Connect Savannah | August 3, 2022 by Connect Savannah

CONNECT SAVANNAH

connectsavannah.com AUGUST 3 - 9, 2022

FROM OPERA TO JAZZ AND SWING MUSIC TO AMERICANA TO THEATER, VERSATILE SAVANNAH SERENADER

SARA ZOE BUDNIK

WILL LEAVE YOU IN MUSICAL BLISS

PROPERTY MATTERS: SAVANNAH PROPERTY ACQUISITIONS, RESTORATIONS, REZONINGS AND RENOVATIONS

COMEDIAN GINA BRILLON HARNESSES THE HEALING POWER OF LAUGHTER

THOSE GLORIOUS

GOLDEN PIPES

SAVANNAH VOICE FESTIVAL SEASON 10 • AUGUST 7 - 21

FREE JEPSON CENTER & TELFAIR ACADEMY ADMISSION FOR LOCALS* SAT & SUN THROUGH 8.28! *Includes residents of Chatham, Bryan, Effingham, Liberty, Beaufort, & Jasper Counties

VISIT TELFAIR.ORG

Lizabeth Rossof (American, b. 1973); 5 XI’AN AMERICAN WARRIORS, 2019; nylon fabric, electric fans. Sharon Engelstein (Canadian, b. 1965); Seeker, 2012; nylon fabric, electric fan. BLOW UP: Inflatable

Contemporary Art was organized by Bedford Gallery at the Lesher Center for the Arts, Walnut Creek, CA

Margarita Monday $4 teremana margs

thursdays & Sunday

tree-fifty tuesday

$3.50 beer, titos, RBV, jameson

Live MUSIC | 6-9 pm Drink specials

Wine wednesday

Half off Boles

125 West River Street On top of the cotton sail hotel OPEN DAILY 11AM TO 11 PM*

www.topdeckbar.com *CLOSING HOURS SUBJECT TO CHANGE

AUGUST/

3-9

WEEK CONNECT SAVANNAH

AT A GLANCE

WEDNESDAY 8/3 DUCKPIN BOWLING LEAGUE NIGHT

8 p.m.Moodright’s, 2424 Abercorn St. Moodright’s is Savannah’s first duckpin bowling alley (in quite a while) and cocktail lounge, and its location makes it the closest bowling alley to the historic district.

TRIVIA NIGHT WITH JESS SHAW

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

WEDNESDAY BLUES SERIES FEAT. ERIC CULBERSON BAND

Plant Riverside District will host a new Wednesday Blues Series at the Pavilion Stage along the Savannah River, featuring free performances by top regional blues artists. The Eric Culberson Band will be the featured performer for the month of July, offering sizzling electric blues by one of Georgia’s favorite artists. Every Wednesday - July 27 6-9 p.m.

BINGO! AT ELKS LODGE

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

FREE YOGA ON THE BEACH AT THE THE DECK Enjoy free yoga on the Tybee sponsored by The Deck Beach

To have your event considered for inclusion, please send an email to happenings@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.

Bar & Kitchen. Bring a large beach towel, your mat or a tapestry, a hat and sunglasses, water and a friend. 9-10 a.m. The Deck Beachbar and Kitchen, 404 Butler Ave.

FRIDAY 8/5

LOST IN THE 50’S LIVE ON STAGE

The band is rockin’ and the cast is boppin’ the night away in this rock and roll revue of music from the 1950’s. The theatre celebrates 20 years of performing shows in Savannah by repeating their first show from August of 2002. Come join the fun down memory lane! Fri, Aug 5 at 8pm Sat, Aug 6 at 3pm & 8pm Sun, Aug 7 at 3pm

FAMILY FIRST FRIDAYS @ LA SCALA

with Xulu Jones & Shena Verrett Live Performances by Shena Verrett and Xulu Jones Plus Special Guest, fabulous friends, delicious food and the best wine and cocktails! La Scala Ristorante 119 E. 37th St. 5p-8p Benefiting Music Muses

BLUEGRASS BY THE PINT WITH SWAMPTOOTH Join Service Brewing for Bluegrass by the Pint every Friday featuring live bluegrass from local favorites, Swamptooth.6 p.m. Service Brewing Co., 574 Indian St. servicebrewing.com

SATURDAY 8/6

FIRST SATURDAY HIKE

This moderately-paced, 3-mile hike will include a talk about the different ecosystems of the park. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water and insect repellant. Parking pass is $5. Visit website for more info. first Saturday of every month, 10-11 a.m.Fort McAllister Historic

SAT/6

FIRST SATURDAY HIKE @FORT MCALLISTER

Park, 3894 Fort McAllister Rd. $2 912-727-2339. explore. gastateparks.org

FREE FAMILY WEEKENDS AT THE JEPSON CENTER & TELFAIR ACADEMY Telfair Museums is excited to offer local residents free weekend admission to the Jepson Center and Telfair Academy – August 28! Residents are invited to explore the largest museum exhibition of work by African American artist, William O. Golding, in The Art of William O. Golding: Hard Knocks, Hardships, and Lots of Experience on view at the Jepson Center, along with other featured exhibitions free of charge. Free weekend admission includes residents of certian local counties.

SUNDAY 8/7

SUNSET PARTY SUNDAY Wrap up the weekend with a Sunday Funday Sunset Party on the roof. Local DJ Doc Ock on the 1s and 2s, an amazing view, Long Drink and Herradura specials, and $3 Rosé all day. 6 - 9 p.m. Top Deck, 125 W. River Street’

BEATS, BREWS + BEERMOSAS

Catch those Sunday Vibes every week at Service Brewing with beats, brews and beermosas featuring sets from local DJs, delicious food trucks and 16 beers on tap. 12:30-5:30 p.m. Service Brewing Company, 574 Indian Street. FREE

MONDAY 8/8 TYBEE ISLAND FARMERS MKT

Weekly market, right behind the Historic Tybee Lighthouse. 4 p.m., 30 Meddin Dr. tybeeislandfarmersmarket.com

TUESDAY 8/9

FIRST TUESDAYS BLUEGRASS WITH SWAMPTOOTH

first Tuesday of every month Over Yonder, 2424 Abercorn St. overyondersav.com

STAFFORD’S TUESDAY COMEDY OPEN MIC

The ghost of Savannah’s legendary open mic returns. 8:30-11:45 p.m. Stafford’s Public House, 306 W. Upper Factor’s Walk.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | AUGUST 3-9, 2022

THURSDAY 8/4

HIGHLIGHTED PICKS FROM HOSTESS CITY HAPPENINGS THIS WEEK

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OUR VALUES

Connect Savannah is a weekly arts, entertainment and news magazine, focused on Savannah and the Coastal Empire life and experience. We strive to feature stories that impact our community and the people who live here— to educate, entertain, inform and foster conversation. We appreciate and encourage readers to share news and information with us, and to share any criticism and questions. We want to be your comprehensive source for what happens in our community and beyond. We are here to serve you. Find us on the following social media platforms or reach out to us at news@connectsavannah.com or 912-721-4378.

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ON THE COVER Sara Zoe Budnik gestures in song in front of the pipes of the organ at First Baptist Church, Savannah. Budnik will be performing at Season 10 of the Savannah Voice Festival which kicks off Aug. 7. Photo by Adriana Iris Boatwright

Pet Friendly, Outdoor Deck with ample Covered seating & views of Chimney Creek!

Often imitated, NEVER duplicated

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40 Estill Hammock Rd., Tybee Island, GA, 31328

INTRODUCTIONS:

MEET

SARA ZOE BUDNIK

VOCAL VARIETY: FEATURED AT THE SAVANNAH VOICE FESTIVAL

Budnik. She knew from an early age that she wanted to sing professionally. “The first time that I realized that I wanted to sing for my career was probably sitting in the back seat of the car singing Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and Neil Young with my mom and dad. I just fell in love with their enthusiasm for watching me perform. . . My family has always supported me in doing vocals and performance,” she recalled. From that moment, Budnik has honed her craft through the years to become the gifted songstress she is today. She attended Baldwin Wallace University where she studied musical theater and classical voice. This education equipped her with the ability to sing in a variety of musical styles. “I am what you call a genre-hopper. I sing several different styles of music and I range from opera . . . to jazz and swing music to Americana to musical theater. I just do a lot of different things. I actually just came back from doing a rock show in Wisconsin where I was singing Cher and Peggy Lee,” she laughed. Budnik has been performing professionally since she graduated in 2014 and has a lot of highlights in her career. Her first job out of college was performing on a world cruise line. “I got to visit 50 different countries, and it was fantastic getting to wake up and be in a new place and then perform that night for a whole new audience. It was the most incredible experience, and I was only 22 or 23 years old. I completely didn’t realize that my career could go to so many different places globally,” she recalled. Over the years, Budnik has performed in lots of regional theaters across the country. She played the role of ‘Mother’ on the national tour of “A Christmas Story: The Musical” and placed in the 2020 Miss New

York pageant. But her favorite opportunity has been performing for the USO Show Troupe. “I get to perform for veterans and active duty military and do everything from the Andrew Sisters to Taylor Swift for the people who serve our country. It’s one of the things that I’m most proud of. I get to travel internationally to different military bases and perform for our troops. It’s the most rewarding thing I’ve ever gotten to do,” she expressed. Her favorite thing about performing is losing herself in a role. “ I love getting to step into a new role, especially one that I’ve never done before, and getting to create a character. To feel their emotions and to see the world through their eyes and to share that onstage with my fellow performers. It’s like you’re a team and the office is the stage. It’s really special what we get to do,” said Budnik. She will be performing for the Savannah Voice Festival on Aug. 7 at 5 p.m. at the Jewish Educational Alliance and on Aug. 12 and 13 at 6:30 p.m. at the Charles H. Morris

Center. Budnik encourages everyone to come out and support this year’s festival. “I think that everybody is really going to enjoy the Voice Festival this year because it’s all about community and sharing what the festival has been able to offer. . . The theme of it is Voices from Beyond and each piece touches on this. It’s going to have voices that are truly beautiful beyond words. [There will be] artists who are local like me as well as artists coming from all over the place. It’s going to be a really special event. This year, they’re honoring the past while looking to the future and highlighting some festival favorites. There’s going to be people returning who are Savannah favorites and there’s going to be some new faces as well,” she explained. - Chantel Britton

CONNECT SAVANNAH | AUGUST 3-9, 2022

Originally from Huntington Beach, California, Sara Zoe Budnik is a classically trained vocalist who is performing at the Savannah Voice Festival this year. Budnik spent years living and working in New York, but relocated to Savannah with her husband during the pandemic. She was first introduced to the Hostess City back in 2020 when she was participating in an annual vocal competition held by the American Traditions Vocal Collection. “I made it to the semi-final round and the week that the competition took place, my entire family got to come and visit Savannah,” said Bostick. Savannah would soon become one of her favorite places because that same week, her then boyfriend proposed to her in front of the iconic fountain at Forsyth Park. Shortly thereafter, the pandemic started and Budnik and her now husband had been invited by a friend to stay in Savannah for a while as things were getting worse in New York. “It was just one of the nicest acts of kindness we’ve ever received. We realized that the people of Savannah are some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet. We truly fell in love with Savannah,” Budnik expressed. It wasn’t long after that the couple decided to make Savannah home. With Savannah as her home base, Budnik still travels to New York and other places frequently for work, but living here has afforded her a lot of great singing opportunities. “Since I’ve moved here, I’ve gotten to work with the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra and their concert that’s called the Birth of Swing. I’ve also gotten to perform here with the Savannah Voice Festival in all the different gorgeous churches that Savannah has to offer as well as the Savannah Theatre, and also the American Traditions Collection,” said

PETS OF THE WEEK Each week, we will highlight pets available for adoption from local rescue organizations. In August, we are featuring Renegade Paws Rescue.

