Connect Savannah, February 10, 2021

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Honoring the community’s Valentine’s Day gifts African-American

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FEBRUARY 3-9, 2021 2021 FEBRUARY 10-16,

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WEEK CONNECT SAVANNAH

AT A GLANCE

HIGHLIGHTED PICKS FROM HOSTESS CITY HAPPENINGS THIS WEEK TO HAVE YOUR EVENT CONSIDERED FOR INCLUSION IN WEEK AT A GLANCE, PLEASE SEND AN EMAIL TO WAG@CONNECTSAVANNAH.COM. INCLUDE THE EVENT NAME, DATE, TIME, LOCATION WITH ADDRESS, COST, WEBSITE ADDRESS FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, AND A CONTACT NUMBER. THE SUBMISSION DEADLINE IS 5PM EACH FRIDAY BEFORE THE FOLLOWING WEDNESDAY’S EDITION.

Prince Party to enjoy great music, awesome food and lots of fun.

6-10 p.m.

3 Points Food Court, 409 Orchard St. 3pointsfoodcourt.com

WEDNESDAY 2.10 Trivia Night with Jess Shaw

Virtual Chat with Larry Loftis

The Savannah Book Festival presents a series of virtual author events for its 2021 season. On Wednesday evening, join them for a chat with bestselling author Larry Loftis.

7:30 p.m.

Online only crowdcast.io/savbookfestival

THURSDAY 2.11 4th Annual Velvet Gala

Join the The Mediation Center Of The Coastal Empire for a virtual gala benefiting mediation, access to justice, and peacebuilding.

6-7:30 p.m.

Online only meditationsavannah.com

Puppy Love: Support the Fort ‘Yappy’ Hour

Old Fort Jackson announces a free and fun Valentine’s Day-themed “yappy” hour event. Bring your dogs in their finest Valentine’s Day outfits for a fun evening out. Guests can enjoy a cash bar, fun activities with their furry friends, and beautiful river views from the fort.

4-7 p.m.

Old Fort Jackson, 1 Fort Jackson Rd. chsgeorgia.org

SATURDAY 2.13 Adoption Day at Bentleys Pet Stuff

FEB/

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ROOTS: HAIR-CULTURE-HISTORY, EXPLORING THE HAIR & CULTURES OF WEST & CENTRAL AFRICA

The Savannah African Art Museum is launching a new exhibit on Feb. 10 focusing on hair, designed to be a spectacular celebration of February’s Black History Month. Tours will be offered Wednesday through Saturday from 1-5 p.m., with the last tour beginning at 4 p.m., and all workshops will be presented online.

Savannah African Art Museum, 201 E. 37th Street. savannahafricanartmuseum.org

Virtual Lecture with Andrew Kahrl

Telfair Museums presents a virtual lecture by Andrew Kahrl on his book, “The Land Was Ours: How Black Beaches Became White Wealth in the Coastal South.” The series is part of the museum’s multiyear Legacy of Slavery in Savannah initiative, which also will include a symposium in late 2021, exhibitions of contemporary works by black artists, community partnerships, and a related publication from the University of Georgia Press. Books are available for checkout from Live Oak Public Libraries, liveoakpl.org, and for purchase through The Book Lady Bookstore at 6 E. Liberty St. 6 p.m.

Free and open to the public telfair.org

FRIDAY 2.12 Legends Live On Stage

The international vocal group Legacy and Savannah Theatre band take audiences through decades of timeless music from the Beatles to Bruno Mars and The Four Seasons to Earth, Wind and Fire. Seating limited to 35% capacity for safe distancing. Shows are at 8 p.m. on Friday, 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturday, and 3 p.m. on Sunday.

8 p.m.

Savannah Theatre, 222 Bull Street. $39, $19.50 16 and under savannahtheatre.com

Prince Night at 3 Points

Grab your Valentine or your Galentine and head out to 3 Points Food Court’s Valentine’s Day

Meet a new furry friend and learn about how you can make a difference with Coastal Pet Rescue at their Adoption Day at Bentley’s Pet Stuff in Habersham Village.

10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Bentley’s Pet Stuff, 4501 Habersham 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.

Forsyth Park, Drayton St. & East Park Ave. Free to attend. Items for sale.

912-484-0279. forsythfarmersmarket.com

Free Outdoor Concert hosted by the American Traditions Vocal Competition

The American Traditions Vocal Competition will be hosting a free outdoor concert at noon on Feb. 13. This concert will feature Assaf Gleizner as the ATC’s pianist and 2020 gold medalist Carol J. Bufford.

This 30-minute concert will take place outside a private home located at 426 Abercorn Street.

Attendees are welcome to listen to this concert from the beautiful and spacious Calhoun Square across from the residence. noon-12:30 p.m.

Calhoun Square. free americantraditionscompetition.com EVENTS CONTINUE ON PAGE 6

CONNECT SAVANNAH | FEB 10 - 16, 2021

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 Company, 574 Indian St. servicebrewing.com

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OUR VALUES

CONNECT SAVANNAH | FEB 10 - 16, 2021

At its core, Connect Savannah is focused on the happenings in our community, highlighting local news, arts, and entertainment. Our professional journalists write about community issues and the people who live here.

The public has a right to know about issues affecting them, and Connect Savannah is dedicated to keeping readers informed and aware of all that goes on in the community.

The pursuit of truth is a fundamental principle of journalism. But the truth is not always apparent or known immediately.

A professional journalist’s role is to impartially report the news based on verifiable facts so readers can, based on their own knowledge and experience, determine the truth behind varied issues and developments. This is often an ongoing pursuit as journalists work to uncover stories and

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follow those stories wherever they lead, regardless of preconceived ideas.

The news that they report is separate from opinions shared in our labeled commentary, special columns, reviews and submitted letters to the editor.

The presentation of both news and opinion is designed to educate, entertain, and foster conversation.

We appreciate and encourage readers to share news tips with us, and to share any criticism and questions.

We are your comprehensive local source for current news, arts, entertainment, music, and community events. We are here to serve you.

We are blessed to be part of the greatest country in the world and the freedom it bestows on its citizens and its press.

Find us on the platforms below or reach out to our newsroom at news@connectsavannah.com or (912) 721-4378.

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Twice the Diamond for half the price.

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WEEK

AT A GLANCE

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Galentine’s Day Soiree

Valentine’s Day Brunch at Myrtle & Rose

Seaside Sisters and The Shoppes at 1207 on Tybee Island host their Galentine’s Day Soiree. Reservations and face masks required.

11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Seaside Sisters, 1207 Hwy 80 East. seasidesisterstybee.com

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Myrtle & Rose’s rooftop garden with a romantic brunch.

12-3 p.m.

Plant Riverside District, 400 W. River St.

Islands Farmers Market

Valentine’s Day Brunch Cruise

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

Savannah Irish Festival Ceili Session

Kick off the Savannah St. Patrick’s Day festivities with celebrations of Irish culture featuring traditional Irish music, Irish dancing, and plenty of laughter. CDC, state and local guidelines will be followed throughout the event.

7-11 p.m.

Billy’s Place at McDonough’s, 20 E. Perry St. $5 donation savannahirish.org

Valentine’s Day Treat Pop Up Shop

Stop by and stock up on delicious treats from Lovebird Cookies and Sweet Whimsy Shop. They will have Valentine’s Day-inspired treats.

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Kidzways, 3945 US-17 Hwy 17.

SUNDAY 2.14 Baroque in the Basilica

Enjoy a classic Valentine’s Day celebration in the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist with the music of Bach, Handel, and Vivaldi. Seating will be limited to 30% of normal capacity. Face masks required.

5-6:30 p.m.

Cathedral of St John the Baptist, 222 East Harris St. savannahcathedral.org

Savannah Riverboat Cruises invites couples to do a dinner cruise down the Savannah River. This cruise begins boarding at noon, and will cruise from 1-2:30 p.m. Advanced reservations are required.

Feb. 13-14, 1-2:30 p.m.

Savannah Riverboat Cruises, 9 East River Street. $58.95 per adult and $38.95 per child ages 5-12, 4 & under are complimentary savannahriverboat.com

MONDAY 2.15 Community Pet Food Drive

The Humane Society for Greater Savannah is supporting those in need with their Community Pet Food Drive. While supplies last, pick up some free pet food from their location at Sallie Mood Drive!

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Humane Society for Greater Savannah, 7215 Sallie Mood Dr.

Tybee Island Farmers Market

Weekly market featuring a variety of produce, baked goods, honey, eggs, BBQ, and more.

4 p.m.

30 Meddin Drive, Tybee Island. tybeeislandfarmersmarket.com

TUESDAY 2.16 Toddler Tuesday at Oatland Island Wildlife Center

Explore the wonders of nature with wild fun for your wee ones with the center’s many adorable animals.

Pre-registration required.

10 & 11 a.m.

Oatland Island Wildlife Center, 711 Sandtown Rd. sccpss.com/schools/oatland

NEWS

BRIEFS

Local vaccine demand quickly outpaces supply

CHATHAM COUNTY’S healthcare providers are expanding COVID-19 inoculation efforts, but are continually overwhelmed by demand as vaccine doses remain in relatively short supply, according to local health officials.

Currently, Georgia’s COVID-19 inoculation plan remains in Phase 1A+, with anyone aged 65 and up eligible for the vaccine, as well as their caregivers and all healthcare workers and emergency first responders. In early February, the Coastal Health District introduced an online portal for anyone who fits these criteria to arrange coronavirus vaccinations – chdcovidvax. org – after their call-center operations were inundated by nonstop appointment requests in January.

“We hope this system will provide easier access to appointments, but please understand the demand for vaccine still far outweighs the supply,” said CHD Health Director Dr. Lawton Davis. “I ask for continued patience as we move forward with our vaccination effort.”

Area residents who do not have internet access can still call to arrange CHD inoculation appointments at 912-230-5506, but telephone wait times may be long.

Meanwhile, private healthcare providers are stepping up their vaccination efforts, but are also experiencing levels of demand that quickly outstrip supplies. In late January, Memorial Health launched an offsite vaccination clinic within Savannah’s Generation One senior-citizen center at 1100 Eisenhower Dr., but all appointment times are already booked

Signs of expanded COVID-19 vaccination efforts are growing in Chatham County.

PHOTO BY NICK ROBERTSON

through February and no new requests are currently being accepted, according to a Memorial spokesperson.

As of Feb. 3, the St. Joseph’s/Candler healthcare system has vaccinated 2,919 patients registered with the provider, according to a hospital spokesperson.

