Connect Savannah | December 7, 2022

Church 4:30 & 7:30 PM VIVIAN LEVA & RILEY CALCAGNO/ THE FOREIGN LANDERS

Metal Building at Trustees’ Garden 6 & 8:30 PM

CAJUN DANCE PARTY: THE LOST BAYOU RAMBLERS

North Garden Assembly Room at Ships of the Sea Museum 8 PM

12:30 PM

4:30 & 8 PM

5 & 8:30 PM

NOON30: PASQUALE GRASSO TRIO

Metal Building at Trustees’ Garden

ALEXA TARANTINO QUARTET / PASQUALE GRASSO TRIO Metal Building at Trustees’ Garden

STANTON MOORE TRIO / ROOSEVELT COLLIER

TERENCE BLANCHARD FEAT. THE E-COLLECTIVE & TURTLE ISLAND QUARTET Lucas Theatre for the Arts SAT 4/1

North Garden Assembly Room at Ships of the Sea Museum 6 PM

PHILIP DUKES & FRIENDS III DOHNÁNYI’S DELIGHT

Building at Trustees’ Garden OUTDOOR

BLOUNT, NIC GAREISS & LAUREL PREMO OUTDOOR

KOUYATE & NGONI BA / OUTDOOR OUTDOOR

QUARTET WITH JOSEPH CONYERS Trinity United Methodist Church

LEO KOTTKE Trustees Theater

5 & 8:30 PM BASSEKOU 12:30 PM NOON30: TÉADA Metal Building at Trustees’ Garden 2 & 5:30 PM ETIENNE CHARLES: TRACES / HAROLD LÓPEZ-NUSSA: TIMBA A LA AMERICANA Charles H. Morris Center 6 & 9 P M ZYDECO DANCE PARTY: JEFFERY BROUSSARD & THE CREOLE COWBOYS Metal Building at Trustees’ Garden 6 PM DREW PETERSEN, PIANO Trinity United Methodist Church 7:30 PM CÉCILE MCLORIN SALVANT / SAN SALVADOR Lucas Theatre for the Arts TICKETS ON SALE NOW! savannahmusicfestival.org | 912.525.5050 Visit savannahmusicfestival.org/2023deals for ways to save on your ticket purchase.

DECEMBER/7-13

AT A GLANCE

WEDNESDAY 12/7

SAVANNAH

CHRISTMAS MARKET

The third annual Savannah Christmas Market at Plant Riverside District will offer a wide range of holiday-themed events as well as a dazzling European-style outdoor holiday market, live performances, children’s activities, gingerbread house, photos with Santa and more. The Savannah Christmas Market at Plant Riverside District blends the best of European and Southern holiday traditions into a festive, inclusive, family-friendly celebration. Plant Riverside District, 400 W. River St.

CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR LIVE ON STAGE

The Historic Savannah Theatre presents its 20th Annual musical production “A Christmas Tradition” which features a live band, singers, and dancers performing holiday favorites with comedy, aerial artistry and appearances by Frosty and Santa with his dancing reindeer! It’s fun for the whole family. 222 Bull Street Wednesday, Dec 7, at 8pm, Thursday, Dec 8, at 8pm, Friday, Dec 9, at 8pm, Saturday, Dec 10, at 3pm & 8pm, Sunday, Dec 11, at 3pm, Tues, Dec 13, at 8pm savannahtheatre.com

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 12/8

BINGO! AT ELKS LODGE

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.

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.

BAO BITES: MACALLAN EDITION

Enjoy small bites and wine tasting at Plant Riverside District’s Baobab Lounge. This reception style tasting features five Macallan Scotch selections and special dishes, including roasted lamb chop, crab croquette and smoked salmon. $65 6:30 p.m. Baobab Lounge, 400 W. River St.

FRIDAY 12/9

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 12/10

HOLIDAY COOKIE DECORATING

Part of the 3rd Annual Savannah Christmas Market at Plant Riverside District, kids of all ages can create festive cookies with step-bystep instructions from Plant Riverside District’s Pastry Team! Each participant will receive cookies, colored icing and assorted candies. $25 2:30 p.m. Plant Riverside District, Generator Hall, 400 W. River St.

FORSYTH FARMERS MARKET

Local and regional produce, honey, meat, dairy, pasta, baked goods and other delights. Rain or shine. 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

SUN/11 BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

Breakfast with Santa at Plant Riverside District features photos with Santa Claus, holiday music and a holiday breakfast buffet from the award-winning culinary team at Plant Riverside District. $46 9-11:30 a.m. Plant Riverside District. plantriversidedistrict.com

Forsyth Park, Drayton St. & East Park Ave. Free to attend. 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, Bull St.

SUNDAY 12/11

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

Breakfast with Santa at Plant Riverside District features photos with Santa Claus, holiday music and a holiday breakfast buffet, including Applewood Bacon, Sausage, Roasted Breakfast Potatoes, Griddled French Toast, Fresh Biscuits and Sawmill Gravy as well as an omelet and egg

station and a yogurt bar with housemade granola, berries and other seasonal fruits. A variety of juices and freshbrewed coffee will be served. In addition, attendees can enjoy an impressive display of fresh-baked holiday pastries and donuts from the awardwinning culinary team at Plant Riverside District. $46 9-11:30 a.m. Plant Riverside District, River Landing, 400 W. River St.

SUNSET PARTY

SUNDAY

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

MONDAY 12/12

BINGO

8 p.m., Moodright’s, 2424 Abercorn St.

TYBEE ISLAND

FARMERS MARKET

Weekly market featuring a variety of locally made and grown items. Pet friendly and no-smoking. Artisans are also featured each week. 4 p.m. 30 Meddin Dr., tybeeislandfarmersmarket.com

TUESDAY 12/13

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.

ADMINISTRATIVE

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INTRODUCTIONS: MEET SUSAN STEBBINS

life,” she stated.

One of her sons moved to the Hostess City before she did, and she would come down south to visit.

“It was on the third visit here that I fell in love with Savannah, the kindness of the people, the warmth of the sun, the histori cal side of it. I didn’t realize that Savannah was just so full of history. That was what made me decide it was time to move,” Stebbins recalled.

Relocating wasn’t the only major move that Stebbins has made in her life. She started out as an engineer, having worked on turbine engines for 12 years. She left the field altogether years ago to pursue her true passion: beauty.

“Everybody thinks that’s so crazy . . . well it was very easy to [change careers] be cause back then, it was a very male-domi nated field. And it wasn’t what I wanted to do. It was what my family did. My cousins, my dad’s side, they were all men so it was a little easier for them,” she explained.

Stebbins knew pretty early on that she wanted to pursue a career in the beauty industry. She recalls wanting to go to a local hair academy back in Boston as early as middle school.

“I wanted to be a hairdresser and do makeup. But it was decided that, ‘no you’re going to to go engineering school and someday, you’ll be able to do hair as a skill, but get your degree first,’” said Stebbins.

Despite being pushed into engineering by her family, Stebbins recalls her time spent in the field fondly.

“It was a great company . . . I had a lot of friends, and it was a really good time in my

After having her fourth child in 1993, Stebbins decided she was ready to return to school and start a new career.

“I was in a great position then where I didn’t need to worry about working. I decided I wanted to go back to school and get my license in nail tech. I just always loved the beauty industry. I always loved colors. I always liked clothes, and I always liked makeup. I’m definitely a girly girl. So I went to school, and I just really excelled at it. I just loved it, and it was so exciting to me. And here I am today, 26 years later,” she expressed.

Shortly after graduating beauty school, Stebbins opened her own spa in Berlin, Massachusetts.

“It was called The Fragrant Path. I start ed that back in the 90s pretty much right when I was getting out of school without even knowing what I was really getting myself into. It was my passion that allowed me to start it, but I also had the ambition to make my passion continue. I did it pret ty much right from the start, and I had it for just about 11 years,” she recalled.

Currently, Stebbins brings her wealth of knowledge and experience to The Posei don Spa at Plant Riverside District, where she has been working as the Spa Director since March 2022.

“I love [this position]. I’ve pretty much rebuilt the spa. I brought it up, and I’ve turned it into a very successful, well-oiled machine. We’re doing really great. We have some great people here, and I was

said Stebbins.

The Poseidon Spa is open to the public, and Stebbins encourages anyone in need of some peace and pampering to book an appointment.

She says the Poseidon Spa offers a vari ety of premium spa services to melt stress and promote rest, relaxation and rejuvena tion. Stebbins recommends their premium custom facial.

“It is just luxurious. . . All botanical products are used. It involves a beautiful face, neck and decollete massage, hand and arm massage, and aromatic steam to open up the pores, followed by a mask. It’s usually a hydrating mask or a clay mask. It’s just divine,” she explained.

Massage is among the most popular services at The Poseidon Spa. The hot stone massage and the CBD massage are frequently requested, as is their hydrating

facial mask massage.

“We apply the facial mask while they’re having their massage. So you’re on your back and you’re having your face massage and your shoulders, they will put on a gel mask. It’s all hyaluronic acid, which helps plump the skin. And then they use a rose quartz roller that’s nice and cool to roll out the mask on the skin. That helps to smooth lines and wrinkles at the same time that you’re having your massage. So it’s two-fold,” she described.

