Connect Savannah, March 17, 2021

TAKING THE REVELRY 7 ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE COMMITTEE HOLDS TRADITIONAL EVENTS VIRTUALLY

DELVE INTO SAVANNAH’S IRISH HISTORY SITES

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CONNECT SAVANNAH | MAR 17 - 23, 2021

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Matt Hill • 7-10pm

Friday, March 12

Jason Courtenay • 4-7pm Clairemont Duo • 8-11pm

Saturday, March 13

Clairemont Duo • 12-3pm Groove Town Assault • 4-7pm JD Music Group • 8-11pm

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live music

Thursday, March 11

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Sunday, March 14

16oz Drinks

Friday, March 19

Ray Tomasino • 1-4pm TG Live • 5-8pm

Bill Hodgson • 4-7pm Savannah Sunday • 8-11pm

Wednesday, March 17

Saturday, March 20

Matt Hill • 3-6pm TG Live • 7-10pm

Thursday, March 18 Ray Tomasino • 7-10pm

Matt Hill • 12-3pm JD Music Group • 4-7pm Individually Twisted • 8-11pm

Sunday, March 21 Bill Hodgson • 1-4pm

Georgia Locations: 5 E. Perry Street, Savannah, GA 31401 2 Skidaway Village Walk, Ste A, Savannah,GA 31411

South Carolina Locations: 701 Bay Street, Beaufort, SC 29902 2 Harbor Drive, Harbor Island, SC 29920

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FRIDAY

3/19 MOSS CITY GROOVE 5-7PM

SATURDAY

3/20 BEN KEISER BAND WITH BIG E 4-6PM & TACO POP-UP WITH SOUTH OF HEAVEN BBQ STARTING@ 1PM

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ALL WEEKEND LONG 3/18 -3/21

17-23

AT A GLANCE

WEDNESDAY 3.17 2021 Shamrocks and Shenanigans

The six-day event offers free live music, Irish dance performances and photos with Lucky the Leprechaun, as well as festive food and drink options for all ages.

March 12-17, 4 p.m.

Plant Riverside District Most events are free and open to the public. plantriversidedistrict.com

Drunk Spelling Bee

Join El-Rocko Lounge on Wednesdays for an all new drunken scholastic event- Drunk Spelling Bee. 10 p.m.

El-Rocko Lounge, 117 Whitaker St.

Green Drinks Savannah

Like-minded individuals join together and chat about environmental topics, green initiatives, and other concerns in the Low Country.

This month’s special guest, Joanne Morton, will be discussing Earth Day Savannah 2021.

6 p.m.

Foxy Loxy Cafe, 1919 Bull St..

Seldom Sober

Irish folk and traditional American Rock, Pop, and Country. Beat the crowds and head to Coach’s Corner for St. Pat’s! Purchase tickets on Eventbrite.

7 p.m.

Coach’s Corner, 3016 E. Victory Dr.

St Catty’s Day

Head to the Humane Society For Greater Savannah to meet you new bestfriend friend.

1-6 p.m.

Humane Society for Greater Savannah, 7215 Sallie Mood Dr.

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.

St Pat’s at Repeal 33

Celebrate an extended St. Pat’s at Repeal 33. Enjoy JD Music Group, LaFaye and the Boys and DJ Basik Lee. 11 a.m.

Repeal 33, 125 MLK Jr. Blvd.

St. Patrick’s Day at he Bohemian

Celebrate the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day at the Bohemian Hotel’s Rocks on the River and Rocks on the Roof for live music, DJ sets, and drink specials.

8-11 p.m.

Bohemian Hotel, 102 West Bay St.

Tea at the Davenports’

Learn about tea traditions and experience an early 19th-century tea in the historic atmosphere of the Isaiah Davenport House Museum.

5 p.m.

Davenport House, 324 E. State St. $18 adults, $14 children davenporthousemuseum.org

Top O’ the Mornin’ Fun Run

Don your best St. Patrick’s Day green duds and bring your buds to join Fleet Feet Savannah and Pooler for a Top O’ the Mornin’ 7-mile (roughly) run.

7 a.m.

Fleet Feet Sports, 3405 Waters

THURSDAY 3.18 Bingo! at Elks Lodge

Join Elks Lodge for Bingo on Thursdays and Sundays. Enjoy great family fun, good food at the snack bar and many chances to win cash.

7:30-9:30 p.m.

Elks Lodge, 183 Wilshire Blvd.

Fundraiser Event Benefitting 200 Club Join Prime Liquor Store for food, music, raffles, and more to raise money and awareness for the

Two Hundred Club of the Coastal Empire.

5:30-7:30 p.m.

Prime Liquor Store, 5500 Abercorn St.

Martinis at the Mansion

Enjoy live music by Danielle Hicks and the Resistance, martini specials, and a complimentary raffle ticket at Martinis at the Mansion. This month the proceeds will benefit Savannah Chatham CASA. third Thursday of every month, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Mansion on Forsyth Park 700 Drayton St.

FRIDAY 3.19 “Nomadland”

“Nomadland” is a chronicle of the Great Recession that plays like a quietly thoughtful, real-life “Grapes of Wrath,” with McDormand’s Fern as its understated Tom Joad strong, resolute, haunting. Rated R. 3-5 & 7-9 p.m.

Tybee Post Theater, 10 Van Horne. tybeeposttheater.showare.com

Meet and Greet with Machine Gun Preacher Sam Childers a.k.a. Machine Gun Preacher will be at Savannah Harley-Davidson.

6-8 p.m.

Savannah Harley-Davidson Southside, 6 Gateway Blvd. West.

SATURDAY 3.20 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

Islands Farmers Market

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

9 a.m.-1 p.m. 401 Quarterman Dr.

Taco Pop-Up

BBQ. Tacos. Need we say more?

Join Ghost Coast Distillery for tacos

by South of Heaven BBQ & cocktails from Savannah’s own Ghost Coast Distillery. Also, live music with Ben Keiser Band from 4-6pm.

1-6 p.m.

Ghost Coast, 641 Indian St.

SUNDAY 3.21 Gay Kickball

Head to Forsyth Park for Savannah Gay Kickball every Sunday at 3 pm.

Everyone is welcome, no registration required, all sexualities and identities are welcome- just show up!

Athletic wear is recommended and masks are required to play. Meet on the North side of the tennis courts.

3-4:30 p.m.

Forsyth Park, Drayton St. & East Park Ave.

St. Patrick’s Day Concert

The American Traditions Vocal Competition is hosting concert featuring globally acclaimed vocalist, Irish born and raised Chloë Agnew, as she performs traditional Irish music in Savannah.

3-4 p.m.

Savannah Country Club,Wilmington Island Road.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | MAR 17 - 23, 2021

WEEK CONNECT SAVANNAH

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TAKING THE REVELRY

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7 ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE COMMITTEE HOLDS TRADITIONAL EVENTS VIRTUALLY

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St. Patrick’s Day Concert featuring Irish Vocalist Chloë Agnew

The American Traditions Vocal Competition (ATC) is hosting a one-of-a-kind St. Patrick’s Day concert at 3 p.m. March 21, 2021 at the Savannah Country Club, 501 Wilmington Island Road, featuring globally acclaimed vocalist, Irish born and raised Chloë Agnew, as she performs traditional Irish music in Savannah.

3-4 p.m.

Savannah Country Club, $100 americantraditionscompetition. com/

COLUMN

MONDAY 3.22 Friends of Jekyll Island Auction

Check out the Friends of Historic Jekyll Island’s online auction for accommodations, restaurants, sports, activities, and more. Auction preview starts March 15-21; live auction takes place March 22-28.

Forsyth Park, Drayton St. & East Park Ave. charityauction.bid/FOHJI2021

TUESDAY 3.23 Toddler Tuesday at Oatland Island Wildlife Center

STAFF NOTES

Hey there, Savannah!

BY LAUREN WOLVERTON lauren@connectsavannah.com

SOME OF YOU may know me, but if you don’t, let me introduce myself. I’m Lauren Wolverton. I moved here from Starkville, Mississippi, in May 2019 for a job at a local television station. Since then, I’ve moved over here to Connect Savannah, where I’ve been working for about three-and- a-half months.

Moving to Savannah from Mississippi, I’ve learned a lot of new things. I’ve learned to parallel park, I’ve learned to - kind of - enjoy eating oysters, and I’ve learned what 100% humidity feels like. One thing I haven’t yet learned, despite being here for nearly two years, is how to properly do St. Patrick’s Day. I grew up going to Mardi Gras down in New Orleans, so I had high hopes for my first ever Savannah St. Patrick’s Day parade in 2020. I bought a green shirt, a set of beads with flashing beers hanging from them, and even got a fresh neon green manicure.

Instead of yelling for beads and gold coins, I spent St. Patrick’s Day 2020 writing breaking news updates as COVID-19

worries started spreading through the city.

So, I then spent the rest of the year dreaming about what the St. Patrick’s Day Parade of 2021 might be like.

Flash forward and that day is finally here, and there’s still no parade. But I’m not even the slightest bit bummed out.

I’m in good spirits because Savannah is in good spirits. Ever since March 1, this city has felt alive and full of excitement.

Every day as I work around town, I see another business with a green door hanger.

I see another brewery pouring limited run Irish stouts. I see another animal rescue hosting a St. Paddy’s Day-themed adoption event.

I may not have learned how to truly do a Savannah St. Patrick’s Day, yet, but I have learned that this city has spirit that can’t be broken. Though it’ll look a little different this year, Savannah is ready to celebrate.

As for me, I’ve been inspired by Savannah’s unwavering spirit. So, I’ll be wearing a green sequin cowboy hat and bright green go-go boots this year, parade or not.

And when the time to really party finally comes, I know Savannah won’t let me down. Cheers, y’all!

