Connect Savannah I June 2024

CONNECT SAVANNAH

JUNE 2024

WAIDLEY SISTER

S:

Island girls making a name in music

ALOHA Y'ALL

LOCAL JUNETEENTH FESTIVITIES

HOT SUSHI'S HAPPY SURF CAMP ALOHA

COASTAL CANVAS MEET ACTIVIST JULIA PEARCE

TYBEE ISLAND

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

ADMINISTRATIVE RUFUS FRIDAY PUBLISHER

rufusfriday@connectsavannah.com (912) 721-4380 ERICA BASKIN

DIRECTOR OF EVENTS AND COMMUNITY

ericabaskin@connectsavannah.com (912) 721-4378 WENDY WICKHAM BUSINESS MANAGER

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CONTENT TRAVIS JAUDON REPORTER

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MULTIMEDIA DESIGNER

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EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Chantel Britton, Marley Gibson, Neil Gabbey, Kristy Edenfield, Jesse Blanco, Heidi Fedak

Welcome to the June issue of Connect Savannah Magazine. As the summer sun starts to shine brighter, we are thrilled to bring you an array of stories that celebrate the vibrant spirit of Tybee Island and its surrounding areas.

Our cover story, “Hot Sushi” by Heidi Fedak, introduces you to the famous surfer making waves both in the ocean and in our community. Heidi’s insights into Hot Sushi’s adventurous life and achievements will captivate and inspire you.

This month, we also introduce you to Julia Pearce, a dynamic individual making significant contributions to our community.

Chantel Britton’s piece on Julia captures her essence and impact beautifully.

Our features are brimming with local flavor and culture. Neil Gabbey takes us on a journey through Back River Brewery as they celebrate their first anniversary of serving up scratchmade pub grub, a testament to their dedication to quality and community.

On the food front, Jesse Blanco provides a fresh perspective on the Tybee Farmer’s Market, a local gem that offers an abundance of fresh produce and artisanal products.

Meanwhile, Marley Gibson brings to life the artistry and vision of Tybee artist Charissa Murray.

Kristy Edenfield’s poignant piece captures the essence of the annual “Wade in the Water” event on Tybee Island,

Additionally, we invite you to celebrate Freedom Day at various Juneteenth festivities around the area. From the Savannah Juneteenth Fine Arts Festival’s rich cultural offerings in Forsyth Park to the Tybee MLK Jr. Juneteenth Celebration’s historic wade-in and community festival, there are numerous events to honor this important holiday.

Pooler’s third annual celebration at Tanger Outlets, the Wells Park Juneteenth festivities, and the Telfair Museums’ free family day further highlight the diversity and heritage of our community. Each event offers a unique way to commemorate the end of chattel slavery in the U.S., celebrate Black American culture, and foster community spirit.

Finally, Chantel Britton returns with a heartwarming story about Clara and Hope Waidley, the talented sister duo enchanting audiences on Tybee Island with their musical performances.

We hope this issue of Connect Savannah Magazine inspires you to explore and appreciate the diverse and dynamic community we are proud to call home.

Sincerely, RUFUS FRIDAY PUBLISHER

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ON THE COVER Yamada Atsushi and kids at Hot Sushi’s Happy Surf Camp Aloha Photo by Kayla Coons CONNECT SAVANNAH |

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commemorating the historic wade-ins of the 1960s. Representative Edna Jackson shares firsthand experiences of the struggle for desegregation, emphasizing the importance of preserving history for future generations.

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© 2024, Metro Connect, LLC 611 East Bay Street Savannah, Georgia 31401 Phone: (912) 231-0250 | Fax: (912) 238-2041

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MARGARITA FLOWER WORKSHOP

THE WARREN BROTHERS I JUNE 27 I 6:30- 9:00PM I CHARLES H. MORRIS CENTER

DOG DAYS FEST JUNE 7 - 9

Your favorite hot and sweaty music fest is back for more! Savannah is the playground for all of your darkest cravings and desires.The noise, the feedback, the feeling.The bliss of sweet nothing but noise and theatre. The warmth of belonging and the silence of dread.Come for the shred.

Stay for the chaos.Featuring the world’s best punk, country, indie, and rock and roll.

3 Days. 30+ Bands and counting. 7 Venues.

Weekend pass for only $99.

CLAY SUMMER CAMP 2024 JUNE 1 - 30

Clay Summer Camp at Knack Studio consists of weekly themed workshops that focus on sculpture and hand-building for kids age 7–12 yrs old. Campers will sculpt creations from animals to make believe monsters and create

bowls, mugs, pots and more. It’s sure to be an experience they’ll remember! To learn more, check out knack.studio/summercamp.

LIVE LIKE LOCALS MEGA MARKET JUNE 9

Are you looking for something fun for the whole family? Come check out the Live Like Locals Mega Market at Tom Triplett Park, there is something for everyone. There will be artisans, food trucks, a farmers market, variety vendors, activities, and more!

STEVE EARLE JUNE 13

Steve Earle is one of the most acclaimed singer songwriters of his generation. A protege of legendary songwriters Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark, he quickly became a master CONNECT SAVANNAH |

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storyteller in his own right, with his songs being recorded by Johnny Cash, Waylon, Jennings, Joan Baez, Emmylou Harris, The Pretenders, and countless others. plantriverside.com/districtlive/

BERT KREISCHER’S FULLY LOADED COMEDY FESTIVAL JUNE 14

The concept for the Fully Loaded Comedy Festival was conceived during Bert’s 2020 Hot Summer Nights Tour while performing at drive-in venues during the pandemic. He fell in love with the unconventional aspect of outdoor comedy shows, which sparked the idea to create a top tier showcase that had never been done before. Having fond memories of the original Lollapalooza, Bert founded his own comedy version that would encompass everything he loves: comedy, the outdoors, good times, and drinking with friends to give fans an experience

HIGHLIGHTED PICKS FROM HOSTESS CITY HAPPENINGS THIS MONTH To have your event considered for inclusion, please visit connectsavannah.com and enter your event in our online calendar. There, you can manage your entries, change and add dates, times, etc.

they will be talking about for years to come. enmarketarena.com

A MEASURE OF TIME: ANILA QUAYYUM AGHA June 14 -30

‘A Measure of Time’ is a solo presentation of sculptures and mixed media works on paper by internationally acclaimed artist Anila Quayyum Agha (b. 1965). Agha was born in Lahore, Pakistan where she received her BFA from the National College of Arts, Lahore.

She later immigrated to the United States and attended the University of North Texas, obtaining an MFA in Fiber Arts. Currently, she resides in Indianapolis, Indiana, and Augusta, Georgia, where she is a professor and the Eminent Morris Scholar of Fine Art at Augusta University. Drawing from her experiences as a Pakistani woman and immigrant, Agha’s work is global in scope—crossing cultures and boundaries to explore shared humanity. telfair.org

SAVANNAH’S BATTLE OF THE BANDS JUNE 14

Victory North is searching for Savannah’s Best Band. We encourage bands of all ages and genres to submit a YouTube video link of your band performing to – booking@ victorynorthsavannah.com in order to be considered for the competition. Bands will be given the opportunity to perform a maximum of a 40 minute set.The audience will select the winner of the preliminary battles by dropping Savannah Battle of the Bands guitar pics into a box with their favorite bands name on it.