In the meantime, Stebbins encourages locals and visitors alike to take advantage of everything the spa has to offer. She truly enjoys her work at the spa and finds fulfillment in it.

“I love the peacefulness. I love the guests, the one on one conversations that I get to have with people from many different places in the world. And I love all of the products and colors. I just love it,” she expressed.

When Stebbins isn’t working, she enjoys horseback riding, tennis and golf. She also loves being by the water, and spending time with her four grandchildren between Savannah, Colorado and Massachusetts.

For more information about The Poseidon Spa, visit plantriverside.com

- Chantel Britton

Susan Stebbins is a proud mother of four who relocated to Savannah years ago to escape the cold winters of her native Boston.

SAVANNAH AGENDA: PROPERTY MATTERS

By Eric Curl savannahagenda.com

CITY INVESTING ADDITIONAL $2.6M IN SAVANNAH RIVERWALK ALONG EASTERN WHARF

LUXURY HOUSING

DEVELOPMENT

With plenty of potential suspects to consider (harbor deepening, surrounding con struction), the cause of Hutchinson Island’s riverwalk collapse in June came down to a familiar foe - with some assistance from an uninvited guest. That is the conclusion of the engineering firm Chatham County hired to design the repairs. Meanwhile, there is apparently nothing technically wrong with the riverwalk along the east end of the Eastern Wharf on the other side of the Savannah River. Still, the city is planning to in vest an additional $2.6 million towards reconstructing a portion of it. Both projects are the latest in a series of costly fixes applied to the waterfront walkways over the years. Read all about them in this week’s edition of Savannah Agenda Property Matters.

Stay engaged Savannah, Eric Curl

designed by Thomas and Hutton that were installed in 2010, Giordano said.

The city agrees that Thomas and Hutton is not liable for the additional improve ments now being planned. Since the 2010 repairs were completed, the property own ership has changed hands and the devel opment plan has changed, and the city has decided to construct a system that further removes the risk of damaging the anchor tiebacks, Greene-Luckett said.

lowed an emergency $100,000 engineering contract and an almost $3 million emer gency repair contract with TIC to stabilize the wall after the bulkhead’s failure. A construction contract, and it’s price tag, will go before the commission for consideration after the design is completed.

The city is preparing to fund almost $2.6 million in improvements to a closed section of the Savannah Riverwalk east of down town in order for luxury housing construc tion along the mixed-use Eastern Wharf development to proceed.

The proposed project consists of adding support to the eastern end of the public riverwalk’s anchoring system after it was discovered that anchor tiebacks installed in 2010 extend onto the private devel opment, according to city spokesperson Keturah Greene-Luckett. The additional work is needed to prevent the anchors from being severed by foundation construction at Eastern Wharf, and thus destabilize the riverwalk, Greene-Luckett said. The issue was discovered in 2017 and plans for the improvements were previously submitted in 2019, but the city did not have funding for the work at the time, she said.

The closed section of the riverwalk runs along a northeastern portion of Eastern Wharf that is being developed for hous ing by Patrick Malloy Communities. The Upper East River community will feature homes ranging from the “$600,000s to the $4 millions”, according to the website. The developer did not respond when Savannah Agenda reached out via email and phone for this article.

Collins Engineering was hired to design the improvements, while Parker Marine Contracting is the project’s general con

tractor, according to the latest building per mit application submitted for the project in October. The developer of Eastern Wharf is constructing the repairs and will be reim bursed by the city, Greene-Luckett said.

A COSTLY HISTORY

The latest plan is not the first time the riverwalk fronting the Eastern Wharf devel opment has needed costly improvements since it was constructed in the late 2000s. In 2008, the city spent about $1.2 million in additional contract work, bringing the total to about $10 million, to stabilize the bulk head after the seawall was dislodged by the removal of some unexpected wood pilings.

Less than two years later, another $3.8 million in repairs and improvements were needed after structural problems were discovered along a 448-foot section of the 2,000-foot structure. Those costs were picked up by the insurer of the project’s design and engineering firm, Thomas and Hutton, in exchange for the city and its contractor, TIC, agreeing to not seek any claims as a result of the work suspension and repairs. This was when the tiebacks the city is now planning on replacing were installed.

The city and the city’s third-party con sultant reviewed the plans at the time and agreed on the repairs, according to John Giordano, with Thomas and Hutton. There were no failures of the existing tiebacks

ACROSS THE RIVER

Bad soil struck again.

Essentially, that’s the finding of the en gineering firm investigating the collapse of a section of Hutchinson Island’s riverwalk in June.

An excavation of the riverwalk’s failed bulkhead revealed that voids developed behind the sea wall over time, due in large part to Hutchinson’s “notoriously poor soil conditions”, according to an email Thomas and Hutton’s John Giordano sent to the county’s engineering department in late October. While prefacing the correspon dence by stating it may be “impossible to pinpoint the exact conditions or series of events that lead to the failure of the bulkhead”, Giordano went on to say that the earthquake that day may have moved material into the voids, inducing a domino effect of soils moving toward the wall and creating an imbalanced load on the wall and supporting anchors.

The increased loading led to the failure of the support anchors, compounding the problems by allowing the wall to move out and create additional room for further soil movement, Giordano said.

Chatham County is now taking steps to repair and rebuild the collapsed river walk. On Oct. 21, the county commission approved a $493,500 engineering services contract with Thomas and Hutton to design the rebuild of the sea wall. The increase fol

Hutchinson has experienced previous failures along a different section of the riv erwalk. In 2000, a 30-foot portion collapsed about three weeks before the opening of the newly constructed convention center. About five months later, a 10-year-old boy suffered some minor scrapes and bruises after a five-foot section of the riverwalk collapsed and he fell into a waist-high hole. Bad soil was also blamed for those past collapses.

Thomas and Hutton could not say wheth er any of the other sections of the Hutchin son riverwalk could fail for the same reason.

“Bulkheads are retaining wall systems and consist of many components which require ongoing maintenance and inspec tion and since T&H is not involved in any of these activities, we have no way of telling this,” Giordano wrote in an emailed re sponse to inquiries from Savannah Agenda.

To prevent the damaged portion of the riverwalk from collapsing again, the engi neering firm reviewed new soil borings and evaluated surrounding conditions before selecting a design for the repairs, Giordano said.

“The current design for the repair in cludes deep foundations which are driven into the marl soil layer (our area’s version of bedrock)” Giordano said. “These piles will support not only the bulkhead, but also the deadman tie-back system, the pavers, stairs, landscaping and utilities.”

However, Giordano said, the repaired system will also require ongoing mainte nance and inspection to ensure it continues to function as designed.

A section of Hutchinson Island’s riverwalk near the Savannah Convention Center and Westin is closed off following its collapse in June. Eric Curl/October 22, 2022

Enjoy tons of snow and lights aglow at Christmas Festival at Trustees’ Garden

By Chantel Britton chantel@connectsavannah.com

Savannah is beautiful anytime of the year, but the Hostess City really shines during the holiday season. The historic district glitters with festive lights and businesses set up their holiday displays, making the Christmas spirit palpable. And on Saturday, Dec. 17, one of the most high ly-anticipated holiday events is returning for its third year.

The Christmas Festival at Trustees’ Garden will wel come the community to experience a winter wonderland complete with snow, Santa and more. The grounds of Kehoe Iron Works at Trustees’ Garden will be transformed, with fun activities for the whole family. There will be train rides, bounce houses and rock climbing, as well as live perfor mances and a merry marketplace with local vendors.

The idea for the Christmas Festival initially arose from a desire that Charles Hill Morris, Sr. (Morris Multimedia CEO and festival presenter) envisioned as a special event for the people of the Savannah area.

“Ever since Charles Morris purchased the Trustees’ Gar den, he wanted to have something for the community. He really loves Savannah, and he really wanted to give back to the community. So the idea of some kind of family-friendly event came up, and we decided it would be a Christmas Festival,” said Kathy Kurazawa, one of the event organizers.

In its first year, the festival attracted more than 1700 attendees. There was a Covid hiatus the following year, with the festival returning for its second iteration in 2021. More than 1500 festival goers attended last year, and a sizable crowd is expected again this year. The event organizers see the Christmas Festival as a special opportunity to unite the

community, spread good cheer, and celebrate the holiday season. They hope to continue the tradition and host more opportunities to bring people together in the future.

“We’re going to be doing more of these kinds of things,” said Morris. “We want to help get people together. I think it’s so important to know your neighbors and your friends. So often, we get busy with our careers, life and families that we don’t really have a chance to visit with each other enough. We hope this event helps change that.”

The Christmas Festival is all about bringing people together in a fun, family-friendly and festive environment, and organizers hope it’s the perfect way to kick off the win ter break for school-aged children and their families.

“The kids will be getting out of school the day before, so this is something to do while they’re out of school for the break to have some fun and enjoy. We’re going to have lots of activities and it’s going to be fun for the whole family– a Christmas atmosphere and lots of fun,” said Kurazawa.