LADYBIRD COLORS: BLACK WITH WHITE AGE: 2 YEARS WEIGHT: 50 LBS Ladybird is a happy, go-lucky medium sized pup ready for action! Ladybird is the perfect medium size dog to play with your family and take on trips. Her webbed paws tell you she’s ready to swim and she loves to go on walks! Lady is all smiles and has never met a stranger. She LOVES kids! She gets along well with dogs big and small and while cats are curious, she knows to give them space. Ladybird is potty trained, crate trained, and would love to join an active home!

RAQUEL COLOR: BLACK AGE: 2 YEARS WEIGHT: 30 LBS

CONNECT SAVANNAH | AUGUST 3-9, 2022

There’s a new sheriff in town, goes by the name Raquel. Seen her at the Savannah Banana’s game, a few days back. Quiet girl. Stayed close to her handler. But you could tell, she got fire in her eyes. She sure as heck might have eaten some rocks in her past (hence the name Rockelle), but she sure ain’t taken none of yours. That’s for dang sure.

Raquel is a tough-cookie, people say that her long skinny legs and tiny body resemble a baby deer, but she sees herself as a cowgirl riding through life and she’s looking for her forever partner. Her perfect home would have a friendly dog for her to bond with as they plan their next heist in the Wild West.

ALL OF AUGUST

WWW.CRIBBSCUSTOMSMOTOSPORTS.COM

Volunteers at Renegade Paws Rescue are dedicated to providing the highest level of care for unwanted, abused, or injured dogs in the Coastal Empire. The nonprofit organization is determined to find a forever home for every animal who comes through their doors

renegadepawsrescue.org 912.570.5032

Compiled by Jamie Burton

COMMUNITY SAVANNAH AGENDA:

PROPERTY MATTERS

It’s not the just the size. It’s also how you use it. Make sure your development project is compatible with the surrounding community. That’s the take away in the latest batch of Savannah property acquisitions, restorations, rezonings and renovations. Thanks for staying engaged Savannah, Eric

The Manger Hotel was once Savannah’s “finest place for hospitality, with the city’s first fully air-conditioned guest rooms and the rooftop Purple Tree Lounge,” according to Gunn, Meyerhoff and Shay, the design firm that designed and oversaw the building’s conversion into an office building in 1985. APARTMENT COMPLEX PLANNED FOR MONTGOMERY AND 35TH IN STREETCAR DISTRICT The Historic Preservation Commission postponed consideration a proposal last week to demolish a noncontributing building in Savannah’s Streetcar Historic District in order to clear the way for a 4-story apartment complex. Commission staff recommended approval of the demolition of the building at 1825 Montgomery St., but that

savannahagenda.com Rendering of planned Mansion expansion by LS3P.

consideration of the 86-bed apartment complex be postponed so that multiple design changes can be made. “The building is too tall, too wide, the roof shape is not appropriate, it is not divided horizontally and vertically in a manner that reflects the traditional size of buildings nor does it convey human scale,” the staff report states. RENOVATIONS, RESTAURANT PLANNED FOR FORMER KEVIN BARRY’S SPACE ON WEST RIVER STREET Renovations for a new restaurant are planned for the historic West River Street building previously occupied by beloved Irish pub Kevin Barry’s, as approved last month by the Historic District Board of Review. The architect of the project, Savannah-based Felder and Associates, is working with interior design company, The Irish Pub Company, to design a restaurant called The Southern Tavern, according to the project description and drawings. Despite the Irish Pub Co.’s involvement, the new establishment does not appear to be an Irish pub. Instead, The Southern Tavern is described as a restaurant “Where Southern History meets Southern Hospitality” in the submitted documents. Constructed in 1852, the building is a contributing structure within the local and national downtown Savannah historic district. After opening in 1981, Kevin Barry’s become known for its free live Irish and Celtic music shows before closing in 2019. The closing came about three years after the establishment earned the Irish Pubs Global Federation’s

designation of being the most Irish pub outside Dublin. NEW OWNER BUILDING APARTMENTS ON FORMER CITY LOT, CLOSED DRYCLEANING BUSINESS PROPERTY The latest owner is building a multi-family housing project on the eastern end of downtown Savannah, about three years after the city traded the vacant lot to a another developer in a land swap deal. The plan includes the recent demolition of the President Street building that housed David’s Dry Cleaners, which stopped operating at that location in March following the sale of the property. The building site is bounded by East Broughton Street to the north, Barr Street to the west, East President Street to the south and Arnold Street to the east. The Charles H. Morris Center is just north of the property, the Inner City Night Shelter is to the east of the site, and The Curtis V. Cooper Primary Health Care Clinic is to the west. The property is being developed by Minnesotabased development company, Opus Group. Raben General Contractors describes the project as a 5-story multifamily residential development with 104 units and 282 beds, a ground floor lobby and amenity space, parking, and multi-family residential units, with a singlestory basement parking level and a second-floor exterior pool deck. The city traded the Broughton property to Row Pine Development in May 2019, along with 12 acres of vacant industrial property off Feeley Avenue, for property the city intended to use for a municipal center annex. In June 2020, Row Pine Development sold the property

to another LLC for $2.5 million. Then in February this year, that LLC sold the property to Opus for $4 million. Opus also purchased the property where David’s operated for $1.45 million in February. HUTCHINSON ISLAND ACQUISITIONS CONTINUE Mopper Turner Investments is continuing to to acquire property on Hutchinson Island, where a stalled housing development has been planned for years. The most recently acquired property by is outlined in orange. The previous purchases are outlined in purple and green. The development group’s latest purchase includes about 14 undeveloped acres on the north eastern end of the Residences at Savannah Harbor development. The $5 million purchase in late May comes after the investment group purchased nine acres for $2.4 million in December and 149 lots for $5.2 million in September. MANSION HOTEL SOLD TO PERRY LANE OWNERS The Kessler Collection (under a LLC) sold the Mansion on Forsyth hotel in June for almost $53 million to Left Lane Development (also under a LLC), the same development company behind the the Perry Lane hotel, according to sales records. The sale followed the Historic District Board of Review’s approval in April of an expansion of the hotel, including construction of an event space, outdoor bar, and hotel guestroom building where the parking lot is currently located. See connectsavannah.com for more renderings and images that correspond to this story.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | AUGUST 3-9, 2022

SAVANNAH’S HISTORIC MANGER BUILDING MAY BE CONVERTED (BACK) TO HOTEL About 37 years after it was converted into an office building, the historic Manger building overlooking downtown Savannah’s Johnson Square may be returning to its roots. A zoning amendment approved by the Metropolitan Planning Commission last week allows for the restoration and conversion of the building into a hotel, as it was used for much of the 20th century. The building’s owner, South Carolina-based Manger Building, LLC, recently requested an amendment to the city’s hotel overlay district map to include portions of Bull and Congress Street fronting the building. The request was to allow the building to be restored and re-established as a hotel after previously

operating as one from 1912 through 1977. As an alternative, MPC staff recommended allowing for a re-establishment of a historic hotel within the overlay district. The amendment, which the owner agreed to, applies only to contributing buildings that were converted from hotels to another use within a designated “period of significance” from 1733-1960.

By Eric Curl

COMMUNITY

AMBUCS:

11TH ANNUAL BOWLAPALOOZA KICKOFF AT SAVANNAH STATION

Ladson, Karen and Kenzie Hancock, Spencer and Jamie Lindley

BUNNY IN THE CITY By Bunny Ware

Mitchell “Mouse” Minick, Christine Blakey

Frank Sulkowski, Amy Warren

Joining benevolent Savannah AMBUCS president Kevin Sheehan are 21 local celebrities and five high school teams for 11th Annual Celebrity Bowlapalooza Kickoff at Savannah Station on July 21.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | AUGUST 3-9, 2022

Participating are TV personalities, bankers, a nurse and a police officer along with close to 400 supporters who are gracing my presence when I arrive with tonight’s title sponsor, Kev Jackson of Pintail Site Prep. A fan of this big guy since his high school days, I was lucky enough to interview Kev at one of his site prep locations in Port Wentworth this week.

Looking even younger than his 31 years, Kev follows his dad, Kevin Jackson’s footsteps when it comes to community support. “AMBUCS changes lives by helping citizens conquer their mobility problems and serves as a reminder to look beyond ourselves. There is something to be said for helping others - it makes you feel good knowing you made a difference,” shares the longtime AMBUCS supporter. After a pic of him with his lovely wife Kate, I head over to see one of Savannah’s most loquacious dudes. Mitchell “Mouse” Minick is known for his avid love of sports, food pics of each meal and a liberal use of pepper on everything he eats. What I love about him is daily love of life - he is always happy, talking and giving his loved ones grief! While snapping a pic of him with Christine Blakey, I see another beloved local, Dale Parker arrive with her friends Cindy Robinett and Ashley Whelan. I have waited years for Dale to actually want her photo taken and it makes my heart happy to see her gathering her friends together for a bestie group pic.

Ricky Wiggins, Kim Watson, Jacob Schroyer, Alan Brown

Alexis Mercado, Frances Mercado-Rodriguez

Lee and Danira Beckmann

Kev Jackson Jr., Kate Jackson

Next is a flurry of photos of arriving guests like Georgia Ports’ Lee Beckmann and his wife Danira, tonight’s emcee, WJCL’s Frank Sulkowski and the magnificent Jerri Meyers and his wife, Elizabeth. My Jefferson County homegirl is anti-aging, has whopped cancer’s butt twice and been busy taking care of her family back at home. So proud to see the “still in love” couple out on the town, I give them a long hug before cruising over to introduce State Farm’s Vernon Donovan to AMBUCS Vice President Mike McCann. Both men are known for their local activism, so I leave the guys talking about Mike’s relentless quest to make the AMBUCS Challenger Baseball League a reality. Next up is “Miss Personality” herself Kenzie Hancock! The 27 year old arrives with her mom and dad Karen and Ladson then requests a group pic with Spencer and Jamie Lindley, an AMBUCS board member. Also serving as AMBUCS membership chair, Jamie tells me, “If you see a child receive a tryke and experience riding for the first time you will understand why supporting AMBUCS is so important to me.” Waving me over for a pic with her son Liam is AMBUCS secretary Kim Watson tells me about the surprise delivery of a custom built Amtryke for a student at Pooler Karate’s Special Kicks this week. Little does she know, Kim would win the New AMBUCS of the Year for helping organize future events, structure internal policies and for generally making everything easier in the AMBUCS world later tonight.

