JAN 6-12, 2021 NEWS, ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY CONNECTSAVANNAH.COM
DAWN OF A
NEW YEAR
A glance back and look ahead with Savannah Mayor Van Johnson
GEORGIA’S U.S. SENATE RUNOFF
SAVANNAH MUSIC FESTIVAL
UPDATE
DELICIOUS VIEWS
AT CUBAN WINDOW
PHOTO BY ALEX NEUMAN
Thank You, Kathy
FINAL WE EKS!!
CONNECT SAVANNAH | JAN 6-12, 2021
Discover the works of art that first introduced Savannah to Impressionism in the early 20th century.
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SAVANNAH’S HISTORIC DISTRICT VISIT TELFAIR.ORG FOR MUSEUM HOURS & GUIDELINES
Kathy Kurazawa and Charles H. Morris
For your years of enthusiastic hard work and dedication, we thank you and wish you a happy and well-earned retirement!
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THURSDAY 1.7 ‘Mainly for Women’ Paulina Olowska exhibition premiere
View a sumptuous array of paintings by Polish artist Paulina Olowska when her newest exhibit, Mainly for Women, debuts at the Savannah College of Art and Design Museum of Art on Thursday. Olowska explores and experiments with visions of womanhood by creating paintings that draw out constructs of the female experience, with rapid brushstrokes rendering photorealist forms redolent with the feeling of bygone eras. On view from Jan. 7 through July 11. SCAD Museum of Art, 601 Turner Blvd. scad.edu/calendar/exhibitions
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SAT 1.9
America’s Got Talent finalist comedian Drew Lynch brings the laughs to the Savannah Theatre stage for a pair of performances. 6 & 8:30 p.m. Savannah Theatre, 222 Bull Street. $35 savannahtheatre.com
FRIDAY 1.8
Forsyth Farmers Market
Bluegrass By The Pint w/ Swamptooth
Join Service Brewing Company for Bluegrass by the Pint every Friday, featuring live bluegrass from the local four-man band Swamptooth. 6 p.m. Service Brewing Company, 574 Indian St.
A Purr-fect ride for HSGS hosted by Midtown Savannah Cycle Bar
Midtown Savannah Cycle Bar gives back rides. Every dollar from the class raised will be donated back to Humane Society of Greater Savannah. Wear your best catinspired workout clothes. Every rider will be given a pair of glitter cat ears. Tickets include a one-hour class, a pair of ears, and a mimosa. 2 p.m. Midtown Savannah Cycle Bar, 5525 Abercorn Street. $20
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SUNDAY 1.10 Mindful Flow New Yoga
All-levels flow yoga overlooking the Savannah River. This 60-minute class is designed to renew the senses, reset your mind, and help (re)build a more supple body. Expect a fluid sequence built around mobility-based movements to cultivate strength & flexibility. The open-air class is held on the Riverwalk within Montgomery Park. 9-10 a.m. Plant Riverside District, 500 W. River St. $15 912-777-5615. newyoganow.com
Start & Grow Your Business online course
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are all provided by Florida’s Oh My Cod Vegan Seafood Co. at the Southbound Brewing Company on Saturday. Naturally, Southbound’s craft beers will be on tap to accompany each delicious bite of fauxpiscine cuisine. 12-5 p.m. Southbound Brewing Company, 107 East Lathrop Ave. southboundbrewingco.com
Drew Lynch
Become your own boss by building a business from scratch with the help of the City of Savannah Entrepreneurial Center, which is hosting free online “Start & Grow Your Business” courses every Thursday from Jan. 7 through Mar. 11. Topics covered include business planning, permitting, accounting, marketing, and other crucial elements of operating a modern enterprise. Advance registration is required by entering meeting number 966 9354 8549 at Zoom.com. Hosted online by the Savannah Entrepreneurial Center. 6-8 p.m. 912-652-3582
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MONDAY 1.11 Tybee Island 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
Islands Farmers Market
Weekly farmers market on Talahi Island highlighting local growers and makers, healthy foods and a positive environment. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Islands Farmers’ Market, 401 Quarterman Dr. facebook.com/islandsfarmersmarket
Libertea High Tea
Indulge in invigorating teas and refined delights perfect for nibbling on while catching up with friends during a relaxed winter weekend. Savannah Coffee Roasters proffers the quintessentially British experience of high tea served from delicate porcelain and featuring exquisite sweets like fruit
tartlets, mille-feuille, cream puffs, chocolate eclairs, and more. Reservations for any of the four high-tea sessions offered on Jan. 9 must be made by 5 p.m. on Jan. 8. 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m., and 2 p.m. Savannah Coffee Roasters Cafe, 215 W Liberty St. $27.50 savannahcoffee.com
Weekly market featuring a variety of produce, baked goods, honey, eggs, BBQ, sauces and dressings, popsicles, dog treats and natural body products. Artisans are also featured each week. The market is non-smoking and pet-friendly. Located at 30 Meddin Drive. The market can be found right behind the Historic Tybee Lighthouse. Visit the website for more information. 4 p.m. 30 Meddin Drive, Tybee Island tybeeislandfarmersmarket.com
One Night Only: Dexter Furgerson
TUESDAY 1.12
Atlanta-based comedian Dexter Furgerson – aka Furg – visits Savannah to perform a stand-up show at The Wormhole, where he’ll share his unapologetic wit that challenges social norms with a hilarious storytelling style. 8 p.m. The Wormhole, 2307 Bull St. $5 - $10 wormholebar.com
Vegan Seafood Popup
There’s nothing fishy about this culinary event beckoning Savannah’s vegans to enjoy specialties like “Shrymp Baskets” or “Banana Blossom Fish and Chips” that
‘Beast in Show’ Haas Brothers exhibition premiere
Through careful craftsmanship using varied materials, twin brothers Nikolai and Simon Haas create playful sculptures that probe themes like nature, fantasy, and sexuality. Their anthropomorphic works defy categorization, most often occupying the space between fine art and functional objects. The brothers’ Beast in Show exhibit debuts at the Savannah College of Art and Design Museum of Art on Tuesday, and is on view Jan. 12-July 3. SCAD Museum of Art, 601 Turner Blvd. scad.edu/calendar/exhibitions 3
CONNECT SAVANNAH | JAN 6-12, 2021
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CONNECT SAVANNAH | JAN 6-12, 2021
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Nick Robertson, Editor-in-Chief nick@connectsavannah.com (912) 721-4360 Brandy Simpkins, Staff Writer brandy@connectsavannah.com (912) 721-4358 EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Chris Griffin, Brittany Herren, Lindy Moody, Bunny Ware, Lauren Wolverton, Nicole Youngblut
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Expansion of Chatham COVID-19 vaccinations expected Jan. 11 employees at those facilities. According AS RATES of new COVID-19 cases and to the DPH, the expansion of Phase 1a will related hospitalizations quickly rise in provide vaccinations for adults aged 65 Chatham County, the region’s top pubor older, police offilic-health official cers, and other first announced that the responders. coronavirus vaccine However, Davis should become availnoted that approxiable to a wider pool mately 60,000 of locals beginning Chatham County reson Jan. 11. idents will be eligible Dr. Lawton Davis, to receive the vaccine the Coastal Health under the Phase 1a District health direcexpansion, and there tor, held a press conwill most likely not ference on Dec. 31 to be enough doses to announce the expaninoculate all of these sion of vaccination locals immediately. administration Davis also ordered the previous acknowledged that day by Georgia Govit will still be a long ernor Brian Kemp. time before the Davis said that Dr. Lawton Davis, the Coastal Health District COVID-19 vaccine details of the plan health director, speaks with the press on are still under conwill be available to Dec. 31. PHOTO BY NICK ROBERTSON sideration and could the general public, be altered depending and in the meantime on available levels of vaccine doses. it is important for everyone to continue “This is and will continue to be a monufollowing coronavirus precautions like mental effort,” Davis said of the logistics wearing a face mask, social distancing, and behind organizing mass vaccinations. avoiding large gatherings. “There are a lot of moving parts, and we’re “The reality is that we’re in the middle asking for the public’s patience.” of a big surge, and people have to be careCurrently Georgia’s vaccine-adminful,” Davis said. istration plan is in Phase 1a, with coroDavis said that plans for rolling out the navirus inoculations only available for expanded COVID-19 vaccine administrafront-line healthcare workers, vulnerable tion will be announced by Jan. 8. residents of long-term care facilities, and − Nick Robertson
Savannah’s Tiny House Project gets $5,000 grant to help homeless TWO DOZEN homeless veterans are closer to having a roof over their heads as a result of a $5,000 grant from Truist Financial Corporation to boost Savannah’s Tiny House Project, according to a Dec. 29 announcement from the Chatham Savannah Authority for the Homeless. The funds will go directly toward construction costs for Phase 2 of the Tiny House Project. During Phase 1 of the initiative, completed in fall of 2019, the Cove at Dundee was constructed in Eastside Savannah with 23 fully equipped tiny homes now occupied by formerly homeless veterans. Phase 2 of the project will provide 24 more fully furnished homes and a second clubhouse for laundry, community meetings, and access to classes and supportive