NEWS

ST. PATRICK’S DAY

SINCE 2001 – BREWING COFFEE & COMMUNITY

Mayor addresses St. Patrick’s Day celebrations concerns

BY BRANDY SIMPKINS brandy@connectsavannah.com

DESPITE THE City of Savannah’s moratorium of city event permits, anticipation still arises for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

Mayor Van Johnson discussed the city’s plans to implement any further restrictions on business operations for the upcoming holiday.

“As it is right now all options remain on the table,” Johnson said. “We reserve the right and opportunity to change as conditions change.”

Celebrations held within public rightof-ways and businesses lie under the

jurisdiction of the City of Savannah while private businesses have the freedom to decide what takes place on their properties.

“The City of Savannah and cities across the state can regulate public spaces, public buildings, public rightof-ways,” Johnson said. “The governor’s orders say that essentially private spaces and businesses can choose to address issues like masking as they want, but there are limitations about social distancing.”

Johnson said that overflow from private businesses could potentially cause celebrators to spill over into public rightof-ways and he is concerned about the

city’s ability to regulate this anticipated large capacity.

“The problem is that our police department may not have the ability to actually enforce that part,” he said. “That’s what makes it confusing, because when issues come up, it’s not usually the Georgia State Patrol that handles them— it’s usually the Savannah Police that are responding to them.”

Johnson said city staff will monitor activity this upcoming weekend as they have done this past weekend.

“There will be an expanded number of city staff on the streets; some that you will identify and some that you won’t,” Johnson said.

Junior League hosts fun, charitable events Community members can purchase a duck or attend the live auction to support JLS

BY NOELLE WIEHE noelle@connectsavannah.com

THE JUNIOR LEAGUE of Savannah is wrapping up their year with two upcoming fundraising virtual events.

Duck Pluck The JLS Duck Pluck is currently ongoing, with the pluck to happen live at noon, March 27.

Contributors can purchase a lonely duck, one; oodles of ducks, six; a quacker’s dozen, 12 or the whole raft, 25 ducks.

“We’ve got a little duck tracker,” said Jackie Schott, JLS president.

Ducks will be “plucked” using a number generator and winners will be announced.

The first place winner will receive $1,000; second place will receive $500 and third place will receive $250.

“We’re doing cash, because who doesn’t want cash right now?” Schott said.

More than 900 ducks were adopted of the league’s 5,000 duck goal as of this week, totaling in nearly $4,000 raised.

Visit duckrace.com/savannah to purchase a duck or to view the tracker of ducks.

JLS Spring Auction Additionally, the JLS will host their Spring Auction 6:30 - 9 p.m., April 17 at Tubby’s Tank House in Thunderbolt.

Single tickets are $35 each and include one drink ticket. Couple tickets are $65 and include two drink tickets.

Additional drink tickets will be sold prior to and during event for $5.

Tickets are available now at www.shopjls.org.

All the proceeds from both events support the Junior League of Savannah’s community partnerships and programs.

The JLS is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusive educational and charitable. The women of JLS have impacted Savannah and the surrounding communities for 90 years.

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Mayor Van Johnson speaks of the city’s jurisdiction over private versus publicly owned spaces

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BY NOELLE WIEHE noelle@connectsavannah.com

THE IDEA OF floating on the Savannah River in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day may seem like an off-the-wall concept, but when you consider that the Savannah Irish came over from County Wexford on boats, the event becomes a whole lot more meaningful.

“When you tie it back to the history, it’s probably the most historical way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day here in Savannah,” said Tara Reese, Savannah Irish Festival 2021 president.

“Let’s have a parade!” said David Moses, founder of Savannah’s Shamrock Ships Flotilla.

This year, Savannahians can celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the inaugural Shamrock Ships Flotilla and complimentary Shamrocks Ships Soiree.

The Flotilla will be a procession on the Savannah River of an expected 40 vessels from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. all decorated in green for St. Patrick’s Day. The soiree will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. plenty of space, a family-friendly atmosphere, live music, festive drinks, traditional Irish foods from premiere food trucks, and socially distanced product experiences.

“Through this alternative option, we want to get people outside, enjoying the sunshine and bringing the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day to life in the safest way possible,” Moses said.

The parade route will only pass Hutchinson Island, where organizers know they can provide a safe experience for all attendees. That is a result of the City of Savannah requesting that the boats not go by River Street, Moses said, noting the Shamrock Ships “would be there in a second.”

“We want to do our best to be good stewards of the health of our residents and visitors during this special celebration,” Moses said.

The event is intended to be rain or shine, and guests and participants are encouraged to dress accordingly.

“I think [the Irish community] is excited that Savannah is doing something that allows people to still celebrate St. Patrick’s

Day in Savannah, because that is what Savannah is known for, is St. Patrick’s Day,” Reese said.

The Shamrock Ships Flotilla and Soiree is partnering with the Savannah Irish Festival, SavannahCams.com and partner sponsors and charitable beneficiaries to present these two complimentary experiences.

Attendees will have the option to settle in general admission seating or reserve seating in advance.

Organizers are offering soiree attendees the option to select reserve seats from various sections, each coordinating to an organization that will receive the attendees proceeds.

Organizers are also offering attendees of the Shamrocks Ships Soiree the choice to sit in different sections of reserved seating that donate a portion of the ticket price to various charities, based on the purchaser’s choice. The charities include Undefeated Warrior, the Anthony M. Lanier, II Foundation; Hopeful Horizons and the Green Briar Children’s’ Center.

The event will be socially distanced, masks will be required and health and safety is mind.

“This is a limited, very limited capacity event,” Moses said. “In everything that we are doing, we are keeping safety and wellness and health protocols top of mind. It is a challenging time to be alive and to present events. But, we believe that the 70,000 square feet of lawn space at the convention center will allow us to spread out sufficiently and of course, the best thing you can do is be on a boat with friends and family outside enjoying the outdoors.”

Moses said there are four ways to experience these events: to register a privatelyowned boat in the Flotilla, charter a vessel with a Coast-Guard rated captain to participate in the Flotilla, attend the Shamrock Ships Soiree, or view the Flotilla live at SavannahCams.com.

“The Savannah Convention Center believes that we can bring live events back to life safely,” Moses said.

Additionally, attendees and viewers can vote for their favorite boat in the Flotilla.

The captain with the most votes for their boat takes home 50% of that pot while the other 50% is donated to Green Briar

ST. PATRICK’S DAY Children’s Center.

“To produce something truly amaz“It’s designed to allow the captains an ing, you need a tremendous amount of opportunity to raise money for a wonperseverance and the ability to be crederful organization, helping our most ative,” he said. “Knowing that the St. vulnerable, certainly in these very difPatrick’s Day street parade was going to ficult times,” Moses said. “It’s a noble be cancelled, I believed that someone cause.” or a group of organizations needed to Reese said that around the United come in and think outside the box.”

States, 90% of events have been canThe steering committee for the event celled. She had the opportunity to speak included Savannah Riverboat Cruises, to the Irish Ambassador to the United Rising Tide Experiences, the Savannah States, Daniel Mulhall, about this event Irish Festival, the Savannah Convenin a breakout room over Zoom and was tion Center, Outside Savannah, Savancongratulated on the conception of this nah Cams and Bernays, Inc. event.

“Those that are helping to put “They were very excited that we were it together this year will certainly thinking outside of the box and we’re remember how they helped found the doing something as opposed to just letfirst inaugural Shamrock Ships,” Moses ting a second year go by without any said. “And, one day, 196 years from now, kind of celebration,” Reese said. when we’re still doing it, we can look Moses also represents the Savannah back fondly on how it was put together Harbor Foundation of Savannah. He that first time.”

The Flotilla in 2022 will be planned for said for the last seven years the founA group of Savannah locals raise their glasses aboard a ship in anticipation of the Shamrock March 18 to avoid taking away from the dation has been putting on the Boat 198-year old street parade, Moses said.

Parade of Lights, and welcomed 30 ves- Ships Flotilla and Soiree to take place March 17 on the Savannah River. PHOTO BY PAUL CAMP “This year, we start small; next year, sels last November to that parade. we grow,” Moses said. “Our goal is to “I thought to myself, ‘I wonder if I Moses said it wasn’t easy, and he ran into community together to honor this holiday. expand as the atmosphere of the world could translate the success of that event a lot of pushback when he first presented Moses began asking boat captains to parembraces the idea that we can go back to and produce a boat parade for St. Patrick’s the idea, but he was determined to come up ticipate and found that they were incredliving.”

Day.’” with something safe that would bring the ibly supportive of the idea.

“Best Lawyer” “Best Law Firm” “Best Commercial”

CONNECT SAVANNAH | MAR 17 - 23, 2021

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FEATURE

CONNECT SAVANNAH | MAR 17 - 23, 2021

Emily Cole’s new children’s book, ‘Go Bananas!’ is available now. PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE SAVANNAH BANANAS

The book’s story centers around a young girl named Hannah. “She was born a little different than others,” Cole said.

“She doesn’t always feel comfortable about her uniqueness.”

But when she is invited to a Savannah Bananas game, the experience shows her that uniqueness can and should be saluted.

“At the Bananas, we really are just a bunch of crazy people with lots of individual personalities and differences, and we make it a point to celebrate that fact,” she said. “As entertaining and funny as the Bananas promote themselves to be, inclusivity is one of our core beliefs.”

“With bullying at an all-time high, having the courage to stand out and be different is hard for kids to wrap their minds around,” she said. “In 2017, Jesse wrote ‘Find Your Yellow Tux, How to be Successful by Standing Out.’ That book has helped business leaders and adults of all backgrounds around the world, and I wanted to write a similar message in a format that children could understand.”

The inspiration, in part, for the story came from a childhood friendship.