Dale Parker, Cindy Robinett, Ashley Whelan

The next award is a surprise for the man himself. Kevin Sheehan is called to the stage and Mike presents him with the AMBUCS Lifetime Achievement Award that recognizes his past, present and future role in bringing AMBUCS to our community. “Since 1988 there have been over 700 Amtrykes given to children and adults that can’t ride regular bikes. Custom built for each rider, these specially adapted three wheeled trikes change lives by giving mobility, freedom and confidence to people with different abilities,” shares the 34 year champion of our differently enabled. God could not have chosen a more perfect angel to be an ambassador for AMBUCS. We love you Kevin Sheehan!

Vernon Donovan, Mike McCann

Stevie Bowley, Kevin Sheehan

CONNECT SAVANNAH | AUGUST 3-9, 2022

Other awards were given to Mike McCann for the Project of the Year for working with Chatham County Parks and Recreation to oversee and develop the $1.6 million remodel of the AMBUCS Stadium located on Sallie Mood Drive. Done with the goal of hosting the Challenger Baseball League, a division of baseball for differently-abled kids - Mike worked for two and half years to see this dream come true.

COMMUNITY

SPORTS

JAUDON SPORTS: WITH NEW COACH & A NEW PHILOSOPHY, GEORGIA SOUTHERN IS DETERMINED TO PROVE PRESEASON PREDICTIONS WRONG BY TRAVIS JAUDON Sports Columnist @JaudonSports

Last week, the Sun Belt Conference held its annual Football Media Days in New Orleans. Georgia Southern was predicted to finish fifth (of seven) in the SBC East division by the league’s coaches. That isn’t all that surprising. Massive overhaul in personnel and philosophy likely means a “rebuilding year” for the squad in Statesboro.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | AUGUST 3-9, 2022

The Eagles (3-9, 2-6 in 2021) are entering year one of the Clay Helton era, as the former Southern Cal coach is transitioning the program away from the optionoffense and into a more traditional pro-style. As in the coach’s preseason poll, GS isn’t getting much love from preseason magazines either (not that Helton cares).

Lindy’s Sports has GS predicted to finish seventh in the East and 12th (of 14) in the Sun Belt. Among 131 NCAA FBS teams, Lindy’s has Southern at No. 120 to begin the season. Don’t like Lindy’s? Well then there’s Phil Steele’s College Football Preview magazine and his predictions for Helton and company are similar. Steele has GS finishing seventh in the SBC East and ranked No. 114 overall. Not exactly a glowing outlook is it? ESPN’s Bill Connelly annually produces the SP+ rankings for college football and his metrics are based solely on the numbers. Even his stat-driven formula spits out Georgia Southern at No. 114 overall. These predictions have been wrong in the past. And could they be wrong again this season? Sure. Helton is

preaching competing, and his team will need it as they’ll be playing in the toughest division in all of Group of Five football. A glance at the schedule and it’s safe to say that GS will only be favored in three (maybe four) games all year. Last season, the Eagles were favored in just two games. “Understand this: We compete on a day-to-day basis,” said Helton from the podium in New Orleans. “I’ve always believed in the real world, you’re just fighting for another 24 hours. I don’t care if you’re a media member, a coach or a player. You are fighting to be the No. 1 guy.” A transfer from the University of Buffalo, Kyle Vantrease will be the quarterback for Helton and offensive coordinator Bryan Ellis. Together, the trio is hoping to do well enough to fend off any lingering loyalties to the option offense in Statesboro. To be clear, those loyalties do still exist and a season like many are projecting could be damning for the new regime. Nobody will be fired and nothing will change just because of one season, but getting this transition off to a good start (say five or six wins) will be critical in moving the program forward. Connelly gives the Eagles a 28% chance of making a bowl game in 2022. Georgia Southern has dealt with worse odds than that in the past, and the Eagles will be driven to prove the doubters wrong come September. There won’t be a lack of bulletin board material, if anything, there may just be a shortage of bulletin boards. Things are simply better when GS is good. And as Connelly wrote in April, fans of the sport should be hoping the Eagles are good sooner rather than later. “College football is a lot more fun when Georgia Southern is puffing its chest out and slapping teams around in Statesboro.” Here’s to hoping.

SPORTS NOTES A local programming update … ESPN Savannah (104.3fm) has a new Monday-Friday morning drive show which began on August 1. “Second Down” with Christian Goeckel and PJ Zucco airs from 8 a.m. - 10 a.m. on 104.3fm in Savannah and on the ESPN app. The duo was regularly broadcasting for an hour (2 p.m. - 3 p.m.) ahead of the afternoon drive staple with Kevin Thomas, BJ Bennett and Ben Troupe, “Three & Out.” Goeckel says his show will still focus primarily on college football as it always has, but local high school football and the NFL will also be regular topics on the program. High school football is around the corner, with teams in the area beginning their regular season on Friday, August 19. This Friday (Aug. 5), however, is the unofficial start of Friday Night Lights. Vidalia High School and head coach Jason Cameron will be playing at Calvary Day for a scrimmage at CDS. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. FOLLOW Travis Jaudon on Twitter/Instagram @ JaudonSports. Email him at travisLjaudon@gmail.com. Listen to him on Hot Grits Podcast, Savannah’s No. 1 sports podcast. New episodes are released each Tuesday.

FOOD & DRINK EAT IT & LIKE IT

PRESENTED WEEKLY BY SAVANNAH TECHNICAL COLLEGE

SAVANNAH FOOD CRAWLS COMING SPRING 2023

Our GradS GeT Hired EAT IT AND LIKE IT By Jesse Blanco eatitandlikeit.com

SavannahTech.edu/Hired

An equal opportunity institution.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | AUGUST 3-9, 2022

So how’s your Summer going? By the time you read this, Savannah Chatham County Public Schools are back and rockin’ the Casbah. That’ll give a lot of you a bit of a reprieve with your time, no? Or are we not allowed to talk about those things publicly? Go ahead, celebrate, we won’t tell. On my side of the street, it has been our busiest Summer in the now 11 years that we’ve been doing Eat It and Like It. I can remember a time when Summer was slower than molasses running up hill in the winter around here. At least when it came to producing a television show and all of the stuffs that go along with it. This year has been very different. Back in June I was fortunate enough to be invited on a press tour of Greece where we visited several Feta cheese production

facilities all over the country. One of the top experiences of my career. I’ll share the cheesy details on that deeper into the Fall. All of that fun aside, waiting for me when I got back from Europe was a book I was hired to write documenting Savannah’s food scene. Research actually started for this project back in May, but I was waiting for a few new ribbons to arrive for my typewriter before I jumped in began riffing about all of the good eats we have to share here in Savannah. The book will be called “Savannah Food Crawls.” The assignment was to break downtown Savannah into sections and create over a dozen “food crawls” in those sections. The stops could be food-centric or drink-centric or a combination of both. The idea was to string several of these stops together in each neighborhood or section of downtown to make up a substantial crawl. I submitted the book this week featuring 16 such crawls. That came at the end of

COCKTAIL OF THE WEEK by Chantel Britton

PORT CITY SPRITZ ENJOY AT:

THE BAMBOO ROOM TIKI BAR 116 W Congress St. (above Sorry Charlie’s)

MADE WITH:

Yellow Edition Red Bull, Peach Brandy, Cognac, Dark Rum, and Lemon Juice

HOP ATOMICA UKIYO

CONNECT SAVANNAH | AUGUST 3-9, 2022

LITTLE CROWN PUB

countless hours of research, discussions with fellow foodies around town and ultimately well over a hundred hours of writing, tweaking, deleting and starting over. The good news is I can honestly say I know the food scene down here as well as anyone in town, so it just flowed once I started tapping keys. The bad news is, it was impossible to include everyone I wanted to. I hate that. The assignment was pretty specific in that we wanted to create approachable (as in affordable) crawls. Sending everyone to my favorite fine dining eats was a big no no. I was allowed to include some of our higher end eats, but I had to make it fit within the scope of the crawl. Think about it: a Friday evening crawl from Elizabeth on 37th to Common Thread to La Scala to Cotton and Rye would make for a pretty amazing evening. You won’t find it in my book. Hop Atomica to Al Salaam Deli to Green Truck Pub to Lone Wolf Lounge to Over Yonder to Ardsley Station is the speed I was tasked with traveling at. Which is actually one of our crawls and a darn good one if you ask me. Sprinkled in along the entire book are food tips, historic facts and relevant quotes related to a reader’s journey through Savannah. I even managed to squeeze an homage to Sex and the City. I’m hoping that and my shout to Randy’s BBQ sticks once my editor runs through it.

I actually learned quite a bit about Savannah in putting this book together. A lot of it I shared, some of it I didn’t. But one thing will be absolutely true about the finished product: anyone showing up here in Savannah with no knowledge of what we are about, will read that book and have a pretty comprehensive feel for our food scene. And to-go cups. Ultimately, it gives me no greater pleasure than to shine a light on the hard working people of food and beverage in this town. I’ve seen it first hand so many times. Owning a restaurant is often a thankless job. They bust their butts, miss family holidays and gatherings and string it all together as best they can, just to feed you. Just. To. Feed. You. That is never lost on me and I’m honored to be able to help however we can. Finally, I want to publicly thank my friend Stratton Leopold for contributing a foreward to the book. It’s a wonderful perspective on where Savannah has been food-wise and where he believes we are going. Look for it in the Spring on Amazon and all the other spots. I am hoping for Christmas pre-sale orders. We’ll keep you posted. My reward is half a day off. Might grill some chicken. Production of season 12 of Eat It and Like It with Jesse Blanco continues tomorrow. Season premiere on WTOC-TV is September 17.

Summer in Savannah is definitely sizzling. Beat the heat with a fun frozen cocktail from The Bamboo Room. Their iconic ThunderPunch delivers great flavor and a good buzz while keeping you nice and cool. Enjoy it at the tiki bar or take it to-go. Either way, you’ll love every single sip of this summery blended drink. If you’re a fan of frozen drinks, some honorable mentions include The Bamboo Room’s Pina Colada, their Strawberry Daiquiri and the Miami Vice, which is a beautiful blend of the two. These frozen cocktails boast tropical taste and deliver much needed respite from the summer heat. Try them out at the tiki bar soon!

FOOD TRUCK OF THE WEEK

WILLYUM’S

WillYum’s is a Midtown takeout eatery with a vibrant food truck that serves greater Savannah. Boasting tasty comfort food to-go, WillYum’s has quickly become a food truck favorite, bringing in crowds everywhere they park. The menu includes smoked fried wings, quesadillas with your choice of protein, seafood fries and fish and shrimp baskets. Their prime angus beef burger served with all the traditional fixings doesn’t disappoint. Neither does the crab cake sandwich, which comes with lettuce, tomato and a satiating seafood aioli. The fries are good but their potato salad is great and definitely worth trying. You’re sure to enjoy every bite from WillYum’s. Visit them at awillyumssav.com/, or follow them on Facebook and Instagram @willyumseatery to keep up to date on the truck and where it will be next.

FOOD & DRINK

NATIONAL OYSTER DAY

HAPPINESS ON THE HALF-SHELL!

CELEBRATE NATIONAL OYSTER DAY WITH OUR PICKS FOR THE BEST BIVALVES IN TOWN chantel@connectsavannah.com

Oysters are a staple of coastal cuisine. Served raw, steamed, roasted or fried, these beloved bivalves are top-tier offerings at many of Savannah’s local seafood restaurants. Oysters are lauded for their briny flavor and soft texture, so much so that they have an entire day celebrating their impact on the culinary world. If you didn’t know, August 5 is National Oyster Day, and there’s no better way to celebrate than by enjoying these ocean delicacies at a local restaurant.