services provided by CSAH staff and community partners. CSAH anticipates that Phase 2 will be completed in 2021. “We are honored to have Truist’s financial support for the Tiny House Project,” said Cindy Kelley, executive director of CSAH. “The pandemic continues to put additional stress on our community’s meager supply of affordable housing, so we are especially thankful for their assistance.” Savannah’s Tiny House Project is Georgia’s first effort dedicated to reducing veteran homelessness by providing a community of permanent tiny homes that occupants rent for $240 per month, utilities included, according to CSAH. Visit homelessauthority.org/tiny-house-project for more details. − Brandy Simpkins
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Hundreds of hardy waders take unofficial New Year’s plunge by Tybee Island pier
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The shoreline by Tybee Island’s pier on New Year’s Day. PHOTO BY NICK ROBERTSON
advantage of the unseasonably sunny New Year’s Day. Although no Polar Plunge officials were apparently present, two Tybee Island Fire Department units were on hand during the unofficial gathering, and several TV reporters were there to capture the event. Most participants followed social-distancing practices, and some wore face masks while on the shore. Ordinarily, a Polar Plunge emcee leads
an amplified countdown to noon, at which point the waders all rush into the ocean at once. Lacking such an organized start this time, the rush into the waves was a little more haphazard; a couple minutes before noon, a few small groups began running toward the water, and the rest soon followed with their usual cheers and exclamations of shock once fully immersed in the wintry brine. − Nick Robertson
strung with green lights are placed at Savannah Fire Headquarters and the Memorial Medical Center Campus from the week before Thanksgiving to Jan. 2. Each time a structure fire is reported during the holidays, one green bulb is replaced with a red bulb. In 2019, there were 14 holiday-season structure fires resulting in two deaths and 27 displaced residents. In 2018, there were 22 holiday-season fires – one occurring at The Olde Pink House restaurant – that caused one injury and 30 displacements. In 2017, 23 holiday-season fires resulted in one death, two temporary business closures, and more than a dozen displacements. In 2016, the year before the
fire-awareness program began, 28 holidayseason structure fires occurred. “Structure fires are dangerous and devastating, especially during the holiday season,” stated Savannah Fire Chief Derik Minard. “The Savannah Fire Department works hard to keep the citizens of Savannah informed and prepared to prevent fires. I am pleased that our fire-safety education programs are making a positive impact in the community.” The Savannah Fire Department also issues fire-safety tips and encourages Savannah residents to call 912-651-6756 for a free smoke alarm, smoke-alarm batteries, and home fire-safety surveys. − Brandy Simpkins
Savannah Fire reports decreasing number of holiday-season blazes
THE NUMBER OF structure fires occurring during the holiday season in Savannah is dropping since the 2017 introduction of the city’s Keep the Wreath Green Holiday Fire Safety Awareness Program, according to a Jan. 4 press announcement by Savannah Fire. During the 2020 holiday season – defined by Savannah Fire as lasting from Nov. 16, 2020 to Jan. 2, 2021 – there were ten structure fires in Savannah, which displaced 12 people. Since the Keep the Wreath Green Program began in 2017, there has been a 56.5% decrease in holidayseason structure fires. Keep the Wreath Green is a fire-safety awareness program in which wreaths
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AT LEAST 200 hardy waders gathered on the north side of Tybee Island’s pier to take a traditional New Year’s Day dip in the chilly Atlantic, despite official Tybee Polar Plunge activities only officially occurring online this year as a precaution against spreading the COVID-19 pandemic. While Tybee Island’s pier and surrounding beaches are usually packed with Polar Plunge events every New Year’s Day, organizers decided to make the event virtual in November while encouraging anyone to take a Jan. 1 swim anywhere and submit a video or photo of their feat for an online celebration. Proceeds from participating in the Polar Plunge go to boost the Tybee Post Theater. However, confusing media reports were announcing that the Polar Plunge would be held in person, leading event organizers to emphasize that the event was virtual-only and that no official events would be held by the Tybee pier. Nonetheless, by 11:50 a.m. on Jan. 1, some 200 waders had gathered on the area of beach ordinarily sectioned off for Polar Plunge participants, while about another 200 people lined the northern pier railing to see this spectacle held regularly for the previous 22 years. A few waders wore silly costumes in full Polar Plunge spirit − including people dressed as Superman, Ursula the Sea Witch, and Santa with a gingerbread man − while several wore their official 2021 Polar Plunge long-sleeved t-shirts, and most wore bikinis and swim trunks to take full
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NEWS POLITICS
Georgia’s U.S. Senate candidates focus on Savannah in final days of runoff election Chatham County elections supervisor expects Jan. 5 vote tally to be quick and accurate
BY NICK ROBERTSON
nick@connectsavannah.com
CONNECT SAVANNAH | JAN 6-12, 2021
AS THE Jan. 5 runoff election for both of Georgia’s U.S. Senate seats drew near, candidates repeatedly campaigned in Savannah amid a final drive to get out the vote. Democrat Raphael Warnock, a Savannah native, challenged incumbent Republican Senator Kelly Loeffler, while Republican Senator David Perdue defended his seat against Democrat Jon Ossoff. All four candidates in Georgia’s nationally prominent Senate runoffs – which will determine the balance of power in Washington D.C. for the next two years – visited Chatham County to campaign in recent weeks. The print deadline for this issue of Connect Savannah was Jan. 4, precluding postelection coverage in this edition. In the run-up to January’s runoff-election day, Democratic Vice-President-elect Kamala Harris appeared at a drive-up rally in Garden City on Jan. 3 in support of Warnock and Ossoff (see article on page 7). Warnock and Ossoff also appeared together at a Dec. 19 rally in Garden City. Meanwhile, both Loeffler and Perdue have been visiting Chatham recently, appearing together at a private fundraiser at the Forest City Gun Club on Dec. 12, before Loeffler joined three other sitting U.S. Senators for a campaign stop at 6 Tubby’s Tank House in Thunderbolt that
Chatham County residents line up at the Savannah Civic Center to vote early in Georgia’s Jan. 5 runoff election. PHOTO BY NICK ROBERTSON
afternoon. Loeffler returned to Savannah to appear at a rally on Wednesday, Dec. 30. “Georgia has red clay, not blue clay,” Loeffler told supporters at the Dec. 30 rally, countering assertions that Georgia is turning into a Democratic-leaning state. “Are you ready to show America that Georgia is a red state?” Early voting concluded in Chatham County on Dec. 31, having yielded a significant number of ballots cast well before Jan. 5, according to Chatham County Election Supervisor Russell Bridges. As of the afternoon of Dec. 31 – the final day of early voting in Georgia − 37,863 early votes were cast by Chatham residents, while 23,954 absentee ballots had been submitted, Bridges said. About 700 people were hired to work at Chatham polling locations on Jan. 5, and while Bridges expects strong turnout on election day, he believes that the county’s poll workers will be well prepared to handle the volume of ballots cast and quickly produce an accurate count. “We had a good turnout on election day. It didn’t tax the polls,” Bridges said of the Nov. 3 general election, adding that COVID-19 precautions would be in place on Jan. 5 just like in all other elections during 2020, and that they shouldn’t interfere with voting operations. “We have put COVID methods into the polls, and now they’ve had several elections with that.” Bridges said that Chatham County election workers have performed heroically amid the trying circumstances of 2020, which saw Georgia’s primary elections postponed twice to June 9, and a
higher-than-usual turnout for the Nov. 3 general election. Chatham also conducted multiple primary-runoff elections and recounts, including two recounts of the Nov. 3 results. “We’ve been on a steady treadmill the entire year,” Bridges said. “I have an extremely strong, very organized, very good team of people. … They have really carried the lion’s share of the work all year long.” Chatham County’s local elections produced multiple extraordinary circumstances for Bridges’ team. In the Aug. 11 Georgia House District 163 Democratic primary runoff between Derek Mallow and Anne Allen Westbrook, Mallow’s slim lead precipitated a court-ordered hand recount in Chatham County – the first in Georgia involving the new voting machines introduced statewide in 2020 – that confirmed Mallow’s victory by a mere 19 votes. Then in mid-October, the Chatham County Commission District 2 race was upended when a Board of Elections member challenged the eligibility of Democratic candidate Tony Riley, as substantiated allegations revealed that he had a disqualifying felony conviction on his record. Riley appealed the board’s disqualification, leading to a tense Board of Elections hearing just one week before the Nov. 3 general election. The Board of Elections ultimately upheld Riley’s disqualification, resulting in his Republican opponent – Larry “Gator” Rivers – winning the race essentially unopposed. And after the Nov. 3 election resulted