“We’re going to have gymnastics by the YMCA. . . and Savannah’s new hockey team, the Ghost Pirates are going to come. They’ll have a little area where the kids can learn how to hit the pucks into the net. And the Savannah Sharks cheerleading squad is going to be there and help kids with tumbling,” she added.

The Christmas atmosphere Kurazawa alluded to is made more convincing by the fact that the event advertises a “100% chance of snow” at the festival, which is a major draw for snow-starved Savannahians. To be specific, there will be about 60 tons of it brought in and frozen onsite, so attendees have a rare opportunity to enjoy sledding and snow tubing.

“At Trustees’ Garden, [there’s] a big natural hill that goes down. That’s where the snow sledding is going to be and

everybody just has a blast on that . . . adults included,” said Kurazawa.

The holiday scene is enhanced by a 23-foot Christmas tree, and Santa Claus will be present from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for pictures. Several food trucks will be on the premises and hot cocoa will be available as well.

Admission is $20 per person when purchased online, and children 5 and under are free. Tickets will be sold at the door for $25.

For tickets and more information, visit trustees-gar den-christmas.eventbrite.com.

Our Christmas tree is looking a little bare! Use your crayons, markers, construction paper, glue, glitter, or craft supplies! Decorate the tree so it’s fit for the Christmas Festival! You may even win a gift card to BARNES RESTAURANTS and have your photo featured in Connect Savannah!

WHERE TO SEND YOUR ENTRIES

You can mail your entry or drop it off at: 611 E. Bay St.

ATTN: Decorate the Tree Contest Savannah, GA 31401

(Do not deliver your entries to Barnes Restaurants)

CONTEST RULES

• All fields on entry form must be completed to be considered valid.

• Only one entry per person.

• Artwork must be created by name on entry.

• No adult’s work will be accepted.

• Original work only.

• Entries will not be returned.

• The judge’s decision is final.

• All entries become property of Connect Savannah.

• Winners agree to allow publication of their name, and, if necessary, their likeness in Con nect Savannah and connectsavannah.com. Acceptance of any prize indicates acceptance of this clause.

• Employees of Barnes Restaurants, Connect Savannah or Morris Multimedia and their im mediate families are not eligible to win.

JAUDON SPORTS:

IN STATE CHAMPIONSHP GAME, BC FOOTBALL CAN ERASE 75 YEARS OF

HISTORY

BY TRAVIS JAUDON Sports Columnist @JaudonSports

Benedictine’s football team has an opportunity that doesn’t come around too often for high school sports teams in Savannah. After winning the state championship last season, the Cadets are headed back to the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) State Championship game set for Friday, Dec. 9 (3:30 p.m.) at Center Parc Stadium in Atlanta.

There, they’ll try to topple top-ranked Cedartown (14-0) to win back-to-back state championships, something that a Savannah school has not achieved in any of the three major sports (football, basketball, baseball) since Savan nah High’s basketball team won in 1946 and 1947.

Simply put, if the Cadets (12-2) can win the ‘ship, they will elevate themselves into a class all their own. Many teams have come close in the past, but none of them could win it all two years in a row. BC football in 2021 and 2022 would be deservedly mentioned among Savannah’s best ever high school sports teams.

I’m not suggesting Benedictine’s 2022 football team is the best high school sports team in this city’s history. That would be a bit much, especially given the legendary teams we’ve seen here over the years. What I am suggesting is that Danny Britt’s team can accomplish something that hasn’t been done in 75 years.

Think about that. No Savannah high school baseball, basketball (boys) or football team has gone back-to-back since the Bluejackets did so a year after World War II ended.

In 2015, Jenkins basketball won a state championship and returned to the title game in 2016 only to fall just short in a loss. Calvary’s baseball team won state titles in 2005 and 2007, but missed out in 2006. Savannah High racked up three state basketball titles in one decade (1972, 1974, 1976) but even those teams couldn’t run it back consecutively.

The Beach Bulldogs basketball team won the 1967 title in the first year of integrated competition in the GHSA. They returned one year later looking for another ring, but crosstown rival Johnson beat the Bulldogs in a legendary 1968 state championship game.

If we wanted to reach just a smidge, the Richmond Hill basketball program won back-to-back championships in 1993 and 1994, but that’s not a Savannah school, techni cally. Plus, that doesn’t fit into my narrative and therefore does not count in this argument.

Britt would probably admit that this year’s squad is not his most-talented team in 12 years at the helm of the program. Last year’s team was ranked No. 1 from the early parts of the season all through the state championship game. This year’s team began at No. 1, dipped to as low as 6th, and now finds itself at No. 4 in Class 4A. None of that matters much now.

You can watch the Cadets go for history live as the game will be televised on Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB) and online at www.GPBsports.com. Coach’s Corner (3016 E. Victory Drive) in Savannah is broadcasting the game live for BC fans and alumni. Kickoff is set for 3:30.

SPORTS NOTES

The top-ranked Georgia Bulldogs handled LSU in the SEC Championship on Saturday, and on Sunday, they learned who they will play in the College Football Playoff. No. 1 UGA (13-0) will take on fourth-ranked Ohio State (11-1) in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl semifinal game on Saturday, Dec. 31 at 8 p.m. It’ll be played in Mercedes-Benz Stadium, a venue which has been good to the Dogs of late (LSU last week & Oregon in the season-opener). Ohio State and Georgia have only met one previous time (UGA won the 1993 Citrus Bowl). The Bulldogs opened as 7-point betting favorites (Caesars Sportsbook) versus the Buckeyes. Michigan (2-seed) and TCU (3) play New Years Eve afternoon in the other semifinal game.

Georgia Southern accepted an invitation Sunday after noon to play in the Camellia Bowl against the Buffalo Bulls (6-6) in Montgomery, Alabama on Tuesday, Dec. 27 at noon. The Eagles (6-6) won the 2018 Camellia Bowl at Cramton Stadium in thrilling fashion. A last-second 40-yard field goal by Tyler Bass (now with the NFL’s Buffalo Bills) lifted GS to a dramatic 21-20 victory over Eastern Michigan. It’ll be the fifth bowl game for Southern since moving to the FBS in 2014. They are 3-1 in the four prior postseason games. One more note on the game, GS graduate-senior quarterback Kyle Vantrease transferred to Statesboro prior to this season.

Make your bowl picks and submit an entry into ESPN’s Hot Grits Podcast 2022 Bowl Mania group before bowls begin on December 16! It’s 100% free to enter and the winner (confidence points format) receives $150. Visit www.Fantasy. espn.com/games/college-football-bowl-mania-2022 and search for the private group name “HOT GRITS PODCAST 2022.” Password to enter is: HGP.

Benedictine coach Danny Britt holds up the championship trophy after defeating Carver-Columbus for the GHSA Class 4A state title Dec. 10, 2021 at Center Parc Stadium in Atlanta.| USATNSYNDICATION

By Jesse Blanco eatitandlikeit.com

In many ways Ryan Whyte-Buck is no different than a lot of the chefs out there. All the way down to that first time he took a job as a dishwasher once upon a time and the chef asked for help.

“On my first day, the guy says ‘can you grab me some basil out of the walk in? I was like what do you mean? What does it look like?”

Not exactly the kind of response you would have expected from someone who had just taken a job in a kitchen, but he made it work. Looking back, he says it was really the beginning of his curiosity about

food.

“I grew up eating chicken and frozen corn.” He says. “My dad, that’s how he still eats. It’s not something he’s super curious about.”

But Ryan was. It’s a curiosity that set him on a path to working in some great kitchens in Portland, Oregon and New York City. A year and change ago, it led him here to Savannah, where he became Executive Chef at a Bed and Breakfast on Gaston Street in Downtown Savannah called Bellwether House.

By the end of this month, he will be open ing his first restaurant here in Savannah.

Folklore is set to open by Christmas at the corner of Martin Luther King Jr., Blvd and Congress Streets in the space formerly occu pied by The Fat Radish.

It is fair to say Chef Ryan and his family have been settling in nicely.

“The moment I came to town, I was in love. My wife had been here a few times. I love that Savannah has a little bit of gritti ness to it. It’s not polished like Charleston. I just knew it was the right place.”

To this point, he’s been serving their guests at the B&B. None of his food has been available to the public. It’s a position he has enjoyed. It has allowed him to ex periment a little with what he would like to do ahead of the opening of Folklore.

“We know that when people are coming here, they want Southern cuisine. We are doing Southern cuisine, but we are painting it with a brush of East Asia,” He tells me.

“In our tomato sauce, we are going to be incorporating miso and soy sauce instead of straight forward salt.” He says “It kinda helps round out the flavors.”

The Asian influence comes from the fact that his wife is half Taiwanese. They’ve spent a good bit of time there. “That’s real ly close and personal to my family now.”

But it won’t end there.

“I really like digging in to food from different cultures. Not just like French traditional stuff that was really popular.” He says. “If it is spicier and really exotic to me, it’s more exciting because this is what people are eating all over the world.”