RIVER HOUSE SEAFOOD

Located on River St., you’ll find River House Seafood, a locally owned and operated fish house known for its Southern seafood specialities. Here, you can enjoy oysters several ways. For a no-frills preparation, order a half dozen or dozen on the half shell raw or steamed. If you like a little crunch, go for the Fried Oyster Platter. The oysters are hand-battered and served with sour cream and chive fries, housemade coleslaw and tartar and cocktail sauces. If you like your oysters along with other seafood staples like shrimp, crab and mussels, try the River House Seafood Boil.

BERNIE’S OYSTER HOUSE

Here’s a quick round-up of where to get the best oysters around town just in time for National Oyster Day.

SORRY CHARLIE’S

COMMON RESTAURANT

Common is a Broughton St. restaurant that is known largely for its appetizing brunch options. But beyond brunch, Common also serves up a great selection of fresh raw oysters sourced from James River in Virginia. Their house oysters come on the half shell with Bhuna cocktail sauce and sangria mignonette. They also offer them smoked in hickory and chilled. They have a variety of other creative preparations including caprese, chimichurri, ponzu, gin and tapenade, and mezcal and ghost pepper. They also offer two dozen raw oysters with a bottle of Champagne Brut, which is a great option for special occasions.

Just a short drive from downtown to Savannah’s beach, Tybee Island, you’ll find Bernie’s Oyster House. You know the oysters must be good when they’re included in the name. At Bernie’s, oysters aren’t just another seafood offering, they’re the primary appeal. You can enjoy them raw, steamed or fried by the half dozen or dozen and served with horseradish, cocktail sauce and crackers. You can also order a tub of oysters, so you can fill up on your favorite mollusk.

ALLIGATOR SOUL

Alligator Soul is a fine eatery on Barnard St. known for its farm-to-table seasonal cuisine. They don’t offer oysters in a number of ways like other restaurants on this list, but the one way they do prepare their oysters makes Alligator Soul worthy of inclusion. Their Oysters A La Soul are downright delicious. It’s oysters on the half shell stuffed with bacon, crawfish, mirepoix and scallions in a creamy roux. They’re topped with fresh parmesan bread crumbs, baked to perfection and served with lemon wedges and creole belle habanero hot sauce. It’s definitely a unique and flavorful spin.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | AUGUST 3-9, 2022

At the top of our list is Sorry Charlie’s, a City Market oyster bar serving up succulent shells for your shucking pleasure. Sorry Charlie’s boasts the freshest oysters in town, sourced locally and across North America. They offer their oysters in a variety of ways. Enjoy them raw on the half shell with Sorry Charlie’s signature hot sauce, mignonette and house cocktail sauce, or have them roasted. The Butter Garlic and Parmesan oysters don’t disappoint. Neither do the Casino oysters, which are served with roasted red peppers, jalapeno, bacon and aged Parmesan. Sorry Charlie’s also offers a unique take on the Rockefeller, featuring kale, bacon, jalapeno and local shrimp. They also have a delicious Oyster Po-boy. No matter how you have them, you’re sure to enjoy the fresh, tasty oysters at Sorry Charlies.

Photo from Sorry Charlie’s

By Chantel Britton

2022 SAVANNAH VOICE FESTIVAL

BEYOND JUST VOICES AND VOICES FROM BEYOND By Marley Gibson Features Writer

Emily Yocum Black performs at the previous Savannah Voice Festival | Photo SVF

‘It’s exciting, full of passion, fascination, musical theater, performance with the human voice and instruments. It’s concert and voice and stage together— the best of all worlds put together.’

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Savannah Voice Festival (SVF) is bursting with song in anticipation of its summer festival season kicking off with a two-week festival running August 7 through 21. Taking place in our Hostess City, the SFV celebrates the classical voice in multiple performances offering the best repertoire from opera, musical theatre, and song. “We are so excited for our summer season to start,” said Chad Sonka, Executive Director. “SVF grew out of its sister organization, the VOICExperience Foundation, under the umbrella of Sherrill Milnes, a world-renowned operatic superstar, and his soprano wife, Maria Zouves. Milnes’s legacy of great singing continues in the form of these programs. So, with that in mind, they founded VOICExperience, which is at the heart of his voice training and mentorship program.” “Out of this, they said, ‘Well, these wonderful singers now need a place to exercise their abilities and to perform.’ Savannah welcomed us with open arms ten years ago,” Sonka said. “Our anniversary season is entitled Voices from Beyond, which encapsulates the theme of the productions of the summer. We have voices coming from all over and new voices are being introduced to Savannah in a very exciting way,” he said. The upcoming festival offers a variety of offerings in differing venues, including the Charles H. Morris Center, Ashbury Memorial Church, Christ Church Episcopal, and the Telfair Museum rotunda. “We have about two-dozen events in two weeks; very

active,” said Jorge Parodi who has been involved since SVF’s creation, but who is the Artistic Director for the first time. “Many days we have two events. All operas perform twice, as well. There are a lot of new artists the audience will love. Many will be performing for the first time in Savannah. We like the combination of old and new people, musical recitals, opera, just a lot of things,” Parodi said. The new artistic director is experiencing the event with fresh eyes. “This is my first season planning with a team,” Parodi continued. “I was excited to be chosen to work with the casting and all the artistic things for the festival. We can’t wait to show the audience our very exciting lineup of shows and concerts.” Even though he’s now a New Yorker of 25 years, Parodi considers himself “a very Southern guy” as he hails from Argentina, or as he said with a laugh, “as south as you can get.” However, there’s something about the beauty of Savannah and the hospitality of the southern city that he felt was right for this festival. “The reason we moved the music to Savannah,” Parodi began, “was we found there was a niche needing to be filled in that Savannah didn’t have a classical component. There was no opera and now we have opera throughout the festival.” “We also have a group of 10 artists working for two weeks who will come as part of the artists in residence for the SVF,” Parodi said. “The educational component with it helps and encourages young professionals getting started as artists at

our festival.” Throughout its existence, the SVF has strived to continue the legacy of Sherrill Milnes and opera singers of his generation. The executive director said, “We’ve gathered great artists to come to Savannah—some of them have come for many years—to perform and offer this music. The way it blends thematically are all of the operas will have a mystical element to them.” “There are so many offerings we are providing this summer, but I want to highlight the premiere of operas for Savannah,” Sonka said. “These are two, small, one-act operas: Alice Ryley and Anna Hunter. These are two women who shaped the history and what we know Savannah to be now. If a visitor is coming to Savannah [who] wants some history as well as amazing singing and exceptional music, all done in English, this is what you’ll want to hear. These two operas were commissioned for Savannah and written by our composer in residence, Michael Ching.” The two operas will be performed on August 12-13 at the Charles H. Morris Center. “They’re both framed as ghost stories, so they’re written as haunting, mystical, yet interesting and loving stories,” Sonka continued. “Alice Ryley is a Savannah ghost story about immigrants who first settled [here] and what it was like for them. Alice Ryley is a drama about the first woman hanged in Wright Square. It was tragic, but influential in the history of Savannah.” “Anna Hunter is credited with starting the Historic Savannah Foundation and preserving downtown Savannah for how charming and historical it [still] is,” he said. “Preserving that history is so important and Anna Hunter focused a lot of her efforts on and around the Davenport House Museum, which is so iconic in Savannah’s history.” Other highlights of the calendar include a production of The Medium in the rotunda of The Telfair Museum, a review of Brigadoon, a return of sorts, and capping off the season with Faust, a French opera, performed with subtitles. “There’s something about opera in that the music isn’t part or an actor. The music is a character,” Parodi stressed. “So, you get that universal message of acting from the music. Even if you don’t know exactly what they’re saying, you know exactly what they’re saying. You will feel [it] because the music and the singing are doing the acting. That’s a very important concept when we do classical music and especially in opera.” “In opera, the music is not a vessel or a nice tune [simply] accompanying the story. The music is the actor,” he said. “You will feel what’s happening because you hear the singing and the music. That’s also much more compelling and emotionally engaging because you feel it in your bones even if you don’t know the [language] texts.” “Opera is awesome,” Parodi said, admitting also he is “totally biased.” “It’s exciting, full of passion, fascination, musical theater, performance with the human voice and instruments. It’s concert and voice and stage together—the best of all worlds put together.” He said there is also a different level of understanding of the stories because there is a more emotional connection to opera. “These operas are popular for a reason. They’re exciting and people love them. The audience will love to see them. Not everyone likes everything and we understand not everyone will like opera, but we [hope] everyone will try it and experience it. Hopefully, this will be the first time someone’s encountered an operatic production and they’ll love it.” In his first year as the executive director, Sonka is also directing. “I’m looking forward to engaging with the festival in a different way,” he said. “…meaning engaging with it in all aspects in a manner I haven’t before. This is exciting

for me to be involved in a more comprehensive way. Also, directing, The Medium, which is going to be performed by our study grant artists who [studied] in Iowa with me at our two-week long voice-intensive study where they’re learning these roles. They’ll come down and perform those roles and the opera in Savannah. We’re so excited to be able to bring these up-and-coming artists who have lots of promise to Savannah to do this work.” Sonka hopes audiences will take away an appreciation of the art and all it offers. “There is a need and importance for great singing and great storytelling in our lives. Savannah is the place for that and we are the ones—SVF—who are happy to be the ones to offer that. It is a comprehensive experience of what this music can offer. It’s special and moving. Savannah is the most beautiful palate to offer for our audiences.” The artistic director agreed. “What we do is all for the opportunity for the Savannah audience to experience art, song, musical theater, opera, sacred music, music with pianos, music with instruments, music with organs… and just all sorts of opportunities.” He also agrees Savannah is the place. “I adore being in Savannah. It’s one of the most beautiful cities in the country and it’s a pleasure to be there” Parodi said enthusiastically. “We have made so many friends in the ten years we’ve been there. It feels like coming home for our summer stay.” “I will be conducting the Faust and playing with great singers and talents. For me, it’s a pleasure to perform, but I’ve been so involved in the planning, programming, and development, I’m ready to share it with the audience and our friends,” said Parodi. “It will be like a party for us. We’ll all be gathered together and celebrate every performance. For the audience, there are so many events they’ll have this [near] overload of amazing singing and music and repertoire that will be very enjoyable. Hopefully, they’ll see as many as possible. There are actually those who come to town these two weeks and come to everything we do.” Sonka compared the Hostess City to one of the upcoming performances. “In a way, Savannah is a bit like Brigadoon. It’s a special place and you’re called to it… again and again. Sometimes you go back to your lives away from it and you might forget about it until it calls you back… which it does,” he said. “There’s truly something about Savannah that is welcoming, warm, and draws people into wanting to relax, open up, and engage in the arts and have that familial type of vibe. “I’ve been coming to Savannah for about 9 years, since 2013, and there’s a reason I keep coming back and calling it my home away from home. The fact that it’s filled with such welcoming people is what keeps others coming back. Just like we’ll be back.” Parodi agreed and added, “To the audience, if they love music, please mark your calendar. If you’re new, please choose anything that tickles their fancy and choose a couple of events. I promise they’ll have an impressive experience. They’ll see one and want to see more.” “The shows are not expensive—especially for live performances. And, they’re even less expensive with a season pass that allows members to come to see all of their shows throughout the year.” “It means a great deal to us to continue this legacy of great music and to be able to call Savannah home,” Parodi finished. The Savannah Voice Festival is a non-profit with the mission to bring classical vocal music to the city. To see the full calendar of events for the Savannah Voice Festival, see the list on the next page. For more information, visit savannahvoicefestival.org

Jess Best performs at the previous Savannah Voice Festival | Photo SVF

A company number performed at the previous Savannah Voice Festival | Photo SVF

2022 SAVANNAH VOICE FESTIVAL AT A GLANCE “SWINGING INTO THE SEASON” WITH OPENING NIGHT AND KICK-OFF RECEPTION

Featuring the Elite Party Band and selected Artists of Season 10 Sunday, August 7 Jewish Education Alliance, 5111 Abercorn Street 5:00pm Join SVF for opening night with an exciting swing concert that introduces Savannah to the artists of the 10th Anniversary Season! After this lively concert, guests are invited to a special kick-off reception.