in Democratic President-elect Joe Biden emerging victorious in Georgia, the campaign of President Donald Trump challenged the outcome repeatedly, resulting in Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger ordering a statewide hand recount. Chatham elections officials were tasked to complete the county’s ballot recount by Nov. 20, a feat accomplished by working through weekends amid a backdrop of intense scrutiny and a spirited “Stop the Steal” rally of Republican supporters held in front of Chatham’s ballot-recount annex on Nov. 14. Despite all of these challenges, Bridges said that Chatham’s election workers have approached their work professionally and conscientiously, which has honed their ability to effectively count votes and absentee ballots in the Jan. 5 U.S. Senate runoffs. “I daresay we have an extremely efficient absentee operation,” Bridges said. “We instituted over this year some very deep accounting methodology.” After the final ballot-counting operations for the Jan. 5 runoff are completed, work for the Board of Elections will not come to an end. Staff will need to break down the rented vote-processing annex and move equipment to storage facilities, according to Bridges. Nonetheless, Chatham’s determinedbut-weary elections staff is glad to see the light at the end of the tunnel with the approaching conclusion of 2020’s tumultuous election cycle, Bridges said. “My whole team is looking forward to taking a few days off and relaxing,” Bridges said.
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Vice-President-elect Kamala Harris speaks at the Jan. 3 rally. PHOTO BY BRANDY SIMPKINS
about time,” said Warnock. Warnock also shared a sentimental anecdote about his family history in BY BRANDY SIMPKINS Savannah, saying that his mother went brandy@connectsavannah.com from picking tobacco and cotton to picking her son for United States Senator. VICE-PRESIDENT-ELECT Kamala Har“These kinds of things are only possible ris visited Garden City on Jan. 3 to speak in America,” he said. at a rally supporting Georgia’s Democratic During the rally, Ossoff delivered a U.S. Senate candidates Raphael Warnock speech emphasizing that he would focus and Jon Ossoff, drawing hundreds of peo- on “health, jobs, and justice” if elected. ple to the drive-up event. “I want you to feel in your hearts a sense Amid the sunny winter weather of 2021’s of optimism and excitement about what first Sunday, Harris addressed excited we can do for our people,” Ossoff told the supporters who packed the parking lot of crowd. the Garden City Recreation Department. The audience was most excited when When Harris made her way to the stage, the candidates promised that if they enthusiastic cheers and honking from the were elected, they would work to raise audience flooded the lot before she urged the federal minimum wage to $15, as well the crowd to vote for Warnock and Ossoff as increase Pell Grants in Georgia and in Georgia’s Jan. 5 Senate runoff election, improve public health, jobs, and justice in which will determine the balance of power the state. in Washington D.C. for the next two years. A frequent reminder throughout the “We have talked, we have prayed rally blared from the speakers: “We take together. We have talked about the fate COVID-19 regulations very seriously.” The of our country, the future of our country, audience was instructed to stay in their the promise of our country,” said Harris. cars at all times unless they were going “They have talked to me about the state to the restroom, in which case they were of Georgia. They have said to me ‘Kamala, required to wear a face mask. you need to know what’s happening in our Grammy-award winning musician state. These are the needs of the people. Ne-Yo also appeared at the rally to perform These are the needs of the children. These a few songs, including fan-favorite “She are the needs of small businesses. These Got Her Own” in tribute to the first female are the needs of working people.’ That’s Vice President. who these two men are.” Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms Preceding Harris, Warnock spoke about and Savannah Mayor Van Johnson also his humble upbringing in Savannah, where spoke during the rally. Other local leaders he grew up in public housing. in attendance included Savannah Alder“It’s been 150 years since we got a Geor- women Alicia Blakely and Kesha Gibsongia senator for Savannah, and I think it’s Carter, and former Mayor Edna Jackson.
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CONNECT SAVANNAH | JAN 6-12, 2021
VP-elect Kamala Harris attends Garden City rally for Democratic U.S. Senate candidates
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NEWS COMMUNITY
New Year’s Eve turns deadly in Savannah
Triple shooting claims life of a 26-year-old man, while thousands of revelers flout COVID-19 guidance
Savannah’s streets were fairly crowded on New Year’s Eve. PHOTOS BY NICK ROBERTSON
BY NICK ROBERTSON
nick@connectsavannah.com
CONNECT SAVANNAH | JAN 6-12, 2021
A CONFLUENCE OF lethal crises that ravaged Savannah throughout 2020 – gun violence and the spread of COVID-19 – made New Year’s Eve hazardous in the Hostess City, with a triple shooting leaving a 26-year-old man dead while thousands of revelers defied pandemic warnings and partied into 2021 with reckless abandon. According to a Savannah Police Department spokesperson, the shooting occurred shortly after 2 a.m. on Jan. 1 inside City Market’s popular Tree House nightclub. Officers quickly responded to the scene and located Corey Vance, 26, and an unidentified 28-year-old man who had both sustained serious gunshot wounds. The men were transported to the hospital, where Vance subsequently succumbed to his injuries. Later that morning, SPD officers were notified about a third shooting victim in the same Tree House incident, an unidentified 25-year-old woman who sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to the hospital by private vehicle. Detectives were continuing to investigate the shooting as a homicide as of press time on Jan. 4 − by which point no arrests were made in the case − but they do not believe this was a random shooting, according to the SPD spokesperson. Anyone with information on the shooting is urged to call the SPD violent-crimes tip line at 912-525-3124, or to call CrimeStoppers at 912-234-2020. In a separate incident, a couple living in Ardsley Park reported that a bullet from 8 illegal celebratory gunfire nearly struck
them when it landed just inches away from where they were on the deck outside of their home on New Year’s Eve. These shooting incidents occurred amid a fairly crowded New Year’s Eve night in Savannah, where thousands ignored the advice of public-health officials who encouraged people to stay home when celebrating the arrival of 2021 to avoid furthering the spread of COVID-19. Earlier on Dec. 31, Coastal Health District Health Director Dr. Lawton Davis held a press conference in Savannah where he noted that rates of coronavirus infection are rapidly rising in Chatham County. “The reality is that we’re in the middle of a big surge, and people have to be careful,” Davis said, adding that cases of COVID-19 transmission have increased in the wake of Thanksgiving and Christmastime gatherings, leading to dire consequences. “Now the hospitalization surge has definitely begun.” Davis went on to warn that attending New Year’s Eve parties in close proximity with strangers would highly increase the
chances that COVID-19 will spread locally, and could result in a spike of new cases and hospitalizations by mid-January or early February. However, the air was thick with mist and a festive atmosphere throughout downtown Savannah on New Year’s Eve, as hordes of celebrants defied the pandemic warnings and partied hard on the streets and inside nightclubs, many of them flagrantly eschewing COVID-19 precautions like face masks and social distancing. On Dec. 22, Savannah’s City Council ratified Mayor Van Johnson’s latest emergency order mandating the use of face masks in the city’s public spaces to prevent spreading the coronavirus, with very few exceptions. Nonetheless, by around 9:30 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, a steady procession of fun-seeking groups was flowing down the cobblestoned ramps to River Street, with many choosing to defy the face-mask law. The western end of the Riverwalk by Plant Riverside was bustling by 10 p.m., where a free concert drew people clumped
tightly together, many dressed to the sparkling nines while others wore shorts and t-shirts on a relatively balmy late-December night. Those wearing face masks were in the minority. Along much of the Riverwalk, the intermingled scent of cigars, fruity vape haze, and weed provided a constant reminder that random exhalations were spreading airborne microbes throughout the crowds. Meanwhile, tightly packed lines of mostly unmasked party people were forming on the sidewalks in front of indoor clubs along the western end of River Street. Ellis Square was less crowded than usual on a New Year’s Eve, but by 10:30 p.m. lines were already long to get into several City Market bars, including Tree House. A few SPD officers patrolled the scene with boxes of giveaway face masks in hand, but apparently discouraged by the Sisyphean task of attempting to enforce Savannah’s mask mandate among unwilling individuals, the cops walked by many uncovered faces without stopping. An even longer line had formed in front of Tree House by around 11:30 p.m., with many of those waiting to get in standing blatantly unmasked. The patrolling SPD officers gave their box of face masks to a Tree House bouncer to provide them to club patrons upon entry, but many of the faces visible on the club’s cramped upstairs balcony were clearly uncovered. As the clock struck midnight in City Market, the cheers were more subdued than would ordinarily be the case with the arrival of a New Year. Still, the scene was buzzing compared to many cities in lockdown this winter to prevent the coronavirus from spreading. Only time will tell the veracity of Davis’ prediction of a spike in new COVID-19 cases in Chatham County that may be caused by the New Year’s Eve masses.
