Connect Savannah, March 10,

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NEW FUN, MORE

CHARACTERS Savannah Bananas premier team brings life back into baseball

gs n i h All t trick’s a !

St. P inside Day MARCH 10-16, 2021

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SETTING SAIL MARCH 17TH! Shamrock Soiree @ Convention Center 11am - 5pm Flotilla Passes Convention Center 1pm - 3pm

CELEBRATE SAFELY!

Register Your Own Vessel, Charter One From The Fleet Or Watch Them Pass From Our Exclusive & Socially Distanced Soiree!

SHAMROCKSHIPS.COM

Rising Tide Experiences & the Savannah Irish Festival are proud to partner with the Savannah Convention Center & Outside Savannah as we celebrate safely on March 17th!

Want To Join The Flotilla!?

Starting in Turner’s Creek, we’ll head through Thunderbolt en route to the Soiree at the Convention Center. Prizes awarded for Best Decoration, Ship Spirit, and People’s Choice!

Registration: $30 Individual / $250 Business

Watch From The Official Shamrock Soiree!

Family-friendly atmosphere, live music & performances, festive drinks, food trucks, and auction supporting the Undefeated Warrior Foundation.

Early Bird Pricing: Adults $8-$15, Kids Free-$5. Parking $5

No Boat? No Problem!

Join the flotilla by chartering a private vessel from Outside Savannah or hop aboard the Georgia Queen! Charters with O u t s i de Savannah include 3 Hour Guided Tour + Flotilla Route, Coast Guard Certified Captain, Cooler, & Fuel.

OR Watch Flotilla Live On

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AT A GLANCE

WEDNESDAY 3.10 2021 Virtual Savannah Jewish Film Festival The Joan & Murray Gefen Memorial Savannah Jewish Film Festival is hosting its 18th annual film festival.

Through March 11 Online savj.org

Drunk Spelling Bee

Join El-Rocko Lounge on Wednesdays for an all new drunken scholastic event- Drunk Spelling Bee. Enter by purchasing three drinks at El-Rocko in between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.

10 p.m.-1 a.m.

El-Rocko Lounge, 117 Whitaker St.

Tea at the Davenports’

Learn about tea traditions and experience an early 19th-century tea in the historic atmosphere of the Isaiah Davenport House Museum.

5 p.m.

Davenport House, 324 E. State St. $18 adults, $14 children davenporthousemuseum.org/ events-calendar

THURSDAY 3.11 “Almost There” Party & Silent Auction

Join Ghost Coast Distillery & Savannah CASA for their “Almost There” Silent Auction Party in preparation for Dancing with Savannah Stars 2021. Funds raised will benefit children in foster care. A $5 donation is suggested.

5:30 p.m.

Ghost Coast Distillery, 641 Indian St.

Bingo! at Elks Lodge

Join Elks Lodge for Bingo on Thursdays and Sundays. Enjoy great

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.

family fun, good food at the snack bar and many chances to win cash.

7:30-9:30 p.m.

Elks Lodge, 183 Wilshire Blvd.

Virtual Lecture: Slavery

by Another Name: The Re-Enslavement of Black Americans from the Civil War to World War II

Telfair Museums presents a virtual lecture by Douglas Blackmon on his book, “Slavery by Another Name: 6 p.m.

Free and open to the public telfair.org/los

FRIDAY 3.12

Fifth Annual Savannah Antiques and Architecture Weekend

The Annual Savannah Antiques and Architecture Weekend is a two-day series of presentations, tours, and events dedicated to the promotion of Savannah’s robust historic preservation efforts and its best-in-class examples of American architecture and design. The weekend begins with a virtual tour of the 1880s home of John O. Morisano and Carol Sawdye, lovingly restored and redesigned with the masterful expertise of designer Chuck Chewning.

1-3 p.m.

Andrew Low House, 329 Abercorn St. $40 - $100 savantiquesweekend.com/events

Neosublime at Sulfur Studios

Sulfur Art Services debuts “Neosublime”- a solo exhibition by Kathy Varadi. The exhibition is on display at The Sentient Bean and will be available for view during the shop’s operating hours.

March 3-April 27 The Sentient Bean, 13 E. Park Ave. fb.me/e/20inqdQ78

“Revival: A Call for Radical Care” at Sulfur Studios

Curated by Antonia B. Larkin “Revival” is a multi-faceted exhibition on display in the Main Gallery of Sulfur Studios from March 4th 28th, 2021.

March 4-28 Sulfur Studios, 2301 Bull St.

SATURDAY 3.13 Coastal Heritage Society Family Day

Coastal Heritage Society will host Family Day at all six of its museums.

Guests can enjoy interactive exhibits and engaging tours at each site through family-friendly, immersive activities that illustrate the narratives of Savannah’s past.

9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Coastal Heritage Society, 303 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.

Fifth Annual Savannah Antiques and Architecture Weekend

The Annual Savannah Antiques and Architecture Weekend is a two-day series of presentations, tours, and events dedicated to the promotion of Savannah’s robust historic preservation efforts and its best-in-class examples of American architecture and design.

11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Andrew Low House, 329 Abercorn St. $40 - $100 savantiquesarchitecture savantiquesweekend.com/events

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

Islands Farmers Market

Weekly farmers market on Talahi Island highlighting local growers and makers, healthy foods and a positive environment.

9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Islands Farmers’ Market, 401 Quarterman Dr. facebook.com/ islandsfarmersmarket

Savannah Comedy Revue Comedy Club

As seen on Comedy Central, Vh1, and more Comic Greg Schwem is on tour, and he will put on a show in Savannah, GA this weekend.

Tickets available for purchase on eventbrite.com 8-10 p.m.

Bay Street Theatre, 1 Jefferson St. $15-$20

A Week for CASA at Lili’s

Lili’s will be serving a special dinner from March 9th-13th, with proceeds going to benefit Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). Tickets include your choice of select appetizers, two side salads, two select entrées, and a shared dessert. Reservations are strongly suggested.

March 10-13, 5-10 p.m.

Lili’s Restaurant Bar, 326 Johnny Mercer Blvd. $100 per couple lilisrestaurantandbar.com/

SUNDAY 3.14 22 Square Sunday Brunch

Join Andaz Hotel for Sunday Brunch each week featuring a pre-fixed menu with local seasonal selections. Design your own bloody

CONNECT SAVANNAH | MAR 10 - MAR 16, 2021

WEEK CONNECT SAVANNAH

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SAVANNAH’S PULSE NEWS | ARTS | ENTERTAINMENT

© 2021, Savannah Media, LLC. 611 East Bay Street Savannah, Georgia 31401 Phone: (912) 231-0250 | Fax: (912) 238-2041

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ERICA BASKIN PUBLISHER erica@connectsavannah.com (912) 721-4378 WENDY WICKHAM BUSINESS MANAGER wendy@connectsavannah.com (912) 721-4373 HUNTER McCUMBER SENIOR CREATIVE DIRECTOR hmccumber@morrisnews.com (912) 231-0250

EDITORIAL

NOELLE WIEHE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF noelle@connectsavannah.com (912) 721-4356 BRANDY SIMPKINS COMMUNITY/EVENTS JOURNALIST brandy@connectsavannah.com (912) 721-4358

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OUR VALUES

CONNECT SAVANNAH | MAR 10 - MAR 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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mary, bottomless mimosas, and hand-crafted cocktails.

11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

Andaz Hotel, 14 Barnard Street.

Bingo! at Elks Lodge

Join Elks Lodge for Bingo on Thursdays and Sundays. Enjoy great family fun, good food at the snack bar and many chances to win cash.

7:30-9:30 p.m.

Elks Lodge, 183 Wilshire Blvd.

MONDAY 3.15 Tybee Island Farmers Market

Weekly market featuring a variety of produce, baked goods, honey, eggs,

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BBQ, sauces and dressings, popsicles, dog treats and natural body products.

4 p.m.

30 Meddin Drive, 30 Meddin Drive. tybeeislandfarmersmarket.com

TUESDAY 3.16 Toddler Tuesday at Oatland Island Wildlife Center

Explore the wonders of nature with all kinds of wild fun for your wee ones. This week’s theme is “Sheep to Shawl” Pre-registration required.

10 & 11 a.m.

Oatland Island Wildlife Center, 711 Sandtown Rd.

Change among Connect

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ON THE COVER /connectsav

WEEK

BY NOELLE WIEHE

noelle@connectsavannah.com

I HATE CHANGE as much as the next person. I always have. Yet, it seems inevitable. Each time I've expressed how much I hate change is the very moment I’m having to fully embrace it.

Obviously, Savannah is facing change with its trusted arts and entertainment magazine, Connect Savannah.

Hi, I’m Noelle and I’m the change. I am the new editor for Connect Savannah.

I’m not the only change, though. Our team is thriving with fresh talent and big ideas.

This is all a big change for me, too. So, let’s get through this together.

My most recent past job was as a mass communications soldier on Fort Stewart.

During 2020, I took over as editor of the paper which covered Fort Stewart, Hunter Army Airfield and any military-related news in the surrounding communities. My final out day was the end of February, and now I am back to civilian journalism and was fortunate enough to land in another editor position here in the Hostess City.

Now, internal military news is a lot different, but I do have a variety of other journalistic experience. I have been in the media industry in some capacity ever since I graduated college from the

University of Cincinnati. I have filled spots in a newsroom to include staff writer, editor and even account executive.

