Arts & Celebration Issue66

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CATERERS PLANNERS ARTISTS VENUES Nelle Iocovozzi at Red Gate Farms in SAV.

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SOUTH'S GREATEST EVENTS OF 2017 THE ART OF FOOD CREATIVE COASTAL GETAWAYS

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TEQUILA, TACOS & TEMO!

MEET THE MAN BEHIND THE SMOOTHEST TEQUILA MADE IN THE SOUTH

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THE METAL ARTISTRYof SHELLEY SMITH

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SOUTH'S GREATEST EVENTS PG OF 2017 152 Nicole Edge Wearing Sculpted Dress by Shelley Smith

THE ART OF FOOD

CREATIVE COASTAL GETAWAYS

Features 82

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NIKKI LANE Get to know the First Lady of Outlaw Country (and dig in to the Savannah Music Fest Guide while you’re at it.)

Written by Barry Kaufman

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110 11 GREAT ARTISTS

A photojournal highlighting 11 artists in the Southeast, and what makes them great.

EMMA IOCOVOZZI

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96 A-TOWN GETDOWN

After tragically losing their son, a family creates an arts and music festival to honor his legacy.

BILL WERTZ

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11 GREATEST SOUTHERN VENUES

THE ART OF FOOD

LANCE STINSON

JEDD BRANNEN

EMMA IOCOVOZZI

WAYNE WATERS

These venues are perfect for weddings and any Southern event.

From the minds of Southern culinary artists comes delicious mouth-watering masterpieces.

Georgian-born country singer heads into Savannah to perform during the St. Patrick’s Day celebration.

Contents 40

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42 DEPARTMENTS

MORE STUFF

DINE/STLYE/GO

PLAYSOUTH

22 A LOOK BACK

40 BILL EDWARDS Exclusive interview with local talk radio host, Bill Edwards.

134 ARTFUL GETAWAYS

162 NICK CAVE

28 CHIT CHATS

44 PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST The South has some of the world’s best photographers - and their photos speak for themselves!

144 SOHO SOUTH CAFE For the local, for the foodie - or for brunch this weekend.

164 BEST FESTS

146 ARTILLERY PUNCH This centuries-old drink is as powerful as it is potent.

166 A GALA WITH A HEART

The best of 2016 that we just couldn’t let rest.

The Godfather of Flowers talks family and business.

30 CLUB SOUTH A visual recap of NYE at Jazz’d and Spanky’s 40th anniversary.

36 CLINTON EDMINSTER The Emperor of Starlandia talks organized chaos.

42 STARDUST PIXXIES

The Stardust Pixxies provide the perfect spark for local Savannah events.

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66 GREATEST EVENTS These Southern gatherings are events to remember.

104 JOSE LUCIO Local illustrator and children’s book author’s big imagination.

106 BOOK FEST AUTHORS Don’t miss these talents while they’re in town.

Need a sweet escape? We’ve got the best destinations for you.

150 TEQUILA AND TEMO Lessons from a local and authentic Mexican eatery.

152 THE ART OF FOOD Feed your eyes and your taste buds everything they’ve been missing.

The artist behind the Jepson Center’s latest exhibition.

The greatest events in the region, curated just for you.

Faith Equestrian Center hosts a night of dancing and dining to support an amazing mission.

168 EVENTS CALENDAR

Here’s what’s happening in your neck of the woods.

178 JEFF KARR Savannah is alive with the sound of music.

CONTRIBUTORS

CEDRIC SMITH In 1996 Cedric Smith became a painter in Atlanta and shortly thereafter his love for vintage photographs was incorporated into almost all of his works. After showcasing his paintings in different major cities including New York, Texas, Chicago, and Paris, it was only after he moved to Savannah that he just “picked up the camera” and started shooting. This was an easy transition, given his love for fashion and image. He enjoys shooting fashion because the artistry of fashion is so fascinating to him, “When you shoot fashion, you can play with color, and you can shoot from an artist’s point of view.” See Cedric’s work in Southern Soiree on page 128.

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JOHNNY LAKE With over 10 years in the industry, a natural inclination toward painting and a deep love of all things beauty- and fashion-related, Johnny Lake leaves his mark with an artful blend of painterly creativity. Enamored by his mother’s meticulous morning routine, his recognition of the power of transformation began early, continuing to evolve as trends and products shift and advance. Johnny resides in Savannah, GA and works at Hairalujah salon.

See his work on the Shelley Smith’s cover. johnnylakemakeup.com

EMILY BARGERON Emily Bargeron is a music-loving, gypsy soul and the creator of the Savannah-based clothing line Mamie Ruth. When she’s not front row at a music festival she is knee deep in fabric designing her next collection at her studio and storefront on Liberty St. in downtown Savannah. Check her styling of Southern Soiree on page 128.

BROOKE MORTON On assignment, Brooke Morton has written about shark diving in the Bahamas and cruising the Tahitian Islands, but it’s in the South that she feels most at home.

There’s an unparalleled beauty to the Atlantic Coast, from sunsets over expansive marshes to the drape of Spanish moss waving from a canopy of live oaks.

Her love for travel is expressed in Artful Getaways on page 134.

KEVIN GARRETT Photographer Kevin Garrett, who grew up in Blakely, a small town in rural South Georgia, is based in Atlanta. He has traveled from Anguilla to Zambia for multiple publications including Condé Nast Traveler, Town and Country, Coastal Living, Private Clubs, Outside, Entrepreneur, and Virtuoso Life. Of all his subjects, he especially loves photographing artists. “I’m self-taught, and I am fascinated by what drives artists to create and their process.” He photographed the elusive R. Land on page 102.

S TAY C O N N E C T E D THE SM CREW

®

publisher creative director Michael Brooks art director Julius Woodard account executive Josh Flores contributing editor Barry Kaufman, Bill Wertz advertising art directors Jenna Bower, Brett Sherman office manager/circulation Melissa Curtis events editor Jenna Bower fashion editor Emily Bargeron contributing writers Emma Iocovozzi, Bill Wertz, Anna Jones, Beveley Willett, Belinda Draucker, Wayne Waters, Brooke Morton, Jess Brannen

Online Contests IT’S TIME TO NOMINATE THOSE GREAT MOMS.

AS A PART OF SOUTHERN CULTURE, it’s important for us to showcase the amazing Southerners who make up that culture. From the Greatest Nurses to the Greatest Bosses, we aim to recognize those who excel at what they do. We encourage you to get online and vote like crazy for your favorites. Winners are featured in each issue in a photo shoot with one of our professional photographers. This month check out South’s Greatest Photographers, both amateur and professional on page 44. Up next is South’s Greatest Destinations and Greatest Moms. Vote and nominate at southsgreatest.com.

@SOUTHMAGAZINE Last month, our Instagram account featured highlights from recent events around town, like local peaceful protests in the town squares, as well as snapshots from the Reindeer Run and New Years Eve celebrations that rocked Savannah into the New Year. For more peeks inside local happenings, be sure to follow our Instagram account @SouthMagazine. #PLAYSOUTH

contributing photographers Blake Crosby, John Alexander, Tracy Scarpati, Cedric Smith, Michale Hrizuk, Rob Kaufmam, Kevin Garrett, Sal Rodriguez, Jensen Hande production/marketing intern Virginia Montero, Devin Groung, Jordan Dabney

Copyright© 2016 South magazine.

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or any part without express written permission is prohibited.

South magazine is published bimonthly by Bad Ink, (Brooks Advertising Design, Inc.). Views expressed in the editorial pages do not imply our endorsement. Please forward inquiries to Editor, South magazine, 116 Bull Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401. We cannot be responsible for unsolicited product samples. Subscription rates: U.S.: $19 for one year; $28 for two years; single copies: $4.95. Change of address notice: six to eight weeks prior to moving, please clip the mailing label from the most recent issue and send it along with your new address to: South magazine, Change of Address Notice, 116 Bull Street, Savannah, GA 31401, attn: Circulation | South magazine: A Division of Bad Ink, phone: 912.236.5501 fax: 912.236.5524, southmag.com

GET IN TOUCH

A peaceful demonstration in Savannah after the 2016 election was over.

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WRITE TO US AT editor@southmag.com or 116-A Bull Street, Savannah, GA 31401

FIND YOUR ADVENTURE

FIND YOUR ADVENTURE

Charles Bowen is a business attorney who focuses on commercial, banking and manufacturing law and also offers comprehensive mediation services.

> IT’S A MUDDY BUSINESS (BUT SOMEONE HAS TO DO IT) PHOTO BY JABBERPICS 46

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Dan Pavlin: The Adventure Issue- April-May 2016

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Dan Pavlin: The Adventure Issue (April-May 2016 )

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I HELPED TO BRING INTO REALITY THE GUN THAT KILLED BIN LADEN...THAT'S LIKE WINNING THE SUPER BOWL.

AN EXPERIENCED CORPORATE LAWYER WHO WILL ALWAYS HAVE YOUR COMPANY’S BEST INTERESTS AT HEART IS YOUR BUSINESS’ BEST FRIEND.

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Charles Bowen: Greatest Lawyers: The Law Issue (June-July 2016)

A LOOK BACK 11 YEARS AFTER LAUNCHING THE MAGAZINE THAT SET OUT TO CHANGE THE WAY THE WORLD

PERCEIVES THE SOUTH, WE ARE STILL IN THE FIGHT AND ENJOYING THE OPPORTUNITIES TO FEATURE THE MOST EXCITING PEOPLE, PLACES, EATS AND EVENTS IN THE SOUTH. TAKE A GLANCE OVER THE PAST YEAR OF A FEW OF THE PIECES THAT WE JUST COULD N’T RESIST PUBLISHING ONE MORE TIME.

FIND YOUR ADVENTURE

Don’t call them homeless. Because they’re not.

They are actually right at home under the bridge and alongside the highway, where thousands of cars drive by daily barely noticing community that has risen from the influx of the faceless citizens that had no place else to call home. Take a look behind the concrete curtain that has become known as

PARA(AB) NORMALITY SAVANNAH IS FULL OF GHOST STORIES AND OTHER HAUNTING TALES. DO YOU BELIEVE?

DIARY OF A GHOST HUNT WITH SAVANNAH GHOST RESEARCH SOCIETY AS EXPERIENCED BY EMMA IOCOVOZZI / PHOTOGRAPHY: JABBERPICS

TENT

“We all watch out for each other,” says Billy Sears, a jovial, middleaged man with long grey hair and wirerimmed glasses, describing the unspoken code of conduct to guard each other’s belongings and physical safety.

CITY

Tent Cities are communities of people who have banded together to form their own society and a place they can call home.

✒ Beverly Willett / Photos by Michael Hrizuk 54

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Emily and Jesse Cole, owners of the Gastonia Grizzlies and the new Savannah Bananas.

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A WHOLE NEW BALLGAME

OF THE GREATEST LAWYERS & FINANCIAL PROFESSIONALS YOU Richard Kessler, CEO andNEED COO ofTO TheKNOW! Kessler Enterprise, has been opening doors and breaking down barriers his whole career. Next, he is taking on a whole new challenge and planting it on the Savannah River.

JUNE-JULY 2016 H ISSUE #62

HHHHH SOUTH SALUTES THE BLUE AND THOSE THAT KEEP OUR CITIES SAFE.

SOUTHMAGAZINE.COM H $4.95

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Savannah Bananas! The Adventure Issue (April.May 2016)

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Gregory Broom : Hell & Back: Style Issue (Aug. Sept. 2016) BANJO

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The Drug Unit: The Law Issue (June-July 2016)

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Jesse and Emily Cole turned the game of baseball on its ear in Gastonia. Now they’re going bananas. By Barry Kaufman / Photo by Chuck Coleman

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HOBBIES: Hiking trails (without his leash) AGE: 1 year BREED: Lovable mutt: maybe Australian Shepherd/Dachshund mix OWNERS: Tyler Woodworth & Janie Gray

THE BITE HEARD ROUND THE SOUTH (UGA V)

Tyler and Janie found Banjo wandering in a field across from their house in October of 2015. He fashioned himself a little home in a bush with a bed made out of plastic wrappers. “We looked for his owners, but when no one came forward we knew he was ours,” remembers Gray. “He gains a little more trust in humans every day, and we would like to think he’s quite happy where he has ended up.”

During the Auburn-Georgia game in 1996, UGA V lunged and attempted to bite Robert Baker, Auburn’s wide receiver, as he celebrated a touchdown at the end of the first quarter.

Photographer Patricia Miklik who was working for the Montgomery Advertiser at the time was in the right place at the right time and was able to grab this shot. Inspired by their mascot’s ferocity, the dawgs came back from a 21-point deficit and tied the game on the last play of regulation. It was the first SEC game to ever go into overtime.

After four overtime periods, Georgia won 5649, and this photo of UGA V went down in history, even earning him a Sports Illustrated cover.