NEWS POLICE
FROM LEFT: Clinical Social Worker Rebecca Galbreath, APO Anthony Watkins, and APO Julie Cavanaugh. PHOTOS COURTESY OF SPD
SPD Major Robert Gavin.
Savannah Police deem launch of Behavioral Health Unit as a major success of 2020
BY BRANDY SIMPKINS
brandy@connectsavannah.com
IN SEPTEMBER, the Savannah Police Department launched Georgia’s first lawenforcement team created specifically to address incidents involving people experiencing mental-health and addiction issues, and the department’s leadership is already considering this as a successful local initiative toward reforming policing practices. The SPD’s new Behavioral Health Unit − comprised of two non-uniformed unarmed officers and a licensed clinician − responds to calls that do not pose a threat to the general public and involve psychological factors like suicide, opioid abuse, and mental-health disorders. The BHU also assists in calls related to homelessness and disorderly conduct. Modeled after the BHU established within Oregon’s Portland Police Department in 2013, the goal of Savannah’s BHU is to decriminalize substance-abuse and mental-health incidents, and reduce the number of individuals entering the criminal-justice system when alternative measures could address the underlying causes of the issues at hand, according to SPD
Chief Roy Minter. “This is a fundamental time to start this unit in Savannah,” Minter stated in September. “We were ahead of the curve on development and research, and can now officially announce this new unit, which we are confident will provide a holistic approach to a problem affecting many in this city.” According to a spokesperson for the SPD, in June of 2018 the department applied for a federal grant aiming to assist in breaking the cycle experienced by repeat offenders, and to lower the number of police contacts and arrests of people struggling with opioid abuse and mentalhealth issues. The grant application outlined the need for a behavioral health unit. The federal grant was approved in 2019, and SPD leadership began working to initiate the BHU program soon afterwards, but funding delays and the COVID-19 pandemic postponed the initiative’s launch. However, since September the BHU has been busy − according to Unit Commander Major Robert Gavin, from October to midDecember the BHU received over 500 mental-health-related calls. About 190 of those calls led to interactions, with over 70 of those interactions leading to follow-up visits in which an
officer or clinician checked in with the individuals and their families to identify additional potential needs. Furthermore, the BHU personally transported 29 people for treatment or consultation at a number of Chatham County service centers like the Behavioral Health Crisis Center, Memorial Medical Center, and the Coastal Harbor Treatment Center. “The need is out there as you can see, and the hope is that we can expand the unit past the two officers that are in it and put more mental-health services out on the street,” said Gavin. Officer Julie Cavanaugh, a BHU member with Enhanced Crisis Intervention Team training, says that her unit receives calls daily to handle situations that may not be best addressed by armed police officers who might be unprepared to tackle mentalhealth and addiction issues. “Patrol will respond to all calls, and if it’s something that is out of their realm that they’re not able to handle or they’re not sure of resources, they then request us on the scene, and on Tuesday and Thursday the clinician rides with us,” Cavanaugh said. According to Gavin, SPD leadership hopes to expand the unit, and meanwhile
all SPD officers are receiving basic Crisis Intervention Team training. “CIT is still a priority. We probably have a higher percentage of trained CIT officers than most police departments,” said Gavin. “Last year Georgia began giving it in the police academy, so now every officer that comes out of the police academy is CIT trained, so over time those numbers will continue to climb in those that are CIT trained.” Gavin also notes that the work of the BHU benefits families of afflicted individuals who may not know how best to seek help from public-service providers in Savannah and Chatham County, such as the Front Porch center that focuses on providing referrals for locals in need. “We realize that issues like substance abuse or mental illness also affect the family, so the unit will also keep the family’s well-being in mind, connecting the family with resources, such as the Front Porch, to get the whole family help to rebuild,” Gavin stated. Minter hopes that the BHU’s success in Savannah can be replicated by other lawenforcement agencies statewide. “We hope to lead the way on this in Georgia,” Minter said.
CONNECT SAVANNAH | JAN 6-12, 2021
Specially trained unarmed responders work to address mental-health incidents
9
OPINION SAVANNAH
NEW YEAR, SAME CHALLENGES
CONNECT SAVANNAH | JAN 6-12, 2021
At the dawn of a new year, Savannah Mayor Van Johnson takes a glance back and looks ahead
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Sunrise over the Savannah River. PHOTO BY ALEX NEUMANN
SAVANNAH
CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE
We must continue to be good neighbors and engaged citizens because the only way we get through these dark days to our bright tomorrows is together.
MAYOR VAN JOHNSON
BY MAYOR VAN R. JOHNSON, II THERE IS something refreshing, even hopeful, about the start of a new year. Although it is realistically just the day after yesterday, the thought of a new year provides relief and even promise that life will get better and things will improve. We thought as much at the beginning of 2020 − a new year, a new decade, a new City Council, and the wind at our backs... then COVID-19, then emergency orders, then Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, then demonstrations, then mask mandates, Presidential elections and recounts and runoffs. New words entered our general vernacular and new habits transformed our lives.