All of that sounds great, but at the same time Chef knows that tourists--I’m sorry, ‘visitors’--to Savannah don’t always like to stray from the basics. Some do, of course, but not in the numbers restaurant owners and chefs like to see. It’s the age-old issue in a city so heavily dependent on tourism dollars. Do you offer what you know will fly out the door in large quantities? Or do you offer something more creative that is unlikely to be as popular?

Chef Ryan knows all about it, and he’s here for it for the long haul. He tells me their trial run dinner last month was very well received by their guests.

“Our fried chicken, we tested it at our preview dinner. It was incredible. It came out better than we could have imagined. We are using sweet potato starch. We had

a shrimp dish that everyone was in love with.”

The visuals coming out of their kitchen certainly fit the bill. Folklore is going to try to walk that fine line of Southern food done a little differently. Ultimately, Chef Ryan wants to be creative with their offerings, but he says cooking for his family during the pandemic made him appreciate the art of keeping the simple things simple.

“The name Folklore is about traditions over millennia.” He says “It’s really import ant to respect that. This isn’t about me or what I want to cook. I care about the people who are sitting down here.”

“This is something we are going to work on closely with everyone and the city of Savannah.”

And we are looking forward to it.

There is no set date for their opening yet, but it will likely be in the second half of De cember. You can find them on social media (Facebook and Instagram) or see their first menu now at eatfolklore.com

- Photos provided by Folklore

COCKTAIL OF THE WEEK

PINK FLAMINGO

ENJOY AT: PEREGRIN

256 E Perry St. (Inside Perry Lane Hotel)

MADE WITH:

Local Vodka, Cotton Candy, Chambord, Orange Liqueur, Lemon

Atop the Perry Lane Hotel, you’ll find Peregrin, a chic outdoor bar that’s built for all seasons. Find some time to stop by and indulge in their Pink Flamingo. Combining sweet cotton candy with citrusy flavors, this unique cocktail is fun and festive, making it perfect to enjoy this time of year.

With the right balance of sweetness and tanginess, the Pink Flamingo isn’t a cocktail that you’ll soon forget. Make sure this lively libation is on your boozy bucket list!

by Chantel Britton

FOOD TRUCK OF

SWEET SPICE

THE WEEK

by Chantel Britton

Sweet Spice is a Jamaican restaurant on Waters Ave. that operates a vibrant food truck, bringing bold island flavors to the streets of Savannah. Their menu is filled with Caribbean favorites that will transport your taste buds to paradise. They offer a wide selection of options including seafood, chicken and traditional dishes like Oxtails and Curry Goat.

For a tasty handheld, try the Open Face Bob Marley Burrito. It’s a hearty burrito that you can roll up yourself filled with juicy grilled chicken and fresh vegetables. Wash it down with some of their homemade Peanut Punch, a refreshing Caribbean beverage made with condensed milk, vanilla and peanut butter.

Sweet Spice also vends a variety of decadent desserts like Red Velvet Cake, Coconut Cake and Bread Pudding, providing the perfect end to a delicious meal. Check them out sometime soon to enjoy their tropical delights.

ART PATROL

“TWO ROADS”: TOM CURRAN

Cedar House Gallery

DECEMBER 7-13, 2022 Enjoy a local art show focused on natural forms created with pencils and paint.

“LOOK!” Sulfur Studios

Through December 17 This show brings together many of Savannah’s local artists under one roof for an unforgettable art experience!

PETE SCHULTE

Laney Contemporary Fine Art

through January 14, 2023 Visitors will enjoy a thoughtful drawing exhibition focused on abstract ideas such as time, perception, and thought.

8 Laney Contemporary Fine Art November 4, 2022 through January 14, 2023

Viewers will experience a philosophical contemporary art exhibition created by a group of female artists.

SHIN JINSONG: “WAITING FOR A RESPONSE WHICH WE MIGHT NEVER GET”

SCAD Museum of Art

Through January 2, 2023

Experience a thoughtful exhibit on the rapidly changing world in the modern age through fascinating sculptural work.

SEHER SHAH AND RANDHIR SINGH: “STUDIES IN FORM”

SCAD Museum of Art

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

“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.

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.

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

Through 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.

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.

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.

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.

JOSÉ RAY IN THE DRIVE THRU ART BOX

The Drive Thru Art Box at Green Truck Pub. 2430 Habersham St

ThroughDecember 8 sulfurstudios.org/drivethruart

José Ray is working on transparent plexi-glass with mixed media and light to create an engaged and fantastical landscape.

“FEELS LIKE FREEDOM”: PHILLIP J. HAMPTON

Jepson Center

Through January 29, 2023 This exhibition takes viewers through the entire career of the late painter Phillip J. Hampton. The varied work includes everything from abstract to illustrative realism, many of which were created in Savannah.

SOY X SOY

Savannah Cultural Arts Center

Through Dec. 3 SOY X SOY (x=como), ‘I Am Who/What I Am,’ is a collective of Latin, Hispanic and Native American creatives working together to curate a variety of experiences through a series of artistic engagements, exhibitions, performance, culinary arts and installations.

PHIL MUSEN @GALLERY ESPRESSO

The work features whimsical canvases that show cats doing very “un-catlike” things such as riding dragons, fighting with lightsabers, and going on martini dates.

ART CLASS: LEARN TO PAINT LIPS

Saturday Dec. 10. A beginner instructional course for stu dents seeking to learn and improve their portrait drawing skills by focusing on drawing lips. Demos provided. Stu dents may draw from the demo or use a pre-drawn tem plate so that they may focus on the coloring-in portion only, working with soft pastels and pastel pencils to explore color application techniques and color theory through a limited pastel palette. Art supplies provided. No art experience nec essary. The Studio School, 509 Barnard St. thestudioschool savannah.com | 2-4PM

“WILD PONIES OF CUMBERLAND ISLAND”

BY MITCHELL LEE KOLBE

Plant Riverside District’s Grand Bohemian Gallery will fea ture captivating oil paintings by North Carolina artist Mitch ell Lee Kolbe. In his latest exhibit, Kolbe takes guests on a journey to Cumberland Island, Ga., where feral horses roam the state’s largest and southernmost barrier island. Inspired by a 10-day sailing trip in 2006, “Wild Ponies of Cumberland Island” serves as a tribute to the wild horses Kolbe refers to as “Georgia’s oldest and most beloved inhabitants.” The artist hopes his oil paintings will spark a conversation about the conservation of these beautiful animals and commemorate the Cumberland Island National Seashore’s 50th an niversary. Through Friday, Dec. 23. Grand Bohemian Gallery, Plant Riverside District

Compiled by Joshua Alexander

CULTURE

SAVANNAH BALLET

THEATRE PUTS A LOCAL SPIN ON THE CHRISTMASTIME CLASSIC THE NUTCRACKER

By Kareem McMichael Arts & Entertainment Writer

The holiday season would not be complete without “The Nutcracker,” and The Savannah Ballet Theatre will be cele brating with a live production of “The Nutcracker” on Dec. 10 at 5 p.m. at the Lucas Theater.

“The Nutcracker is an incredible way to kick-off the holi day season. We are so excited to showcase our incredible dancers and the Savannah Ballet Theatre,” said SBT artistic director Suzanne Braddy.

In this show, the legendary score by Tchaikovsky will fuel the performance of this classic holiday ballet, which is the story of a young girl’s dream of a Christmas gift cometo-life to become her beloved prince.

While most people are familiar with the ballet or may have seen the ballet, you may not have seen it like this. It is set in our beautiful city of Savannah in the 1940s instead of early 19th century Germany.

“Clara goes to a dreamland that is in Savannah. People will see Broughton Street, the Gingerbread House and other Savannah cameos,” said Rebecca Dugal, the program coordinator and a company dancer for SBT.

A lot goes into the creative process for this show with music, dance and staging, and though the story is not new, SBT enjoys making this show unique to Savannah for the audiences here.

“We are taking a classic children’s tale and putting our own spin on it. We’ve been doing this for years, and each year we make it better and better,” said Dugal.

SBT has been producing “The Nutcracker” for over 20 years, and it is the nostalgia of the show that keeps them excited about bringing it to life annually.

“This show is such a tradition for so many families no

matter if they are ballet lovers or not. We do it every year, but it is still fresh, and we just love to be a part of that Christmas magic for people,” said Dugal.

In addition to the performance on Dec. 10, thanks to some generous sponsors, SBT will perform on Dec. 9 for local Chatham County school students.

“It is a historic ballet, and it is important for kids to see this art form. A lot of kids do not get access to this anymore, so we want to give them access to the art, and it is a great way to learn the different aspects of the show,” said Dugal.

After the show, the actors go off stage and interact with the students, which is something that Dugal looks forward to.

“The kids love seeing the characters in costumes up close and asking them questions. I love seeing these shows because they are so magical for the kids,” said Dugal

The SBT has a group of professional company dancers, and they are working with children in the School of Savan nah Ballet to bring this show together.

“The local dancers at our professional company are filled with excitement for this year’s performance as it features guest artists, exciting projections and beautiful costumes to create the magical experience that the audience looks forward to each year. We could not have put this produc tion on without the generous support of our sponsors and our SBT patrons,” said Braddy.