VOICES IN SONG

Tuesday, August 9, 6:30pm—Performance Christ Church, Savannah, 28 Bull Street (at Johnson Square) With a long tradition of storytelling in its decade of events, SVF continues its tradition of a night that celebrates the art of song. From German Lied to American Songbook, ten selected 2022 SVF artists will transport you to another world!

IN RECITAL: ELIZABETH BALDWIN, SOPRANO WITH HOWARD WATKINS, PIANO

Wednesday, August 10, 6:30pm Telfair Academy, 121 Barnard Street American Traditions Competition’s own 2022 Milnes Opera Award Winner, Elizabeth Baldwin, delivers a compelling concert amidst the Telfair Museum’s Rotunda art with the incomparable Howard Watkins, the curator of our new Recital Series. A postconcert reception will follow.

MASTERS IN VOICE SERIES: SHERRILL MILNES

World renowned baritone & co-founder of the Milnes VOICE Programs Thursday, August 11 at 1 p.m. Charles H. Morris Center; 10 E. Broad Street Free Admission Co-founder and president of the Savannah VOICE Festival Sherrill Milnes offers his expertise to a new generation of singers in a master class setting.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | AUGUST 3-9, 2022

THE MEDIUM

libretto and music by Gian-Carlo Menotti featuring the Milnes VOICE Study Grant Artists A Savannah Opera Production Andrew Bisantz, conductor Chad Sonka, director Thursday, August 11 at 6pm & 8pm - 2 PERFORMANCES Telfair Academy, 121 Barnard Street Executive Director Chad Sonka and Conductor Andrew Bisantz join forces again for this intimate and eerie American one-act opera. The Telfair Rotunda is the perfect setting for this boutique opera-noire, where a medium falls victim to her own fraudulent voices. This is a must see!

MASTERS IN VOICE SERIES: JORGE PARODI

conductor & Artistic Director of the Milnes

VOICE Programs Friday, August 12 at 1 p.m. Demere Center for Living; 6000 Business Center Drive Free Admission Join us for this FREE Master Class with Artistic Director of the Milnes VOICE Programs Jorge Parodi. Parodi has conducted and coached all over the globe and you don’t want to miss this opportunity to see him work with the Season 10 VOICE artists as he shares his expertise. This season Maestro Parodi conducts Faust as part of Savannah Opera at the Festival.

ALICE RYLEY, A SAVANNAH GHOST STORY & ANNA HUNTER, THE SPIRIT OF SAVANNAH

libretto and music by Michael Ching A world premiere Savannah Opera Production Andrew Bisantz, conductor Joe Winskye, director Friday, August 12 at 6:30pm Charles H. Morris Ctr, 10 East Broad St. Two ghost stories that were written to be performed together, will be seen for the first time on the same stage in the city for which they were written. Now, see them as they were meant to be, tragedy and comedy, about Savannah’s history; past and present. Jessica Best and Maria Zouves will reprise the title roles they originated. Alice Ryley is based on a true, but tragic story of the immigrants’ experience in America’s young colonies. Even Ogelthorpe himself could not save the young Irish indentured servant as she finds challenges, love and loss in 18th century Savannah. Set in the Davenport House, the ghost of Anna Hunter comes back to modern times to tell her story in this lighthearted story of mid-50’s Savannah. Miss Anna, along with her friends, inspired a city to save itself from destruction through her wit, energy and determination.

COFFEE CONCERT SERIES I

Saturday, August 13 at 10am Davenport House Museum, 324 E State St Let SVF start your day off with some heavenly music! Join the Festival on Saturday mornings for a “cuppa,” a pastry and a song (or two) at the beautiful Davenport Museum Gardens and the new Kennedy Pharmacy.

ALICE RYLEY, A SAVANNAH GHOST STORY & ANNA HUNTER, THE SPIRIT OF SAVANNAH libretto and music by Michael Ching A world premiere Savannah Opera Production Andrew Bisantz, conductor Joe Winskye, director Saturday, August 13 at 6:30pm

VOICES IN SACRED SONG

with Timothy L. Hall and the 2022 Festival Artists Sunday, August 14 at 5:00pm First Baptist Church 10 East Broad Street This event is free and open to the public

with proper proof of vaccination. Since the first season, the Festival has celebrated songs of Inspiration from Sacred texts and comforting themes. From oratorio to the uplifting tunes, this is a shining star of the Festival offerings and not to be missed!

OPERA MOVIE NIGHT: PUCCINI’S TOSCA Hosted by Sherrill Milnes Monday, August 15 at 6:30pm Charles H. Morris Center, 10 East Broad Street (For Festival Subscribers Only) Watch Puccini’s dramatic masterpiece filmed on location with Sherrill Milnes, Placido Domingo and Raina Kabavianka. This is true opera movie making with director’s comments that are live, and Milnes will give you insight and exciting stories about the filming of this classic.

RETURN TO BRIGADOON: A CELEBRATION OF THE LERNER & LOEWE CLASSIC

with Justin Havard, music & stage director Tuesday, August 16 at 6:30pm Charles H. Morris Center, 10 East Broad St The timeless fairy tale of the mystical place is reimagined with its most memorable music and romantic moments. Journey to the 100-year moment when the moors open again for you to “Come to the Square” and fall in love with Fiona and Tommy all over again… and again!

MASTERS IN VOICE SERIES: MARIA ZOUVES

director & co-founder of the Milnes VOICE Programs Wednesday, August 17 at 1 p.m. Charles H. Morris Center; 10 E. Broad Street Free Admission Soprano Maria Zouves, Co-founder and president of the Savannah VOICE Festival has directed, taught, and produced events all around the world, and now brings that experience to the singers of Season 10 in this master class.

BE MY LOVE A MARIO LANZA TRIBUTE

Starring and Written by Peter Lake, tenor, with Kyaunnee Richardson and Justin Havard, piano Wednesday, August 17 at 6:30pm Charles H. Morris Center, 10 East Broad St This iconic pop culture tenor hit the Hollywood Bowl and movie scene with the power of Bocelli and legendary stature of Pavarotti. But this life was as dramatic a tale off the stage as well as on. Get to know his story through the eyes of our own Peter Lake as he offers Lanza’s history and greatest hits.

RETURN TO BRIGADOON: A CELEBRATION OF THE LERNER & LOEWE CLASSIC Justin Havard, music & stage director Thursday, August 18 at 6:30pm Charles H. Morris Center, 10 East Broad St

MASTERS IN VOICE SERIES: JAMES MORRIS

world renowned bass-baritone Friday, August 19 at 1 p.m. Charles H. Morris Center; 10 E. Broad Street Free Admission Legendary bass-baritone James Morris is world famous for his performances in opera, concert, recital, and recording. Join us for this special guest master class as Mr. Morris works with artists from SVF’s 10th Season.

FAUST

libretto by Jules Barbier and Michel Carré, music by Charles Gounod a Savannah Opera Production Jorge Parodi, conductor Fabrizio Melano, stage director Friday, August 19 at 6:30pm Asbury Memorial, 1008 Henry Street The Festival’s theme peaks with this classic tale of a pact with the devil, only the way that grand opera can tell it. SVF has put together an extraordinary cast in this special Savannah Opera production with Goethe’s story of Marguerite and Faust. This legendary tale is told through glorious music that will fill you with emotion and lift you to another realm.

COFFEE CONCERT SERIES II

Saturday, August 20 at 10:00am Davenport House Museum, 324 E State St General Seating (includes food & beverage) Let us start your day off with some heavenly music! Join us on Saturday mornings for a “cuppa,” a pastry and a song (or two) at the beautiful Davenport Museum Gardens and the new Kennedy Pharmacy.

2022 FESTIVAL 10TH ANNIVERSARY GALA CONCERT AN EVENING WITH FLICKA

Gala Performance Concert & Finale Reception with Frederica von Stade, world renowned mezzo with Dan Gettinger, piano Saturday, August 20 at 6:30pm Green Meldrim House, 14 W. Macon Street There is no better way to close out Season 10 than with one of the most beloved American singers of a generation! The 2022 Milnes VOICE Awardee Frederica von Stade takes the stage with stories and song, with SVF favorite Dan Gettinger at the piano. Afterwards, join us for a special reception where we present “Flicka” with the 2022 VOICE Award and pay tribute to the 10 years of great music with SVF. IT’S ABOVE AND BEYOND!

FAUST

libretto by Jules Barbier and Michel Carré, music by Charles Gounod a Savannah Opera Production Jorge Parodi, conductor Fabrizio Melano, stage director Sunday, August 21 at 5:00pm Asbury Memorial, 1008 Henry Street

CONNECT SAVANNAH

ART PATROL TRADING SPACES

February 1, 2022 - November 30, 2022 Kobo Gallery artists Morgan Adler, Suzanne Carmack, Antoine de Villiers, Joy Dunigan, Marta McWhorter, David Kaminsky and Daniel E. Smith rotate the gallery, prompting a host of new work arrivals and a fresh take on existing works. 2022 Trading Spaces Events are as follows: • June 1 - July 31, 2022 • August 1 - September 30, 2022 • October 1 - November 30, 2022

KOBO 360°

December 1, 2022 - January 31, 2023 Kobo Gallery artists Morgan Adler, Suzanne Carmack, Antoine de Villiers, Joy Dunigan, Marta McWhorter, David Kaminsky and Daniel E. Smith rotate the gallery, prompting a host of new work arrivals and a fresh take on existing works.

GHOSTS

GHOSTS is a collection of paintings along with a video installation produced by artist, Meg Kettelkamp, and filmed and edited by Grace Harding. Kettelkamp’s naturally dyed fabrics with plant material gathered around Savannah take on new forms and purposes in the film, continued by a new presentation in the gallery. Contemplating the complexities of the past and its effects on the present, she invites the viewer into a quiet reflection of both light and shadow, and seeing the familiar with childlike simplicity. All work at the exhibition will be for sale. 5-9 p.m.. megkettelkamp.com. The Nest Gallery, 601 E 33rd St.