The guitar pics come with your tickets and additional pics may be purchased at the event. victorynorthsavannah.com

RAISING HATS, RAISING HOPE FUNDRAISER TEA JUNE 15 This is a great opportunity for mothers and daughters to enjoy some time together in a beautiful setting while enjoying a selection of teas and delicious pastries! All proceeds will benefit single homeless women in our community with temporary hotel stays, bus passes, and Uber/Lyft passes.

FATHER’S DAY BEER GARDEN AT THE BRICE POOL JUNE 16

Indulge Dad’s cravings this Father’s Day by treating him to a poolside retreat, complete with ice-cold beer, freshly baked soft pretzels and savory beer cheese. Our hot dog grill station ensures every bite is perfectly cooked to order, while our full bar caters to every taste. Join us for a celebration that delights every generation. The Kimpton Brice

THE PRINCESS DIARIES JUNE 16

Bright and creative teen Mia Thermopolis (Anne Hathaway) is nobody’s idea of high school royalty — that is, until she receives the shocking news she is, in fact, royalty.

Mia learns she is the princess of the small European country of Genovia, beginning her hilarious transformation to heiress, led by her grandmother Queen Clarisse (Julie Andrews).

Tickets for the film are $5 for SCAD Card holders, students, seniors, and military, and $8 for the general public. Children ages 12 and under receive free admission

COMMUNITY SERVICE - SECOND HARVEST JUNE 18

Once a month, New Neighbours come together and volunteer two hours of their time to support America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia. This is a great opportunity to meet new people while giving back to the greater Savannah community. Each year, Second Harvest delivers close to 18 million meals to people struggling with hunger in Coastal Georgia. NN Volunteers will help package meals at the Second Harvest facility at 2651 Causton Bluff Road, Savannah GA. These meals will later be delivered by the Second Harvest organization to those families in need.

MARGARITA FLOWER WORKSHOP JUNE 19

and tools are provided, and you will leave with your beautiful creation. sydnichole.com

SUSIE KING TAYLOR AND THE MAKING OF TAYLOR SQUARE JUNE 20

Join us for an enlightening evening with the Historic Savannah Foundation Lecture Series, presented in collaboration with the Davenport House Museum. We are delighted to welcome Patt Gunn as our distinguished guest speaker, who will delve into the fascinating process of renaming Calhoun Square to Taylor Square.

This engaging lecture is not only informative but also a celebration of community and progress. Discover the rich history behind the renaming initiative and gain insights into the profound impact it has on Savannah’s cultural landscape.info@davenporthousemuseum.org

SINGER-SONGWRITER EXPERIENCE: THE WARREN BROTHERS JUNE 27

Experience an intimate concert with Grammynominated and Emmy Award-winning songwriters, The Warren Brothers, at the Charles H. Morris Center. With #1 hits to their name, including songs for Tim McGraw, Toby Keith, and Keith Urban, they promise an unforgettable night of music. A curated evening of storytelling and original songs from country to rock Limited availability with only 180 tickets for this intimate event. www. events.connectsavannah.com

KASH’D OUT JUNE 29

Florida based Reggae/Rock band Kash’d Out have been hustlin’ hard since the beginning.

After founders Greg Shields (lead vocals) and Jackson Hauserman (guitar) met in a studio session, it wasn’t long before Kash’d Out’s clever lyrics and tasteful guitar riffs were complimented by the unique bass lines of Joey Brohawn, and rhythmic precision of drummer Marshall Hearne. plantriverside.com

Come out for a night of fun and flowers at our margarita-themed flower workshop! You will learn the tips and tricks of flower arraigning inside a recycled tequila bottle. The class is approximately 90 minutes long. Flowers, vases,

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

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COMMUNITY

By Chantel Britton

FREELANCE CORRESPONDENT

A LOCAL ACTIVIST AND ORGANIZER MAKING CHANGE THROUGH TYBEE MLK Julia Pearce is a Tybee Island resident actively engaged in championing social justice and human rights. Pearce first moved to Tybee 27 years ago after a divorce, having since raised two children here and embedded herself within the fabric of Tybee’s tight-knit community. Two of her favorite aspects of island life are the proximity to the Atlantic and the neighbors she’s befriended.

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neighbors. A lot of them are gone now, but I’ve still got some good people. It’s a wonderful place to live,” said Pearce.

Before moving to Tybee, Pearce worked in Atlanta as a psychiatric nurse and continued in the mental healthcare field once she arrived in the Coastal Empire, landing positions with Tidelands Health and Gateway Community Service Board. Eventually, after her children grew up and moved away, Pearce found herself as an empty nester. With ample time on her hands, she turned her attention to the betterment of her community, co-founding Tybee MLK, the island’s human rights organization that is committed to social justice, equity and changemaking.

Pearce and her current husband Mallory started Tybee MLK in 2013. The organization arose from an initiative they took to get the City of Tybee to recognize the federal Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday locally.

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celebrate Dr. King’s holiday on the beach. I thought that was strange because it’s a federal holiday, but we as a city did not recognize it. They didn’t close. They let the workers decide whether to take their personal birthday off or Dr. King Day. Most workers, of course, took their personal birthdays off.”

Pearce raised this issue with Tybee’s then-city manager, Diane Schleicher, who successfully changed the policy to make MLK Day an official holiday recognized by the local government.

“She was our first woman city manager that Tybee ever had.

We honored her and gave her an award in 2023 for making a difference. She did a wonderful, wonderful job,” said Pearce.

From its inception in 2013, Tybee MLK has grown into a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with several initiatives that advance the purpose of their mission.

“Our mission continues to focus on social justice and equality. We believe in what Dr. King understood, which is that people have to work together and talk about problems to make a better world,” said Pearce.

Tybee MLK hosts regular meetings and workshops to get locals together to discuss the issues impacting the community.

“We believe in the beloved community. . . When we talk about human rights issues, we try to be more inclusive and talk about our history out here on the island,” she said.

Preserving accurate local history is one of Tybee MLK’s primary focuses. To that end, the organization has collaborated with the Tybee Island Historical Society and Georgia Southern University to create the Tybee Black History Trail, which consists of 13 stops highlighting an important aspect of local Black History. The trail was officially dedicated on Tuesday, May 7 of this year.

Another recent project of Tybee MLK has been to establish the link between the Tybee Lazaretto — the first stop on the Black history trail, which recounts the history of enslaved Africans who were quarantined there to prevent sickness from spreading among the local inhabitants before being sold in Savannah and throughout the Southeast — and the Door of No Return in Cape Coast, Ghana, from where many enslaved Africans were stolen.

The Mayor of Cape Coast, Ghana, Earnest Arthur, and his delegation came to the Tybee the week of April 20–27 to foster connection and cultural exchange.

“I was proud of my city. Mayor Brian West gave the mayor of Cape Coast, Ghana, keys to the city. And the Cape Coast mayor gave us these beautiful stoles [made from] a nice African material. It was a nice cultural exchange that happened on the island,” said Pearce.

During the visit, the Ghanaian delegation also visited students at Tybee Island Maritime Academy, who were studying about the country. Leaders are establishing a pen pal program between TIMA students and students in Cape Coast.