SBT is the only professional dance company in Savan nah and Southeast Georgia. Their mission is to develop and showcase the talent of dedicated Savannah dancers alongside top professional dancers and engage in educa tional outreach and promotion of the art of dance within the community.

To purchase tickets for the Dec. 10 performance, visit the Lucas Theater online at lucastheatre.com

(Top to Bottom) Micayla Frank and Jamal Edwards will appear in Savannah Ballet Theatre’s annual production of “The Nutcracker” at the Lucas Theatre. Dancers rehearse at Savannah Ballet Theatre. Photos by Adriana Iris Boatwright

BOOKS

WHAT

ARE WE READING?

BOOKS WHAT ARE WE READING?

PRESENTED

PRESENTED AND CURATED WEEKLY BY E. SHAVER, BOOKSELLER

WEEKLY BY E. SHAVER, BOOKSELLER

AND CURATED

DEAD MAN’S HAND

BY JAMES J. BUTCHER

THE ONLY GOOD INDIANS

BY STEPHEN GRAHAM JONES

DINOSAURS

A LIKELY STORY

BY LYDIA MILLET

BY LEIGH ABRAMSON

Growing up in the nineties in New York City as the only child of famous parents was both a blessing and a curse for Isabelle Manning. Her beautiful society hostess mother, Claire, and New York Times bestselling author father, Ward, were the city’s in tellectual It couple. Ward’s glamorous obligations often took him away from Isabelle, but Claire made sure her childhood was always filled with magic and love.

The story of a man named Gil who walks from New York to Arizona to recover from a failed love. After he arrives, new neighbors move into the glass-walled house next door and his life begins to mesh with theirs. In this warmly textured, drily funny, and philosophical account of Gil’s unexpected devotion to the family, Millet explores the uncanny territory where the self ends and community begins―what one person can do in a world beset by emergencies.

A novel that asks: In the shadow of existential threat, where does hope live?

Now an adult, all Isabelle wants is to be a suc cessful writer like her father but after many false starts and the unexpected death of her mother, she faces her upcoming thirty-fifth birthday alone and on the verge of a breakdown. Her anxiety only skyrockets when she uncovers some shocking truths about her parents and begins wondering if everything she knew about her family was all based on an elaborate lie.

On the streets of Boston, the world is divided into the ordinary Usuals, and the paranormal Unorthodox. And in the Department of Un orthodox Affairs, the Auditors are the magical elite, government-sanctioned witches with spells at their command and all the power and prestige that comes with it. Grimshaw Griswald Grimsby is…not one of those witches.

From New York Times bestselling author Stephen Graham Jones comes a novel that is equal parts psychological horror and cutting social commentary on identity politics and the American Indian experience. Fans of Jordan Peele and Tommy Orange will love this story as it follows the lives of four American Indian men and their families, all haunted by a disturbing, deadly event that took place in their youth. Years later, they find themselves tracked by an entity bent on revenge, totally helpless as the culture and traditions they left behind catch up to them in a violent, vengeful way.

After flunking out of the Auditor training program and being dismissed as “not De partment material,” Grimsby tried to resign himself to life as a mediocre witch. But he can’t help hoping he’ll somehow, some way, get another chance to prove his skill. That op portunity comes with a price when his former mentor, aka the most dangerous witch alive, is murdered, and Grimsby becomes the number one suspect.

LORD OF THE FLY FEST

BY GOLDY MOLDAVSKY

A BEGINNING AT THE END

Rafi Francisco needs a splashy case to put her true-crime podcast on the map. Her plan?

BY MIKE CHEN

Land an interview with Fly Fest headliner River Stone, who rocketed to stardom after his girlfriend’s mysterious disappearance―and expose him as the killer she’s sure he is.

Six years after a virus wiped out most of the planet’s population, former pop star Moira is living under a new identity to escape her past--until her domineering father launches a sweeping public search to track her down. Desperate for a fresh start herself, jaded event planner Krista navigates the world for those still too traumatized to go outside, but she never reaches out on her own behalf. Rob has tried to protect his daughter, Sunny, by keeping a heartbreaking secret, but when strict government rules threaten to separate parent and child, Rob needs to prove himself worthy in the city’s eyes by connecting with people again.

But when Rafi―and the hordes of influenc ers―arrive at Fly Fest, the dreamy Caribbean getaway they were promised turns out to be a nightmare. Soon, Rafi is fighting for her life against power-hungry beauty gurus and spotty WiFi. And, as she gets closer to River, she discovers that his secrets might have even bigger consequences than she suspected.

MUSIC & CLUBS

NEW HOLIDAY MUSIC RELEASES TO JINGLE YOUR BELLS THIS SEASON

Whoever says the full-length al bum is a dying art form hasn’t been watching the Christmas music. This year brings another sleigh full of fulllength albums. Here’s my take on this year’s albums vying for your Christ mas music dollars.

LINDSEY STIRLING: “Snow Waltz” –Stirling brings her unique signature mix of classical, electronica and pop to “Snow Waltz,” crafting this year’s most innovative holiday albums. What also works is the hint of a dark undercurrent Stirling brings to “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” “God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman” and the title track. They play nicely with cheerier tracks (like “Sleigh Ride” and “Joy to the World” and the origi nals “Crazy For Christmas” and “Magic.”)

KELLEY HUNT: “Winter Solstice” – Hunt has quietly established herself as one of music’s better roots music artists, deftly blending blues, soul and gospel while show casing her considerable talent as a singer and pianist. Now she’s made this year’s best Christmas album in “Winter Solstice.” Her bluesy and soulful version of “Go Tell It On The Mountain” may be the swingin gest take ever on that famous song. Hunt’s reinterpretations of other classics are just as fresh and inspired. There are also three worthy originals, including the rich ballad, “Bright Lights,” which extends the Christ mas season’s spirit of harmony into a call for lasting unity and respect that’s fitting in these divisive times.

Don’t Have To Be Alone,” which sounds like it could become a favorite song to cover in the years ahead, while “Old Memories On Xmas” is nearly as good.

DAVE KOZ & FRIENDS: “Christmas Ballads” – Saxophonist Koz celebrates the 25th anniversary of his Christmas tour by reuniting on “Christmas Ballads” with the three musicians who helped him launch the tour, keyboardist David Benoit, guitarist Peter White and trumpeter Rick Braun. With a nice mix of Christmas standards and lesser known seasonal songs, this warm effort is firmly in Koz’s smooth jazz wheelhouse.

mas” and “Wrapping Presents For Myself”) are lackluster and he doesn’t bring much originality to the covers.

PENTATONIX: “Holidays Around the World” – The one-time a cappella group is now using instruments, making Pentatonix a more typical vocal group, and “Christmas Around the World” a more conventional holiday album. That’s OK as long as the group has songs as fun as the buoyant “Kid On Christmas” (featuring guest Meghan Trainor) and as thoughtful as the ballad “Prayers For This World.”

OTHER NOTABLE RELEASES:

SWITCHFOOT: “This Is Our Christmas Album” – The popular alt-rock band tries its hand at Christmas music with mixed results. “Scrappy Little Christmas Tree” sounds like the Sex Pistols meet the Beach Boys and somehow it works, while “New Year’s Day” is a catchy mid-tempo rocker. But a couple of originals fall flat and at times Jon Foreman’s raspy vocals come up a little creaky.

ALICIA KEYS: “Santa Baby” – Keys has always made classy music, and “Santa Baby” is no exception, as she gives the songs restrained accompaniment – mainly her piano playing, bass and light percussion. The approach works because Keys’ supple and sweet voice pairs well with songs like “Christmas Time Is Here,” “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” and the flirty title song. Keys, though, ups the ante with four original songs, including the stellar ballad “You

JOSS STONE: “Merry Christmas, Love” – A Christmas album seems like a natural vehicle for Stone, but her soulful, bluesy sound doesn’t often materialize. While she brings the sass to “What Christmas Means To Me,” and to a lesser extent on “Bring On Christmas Day,” for the most part, “Merry Christmas, Love” is a standard-issue Christ mas album, complete with orchestration and some heavy-handed choir-like backing vocals -- while Stone’s musical personality goes mostly missing in action.

CROWDER: “Milk & Cookies: A Merry Crowder Christmas” – One of the best artists in Christian music, Crowder’s first holiday album is made up mostly of original songs, with fun fare like “Elf Song,” “Your Praise Goes On” and “The Ballad of Mrs. C (She’s Sick of the Beard)” fitting Crowder’s familiar blend of folk, country and rock and roll with the occasional touch of hip-hop and a good bit of humor.

CHRIS ISAAK: “Everybody Knows It’s Christmas” – Isaak, given his vocal ability, his songwriting chops and his roots in early rock and roll, surf and soul, seemed capable of making a refreshing Christmas album. But originals (aside from “Almost Christ

DEBBIE GIBSON: “Winterlicious” – The one-time teen pop star’s first Christmas album is a diverse, largely poppy affair (no surprise there) that favors originals and lesser known covers over the usual classics. Ironically, two of the highlights come on a pair of the album’s less cheery original ballads “The Gift” and “Heartbreak Holiday,” but otherwise “Winterlicious” is the right kind of breezy holiday confection.