THROUGH THE EYES OF ERIC HARTLEY, A PHOTOGRAPHIC COLLECTION

CHUL-HYUN AHN: BEYOND

Telfair Museums’ 2022 PULSE Art + Technology Festival features a solo exhibition by Baltimore-based artist Chul-Hyun Ahn (Korean, b. 1971) whose light boxes made from LEDs, one-way mirrors, and sculptural materials create the suggestion of

THE ART OF WILLIAM O. GOLDING: HARD KNOCKS, HARDSHIPS AND LOTS OF EXPERIENCE

Telfair Museums presents the first large museum survey of the work of William O. Golding (1874-1943), an African American seaman and artist who recorded a half-century of maritime experience in more than one hundred vibrant drawings. In the 1930s, Golding was a patient at the United States Marine Hospital in Savannah, where he represented his experiences in expressive pencil and crayon drawings which combine memory, imagination, and sailors’ lore. 72 works will be exhibited, including 23 drawings from Telfair Museums’ permanent collection, and others from the Morris Museum of Art, The Georgia Museum of Art, and private collections. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.. 912-790-8800. info@telfair.org. telfair.org/ exhibitions/golding/. telfair.org/jepson/. Jepson Center for the Arts, 207 West York St.

DECONSTRUCTED

In dialogue with ‘CONVERGENCE’ in the adjoining art912 gallery, ‘DECONSTRUCTED’ features over a dozen works created in the Southeast in the 20th and 21st centuries. Beyond a regional guiding thread, these objects from Telfair Museums’ permanent collection speak to the theme of deconstruction, either formally or conceptually. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.. 19127908800. info@telfair.org. telfair.org/exhibitions/deconstructed/. telfair. org/jepson/. Jepson Center for the Arts, 207 West York St.

BLOW UP: INFLATABLE CONTEMPORARY ART

BLOW UP: Inflatable Contemporary Art explores the imaginative ways that artists use air as a tool for creating larger-than-life sculptures. Featuring nine cutting-edge installation projects, this exhibition shakes up traditional associations of inflatables with balloons, beach toys, and blimps. As a group, these demonstrate the wealth of visual possibilities for inflatable art, from playfully familiar subjects to colorful abstractions and thought-provoking conceptual work. The exhibition includes an international roster of artists and art collectives who are well known in contemporary art circles: Nicole Banowetz, Sharon Engelstein, FriendsWithYou, Joshua Harker, Susan Lee-Chun, Matt Ritchie, Lizabeth Rossof, Max Streicher, and Jen Stark. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.. 912-790-8800. telfair.org

ART PATROL RECOMMENDATIONS A short trip ‘over the bridge’ takes you to Palmetto Bluff’s FLOW Gallery at 76B Boat House Street. This month, the gallery welcomes three new artists: painter Katie White, wood turner Michael Murphy, and the glass artists of Whitfield Designs. The August artist-in-residence is Mary Landrum Pyron, owner and designer of ML Provisions, the only custom hat maker in Mississippi, who will host workshops on August 11, 12, and 13. More information and registration links can be found under the Experience/Arts Initiative tab at PalmettoBluff.com August 15 is the application deadline for the beloved Gordonston Juried Art Fair, scheduled for Saturday, October 8. Artists can find details at gordsonstonartfair.com (Sean) Grenville Emmet, IV shows photography of the American West in the JEA Gallery (5111 Abercorn Street) during August, with an opening reception on Friday, August 5 from 4-6pm. Born in Harford, CT and raised in NYC, Emmet lived in Savannah for 18 years before moving to Fernandina Beach in 2021. Finally, Cleo the Gallery is back and deserving of our support! Founder and head curator Jeannette McCune’s mission is to show work by under-exhibited artists, paying each a percentage of the value of their pieces upfront as ‘rent’ for the time spent exhibiting in her space. “Melted Moment Mid Sip” features fiber work by Russian-born Sophia Belkin, BFA; surreal paintings of human appendages by New Yorker, Lauren Carly Shaw, MFA; psychedelic and mythological combinations of images by Montreal-based Katerine Dennie-Marcoux; and organically designed tables by carpenter Chad Austin, who lives and works in Savannah. Cleo the Gallery is located at 104 E. 40th Street, and is open Friday, August 5, from 6-9 pm and by appointment. Find out more at cleothegallery.com

CONNECT SAVANNAH | AUGUST 3-9, 2022

The Arts on the Coast in partnership with Great Oaks Bank is proud to present ‘Through the Eyes of Eric Hartley, A Photographic Collection’, a black and white photography exhibition that features over 25 extraordinary images from Hartley’s personal collection. An opening reception will be held on Friday, June 3rd from 5-7 p.m. The full show dates at June 3-August 12, 2022. Free 5-7 p.m.. 9123985776. artsonthecoastaoc@gmail. com. artsonthecoast.org/eric-hartley. Estes Gallery at Great Oaks Bank/Arts on the Coast, 42 Town Centre Drive.

infinite space, whether the illusion of a railroad track curving into the darkness or geometric abstractions in vibrant color. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.. 912-790-8800. telfair.org

To submit an ART PATROL listing, please submit an event at connectsavannah.com

CULTURE

MATT TOOLE & RUTH SYKES ENTANGLED MINDS BLOWN By Beth Logan

CONNECT SAVANNAH | AUGUST 3-9, 2022

ART COLUMNIST

The Old Roberds Dairy Farm at the end of Tennessee Avenue in Thunderbolt is home to over 165 acres of pastures and marsh salt flats. At the entrance to this wild and magical space sits the dairy plant building, abandoned in the 1980’s, and now home to Toole Sculpture Works. It is here, in the un-airconditioned organized clutter of machinery, projects and found objects, that I meet with Matt Toole and Ruth Sykes to discuss their upcoming collaborative show, “Entanglements.” Prior to our meeting, Sykes had not viewed the pieces Toole has been creating, and she is overcome with speechless delight when she sees the twisted and subtly colored sculptures of branches that so cleverly echo her own two-dimensional pieces. The similarities between such disparate mediums are striking. Toole gives much of the credit to his parttime co-creator Michelle Muller for figuring out how to wrap the specially foraged branches of holly in newsprint and gauze; the latter subtly dyed to mimic the soft colored pencil finish Sykes applies to her intricate drawings. Part of one sculpture, still in progress, is covered in the most beautiful lichens. The main branch soars from a piece of fabricated metal, and the whole piece is set into the repurposed prop housing of a boat. Other works are wall-mounted, springing forth from a spongy bed of sphagnum moss. Another piece, fashioned from twisted and grainy Hackberry wood, is extended and amplified by the addition of a second narrower piece of wood that elongates the whole to a graceful point. Toole lovingly strokes the Hackberry’s curves, delighting in the textures sculpted by beetles – only revealed when he peeled away the outer bark. Both Toole and Sykes are deeply drawn to the natural world, found objects in general, and to wood in particular. Sulfur Studio’s Director of Exhibitions, Jon Witsky, and Executive Director Emily Earl are to be credited with recognizing this synergy, and for asking them to collaborate on a show. Sykes is a native of Wisconsin with a BA in Arts, specializing in Graphic Design and Illustration, from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. She enjoyed an extensive career as an award-winning graphic designer, most recently with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, before moving to Savannah in 2010, drawn, she tells me, by the trees. She loves the marsh, the beach, and the boats on the river, but it was the live oaks that spurred her relocation and inspire so much of her work. Sykes, both thoughtful and intelligent, recreated herself as an artist only after retirement, seeking a way to fuse her graphic design mindset into fine arts. Now, she devotes part of every day to her highly textured drawings, which, she tells me, are often mistaken for body musculature, sinews, and tendons.

ABOVE: Sykes’ “Vah 14 (The Carrier Series).” Ink, alcohol marker and colored pencil on paper. OPPOSITE: Sykes looking at Toole’s wrapped sculptures that mimic her own work; L-R Muller, Sykes and Toole at Toole Sculpture Works; Toole works on the Hackberry wood sculpture.

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ERIC CULBERSON LIVE BLUES @9PM inspired by the natural environment and the live oaks. That’s what dictates a lot of the movement and the lines that I try to replicate.” Like Sykes, he enjoys allowing his mind to be in a free-flowing state and seeing where that will lead him. “It’s been a departure and a new direction to add fiber to my work. You know, we do practical work here, railings and lights and such, things that require exact dimensions. So, it’s an absolute pleasure to let my mind explore and wander – it’s like the patterns of organic energy explained in the Dancing Wu Li Masters book that Ruth and I discussed when we first met about this show. That’s the journey. That’s the process.” (Here, we go off on somewhat of an intellectual/spiritual/scientific tangent, with Sykes excitedly explaining recent progress in the search for “God particles” and how this science has inspired her latest drawing entitled “The Wheel of Ezekiel”). Asking the artists what they hope their show will evoke in viewers, Sykes says wryly, “People are so busy shopping and looking at ‘that rectangle in their hand.’ It’s like modern day foraging. Instead, I hope that people will look at the work and slow down. Maybe, they’ll be inspired to go out in the woods and take a walk. Pick up some moss. Appreciate the fallen leaves, the color, the water, the beauty.” Similarly, Toole wants viewers, “to appreciate both the intricate, beautiful things that have been made by hand and the natural elements that been made by the forces of nature. To see the beauty that is inherent in our natural world - like the Hackberry wood that was sculpted by the bark beetle. I just want people to walk into the gallery and have their minds blown.” “Entanglements: Ruth Sykes and Matt Toole”, with investment by Starlandia Art Supply and by the City of Savannah, opens this Friday, August 5 from 5-9pm in conjunction with First Fridays in Starland at Sulfur Studios, 2301 Bull Street. Find out more at sulfurstudios.org. The artists will give a talk on Saturday August 20 at 2pm and the show runs through August 27. Find Toole’s work at toolesculptureworks.com and Instagram.com/toole_sculpture_works and find Sykes’ at Sulfur Studios.

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“When I’m working on them, there’s all these different influences that come into it. It’s not just the organic and natural, but also books that I’m reading, music that I’m listening to, stories I’ve read. I like Celtic art, Scandinavian art, Art Nouveau. Any of that intertwining kind of thing.” “When I was first starting out in graphic design I always had a technical pen in my pocket, and I was always making slow, highly detailed work. As my illustrations became more abstract, that kind of drawing stuck with me. I’d turn on the music and let it flow out of me. I just let go,” Sykes continues. “I don’t plan it. When the pen and ink drawing is finished, I go over it with colored pencil. It’s very time consuming to build up the layers of color. While the core of my work is pen and ink, I’m also experimenting with cut paper doing collage and assemblage.” Sykes adds, “I recognize that my work, as much as I love it, can get a bit sterile. It must be framed and put under glass. It starts to feel a bit meticulous. But I think combined with Matt’s sculpture, it will really come alive.” Toole was drawn to Sykes’ bio-abstractions before he knew her, recognizing and appreciating her love of texture and love of nature. Toole grew up in the woods and marshes of Wilmington Island, earning a BFA from GSU in 1994 and an MFA from Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville in 2000. He’s enjoyed several prestigious sculpture residencies in the United States and in Europe and has traveled extensively to collaborate on cast iron projects. A former professor of Foundation Studies at SCAD, he still occasionally teaches but focuses mainly on his utilitarian iron work and creating his marvelous, nature-inspired sculptures. Sykes says, “My father was a high school science teacher which pretty much meant I was homeschooled in biology and physics 24/7. My mom was amazing. She wasn’t an artist, but she’d bring home things from the woods and make little centerpieces of rocks, chips of wood, twigs, and things for this little fairyland in the middle of our dining room table. Both my parents were foragers, and of course, Matt is always foraging. We have that in common.” Toole agrees, “There’s an interesting common ground in terms of how our early years developed into art making. We are both

BOOKS Savannah’s Independent Bookstore since 1975 offering a selection of fiction, nonfiction, regional, and children’s books

WHAT ARE WE READING? PRESENTED AND CURATED WEEKLY BY E. SHAVER, BOOKSELLER WHEN WOMEN WERE DRAGONS BY KELLY BARNHILL

Alex Green is a young girl in a world much like ours, except for its most seminal event: the Mass Dragoning of 1955, when hundreds of thousands of ordinary wives and mothers sprouted wings, scales, and talons; left a trail of fiery destruction in their path; and took to the skies. Was it their choice? What will become of those left behind? Why did Alex’s beloved aunt Marla transform but her mother did not? Alex doesn’t know. It’s taboo to speak of. Forced into silence, Alex nevertheless must face the consequences of this astonishing event: a mother more protective than ever; an absentee father; the upsetting insistence that her aunt never even existed; and watching her beloved cousin Bea become dangerously obsessed with the forbidden.