Through my experience and with the awesome team built by my Connect Savannah publisher, Erica Baskin, regional vice president of Morris Multimedia, Joe McGlamery, and owner founder of Morris Multimedia, Charles Hill Morris, I am confident in leading this magazine in the right direction and giving our readers the things they want to see here when they pick up this publication.

Change is here. I’m meeting all of you in a brand-new way. I’ve lived in Savannah for about five years, but I have never been this integrated into the downtown scene and all that makes this city run. I'm attending Chatham Chamber of Commerce gatherings and collecting important business cards; I'm showing up to Veterans of Foreign Wars meetings to listen and be present and I'm walking into businesses in the middle of their renovations and realizing what a great story they have that needs to be shared.

I look forward to hearing more great stories and meeting outstanding people.

Please don't hesitate to reach out to me or any of my Connect Savannah team if you've got something great to share or if you simply would like to connect. I hope we can all take on this change and come out better than ever before. I intend to.

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Shamrocks in Savannah

Plant Riverside District hosts inaugural St. Paddy’s celebration

BY BRANDY SIMPKINS brandy@connectsavannah.com

LOOKS LIKE Savannah’s in Luck.

Plant Riverside District will host its first annual Shamrocks and Shenanigans Festival from March 12 through March 17.

Plant Riverside District will host free live music, Irish dance performances, photos with Lucky the Leprechaun, festive food and drink options for all ages and much more during their six-day event.

“It is going to be a fantastic St. Patrick’s Day festival filled with live music, events throughout that everybody’s going to love and also a way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in a fun way,” said Tyler Gray, Plant Riverside District entertainment and activities director.

Representatives say that Plant Riverside District has taken the Savannah-Safe Pledge.

“Savannah Safe is what we have based it around,” Gray said.

We’ve created many different events, a lot of live music events – everything’s pretty much outside, besides a few of our events that will happen inside including a VIP event that will take place on St.Patrick’s Day,” Gray said.

See available event details below:

Friday, March 12 - staring at 7:30 p.m. - Kessler Collection’s Chairman and CEO Richard Kessler leads the Lighting Ceremony at Montgomery Park overlooking the Savannah River.

Saturday, March 13 - full day of entertainment with Irish dancers, Savannah Cirque and live outdoor performances. Food and drink specials will be available throughout the day.

3-6 p.m. Tell Scarlet performs 7-10 p.m. Eric Culberson Blues Band will perform from along the riverwalk.

Wednesday, March 17 (St. Patrick’s Day) – from 11 a.m. to midnight- St. Patrick’s Day-themed VIP at Party Electric Moon Skytop Lounge.

A special party for adults age 21 and up, featuring specialty cocktails, a live DJ, raffle prizes and more.

VIP Party Tickets are $50 in advance at plantriverside.com or $75 at the door.

10 a.m.-10 p.m.- Plant Riverside will feature outdoor entertainment as well as food and drink specials.

1-3 p.m- Open viewing of the Shamrock Ships St. Paddy’s Flotilla from Plant Riverside District’s riverwalk.

1-4 p.m.- The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra perfoms.

7-10 p.m.- The Band Draucker performs.

We are offering our dining room in the evenings for limited capacity, community building events.

Email details to sentientbooking@gmail.com for consideration.

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CONNECT SAVANNAH | MAR 10 - MAR 16, 2021

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New charter school intends to empower learning

BY NOELLE WIEHE noelle@connectsavannah.com

PEOPLE LEARN something new every day.

A new charter academy in Savannah is looking to harness that fact and transform it into the way school-age children are taught, according to Chris Tuttle, chief academic officer for the school.

“I am both honored and excited to be a part of the Savannah Exploratory Charter Academy’s mission to provide its students with a uniquely engaging, interactive learning experience,” Tuttle said.

SECA, a charter school authorized by the State of Georgia, is set to open in August and looks to empower children through gaining knowledge through learning about the world around them.

“What we’re doing differently is projectbased learning,” Tuttle said. “This is a very individualized method of instruction where it is interdisciplinary. All of the core standards are included, we also include art, music, physical education all focused on one specific project.”

Project-based learning allows students to

experience the diverse curriculum through teacher-guided, integrated projects and presentations.

PBL involves hands-on, interactive application rather than reading from a book, taking a test, and moving on to the next subject, Tuttle said.

“It’s all about learning all of the standards through one unit of study,” Tuttle said.

“That’s really something we want to be sure the community know is that if they enroll their child as a fourth grader, will they have to go to a different school for fifth grade, and the answer is no,” Tuttle said. “We will add fifth grade the next year.”

“Because we’re a public school, everyone is eligible,” Tuttle said. “We do not turn anyone away.”

Local charters, while they have their own boards and make their own decisions, are still under the local school board, said Roger Moss, SECA chief operating officer. SECA is a state charter and will not report to the local school board; they report directly to the state charter school commission. They are required, however, to meet state standards, Tuttle said.

“We make our own decisions,” said Roger Moss, chief operating officer for SECA. “We are our own school system. So, decisions on whether we are in school or virtual, that’s totally up to us.” “… based on our kids, just our kids,” Tuttle said. “Not the whole county, not the whole state, just our 350 kids.”

The two said they want to do what works best for the students, and feel pretty confident that students should be in school.

Moss was a part of the founding of Savannah Classical Academy, another local charter school, in 2013. He said he put together a group of board members to begin working on SECA two years ago.

Moss and the board found property on Mohawk St., across the street from the park.

The property the school will be on will be about nine acres, but initially only five acres until after the first two years.

Tuttle added that long term, SECA would love to grow to a middle school.

Families interested in potential openings or positions on the waiting list are encouraged to attend in-person information meetings hosted by SECA on March 11 at 7 p.m.;

The Savannah Exploratory Charter Academy is set to open in August and will feature modulars with up to 10 classrooms until the permanent school building is built. PHOTO COURTESY OF SECA

March 13 at 10 a.m.; March 25 at 5:30 p.m.; and March 27 at 1 p.m.

The sessions will be at the Spiva Law Group at 1137 Mohawk St. COVID-19 safety protocols will be closely followed, Moss said. Temperatures will be taken at the door, masks will be required for entry and to ensure social distancing seating will be limited.

Register by visiting secawise.org. If student space is still available, families will be able to apply on-site.

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Staff, members of the board and community advisors gather in the lobby at the location for the new Savannah Repertory Theatre at 402 E. Broughton St. PHOTO COURTESY OF SAVANNAH REP

Nonprofit theater to light up Broughton St. Savannah Rep plans to open in new building, invites community for open house

BY NOELLE WIEHE noelle@connectsavannah.com

LOCAL LEGENDS from various storied businesses in Savanah are working to bring the first nonprofit theater to Broughton St., with an aim of attracting theater fans to the Hostess City the way Broadway brings them to New York.

The Savannah Repertory Theatre, “Savannah Rep,” announced their opening of a second venue in 402 E. Broughton, thanks to a generous boost from local well-known family, the Kaminskys – Ross, Myron and Adam – in the form of a building and operations in it at “terms that are just stunning,” said Ryan McCurdy, executive artistic director for Savannah Rep. “Having a nonprofit theater back is a pretty big deal,” said Adam Kaminsky, coowner of Southern Motors Acura.

The Savannah Rep board members include Stratton Leopold, owner of Leopold’s Ice Cream; Roger Moss, Savannah Exploratory Charter Academy founder and Dolette McDonald, singer and actor.

“I honestly think this is the most dynamic nonprofit board I’ve seen assembled in Savannah for the arts – for theater, especially,” McCurdy said.

The building used to house the Southern Motors Acura dealership, which is now located at 102 Park of Commerce Dr. The building on Broughton was used as a dealership for so many years, Kaminsky said, but it has been vacant for the last three years or so.

“We were at some point going to redevelop the property, but for now it kind of worked out pretty well that they need a space,” Kaminsky said.

McCurdy noted the incredible gift of the building, but that the building was not a

theater, so they began the capital campaign.

“The Kaminskys have come to the table,” McCurdy said. “Now, we need to raise the money to change the space. I believe it’s completely possible.”

Savannah Rep’s shows will be based on rates that are nationally authorized, McCurdy explained, contrary to what is currently in Savannah: semiprofessional companies, companies that share ticket sales with their actors and some that share a small stipend.

The difference, McCurdy said, is that the cast members are Savannah Rep employees while they are a part of the production, and Savannah Rep will provide them benefits like health insurance and pension while they are working.

“It’s not that our shows are better or that our people are more talented, because in most cases it’s the same actors that are working across the city,” McCurdy said.

“The only thing we want to try to provide is that when you are watching a Savannah Rep show and there is an actor on stage, they are not having to think about whether doing this show is keeping them from making money or doing something that can help them.”

The Savannah Rep will hold an open house March 14 at three different time slots: 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., to allow for smaller groups. Visit savannahrep.org/venues to make a reservation.

McCurdy said the hope is that the event will grow local support for what they are building.

“It’s for anyone that has an interest in either being a future patron, or a future participant or a future actor. We just want to get to meet people and as much of the staff and board as possible will be there floating in and out throughout the day.”