TASHA LAYTON: “This is Christmas” –On one of this season’s better efforts, the Christian music singer goes big and brassy on fun originals like “Diddly Squat” (about not even getting a lump of coal) and “Hang Up Your Stocking,” while also including warmer, more musically restrained tunes like “Giving Christmas Away” and “Make It to Christmastime.”

JAMIE O’NEAL: “Spirit & Joy” – O’Neal’s country-pop versions of familiar Christ mas tunes are straight-forward, but three originals – the shuffling “Christmas You,” the beachy “Gulf of Mexico” and the lovely and emotional “Christmas to Me” -- elevate “Spirit & Joy.”

JESSY J: “California Christmas, Vol. 2” – On the jazz saxophonist’s (mostly) instrumental holiday album, she tasteful ly elaborates on familiar melodies while putting some groove into “Angels We Have Heard On High” and “Oh Holy Night.”

- Alan Sculley

MUSIC & CLUBS

THE CONFESSIONAL COMIC: ADAM FERRARA ON LIFE AND LAUGHTER

By Chantel Britton chantel@connectsavannah.com

Comedian and actor Adam Ferrara is getting ready to make his Savannah debut, and he couldn’t be more excited.

“I got a call from my friend Scott Henry, and he asked me to come down to the club [in Savannah]. I heard good things about it and I said, ‘yeah, I’d love to come down’. So, I’m glad it worked out,” said Ferrara.

An accomplished performer with several film and television credits, Ferrara has ap peared in Showtime’s hit series “Nurse Jackie”, Emmy-nominated FX drama “Rescue Me” and 2009 comedy action film “Paul Blart: Mall Cop”, just to name a few.

He has also been a featured guest on several late night talk shows including “The Late Late Show with James Corden”, “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon”, and “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno’’ among others. He also co-hosted BBC sensation “Top Gear USA” for six seasons. Ferrara’s comedy album “It’s Scary in Here” debuted at #1 on iTunes, and he wrote and produced his own TV special “Adam Ferrara: Funny as Hell”.

He currently hosts his own podcast “The Adam Ferrara Podcast”, where he interviews leading entertainers and directors. He’s also working on another special.

After being dubbed “hilarious” by Entertain ment Weekly, Ferrara got his start in comedy not long after leaving college.

“I told my parents, ‘we’ve done one of your things. Now I’m going to try one of mine.’ I went to an open mic in Long Island where I’m from, and I made the mistake of telling my mother. Now my mother was the original Twit ter. I would tell her and she would tell every body. So, my whole neighborhood showed up. I had to be funny real quick because they were all there. And what had happened was not only did they show up, but they started heckling. So I just played with them for the five minutes that I was up there, and I did very well. And that’s when I got bit by the bug, and I’ve been at it ever since,” he explained.

For Ferrara, that hometown premiere marked the moment he knew that he wanted to be a performer.

“That’s when I knew I’d found a place I felt I belonged. I didn’t know how long it would last or where it would take me, but I got that feeling like ‘okay, this is where I belonged,” he explained.

He also earned the approval of his father that day.

“My father looked at me because he was there in the audience, and he was like ‘that’s where you fit,’ So he gave me the permission to go ahead and do it,” said Ferrara.

From that humble beginning, Ferrara has enjoyed a prolific career in stand up comedy. His talents have taken him far, and he has many highlights to reflect on.

“I’ve gotten to do so many nice things . . . I played Carnegie Hall. I played Radio City Music Hall . . . all the late night shows. I had a bunch of specials,” he recalled.

Ferrara has a signature comedic style that draws upon his real lived experience.

“I am a confessional comic. I take my life and I put it into a blender. I turn it around and make it funny and hopefully my truth and experience reaches somebody else and we both laugh,” he explained.

“I like the experiential laugh. I like it when it gets you in your guts. Like a couple, some guy will point to his wife or his wife will push the guy, ‘that’s you, that’s you!’ That’s what I really strive for. If I can articulate a feeling that someone’s been having. That’s the best laugh for me. . . I’m not really a social critic, it’s just what I’m going through at the time or if something strikes me. I will just draw from everyday life and I like to improv quite a bit with the audience,” he continued.

His unique ability to relate to and engage with his audiences through captivating and humorous storytelling is what sets him apart. For Ferrara, it’s all about building trust with an audience so he can take them on an entertain ing and, at times, emotional journey.

“I think on my third Comedy Central special, my dad got diagnosed with cancer. And I did a bit about chemotherapy where I take the au dience way down emotionally and then I bring them back up. I was proud of the bit because it expressed what I was feeling . . . the fear, the terror and then the release. I was proud because not only did I write it, but I had the ability to perform it, because you have to put the audience into emotional sadness and they have to trust you enough to take them out of it. And I have to do it all within a minute,” he recounted.

That particular bit was so profound that it found a second life in academia.

“I got a call from a professor who teaches at Yale and NYU asking me if he could license that bit to use it as a teaching tool in his dra ma and writing class,” said Ferrara, who let the

professor use the bit free of charge.

“I’m proud that it got a different life and could help other people,” he added.

Connecting with people is what Ferrara loves most about comedy. He enjoys being able to raise the energy level in a room and the back and forth with his audience.

“[I love] the immediacy of it. When I’m doing stand up, it’s instant gratifi cation. When I stop talking, they start laughing and I feel good. And the con nection, the sense when you’re with the audience, we’re all in that moment together. . . There’s this collective ener gy, this synergism where it’s my energy and your energy and we go some place together,” Ferrara explained.

Ferrara will be performing in

Savannah at District Live Dec. 8 - 10. He encourages anyone in need of a good laugh to come out and see his side-splitting set.

“[People should come] because I am funny. It’s my first time there and I can make whatever’s bothering you for that hour go away. You can pick up your troubles on the way out. It’s a mic in my hand, not a gavel. I don’t judge,” he expressed.

Ferrara’s performance is a part of the collaboration between Big Com edy Network and District Live, which brings top-tier comedians from all over the country to the Hostess City.

General admission and VIP tickets are available at plantriverside.com

Funnyman Brian Shirley returns to Savannah Comedy Revue

By Angie Miller Music & Clubs Writer

Almost 30 years ago, Brian Shirley was just getting his feet wet at a comedy workshop in Charleston. Now he’s an actor, writer, producer, podcaster and stand-up co median with some serious showbiz stamina.

“I’ve always kinda been weird and funny as a person,” Shirley said. “And my imagina tion based on real life reflects that.”

According to Shirley, he joined the United States Air Force when he was 20 and after serving his time, bounced around working odd jobs before participating in a comedy workshop in Charleston. He explained that it was there where he really learned to use his voice.

“I started out doing emcee work,” Shirley said. “A lot of comedians start that way and then work up from there until they’re good enough to be featured, which is 30 minutes on stage. The ultimate goal is to headline, which is what I do now.”

Since launching his career, Shirley has toured the United States, Japan, Canada and

the Bahamas performing stand-up comedy. He’s also been part of an improv troupe, hosted radio shows, published three comedy books, created three web series, appeared in independent films and web TV series, a music video for the Grammy Winning band Ranky Tanky called “Good Time,” and many more. In addition, he’s worked with Rodney Carrington, Michael Winslow, Tim Wilson, Aisha Tyler, Billy Gardell, Josh Wolf, Dusty Slay, Basile, MJ Live, Diamond & Silk, Jimmy Walker and Huey Lewis and the News.

With three decades of comedic material under his belt, Shirley says deciding what to perform is usually a spur of the moment, audience-driven decision and his acts cover a wide range of topics from growing up poor, the military, stories from being on the road and working on film sets, his heart attack, etc.

“I think I’ve built a very different show,” he explained. “It’s not just your normal stand-up because I don’t just tell jokes. I always do the big acts, the stuff that I know really rocks the room and then make a deci sion as to which way to go depending on the crowd. The more fun they are, the deeper I

can go!”

“I’ve also done a lot of background acting work in Savannah and I have so many sto ries now about what has happened on set,” he continued. “If you want to hear a joke about the movie Halloween Ends, that’s part of my show.”

In addition to telling stories, Shirley also creates characters that sometimes come out on stage.

“One is the fine Southern gentlemen. I do have a script but sometimes the character takes over and goes off script. I like to weave the audience into my show so no one can tell what is scripted and what is improvised.”

On Sat., Dec. 10 Shirley will take the Savannah Comedy Revue stage and he couldn’t be anymore excited to return with some new material.

“I’m excited about bringing some new material to Savannah because I’ve worked the Savannah Comedy Revue a lot, probably about 10 years now and it’s always good to come back. Support live comedy because the laugh you save could be your own.”

To purchase tickets or for more information visit savannahcomedyrevue.com

By Joshua Alexander

Six years ago, two musicians from drastically different origins met at the Savannah music staple, Jazz’d Tapas Bar.