Richard Kessler’s Hotel Masterpiece The Travel Issue (June-July 2016) 70

UGA X

A LOOK BACK: UGA VII FEATURED ON SOUTH’S AUG. SEPT. 2009 COVER.

AUGUS T / SE P T E M B E R 2016

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2016 South’s Greatest Pets: The Pets Issue (Aug.-Sept. 2016)

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FE BRUARY / M ARCH 2017

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NINE LINE APPAREL

THIS JUST IN: Mark is inching his way to stardom with each new role.

He just booked the latest Stephen Soderbergh film, Logan Lucky. He’ll be working alongside Daniel Craig, Channing Tatum, Hilary Swank, Katherine Heigl, and Sebastian Stan. Congrats, Mark!

M

THE ULTIMATE YOU: SCENES

MARK MCCULLOUGH

SHIRT

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To learn more about this t-shirt honoring the Americans who died in Benghazi on 9.11.12 see page 178.

/ Owner, Chris Clarke /

T

“You’re the only you there is, so whatever that is, you know you’re the best at it.”

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BARRELHOUSE SOUTH

Benghazi: We Remember. The Style Issue (Aug. Sept. 2016 )

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VANISHED: LEFT BEHIND – NEXT GENERATION Plays a part in helping a gr of teens deal with the aftermath of the en the world as we know it. SEPTEMBER 20

THE BIRTH OF A NATION Plays a small part in the story of Nat Turner, a literate sl and preacher in the antebellum South wh orchestrates an uprising. OCTOBER 2016

PATIENT SEVEN Plays Patient Six in this centered on Dr. Marcus (Michael Ironside renowned psychiatrist who has selected s severe mentally ill and dangerous patients from a mental hospital to interview as par research for his new book. OCTOBER 201

SIREN Plays an addict in this horror mov about a bachelor party that becomes a savage fight for survival when the grooms unwittingly unleash a fabled predator upo festivities. DECEMBER 2016

THE SHADOW EFFECT Plays Deputy Wa in this thriller starring Jonathan Rhyes Me and Michael Biehn. DECEMBER 2016

MERCY STREET Plays Larkin in the show second season, which follows the lives of volunteer nurses on opposing sides of the War - New England abolitionist Mary Phin and Confederate supporter Emma Green.

JANUARY 2017 AMERICAN MADE Stars as Pete Duboix, Tom Cruise's co-pilot, as Cruise plays a pilot who lands work for the CIA and as a drug runner in the South during the 80s. SEPTEMBER 2017

How the Places, People & Music in Your Life Define Your Style Mark McCullough: The Film Issue (Oct.Nov.2016)

South’s Hottest Night Spots: The Dining Issue (Oct.Nov.2016)

SOUTHERN FURY Stars opposite Nicolas Cage as Luca, the badass hitman to Cage's Southern mobster character. Also starring John Cusack and Adrian Grenier OCTOBER 2017

Style isn’t just about what you wear; your style is also informed by the places you go, the music you listen to, and especially the people you meet.

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LOGAN LUCKY Mark just landed a role in Stephen Soderbergh's late film, which also stars Daniel Craig, Chann Tatum, Hilary Swank, Katherine Heigl, and Sebastian Stan.

OCTOBER 2017

With live music playing throughout the week from an array of genres and styles, you’re bound to find some new favorite songs, and new favorite drinks at Barrelhouse. With a variety of drink options, from craft beer to cocktails, and a colorful and lively atmosphere, this venue is must visit for a night out with friends. If you’re looking to experience new places, meet new people and find new music, Barrelhouse South is the perfect venue to tackle all three in one epic night out.

7/22/16 10:15 AM

MUST TRY

MARK'S UPCOMING

FILMS

DESSERTS

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For more of Mark’s acting and directing credits, visit imdb.com or fortargylefilms.c

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Don’t be afraid to step – or jump (4) OCT-NOV 16 FEATURES.indd 52 – out of your comfort zone. Savannah has a strong culture and community that you’ll never experience by staying home on a Saturday night. Go out, grab a drink, and meet new people!

MAKEUP BY: SABRINA LAVENDER PHOTO BY: CHUCK COLEMAN

BARRELHOUSESOUTH.COM 912.662.5576 125 W CONGRESS ST, SAVANNAH, GA

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NOTHING IS SWEETER THAN DESSERTS DOWN SOUTH. OUR DINESOUTH CHEFS HAVE PREPARED THEIR BEST SWEET TREATS FOR YOUR VIEWING (AND TASTING) PLEASURE. The Sweet South: The Food Issue (Oct.Nov.2016)

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Tytan Creates: The Film Issue (Oct.Nov.2016)

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Tina Tyus-Shaw: Famous Folks Issue: (Oct.Nov.2016)

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who is

Cohen Harper

“My life is my ministry. How am I touching my fellow man? It’s not just about change. It’s about changing for the2016) better. Souths Greatest Kids: Health & Wellness Issue (Dec.-Jan. 2016) Kim Polote: Health & Wellness Issue (Dec.-Jan.

6 MONTHS JOHN AND ANDREA HARPER

Starbucks Coffee Master Steven Caban creates a South magazine Cappuccino The Food Issue (Oct.Nov.2016)

UCCINO:

DE CE M BE R 2016 / JANUARY 2017

RFECT AFTER DRINK?

WITH YOUR DESSERT? OUR NTROVERSIAL, BUT YOU O TRY IT.

by

to some of the South’s most erts, you’re going to need a drink tastebuds and evens out your o further than the cappuccino. We , in Italy it’s a mortal sin to order a Italians are firmly convinced that meal will mess up your ability to the South we’re used to indigespuccino any time, anywhere, but y just go together! meal is like one of those annoying t really have to follow; like wearing Day or not wearing red to a wedut it makes you feel oh-so-good. es in Savannah to grab your late worry, they won’t stick up their

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STARBUCKS

COFFEE FOX

This classic coffee emporium has a cappuccino for every palette.

Their classic cappuccino is soft and frothy, or you can mix it up with seasonal flavors.

This local favorite is the perfect location for grabbing your cappuccino after a fancy dinner downtown.

They also carry alternative milks so dairy haters are welcome!

1 East Broughton Street Savannah, GA 912.447.6742 starbucks.com

102 West Broughton Street Savannah, GA 912.401.0399 thecoffeefox.com

Shrimp and Grits Skillet at J. Chrostopher's

GALLERY ESPRESSO

BLENDS

Quaint and cozy, Gallery Espresso is a favorite place to escape and unwind. For a sweet addition to your already sweet palette, try the White Chocolate Cappuccino.

234 Bull Street Savannah, GA 912.233.5348 galleryespresso.com

The newest addition to the Savannah coffee scene, Blends offers hand crafted single reserve coffees from around the world. You’ll love the variety of beans and the atmosphere.

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DineSouth SAVANNAH COFFEE ROASTERS

SOUTHERN SIPPIN’ SOUTHERN GRITS GUIDE

My parents were told when I was only 35 weeks that I had some sort of growth on my neck and chest. They couldn’t give many answers and we were worried sick. When I was born, I was whisked away for testing and my mom wasn’t able to hold me right away. A few hours later, the doctors told us that I had a rare lymphatic cyst called a lymphangioma, but I was otherwise completely healthy! So despite all I’ve been through, I’m is always happy. I love people and smile at everyone!

a fun atTHEWith GIFT THAT mosphere and KEEPS ON GIVING an incredible menu, Savannah Coffee Roasters is more than your average coffee shop. If you love their cappuccino or coffee, grab a bag to take home with you.

WHETHER YOU’RE A WHISKEY CONNOISSEUR OR NOT, THESE HIGHEND SPIRITS MAKE FOR AN EXCELLENT PRESENT.

102 East Broughton Street Savannah, GA 912.999.7134 blendscoffeeboutique.com

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215 West Liberty Street Savannah, GA 912.352.2994 savannahcoffee.com Old Forester 1897 Bottled in Bond

Part of the Old Forester Whiskey Row Series, Old Forester 1897 Bottled in Bond was crafted to honor the U.S. Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, which stated that whiskey labeled as bottled in bond must be the product of one distillation season, one distiller and be from one distillery.

This Kentucky bourbon is rich and bold, fitting of the first bottled bourbon.

O C T OB E R / NOV E M B E R 2016

Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Barrel-Proof Tennessee Whiskey

Not for the faint of heart, this is Jack Daniel’s first ever barrelstrength offering. Normally, Jack Daniel’s whiskey is filtered and cut with water after it has been aged in its barrels. This one isn’t. You get the purest form of Jack Daniel's whiskey, straight from the barrel to the bottle to your glass. Do us a favor; don’t ruin it with mixers.

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Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

Made in the traditional style of Kentucky ryes, Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey delivers bold flavors of pepper and tobacco with a sweetly spiced finish.

This is definitely a sippin’ bourbon, so try it neat.

Angel’s Envy Bourbon Whiskey

If you like your bourbon with a little something extra, try Angel’s Envy.

This innovative small batch spirit company takes Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey and finishes it in used port wine barrels. This creates a whiskey of unprecedented smoothness, sweetness and balance.

If you’re a bourbon lover, you’ll love this unique find.

DID YOU KNOW?

You can chill your whiskey without watering it down. There’s no point in buying the good stuff if you’re going to dilute it with ice.

Keep a set of these Whiskey Stones by Teroforma in your freezer. When you pour a glass of whiskey, cool it down with cold stones that will chill your drink without diluting it. More on whiskey stones visit teraforma.com.

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Bourbon shot by Blake Crosby: Power Issue (Oct.Nov.2016)

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The Delilahs at Mata Hari: Style Issue (Aug. Sept. 2016)

INSIDE:

JOHN DAVIS CLUBSOUTH LOLLIPOP LETTERPRESS CLINTON EDMINSTER SOUTHERN MADE BILL EDWARDS STARDUST PIXXIES

Chit Chats Y

“I CAN DO ANYTHING WITH FLOWERS... I’VE MADE PHONES, I’VE MADE FISH, SHRIMP BOATS, LOGOS… IT’S ART. THAT’S JUST THE FUN PART.”

➽

John Davis with Michael Brooks in front of the three-foot floral Mongo featured at South magazine’s Anniversary party.

THE GODFATHER OF FLOWERS JOHN DAVIS, SAVANNAH’S OWN DON FLORAL-IONI.

BY BARRY KAUFMAN

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ou can call him the Godfather of Flowers, because if you make John Davis an offer, he can’t refuse.

Even if, as we here at South magazine have done in the past, you ask him to craft something as seemingly impossible as a threefoot-tall terrier made completely out of flowers (which we totally did).

“I can do anything with flowers,” he said.

“I’ve made phones, I’ve made fish, shrimp boats, logos… it’s art. That’s just the fun part.”

Beyond his artistic arrangements, Davis infuses everything that leaves his shop with creativity and ingenuity. Something as simple as a Valentine’s bouquet receives the full attention of this virtuoso of vegetation, infusing the everyday with tropical blooms and fascinating accompaniments.

“I don’t do floral arrangements that are usual. I only do unusual,” he said. “I use a lot of things that people aren’t used to seeing.”

That dedication to the unusual stems from (pun very much intended) a lifetime spent in pursuit of floral greatness. Davis started in the trade at the age of 18 (“… and I’m 50 now. Isn’t that crazy?”) and while his story starts in tragedy, it ends in celebration.

“When my father passed away, I would go to a florist down the street, and the flowers (that I would take to his grave) would never be ready, So I’d just go behind the counter and start making them myself.”

His handiwork so impressed the owners they asked him to help out when they got busy. Instead, Davis opted to branch out (again, pun intended to the utmost) and go into business for himself.

Although he attended one quarter of college, “just to make my mother happy,” Davis knew he’d found his calling. He went into the business and sure enough his unusual eye and flair began to capture attention. Soon his customers knew that while they could come to him for some top-notch bouquets, they could also come to him for… well, just about anything you can make out of flowers.

Even dogs.

“I just slowly got involved with things like that,” he said. “I would get these strange requests and say, ‘yeah, I can make that.’”

And while not everyone requires Davis make them something that elaborate, he still finds joy in those customers who just need that special arrangement for weddings, funerals, birthdays or special occasions.