Many of us lost − big time. From loved ones near and far, to the opportunities we wanted (and needed) to worship, to celebrate, and to mourn. Well-established businesses closed their doors while others held on for dear life. Our juggernaut tourism industry was brought to its knees, as our community finally recognized the value and the jobs that exist because of our reputation as exceptional hosts. The Class of 2020 missed out on that once-ina-lifetime moment − that simply could not be replicated, as hard as we tried. The City of Savannah responded as best as we could − promoting telework, securing PPE and distributing it across the City, working with our businesses to create the Savannah Safe Pledge that over 700 businesses signed. Parklets were created to allow for outdoor dining, and through a partnership with the State of New York, we
were able to provide COVID testing in the highest infection areas in town. We have a Savannah CARES task force that has worked with our Police Department to address use-of-force issues by recommending substantial policy changes. Our Proud Savannah Task Force has worked with the City to increase our Municipality Equality Index from 30 to 78 in just six months. Our Housing Task Force is actively working on Savannah’s first Housing Affordability Plan, which will keep housing affordable for Savannahians. Our Savannah Faith task force created a reopening safety checklist for houses of faith that wanted to reopen, although most of them remain closed. Our ARCS task force is addressing ways that returning citizens have the best chance possible to succeed, HOLA Savannah is building
CONNECT SAVANNAH | JAN 6-12, 2021
Savannah Mayor Van Johnson signs an April 30 emergency order in response to 2020’s COVID-19 outbreak. PHOTO COURTESY OF
partnerships with our Hispanic community, and REAL Savannah has taken a deep dive into the issues of race, class, and equity in our City. The City used 80% of its first CARES allocation to assist citizens and local businesses to prevent evictions, foreclosures, cutoffs and layoffs. We were expecting to do more, until Governor Brian Kemp decided to use the federal funds for other purposes, but I digress... We have also seen the very best of Savannah as good people of all races, creeds and identities pitched in to give and to help with their time, talent and treasure for their neighbors. Gracious monetary, food, clothing and shelter donations from Savannahians fed, clothed, and housed Savannahians. That is the Savannah spirit. That is Savannah love. That is Savannah Strong. So as we look forward to the new year, admittedly, many of our old challenges remain. The American Dream and the Promise of Savannah must be available and accessible to everyone, regardless of your race, sex, age, orientation, neighborhood, educational attainment, or ability. Our economy must become more diversified, people need reliable and consistent food and shelter, the gunshots must stop, our children have to safely return to school, and our beloved educators and school personnel must feel safe going. Vaccines must be rolled out quickly, paralyzing partisanship must stop. We have to continue to wear our masks, watch our distance and wash our hands. We must continue to be good neighbors and engaged citizens because the only way we get through these dark days to our bright tomorrows is together. At the end of the day, regardless of our demographic categories or political affiliations, we are all Savannahians and #SavannahStrong! May God’s blessings be upon you, and the best to you and to 2021! 11
CULTURE ENVIRONMENT
BY NICK ROBERTSON
nick@connectsavannah.com
Reflected trees at George L. Smith State Park. PHOTO BY WESLEY HENDLEY
Canoochee-Ogeechee confluence. Julie McCracken won the Plant Life category with a shot of lance-leaved coreopsis flowers stretching heavenward to catch some rays. Meanwhile, Wesley Hendley earned the prize (and laughs) in the Funny Wildlife category with his picture of a pond slider turtle basking on a sunny log under camouflaging grasses. Hendley also scored an honorable mention for an autumnal shot of trees reflected in the waters at Twin City’s George L. Smith State Park, and Janet S. Anderson
was also lauded for her intriguing photo of intermingled leaves at Scarboro Landing. Beyond the honor of having their photos recognized and disseminated by Ogeechee Riverkeeper, the winners each received a yearlong membership with the organization, and each of them could pick a prize of a shirt emblazoned with a redbreast sunfish (native to the Ogeechee, naturally) or a rubberized canvas bag perfect for excursions into the watershed’s wilds. Ogeechee Riverkeeper’s leadership plans to continue the photo competition in
The confluence of the Ogeechee and Canoochee. PHOTO BY BILLY HARRELL
2021, and expects a bigger response next time with entries in other categories like portrait, underwater, and black-and-white photographs. According to Gerard, the photos are also helpful to area ecologists by providing upto-date evidence of what species are flourishing throughout the watershed. “The more eyes and ears we have out there absolutely helps,” Gerard said. Visit ogeecheeriverkeeper.org to learn more about Ogeechee Riverkeeper.
CONNECT SAVANNAH | JAN 6-12, 2021
WITH ITS MAGNIFICENT array of natural habitats supporting a delicate ecosystem of plant and animal life, the 5,500-square-mile Ogeechee River watershed is one of Georgia’s most picture-perfect environmental treasures, illustrated beautifully by a freshly concluded photography contest held by a Savannah-based nonprofit organization.
This was the inaugural photo competition of Ogeechee Riverkeeper, an environmental-advocacy group aiming to protect the watershed by raising awareness of threats to this natural expanse. The watershed encompasses estuaries, tidal creeks, salt marshes, and other habitats lining Georgia’s 245-mile-long Ogeechee River, which concludes at the Atlantic Ocean along Chatham County’s southern border. The contest aimed to encourage appreciation for the area’s diverse ecological features ranging from pine forests to coastal
12 A gator emerges from the Canoochee River. PHOTO BY BILLY HARRELL
CONNECT SAVANNAH | JAN 6-12, 2021
Ogeechee Riverkeeper launches inaugural photo contest to raise awareness of regional watershed
marshes, and providing habitats for over 160 rare species of flora and fauna, according to Ogeechee Riverkeeper Communications Director Meaghan Walsh Gerard. “It’s really about showcasing the watershed,” Gerard said, adding that the photo contest provided a safe way to highlight the river’s natural beauty while group excursions are precluded by the pandemic. “We were looking for ways to engage people that didn’t require organizing events. … It’s something that people could do with their family or by themselves.” Considering that many of the region’s amateur wildlife photographers visit the watershed’s parklands and historic canals for fresh-air getaways on a regular basis, the leadership of Ogeechee Riverkeeper was hopeful that their inaugural photo contest would elicit an enthusiastic response. The organization’s call for pictures shot in 2020 was declared in early December with a tight Dec. 20 deadline, yet enough submissions were received to award prizes in four categories, as announced on Dec. 28. In the Wildlife category, Billy Harrell took top honors for his image of a gator emerging from the Canoochee River glowing with the reflection of yellow flora; Harrell also won the Aerial photo category with a lofty sunset shot of the
A pond slider turtle basks in the sunshine. PHOTO BY WESLEY HENDLEY
Intermingled leaves at Scarboro Landing. PHOTO BY JANET S. ANDERSON
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FOOD & DRINK EPICUROPEDIA
Cuban Window Cafe provides delicious views of authentic Caribbean street food A Miami couple brings luscious Cuban specialties to Savannah
BY LINDY MOODY
CONNECT SAVANNAH | JAN 6-12, 2021
SAVANNAH IS AN international port city that has grown over the centuries with a plethora of diversity, resulting in its myriad restaurants serving global cuisine and fueling an ongoing renaissance of culinary multiformity. Another port city, Miami, is well-known for its abundance of authentic Cuban food. No matter the city block, a Cuban window cafe − or
14
ventanita − can usually be found around any corner. Miami too has no shortage of diverse fare and culture, but compared with Florida’s most famous city, Savannah has a relative scarcity of true Cuban cuisine. Cynthia Santana, a former Miami resident of Cuban and Dominican descent, wanted to become part of our renaissance and fill Savannah’s Cuban needs. When the pandemic hit and Miami’s economy slowed, Santana and her husband Mike Lieberman made the move to Savannah after being laid off from work. The change in circumstances allowed Santana to pursue her dream of bringing quick affordable fare to locals by opening Savannah’s first ventanita, the Cuban Window Cafe. “We took a lot of influence from foods that I have eaten growing up and learned how to cook, but also things that are very much staples in Miami. The Cuban window is something that you find on every corner in Miami,” Santana explained. “The menu is a lot of the staples you would find in everyday Cuban food. Things that people know and expect to have in a Cuban restaurant, and we also added some stuff. The Coconut Curry Chickpeas, that is one of my dishes, just to have something that is a vegan option.” The cafe opens early especially for earlyrising workers, to serve breakfast for only $5.00. This neighborhood-friendly price gets you a breakfast of your choice, such as eggs and bacon, Cuban toast, and a café con leche. According to Santana, “Everything on our menu is under $10.00. It is made for the working-class people. It is made for neighborhood people. You don’t have to be a tourist, you don’t have to be on vacation, this is food you can come and eat every single day and still afford it.” Although Santana has deep roots with Cuban fare, learning from her family and grandmother, she and her husband
Cuban Window’s savory street-food delights. PHOTOS BY LINDY MOODY
brought in a longtime friend, Pablo Rodriquez, to cook. Chef Rodriguez aims to put the Cuban Window Cafe on the map as the best Cuban eatery in town. Pablo grew up in the center of Cuba, and evolved his devotion to cooking by learning from his family, specifically his grandmother. Cooking is not a job for him, he explained.
