Connect Savannah September 22, 2021 by Connect Savannah

CONNECT SAVANNAH

connectsavannah.com

SEPTEMBER 22 - 28 • 2021

MEET CHERYL BRANCH, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF SAFE SHELTER

ERIC BRITT BRINGS BACK HAZEL VIRTUE FOR LOCAL SHOW AT SOUTHBOUND BREWING

AND ALL THAT

JAZZ

THE SAVANNAH JAZZ FESTIVAL CELEBRATES ITS 40TH YEAR WITH A LINEUP THAT WOWS GRAMMY AWARD WINNERS RANKY TANKY TAKE THE STAGE SUNDAY, SEPT. 26

CONNECT SAVANNAH | SEPT 22 - 28, 2021

IS PROUD TO SUPPORT THE MISSION AND MUSIC OF THE SAVANNAH JAZZ FESTIVAL connectsavannah.com FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION VISIT SAVANNAHJAZZ.ORG 2

SPONSOR:

S AVA N N A H J A Z Z . O R G

CONNECT SAVANNAH | SEPT 22 - 28, 2021

RANKY TANKY

SIppin TEa Monday tree-fifty Wine wednesday tuesday all beer, titos, RBV, SIppin TEa$13Monday Wine wednesday $3 Truly Tea Buckets Half off Bottles all beer, titos, RBV, jameson: $3.50 TEa$13Monday $3SIppin Truly Tea Buckets tree-fifty tuesday Wine wednesday Half off Bottles jameson: $3.50 $3 Truly Tea $13 Buckets $3.50 beer, titos, RBV, jameson Half off Bottles

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

125 West River Street On top of the cotton sail hotel

125 West RiverTHRU StreetTHURSDAY On top of the cotton sail hotel SUNDAY 11AM TO 11 125 West River Street OnTHRU top of the cotton sail SUNDAY THURSDAY 11AM TOhotel 11 PM* PM* FRIDAY AND 11AM TO SUNDAY THRU THURSDAY 11cotton PM* FRIDAY AND SATURDAY 11AM TO 1AM* 1AM* 125 West River StreetSATURDAY On11AM top ofTO the sail hotel FRIDAY SUNDAY AND SATURDAY 11AM TO11AM 1AM*TO 11 PM* www.topdeckbar.com THRU THURSDAY

www.topdeckbar.com

*CLOSING HOURS SUBJECT 11AM TO CHANGE FRIDAY AND SATURDAY TO 1AM* *CLOSING HOURS SUBJECT TO CHANGE www.topdeckbar.com

www.topdeckbar.com

*CLOSING HOURS SUBJECT TO CHANGE

22-28

WEEK CONNECT SAVANNAH

AT A GLANCE

WEDNESDAY 9/22 Legends Live On

(ongoing) International Vocal Group LEGACY performs timeless hit songs by Beatles, Bruno Mars, Aretha Franklin, Four Seasons, Jackson 5, Donna Summer, Stevie Wonder and many more with a rockin’ live band and aerial artistry in a dazzling Vegasstyle production. savannahtheatre.com WED, THURS, FRI and SAT at 8pm Historic Savannah Theatre / 222 Bull St

Open Mic at Mint To Be Mojito Bar Musicians & Singers Wanted! Join host Larry Broussard (of the band LAX) for Savannah’s Best Open Mic every Wednesday. Watch LIVE ON TIKTOK! (Cajuncookin). Larry plays your favorite hits and requests between sets. Call 912-713-1009 to book your 30 minutes of stage time. No cover charge! 5-11 p.m. Mint to Be Mojito Bar & Bites, 12 W State St.

Jess Shaw and Kevin Ryan will guide participants through an evening of trivia and self discovery at Service Brewing. Test your trivia knowledge! The first place team receives $100. 6:30 p.m. Service Brewing Co., 574 Indian St. servicebrewing.com

HIGHLIGHTED PICKS FROM HOSTESS CITY HAPPENINGS THIS WEEK To have your event considered for inclusion in Week at a Glance, please send an email to wag@connectsavannah. com. Include the event name, date, time, location with address, cost, website address for additional information, and a contact number. The submission deadline is 5PM each Friday before the following Wednesday’s edition.

THURSDAY 9/23 Savannah Jazz Festival (Streaming Live) The 40th Savannah Jazz Festival will be held at Savannah Station. WSAV-TV will stream the live performances. Visit savannahjazz.org for more information. Ongoing through Sept. 26

Salsa Thursday at Mint To Be Mojito Bar

Come for beginners Salsa lessons and stay for free open Latin Dance. No cover charge! 7-11 p.m. Mint to Be Mojito Bar, 12 W State St.

Bingo! at Elks Lodge

Join Elks Lodge for Bingo on Thursdays from 7:309:30 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 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 9/24 Bluegrass By The Pint with Swamptooth

Join Service Brewing for Bluegrass by the Pint every

MON/

MARY KAY ANDREWS: “THE SANTA SUIT” SAVANNAH LAUNCH PARTY

Part-time Savannah author Mary Kay Andrewswill be on-hand to sign books and make remarks. Proceeds benefit CURE Childhood Cancer. Tickets: $40, includes a copy of the book, one beverage from the bar, and lite bites.

Friday featuring live bluegrass from favorite local favorite’s, Swamptooth. 6 p.m. Service Brewing Co., 574 Indian St.

SATURDAY 9/25 Official UGA Alumni Game Watching Party UGA vs Vanderbilt

Never Bark Alone! B&D Burgers is the OFFICIAL UGA Savannah Alumni Chapter Game Watching location! (At both the Downtown Congress St. and Abercorn St locations). Put on your spirited red and black and head to one of the Savannah chapter’s game watching parties to watch the Bulldogs play.

These events are free, fun and attended by passionate graduates and fans of the University of Georgia. Parties begin one hour before kick-off. B&D Burgers, Congress St. and Abercorn St.

Oktoberfest at Plant Riverside District

(ongoing) Plant Riverside District, Savannah’s, newest and most exciting destination for dining, shopping and live entertainment, will host Oktoberfest, 2021, featuring a range of free, family-friendly events every weekend from Sat., Sept. 25 - Sun., Oct. 31. plantriverside.com

Fire & Wine

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

Ohio State Football Game Watch

Food, fun and football as local Buckeyes Fans gather to cheer on the team to victory against the Akron Zips,.7:30 pm Sept. 25 at The Draft Room at Berwick. Check out the Savannah Buckeyes Facebook Page for more details. 7:30p.m. 5730 Ogeechee Rd.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | SEPT 22 - 28, 2021

Trivia Night with Jess Shaw

SEPT /

WEEK

AT A GLANCE

(CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE)

Forsyth Park Farmers Market ADMINISTRATIVE ERICA BASKIN PUBLISHER erica@connectsavannah.com (912) 721-4378 WENDY WICKHAM BUSINESS MANAGER wendy@connectsavannah.com (912) 721-4373

CONTENT CHRISTOPHER SWEAT CREATIVE/CONTENT DIR. christopher @connectsavannah.com JAMIE BURTON MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST jamie@connectsavannah.com (912) 721-9854

OUR VALUES Connect Savannah at its core is focused on arts and entertainment and the happenings in our community. We are also a news organization with professional journalists who write about community news and the about the people who live here. Connect Savannah is dedicated to keeping readers informed and aware of all that goes on in the community. The presentation of both news and opinion is designed to educate, entertain, inform and foster conversation. We appreciate and encourage readers to share news tips with us, and to share any criticism and questions. We are your comprehensive source for the arts, entertainment, music, and community events. We are here to serve you. We are blessed to be part of the greatest country in the world and the freedom it bestows on its citizens and its press. Find us on these platforms or reach out to our newsroom at news@connectsavannah.com or 912-721-4378.

ANGIE MILLER COMMUNITY JOURNALIST

PROUD SPONSOR OF

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Jesse Blanco, Frank Ricci, Lauren Wolverton, Jamie Burton, Danietté Thomas, Marley Gibson, Kareem McMichael

BUCKY BRYANT STRATEGIC MARKETING CONSULTANT bucky@connectsavannah.com (912) 721-4381 LAUREN WOLVERTON STRATEGIC MARKETING CONSULTANT lauren@connectsavannah.com (912) 721-4380 CONNECT SAVANNAH | SEPT 22 - 28, 2021

DISTRIBUTION WAYNE FRANKLIN DISTRIBUTION MANAGER (912) 721-4376

Weekly farmers market on Talahi Island highlighting local growers and makers, healthy foods and a positive environment. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 401 Quarterman Dr.

SUNDAY 9/26 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.

Myrtle & Rose Rooftop Garden at Plant Riverside District will host weekly live performances by legendary jazz guitarist Howard Paul. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Myrtle & Rose, Rooftop Garden Plant Riverside District plantriverside.com

ADVERTISING

MANDY YOUNCE REGIONAL DIGITAL SALES DIRECTOR mandy@connectsavannah.com (912) 503-0874

Islands Farmers Market

Live Jazz Sunday Brunch Featuring the Howard Paul Jazz Trio

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

LOGAN HINTON STRATEGIC MARKETING CONSULTANT logan@connectsavannah.com (912) 721-4354

Local and regional produce, honey, meat, dairy, pasta, baked goods and other delights. Rain or shine. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Forsyth Park, Drayton St. & East Park Ave. forsythfarmersmarket.com

Sunset Party Sunday

ON THE COVER

Grammy-award-winning, Charleston, SC-based, Ranky Tanky will be accompanied by Savannah Jazz Hall of Fame member, Quentin Baxter, on drums at the 2021 Savannah Jazz Festival. Photo by Peter Frank Edwards.

/connectsav

@ConnectSavannah

/connectsavannah

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 St.

MONDAY 9/27 Mary Kay Andrews: “The Santa Suit” Savannah Launch Party

Join us at from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM on Mon., Sept. 27 at the Gingerbread House in Savannah as we celebrate the launch of

Mary Kay Andrew’s latest release, “The Santa Suit.” Mary Kay will be on-hand to sign books and make remarks. Proceeds benefit CURE Childhood Cancer. Tickets: $40, includes a copy of the book, one beverage from the bar, and lite bites. The first 100 ticket purchases at the $40 price point will also receive a fully stocked swag bag. $30 gets you in without the book. Tickets: https://e.givesmart.com/ events/npo/ Gingerbread House, 1921 Bull St.

Tybee Island Farmers Market

Weekly market featuring a variety of produce, baked goods, honey, eggs, BBQ, sauces and dressings, popsicles, dog treats and natural body products. Artisans are also featured each week. The market is non-smoking and pet friendly. Located at 30 Meddin Drive. We are right behind the Historic Tybee Lighthouse. Visit the website for more info. 4 p.m. 30 Meddin Dr. tybeeislandfarmersmarket.com

TUESDAY 9/28 Stafford’s Tuesday Comedy Open Mic

The ghost of Savannah’s legendary open mic returns. Head out to the sequel to the open mic Hannibal Buress called “whack” and “please put that phone down”. All experience levels welcome! Come out and give us your best 5 minutes, or just come and laugh at us, we like it. 8:30-11:45 p.m. Stafford’s Public House, 306 W. Upper Factor’s Walk.

Toddler Tuesday

Explore the wonders of nature with all kinds of wild fun for your wee ones. This week’s theme is “YOU OTTER BEWARE.” Pre-registration required. spwww.sccpss.com/schools/ oatland Various times. There are a limited number of spaces so reserve early! Oatland Island Wildlife Center, 711 Sandtown Rd.