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CONNECT SAVANNAH | MAR 10 - MAR 16, 2021

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Tybee Island residents decorate to the theme Paint Tybee Ireland Green for St. Patrick’s Day. PHOTO BY MELISSA TURNER

Residents on Tybee Island decorate their homes green in lieu of a St. Patrick’s Day parade this year. PHOTO BY CATHY LEWIS

Tybee Post Theater event hopes residents will ‘be the parade’

BY BETH STEWART

CONNECT SAVANNAH | MAR 10 - MAR 16, 2021

TYBEE ISLAND IS going green in a different way this St. Patrick’s Day. With the annual parade down Butler Ave. cancelled and social distancing directives being advised, officials are encouraging participation in a unique addition to the event calendar this year: it’s called “Paint Tybee Ireland Green,” sponsored by the Tybee Post Theater.

Under the billing “Since we can’t have a parade, let’s BE the parade,” the drive-by, walk-by, or bike-by event starts March 12.

It will showcase more than 50 homes on Tybee Island sham-rocked to the rafters with green on top of green.

Tybee residents can register and decorate their homes in the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, and visitors can take a tour of the houses and yards via maps that will be 10 provided by the Tybee Post Theater, or by

following along on Google maps. Prizes will be awarded for the top decorations.

“St. Patrick’s Day is really the holiday for Savannah and Tybee and we are really going to miss the parade,” said Melissa Turner, executive director of the Tybee Post Theater. “Decorate your houses to the nines with Irish flags and green buntings and leprechauns. Make it fun and festive because that’s what St. Paddy’s is all about.”

The event was modeled after the success of New Orleans’ “float houses” during this year’s Mardi Gras celebration, which created a safe alternative to the parade crowds that normally fill that city.

While the Coastal Empire has long been in the top U.S. destinations for those looking to celebrate the green holiday, Tybee hopes to offer a safe, family-friendly option for fun-seekers.

“Anyone who wants to have an

alternative to big-time partying should think about Tybee,” says Shirley Sessions, Tybee Island’s mayor, who is encouraging participation in the event The Tybee Post Theater is sponsoring a contest for the best decorated houses.

Judges will travel around to each home on a float and vote for their favorites. The top prize winner will be announced live on Facebook by March 17 and awarded $1,000, second place:$500, third place: $250.

“We are encouraging anyone who might be visiting to get a map and ride around on their own tour of homes,” Turner said. ‘It’ll be a fun way to celebrate the holiday on your own in a safe way in your car or golf cart, which can also be decorated.”

Tybee resident Cathy Lewis is participating in the event and has already started styling her house.

“We have decorated our home with

lights and decorations and things we have made,” Lewis said. “I have a theme and plan to entertain the judges when they come by during the day, so it will look good during the day and at night.”

Colleen Bozard will also be participating. “When we heard about them changing the parade around so the houses became the floats, I thought it was a great idea,” she said. “I am looking forward to taking our golf cart out and following the map around to tour the houses.”

In addition, Island businesses, restaurants and locals are gearing up to celebrate safely. Longtime resident, Jamie Stringer’s family has lived on Tybee since the 1940s and he plans to spend the day with friends celebrating as usual.

“People are going outside of the box a little bit to readjust without a parade,” he said. “To me, Tybee St. Patrick’s Day is an opportunity for the locals to share in the festivities, see each other, visit each other’s establishments and have a good time.

[COVID directives] won’t stop us as locals and groups visiting and sharing the day together.”

Going green on Tybee Island for the holiday isn’t just about decorating houses.

Sessions encourages everyone to enjoy all the Island has to offer including patronizing local businesses while also protecting the environment on Tybee Island.

“Tybee will be green,” Sessions said.

“We have a beautiful beach, and although we won’t be dyeing the sand or ocean, we encourage everyone to wear green for St. Patrick’s Day. We hope people will also ‘think green’ when they visit, and clean up their litter when they leave.”

For maps and information about Paint Tybee Ireland Green, visit tybeeposttheater.org.

NEWS

COMMUNITY

Celtic Heritage Festival hosts virtual event

BY NOELLE WIEHE noelle@connectsavannah.com

THE CELTIC Heritage Festival of Savannah will host a one-day virtual Celtic cultural festival March 13, which will be pre-recorded.

The link for the virtual celebration will be available through March 17, said Victoria Smith, board member and treasurer for the festival.

“You can play the music anytime you wanted,” Smith said.

The festival will typically be held the weekend before St. Patrick’s Day, but with pandemic concerns still in the air, Smith said the best decision was to share the music virtually.

Ciara Sheehan, left, Joanie Madden, and Pauline Scanlon are three artists to perform as part of the virtual, prerecorded Celtic Heritage Festival of Savannah, available for viewing March 13-17. PHOTOS COURTESY OF CHFS

This year’s lineup includes such Irish musical luminaries as Joanie Madden, Pauline Scanlon and Ciarán Sheehan.

Celtic Heritage Savannah announced their new permanent home beginning in 2022 will be the Kehoe Ironworks location.

The CHFS’s inspiration is the legacy of Tara Feis, which ran for 26 years most recently at Emmet Park the weekend before Savannah’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade and celebrations. They intend to span the festival over an entire weekend, Smith said.

“It will include a lot more,” Smith said.

Once in-person, the event will include ticketed events and hopefully sports, Smith said.

The goal of the festival is to create the finest Celtic

BEST OF SAVANNAH • 2014 •

cultural event in Savannah, bringing together many Irish, Scots-Irish, Scottish and other Celtic initiatives and traditions.

The CHFS curates a true Celtic cultural experience through music, arts and cuisine for local Savannahians and the thousands of visitors who come every year in March.

Sponsors of the event include Government of Ireland’s Emigrant Support Programme, the Ulster-Scots Agency, Connect Savannah, Georgia Southern University and the Center for Irish Research and Teaching, Kehoe Ironworks, Bonitz and Associated Shipping.

Visit celticheritagesav.org to view the music of this year’s virtual festival.

2019

CONNECT SAVANNAH | MAR 10 - MAR 16, 2021

Festival-goers can experience Celtic cultural music from home

11

FOOD & DRINK

LEFT: The Salsa Trio, featuring peanut macha, at the Savannah Tequila Company.

Corazon De Chai, a frozen cocktail, available at the Savannah Tequila Company. PHOTOS BY LINDY MOODY

Traditions rooted in Mexican flair

Savannah Tequila Company offers creative takes on authentic dishes CONNECT SAVANNAH | MAR 10 - MAR 16, 2021

BY LINDY MOODY

IT WAS NOT until I visited the Savannah Tequila Company that I realized that before its doors opened, a large gap existed in Savannah’s tequila scene. That large gap basically meant that there was no actual tequila scene at all. Aside from the usual shots of brown and silver well booze and the fancily lit and strangely shaped bottles of tequila that you can find in any corner’s liquor store around the country, the tequila selection was reasonably flat in the restaurants and bars we know and love.

That has all changed. Boasting more than 100 varieties of agave spirits, Savan12 nah Tequila Company offers customers

the pleasure of choosing either tequila or mezcal — or both — to pair with creative and original handmade mixers and unique garnishes.

If tequila or mezcal seems a little strange to your current and usual liquor imbition, fear not. Kessler Collection has staffed its newest foray into foreign fare with skilled workers to aid you in selecting and sipping your succulent-based synthesis.

Keeping with traditions rooted in Mexican flair, the space itself is incredibly inspiring with colors and patterns reminiscent of our North American neighbors’ eateries. Rich and vibrant greens, reds, blues and yellows will fill your heart with the spirit of Mexico and prepare your palate for the tour of tastes and scents with

ABOVE: The Chicken Tinga Flautas, available on the main menu at the Savannah Tequila Company.

which your senses will shortly flood.

The menu’s authenticity comes from the kitchen staff and Victor Terrones, Chef du Cuisine at Savannah Tequila Co. Terrones hails from Mexico City, and he spent some time in Miami kitchens before heading to Savannah to work for the Kessler collection.

“Our team worked together to perfect the menu until we created something that we love; then we had multiple tastings,” Terrones said. “We had probably six tastings for culinary before we presented the final one to our executive committee. They loved it, but the best part was that I worked with part of my entire kitchen team, and all of them did extraordinarily.”

For me, the start of the meal stuck out the most. I ordered simply and went for the Chip and Salsa Trio and found the dish was anything but simple. The trio included a bright and creamy verde salsa, a smoky and deeply layered flavor charred salsa, and something very unique to our Savannah restaurant scene: peanut macha.

The peanut macha is Savannah Tequila Company’s take on a traditional and extremely unique salsa from Veracruz, Mexico. Imagine eating chili-infused peanut butter; that is how I would describe the

unique sauce. The roasted chilis add layers of smoke and fire, and the chunky salty peanuts hit your palate with deep nuttiness. If I could, I would put peanut macha on everything I ate.

Terrones honors his roots and also allows his partner chefs to do the same.

“My Sous Chef Carlos’ randma was a butcher, and she made this chorizo in her business in Mexico. Carlos developed an extraordinary recipe, and we had to add it to the menu. It is superior to any of the ones we have in the market, well, at least for the things that we need it to. The chorizo is found in dishes like the Queso Fundido, Tres Sopes [and] Alambre.”

The Queso Fundido is one of the standout starters. It is served in a sizzling cast-iron skillet and made from a blend of melted cheeses. The topping is fresh pico de gallo, and the in-house made chorizo.

For my main, I ordered the Chicken Tinga Flautas because reading the menu’s description of creamy avocado salsa, roasted poblano crema and crumbled chihuahua cheese entranced me. From the chef himself, “We have flautas on the menu because Chef Shahin told me a story about his mother picking him at elementary school and bringing him to a flautas stand,

EPICUROPEDIA

just him and her. It was his moment of just pure love, and that’s food to me. I loved it, and of course, I had to add it to the menu.”

