Connect Savannah | October 5, 2022

an experiential fashion event and masquerade ball

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2022 • 7 PM - MIDNIGHT KEHOE IRON WORKS AT TRUSTEES’ GARDEN tickets & info

A Night in the Garden is an experiential fashion event and masquerade ball that offers guests an immersion in artistry and imagination unlike anything the Hostess City has ever seen. This event features a runway fashion show, aerialist, burlesque and magic performances, and music from live local bands and DJs along with entertainers from NYC. The evening is meant for indulging in escapism as avant-garde costumes and masks are encouraged. Prepare to dance the night away at this uniquely Savannah event. for more information and tickets, please scan the code

AT A GLANCE

WEDNESDAY 10/5

DUCKPIN BOWLING LEAGUE NIGHT

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

TRIVIA NIGHT WITH JESS SHAW

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

THURSDAY 10/6

BINGO! AT ELKS LODGE

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

FREE YOGA ON THE BEACH AT THE DECK

Enjoy free yoga on the beach at 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 10/7

FAMILY FIRST FRIDAYS @ LA SCALA

Live Performances by Shena Verrett and Xulu Jones Plus Special Guest, fabulous friends, delicious food and the best wine and cocktails! La Scala

OCTOBER/5-11

HIGHLIGHTED PICKS FROM HOSTESS CITY HAPPENINGS THIS WEEK

To have your event considered for inclusion, please send an email to happenings@connectsavannah.com. Include the event name, date, time, location with address, cost, website address for additional information, and a contact number. The submission deadline is 5PM each Friday before the following Wednesday’s edition.

Ristorante 119 E. 37th St. Savannah, GA 3401 5p-8p See You There! Benefiting Music Muses.

BLUEGRASS BY THE PINT WITH SWAMPTOOTH

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

SATURDAY 10/8

FORSYTH FARMERS MARKET

Local and regional produce, honey, meat, dairy, pasta, baked goods and other delights. Rain or shine. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Forsyth Park, Drayton St. & East Park Ave. Free to attend. Items for sale. 912-484-0279. forsythfarmersmarket.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.

UGA SAVANNAH ALUMNI GAMEWATCHING VS. AUBURN

Starland Yard is the OFFICIAL UGA Savannah Alumni Chapter Game Watching location! Put on your spirited red and black and head to the Savannah chapter’s game watching party 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 kickoff. 2411 De Soto Ave. WIN A FOOTBALL SIGNED BY KIRBY SMART! Show up to the party and ask the volunteers running it how to enter!

ALL WEEK HOMECOMING WEEK @ SSU

Savannah State University (SSU) is celebrating Homecoming 2022 with a weeklong schedule of events themed “We are Significant. Steadfast. Unstoppable.” Notable events include the coronation of Mr. and Miss Savannah State University, a Golf Scramble and Greek Step Show, culminating with the Homecoming football game on Saturday, Oct. 8. The SSU Tigers host the Virginia University of Lynchburg Dragons in T. A. Wright Stadium with kickoff at 3 p.m.

OHIO STATE GAME WATCH

The official Ohio State Alumni and Booster club will host game watches for all Ohio State football games at Tailgate Sports Bar & Grill on Abercorn St. One hour before kickoff. It is free to attend. Never yell OH alone again....come join your fellow Buckeyes and get an IO as we cheer the team onto victory. Tailgate Sports Bar and Grill, 11215 Abercorn St.

SUNDAY 10/9

SPOOKY YOGA UNDER THE FULL MOON

Keeping the spooky vibes going with a yoga class under the full moon! We’ll be stretching it out in the beer garden with local yoga

instructor Summer Foster, a rockin’ soundtrack, and beer & spirits. 8pm. Tickets include the yoga class and a 12oz pour of Moon River beer; a portion of the proceeds will be donated to hurricane relief.

SUNSET PARTY SUNDAY

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

BEATS, BREWS + BEERMOSAS

Catch those Sunday Vibes every week at Service Brewing with beats, brews and

beermosas featuring sets from local DJs, delicious food trucks and 16 beers on tap. 12:30-5:30 p.m.Service Brewing Company, 574 Indian Street.

FREE

MONDAY 10/10

TYBEE ISLAND FARMERS MKT

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

TUESDAY 10/11

STAFFORD’S TUESDAY

COMEDY OPEN MIC

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

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OUR VALUES

Connect Savannah is a weekly arts, entertainment and news magazine, focused on Savannah and the Coastal Empire life and experience.

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RONALD MARTINEZ

THE FIRE BURNING

Ronald Martinez’s Hostess City Hot Glass studio is located in downtown Savannah and was founded in 2018. Ronald was the winner of Connect Savannah’s “Best Visual Artist” award in 2022.

In addition to the art studio, Hostess City Hot Glass offers chances to do some handson work of your own.

“We offer classes for people who’ve never taken glass blowing before, we do large team building events, we do demonstra tions, and make glass that’s sold all around town and the country, as well as doing large installations,” he said. “We just finished an installation for a children’s hospital in Pensacola depicting undersea life in glass to help calm children going into surgery.”

Ronald Martinez grew up outside of Metter, but found his way to the west coast and met his future wife, Casey.

“On our first date, Ronald told me he would be going back to Savannah. If I was serious, I needed to be willing to move to Savannah. On a first date!” she said.

It must have stuck because the couple is here and their business is thriving.

“We’ve grown so much in three years since Ronald started it,” Casey said. “We’ve grown from a little hole in the wall garage to a large, 2,000 square foot space on Montgomery Street.”

Ronald teaches all of the classes, along with other apprentices at the studio.

“How did we find them?” Casey teased. “Believe it or not, they all took a class. That’s how we met them and they are all fabulous.”

Most recently, Hostess City Hot Glass has created a buzz by hiding some of its glass

creations throughout the city.

“Yes! People love this. We do a monthly giveaway of our glass. We hide pieces of glass that were made right here in Savan nah… in Savannah,” Casey said. “We want to go out and spread a little joy. Ronald went to Forsyth and hid glass all around. We thought it was just a one-time thing, but it has really taken off and we plan on doing it a lot.”

“We had someone message us the other day who visited in town from New England. She had a picture of her mom who had found a piece of the glass and she was just beaming from ear-to-ear,” she shared. “We hid a whole lot of stuff, paperweights, floats, peach es—our hot ticket items—and for the next one, we’re going to be putting out a couple of larger, high-end pieces. We’re also thinking of putting things out in different places in the city. We may go out to Richmond Hill and Tybee.”

Glass blowing was invent ed by Syrian craftsmen in the first century, B.C, but according to the Martinezes, the process remains mostly the same.

“I could wander into a studio 1,000 years ago and pretty much use the same process and technique,” Ronald said. “Yes, we have technologically advanced temperature control and stuff like that, but this is a craft that has sustained over time. Mostly because the end product is just so beauti ful. In some of the processes, you have to

it will be reflected in what you’re doing and you have to just let go and ease into it. The more you do that, the more the glass will behave the way you want it to. It’s a bit of a therapy session.”

Ronald explained the process some.

“We start with 2000-degree molten glass that comes out of the furnace with the con sistency of honey. Think of it as saltwater taffy. At the end of a blowpipe, you can

manipulate it, add color to it, twist it into shapes and molds, make it into a paper weight, or blow it out to be an ornament. Then, we put it into the annealer where it cools over a 24–48-hour period until it becomes hardened glass.”

“We’d love for everyone to come to try it out. Ours is a very hands-on process. We want folks to leave not only with an appreciation of a new art form, but also with the accomplishment of ‘Hey, I did that!’ It’s not something we made for you, but you made it for yourself. We appreciate the recognition and the support we’ve had from Savannah.”

JAUDON SPORTS:

ATLANTA BRAVES ENTER PLAYOFFS WITH ANOTHER WORLD SERIES IN MIND

BY TRAVIS JAUDON Sports Columnist @JaudonSports

Fans of the Atlanta Braves woke up on Monday morning with their team one game away from clinching the National League East Division for a fifth straight season. Despite what they might tell you, not even the most loyal Braves fans would’ve imagined October could start so sweet.

Atlanta ended last week with a three-game sweep of the New York Mets and began this week with a record of 100-59 and a two-game advantage over the Mets in the NL East race. At the time of this writing, the Bravos had a magic number of one to clinch the East. Since the magic number is down to a measly one game, I’m going to write this column assuming that Atlanta won at least one of three versus Miami or that the Mets lost at least one to Washington.