While St. Joseph’s/Candler was originally only vaccinating patients aged 80 and over to conserve supplies, the provider is now inoculating patients aged 65 and up, but is still restricted by dose availability.

On Feb. 5, Hospice Savannah hosted a vaccination clinic at the Savannah Technical College Crossroads Campus, which was fully booked. Additionally, the Village Walk Pharmacy on Skidaway Island teamed up with Coastal Care Partners to establish a vaccine clinic that allowed 2,776 area residents to be inoculated by Feb. 6, but incoming supplies remain uncertain.

“We DO NOT receive any details on how much vaccine we will get week-to-week,” stated a vaccine-clinic update published on the healthyskidaway.com portal. − Nick Robertson

THE PROPRIETORS of Savannah’s popular Tree House nightclub in City Market must face city officials on Feb. 11 after their alcohol license was temporarily suspended, following a triple shooting at the bar in the early hours of New Year’s Day that left one man dead.

Shortly after 2 a.m. on Jan. 1, Savannah Police responded to a shooting at the Tree House that claimed the life of 26-yearold Corey Vance, while another man was seriously wounded and a woman received non-life-threatening gunshot injuries, according to a spokesperson for the SPD. On Jan. 16, the SPD announced that 32-year-old Kendall Stevens was arrested as the Tree House shooting suspect, and

was charged with murder, two counts of aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

However, in the wake of the triple shooting, Savannah City Manager Michael Brown determined that the alcohol license for Tree House should be suspended.

“The City Manager temporarily suspended the alcohol license of the Tree House on January 29th. The temporary suspension will last until February 11th, when Tree House must appear before the City Council and show cause why their license should not be revoked permanently,” stated City of Savannah spokesperson Nick Zoller. − Nick Robertson

CONNECT SAVANNAH | FEB 10 - 16, 2021

Nightclub alcohol license suspended after shooting

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NEWS

BRIEFS

‘Savannability’ task force aims to improve city’s accessibility

CONNECT SAVANNAH | FEB 10 - 16, 2021

NEA grant funds Telfair exhibit of Golding folk art

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THE COLORFULLY CAPTIVATING illustrations of William O. Golding – who was kidnapped on Savannah’s River Street as an eight-year-old to become a cabin boy, and spent most of his life at sea – portray faraway port cities and dramatic scenes of mariners battling the elements in remote corners of the world’s oceans.

Following a renewed appreciation for the self-taught artistry of Golding (1874-1943), Savannah’s Telfair Museums will host the largest-ever exhibition of his works in early 2022, and on Feb. 4 announced that the institution has been awarded a prestigious National Endowment for the Arts grant of $15,000 to fund the exhibit.

Telfair’s Hard Knocks, Hardships, and Lots of Experience: The Maritime Art of William O. Golding exhibition is among 1,073 projects across the country selected for funding in the NEA’s artsprojects category this year, according to a Telfair press announcement. Last year, Telfair acquired 17 of Golding’s drawings, bringing the museum’s holdings to his works to 21. Others are in the collections of the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the American Folk Art Museum in New York.

Golding spent decades circling the globe on a variety of ships, from a whaler to a Man-O-War, and he created the maritime drawings from memory in his signature pencil-and-crayon style from 1932 through 1939, during his time as a patient at Savannah’s U.S. Marine Hospital.

“His drawings tell a story of maritime history as seen by a Black seaman who left Georgia not long after Reconstruction, spent decades laboring at sea, and made his art at a time when self-taught art was emerging in American culture,” said Harry DeLorme, who is curating Telfair’s exhibition. − Nick Robertson

AS SAVANNAH LEADERS strive to everyone, whether they are a to make the city more inclusive and citizen, whether they come here to accessible for everyone, Mayor Van work, or whether they’re coming Johnson announced the formation of here to visit and see why we all live the “Savannability Task Force” durhere,” said Lyons, adding that the ing a Feb. 3 press conference. task force will seek solutions for The mayor introduced the task those “who have some type of issue force members at City Hall, includthat makes living in historic coming Task Force Chair Patti Lyons, who munities exceptionally difficult.” also serves as president of Senior CitiLyons says that the task force zens, Inc. The task force will examine has organized its members into accessibility issues faced by differsubcommittees to focus on varied ently abled people and offer suggesissues including education, transtions to improve infrastructure that portation, and employment. would erase barriers for anyone facing The subcommittees will begin mobility difficulties.

The newly formed Savannability Task Force at City Hall. their work by looking at efforts “We want Savannah to be welcom- PHOTO BY BRANDY SIMPKINS already in place − such as the ing, navigable, and inclusive for everycreation of maps for wheelchairone who lives in or visits our city, so our and county partners, including members accessible travel in Savannah − and discommunity can benefit from their unique of Chatham Area Transit, the Metropoliseminating information about hotels and abilities whether they are visually, audibly, tan Planning Commission, and Step Up historic house museums that are accesphysically, or developmentally challenged, Savannah. sible, according to Lyons. or if they are simply aging,” Johnson “I know I speak for this entire group “This additional seat at Savannah’s table stated. when I say what an honor it is to be asked moves us closer to being the Beloved ComThe task force is comprised of people liv- to give our thoughts on how we can munity,” said Johnson. ing with accessibility issues, as well as city make our beautiful city more accessible − Brandy Simpkins

Vow-renewal ceremonies set to carry on in Savannah this Valentine’s Day A PAIR OF popular vow-renewal ceremonies that typically take place during Valentine’s Day in Savannah will carry on this year despite the ongoing coronavirus crisis, with one local celebration of love going online and the other adding pandemic precautions to continue their romantic proceedings.

Savannah’s Asbury Memorial Church is taking their 25-year-old tradition of conducting an annual Valentine’s Day vowrenewal ceremony to screens this year, with the event going online.

The church has held the ceremony welcoming couples of all orientations in downtown Savannah’s City Market for many years, according to Rev. Billy Hester, Asbury Memorial Church senior minister. This year the church is determined to maintain its tradition while keeping its participants healthy and safe.

“During this time when everybody can’t do so much that they want to do, and they’re going through some down times, it is great to be able to offer something positive like this,” Hester said.

Hester said that about 50 to 60 couples usually participate in the downtown

A previous Davenport House Valentine’s Day ceremony. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DAVENPORT HOUSE MUSEUM

ceremony, but this year there may be an even bigger turnout because of its online availability. A congregation member who emigrated to Australia and is now married will be joining the ceremony, according to Hester.

“I’m sure we’ll have lots of folks from all over,” Hester said.

Participants can join the Asbury Memorial Church tradition from their homes in whatever attire they desire as they tune in through a Zoom link (zoom. us/j/9126951170; meeting ID: 912 695 1170)

on Feb. 14 at 7 p.m. The ceremony is free for all to participate. Visit asburymemorial. org for more information about the church or the virtual vow-renewal ceremony.

Meanwhile, downtown Savannah’s Davenport House Museum will continue their Valentine’s Day tradition of hosting in-person marriage and recommitment ceremonies on Feb. 14 in their garden.

The ceremonies will be conducted by a licensed officiant for a $100 donation. No more than ten people, including the couple, may be present at a ceremony to allow for safe social-distancing practices.

“Right now, couples are making tough decisions on whether to postpone or even cancel their big days due to the pandemic,” said Jamie Credle, Davenport House director. “The Davenport House is honored to provide a venue for those ready to exchange their vows.”

The ceremonies will be held for couples that register in advance every 20 minutes between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Feb. 14. Those marrying should bring a valid Georgia marriage license. Visit davenporthousemuseum.org for more details. − Noelle Wiehe

NEWS

COMMUNITY

Students of diverse ages who attend various schools around Chatham County contributed their original artworks to be put on display in the Beach Institute’s new ‘#BLM’ exhibit.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE BEACH INSTITUTE

LIVING COLOR

Savannah’s Beach Institute celebrates Black History Month with ‘#BLM’ exhibit brandy@connectsavannah.com

THE CULTIVATION of art is a way to hold a meaningful conversation without even speaking.

For Black History Month, the KingTisdell Cottage Foundation’s Beach Institute and the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System called on students and teachers to create artworks that reflect the importance of Black and Brown lives, influences, and culture in the community throughout history, which are now presented in the new #BLM exhibit.

The #BLM (Black Lives Matter) movement began as a human-rights crusade to address violence and systemic racism faced

by Black people in America. To contribute to the #BLM exhibit, students and teachers from across the district submitted portraits of their smiling Black and Brown faces and eclectic fashion senses, interracial hands grasping each other to represent unity, collages of contemporary and historical Black and Brown figures, and many additional paintings, drawings, sculptures, and other art pieces.

The Beach Institute hosts exhibitions highlighting numerous topics year-round, but for Black History Month the curators decided to cultivate an exhibit that they have never done before, inspired by the

A painting by Garden City Elementary School art teacher Daria Collins portrays a girl with an inspiring hummingbird. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BEACH INSTITUTE

observing what they choose their narratives to be.”

Collins also submitted a painting with its own message.

“I painted a young innocent girl who is listening to the affirmations from a hummingbird, also known as a doctor bird in West Indian cultures. Written throughout the infinity symbol is a conversation where the hummingbird is telling the young girl that she is worthy to be loved, she is strong, she is beautiful and that her life matters,” said Collins. “Through my personal art submission, HUMAN, I wanted to celebrate African-American people by showing my audience that we are just as curious, worthy, and as beautiful as anyone who is not African American.”

Other schools whose students contributed to the exhibit are Otis J. Brock III Elementary School, Sol C. Johnson High School, Windsor Forest Elementary School, the Savannah-Chatham E-Learning Academy, Southwest Elementary School, STEM Academy at Bartlett Middle School, New Hampstead High School, Coastal Empire Montessori Charter School, Charles Ellis K-8, and May Howard Elementary School. cs The #BLM exhibit is currently on view at the Beach Institute (502 E. Harris St., Savannah) through April 30, open Tuesday through Saturday from noon-5 p.m. Visit beachinstitute.org/exhibits for additional information.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | FEB 10 - 16, 2021

BY BRANDY SIMPKINS

2020 police-brutality murders of 46-yearold George Floyd on May 25 and 26-yearold Breonna Taylor on March 13.

“We were planning the exhibit in our main gallery for Black History Month during the height of the protests and unrest surrounding the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor,” said exhibit curator Jenny McCord.