The flautas are generously portioned, regarding both their size and toppings.

Crunchy rolled and fried shells encase a succulent chicken-filled center which are topped with a heap of cabbage, pico de gallo, poblano crema and avocado salsa.

You can pick from several traditional items like refried beans, black beans, roasted corn, or red rice as a side to your meal. The refried beans hit close to home for Terrones, “The refried beans have pickled carrots. This is because the first spicy bite I had when I was maybe two- or three-years old was a corn tostada spread with refried beans, and my grandma just arranged a slice of pickled carrot — you know, the ones that come with the pickled jalapenos. Well, it was my first contact with the heat of jalapenos. After that, I felt like a big boy because I ate ‘chili.’”

Like the salsa trio, there are three different types of enchiladas made available on the menu. Because the Enchiladas Rojas are served with a runny fried egg, my selection of the three was a no-brainer. Dubbed Enchiladas Rojas from the smothering of housemade salsa roja sauce, they hide underneath a sea of savory red salsa tender braised beef barbacoa.

For guidance on how to best wash down your boisterous meal, customers can seek the advice of in-house Tequilier Chelsea DeMark. Similar to a sommelier, Savannah Tequila Company has its very own Tequilier — an expert in the history and background of various tequilas. She even took the time to give me some insight into what would pair best with my meal.

According to her, “Our pepino cooler is a fun play inspired by a snack frequently enjoyed in Mexico: cucumbers dusted with sour, spicy tajin. When the weather gets hot in Savannah, this cocktail will be your

refreshing go-to libation. We start with our housemade cucumber mint soda and top that off with your choice of mezcal, sotol or tequila served with a Tajin rim.”

I went for the Corazon De Chai —a frozen cocktail that blends tequila and chai spice. Overall, it was light and refreshing from the pineapple cordial’s slight sweetness, but the drink has warmth due to the chai spice that coats the back of your tongue.

Another great option, said DeMark, “The Legend of the Hidden Palenque cocktail is an ode to the mezcal distilleries — called ‘palenques’ — that are hidden gems tucked away, dotting the most remote regions of Mexico and produce some of the most superb mezcals. This cocktail is designed to evoke the sense of adventure related to the spirit and to commemorate the people who trekked through the desert and jungle to bring mezcal into popularity outside of Mexico. Homemade Agua Fresca de Jamaica complements the smoky mezcal and bright citrus in this drink, and it is tied together with mint and a touch of bitters.”

Luckily for locals, the newest Mexican addition to our overflowing south-of-theborder restaurants sets itself entirely apart from the rest of the ones here. Truthfully, it is a culinary casa unlike any other I have experienced anywhere, much less limiting that statement to our sprawling city. Though most locals stray from River Street, places like Savannah Tequila Company give us many excellent reasons to head down to the river and allow our minds to experience a transportation into another world.

Savannah Tequila Company is located at 500 W. River St. Find their menu at plantriverside.com/venues/savannah-tequila-co and follow epicuropedia.com to ready more

by Lindy Moody.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | MAR 10 - MAR 16, 2021

The Savannah Tequila Company in Plant Riverside features colors and patterns reminiscent of our North American neighbors’ eateries. PHOTO BY LINDY MOODY

13

CULTURE Seeking community through culture, coffee

The Culturist Union founder shares plans for up-and-coming brick and mortar

BY BRANDY SIMPKINS

CONNECT SAVANNAH | MAR 10 - MAR 16, 2021

brandy@connectsavannah.com

14

THE CULTURIST UNION is a private membership hub and digital platform centered on the social, professional, and economic empowerment of professionals, entrepreneurs and creators.

Originally from Pontiac, Michigan, Elbi Elm is a self-proclaimed military child and veteran of the U.S. Air Force, which she joined at 17-years old, and served 10 years.

The Culturist Union received a $25,000 grant from American Express for their Amex 100 for 100 program and received funds for SCADpro start-up week of $10,000 CS: What is The Culturist Union?

Elm: It’s not just a coffee house, and I want to drive that message home because I know people are saying that it’s a coffee house or a coffee shop. If that’s how you wrap your head around it that’s great, but it’s really more than that. It’s really a marketplace for artisans to sell their products – highly curated products. It’s really a space to connect and go to events, and go to social debates, and forums, and trivias, and wind-downs, and then it’s also a place where you can just grab coffee.

CS: How did your upbringing lead you to establishing a business such as the Culturist Union?

Elm: I used to be really envious of the people who had a hometown and friends that they knew from preschool. Now, I see A supporter displays a sign for The Culturist Union at 520 Tavern on Abercorn St. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CULTURIST UNION

FEATURE [my upbringing] as a blessing-in-disguise because since I’ve been able to live in so many different places, I’ve seen how Black culture changes from region-toregion, country-to-county, and we’re not monolithic. We’re multicultural within our culture. There’s a whole diaspora of who we are, and I think that it’s a beautiful thing. I haven’t seen all of the greatness that is Black but I’ve seen so much of it that I can pull from the North and pull from the South, and pull from England, Germany, Japan, and Cali, and all of these different places and bring it into this 1,600 square foot space. That’s what I love about TCU; it’s not just this one-trick pony. It really is going to be a representation of all the beauty that is Black culture, and it’s not a place where it’s only for us but it is an opportunity to share and express ourselves in a myriad of ways.

CS: Where did the idea for TCU come from?

Elm: The Culturist Union came from trying to solve a problem. I’ve traveled and lived in all these places and when I moved to Savannah, and I’m asking, ‘Where is the community? Where do Black artisans gather? Where do they connect? Where do they go?’ There’s not

a spot that you can go to on a random Tuesday at 2 p.m. and connect with like-minded people, and that was a problem for me. So, I did what most people do and I left.

I moved to D.C. and I transferred from Savannah College of Art and Design to Howard and there’s plenty of community in D.C. There’re plenty of places that I could go on a Tuesday at 2 p.m. to connect, and then I moved to Minnesota and it was the same thing. But, eventually, I started thinking about where I wanted to grow roots, and where I wanted to call home, and where I wanted to raise my son and I knew I wanted to be back in the South.

My dad lives here, and my mom is close by.

But, the thing that was deterring me from moving back was the fact that there was no community. And then it hit me: ‘Well, then, create community.’

We wanted to create this co-working space trying to be like Atlanta and those bigger cities, but then I realized the beautiful thing about Savannah and our unique culture is that we’re not a big city – we are a small town. And, where do small town people want to gather? They want to gather in coffee houses, and they want to connect one-on-one.

CS: What is the start-up financial goal?

Elm: We [received] $10,000 from SCAD, we crowd-funded for another $10,000, and then American Express gave us $25,000. I don’t think that I would have been able to get this far. I don’t think that out of all of the people American Express could have helped they wouldn’t have helped us if they didn’t believe in this vision. I don’t think SCAD would’ve reached out if they didn’t believe in this vision. We even got a Facebook $5,000 grant a couple of months ago.

We work with Buy Local Savannah and the Coastal Georgia Minority Chamber – I don’t think these businesses would pour into us if we weren’t a sure thing. The goal right now is to generate $75,000 more dollars. We have a crowd-funding campaign that’s up on ifundwomen.com.

CS: Did you apply for the American Express grant?

Elm: I did not apply for the American Express Grant. It came to me through the efforts and the work that TCU did. During COVID-19, we stopped our crowdfunding campaign efforts to focus on the things that were happening around us. So, you’ve got Ahmaud Arbery down in Brunswick, George Floyd up in Minnesota, the pandemic, all of these social inequities

happening around us. Then, you’ve got local elections taking place at the same time. So, we took a moment and we just paused and we said, ‘How can we stop focusing on what we want and support our community?’

One of the things that we decided to do was team up with the Coastal Georgia Minority Chamber and Dr. Jamal Touré and we created these nonpartisan voter forums.

We also did Black millennial roundtable discussions, where we got the best and the brightest of Black millennials together to talk about voting rights, Juneteenth, Black love, and to talk about how they can support their community. We presented that to elected officials as this generation’s wants and needs. We also did digital vendor markets where we were highlighting Black artisans on our social media, and so much more.

We just did our best to do whatever we could do, and I think that because of all of that effort, somebody somewhere must have reached out to American Express on our behalf. American Express reached out and next thing you know we’re a part of the 100 for 100 Program.

I feel good about this. The rest of the money is going to come. The support’s going to come.

VotE

Mike Hostilo Law Firm

CONNECT SAVANNAH | MAR 10 - MAR 16, 2021

Do Yourself A Favor

15

World-famous Bananas pitch fun to fans Savannah Bananas premier team to bring life back into baseball

BY NOELLE WIEHE noelle@connectsavannah.com

CONNECT SAVANNAH | MAR 10 - MAR 16, 2021

BATS CRACKING, beer tapping and the crowd clapping are all sounds you’d expect to hear at a traditional sports game, but what about chains on kilts jingling, Nanas laughing and the first base coach break dancing?

These are the sounds and sights fans can look forward to if they’ve managed to snag a ticket for one of the four Savannah Bananas premier team games.

The Savannah Bananas are selling out games, yet again, so it is obvious the team is doing something right through their fans first, entertainment always mission. To create even more buzz, Owner Jesse Cole announced the team will add new characters, a brand new dance team and a food and beverage option that is “going to be wild,” this upcoming season.

“You’ve got to think dramatically different,” said Cole, also the founder of Fans First Entertainment. “Everything we think about is what’s fans first.”