“I became the chef of the family, and this is not work, not what we do. We are not working, we have pleasure for all of the food, mainly Cuban food,” Rodriguez said. Chef Rodriguez and his son butcher the pork and beef in-house. Rodriguez honed his techniques while growing up with his father, a butcher living amid the farmlands of Cuba. Rodriguez was kind enough to step away from the kitchen to tell me his story. “We lived in a big town like this one, in the middle of the country where the next house is two miles from there. There was no electricity. They had to save the food for years,” Rodriguez said. “By Christmas they raised the pig and processed it on Christmas. We had to make a big tank
EPICUROPEDIA
CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE
12- 8PM Y L I A D O PE N
“Everything on our menu is under $10.00. ... This is food you can come and eat every single day.” and put all the pork in there. Like Masitas that you see here.” Masitas De Puerco is a dish of fried pork chunks that are melt-in-your-mouth succulent. The traditional way to preserve pork is to vat it and cover it in its own fat, preventing premature spoilage. This style of fat preservation results in tender, fullflavored pork that is marbled with umami and fork-tender. Throughout his life, and by cooking with his family in Cuba, Rodriguez perfected tricks such as these, and is now bringing them to his kitchen in Savannah. You will find the most authentic side of the menu in the Complete Specials. Dishes like the Mojo Pork, Pollo Asada, and Palomilla Steak are ones where Rodriquez applies the same techniques he learned living in Cuba so many years ago. The same can be said for the rotating specials menu. Past specials have been
items such as Ropa Vieja (stewed beef and vegetables), Ajiaco Criollo Cuban Creole stew, and Bacalao, which is steamed cod with peppers and potatoes. Ideal for lunch, the menu also features some classic sandwiches. The Medianoche is the cousin to the classic Cuban sandwich. The difference is a shell made with sweet bread instead of Cuban bread. The minor addition of sweetness cuts through the smack of mustard of the original version. The mustard is a necessary ingredient to balance the fat and umami of both types of pork. The sugars in the sweet bread add to the crunch created by pressing the sandwich in a hot grill. The warm succulent sandwich is crispy on the outset, then gooey from the melted Swiss cheese, and finishes with a mouthful of tender roasted pork. Other pressed sandwiches include Cuban Frits Sliders made with beef and chorizo, Pan Con Lechon created from mojo pork and onions, and the Pan Con Bistec steak sandwich. French fries are the classic choice for any sandwich, but the Cuban Window Cafe has better, traditional choices for sides. I am always drawn to Maduros, or sweet plantains, but the less sticky version, Tostones, are available as well. Black beans, yellow rice, yucca, and vegetables are just some of the sides available to add to any meal. Cuban Window Cafe: 1116 Abercorn St., Savannah. 912-777-5042
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CONNECT SAVANNAH | JAN 6-12, 2021
The recently opened Cuban Window Cafe on Abercorn Street. PHOTO BY LINDY MOODY
R O N I E N I D T U O Y R R CA
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MUSIC THE BAND PAGE
SWAMPTOOTH @ SERVICE BREWING COMPANY
Get down with the earthy sound of Swamptooth, a “cosmic bluegrass” band comprised of Savannah banjo legend Jimmy Wolling, flatpicking guitarist Cory Chambers, mandolin maestro Evan Rose, and Jay Rudd switching back and forth between bass and guitar. Naturally, the tasty suds of Service Brewing will only enhance the original music written by all four members of this cool quartet. FRIDAY, JANUARY 8 | 6:00 PM
JASON BIBLE @ JAZZ’D
CONNECT SAVANNAH | JAN 6-12, 2021
As one of Savannah’s most prolific audio artists, Jason Bible keeps his fans wanting more after releasing his second solo album, Anatta, in October. With his more recent songs having a solid rock sound tinged with folk and acoustic influences, Bible is exploring issues of addiction with an optimistic edge, following up on the theme of his previous post-Train Wrecks album, Anicca. Get your next fix of Bible tunes live at this intimate performance. FRIDAY, JANUARY 8 | 7:30 PM
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STEE & THE EAR CANDY BAND @ STARLAND YARD
Putting their all into high-energy renditions of pop, rock, R&B, Motown, and reggae hits, Stee & The Ear Candy Band is a grooving five-member outfit that brings elements of studio recording to the stage in a cutting-edge way. Hear Stee’s original songs along with classic tunes from the diverse likes of Marvin Gaye, Chaka Khan, Michael Jackson, Jennifer Hudson, Justin Timberlake, Lou Rawls, and many other musical masters. SUNDAY, JANUARY 10 | 6:00 PM
LOGAN THOMAS @ THE 5 SPOT
Richmond Hill’s own Logan Thomas brings his indie-pop chops to Savannah for this Saturday-night show sure to inspire listeners with his uplifting repertoire. Having performed across America since he was 14 years old, Thomas presents a polished performance, smooth vocals, and guitar stylings that combine to create authentic emotional connections with audiences. SATURDAY, JANUARY 9 | 6:00 PM
MUSIC FEATURE
EVENTS FRI., JAN. 8
RAY OF ELVIS
ELVIS IMPERSONATOR 7-10 St. Paul and the Broken Bones, one of several SMF acts set to perform this spring. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SAVANNAH MUSIC FESTIVAL
Savannah Music Festival organizers plan springtime comeback with big changes
BY BRITTANY HERREN LIKE AN assortment of fare that synchronizes the polarity of the previous year’s live-music cravings, Savannah’s most audibly ambrosial and culturally rich music festival is planning a comeback for its 31st annual season. After its 2020 cancellation, the Savannah Music Festival is set to at last take place again during May 18-30 at the Trustees’ Garden. With the complete lineup of performances scheduled to be announced on Feb. 23, the re-envisioned music festival will look a little different to patrons this year as it attempts to move away from small, intimate venues in light of the ongoing global pandemic. “As with most organizations and businesses, the Savannah Music Festival has had to adapt due to COVID, and we will continue to do so as needed,” explained SMF Artistic Director Ryan McMaken. Being designed to account for necessary safety measures and protocols, social distancing, and controlled capacities, this year’s 12-day slate of events will take place largely outdoors. Though the Trustees’ Garden is a familiar setting for the festival, as it was a featured venue for the festival finale in 2018, this year’s alfresco approach is a drastic shift away from their signature
propinquity. However, McMaken doesn’t think this new approach will temper reputation nor experience. “I believe that music lovers are hungry for safe opportunities to re-engage with artists,” said McMaken. In addition to the festival’s main stage at Trustees’ Garden, chamber music performances with socially distanced, limitedcapacity seating will be held at the Kehoe Ironworks building at Trustees’ Garden. All events will take place rain or shine, and the festival is also exploring additional off-season concerts to take place at outdoor venues, possibly including the North Garden at the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum. “We all just have to be as adaptable and flexible as possible,” said McMaken. This flexibility to expectation also includes livestream viewing options, contact-free event entry, and heightened safety measures. According to the festival, these decisions – like the postponement from its typical March/April time frame – was made with the following considerations: to minimize the chances of cancellations and potential rescheduling, to address the concerns of many artists about possible travel restrictions, and to allow patrons to plan their attendance with more information about festival safety protocols. “Since March 11th of 2020, when it became clear that our season needed to be canceled, our team began working on
various scenarios and ‘what if’ plans,” said McMaken. “Due to that work, a strong team and incredible support from our board and patrons, we’re confident that the organization will emerge from this challenging experience as strong as ever.” What will be familiar to festivalgoers is the usual assortment of classical, American/roots/acoustic, and jazz music. Featured artists announced so far include Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Béla Fleck & The Flecktones, and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis. Additionally, the festival will include other exemplary jazz artists including Christian McBride & Inside Straight, as well as classical duo David Finckel & Wu Han and Associate Artistic Director Mike Marshall in a special Stringband Spectacular performance. Those on the edge of their seats for the announcement of the full lineup can anticipate rock ’n’ roll acts and a variety of world music, as in years past when musicians have visited Savannah from 19 countries and five continents. Ticket pre-sales for the 2021 Savannah Music Festival for donors, sponsors, and SMF In Unison members lasts from Feb. 24 through Mar. 3. Ticket sales to the general public will begin on Mar. 4. Visit savannahmusicfestival. org or call 912-525-5050 for more information, or stop by the Savannah Box Office at 216 E. Broughton Street.