The struggle of schools and students figuring out how to approach education, especially arts education, amid a suddenly virtual world during the pandemic’s outbreak in 2020 also played a role in the curation of the #BLM exhibit, according to McCord.

“We wanted to give young people and teachers, who have suffered greatly due to our current reality space, to freely express themselves,” said McCord.

A few pieces of the many works that were submitted came from various Garden City Elementary School students and their teacher, Daria Collins, who was enthusiastic to have her students participate in the exhibit. Collins said that she thought taking part in the exhibit created a great connection for teaching diversity through art.

“As an African-American art teacher, it is important to me to teach my students to create art that reflects their reality and to feel proud about it,” said Collins. “I focus on teaching my students that through the creation of art, they have a voice. I love

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NEWS

BUSINESS

Red flags about Savannah’s concrete industry reveal wrongdoing

Pooler-based salesmen for Argos USA allegedly fixed construction prices from Statesboro to Savannah

BY ANN WOOLNER

CONNECT SAVANNAH | FEB 10 - 16, 2021

CHRISTOPHER YOUNG, a salesman with a strong jaw and an easy smile, began suspecting his boss of federal crimes soon after starting work at the cramped Pooler office of one of the world’s largest concrete companies.

The first tipoff came when his boss, the local sales manager for Argos USA LLC, ordered him to ensure that a local competitor that employed his brother would win 75% of Savannah’s residential concrete construction business, according to a whistleblower complaint Young filed in 2011.

Young documented for years how his manager, Gregory Melton, his younger brother David, and the president of a third area concrete company allegedly colluded on concrete contracts for residential, governmental, and commercial construction projects across the Lowcountry. The men predetermined prices for bids and thus which company would win projects, including Georgia Southern University’s biology building and dining halls in Statesboro, buildings at Fort Stewart in Hinesville, Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah, and Savannah-Chatham County schools, according to Young.

Those allegations sparked a federal probe into price-fixing that simmered for years before burning out in 2016. This fall, however, it flickered back into life when a grand jury in Savannah indicted four businessmen originally named by Young. Earlier this month, the case gained momentum when prosecutors secured a 10 confession from Young’s former firm.

On Jan. 4, Argos admitted that a small number of former employees in Pooler “conspired with other persons and entities engaged in the sale of ready-mix concrete to suppress and eliminate competition by agreeing to fix prices, rig bids, and allocate markets for sales of ready-mix concrete in the greater Savannah, Georgia, area including Statesboro, Georgia, and Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.” The criminal conspiracy took place from between 2011 and 2016 and cheated customers and competitors in the Savannah region out of millions of dollars.

The company, which has its U.S. headquarters in Alpharetta, agreed to give evidence against two former employees and two other men facing federal charges in exchange for a deferred prosecution agreement with prosecutors. The defendants, who all pleaded not guilty, are: — Greg Melton, 56, Young’s former boss who was division manager for concrete sales for Argos. He lives on a 200-acre farm in Emanuel County, according to property records.

— David Melton, his 51-year-old brother who was a general manager for Elite Concrete in Walthourville and now lives in Lynn Haven, Florida. Former colleagues say David is the more amiable of the brothers, who grew up in Decatur.

— Timothy Tommy “Bo” Strickland, 42, who is president and co-owner of Evans Concrete in Claxton, a third-generation family business. “He’s the backbone of the company,” his lawyer, Tom Peterson IV of Vidalia, said of the Hinesville-based businessman. “It’s all he’s ever done.” The indictment charges him with perjury and making false statements to authorities.

Both Strickland and his company face conspiracy charges.

— James Pedrick, a 64-year-old former cement salesman for Argos who lives in Savannah. He is accused of acting as a gobetween by passing pricing information

The Louisville Road cement plant operated by Argos USA. PHOTO BY NICK ROBERTSON

among conspiring concrete suppliers so they could coordinate contract bids. In addition to the conspiracy count, he is charged with giving false statements to federal agents.

The Current sought comment from all four men and their attorneys via telephone, e-mail, and LinkedIn. Those who replied declined to comment. Some cited federal court rules in Savannah that frown upon pre-trial press interviews.

General counsel for Argos USA, Mark Prybylski, told The Current he couldn’t discuss the case beyond a statement the company released at the time of its admission that admitted responsibility for the wrongdoing it said was limited to a few people in the Pooler office.

Young, now president of Southeast Ready Mix in Bluffton, declined comment on the case, citing ongoing lawsuits. His current employer is suing Argos over the antitrust allegations. At the same time Argos is suing Young for allegedly stealing privileged corporate documents and giving them to its competitor, Southeast.

Details given here about the Lowcountry concrete business come from filings in Young’s original whistleblower case, the federal indictment, the admission by Argos, and civil suits against Argos and other alleged conspirators. In one case, Georgia and South Carolina construction businesses are suing to recover the millions of dollars they say the cartel’s pricefixing cost them. In two others, concrete suppliers say the conspiracy cost them work and revenue and drove companies out of business.

The concrete companies have sought dismissal of these cases, stating in court filings that the plaintiffs’ claims fall short of legal standards, and that their business practices were standard competitive behavior.

Building the business In 2010, when Young moved from the Atlanta area to work in Pooler, the Savannah-area construction industry was just beginning to recover from the recession.

He, his boss Greg Melton, and a third salesman solicited business in offices converted from dental-exam rooms in a modern, one-story building off Pooler Parkway.

A receptionist sat near the front door, a dispatcher with his own office helped organize the transport of concrete sold by the men from plants around Coastal Georgia.

One of them, on Louisville Road in Garden City, contained a small office where Pedrick worked.

In such close quarters, co-workers could easily overhear telephone conversations, even those discussing questionable business practices.

Melton and his brother who worked at Elite “spoke at least several times per week and compared customers, prices and job bids,” Young alleged in his whistleblower suit. They’d talk on the phone. They’d meet at diners around Chatham County — a couple of Cracker Barrels, Hooters, or the Sunshine restaurant. They’d exchange pricing information before submitting bids for construction work, effectively dividing Savannah’s concrete jobs between Argos and Elite.

The older Melton replicated the same cartel behavior in Statesboro, where Argos and Evans Concrete, a company run by Strickland, controlled nearly the entire market. Instead of competing honestly for contracts, the two men secretly traded information about pricing and bids, according to the federal indictment. That allowed them to rig their bids and guarantee jobs for both companies, according to the people and companies suing over the

‘CONCRETE’ CONTINUES ON PAGE 26

CULTURE

FILM

LIGHTS! CAMERA! SHALOM!

Savannah’s annual Jewish Film Festival goes virtual with an impressive program

BY NICK ROBERTSON nick@connectsavannah.com

ENJOY THE SPIRIT of cinematic shalom by watching a first-class selection of freshly released movies from top Jewish filmmakers as one of Savannah’s most cherished film festivals goes virtual this year.

Since 2003, the Joan and Murray Gefen Savannah Jewish Film Festival has presented screenings of international films that otherwise likely would never grace the Hostess City’s cinema screens. While the ongoing pandemic has prevented this annual celebration from taking place in-person during 2021, the show goes on online from Feb. 28 through March 11, with everyone welcome to watch all of the movies for free and tune in to a series of insightful speakers with close connections to each film.

“In a way, having it virtual gives us an opportunity to have many more voices than we would ordinarily have,” said Sunny Nayberg, the community impact coordinator for the Savannah Jewish Federation, which organizes the film festival.

The festival’s opening film, Kiss Me Kosher, is an acclaimed love story between clashing cultures in Israel that highlights the Holy Land’s modern diversity. Following the screening on Feb. 28 at 7 p.m., Yaniv Sagee – the leader of the “Shared Society Initiative” between Israel’s Jewish and Arab communities – will appear in a livestream from Israel to explore the film’s message.

“He can really make the conversation on a deeper level, and really talk about the issues that are in the movie,” Nayberg said, pointing out that Sagee could not practically

A scene from Kiss Me Kosher. PHOTO COURTESY OF KISS ME KOSHER PRODUCTION TEAM

A scene from filming The Rabbi Goes West. PHOTO

COURTESY OF THE RABBI GOES WEST PRODUCTION TEAM

be considered as an in-person guest at any previous Savannah Jewish Film Festival. “This is a perfect opportunity, because he lives in Israel, and there’s no way we could ever bring him in just for an hour-long talk.”

Other program highlights include a screening of Commandment 613 on March 4 at 1 p.m., about Rabbi Kevin Hale, a specialist in the craft of Torah restoration who was the Associate Sofer for Savannah’s Congregation Agudath Achim when they had their Czech scroll restored. After the screening, Hale will be joining a virtual forum from his home in Massachusetts, along with the film’s Brooklyn-based director, Miriam Lewin.

On March 7 at 1 p.m., the festival will feature four short films by students of Jerusalem’s Sam Spiegel Film School, followed by a panel discussion comprised of the student directors. And on March 11 at 1 p.m., the festival’s closing

film is The Rabbi Goes West, about a Jewish religious leader who relocates from New York to Montana to bring traditional Judaism to the American West; co-director Gerald Peary will attend a Savannah Jewish Film Festival Q&A immediately after the screening.

Despite the pandemic’s difficulties, taking the Jewish Film Festival online may end up being a blessing for viewers who want to learn more about the important topics raised by each movie, according to Nayberg.

“We don’t want to just have a discussion with the audience about whether or not they liked the movie,” Nayberg said. “We want to have a deeper discussion.” cs The Joan and Murray Gefen Memorial 2021 Savannah Jewish Film Festival spans Feb. 28-March 11, with each film available to view for 72 hours before the official screening time and following discussion. It is free to participate in any of the festival’s programs, but advance registration is required. Visit savj.org/film-festival for more details.

BUSINESS ‘CONCRETE’ CONT. FROM PAGE 10

conspiracy. The companies claim their actions were “independent and competitive behavior,” according to a joint court filing for Argos, Evans, and Elite.

Deals drove pricing on university contracts

CONNECT SAVANNAH | FEB 10 - 16, 2021

Young’s whistleblower complaint provided granular details about the way collusion affected taxpayer-funded building projects at Georgia Southern University.

The two men, according to the complaint, agreed to a deal in which Evans would bid a lower price for certain construction projects at the campus, while Argos would offer a lower bid for other projects in Statesboro.

The largest of those projects was the Biological Sciences Building, which would require nearly 21,000 tons of concrete or 840 truckloads. When Georgia Southern’s contractors offered the job up for 26 bids, Evans Concrete came in low at $89

per cubic yard, or $979,000. Argos, the only other bidder, priced it at $92 a yard, according to Young’s account. As the two businessmen had pre-arranged, the smaller Liberty County firm won that contract, he said.