A PRAYER FOR THE CROWN-SHY BY BECKY CHAMBERS

After touring the rural areas of Panga, Sibling Dex (a Tea Monk of some renown) and Mosscap (a robot sent on a quest to determine what humanity really needs) turn their attention to the villages and cities of the little moon they call home. They hope to find the answers they seek, while making new friends, learning new concepts, and experiencing the entropic nature of the universe. Becky Chambers’s new series continues to ask: in a world where people have what they want, does having more even matter?

CASINO ROYALE

CONNECT SAVANNAH | AUGUST 3-9, 2022

BY IAN FLEMING

In the novel that introduced James Bond to the world, Ian Fleming’s agent 007 is dispatched to a French casino in Royale-les-Eaux. His mission? Bankrupt a ruthless Russian agent who’s been on a bad luck streak at the baccarat table.

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One of SMERSH’s most deadly operatives, the man known only as “Le Chiffre,” has been a prime target of the British Secret Service for years. If Bond can wipe out his bankroll, Le Chiffre will likely be “retired” by his paymasters in Moscow. But what if the cards won’t cooperate? After a brutal night at the gaming tables, Bond soon finds himself dodging would-be assassins, fighting off brutal torturers, and going all-in to save the life of his beautiful female counterpart, Vesper Lynd.

STYLE WHAT ARE WE WEARING? GET CREATIVE WITH YOUR LOOKS By Lauren Wolverton

lauren@connectsavannah.com

It sounds crazy, but in my opinion, style is still in a weird place post-Covid lockdown. Athleisure and loungewear became fashion, and then TikTok blew up, overwhelming us with fashion ideas from creators of all different ages and styles, from all over the world. I feel like my personal style has felt a bit routine lately and I’m not sure what direction it’s going in.

Lucky for us, we live in Savannah, where there is no shortage of art and creativity. When I’m feeling uninspired, I pop into local stores like Starland Strange. Manager Day Toscano and the Starland Strange team always have quirky pieces styled to perfection. This simple band tee would be great on its own with this pink skirt. But paired with a bandana and rainbow body chain, this look is taken from cute to head-turning. Wear this for a night out to drinks with friends, or to a fall concert with your favorite booties. Starland Strange has tons of cool graphic tees like this orange-brown one. Again, this T-shirt would look perfectly fine worn with classic denim shorts, but it looks so much more interesting with these funky printed jeans. The bolo tie, neon orange hat and cow-print purse are the finishing touches I need to feel inspired to play around with my wardrobe again. Tees, pink skirt, printed jeans, jewelry, body chain, bandana, purse, orange hat available at Starland Strange (17 W. 41st Street).

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LATIN NIGHT WITH DJ CESAR @ VICE LOUNGE + MOJITO BAR

Dominating the turntables every first Thursday of the month at VICE Lounge, DJ Cesar is a Southeast regional veteran who can read the floor and respond accordingly. He mixes all genres effortlessly, with a thumb on the Latin scale, to keep the party hopping. THUR, AUG 4 | 9 PM

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He may or may not live in a Buick and calls Weird Al, Sinbad and Norm MacDonald his comedic idols. So it’s light on deep insights, but loaded with clean laughs. How clean? He was voted “Best StandUp Comedian (CLEAN)” at the 2021 ATL Comedy Awards. You can bring anyone. SAT AUG 6 PM | 8 PM

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The Bronx comic has been slaying audiences since the age of 17, with appearances on Kimmel and Seth Meyers. Brillon was also named one of “10 Comedians You Need to Know” by former music magazine Rolling Stone. Fellow Bronx native James Hoff opens. THUR AUG 4, 7:30PM | FRI & SAT AUG 5-6, 7PM & 9:40PM

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COMEDY

Comedian Gina Brillon harnesses the healing power of laughter By Angie Miller

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lon says she comes up with her material from a variety of sources but feels that her best material comes from her own life stories. “I do people watch a lot and pay attention to different conversations I hear throughout the city but I also take a lot from my life,” she explained. “I think that’s always the best well to pick from just because it’s uniquely you and the more you pick from that well of stories the more you stand out. Although we all have similar experiences it’s our point of view that really matters and our life informs our point of view.” Brillon added that because she feels the world has become so divisive now, she likes to present her comedic point of view in a neutral, subjective format. “For me personally, I look at comedy as this moment of healing…this moment to sort of take a breath from the pressures of life, and have a chance to talk about it in

a very neutral, observant sort of way,” she explained. “Sometimes painting something with a humorous picture can really help somebody see the other side of the argument and I think that’s the beauty of comedy. You can hear the same topics but from a different perspective and eventually, hopefully, the goal is to connect with somebody who is a complete stranger. Someone who just sits there and goes ‘oh my god…I thought I was the only person who felt that way.’” Brillon, who is currently on tour, will be the first comedian to perform at District Live’s new monthly “Big Comedy Network at District Live,” series. Her performances will take place on Thurs., Aug 4 at 7:30 p.m. and Sat., Aug 6 at 7 p.m and 9:30 p.m. Must be 18 to attend. To purchase tickets or for more information visit bigcomedy.myeventscenter.com

CONNECT SAVANNAH | AUGUST 3-9, 2022

Born and raised in the south Bronx, Gina Brillon says she grew up surrounded by comedy and knew from a young age that she wanted to pursue a career in the industry. “I love laughing and making people laugh,” Brillon said. “I fell in love with comedy when I was 14. I watched a lot of stand-up growing up and I was surrounded by a family who turned to humor whenever we were going through something tough. So, growing up in that environment…I just sort of learned to do the same and I have always felt like laughter is really healing.” According to Brillon, she first began dabbling with her own comedy in highschool and when she was 17, she wrote her first act. “I remember hanging out with my friends in the halls of my highschool and using my hairbrush as a microphone… that’s really where it all started,” she said laughing. “From watching so much standup, I was well versed in the structure of comedy so I was able to kind of dive into the scene head first.” Brillon, who spent many years working the New York City comedy scene, eventually landed spots on several television shows including “Late Night with Seth Meyers” and “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” “The View,” the CBS sitcom “Kevin Can Wait” and “The Conners” on ABC. In 2012, she became the first Latina winner of NBC’s “Stand up for Diversity Showcase,” which helped her get noticed by comedian Gabriel Iglesias. According to her, Iglesias took her under his wing and she credits him as being her unofficial mentor. “The first big thing that made an impact on me was the special that I did with Gabriel Iglesies,” she explained. “It was such a learning experience and Gabe sort of stepped in as an unofficial mentor. I feel like I learned a lot from him during that time and he trained me to conquer big stages and to deal with massive amounts of pressure.” Brillon was also a finalist on season 16 of NBC’s “America’s Got Talent,” and she has several stand-up specials under her belt. In 2020, she released her most recent special, “Gina Brillon: The Floor is Lava,” which won a 2021 Gracie Award and an Imagen Award nomination. When it comes to her comedy acts, Bril-

Quality Eats + Drinks

CONNECT SAVANNAH MUSIC

SOUNDBOARD WHO IS PLAYING WHERE THIS WEEK

AUG/

3-9

ENTER YOUR EVENT ONLINE AT CONNECTSAVANNAH.COM

WEDNESDAY 8/3

Roy Swindell, 7 p.m. Sting Ray’s Robert Willis, 6 p.m. Tubby’s Tank House (Thunderbolt) Bucky and Barry, 1 p.m.

LIVE MUSIC

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

TRIVIA & GAMES

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

KARAOKE

Bay Street Blues Karaoke Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m. McDonough’s Karaoke, 9 p.m.

TRIVIA & GAMES

El-Rocko Lounge Trivia with Jules and Chris Grimmett, 9-11:30 p.m. Moodright’s Duckpin Bowling League Night, 8 p.m. Service Brewing Company Trivia Night with Jess Shaw, 6:30 p.m. The Wormhole Bingo, 10 p.m.

MONDAY 8/8 LIVE MUSIC

Nickie’s 1971 Ray Tomasino, 7 p.m. The Wormhole Open Mic, 6 p.m.-2 a.m.

KARAOKE

Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m. Wet Willie’s Karaoke, 9 p.m.

COMEDY

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

THURSDAY 8/4 LIVE MUSIC

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

TRIVIA & GAMES Bar Food Trivia Night, 8 p.m. McDonough’s Family Feud, 7 p.m. The Wormhole Trivia, 10 p.m.

KARAOKE

Bay Street Blues Karaoke Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m. McDonough’s Karaoke, 9 p.m.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | AUGUST 3-9, 2022

COMEDY

District Live at Plant Riverside District Big Comedy Network at District Live feat. Gina Brillon, 7:30-8:30 p.m. District Live at Plant Riverside District Big Comedy Network at District Live feat. Gina Brillon, 7:30-9 p.m. 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. VICE Lounge + Mojito Bar Latin Night with DL Cesar, first Thursday of every month, 9 p.m.

BAR & CLUB EVENTS

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

FRIDAY 8/5 LIVE MUSIC

Congress St. Social Club

TRIVIA & GAMES

MON/

JEREMY AND CLAY’S BIG BAND BIRTHDAY BASH! @DISTRICT LIVE | 7PM

It only happens once a year... and it seems to be happening quicker and quicker some how?! Monday, August 8th is the day the world celebrates Jeremy and Clay’s birthday! Join The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra’s Monday Night Cabaret at Savannah’s newest premier live music venue, District Live in the heart of Plant Riverside District. Musically they’ll celebrate JD & CJ’s favorite tunes to perform. Some Sinatra, some Beatles, some Queen, some Motown, some Louisiana, some Georgia, some Broadway, some Gospel… and more! COCKTAIL HOUR: 6pm - 7pm SHOW TIME: 7pm - 8:30pm

DJ Square One, 10 p.m. Coffee Bluff Marina LAX, 6 p.m. First Presbyterian Church First Friday for Folk Music, 7:309:30 p.m. Rancho Alegre Cuban Restaurant JodyJazz Trio, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Service Brewing Company Bluegrass By The Pint with Swamptooth, 6 p.m. Sting Ray’s Robert Willis, 6 p.m.