“I have fun with everyone who comes in here,” he said. “This is not a boring job.” •

Need flowers? Visit John Davis at 2430 Abercorn St, Savannah, GA (p) 912.233.6077(w) johndavisflorist.com

CLUBSOUTH / EVENT 2 1

NEW YEARS EVE CELEBRATION AT JAZZ’D 4

Jazz’d Tapas Bar and friends rang in the New Year with a Woodstockthemed extravaganza that included live entertainment by the MS3, amazing tapas food, Champagne toasts and party favors. This night of friends and fun proved that “love is all you need to ring in the new year” - with a little help from some tapas food! Jazz’d Tapas Bar is the leader of Savannah’s underground scene - where vibrant sounds pulse through an industrial chic atmosphere on another dimension. Nestled deep beneath the busy streets of the ordinary downtown nightlife waits a special scene designed for sharing eloquent tapas food and experiencing live music. This bachelorette hot spot may be home to Savannah’s best chocolate martini, but its diverse tapas menu boasts flavors from more than just the South. jazzdtapasbar.com

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1. April & Alexa Lemmelo 2. Catherine Karangua & Akirola Vaughan 3. Cristin Brown & John Leatherman 4. Brian & Johanna Nettles, Scott & Christine Sheffield 5. Laramie Jacobs & Tom Tomlin 6. Javis & Lisa Seghetti 7. Lauren Caruso, Brittany Roy 8. Diana Carrillo & Ricardo Dominguez 9. Josh Davis & Tanya Davis 10. Kate & Doug Meyers 11. Kourtney Doherty, Rachel Veazey, Matt Youmans 12. Jessica Ball, Bret Jones, Evan Wolff 13. Mary Hughes & Ron Vanbeek 14. Don Adams, Keith Lanier, Kelly Adams & Beth Lanier 15. Cassie & Stephen Nix 16. Michelle Rewis & Jessica Bruner

Brian & Julie Curry, Owners 12 15

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P h o t o g r a p h s b y T R AC Y S C A R PAT I

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CLUBSOUTH / EVENT

SPANKY’S 40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Ansley Williams and the Live Oak Restaurant Family invited the public to Spanky’s River Street on Dec. 16 to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Savannah restaurant, home of the original chicken finger. Past and present employees and patrons could be found in attendance during the evening, offering their favorite memories and Spanky’s stories while enjoying the delicious food that has been bringing them back for decades. The December event marks the kick-off to a yearlong River Street celebration of “Fingers, Fun and Frolickin’ Friends designed to recognize the people that have supported

Spanky’s after all these beers!

– spankysriverstreet.com

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TRUE SOUTH / ANTIQUE PRINTING

LOLLIPOP LETTERPRESS

Lowcountry Paper Co.

TOM KAZENSKE PRACTICES AN AGE-OLD ART OF LETTERPRESS PRINTING TO CREATE AMAZING INVITATIONS AND DESIGNS. FOR THOSE DESIRING SOMETHING UNIQUE FOR WEDDINGS AND SPECIAL EVENTS, LETTERPRESS PRINTING CREATES AN EVERLASTING IMPRESSION.

WRITTEN BY BELINDA DRAUKER PHOTOS COURTESY OF LOLLIPOP LETTERPRESS

T

Photos by Jabberpics

Each of Tom’s creations are handmade using an ageold process.

Kazenske on his letterpress machine. (above)

Kazenske on his foil machine. (left)

Simple tools of the trade

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he process of relief printing using a letterpress made its debut over 500 years ago with Johannes Gutenberg’s unique invention.

Lollipop Letterpress celebrates this age-old process of relief printing by using 100-year-old antique printing presses. Their elegant handmade work, meticulously created in their private Lowcountry studio, is widely sought after by discerning clients all over.

Owner Tom Kazenske, with a passion for paper and appreciation of print, started Lollipop Letterpress to bring beautiful and quality crafted paper products to the area. Using a 1916 Chandler & Price Platen Press and a 1950 Kensol Press, he sculpts printing into something that can be touched and felt. While modern printing methods are faster and cheaper, the quality and beauty of letterpress cannot be duplicated using modern methods. The vintage look is produced by repeated direct impressions on an inked, raised surface pressed against paper, providing a timeless mixture of past and present.

The knowledgeable team at Lollipop Letterpress guides clients in creating personalized designs from save-thedates and wedding invitations to envelope lining, menus and table cards.

Kazenske and his staff are very particular about details and quality; they strive for perfection every time. The allure and sophistication of a handmade, handpressed invitation is yours for the asking at Lollipop Letterpress, where they make beautiful, lasting impressions on paper and with each client. • Visit lollipopletterpress.com for the latest in authentic letterpress invitations.

HIGH COTTON / SOUTHERN LEADERS TELL ALL

C

linton Edminster seems to fit in the Starland Arts District where he lives and works. The slender 26-year-old entrepreneur has shaggy dark hair and a beard and wears tattered jeans and a purple sweater matching the walls of his store – Starlandia Reclaimed Creative Supply. You’d never guess he grew up on the rugged coast of Alaska or that his first real job was on his dad’s commercial fishing boat, hauling salmon out of the icy waters off the Kenai Peninsula.

CLINTON EDMINSTER

WHERE TO FIND A USED BICYCLE TIRE, A TUBE OF ALIZARIN CRIMSON OIL PAINT, A SACK OF SMALL STICKS, A COOLIE HAT, A BLUE STRIPED FLAG, SOME FABRIC WITH LEOPARD SPOTS …

AND MORE—LOTS MORE!

By William C. Wertz / Photos by Cedric Smith

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Clinton Edminster outside his store, Starlandia, in midtown Savannah

And yet, Edminster said in a recent interview, that’s where he acquired the skills that have paid dividends all his life: “Perseverance and making do.”

When you’re on the boat, he said, “you can’t go to Wal-mart and pick up that little tool you need. You have to figure it out. You have to make it work.

No one else is going to do it.”

In his early teens Edminster became interested in movies – more specifically, special effects and computer animation. For his senior year of high school he wrangled a scholarship to the widely acclaimed Idyllwild Arts Academy in Southern California, one of only a handful of art boarding schools in the country. He became the school’s “Film Student of the Year,” mostly, he said, “because I did special effects for everybody else’s films,” and the next year he was off to the Savannah College of Art and Design on another scholarship.

At SCAD, Edminster intended to pursue film making, but the curriculum was designed to expose him to a variety of artistic expression and, he said, “I got hooked on painting.” He studied painting at SCAD through his

Students from the Savannah College of Art and Design visit Starlandia Supply to experiment with alternative materials. sophomore year, but back on the fishing boat in Alaska for the summer he came to the realization that “I didn’t want to be taught any more how to paint. I wanted to make my own way.”

Edminster returned to Savannah. He continued to paint, but also got a job at Foxy Loxy, a café and coffee shop near Forsyth Park, and started volunteering at a non-profit gallery that displayed works of local artists.

At Foxy Loxy he learned business skills that weren’t needed on a fishing boat, Edminster said.

“Working with people. It was a fast and crazy environment. I learned about consistency, style, atmosphere, details and working with customers.”

It wasn’t long, he said, before he realized that his painting career wasn’t having the impact he hoped it would have, and that “my real skill was in helping other people produce their artwork and helping the community get access to it.”

Was that a disappointment? Not so much, Edminister said. “Art was always a means to an end, and I came to the realization that art might not be the best vehicle for getting my ideas out into the world. There were other avenues.”

Working at night with one of his co-workers at Foxy Loxy, Lauren Flotte, Edminster re-branded the small gallery where he was volunteering as “Art Rise Savannah.” He said he envisioned a marketing initiative with two different, but equally important audiences. First, the arts community itself, encouraging artists to make available an adequate supply of quality pieces in accessible spots. And second, the Savannah community, making sure it knew where and when to go to see the wide range of available art work.

One idea was the First Friday Art March in the Starland District, a night when galleries stay open to display the work of local artists and craftsmen, and visitors enjoy live music, dance performances and activities for children.

Art Rise also established the Non-Fiction Gallery, an exhibition space for local artists, and an online art and culture journal called the Savannah Art Informer.

BY THE

NUMBERS

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YEARS IN OPERATION

“My real skill was in helping other people produce their artwork and helping the community get access to it.”– Edminster But perhaps Edminister’s best vehicle for helping artists is Starlandia, the raw materials store he established in 2015.

“You never know what an artist might need,” Edminister said. But surely many artists will be able to get started at the store with the purple front and yellow stars at 2438 Bull Street.

Brushes? Tubes of oil paint? Easels? Canvas?

Starlandia has them – some looking essentially new, some showing various degrees of use and wear and tear.

But there’s more in the store than the basics.

There are baskets of buttons and bottle caps; bicycle tires and tubes, old flags and cartons full of sticks – flat sticks, round sticks, pointed sticks.

Partly used cans of paint line one wall, and shelves are packed with old cameras, bins of brightly colored fabric, books, picture frames, tubs of crayons and tubes of glue.

“The biggest challenge is having the store organized in such a way that you can see what we have,” said Edminster, who was named one of “Savannah’s Rising Stars of Business,” last year.

“If it’s not organized, it’s just a pile of junk.”

But most important, he said, is that the store helps artists by allowing them to bring in and receive a credit for materials they no longer need and might have had to throw away. The credit helps them purchase new items they need while other artists benefit from the less expensive used items they’ve turned in. Others in the community also benefit – especially teachers, who often have to purchase classroom materials out of their own pockets, Edminster said.

“It’s been an absolute success,” he said. “For now, he added, “It seems to be my calling.” •

ART

RISE AN OUTLET FOR ART ART RISE SAVANNAH grew out of Clinton Edminster’s desire to help Savannah artists get visibility for their work and help the Savannah community become more aware of the art being created around them and where to go to see it.

In 2012, Edminster was volunteering at night at the Desotorow, a nonprofit gallery that offered low-cost exhibition space to artists and working by day at a nearby coffee house. He and a co-worker, Lauren Flotte, working with others, led an effort to transform Desotorow into an organization that could provide more opportunities to local

artists. Eventually, their efforts led to Art Rise Savannah and three key initiatives: • The First Friday Art March, a monthly event to showcase art and businesses in the Starland District. Galleries hold receptions, artists set up temporary shops along De Soto Avenue south of Forsyth Park and musicians perform in coffee shops and on the street.

• The Savannah Art Informer, an online arts blog that publishes art reviews, interviews and articles about Savannah art activity.

• Non-Fiction Gallery, which hosts more than 20 visual arts exhibitions each year.

Visitors peruse the visual, sonic, and performative arts at the grand opening for the Starlandia Space Station in early January 2017.

23k 900 14k

LBS. OF ART SUPPLIES RECLAIMED

SQ. FEET OF PERFORMANCE SPACE

BUSINESS TRANSACTIONS

FE BRUARY / M ARCH 2017

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SOUTHERN MADE / FINE WEAR

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MICKEY LYNN WEARABLE ART

These exclusive pieces are designed in studio by former IT professional, Mickey Lynn and partner Seth. mickeylynn.com

Brackish Bow Ties To reflect the natural beauty of the South, but elevate it with impeccable intricacy, Ben Ross handcrafted a set of turkey feather bow ties for the men in his wedding party in 2007. That gesture begot a wave of admiration and inspiration that became Brackish only a few years later. brackishbowties.com

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feathers in the collection, the Winyah is an incredibly special piece. There is no shortage of various blue, green, and deep purple hues in this tie. A Holiday Collection Exclusive. $225

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Bow Ties handmade out of python skin. Great for special occasions or everyday wear. $175 Photos: Eryka Lynn

LIQUID GOLD ADJUSTABLE RING

These liquid gold pieces are a Mickey Lynn signature design. Using the lost wax carving method, these pieces are meticulously hand crafted and hand finished, creating an abstract work of art. $157

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Men’s Navy Loafers | An innovative collaboration with Res Ipsa resulted in this collection of sleek loafers. This pair is made with navy suede and lined with black leather. In signature Brackish fashion they’ve sewn in all natural Peacock feathers to make your shoes stand out from the rest. $350 Photos: Brackish Ties

HIGH COTTON / SOUTHERN LEADERS TELL ALL

A

LISTEN TO BILL ON WTKS 1290AM OR 97.7FM IN SAVANNAH.

s a radio talk show personality, Bill Edwards talks a lot.

And he listens to a lot of other people talk; people from all over the country.

He knows when someone says, “Well, bless your heart,” he’s talking to someone from the South. And what that person really means to say is: “You stupid idiot!”

The insults fly on talk radio; perhaps one reason for its tremendous surge in popularity over the past two decades. According to the rating agency Arbitron, talk radio has an audience of 1.4 billion listeners across American – up from just 400 million in 1990.

ACCORDING TO BILL...

DEMOCRATS ARE “DEMO-CRETINS, DEM-BULBS OR DEMO-CREEPS. FAVORITE SLOGANS: “YOU CAN’T SPELL ‘DEMOCRAT’ WITHOUT R-A-T.” HILLARY IS THE “HILDABEAST.” HER CAMPAIGN(S) AS “PREPARATION H!” JOHN MCCAIN’S IDIOTIC THINGS WHEN HE TEAMS WITH DEMOCRATS AS THE: “MCCAIN MUTINY.” CATCH BILL ON 1290AM FROM 6-9 WEEKDAY MORNINGS

WTKS RADIO’S

BILL EDWARDS HE’S A TALKER, SHO’NUFF… AND CAN HE SAY PEA-CAN? YES, HE CAN

By William C. Wertz / Photo by Blake Crosby 40

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At WTKS, Edwards is in a lineup that includes Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity and Glen Beck, all giants in the talk show industry. For many months, he’s been in the middle of perhaps the most unconventional and unpredictable political campaigns in history – one that had a lot of folks “riled up,” as they say in the South.