The Savannah Bananas are peeling back the layers of obstacles the past year has put on live entertainment. This month, they are revealing their brand new premier team from their home at the historic Grayson Stadium and taking to Mobile, Alabama – all as part of their One-City World Tour.

“It sounds pretty ridiculous, but that’s what we do,” Cole said.

The premier team is different from the regular collegiate team who plays during the summer. Baseball players with a sense of humor or hidden talent were called to try out from all over the country to be a Banana. Unlike the collegiate team, these players get paid to play, Cole said.

The premier team will play in a St. Patrick’s Daythemed game March 13 and an added game March 20 in Savannah at Grayson Stadium.

Cole said the premier team will perform like the Harlem Globetrotters.

That isn’t a spoiler. If patrons have tickets to the upcoming March 13 or added March 20 game, they can expect nothing short of real, live entertainment – the Bananas’ bread and butter.

The following weekend, the team will be in Mobile and since the March 26 game sold out in one day, they added another game on March 27.

“We are flying to a different city who has never seen us, and the game sold out 24 hours – 3500 tickets in 24 hours in Mobile, Alabama,” Cole said..

Fans can expect an edge-of-your-seat competi16 tive game, all while taking in the excitement of the

Fans sport sports jerseys from all over the country as they meet Savannah Bananas players on the field at Grayson Stadi PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SAVANNAH BANANAS

break-dancing first-base coach, a male cheerleading team called the Mananas, a senior citizen dance team called the Banana Nanas and more.

Cole said the reason so many characters and antics are added to the game is so that everyone who comes to the Bananas ballpark has someone they can relate to – from a slightly out-of-shape middle aged man to a dancing grandma and not to mention the players and coaches.

“I think that’s what’s pretty cool – I’ve never thought about that too much, but you know when you go to most sporting events, fans can’t really relate much to the performers,” Cole said. “But, I think at a Bananas game, everyone has an opportunity so say they see a little bit of themselves in someone that is actually performing.”

Tryouts were held Feb. 20 and a team was formed of the best 35 players.

Those interested ranged from police officers, former professional players and a former Notre Dame football player to a guy who’s dad won the Olympic Gold Medal in the 4x100 for the U.S., not to mention the last Banana, who was voted in by fans on social media.

The Bananas hopefuls went through stations at the tryouts, to include a Tik-Tok station, an interview station, a station where they watched videos about Bananas U and Fans First U. “We had talent – that’s why one guy brought his unicycle and brought his stilts, and why one guy was doing splits in his kilt,” Cole said. “We’re so clear that this isn’t about serious baseball so what we do is we attract people that aren’t seriously all about the baseball, they’re about the fun and the baseball.”

Cole said men traveled from as far as California to try out.

“Everybody has a dream of playing pro baseball, but does everyone have that opportunity to actually play baseball, but have as much fun as possible?” Cole said.

Of the 35, a draft will be held to determine which players are on the Savannah Bananas and which are on the Party Animals.

“Really, our fans guide us: what we do and where we’ll go next and what our next plan is,” Cole said.

Five years ago to the day Cole interviewed with Connect

Fans of all ages celebrate during a Savannah Bananas game at historic Grayson Stadium.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE SAVANNAH BANANAS

A fan is brought onto the turf to dance during a Savannah Bananas game at historic Grayson Stadium.

Savannah Bananas baseball team players dance during a game at their home in historic Grayson Stadium. Fans can expect the excitement of the break-dancing first-base coach, a male cheerleading team called the Mananas, a senior citizen dance team called the Banana Nanas and more at every premier team and collegiate game.

Savannah for this article, he said the Savannah Bananas, with their initially rejected new name, were number one trending on Twitter nationally. Cole said he was told the team name was an embarrassment to the sport, but he considered the old saying that any publicity is good publicity.

“People finally knew who we were,” Cole said. “And once we were able to convince enough people to come to the game, it was a sold-out crowd. Then, they just told everyone. They saw … the shenanigans and the fun and from that point every single game was sold out.”

Cole is determined to have fun. He’s also just downright determined.

The team has come a long way from the beginning of his ownership when he and his wife only sold two tickets in the first three months. Cole said the two sold their dream house and dedicated all their efforts to keeping their new purchase afloat.

The two knew they could bounce back from such a loss because they knew this team was different.

“We believed in it,” Cole said.

Cole said the team now has more followers on Tik Tok

– nearly 400k – than every Major League Baseball team.

“People are following us from all over the world,” Cole said. “We never imagined something like this would happen.”

During COVID, Cole said they had to turn away 50,000 people who had already bought tickets, but just before that, he made the decision to transform the stadium to keep fans’ minds where they should be: on the fun.

“What other sports team in the country is dumb enough to throw away all their advertising revenue and say we’re creating the first ever ad-free ballpark?” Cole said. “Now, if you’ve come to Grayson Stadium this past year, we’ve eliminated every single billboard, every single ad, because we don’t believe anyone comes to a ballpark to be sold to or marketed to.

Cole said he “threw away” hundreds of thousands of dollars two weeks before COVID, but overall, said they’ve been very fortunate in creating revenue.

“Every day we’re selling merchandise all over the world,” Cole said. “The merchandise is bigger than I could have imagined.

Brand new characters will be seen in the spring series

The Savannah Bananas team players make a tunnel for young baseball fans during a game at Grayson Stadium.

and then in the summer, a brand new dance team.

Cole said there’s also going to a new drink at the ballpark that is going to be “electric.”

“A drink that people are going to think we’re crazy for doing that has never been done at a ballpark that is going to create a lot of buzz,” Cole said. “We’re constantly experimenting, I think that’s what makes it fun,” Cole said.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | MAR 10 - MAR 16, 2021

ium.

FEATURE

The Savannah Bananas play locally at Grayson Stadium, 1401 E. Victory Drive. Visit thesavannahbananas.com for the 17 latest updates and to purchase tickets.

MUSIC

Can’t stop, won’t stop CONNECT SAVANNAH | MAR 10 - MAR 16, 2021

Pop-punk band Neutral Snap to bring the party to Barrelhouse South for St. Patrick’s Day

18

Neutral Snap, a New Orleans-based pop-punk band will perform at Barrelhouse South March 16 and 17. PHOTO COURTESY OF NEUTRAL SNAP

momentum. They hit the studio at the end of last month to work on their secBY LAUREN WOLVERTON ond album, but they want to give “Sorry lauren@connectsavannah.com I Passed Out” a little more time to shine before releasing anything new.

NEW ORLEANS-BASED pop-punk “I don’t think album one has done band Neutral Snap woke up in Savannah everything it needs to do yet,” Latham in March 2020 and found their world said. “Because our tour was shut down, flipped upside down. Mayor Van Johnson we weren’t able to show as many people had just declared a local state of emerour album as we wanted to. So, there’s gency in response to the COVID-19 panstill a lot of people who are just discoverdemic, and cities across the nation were ing us.” doing the same.

If any band can come out of a panNeutral Snap was in the middle of their demic and keep the momentum going, 22-date tour for their debut album “Sorry it’s Neutral Snap. They’re exactly what I Passed Out.” live music fans are craving after a dry “We said ‘well, I guess we’re going 2020. They’ve got catchy songs with an home now,’” guitarist J.P. Brown said. edge, know all the right party anthems Before their music career came to a to mix into their set and are overflowing screeching halt with the rest of the world, with confidence.

Neutral Snap was on the up-and-up.

“We put on a live show that would The band, made up of lead vocalist Josh make you think that we’re a national Latham, guitarist J.P. Brown, bassist act,” Latham said. “We’re professional.

Dominick “Dan” Conforte, and drummer We’re incredibly personal. Go to whatRay-Ray Boudreaux, was created in 2011, ever show you want, but just know, that but really popped off at their “homebase” the people at our show are going to have a Fred’s in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, a few better time.” years later. They quickly gained popularTheir confidence radiates, and so does ity among fun-seeking music lovers, hit their energy. Halfway into a Neutral Snap the road and released their first album in concert, both the guys and the crowd are January 2020. dripping sweat from jumping, dancing Neutral Snap played their first show in and having the time of their lives. the Hostess City at Barrelhouse South in “I don’t like comparing ourselves to 2018. It was a disaster. other bands, but hand on the Bible, there “It sucked,” Brown said, laughing. “It is not one band on this earth that can was a horrible show.” control a crowd better than we can,” The band redeemed themselves with Latham said. “We’re really good at what a packed crowd at their second show we do, and we’re having an absolute at Barrelhouse, after which Savannah blast. I play with my best friends every became a regular stop on each tour. They night. That’s my job.” shoot to come to town roughly every eight Neutral Snap said they’re confident weeks. that anyone, from any background, with “Savannah is the city that reminds us any music taste will have fun with them. the most of New Orleans, which is our “My favorite compliment I’ve ever gothome,” Latham said. “We fell in love with ten was ‘Hey man, I don’t like the kind of the city the second we got here. We had a music you play, but I like the way you play really good connection with the people it,’” Brown said. off the rip.”

After their show at Barrelhouse next Brown said the connection with the week, Neutral Snap plans to keep perBarrelhouse staff is like family now. forming where they can. When the timBarrelhouse takes care of the band to ing is right, they’ll release their second this day. Following COVID-19 regulations, album. Latham joked that his long-term they welcomed Neutral Snap back to the goal is to be an A-list celebrity, but said stage in February and will again host them he’s truly content with the band’s success for two nights next week in celebration of at this point.