The price-fixing set the Statesboro contracts at $10 higher per yard than the cost of the same concrete in Savannah, according to Young. That would have added $110,000 to the price.

Evans also won contracts for a Georgia Southern recreational facility and an offcampus apartment complex, while Argos bid lower on two university dining halls and won those jobs, according to Young.

As for concrete needed for the university’s sports stadium, the two companies split the work, according to Young’s lawsuit.

Georgia Southern, which is not party to the price-fixing case, said that its construction projects are overseen by a general contractor, and the university has “little to no

involvement in any subcontractors hired to supply materials or provide labor.”

“As a state entity, we are dismayed with any report that the public’s money may have been misused and are working to learn more about these connections,” said university spokeswoman Melanie Simon.

Elsewhere around Statesboro, Evans won concrete contracts for a Steak ‘n Shake, a Nissan dealership, and two apartment complexes by pre-arranging pricing and bids with Melton, according to Young.

Argos, meanwhile, bid below Evans to win concrete work for a Hampton Inn, a CVS, and three apartment projects.

Strickland denied he’d colluded with Melton on the Statesboro jobs when questioned in 2015 by federal authorities. The federal indictment from September now says those denials were false.

Cement: Foundation of power

The unheralded, quotidian commodity key to most modern construction projects

is cement. When mixed together with sand, gravel and water, and sometimes other additives, it becomes concrete, the basic ingredient for the multibillion-dollar global construction industry.

In the Savannah region, Argos USA was the largest company that sold both commodities, giving the salesmen in the company’s office off the Pooler Parkway significant influence over the construction market in Coastal Georgia and South Carolina.

That market dominance also gave Argos leverage over smaller concrete companies that balked at joining the cartel, according to ongoing civil suits against the Alpharetta-based company. One plaintiff estimates Argos’s share of the cement market in Coastal Georgia and South Carolina at 70%. The combined market share of Argos and three other cement suppliers that allegedly conspired with Argos came to 90%, according to a suit a Guyton couple and their concrete company filed against

BUSINESS

several concrete and cement companies.

Keith and Joy Woods of Guyton, the former owners of Premier Concrete, claim that Pedrick, the indicted Argos cement salesman, was the member of the cartel that strong-armed their small Rinconbased firm out of business.

Pedrick “would follow the Premier trucks to job sites and then try to undercut Premier on price,” the Woodses allege in a civil suit filed last January in Atlanta.

That happened, the Woodses say, when Premier had a purchase order to pour concrete on Ebenezer Road in Effingham County. The day before the scheduled work, the general contractor told Premier that the job had been shifted to Argos because the larger company had offered lower prices. The same thing happened for a job at a Lexus car dealership in Hardeeville, which opened in June 2013.

By 2014, Argos and other local cement sellers stopped supplying Premier, the Woodses claim. That forced Premier’s trucks to travel over 200 miles to buy cement in Branford, Florida, raising costs.

By 2019, the Woodses sold the business.

Lawyers for Argos and Pedrick have denied any wrongdoing in the ongoing civil case, saying that the Woodses “failed to allege facts that plausibly show either the existence of an agreement among the Defendants or that they actually excluded [Premier] from the market.”

Salesman turns whistleblower

Around the same time as Premier was coming under pressure from the alleged cartel, Young’s suspicions about his boss’s business practices had mounted.

The salesman gave federal authorities corporate documents from the Pooler office and secretly recorded business conversations. In April 2013 Young filed a whistleblower lawsuit in Savannah alleging that price-fixing among concrete and cement suppliers cheated local, state, and federal governments out of millions.

As is routine in whistleblower cases, he requested federal and state authorities to join the case and investigate.

Edgar Bueno, civil division chief for the district’s U.S. Attorney’s Office, who looked into the whistleblower claims, told The Current that he considered Young’s allegations “very credible.” Yet, federal investigators from the Departments of Justice, Defense, and Transportation had a tough time finding enough evidence to support the whistleblower claim, and the case dragged on for three years.

Despite laws in place to keep secret the identity of whistleblowers, Young was convinced that Melton and his Argos boss learned that he was behind the probe.

Soon, according to Young, he was subject

Despite laws in place to keep secret the identity of whistleblowers, Young was convinced that Melton and his Argos boss learned that he was behind the probe. to a retaliation campaign at work.

On July 7, 2016, the company fired him from his $137,000-a-year job.

A day later, Bueno filed notice in court that the U.S. government would not intervene in his case. “We didn’t have enough,” says Bueno, now a partner in Morris, Manning & Martin in Atlanta and Savannah.

“We tried very, very hard. But you need evidence. You need witnesses.”

Out of work and abandoned by the government, Young closed his whistleblower case.

But, Argos’ legal troubles in the Savannah area were just beginning.

Homeowners, developers take on companies

Concrete and cement companies around the world have a track record of engaging in dubious business practices and getting caught breaking the law.

Over the past decade, regulators in South Africa, Spain, Mexico, Colombia, India, and Korea all have slapped fines on cement makers for price-fixing and blocking competition. India imposed a $994 million fine in 2016 against 11 cement companies.

In 2017, Colombia fined its three largest cement makers $66 million for price fixing.

One of those companies, Cementos Argos, is the parent of Argos USA. U.S. authorities have successfully punished concrete executives who colluded to fix prices. In 2011, a sales manager for an Iowa concrete maker got hit with an $830,000 fine and a four-year prison term when he pleaded guilty to three separate price-fixing conspiracies. One of his coconspirators agreed to an $83,000 fine and a one-year prison sentence for a minor role in the illegal activity.

When federal investigators declined to move forward with Young’s whistleblower case, alleged victims of the Savannaharea cartel took steps to get compensation by claiming some of the same unethical or illegal behavior that the former Argos salesman had raised flags about.

At the same time, Argos was facing nearly 200 homeowners between Savannah and Hilton Head in a class action suit that accused the company of using defective concrete in their driveways, walkways and underneath their houses. The affected subdivisions included Palmetto Bluff and Hampton Lake in Bluffton, Forest Lakes in Pooler, Westbrook Cove and the Fairways

at Savannah Quarters in Pooler, Shadowbrook in Springfield, Emerald Plantation and Laurel Mills in Guyton, Straffordshire Estates in Rincon, and Dunham Marsh in Richmond Hill.

Argos agreed last summer to pay the homeowners and their lawyers $10 million to settle.

Meanwhile, Young got a job across the Savannah River in Bluffton, and his new employer, Southeast Ready Mix, joined with Mayson Concrete in 2017 to sue Argos, Evans, and Elite, claiming the alleged cartel illegally cut into their revenue and squeezed Mayson out of the market. The allegations filed in federal court in Atlanta echoed many which were in Young’s original whistleblower suit.

Elite’s lawyer did not return telephone and e-mail messages from The Current seeking comment.

Four months later, construction firms filed another suit in Charleston against some of the same companies alleging the Savannah-area concrete cartel forced them to pay millions of dollars in unlawful overcharges for concrete. The companies have asked for a dismissal, saying the plaintiffs have not passed the legal threshold of evidence to support a suit.

Going on the offense, Argos sued Young, claiming he stole trade secrets that were the basis of some of the civil suits. Young sued in Beaufort, S.C., claiming Argos fired him illegally, but a judge dismissed his case.

Accusations pile up again

As the civil cases mounted, the U.S. Department of Justice rekindled interest in the allegations about the Argos Pooler office that the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Savannah had declined to pursue.

Four years after government lawyers seemed to wash their hands of Young’s whistleblower claims, Washington-based prosecutors convened a grand jury that led to indictments of the Meltons, Strickland, and Pedrick. They were also quietly coaxing the admission of wrongdoing from Argos.

That Justice Department attorneys would find enough evidence to support criminal charges after others couldn’t back up the original whistleblower case is hard to understand, say whistleblower lawyers not connected to the case.

The DOJ press office in Washington did not respond to requests for comment. The spokesman for the Southern District’s

prosecutors said the department never discusses strategy.

Argos, in its admission to prosecutors, can escape prosecution if, within three years, it meets certain demands, including beefing up antitrust compliance.

As for the $20 million fine it’s agreed to pay, the amount is a quarter of the $83 million in business it did in the Savannah and Hilton Head during a 4.5-year period from October 2011, when Argos entered the Savannah market through the acquisition of rival French-based company LaFarge’s assets and taking on its employees, including Melton, Pedrick, and Young.

Settlement may not end complaints

The Argos fine will likely end up in the U.S. Treasury, not with the cartel’s victims.

Still, if Argos and its alleged conspirators lose the ongoing civil suits, they could be forced to pay up to three times the amount of damages in each case.

A lawyer for the Rincon-based business owners says he is hopeful that Argos’ admission to the federal conspiracy charge will strengthen the Woodses’ civil suit.

“I think it’s going to support what we have alleged in our case,” says Lance Gould, a principal in the Montgomerybased firm Beasley Allen, which has an Atlanta office.

Scott Gilchrist, a lawyer representing local construction firms in the Charleston lawsuit against concrete and cement companies, called the Argos admission “a significant step toward getting some relief to our class members.”

“We’re pleased to see that Argos is admitting its role in the conspiracy,” said Gilchrist. A partner in Cohen & Malad in Indianapolis, Gilchrist has helped win multimillion-dollar settlements in two major antitrust class actions involving concrete in the Midwest — the same cases that sent conspirators to jail.

As for Young, all his whistleblowing has delivered him so far is a pile of legal bills.

Both of his own lawsuits against Argos have been dismissed in civil federal courts.

“He’s been fired. He’s been sued, and all as a result of his efforts to do the right thing,” Warren Johnson, a Hardeeville lawyer representing Young said in an interview last November.

But with Argos’ admission, Young has ended up with what he wanted in the first place: an end to the illegal behavior and possible punishment for those involved, Johnson said. cs

CONNECT SAVANNAH | FEB 10 - 16, 2021

‘CONCRETE’ CONT. FROM PAGE 26

This story was used by permission as part of a news partnership with The Current, a nonprofit, nonpartisan in-depth news site serving Coastal Georgia. Visit 27 thecurrentga.org to learn more.