If one of those things did not happen...if the Braves enter the playoffs as a wild card team instead of as division champ, well then, charge it to the game. I will be the first to raise a hand and take responsibility for jinxing them.

Before we look ahead to what’s next for Atlanta, let’s take a moment to appreciate what this team has done just to arrive at this point. The Mets had a 79% chance to win the NL East entering the weekend series in Atlanta, according to Fan Graphs. By the time New York was swept, the Braves had a 98% chance at winning the division.

The Braves absolutely stole the division from the Mets. New York didn’t choke this one away, although that’s always a pleasing narrative for Atlanta fans.

On June 1, the Mets held a comfortable 10.5 game advantage in the division and Atlanta fans were thinking more about Freddie Freeman than anything else. From June 1 through October 2, the Braves put together a record of 76-32 (.704) while New York was 63-44 (.589) over that same stretch.

“It just didn’t go our way early in the year,” said Atlanta catcher Travis d’Arnaud after Sunday night’s 5-3 win over the Mets. “Pulling on the same rope, having each other’s backs and not trying to do too much. We’re just trying to play the game of baseball and have fun with it.”

Fun? Well, winning 70% of your games over 100+ games does seem awfully fun. Winning five of your final six games against your biggest rival while outscoring the Mets 42-19 in those games? Well, that seems like a blast.

Now, let’s hope the fun continues through October and (potentially) into November.

The defending World Series champions have given themselves a first-round bye in the new MLB playoff format, meaning they won’t play until the National League Division Series (best-of-five) begins on October 11. The NLDS matchup will likely have the Braves facing the winner of the Cardinals/Phillies best-ofthree wildcard series while the winner of the Mets/ Padres wildcard series gets the pleasure of playing the seemingly unbeatable Los Angeles Dodgers.

These Braves feel a lot like last year’s squad. Talented. Timely. Tough.

Dansby Swanson, Austin Riley and Matt Olson have taken turns and combined together to fill the void left by Freeman’s west coast exodus. Swanson seems to be the undeniable leader of the club, and his performance this year has earned him a nice, big contract entering free agency this offseason.

As an aside, the Braves had better find a way to keep Swanson in Atlanta. They can’t allow Freeman to walk then turn around and do the same thing with the star shortstop this offseason. Those concerns can wait until later, however. It’s playoff time in Atlanta and the Braves have a world title on the mind.

SPORTS NOTES

The City of Savannah recreation department is now registering teams for its adult (co-ed) fall softball league as the season begins on October 24. All teams will play two games every Monday night at Paulson Softball Complex (located off Skidaway Ave. in Savannah). Teams will play 10 regular season games before the playoffs start. The league fee is $275/team. For more information and to register your team, contact Kevin Smith at 912-210-0464 OR 912-351-3852.

If you haven’t already, please take a minute to subscribe to The Read Option newsletter at ConnectSavannah. com/newsletters. Each Saturday, I compile scores, stats, standings and notable performances from the high school football action in the area that week. Fans of prep football here in Savannah can find out which teams won, which players went off, and which teams are fighting for state playoff spots. Subscribe for free today, and tell a friend.

Atlanta Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson (7) reacts with third baseman Austin Riley (27) after the Braves defeated the New York Mets at Truist Park. Photo by Dale Zanine USATD syndication

TRUCKING FOR A CAUSE CAR SHOW AT RED DOOR AUCTIONS

BUNNY IN THE CITY

By Bunny Ware

When Veterans Carriers told me they wanted to partner with Veterans Council of Chatham County for their Third Annual “Trucking for a Cause Car Show” at Red Door Auctions on September 24, I may have yelled, clapped and jumped for joy!

With the goal of splitting the proceeds from entrance fees, raffle items and a live auction to benefit the Veteran Carriers’ beloved Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) and Veterans Council Parade Fund, I am on the lookout for Veteran Carriers Cliff White and Rob Cooch and Veteran Council’s Joe Higgins when I arrive at the auction grounds.

Good grief! I’m not sure how I am going to find them because every type of vehicle from a Z28 and a ‘65 Chevy Nova to a ‘76 Ford Bronco to a ‘72 crypton green El Camino is trying to park. Waving me over to snap a pic of an immaculately restored El Camino is Red Door Auction partner Chuck Snelling.

My usually chill friend is amped up to tell me “Bunny! I am auctioning off this 500+ horsepower big block El Camino to raise funds for Faith Equestrian Therapeutic Center.” I then ask the car enthusiast, “Wait, Isn’t this your baby? How are you able to let her go?! This thing has to be worth $40K.” With a nonchalant shrug he agrees and adds, “It’s worth it to help those deserving kids have horses to ride, and you have a 1 in 650 chance to win this beauty so buy a ticket right now!”

Setting up next to him are Veteran Carriers’ Allie Perry, Ansley Horn, Taylor Amory and Christina Lee. With Allie and Ansley in dispatch and Taylor and Christina as planning managers, I really thought I could get a fast photo of the young ladies. A mini photo shoot later, I got my best pic of the day before scurrying over to snap a pic of Jayden White with–what looks like the love of his life–a little four-legged lady named Judy (his dog)!

Rob and Hannah Cooch

Chuck Snelling

James Sandy, Casey Nash, Mark Slaughter

Chuck Dawson, Kwana Jackson, Matt Estep, Kym Hogan, Jeff Cornwell

Next up is “Provisions for Patriots’” Al Kennedy. A fan of the New Yorker with a really big voice, I pose him with his “heart’s desire” Sherry Burnside before seeing Joe Higgins arriving with four massive cakes. With him is cake creator Michelle Holton, a fabulous female who has donated two strawberry cakes along with a pound cake and chocolate cake.

Proud to see that Michelle is going to allow one photo, I pose her with Joe and event hostess Mary Ann Worsham. While telling Mary Ann how much I love her restored camper, I get a chance to chat with Joe about today’s car show. “Knowing that fellow veterans are working to make a difference in our local veterans says everything about Cliff and Rob,” shares the Veterans Council Chairman.

Well finally! Petite powerhouse Tabitha Guy has stopped long enough for me to get an update on today’s car show. “We have dozens of cars, trucks and Jeeps, a bouncy house, face painting, KONA Ice, a live deejay and free food from the DIVE Savannah provided by Yancey Bros. CAT,” shares the recruiter/event coordinator as she unloads the coolest awards I have ever seen. Bronze in color and shaped as half of a late model car, these awards from Peachy Tees in Springfield should have their own award for the best design!

Jumping onto a golf cart with Tabitha and Joe, we cruise past Corvettes and Jeeps then round the corner to find the best corporate recruiter east of the Mississippi holding court with her Yancey Bros. CAT team. Hey Kym Hogan! The 5’11” heavy equipment queen is so excited to finally introduce me to her boss Kwana Jackson (aka “KJ”), she insists on a group photo of KJ surrounded by her Yancey Bros. CAT team.

As Kym and I walk with the director of talent acquisitions over to meet the fine folks from the DIVE Savannah, my heart gets bigger when I hear Kym tell caterers Emily and Susannah Crill, “We jumped at the chance to provide food for these two veteran groups and become more involved with people that have served our country. Working with y’all to feed these men and women is an honor. Thank you!”

After Cliff and Rob meet KJ, we head over to the auction table to bid on a ceramic coating detail, an Ozark Cooler, a “Branded Starr” travel bag all the way from Forsyth, Georgia, and a diamond anniversary band from Caleb and his Harkleroad Jewelry family. I didn’t win anything but Tabitha may have ended with a sparkly ring!

As cars pull away and the dust settles, Tabitha updates me on the total raised, a whopping $22,368! With plans for Veteran Carriers to give their portion to the families of fallen TACPs’ service members to help with college tuition, vehicles and family needs, I smile big when I hear Joe praising the Veteran Carriers team for raising so much money for his beloved

Parade!

Allie Peny, Ansley Horn, Taylor Amory, Christina Lee

Priscilla and Landon Jones, Chris Pillsbury, Scarlett Jones

Kiko Nieves, Emalee Tison, JD TisonMary Ann Worsham, Joe Higgins, Michelle Holton

Jayden and Cliff White

Al Kennedy, Sherry Burnside

GradS

FOOD & DRINK

EAT IT & LIKE IT

SAVANNAH TECHNICAL COLLEGE ‘BIGGEST AND BEST EVER’ SAVANNAH GREEK FESTIVAL READY FOR ITS COMEBACK

EAT IT AND LIKE IT

By Jesse Blanco eatitandlikeit.com

Pardon the cliché, but Tommy Danos sounded like his hair was on fire. For the first 90 seconds of our chat via phone this week, I thought all I was going to get was one word answers. That has a way of making it difficult to write a story. It can, however, give you a pretty good idea of the temperature in the room.