COMMUNITY

LIFE IN THE HOSTESS CITY

INTRODUCTIONS:

MEET CHERYL BRANCH Executive Director of SAFE Shelter, Savannah’s only 24-hour shelter dedicated to victims of intimate partner violence and their underage children By Lauren Wolverton

lauren@connectsavannah.com

“Something as simple as saying, ‘I’m concerned about you,’ can change a person’s entire life.” going to get in that Follow-up Program with continued support.” The third program at SAFE Shelter is the Outreach Program, which Branch started. “It’s for people who don’t need to come to the shelter, but they are in a domestic violence situation and they need a temporary protective order or they need a stalking order,” Branch said. “Those are pretty common.” Branch said the Outreach Program sees all kinds of people from college students and businesswomen to full-time mothers and men. She shared the story of a former client who had a successful career, was married to a surgeon, and found herself in a domestic violence situation. “The abuse was the most horrific I’ve ever seen,” Branch said. “She said he told her ‘I don’t care who you tell, because look at me and look at you. Who are people going to believe? I’ll hire the lawyers, I’ll have the kids, and you’ll be on the street.’ She was so beaten down to the ground, that she believed him.” Branch said stories like this are hard to hear, but can be a wake-up call for a lot of

people who think this could never happen to them, their friends or their family. When asked what keeps her going, Branch said, “You have to realize you can’t save the world. But you can take your corner and you have the power to make that as good as you can. We’re all in a position to do the right thing here.” She added, “In the 43 years that we’ve been here, none of our clients have ever been killed. I think that’s because they took the steps. They called the police, they called us, they did something instead of staying.” Branch said SAFE Shelter depends on the community in many ways, one of them being the annual SAFE Shelter Gala. The gala is the organization’s signature fundraiser and typically raises around $300,000 each year. In 2020, it was canceled due to COVID-19. Branch said SAFE Shelter is gearing up for an in-person gala at The Landings on Nov. 20. She’s hopeful people will come out to make this year’s event bigger and better than ever. “There are a lot of great nonprofits here,” Branch said. “Our supporters are like precious gold to me. The ones we have have been with us a long time. They are dedicated. We would

close our doors if we didn’t have the support we have. We really would.” Overall, Branch told Connect Savannah that she wants the public to know that SAFE Shelter is more than a temporary housing solution. Between their three programs, she and her staff are here to offer help to anyone who needs it. Branch added that she encourages anyone who may have read this story and thought of a friend, to reach out to them. She said something as simple as saying, “I’m concerned about you,” can change a person’s entire life. “You might be the first person who ever approaches them,” Branch said. “You need to be ready to say ‘I don’t know everything, but I know the place you can call.’” SAFE Shelter can be reached 24 hours a day at 912-629-8888. A phone call does not commit you to any of SAFE Shelters programs. If you are in danger, call 911. For more information on the SAFE Shelter Gala, visit safeshelter.org.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | SEPT 22 - 28, 2021

Cheryl Branch says she grew up “blissfully ignorant in Brunswick, Ga.,” unaware of domestic violence happening in her own backyard. It wasn’t until she served as a victim advocate at a local shelter that she realized domestic violence can and does happen to anyone, anywhere. Branch now serves as the Executive Director of SAFE Shelter, Savannah’s center for domestic violence services. The shelter is the only one in Savannah that is specific to victims of domestic violence and their children. In recent years it’s doubled in size, going from 24 beds to 48. Inside, there are bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and an overflowing amount of love and support. Branch said people arrive at the shelter after making a crisis call, being referred by the police, or being referred by emergency room staff. When they arrive, they’re greeted by one of SAFE Shelter’s resident activists. “They have the hardest job here,” Branch said. She said that sometimes women come in with physical injuries, but there is also a lot of severe emotional and mental abuse. “The first thing we do back there is get everybody comfortable,” she said. “Show them to their rooms, see if their kids want a snack.” From there, women carry on with their daily lives with the assistance and support of the SAFE Shelter staff. If someone needs to go to work, the staff will help with finding childcare. If they need a job, the staff will help them search. Branch says there is no specified length of stay at SAFE Shelter, but most people are typically there for 90 days. When they leave, they have the option to sign up for the Followup/After Care Program, which can last up to two years. In this program, a SAFE Shelter coordinator works with the victim to help her be as successful as possible outside of the shelter. Victims will receive help furnishing

their new home, sending their children back to school, providing for their children around the holidays, etc. “I think the Follow-up/After Care Program is one of our most successful programs,” Branch said. “I think a lot of times [domestic violence] is generational. I’ve been here long enough to see young women come in whose mothers were here, and they were here as children. A 90-day stay isn’t going to change your life. It wouldn’t change your life or my life. But I like to think that for those that are ready, they’ve had enough, then they’re

COMMUNITY

NEWS AND NOTES

SELFIE WRLD SAVANNAH OPENS IN POOLER Locals were invited to a VIP night last Friday evening at Selfie WRLD Savannah, ahead of its grand opening last weekend. The new selfie museum is the first Selfie WRLD location to open in the state of Georgia and is located at the Tanger Outlets in Pooler. Selfie WRLD Savannah features multiple individual photo booths, each decorated as a different scene with interactive props and a ring light. Photo booth scenes range from a Georgia peach and a private jet to a swimming pool and a rainbow swing set. Guests receive a Bluetooth remote for their cell phone camera and are let loose to strike a pose. Instagram-lovers, families or anyone looking to unleash their inner child can visit the museum Tuesday through Sunday. Admission is $22 photos by Connect Staff

Automated automobile tag renewal kiosks now in Chatham County

CONNECT SAVANNAH | SEPT 22 - 28, 2021

County now boasts three terminals inside Kroger stores for convenience

Georgia drivers know waiting in line to renew vehicle tags can be both time consuming and anxiety-ridden. Thanks to work by the Chatham Co. Tax Commissioner’s office, Savannah drivers won’t have to wait more than a couple of minutes to renew their tags with the new automated automobile tag renewal kiosks in Chatham County. Similar to an ATM, the new tag renewal kiosks will allow residents to renew their automobile registrations in as little as two minutes. Customers can simply scan their Georgia driver’s license, pay with a debit/credit card, and print the Georgia registration card and license plate decal. “We are proud to release this innovative feature to Chatham County,” said Tax Commissioner Sonya L. Jackson. “With the uncertainty of COVID-19, our kiosks provide residents with a rapid, safe alternative for tag renewals” The kiosks will not only eliminate vehicle tab renewal headaches, but offer more flexibility for Georgia residents in the surrounding counties as well. “Residents in participating counties can use any kiosk, even if it is not located in the county where they reside,” said Jackson. “If a Gwinnett County resident (a participating county) happened to be in Chatham County and wanted to renew their registration on Sunday evening at Savannah Kroger (Mall Blvd), they could do so. After hours and on the weekends, customers are now able to get their decals instantly.” Residents who are apprehensive about using the technology should be assured that the kiosks will provide step-bystep instructions for users to follow. There are currently three vehicle registration renewal kiosks in Chatham County. The new kiosks are located inside of various Kroger stores throughout the county: Mall Blvd. in Savannah, Berwick (Ogeechee Rd.), and Wilmington Island (Johnny Mercer Blvd). The newest kiosk onWilmington Isl. just launched Sept. 15. For a complete listing of all participating Georgia counties along with Georgia Motor Vehicle express kiosk locations visit gamvexpress.com Photo: Sonya L. Jackson with the GA Motor Vehicle tag renewal kiosk in the Wilmington Isl. Kroger. Photo from Facebook

Savannah African Art Museum named Golden Broom Award winner

CRISTIE RESPIRATORY THERAPIST ST JOSEPH’S/CANDLER

WE’VE DONE OUR PART TO FIGHT COVID-19. NOW IT’S YOUR TURN. No matter your reason for not getting vaccinated, conditions. And after devoting so much effort here’s something you to fighting a preventable COVID-19 VACCINATION STATISTICS EFFECTIVE 9/17/2021 should know: our COVID-19 illness, our doctors and CHATHAM COUNTY admissions have spiked nurses are tired. Frustrated. VACCINATION RATE And disheartened. So, to their highest level yet. EFFINGHAM COUNTY VACCINATION RATE Which means potentially we’re begging you… GENERAL POPULATION BRYAN COUNTY show you care by getting fewer beds and resources VACCINATION RATE VACCINATION GOAL available for people suffering vaccinated. For you. For from other serious and life-threatening them. For the entire community.

70%

48%

45%

BE A HERO. GET VACCINATED. #CARE4YALL

35%

CONNECT SAVANNAH | SEPT 22 - 28, 2021

The Savannah African Art Museum (SAAM) has been named this quarter’s Golden Broom Award winner by the Savannah Development and Renewal Authority. The award will be presented to the museum’s staff at 9:30 a.m. Wed., Sept. 22. The SDRA chose to honor SAAM this quarter to reward the museum’s commitment to the continued beautification of its grounds and the nearby community by keeping the property well-maintained and visually appealing. The Savannah Development and Renewal Authority is appointed by City Council to advocate for projects that strengthen the economic health of the greater downtown area. The Savannah African Art Museum, a nonprofit institution that introduces visitors to African art and culture, moved to its current location in the historic Thomas Square Streetcar District in 2019. The museum has since conducted extensive renovation and restoration work on the three-story historic building it occupies, as well as two outbuildings that house offices, educational and workshop spaces, and the Upbeat Village Terra-cotta Gallery. The garden and courtyard areas are frequently used to host outdoor classes and community events. “We are honored that the Savannah Development and Renewal Authority has chosen to present our museum with the Golden Broom Award. The staff works tirelessly to ensure that our guests and the residents of our community are able to enjoy the museum and our public events to the fullest extent. We understand that the atmosphere and condition of our property is critical to that positive experience,” Founding Executive Director and Chief Curator Billie Stultz said. The museum offers free tours, with limited occupancy and social distancing measure, Wed. - Sat. Their collection includes more than 1,000 objects from West and Central Africa, spanning 28 countries and representing over 180 cultures. For more information about the museum, or to access virtual tours and initiatives, visit savannahafricanartmuseum.org or follow the museum on social media @SavannahAfricanArtMuseum

OUR COURAGE IS TURNING INTO DISCOURAGEMENT.

COMMUNITY Center Parc to Break Ground on Flagship Financial Center

Girls in Aviation STEM Day atNational Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force

WHAT ARE WE DOING? FIND OUT EACH WEEK ON SAVANNAH’S NEWEST ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT PODCAST.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | SEPT 22 - 28, 2021

LOOK FOR IT ON SPOTIFY AND YOUTUBE AND CONNECT SAVANNAH.COM

On Sat., Sept. 25, Girls between the ages of 8 to 17 can learn more about roles & opportunities in aviation during the “Girls in Aviation Stem Day” from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Mighty Eighth in Pooler. With the theme “The sky has no limit and neither do you,” participants will enjoy hands-on activities and presentations regarding aviation and engineering. Learn about the history of women in aviation, science of flight, and more. Girl Scouts can work toward badges. All ages and children are welcome to attend. The event is free to the public but does not include museum admission. Registration is required. Please contact Education Program Coordinator, Kristin Singleton, at ksingleton@mightyeighth.org with any questions. Location: National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force The event is hosted by: The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, Society of Women Engineers, Women in Aviation, and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and sponsored by Lockheed Martin.

Center Parc Credit Union will hold a ceremonial groundbreaking for its Savannah flagship financial center on Sept. 30 at 10 a.m. at the construction site in the Berwick community. The $5 million, 6,200-square-foot project becomes Center Parc’s first freestanding location in the Savannah area. The credit union entered the Savannah market with two branches based in large retail centers, the Pooler Walmart and the Savannah Walmart at 6000 Ogeechee Road. “It made sense to locate our first branches in stores where our members shop – it’s a great convenience. But our research shows there is a population in the community that could benefit from access to our services close to home,” said Donna Williams, community development liaison for Center Parc. “Members will be able to handle all transactions at this facility, from loan closings to advice and support.” Another special feature of the new building will be a community room which groups in the community can use for meetings free of charge.