NEWS

MILITARY

SINCE 2001 – BREWING COFFEE & COMMUNITY

Savannah native serves aboard historic warship

USS Constitution sailed into Savannah 90 years ago

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TOP: The USS Constitution. PHOTO COURTESY OF USS CONSTITUTION MUSEUM ABOVE: Savannah native Tasheyana Harden. PHOTO COURTESY OF U.S. NAVY

the United States, with Savannah being one of 76 cities visited along the Atlantic, Gulf, and Pacific coasts.

The National Cruise served as a show of gratitude to the men, women, and children who, from 1925 to 1930, made monetary and material donations to support the ship’s restoration. Schoolchildren across the country contributed pennies, nickels, and dimes toward a fund that

eventually raised $154,000 for “Old Ironsides,” according to the USS Constitution Museum.

More recently, the vessel was designated America’s Ship of State on Oct. 28, 2009, by President Barack Obama. cs

Seaman Katrina Mastrolia, USS Constitution Public Affairs, contributed to this article.

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CONNECT SAVANNAH | FEB 10 - 16, 2021

A SAVANNAH native, U.S. Navy Airman Tasheyana Harden, is now serving aboard the USS Constitution − the world’s oldest commissioned warship afloat − with the crew of active-duty sailors who provide free tours and offer public visitation aboard the two-century-old sailing vessel.

Now based at Boston’s Charlestown Navy Yard, the USS Constitution was authorized for construction by President George Washington in 1794, and was successfully launched on its third attempt in 1797. While the USS Constitution and its related museum are currently closed to visitors as a COVID-19 precaution, duty aboard the historic ship is one of the Navy’s special programs, and all prospective crew members must meet a high standard of sustained excellence and interview to be selected for the assignment.

Since early January, Harden has been serving aboard the USS Constitution as her first duty station in her three months with the Navy. While Harden is originally from Savannah, she is a 2017 graduate of Luella High School in Locust Grove, Georgia.

“The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance,” Harden said of her new assignment.

Before the pandemic, more than 600,000 people were visiting the USS Constitution every year. The crew members support the ship’s mission by promoting the Navy’s history and maritime heritage, and raising awareness of the importance of a sustained naval presence.

The ship earned the nickname “Old Ironsides,” during the War of 1812 after British cannonballs were seen bouncing off the ship’s wooden hull. The USS Constitution actively defended sea lanes between 1797 to 1855, including deployment in the Mediterranean during the Barbary Wars and serving as the Pacific Squadron flagship during 1839-1841. The USS Constitution was undefeated in battle, and captured or destroyed 33 enemy vessels.

After years as serving as a training ship and receiving a significant restoration in Boston, the USS Constitution embarked on a National Cruise during 1931-1934, which included a stop in Savannah on Dec. 7, 1931.

The cruise was a three-coast tour around

11

Valentine’s Day gifts

by Savannah artisans

BY JESSICA FARTHING

DON’T GET STUCK in a romantic rut of buying the same flowers and mass-produced candy for your sweetheart every Valentine’s Day − Savannah has many talented creative artisans who offer alternatives to shopping at the big-box stores, providing uniquely charming gifts that will make your loved one happy and help the community’s economy at the same time.

Here are eight local businesses proffering irresistible presents that your loved one will be delighted by.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | FEB 10 - 16, 2021

If your sweetheart has a sweet tooth, look no further for that ideal Valentine’s Day gift than Marché de Macarons, a well-known Savannah specialty shop for cake-light French delights. February brings limited-time-only flavors inspired by the celebration of love, like the Violet Cassis featuring two floral-infused confections enveloping black currant jam filling. Other romantic options include the Champagne Macaron, a bubbly-infused version with buttercream and gold sanding sugar, or the ChocolateCovered Strawberry variety. The macarons at this Savannah spot are all delicate and perfectly prepared, with a crisp exterior giving way to a chewy interior, and they can be encased in charming gift boxes. These delicate treats are made fresh onsite at the company’s downtown store (42 Abercorn St., Savannah), or visit marchedemacarons. com for more information and to place an online order.

12

Gifts of fine spirits are almost always appreciated by those who imbibe, and if your valentine falls into that category, a bottle from Savannah’s own Ghost Coast Distillery will certainly earn you some heartfelt gratitude. In late January, Ghost Coast was honored by Travel + Leisure as one of the top 25 distilleries in the U.S.A., and anyone who lives in the Savannah area can visit their intoxicatingly charming facility (641 Indian St., Savannah) with an onsite shop and cocktail room to peruse the entire collection. Try their Master Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a smooth bourbon with flavors of warm caramel, dried apricot, and walnut, sure to raise the spirits of your beloved. Visit ghostcoastdistillery.com to see the full selection, along with a variety of detailed cocktail recipes sure to enliven any romantic evening in.

Since graduating from the Savannah College of Art and Design, Kristen Baird has forged a wide variety of distinctive earrings, bracelets, and other precious personal ornaments. As for a perfect local Valentine’s Day gift, nothing says Lowcountry like an elegant pearl necklace − but Baird set out to create something that is anything but your mama’s demure necklace. Inspired by oysters, her freshwater half-drilled pearls are set with accents of sterling silver with patina to give the classic pearl beauty with a modern twist. There are three versions, allowing collectors to layer the necklaces for a dramatic and romantic effect. Baird’s designs are available at the Grand Bohemian Gallery at the Mansion on Forsyth Park (700 Drayton St., Savannah), or see kristenbaird.com to check out her online store.

For any significant others in need of a little self-care or simply an at-home spa day, Salacia Salts has your valentine covered.

The salt soak is available in their signature gift set. The blend of Atlantic and Epsom sea salts is infused with essences of rose, jasmine, basil, and lemon, sure to calm the mind, sooth aches and pains, and soften the skin. Also included in the pack is a chamomile-and-beeswax body butter, a moisturizing sea-salt and shea-butter scrub, and two bath bombs. It’s completely ready for gifting, packaged in an attractive box tied with their signature blue bow. All Salacia Salts products can be picked up curbside at the company’s two Savannah locations (208 W Hall St. and 148 Abercorn St., Savannah), or peruse salaciasalts.com to have products shipped to your home.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | FEB 10 - 16, 2021

VALENTINE’S DAY

13

CONNECT SAVANNAH | FEB 10 - 16, 2021

VALENTINE’S DAY

14

Chef Adam Turoni’s chocolates are as exquisite to look at as they are to eat. With his business partner, Alexandra Trujillo de Taylor, they’ve created two stores that are each a decadent chocolate experience. This year, the specific line for Valentine’s Day has a unique spin. The Corazon Chocolate Treasure Box starts with a darkchocolate edible heart box. Included in the package is a mallet to break the outer candy, exposing a Heart & Passion Fruit Truffle inside, coated with a candy pearly sugar-sprinkle mix. If you feel like being even more sweet, the Grand Corazon has 20 assorted truffles inside. Chocolat By Adam Turoni is found in two locations, The Dining Room (323 W. Broughton St., Savannah) and The Library (236 Bull St., Savannah), or visit chocolatat.com to see the online selection.

In 2015, Elondia Harden experienced health issues from harmful chemicals in her beauty and wellness items, inspiring her to develop a line of products free from toxic chemicals. Her all-natural hand-poured candles are created with soy wax, lead-free cotton wicks, and clean fragrances free of parabens and carcinogens.

Not only do her products offer a healthier alternative to other candles, they reflect Southern grace and culture in every jar, and each nine-ounce candle features a safe burn time of up to 50 hours. Try the Southern Gent candle for the guys, with notes of wood and musk, or the praline-inspired Savannah Shuga that fills the room with delicious aromas of warm vanilla, butter, and sugar. All of ElonWick’s candle collections – including the Breathe Easy and Southern Charm lines – are available through the elonwick.com online showcase.

Savannah residents Matt and Chrissy Rippetoe created a wide variety of lovely gift items all made with a nod to their Kentucky roots. After making their own presents out of old bourbon barrels to surprise the groomsmen at their wedding, the couple decided to turn this inspired idea into a cottage industry. The Rippetoes now offer handmade serving trays, charcuterie boards, wallmounted bottle openers, and other home-décor items all crafted with rustic flair from former whiskey barrels. Their one-of-a-kind jewelry and cufflinks have distinctive charm, while their Bourbon Barrel Smoking Chips − cut from reclaimed Maker’s Mark bourbon barrels – add a heady fragrance when used in the grill or smoker, and their customizable “Bottoms Up Coasters” can be emblazoned with words of love. Visit shopsmokeandspirits.com to learn more.

Savannah College of Art and Design graduate Elizabeth Seeger produces custom-made bags and accessories at her store. While we may be too close to Valentine’s Day to consider commissioning a completely madeto-order project, you can still get Satchel’s hand-stitched quality to gift your significant other. The Walker classic men’s wallet makes a quality addition to a gentleman’s wardrobe, offered in black, navy and a fatigue green, as well as unique colors and patterns like marshmallow croco print. The Sherry wristlet, a combination of wallet and purse, has just enough packing room for a night out, offering compartments for cash, cards and a little storage. Stop by the Satchel studio (4 E. Liberty St., Savannah) to see items in production and prepare to be impressed. Visit shopsatchel.com to view the store’s online selection.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | FEB 10 - 16, 2021

VALENTINE’S DAY

15

CULTURE

Artist Bradley Collins ‘Found a Job’ at The Sentient Bean CONNECT SAVANNAH | FEB 10 - 16, 2021

BY NICOLE YOUNGBLUT

AS A STUDENT at the Savannah College of Art and Design, Bradley Collins began a journey of odd jobs that ranged from monotonously moving boxes off an 18-wheeler to picking up bowling pins at the Starland District’s Moodright’s Bar. The pins eventually pointed the way to the idea of having his April 2020 SCAD thesis show, called “Work Order,” in the back room at Moodright’s.

Now 14 pieces by Bradley Collins are on display in his second solo show, “Found a Job,” which is currently adding color to another popular Savannah hangout: The Sentient Bean coffee shop near Forsyth Park.

All of his “Found a Job” paintings were created during a time when Collins found himself out of work soon after graduating during a pandemic, excluding two pieces he calls “Lines in Silence,” which “were the start of my journey into the idea of painting,” Collins says.

16 It could be said that these paintings by Collins are abstract works, but they were all

TOP PHOTOS: The paintings of Bradley Collins are created with a regimented system of random chance determining every element of their color and design. PHOTOS COURTESY OF BRADLEY COLLINS

created according to his own regimented system of choosing between styles of overlapping intersecting lines and randomly chosen colors, with the end result presenting innumerable boxy patterns and blurry patches inviting the viewer to get lost in wavy wonder.