Tommy is one of 4 head chair people in charge of the 71st Savannah Greek Festival. Quite possibly one of this city’s most popular food-related events. It’s happening this weekend, Thursday through Saturday evening at St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church downtown Savannah.

“We’ll be ready.” He said through the

commotion that was very clearly going on in the background. “We will be working all the way up until we open the doors, but we will be ready.”

Most of us have been there with last minute preps for entertaining. Only in a majority of our cases, we were looking to host perhaps a few dozen tops. Tommy and his crew thing they could very easily serve 10,000 meals over three days this weekend.

Numbers, he says, are a tricky thing for the simple fact that no one counts heads. They only go by volume of what was sold. He says they have about 10,000 take out containers but he isn’t sure how many were left over from last year.

Still, they know what they’ve cooked in the past and he knows his volunteer army

“This will be our biggest and our best.”

PRACTICE WHAT YOU PEACH

ENJOY AT: ROCKS ON THE ROOF 102 West Bay St.

MADE WITH:

Tito’s Vodka, Peach Liqueur, Spiced Vanilla Syrup, Fresh Lemon, Sparkling Wine

Rocks on the Roof is a chic rooftop bar atop Bay St.’s beautiful Bohemian Hotel. The bar boasts stunning vistas of the Savannah riverfront and several luxe cocktails to enjoy while taking in the view.

The Practice What You Peach is a popular option. This fun cocktail is an elevated twist on the traditional Peach Bellini, which is a staple Southern libation. Rocks on the Roof’s take combines Tito’s vodka with peach liqueur and other fine ingredients resulting in an inviting and refreshing cocktail that you’re sure to love. Head to Rocks on the Roof to give the Practice What You Peach a try soon.

of roughly 24-30 cooks are preparing more than they ever have.

“I know there will be more lamb. I do know that. But there will be more of everything.”

Despite the fact that planning for this massive event really started back in March, getting all of the pieces in place, he says, has been a challenge. Some ‘key members’ of the festival are no longer involved so there’s be a lot of ‘figure out’ as they’ve gone along. He says as they’ve gotten closer to the curtain going up, it has gotten ‘more intense.’

That would explain the banging of pots and pans I heard in the background during the conversation.

That noise though will be long gone once they open for business on Thursday for lunch. The savvy festival-goers show up for lunch on either Thursday or Friday, enjoy so many greek classics, then maybe take some home. It’s just easier that way. By Friday night (when the music and dancing shows begin) it can get crowded.

That’s also when the $5 admission fee kicks in. Inevitably, that means longer lines and more of a struggle to find a seat. Especially this year considering it is the first full festival since 2019. If you remain crowd-cautious, you can still enjoy. You can easily use their on-line ordering system. You place your order on-line, they give you a pick up time, drive up

through the lane behind the church at pick up time to be handed your order. Easy peasy.

Like so many other events, 2020 was cancelled and 2021 was take-out only. This year there will be no restrictions and you can party like it’s 1999. Which happens to fit in this case, because this festival has been going on for 71 years.

“People are ready.” Tommy says. “Everywhere I go, people know this is what I do so they are all telling me they cannot wait.”

The food will be largely same as it ever was. They’ll have all of your favorites, just more of it. Tommy tells me there have been some challenges finding a lot of their ingredients this year because of supply chain issues, but they will still have everything. By Saturday evening they may start to run out of some things, which is to be expected.

“We’ve had to drive to Florida and Charleston to get some of our ingredients, but we’ve got them.”

They’ve got it all and they are working practically around this clock this week to make this as enjoyable of an experience as it has ever been in Savannah.

“We’ll be working until the last thing’s in place.”

Sounds like it.

by Chantel Britton

FOOD TRUCK OF THE WEEK

by Chantel Britton

THE BACKYARD GRILL

The Backyard Grill is an aptly named local food truck bringing backyard barbecue grill favorites to the streets of Savannah. Their slogan is “Anyone can put heat to the meat, but only a few can barbecue.” Once you taste their juicy, flavorful grilled goods, you’ll know that The Backyard Grill is certainly among the few.

Their menu features barbecue classics like burgers and hotdogs. They also offer several sandwiches with pulled pork, chicken or brisket. They’ve got deliciously decadent loaded fries and even stir-fry served with your choice of protein and yellow rice.

One standout menu item is their lauded Lowcountry Boil Dawg. It’s a gourmet all-beef frank topped with a hearty helping of crab meat and succulent shrimp. And it’s all nestled in a doughy garlic butter bun. It’s a fine example of coastal Southern staples at its best and definitely worth a try.

By Cassidi Hinson cassidi@connectsavannah.com

Attracting thousands of visitors each year, Savannah’s 71st annual Greek Festival will take place on October 6-8, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Hosted by St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church, the same church that has hosted the event every year, originally the festival started as a bake sale at the church.

A combination of what organizers call food, culture, and faith, the event is a celebrated tradition for the church and the community. The annual festival will feature homemade Greek foods, Greek dancing, Greek music, and a marketplace in St. Paul’s Hellenic Center on 14 West Anderson St.

“Out in the courtyard, we’ll have different vendors that will be selling gifts. Then you’ll make your way into the meeting room. In the meeting room, you have a bakaliko, which is a grocery store, where you can buy different ingredients to make your own Greek food. They’ll have a gift shop where you can buy all kinds of stuff. Then we’ll have a pastry booth where you can buy the pastries in bulk,” said Danos. “Then you wind your way into the gym, which becomes a dining hall. You’ll have the option of either a combo, which is kind of like a sampler platter, it’ll have Pastitsio Spanakopita, and Dolmades. Then you’ll also have another line which is the ala carte line where you can go through and just get exactly what you want: a gyro, a salad, or an individual assortment of whatever you want. Then there’ll be some seating, there’ll be some bistro tables. They’ll also be a bar, we will have Greek beer, Greek wine, we’ll also have sodas, water, and American and Greek Coffee.”

Some of the other foods featured include baklava, flogeres, kataifi, melomakarona, diples, kourabiedes, Greek meatballs, lamb plates, and chicken plates among other signature Greek dishes.

“It’s a lot of those different sources. A major part of the food is made right there at the church. We made, I think, 9000 dolmades. And then, most recently, I think we made over 7000 koulourakia, which are small twisted cookies. A lot of it is homemade, not everything is homemade, but most of it is, and you’ll be able to tell what is because they’re not uniform at all because everybody’s making them by hand. Everybody puts their own little twist, so you’ll see that it’s very inconsistent, but it’s all very delicious,” said Danos.

The festival will feature two dance groups. The “Ta Pethia” (which means the children) is a group of younger members that will be dancing in costume, then “Zoe,” (an adult dance troupe). The dance

entertainment is featured Thursday and Friday evenings, and all day on Saturday. Greek music will be playing throughout each day, as well.

The Greek community has been very active and involved in the city of Savannah for over a 100 years, and members say they hope to continue that through the Greek festival.

“We have three goals for the Greek Festival. The main thing is to share the faith. We’re Christians, and we want to share that faith. We believe in it. Next, we want to experience fellowship within the community, that’s with members of the church, with friends of the church, and with the public. We want to have that fellowship, especially now when people have been locked up for so long because of the pandemic. The third thing is to make a profit, of course, because we have to sustain the Church and its ministries, then also we give to local charities,” said Danos.

“The key is that it’s a Christian-based faith that’s been around for 2000 years. It’s important for us to share, not only our faith but our culture, the Greek culture, that’s where the food comes in, the dancing comes, and the music. It’s, of course, a big festival, we’re going to have a lot of different things for people to enjoy,” said Tommy Danos, festival chairman.

Throughout the festival, there will also be tours of St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church across the street, where attendees can follow Father John Wallace, who will answer questions, give tours of the inside of the church, talk about its history, and what it means to be an Orthodox Christian.

Admission to the festival will be free Thursday and Friday until 4:00 p.m., but carries a $5.00 donation after 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, Friday & all day Saturday. Children under 12 get in free.