“When I was growing up, one of my best friends, Kristofer, didn’t have a leg from his knee down,” she said. “But, you really couldn’t tell when he had his prosthetics on.He inspired me my entire life. He taught me and others that you can do anything you set your mind to do, no matter what life throws at you. You can turn something that some would perceive as a negative into an all-out positive. In the back of my mind, while writing this book, I was constantly thinking of him and others like him. Now, he has little kids of his own and it’s great to know he’s going to be reading this book to them.”

Emily is known around the clubhouse as sort of a “team mom,” basically filling an important mentoring role for players and staff.

In addition to that, she is a real-life mom to son, Maverick; and she and Jesse have recently added a foster daughter to the family mix. She said that perspective helped her realize the impact this book could make on a child’s life and understanding.

“I’ve stepped back, somewhat, from day-to-day operations But, she’s just added a new title to her list of achievements: since we had our son, but my role there is to oversee a lot of published author. team things—focusing more on people: our staff, interns, Her brand new children’s book, aptly titled “Go Bananas!” players,” she said. I work to help them learn how we service has just hit the shelves at the official team store, both online our fans by creating a great, inclusive atmosphere.” and at the stadium.

And she hopes this book spreads those ideas throughout At first glance, one may think it’s simply an average cute, the community. colorful book about baseball, but it actually hits a homerun “If one kid reads this book and tells another kid to stop with its message of inclusiveness, which she said comes at just picking on someone, it will be a success,” she says. “If one kid the right moment. reads this book and goes to sit with the new kid at lunch, it “This past year has been stressful for kids, too,” she said. “I will be a success. It would be an honor if you helped me share think it’s a good time to talk about making kids feel included.” the idea with kiddos that being different is ok.”

Children’s book by Bananas’ First Lady hits it out of the park for inclusiveness

BY CHRISTOPHER SWEAT

IF YOU HAVE been anywhere near the orbit of the Savannah Bananas, you probably recognize Emily Cole. Her smiling face and shining personality are known to Bananas fans all over.

As co-founder of the team and wife of the zany, over-thetop, yellow-clad Jesse Cole, you may know her from team videos or social media posts, or from hearing her speak to local groups about how the five-year old franchise has put down 10 roots in the Hostess City with tremendous success.

FOOD & DRINK

EPICUROPEDIA

Venezuelan gem serves coffee, delicacies Troupial Bakery opens in Victory North to bring Venezuelan cuisine to Savannah

BY LINDY MOODY

Left: Majo Laprea, owner and creator of Troupial Bakery, Above: The Vegan Green Arepa at Troupial Bakery.

The Beef Arepa, left, the Bombón, a Macchiato and an Espresso at Troupial Bakery. PHOTOS BY LINDY MOODY

Perc are available. As time goes on, Laprea will rotate the blends and will feature more of her favorite roasters.

“In a few weeks, I will be promoting two of my favorite coffee roasters in this country,” Laprea said. “One is Intelligentsia, they are based in Chicago. The other is Proud Mary Coffee; they are originally from Austria and they are in Portland now. They are roasters with more than just specialty coffee.”

As a way to honor the coffee itself, Troupial offers a variety of preparations. Guests can order a pressed espresso, a French press, or Laprea’s favorite: a pour-over.

Lapera explained why she features the classic pourover method, “In countries that produce coffee, this is the way we make coffee. We named this manga or sleeve, to brew our coffee. In Venezuela, the best way to have this

type of coffee is very light coffee with a little bit of vanilla and brown sugar in it. That was the first way I drink coffee when I was 4-years old.” Lapera recreated the exact pourover vessel that she drank from throughout her childhood, even serving it with an enamel-coated mug.

“Being connected with my roots is always part of my belly - being a Venezuelan coffee shop,” Lapera said.

“I built a coffee list following the Italian way to drink espresso. Everything is under single shot.” Short drinks are the way to drink coffee in Italy, so at Troupial you will not find extra-large or venti sizes.

Instead of wasteful paper cups, Troupial promotes the Huskee Cup. Huskee takes the leftover husks from the coffee plant, which is normally waste and forms them into

CONNECT SAVANNAH | MAR 17 - 23, 2021

THOUGH TYPICALLY, fans of traditional southern soul food and grandma’s Sunday dinners, Savannahians have shown an incredible propensity to open its arms to Latin food within our city’s food scene. With no shortage of Mexican eateries, our Port City needed a little change of pace in its flair with a little South American fare.

Thankfully, the owner of Troupial Bakery is giving us just that—downright delicious delicacies handmade from Venezuelan tradition—and they are doing it with a smile and a taste that makes you come back for more. However, the food is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg in Troupial because the menu’s creator has passions that do not stop at items that you can eat with a fork.

Owner and creator, Majo Laprea’s passion focuses on coffee beans, grinds and brewing quality morning cups of coffee. In a previous life and place, Laprea was an electrical engineer. In Argentina, she fell in love with mixology and being a barista. After honing her skills, she moved to the States and continued her barista practice with her family at Rancho Alegre.

The dream was to forget electrical engineering and bring Savannah perfectly engineered cups of coffee and espresso. Laprea initially achieved her goal in the form of Troupial Bakery that serves Venezuelan baked goods at the Forsyth Farmers Market. She sells out most days and became instantly successful.

While steadily growing Troupial at the Farmers Market for the last year, Laprea has worked rigorously in the background. The final step in her dream is to open a fullfledged brick-and-mortar Venezuelan coffee shop and restaurant.

Troupial partnered with Victory North and opened the doors to Troupial’s first brick-and-mortar—in the garage.

Laprea is planning to open her own space across the street in an old yellow Victorian home. To get her feet wet while the yellow home is under renovation, Troupial started its storefront with Victory North.

Years of preparation went into creating the coffee and espresso menu. Currently, local roasters Cup to Cup and

‘BAKERY’ CONTINUES ON PAGE 12 11

EPICUROPEDIA ‘BAKERY’ CONT.. FROM PAGE 11

coffee cups and lids. Instead of adding to the landfill, using a Huskee cup helps keep both paper cups and leftover husks out of the ground. If you don’t have a Huskee, you can bring in your own to-go vessel for coffee and receive a discount.

It is beautiful to watch the preparation of the Bombón it also is beautiful in the glass and in flavor.

According to Lapera, “The Bombón has been very popular. It is served in a glass, and it has condensed milk, double espresso, milk and a little bit of cocoa on top.”

On the lighter side is the Espresso Tonic, a unique concoction made with rich espresso poured over bubbly tonic water. The tonic has a slight sweetness, but overall, it marries well with the bold espresso’s bitter notes. Each sip is effervescent with a strong finish of bitter coffee.

Because Troupial is partnered with Victory North, the restaurant has a liquor license. Lapera hand-selected a specialty list of wines based upon the time she spent in Argentina. Tint Negro is a black Spanish wine that hails from Mendoza, Argentina and the Anko wines hail from the Valle de Calchaquis of Argentina.

Troupial also features local Savannah beers and several unique coffee cocktails. The Venezuelan Affogato Spirit stands out the most. It is layered with fresh espresso, homemade Ponche Crema ice cream, and handpicked Venezuelan rum - Emlematic Santa Teresa 1796.

Laprea has been selling her Venezuelan baked goods at the Forsyth Farmers Market for quite some time. She recognized she needed help in the larger kitchen, and

Troupial partnered with Victory North and opened the doors to Troupial’s first brick-and-mortar—in the garage. PHOTO BY LINDY MOODY

recruited her aunt, Esperanza, to cook at the new location.

“In the industry, she has 25 years managing places,” Laprea said. “She has basically been the person that is leading the staff in all of the training - including me.”

Or, if you are bold enough to select your own meal, go for any of the delicious arepas available on the arepa bar.

Although simple in flavor and preparation, the shredded beef was my favorite. The handmade cornmeal pocket is stuffed to the brim with tender beef that is braised for hours. The preparation is simple—to ensure the flavor of

BEST OF SAVANNAH

CONNECT SAVANNAH | MAR 17 - 23, 2021

• 2014 •

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the meat shines through and is not concealed. A little bit of seasoning and a proper cooking method is all that is done at Troupial to make the beef sing.

Inside of the Three Cheeses arepa, said Laprea, “We have three different types of cheeses, fresco or fresh - similar to the Mexican one - semi-hard and queso hermano.

It is the most special cheese that we have in Venezuela.

Because of the texture, it is similar to or people compare that with mozzarella.”

There are two vegan preparations, the Vegan Green and Vegan Beans. The Vegan Bean arepa comes overflowing with hearty black beans and local greens. In the Vegan Green, Laprea said, “we have in it microgreens from Vertu with micro broccoli too, avocado, tomato, radishes and a house dressing. We use coffee filters to wrap it.”

In a city rife with touristy cafes, the delicacies served at Troupial alongside their traditional - and some quite unique - coffee and cocktail selections are a breath of fresh air. Venezuelan cuisine has never been a front-runner of hip local spots for the Savannah native, but Laprea has changed all that with her work ethic and serious attention to detail in everything that Troupial does. Foreign fare may scare the casual local eater, but the flavors and textures present in the food in this Venezuelan gem are sure to quell even the shyest palates.

Troupial is currently open 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at 2605 Whitaker Street, Savannah. They will be extending hours in the future.

2019

FOOD & DRINK

Coastal Empire Beer Company is brewing The Cobblestone, an Irish red ale with an ABV of 6.2% this St. Paddy’s Day. PHOTO COURTESY OF COASTAL EMPIRE BEER COMPANY

Drink local, drink festive

ST. PATRICK’S DAY

Service Brewing is putting a “decadent twist” on their milk stout with their Irish Cream Milk Stout this week, ABV of 4.6%, as well as selling their “Beer Girl” green tshirts. PHOTO COURTESY OF SERVICE BREWING COMPANY

A complete list of “must try” beers from Savannah breweries this St. Patrick’s Day

BY LAUREN WOLVERTON

WHETHER YOU’RE A Savannah resident or a guest of the Hostess City, let’s all drink local this St. Patrick’s Day. We’ve made a guide to drinking the best beers Savannah breweries have to offer. Cheers.