“I think people have been frustrated by our politicians for a long time,” says Edwards. “Finally it reached the boiling point.”

Edwards doesn’t mince many words on the radio or in his WTKS blog.

“For months we here at evil talk radio here in the backwoods of Hicksville where we’re clinging to our Bibles and guns had been predicting that Donald Trump would not only be the next president but would also win in a landslide,” he wrote in a midDecember post.

Unlike the “lamestream media,” he added, “we have known for quite a while how angry the real American was getting with the liberal cretins in Washington and the RHINOs (Republicans in name only) on the Republican side who promise one thing and then compromise and do it the Democrats’ way once elected. Tried to tell them, but you can’t fix stupid.”

Bill Edwards and Laura Anderson

Now, he wonders, “Where are all the media job openings” for those who got it so wrong?

Edwards himself has had a long career in the media. After growing up in Savannah

hours every day and getting paid for it is literally a dream come true.”

During his time on the radio, Edwards has noted some changes in what he hears. Southern

“Making fun of liberals for three hours every day and getting paid for it is literally a dream come true.” and graduating from Garden City’s Groves High School, he earned a degree in broadcast journalism from the University of Mississippi. He started his professional career in Charleston as a staff announcer at WCIV-TV and later became the station’s assistant sports director. Soon he was back in Savannah as the news and sports anchor for WJCL-TV, where he became sports director and hosted Georgia Southern’s TV football program. In 2002 Edwards became host of what is now AM Savannah on News Radio 1290 WTKS and after 14 years is still going strong.

In an anniversary message in February, Edwards thanked his listeners for what he called “this incredible journey,” and added: “This has been a blast! Making fun of liberals for three

THE DYNAMIC DUO BATMAN HAD ROBIN, AND JOHNNY CARSON HAD ED MCMAHON. Even

Tom Hanks, marooned on a desert island in the movie “Cast Away” had “Wilson,” the volleyball.

Yes, it helps to have a partner at your side, and Laura Anderson

slang is a little less common, in part because of a lot of migration to the area by people from other parts of the country. But some of his callers still say “cricks” when talking about rivers and creeks, and a Miss Teen Savannah contestant (originally from California) once asked him what her classmates were talking about when they said they liked to eat pea-cans.

Edwards thinks it’s a shame when “Hollyweird,” as he calls it, gives a movie character a southern accent “when they want to make someone seem stupid.” Many actors and actresses sound “completely fake” when they attempt a Southern accent, he believes, unlike Jodie Foster, who was able to sound like a real West Virginian in The Silence of the Lambs.”

performs that role with Bill Edwards on the WTKS morning show in Savannah.

Anderson joined the program full-time in 2012, although she had been a part-time producer for the show the previous year.

As a producer, it’s her job to line up guests and interviews and think about topics that will be interesting to the audience. Often that involves some late night research even though she has to be up early to be on the air at 6 a.m.

“I love finding out information, whether through an interview or through a web search,” she says.

You might be tempted to think that talking like a Southerner – in the South – will make you sound like you “belong.” But be careful. Both Barrack Obama and Hillary Clinton campaigned for President in the South, and both were criticized for dropping their “g’s” at the end of words, saying “ah” instead of “I,” “ma” instead of “my” and using terms like “a mess” of problems.

Politics as usual? Perhaps, but psychologists do say that humans are natural imitators, and scientists at the University of California, Riverside, found that some people unconsciously adopt the accents of people they’re talking to in an effort to “emphasize” and “bond.”

Actors, of course, have a job pretending to be someone else. Edwards thinks Jackie Gleason (in spite of being from Brooklyn) adopted a passable Southern accent playing the cantankerous sheriff Bufort T. Justice in the Burt Reynolds movie “Smokey and the Bandit.” Edwards says Gleason did a particularly good job with one of the South’s most iconic slang terms: “Sumbitch.”

Southerners may be standing up for themselves more assertively these days, adopting slang that once intended to be insulting. Edwards remembers when “redneck” was a term of scorn for Southerners, while today it’s been picked up as a point of pride, especially in country-western songs like Gretchen Wilson’s “Redneck Woman” and Blake Shelton’s “Boys ‘Round Here.”

When Hillary Clinton referred to some supporters of Donald Trump as “deplorables,” no one seemed particularly insulted, and “the T-shirts came out practically before the words were out of her mouth,” Edwards notes.

Edwards worries a bit that students in the South may be at a bit of a disadvantage when they take standardized college admission tests – most of which are written in the North. “Down here, we might not understand a term like pine ‘needles.’

We call it pine ‘straw,’” he says.

A Southerner upset by such a thing might exclaim, “Land’s sake!” Edwards says.

But others might say the Southern kids will do just fine, absolutely, “Sho’nuff!” •

“Give me something to find online, and I’m on it!” Anderson first went on the radio as a teenager – her high school in New Jersey had its own noncommercial radio station – and she knew then what her career would be.

She went on to get a degree in broadcast journalism at the University of South Carolina and worked for several radio stations in South Carolina and Georgia before landing at WTKS. For much of her early career she was on country music programs, but has enjoyed the transition to talk radio and its wide range of topics.

The 2016 Presidential campaign

and Hurricane Matthew generated much to talk about.

“What I like most about doing the news/talk radio format … is the instant contact and interaction with listeners and the continuous live flow of information,” Anderson says.

“Laura is my rock ... nothing less than my right arm,” says Edwards about his co-host. “She keeps me on track because I’m about as organized as a shipwreck.

And I know it’s an asset to have someone (on the program) who grew up in another generation. We complement each other and often disagree. It makes for good radio.”

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O N T H E P O R C H / S TA R D U S T P I X X I E S

Top row from left to right: Sugar Magnolia, Amethyst, Silvera Alexandra, Citrine, Ali Chemy Bottom row from left to right: Moxshaw, Jamie Failing aka Scarlett Siren, Jaguara

FIRE & ACROBATICS! STARDUST PIXXIES PROVIDE SPARK FOR SAVANNAH EVENTS

By William C. Wertz / Photos by Blake Crosby

N

othing worse than a dull party, unless it’s an even more tedious corporate picnic or other company event – which is why so many in Savannah are calling for help from the Stardust Pixxies. Their motto: “We Dance, We Fly, We Play with Fire!”

The Pixxies were started in September of 2015

by Jamie Failing, a Savannah dance teacher for more than 20 years. The Pixxies like to go by their stage names, and Failing’s is “Scarlett Siren.”

Currently there are 13 women in the group, but expansion is anticipated soon.

“We all have varied backgrounds,” Failing said.

“Some are dancers, others are gymnasts, others have experience with hoops and other skills.”

The Pixxies got their start dancing at musical events, often performing at concerts by XuluProphet, the Savannah psychedelic funk and reggae rock band. The band bills itself as “sexy, but clean and suitable for all ages, with groovy danceable music.” The Pixxies have frequently been out front to lead the crowd in dancing.

But the group also performs at a wide range of other events – from children’s birthday parties to bigger corporate events.

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“Sometimes we dance around a Maypole with the kids, other times we’re fire dancing or dancing with hoops,” Failing said. The aerial artists on the team have a 24-foot trapeze rig they set up on site for performances. They also model for photo shoots and grand opening events.

Failing said the group has performed several times at House of Strut, a vintage clothing store in the Starland art district. In March the Pixxies plan a performance of “Peter Pan” at Bull St. Auctions. The all-ages performance at 7 p.m. will include dancing, hoops and aerial acts. The 18+ performance at 9:30 p.m. will add an element of burlesque.

Failing said the Pixxies often split up, depending on the timing and size of various events. Several small groups may perform at the same time, with hoop or fire dancers at one event while an aerial or acrobatic performance is taking place at another venue.

“We’re getting bigger jobs, and we want to grow,” said Failing. “So we’re looking for more dancers.”

For more informaiton, 912-344-8538 or go to stardustpixxies.com.

MEET THE PIXXIES 1 Scarlett Siren – Dance, Hoop, Fire, Aerial 2 Sugar Magnolia – Dance, Hoop , Fire, Aerial 3 Moxshaw – Aerial, Fire, Dance, Hoop, Acro 4 Alichemy – Dance, Hoop, Fire, Aerial 5 Silvera – Dance, Hoop, Fire, Aerial, Acro 6 Ember Haze – Dance, Hoop, Fire, Aerial 7 Midnight Sprite – Dance, Fire, Aerial 8 Cosmosis – Dance, Hoop, Fire, Aerial 9 Citrine – Dance, Hoop, Fire, Aerial, Acro 10 Amethyst – Fire, Hoop 11 Jaguaura – Dance, Aerial 12 Searsha – Dance, Fire, Aerial 13 Luna Rose – Dance

UPCOMING EVENTS: February 18: AURAFest, performing with Psycho Circus Aerial and Fire February 25: “We Are The Pixxies” performance at Bull Street Auctions 9-10:30 p.m.

March 11: “Peter Pan” performance at Bull Street Auctions. All ages show, 7 p.m. 18+ show 9:30 p.m.

SOUTH MAGAZINE PRESENTS

Eleven

of the greatest photographers in the south CONTEST

A GREAT PHOTOGRAPH CAPTURES A SINGLE MOMENT, BUT PRESERVES EMOTION AND AESTHETIC QUALITIES FOR A LIFETIME. SOUTH MAGAZINE CELEBRATES ELEVEN YEARS BY FEATURING SOME OF THE MOST CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHERS IN THE AREA. FROM JOURNALISM TO PORTRAITURE, THESE TALENTED PROFESSIONALS HAVE CAPTURED THE BEAUTY OF THEIR SURROUNDINGS AND CREATED VIVID STORIES WITHOUT WORDS.

Angel Hernandez / Sheila Rozell / Nevada Craig / Anthony Paderewski / Kelly Grieve Kimberly McHugh / Lamar Gale / Jon Waits / James Calemine / Nelson Laporte / Tori Bronston

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TORI BRONSTON I enjoy photographing for a plethora of reasons, but the main one is being able to interact with my clients and have a fun day together while creating memories they will cherish forever. I have a background in art education and feel my knowledge in the arts allows me to be creative and give my portrait sessions and weddings a taste of the fine arts.

SOUTHERN ENGAGEMENTS Portrait & Wedding Photographer

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SHEILA ROZELL There are so many things that inspire me, but I am most inspired by children. Their ability to see the world as this big beautiful place full of wonder and amazement, I want to see it the way they do, and I want to share that with the world...so they can see it, too.

FIERCE Portrait / sheilarozell3.wixsite.com/mysite

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NEVADA CRAIG I shoot because I want to make my audience experience the scenario firsthand. When someone looks at my image, I would like to provoke their emotion and inspire them to change the way they perceive street photography and art itself. My images are intended to move and persuade the audience into changing the world for the better, while capturing natural beauty in day-to-day people.

DRAGON BOAT BEAUFORT

Journalism / NevadaCraigPhotography.com

ANTHONY PADEREWSKI Very early on, I realized that photography for me was using the light available from the sun. Flash and artificial lights, prevalent in photojournalism at the time, didn’t interest me. I strive to create vital, direct pictures of people that immediately grab the eye of the viewer. My honest and personable approach produces photographs that hold the viewer’s attention and become objects of pride and satisfaction. That inspires me. Those moments in time.

To be able to capture that moment and let it tell a story without words. The viewer gets to walk away a feeling.

WORDS WITHOUT COLOR

Journalism / a-photography.biz/about/

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KELLY GRIEVE I often halt mid-step to catch scenes that literally stop me in my tracks. When I shoot, I try to preserve the inexplicable “present” moment in this life experience so that any time I look upon that photo again I feel the raw, undeniable truth of that memory. My goal is to convey to others that in this case I am expressing the welcome peace, adventure and bond shared with my daughter. I relish most in capturing live performance energy, precision in progress, the genuine spectrum of sentient emotion and candid beauty in nature.

AURORA

Candid/Nature

KIMBERLY MCHUGH My kids are my inspiration. Being a mom has shown me just how fast time flies and how quickly they grow up. It has also shown me just how rapidly we forget how tiny their toes were, the peach fuzz on their ears and the sound of their first cry, just to name a few. All things we told ourselves we’d never forget.

Capturing these moments on film brings those memories back to life for me. It brings back the sigh of relief I felt when I heard their first cry, the softness against my fingers when touching that peach fuzz on their ears, and the moments I would sit counting and tickling those tiny baby toes. I want this for all families. I want them to have this very exciting time, which you can never get back, documented for them to reminisce on for generations.

Every family deserves that.

RED, WHITE, AND BABY

Birth and Newborn / kcm-photography.com

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YEAR LAMAR GALE I would have to say travel . I say travel rather than landscape because I like to shoot what inspires me wherever I go or am. So it’s people, places, or things. Since I can’t be traveling all the time and I happen to live in Savannah , a good portion of my work is done around the South. I am particularly fond of boats and the reflections they make when the water is still. I’m not a great writer, but I try for my photos to tell a story,

evoke a mood or show a view that is often lost in the hustle and bustle.