With the delegation visit and the dedication of the Black history trail behind them, Tybee MLK is now preparing for one of their biggest initiatives of the year: their annual Juneteenth celebration. Juneteenth was officially signed into law as a federal holiday in 2021, but Tybee MLK has been observing Juneteenth since 2014 with a community-wide celebration and an annual wade-in at the beach commemorating its desegregation.

This year, the Juneteenth celebration kicks off on June 16–17 at South Beach’s pier and pavilion where Afro-centric vendors will be selling goods. Then on Wednesday, June 19 at 9 a.m., the annual wade-in will take place. Local storyteller Patt Gunn and the Saltwata Players will regale attendees with inspiring stories of strength and survival and lead the crowd in shout and song.

Juneteenth is just one of five core events Tybee MLK hosts each year, with the others being Dr. King’s federal holiday in January, Lazaretto Day on March 25, Indigenous Peoples’ Day in October, and Kwanzaa in December. Throughout the year, Tybee MLK remains active in the local community, fostering connection and stirring up “good trouble.” Pearce encourages anyone interested in getting involved with Tybee MLK to come to their meetings and events and to visit the organization online to learn about their different initiatives.

“They might look at some of the things we’re doing, and if they like it, then come and be a part and work with us,” she said. “We look for volunteers and helpers to be involved in the mission of making one love. There’s only one race and that’s the human race, and we work together to better it.”

To learn more about Tybee MLK and how to get involved, visit tybeemlk.com.

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ALOHA ADVOCATE

By Heidi Fedak CONNECT SAVANNAH |

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COMMUNITY

TYBEE SURF INSTRUCTOR HOT SUSHI TEACHES MORE THAN RIDING WAVES There’s no mistaking Atsushi Yamada when he arrives on the scene.

White surfboards ride the winds atop a bright orange VW bus bearing the license plate, Go Sushi. At the wheel, wind in his hair and rescue dog by his side, is Yamada, a Tokyo native turned Tybee Island surf instructor better known as Hot Sushi.

The van is more than mere conveyance. It is an unintentional billboard of sorts for Sushi’s brand, prompting at least one curious coffeeshop stranger to ask the lithe, longhaired, sun-kissed Sushi, “Dude, is that your van?”

It is the perfect chariot for Sushi, who finds joy and magic in most everything, from the mundane to the mystical.

For 11 weeks each summer, Sushi, founder of the aptly named Happy Surf Camp Aloha, is a Tybee Island fixture, doing far more than teaching his students about sun, sand, and surfing.

He brings them into his world, inspiring them to embrace discipline, courage, commitment and well, delight.

Photos from Kayla Coons and Hot Sushi’s Happy Surf Camp Aloha facebook

“It’s the aloha spirit, when the kids come in the morning, I want them to be lifted up.

If you’re happy, do it. If you think you did something amazing, claim it. Don’t be shy.

Scream.”

Sushi has spent a lifetime doing just that. A literal world away from his upbringing in Tokyo, he has never forgotten his roots, his rise, or his role in the community. For Sushi, his camps are as much about humility and responsibility as they are about riding the waves.

“At the age of 61, I’m still rediscovering every day, to be humble and to be respectful,” Sushi said. “That’s the kind of thing I like to share with our future generations, so surfers who come to my surf camp, it’s not just about the sport. It’s about caring for the surroundings, ocean, people, equipment.”

It’s hard to believe Sushi did not take up surfing until he was in high school. As a child living in inland Tokyo, he didn’t even learn about surfing until he left elementary school. Soccer and baseball were the sports for inland kids.

“If you lived in the city, you had to have a ride to get to the beach,” he explained. “There’s no one waiting to take you out there, so there’s no chance. I lived three hours away, so no way.”

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Instead, Sushi started skiing. He was just a toddler when his dad, a longtime snow skier, built a little mountainside lodge and introduced his two young sons to the slopes.

Sushi was 7 when he took up soccer and 17 when he began surfing. “I had to wait for somebody to get a license and a car,” he said of his late surfing start. “I had a one-yearolder mentor who played soccer with us … the coolest kid in town. He started surfing much sooner and much earlier than us. He was so cool. And he started showing off the surfing magazines and the photos. We started trying to follow and begging him to take us.

We had to wait our turn. So that was the way I started.”

Though he considers himself a student of the three esses (soccer, skiing, and surfing), it was skiing that first opened Sushi’s eyes to the world beyond Japan’s borders.

Following in his father’s ski-clad footsteps, Sushi became a professional skier who started shredding the slopes of Europe at 18. The fact that he did not speak any language other than Japanese did not matter.

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“When you discover the beauty of the sport, you don’t need language,” he said.

“You have the same passion, the same interests. When I put my skis on, I was over the world. I didn’t need to speak; I just needed to ski to communicate.”

That was not the case for surfing, at least not at first. Still new to the art of riding waves, Sushi and two other amateur surfers ventured to California in 1986, even though they knew little, if anything, about the language, the location, or the logistics.

They were influenced, Sushi says, by his older brother, who listened to US music, the imported surfing magazines they flipped through at the bookstore, and the Vans shoes they could not afford to buy.

“We would go to the shop, and we were just holding them, smelling the shoes, and I could smell California,” he said.

“Seriously. Everything was the image of California back then.

The T-shirts, the clothing. So, we decided we had to go to California.”

And they did. A vaudevillian journey ensued for Sushi, who did not realize the distance between Los Angeles and San Francisco and had to begrudgingly make his way via Greyhound from one city to the other to meet his friends.

“It was my bad,” he said. “I didn’t do any research, and I didn’t have many resources. It was so much effort to get there.”

But worth it.

“To me, surfing is more special,” Sushi said. “I could not get my own surfboard until I was 22. And then the surfboard didn’t come in one piece. It was so cheap and used, a broken board I had to repair. That’s why surfing is the most special thing compared to soccer and skiing, because there was some foundation with those already.”

Surfing, though, would have to wait.

When he returned from his three-week trip to California, Sushi filled his days working for a ski school in Japan and traveling to Europe to author stories about skiing. The promise of a new job at an exclusive and expansive hotel prompted Sushi to move from Japan to Guam in 1989.

And thus started his life as a snow birder, spending winters teaching skiing in Japan and summers serving as a scuba diving, snorkeling, and wind surfing instructor in Guam.

“Surfing’s not huge there,” he said of the western Pacific Island. “Geographically, it’s surrounded by reef, so there’s no such thing as a sandy beach break. There isn’t much water, so you’re going to ride a 6-foot wave and if you fall, a pretty boo-boo.”

And that was a major no-no for Sushi’s other job: playing professional soccer for Guam’s national men’s team. Always humble, Sushi downplays the honor.

“I was only 30, so I was the oldest player on the team, but they didn’t have enough players anyway. I was good enough,” he said.

In the 1990s, Sushi got another opportunity: to house sit on the north shore of Oahu, Hawaii. And that’s when it happened: he rediscovered surfing.

“It was so different from the surfing I knew,” he said. “It was just a different ballgame. It was a different sport, the way they do it. It was an eye-opener, making me more humble and more respectful.”

It was also where Sushi became an aloha advocate. He discovered and embraced the true meaning of the word, moving beyond mere greeting and farewell to its essence: love, affection, peace, compassion, mercy. To this day, Sushi lives by what he calls “the aloha spirit,” incorporating it into his camps and his lifestyle. “Aloha is not just a word, It’s a way of life, a way to share our passion, to serve others and to learn the best way to live.”