Savannah’s newest microbrewery and gastropub is debuting Paddy Wagon, a nitro dry Irish stout this St. Patrick’s Day. It’s malty, dark in color and has a bit of a chocolate flavor to it. The Paddy Wagon has a creamy taste without being heavy at all. It’s bitter, but doesn’t overwhelm you.

With an ABV of just 3.5%, Hop Atomica brewer Chance Farago, aka “Chance The Pickler,” describes the Paddy Wagon as “crushable.”

“This is the kind of beer that I like for breakfast,” Farago said. “If you’re doing St. Patrick’s Day right, there’s going to be a beer with breakfast.”

Hop Atomica will be serving up black

CONNECT SAVANNAH | MAR 17 - 23, 2021

Hop Atomica

Two Tides is serving up a key lime beer slushy for St. Patrick’s Day, ABV 9%.

PHOTO COURTESY OF TWO TIDES BREWING COMPANY

and tans all week, paired with a specialty St. Patrick’s Day pizza. Visit them at 535 E. 39th St.

Moon River Brewing Company

Moon River is bringing back its awardwinning dry Irish stout, The Bomb. The beer is as black as night, but light in body and

The Paddy Wagon will be available at Hop Atomica, ABV 3.5%, Hop Atomica. PHOTO COURTESY OF HOP ATOMICA.

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ST. PATRICK’S DAY ‘BEER’ CONT.. FROM PAGE 13

extremely drinkable. It has a coffee-like richness with a tangy finish. The Bomb has one of the lowest calorie counts of all the beers on tap at Moon River and has an ABV of 4%.

“You get the impression that it’s thick and creamy, but it’s actually super light,” Moon River owner John Pinkerton said. “It’s an oxymoron of a beer.”

The Bomb has proven to be a “must try” on the international level, taking the gold in the World Beer Cup in 2014. Visit Moon River’s outdoor beer garden this St. Patrick’s Day at 21 W. Bay Street.

Southbound Brewing Company

This St. Patrick’s Day, Southbound Brewing Company is serving up their classic Hop’lin IPA. The beer has a slight hint of caramel, but still has a good bitterness and citrus notes. With a reasonable ABV of 6.2% and a mild intensity, brewers say this is a great “starter” IPA. It’s also available at nearly every bar and restaurant in Savannah, so those looking to bop around town can sip it all day long.

“A lot of people like IPAs, but they can’t make it through the day drinking only IPAs,” said head brewer Randy Kiersnowski. “You can have a few Hop’lins and not be dead in the palate.”

The Hop’lin is another award-winner, taking the gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival in 2019.

Stop by Southbound Brewing Company this St. Patrick’s Day at 107 E. Lathrop Avenue. If you donate $1 to Make-A-Wish Georgia, brewers will turn your beer green.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | MAR 17 - 23, 2021

Coastal Empire Beer Company

For roughly six years, Coastal Empire Beer Company has been brewing The Cobblestone, an Irish red ale with an ABV of 6.2%. The beer is made with two different malts, one dry, toasted malt and one heavily roasted malt, giving it a rich sweetness with a classic, pub bitter finish. This St. Paddy’s Day, the brewery is doing a limited run of the crowd favorite.

“The Cobblestone goes down smooth and never lasts long enough,” said taproom manager and events coordinator Jey T. Washington.

Taste The Cobblestone at 79 Ross Road.

Service Brewing Company

Service Brewing is putting a “decadent twist” on their milk stout with their Irish Cream Milk Stout this week. The beer has an ABV of 4.6% and is the perfect blend of milk chocolate, vanilla, nuttiness and velvety caramel flavors. After the initial sweetness, light notes of roasted coffee start sneaking in. The Irish Cream Milk Stout has a nice, slightly dry finish.

“We took the flaked oats dedicated for 14 this recipe and made oat milk, which we

then added to the mash,” said head brewer Jeff Hyatt. “This, plus an addition of lactose, lends to a fuller bodied and smooth mouthfeel.”

The Irish Cream Milk Stout is lightly carbonated and served on a nitrogen tap.

Get a taste and stick around for some trivia this St. Patrick’s Day at 574 Indian St.

Two Tides Brewing Company

Two Tides is known for getting creative with their beers, and they’re doing just that on St. Patrick’s Day. The brewery is serving up a key lime beer slushy with an ABV of 9%. Brewers say it tastes like key lime pie and describe it as “smooth, creamy, tart and refreshing all at once.” The key lime slushy is green in color, making it just as

festive as it is delicious.

“All the slushy ingredients are processed in house,” said owner and marketing director Liz Massey. “We’re the only brewery in town serving beer slushies.”

Grab a slushy, play some pinball, and soak up the sun on one of Two Tides’ balconies all week.

Visit them at 12 W. 41 St.

CULTURE

ST. PATRICK’S DAY

The Georgia State Railroad Museum. PHOTO BY ALAN SKOLWECK

Ireland in Georgia

Savannah’s Irish heart is built into the foundation and beauty of the city

BY CLAIRE MCMILLAN

Georgia State Railroad Museum

The Georgia State Railroad Museum is more than just smoke and train tracks; it is another example of how Irish history is deeply woven into Savannah’s. On top of hauling cotton and building roads, the Irish made up much of the workforce behind building the Central of Georgia Railway.

“The Central of Georgia Railway was one of the most significant railroads in the American South and a vital part of Georgia’s transportation infrastructure for more than 100 years,” said Mark R. Finlay, a former history professor at Armstrong.

According to his New Georgia Encyclopedia article, the railroad, which was a leader in the region’s economic growth, was officially started in 1833 and later renamed the Central Railroad and Banking Company.

“Through state charters, a steady increase in local investments, and the labor of Irish immigrants and African American slaves, the line reached from Savannah to the outskirts of Macon by 1843.”

A National Historic Landmark, the museum is located at the original site of the railway in Savannah and includes parts of the Central of Georgia Railway Savannah Shops and Terminal Facilities. It has the most complete antebellum railroad in the world and is a stunning example of Victorian railroad architecture.

Guests can take a tour by train showcasing the museum’s fully operational turntable.

The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist. PHOTO BY ALAN SKOLWECK

Controlling lines that passed through some of the most productive cotton lands in the state, the railway was a crucial element in Georgia’s economy.

“We know from census and other types of official records that Frogtown, the neighborhood surrounding the Central’s repair facility here in Savannah, now the Georgia State Railroad Museum, housed a significant number of Irish immigrants working for Savannah railroads in the mid-to-late 19th century,” said Emily Beck, Director of Interpretation for the Coastal Heritage Society. “Many were single Irish men, fresh off the boat and ready to begin work in industries in port cities like Savannah. Railroads were a great option since it could mean good pay, steady work, and opportunity for advancement.”

Irish workers were utilized due to their willingness to work for next to nothing and in turn became an indispensable part of the city’s successful economy.

The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist

The iconic twin spires of The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist has become a staple of Savannah’s architectural beauty. Originally named the Congrégation de Saint Jean-Baptiste, the church was established near the end of the 18th century by French Catholics fleeing the uprising in Haiti, but truly began to flourish with the support and influence of many Irish immigrants.

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MANY SAVANNAHIANS, Irish and non-Irish alike, were disheartened at the news of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade’s cancelation for the second year in a row due to the ongoing pandemic. Savannah locals love decking out in every shade of green and playing host to more than 400,000 visitors from all over the world, joining together to celebrate the city’s Irish heritage and have a drink or 10. The biggest party of the year may have been cancelled but the Irish heart and history of Savannah can be found everywhere you look.

Irish men and women were among the first settlers of Savannah in 1733 when it became the first city of Georgia, the 13th and final colony. But their major influence began in the 1830s and 40s after a large influx of Irish immigrants arrived looking for work and later escaping the potato famine in Ireland, according to the Georgia Historical Society. Contributions of the Irish in Savannah go far beyond a single day with much of the city’s foundation and captivating architecture built at the hands of hardworking Irishmen.

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ST. PATRICK’S DAY

ST. PATRICK’S DAY

The Kehoe House, an award-winning historic bed and breakfast on Columbia square. PHOTO BY ALAN SKOLWECK

CONNECT SAVANNAH | MAR 17 - 23, 2021

“Catholics were forbidden from settling here in the beginning,” said Peter Paolucci, a Cathedral tour guide for over 20 years. “It wasn’t until after the revolutionary war when the U.S. constitution granted religious freedom to all in the Bill of Rights.”

The original small wood-framed church on Montgomery street was a far cry from the now majestic, French Gothic style Cathedral known today. The parish drew more and more Irish Catholics to Savannah, quickly outgrowing the building.

“They built one on Drayton St., right next door to Parker’s. It was a church until 1850 when Savannah was elevated to diocesan status and a bishop was appointed. Then, that church became designated as the first Cathedral of St. John the Baptist,” Paolucci said. The appointed bishop, Ignatius Persico, acquired the land the Cathedral stands on today from the Sisters of Mercy, founders of St. Vincent’s Academy, in exchange for a lot at E. Taylor and Lincoln streets. Construction took place from 1873-1876.

Paolucci said in order to understand the influence the Irish have had on the Cathedral all you need to do is simply walk inside.

“Walk up and down the side aisles and look at the dedications on the windows,” he said. “They’re all Irishmen.

The Irish helped build it and make it happen.”