Redistricting in Georgia webinar series

Step Up Savannah, in partnership with Southern Poverty Law Firm and The Georgia Redistricting Alliance, is presenting a 3-part series on Redistricting in Georgia. The first webinar was held on Sept. 15 and covered the general topic of redistricting. Upcoming sessions will focus on Redistricting Mapping Training, the ins and outs of how to drawing voting maps; and how citizens can advocate in their communities for fair redistricting. They will be held on Sept. 22 and 29 at 6 p.m. Sign up for the webinar series: https://bit.ly/2X5VtU8

Make your vehicle a rolling billboard viewed by over 30,000 people a day! Don’t let those views go to waste. Let our wide format team help you get

noticed!

1700 EAST PRESIDENT STREET • SAVANNAH, GA 31404 • 912.233.4532 • 800.673.6455 • WWW.KENNICKELL.COM

NEWS AND NOTES

Fort Pulaski National Monument invites the public to help clear and clean the Lighthouse trail and the Lazaretto Creek Boat Ramp areas on Sat., Sept. 25, for National Public Lands Day These areas provide various recreational opportunities for visitors, from the casual hiker and trail biker to watercraft users and fishermen. Efforts during this event will focus on clearing and cleaning up these areas to keep them in good, usable condition for park visitors. This event is limited to only fifty (50) people and pre-registration is required. Please email FOPU_Volunteers@nps.gov to register for this event or if you have any questions. The event is expected to last from 7:30 am until 11:30 am. National Public Lands Day 2021 is a great day to get out and give back to your National Park. Trail restoration and maintenance keep parks and other public lands healthy and enable visitors to enjoy the health and recreational benefits of these special places now and in the future. Typical trail maintenance activities include cutting overgrown vegetation and cleaning light trail debris. This is a family- friendly event with work for people of all ages and abilities. THINGS TO BRING: Water, appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes, bug spray, sunscreen, work/ gardening gloves and eye protection if you have them. Fort Pulaski National Monument is located on U.S. Highway 80, 15 miles east of Savannah. For more information, visit .nps.gov/FortPulaski or call (912) 786-5787.

Plant Riverside District Announces Call for Vendors for 2021 Savannah Christmas Market

CONNECT SAVANNAH | SEPT 22 - 28, 2021

Plant Riverside District recently announced a call for vendors to reserve booths for the Savannah Christmas Market Plant Riverside District, which will take place Nov. 26 - Jan. 6. The market will return this year, offering a wide range of open-air, holiday-themed events as well as a European-style outdoor holiday market, live performances, tree lighting ceremony, children’s activities, photos with Santa and much more. “Last year, we invited locals and visitors to celebrate the holiday season at Plant Riverside District, offering high-quality gifts and seasonal food and beverage items at our Europeaninspired Savannah Christmas Market,” said Atkinson. “We plan to expand the celebration this year by including more vendors in our festive, open-air marketplace along the riverfront.” Inspired by The Kessler Collection Chairman and CEO Richard C. Kessler’s travels to Christmas markets in Austria, Germany and Italy, the Savannah Christmas Market Plant Riverside District blends European and Southern holiday traditions into a festive, month-long, family-friendly celebration that appeals to area residents as well as visitors from across the country. A limited number of Savannah Christmas Market vendor booths will be available for lease along Savannah’s riverwalk. Interested retailers, boutique owners and makers of premier gifts are encouraged to contact William Atkinson, Director of Real Estate Investments and Area Marketing for The Kessler Enterprise, at william.atkinson@kesslercollection.com or call 402.972.7252 to reserve a booth.

FOOD & DRINK

EAT IT & LIKE IT

Jay Langfelder: BIG BON LANDS A BIG NAME IN THE PIZZA UNIVERSE

CONNECT SAVANNAH | SEPT 22 - 28, 2021

EAT IT AND LIKE IT By Jesse Blanco eatitandlikeit.com

Roughly two years ago, I’m standing in the check out line at Publix, ear buds fully engaged likely in Shalimar or Van Halen. The two ladies behind me were clearly having a secret conversation and pointing at me. Ten seconds later, the question comes. “Are you the food guy?” One bud now removed: “I’m sorry?” “She says you are the food guy? You the food guy?” I hate to stereotype, but the accent was what it was. So was the attitude. If you know it you know it. Straight out of Bay Ridge. Maybe Jersey. “Where can I get some pizza around here?” “Well.” I said “Because I’m from New Jersey and I’m always looking for good jersey style pizza.” I mention a few of the usual suspects that I know Savannah loves and the response I got was “Pfffffft. That ain’t jersey pizza.” “Well, have you tried New Jersey?” is about all I could pop back with. It’s tough sledding around here with the pizza crowd sometimes. Sheesh. All of that to say that when it comes to pizza, options are good. I’ve made no secret of the fact that I believe Kyle Jacovino’s Pizzeria Vittoria is Savannah’s best. For my money, Squirrel’s Pizza has gotten better over time. Grafitto at Plant Riverside is one of the few eats I enjoy at that complex. Jon Lyle’s Riverboat Pizza and Big Bon Pizza both deserve mentions here. Now there is a new one coming on to the scene that will rival them all. The guy behind them is Jay Langfelder. The pride of Buffalo, New York. “I’d been visiting Savannah since about 2015.” he says. “I’d been thinking about doing something here since then.” It didn’t happen sooner, frankly, because Jay was tied up building one of America’s best pizza shops in Buffalo. That is, according to people who measure that kind of stuff. “We were doing a food truck a lot like Big Bon Pizza.” He says. “We had a good local following. We got great local reviews. But our first big thing was The Daily Meal. They do a list called 101 Best Pizzas in America. We made that in our first year.” Boom, their game changed. Jay went three for three on that list in his first 3 attempts. Fair to say things were going well. Now three years in and approaching the end of a lease on his brick and mortar pizza shop, he decided to sell to his first employee and move. He landed here in Savannah back in January. “I’ve always loved it here. Once we came, we started visiting every year.” He says. It didn’t take long before he met Big Bon’s Kay Heritage. She suggested they sit down for lunch one day and immediately

Quality Eats + Drinks

LUNCH DINNER FULL BAR MON-SAT 11AM-1AM SUN 11:30AM-5 PM

C lassic Sandwiches on Locally Baked Bread FRESH HOUSE MADE

soup

sides

pickles

dine in 912.200.4940 take out

Weekly Specials 1215 barnard street savannah, ga 31401 www.black rabbits av.co m

Opposite: Jay Langfelder. Photos of Jay and pizzas provided by jesse Blanco

CONNECT SAVANNAH | SEPT 22 - 28, 2021

suggested a collaboration. “She pretty much suggested it the first time we sat down to chat.” Jay says. The idea made perfect sense. Big Bon Bodega runs morning and midday, but is otherwise closed. Once Big Bon’s bagels are done for the day, there’s an empty oven sitting there. Jay’s experience is making pizza. Perfect for the evening crowd. It’s a match made on Bull Street. At Big Bon Bodega. But it is not Big Bon Pizza. “No, it’s not. It’s different.” Jay says. “We use a lot of the same ingredients. We have similar views on what it is. For example the bagel oven they have at the shop is different than the dome oven they have on the mobile operation. So we couldn’t produce the same pizza there if we wanted to.” “This is going to be engineered for take out and to go in a box.” he says. “With Big Bon people are pretty much eating it right there.” If this is the first time you’ve heard the word ‘engineered’ associated with pizza, join the crowd. Jay filled my notebook with talk about hydration, fermentation and cook times. It’s information that, frankly, I found fascinating but it doesn’t serve a purpose here. Back in early August, I was invited—along with a group of other ‘Friends of Big Bon’—to a pizza pop-up at the Bodega. There was a lot of pizza that night, all of it created by Jay Langfelder. There was foccacia, charcuterie and pizzas in a few different styles. It was absolutely outstanding. Savannah is in for a treat here. “To start we are looking at 16 inch New York style pizza. Slices of Grandma style pizza. We are planning on a vegan option and lots of vegetarian options right out of the gate.” Within the first two weeks, he says they should be ready to roll out gluten free pies as well. It is fair to say that making a handful of pies for some friends is different than creating hundreds per day. Consistency in this art form is the name of the game here. Jay’s background tells us he’s got that down. I suspect it won’t be long before Jay’s pies are the talk of the town. Someone let that lady at Publix know. The goods will roll out beginning October 6. Wednesday to Saturday for now, 4:30pm-8:30pm Carry out or delivery via Savtakeout.com. In between, it is business as usual at Big Bon Bodega. So please, don’t show up at lunch time looking for pizza. That’s a party foul. “They will do the same things they always do for breakfast and lunch. Then they will close and we will re-open at 4:30pm.” Big Bon Bodega pizza is what we can call it. I don’t know about you, but I cannot wait.

CULTURE

STYLE

EVENING WEAR FOR THE PETITE WOMAN A WEEKLY FASHION AND ADVICE COLUMN By Danietté Thomas @designerdaniette

Photo by Jaime Weaver, DreamWeaver Photography

CONNECT SAVANNAH | SEPT 22 - 28, 2021

Many women reach out to me in regard to their height and proper dress. Full disclaimer: I am 5’11”, but working with models for years, many of them aren’t average model height, but still want to model and dress where their height isn’t a distraction. More recently, I have had women book me for convenience. Remember I am all about ELEVATION. So my clients want to stand out in every room they walk in, or in every picture they take, and they book me for that. Some of those women just happen to be below 5’4,” AND THAT’S OK! So this week’s tip is dedicated to the petite woman and their evening attire.

READY? LET’S GET INTO IT! What is ‘evening wear,’ and when should you wear it? Evening wear, simply defined, is a term used by many professionals in the fashion industry to mean formal wear. You would wear evening wear garments to anything that calls for such, for example: cocktail parties, proms, galas, balls, or weddings—basically any white or black tie event (we’ll get into the difference in those in another column). Essentially, you want to make sure you’re prepared for these events in a formal sense. The world is slowly opening up, and more and more of us are getting ready for those events that have been pushed back one, two, or even three times. First, allocate the proper time! I know some of us are “last minuters” but you want all the

options that are available to you, and you can’t know that if you don’t make the time to shop—even if it’s just online, or even if you hire a personal shopper. I personally like at least one month to shop for my clients when they have big events., and two month when they want something custom made. So eliminate the stress and anxiety that comes with last minute shopping, and move forward into time management. If you shop even when you’re not looking for something, and find that perfect petite dress, then it’s already in your closet, ready for you to use for your next special occasion! I highly recommend this for my last minute folks. I know sometimes you can’t help it. THE PETITE SECTION So petites, do you always run towards the petite section when you shop? If you’re like most of my clients.—no, and who would want to? The other sections have way more options, the other options look better than your options, and who doesn’t want the season they aren’t in right? (I grew up in a Baptist church so that’s my leadership humor). For evening wear attire, the petite section is even more limited, but one thing you should do when you’re in some of these bigger department stores, is look at what could be ordered online. I like to set my filters when I shop online. You can set the petite filter so you can see all styles available in petites aside from what’s just available in store. If you are absolutely stuck on something outside of the

petite section, then simply contact your seamstress about alterations. It’s a good idea to have a personal alterations specialist so you can ask him/her if what you need done can happen to the dress you desire prior to purchasing it. LENGTH OF DRESS, PERFECT SHOES. So if you go cocktail, keep it three inches above the knee. Too close to the knee will appear to shorten you even more. Especially for my knock-kneed girls. We don’t want ay extra attention in that area, right? When doing tea length, stay slightly past the knee, don’t go for the mid-calf length like the average tea length dress. You want that extra advantage from showing more leg. When doing floor-length, don’t touch the floor. Try to stay right at the ankle area! Let your shoes do the rest. You don’t always need a high heel. As a matter of fact, too tall of a heel, especially with a platform, isn’t good for short women. It can look as though you’re very vain about your height (which you may be, no judgement) but we don’t want it to be obvious, right? To sum it up, I elaborate on this topic more on YouTube, so be sure to find my channel! “Designer Daniette, Your Fashion Catalyst” My petites, we want to elevate you from the inside so that your confidence boosts you for any occasion, and those pictures are kept for many years to come! I can’t wait to chat with you guys next week! Yours in fashion, D.Thomas

BOOKS SORDID TALES OF TORTURE DEVICES, TROUBLESOME WOMEN, AND FISTICUFFS

Local author explores Savannah’s early, dark underbelly in new book

M ILY 12- 8P A D N E P O

R O N I E N I D T U O Y R R CA NOW SHIPPING NATION WIDE!