All of the paintings in “Found a Job” are interpretations of the relationship between employer and employee, and examine how creativity can emerge from even the most repetitive tasks.

“My process, it’s more conceptual, it’s different. Like seeing most art for the first time, you can look at it and build your own ideas about it. You can enjoy it just by looking at it and creating your own meaning. You can like it if it’s what you’re into, but then, in my case, you figure out the process that goes into the pieces, and it just gives it more life,” Collins said.

Since actually becoming employed in November, Collins has been balancing creativity in the studio with working in the kitchen at The Fitzroy in downtown Savannah.

“I have a studio I get to be in every day, and I get into the flow space. Then I have to pack up and go to an actual job after months of not working; it’s brought something new to my process. I’m constantly thinking about work in the sense of where I want to be and what I love to do − painting. But I have to do other things to get funding for that. It’s an interesting time to be making work,” says Collins.

His artistic process is driven by chance-based responses of “yes” or “no” from rolling dice or flipping a coin, which removes him from decision-making. He then goes from being “the boss” to becoming “the worker” by fulfilling those tasks implemented by a sequenced set of rules.

“I have a specific set of questions written out before I start a piece. So, for example, if I flip the coin and it lands on tails for the question I’m asking, the task will not be applied.

If I have a question, flip, and it lands on tails for the question I’m asking, the task will not be applied. If I have a question, flip, and it lands on heads, I fulfill that labor aspect of it. I treat it like a job. Going through this list and following the directions,” Collins explained.

“I think it’s hard for people to understand because they want you to finish a painting. And as an artist, if you don’t like it, you can just go back in and mess with it or change something or add something. My process doesn’t let that happen.

It’s just what it is, and when it’s done, it’s done,” explains Collins.

Casual viewers of Collins’ finished works most likely would never guess that they were painted according to arbitrary twists of fate. The blending lines and colors create soothingly intriguing visuals that play with the eye and beckon for second looks as new forms and subsections make themselves apparent based on each viewer’s interpretation and imagination.

Grab a coffee and let yourself drift into Collins’ paintings on display at The Sentient Bean through March 2, with the artworks available for purchase in varied price ranges through Sulfur Studios (sulfurstudios.org). The artist specifically made his works smaller so that the pieces can remain affordable. The artist’s closing reception is open to the public, happening during 5-7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 19.

“This is all the work I did during 2020, after graduating and not having a job anymore, during a pandemic − assigning myself tasks. I was in a sense giving myself a job,” says Collins. cs ‘Found a Job’ is on view at The Sentient Bean (13 E. Park Ave., Savannah) through March 2. Visit bradleycollinsart.com for more information.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | FEB 10 - 16, 2021

GAINFUL ENJOYMENT

VISUAL ARTS

ABOVE AND ABOVE RIGHT: Works by Bradley Collins at The Sentient Bean. PHOTOS BY NICK ROBERTSON

17

FOOD & DRINK

Eden Supper Club offers boxes of paradise to-go

The broccoli, mushroom, and grapefruit salad included in a recent Eden Box prepared by Chef Jared Jackson. PHOTO BY LINDY MOODY

CONNECT SAVANNAH | FEB 10 - 16, 2021

following coronavirus safety precautions.

But out of necessity, restaurateurs, chefs, and kitchens have found a way to adapt to our new normal.

Eden Supper Club was one of the first supper clubs to pop up in Savannah, and it is now the first supper club to evolve with the times. With the inability to host its exciting seasonal dinners, Eden Supper Club introduced the Eden Box − the suprestaurant and do something completely per club experience in a to-go version. Your different and unexpected. Oftentimes each own dinner table can now serve as the hot

BY LINDY MOODY dinner is held at a different (and sometimes place to dine. secret) location, allowing for the kitchen The creator of Eden, Chef Jared JackIT IS BELIEVED that the supper-club to constantly draw inspiration with new son, explained his supper club’s evolution. phenomenon started in the 1930s. Like any environments. The concept has also served “The Eden Boxes themselves sort of good fad, the idea has died and resurfaced as a way for restaurateurs to raise funds for spawned out of necessity. When the world with the times. Over the last decade, supa brick-and-mortar restaurant they hope shifted last year due to the pandemic, I per clubs have been popular epicurean des- to open one day. noticed the food industry had the unique tinations of the foodie scene.

When the pandemic hit, the supper club challenge of finding different ways to proA supper club is the best way for a chef fad died once again. Initially, there was vide our services,” Jackson said, adding 18 to break free from the four walls of a no way to host a full room of guests while that this was especially difficult for “an

Chef Jared Jackson serves tastes of heaven for fine dining at home

industry based fundamentally on people leaving their homes to enjoy our food,” forcing restaurants to get creative.

“This pandemic was and continues to be a big problem for chefs and restaurant owners all around the world. I think I honestly lucked out in a way, having built a strong community of patrons who were still interested in the experience of Eden,” Jackson continues. “I thought that if we could minimize the risk and cater towards how the world was shifting, we could still reach those people and provide them with a unique experience − just in the comfort of their own home.”

The Eden Box is available for two at $75, which gets you enough food to feed a tiny army. I ended up parceling mine out over a couple of meals. The ‘For Four’ option is available for $125.

“Typically an Eden Box includes three to four courses for two or four people to

EPICUROPEDIA

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RIGHT: Contents of a recent Eden Box.

enjoy. Usually two starters, a main, and something sweet. I designed it with the thought of it being at least two meals, or one really large one that you might not get up from the table after,” Jackson said. “I’ve tried to keep the dishes simple at heart but intentional with flavor and seasonality. So our fans might miss the full experience of Eden Supper Club, but the boxes provide a little taste.”

Each box normally includes four different dishes handmade by Chef Jackson himself. And even though you may not get the full experience of dining out with a take-home box, customers still get the full taste of Eden.

“My method for creating menus usually stays the same. I think about where people are eating and how they are going to likely experience the food, and move from there.

I think of flavors of the seasons, which just pushes the creative train forward,” Chef Jackson told me.

For the box I ordered, the menu included a flavorful cauliflower soup, a bold and spicy broccoli salad, red-pepper lasagna, and classic pound cake to finish.

Because there was so much food, I split it all over the weekend. For my first meal, I ate the first two dishes − the soup and salad. The Loaded Cauliflower Soup is called “loaded” because Chef Jackson created it to be topped with buttery croutons, warm gooey Brie cheese, and umami-filled bacon. The soup itself was a standout. Extremely creamy, almost like it was whipped into mousse, and full-bodied

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in flavor. To pair with the Loaded Soup, I chose the bold and spicy Burnt Lemon Broccoli Salad.

The second day I heated up the Eden Lasagna, which was my favorite dish of the bunch. Chef Jackson makes every noodle by hand to layer his unique take on lasagna. It was a showstopper because the Eden Lasagna did not taste like the oftenheavy and over-sauced dish usually does.

Somehow, Eden Box pulled off a hearty and fresh mozzarella-jammed pasta that was bright due to its roasted red pepper and heirloom tomato sauce.

If you missed the chance to order this

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Chef Jared Jackson’s lasagna and pound cake. PHOTO BY LINDY MOODY

Experience an exclusive taste of Ardsley Station!

Join us for an exciting night of community, fun, food and drink.

Featuring a 3-part appetizer and drink tasting, prepared live.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | FEB 10 - 16, 2021

The chef will share his process and inspiration along the way, allowing guests to be immersed in the delicious Ardsley Station menu.

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Also featuring live music, photo opportunities, merchandise for purchase.

THURSDAY | MARCH 25, 2021 | 7-9 PM

$35 PER/PERSON

For more information or purchase tickets, contact Erica Baskin at erica@connectsavannah.com or at 912.721.4378 or 912-231-0250

lasagna, don’t get upset, because according to Chef Jackson, “You will probably see a pasta dish on every other menu, just because I love making pasta. I’ve always had an attachment to making pasta. Cooking is craftsmanship just like baking. I feel like making perfect pasta requires another skill set. I’m far from perfect yet, but I work at it often.”

It was hard to save the dessert for last, and I am slightly disappointed I waited so long to try it. The Sour Cream Pound Cake was so delicious I asked Chef Jackson for the recipe. You know a pound cake is perfect if it can stand up to the buttery Southern pound cakes that your grandmother or mother always makes. Chef Jackson’s hit all the markers: a thick sugary crust on the outside with an almost undercooked buttery center inside each slice of cake.

Other Eden Box menus have included items like Honey Roasted Butternut Squash, Meyer Lemon Risotto, Buttermilk Pie, and Pumpkin Pappardelle.

To order a box of your own, says Chef Jackson, “Right now the best place is our social-media, @edensupperclub on Instagram, and Facebook. Updating the website

will allow me to offer them through my platform. Hold tight for that, but still visit the website edensupperclub.com. Join the e-mail list and we will send e-mails with the menu once a week.”

He elaborated, “I have a goal of having one every week available. Making a few updates to my website in order to streamline things in that department. Hopefully by the spring I can do it once a week consistently. For right now, I’m creating a new menu every other week, which will be available for two weeks.”

There are plenty of Savannahians that missed the chance to experience Eden Supper Club for what it can be in person.

This year Eden is slowly opening the doors to its well-loved supper-club experience.

In early February, Eden joined up with Savoy Society and the Together in Paradise studio to host yet another one-of-a-kind event. Visit Eden’s website or Instagram page to find out the next time Savannah with have a supper club to enjoy. cs Eden Supper Club: visit edensupperclub.com for more information. See epicuropedia.com to read more by Lindy Moody.

THE BAND PAGE

LEGACY @ SAVANNAH THEATRE

The four artistes of Legacy – Tracy Byrd, Justin Reynolds, Noah Rivera, and Deaundre Woods – and songstress Alex Hairston star in “Legends Live On,” a decade-hopping revue of song-anddance tributes to icons ranging from The Temptations to The Beatles to The Jackson Five. Catch one of their final Savannah performances this weekend, happening at 8 p.m. on Feb. 12, 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Feb. 13, and 3 p.m. on Feb. 14.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12 | 8 P.M.

RAMONA QUIMBY @ JAZZ’D

ANDERS THOMSEN TRIO @ CHURCHILL’S

With guitar-picking mastery and down-home vocal stylings, Anders Thomsen ranks among Savannah’s very best purveyors of honky-tonk and roots rock, with a cowboy hat and embroidered Western shirt to match. Hear him and his bandmates get boots stomping during this Saturday-night show sure to lift spirits like moonshine in a Mason jar.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13 | 9:30 P.M.