This photo is one of many I shot returning to Savannah from Florida on I-95. I have family roots in Darien Georgia, so I make a point to pull off the interstate and stop by this fishing village. Without slowing down and taking the road less traveled, you wouldn’t see this. You also have to be there at the right time of day to capture this light and see the boats.

OH WHAT A FORETASTE Travel / lamargalephoto.com

JON WAITS I’m an “across the board” photographer, but live music, portraiture, and landscapes are my favorite subjects.

As a professional photographer and musician, my photos give me a chance to show what I’m feeling, as opposed to writing about my experiences in song. I love nothing more that to shoot images that make others look their best & help to create their “brand.” My photography is all about slowing down and noticing the little details in life that we usually disregard or pass by without noticing. I’m inspired by the small, daily activities that make up our lives.

TOOLS OF THE TRADE SALON VAGABOND Portraiture

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NELSON LAPORTE I was inspired to become a photographer by my good friend, Brian Drumm. Brian and his wife have both helped me become the photographer I am today. What I love most about this job is meeting new people and building lasting friendships along the way. I also love seeing how my 7-year-old daughter is being influenced into becoming a photographer herself. My military background has always driven me to be challenged, and I can honestly say that the photography business is far more challenging than meets the eye. I look forward to seeing where this journey will take me and how many people I will inspire along way. Thank you all for your love and support!

FALL

Lifestyle / facebook.com/photographybylaporte

JAMES CALEMINE My genre could be categorized as rural, gritty beauty and earth shots. My inspiration is to preserve beauty in the ordinary.

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ANGEL HERNANDEZ I enjoy wildlife and conceptual photography; however, I usually get asked in our community for candid, fashion, and street photography.

I grew up in Rural Georgia in a small city: Claxton. While I was in high school, I enjoyed and dabbled with journalism and photography. About two years ago I was given a camera for Christmas. The beautiful person who gifted me this camera later found out that he created a photo-taking-monster.

I enjoy taking my cameras to events and taking photos of those small moments

with friends, community leaders or politicians. I have learned that taking a picture is not just remembering that moment but documenting the history of culture and an era when working in the genre of candids.

My muse for wildlife photography is usually an animal, plant(s) or simple subjects you may see in your everyday life.

I like to magnify the beauty of a subject and manipulate the photo with different types of lenses whether it’s a color filter or macro lens.

To be honest, whatever event or genre

of photography I am working on that day is the source of my inspiration. If it’s fashion for a local boutique like September Boutique, it could be the dress and jewelry a person may be wearing. If it is candid photography that is needed to document an event, like activist Linda Bryan’s Link for Humanity, then my primary focus is the people whose arms are stretched out by a busy street. Or, when I am needed for a portrait like for Chatham County’s Sheriff, he is my muse and inspiration. I adapt to what I am asked to shoot or feel is right to capture!

SOUTH ROSE Wildlife / facebook.com/Sav.angelh

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S OUTHERN

PLANTATIONS

RED BLUFF PLANTATION THERE ARE MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE IN THE SOUTH THAT ARE UNIQUE TO THE SOUTH. SOUTHERNERS LOVE THEIR HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE FOOTBALL, AND IN NO PART OF THE COUNTRY IS THE PASSION FOR THAT SPORT STRONGER. THEY RELISH THEIR TIME SPENT ON THE SANDY WHITE BEACHES, BEAUTIFUL LAKES AND RIVERS FOUND THROUGHOUT THE REGION. AND THERE IS NO WAY TO TALK ABOUT THINGS DISTINCTLY SOUTHERN WITHOUT MENTIONING FOOD. BUT MAKE NO MISTAKE, THERE IS NO OUTDOOR PURSUIT THAT EMBODIES THE SOUL OF THE SOUTH LIKE A DAY OF QUAIL HUNTING AT A REAL SOUTHERN SHOOTING PLANTATION. WRITTEN BY MARTY FISCHER PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL HRIZUK

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Red Bluff Plantation’s main house includes modern amenities to supplement its Old World charm.

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One

might wonder how quail hunting could garner such attention as to remotely comparing it with other forms of recreation in the South. After all, the sport of quail hunting, at least as it relates to plantation shooting, is not necessarily southern at all. In post Civil War America, many wealthy industrialists from the North began purchasing old cotton plantations in the deep South to serve as getaway recreational properties during the winter months.

They found large populations of Bobwhite quail on these properties and realized that they could manage the habitat of their properties to maintain huntable bird populations year after year.

As you might imagine, quail hunting was not necessarily something that most residents of the South did with any regularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was those aristocrats from the North that set the stage for what would become an outdoor lifestyle that only a fortunate few could enjoy.

Most of the successful shooting plantation properties are located north of Tallahassee, Florida and into southwest Georgia near the towns of Thomasville and Albany. It was in

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this area that elaborate mansions were built on properties ranging from 1,000 acres to more than 20,000 acres. Hunting took place over courses or trails cut through the beautiful tall pines and mature hardwood forest in the area. Food plots and fields provided nutrition for the birds as well as cover to protect them from natural predators.

Most of the properties transported their hunting parties in elaborate “quail wagons” pulled by a team of mules. The quail were located using pointing dogs such as English pointers, Engish setters and German shorthair pointers. The guides rode horses in order to keep up with the wide-ranging pointing dogs, and would raise their caps to signal a point to the wagon driver.

Once the birds were pointed, proper etiquette required two hunters get on the ground. The hunters would flank the guide on the left and right as they walked in behind the dogs on point. As the birds flushed at a speed from zero to 40 + mph in two seconds, the hunters would pick a bird and try to put it in the bag. If successful with the first shot, the hunter could try to get to a second bird before the covey gets out of range. Most shooting plantations require a two shot (side by side or over

Tom Rowland, III aiming at a flushed quail (upper left). Rowland poses here with Maggie (above).

Across top right: Hunter signaling before flushing out quails. Across middle right: Setting out for the hunt. Across bottom left: Red Bluff’s main house.

and under) shotgun, usually 20 gauge or smaller when hunting quail.

As you can see, a quail hunt back in the day was very structured with rules of safety and decorum that were not to be compromised. In today’s world, that structure still exists, especially when it comes to safety. Many of the large shooting plantations still exist today under very private ownership, so most of the quail hunting in the South these days is done at hunting preserves spread across the landscape. A few locations still offer the mule and wagon experience, but most find that not cost-effective, so motorized vehicles like specially outfitted Jeeps are used to transport the hunting party.

In virtually every hunting preserve or private hunting venue, hunter orange clothing is required by law to provide instant visibility of a hunter from his hunting peers. Hunter safety is of paramount importance at these facilities, and

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SOUTHERN SHOOTING PLANTATIONS

A FEW NOTABLE SOUTHERN SHOOTING PLANTATIONS THAT ARE EASILY ACCESSIBLE TO SOUTH GEORGIA, THE SOUTH CAROLINA LOWCOUNTRY AND NORTH FLORIDA: DORCHESTER SHOOTING PRESERVE Located just south of Savannah, Georgia near the town of Midway, Dorchester Shooting Preserve is a beautiful 5,000-acre property that features lodging, hunting, sporting clays and more. Half-day and full-day hunts are available and there are seven lodges on the property with accommodations for up to 30 hunters.

The plantation also features delicious Southern cooking as a part of each hunting experience. huntdsp.com RED BLUFF PLANTATION This beautiful Southern plantation is located just across the Savannah River in the South Carolina Lowcountry. This magnificent property features more than 2,000 acres of high ground and 4,500 acres of tidal marsh. The quail hunts at Red Bluff Plantation are offered with a mule-drawn wagon to transport the hunting party through the breathtaking South Carolina Lowcountry setting. Meals and lodging in the on-site plantation mansion are available by request. redbluffplantation.com BEAVER CREEK PLANTATION Just a short distance from Savannah, Georgia is beautiful Beaver Creek Plantation. This remarkable property features lodging for up to 32 guests, and the quail courses can handle a maximum of 28 hunters simultaneously. The 8,400-square-foot lodge can accommodate up to 100 guests for larger parties, but can handle hunting groups of just about any size. beavercreekplantation.com WYNFIELD PLANTATION One of the original Orvis-endorsed shooting lodges in the South, Wynfield Plantation was awarded the 2005 Orvis Wingshooting Lodge of the Year, which was followed by being named one of the Top 20 Wingshooting Destinations in the World in 2006. Wynfield is best known for its fast flying-quail, great dog work and Southern cuisine. wynfieldplantation.com

This is Dan, a short haired pointer

pretty much every one of them provides a safety video or verbal talk prior to the hunt.

A hunt at most facilities starts with refreshments followed by the safety presentation. Hunts are scheduled half-day or full-day, with the in-field experience lasting three to six hours with a break for lunch, which is often worth the price of admission. Many shooting plantations feature recipes that are exclusive to their property. Hunters can expect dishes like fried chicken, fried or grilled quail, a variety of casseroles, fresh vegetables, breads and delicious desserts. The unofficial “drink of the South” – sweet tea – is a staple beverage at shooting plantations throughout the South.

In the end, a quail hunt at a Southern shooting plantation can be a memorable experience. Most hunters are astonished by the beauty of the property, the remarkable work of a brace of perfectly trained bird dogs doing what they are bred for, great Southern cuisine that would make Paula Deen proud and the camaraderie between hunters and guides that develops from a day or two in such a wonderful environment.

So if you’re the adventurous type, spending some time chasing bird dogs and bobwhite quail at a beautiful Southern shooting plantation might be the perfect outdoor pursuit for you. •

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SOUTHERN WOODS Perhaps one of the best-known hunting preserve properties in the South, Southern Woods Plantation is located east of Albany, Georgia near the town of Sylvester. The plantation features a beautiful Southern lodge with a remarkable game room full of trophies taken by Gene Bishop, the original owner of the plantation. The property offers lodging for up to 60 guests who will find comfort in the 30 on-site bedrooms. plantationsouthernwoodsplantation.com PINE HILL PLANTATION One of the few commercial shooting preserve operations to offer mule and wagon quail hunts, Pine Hill Plantation features quail hunting opportunities on more than 6,000 acres of tall pines, live oaks and wiregrass understudy. It provides the perfect habitat for the fast-flying bobwhite quail. The plantation features a number of beautifully appointed lodges, and hunters have their own lodging staff to take care of their every need. The plantation is located in southwest Georgia near the town of Donalsonville, and duck and turkey hunts are also offered in season by the plantation. pinehillplantation.com

Telfair Museum

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THE

GREATEST VENUES SOUTHERN

HERE, IN THE SPANISH-MOSS-DRAPED LANDSCAPE OF THE COASTAL EMPIRE AND THE LOWCOUNTRY, WE LOVE TO THROW A GOOD PARTY. AFTER ALL, SAVANNAH IS NICKNAMED THE HOSTESS CITY – AND RIGHTLY SO, SINCE YEAR AFTER YEAR THE LOVELY LADY OF SAVANNAH PLAYS HOSTESS TO THOUSANDS UPON THOUSANDS OF TOURISTS, ENTERTAINING AND ENCHANTING EACH VISITOR WITH HER ECLECTIC CULTURE AND RICH HISTORY. BUT HOSTING A GREAT EVENT ISN’T JUST LIMITED TO SPOTS IN SAVANNAH – OUR COASTAL REGION IS BRIMMING WITH UNIQUE PLACES TO HOST AN AFFAIR TO REMEMBER. CHECK OUT OUR LIST OF THE TOP EVENT VENUES IN THE SOUTH – WE’LL HAVE YOU PARTY-PLANNING IN NO TIME. ANNA JONES

Jepson Center for the Arts

JEPSON CENTER FOR THE ARTS &TELFAIR MUSEUM

CONTEMPORARY ART COLLECTION MEETS SPRAWLING EVENT SPACE

LOCATED IN THE HEART of downtown Savannah, the Jepson Center for the Arts combines contemporary art exhibitions with bright, open spaces to create the ultimate event venue.

Choose from multiple spaces such as its three-story atrium, spacious art galleries, auditorium, or state-of-the-art boardroom to host your next fete – you’ll

find a myriad of options to customize specifically for your event’s needs in one of the South’s greatest destinations for fine art. Open to the public since 2006, the Jepson Center serves as the connector of Telfair Museum’s two other properties, offering Savannah a taste of modern art as well as a clean canvas upon which to create a one-of-a-kind event.