Savannah were committed by them.” While researching the first general store’s inventory from the 1730’s, the itemized list conjured up images of everyday life in colonial Savannah for Fleming. She said “Of course they had food stuff and guns and furs like you would find, but there was also a mix of sweet and rascally in the store. They had jewelry for your sweetheart and belly bands for convicts to transport them to court in the same place. It was fascinating to see the inventory of the store with all these items.” Another quirky story describes one of the first courtroom cases when one man was on trial for trying to sell his wife, and the other was on trial for trying to buy the man’s wife. It also tells of accounts when torture devices and mockery were used to punish lawbreakers. “Savannah was famous for torture devices because there was much misbehavior. All the northern colonies had a device called a ‘ducking stool’ mainly used to dunk women into water as torture. Savannah decided to ‘duck’ a woman and didn’t have a proper stool, so they put a woman overboard of a ship tied to a chair where she got battered on the side of the boat. Even the torture devices were dysfunctional,” notes Fleming. “A History of Misbehavior: Pirates, Pickpockets, Prostitutes and Parishioners in Colonial Savannah” will be in local stores soon and is available for purchase at online retailers Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble now.

Call 912-786-9857

WWW.THECRABSHACK.COM

CONNECT SAVANNAH | SEPT 22 - 28, 2021

Shipwrecks, scalawags and scandal, oh my! Local author Grace Fleming’s third novel “A History of Misbehavior: Pirates, Pickpockets, Prostitutes and Parishioners in Colonial Savannah” has it all. From readers interested in local history to those who just love a juicy story based in fact, this book covers it all. Published in July, the book features 21 chapters filled with interesting and quirky local lore. After researching Savannah history over the last 20 years, Fleming sat down to finish the novel last year when she had more time available during the pandemic. A long-time Savannah resident, she said she is drawn to the historical uniqueness embedded in one of the country’s most haunted cities. “Most people associate Savannah with ghosts, and the people that I am talking about are the actual ghosts of Savannah as they were the first citizens. Part of the reason I fell in love with Savannah is I fit in here. Savannah people are quirky and would take in the haunted stories and enjoy walking around with a drink in their hands.” Fleming said. Filled with tales of torture devices, troublesome women, and fisticuffs, the novel paints a picture of what early life was like in the Hostess City. Using colonial court records, diaries, and journal entries, “A History of Misbehavior” provides entertaining vignettes and fascinating episodes from Georgia’s beginnings. An introduction to the novel explains, “Comprised of London’s ‘deserving poor,’ the colony was filled with a good share of hard-drinking, rough-hewn souls and petty criminals. Pickpockets, prostitutes, pirates, and everyday scoundrels walked the Savannah streets, where they were surrounded by dangerous swamps and skulking Spanish spies from Florida.” Fleming said “What I try to get across in this book is Savannah is oddball—but it comes from the very first citizens who were petty criminals supplemented by hard criminals from an Irish prison ship that crashed off the coast, intending to go to the Caribbean. The ship was turned away from two ports because they were too much trouble, so Oglethorpe purchased the occupants as indentured servants. The first two murders in

CULTURE

ART+MUSIC

Guitars take flight around the world: From Georgia to Barcelona Photo provided by the artists

BY Kareem McMIchael

CONNECT SAVANNAH | SEPT 22 - 28, 2021

THURSDAY-SUNDAY @9PM

‘The Landscape of Guitar’ is an art and music production where animated paintings are sung to life in spectacular high definition. The innovative show plays the Tybee Post Theater Thurs., Sept. 30 at 8 p.m. The award-winning number one charting international guitar duo Patchouli & Terra Guitarra is master guitarist and artist Bruce Hecksel and poet and songstress Julie Patchouli. They are bringing a live symphony of color and sound to the stage. Guests will experience the harmonies of Simon & Garfunkel, the guitars of the Gipsy Kings and the colors of Van Gogh. The concept of this show started in 2007 with the making of their album artwork for their musical project Terra Guitarra which translated “terra”, the land and “Guitarra”, of guitar. They gave it this name as they were hearing the melodies in nature and accrediting them to the landscape around them. “We started performing for art exhibit openings of Bruce’s original paintings of guitar landscapes. Playing surrounded by the pieces was so thrilling to be enveloped in the vibrant colors we wanted to get even more into the artwork. We began to explore how we could travel into the paintings by animating them then creating a bigger experience for an audience,” said the duo. After 23 years of touring and 22 albums the “Best Instrumental Album of the Year” winning duo created this original concept using Hecksel’s Terra Guitarra® acrylic paintings of “guitar landscapes’’ where every element is a guitar shape, colorfully glittering like stained glass. The duo animated and composed Hecksel’s paintings to movement with the music performance seamlessly, producing a living vivacious backdrop. “It makes people feel wonderful. It’s a sensory feast that’s beautiful and uplifting. The combination of the romantic Spanish guitar beautiful harmonies of folk music with a spectacular dimension of rich colorful and textured animated paintings is an original experience in a class by itself,” they said. The Landscape of Guitar literally took flight around the world

in 2018 touring theaters in the US, Europe and China, which incorporated art exhibitions on 3 continents of the original paintings used in the production. They went on their second tour in 2019 going to China and then performed from coast to coast in the US taking the audience on a musical and artistic journey through The Landscape of Guitar. “Quantum physics has established that everything is a vibration. Sound, art, color, you, me, the whole world around us. So, in essence, the world is music and in an endless symphony of which we are all a part. It is our participation that allows us to bring peace, balance and wholeness to our world through our actions,” said the duo The audience will travel from their seat in the theater to Barcelona, Stonehenge and other worlds where mermaids dive and faeries fly through the guitar constellations of the Milky Way. Soar over guitar canyons to fiery Spanish guitar pieces, like “Malaguena”. Walk guitar labyrinths in the guitar sunset through sweet vocal harmonies. Float on guitar clouds to the sound of Native American flutes and trek to the peaks of the guitar mountains with epic folk-rock anthems. “Each performance is different, and each venue and audience are unique,” they said. “We continue to add new paintings, new songs and are inspired by our travels to all the new places as well as favorite places we return to and by what’s happening around us in the global community.” This is the duo’s first time playing on Tybee, but they said they love going to new places, experiencing new cultures and hearing local music. “The historic Tybee Post Theatre will be a very cool venue to experience the show. The big screen will showcase the animation and the intimate stage is perfect for the audience to really get the feel of it. Also, we look forward to the beach and seeing the ocean. Water is a big inspiration to us to create,” they said. Experience the Spirit of the ‘60’s & ‘70’s, the romance of the Spanish guitar, and the colors of Van Gogh. Experience the show at Tybee Post Theater Thursday, Sept 30th at 8 p.m. Ticket purchases and more information can be found at tybeeposttheater.org.

CONNECT SAVANNAH

ART PATROL

SEPT/

22-28

Kevin Cooley: Exploded Views

Laney Contemporary is pleased to present Exploded Views, a recent body of photography and video work, by Los Angeles-based artist Kevin Cooley. Cooley captures shape-shifting elements as line, curve, and shadow by conducting controlled explosions in the desert under the guidance of a master pyrotechnicist. Working with varied chemical compositions, he creates different shapes, forms, colors, and movements. In this sense, each image depicts time and light exploding in the form of colorful and abstract spirals, clouds, tendrils, and rays, much like the fireworks we see on display this time of the year. Free admission 912.438.4442. Laney Contemporary, 1810 Mills B. Lane Blvd.

‘From Dust to Gold’ by David Gumbs

This exhibition represents the first U.S. solo exhibition by Caribbean artist David Gumbs, featuring immersive, interactive digital installations and drawings. Gumbs is a multi-disciplinary artist from the island of Saint Martin, currently based in Martinique. Inspired by Caribbean flora, fauna, history, and mythology, Gumbs’ work often is concerned with “the offscreen of perception, the cycle of life, the visible and invisible.” More on telfair.org 10 a.m.-5 p.m.. telfair.org/exhibitions/david-gumbsfrom-dust-to-gold/. telfair.org/jepson/. Jepson Center for the Arts, 207 W. York St.

‘Sugar’ Exhibition

Explore the sweet culinary habits of Savannahians in this fun exhibition dedicated to the consumption of sugar in the port city. Using furnishings and portraits from Telfair Museums’ permanent collection, this unique display gives visitors a glimpse into humans’ connection to sugar and its complicated history. Porcelain and silver were shipped from Europe and beyond into the Port of Savannah, providing the elite of this city with purchasing options far surpassing those of any inland towns of the 19th century. 10 a.m.-noon. 912-7908800. info@telfair.org. telfair.org/exhibitions/sugar/. telfair.org/jepson/. Jepson Center for the Arts, 207 West York St.

Re-Cor-Dare by Sauda Mitchell

Re-Cor-Dare is a solo #art912 exhibition of Savannah-based artist Sauda Mitchell (American, b. 1981). Mitchell’s prints, paintings, and artist books serve as compelling visual responses to her sustained engagement with archival collection materials. In researching personal papers, photographs, artifacts, and curated digital collections, her work explores thematic topics of study relating to the Black experience. Utilizing QR codes, selected works link to digitized collection materials focusing on their ability as teaching tools recalling stories embedded within the African American collective memory. Every 7 days.

telfair.org/exhibitions/re-cor-dare-sauda-mitchell/. telfair.org/jepson/. Jepson Center for the Arts, 207 West York St.

Before Midnight: Bonaventure and the Bird Girl

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

CONNECT SAVANNAH | SEPT 22 - 28, 2021

‘In the Shadows’ Exhibition

‘In the Shadows’ explores the art of the silhouette through works in Telfair Museums’ permanent collection. Silhouettes, which started out as profiles cut from black fabric or paper, were often referred to as “profile shades” or “shadows.” Incredibly popular in Europe and the United States in the 19th century, profiles were cut by hand or through a specialized instrument, the physiognotrace, by artists and amateurs alike. Although photography would replace the medium as the most practical, instantaneous, and inexpensive mode of capturing likenesses, artists have continually returned to and transformed the silhouette in creative and, at times, subversive ways. 10 a.m.. 912-790-8800.

info@telfair.org. telfair.org/jepson/. Jepson Center for the Arts, 207 West York St.