THE CHRIS THOMAS BAND @ PLANT RIVERSIDE

It’s impossible to predict what you’ll hear next when Chris Thomas and his eight-piece band take the stage, playing crowd-pleasing songs in genres ranging from Motown to country and pop to swing – not to mention the occasional original tune. Enjoy this lively concert sure to inspire audience members to get up on their feet and dance.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12 | 7 P.M.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | FEB 10 - 16, 2021

Taking her stage name from Beverly Cleary’s beloved series of children’s novels, Ramona Quimby enlivens audiences with her powerful vocals and wide-ranging repertoire including songs by Etta James, Tupac Shakur, “and everything in between.” Hear Ramona’s fiery medleys and soulful renditions of jazzy classics during this intimate club show.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12 | 7:30 P.M.

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MUSIC

The big band gears up for their Feb. 11 show. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE FABULOUS EQUINOX ORCHESTRA

SWING THEORY The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra attempts a bold experiment to celebrate four special occasions in one live show with pandemic precautions opportunity to celebrate amongst their fans while debuting their eagerly anticipated new album, Bridge.

THE EXCITEMENT in Jeremy Davis’ voice is evident as Led by Davis and his best friend Clay Johnson, this big he bursts with information about his upcoming show. band is celebrating four special occasions that are close “It’s a whole lot,” he said. “It’s almost too much, to be to the members’ hearts: Mardi Gras, Valentine’s Day, the honest with you.” release of a new film featuring their music, and the debut But how could one limit enthusiasm when it comes from of their new album, which is the first in a trilogy of albums the prospect of experiencing live music again with friends to be released in 2021. at one of Savannah’s top venues? Especially when that “People in Savannah know us, and we travel all over the experience brings about the fun and excitement of mulworld,” said bandleader Davis − nicknamed “The Kingpin” tiple holidays ruined by the pandemic.

– who also sings and plays tenor sax. “This is just a chance The Savannah-based Fabulous Equinox Orchestra for us to really reconnect with Savannah, people that we intends to do just that when they perform their swinghaven’t seen in a long time. And, we want people to feel music favorites along with new tunes live on Feb. 11 at comfortable, to come out and celebrate with us and just Victory North with their “Valentine’s Party Gras Movieenjoy life.”

22 thon and Album Release Show,” providing a now-rare The combination of all the liveliness of Mardi Gras and CONNECT SAVANNAH | FEB 10 - 16, 2021

BY NOELLE WIEHE

FEATURE the romance of Valentine’s Day would already make it a big-time party, but then combining that with celebrating the movie premiere and the debut of their album make it all the most “over the top” thing the band has ever done, Davis said.

“One of these alone would have been enough to sell the show, and we have four of them that are all kind of crazy,” Davis said. “You’ve got that fun New Orleans festive music, all the way to wonderful Sinatra love songs.”

They will be playing some new music from the album as well, Davis added, with T-shirts and CDs available at the show.

Of course, the pandemic won’t take a pause for this concert, so Davis said that guests will be asked to wear a face mask and practice social distancing while the show is underway.

“It’s one of those things where we’re in the middle of all this, and all we can do is be careful and respectful and gather together in a way that makes sense and just celebrate music and life,” Davis said. “So, that’s what we’re going to do, and we’d love to see all our friends and fans come out and support the show.”

Davis said the venue has taken special precautions to allow for a safe show, and for guests to remain healthy.

The venue can hold about 500 people, but for this show, to ensure the safety of their guests, that number will be limited to about 150. Tickets will be sold for separate-table seating to allow for social distancing between different parties.

The venue has also installed a new GPS air-purification system, which cycles air rapidly to keep guests safe, according to Davis.

“We’ve done our best to kind of take away some of the natural hurdles one would face when you’re trying to do any sort of public gathering,” Davis said.

The movie featuring the orchestra’s music is called Courting Mom and Dad. Davis said the film’s director and producer, Anna Zielinski, who went to high school with Davis and Johnson and now lives in Los Angeles, contacted Davis and requested songs to go in her film.

“Over the course of four days, we wrote four songs … and she loved it,” Davis said. “It just happened that we were doing our recording session for all these tunes that we were set to record the next week, so we just added those songs to the session.”

Davis said the opening and closing songs are theirs, as well as a song played during a meet-cute in the movie.

“If it had worked out any other way, there is no way we would have ever pulled it together,” Davis said. “It’s a big deal.”

Davis and Johnson − the voice, the trombone, and nicknamed “Mr. Showtime” − are both from Louisiana but have been based in Savannah for 15 years. The orchestra has traveled the world performing their music, and are currently scheduled to perform in Israel, Davis said.

“I am truly blessed I am able to do what I love,” Davis said.

The remaining albums in the trilogy are set for release later in the year: the second album, Davis said, will be Victory, to be released in April, and the third, Charade, will be available in summer.

“We have so much to celebrate,” Davis said. “It’s just so much fun. We’re just about as excited as can be.” cs The “Valentine’s Party Gras Movie-thon and Album Release Show” begins at 7 p.m. on Feb. 11 at Victory North (2603 Whitaker St., Savannah). Visit equinoxorchestra.com for more information and tickets.

MUSIC

FEATURE

MUSIC IN THE SOUND GARDEN FRI., FEB. 12 @ 7PM

VOODOO SOUP

A SOUND EDUCATION

Georgia Southern University will soon prepare students for diverse music-industry careers

BY LAUREN WOLVERTON

lauren@connectsavannah.com

THIS FALL, Georgia Southern University’s Armstrong Campus in Savannah will offer a brand-new music-industry degree, growing Savannah’s music scene and giving fresh opportunities to local students.

Students working towards a Bachelor of Arts in Music with a concentration in music industry will soon have the option of declaring an emphasis area in music technology or the music business.

The program will provide students with hands-on experience in 21st-century industry technology including recording-studio applications, live-sound reinforcement, and music-industry software, all taught by faculty members with professional experience.

“We could not be more excited about this program,” said Steven A. Harper, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Music. “For many years, the music program has been itching to expand its reach and regional impact. Savannah is perfectly suited for a degree of this type, and we couldn’t be more pleased to have this degree come to fruition.”

Steve Primatic, a music professor at Georgia Southern who teaches percussion, theory, jazz, and music technology, says the new music-industry program – which is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music – will open many doors for students who may not have been previously interested in earning a music degree.

“We wanted to offer a degree program for somebody who wanted to make music their career, but didn’t want to do the traditional route, didn’t want to be a band director, didn’t want to be a choir director, or train to be a classical performer,” Primatic said.

The new music-industry program includes courses in music management, live sound, recording-studio techniques, digital audio workstations, and music entrepreneurship. These courses prepare students for a wide variety of jobs ranging from artist manager or event planner to concert promoter or audio engineer.

“We’re trying to get students prepared for the jobs that are there, so that they can do music and have a path to employment,” Primatic said.

“We’re really looking for the students who sit in their room and make music who don’t necessarily play in the band or sing in the choir,” he added.

Primatic says that Savannah is a perfect city to offer the music-industry degree because of its rich music landscape.

“Outside of the greater Atlanta area, there is no other city in Georgia that has the offerings of music and music industry that we have,” he said.

Primatic emphasized that the university wants students to have access to internships and jobs. He says Armstrong students have opportunities in their own backyards, citing connections with the Savannah Music Festival, the Savannah Philharmonic, and the city’s film industry.

Primatic says Savannah’s music scene has grown over time thanks to the addition of venues like Plant Riverside District, Victory North, and other live-music spots around town. He says he expects Georgia Southern’s music-industry students will help the local music community flourish even more.

“There will always be thriving arts in Savannah,” Primatic said. cs Visit programs.georgiasouthern.edu/musicindustry for more information or to apply for the program.

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Georgia Southern students prepare for careers in music. PHOTOS COURTESY OF GSU

23

CONNECT SAVANNAH MUSIC

10-16

SOUNDBOARD

WHO IS PLAYING WHERE THIS WEEK

SOUNDBOARD IS A FREE SERVICE. TO BE INCLUDED, PLEASE SEND YOUR LIVE MUSIC INFORMATION WEEKLY TO SOUNDBOARD@CONNECTSAVANNAH.COM. DEADLINE IS 10 A.M. MONDAY, TO APPEAR IN WEDNESDAY’S EDITION. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO EDIT OR CUT LISTINGS DUE TO SPACE LIMITATIONS.

WEDNESDAY 2.10

THURSDAY 2.11

Driftaway Cafe Chuck Courtenay, 6 p.m.

Nickie’s 1971 Ray Tomasino, 7 p.m.

The Wormhole Open Jam, 9 p.m.

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

The Perch at Local 11 ten Josephine Johnson, 5:30 p.m.

Victory North Fabulous Equinox Orchestra, 7:30 p.m.

LIVE MUSIC

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.

KARAOKE

Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m.

Wet Willie’s Karaoke, 9 p.m.

COMEDY

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

BAR & CLUB EVENTS

CONNECT SAVANNAH | FEB 10 - 16, 2021

Two Tides Brewing Company Bring Your Own Vinyl Night, 7 p.m.

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LIVE MUSIC

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.

BAR & CLUB EVENTS

House of Mata Hari Burlesque Cabaret, 11-11:59 p.m.

FRIDAY 2.12 LIVE MUSIC

Barrelhouse South Trae Pierce & the T Stones, 9 p.m.

Doc’s Bar Chester Love Band, 8 p.m.-midnight Rancho Alegre JodyJazz Trio, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

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

TRIVIA & GAMES PS Tavern Beer Pong Tournament, 10 p.m.

KARAOKE

Bay Street Blues Karaoke Blueberry Hill Karaoke, 9 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.

BAR & CLUB EVENTS

House of Mata Hari Burlesque Cabaret, 11-11:59 p.m.

SATURDAY 2.13 LIVE MUSIC

The 5 Spot Jason Salzer, 7 p.m.

Barrelhouse South The Eighty 3’s, 9 p.m.

Elan Savannah 4B at Elan Savannah, 9 p.m.

The Perch at Local 11 ten Markus Kuhlman, 5:30 p.m.

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

KARAOKE

Bay Street Blues Karaoke Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m.

McDonough’s Karaoke, 9 p.m.

Totally Awesome Bar Karaoke, 10 p.m.

BAR & CLUB EVENTS

House of Mata Hari Burlesque Cabaret, 9:30-10:30 & 1111:59 p.m.

