight? 51 “Last ___” (The Strokes song) 52 Tablet owner 54 Preﬁx with information 55 ___ nutshell

CROSSWORD ANSWERS

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW!

20etRHsArY V i N n A T r E c N o C

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

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

PHOTOS FROM LOCAL EVENTS

Photos by Bunny Ware

View more photos online at connectsavannah.com/connected

Jennifer T. Graham with Nita Penn seek inspiring words from female leaders at the SHE HUSTLES event June 10.

Tinka Harris, Kimberly Brown and LaTina Taylor navigate The Clyde Venue seeking to network, learn and be inspired by the panel of speakers June 10 at the SHE HUSTLES event for women leaders and entrepreneurs.

LOCAL LEADERS SEEK, SHARE INSPIRATION AMONG PEERS

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 16-22, 2021

Michelle Stenson, Sandi Prosnitz and Nancy Turcotte network during the SHE HUSTLES event at The Clyde Venue.

Jennifer Bonnett and Elbi Elm celebrate women leaders June 10.

Michelle Munroe, Lynnette Smith and Alaina Meyer celebrate Savannah’s women hustlers at the SHE HUSTLES event June 10 at The Clyde Venue for entrepreneurs and leaders.

Women entrepreneurs and leaders gather at The Clyde Venue June 10 for a networking, learning and inspiring event hosted by The Creative Coast and sponsored by Ace Women’s Business Center of the Savannah Region. Guests heard from speakers - keynote speaker the President of Savannah Tech and a panel of three entrepreneurs as well as enjoyed food from Latin Chicks and other local food vendors.

Beth Nelson, Kathy S. Love and Courtney Rawlins network among fellow Savannah women leaders at the SHE HUSTLES event June 10 at The Clyde Venue.

PHOTOS FROM LOCAL EVENTS

Photos by Bunny Ware

View more photos online at connectsavannah.com/connected

VETERANS GIFTED AT MEETING WITH V FOR VACCINATED PINS Bob Cutler, 96-year-old WWII veteran is saluted at the monthly meeting.

The Veterans Council of Chatham County welcomes Edie Grice, a Georgia Southern University student and creator of the V for Vaccinated pin, to their June monthly meeting at their location in Thunderbolt. Grice wished to commend veterans for their choice in getting vaccinated by giving them her pin - designed as a flag with a ‘V’ imprinted over it.

Edie Grace Grice and her mother Lori Grice present Joe Higgins with a V for Vaccinated Pin.

Marine Corp League 1326, their ladies and Veterans Council Chairman Joe Higgins pose for the first group shot of the night June 7 at their monthly meeting.

Team Savannah for Veterans and newest Veteran council members stand proud with Veterans Council Chairman Joe Higgins June 7 at the monthly meeting held at their location in Thunderbolt.

Tony Williams sits down for a meal prior to the meeting and is visited by Post Commander James Putney.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | JUNE 16-22, 2021

Anand Rao and Amy Headrick attend the monthly meeting and anticipate their V for Vaccinated pin.

SMART HEALTHCARE STANDS TALLER THAN THE REST. Mike Cole - Harrison, GA

As a forester, Mike Cole is required to move about freely through some difficult terrain. But he had pain in his abdomen that was really slowing him down. He knew he could trust Dr. Anthony Foley and the team at St. Joseph’s/Candler, who discovered the giant abdominal hernia. Highly experienced in hernia repair, Dr. Foley reconstructed Mike’s abdominal wall with the innovative da Vinci robot. This minimally-invasive surgery allowed Mike to recover quickly. Five weeks after surgery, Mike’s strength and mobility were back to 100%.

THAT’S WHY I CHOOSE ST. JOSEPH’S/CANDLER Anthony Foley, M.D. - Surgeon

SJCHS.ORG