CULTURE

STAGE

Rita D’LaVane and Magnolia Minxxx of Savannah Sweet Tease. Photos provided by Savannah Jazz Festival

Savannah Sweet Tease 8th Anniversary show helps out barking buddies with special show ‘Risqué Renegades’ By Kareem McMichael

CONNECT SAVANNAH | SEPT 22 - 28, 2021

It’s the Savannah Sweet Tease 8th year anniversary and each year they have chosen a different nonprofit to support. This year that organization is Renegade Paws Rescue. On Thurs., Sept. 23 at 8 p.m. at Club One on Jefferson St., you can experience the show Risqué Renegades to give back to the local pet rescue. “Savannah Sweat Tease loves to give back to the community that gives so much love & support to us, so fundraiser shows are something we’ve had in place since day one but linking with Renegade Paws Rescue started about 2 years ago and we’ve loved working together ever since,” the show producer Mangnolia Minxxx. Renegade Paws Rescue is a non-profit volunteer-based organization committed to providing the highest level of care for unwanted, abused, or injured dogs in the Coastal Empire and surrounding areas. The Savannah Sweet Tease Burlesque Revue is a unique 18 troupe that combines traditional American Burlesque, with

Neo Burlesque, Boylesque, and all other things avant garde. “All comes together to create a wonderful experience for everyone involved and for such an amazing, local cause,” said Minxxx. Renegade Paws will also be debuting their new pin up calendar featuring members of The Savannah Sweet Tease. Minxxx says they kept the theme for the calendar open and fun, allowing each model to choose their own month and dress up according to how they felt. Savannah Sweet Tease has grown over years and has become one of the more popular acts in town brining many different people together. They were voted Best Performance Art Event and Best Performance Troupe in Connect Savannah since their debut in 2013. Minxxx attributes their growth and success to “loving connectivity.” “From day one the troupe has been one big family and the open communication we have with one another along with always being each other’s cheerleaders has always been key for us,” she said.

The show is being hosted by Dick Cherry and stars Amara Fiyera, Amerys the Empress, Cassie Caddel, Dulcy Delicious, Ella Mentary, Magnolia Minxxx, Mighta Chondra and Rita D’LaVane. After the show, guests can go to the basement in Club One and enjoy a free drag show. Renegade Paws Rescue was voted Best Animal Service by the Savannah community in the Connect Savannah Best of Savannah 2021, an honor the organization was proud to achieve after only two years of being established. The director and co-founder Jennifer Taylor was voted Best Savannahian for the work she has done to improve the quality of life for pets and families throughout Savannah and the Lowcountry. “Jennifer is an amazing person and her heart is so big, but also, the fosters that work alongside her are genuinely phenomenal. They truly love caring for the beautiful furbabies we all adore,” Minxxx said. There is also an option to watch the show virtually for guests who cannot make it live. For tickets, search for Renegade Rescues An Anniversary Revue for Rescues on Eventbrite.com

GOOD MUSIC DOESN’T HAVE AN EXPIRATION DATE 40TH ANNUAL SAVANNAH JAZZ FESTIVAL OPENS WITH FREE PERFORMANCES, WORLD-CLASS LINEUP By Marley Gibson, Kareem McMichael and Staff Reports

Grant Green, Jr. Photo provided by Savannah Jazz Festival

AFTER CHANGE OF VENUE, ORGANIZERS TOUT ‘SAFE FESTIVAL’ FORMAT FOR SECOND YEAR

HERE IS A CLOSER LOOK AT SOME OF THE HEADLINING MUSICIANS FOR THE 2021 SAVANNAH JAZZ FESTIVAL:

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24

Robert Lee Coleman, 76, is a pioneer in two genres of American music: funk and soul, which are, most often, rooted in African American gospel learned at an early age in the church. “My step-dad played the guitar and my momma was the preacher,” Coleman tells of his childhood in Macon. “I would listen to him play and I just taught myself.” He laughs remembering a time he was playing with his gospel group. “My gigs would be where my mother was preaching. I was playing once and she jumped straight up like she was moved by the holy spirit and shouted, ‘Boy, play that thing!’” “I wasn’t much for attention,” he says quietly. “Mostly, I would sit by myself strumming some chords, and the next thing I knew, I’d draw a crowd. Just me and my guitar.” Coleman is looking forward to an attentive and enthusiastic crowd when he performs at the Savannah Jazz Festival. One of the greatest things, Coleman feels, is the connection with the audience. In fact, it was how he got one of his first major jobs. “A lot of those big-name musicians would come through Macon all the time. Percy (Sledge) came to see our band in 1964 and loved how we all played so much that we

CONNECT SAVANNAH | SEPT 22 - 28, 2021

Ask any self-described “hepcat” and they may tell you, “Jazz is love. Jazz is life. Jazz lets you lose yourself in the music.” The return of an old Savannah favorite has artists eager to tune their guitar, stretch their fingers over the ivories, and get trumpets and saxophones tuned to the ready. Live music is back. For 40 years, the Savannah Jazz Festival has showcased some of the best jazz musicians around to help Jazz thrive here in the Hostess City. This lively—and free— celebration offers a musical tapestry of unique stories, veteran artists, and the next generation of Jazz influencers paying it forward from their mentors. Organizer say in response to the City of Savannah’s immediate moratorium on large out-door events to mitigate the spread of COVID, the Savannah Jazz Festival is proud to comply by hosting the second consecutive “safe Savannah Jazz Festival.” The alternative venue at Savannah Station is designed to meet the dual goals of presenting world-class jazz and blues free of charge to the City of Savannah while adhering to the guidelines of promoting the health and safety of musicians, attendees, sponsors, and suppliers. This year’s festival opens Friday, Sept. 23, and runs until the last performance of the evening on Sunday, Sept. 26. For a full schedule of events, visit savannahjazz.org

ROBERT LEE COLEMAN

went on the road with him because he just made a connection with us and our music,” Coleman says. Coleman would become a fixture in Percy Sledge’s concerts, traveling the world with him for six years, even playing on the recording of the classic hit, When a Man Loves a Woman. Following his time with Sledge, Coleman joined James Brown’s band, working on three albums of his. Coleman continues to have a thriving musical scheduling, saying, “I plan on doing this until the good Lord calls me home.” With the Savannah Jazz Festival the next for him to share his playlist, Coleman wants folks to come out and enjoy the music and “feel it.” “Being completely self-taught, I’m just me. I like doing things my way. I try to play with feeling and I want to reach out and touch people’s hearts and souls with what I share.” “This music makes you happy. It just does. You can relax into it.” Coleman is pleased to be back in Savannah and playing for a live crowd. “Music has to be played. You can’t just put it in your pocket,” he says. Then, he adds, “The greatest thing is seeing the audience’s faces and know they’re feeling it, too. I can’t wait to get there.”

KENNY BANKS, JR.

Photos provided by Savannah Jazz Festival

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 26

GRANT GREEN, JR.

Photo by Ian Rawn

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 26

CONNECT SAVANNAH | SEPT 22 - 28, 2021

Savannah Jazz Festival first-timer, Grant Green, Jr., son of legendary guitar artist Grant Green (dec. 1979), studied his musical craft from an early age, mimicking his father, as well as the many jazz greats from his neighborhood who often visited the Green home for unplanned jam sessions. “I’ve been very lucky,” Green, Jr., says. “I have always been attracted to a lot of different music, mostly the melodic stuff and how it all blended together to influence me.” Green also says his dad was his best “unofficial” teacher. “He (Green, Sr.) didn’t want to encourage me toward a music career, so he never taught me how to play. I would sit and watch him and mimic his play. As time went on, he realized how serious I was about music and knew it was in my blood.” Green states he was heavily influenced by his Detroit neighborhood and his father’s friends, such as The Four Tops, the Temptations, Marvin Gaye, and Gladys Knight, to name a few. Green recollects one of his best memories from the neighborhood. “Stevie (Wonder) was having a big party at his house over from ours. I remember it because it was the first time I’d ever seen a champagne fountain.” “Stevie had just come off a tour and was so happy to see everyone. He bear-hugged me and the next thing I knew, he was wrestling with me, down to the floor. Stevie was a bit older than me and really strong. People are yelling, ‘Don’t hurt Steve!’ and I’m begging, ‘Don’t hurt me!” It was all good fun then, Green says, stressing there was no way to avoid being influenced by so many amazing musicians all in the same area. He has toured extensively for most of his life, including being part of the Godfathers of Groove (also known as the Masters of Groove.) Green is excited to share pieces from his new, original album entitled Soul Science, recorded with his Atlanta-based band as a tribute to Burt Bacharach. “People should really enjoy this interpretation of Bacharach. We’ll be doing a lot of it.” This is meant as a tribute to his father who once performed with Bacharach. “I’m excited to be in front of an audience again,” he says of his first official outing since the pandemic began. “Energy flows both ways from the artist to the audience. We feed off each other. When you see they’re into it—clapping their hands, swaying, singing—it wraps us all together in the soothing universal language of music.” “Songs take you places,” he states. “It’s time travel of sorts. The music has the power to sweep you away.” Green invites folks to “come on out, be yourself, and become one with the music.” 20

As with so many other musical artists, Kenny Banks, Jr., 33, developed a love of music that started at home. “I was raised by two musicians. My father, a jazz pianist, taught me all of the fundamentals of music theory, jazz composition, and such. This was after I literally used everything in the house there was to play on and with – pots, pans, and my favorite, chopsticks,” Banks recalls. He started on the drums, but he switched to piano only when he was only ten years old, playing for church with his mother when he was 11. His parent put him into summer music school programs to help him develop his talent, but Banks remembers one of them had “pretty girls…and I knew girls loved a guy who could play music.” Kenny traveled with the Columbus Youth Jazz Orchestra touring in South America and parts of Italy. “It was after that I really started working for my passion. I got my first adult tour and realized what a wonderful big world we live in.” This will be Banks’s first Savannah Jazz Festival. “It’s an honor to be there,” he says. “I love Savannah and everything about it…who doesn’t? I can’t wait to play my music.” Banks says he will share a different mix of genres. “There are Negro spirituals, a few standard hymns, and my own twist to all of it,” he says. “We’ll be doing some of my original pieces, as well. It’s one of my first gigs in a while, so it will be nice to wet my feet here, and hopefully, the audience will relate.” “If something emotional happens, I want them to let it. I like to push at the tradition, but I love all the nuances of jazz.” Banks jokes about the audience reaction he seeks. “I want the listener to be affected…to cringe in a good way…the opposite of cringe…an emotional jolt… you know, it’s easy, comfortable, and enjoyable.” Festival attendees are sure to be entertained no matter by the varied musical offerings. Banks invites concert-goers to “Come with a good vibe. Relax and focus on the music, especially the compositions and rhythms. We’re here playing for you and couldn’t be happier.” Pofiles written by Marley Gibson

RANKY TANKY SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 This year’s headliners include Grammyaward-winning, Charleston, SC-based, Ranky Tanky accompanied by Savannah Jazz Hall of Fame member, Quentin Baxter, on drums. Their timeless music is born of the Gullah culture of our region’s Sea Islands. Their eponymously titled debut album soared to #1 on the Billboard, Amazon, and iTunes Jazz Charts.