SUNDAY 2.14 LIVE MUSIC

Collins Quarter at Forsyth Live Music, 3 p.m.

Congress Street Social Club VooDoo Soup, 10 p.m.

Nickie’s 1971 Roy Swindell, 7 p.m.

Tubby’s Tank House (Thunderbolt) Bucky & Barry, 1 p.m.

TRIVIA & GAMES

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

KARAOKE

Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m.

McDonough’s Karaoke, 9 p.m.

MONDAY 2.15 LIVE MUSIC

Nickie’s 1971 Ray Tomasino, 7 p.m.

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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 2.16 LIVE MUSIC

Nickie’s 1971 Roy Swindell, 7 p.m.

TRIVIA & GAMES

Basil’s Pizza and Deli Trivia, 7 p.m.

Fia Rua Irish Pub Trivia, 7:30 p.m.

Oak 36 Bar + Kitchen Trivia Tuesday, 9 p.m.

Starland Yard Trivia with Chris Grimmett, 6:30 p.m.

KARAOKE

Blueberry Hill Karaoke, 9 p.m.

Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m.

Tickets Availble at: Clubone-online.com

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CULTURE

VISUAL ARTS

The triptych of new Panhandle Slim paintings on display at Savannah’s Drive Thru Art Box behind Green Truck Pub. PHOTO BY DJ HELLERMAN

Do you want social justice with that?

BY DJ HELLERMAN

MICHELLE OBAMA, Woody Guthrie, and André 3000 are the subjects of three new paintings by Panhandle Slim now on view at Savannah’s Drive Thru Art Box. This unexpected space for public art is a perfectly poetic way to frame Panhandle Slim’s free-range works.

The installation radiates messages of love, freedom, and political engagement − the ethos of Panhandle Slim’s paintings.

In 1943, Guthrie infamously painted “This machine kills fascists” on his guitar as a declaration of his belief in the power of music and patriotism. In 1995, at the Source Awards, André 3000 made the prophetic declaration “The South got something to say.”

And, in a 2011 ABC News interview, Michelle Obama recounted advice she gave her daughters for falling in love: “Choose people who will lift you up. Find people who will make you better.”

Panhandle Slim is a cultural icon, former professional skateboarder, social-justice advocate, and a self-proclaimed “soldier in the war on poverty” who lives in Savannah.

While he was not available for an interview, Emily Earl with Sulfur Studios – which organized the Drive Thru Art Box display – explained, “Panhandle Slim has been eyeing the box for a while. We’re excited he created these paintings specifically for this installation.”

In a reductive way, you’d call Panhandle Slim a painter. His usual method is pretty straightforward: a colorful portrait accompanied by an inspiring message on a piece of wood or paper. Panhandle Slim prefers his work to be displayed outside, fastened to telephone poles, fences, and trees instead of being exhibited on what he describes as a

museum’s “indoor sterile white walls.”

Similarly to the lifework of many of his subjects, Panhandle Slim’s art lives out in the world. His paintings move around, weather, age, and bear the marks of being exposed.

This is not only fine with him, maybe, in fact, it is the point. As you walk through Savannah, keep your eyes open for his work – it just seems to appear.

Yet the reach and impact of his art extends far beyond Savannah. Recently, one of Panhandle Slim’s paintings of Hank Aaron was held by Aaron’s grandson at the baseball Hall of Famer’s funeral. Former President Jimmy Carter once sent a handwritten thank-you note for one of his paintings. Even Lucinda Williams projected an image of a Panhandle Slim piece during a recent European tour.

Back in Savannah, the Drive Thru Art Box is presented by Sulfur Studios and Green Truck Pub as a public art exhibition space started in 2012 by Matt Hebermehl, James Zdaniewski, and Mike Williams as a part of the SeeSAW (See Savannah Art Walls) Project. Located in the rear parking lot of the Green Truck Pub (2430 Habersham St., Savannah), The Drive Thru Art Box is a converted drive-thru menu box that now serves up an ever-changing free art display.

Don’t miss this opportunity to check out the three Panhandle Slim paintings currently on view through March 5 at The Drive Thru Art Box, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week – just pull up and pause. Instead of thinking about what you’d like to order, take a moment and recognize what you’re being given. cs

CONNECT SAVANNAH | FEB 10 - 16, 2021

Savannah’s Drive Thru Art Box features new Panhandle Slim paintings

Visit sulfurstudios.org for more information on the Panhandle Slim Drive Thru Art Box installation. Sulfur Studios is selling the original paintings for $250 each, along with posters 25 of all three images available for $25 or $40.

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CONNECT SAVANNAH | FEB 10 - 16, 2021

Georgia Southern University invites applicants for the following vacancies on the Armstrong campus:

28

Enrollment Services Representative - JOB ID 223660 Food Service Worker - Armstrong-Galley - JOB ID 223696 Production Chef - Armstrong-Galley - JOB ID 223678 Please visit the Georgia Southern University employment website and complete the application process at http://apptrkr.com/2141210 The application process must be completed by the deadline to be considered. Georgia is an open records state.

Individuals in need of reasonable accommodations under the ADA to participate in the search process should notify Human Resources: (912) 478-6947. Georgia Southern University is an EEO/AA/ADA/Veteran employer.

1 Life force, to an acupuncturist 4 One of the Three Musketeers 10 Consumer protection gp.

13 “___ Wiedersehen!”

14 Like the opening letter of each of the four longest answers 15 “Dog Barking at the Moon” artist Joan 16 Magazine whose website has a “Find a Therapist” feature 19 “Away!”

20 Stunned state 21 How hair may stand 22 Maritime patrol org.

25 “The mind ___ own place ...” (John Milton) 26 Offer on eBay 28 Japanese grills 32 “Common” chapter of history 33 Flavor on a German schnapps bottle 37 Rank between marquis and viscount 39 Bell or whistle?

40 “Peter Pan” henchman 41 Device that records respiration 44 Went nowhere 45 Tightly cinched 46 “How We Do” singer Rita 47 “Fun, Fun, Fun” car in a

‘60s hit 49 British mil. decorations 51 Breezes (through) 52 Scrooge’s comment 55 Filmmaker Ephron 58 Math conjecture regarding a quadrilateral inscribed in a circle 62 “I identify,” in online comments 63 Ear ailment 64 Baseball stat 65 “Bill ___ Saves the World” 66 Hastily arrive at, as a conclusion 67 Celebrity chef Martin

DOWN

1 Pen parts 2 Period of quiet 3 Haunted house challenge 4 Hearth leftover 5 Brazilian beach city, briefly 6 “It was ___ blur” 7 “Feed me or I’ll knock your drink over” 8 “Splendor in the Grass” Oscar winner 9 Piglet’s home 10 High-end hotel amenity 11 Fiber-rich cereals 12 “Cheers” bartender Woody 15 Philosophies that regard reality as one organic whole

17 Lettuce variety 18 “___, With Love” (Sidney Poitier movie) 23 Golden State traffic org. (as seen in an Erik Estrada TV show) 24 Philbin’s onetime morning cohost 25 “It’s Shake ‘n Bake!”

“And ___!” (old ad tagline) 26 Pager noise 27 Persian Gulf country 29 Arctic floaters 30 Burning 31 B equivalent, in music 34 Contrite phrase 35 A few feet away 36 Greek consonant 38 Happy fun Ball?

42 Code where B is -...

43 Some TVs 47 Frayed 48 Ecological community 50 “Be My Yoko ___” (Barenaked Ladies song) 51 “Wheel of Fortune” action 52 Eight bits, computerwise 53 One side of the Urals 54 Address abbreviation 56 Country star McEntire 57 Former dictator Idi 59 “Boardwalk Empire” actress Gretchen 60 Battleship score 61 That, in Madrid

Photos by Bunny Ware

PHOTOS FROM LOCAL EVENTS View more photos online at connectsavannah.com/connected

EXPO PRESENTS ALL THINGS WEDDING TO BRIDES IN SAVANNAH

CONNECT SAVANNAH | FEB 10 - 16, 2021

Brides brought their trusted companions and family members for a elegant afternoon at the I Do Savannah Wedding Expo on Jan. 31 at Savannah’s Hyatt Regency.

Guests and attendees met experts from the travel, entertainment, event planning, jewelry, catering, retail, and floral industries as they sought to envision or plan out their future matrimonial ceremonies and enjoyed a showcase of talent and creativity presented by Savannah and Chatham County’s top wedding-industry leaders.

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Photos by Bunny Ware

PHOTOS FROM LOCAL EVENTS View more photos online at connectsavannah.com/connected

VETERANS OF CHATHAM COUNTY HONOR WARRIOR LEGEND

CONNECT SAVANNAH | FEB 10 - 16, 2021

The Veterans Council of Chatham County honored World War II and 10th Mountain Division veteran, 1st Lt. Euel Akins, on Feb. 1 at the American Legion Post 184 in Thunderbolt for his induction into the 10th Mountain Division Warrior Legends Hall of Fame. Akins, having recently celebrated his 100th birthday, was inducted Sept. 2, at Fort Drum, New York, but wasn’t able to attend the ceremony because of COVID-19 precautions. Hunter Army Airfield Garrison Commander Lt. Gen. Stephan Bolton, as well as veteran service representative Stephen Marks from the office of Georgia Congressman Buddy Carter, and Chairman of the Veterans Council of Chatham County Joe Higgins were among those to present honors to Akins and his family during the event.

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GAME-CHANGER AT TRUSTEES’ GARDEN A high end event space for wedding and corporate events high-speed internet | broadband WI-FI | multimedia projection capability | sound system | catering kitchen | large scale food prep area | meeting/ flex space | video capability for events info@trusteesgarden.com | 912-233-8938 | trusteesgarden.com

tree-fifty tuesdays tree-fifty all beers, jameson, tito's, VRB's: $3.50

all beers, jameson, tito's, VRB's: $3.50

Friday, Friday,Saturday Saturdayand andSunday Sunday

$3 $3Gla GlaesesofofRosé Rosé still stillororsparkling. sparkling.

wednesday Half off Bo les of Wine Half off Boles of Wine

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

125 West River Street On top of the cotton sail hotel SUNDAY THRU THURSDAY NOON TO 10 PM* FRIDAY AND SATURDAY NOON TO MIDNIGHT*

125 West Riverwww.topdeckbar.com Street On top of the cotton sail hotel *CLOSING HOURS SUBJECT TO NOON CHANGE TO 10 PM* SUNDAY THRU THURSDAY FRIDAY AND SATURDAY NOON TO MIDNIGHT*