“We will also have online ordering so people can go to savannahgreekfest.com, order online, pick the time to pick it up, pay for it, and we’ll have it ready for you. You’ll go Bull Street to Henry lane, which is behind the Hellenic center, and you just pull up to the door. Give us a name and an invoice number and we will hand it to you out the door. It is a very quick way to get your food so you can still experience it because a lot of people will be working and they might not be able to come in and wait,” said Danos.

more information, visit savannahgreekfest.com

GET YOUR GREEK ON!

THERE ARE SEVERAL LOCAL SPOTS THAT SERVE UP AMAZING MEDITERRANEAN FOOD YEAR-ROUND

The Savannah Greek Festival is fast approaching and it’s easily one of THE best places to enjoy authentic Greek cuisine.

But it only lasts for a few days, and once it’s over, you may be left wondering where else you can go to eat a mouthwatering Mediterranean meal.

Featuring fresh vegetables, olive oil, dairy and a plethora of whole grains, Greek cuisine is considerably healthier than most other Western cuisines.

And the fantastic flavors Greek food is known for will leave you wanting more. If you love Greek food, this one’s for you. Here’s a quick round-up of local restaurants serving up great Greek cuisine that you can enjoy year-round.

OLYMPIA CAFE

Olympia Cafe is a River St. restaurant serving up traditional Greek staples in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. The sizable menu features all of the authentic Greek favorites like Dolmades, Moussaka, and Spanakopita. For handhelds, they’ve got the world-famous gyro and a fantastic falafel sandwich. The kabobs don’t disappoint, and neither does the calamari. If you can’t decide on one dish, go for the Olympic Cafe Duo or Trio, which is your choice of traditional Greek dishes. No matter what you choose, you’ll leave happy after such a delicious meal.

YIA YIA’S KITCHEN & MARKETPLACE

Located on Habersham St. in the historic district, Yia Yia’s Kitchen is a family-owned restaurant specializing in authentic Greek entrees. On the menu, you’ll find a variety of salads, sandwiches, and plates that are sure to satisfy. They offer several vegetarian options in addition to meaty meals, so there’s something for everyone. Their Greek favorites include Tiropita, Pastitsio and more. They also have several types of gyro to accommodate any palate. After your meal, check out Yia Yia’s marketplace where you can find authentic Mediterranean wines, cheeses, pastries, and spices that you won’t find anywhere else.

TROY

(Above) On Abercorn St. away from the hustle and bustle of downtown, you’ll find Troy Mediterranean Cuisine, which beckons you to “Leave the ordinary behind and escape to the Mediterranean.” Featuring Greek, Turkish, Southern Italian and Spanish cuisines, you can enjoy a wide variety of cultural tastes and traditions. Their Antipasto Platter features select cheeses, cured meats, grilled breads and hummus. You’ll also find Keftedes, Greece’s famous meatballs, available as a kabob. They also have some fresh seafood dishes as well as lamb chops, salads and their rotating steak of the day.

PERSEPOLIS

(Below) Known for their Mediterranean specialties, Persepolis is a Whitaker St. eatery and hookah lounge. The menu features a wide array of flavorful dishes coming out of Greece, Lebanon, and Iran. Specialty dishes include their Gyro combo, Spanakopita, Dolmeh, Falafel and more. They also offer a Persepolis Trio where you can choose any three of their specialties. The restaurant has a sizable selection of kabobs featuring lamb, steak, chicken and veggies. They also serve up a delicious flaky baklava for dessert.

ART PATROL

HASANI SAHLEHE: “STRETCH MY HANDS”

Laney Contemporary Fine Art. Through Oct. 29. This exhibition displays the experimental work of an Atlanta based artist who uses visual art to study color and light.

NAMWON CHOI

Laney Contemporary Fine Art Through Oct. 29. Visitors will enjoy the work of Savannah based artist who specializes in handcrafted gouache landscapes that focus on nature and are influenced by traditional Korean artwork.

JOHANA MOSCOSO: “ENTRE SISTEMAS INVISIBLES”

SCAD Museum of Art Through Oct. 31.

Experience artist, Johana Moscoso’s, textile work that pulls influence from Latin American culture to create a unique and thoughtful new exhibition.

“THE DOG SHOW”

SCAD Museum of Art Through Dec. 26.

A great exhibition for Savannah’s dog lovers! This art collection focuses on the characteristics of our canine friends in a variety of mediums.

MARIA NEPOMUCENO: “DENTRO E FORA INFINITAMENTE”

SCAD Museum of Art Through Dec. 26. Experience sculpture derived from traditional Brazilian straw weaving techniques combined with other materials including beads, ceramic, and more.

“STUDIES IN FORM”

Seher Shah and Randhir Singh

SCAD Museum of Art Through Dec. 26. Viewers will take in an exhibit focusing on architecture using cyanotype, “an early photographic process and precursor to the blueprint.”

ANNA PARK: “LAST CALL”

SCAD Museum of Art

Sept. 21 - Jan. 2, 2023

Experience Anna Park’s large scale charcoal drawings that exist in a blended style of abstraction and figuration.

“AARON DOUGLAS: SERMONS”

SCAD Museum of Art Through Dec. 31. The exhibition looks at celebrated artist, Aaron Douglas, from the Harlem Renaissance era and displays modern artists’ work alongside his to display his lasting influence.

GISELA COLÓN:

“THE FEMINIST DIVINE”

SCAD Museum of Art Through Jan., 2023

A perfect exhibition for 3D art enthusiasts. The work showcases invented design features and construction of sculptures influenced by the natural world.

ROXY PAINE: “SEDIMENTARY LENS”

SCAD Museum of Art Through Jan. 2, 2023 Roxy Paine displays her large scale sculptures that dive into topics such as the natural world and human actions.

ALLISON SCHULNIK: “OMINOUS, CRUDE BEAUTY’’

SCAD Museum of Art Through Jan. 16, 2023

A truly unique claymation based exhibition that will fulfill any macabre art lover’s interests.

DECONSTRUCTED Jepson Center

Through Nov. 27.

Experience an art exhibit focused on the art of the American Southeast from the 20th and 21st century. An amazing opportunity to learn about the culture of the Southeast through visual art.

GOTHIC SOUL: CHARLES MERYON

Jepson Center

Through Jan. 8, 2023

Come see the revealing exhibit that focuses on the art and life of Charles Meryon, a French artist who specialized in black and white etchings after finding that he was colorblind. This is an amazing opportunity to step back in time and view a celebrated artist of the 19th century.

“PAST PRESENCE, COMMEMORATING JUNETEENTH”

Mobile Gallery Arts Initiative presents Selected Works W.W. Law Community Center

Through Sept. 30.

Compiled by Joshua Alexander

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

Experience a selection of art from a variety of artists that delves into the “Black Experience in the United States.”

“AVANT GARDENER: A CREATIVE EXPLORATION OF IMPERILED SPECIES:” Lisa D. Watson, with Sound Art by Eric Chasalon Sulfur Studios

Through Oct. 22.

Experience a local exhibition near Savannah’s Starland District that focuses on natural life and the struggles habitat destruction has caused.

SANDRA DUTTON: “OBSESSIONS AND DISCOVERIES”

The Taylor Galleries. (Taylor House Antiques)

Through Oct. 13. Dutton considers her process analogous to William Wordsworth’s description of poetry: “emotion recollected in tranquility.”

ELEGIES: STILL LIFES IN CONTEMPORARY ART

A group exhibition bringing together an international collection of artists who have disrupted or extended the traditional presentation of still lifes. The artists have appropriated the genre in order to create works within a framework of Black diasporic identities, histories, and collective experiences. Jepson Ctr.

THE ART & LEGACY OF PHILLIP J. HAMPTON OPENING LECTURE

October 6. Telfair presents a lecture by Erin Dunn and Dr. Peggy Blood exploring the art of Phillip J. Hampton. The program will also touch on Hampton’s impact on both Telfair and Savannah State University as well as personal remembrance. For 17 years, between 1952 and 1969, Hampton served as an influential visual arts professor and eventual department head at Savannah State College, today known as Savannah State University. He was instrumental in building and expanding a developing arts program and planned arts festivals, taught art appreciation workshops, and organized exhibitions including the first exhibition of African American art at the Telfair. telfair.org

BETH LOGAN’S ART PATROL RECOMMENDATIONS

Be sure to support the “LOVE SHAX” show opening this Saturday, October 8 at Location Gallery, 251 Bull Street. 26 LGBTQIA artists have created over 150 birdhouses (each measuring approxi mately 4.5 by 3.5 inch es) as a benefit for First City Pride Center, the inclusive advoca cy, social and service organization for the safetQy, empower ment, wellbeing, and education of Greater Savannah’s LGBTQIA community. Celebrat ing Gay Pride Month, the opening features music by DJ Jose Ray and the show hangs through the end of the year.