After 12 years in Guam, Sushi moved to Savannah with his wife and their two kids, so they could be closer to her family.

Once again, the US had surprises in store.

“Savannah, I thought there would be giraffes, rhinos,” he said. “It was a shock.”

So, too, was the water off the coast of Tybee, where he and his two children, a son and daughter, struggled to see through the murky depths. He did not realize surfing was an option until later. He was still spending six months a year as a sponsored skier, dividing his time between the island and the rest of the world.

“When my kids were old enough, I rediscovered Tybee

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Island,” he said. “I started to go there a little more often and started teaching my friends and my kids’ friends. I was just doing it for fun.

And then someone said I should do this as my business. I started volunteering at the local YMCA surf camp, and then I decided I want to do it in my style. Don’t get me wrong, they have a fabulous program, but that wasn’t the way I wanted to run it. I just wanted to try it my way.”

That was roughly 10 years ago. And the rest, as they say, is history. Though he remains passionate about skiing and soccer, for Sushi, surfing is where the miracles—and the magic— happen.

“When all those children start to ride the wave, the whole vibe of the beach changes,” he said. “It is so magical. I have the privilege of seeing magic happen every day when I am there with them.”

Sushi finds magic in places others would not even think to look. Take, for example, when he was bitten by a shark during one of his surfing camps. Where others might see misery, Sushi, who still bears the physical and emotional scars from the ordeal, saw a miracle.

“I am still thankful that particular shark picked me,” he said.

The alternative, that the shark would pick one of the pint-sized students in his proximity, is too much for Sushi to think about. Three years later, he still struggles with those thoughts, though he was back in the ocean just two days after being whisked from the beach by ambulance.

“Ever since, I changed my perspective,” he said.

“I feel lucky to be alive. So, if I need to spare my life for somebody, I would do it, especially younger generations.”

Even his students know their time with Sushi is about more than learning to surf.

“Every time I talk about it, even the little campers are like, it’s not just about the sport,” he recounts. “We do more than surfing. It’s about making people happy and healthy through the sport we all love. And I can get that result every time I take people out to the ocean water.

At the end of the day, I get smiles and hugs. Even in such a short period of time, I witness children grow so much.

“I know it’s my business and career; however, it’s more than a job. “It’s a part of my life. I just get motivated to live because of that.”

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FOOD & DRINK

BEACHVIEW BITES: BACK RIVER BREWERY CELEBRATES FIRST YEAR OF SERVING SIGNATURE SCRATCH-MADE PUB GRUB

By Neil Gabbey

FREELANCE CORRESPONDENT

Nowhere is it written that beach food has to be bad. Prosaic pizzas, boring burgers, and dogs, and fried everything were never foreordained to be the eat-all and end-all fare wherever surf meets sand, despite what is the norm along so many U.S. seashore strips.

Over the last decade, several of those well-established eateries have remained popular on Tybee, though a

number of restaurants have broken the beach mold, leveling up the collective estimable expectations of the island enclave’s residents and vacationers by offering far more than the same-fried same-old.

A year ago in May, Back River Brewery started serving a menu of scratch-made starters, salads, and sandwiches under the direction of chef Casey Gronner, who was born and raised just a few blocks from where he now cooks prime pub grub.

Perched atop Agave Bar and Grill in

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the bright blue building on the corner of Jones Avenue and 1st Street, the venture of partners Jason and Denise Dubuque and jack-of-all-trades Frazier Smith has filled a niche on the island and has clearly become a cozy casual frequent haunt, especially for those who live a short walk or slightly longer golf-cart ride away.

Those of a certain TV generation fondly recall Cliff and Norm traipsing downstairs in the place where everybody knew their names. Back River Brewery is that place, though not

on a soundstage, a flight up instead of a flight down, and serving actual beer and meals made on the premises and not mere props.

Come here more than once, and you will run into fast friends over superb food every time you return.

“This is the only brewery on Tybee,” Gronner notes. “It’s different from what everybody else is doing.”

And the beer is just the beginning.

BEER AND VITTLES Opened by the Dubuques and Smith as a beer bar in September of 2022, Back River Brewery poured Southbounds and the like until it started brewing its own brand come February, and from that point on, brewmeister Alex Breard has had eight different BRB beers on tap every day.

Initially, Smith said, the food formula was to sell “third-party vendors,” namely the restaurants right around them, “because we wanted to spread the love to some of our local businesses.”

“It was a way to offer more services with less overhead,” he added, “but as time went on, we wanted a curated menu to go along with our beer, not only to complement the beer but for the beer to complement the food.”

Enter Casey Gronner, who was brought onboard specially to create the pub’s food program, bringing a decade of experience at Savannah Yacht Club to the secondfloor beach-side sit-and-sip.

Gronner said that all the menu items have his “signature,” BRB’s spins on familiars that are made unfamiliar in imaginative ways. From top to bottom, the menu proudly promotes the brew pub’s partner purveyors, including Auspicious Baking Co., Davis Produce, River Root Farms, and microgreens from Brian “Tucci” Lambert (Tucci Greens), and Gronner is committed to buying and serving locally.

“I’m used to cooking fine-dining, catering, doing weddings, big parties,” he said, “but this is cool because I get to do fun, fresh sandwiches, stuff that I like to eat that pairs well with the beers.”

In the first year, the chef has “switch[ed] it up with seasonal menus” while keeping what have already become standard faves among clientele who come back multiple times a week.

“The staple items are the pretzel, bruschetta, and caprese. They don’t leave,” he said, though Gronner has changed out dishes that call for seasonal veg, and BRB’s next menu will lean into summer with more salads.

Accompanying an Auspicious Baking

LEFT & ABOVE: Back River Brewery

Co. pretzel is a house-made beer cheese, a light rendition with just the right ale tang that begs to be downed as a shot.

Confessing that he can “never add too much” to the bill of fare, Gronner should not feel that he needs to: four starters, seven mains, five sides, and a soup are an impressive tally for such a small space.

This is a brew pub that does not have a fryer, mostly because there is no room.

“It’s me stepping into the brewhouse, pretty much,” he said of the tight cooking quarters, a “makeshift kitchen” in front of the giant kettles. The original Walmartbought pancake flat top was recently replaced by a real one, and the college fridge-sized smoker resides on the front porch.

“Space is limited right now,” the chef said humbly, “but we’re doing the best we can with what we have.”

That is undoubtedly an understatement of the food moment. With apologies to Roy Scheider, Gronner and Co. are going to need a bigger kitchen: more and more patrons’ jaws are going to come after whatever he is making.

WE’LL EAT ‘EM IF HE SMOKES ‘EM About that bantam smoker, the majority of Gronner’s menu items have incorporated ingredients that have been low-and-slowed in locally sourced cherry, hickory, mesquite, and pear wood chips.

That evening, he prepared dozens of Davis Produce’s ruby red tomatoes that would go into the next batch of smoked CONNECT SAVANNAH | 17 | JUNE • 2024

tomato bisque, served either with the Gourmet Grilled Cheese ($20) or as a side ($8).

Boston butts for the Pork Butt Sliders ($16) get a twelve-hour smoke, and Gronner could not be upbeat about his Smoked Beer Brat ($14). Par-smoked out on the porch, the warmed wurst is cooled, seared-to-order on the flat top, and then simmered in BRB’s About Time Lager before being served with beer cheese, caramelized beer onions, and sautéed peppers.