Amongst the many beautiful stained-glass windows is a depiction of St. Patrick holding a shamrock, trying to convert the king in Ireland.

16 On Feb. 6, 1898, the Cathedral caught fire and was

The Celtic Cross at Emmet Park

St. Patrick’s Day festivities kick off every year on Sunday with the Celtic Cross Ceremony. This year, the ceremony will be held virtually.

Traditionally, following a mass at the Cathedral, Irish Savannahians process from the church to Emmet Park on Bay St. and gather around the limestone Celtic cross, place a wreath at its feet and listen to a special guest speaker, often the Grand Marshal of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee. According to the Cathedral, the cross was hand-carved in County Roscommon, Ireland, and combines a cross with a ring surrounding the intersection. It was placed in the park, which is located on the bluff and full of beautiful moss-covered trees, in 1983 to honor Savannah citizens of Irish ancestry. The cross has historically been a symbol of both Christianity and Irish heritage and pride.

Emmet Park is named for Robert Emmet, known for being an Irish orator and patriot. Emmet was born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1778 and famously led a rebellion against British rule in Ireland in 1803. The effort proved to be a failure due to much confusion and an overall lack of planning.

Soon after, Emmet was captured and executed for high treason but has remained a hero to the Irish community.

Many Irish workers lived in the Old Fort neighborhood that surrounds the park.

The Georgia Historical Society said “the park, known during the mid to late 1800s as the ‘Irish Green,’ served as a recreation space and meeting ground within Savannah’s Irish community.” Emmet Park continues to be a center of activity and gatherings, specifically within the Irish community in Savannah.

The Kehoe House

Supported with Irish roots, The Kehoe House is an awardwinning historic bed and breakfast that sits on Columbia square. The red brick mansion, now a popular spot for weddings and romantic getaways, was originally built by William Kehoe in 1892. The Kehoe House says that William Kehoe immigrated with his family to America from County Wexford, Ireland in 1842 when he was 10-years old and settled in the Old Fort District, along with many other Irish immigrants.

Kehoe started work as an apprentice in an iron foundry, working his way up to foreman and eventually purchasing the foundry.

After World War I, Kehoe built a new foundry on the river and soon became a prominent businessman. After marrying Anne Flood in 1868, Kehoe desired to build a home that would fit his growing family. Designed by DeWitt Bruyn in the Queen Anne Revival style, the Kehoe house cost $25,000 to build and “it’s exterior stairways, window treatments, columns, fences and gates are all cast iron, a tribute to the iron foundry’s excellence in pattern making and casting.”

William and Anne Kehoe moved in with their 10 children in 1892 when the house was completed.

The house was sold out of the family in 1930 according to the Kehoe House and over time it lived many different lives as a boarding house, a funeral parlor and even the home of Jets football star Joe Namath for a time. In 1990, Namath sold the property and the building was once again started

Flannery O’Connor Childhood Home

St. Vincent’s Academy, an all-girls Catholic school. PHOTOS BY ALAN SKOLWECK

down a new path, undergoing two years of renovations and eventually reopening its doors as the William Kehoe House, a historic bed and breakfast. The BnB turned hands once more in 2003 and is currently owned by HLC Hotels. Featuring 13 guest rooms, the Kehoe House is ranked Savannah’s number one hotel on TripAdvisor and considered the city’s most photographed mansion.

St. Vincent’s Academy

Right next door, on the corner of Abercorn and Liberty streets, is St. Vincent’s Academy, an all-girls Catholic school.

Rev. Jeremiah Francis O’Neill, a native of Ireland, set out to open an orphanage and school in Savannah, appointing four Sisters of Mercy from Ireland to establish and run it.

Founded in 1845, the Convent and Academy of St. Vincent de Paul was designed by architect Charles B. Clusky, another Ireland native, and later added to in 1855.

Centered around a courtyard, the school’s design is truly unique with open-air walkways, staircases and locker rooms. Arriving by carriage, the Sisters of Mercy truly hit the ground running, caring for orphans and the sick, especially women and girls.

“They were called the walking sisters … because they went out and they sought people who needed help,” said Loretto Lominack, the Director of Alumnae Affairs at St. Vincent’s.

“So, they went around collecting children who didn’t have anybody, any place. Where the Cathedral is today, that was their farmland: they had cows, they raised crops. I mean, this little group of women going around collecting children, teaching children, and housing and clothing them, cooking

for them, and they also had a farm. It’s just amazing.”

The Sisters of Mercy, originally the House of Mercy, was founded by Catherine McAuley in Dublin, Ireland in 1831.

Orphaned herself, McAuley had a mission to take care of and educate women in need. A prolific writer, she once wrote, “No work of charity can be more productive to the good of society than the careful instruction of women.”

The school at one time housed up to 32 sisters, arrived from Ireland, who also founded St. Mary’s Home, St. Joseph’s Hospital and several other schools in Savannah.

The sisters even risked their own lives by running underground school houses teaching the children of slaves to read and write. When they first approached O’Neill with this idea, they were met with strong opposition and warned that they could be flogged or killed if caught.

“I was taught by [Sisters of Mercy] all my life and you don’t tell them they can’t do something,” said Lominack, who is a St. Vincent’s graduate from the class of 1964.

“They have always kind of taken up the cause of the underdog,” said Mary Anne Hogan, President of St. Vincent’s. “To this day, girls that graduated in the 60s, will always call and say, ‘the sisters always told us if we needed anything ever, to ring the convent and somebody would help us.’ And to this day we get people ringing the doorbell, and we always find a way to help them.”

Many Irish families and immigrants have been educated by the Sisters of Mercy over the years and they continue to have an enduring impact on Savannah.

Savannah’s Irish history gives its citizens much to be proud of. Flannery O’Connor, a famous short-story writer and author of acclaimed novels The Violent Bear It Away and Wise Blood, grew up in Savannah. Her childhood home was converted into a museum now known as the Flannery O’Connor Childhood Home and is one of the few museum houses in the country that has been restored to the Depression-era. Guests can take a tour through the home of the three-time O. Henry Award winner and posthumous winner of the National Book Award for fiction for The Complete Series.

“Literary critics unequivocally agree that Flannery O’Connor’s legacy of short stories and novels made her one of the greatest writers of the 20th century,” said Beveryly Willett, author and former President of the Flannery O’Connor Childhood Home Foundation.

“She not only grew up in the shadow of the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, her bedroom looked directly out onto it.”

O’Connor, who was of Irish descent, attended St. Vincent’s while living in Savannah and later attended Georgia State College for Women, now Georgia College and State University. She went on to earn her Master of Fine Arts from the University of Iowa in 1947. O’Connor was known for her short stories and wrote in a Southern Gothic style. She often reflected her Catholic faith in her writing and explored issues of morality. “Through her work, she became one of the most important defenders of the Catholic Church and faith in America,” Willett said. “Her courage has influenced me and so many other Savannah writers, having died of lupus at a young age, and yet having accomplished so much. She left us her personal example of how to harness strength and endure with good humor in the midst of our own present-day trials.” 17

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The Celtic Cross at Emmet Park. PHOTO BY ALAN SKOLWECK

almost completely destroyed with only one original window surviving.

“And the guy that headed [reconstruction] up was an Irishman,” Paolucci said. Reconstruction was finished in 1899 but the interior was not fully refurbished until 1912.

Now a central part of Savannah and a main stop on the parade route, the historic Cathedral was recently designated a Minor Basilica.

Flannery O’Connor Childhood Home.

ST. PATRICK’S DAY

Sgt.William Jasper monument in Madison Square. PHOTO BY ALAN SKOLWECK

O’Connor died in 1964 at the age of 39 but left behind a legacy that continues to live on and inspire. In 2010, The Flannery O’Connor Childhood Home hosted Pat Conroy’s announcement of the 20 Finalists for National Book Awards. While visiting, Conroy, an acclaimed author, referred to the museum as, “one of the temples of world literature,” and said that he considers O’Connor, “the greatest short story writer in the history of our republic.”

Sgt.William Jasper monument

2021 VIRTUAL SEASON

Monday, Mar. 29

S.C. GWYNNE Pulitzer Prize finalist & New York Times Bestselling Author

CONNECT SAVANNAH | MAR 17 - 23, 2021

7:00 PM

18

COMING IN APRIL: Jack Carr, The Devil’s Handbook

SBF Booksellers:

For details on registering and purchasing books, go to: www.savannahbookfestival.org PRESENTING SPONSOR

SIGNATURE MEDIA SPONSOR

Every year on the eve of the parade, Savannahians gather in Madison Square at the monument of Sgt. William Jasper, an Irishman and Revolutionary war hero.

“The St. Patrick’s Day Committee hosts a tribute to Sgt. Jasper and our military annually,” said Chief Master Sgt. Mike Bolton, who serves as chairman of the ceremony. “The Jasper Ceremony has been done since 1978. The elements it touches include heritage, faith, heroism, service-to-country and is the parade committee’s way to pay tribute to our military; past, present and future.”

Unveiled in 1888, the bronze statue stands at 15.5-feet tall overlooking the Savannah River.

The ceremony’s program states that Jasper distinguished himself with valor as a member of the elite grenadier company of the 2nd South Carolina Regiment.

Sculptor Alexander Dolye told the story of Jasper’s heroic military accomplishments through panels on the north, west and east sides of the monument. His first claim to fame was in 1776 during the battle of Sullivan’s Island where Jasper restored Fort Moultrie’s flag while under heavy fire from the Royal Navy. The second panel represents when Jasper, along with Sgt. John Newton, rescued Patriot prisoners from British soldiers. And, the last shows his final moments during the Siege of Savannah, where American and French forces attempted to recapture the city from British soldiers occupying it.