Cleo the Gallery’s new home is in Starland at 104 E. 40th Street, Studio B. Skilled curator Jeanette McCune pays each artist upfront as ‘rent’ for time spent in her space and offers tiered levels of membership to those who would like to sup port this unique vision. Find out more at cleothegallery.com. McCune’s newest show “Play (Date)” features work by Max Simon, Lucie Howson, Garrett Gould and Lucy Anderson. The public is invited to an opening reception on First Friday, October 7, from 6-9pm.

A reminder that the Ossabaw Island Foundation’s annual art auction includes jewelry, basketry, photography, mixed media, wood engravings, and paintings by such Savannah luminaries as Betsy Cain and Marc Hanson. On-line bidding for art, workshops, and Ossabaw outings ends at 9pm on Tuesday, October 29. Got to ossabawisland.org for the link.

The JEA Art Gallery, 5111 Abercorn Street, holds a virtual reception via Zoom for Paul Michael Glaser this Sunday, October 9 from 2-4pm. The American actor and director, best known for his role as Detective Starsky on the 1970’s TV show Starsky & Hutch, shows sketches and illustrations in pencil and charcoal, along with digitally created paintings. Glaser’s show runs through October 30.

So delighted to see the return of the Gordonston Art Fair! Check it out this Saturday, October 8 between 10 and 4pm in Historic Gordonston’s Juliette Gordon Low Park, one block north of Henry off Skidaway Road. Full details at Gordon stonArtFair.com

SCAD Savannah Film Festival Returns for 25th Year WITH OSCAR-BUZZWORTHY FILMS, HUGE HOLLYWOOD NAMES AS HONOREES

The Savannah College of Art and Design is celebrating 25 years of the largest university-run film festival in the country, as the annual star-studded SCAD Savannah Film Festival returns October 22–29, with screenings and events taking place in-person. The eight-day celebration of cinematic distinction honors both professional and student filmmakers, including several Savannah-shot features.

“Join me as we celebrate the cultural phenomenon of film at SCAD’s silver anniversary SCAD Savannah Film Festival,” said SCAD president and founder Paula Wallace. “Each year, the world’s preeminent university-run film festival delights tens of thousands of theater goers who love to escape into the screen to preview future Academy Award winners. The lights will be bright, the red carpets rolled out, and Hollywood royalty will be in the house. No telling who you might see strolling down Broughton Street.”

This year a host of industry veterans and recent industry heavy hitters are being honored. Jonathan Majors will receive the Spotlight Award for “Devotion,” which was shot in Savannah, and J.D. Dillard (Director) will receive the Rising Star Director Award. Nicholas Hoult will receive the Vanguard Award for “The Menu,” which was also shot in Savannah.

Academy Award winner Ron Howard will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award in Directing for “Thirteen Lives.” Hit Rapper Colson Baker, known as Machine Gun Kelly, will receive the Discovery Award for the film he performs in and co-wrote called “Taurus.”

Miles Teller (2016 Vanguard Award recipient) will attend an In Conversation following a Special Presentation of “Top Gun: Maverick.”

Former U.S. Congresswoman and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient Gabby Giffords will appear with Oscar nominated directors Julie Cohen and Betsy West following a Special Screening of the celebrated documentary “Gabby Giffords Won’t Back Down.”

Grammy nominated musician and actress Janelle Monáe will receive the Spotlight Award for “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” and Academy Award winner Eddie Redmayne will receive the Virtuoso Award for “The Good Nurse.”

Other honorees included Kerry Condon with the Distinguished Performance Award for “The Banshees of Inisherin,” Emmy and Tony award nominee Jeremy Pope with the Distinguished Performance Award for “The Inspection,” Academy Award winner Sandy Powell with the Variety Creative Impact Award in Costume Design for “Living,” Henry Selick with the Outstanding Achievement in Animation Award for “Wendell and Wild.” “Stranger Things” star Sadie Sink will receive Rising Star Award for her role in that film, (also starring Brendan Fraser) which is garnering worldwide accolades.

The festival kicks off Saturday, Oct. 22, with the opening-night Gala Screening of “The Banshees of Inisherin,” directed by Martin McDonagh. The festival culminates on Saturday, Oct. 29, with the closingnight Gala Screening of “Living” and a Spotlight Gala Screening of “The Whale,” directed by Darren Aronofsky, will feature on Friday, Oct. 28.

More information and tickets can be found at

25TH ANNUAL SCAD SAVANNAH FILM FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS:

GALA SCREENINGS

The SCAD Savannah Film Festival is renowned for spotlighting major award contenders, screening a multitude of studio films prior to their wider release. Twenty-two films have been selected for the distinguished Gala Screenings:

Aftersun (Director Charlotte Wells)

Armageddon Time (Director James Gray)

The Banshees of Inisherin (Director Martin McDonagh) Bones & All (Director Luca Guadagnino) Broker (Director Hirokazu Kore-eda) Causeway (Director Lila Neugebauer) Corsage (Director Marie Kreutzer)

Close (Director Lukas Dhont)

Decision to Leave (Director Park Chan-wook) Devotion (Director JD Dillard) Empire of Light (Director Sam Mendes) Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (Director Rian Johnson)

The Good Nurse (Director Tobias Lindholm) Holy Spider (Director Ali Abbasi)

The Inspection (Director Elegance Bratton) Living (Director Oliver Hermanus)

The Lost King (Director Stephen Frears) The Menu (Director Mark Mylod)

One Fine Morning (Director Mia Hansen-Løve) She Said (Director Maria Schrader) Taurus (Director Tim Sutton)

Till (Director Chinonye Chukwu) Women Talking (Director Sarah Polley)

SIGNATURE SCREENINGS

The Signature Screenings series features premiere and special screenings, followed by Q&As with select directors, writers, actors, and producers. This year’s selection of films include:

38 at The Garden (Director Frank Chi)

Blade Runner: The Final Cut and 40th Anniversary Panel (Director Ridley Scott) Fenom (Director Kayla Johnson)

Freedom on Fire: Ukraine’s Fight for Freedom (Director Evgeny Afineevsky) Gabby Giffords Won’t Back Down (Directors Julie Cohen and Betsy West)

Is That Black Enough for You?!? (Director Elvis Mitchell)

Orlando: Celebrating 30 Years of Sony Pictures Classics (Director Sally Potter) Thirteen Lives (Director Ron Howard)

Top Gun: Maverick (Director Joseph Kosinski) Triangle of Sadness (Director Ruben Östlund)

DOCS TO WATCH

The ninth annual Docs to Watch series will be accompanied by a roundtable with the directors, hosted by Scott Feinberg of The Hollywood Reporter. Selected films include:

All That Breathes (Director Shaunak Sen) Bad Axe (Director David Siev) Descendant (Director Margaret Brown)

Fire of Love (Director Sara Dosa)

Good Night Oppy (Director Ryan White)

Last Flight Home (Director Ondi Timoner) Moonage Daydream (Director Brett Morgen) Navalny (Director Daniel Roher) Retrograde (Director Matthew Heineman)

The Return Of Tanya Tucker — Featuring Brandi Carlile (Director Kathlyn Horan)

AFTER DARK

The SCAD Savannah Film Festival’s home for late night fun and genre fare, these soon-to-be cult classics are selected to thrill, scare, and entertain: The Atomic Dream (Director Guy Kent) Enys Men (Director Mark Jenkin)

Murmur (Director Mark Polish)

Weird: The Al Yankovic Story (Director Eric Appel)

READ THE FULL STORY AND FOLLOW NEWS ABOUT THE FESTIVAL BY SCANNING THE CODE AT RIGHT:

J.D. DILLARD

SADIE SINK NICHOLAS HOULT EDDIE REDMAYNE

MILES TELLER

TELLING THE STORY OF A LIFE: THE ART COLLECTION OF ALEXANDRA TRUJILLO DE TAYLOR

By Beth Logan ART COLUMNIST

Several years ago, my friend Jessica Lebos referred to Alexandra Trujillo de Tay lor in this publication as the “dazzling downtown doyenne” whose “parties are so legendary that invitations are coveted by even the most cerulean of bluebloods.” An apt description indeed.