TRIVIA & GAMES

PS Tavern Beer Pong Tournament, 10 p.m.

KARAOKE

Bay Street Blues Karaoke 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. The Hive Repertory Theatre LLC Adult Night Out - Karaoke!, 8 p.m. Totally Awesome Bar Karaoke, 10 p.m.

COMEDY

District Live at Plant Riverside District

Big Comedy Network at District Live feat. Gina Brillon, 7-8 & 9:30-10:30 p.m. District Live at Plant Riverside District Big Comedy Network at District Live feat. Gina Brillon, 7-11 p.m.

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

BAR & CLUB EVENTS

Club One Drag Show, 10:30 p.m. & 12:30 a.m. Rock House Music & Dance, 10 p.m.

SATURDAY 8/6 LIVE MUSIC

Coffee Bluff Marina Gary Strickland, 6 p.m. Rancho Alegre Cuban Restaurant JodyJazz Trio, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Sting Ray’s Robert Willis, 6 p.m.

TRIVIA & GAMES

Blueberry Hill Pool Tournament, 2 p.m.

KARAOKE

Bar Food Karaoke Night, 10 p.m. Bay Street Blues Karaoke Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m.

McDonough’s Karaoke, 9 p.m. Rock House Karaoke, 9 p.m. Totally Awesome Bar Karaoke, 10 p.m.

COMEDY

District Live at Plant Riverside District Big Comedy Network at District Live feat. Gina Brillon, 7-8 & 9:30-10:30 p.m. District Live at Plant Riverside District Big Comedy Network at District Live feat. Gina Brillon, 7-11 p.m. Front Porch Improv Adult Drop-in IMPROV Class, 10 a.m.

BAR & CLUB EVENTS

Club One Drag Show, 10:30 p.m. & 12:30 a.m. Over Yonder Honky Tonk Saturdays

SUNDAY 8/7 LIVE MUSIC

Collins Quarter at Forsyth Ember City, 2 p.m. Congress Street Social Club Voodoo Soup, 10 p.m. Myrtle & Rose, Rooftop Garden Plant Riverside Live Jazz Sunday Brunch Featuring the Howard Paul Jazz Trio, 11 a.m.3 p.m. Nickie’s 1971

Club One Super Gay Bingo, 5:30 p.m. Moodright’s BINGO, 8 p.m. Starland Yard Music Bingo, 7-9 p.m.

KARAOKE

Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m. Wet Willie’s Karaoke, 9 p.m.

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

TUESDAY 8/9 LIVE MUSIC

Christ Church Episcopal Savannah VOICE Festival: “VOICES in Song”, 6:30-9:30 p.m. McDonough’s Open Mic/Jam, 9 p.m. Nickie’s 1971 Roy Swindell, 7 p.m.

TRIVIA & GAMES

Basil’s Pizza and Deli Trivia, 7 p.m. Fia Rua Irish Pub Trivia, 7 p.m. McDonough’s Trivia Tuesday, 7 p.m. Oak 36 Bar + Kitchen Trivia Tuesday, 9 p.m. Savannah Taphouse Trivia, 7 p.m. Starland Yard Trivia with Chris Grimmett, 6:30 p.m.; Trivia Night With Chris Grimmett, 6:308:30 p.m.

KARAOKE

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

COMEDY

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

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

THE BAND PAGE By Frank Ricci

JOE GRANDSEN QUARTET @ GOOD TIMES JAZZ BAR

THE SMOKE BREAKS + SEX AT TIFFANY’S @ THE WORMHOLE

RANDALL BRAMBLETT @ TYBEE POST THEATER

DONZII @ LODGE OF SORROWS

The dual threat is a maestro trombonist, leaning into hard bop. He’s also a celebrated vocalist compared to Chet Baker and Frank Sinatra. Perhaps best of all, Smokey Robinson is a big fan. Seriously, what more do you need to know? FRI & SAT, AUG 5 & 6 | 8 PM

Miami’s DONZII is like a modern, dark version of the WHAMMY!-era B-52’s foray into pleasingly repetitive electronic percussion. They go to extremes, expanding the spectrum with passages that panic hard to plodding, brooding angst. The results are inspiring. And who gets something this cool on a Tuesday night? TUES AUG 9 | 8 PM

CONNECT SAVANNAH | AUGUST 3-9, 2022

In the late 60s, the Jesup, Georgia, native was considering the seminary. Grace intervened when he was turned on to Dylan, Carole King and James Taylor. It’s been all rock and roll since. From session work with Greg Allman and Elvin Bishop, touring with Greg, and with the pioneering fusion funk act Sea Level. The personification of the “pro from Dover. SAT AUG 6 | 8 PM

The Providence, RI, rockers let it all hang out. Once compared to an ‘80s hard rock/metal act with Stevie Nicks on vocals, it may not be quite that, but it’s a close enough description to get the point across. Charleston punks Sex at Tiffany’s open. FRI AUG 5 | 9 PM

BUSINESS LEADER NEEDED Morris Multimedia, Inc. is looking for a proven leader to take charge of Effingham Herald’s weekly newspaper in Southeast Georgia! This progressive media company with newspapers, magazines, websites, digital services and outdoor advertising is looking for a full-time proven leader with at least 3-5 years of management experience who believes in a collaborative work environment where each individual employee has the opportunity to shine and rise to their greatest potential.

JONESIN’ CROSSWORD

“Finished at the Bottom”--bottom row on your keyboard, that is. by Matt Jones

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

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Must be a hands-on leader, who will strive to grow company revenues across a wide spectrum of categories while controlling expenses within the general outline of a budget;

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The successful candidate will be responsible for revenue generation, financial data reporting, forecasting and budgeting along with the ability to read and understand management reports and profit and loss statements;

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Recruitment and training of top talent;

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Must possess the ability to multitask;

Motivation of all employees;

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Must be able to build and maintain strong relationships with community members and clients;

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Meet and exceed monthly revenue and bottom-line goals;

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Attend networking events on behalf of the company.

CORE QUALIFICATIONS:

➤ Three years or more in a leadership role. Prior media management and advertising sales experience a strong plus;

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BA in Marketing or Business preferred.

OUR COMPANY’S CORE VALUES:

➤ We are a fun, supportive and value-driven media group offering:

CONNECT SAVANNAH | AUGUST 3-9, 2022

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Competitive salary and bonus opportunities; A great benefits package - health benefits, matching 401(k), profit sharing, paid time off, professional tools to aid in management; An open, collaborative, creative team. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Females, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing. Candidates must have a clean MVR and background screening as well as reliable transportation.

To apply, send a cover letter explaining your qualifications and salary requirements along with your resume to: Regional Vice President, Joe McGlamery (joe@morrisnews.com)

Have a strong understanding of deadlines and be able to work well under stress;

ACROSS 1. One of the former Dutch Antilles 6. H.S. diploma alternative 9. Oceanic movement 13. Hacienda homes 14. “Better Call Saul” costar Seehorn whose name is pronounced “ray” 16. Open up ___ of worms 17. *Casual term for a trio of great European composers 19. Half of a golf course 20. *Got a little rest 22. One of 17-Across 25. Simple 26. Feel discomfort 27. Greek vowels 30. “Please stay!” 31. Lip shiner 33. In layers 35. Percolate 36. *Variant bingo wins that are really just both main diagonals at once 37. “A horse is a horse” horse 41. Dealer’s request 43. Other song on a 45 44. When, colloquially 47. Lion’s exclamation 49. “Down with thee!” 50. Hubble with a space telescope named after him 51. Restaurant employee 53. *Requirement for drawing a dragon, according to Strong Bad (to add teeth, “spinities,” and angry eyebrows) 58. Like an easy job, slangily 59. *IRS forms used to report business income or loss 63. “Chocolat” actress Lena

64. “The Ballad of Reading ___” (Oscar Wilde) 65. Moroccan capital 66. Air France fleet members, once 67. Actor Sheridan of “Ready Player One” 68. Casual stroll DOWN 1. Stage routine 2. “Go team!” cheer 3. Practical purpose 4. Unit of cookies 5. Makes embarrassed 6. Kinnear of “Little Miss Sunshine” 7. “___ (Nothing Else I Can Say)” (2008 Lady Gaga song) 8. Good thing to stay out of 9. *Neutral-colored candies discontinued in 1995 10. Least welcoming 11. “Mother” metal performer Glenn 12. “Romanian Rhapsody No. 2” composer Georges 15. Shakespeare’s Bottom had the head of one 18. Junkyard car’s coating 21. Clarinet relative 22. “Are you using your own ___?” (self check-out query) 23. Stir (up) 24. Lotion additive 28. Ended in ___ 29. Icelandic post-punk band ___ Rós 30. Pediatricians, e.g. 32. *They’re actually different letters than the ones with the tildes

34. Former Canadian baseball player 36. “Dynamite” K-pop band 38. ___-To-Go (Fortnite item for immediate teleports) 39. Actress Falco 40. Woodland grazers 42. Half a “Mork & Mindy” signoff 43. Display of daring 44. Artworks painted on dry plaster 45. Anheuser-Busch nonalcoholic brew 46. Fesses up proudly 48. Blown away 52. Five Pillars religion 54. Flavor enhancer that’s “king of flavor,” in Uncle Roger videos 55. Aspiring doc’s exam 56. Ship greeting 57. TV component? 60. Fall back gradually 61. Orioles legend Ripken Jr. 62. Part of many Quebec place names

CROSSWORD ANSWERS

HAPPY

BIRTHDAY

BASH

TICKETS ONLY AT EQUINOXORCHESTRA.COM

BEATLES, BROADWAY MONDAY AUGUST 8 BIG BAND SINATRA DISTRICT LIVE AND MORE PLANT RIVERSIDE DISTRICT 400 WEST RIVER STREET

OPENING ACT - KENNY MUNSHAW - 6PM

CONTEST

In the world of the Real Pets of Savannah, being extra is guaranteed, glitzy collars are key and the louder the bark, the softer the bite. This summer, we are asking Connect readers to share photos of their favorite furballs. If you’re a pet lover, you’re going to be excited about our new contest The Real Pets of Savannah. Entering the contest is easy! Simply, tell us your pet’s name and their “Real Housewives Tagline,” along with your favorite photo of them! Nominations will run July 25 to August 5, Voting will run from August 5 to August 19, and the lucky winner will receive a $100 gift card to Woof Gang Bakery! Scan the code or enter at connectsavannah.com

presented by:

Savannah’s Neighborhood Pet Store

New Arrivals Daily!

ALEXANDER’S BISTRO 1201 Bull Street

Serving Breakfast, Lunch & Sunday Brunch

Dine-in I Dine-out I Carry-out Freshly Baked Pastry & Breads House Cured: Oven Baked Meats, Cafe, Espresso, Select Wines & Beers

In The Heart Of Savannah’s Historic Victorian District (912) 349 - 5334

alexandersbistro.com

244 Bull Street | (912)-236-4053 Mon-Sat 10:30-5:30pm, Sun 12-4pm ShopRedClover.com

JULY 13 - AUG 3

ENTER TO WIN A FREE

ONE SPA DAY

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE HUB AT THEHUBSAVANNAH.COM