St. Patrick’s Day. Brown says he’s thankful “We started playing in church parkto play live shows again after struggling ing lots in high school,” Latham said. “So, with virtual shows last year. if this was as far as we went, I am very “It was weird not having a crowd, and it happy.” was weird not being able to really interact Regardless of the band’s celebrity stawith anyone on the livestream,” Brown tus, one thing is for sure: Neutral Snap is said. “We did what we could with it. We ready to party for a long time. went from playing every weekend for four years to not playing at all for four Neutral Snap will be performing at Barmonths.” relhouse South, 125 W. Congress Street, on Neutral Snap said they don’t think the March 16 and 17 at 9 p.m. To learn about pandemic has made them lose too much the band, visit neutralsnap.com.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | MAR 10 - MAR 16, 2021

FEATURE

19

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 3.10

8 p.m.

Churchill’s Pub Rachael Shaner, Anders Thomson Trio, 6 & 9:30 p.m.

Coach’s Corner Departure - Celebrating Coach’s 30th Anniversary, 7 p.m.

Doc’s Bar Chester Love Band, 8 p.m.-midnight Elan Savannah EazyBaked at Elan Savannah (Sat, Mar 13th), 9 p.m.

Ghost Coast Distillery Draucker, 3 p.m.

Jazz’d Tapas Bar Ray Lundy, 7:30 p.m.

Plant Riverside District Rob Taylor, 5 p.m., Equinox Quartet, noon, Tru Gentlemen, 3 p.m., Eric Culberson, 7 p.m.

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

River House Matt Eckstine, 6 p.m.

The Shrimp Factory Matt Hill, 6 p.m.

Sting Ray’s Robert Willis, 6 p.m.

The Warehouse At Sundown, 8 p.m.

Voodoo Soup, 10 p.m.

Ghost Coast Distillery Logan Thomas, 2 p.m.

Nickie’s 1971 Roy Swindell, 7 p.m.

Plant Riverside District Lakin Love & The Fellowship of Love, 1-4 p.m., Rob Taylor, 4 p.m.

The Public Kitchen and Bar Jason Bible, 5:30 p.m.

Sting Ray’s Robert Willis, 6 p.m.

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

The Warehouse Thomas Claxton, 6:30 p.m.

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

The Perch at Local 11 ten Rachael Shaner, 5:30 p.m.

The Public Kitchen and Bar Cyril Durant, 5:30 p.m.

Wild Wing Cafe Matt Hill, 7 p.m.

Blueberry Hill Pool Tournament, 2 p.m.

TRIVIA & GAMES

Bar Food Trivia Night, 8 p.m.

McDonough’s Family Feud, 7 p.m.

COMEDY

LIVE MUSIC

Driftaway Cafe Chuck Courtenay, 6 p.m.

Nickie’s 1971 Ray Tomasino, 7 p.m.

The Wormhole Open Jam, 9 p.m.

TRIVIA & GAMES

El-Rocko Lounge Trivia with Jules and Chris Grimmett, 9-11:30 p.m.

Service Brewing Company Trivia Night with Jess Shaw, 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

Two Tides Brewing Company Bring Your Own Vinyl Night, second Wednesday of every month, 7 p.m.

THURSDAY 3.11 LIVE MUSIC

KARAOKE

CONNECT SAVANNAH | MAR 10 - MAR 16, 2021

Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m.

McDonough’s Karaoke, 9 p.m.

Nickie’s 1971 Karaoke Night, 8 p.m.

The Wormhole Karaoke, 9 p.m.

20

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.

FRIDAY 3.12 LIVE MUSIC

Barrelhouse South Lyn Avenue, 6:15 p.m.

Churchill’s Pub Tyler Roe, Savannah Road, 6 & 9:30 p.m.

Coach’s Corner Southern Eagle presents Midnight City, 7 p.m.

Cockspur Grill Chester Love and Robert Simmons, 8-10 p.m.

WED/

10

CHUCK COURTENAY @ DRIFTAWAY CAFE

Jazz’d Tapas Bar Jason Bible, 7:30 p.m.

Molly McGuire’s Voodoo Soup, 7 p.m.

Plant Riverside District Western Boy, 8 p.m., Lakin Love & The Fellowship of Love, 4-7 p.m., Rob Taylor, 5 p.m.

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

River House Eric Clark, 6 p.m.

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

The Shrimp Factory Andrew Gill, 6 p.m.

Sting Ray’s Robert Willis, 6 p.m.

The Wormhole Neighborhood Pub & Music Venue Spare Parts at The Wormhole, 9 p.m.

Victory North Adalitas Way, 7 p.m.

The Warehouse High Velocity, 8 p.m.

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

KARAOKE

Bay Street Blues Karaoke, 8 p.m.

Blueberry Hill Karaoke, 9 p.m.3 a.m.

Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m.

McDonough’s Karaoke, 9 p.m.

Nickie’s 1971 Karaoke Night,

9 p.m.

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

SATURDAY 3.13 LIVE MUSIC

The 5 Spot Eric Britt, 7 p.m.

69 Ross Rd Xuluprophet live at Wingmen Clubhouse,

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

KARAOKE

Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m.

McDonough’s Karaoke, 9 p.m.

MONDAY 3.15 LIVE MUSIC

TRIVIA & GAMES

Nickie’s 1971 Ray Tomasino, 7 p.m.

Plant Riverside District CC Witt, 6 p.m.

KARAOKE

Club One Super Gay Bingo, 5:30 p.m.

Bay Street Blues Karaoke, 8 p.m.

Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m.

McDonough’s Karaoke, 9 p.m.

Totally Awesome Bar Karaoke, 10 p.m.

TRIVIA & GAMES

TRIVIA & GAMES

Bay Street Theatre Savannah Comedy Revue Comedy Club, 8-10 p.m.

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

Savannah Comedy Revue Greg Schwem, 8 p.m., Greg Schwem, 8 p.m.

The Wormhole Neighborhood Pub & Music Venue ONO: Feral Hogs Comedy Tour 2021, 8 p.m.

DJ

Elan Savannah EazyBaked, 9 p.m.

Electric Moon Skytop Lounge + Moon Deck Lil G, 8 p.m.

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

SUNDAY 3.14 LIVE MUSIC

Coach’s Corner Departure - Celebrating Coach’s 30th Anniversary, 4 p.m.

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

Congress Street Social Club

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 3.16 LIVE MUSIC

Churchill’s Pub Austin Neal, 6 p.m.

Nickie’s 1971 Roy Swindell, 7 p.m.

Plant Riverside District Hunter Price, 1 p.m., Chuck Courtenay, 3:30 p.m., Eric and The Hologram, 7 p.m.

The Warehouse Kyle Yardley Band, 2-6 p.m.

TRIVIA & GAMES

Basil’s Pizza and Deli Trivia, 7 p.m.

Fia Rua Irish Pub Trivia, 7 p.m.

McDonough’s Trivia Tuesday, 7 p.m.

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

Savannah Taphouse Trivia, 7 p.m.

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

KARAOKE

Blueberry Hill Karaoke, 9 p.m.-3 a.m.

Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m.

Wet Willie’s Karaoke, 9 p.m.

THE BAND PAGE

THOMAS CLAXTON @ THE WAREHOUSE

A popular fixture on Savannah’s music scene, Claxton is a part of that tradition as well — as is evidenced by his tight and crowdpleasing band The Myth, and by the polished and carefully arranged original modern rock which makes up his latest CD. SUNDAY, MARCH 14 | 6:30 P.M.

DEPARTURE @ COACH’S CORNER

GROOVE TOWN ASSAULT @ WILD WING CAFE

Formed at an open mic in 2013, GTA has been performing nonstop bringing their signature sound that blends rock, hip-hop and reggae with a modern edge and an old-school feel, to a loyal and growing fan base. The band members, like the music they play, are a confetti stew of talent and diversity. Catch them in City Market, then at Barrelhouse South after dark.

SATURDAY, MARCH 13 | 4 P.M.

SAVANNAH ROAD @ CHURCHILL’S

Austin Neal, Lewis Riffle, and Samarie Palmer make up a country trio based out of Savannah, Georgia, touring the Southeast states. The band plays country hits from over the years with some classic rock. They take the stage Friday to play the stage at Churchill’s on Bay St., a lively british-inspired restaurant and bar centrally located in the heart of Savannah’s historic district. catch them playing at The Warehouse the following weekend.

FRIDAY, MARCH 12 | 9:30 P.M.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | MAR 10 - MAR 16, 2021

In their 13th year together, Departure is the most respected Journey tribute band in the nation. Departure replicates the look, sound and feel of the original 80s rock super group, Journey. These veteran musicians love what they do and have developed an amazing on-stage chemistry. They pride themselves on giving their audience an incredible high-energy, qualitative stage show from start to finish. The band is kicking off the month-long Coach’s Corner 30th Anniversary Celebration. Tickets available for front area and general admisstion.

SATURDAY, MARCH 13 | 7 P.M.