Address: Jepson center 207 W. York St., Savannah, GA 31401 Phone: 912.790.8800 Web: telfair.org/visit/jepson

Address: The Telfair 121 Barnard St., Savannah, GA 31401 Phone: 912.790.8800 Web: telfair.org

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Brockington Hall

Photos courtesy of Vitor Lindo

THE SAVANNAH EVENT GROUP SEVERAL INCREDIBLE EVENT VENUES, ONE COUNTRY ROAD THE BARN AT RED GATE FARMS & THE MACKEY HOUSE Steeped in history and

rustic charm, The Barn at Red Gate Farms and The Mackey House, both owned and operated by Savannah Venues, take the #2 spot on our list. Each of these locales retain unique identities, but both exude that undeniable Southern charm that so many seek when visiting potential event sites in the area. As a historical landmark dating back to the Civil War, The Mackey House at Red Gate Plantation has character and history to its core, originally a camp for Confederate soldiers, and then stomping grounds for Union troops following General Sherman’s infamous March to the Sea. Though not quite as aged as The Mackey House, the Barn at Red Gate Farms also has a rich history, originally starting out as (yes, you guessed it) a 300-acre cattle farm in the early 20th century. Now, both historic places host events of all kinds, from weddings to corporate groups to smaller events.

THE SAVANNAH EVENT GROUP manages four beautiful properties throught Savannah; Brockington Hall, Redgate Farms, The Mackey House and The Gingerbread House.

Address: The Mackey House, 190 Red Gate Farms Tral, Savannah, GA 31405 Phone: 912.234.7404 Web: mackeyhouse.com Address: Red Gate Farms, 136 Red Gate Farms Tral, Savannah, GA 31405 Phone: 912.438.0995 Web: savannahsvenue.com

Redgate Farms

The Gingerbread House

Redgate Farms

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Photos courtesy of Palmetto Bluff

Photo courtesy of Epworth by the Sea

MONTAGE PALMETTO BLUFF

LOWCOUNTRY RETREAT WHERE NATURE AND LUXURY TAKE CENTER STAGE NESTLED SNUGLY BETWEEN Savannah

and Hilton Head Island, Palmetto Bluff is a 20,000-acre resort and residential community that celebrates the best of the Lowcountry. With 32 miles of property along the beautiful May, Cooper and New Rivers, to say the view from (and of, for that matter) the Bluff is scenic would be a drastic understatement – in fact, nearly every part of Palmetto Bluff is so picture-perfect that it would make the ultimate backdrop for any event. The recently expanded 200room Montage Palmetto Bluff includes two chapels, two ballrooms spanning over 8,000 square feet, and many other options for smaller, more intimate gatherings. The Bluff also offers a myriad of ways to explore and discover the pristine natural beauty of the Lowcountry – whether you decide to visit for the day, stay for the weekend, or live there forever. Now how’s that for Southern hospitality?

Address: 19 Village Park Sq., Bluffton, SC 29910 Phone: 843.706.6400 Web: montagehotels.com/palmettobluff

THE KING & PRINCE

QUIET SOUTHERN HOTEL WITH STUNNING INDOOR AND OUTDOOR EVENT SPACES OVERLOOKING THE STUNNING

EPWORTH BY THE SEA A QUIET, COASTAL RESPITE OFFERING PEACE AND TRANQUILITY SOMETIMES A TRIP (farther) south is all you need.

Epworth by the Sea is a conference and retreat center that centers around faith, worship and reflection.

Situated on the Frederica River in St. Simons Island, Georgia, this is the ultimate retreat for those seeking a real getaway from it all – Epworth by the Sea offers a variety of event spaces and amenities for different sized groups or and even accommodations for individual vacations. Two meeting rooms, a range of onsite amenities, and even access to an adventure ropes course are just a few of the options available at Epworth by the Sea. Address: 100 Arthur J. Moore Drive, St. Simons Island, GA 31522 Phone: 912.638.8688 Web: epworthbythesea.com

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landscape of the St. Simons Island coastline, The King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort is a beautiful oceanfront retreat that would make a charming backdrop for an intimate gathering or a larger event. Dating back to 1935, The King and Prince was a dance club originally, with a hotel opening on the site in 1941, which is the main hotel structure today.

The resort has numerous facilities and settings for hosting events, such as the resort’s sprawling lawn overlooking the ocean and the elegant Lanier Ballroom, the largest event space on property.

Address: 201 Arnold Road, St. Simons Island, GA 31522 Phone: 912.638.3631 Web: kingandprince.com

Photos courtesy of The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort

GEORGIA STATE RAILROAD MUSEUM HISTORIC LANDMARK WORTHY OF AN ELEGANT EVENT WHAT BETTER WAY TO introduce your guests to the history of Savannah than by hosting an event at one of the area’s National Historic Landmarks?

The historic Georgia State Railroad Museum offers many different event spaces for you to choose from, helping you tailor your special event exactly the way you want it – and they also have beautiful inside venues as well as ones outside, too.

Located in Tricentennial Park in downtown Savannah, you and your guests will also have access to all the hotels in the Historic District for accommodations. We’re all aboard with this event locale.

Address: 655 Louisville Road., Savannah, GA 31401 Phone: 912.651.6823 Web: chsgeorgia.org/GSRM

Photo by John McManus

CHARLES MORRIS CENTER UNIQUE INDOOR AND OUTDOOR SETTINGS IN THE HISTORIC DOWNTOWN OF SAVANNAH EXPOSED BRICK WALLS, floor-toceiling windows and a prime location adjacent to the Savannah River are just a few reasons why the Morris Center at Trustee’s Garden is a popular place to host an event in Savannah. And like so many other things in Savannah, the Morris Center has a storied past – in the 1700s the Trustee’s Garden grew a wide assortment of crops for experimentation, from flax to olives to indigo to more, and now has been revived into a sophisticated event space. This beautiful venue is ideal for intimate events, but spacious enough to host well-attended events with ease and comfort.

Photo by John McManus

Address: 10 East Broad Street, Savannah, GA 31401 Phone: 912.443.3277 Web: trusteesgarden.com

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Photo courtesy of Old Fort Jackson

Photoc ourtesy of Savannah Station

OLD FORT JACKSON

RICH HISTORY AND VIEWS OF THE SAVANNAH RIVER CREATE THE ULTIMATE EVENT VENUE

HOME TO ONE OF THE MOST luxurious

resorts in the South, Sea Island is truly a one-of-a-kind property. Comprised of several elegant accommodations, facilities and amenities such as The Cloister and The Lodge, Sea Island is brimming with opportunities to create a captivating, unforgettable event – or a fabulous vacation. But with so many options, you might think you’d get overwhelmed – fear not, as the wellversed Sea Island staff is there to guide you through the menu of event locations to select the one that suits your vision the best. Your dream event awaits.

Address: 100 Cloister Drive, Sea Island, GA 31561 Phone: 855.572.4975 Web: seaisland.com

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OFTENTIMES IT’S A BLANK SLATE that

brick fort still standing in Georgia and is located just minutes away from Savannah’s Historic District. A panoramic view of the Savannah River combined with a unique, historic setting make Fort Jackson a rarefied space to host your next party. Even better?

After you work with their dedicated staff to plan your event, you can request specific historic reenactments to add to your fete, such as firing a cannon or an infantry drill. We can’t think of a better way to punctuate your party than with a cannon firing.

Address: 21 Fort Jackson Rd., Savannah, GA 31404 Phone: 912.651.6823 Web: chsgeorgia.org/OFJ

Address: 601 Cohen St., Savannah, GA 31401 Phone: 912.233.5400 Web: savannahstation.com

Photo courtesy of Sea Island Resort

SEA ISLAND

ELEGANT OCEANFRONT RESORT WITH ENDLESS AMENITIES AND ACCOMMODATIONS

SPRAWLING EVENT SPACE PERFECT FOR LARGE EVENTS AND GALAS

can provide the most opportunity for ingenuity. And that’s exactly what Savannah Station is – the perfect, 12,000-square-foot clean slate from which to build your dream event.

Originally a horse stable owned and operated by the Southern Express Company, Savannah Station was built in 1902 and retains the same history and personality still today – exposed brick walls, handcrafted wooden accents, and many other design details make this space well-appointed and unique. Perhaps its largest advantage is its sheer size, which makes Savannah Station an ideal location for large weddings, conferences, galas and more.

OLD FORT JACKSON IS THE OLDEST

Photo courtesy of Sea Island Resort

SAVANNAH STATION

THE MANSION ON FORSYTH REGAL HOTEL FEATURING ECLECTIC DÉCOR AND PRIVATE ART COLLECTIONS Photos by John McManus

AS A PART OF THE ENORMOUSLY SUCCESSFUL

Kessler Collection, The Mansion at Forsyth

Park is known in Savannah as one of the most beautiful and prestigious hotels in the city. The stately Victorian hotel is home to not only elegantly appointed rooms, but one of the city’s most coveted art collections

too, boasting over 400 original pieces of art.

Over 13,000 square feet of event space offers flexibility and function for any event – a wine cellar, private meeting rooms, and a courtyard give a variety of choices to host an affair that will be as memorable as The Mansion’s collected, gallery-worthy décor.

Address: 700 Drayton Street, Savannah, GA 31401 Phone: 888.213.3671 Web: mansiononforsythpark.com

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S ’ H T SOU T S E T A E GR S T N EVE 7 1 0 OF2 UITE R THROWING Q O F N W O N K IS CITY , THE HOSTESS S T S E F O T COMES AS NO S IT E , T Ê D N U O B A FROM F E UR ARTS AND CULT E R E H W E C A L P D CHARMING AS N A D E T A A PARTY. IN A IC T IS SOPH OIREES ARE AS UT S E S E H T T A H T T RUN THE GAM A H T S T SURPRISE N E V E S OAST 7’S CALENDAR B 1 0 2 .

F L NE REPLETE E S O IT H C H A A E , S IG D SAVANN SHIN O LOWCOUNTRY T G S IR FA F A W O T DOWN DURIN E G D N A P FROM HIGHBR U K RIN ITY. SO DIG IN, D L A IT P S O H N R E !

WITH SOUTH US FESTIVITIES O L U B FA ’S R A E THIS Y

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2

ANNUAL OPPORTUNITY AWARD GALA: (2017 TBA)

1 GEORGIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY’S TRUSTEES GALA (FEBRUARY 18) This premiere annual event brings together some of the biggest local, state and national leaders for an elegant and much-anticipated evening of celebration.

This year’s fête will recognize Georgia’s legendary innovation with the theme “Just My Imagination.” Honor the state’s greatest inventors and visionaries with an evening of dinner, dancing and lively conversation at this can’t-miss black tie event. Where and When: 7 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Savannah. Tickets: GHS members, $275; Non-members: $350. More information at georgiahistory.com. Why it made the list: This gala is the oldest and most wellattended parties in the city.

Founded in 1929 as The Opportunity School, this annual signature event began with the school’s 75th anniversary year in 2004. From the very beginning, this institution has been creating opportunities through technical education. The Foundation felt it was only fitting to honor those who have devoted their lives to the same undertaking. The Opportunity Gala, held the first Friday in December of each year, honors deserving civic leaders for a lifetime of service in creating and enhancing opportunities for others to succeed.

3

THE DAVENPORT HOUSE SOIREE: (FEBRUARY 19)

Celebrate Savannah’s passion for historic preservation at this annual fundraiser for the Davenport House Museum.

Join the city’s most altruistic and artistic socialites at this memorable event. Passed hors d’oeuvres, fine spirits, a silent auction and live entertainment will take place at the worldfamous Elizabeth’s on 37th. Dress to impress and mingle with the best. Where: Elizabeth’s on 37th. Tickets are $95. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit davenporthousemuseum.org.

Why it made the list: Supporting Savannah’s tradition of preserving historic sites is a worthy cause.

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4 DEFINE ART: (FEBRUARY 21-24)

2017 marks the celebration of Savannah College of Art and Design’s eighth annual deFINE Art program with receptions, performances and solo shows to highlight the work and careers of esteemed artists and visionaries the world over. This year’s honoree is Carlos Cruz-Diez, the French-Venezuelan artist renowned for his experimental and groundbreaking color theory during his more than 70year career. Where: SCAD Museum of Art. For specific exhibition times and locations, visit scad.edu/events-andworkshops. Why it made the list: Fine art helped make Savannah what it is, and we honor that.

5.

HIBERNIAN SOCIETY’S 205TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER (MARCH 17) Founded in 1812 to aid and assist Savannah’s Irish immigrants, the Hibernian Society officially kicks off St. Patrick’s Day annually with its 205th anniversary dinner, a black-tie event for the who’s-who of Savannah. Past keynote speakers have included Presidents William Taft and Jimmy Carter. Where and When: 7:30 p.m., Savannah International Trade and Convention Center. For event details, visit thehiberniansociety.com/events. Why it made the list: As the home of the second largest St. Patrick’s Day celebration, Savannah’s elders know how to take the tradition seriously.

7.

PEARLS OF POWER GALA (APRIL 28)

This festive gala benefits the Rape Crisis Center of Savannah, bringing locals and philanthropists together to celebrate women who have empowered and supported the local chapter and aided in advocacy services in the area. Attendees will enjoy a semiformal champagne reception, complete with oysters hors d’oeuvres and musical performances.

When: April 22, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. at the American Legion Post 135. Tickets: $150 per person; $1,000 per table of eight. Visit rccsav. org for more information and to purchase tickets. Why it made the list: April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month– the perfect time to bring attention and support to a serious issue.