The turkey that stars in the BRB Smoked Turkey BLT ($20) goes through a three-day process from raw bird to bread, beginning with a two-day soak in a whiskey brine before seasoning and smoking for three hours. Sliced thick and served on Auspicious Baking Co.’s herb focaccia, the tender turkey is slathered with Gronner’s incredible baconcranberry jam and topped with arugula and thick ripe slices of more Davis tomatoes.

The sandwich is special, both smelling and tasting like Thanksgiving, and while $20 is more than I want to spend for one Sammie, my wife and I split it and were well-stuffed. Unless you play D line or have not eaten in four days, I defy you to finish one on your own. For even half a sandwich, grab a bib and sop up every bit of that jam.

Gronner said that another crowd pleaser has been the Smoked Prime Rib Melt ($20). He smokes two ribeyes at a time to medium-rare before slicing it thick and searing it on the flat top with au jus. Served on an Auspicious hoagie,

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the final product is topped with caramelized beer onions, melted provolone, and BRB’s creamy horseradish BBQ sauce.

The cheekily self-effacingly named About Time Lager, the first Back River brewed, is used in almost every savory item that contains beer. For the Cinnamon Roll for Two ($9), Gronner reduces down a current BRB fruity sour in a homemade caramel reduction drizzle to customize the Auspicious-baked bun.

HOMEGROWN ALE TALE Everyone is named ‘Smith’ in this part, so hang in there.

Frazier Smith’s brother, Zach, played bass in The Accomplices and introduced him to Smith Mathews, founder, brewmaster and managing member of Southbound Brewing Co. “Southbound was looking for a sanitary stainless fabricator, and there, quite literally, was nobody down here doing it,” Frazier Smith recalled. “I had a background in it, so I got with Smith.”

Southbound Smith got steelworker Smith’s name “out there in the brewing world,” the latter continued, and he soon ran his company under the moniker Spectre Fabrications, a nod to his grandfather Jim Nettles, himself an esteemed metalworker.

With a self-deprecating laugh, Smith admitted to “a bad habit of giving [himself] a million projects,” and after a decade crafting and repairing others’ equipment, he partnered with the Dubuques to brew their own beer brand.

When it comes to the day-to-day food-and-brew operations at BRB, Smith credits Gronner and Breard entirely.

“I fix things when they break, but the wheel doesn’t turn without those guys,” he said of his chef and brewmeister. “Casey

and Alex both are major heavy hitters in the industry here in Savannah.”

“When I needed them, because I had something that I believed in, those guys showed up, and they put out what people rave about every day,” Smith said.

In many ways, this is Tybee’s Hop Atomica, though I cannot help but wish BRB were the one a bike ride away from our house.

For the first year, this neighborhood pub has acquired more locals’ food following probably because it is not situated in the thick of Butler Avenue’s beachier and busier zone. If it were in that stretch, it would not feel as homey or be as cool.

“I get to cook for my family, friends,” Gronner said, “and everybody’s been happy and grateful for everything that we’ve been doing over here.”

“We have a lot of locals who have been supporting us,” he added, proven during our interview as one local couple came out and hugged the chef who, in turn, thanked them for dining at BRB again.

“They come five days out of the week, for sure,” Gronner said with a smile.

If we lived just down Jones Avenue, we would do the same.

Back River Brewery (402 1st Street, Upper) is seven days a week (noon to midnight) with the kitchen currently open each day from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. When summer hours take effect, the kitchen will operate from noon to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and noon to 8 p.m. on Sunday with Monday and Tuesday remaining 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | 18 | JUNE • 2024

FOOD & DRINK

TYBEE ISLAND FARMERS MARKET Photos from Tybee Island Farmers Market

If you are like me, then there

By Jesse Blanco you it is right FREELANCE CORRESPONDENT about now when you start thinking about creative ways to cool off ahead of the intense heat of the summer season.

Thankfully, around here we have a beach with plenty to do around it. We all know how busy Tybee Island can get during the summer rush.

Weekends are plenty full of not only visitors to the area, but also locals looking for an afternoon cool off. Parking can be a bit -in a word-insane. How do you stay ahead of the curve? Well, you can try visiting the island on a Monday for starters. Not only the same beach fun island wide, but also a different activity that you will only find on Mondays on Tybee.

The Tybee Island Farmers Market.

Steve and Nancy Johnson are a retired couple who thought it

would be fun to have a market on the island. Not only fun, but necessary. That was nine seasons ago.

“Nancy handles the website and the promotional stuff.” Steve says. “I do the physical. We both spend a lot of time setting up every week.”

“We started at the American Legion but outgrew that pretty quickly.” Steve tells me. Within two seasons of rolling out with 7 or 8 vendors back in 2015, they were in search of a new space.

They landed on the grounds of the Historic Tybee Island Lighthouse and Museum. A perfect fit from my seat.

“We are now up to 40 vendors and a waiting list.” Steve is quick to share.

“It’s catching on.” Steve adds. “At first mostly locals. We stuck with the basics of a farmers’ market. Baked goods and jams/ jellies. You know, normal “Farmers Market” thing.”

But it is all quite different now. The Tybee Island Farmers Market now includes arts and crafts vendors offering items you

CONNECT SAVANNAH | 19 | JUNE • 2024

(STORY CONTINUED THIS PAGE)

will only find at the market. Two spades weekly are reserved for local non-profits. Every week there is a different one there. The synergy is near perfect.

“We have loyal locals who have been coming since the beginning.” Steve says “But we have more and more tourists coming every year. In October, we see a lot of snowbirds.”

There is a lot to love about this market, including free parking, which we will tell you about in a second. Secondly, there are some vendors offering prepared food at this market. Elena’s Enchanted Kitchen is a Greek themed caterer that is usually set up at the market on Mondays. They offer a variety of eats, including souvlaki. I saw it being prepared right in front of me the day I was there a few weeks back. I did not eat there then, but I had had it before, and it is fantastic.

Down the row, freshly baked goods from Le Cafe Gourmet and several other Farmers Market friendly eats.

What you will not find are food trucks. That is a City of Tybee Island thing they steer clear of.

Their season runs from March to October, but just like anything else out here, at peak Summertime? Steve admits there is a log jam.

“A couple of times in July it gets so crowded that you can’t move around.” he says.

Not surprising in the least. The Tybee Farmers Market has something for everyone. Adults and kids. Add in the fact that you can visit the Lighthouse Museum and/or climb to the top while you are there, and you have a built-in Monday afternoon diversion off the beach. It does not get much better than that.

It has gotten so popular out here that Steve says he fields about 3-4 calls a week from people looking for a space. He has to

tell them all they are full for now. Instead, there is a wait list to be a part of the fun. Because it is a lot of fun.

Fun that you can participate on Mondays, as we said from March to October from 4pm until 7pm. Parking is free IF (big IF) you park on the lighthouse grounds in their parking lot. I am guessing there are 3 dozen spaces there. There is a lot of turnover because people are constantly coming and going over those three hours that they are in operation.

If you do not get one of those spots, then you will have to park for City of Tybee beach parking, which at 4 dollars an hour might be the most expensive public parking in the area. Still, if you only spend an hour at the market, it is a small price to pay.