Holding the sabre he was presented for his courage in battle and clutching his bullet wounds, the statue of Jasper sits just a few hundred feet from where he died in 1779. In his final moments, Jasper recovered his unit’s colors from a wounded soldier and led a brave attack on enemy positions. In 1842, Irish immigrants formed a military unit called the Irish Jasper Greens after the sergeant. They would pay tribute to him with a three volley gun salute, a tradition that is carried on at the ceremony today by the 3rd Infantry Division of the U.S. Army to honor the sacrifices of Savannah’s military men and women.

The impact of the Irish goes far beyond just one day, one building or even one person. Irish men and women helped establish Savannah and their unique contributions are what have helped make it remarkable and unmatched. Savannah has an Irish heart that can be found right under our feet.

Factor’s Walk

Desperate to escape starvation and willing to take on any job, Irishmen became a hot commodity for cheap labor. Factor’s Walk, a now thriving strip of charming shops, hotels and cafes consistently brimming with tourists, was once filled with Irish workers spending their days loading cotton bales onto ships waiting in the harbor.

Located on a bluff just before River Street, Factor’s Walk was named for the men who worked in the warehouses along the strip, baling, factoring and selling cotton.

The now famous walk of buildings, connected by bridges and walkways, was the original site of the Savannah Cotton Exchange which, according to the Georgia Historical Society, was completed in 1887. Irish workers were at the helm of the city’s economic growth at a time when Savannah was the top-ranked cotton seaport on the Atlantic, moving over two million bales a year through the city.

MUSIC

FEATURE

SOUNDGARDEN EVENTS

WED., MAR. 17 @7PM

FRI., MAR. 19 @7PM FA-Q The members of Cheating Alethia, Cole Tryer, drums; Matt Boothby, bass and vocals and Zack Baker, guitar.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHEATING ALETHIA

BY FRANK RICCI

THE OPENING TRACK to Cheating Alethia’s album “Spare Room Panic” might give you the wrong impression. That is, unless, “Intro” didn’t already. The short, brooding instrumental erupts into “Shaky Pancakes” and the rock and roll party is underway. Brash and bombastic with big guitars and bigger vocals, fans of the bluesbased rock genre would be content for an album’s worth just that. Then the next song, “The Office,” begins. The buzz of the guitar is exchanged for something more jangly, the vocals are a bit more subdued and you’re left wondering who put on a mid-career REM record when you weren’t looking and is this from Document or Fables? Alas, you realize you can make out the words and it’s not the legendary Athens quartet, it’s still Cheating Alethia. A moody interlude follows, almost a reprise of the intro, and as the pretty acoustic “Sophia Smiles” plays, it hits you: these guys can rock big, rock middle and rock mild. The second half of the record is definitely more of the former, “Breathe” and “Village Green” stand out most, but the statement has been made.

Hailing from St. Simon’s Island and Brunswick in south Georgia, Cheating Alethia is an ambitious three-piece that expands upon a core of alternative rock to places many bands wouldn’t dare. “We like to play with passion and meaning,” said guitarist Zach Baker. But, don’t think they’re too serious. It’s not hard to tell the band is committed to creating lasting sounds that resonate, and putting in the

time to achieve that goal, but our conversation had its share of laughs and jokes as the three sat in a car with Bluetooth to make the conversation easier and more natural.

A few short years ago, Matt Boothby, bass and vocals, found himself in yet another cover band, Wasabi Rush. It wasn’t progressing as he’d hoped. By chance, he was in a music store where Zach was working out some riffs. A conversation was struck up and right on the spot Matt agreed to lay down some bass lines.

“It was messy, but got better,” he recalls.

Talk of forming a band started, and a while later he ran into drummer Cole Tyrer in a local watering hole, who was recruited to replace the drummer they had been jamming with.

“We had that chemistry right away,” Zach said. The fledgling guitar virtuoso brings with him a diverse set of influences, some unexpected. “I like Depeche Mode, The Cars, 3OH!3, Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Eagles and Pink Floyd a lot.”

Further listening reveals those connections. As for individual musicians, the authentically enigmatic John Frusciante is a hero.

“Growing up in a Christian household, I was allowed little rock,” Matt admits. This led to early exposure to Creed’s “Human Clay,” but The Beatles and Queen quickly became his favorites. Again, the impressions made by the broad styles and vocal focus of these bands can be heard on just the first half of “Spare Room Panic.” The bass-driven “Breathe” from the album displays his appreciation for idol Geddy Lee. Cole grew up listening to jazz and

lounge music, but the drummer became a big fan of underappreciated British fusion guitarist Chris Standing, known for blending hip-hop elements in his creative product. He also counts Blink 182 — not coincidentally a band with a superior drummer — and ‘90s alt rock music in general as formative in his taste and style.

Adding more intrigue, Cole lists Navene Koperweis and Matt Gartska, former and current drummers of progressive cult instrumental metal band Animals as Leaders, as favorites.

All of these touchpoints have a definitive Nirvana undercurrent, but it’s clearly tempered by many styles and far from overbearing. The songwriting process is a mix of Zach and Matt bringing in full songs or just parts to work out, but as the band coalesces, collaboration grows. “We will probably always do some writing on our own, but we really love it when it’s three minds working together,” says Matt.

During the last year Cheating Alethia spent extra time working out their sound, resulting in more songwriting, more studio time and a more refined level of musicianship. They were recently added to the two-day Swampdown Getdown Music Festival, March 26-27, in Waycross, Georgia, and are hoping to release their second album sooner than later this year.

The chance to watch it all come together arrives sooner. See Cheating Alethia zig when you thought they would zag this Friday at the Wormhole.

Cheating Alethia will play at 10 p.m. March 19 at the Wormhole, 2307 Bull St., Savannah.

Visit cheatingalethia.com for information.

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Cheating Alethia will set you up

19

CONNECT SAVANNAH MUSIC

17-23

SOUNDBOARD

WHO IS PLAYING WHERE THIS WEEK

SOUNDBOARD IS A FREE SERVICE. TO BE INCLUDED, PLEASE SEND YOUR LIVE MUSIC INFORMATION WEEKLY TO SOUNDBOARD@CONNECTSAVANNAH.COM. DEADLINE IS 10 A.M. MONDAY, TO APPEAR IN WEDNESDAY’S EDITION. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO EDIT OR CUT LISTINGS DUE TO SPACE LIMITATIONS.

WEDNESDAY 3.17 LIVE MUSIC

Barrelhouse South Neutral Snap, 9 p.m.

Churchill’s Pub Joe Wilson, Jon Lee’s Apparitions, 6 & 9:30 p.m.

Coach’s Corner Seldom Sober, 7 p.m.

Driftaway Cafe Chuck Courtenay, 6 p.m.

Fia Rua Irish Pub Josh Johansson, 6 p.m., Evan Pete, 8:30 p.m.

JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District The Band DRAUKER, 7 p.m.

Nickie’s 1971 Ray Tomasino, 7 p.m.

Plant Riverside District CC Witt, 10 a.m., Fabulous Equinox Orchestra, 1 p.m., Eric Britt, 4 p.m.

The Wormhole Open Jam, 9 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.

PHOTO BY GEOFF L JOHNSON

WED/

KARAOKE

Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m.

Wet Willie’s Karaoke, 9 p.m.

COMEDY

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

9 p.m.

Barrelhouse South DJ, midnight

DJ

DJ

THURSDAY 3.18

CONNECT SAVANNAH | MAR 17 - 23, 2021

LIVE MUSIC

20

Churchill’s Pub Matt Hill, Anders Thomson Trio, 6 & 9:30 p.m.

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

Fia Rua Irish Pub Seldom Sober, 7:30 p.m.

The Perch at Local 11 ten Markus Kuhlman, 5:30 p.m.

The Public Kitchen and Bar Josephine Johnson, 5:30 p.m.

River House Roy Stalnaker, 6 p.m.

The Shrimp Factory Joe Wilson, 6 p.m.

The Warehouse Phantom Wingo, 8 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.

The Wormhole Karaoke,

COMEDY

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

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

Top Deck Sunset Deck Party, 6 p.m.

FRIDAY 3.19 LIVE MUSIC

Barrelhouse South Medicated Sunfish, 9:30 p.m.

Churchill’s Pub The Mandrakes, Jon Lee’s Apparitions, 6 & 9:30 p.m.

Coach’s Corner FA-Q (Frequently Asked Questions), 7 p.m.

Fia Rua Irish Pub Whiskey and Wine, 7:30 p.m.

Ghost Coast Distillery Moss City Groove, 5 p.m.

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

Molly McGuire’s Draucker, 6 p.m.

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

River House Stan Ray, 6 p.m.

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

The Shrimp Factory Thomas

19

JODYJAZZ TRIO @RANCHO ALEGRE CUBAN RESTAURANT

Claxton, 6 p.m.

Sting Ray’s Robert Willis, 6 p.m.

The Wormhole Neighborhood Pub & Music Venue Cheating Alethia at The Wormhole, 10 p.m.

Victory North Monkey Man: A Stones Band, 7:30 p.m., Monkey Man: A Stones Band, 7:30 p.m.

The Warehouse Joe Wilson, Savannah Road, 2 & 8 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.

DJ

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

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

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

SATURDAY 3.20 LIVE MUSIC

The 5 Spot Rachel Shaner, 7 p.m.

Barrelhouse South Kyle Bradley Band, 9:15 & 10:45 p.m.

Churchill’s Pub Jason Bible, Phantom Wingo, 6 & 9:30 p.m.

Coach’s Corner Slippery When Wet - A Tribute to Bon Jovi, 7 p.m.

Fia Rua Irish Pub Sarah Poole, 7:30 p.m.

Ghost Coast Distillery Ben Keiser Band, Big E, 4 p.m.