6.

37TH ANNUAL TELFAIR BALL (FEBRUARY 25)

One of the Savannah social scene’s biggest gems, the annual Telfair Ball benefits the beloved Telfair Museum’s exquisite exhibitions, educational programs and community outreach.

With the theme of Modern Lights, this year’s celebration promises to enchant and entertain. The night begins with a lavish cocktail reception and continues with silent and live auctions before a spectacular dinner at the Jepson and live musical performance at the Telfair Academy. Where and When: 6:30 p.m. at the Telfair Acadamy/Jepson Center. Director’s Circle members only: $500 per person. For tickets, or to become a member, visit Telfair.org.

Why it made the list: It’s a Southern socialite’s dream event!

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8.

SCAD ANNUAL FASHION SHOW (MAY 20)

There’s no shortage of panache when it comes to the annual fashion gala hosted by the Savannah College of Art and Design.

Hundreds of graduating seniors compete for precious few slots in one of the country’s chicest fashion events. Student work is selected through a juried process and the industry’s top professionals critique each piece from initial sketches to final garments before a runway presentation of the highest caliber designs. When: 8:00 p.m. For ticket pricing and information, visit scad.edu/ event Why it made the list: It’s your first look at next season’s biggest fashions.

11. DINESOUTH (MID OCTOBER)

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South Magazine’s own dining and lifestyle event hosts some of the best Southern chefs, bartenders and restaurants for an evening of culinary magic. Feast on the city’s most delicious food and libations as you mingle with locals and the South Magazine team. Entertainment and photo ops are plentiful, so don your best attire and get ready to experience everything that makes the South the best place on Earth. Tickets sell out quickly, so act fast! Savannah Station. For tickets, information on becoming a vendor, and more details, visit dinesouth.com. Why it made the list: DineSouth is one of the most eccentric celebrations in Savannah.

DANCING WITH SAVANNAH STARS (SEPTEMBER TBD)

Savannah’s biggest celebrities join forces to raise money for CASA, the Court-Appointed Special Advocates for Children. Now in its 10th year, the annual show pairs local community movers-and-shakers with professional dancers in competition for the coveted trophy. In addition to dancing, the Stars help raise money and awareness for the cause by securing sponsors, hosting fundraisers and generating donations online. Where: Lucas Theatre for the Arts. General Admission: $50/VIP: $125.

For tickets and more information, visit dancingwithsavannahstars.org. Why it made the list: Who wouldn’t want to see Savannah locals team up with celebs in the name of justice?

12.

SAVANNAH FILM FESTIVAL

10. LEUKEMIA CUP REGATTA

(OCTOBER 28-NOVEMBER 4)

(SEPTEMBER 8-10)

The second largest Leukemia Cup in the country, the St. Joseph’s/Candler’s annual Leukemia Cup Regatta is a thrilling series of sailing events that raises money to cure cancer. Events include a clay shoot, golf, fishing, a yacht hop, auction and 5K run to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, the world’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer research.

Where: Savannah Yacht Club. For event details, visit leukemiacup.org/ga. Why it made the list: It’s a chance to enjoy Savannah’s mild temperatures and raise money for a great cause.

FOR THE 411 ON EVENTS HERE IN THE SOUTH, VISIT PLAYSOUTH.COM.

Now in its 20th year, this festival showcases films from both award-winning directors and emerging student filmmakers.

The event hosts competition film showings, special screenings, workshops, panels and lectures – and celebrity sightings on the red carpet are anything but uncommon. Don your award show best and get ready to watch cinematic greatness in action. Passes and schedules available at filmfest.scad.edu.

Why it made the list: It’s a great opportunity to see and be seen on the red carpet.

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HOW TO WE’VE ENLISTED THE BEST EVENT PLANNERS AROUND TO HELP GIVE YOUR SPECIAL EVENING A SOUTHERN SHINE.

PHOTOGRAPHY: BLAKE CROSBY, AUDREY O’DONNELL, JOHN ALEXANDER ✒WRITTEN BY BARRY KAUFMAN

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WHAT IS THE ULTIMATE SOUTHERN BASH? THAT’S ULTIMATELY ON YOU TO FIGURE OUT. MAYBE IT’S JAZZ AND TWINKLE LIGHTS SET AGAINST A REGAL DOWNTOWN COURTYARD. MAYBE IT’S MOONLIGHT SPARKLING OFF THE WATER AROUND YOUR DOCK, WHERE MASON JAR CANDLES HELP HOLD UP THE NIGHT SKY AND ACOUSTIC GUITAR FILLS THE AIR. MAYBE IT’S FIDDLES AND WASHBOARDS IN A SHABBY CHIC RECLAIMED BARN. IT IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT. AND AS YOU PREPARE FOR YOUR ULTIMATE SOUTHERN BASH, WE’VE CALLED IN A FEW OF THE EXPERTS TO HELP YOU MAKE IT YOUR OWN.

GINGER FAWCETT

LIGHTING – There is nothing that has the power to instantly change the mood or feeling of a party like the perfect lighting. Whether outdoor bistro lights hanging like fireflies in the sky, papier-mâché balls floating lazily above the crowd, candlelit lanterns nestled in the trees, or even cozy fire pits on a brisk Southern night, finding the ultimate lighting fills both the night and the attendees with a warm glow.

SPIRITS - No, I’m not talking about ghosts. I’m referring to the tantalizing deliciousness of a great specialty drink designed especially for your Southern Bash. It is always fun to have that little something extra that sets your party apart and leaves people talking. That can easily be an unforgettable drink,

such as a specialty mojito, perhaps the most divine mint julep ever, or even a Bloody Mary bar overflowing with delicious ingredients.

FOOD - Let’s face it: us Southerners love our food! There is nothing better than sharing great food with great friends. Rather than simply grilling burgers and hot dogs, however, why not set some time aside to get creative and check out new and exotic treats from around the city? It is always exciting to arrive at an event and find a variety of unexpected and delicious food choices. Your guests (and their taste buds) will thank you.

WEATHER - We all know the weather in the south changes like southern girls change clothes: typically

about five or six times a day! You never know from hour to hour if the weatherman is going to be truly accurate, so choosing a covered venue or having an upscale tent ready to go is always a great idea. Don’t let the notion of a tent discourage you. There are many amazing products available, including tents with clear tops, draped sides, perimeter lighting, and even chandeliers. Best of all, almost every tent company will hold a tent for you “just in case.”

Ginger loves planning parties, social and corporate events, fundraisers and weddings. She can be reached at 912-433-5766 and gingerfawcettevents.com

BONNIE KARR,

FIRST CITY EVENTS ALWAYS CARRY AN UMBRELLA - With the amazing weather we have in the Lowcountry, it’s no wonder the number of events that are held outside, but if you want to enjoy your event stress free, you have to have a back-up plan. No one can control Mother Nature, but already having a plan in place, allows you to make a quick change and keep the day fun and stress levels low.

Carrying a literal umbrella never hurts either.

DON’T FORGET ABOUT NATURAL LIGHT - It’s also important to consider where the sun will be at the time of your event. You will want to know if the sun will be in people’s faces as they try to watch the ceremony or if it’s casting shadows for photos. Sun also affects your desserts and even candles.

Candles out too long on a hot day will melt before your guests even have a chance to arrive. And it goes without sayingsunscreen. No one wants to leave with a sunburn outline of their cocktail dress.

WALK A “MILE” IN YOUR SHOES - Make sure you can walk in your shoes at your event location.

You may need to purchase heel protectors so you do not sink in the grass, or maybe switch to flats for cobble stone streets or sandals for the beach sand.

MAKE A GREAT EXIT - Geography is on our side and you can have so many different fun and unique exits. Horse and carriage, yacht, sail boat, kayak or canoe, trolley, limo, classic car, pedi cab, mopeds, helicopter…the list is endless.

First City Events can help you with a variety of events, and they even have their own DJ specializing in receptions, dance parties, private events, clubs, fashion shows, gallery exhibits, and block parties. 912. 695.0087​or irstcityevents.com.

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PURPOSE - Defining the purpose of your event, while it may seem obvious, is actually an important first step in the planning process. Spend some time brainstorming how you want your guests to feel during the event, as well as the experience they will describe to others after the event is over. Once you have these clearly defined goals, your execution and overall look will be more authentic.

THE ELEMENT OF THE SURPRISE - I refer to this as “stacking the event” meaning that I want every event to unfold for our guests. If every aspect of the event is available at the beginning, you may lose the energy and have the event fade out early.

Don’t let your guests experience everything at once! Having cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in one area, and then inviting guests to a new space for dinner and dancing is a tried and true way of doing this, but I like to take it several steps further. Have the lighting change in a dramatic way when transitioning your guests

BETHANY BOLES HEWITT, SOUTHERN GRACES

GIVE YOURSELF TIME - One of the most important considerations for a successful event is to allow enough time to properly plan it. For example, in my opinion, the ideal lead time for small events such as networking receptions is at least three or four months and about nine months to a year for larger events such as galas. Can it be done in less time? Absolutely. I once planned a VIP reception on 48 hours’ notice and my client was very pleased with the results. But having more time generally means a better event. More time allows the opportunity for brainstorming ideas to make Savannah Film Fest

the event more meaningful with special touches.

More time allows more options for budgetfriendly expenses, by soliciting quotes for best pricing and also eliminating the need for rush fees. More time allows for the full development of an invitation list that includes as many people as possible and removes the likelihood that someone will be overlooked in haste. More time allows guests to have more notice for an event, which yields better attendance. Time is valuable and its value to events should not be underestimated.

Art Shows Awards Dinners Banquets Cocktail Receptions Corporate Holiday Parties Excursions Fashion Shows Galas Golf Tournaments Grand Openings Groundbreaking Ceremonies

• • • • • • • • •

Launch Events Luncheons Meetings Networking Receptions Retreats Ribbon Cuttings Seminars Swearing-in Ceremonies • Tennis Tournaments

You can reach Tammy at thedetaildepartment.com, or call 912.604.1267 72

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THE DEVIL’S IN THE DETAILS - Every little detail comes together to create your “Event Story.” I’m always amazed at what clients tell us after an event.

While our foundation is built on delivering exceptional food in an event format, most often, I hear from clients about how their guests couldn’t believe the attention to detail that set their event apart from all others. Often, guests rave about small touches like customdesigned drink straws, or the drink recipe tied onto the handle of a copper mug for a Moscow Mule, or the basket of “comfortables” in the restrooms that offer everything from mints to bobby pins. The list goes on and on, and it tends to be the little, thoughtful details that guests remember the most!

Need help with your wedding, social gathering or corporate events? Call Bethany at 912.509.0878 or visit her website: southerngraces.com

TAMMY CAN HELP WITH THESE SORTS OF EVENTS: • • • • • • • • • • • • •

from dining to dancing, send in roving carts of fresh hot donuts for something sweet after the meal, or hire a breakdancing group to break into the dance floor as the evening progresses.

TAMMY MOSELEY RAY, THE DETAIL DEPARTMENT

SEBRELL SMITH,

SEBRELL SMITH DESIGNER EVENTS INVITATION – It’s becoming a lost art form, but if you want to be true to your Southern roots, you have to do invitations. It’s not a proper party without a proper invitation. Depending on how formal or casual, 4-6 weeks for casual, 8 weeks for formal.

But absolutely hand-write the envelopes. You have to follow the old-school rules.

THE PLAYLIST – Anything’s better than silence, but it has to fit your theme. You have to stay true to your personality.

Everyone asks about trends – who cares about trends? For me, if you walked into my house it wouldn’t be surprising to walk in and hear Dr. John. You just have to tie it to the atmosphere you’re trying to create. It’s finding that happy mix.

FLOWERS – Flowers make a huge difference in a space. The beautiful thing is they don’t have to necessarily match anything. When I think Southern I think of some heirloom plants like fig ivy, maidenhair fern, garden roses any type of bulb, flowering branches... Try and

stay indigenous to you area, whether you’re downtown in a courtyard or on a dock.

Depending on the theme of the party, I like to incorporate asparagus or artichokes incorporated into arrangements can be effective.

THE MENU – I think a lot of people mess up by trying to offer too large a variety. Stick to 5-7 items; there’s no need to have a smorgasbord of 47 different things. Especially if you’re entertaining at home. Think about what can be made ahead or purchased and brought in. No real Southern hostess wants to give away the idea that she doesn’t do everything herself, but the reality is in 2017 everyone has too much going on to do it all themselves. You want to have a variety of colors and textures in there.

TOKEN – I hate the term favors, but there should be some little something you take away from the party, whether it’s a potted plant or a packet of seeds. Just something to say thank you for coming.

Sebrell Smith offers professional guidance, planning, production and detail management for any event. We specialize in destination weddings. You can reach her at 912.604.6852 or sebrellsmith.com

*Of course, after reading the sage advice up above it’s clear that you only need to know one thing to throw the Ultimate Southern Bash. Hire an event planner, and leave it to the pros.