Born into an influential, formal family in Mexico City, the stylish doyenne came to Savannah in her early 20s to stay with her then-pregnant sister and brother-in-law, an engineer here on a temporary work assignment. At a cocktail party hosted by recently deceased downtown legend Alvin Neely, she met the export manager of a freight-forwarding company who relentlessly pursued her to stay on and work with him on a new multi-million-dollar contract with Mexico.

The young woman eventually accepted his offer, and quickly surrounded herself with new friends, mostly retirees living in the historic district, graciously hosting cocktail parties and formal dinners for them. She began holding events for Savannah Symphony musicians, for actors in SCAD theatrical productions, for college students, writers, artists, “the eccentric of the city, and anyone I found interesting.”

So magnificent were her soirées, she quickly earned the moniker, “The Duchess of State.”

Such an infamous ability to leverage the power of exquisite parties to enhance the lives of others earned Trujillo de Taylor the honor of being named as one of the nation’s best party hosts in The Salonniere 100 of 2018, putting her in such heady company as Reese Witherspoon and Oprah Winfrey. The next year, she published the hardcover book, High Drama Tablescapes, her passion project whereby she says, “I create a stage upon which the world can dine.”

So, it was with delight, if not a bit of trepidation, that I accepted the invitation - printed, and emblazoned with her own crest - to an afternoon tea party (Dress: Summer High Fashion and Hat Required). I had a perfectly delightful afternoon mingling with an eclectic mix of Trujillo de Taylor’s friends and acquaintances, including novelist and founder of The Moth, George Dawes Green, in town to promote his newly published The Kingdoms of Savannah.

I had originally met the Duchess while volunteering as a coach for the 2016 TEDxSavannah. An attractive brunette, always in a brightly colored, dramatic dress, and almost always adorned with strands of antique pearls, her talk centered on meeting Adam Turoni while he was a “very shy, very young, millennial.”

Subsequently invited him to a cocktail party at her home, he arrived holding

ABOVE (Clockwise from top) Recent commission by Pedo Covo, Ryan Brennan’s portrait, Unframed canvas by Alexandro Santana, with woven portraits by Willian Nassu to left of fireplace, The first commission (artist forgotten). OPPOSITE (L-R) Portrait by Ben Tollefson, Wedding portrait by Ryan Brennan.

a small box of chocolates as a hostess gift.

“Each chocolate truffle was carefully pack aged, beautifully presented. When I asked him where he had bought them, he told me he had made them and designed them himself in his kitchen. I couldn’t believe it!

Such beautifully crafted, delicately made chocolates, out of this shy, nervous young man? …In 2011 we founded Chocolat by Adam Turoni.”

Trujillo de Taylor designed three whimsi cal chocolate ateliers for Turoni’s creations: an Alice in Wonderland-inspired chocolate tea party for the original Broughton St. store; a magical orangerie with ornate treillage and greenery for the Charleston King St. store; and a Chocolate Library where truffles are catalogued in bookcases among encyclope dias, novels, and gallery walls of art on Bull Street.

The drama, style and artistry of the choc olate stores is also evident in the Duchess’ elegant Victorian District home filled with books, China, flowers, objects d’art and, to my delight, a collection of wonderfully intriguing paintings, which I discover, have all been commissioned…

I meet Trujillo de Taylor a few months later to discuss the commissions. The very first commemorates attending a Telfair Ball soon after her arrival in Savannah. A fashion designer (whose name she can no longer re call) sold encaustic paintings of his creations to raise money for fabrics. Interestingly, she discovered him at a fashion show hosted at the sorely missed Venus de Milo bar and club (the creation of artist Shelley Smith) and commissioned him to portray her in her fabulous custom-made gown.

“From then on, paintings have become the way I capture an era of my life,” she tells me.

The Duchess, however, cannot relinquish control to the artists she commissions: “You can teach technique, but you cannot teach the idea - the conceptual visualization of what it is you want. And I am good at that! I

have all kinds of ideas of what I want depict ed.”

She will go so far as to draw sketches of how she wants the painting to look and the elements she wants it to contain. When I laugh and ask if that is ever perceived as insulting, she immediately responds, “I only commission people whose hand I can guide! The painting must be exactly what I want.”

Her process is to have the painting in her mind before she discovers an artist whose style will convey her vision most appropri ately.

When she and husband Daniel Taylor were married, the Duchess commissioned SCAD painting major Ryan Brennan to commem orate her single years. A towering portrait in rich red hues hangs in her foyer, depicting her rising over Savannah and the buildings that pertained to her life at the time. A book under her foot represents the invitation lists to her infamous parties; sheet music and comedy and tragedy masks in her left hand represent the soirees she hosted for the Symphony musicians and SCAD theater students; and the black “X” in her right hand represents those who have fallen from grace, forever crossed off her invitation list!

We next look at a beautifully rendered, largescale wedding portrait, also painted by Brennan. Beneath each spouse’s coat of arms, the young couple hold ribbons, representing the national colors of the USA and Mexico, entwined with a tamarind - Daniel’s nick name for his wife.

“I am painted shoeless as I want to repre sent how Daniel keeps me grounded,” Trujillo de Taylor says, adding with a laugh, “But of course I have to be on a pillow!”

An equally stunning oil painting of the couple was created by Columbian artist Pedro Covo whom the Duchess met during a SCAD open studio night at Alexander Hall. Covo primarily paints images of swimmers in pastel teal, green, and blue waters, and it was this delicate palette that drew her to

commission a piece for the pink apartment she rented for 18 months in Charleston whilst opening the newest Chocolat by Adam Turoni.

Also hung downstairs is a ten-year wedding anniversary commission, an im posing portrait of the Duchess painted by the flamboyant and eccentric, opera-caped Dominican Republican artist Alexandro Santana. Next, are small woven portraits (hers in bouclé and Daniel’s in tweed) created on a Jacquard loom by Brazilian artist Willian Nassu who had a stunning SCAD MFA thesis exhibition “Savannah Icons” at the Andaz hotel in 2016.

In the downstairs hallway are intriguing works by the Polish artist Jason Zaloudik whom she met while he was working at Wright Square Café. Self-taught, Zaloudik created large mosaic portraits of each spouse, composed of tiny squares. Daniel’s squares are photographs of Arnold Schwarzenegger (he was into bodybuilding when the couple met), and the Duchess’ squares are composed of “my coat of arms - and a crown of course!”

Climbing up the staircase, we look at a work by Mexican muralist Adolfo Hernandez, another former SCAD student. This portrait was commissioned to pay homage to Trujillo de Taylor’s Mexican heritage. Painted in a brightly hued, flat, graffiti-style, she is portrayed as a Tehuana. “Frida Kahlo was obsessed with them,” she tells me. “Tehuana women are from Oaxaca, specifically from a small village called Tehuantepec where I was born. My grandmother wore this outfit every day of her life.”

In her dressing room hangs a portrait by untrained artist Jor Smith Mitchell who worked as a bellman at the Andaz Hotel and garnered quite a following for his irreverent, colorful paintings occasionally displayed in the hotel.

Uncharacteristically, this is one of the few paintings the Duchess did not control. Given free reign, he chose to paint her as an exquisite stained-glass window in an atypical darker palette.

Also upstairs is a portrait of the couple,

rendered by Marcus Dunn who graduated SCAD with an MFA in Painting, and whom they discovered during another open studio night. With his Tuscarora/Pee Dee Indian heritage, Trujillo De Taylor was attracted to his paintings of Indigenous peoples, and commissioned a piece in his spare, angular, almost Cezanne-like style.

Close by, is another Zaloudik portrait com missioned when the Duchess turned 40. She holds a cat with the face of her dear friend and business partner Turoni, and stands, dripping dagger in hand, over former friends who have, quite literally, been swept under the rug.

Yet another upstairs portrait is by SCAD Museum of Art Associate Curator, Ben Tollefson. In his colorful, hard-to categorize technique (Pop Art meets Magritte?) he paints Trujillo de Taylor and a good friend, their hair braided together to depict how, despite their cultural differences, they think the same way.