ANA POPOVIC

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24

Ana estimates that over the years she has done about 2500 shows, and easily has another 2500 in the making and says that she never gets tired of it. In her 20 year career she has accumulated many accolades including 7 Blues Music Awards (BMAS) nominations, NPR Music featured artist, and numerous magazine cover appearances. Her music video ‘Lasting King of Love ft. Keb’Mo’ had an exclusive premiere on GRAMMY.com. Among her many performances includes being a part of the ‘all-star’ Experience Hendrix ‘14 - ‘19 lineup; a nationwide tour celebrating the music and legacy of Jimi Hendrix with Buddy Guy, Zakk Wylde, Jonny Lang, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Eric Johnson. Her works ‘Like It On Top’, ‘Trilogy’, ‘Can You Stand the Heat’ and ‘Unconditional’ placed in the top 5 of US Best Selling Blues Albums on The Billboard Charts. She and her six-piece band have toured tirelessly, sharing stages with B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Jeff Beck, Joe Bonamassa and many others. “I’ve successfully merged musical styles and inspired a new generation of guitar players male and female to start pursuing their dreams, regardless of where they were born. Sometimes, the clichés about (music) business are right. If you work hard enough and want it bad enough, you can make anything happen,” she said. Today Ana lives in Los Angeles and is in a select group of modern blues guitar players. She’s called “one helluva a guitarplayer” by Bruce Springsteen and NPR Weekend Edition praised her “Fiery technique on the Stratocaster”. By Kareem McMichael

SAVANNAH HAS A VIBRANT JAZZ HISTORY SAVANNAH HAS BEEN HOME TO IMPORTANT JAZZ LEGENDS SUCH AS JOHNNY MERCER, BEN TUCKER, JAMES MOODY, IRENE REID, BEN RILEY, EDDIE PAZANT, SAHID SHIHAB, JOE “KING” OLIVER, AND MANY MORE, INCLUDING LIVING LEGEND, TEDDY ADAMS. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SAVANNAH JAZZ FESTIVAL AND A FULL 2021 LINEUP, VISITSAVANNAHJAZZ.ORG

CONNECT SAVANNAH | SEPT 22 - 28, 2021

7-time Blues Music Award nominee Ana Popovic has been touring and performing for over 20 years. The award-winning guitar player, singer and songwriter will be performing at the Savannah Jazz Festival on Friday, September 24. “It’s really hard to believe that twenty years ago, I gave up a career in graphic design, formed the Ana Popovic band, and decided to be a full-time musician. Soon after, I traveled to Memphis to record HUSH!, my first solo release,” said Popovic. The hard-touring guitar slinger was born in 1976 in the old town of Belgrade, formerly Yugoslavia and is the eldest daughter of Milutin and Vesna Popovic. Her younger sister was born 5 years later. Ana grew in a family where music is very important. Her father Milutin is a creditable guitar and bass player who would always invite friends over for nightly jam sessions. Ana also grew up listening to her father’s impressive blues and soul records. Despite this Ana was not completely taken by the guitar bug yet and it would not be until she was 15 years-old that she picks up fathers’ guitar. Her father continues to help her but recognizes that his daughter’s natural gift for playing the instrument goes beyond his own abilities. Though her family wasn’t rich Milutin and Vesna make it possible for Ana to take private guitar lessons and Ana puts her soul into them - surprising her teacher with her growth and quickly developing a style of her own. It is 1995 and Ana has fully found her passion for music but once she goes to college she makes the decision to follow in her father’s footsteps by studying Graphic Design at the University of Belgrade. At this point music now begins to take up more time as Ana forms her very first band ‘Hush’ with friend and guitar player Rade Popovic. Over the next three years Ana’s band plays all the major club venues and by 1998 doing a hundred shows annually and making regular appearances on Yugoslavian television. “It feels like just yesterday, I started this project in a garage in Belgrade. Friends and family where supportive, a try-out show at a local bar became a steady gig, and through perseverance and hard work, here we are now,” said Popovic. The end of Communism meant musicians are finally free to travel and Ana now plays blues festivals in Greece & Hungary. With her band Hush she records her first album “Hometown” and within the next few years the band would perform more gigs and their concert offers and obligations were increasing and Ana decided to leave school and peruse music full time. In October of 2000, Ana travels to Memphis to record her first release for Ruf Records. Titled ‘Hush!’ after her first band, the release is produced by Jim Gaines, whose production credits include Santana and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Popovic said, ““I had big dreams back then and I still dream big today. Around that time, I appeared as a special guest on tour with Michael Hill. It was my first North American tour and that spring boarded me to the point where today, two decades later, I can proudly look back at a career of thousands of shows over five continents.”

MUSIC

MUSIC NEWS AND NOTES

Country star Riley Green set to open new Enmarket Arena, tickets already on sale By: Angie Miller

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22

P.O.D

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28TH

CANDLEBOX TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5TH

THE DAVE MATTHEWS

TRIBUTE BAND

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8TH

FOZZY

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14TH

CARNIFEX

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20TH

THE MERSEY BEATLES

CONNECT SAVANNAH | SEPT 22 - 28, 2021

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21ST

TOMMY CASTRO & THE PAINKILLERS FRIDAY, OCTOBER 29TH

FRANK FOSTER

STARLAND DISTRICT | 2603 WHITAKER ST

WWW.VICTORYNORTHCONCERTS.COM @victorynorthsavannah

@victorynorthsav

Although not set to open until 2022, officials at Enmarket Arena have just announced that tickets are now on sale for its first performer—country star Riley Green, who will take the stage with other well-known Georgia acts on Fri., Jan 14. Officials with Oak View Group, the management company for the new arena, say the 9,500 seat building will bring top-notch touring musical acts, family shows, sporting events, trade shows, cultural and local festivals and graduations, and much more. “With us only being four months away from opening, Oak View Group along with our partners City of Savannah, Live Nation, Pat Mathis Construction and Delaware North want everyone to start getting excited about all the great things the arena will be bringing to the community,” said Monty Jones Jr, Oak View Group general manager at Enmarket Arena. An Alabama native who was raised on the sounds of traditional country, Bluegrass, and Southern gospel music, Riley Green was named 2020 ACM Awards New Male Artist of the Year, and is known for his musical storytelling and staying true to his country roots. “Riley Green will be a great event for us to welcome everyone to in January and with this announcement today, expect many more big announcements to come in the upcoming weeks,” said Jones.

Green will bring his ‘We Out Here Tour’ to the Enmarket stage and will be joined by special guests Georgia’s own Corey Smith and Mike Ryan. “We are thrilled to start announcing events. It has been a long time coming and we are very excited and proud of the caliber and diversity of events that Oak View Group and our partners will be able to bring to Savannah.” With a vision to deliver a first-class entertainment destination to the Southeast, management says the new Enmarket Arena will bolster entertainment in Georgia and transform the downtown area of Savannah into a booming entertainment hub. Inspired by Savannah’s historic charm, Enmarket Arena will boast 18 premium areas, two premium clubs, 12 suites, one party suite, and club seating for 725 people. “The premium hospitality areas will be the first of its kind in Savannah and our guests here are going to be blown away by the spaces and amenities it will offer,” said Jones Jr. “Guests can look forward to the best seats in the house, exclusive bars, great food, parking, the ability to attend every show and concert or hockey game based on their membership package. It will be an exciting, beautiful space for friends and family to have fun but will also be a new place to do business and entertain clients.” In addition to live music and entertainment, Enmarket Arena is also set to expand

Country star Riley Green will be the first act in the new EnMarket Arena on Jan. 14, 2022. Photo from Facebook: Riley Green Music

sports in the region by introducing an East Coast Hockey League team as a tenant. “We have a strong focus on being involved in the community so hosting events that will enrich Savannah is important to us,” said Jones Jr. “Enmarket Arena was a missing piece to Savannah and we’re ready to showcase all that it can be!” Tickets are on sale now. To purchase tickets or for more information visit enmarketarena.com

Country duo Maddie + Tae come to District Live By: Angie Miller

In 2014, Maddie + Tae were just two 18 year-old girls, taking voice lessons with hopes of one day making it big. Now, they are an award-winning singer/songwriter country music duo and more than just ‘Girls in a Country Song.’ So, how did two smalltown teenage girls pave their way into Nashville during a time when male country was dominating the airwaves? Fate, determination, and talent of course. In 2010, a new subgenre of Country music was emerging, ‘brocountry,’ and artists like Florida Georgia Line, Blake Shelton, and Jason Aldean were dominating the airwaves with songs about the same Country music cliches—girls, drinking, partying, and tractors. In retaliation, the newly established singer/songwriter duo Maddie + Tae co-wrote a tune titled ‘Girl in a Country Song’ that poked fun at the stereotypes about women and Country music’s tendency to objectify females in lyrics. The chorus “being a girl in a country song, how in the world did it go so wrong?....we used to get a little respect, now we’re lucky if we even get to climb in your trunk and be the girl in a country song” summed up their complaint and quickly turned country music fans heads. ‘Girl in

a Country Song’ climbed to the top of the charts, hitting platinum after only 23 weeks. But that wasn’t the only achievement the duo accomplished - the women started a movement for more women on country radio. Following their debut hit, Maddie + Tae released a harmonizing ballad, ‘Fly,’ a song about finding courage in vulnerability. ‘Fly’ was released as the follow-up to ‘Girl in a Country Song,’ and received the 2016 Radio Disney Music Award for ‘Favorite Country Song.’ The award winning singer/songwriter duo have also earned trophies from the Country Music Academy along with multiple ACM, CMA and CMT Award nominations. In addition, the duo has toured with country music’s hottest stars including Carrie Underwood, Dierks Bentley, Brad Paisley and more. As accomplished songwriters, Maddie + Tae infuse firsthand experiences into their lyrics, and are continuously writing new music for their fans. They released a new song titled ‘Life Ain’t Fair’ on August 9, a “summertime sing-a-long about good friends, good vibes, and a lot of cheap wine.” Bringing the girl power to Savannah, Maddie + Tae will perform their chart-topping hits on Thurs., Sept. 23 at District Live at Plant Riverside District. Tickets are $35/person in advance and $40/person at the door.

Hazel Virtue. Photo provided by the band.

HAZEL VIRTUE IS BACK

Reunion show with DRAUCKER at Southbound Brewing Sept. 24 By Angie Miller

“The album is all about one of those old-school records from the 70s where it folds three ways. The first record is on the left panel and the second one is on the right. That kinda stuff.” ‘Full Circle’ has a mixture of newly written songs, and songs that have been in the making for over 25 years. “With a couple of new editions, most of the songs on the album are songs that we started 25 years ago,” he said with a chuckle. “We did go into the studio, but they never made it on to a record but they finally did in 2020.” Due to the pandemic, this year is the first time Hazel has been able to perform ‘Full Circle’ on stage. “We actually had a bigger tour booked in 2020 that would have followed the release of the album,” he said. “But with Covid we were unable to do it. We are really excited to be playing our newest album and teaming up with another local rock band, DRAUCKER.” Based out of Savannah, DRAUCKER is a five-piece rock band that began with three siblings: Nick, Sarah, and Chris Draucker who grew up in a musical household. The siblings, who got their start playing at church and in a band at school, played at festivals and different gigs within the Savannah area throughout their youth before forming the band DRAUCKER with musician friends Tyler Weibel and Joe Pilz. With deep rock-roots, ambitious dreams for the future, and a goal to write and produce music that promotes positivity, DRAUCKER breaks barriers by diving into many different musical genres. Nick Draucker, songwriter behind most of the band’s

music, studies music from many different genres and incorporates those influences into his songwriting. “I think a lot of their music is born from personal experiences but also just from listening to other writers in a prolific way,” said DRAUCKER’s Band Manager, Belinda Draucker. “Nick studies all different genres, all different types of music...people you’ve never even heard of. They could play a Beatles song, and right next to an Aerosmith song, followed by the Eagles, Ed Sheeran, etc. Part of it is just being exposed to what the history is behind the music they’re playing, and putting a twist on it to make their own unique sound.” DRAUCKER is armed with a unique list of covers and a large repertoire of original songs. Although the pandemic may have slowed down DRAUCKER’s live performing momentum, it hasn’t stopped the band from writing new tunes. “Nick probably has a catalog of over 50 to 60 songs that he’s written right now,” said Draucker. “They’ve had a lot of time to write new material and are thrilled for the opportunity to share their music locally. The fact that we’re able to get together with Hazel Virtue and do something local like this...we’re beyond ready to bring something unique that will bring positivity back into people’s lives and support our local businesses.” Hazel Virtue and DRAUCKER perform on Fri., Sept. 24 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance, and $20 day of the show. To purchase tickets or for more information visit Eventbrite and search for the bands or Southbound Brewing.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | SEPT 22 - 28, 2021

There’s no denying that the music industry has been unexpectedly affected by COVID-19. With live performances canceled worldwide, musicians have been deprived of revenue they would have spent on hiring studios to make new records. However, that hasn’t stopped local bands Hazel Virtue and DRAUCKER from writing and producing new music. Often referenced as the “the best alternative rock band in Athens.” (Athens Banner Herald, 1996), Hazel Virtue was formed by Eric Britt in the 90s, with a handful of friends he met as a student during his time at the University of Georgia. Hazel toured extensively throughout the South during the mid to late 90s and quickly became part of the festival circuit. After taking a 20-year break from touring, Hazel is hitting the road again for a handful of concerts and making a stop at Southbound Brewing with their newest album ‘Full Circle.’ Released in 2019, ‘Full Circle’ is a double-sided album with one side dedicated to acoustic rock and the other dedicated to Hazel’s rocking alterna-rock roots. “Full Circle has two sides to it,” explained Britt. “Side A is mostly acoustic and beautiful ballads that are indie-rock based. That’s my solo stuff that I was working on for a long time. And Side B starts with a song called ‘The Plan.’ The album slowly gets darker and heavier as you go along and Side B is the side that we constructed together as a band.” Britt also said that the album has two different art components to it, something he is very proud

of.