SAT., JAN. 9
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CONNECT SAVANNAH | JAN 6-12, 2021
Long-awaited 2021 concert series is now scheduled for May 18-30 at Trustees’ Garden
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Soundboard MUSIC
SOUNDBOARD IS A FREE SERVICE - TO BE INCLUDED, PLEASE SEND YOUR LIVE MUSIC INFORMATION WEEKLY TO SOUNDBOARD@CONNECTSAVANNAH.COM. DEADLINE IS NOON MONDAY, TO APPEAR IN WEDNESDAY’S EDITION. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO EDIT OR CUT LISTINGS DUE TO SPACE LIMITATIONS.
WEDNESDAY 1.6 LIVE MUSIC
Driftaway Cafe Chuck Courtenay, 6 p.m. Nickie’s 1971 Ray Tomasino, 7 p.m. Plant Riverside District Aaron Lehrian, 11 a.m., Eric Britt, 7 p.m. The Wormhole Open Jam, 9 p.m.
TRIVIA & GAMES
El-Rocko Lounge Trivia with Jules and Chris Grimmett, 9-11:30 p.m. Service Brewing Company Trivia Night with Daniel, 6:30 p.m.
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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 1.7 LIVE MUSIC
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Cohen’s Retreat Munchies & Music, 5-9 p.m. Plant Riverside District Aaron Lehrian, 11 a.m.
TRIVIA & GAMES
McDonough’s Family Feud, 7 p.m.
KARAOKE
Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m. McDonough’s Karaoke, 9 p.m. Nickie’s 1971 Karaoke Night The Wormhole 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.
FRIDAY 1.8 LIVE MUSIC
CONNECT SAVANNAH | JAN 6-12, 2021
For more information
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email mandy@morrismultimedia.com or call (912) 721-4369
Barrelhouse South Mainstream Band, 9 p.m. Churchill’s Pub Anders Thompson Trio, 9:30 p.m. Doc’s Bar Chester Love Band, 8 p.m.midnight Molly McGuire’s The Alternators, 6 p.m. Plant Riverside District Aaron Lehrian, 11 a.m., Tell Scarlet, 7 p.m., Kenny Munshaw, 5 p.m. Rancho Alegre Cuban Restaurant JodyJazz Trio, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
River House Ricky Standard, 6 p.m. Service Brewing Company Bluegrass By The Pint w/ Swamptooth, 6 p.m. The Shrimp Factory Matt Hill, 6 p.m. Sting Ray’s Robert Willis, 6 p.m. The Warehouse High Velocity, 8 p.m. Wild Wing Cafe Bucky & Barry, 7 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. Churchill’s Pub Oisin Daly, 6 p.m. Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m. McDonough’s Karaoke, 9 p.m. Nickie’s 1971 Karaoke Night, 9 p.m. Totally Awesome Bar Karaoke, 10 p.m.
DJ
Club 51 Degrees DJ Fer, DJ Emalo, DJ Lil G, DJ BRad, 9 p.m. VICE Lounge + Mojito Bar DJ Primal, 9 p.m.
SATURDAY 1.9 The 5 Spot Logan Thomas, 6-9 p.m. Barrelhouse South Mainstream Band, 9 p.m. Churchill’s Pub Jason Bible, 6 p.m., At Sundown, 9:30 p.m. JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District Eric Brack, 7:30 p.m. Plant Riverside District Aaron Lehrian, 11 a.m., Laiken Love & Fellowship of Love, 7 p.m. Rancho Alegre Cuban Restaurant JodyJazz Trio, 6:30-9:30 p.m. The Shrimp Factory Ray Tomasino, 6 p.m. Sting Ray’s Robert Willis, 6 p.m. The Warehouse At Sundown, 8 p.m. Wild Wing Cafe Tyler Roe, 7 p.m., Jason Courtenay, 1 p.m.
KARAOKE
TRIVIA & GAMES
Moon River Brewing Co. Trivia, 6 p.m.
KARAOKE
Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m. McDonough’s Karaoke, 9 p.m.
MONDAY 1.11 Nickie’s 1971 Ray Tomasino, 7 p.m. Plant Riverside District Aaron Lehrian, 11 a.m., Jason Salzer, 7 p.m.
TRIVIA & GAMES
Club One Super Gay Bingo, 5:30 p.m.
KARAOKE
Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m. Wet Willie’s Karaoke, 9 p.m.
BAR & CLUB EVENTS
Fia Rua Irish Pub Family Movie Night, 8 p.m.
TUESDAY 1.12 LIVE MUSIC
Nickie’s 1971 Roy Swindell, 7 p.m. Plant Riverside District Aaron Lehrian, 11 a.m., Chuck Courtenay, 7 p.m.
TRIVIA & GAMES
Bay Street Blues Karaoke Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m. McDonough’s Karaoke, 9 p.m. River House Stan Ray, 6 p.m. Totally Awesome Bar Karaoke, 10 p.m.
Basil’s Pizza and Deli Trivia, 7 p.m. Fia Rua Irish Pub Trivia, 7:30 p.m. McDonough’s Trivia Tuesday, 7 p.m. Oak 36 Bar + Kitchen Trivia Tuesday, 9 p.m. Savannah Taphouse Trivia, 7 p.m.
Savannah Theatre Drew Lynch, 6 & 8:30 p.m. The Wormhole One Night Only: Dexter Furgerson, 8 p.m.
Week Weekat a at a Glance Glance
LIVE MUSIC
Collins Quarter at Forsyth Live Music, 3 p.m. Congress Street Social Club Voodoo Soup, 10 p.m. Flashback Tim Gaylor, 8 p.m. Myrtle & Rose, Rooftop Garden Plant Riverside Fabulous Equinox Krewe, noon Nickie’s 1971 Roy Swindell, 7 p.m. Plant Riverside District Kenny Munshaw, 11 a.m. Starland Yard Stee & The Ear Candy Band, 6 p.m. Sting Ray’s Robert Willis, 6 p.m. Tubby’s Tank House (Thunderbolt) Bucky & Barry, 1 p.m. Wild Wing Cafe Jason Courtenay, 1 p.m.
LIVE MUSIC
LIVE MUSIC
COMEDY
SUNDAY 1.10
KARAOKE
Blueberry Hill Karaoke, 9 p.m.3 a.m. Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m. lowdown onKaraoke, 9 p.m. Wet Willie’s
Get the all the great events Get the lowdown on occurring in this week Get the events lowdownand on all the great events all the great next occuuring in this week and the next occurring in this week and next
In Print & Online.
In Print & Online.
CULTURE VISUAL ART
One of Amiri Farris’ more abstract works on display in ‘Starland’.
Farris features Ben Day dot illustrations in his ‘Starland’ exhibit.
All Made of Stars
Savannah’s Starland District provides inspiration for exhibit featuring colorful portraits
AMIRI FARRIS’ Starland exhibition, an installation of collages made with funky reclaimed materials, fits right into Savannah’s Starland District. The vibrant exhibit fills the Bull Street storefront window of Sulfur Studios’ ON::View Pop Up Gallery, meshing well among the multifarious artworks and buildings (and artwork on buildings) that make up the Starland District. Farris’ work for this show was created using an array of reclaimed materials, including sparkly gift bags and cardboard boxes. Bright-colored paint and printmaking materials create Ben Day dot illustrations of American stars ranging from Oprah Winfrey to André 3000 to Frederick Douglass, along with other graphics that are all collaged together to make each individual piece. “Farris’ work challenges the traditional view of the star as protagonist, weaving well-known imagery into collages in which different elements compete for the spotlight,” said Sulfur Studios representative Samantha Mack. The exhibition is available for passersby to observe through Jan. 31. Farris will be
P1, one of Farris’ works in his ‘Starland’ exhibit. PHOTOS COURTESY OF SULFUR STUDIOS
bachelor’s in illustration and a master’s in painting. He describes himself as a multidisciplinary artist since he enjoys sculpting, performing arts, and having complete freedom to recreate whatever type of work that he sees and that piques his active interest. “I don’t like to be confined to one genre,” Farris asserted. Farris uses his platform to prioritize the well-being of other artists. Proceeds from sales of Starland works will support Sulfur Studios’ Artist Fund, as well as Farris’ nonprofit Slay organization benefiting artists in need.