One was a local percussionist, Butch Braddy, and the other hailed from across the world in Kazakhstan, a large nation bordering Russia and a former state of the USSR, Aiman Beibitbayeva.

Today, the couple is a locally known husband and wife musical duo that com bines percussion and violin in a pairing as unexpected as their meeting.

“When we first met and she brought up the idea of forming the Free Spirits Or chestra, I was a little hesitant. Combining violin with percussion is something out of norm,” explains Braddy.

But similar to their romance, he states, “when we started playing it just came together perfectly.”

Realizing their dream of combining musical talents and forming a life togeth er was not without challenges. The couple had to persevere through the long process of immigration, but, now, Beibitbayeva sits on the cusp of becoming an American citizen, a very special milestone for the couple.

Beibitbayeva is a classically trained violinist from one of the premier mu sic schools in her home country. After training from age four to 24, she became nationally recognized within Kazakhstan, earning the first chair violin position in the Almaty National Symphony Orches tra.

Braddy, on the other hand, is a local ly grown talent. He grew up in Georgia, but found his love for music at an early age. He played music all the way through grade school and college and toured extensively, both nationally and abroad, with his former band, Positions. His unique flavor of percussion sound shines through his performances and is even represented in his personally designed drum set that he has labeled “the Hobo Drum Kit.”

Now, Beibitbayeva and Braddy combine to form the Free Spirits Orchestra, and play all over Savannah and the surround ing area, though they have their eyes set on expanding and traveling with their act.

The pairing takes a massive list of songs from a variety of artists and genres

and recreates them in a unique blend of classical sounds.

“We play everything from Led Zeppelin, to AC/DC, to Latin Music, true classical work like Bach, and a bunch more!” Brad dy said with excitement.

For fans wanting to listen to their work outside of live performances, many audio and video recordings are available to the public on their website freespiritsorches tra.com

The couple originally named the act, “The Free Spirits,” but changed the name after a radio host commented that the powerful group sounded more like an orchestra then the small musical outfit they actually are.

That energy and sound carries through with each performance.

The Free Spirits Orchestra truly lives up

to their name through creating unique art in ways many would think impossible.

Through ignoring expectations and forging their own musical path, they have carved out a niche within the Savannah music scene.

They cater to a special blend of music fans that includes lovers of classic rock, pop, true classical, and more.

Local music fans who want to experi ence the Free Spirits Orchestra can find them performing around Savannah and the nearby surrounding area includ ing, but not limited to, the Mansion on Forsyth Park, the Grove, and Savannah Bananas games.

While they play at a variety of spots, playing at the Jazz’d Tapas Bar frequently is a special treat for the couple as they consider it their origin location.

DIVA ROYALE DRAG QUEEN SHOW @ 310 WILLIAMSON ST.

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

FRI-SAT DEC 9-10 | 7PM

SUN DEC 11 | 1:30 PM

By Frank Ricci

TINSEL! A CHRISTMAS CABARET @ UNIVERSALIST UNITARIAN CHURCH

Sustained Christmas spirit is just about guaranteed with this 20-song celebration of holiday songs you know, and a few you don’t. Vocalist JJ Collins (pictured) leads a talented band and guest vocalists with jazz, pop, Broadway and other versions of the songs of the season.

SUN DEC 11 | 3 PM

RED VELVET BURLESQUE SHOW

@ 310 WILLIAMSON ST.

Sultry, sexy and very interactive, the nationally syndicated Red Velvet Burlesque runs shows in cities across the country. It’s not a stretch to assume the Savannah version has a little more bite than most.

THUR DEC 8 | 8PM

FRI-SUN DEC 9-11 | 6 PM

ADAM FERRARA @ DISTRICT LIVE

The Queens, NY, native spent five seasons on the FX series Rescue Me and six on the US version of Top Gear. He started in comedy and is back for a bunch of shows in town. Ferrara leans into his Italian-American upbringing and general NYness, but lots of jokes aim for the concurrent Catholicism.

THU DEC 8 | 7:30 PM

FRI-SAT DEC 9-10 | 7 & 9:30 PM

WEDNESDAY 12/ 7

LIVE MUSIC

Cohen’s Retreat

Midtown Pickers, 6 p.m.

Driftaway Cafe

Chuck Courtenay, 6 p.m.

Jazz’d Tapas Bar

Cory Chambers of City Hotel

McDonough’s Blues with Eric Culberson, 9 p.m.

Nickie’s 1971 Ray Tomasino, 7 p.m.

Oak 36 Bar + Kitchen

OAK 36 LIVE MUSIC WEDNESDAY, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

TRIVIA & GAMES

Moodright’s Duckpin Bowling League Night, 8 p.m.

Service Brewing Company

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

The Wormhole Bingo, 10 p.m.

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 12/ 8

LIVE MUSIC

Cohen’s Retreat

Munchies & Music, 5-9 p.m.

El Rocko Lounge

Withered, SWAMP, Phalicy at El Rocko Lounge, 8-11:30 p.m.

Jazz’d Tapas Bar Whiskey & Wine

TRIVIA & GAMES

Bar Food

Trivia Night, 8 p.m.

McDonough’s Family Feud, 7 p.m.

The Wormhole Trivia, 10 p.m.

KARAOKE

Bay Street Blues

Karaoke

Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m.

McDonough’s Karaoke, 9 p.m.

COMEDY

District Live at Plant Riverside

District

Big Comedy Network at District Live featuring Adam Ferrara, 7:308:30 p.m.

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.

BAR & CLUB EVENTS

Service Brewing Company

Service Brewing Run Club, 6:30 p.m.

FRIDAY 12/ 9

LIVE MUSIC

Coffee Bluff Marina LAX, 6 p.m.

Congress Street Social Club

Laser Chris feat. Tobyraps, 7 p.m.

Jazz’d Tapas Bar

Swing Del Sur Trio

Moss + Oak Savannah Eatery

Live Music on the Patio, 6-9 p.m.

Rancho Alegre Cuban Restaurant

JodyJazz Trio, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Service Brewing Company

Bluegrass By The Pint with Swamptooth, 6 p.m.

Sting Ray’s

Robert Willis, 6 p.m.

TRIVIA & GAMES

PS Tavern Beer Pong Tournament, 10 p.m.

KARAOKE

Bay Street Blues

Karaoke

Blueberry Hill Karaoke, 9 p.m.-3 a.m.

Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m.

McDonough’s

Karaoke, 9 p.m.

Nickie’s 1971

Karaoke Night, 9 p.m.

The Hive Repertory Theatre LLC

Adult Night Out - Karaoke!, 8 p.m.

Totally Awesome Bar Karaoke, 10 p.m.

COMEDY

District Live at Plant Riverside Big Comedy Network at District Live featuring Adam Ferrara, 7-8 & 9:30-10:30 p.m.

DJ Club 51 Degrees

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

Congress Street Social Club

DJ Flip, 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 12/10

LIVE MUSIC

Coffee Bluff Marina

Gary Strickland, 6 p.m.

El Rocko Lounge

Mosh For Tots 2022 with The Callous Daoboys, The Breathing Process, Second Death & More, 7-11:30 p.m.

Flashback

The Marsh Tackies Live at

Flashback December 10th 8PM, 8-11:59 p.m.

Jazz’d Tapas Bar

Ricardo Ochoa Gypsy Jazz Trio

Moss + Oak Savannah Eatery

Live Music on the Patio, 6-9 p.m.

Rancho Alegre Cuban Restaurant

JodyJazz Trio, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Randy Wood’s Pickin’ Parlor

The Little Roy & Lizzy Show, 8-10 p.m.

Sting Ray’s

Robert Willis, 6 p.m.

TRIVIA & GAMES

Blueberry Hill

Pool Tournament, 2 p.m.

KARAOKE

Bar Food

Karaoke Night, 10 p.m.

Bay Street Blues

Karaoke

Club One

Karaoke, 10 p.m.

McDonough’s Karaoke, 9 p.m. Rock House

Karaoke, 9 p.m.

Totally Awesome Bar Karaoke, 10 p.m.

COMEDY

Club One

Comedy Revue, second Saturday

of every month, 8 p.m.

District Live at Plant Riverside District Big Comedy Network at District Live featuring Adam Ferrara, 7-8 & 9:30-10:30 p.m.

Front Porch Improv

Adult Drop-in IMPROV Class, 10 a.m.

DJ Congress Street Social Club

DJ Kut Daily, 10 p.m.

BAR & CLUB EVENTS Club One

Drag Show, 10:30 p.m. & 12:30 a.m. Over Yonder

Honky Tonk Saturdays

Pour Larry’s

The 5th Annual Toys For Tots Bar Crawl - Savannah, 4-11:59 p.m.

SUNDAY 12/11

LIVE MUSIC

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

Congress Street Social Club

Voodoo Soup, 10 p.m.

Jazz’d Tapas Bar Dave Smith

Myrtle & Rose, Rooftop Garden

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.

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 12/12

LIVE MUSIC

Nickie’s 1971 Ray Tomasino, 7 p.m. The Wormhole 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 12/13

LIVE MUSIC

McDonough’s Open Mic/Jam, 9 p.m. Nickie’s 1971 Roy Swindell, 7 p.m.