MUSIC

LIVE MUSIC

From covers on MySpace to singing lead with Boston Tommy DeCarlo brings his solo band DECARLO to Coach’s Corner

CONNECT SAVANNAH | SEPT 22 - 28, 2021

By Angie Miller

Tommy DeCarlo. Photo provided by Coach’s Corner

For many, social-networking is good for keeping in touch with friends and family. For Tommy DeCarlo, it was a foot in the door to rock stardom. It was only 14 years ago that Tommy DeCarlo was just your ‘average Joe,’ working a full-time job at Home Depot. Born and raised in New York, DeCarlo’s interest in music began when he joined the school choir in elementary school. Although he was told by his choir teacher that his voice was too soft, he continued to sing and at age 14, furthered his musical abilities by teaching himself to play the piano. Throughout his youth, DeCarlo was heavily influenced by 1970’s rock and sang along to Boston songs playing on the radio. Ironically enough, it was the original lead singer of Boston, Brad Delp, who he credits for helping him find his singing voice. In 2007 when Brad Delp tragically took his own life, DeCarlo was deeply moved by the tragedy and in response, wrote an original tribute song to him, posting it on MySpace. The tribute song, titled ‘A Man He’ll Always Be’ was an offtake of the Boston song ‘A Man I’ll Never Be.’ “I was just sitting around at home in front of the keyboard at the time thinking about what had just happened in terms of Brad’s suicide,” said DeCarlo. “I just felt like playing some music on my piano and as I sat there, I began to play a little bit of ‘A Man I’ll Never Be.’ Then I thought, well, Brad was such an awesome guy and such an awesome singer, I should put a little bit of a twist on it so I titled the song ‘A Man He’ll Always Be’ to highlight some of the Boston songs that Brad sang on.” With grief and motivation by his side, DeCarlo uploaded his tribute song as well as a couple of Boston covers to a MySpace page. “My daughter suggested that I post my tribute song and to a MySpace page but I actually didn’t have a MySpace page at the time but my kids did, however,” he said. “So, my daughter created a MySpace page for me and helped me upload the tribute song that I wrote. Then I decided to record myself singing covers of Boston’s songs ‘Smokin’ and ‘Don’t Look Back’ and I uploaded those to the same MySpace page.” DeCarlo started receiving a lot of positive comments and decided to take a blind leap of fate by emailing his tribute song as well as the covers to Tom Scholz, the guitarist and songwriter behind Boston. “I put it out there and sent it but I was like, yeah, sure like anyone is ever going to read this email,” he said. At the time, Boston was getting ready to perform a tribute show to honor Brad Delp. With luck (and talent) at his side, DeCarlo’s covers eventually made it into the hands of Tom Scholz’s wife. “To make a long story short, the email address I sent my covers to wasn’t actually the band’s email. It was some management company who passed it along to Tom Scholz and his wife. Tom’s wife listened to my covers and thought they were great. She said that Tom wanted to speak to me about performing at the tribute show.” DeCarlo immediately returned the email, and weeks later he was on stage performing with the iconic rock band. The rest, as they say, is history. To keep himself busy during his ‘off season’ from touring with Boston, DeCarlo co-created a solo band, DECARLO, with his son in 2012. “After my first tour with Boston in 2008 we didn’t tour again until 2012. I had quite a bit of time off to do other things and my son was just getting to the age where he was starting to become interested in playing music. So, I bought him a guitar for Christmas, never really thinking he’d get far into playing, and then—one day—he was down in his bedroom playing, and from out in the living room I said to myself: ‘Hey, that sounds pretty good, he’s coming along.’ He worked really hard on becoming a guitar player and that’s kinda when we had the idea of putting together our own band.” DECARLO will bring a mixture of 1970’s classic rock to the Coach’s Corner stage on Sept. 24. “We definitely play a lot of the Boston music that fans love to hear,” he said. “But we also spend some time performing some of the other songs from bands I grew up listening to—Styx, Journey, Foreigner. Those are the perks of going to a DECARLO show.” DECARLO released their debut album “Lightning Strikes Twice” in Jan., 2020, earning them a featured article in Billboard Magazine as 2021 Grammy contenders. DECARLO will perform with local legends Thomas Claxton & The Myth on Friday, Sept. 24 at 7 p.m. For more information and tickets, visit coachs.net/ events

THE STAGE PAGE

Music in the Soundgarden THUR JULY 29 THUR JULY 29

KING OF POP - A TRIBUTE KING POP - A TRIBUTE TOOF THE GENIUS OF TO THE GENIUS OF MICHAEL JACKSON MICHAEL JACKSON

KALI @ ELAN SAVANNAH

The sexiest MC out there, Kali blew up earlier this year with the straight-up filthy “Do a Bitch” and “MMM MMM.” Neither track minces words, syllables, grunts or letters, and are worth the price of admisR O Ualone. sion But she’s no gimmick. GET Y R OSUhas Nskills and the deeper cuts Y Kali O T E T G T I C K Ehit, too. S E! TN ET IO KT R C I B T THURSDAY, SEPT 23 | 10 PM N EVE

EVENT

BRITE

DIVA ROYALE DRAG QUEEN SHOW @ VICE LOUNGE

The Diva Royale troupe performs bombastic, dragtastic interpretations of megahits by Adele, Tina Turner, Madonna, Dolly Parton, Beyoncé and many more. Advance tickets available on Eventbrite are required, as is a dearth of propriety.

FRI JULY 30 FRI 30 THE JULY ULTIMATE

FRI SEPT 24TH AEROSMITH TRIBUTE THE ULTIMATE

LEAD SINGER FOR BOSTON

AEROSMITH TRIBUTE

SAT SEPT 25TH

THE AUSTIN NEAL BAND

FRI AUG 6 FRI AUG 6

SAT JULY 31 SAT JULY 31 FRI OCT 1ST

AN EVENING WITH JASON COURTENAY & JARED WADE

SAT OCT 2ND

A TRIBUTE TO THE ROLLING STONES

NIGHTRAIN-THE EXPERIENCE A TRIBUTE GUNSN TO THEROSES ROLLING STONES

UPCOMING SHOWS UPCOMING SHOWS AUG. 7 Grand Paradise - A Tribute to STYX

FRIDAY, SEPT 24 | 6PM

DRUNK AT THE MOVIES @ THE WORMHOLE

Tailor-made for fans of Mystery Science Theater 3000 who like movies and comedy, and have a love-hate relationship with adult beverages. Laugh it up with three comedians live heckling a couple of short films followed by some stand-up. FRIDAY, SEPT 24 | 7:30PM

Officially known as the Downtown Delilahs Modern Burlesque Cabaret, that’s the end of the formalities. DD has fun with burlesque, adding more comedy and audience participation than usual. It’s neo-, but rests on a solid foundation of striptease from a talented troupe who respect and expand the art form. FRIDAY, SEPT 24 | 9:30 PM

BREAKFAST BREAKFASTISISBACK! BACK!

BREAKFAST IS- FRIDAY BACK! 7-10:30 7-10:30TUESDAY-FRIDAY • TUESDAY 7-10:30 • TUESDAY - FRIDAY 8-11:30 SATURDAY 8-11:30 • SATURDAY 8-11:30 • SATURDAY

3016 E. VICTORY DR. 3016 E. VICTORY DR. 912.352.2933 COACHS.NET 912.352.2933 COACHS.NET

DOWNLOAD OUR APP! DOWNLOAD OUR APP!

CONNECT SAVANNAH | SEPT 22 - 28, 2021

DOWNTOWN DELILAHS @ MATA HARI’S SPEAKEASY

OCT 8 A Cool Fall Night with Amy Taylor AUG. 7 Grand Paradise - A Tribute to STYX 13 FA-Q OCT 9 Harvest Moon-AUG Celebrating the Music of Neil Young AUG 13 FA-Q AUG 14 Interstellar Echoes A to Pink Floyd OCT 15 84 A Tribute toTribute Van Halen AUG 14 Interstellar Echoes A Tribute AUG22 20Charlie The Bitteroots OCT Fog Band to Pink Floyd AUG The Bitteroots AUG 27 The Petty -20 The National OCTHearts 23 Sapphire Bullets ofTom PurePetty Love Tribute Show AUG 27 The Petty Hearts The National Tom Petty Tribute Show AUG 28 The Stratton James Trio OCT 29 & OCT 30 Departure- Celebrating the Music of Journey AUG-A28 The Trio Bros. Band NOV 5 Stratton The Island Boys SEPT 3 Tribute Celebration of James the Allman SEPT 3 Tribute -A Celebration of the Allman Bros. Band SEPT When Wet Ultimate - A Tribute to Bon Jovi NOV46Slippery On The Border-The Eagles Tribute SEPT Slippery When Wet -#1 ACoyote Tribute to Bon Jovi 11 Jupiter NOV412 20SEPT Ride-America’s Zac Brown Tribute SEPT 11 Jupiter Coyote

CONNECT SAVANNAH MUSIC

SOUNDBOARD

22-28

SEPT/

WHO IS PLAYING WHERE THIS WEEK

WEDNESDAY 9/22 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. Mint to Be Mojito Bar & Bites Open Mic Night, 5-11 p.m.

PS Tavern Beer Pong Tournament, 10 p.m.

KARAOKE

Bay Street Blues Karaoke, 8 p.m. Blueberry Hill Karaoke, 9 p.m.-3 a.m. Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m. McDonough’s Karaoke, 9 p.m. Nickie’s 1971 Karaoke Night, 9 p.m. The Hive Repertory Theatre LLC Adult Night Out - Karaoke!, 8 p.m. Totally Awesome Bar Karaoke, 10 p.m.

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

COMEDY

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

KARAOKE

LIVE MUSIC

Club 51 Degrees DJ Fer, DJ Emalo, DJ Lil G, DJ BRad, 9 p.m. VICE Lounge + Mojito Bar DJ Primal, 9 p.m.

TRIVIA & GAMES

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

THURSDAY 9/23 Cohen’s Retreat Munchies & Music, 5-9 p.m. Bar Food Trivia Night, 8 p.m. McDonough’s Family Feud, 7 p.m.

KARAOKE

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

COMEDY

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

CONNECT SAVANNAH | SEPT 22 - 28, 2021

TRIVIA & GAMES

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

Service Brewing Company Bluegrass By The Pint with Swamptooth, 6 p.m. Sting Ray’s Robert Willis, 6 p.m. Southbound Brewing Hazel Virtue and DRAUCKER 7 p.m. Coffee Bluff Marina LAX (Larry Broussard and Jeri Boxx) 6-8 p.m.

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

BAR & CLUB EVENTS

Service Brewing Company Service Brewing Run Club, 6:30 p.m. Mint to Be Mojito Bar & Bites Salsa Thursday, Lessons/Dancing 7-11p.m.