Jazz’d Tapas Bar Jon Lee Murphy Duo, 7:30 p.m.

Local 11 Ten Levi Moore, 5:30 p.m.

Molly McGuire’s The Alternators, 6 p.m.

Nickie’s 1971 Wildcard Band, 9 p.m.

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

River House Ricky Standard, 6 p.m.

Service Brewing Co. Eric Culberson Blues Band, 6 p.m.

The Shrimp Factory Joe Wilson, 6 p.m.

Sting Ray’s Robert Willis, 6 p.m.

Victory North Rumors ATL, 7 & 9:45 p.m.

The Warehouse Ray

Tomasino, Savannah Sunday, 2 & 8 p.m.

TRIVIA & GAMES Blueberry Hill Pool Tournament, 2 p.m.

KARAOKE

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.

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

SUNDAY 3.21 LIVE MUSIC

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

Congress Street Social Club Voodoo Soup, 10 p.m.

Lutheran Church of the Ascension Bach’s Birthday with Craig Price, 8:30 a.m.

Nickie’s 1971 Roy Swindell, 7 p.m.

The Perch at Local 11 ten Susanna Kennedy, 5:30 p.m.

The Public Kitchen and Bar Mary Kenyon, 5:30 p.m.

Starland Yard Lyn Avenue, 6 p.m.

Sting Ray’s Robert Willis, 6 p.m.

Tubby’s (Thunderbolt) Bucky & Barry, 1 p.m.

The Warehouse Thomas

Claxton, 6:30 p.m.

TRIVIA & GAMES

Moon River Brewing Trivia, 6 p.m.

KARAOKE

Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m.

McDonough’s Karaoke, 9 p.m.

MONDAY 3.22 LIVE MUSIC

Nickie’s 1971 Ray Tomasino, 7 p.m.

TRIVIA & GAMES

Club One Super Gay Bingo, 5:30 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 3.23 LIVE MUSIC

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, 7 p.m.

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

Savannah Taphouse Trivia, 7 p.m.

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

THE BAND PAGE

LYN AVENUE @ THE CONVENTION CENTER

Local, husband and wife duo Lyn Avenue will be playing Savannah’s Shamrock Ships Soiree on St. Patrick’s Day and kicking off just as the Flotilla finishes passing the Convention Center at 3 p.m. Electrifying and boot stomping, the country, Americana pair will likely play songs from their new EP “Sophisticated,” recorded in-part at Savannah’s very own Low Watt Recording. It’s a lawn party you don’t want to miss.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17 | 3-5 PM

LILAKK @ PEREGRIN

DAMON AND THE SHITKICKERS @ THE RAIL

Damon and the Shitkickers, named Connect Savannah’s “Best Local Country Band” for three years running, is gracing the yard at Savannah’s favorite dive bar on Friday night. In addition to dishing out one of the best, live music experiences in an outdoor location, The Rail is also serving up their legendary and free fried chicken just because it’s Friday.

FRIDAY, MARCH 19 | 6-9 PM

EMBER CITY @ COLLINS QUARTER AT FORSYTH

CONNECT SAVANNAH | MAR 17 - 23, 2021

Peregrin, atop the Perry Lane Hotel, is throwing a legendary St. Patrick’s Day party that will include selections of Jameson and the band LILAKK, who is fronted by female, rock goddess Callie Joiner. No cover and 21 and over, it’s a sophisticated, rooftop celebration with a side of punk overtones and melodic grunginess by an original, alternative rock band that never disappoints. If you like Nirvana and The Breeders, this one is for you.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17 | 5-9 PM

Wind down before your work week and catch one of the truest examples of live rock ‘n’ roll in Savannah on Sunday. Ember City is a local staple that plays melodic, alt-rock tunes likened to Queens of the Stoneage and often times, turns to a rawer blues and southern-rock sound like Rival Sons.

SUNDAY, MARCH 21 | 2 PM 21

MUSIC

IT ALL BEGAN WITH A TV

CONNECT SAVANNAH | MAR 17 - 23, 2021

Looking back on 30 years of Coach’s Corner

BY NATHAN DEEN

WHEN John Henderson opened his sports bar in Savannah, he had just three televisions, no kitchen and little knowledge of the industry.

This was 1991, when getting satellite television meant buying what’s now known as the “Big Ugly Dish” and having someone move the dish so it could catch the signal of the channel they wanted to watch.

Henderson ordered bread and bought a meat slicer so he could serve sandwiches and added a hotdog rolling machine for hotdogs. He knew as long as he had a TV and could serve food and beer, the sports would take care of the rest.

22 “It was a challenge, but we figured it out, and that’s what

Patrons gather at Coach’s Corner throughout its 30 years. PHOTO COURTESY OF COACH’S CORNER

made us so good,” Henderson said. “That’s what got us rolling.”

Coach’s Corner opened in March of 1991, and the community’s response told Henderson he knew he was meeting a long-desired need.

Henderson and his brother, Al Henderson Jr., worked at a small sports bar in Savannah called Bleachers, which was located in a Quality Inn. In 1989 the hotel decided to change the bar into an upscale restaurant, Henderson said. With no other public venue to watch sports available, the brothers decided to create their own.

Henderson set his sights on a building in Thunderbolt at the corner of Victory Dr. and Williamson St. that had once

been a dive bar called Cleve’s Old Place and transformed it into Coach’s Corner.

“I won’t say it was the best service, I won’t say it was the best food,” Henderson said. “We didn’t have sweet tea for the first four years. I don’t know how we survived without having sweet tea for four years.”

Once word got out there was a place to watch the 1991 NCAA men’s basketball tournament, the bar grew exponentially on a near-daily basis, Henderson said. Three weeks into the business, he made enough money to buy a fryer and added chicken wings to his menu. Then he started buying more TVs. “Whenever they had a good night, they’d just buy another television,” said Don Heath, a long-time patron of

COMMUNITY

GO VOTE

“Whenever they had a good night, they’d just buy another television. That’s how he went about business. It got to be a better and better place.”

- Don Heath, long-time patron years, it has grown and expanded. It has more TVs - 70 - than any other sports bar in the area, and it is the only one in the area with a TV in every booth, allowing spectators to customize the games they want to watch.

Henderson has also built a small concert venue behind the bar known as the Soundgarden, where local and tribute bands regularly play.

Other things haven’t changed. Henderson still puts up the teepee every season the Braves make the playoffs and now uses it to raise money for charities.

Dan Denny, another patron who has been a regular at Coach’s since it opened and bought a house in Thunderbolt to make sure he could live as close to the bar as possible, said Henderson’s mindset and business philosophy hasn’t changed either.

“He was there constantly,” Denny said.

“He practically lived there. He had a vision.

If something didn’t work, they tweaked it.

He’s always thinking. He’s always got an idea going in his head.”

Henderson said he still sometimes doesn’t believe Coach’s has been around for so long.

“It means a lot because we made it 30 years,” he said. “It’s success in a way you never really imagined.”

Coach’s Corner is located at 3016 E. Victory Dr., Savannah. Visit coachs.net.

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CONNECT SAVANNAH | MAR 17 - 23, 2021

Coach’s Corner who has lived in Savannah since 1987. “That’s how he went about business. It got to be a better and better place.”

When baseball season rolled around, and the Atlanta Braves made their historic worst-to-first turnaround, Coach’s started drawing attention from local media.

In the middle of the baseball season, Henderson mounted a homemade Braves tomahawk above his sign outside the restaurant that oscillated up and down.

“It was just a basic particle board, maybe $25 worth of materials, and we put it on a windshield wiper from a Mack Truck,” Henderson said. “I had every news station in Savannah come and ask me about it. WSAV asked me what I would do to top this?”

The answer became what is now a longstanding Coach’s tradition. When the playoffs started, Henderson set up a platform where he constructed a teepee and vowed that he or someone from Coach’s Corner would sleep in it every night until the Braves were eliminated. The Braves advanced to the World Series before losing to the Minnesota Twins in a seven-game series.

“When the Braves made the playoffs that first year, you couldn’t squeeze into the building,” Henderson said.

Coach’s Corner celebrated its 30th anniversary on Sunday with live music and a commemorative slide show. Through the

23

CULTURE

‘A Message from Venus,’ 2018 by Christto and Andrew. PHOTOS COURTESY OF SCAD

‘Encrypted Purgatory,’ 2018.

‘A new way of looking at how to approach art’

Christto and Andrew debut first U.S. exhibition ‘A message from Venus’ at SCAD Museum of Art

CONNECT SAVANNAH | MAR 17 - 23, 2021

‘The future ain’t what it used to be,’ 2018.

24 ‘The abandonment of belief systems,’ 2018.

‘Counter clock,’ 2018.

VISUAL ARTS

BY NICOLE YOUNGBLUT

Y 12- 8PM L I A D N E OP

‘Here I Am Baby,’ 2020.

and Andrew, which presents recent works and offers the opportunity to connect with the artists’ urgent discourse about global exchanges, technology and symbolism,” said adjunct curator, SCAD Museum of Art, Humberto Moro. “I’m thrilled that we can continue with SCAD Museum of Art’s mission of bringing relevant international artistic practices which bring interesting conversations to enrich the academic life of our community and to the American South at large.”

“A Message from Venus” will be on view at SCAD Museum of Art now through Aug. 1.

“I think it’s a great opportunity and a great audience for our work, actually,” Andrew said.

“I think our work represents a new way of looking at how to approach art in many ways,” said Andrew.

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‘A Message from Venus’ will be on view from now through August 1st for the public as well as SCAD students. Visit scad.edu/event/202102-11-christto-and-andrew-exhibition-messagevenus and follow the artist on Instagram @ christto_andrew.

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CHRISTTO AND ANDREW are an international recognized duo that use contemporary images to portray the future, as an exploration of evolution of time and nature.