Totally Awesome Bar

Savannah Spotlight Hosts Open Mic Night at Totally Awesome Bar, 9 a.m.-noon

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

OAK 36 TRIVIA TUESDAY, 6:30 p.m.; 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.

ERIC JONES TRIO @ GOOD TIMES JAZZ BAR

THE DOG APOLLO + FRIENDS @ THE WORMHOLE

Jones began playing piano by ear at age 5, and started studying trumpet at 11. Fast forward after earning two degrees in music, and the results are stunning. His fusion of spiritual, jazz, and African influences has made him a prominent member of the Savannah jazz scene. Hear the proof.

Get your Halloween weekend going with four bands that rock. The headliners play a strange mix of post-punk, shoegaze and roots. BAS Music uses two drummers to reach new psychedelic heights. The Maxines are grungy hard rock bordering on punk, and Xuluprohpet jam funk, reggae and rock. Like a pillowcase full of candy from strangers, there’s something for everyone.

THU DEC 8 | 7 PM

FRI OCT 28 | 8 PM

HALLOWEEN HAVOC @ THE WORMHOLE

BEAR GRILLZ @ ELAN SAVANNAH

Songs of support for people battling mental health issues is not your typical EDM lyrical content. Bass and dubstep guru Grillz’ newest album, “Prismata” does just that. The 50-date tour spreads the word and his highly acclaimed sound blends hip-hop, hard rock and hybrid trap to the mix.

Lots of bands, so note the decidedly un-spooky daylight start time. Hard rockers Kamenar (pictured) headline with support from Kill the Sound, The Dood, Once Kings, Hassleinone, and Losing Daylight. That’s six!…six!!…six!!! live bands to rock that ass on a Halloween weekend night. $300 in cash prizes for best costumes, so get creative and go home with the munny.

SAT OCT 29 | 6:30 PM

SAT DEC 10 | 10 PM

THE BAND PAGE

THE BAND PAGE

By Frank Ricci

By Frank Ricci

MOSH FOR TOTS @ EL ROCKO & TOTALLY AWESOME BAR

156/SILENCE @ LODGE OF SORROWS

Toy donations go to Toys for Tots, so shop and slam with a slew of charitable noisemakers. The Callous Daoboys (pictured), The Breathing Process, Second Death, Homicyde, and Omenkiller are set to loudly work over two stages down the street from each other. Good fun for a cause.

SAT DEC 10 | 7 PM

The Pittsburgh-based metalcore act headlines the loudest Halloween party in Savannah. Bang your head bloody with these yinzers and fellow metalcore madmen Circle Back (Charleston) and If Only (Augusta). Local beatdown specialists Omenkiller get the carnage splattering early. Finish your trick-ortreating, eat a razor blade apple, and mosh into the void.

MON OCT 31 | 7:30 PM

NORDISTA FREEZE @ EL ROCKO LOUNGE

THEM DAMN KINGS – PHALICY – PRIMAL NEON SEPPAKU @ EL ROCKO

Withered had to cancel, but AURA Fest stepped up with a loud and heavy all-local show. Them Damn Kings do early 90s metal that sounds new. Phalicy are known for unpredictable noisecore performances. PNS are solid Savannah sludge, keeping the Baroness and Kylesa fire alive.

The hardest working man in indie pop returns to Savannah for the fourth time in the last 12 months. As cliché as it sounds, the shows keep getting better. If you’ve seen the relentless Freeze and his band in action, you already know this. If you’ve managed to miss the last three, prepare for Friday Night Rectification. A guaranteed monster show.

THU DEC 8 | 8 PM

FRI OCT 28 | 9 PM

Matt Jones

Evoking both happy and sad feelings (like a social network that’s provided both joy and frustration)

U.K. “Love Is All Around” band which lost 40% of its members in 2022 (like a certain website that’s apparently hemorrhaging users)

Handles

Acting instructor Hagen

Background distraction

Nail file stuff

Spill cleaner

Message that can be seen hidden in order in the five longest answers (which might not be seen anymore if its platform implodes) DOWN 1. Eight, for starters

“Lord of the Rings” ringbearer

Less in number

Summer, in Paris

Bench press muscle, briefly

Fur-trading tycoon John Jacob

Spine feature

sword

of “Star Trek: The Next Generation”

Femur, for one

Done laps in the pool

CROSSWORD ANSWERS

COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS ON THE BLUFF

By Bunny Ware

It is the most wonderful time of the year for the Town of Thunderbolt! Kicking off Christmas on the Bluff on Saturday, December 3, Mayor Dana Williams and his merry council welcomed locals to what they hope will become an annual Christmas classic!

Rolling in with my newest Savannah Arts Academy photographer Logan Riviera, I see master of ceremonies Marianne Ganem Poppell and her team, Dru Usry and Danom Dunagan literally hanging a snow machine on a tree. Making it snow in South Georgia is going to be a miracle!

Across from her is a Christmas wonderland complete with live evergreen trees, dozens of poinsettias and a red throne for the jolly old man himself. Of course this elaborate backdrop is the creation of master photographer Gray Armstrong.

Looking even better than the last time I saw him, Gray is directing family photos at warp speed and has made this into a full time fashion spread complete with Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus. From what I hear, the fabulous ladies at The Dive whispered in Santa’s ear and convinced him to stop his sleigh at Gray’s photo dreamland.

Setting up at The Dive’s gourmet hot cocoa station is my Crill family! Amped to tell me of their December 16, “O Night Divine,” a veterans black tie Christmas event at Christ Church Anglican on Bull St., Kristy and Susannah tell me they hope to have 100% participation from the Tiny Home residents and many other veterans.

“There will be millionaires sitting with homeless veterans while dining in candlelight for a night of worship and celebration,” shares The Dive founder. Other plans include feeding 350 police officers on December 20 at the Civic Center where Kristy has been asked to pray over her food and their officers.

As always, Courtney Ganem of Ganem Realty is on hand to volunteer and corral the dozens of kids running between the Glitterboxx Studios face painting booth and the cookie decorating station. God bless you Courtney for handling these amped-up kids after their sugar rush!

As Old Town Trolley gives tours while collecting toys for their “Stuff a Trolley” campaign, Magnolia’s Cigars peeps are puffing away on some sweet

BUNNY IN THE CITY

Jill Jauch, Teresa Harris

Pamela and Grace Grainger

Taylor Currington, Susannah Crill

Matthew Rhodes, Tobi the Dog, Stephanie Sons

cigars, and the magnificent Teresa

me she will call me next week.

So sad that I don’t have time to get “fairy hair” from Southern Henna, I do make it over to The Mary’s Makings tent and stock up on chocolatedipped oreos and pecan bars. At the table next to Mary I see Zelonia Williams, the hardest working event designer in Savannah, setting up her table of custom patches.

Did I see Zelonia walking the runway at her Seven Deadly Sins fashion show last night? “Yes! Future Minds collaborated with Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity to help raise funds for high school students in the community. I’m proud to say we had 35 models showcasing fashion from Illusion of Beauty, The Black Rose, Lovestones, Patches and Rebelle London at Savannah Station,” shares “Z”.

At the booth beside Zelonia is Thunderbolt Community Improvement Association’s Meredith Allen and Stella Lavin. While they tell me about the association’s goal of engaging the community by acts of kindness like school supply drives and care packages for nursing homes, I swear I hear the Georgia Bulldogs football game! Sure enough there is a real tailgate party with a large-screen tv perched up on the back of Rob Poppell’s truck!

Across the lawn, I see some massive live wreaths being sold by sisters Anna Marie Thomas and Joan Mathews for the Thunderbolt History Museum, then hit warp speed to snap pics of Gypsy Hustle owner Pamela Grainger and her fifteen year old daughter Grace. Stunned to realize I haven’t seen Kenny G’s daughter since she was a baby, I take a seat to talk with this future fashion designer

“My mom is more Palm Beach vintage, while I’m more into a comfy style. I love drawing, music from The Cure and The Smiths and have a more casual style,” shares the Savannah Arts Academy freshman. Loving her dark hair, vintage glasses and her quote of “my mom is my favorite woman ever”, I can’t wait to follow her style evolution.

It’s parade time! Marching toward me is the American Legion Post 184’s Color Guard, some eclectic vintage cars, the Town of Thunderbolt Fire Department, a super smiley Bob Milie and my winner for best Christmas costume, Jill Jauch!

Once the Mayor finishes the parade, I ask Dana why this event was so important to him. He responds with, “Just like our May Blessing of the Fleet, we want to bring people together, get people out of their house and meet their neighbors and have less Facebook and more face time. I want to bring the Mayberry of the past and make it our future,” shares first term Mayor Dana Williams. After their second big family friendly event of the year, I have to say the Town of Thunderbolt is on their way!

Krissy, Gabby, Bella and Dana Williams

Danom Dunagan, Rob Poppell, Dru Usry, Greg Lard, Courtney Ganem

Zelonia Williams

David Crenshaw, Ann Donaldson, James Lavin

Rachel Brick

smelling

Harris from Clearwave assures