Even with a painter of Tollefson’s stature, Trujillo de Taylor first presented a sketch of what she wanted. Elements include the peonies she loves; the porcelain she adores; Daniel portrayed as her knight; a teapot pouring into an ocean of tea; a forked tongue to visually represent the passive-aggressive nature she sometimes perceives in Caucasian people; and again, in a recurring theme, the littered bodies of former friends.

As we return downstairs for a delightful luncheon, we discuss the custom-made wooden box which artfully conceals her living room’s TV screen and will, one day, be the support for a canvas celebrating her upcoming 50th birthday and the couple’s upcoming 20-year wedding anniversary. She is already on the lookout for an artist for this next commission…

And, of course, in her mind’s eye, the Duchess knows exactly what elements and vignettes she wants portrayed, and the style in which she wants it rendered.

Find Trujillo de Taylor on Instagram @ hrhduchessofstate. Her book High Drama Ta blescapes is available at hrhduchessofstate.com

Bay Street Cabaret celebrates 10 past shows and launches into the future as SAVANNAH CABARET

By Kareem McMichael Arts & Entertainment Writer

For one night only, you can experience “The Best of the Bay Street Cabaret” on Fri., October 7 at 7:30 p.m. at Club One’s Bay Street Theatre.

After ten outstanding shows and 200 songs sung live the troupe is taking a look back and a look forward in this show, with a big announce ment coming as well.

“We are in a place of transition right now,” said founder and producer Rick Garman. “During my pre-show pitch I will announce this will be the last Bay Street Cabaret show. The good news is that we are rebranding as the Savannah Cabaret.”

After this show which Garman calls part cab aret, part retrospective, part product reveal, the Bay Street Cabaret website, social media and more will transform to the Savannah Cabaret.

Sounds of October

Before they do so they wanted to celebrate their past shows.

The Bay Street Cabaret was inspired by the shows that drag queens Carmen iCandy and Treyla Trash were doing on Facebook Live during the covid lockdown where the two of them would perform Broadway songs.

“I love Broadway and I went to them and I said, why don’t we turn this into a full show with other singers. That’s how this started. It was a fairly standard cabaret series hosted by drag queens, but with some theatricality and every now and then there’d be a costume or a prop or something like that,” said Garman.

The Bay Street Cabaret went from a scrappy live-music start-up to an established perfor mance company that stages original produc tions with scripts, characters, costumes, and interactive elements to sold-out audiences.

Visiting Artist

“When we started, we had a hard time sellingGwen Leahy (Betty) and Sallie Just Sallie (Peggy) perform a commercial for Pretty Pretty Girl Cos metics in “Murder at the Bay Street Cabaret.” Photo by Chris Stanley

25 tickets but our last show sold out, which is a testament to the performers and to our audiences, so we think it’s time to celebrate what we’ve done and, more importantly, where we’re going,” said Garman.

In 2021 the troupe performed “Vivian and Bill’s Christmas Party!” which was their first show with a full story and characters. This show was groundwork for many shows to come.

Along the way, the troupe has sung over 200 songs from a wide spectrum of genres including Broadway, the greatest love songs, big band, standards, pop, rock, holiday favorites, and much more.

“We’re becoming more established. Nobody knew who we were when we started. Now the word is out, we’re get ting press, people are telling their friends and bringing them to the show. We are getting a regular audience and people know about us now and know that we put on great shows,” said Garman.

This “Best of” has no script, no set, and no costumes. This show will feature a panel-style gathering of Bay Street Cab aret performers who will “spill the tea” with behind-the-scenes stories, answer questions from the audience, and–of course–sing some of their favorite, most crowd-pleasing numbers.

“It’s just ten of our best singers that

appeared in multiple shows that will be sitting on stage panel style. I’m going to act as the moderator and we’re going to tell some stories, some backstage gossip, and talk about what some of the inspira tion for some of the shows or the songs was,” said Garman.

Selections from every show will be featured including the original Broad way series “Showstoppers, Hot Summer Broadway, Award-Winning Broadway, Bawdy Broadway,” special events “HSF Wine & Trolley Tour 2022,” and the pro duction series Vivian and Bill’s Christmas Party!, Love Stories/Love Songs, Time Traveling Drag Queens in the 1940s!, Say Gay, Murder at the Bay Street Cabaret.

“Each of our cast members is going to get up and sing a song that they per formed before. The thing is that nobody else on the stage or in the audience is going to know what they’re going to be singing. The only person who knows what they’re going to be singing is that person. It’s going to be a surprise to everybody sitting on the stage and everybody in the audience,” said Garman.

The cast includes Bay Street Cabaret favorites Travis Cheek, Travis Harold Coles, Hannah Dodson, Cami Nicole Hall, Justin P. Kent, Gwen Leahy, Taylor Mercier, Trey Norris, Chris Stanley, and Dani Vazquez.

The show is produced by Garman, who has written several novels and more than thirty movies for television.

The evening will also feature some surprises in addition to the rebranding announcement.

In the second act there will be a “Song Steal” that will allow performers to “steal” a song that someone else per formed in a previous show.

“It will be a song that was performed in a previous show, but this person didn’t do it. Again, the only people who know what’s going to be stolen are the person singing and me. Nobody else on the stage will know if one of their songs is going to get stolen,” said Garman.

The Savannah Cabaret will perform lat er in October during the Savannah Pride Festival, but will make their official debut performance on December 8 with their disco burlesque show.

In addition, they have their next sea son already planned out which includes the return of “Vivian and Bill’s Christmas Party!,” “Time Traveling Drag Queens” and more. All of this info will be on their new website.

Guests must be 21 years of age or older to attend. Again the show will be performed one night only on Fri., October 7 at 7:30pm at Club One’s Bay Street Theatre. Tickets available at baystreetcabaret.com.

New Arrivals

BOOKS

WHAT ARE WE READING?

PRESENTED AND CURATED WEEKLY BY E. SHAVER, BOOKSELLER

EVERY CROOKED NANNY

BY MARY KAY ANDREWS

Callahan Garrity is the owner of House Mouse, a cleaning service that tidies up after Atlanta’s elite. She’s also a former cop and a part-time sleuth, and she and her coterie of devoted helpers can ransack a house for clues faster than it takes a fingerprint to set.

Callahan is on the job when her client announces that her pretty, nineteen-year-old Mormon nanny has disappeared—along with jewelry, silver, and some sensitive real-estate documents.

Soon Callahan and her crew of eccentric cleaners are involved in a job messier than any they’ve ever encountered. Illicit love triangles, crooked business deals, long-distance scams— it’s going to require some industrial-strength sleuthing on Callahan’s part to solve this one.

MY BEST FRIEND’S EXORCISM BY GRADY HENDRIX

The year is 1988. High school sophomores Abby and Gretchen have been best friends since fourth grade. But after an evening of skinny-dipping goes disastrously wrong, Gretchen begins to act…different. She’s moody. She’s irritable. And bizarre incidents keep happening whenever she’s nearby. Abby’s investigation leads her to some startling discoveries—and by the time their story reaches its terrifying conclusion, the fate of Abby and Gretchen will be determined by a single question: Is their friendship powerful enough to beat the devil?

COURT OF THE VAMPIRE QUEEN

BY KATEE ROBERT

All Mina ever wanted was to escape her father’s control. Half human, half vampire, she lived eter nally torn between two worlds, never fully expe riencing the pleasures of either—until her father chose her as the pawn in his latest political move, gifting her to the darkly powerful and dangerously seductive Malachi Zion.

Malachi is not a vampire to be trifled with. He rules with an iron fist and has a reputation for the darkest of sins. But the longer Mina spends with him, the more she realizes he’s not the monster she first thought—and as fear bleeds into lust, then trust, then something more, Malachi opens Mina up to a world she never knew could be hers for the taking: including the love of Malachi’s two closest friends and companions.

By Frank Ricci

MILY AND THE MINIKILLERS @ ELECTRIC MOON

Savannah’s great weather means rooftop bar season is nearly year-round. Moon Deck LIVE veterans Individually Twisted back up singer-songwriter Mily Kenner to make Mily and the Mini-Killers. Enjoy the funk-soul sounds and imbibe generously — a portion of the proceeds go to a worthy local charity.

THU OCT 6 | 8 PM

DOWNTOWN DELILAHS

BURLESQUE

@ HOUSE OF MATA HARI

DDMBC has fun with burlesque, adding more comedy and audience participation than usual. It’s neo, but rests on a solid foundation of flirtatious striptease from a talented troupe of entertainers who respectfully expand the art form.