The two formed a global collective upon meeting at college in Spain and have continued to work together while being based apart.

Christto is based in Doha, Qatar and Andrew is currently in Copenhagen, Denmark.

“When we were working in Qatar, we had to be a little bit careful as our work was in some way political, which could lead you into trouble,” Andrew saod.

Christto and Andrew communicate through symbolism to represent their work, which lets the viewer interpret the artwork itself.

The opening image of “A message from Venus” at the SCAD Museum of Modern Art is of a photograph of a cake entitled “Counter Clock.”

“The meaning of the cake, first of all, this was a commission for a magazine the subject for the magazine was about the future,” Christto said. “The cake says, ‘what are we going to do with the future.’ There is also, on top of the cake, candles with the number 100.

This idea was also about a time and the perspective of time,” Christto said.

The images depict ideas that speak to the future and the evolution of time and nature and aims to challenge current belief systems.

“We started experimenting with nature because we wanted to mix nature with technology.

We are interested in esoteric themes like clairvoyance, telepathy, new technology,” Christto said.

Their imagery contains a myriad of symbolism and a juxtaposition of trash and luxury, which presents a vital connection to image-making and the still nature art history for students and viewers alike.

“The show ‘A Message from Venus’ is the first U.S. museum exhibition by Christto

25

CULTURE

Judy, Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, 1982 by Joan Liftin. PHOTO COURTESY OF TELFAIR MUSEUMS

CONNECT SAVANNAH | MAR 17 - 23, 2021

AUTOMOBILITY

20th-century automobile-centered exhibition “Vehicles of Change” is on display at the Telfair Museum

BY BRANDY SIMPKINS brandy@connectsavannah.com

FROM CENTURY TO century, if we can depend on anything to stay constant, it’s change.

The Telfair Museum’s latest photography exhibition, “Vehicles of Change,” by assistant curator, Anne-Solene Bayan, is currently on display in the Jepson Center. “ Vehicles of Change” is an exhibition featuring more than a dozen works from the Telfair Museum’s permanent collection in collaboration with the Savannah Municipal Archives. Featuring 20th-century photographs from the museum’s col26 lection, this exhibition shines a light on the liberating impact of automobility in

mid-20th century America.

“This is a time at the end of the 1950s where the interstate highways are being built,” Bayan said. “We didn’t have that before, so hubs are being connected. More Americans from the ‘60s-‘80s are having more access to cars, so it’s creating this network where people can travel more and exchange ideas. As a result, I think it definitely helped to fuel a civil rights movement, so it’s all connected.”

The exhibition reveals archives during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s, where buses and cars were used to combat systemic 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, according to Telfair archives.

VISUAL ARTS

A TRULY UNIQUE EXPERIENCE ON VIEW NOW!

Bus, Salt Lake, Autolandscape, 1971 by Elaine Mayes. PHOTO COURTESY OF TELFAIR MUSEUMS

The Ballot Bus II, 1963 by Fred Baldwin.

PHOTO COURTESY OF TELFAIR MUSEUMS

Rights, so it feels endlessly rich for Telfair to show these works,” Bayan said. “We’ve never shown them from the automobile aspect.”

An enthusiastic by-stander found the exhibition interesting and engaging.

“I’ve been to a gazillion museums all over the world, and this is the most interesting in terms of how you folks have presented information,” said Deborah Devedjain. “It’s a very open and engaging way of doing it.”

The “Vehicles of Change” exhibition debuted Feb. 27 and it will remain on display through Aug. 22 at the Telfair Museums’ Jepson Center, 207 W. York St. Visit telfair. org for information.

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Moreover, exhibition details highlight the modification of American landscapes during that time — with drive-ins, parking lots and highways — which created new spaces and possibilities for leisure, consumption and self-expression.

While searching for relevant works within Telfair’s collection, Bayan said she discovered and incorporated Joan Liftin’s “Drive-Ins” series into the show.

“She argues that these [drive-ins] are fascinating spaces because people who are marginalized, like queer folks or persons of color, can come here and socialize and interact and it’s sort of a safe space,” Bayan said.

Bayan’s exhibition also relays the lighthearted contrast of the newly-developed leisure spaces.

“She is interested in what it feels like to be in a drive-in, like the sensorial experience of being outside under the stars,” Bayan said. “The youts are hooking up in the back of the cars, they’re having little parties and parents are getting their alone time while the kids are watching ‘Snow White.’”

Contrarily, Bayan also included Civil Rights era-centered works such as Frederick Baldwin’s “Voter Registration, Chatham County Courthouse” in her exhibition.

Bayan points out Civil Rights leaders such as Lester Hankerson and Hosea Williams posing with pride in front of a car that says “Free Ride, No Excuses” used to mobilize Black people to vote, so that those votes could be used to elicit change within their political and social climates.

“These are treasures from our collection because they deal with the Savannah community, but also this time in Civil

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ACROSS

28

1 Havana’s home 5 Herb with leaves used in Japanese cooking 10 Classic Ford models 14 Like some arguments 15 Complete 16 On vacation 17 Meyer of the “Saw” movies 18 How to view the alternate answers crossing the circled squares 20 Expert’s offer 22 Artist’s stand 23 Army creature?

24 Dinner table basketful 26 Troubled outburst from Scooby-Doo 28 Charlie of the 1960s Orioles 30 Indigenous New Zealanders 33 Denounces 34 Performance style at UCB and Second City 36 ‘50s Ford failure 38 Baked Italian dish 39 “___ Up” (Violent Femmes song) 41 “Here’s ___ from me to you ...”

45 *”Rudolph the Red-___ Reindeer” (or the other way, Japanese audio company) 47 *”Barber Shop Chronicles” playwright Inua ___ (or the other way, letter used to abbreviate “forte”) 49 Encouraging words 52 *Athlete running 5,280 feet (or the other way, second run of crew practice) 54 “Call Me ___” (Mayim Bialik sitcom) 55 Inter, as a pharaoh 57 Marry in haste 59 “Nightswimming” band

60 “Blue Ribbon” beer maker 63 Cool, once 66 It helps clean the word in the circled squares (as well as the alternate version) 69 100 centesimi, pre-euro 70 Like jungle foliage 71 Cheap instrument 72 Done 73 Suffix for kitchen 74 FBI operative 75 Freshman, usually

DOWN

1 Classical conclusion 2 “Armageddon” author Leon 3 Wheel of Fortune wedge to be avoided 4 Texas shrine to “remember” 5 “Rugrats” father 6 “Fingers crossed” 7 “___ Sin” (HBO Max miniseries) 8 “Je ne ___ quoi” 9 Farther along 10 Edinburgh boy 11 Like some biceps exercises, e.g.

12 Suddenly occur to 13 Electronic keyboards, casually 19 Outwit, in a way 21 Red Muppet 25 *Aa and pahoehoe, for two (or the other way, like military fleets) 27 Designation at an Arabic meat market 28 “30 Rock” character Lemon 29 “Where ___?”

31 *___-wip topping (or the other way, more unusual) 32 “The Last King of Scot-

land” name 35 “Octopus’s Garden” singer 37 *___-toed boots (or the other way, half of those pairs of boots) 40 *DNC member (or the other way, married) 42 Dave Brubeck standard 43 “___ complete mess” 44 Eugene clock setting, for short 46 Vitality 48 “Battlefield Earth” author ___ Hubbard 49 Dr. Seuss title turtle 50 Early inning statistic 51 Fullest extent 53 *Reveals one’s true feelings (or the other way, pater ___) 56 Russian rum cake 58 Cockpit figure 61 Be immodest 62 Financial advisor Orman 64 Maple, for instance 65 Intricate story 67 Chance ___ Rapper 68 Super-spicy

CROSSWORD ANSWERS

March Specials $4 Slane and $4 Truly Teas

33 for for 44

$4 Slane and $4 Truly Teas $4 $4 New New Realm Realm Hoptropolis Hoptropolis

tree-fifty tuesdays all beers, titos, RBV, jameson: $3.50 all beers, titos, RBV, jameson: $3.50

wednesday Half Half off off Bottles Bottles ofof Wine Wine thursdays && Sunday thursdays Sunday Live dj | 6-9 pm Drink specials Live dj | 6-9 pm Drink specials

125 West River Street On top of the cotton sail hotel SUNDAY 11AM TO 11sail PM*hotel 125 West RiverTHRU StreetTHURSDAY On top of the cotton FRIDAYTHRU AND SATURDAY SUNDAY THURSDAY11AM 11AMTO TO1AM* 11 PM* FRIDAY AND SATURDAY 11AM TO 1AM* www.topdeckbar.com

www.topdeckbar.com

*CLOSING HOURS SUBJECT TO CHANGE *CLOSING HOURS SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Photos by Bunny Ware

PHOTOS FROM LOCAL EVENTS View more photos online at connectsavannah.com/connected

RIDERS GEAR UP FOR ANNUAL SPADE RUN TO SUPPORT VETERANS Veterans gather with Team Savannah to raise funds intended to impact local veterans in need March 6 at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Riders Post 660. The group met for breakfast and proceeded to ride by 10 a.m., with the last bike in at 2 p.m.

Team Savannah is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping local veterans in the local area through peer support, manual labor, or through donations.

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Photos by Bunny Ware

PHOTOS FROM LOCAL EVENTS View more photos online at connectsavannah.com/connected

COMMUNITY ENTREPRENEURS CONNECT AT SPRING OYSTER ROAST

CONNECT SAVANNAH | MAR 17 - 23, 2021

Local area business representatives intermingle March 4 at Tubby’s Tank House in Thunderbolt for the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce annual Spring Oyster Roast. Chamber members and their guests shucked their own oysters to devour and indulged in appetizers all while making local area business connections.

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