Whatever you choose to do, get out there and enjoy some time in the summer sun, and Eat It and Like It as well.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | 20 | JUNE • 2024

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21 | JUNE • 2024

CULTURE

ABOVE: Sea Salt Ceramics at Tybee Oaks, RIGHT: ( Top to Bottom) “Eagles Nest”, “Happy Ostrich”

The swaying trees and gentle breeze FREELANCE CORRESPONDENT from the nearby ocean sweep across the wooden deck of the Tybee Oaks, a funky collection of locally owned stores right off Tybee’s main road. The first store featured is what Charissa Murray calls “The Shop.” It’s the culmination of her dream to display her art featuring her love and appreciation for her home, Tybee Island.

“I don’t think I could function if I didn’t paint. And I paint every day.”

Charissa Murray is Tybee Island. From her business to her involvement on a civic and volunteer level with so many organizations throughout the island, it’s a wonder she ever finds time to paint her coastal masterpieces. She does it all because “Tybee is home.”

“My family moved here in 1992 when I was twelve years old,” Murray says. It’s been interesting watching Tybee change from dirt roads in places to every single thing now is filled in.”

She says growing up on the island was a kid’s dream. “We hung out in the dunes back when there weren’t rattlesnakes in those dunes—and that’s true! We rode our bikes everywhere. I had my first job in the service industry out here at twelve. It’s just part of me,” she says.

Murray’s father was a painter, so she was always surrounded by art at an early age. She was in the last graduating class from the old Savannah High School before it became the Arts Academy. But it was in high school that her artistic talents took off.

“Drawing was the first medium for me,” Charissa muses.

“I always had a pencil and paper with me. I would sketch and sketch and sketch my whole childhood. I didn’t get into

By Marley Gibson

painting until high school. Mrs. Oliver was my freshman-year teacher. At the magnet school, they put me in all the senior classes, so I was the youngest one and I got to see some amazing talent that really inspired me to paint. I have painted ever since.”

Her thirty-year talent and skill are evident when you step into her welcoming store. It is filled with local seascapes, sunsets, landscapes, and some flora and fauna. Her business partner, Kelly Jones, a ceramicist, features her pottery in the store, as well. Various-sized paintings and ceramic pieces fill the store with foamy beach scenes, vibrant sunsets, and eccentric birds surrounding you.

“I focus mostly on coastal-inspired landscapes, especially the Georgia coast. Now… I have a thing for birds of any kind: grumpy birds, happy birds, silly birds. When I get tired of doing the coastal scenes, you’ll see me do a bunch of birds,” she says, laughing.”

Murray, who works strictly in oil, says the reason it is so easy for her to feature Tybee Island in her painting is, again, “It’s always home. Tybee draws artists because it is visually stunning. However, it also draws people because it’s quirky.

It’s not corporate or mainstream. Everything is independent and small businesses. It gives it a family feel out here.”

As for life on Tybee offering inspiration, Murray says, “There’s always something happening here. It’s a fun vibe all the time. The people here make it special. The nature makes it special. The conservation efforts make it special. From Beach Bum to PirateFest (which she is the director) and the Tour de Arts (which she co-founded) we just love sharing information on Tybee, our clean beach efforts, how we watch out for the sea turtles…just all of it. This is our home, and we should take care of it. Every little bit we can do to take care of it and the creatures who live here are very important.”

CONNECT SAVANNAH | 22 | JUNE • 2024

In addition to all her community efforts, Murray finds solace in her studio, a recently vacated bedroom in her house. “Empty nest, you know,” she says. She’s put it to good use, though. “I have three easels going pretty much all the time. The studio is very well-lit with windows on all sides.”

Murray says she gets most of her inspiration for her painting from photographs. “I’ll either take the image myself or get another photographer to take it or I’ll ask for permission. I’ve had William Harold do an aerial shot of the Isle of Hope Marina so I could do a piece for them. Several local photographers have allowed me to use their images but then, I make it my own. I’m not a realistic painter, nor do I want to be. I do it the way I see it.”

This is through her use of the color palette. “I see everything in bright colors. Our sunsets, cotton-candy skies with the hot pinks and deep reds… you need to feel it here,” she says, pointing to her heart.

Her favorite piece she has done has great meaning to her.

“It’s called Eagle’s Nest,” Charissa explains. “It’s a sunset from a dock I did as a commission for friends. They lived across from me and were moving to Washington. They wanted something to remember the place. I took a ton of photos from every angle [on their dock]. It was a gorgeous sunset and… I got a bird in the picture.”

However, it is the personal interactions, the connection with someone, when they see her art and are moved by it, that Murray treasures the most.

“I had a gentleman purchase my Happy Ostrich recently,” she says proudly. “His wife was from Tybee, and she had recently passed. The family visited in order to spread her ashes. He went into the store and the ostrich reminded him so much of something his wife would have loved, and he had to have it. I just shipped it out to him.”

She pauses a moment at the recent memory. “Seeing and hearing that emotion in someone’s voice makes it all worth it,” she says.

As visitors begin to flood the island and season is at its peak, The Shop is ready to put smiles on people’s faces when they decide to take home a special part of Tybee Island.

“Since opening the shop, it’s humbling seeing others enjoy my art. I get chills. It makes me happy,” Charissa says.

For more information, Charissa, her shop, and her partner, Kelly Jones, can be found online at Charissamurray.com and SeaSaltCeramics.com. You can also follow Charissa’s Facebook group: Tybee Island Georgia Savannah’s Beach

CONNECT SAVANNAH | 23 | JUNE • 2024

CULTURE

ABOVE: GA State Rep. Edna Jackson, LEFT: Photos from picturingblackhistory.org

GET TO DA’ WATA’ Representative Edna Jackson (DFREELANCE CORRESPONDENT 165), former Mayor of Savannah, says, “every year I look forward to the Wade In The Water event at Tybee Island. I enjoy the water and think about the people who made the sacrifices.”

On June 19, people will gather under the pier at Tybee Island to pay homage to those who were arrested in the fight to desegregate Savannah’s beach.

Jackson was one of those who made the sacrifices to desegregate Tybee Island in the early 60s, “They stopped our car when we were just about ready to get out and get ready to get in the water. We were arrested and had to stay overnight in the jail.”

The first wade-in was on August 17, 1960; eleven Black students were arrested.

Savannah Beach wade-ins continued through 1963; during those years, hundreds of young African Americans braved the whites-only waters, in an act of resistance against segregationist Jim Crow laws.

By Kristy Edenfield

Savannah Beach and Tybee Island’s other public places were integrated by October 1963, with the last wade-in occurring in July 1963.

Jackson never made it to the water the day that she was arrested, but now enjoys letting the waves wash over her feet.

“If you go to Africa and you come back, that water brought the slaves here from our homeland, and some died in that water.”

Now, when she goes to Tybee, Jackson says that she reflects, “God is still up there, and he is the one that we have to give the glory to. We have to because what we did was done in a nonviolent way. And I’m just so happy that the people of Tybee have embraced what has happened, and what has been done. We tell the story, and the stories should never end; we shall never forget from whence we came.”

Edna Jackson says, “The reason it is important is because you never want this to happen, and it almost happened with Orange Crush this year - that is a public beach, and as long as it is a public beach, anybody can go out there - but if you break the law, that is a different story, but they cannot stop you from coming.”