FRIDAY 9/24 LIVE MUSIC

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

BAR & CLUB EVENTS

SATURDAY 9/25

FRI/

DRAUCKER PERFORMING WITH HAZEL VIRTUE AT SOUTHBOUND BREWING COMPANY

Support local and buy local at Southbound Brewing with Georgia’s rockin’ bands Hazel Virtue and DRAUCKER on Friday Sept., 24. Tickets are $15 if purchased ahead and $20 day of the show. 7 pm

LIVE MUSIC

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

TRIVIA & GAMES

SUNDAY 9/26

MONDAY 9/27

LIVE MUSIC

Collins Quarter at Forsyth Ember City, 2 p.m. Congress Street Social Club Voodoo Soup, 10 p.m. The Historic Savannah Theatre Sister Act The Musical Myrtle & Rose, Rooftop Garden Plant Riverside Live Jazz Sunday Brunch Featuring the Howard Paul Jazz Trio, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Nickie’s 1971 Roy Swindell, 7 p.m. Sting Ray’s Robert Willis, 6 p.m.

BAR & CLUB EVENTS

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

Blueberry Hill Pool Tournament, 2 p.m.

KARAOKE

Bar Food Karaoke Night, 10 p.m. Bay Street Blues Karaoke, 8 p.m. Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m. McDonough’s Karaoke, 9 p.m. Totally Awesome Bar Karaoke, 10 p.m. Club 51 Degrees Dance Party

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

OTHER

Wormsloe State Historic Site Historic Foods of Wormsloe, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

TRIVIA & GAMES KARAOKE

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

Nickie’s 1971 Ray Tomasino, 7 p.m. The Wormhole Open Mic/Jam, 6-10 & 10 p.m.2 a.m.

TRIVIA & GAMES

Club One Super Gay Bingo, 5:30 p.m. Starland Yard Music Bingo, 7-9 p.m.

KARAOKE

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

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

TUESDAY 9/28 LIVE MUSIC

McDonough’s Open Mic/Jam, 9 p.m.

Nickie’s 1971 Roy Swindell, 7 p.m.

TRIVIA & GAMES

Basil’s Pizza and Deli Trivia, 7 p.m. Fia Rua Irish Pub Trivia, 7 p.m. McDonough’s Trivia Tuesday, 7 p.m. Oak 36 Bar + Kitchen Trivia Tuesday, 9 p.m. Savannah Taphouse Trivia, 7 p.m. Starland Yard Trivia with Chris Grimmett, 6:30 p.m.; Trivia Night With Chris Grimmett, 6:30-8:30 p.m. The Wormhole Trivia, 9:30 p.m.

KARAOKE

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

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

THE BAND PAGE

HIPPIE SABOTAGE @ ELAN SAVANNAH

Sacramento brothers Kevin and Jeff Sauer were exposed to edgy, artsy San Francisco as kids. The influence stuck and the EDM duo have been very busy while locked down. Hear the new stuff from the guys whose “Habits (Stay High)” has a ridiculous 800 million views on YouTube. FRIDAY, SEPT 24 | 8 PM

MADDIE & TAE @ DISTRICT LIVE

Traditional country duo Maddie & Tae were grounded from recording for two years when their record label went belly-up. With new music recently released, they’re itching to play live, so expect an exceptionally enthusiastic performance. THURSDAY, SEPT 23 | 8 PM

Garage rock with a country steel-guitar angle mixed with piano and sing-along choruses, you say? With a slight Lou Reed vocal style (think “Rock and Roll”), the big band from Boone, NC offer rock fans so much to enjoy. Don’t be an ingrate. TUESDAY, SEPT 28 | 8 PM

BELOW 7 @ THE WORMHOLE

Longtime friends turned their on-again-off-again cover band into the real thing, finding a big rock sound fans of Godsmack and Alice in Chains are practically preprogrammed to swoon to. Check out why the Tennesseebased quartet is rising at an age most rockers start to fade. FRIDAY SEPT 24 | 9 PM

CONNECT SAVANNAH | SEPT 22 - 28, 2021

THE NUDE PARTY @ DISTRICT LIVE

JONESIN’ CROSSWORD CONNECT SAVANNAH

connectsavannah.com

“Home Repairs”-visiting some unusual places. by Matt Jones

ACT II

AUGUST 11 - 17 • 2021

for DOLETTE

McDONALD

REPLANTING WORMSLOE: KEEPING AN ICONIC SITE GROWING FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS

HER JOURNEY FROM THE WORLD STAGE TO SAVANNAH

MIDDAY CHEERS! FIRST-EVER FESTIVAL WILL CELEBRATE LOCAL BREWS & BOOZE

Many of our readers who don’t have access to our FREE printed editions have asked for a way to receive Connect Savannah by mail. We are now able to deliver*!

We’d be happy to Send

CONNECT SAVANNAH Directly to YOU Every Week!

Perfect for a gift subscription for friends or family, or simply an easier way to get your weekly issue!

12 Months for Just $39! Act Today! Regularly $52/year Now 25% off for a Limited Time. (THAT’S ONLY 75 CENTS PER WEEK!)

CONNECT SAVANNAH | SEPT 22 - 28, 2021

Name_______________________________________________

Address_____________________________________________ City/State____________________________________________ *Phone Number______________________________________ *Email_______________________________________________ (YOUR PRIVACY: We do not sell or distribute any email addresses.)

YES! Please SIGN ME UP! 1 Year Convenience Fee of $39 OR START RECEIVING COPIES IN YOUR MAILBOX BY CALLING

912-721-4360 *Someone will get your payment over the phone. If you wish to mail your payment, please include this ad in an stamped envelope and mail your check payment of $39 to Connect Savannah, Attn: Circulation, 611 E. Bay St., Savannah, GA 31401 *This offer only applies to Georgia residents

THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING US TO CONTINUE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH THE BEST NEWS, ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT COVERAGE IN THE COASTAL EMPIRE!

YOU ASKED, SO WE’LL DELIVER! ACROSS 1 Submarine acronym 6 Batting game for little kids 11 Cousin in 2021’s “The Addams Family 2” 14 “Fingers crossed” 15 Vietnamese capital 16 Pasture grazer 17 Replaces, as with a charged battery 19 Local response to “Want some Irn-Bru?”, perhaps 20 Android alternative for smartphones 21 Doctor who’s a playable character in “Overwatch” 22 Choir member 24 “Let’s get together sometime” 29 “That’s the one” 30 Was on the radio 31 Actress Menzel of “Wicked” 34 Not well 36 Singer Rita 39 More than enough at the buffet 43 Come-___ (enticements) 44 Princess in L. Frank Baum books 45 Bug persistently 46 Like TV’s “Batman” 49 Buffoon 50 They may involve blue material 56 Not fully upright 57 Org. for Pelicans and Hawks 58 Losing tic-tac-toe line 60 Seafood restaurant freebie 61 Major book publishing company (or what the circled

squares contain) 66 Easy “Card Sharks” card to play from 67 “The Beverly Hillbillies” star Buddy 68 Poe’s middle name 69 “Totally tubular” 70 Causing jumpiness, maybe 71 Ibsen heroine Gabler DOWN 1 Emphatic exclamation, in Ecuador 2 “Incredible!” 3 Static, e.g. 4 Fitting 5 “Parks and ___” 6 What’s exited in Brexit, for short 7 Herb used in Thai cuisine 8 “Can I take that as ___?” 9 Grant played by the late Ed Asner 10 Roadside rubbish 11 Plaint that may prompt words of encouragement 12 “Happy Birthday ___” 13 Annoying sibling, maybe 18 Some insurance groups, for short 23 Letters on a wide wedge, maybe 25 “Auld Lang ___” 26 Pick up aurally 27 Country cottage, in Russia 28 M as in NATO? 31 “Where did ___ wrong?” 32 Home refuge 33 Put a message on, as jewelry 34 Hostess snack cake

35 Philosophy suffix 37 “Messenger” material 38 Competition hosted by Terry Crews, for short 40 Faux pas comment 41 Grateful Dead bass guitarist Phil 42 El ___, TX 47 Word before hours or fours 48 Units to measure London’s Shard, e.g. 49 “___ I!” (“Same here!”) 50 Title elephant of children’s lit 51 City on the Mohawk River 52 Preposition with mistletoe? 53 John H. Johnson’s magazine 54 “What ___ it take?” 55 “A pity” 59 TV’s “Warrior Princess” 62 “Supermarket Sweep” network 63 Codebreaking org. 64 “Likely story!” 65 Stadium chant for Marta, e.g.

CROSSWORD ANSWERS

“... a fiery hot and soulful Southern big band that is the ‘Hope Diamond’ of entertainment. That is to say, there is only one and it is spectacular!... This is Great American Music at its finest.” —Broadway World

The Charles H. Morris Center and Connect Savannah present:

THE FABULOUS EQUINOX ORCHESTRA MONDAY NIGHT CABARET!

Photo by David Parks

This Monday night monthly series KICKS OFF ON OCT. 25, celebrating the grand re-opening of the Great White Way! BROADWAY IS BACK BABY! The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra will be premiering brand new musical arrangements of their favorite iconic hits that where born on Broadway! Expect to hear a unique take on songs from Music Man, Guys and Dolls, My Fair Lady, Fiddler on the Roof, Oklahoma and many more!

FIRST SHOW

OCT 25

COCKTAIL HOUR: 6P-7P SHOW: 7P-8:30P GET YOUR TABLE:

PHOTOS FROM LOCAL EVENTS

Photos by Bunny Ware

View more photos online at connectsavannah.com/connected

BIG BON PIZZA 5TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION Big Bon celebrated its five-year anniversary with a special Pizza Pop-Up Anniversary Party at Service Brewing on Friday, Sept. 17. They announced that starting Wed., Oct. 6, Big Bon Pizza will begin serving a rotating menu of woodfired pizzas inside the Big Bon Bodega at 2011 Bull St. The new pizza program is being led by chef Jay Langfelder, who opened one of the first wood-fired pizza food trucks in Buffalo, N.Y., and previously owned Jay’s Artisan Pizzeria, which has been included on The Daily Meal’s prestigious list of the 101 Best Pizzas in America three times and on Italy’s highly competitive 50 Top Pizza USA list for 2021.

Kevin Ryan, Kay Heritage

Jessica, Sadie & John Mnieckowski

Lynn, Jake the Dog, Evan and Kristina Griffith

Jay Langfelder, Kay Heritage

The Big Bon Bodega Team

Stella Wynn, Mary Anne Bennett, Madge Giorgio, Pier Schneider

Jan de Voest, Edward de Voest, Katherine Poss

PHOTOS FROM LOCAL EVENTS

Photos by Bunny Ware

View more photos online at connectsavannah.com/connected

The Muckers from Atlanta GA

“Moose”, Tommy Holland

Jermaine Kicklighter, Tawana Garrett

John Henderson, Kristina Fredericks

Terrie Osbourne, Walt Harper, Tricia Howard

HALFWAY TO ST. PATRICK’S DAY FUNDRAISER AT COACH’S CORNER The Savannah Irish Festival partnered with Coach’s Corner on Sept. 17 to host the 2021 Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day fundraising event. The event kicked off with music from the Muckers, a five-piece folk-rock band from Atlanta with a heavy emphasis on Irish music. Guests enjoyed food and drink specials from Coach’s and a 50/50 raffle and auction. George Green, Mara Harley, Sean Herb, Julie Jones, Billy Morris Jr.

KILLER BEATS. AMAZING EATS.

grab your friends and get your costume ready for the only party worthy of america’s most haunted city! THURSDAY OCT 28 kehoe iron works at trustees’ garden

Scan the code for info and tickets