21

CULTURE SOUNDGARDEN EVENTS

FRI., MAR. 12 @7PM

CELEBRATING OUR 30TH ANNIVERSARY W/TWO SHOWS

MAR., 13, @7PM MAR., 14, @4PM

DEPARTURE

JOURNEY TRIBUTE BAND

Patrons enjoy the Starland Yard atmosphere from underneathe a covered area, intended for rainy Savannah days.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF STARLAND YARD

Irish Everyday of the Week

FRI., MAR. 17 @7PM

Starland Yard Food Truck Park extends St. Patrick’s Day into week-long celebration

CONNECT SAVANNAH | MAR 10 - MAR 16, 2021

BY CLAIRE MCMILLAN

22

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STARLAND YARD HAS quickly become a local favorite, rolling out a weekly rotation of food trucks and entertainment since the summer of 2019. And with St. Patrick’s day around the corner, they have zero intentions of slowing down.

The food truck park, encircled with colorful, muraled shipping containers, will be getting a head start on celebrations starting March 16. Guests will have a chance to test their knowledge and try to win a bar tab at Tuesday Trivia night hosted by local quiz legend Chris Grimmett. Festivities will continue throughout the week with music, games and a special St. Patrick’s Day inspired drink

menu.

“Knowing what a huge celebration St. Patrick’s Day is in Savannah, we wanted to be able to celebrate it as safely as possible while maintaining the spirit of the day,” said Starland Yard Manager Ava Pandiani.

Masks will be required while not eating or drinking and the park hopes to curb large crowds and maintain social distancing by extending the holiday.

Every night is booked solid with live entertainment from trivia and music bingo to performances by Brock Butler of the jam band Perpetual Groove. Other artists will include southern rock band Bonnie Blue, Grateful Dead tribute band the Charlie Fog Band, and local country group Damon and the Shitkickers.

Husband and wife duo, Lyn Avenue, will be rounding out the week with their unique country folk sound on March 21.

Patrons can try new Irish-themed spirits such as the tiki-style “Drunk Monk,” crafted with peanut butter whiskey, banana and rum; the classic “Soft Old Day,” Irish coffee; “Off with the faeries,” made up of pink vodka, elderflower, grape juice and bubbles; and the “Good Craic,” a green tea shot-turned-drink with Irish whiskey, green tea syrup and peach. Bar consultant James Nowicki made sure to keep the menu interesting and elevated while still catering to St. Patrick’s Day crowd favorites. Innovative slushies will also be available including the “Gold Rush,” with whiskey ginger and a car bomb slushy.

FEATURE

Taco Attack serves patrons as a featured food truck in Starland Yard.

Charles Colliston, bartender pours a mixed drink at Starland Yard.

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.Kis Cafe whips up crepes at Starland Yard. The truck will be in the lineup for the St.Patrick’s Day celebrations at Starland Yard. PHOTOS COURTESY OF STARLAND YARD

be focused on catering to a local crowd.

“A St. Pat’s for Savannahians.”

Starland Yard’s St. Patrick’s Day events will be happening March 16-21 at their location at 2411 De Soto Ave, Savannah. Visit starlandyard.com for information or for their daily food-truck lineup.

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Reward Call Robin 912-484-6102

CONNECT SAVANNAH | MAR 10 - MAR 16, 2021

In addition to the Neapolitan pies served up by permanent Starland Yard resident Pizzeria Vittoria and renowned Chef Kyle Jacovino, the food truck lineup will be comprised of Chazito’s Latin Cuisine, 5 Spot, Dark Shark - Taco Attack, Big Boy Cookies, Bayou Cafe, Vida Fresh

by Latin Chicks, Sweet Spice, Kis Cafe, Loki Bus Line, Mac Attack, Sweet Spice and Rita’s Italian Ice. Starland Yard will open early on March 17 to give the crowds of green a place to spend the day in lieu of the canceled parade.

“We want people to come out and enjoy themselves safely in an outdoor environment with friends, family and great music on St. Pats and all week long.” Pandiani said, noting the week’s events will

23

CULTURE

VISUAL ARTS

ABOVE AND LEFT: Paintings part of the “Faces of 2020” collection by Elise Aleman on the wall at Gallery Espresso.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ELISE ALEMAN

CONNECT SAVANNAH | MAR 10 - MAR 16, 2021

Artist’s dreams meet walls of local gallery Local artist Elise Aleman displays “Faces of 2020” collection at Gallery Espresso

BY NOELLE WIEHE noelle@connectsavannah.com

ELISE ALEMAN HAS had several of her dreams come true in her life. Her latest is having her art displayed at Gallery Espresso, which it is now through March 31.

Coffee drinkers and art enthusiasts can spend enjoyable minutes taking in the 22 pieces of Aleman’s work which she spent anywhere between one to 30 precious 24 hours painting so they could one day be

displayed in the gallery she so admires.

Aleman said she visited the gallery – a Bohemian café and art gallery with coffee and light fare in a space with mismatched sofas – on an initial visit to the Savannah College of Art and Design on her journey in pursuit of a fine arts degree. She stayed down the street and remembers loving the gallery and café combo.

“I saw artwork on the wall and I’m like ‘Man, someday I wish I could get mine up there,’” Aleman said, reminiscing to the days before her dream took flight.

Aleman displays a series of portraits painted from friends’ Facebook photos, Pinterest images and personal connections in her collection, “Faces of 2020.” She said the portraits reflect emotions and desires most can identify with: finding strength where there is none to give; joy amid isolation; and hope in a future yet unseen.

Along with a title, Aleman included reference to a passage in the Bible which she thought best relates to the emotions in the piece.

“The portraits look back at you, provoking self-contemplation and thoughtful conversations about biblical themes,” Aleman said.

A native of Cuba, Aleman is a Christian artist who now resides in Savannah. She relocated from south Florida to attend SCAD and is set to graduate within weeks.

She spent nine years in school and is on track to obtain her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, with a focus in painting. The time difference between her earned associate’s degree from the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and her bachelor’s, though, is about 30 years and a handful of obstacles to overcome in order to change her path.

Aleman spent 40 years of her career as a commercial graphic designer, 17 of which she spent with a children’s ministry where she also oversaw the theater and wrote curriculum.

She was able to fulfil a passion through this career which has also bled into her art: Biblical teachings.

“I’m a person of faith and I feel that if God brought me this far, he’s going to take me through whatever is next,” Aleman said.

When Aleman decided to fill a void she

Jessica Barnhill, Gallery Espresso art director, introduces Elise Aleman during her meet-the-artist event Feb. 27 at Gallery Espresso. PHOTO BY NOELLE WIEHE

saw in her life and pursue her fine arts degree, she faced the tough decision to leave her family when her father wasn’t in great health and to sell her house. She applied to SCAD, but requested to enroll a year from her application date.

The obstacles seemed to clear over the next year like Moses parting the Red Sea, she said. Her father regrettably passed away and her son moved home from college and agreed to rent out Aleman’s house.

“I guess any journey walking through, you have to deal with the obstacles,” Aleman said. “That’s how we know it’s meant to be; you can’t give up. Because, anything worth pursuing is worth all those risks and all those hardships.”

Aleman’s five-year plan of opening her own Christian art gallery has few to no concrete pieces, but with today’s age of digital shows and virtual showings, she is confident in her journey. She’s also okay with not having anything set in stone, at the moment.

“Just because I’m older doesn’t mean I have it all figured out,” Aleman said. “I have the same questions that every art student has: what’s next?”

Gallery Espresso is located at 234 Bull St., Savannah. Visit galleryespresso.com for a list of upcoming artists and events. Visit elisealeman.com to view more of the artist’s work.

CULTURE ‘Let go of control, all of it’ Laney Contemporary presents Todd Schroeder’s X-Rated Exhibit on view through April 10

IN 1997, Todd Schroeder, M.F.A., painting and sculpture, Kent State University, B.F.A., painting, Ohio University, started with his first solo exhibition at White Columns in New York City and has been exhibiting ever since all over the world.

«The solo show at White Columns was a big deal for me, and it still is,” Schroeder said.

Today, Schroeder works out of his sunlit, window-walled home studio in Savannah, also teaching painting at SCAD since 2005. Creating works with an inseparable synergy of painting as meditation in his at home-studio, a recent transition from his pre-pandemic studio at Southern Pine, and before that his space in Starland.

«I used to have my studio was right there [Starland],” Schoeder said. “There›s a little road called De Soto Row; there is a little brewery across the street. From where that brewery is, the building to the east of it is an old dairy, Starland Dairy; that›s where the Starland District gets its name. In the back area, there are little storefronts that used to be big refrigerators, they were like big refrigerator rooms, and I had one of those for my studio for four or five years, I shared it with my father-in-law, Patrick Kelly who was also a painter.”

In the studio, he practices his meditative wizardry of gestural painting and returns to playing around with his prominent and iconic X motifs.

In ‹No Fun›, «The Strikethrough functions as a negation and as a plea, and a ‘X-RATED’ CONTINUES ON PAGE 25

CONNECT SAVANNAH | MAR 10 - MAR 16, 2021

BY NICOLE YOUNGBLUT

Silver X, oil on canvas by Todd Schroeder. PHOTO COURTESY OF TODD SCHROEDER.

25

VISUAL ARTS (912) 459-0065 10086 Ford Avenue Richmond Hill

‘A Love Supreme,’ by Todd Schroeder.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF TODD SCHROEDER

‘WOSP 8.13.19,’ by Todd Schroeder.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | MAR 10 - MAR 16, 2021

‘X-RATED’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25

26

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reminder to let go of control, all of it. Control being the root of all problems and strife. But there is a paradoxical acknowledgment that control fosters passion and tension: something that we all strive for.

A sensation that gives our lives meaning,” Schroeder said.

«Schroeder›s smaller works on paper are incredible gestural recordings of moments in time,” Director Susan Laney said.