“In the city of Savannah young people, unfortunately at

CONNECT SAVANNAH | 24 | JUNE • 2024

times, don’t want to hear the history, and that’s bad because if you don’t know from where you came from, you don’t know where you are going,” says Jackson. “As long as you have a few people that are still able to tell the stories - a lot of the history is not in books and has not been written.”

What Jackson wants young people to know, “You have your freedom - because back during the wade-in, you didn’t have your freedom. Freedom was fought for in this community - it is because of people that have gone on, or are too old to do too much of anything now - they are the ones who made those sacrifices in order for young people to be free and to do the things that they are doing - like sitting on the beach and going into any restaurants that they want to.”

Seven-year-old Maya Hardnett is one of the young people who comes to the annual Wade In The Water event at Tybee Island to hear the stories from Representative Edna Jackson, Sistah Patt Gunn, and other elders, “I learn about my ancestors. They came from Africa and were stolen. We honor them and celebrate them,” says Maya. “I like to walk in the water and dance to the drums and songs.”

Erika Hardnett says, “Taking Maya to the Wade in the Water event at Tybee Island is very special to me. It’s a chance for her to connect with the very waters that surrounded the footsteps of our ancestors. I want her to understand the stories, be moved by the dances, and let the songs and the heartbeat of the drums speak to her soul, just as they did for our ancestors.

Every time I’m there, there is an energy in the air that’s hard to describe - a blend of love, peace, and honor.”

Sistah Patt Gunn from Underground Tours, in traditional Gullah Geechee dialect, says of the Juneteenth Wade-In The Water, “People need to get to da’ wata,’ it is a celebration of Tybee’s history of what has happened. Some things are celebrations, and some are commemorative - and this one is a celebration because people are actually coming down to da’ wata’ for the purpose of healing - it is spiritual.”

Gunn says, “Oftentimes when I ask local people if they go to the beach, they say ‘I’m too busy’.”

“Wade In The Water is an opportunity for folks from all over the world, as well as the locals, to come on out and get in da’ wata’ and wade in it because it is healing,” encourages Sistah Patt Gunn.

“The spirituality of the Gullah Geechee community is to always find water - if you can find water, you can get to that water and say your prayers; you can ask for blessings and ask for forgiveness,” explains Gunn.

Gunn encourages all people to come to da’ wata’ - all people, all generations, “We pay homage to the civil rights workers who worked to desegregate Tybee, and now the beach is open for all people to come. We pay homage to the elders because they give us strength and wisdom. We will be celebrating, remembering, and getting some healing. This is a day where you come to da’ wata’ and cast it out there for forgiveness.”

The 11th Annual Wade-In is part of the Tybee MLK Human Rights Organization Juneteenth Celebrations Featuring the Saltwata Players and Samba Drummers You will hear from master storytellers, drummers, and freedom shouters; and of course, wade in da’ wata’ - all are welcome to join.

When to go - Wednesday, June 19, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Where to go - Pier 16 Street, Tybee Island CONNECT SAVANNAH | 25 | JUNE • 2024

JUNE 19 2024 CELEBRATE FREEDOM DAY AT THESE JUNETEENTH FESTIVITIES Observed annually on June 19, Juneteenth is a federal holiday commemorating the end of chattel slavery in the U.S. It is a time of remembering the past, expressing gratitude for the present, and inspiring hope for the future. Join in on the freedom festivities by making your way to one of these local Juneteenth celebrations.

SAVANNAH JUNETEENTH FINE ARTS FESTIVAL

Hosted by Chosen For the Arts, the 2024 Savannah Juneteenth Fine Arts Festival will take place on Saturday, June 22 at 3 p.m. at Forsyth Park. This culturally enriching event will unite the community in a celebration of freedom and fellowship complete with an art showcase featuring talented musicians, dancers, spoken word performers, storytellers, and visual artists. In addition to the performances, attendees can enjoy local vendors, food trucks and an array of family-friendly activities. Leading up to the festival, there will also be a slate of other events celebrating the richness of African American heritage and culture, including a gala, a Father’s Day Dads Dash, a youth festival, and a fireworks display. Visit savannahjuneteenthfestival.com/ for details about these events.

TYBEE MLK JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION

Tybee MLK, the island’s human rights organization, has observed Juneteenth since 2014, long before it became a federal holiday. Each year, Tybee MLK hosts a wade-in commemorating the desegregation of the beach and a community festival complete with vendors, speakers, and live performances. This year, the wade-in will take place on the holiday, Wednesday, June 19 at 9 a.m. at South Beach, including storytelling and drumming by Patt Gunn and the Saltwata Players. The festival will take place June 16–17 at Tybee’s pier and pavilion featuring Afro–centric vendors selling various goods. For more information, visit tybeemlk.com.

POOLER JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION

Pooler will host their third annual Juneteenth celebration on Saturday, June 15 from 2–7 p.m. at the Tanger Outlets. The community-wide celebration will include live music, food trucks, storytellers, games and more. On the holiday, there will also be a Juneteenth Run at 7:30 a.m. at Pooler Stadium. To learn more about these events, visit poolerjuneteenth. org/.

POOLER JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL

The Pooler Juneteenth Celebration Committee is hosting their second annual Juneteenth Celebration on June 17 from 12 to 6 p.m. at Tanger Outlets. The celebration is free and open to the public featuring

live music, food trucks, vendors, storytellers, games and more. Visit poolerjuneteenth.org/ for more information.

WELLS PARK JUNETEENTH SAVANNAH

The Daughters of Mary Magdalene present their annual Juneteenth celebration at Wells Park, taking place Saturday, June 15 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. A celebration of fun, food and fellowship, this Juneteenth festival will feature live entertainment, dancing, and festivities for children.

TELFAIR MUSEUMS JUNETEENTH FREE FAMILY DAY

Telfair Museums will offer a free family day on Saturday, June 15 at the Jepson Center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in observance of Juneteenth. Now in its 17th year, Telfair’s Juneteenth observance will feature a day of engaging activities, storytelling and performances celebrating freedom and African American heritage. Dr. Jamal Toure will open the event with a libation ceremony, followed by children’s activities, storytelling, and presentations by visual and spoken word artist rEN Dillard. There will also be a special musical performance at 3 p.m. Admission to the Jepson Center is free for residents and those from surrounding counties. Learn more at telfair.org/event/juneteenth-freefamily-day-2024/.

-Compiled by Chantel Britton

MAKE SURE TO CHECK CONNECTSAVANNAH.COM FOR UPDATED JUNETEENTH EVENTS

CONNECT SAVANNAH | 26 | JUNE • 2024

CONNECT SAVANNAH | 27 | JUNE • 2024

Six Pence Pub In The Heart of the Historic District

Best British Pub

Offering Outdoor Cafe-Style Seating!

Full7 Days MenuAServed Open Week,711Days a.m.A- Week, Midnight Sunday - Thursday 11 a.m.

- 11 p.m.

Full Menu Served Until Midnight Friday - Saturday a.m.Until - midnight Happy Hour 5 - 7 p.m.