FRI OCT 7 | 9:30 PM

CULTURE & COMEDY

@ THE WORMHOLE

Hosted by Atlanta comic Dex Ferguson, the C&C comedy show features four pro comedians aiming for the same laughs from different perspectives. Previous editions of the show have sold out, so act now and see just how much we all laugh at the same dumb crap life throws at us.

FRI OCT 7 | 8 PM

THE STAGE PAGE DAVID ZASLOFF @ BAY ST THEATRE @ CLUB ONE

Savannah Comedy Revue presents the stand-up comedian/multiinstrumentalist and vocalist who forces an inner turmoil of “laugh or sing?” that might cause both at the same time. Be careful while drinking. Tik Tok hit Jimmy McCartney gets the giggles going.

SAT OCT 8 | 8 PM

SOUNDBOARD

WEDNESDAY 10/ 5

LIVE MUSIC

Cohen’s Retreat

Midtown Pickers, 6 p.m. Driftaway Cafe Chuck Courtenay, 6 p.m. Jazz’d Tapas Bar

Adam Nye McDonough’s Blues with Eric Culberson, 9 p.m. Nickie’s 1971 Ray Tomasino, 7 p.m.

TRIVIA & GAMES

El-Rocko Lounge

Trivia with Jules and Chris Grimmett, 9-11:30 p.m. Moodright’s Duckpin Bowling League Night, 8 p.m.

Service Brewing Company Trivia Night with Jess Shaw, 6:30 p.m.

The Wormhole Neighborhood Pub & Music Venue Bingo, 10 p.m.

KARAOKE

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

COMEDY

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

THURSDAY 10/ 6

LIVE MUSIC

Cohen’s Retreat

Munchies & Music, 5-9 p.m. District Live at Plant Riverside District Melvins with We Are the Asteroid, Live in Concert, 8-10 p.m. Electric Moon Skytop Lounge and The Moon Deck, Plant Riverside District - Power Plant Building rooftop Moon Deck LIVE at Electric Moon feat. Mily and the Mini-Killers, 8-11 p.m.

Jazz’d Tapas Bar

Anders Thomsen Trio Tandem Coffee and Spirits Tune In....@ Tandem, 6-8 p.m. Tybee Post Theater Katica Illényi, 8 p.m.

TRIVIA & GAMES

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

The Wormhole Neighborhood Pub & Music Venue Trivia, 10 p.m.

KARAOKE

Bay Street Blues

Karaoke

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

COMEDY

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

DJ Club 51 Degrees

DJ B-Rad, 9 p.m.

Top Deck Sunset Deck Party, 6 p.m.

VICE Lounge + Mojito Bar Latin Night with DL Cesar, first Thursday of every month, 9 p.m.

BAR & CLUB EVENTS

Service Brewing Company

Service Brewing Run Club, 6:30 p.m.

OTHER Starland Yard Shindings: Country Line Dancing, 7 p.m.

FRIDAY 10/ 7

LIVE MUSIC

Barrelhouse South

8 Second Ride, 9 p.m. Coffee Bluff Marina LAX, 6 p.m. District Live at Plant Riverside District Vista Kicks, Live in Concert, 8-10 p.m.

First Presbyterian Church

First Friday for Folk Music - Cynergy in Concert, 7:30-9:30 p.m.

Foxy Loxy Cafe

Ray Lundy, 6 p.m.

Jazz’d Tapas Bar

Jon Lee Murphy Duo Moss + Oak Savannah Eatery

Live Music on the Moss + Oak Patio Rancho Alegre Cuban Restaurant JodyJazz Trio, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

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

Starland Yard

Bero Bero, The Maxines and Dope Knife, 7 p.m. Sting Ray’s Robert Willis, 6 p.m.

Tybee Post Theater

Freebird: The Ultimate Lynyrd Skynyrd Experience 2022, 8 p.m.

TRIVIA & GAMES

PS Tavern

Beer Pong Tournament, 10 p.m.

KARAOKE

Bay Street Blues

Karaoke

Blueberry Hill Karaoke, 9 p.m.-3 a.m.

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

The Hive Repertory Theatre LLC

Adult Night Out - Karaoke!, 8 p.m.

Totally Awesome Bar Karaoke, 10 p.m.

COMEDY

The Wormhole Neighborhood Pub & Music Venue

One Night Only: Culture & Comedy, 8 p.m.

DJ Club 51 Degrees

DJ Fer, DJ Emalo, DJ Lil G, DJ BRad, 9 p.m.

Congress Street Social Club

DJ Live Produce, 10 p.m.

BAR & CLUB EVENTS

Club One

Drag Show, 10:30 p.m. & 12:30 a.m.

Rock House Music & Dance, 10 p.m.

SATURDAY 10/ 8

LIVE MUSIC

Barrelhouse South Julia Gulia, 9 p.m. Coffee Bluff Marina Gary Strickland, 6 p.m. Jazz’d Tapas Bar

Kyle Yardley Blues Band

Moss + Oak Savannah Eatery Live Music on the Moss + Oak Patio Rancho Alegre Cuban Restaurant

JodyJazz Trio, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Sting Ray’s Robert Willis, 6 p.m. Tybee Post Theater

The Chuck Wagon Gang, 8 p.m.

TRIVIA & GAMES

Blueberry Hill Pool Tournament, 2 p.m. KARAOKE

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

McDonough’s

Karaoke, 9 p.m.

Rock House Karaoke, 9 p.m.

Totally Awesome Bar Karaoke, 10 p.m.

COMEDY

Club One Comedy Revue, second Saturday of every month, 8 p.m.

Front Porch Improv

Adult Drop-in IMPROV Class, 10 a.m.

DJ

Congress Street Social Club

DJ Flip, 10 p.m. Starland Yard

DJ Jose Ray, 7 p.m.

BAR & CLUB EVENTS

Club One

Drag Show, 10:30 p.m. & 12:30 a.m.

Over Yonder

Honky Tonk Saturdays

SUNDAY 10/ 9

LIVE MUSIC

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

Congress Street Social Club

Voodoo Soup, 10 p.m.

District Live at Plant Riverside District Marcy Playground, Live in Concert, 8-10 p.m.

Jazz’d Tapas Bar Charles Maring

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. Starland Yard

SY Oktoberfest: Rob Taylor Bavarian Accordion, 1:30 p.m.; Buffalo Kings, 5 p.m.

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

TRIVIA & GAMES

Moon River Brewing Co. Trivia, 6 p.m.

KARAOKE

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

MONDAY 10/10

LIVE MUSIC

Nickie’s 1971 Ray Tomasino, 7 p.m. The Wormhole Neighborhood Pub & Music Venue Open Mic, 6 p.m.-2 a.m.

TRIVIA & GAMES Club One Super Gay Bingo, 5:30 p.m. Moodright’s BINGO, 8 p.m. Starland Yard Music Bingo, 7 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 10/11

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. KARAOKE

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

Stafford’s Public House

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

THE BAND PAGE

By Frank Ricci

B.O.B. @ ELAN SAVANNAH

The Grammy-nominated rapper brings the Better than Drugs Tour to Savannah. He’s collaborated with Bruno Mars, Hayley Williams of Paramore and Lil Wayne, and explored sounds outside of hip hop, playing piano and guitar. It’s an 18 and over show, so bring the kids.

FRI OCT 7 | 10 PM

DAMNED TO EARTH @ EL ROCKO

Hometown sludge metal crushers keep the Kylesa-Baroness continuum chugging along. It’s straight-ahead heaviness with no gimmicks, just dingy, dirty riffs and unexpected leads bubbling over a steamroller rhythm section. Atlanta doom heavyweights Big Oaf and stoner duo Doof rough you up before the damnation.

MELVINS @ DISTRICT LIVE

Formed during the Cold War, it’s only fitting to measure the unimaginable ponderousness of seeing The Melvins live in thermonuclear tonnage.

Turns out it’s a shitload. After nearly four decades of relentless touring and recording 31 studio albums, the heavy music legends are as reliable as Ex-Lax and tequila.

THU OCT 6 | 8 PM

RACHEL ANGEL @ LODGE OF SORROWS

Hard to say what’s more impressive, the rich and complex vocals or the polished and skillful songwriting. Either way, the alt/country chanteuse will definitely make you take notice. If you don’t, the volume might. Rachel is not afraid to crank it up and push the distortion high enough to match the heartbreak.

WED OCT 12 | 7:30 PM

HALLOW