Farris said that he started Slay at the beginning of the pandemic to help provide funds for artists in need, since artists are typically the last to be compensated after the public enjoys their work. In 2020, the organization raised $20,000 to be disbursed in $500 increments to artists that reached out for help. Moving forward, Slay aims to offer mentorships to artists and raise more funds for disbursal in future endeavors. Starland is on view through Jan. 31 at Sulfur Studios’ ON::View Pop Up Gallery at 2301 Bull Street. Visit sulfurstudios.org to learn more.
CONNECT SAVANNAH | JAN 6-12, 2021
BY BRANDY SIMPKINS
brandy@connectsavannah.com
giving a talk about his work on Jan. 9 at 2 p.m., via a live-video appearance on Instagram. During this event, Farris will present a music video curated to accompany the Starland exhibit. In conversation, Farris says a friend told him that he was “an art star,” and that got the multifaceted artist’s wheels turning. Farris attributed this conversation with his friend, as well as his settlement in Savannah’s Starland District, as his inspiration for the Starland exhibit. “The theme of the exhibition is Starland,” said Farris. “When I say ‘stars,’ people think movie stars or stars in the sky, and I wanted to do something that related to both.” To counteract the gloom of the pandemic, Sulfur Studios challenges its artists to find ways to engage the public in the arts, while also promoting social distancing. “History shows us that some of the world’s greatest art was born of difficult circumstances. Artists help create meaning out of chaos, ask questions, and help connect communities in times of crisis,” said Farris. “This newest exhibition can be viewed distantly from outside, and get noticed by people that wouldn’t necessarily go into an art center or museum, so I feel like I’m engaging the community.” Farris attended the Savannah College of Art and Design, where he earned a
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COMMUNITY PROFILE
Kathy Kurazawa rides off into the sunrise
Longtime assistant to local business leader retires after decades of working to help Savannah BY LAUREN WOLVERTON
lauren@connectsavannah.com
CONNECT SAVANNAH | JAN 6-12, 2021
WHETHER Kathy Kurazawa is riding her Harley-Davidson or is in an important work meeting, she always has a smile on her face. As the Assistant to the President − known to some as the “gatekeeper” − of Morris Multimedia (parent company of Connect Savannah), Kurazawa joined the Savannah-based media enterprise in 1986 and has served as the right hand to President/CEO Charles H. Morris ever since. Now, she’s starting a new chapter and retiring after 34 years. Morris Multimedia has not only grown to be one of the largest private media companies in the nation, but has also completed several significant projects in the Savannah community, all of which Kurazawa has had a hand in throughout her time with the company. One of the most impactful endeavors was the revitalization of the historic Trustees’ Garden complex on the eastern edge of downtown. With Kurazawa’s help, the property’s red-brick Kehoe Ironworks and Charles H. Morris Center buildings were gutted and thoroughly renovated to be transformed into modern event spaces. After the renovations were completed in 2018, the Trustees’ Garden now hosts weddings, concerts, and community events like the Christmas Festival and the Savannah Music Festival. Having served as the go-to person for anything related to Trustees’ Garden, Kurazawa says she loves the project because it unifies Savannah and is a place for fun. 20 “It’s a community place for people
TOP: Kathy Kurazawa with her Harley-Davidson. ABOVE: Kurazawa after completing a festive 5K run. RIGHT: Kurazawa with Charles H. Morris. PHOTOS COURTESY OF KATHY KURAZAWA
to come and gather and be together,” Kurazawa said. Another major project realized by Kurazawa was the Canyon Ranch Institute Life Enhancement Program in Savannah, a free initiative aiming to teach people how to take better care of themselves. As an active runner, Kurazawa is passionate about health and wellness, and served as leader of the program’s core team. Local participants learned about nutrition, physical health and exercise, stress management, relationships and communication, and more. In the end, over 100 people graduated from the program with new knowledge about living a healthy lifestyle. Between overseeing special projects and day-to-day company needs, Kurazawa
has served as a problem-solver and an honest voice within the company. She has worked directly with affiliates and associates across the U.S.A. and beyond. Since announcing her retirement beginning on Jan. 4, Kurazawa says that she’s feeling appreciated by many. “So many people have told me that I’ve helped them so much, and I never really thought about it like that,” Kurazawa said. “I like helping people. I don’t just pass them off to someone else.” Kurazawa says she thrives when keeping a busy schedule, so she’s loved her career at Morris Multimedia. Morris says that Kurazawa is the perfect kind of upbeat, joyful person for the job. “She’s very enthusiastic about this
company and what we’ve done,” Morris said. “I’ll always be grateful for her years with us. … She’s made a huge difference. I’ll always miss her.” When asked what she wanted to tell Morris before retiring, Kurazawa said, “Thank you. I think just appreciation for this company. It’s been a big part of my life for the last 34 years, learning so much and learning about myself.” Kurazawa says that in retirement, she hopes to maintain a busy schedule full of exercise, time with her husband, travel, and volunteer work. “I just think this has been a really good ride,” Kurazawa added.
JONESIN’ CROSSWORD BY MATT JONES ©2020
CROSSWORD ANSWERS
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51 “Cold Mountain” extra 52 Apple phone software 53 “It ___ what you think” 54 “Foundation” author Asimov 56 Evil-___ (witch and ally of Skeletor) 58 Drive-___ menu 61 Former British Army captain who walked laps for charity in April 2020, raising over 32 million pounds by his 100th birthday 65 Dull routine 66 Poet Pound 67 Noisy pig 68 “Death ___ Salesman” 69 Element #10 70 Buddhist temple 71 Initialism that became increasingly prevalent in 2020
DOWN
1 Shindig 2 “Bob’s Burgers” daughter 3 Downtempo R&B songs 4 Callous fellow 5 Word on Hawaiian license plates 6 “Blue” or “White” river 7 Efficiently 8 Crafty initials? 9 “Cleopatra” animal 10 Boxer Tyson 11 “Don’t hesitate!” 12 “Citizen Kane” actor Everett 13 Soaked up some sun
19 Game maker since 1972 21 Units of purity 25 “Batman Forever” actor Kilmer 26 Deserves 27 Defunct Houston hockey team 29 Approvals 30 Bale stuff 31 Winter driving needs 32 Rash action 35 Outburst usually acknowledged by others 36 Run at full speed 40 London hub 41 “Electric” fish 42 Calendar units (abbr.) 44 A Marx brother 45 Floppy followers 46 Gotten up 47 Blow up, perhaps 48 Mall pizza eatery 53 How errors may be noted 55 Words with “early age” or “impasse” 56 Like some odds 57 “Oh ___!” (song from the “Imagine” album) 59 Elizabethan collar 60 Home of Arches and Zion National Parks 62 Swabbie’s swabber 63 “Mamma ___!” (musical based on ABBA songs) 64 “Golden” time
CONNECT SAVANNAH | JAN 6-12, 2021
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COMMUNITY PHOTOS
PHOTOS BY GUY HODGE
New Year’s Eve Party at The Alida T
CONNECT SAVANNAH | JAN 6-12, 2021
he open-air scene at The Lost Square lounge atop The Alida Hotel served as a stunning setting for closing out 2020, as this Dec. 31 bash was scored by fresh beats by DJ Jose Ray and featured gourmet treats like CBD-infused cookies and boozy ice cream. See more photos at connectsavannah.com/connected.
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COMMUNITY PHOTOS
PHOTOS BY ROBERT COOPER
Ossabaw Tintype Photography Workshop Weekend
S
CONNECT SAVANNAH | JAN 6-12, 2021
everal photography fanatics gathered amid the pristine wilds of Ossabaw Island on New Year’s Day to learn the almost-forgotten art of tintype photography, drawing inspiration from the surrounding flora and fauna to create timeless artworks. See more photos at connectsavannah.com/connected.
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Happy New Year! Thank you for your support.
wednesday
Half off Bottles of Wine
Friday, Saturday and Sunday
$3 Glasses of Rosé
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