• Bar 11 Open 2 a.m. (Non-Smoking)

Named Namedby byConde CondeNast Nast Traveler Travelerone oneof of14 14best best bars barsin inSavannah Savannah 912.233.3156 • 245 Bull Street • SixPencePub.com (Across from the Desoto Hotel) CONNECT SAVANNAH | 28 | JUNE • 2024

PRIDE GUIDE: CELEBRATE PRIDE MONTH AT THESE EVENTS

MAKE SURE TO CHECK CONNECTSAVANNAH.COM FOR UPDATED PRIDE EVENTS

STONEWALL BLOCK PARTY First City Pride Center will host their 7th annual Stonewall Block Party on Saturday, June 22 from 2–10 p.m. Held on Bull Street between E 31st and E 33rd streets, the block party is a community-wide celebration of resilience, visibility, and queer human rights in commemoration of the Stonewall Riots that catalyzed the LGBTQ civil rights movement. FCPC will rock the block with musical entertainment, drag performances, panel discussions, games and more.

The event will also feature community resources, free HIV testing and food trucks and drinks – with mocktail options available. All are welcome to attend this block party, so come out and show your solidarity with the queer community while having an amazing, fun-filled day of advocacy. For more information, visit firstcitypridecenter.org/ stonewall-2024-1.

SAVANNAH PRIDE BAR CRAWL

is a celebration of love, diversity, and inclusion. Come dressed up in your most colorful attire and drink your way through downtown Savannah for a great cause as 20 percent of proceeds will benefit First City Pride Center. Tickets include 2–3 drinks or shots, free admission to the following drag show, exclusive food and drink specials, waived cover at all participating venues and admission to the 10 p.m. after party, among other rewards. Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite.

CELEBRATE PRIDE MONTH AT THE ALIDA Opulent boutique hotel, The Alida is offering a special package for Pride month including a twonight stay, daily brunch for two guests, two tickets to the Savannah Trolley Tour and two specialty Pride cocktails at The Trade Room, The Lost Square or Rhett. Celebrate pride in style in The Alida’s luxe accommodations while enjoying the best of Savannah during Pride month. This offer is available all June. Call 912.715.7000 to book.

Crawl with US invites the public to their 7th annual Pride Bar Crawl taking place on Saturday, June 15 from 4–10 p.m. More than just a pub crawl, this event

CONNECT SAVANNAH | 29 | JUNE • 2024

-Compiled by Chantel Britton

MUSIC & CLUBS

TYBEE TALENT

TWO SISTERS MAKING WAVES WITH MUSIC

Sisters and singer-songwriters FREELANCE CORRESPONDENT Clara and Hope Waidley are Michigan transplants bonded through a shared love for surfing and sound. After settling on Wilmington Island with plans to relocate to Tybee in the coming weeks, the two have fallen in love with the Coastal Empire, relishing the natural beauty and proximity to the ocean — things they are particularly passionate about as surfers.

“We’re such water people. We love surfing and being on the coast. We grew up learning to surf on Lake Michigan,” said Clara. “Just the coast here and the islands and how wild it is. Growing up in Michigan, we grew up in the woods and it feels like the scenery and nature feels similar to how we grew up there. Just having so much land and that kind of wilderness that is just so untouched. I love that part of it.

And obviously, the town of Savannah is just stunning. The design is just incredible.”

Before moving down South, the sisters each spent some years in California, taking full advantage of the surf culture and music scene there. Coming from the Golden State, they were pleasantly surprised to discover the dynamism and verve of greater Savannah.

“Out of everywhere that we’ve traveled — and we’ve

By Chantel Britton

seen quite a bit of America — there’s just nowhere like Savannah,” said Hope. “It’s difficult to find somewhere that has the ocean and islands and the marsh, and then also has a city as beautiful as Savannah is. It’s different and historic and has lovely architecture and the ocean. It just feels like a one in a million place.”

Surrounded by the abundant history, lush beauty, and charm of the Georgia coast, the Waidley sisters find ample inspiration for their music. The two perform separately with Clara releasing music under her name and Hope performing under the alias Pearl. They grew up performing in recitals in their youth, so music and appreciation for the arts was instilled within the sisters from early on.

“I started writing songs when I was six. It just became a way to process, and I got older and in high school realized if God could use these songs to help me, then they can be used to help other people,” said Hope.

Clara shared the sentiment, recognizing the power of songs to provide solace, saying, “I just feel like it’s just a gift that if it can comfort me, I’ve always felt it could comfort other people. I realized when I was younger, I think, for me, wanting to write and do music and perform, it was a process of elimination. I didn’t want to do anything else, so it felt like it was what I was called to do. Just any opportunity to play, I look forward to and writing has been such a way to help process and explain the world and have it make sense.”

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Clara has been performing professionally for about seven years now, with Hope right behind her at six. Despite being sisters, they each have their own unique musical style that speaks to their individual artistry. Clara describes her music as a distinct blend of dreamy, grungy soft rock with a twinge of country, while Hope leans more into a ‘70s or ‘90s classic alternative rock, drawing comparisons to Fleetwood Mac or Janis Joplin sonically. Hope has a particular fondness for her recent release “No Man,” an encouraging free-spirited anthem. Among Clara’s favorites is her song “Radio Angel,” which was released last year. It’s a calm, acoustic song with sweet sleepy vocals. These two songs really evince the ways in which the Waidley sisters differ in style and sound. But what they share is their belief in the power that music must bring people together.

“For me, music is an extremely unifying gift that we have as humans,” said Clara. “It’s always felt like worship, using singing to connect with people. I just love the way that it brings people together. People who believe different things, who have different opinions, who are from various places, who are of different ethnicities, will all gather in the same room just to listen to an artist. It’s one of the few things we have that will get everyone together enjoying the same thing at the same time. I also think that good music can really help heal people, comfort people, change hearts and perspectives.

It’s just a big blessing.”

Hope added, “I just love that music is so ingrained in life throughout your entire lifetime. It’s something that’s constant. It helps people feel the good and the bad in a way because there’s sad music, happy music, music for every sort of thing that you could be feeling, and it can make you feel ways that you haven’t felt before. It can be a thing that helps you heal in a world where we have been told to be strong and not feel. It combats that and gives people space to explore those feelings. And obviously, the unifying experience where a song can bring everyone together of diverse backgrounds, and we can all have something in common over a piece of art is a wonderful thing.”

The two perform a lot at festivals and markets around the country, particularly in California, but they also circulate the local music scene performing at venues like Zunzi’s in downtown Savannah and on Tybee, as well as Tybee’s Salt Island Fish and Beer and other local spots with live music. With summertime arriving, more gigs are on the horizon. The sisters are looking forward to future performances and releasing more music.

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LEFT: (Left to Right) Hope and Clara Waidley, ABOVE: Clara, BOTTOM: Hope

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“I’m gearing up to put a song out again,” said Hope. “I have an entire concept for an album, but I think that’ll be a little bit later.

We have to finish all the songs, but for right now, I’ll be putting out another song as soon as I can.”

Clara also has another release coming up soon, a song called “When It Rains.”

“I’m just working on promoting that and writing as much as I can,” she said.

They both are excited about their individual creative journeys, and they thank the local community for such a warm reception.

“We really do love Savannah, and it’s been really nice for us being here, especially how it’s been a retreat and really healthy for our songwriting brains,” said Hope. “Artistically, it’s been a healthy place for us. We love and appreciate Savannah, and we love the people. Just thanking Savannah for being so welcoming to us.”

To keep up with Hope and Clara and their musical projects and performances, follow them on Instagram @hopewaidley and @clarawaidley.

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