In his series of 42 WOSP paintings on paper over screenprints, only one is framed and installed in the show, the remaining 41 are in the flat files upstairs in the open office space.

«They [WOSP Series] were really a big part of the process of getting to the larger work in the show,” Schroeder said. “Not really knowing what I would be doing ultimately, I had a lot of screen prints – that didn’t make it into editions I made – around in the studio. I started working on those freely. Some of the work developed around ideas of protest and some took a turn toward a more esoteric resolve.”

From these exploratory paintings on screen prints, Schroeder drew inspiration for his large-scale paintings. Upon entering the gallery, Yellow X, 2020, Purple X, & Silver X are displayed consecutively to form a not-so-subtle triple-X iteration.

«There are several paintings that have the words ego tomb in them,» Schroeder said.

During his painting process, he saw the emergence of a mark that he kept repeating alluding to whirling dervishes. This ultimately lead to his use of the title Ego tomb—the literal translation of Sikke, hats worn by whirling dervishes of Turkish and Persian origin. This inspired the subject matter and title of «Ego Tomb,” Pinks,

‘No Fun,’ by Todd Schroeder.

2019.

«There›s a painting called ‹No Fun› which comes from an Iggy Pop and Stooges song,” Schroeder said. “It›s another musical reference, and I make them a lot in my work.»

Schroeder also connects to John Coltrane›s anti-codified deep improvisation.

«Akin to music in so many ways, Schroeder›s work explores practice and process, time, structure, and improvisation,” Laney said.

«In all reality, my being a professor keeps me engaged in what is going on in the contemporary global art world,” Schroeder said. “For me, I›ve always been interested, but I›ve pushed myself to stay engaged in all of that, due to my role as a teacher.»

For information about the artist visit toddschroederartist.com or laneycontemporary.com/artist/toddschroeder. Follow the artist on Instagram @toddschroeder0.

CULTURE

VISUAL ARTS

Exhibition transforms everyday objects to art through perspective

BY NOELLE WIEHE noelle@connectsavannah.com

(F) UTILITY IS about living art, or at least art that we live with, until we don’t anymore. These ideas are what sparked soon-to-be Savannah College of Art and Design graduate Nikki Zuaro’s Master of Fine Arts thesis exhibition.

The walls at the Cedar House Gallery featured a broomstick, several shovels, ‘Thank you, Have a nice day’ plastic grocery bags and worn out cloth symbolic to the message of Zuaro’s show last weekend.

“Combing the two [futility and utility] is kind of my whole practice here: taking labor and making it almost nonsensical and not purposeful,” Zuaro said.

The show came to life Friday night at the opening when Zuaro unexpectedly began gathering pieces of her art show to either

adorn or put to use herself at the gallery.

“They’re my tools, so I use them to create art and I’m also presenting them as sculpture,” she said. “When I take them back off the wall, I’m still going to use them as a utility object, but this perspective shift happens.”

The show constantly comes to life through a looping video stream she had playing in a room, as part of the gallery, but Zuaro chose to drive her message home by putting her display into live action for guests at her opening.

Zuarro is from Long Island, New York.

She said she was happily working as an intern in New York, but knew something was missing.

She moved to Savannah when she was accepted into SCAD to pursue her master’s degree.

“I really do love Savannah; it definitely

Local artist, Nikki Zuaro walks through her exhibition at the Cedar House Gallery March 5 just before her opening night. Zuaro is a soon-to-be Savannah College of Art and Design graduate. Her exhibition showed through March 7. Follow her and her art at her website, nikki.art.com. PHOTO BY NOELLE WIEHE

has become a second home to me,” Zuaro said.

The show (f) Utility is her senior show, as she graduates in about a week.

Zuaro said she hopes to make Savannah her home even after she graduates, even though she’s not certain for how long.

The show ran from March 5-7, with events throughout the weekend showing.

She hopes to enter other galleries with her work soon.

Follow Zuaro and view her art online at nikki.art.com.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | MAR 10 - MAR 16, 2021

Nikki Zuaro chooses to morph from futility to utility in thesis exhibition at local gallery

27

GO VOTE

JONESIN’ CROSSWORD

BY MATT JONES ©2021

“ALL OVER THE PLACE” --IT’S ANOTHER THEMELESS MESS OF WORDS!

ACROSS

CONNECT SAVANNAH | MAR 10 - MAR 16, 2021

VOTING STARTS

28

FEBRUARY 24 VOTING ENDS

MARCH 31 GO ONLINE & VOTE TODAY!

CONNECTSAVANNAH.COM

1 Online request to “pay your respects” when your playable character dies 12 Internet acronym with origins on Usenet 15 Lead singer on the “Pinkerton” album 16 Hawaiian delicacy 17 One way to get up from the ground floor 18 Extreme degree, for short 19 Actor Hawke 20 B’way purchase 21 Washington Irving’s Bones 22 Scott of “30 Rock” and “Big Hero 6” 25 Location of a theater, in clichéd ads 27 Soviet WWII force 29 Bandleader for Leno 30 Really silly 31 H.S. units 32 “Time to head out” 33 Japanese naval architect of WWII, Baron Yuzuru ___ 38 Shaker ___, OH 40 “Funky Cold Medina” rapper 41 It involves pinning and throwing 45 Like some chances 46 Begins with, in a screenplay 47 Bearded “South Park” puppet 48 Fitzgerald of jazz 49 Cobra’s warning 51 Pandemic-era romantic meetup

54 ___ Harbour (Miami Beach resort area) 55 Instant ramen brand name, originally (before ditching the middle letter) 58 Prefix with scope 59 Statistician with a speciality 60 Wanna-___ (copycats) 61 Opportunity to get a computer program early

DOWN

1 Untied 2 Sedimentary material in a delta 3 Exasperated outburst 4 Paradise residents 5 Subject of a historic June 2020 Supreme Court ruling 6 Pres. from Missouri 7 Friendly prefix?

8 Short 9 Pop poolside painter 10 Event to test out an act, perhaps 11 High rock pile 12 Former Fugees member Hill 13 “Check this out!”

14 Chemical indicator 21 Item with underwire 23 “Ehhh, really?”

24 Actor Sheridan of “XMen: Apocalypse” 26 “Essential” product of wormwood 27 “Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-___” (Irish classic) 28 Canine suffix for Bern or Peking 34 Get ready to ride again

35 Carrier to Leonardo da Vinci Airport 36 Pantheon figure 37 High card 39 Site of intense magnetic activity 40 “___ Goes to the Mayor” 41 Briggs who hosts “The Last Drive-in” 42 Watching just one more episode, maybe 43 Some potluck desserts 44 ___ bind 50 Buckwheat bowlful 52 Jamie Lee’s “Freaky Friday” character 53 Direction from Madrid to Barcelona 55 Non-profit that started NPR in 1970 56 GRF’s vice president 57 2021 U.K. award for “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” actor Toby Jones

CROSSWORD ANSWERS

March Specials $4 Slane and $4 Truly Teas

33 for for 44

$4 Slane and $4 Truly Teas $4 $4 New New Realm Realm Hoptropolis Hoptropolis

tree-fifty tuesdays all beers, titos, RBV, jameson: $3.50 all beers, titos, RBV, jameson: $3.50

wednesday Half Half off off Bottles Bottles ofof Wine Wine thursdays && Sunday thursdays Sunday Live dj | 6-9 pm Drink specials Live dj | 6-9 pm Drink specials

125 West River Street On top of the cotton sail hotel SUNDAY 11AM TO 11sail PM*hotel 125 West RiverTHRU StreetTHURSDAY On top of the cotton FRIDAYTHRU AND SATURDAY SUNDAY THURSDAY11AM 11AMTO TO1AM* 11 PM* FRIDAY AND SATURDAY 11AM TO 1AM* www.topdeckbar.com

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*CLOSING HOURS SUBJECT TO CHANGE *CLOSING HOURS SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Photos by Bunny Ware

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

MOJITO BAR HOSTS GRAND REOPENING, ADDS CHAMPAGNE BAR

CONNECT SAVANNAH | MAR 10 - MAR 16, 2021

Guests gather at the Mint To Be Mojito Bar and Bites for one of their nine different minty concoctions and some small bites Feb. 25 at their location on W. State St. during their grand reopening. The business unveiled their new champagne speakeasy, Mint to be Bubbly, located behind a bookshelf. The bar opened March 1, 2020, but closed March 19, 2020. Hours are Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to midnight.

30

PHOTOS FROM LOCAL EVENTS

Photos by Bunny Ware

View more photos online at connectsavannah.com/connected

WEICHERT REALTORS HOST FIRST CHILI COOKOFF FOR NATIONAL CHILI DAY

CONNECT SAVANNAH | MAR 10 - MAR 16, 2021

Community members celebrate National Chili Day as Weichert Realtors - Stanford and Company host their first Chili Cook Off Feb. 27 at Weichert, Realtors - Stanford and Company on E. Montgomery Cross Rds. Attendees were given a ticket upon arrival to be able to taste and vote for their favorite chili. Susie Sowell took the first place title, Mitchell Boyette won second place and Patrick Donovan won third place.

31

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Georgia Power has energy-saving tips on everything from controlling airflow to adding weatherstripping. Plus you’ll have access to resources like online energy audits and My Power Usage to learn about your energy consumption.

There are hundreds of simple ways for you to save energy – and saving energy means saving money. To learn more, visit georgiapower.com/save. ©2018 Georgia Power. All rights reserved.