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CELEBRATING THE IRISH IN SAVANNAH. IT’S MORE THAN A PARADE ON ST. PATRICK’S DAY WE SIT DOWN WITH THE 2016 GRAND MARSHALL MICHAEL FORAN AS HE SHARES THE CHARATCHER OF THE IRISH. PAGE 76 Written by William C. Wertz Photography by Paul H. Camp ➞ 2016 GRAND MARSHALL MIKE FORAN

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t INSIDERS

GUIDE

TO

s t. paddy's Irish eyes are smiling in Savannah during the entire month of March and South magazine is honored to help you navigate the many parties, festivals, ceremonies and special events that make St. Patrick’s Day a grand celebration of Irish history and pride. The Bagpipe Festival, Tara Feis, the Irish Heritage Dance and the Celtic Cross Ceremony are just a few of the events leading up to the day that everybody wants to be Irish, March 17. So put on your green, grab a shillelagh and party with all of Savannah at the second largest St. Paddy’s Day parades in the nation and may the luck of the Irish be with ye!

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ichael Foran was the man at the head of the St. Patrick’s Day last year, and his job is not finished yet. The 2017 Parade Marshal won’t be chosen until the end of February, and Foran retains the title until then. “It’s the highest honor an Irish-American can have in Savannah,” he said.

Wearing a bright green sash, Foran led a parade considered to be one of the two or three largest in the nation, and this year’s is not expected to be any smaller. As a mark of his office, Foran also carried a big shillelagh (shi-LAY-lee, a walking stick with a large knob on top traditionally carried by Irish workers as a defense against thieves). A retired river boat pilot, Foran has served in the past as chairman of the parade committee, a job held this year by Brian Counihan, with the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office.

While the exact 2017 parade route has not yet been announced, the parade typically follows the same path. It begins at Gwinnett and Abercorn streets, travels along Albercorn to Broughton, then turns right toward East Broad Street. The parade continues north on East Broad to East Bay and then down East Bay to Bull Street and then on to Madison Square.

The parade will feature brass bands, floats, Irish dancers and marching units from the fire, police and sheriff’s departments and several different

Michael Foran ( far left), walking in the 2016 St. Partick’s Day parade with a few of his aides.

military units.

“The bands are very important,” Foran said. “We really want to put on a show.” Also marching, he said, will be 90 percent of the Irish community of Savannah.

“This parade is for families,” Foran said. “It’s not just for the people walking down the street.

We know there are people who have their own special corners where they’ve watched the parade for generations.”

Savannah’s first St. Patrick’s Day parade was held in 1824, and has been continued ever since except for a few war years.

But while the parade will be spectacular, it’s only one of a number of March events celebrating Irish heritage.

A week before the parade the Irish community will celebrate its faith with a bagpipe-led procession from the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist down East Broad and Bay streets to Emmet Park.

I’m irish. you’re irish. everyone’s irish!

WHATEVER YOUR HERITAGE, MARCH 17TH IS THE ONE DAY OF THE YEAR WHEN EVERYONE IS ALLOWED TO BE IRISH. IN THE DAYS LEADING UP TO ST. PATRICK’S DAY, SAVANNAH IS FILLED WITH CEREMONIES, DANCES, PARADES AND OTHER SHENANIGANS TO HELP PREPARE YOU FOR THE BIG DAY, SO MARK YOUR CALENDARS AND DRESS ACCORDINGLY!

Savannah’s Department of Cultural Affairs will hold the Tara Feis Irish Celebration the week before St. Patrick’s Day. “Feis,” pronounced “fesh,” means festival. It’s designed for families and will include Irish dancing and other live performances, food, art activities, games and crafts.

Also, on the day before St. Patrick’s Day, the Parade Committee will hold the annual event honoring Revolutionary War hero Sgt. William Jasper and all U.S. military, past and present.

Jasper, of Irish descent, is recognized for his bravery in recapturing his brigade’s banner during the Siege of Savannah in 1779. Each year, a wreath is laid at the foot of the statue of Jasper in Madison Square. The bronze statue depicts Jasper holding the flag of the Second Regiment of South Carolina Continentals during the assault.

Involvement in St. Patrick’s Day activities has been a part of the Foran family’s life for generations, Foran said. His father and grandfather were involved, and so are his sons.

“For me, it’s a lifelong thing,” he said. “But I can tell you that everybody in Savannah wants to be Irish on St. Patrick’s Day.”

a 5K through Downtown Savannah.

GREENING OF THE FOUNTAIN, FORSYTH PARK FRIDAY, MARCH 10

12 pm | This local tradition is one of the first events of the St. Patrick’s Season in Savannah.

TREE PLANTING CEREMONY FRIDAY, MARCH 10 2:30 pm

TARA FEIS IRISH CELEBRATION SATURDAY, MARCH 11

11 am - 5 pm | This family-friendly, non-alcoholic festival put on by the City of Savannah’s Department of Cultural Affairs features live music, art, activities, crafts and other activities.

CELTIC CROSS MASS AND CEREMONY MARCH 12

11:30 am & 1 pm

MASS OF THE FEAST OF ST. PATRICK FRIDAY, MARCH 17

on Saturday, March 11

8 am

Every year, top Irish musical acts and young Irish dancers perform at this family-friendly weekend full of performances and activities

HONORING OF DECEASED GRAND MARSHALS, BONAVENTURE CEMETERY TUESDAY, MARCH 7

ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE FRIDAY, MARCH 17

MISS ST. PATRICK’S DAY PAGEANT SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18

MARCH OF DIMES SHAMROCK RUN MARCH 10

SAVANNAH IRISH FESTIVAL FEBRUARY 17-19

7:30 pm | Theatre Dublin in Dublin Ga. Winner will be in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade at Hamilton

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4:30 pm

Every year in Ellis Square, about 2,000 runners and walkers kick off St. Patrick’s Day in Savannah with

IRISH HERITAGE DANCE FRIDAY, MARCH 10 8 pm TYBEE IRISH HERITAGE PARADE SATURDAY, MARCH 11 3-5 pm

10:15 am | Savannah’s famous annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade is ranked the second largest in the United States behind New York City, with more than 300,000 people expected to visit the city-wide festivities.

WAYS TO GO GREEN ON MARCH 17 GOING GREEN IS NOT JUST DRESSING IN THE MOST EXAGGERATED ST. PADDY’S DAY OUTFIT YOU CAN FIND, BUT YOU CAN ALSO HELP THE ENVIRONMENT WHILE ENJOYING IRISH FESTIVITIES. THESE FOUR TIPS ARE SURE TO HELP WITHOUT TAKING AWAY THE FUN.

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Written by William C. Wertz / Photography by John Alexander

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Wa n t t o F e e l R e a l ly I r i s h ? H a n g o u t at Kevin Berry’s

THE WORLD’S MOST AUTHENTIC IRISH PUB IS RIGHT HERE IN SAVANNAH Reusable Water Bottle It’s important to stay hydrated every day, but especially on parade day. Make sure to bring a reusable water bottle and avoid unnecessary single-use cups and plastic bottles.

2 Local Brews While in the South, drink as the Southerners do and enjoy some local brews from Savannah’s Moon River ans Southbound Breweries, Athens, Georgia’s Terrapin Beer Co., or Atlanta, Georgia’s Sweetwater Brewery.

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Fashion Find your St. Paddy’s day outfit second-hand, or opt for organic cotton clothing made with sustainable dyes in the USA!

4 Transportation Savannah’s streets are more pedestrian than car friendly, so why not enjoy the weather on foot or by bike?

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➞ When the Irish say, “what’s the craic,” (pronounced crack) they want to know what’s going on? What’s happening?

You can be sure there’s something going on at Kevin Berry’s. “Craic” was one of three qualities taken into consideration when the Irish Pub industry selected the River Street tavern as the “Most Authentic Irish Pub” in the world last October in Dublin.

The other qualities were “community” and “culture,” and Kevin Berry’s has established deep roots in both areas over its 36-year history.

The pub was named after an Irish freedom fighter and was opened in 1980 on the 70th anniversary of his execution at the age of 18. It houses a “Liberty Room,” where the walls are crowded with the history of the Irish Rebellion.

A “Hall of Heroes” pays tribute to American service members, one reason Kevin Berry’s has been recognized as one of the world’s top military bars.

You won’t find a TV or a Wi-Fi connection at Kevin Berry’s, but you will hear traditional Irish music, you will find authentic Irish beer, ales and whiskey, and you will enjoy a close, cozy and warm atmosphere.

Housed in an 1850s cotton and grain warehouse, the pub’s old beams and stone and brick walls remind many Irish natives of home, said Tara Reese, Kevin Berry’s marketing director.

Reese went to Ireland for “the Gathering,” the annual pub industry’s meeting where awards are given for food, bar management, bartending

“This pub has great music and is one of the few places where you can actually hear the music and join in.

The entertainers are outstanding. You laugh, cry, sing and maybe even dance all in one evening,” said the Top 10 web site.

Reese said she wasn’t sure whether the Irish Pub group allows repeat winners, but she said Kevin Berry’s won’t rest on its laurels.

“We’re always aiming for bigger and better,” she said. •

A WEE BIT O’ SAVANNAH’S IRISH HISTORY •St. Patrick’s Day 1733 – The first baby born in Savannah.

•John Joseph McDonough becomes Savannah’s first Irish mayor in 1892.

and lifetime achievement, in addition to authenticity.

She filled out the award nomination form that won the top prize, and one of the pub’s bartenders, Brian Tillman, was a finalist for Bartender of the Year.

Reese said the award from the Irish Pub group was very gratifying, but not the first Kevin Berry’s has received.

ABC News has cited the Savannah tavern as a “Top 5 Irish Pub to visit for St. Patrick’s Day,” and it was listed among “America’s Best & Top 10 Irish Pubs.

•Former President Harry S. Truman attends the 1962 Savannah Parade.

•1975 – Jimmy Carter launches his Presidential campaign at Pinkie Master’s bar, sadly closed in 2015 after 65 years in business.

➧ DID YOU KNOW?

it's pronounced "st. Paddy's”, not “st. patty's” IF YOU DIDN’T KNOW, NOW YE’ KNOW ➞ Every year, around the middle of March, many Americans annoy those of Irish decent by incorrectly referring to St. Patrick’s Day as St. Patty’s Day. So who cares? Millions of Irish, that’s who! St. Patrick lived around 400 A.D. As the Patron Saint of Ireland, he is said to have driven out the snakes (pagans) and brought Christianity to the people. March 17 commemorates St. Patrick and is a huge celebration of Irish heritage and culture.

For the record, the correct form when abbreviating the occasion is St. Paddy’s Day. “Patty” is actually short for

the name Patricia. It is not a man’s name! “Paddy” is appropriate because it comes from the Irish Pádraig, a variant name of Patrick-an acceptable nickname for all the Patricks in your life.

Getting “Patty” and “Paddy” confused is probably one of the worst mistakes you can make on March 17 and if you are going to turn the celebration into an excuse for overdrinking green beer, then at least get the name right!

We’ll address the meaning of “Erin go Bragh” next year!

Remember, there are only two kinds of people in the world, The Irish and those who wish they were!

SAVANNAH HAS DEEP IRISH ROOTS • Throughout the 1700s – Irish trickle into Georgia and down into Savannah from the North. Called “crackers” by some (the English word “craker” was used for an unruly and talkative person) many of these early settlers made their living trapping and trading.

• In 1812, the Hibernian Society of Savannah is organized to assist needy Irish immigrants. The following year they

march to Independent Presbyterian Church for a private St. Patrick’s Day celebration.

• Savannah’s first St. Patrick’s Day Parade is held in 1824.

• In the 1830s, a wave of Irish arrive to work on the Central of Georgia Railway.

• The 1850s see another wave of Irish immigration due to the potato blight in the home country

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W River St

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Martin Luther King Jr Blvd Montgomery St

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• To maximize fun and comfort, here’s a list of St. Patrick’s Day must-haves.

E Broad St

LATE NIGHT (OR DAY)

THE BEST SQUARES ARE ALL ALONG PARADE ROUTE Savannah is home to some of the most beautiful public green spaces that a city can boast, with 22 squares that create the backbone of the city. Here are the best squares to camp out in along the St. Patrick’s Day parade route:

Madison Square

Chippewa Square

PUB CRAWL

Wright Square

Johnson Square

Lafayette Square

PARADE ROUTE

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SIX PENCE PUB: A British-style alehouse with sidewalk seats delivering Englishaccented pub grub & a big beer list.

912.233.3151 245 Bull St.

THE CHROMATIC DRAGON: American bar & grill offering a wide variety of video games as well as themed food & cocktails.

912.289.0350 514 MLK Jr Blvd.

O’CONNELL’S IRISH PUB: Cozy and traditional Irish pub with great drinks and Irish décor in a friendly environment.

912.231.2298 42 Drayton St.

2 MOLLY MACPHERSON’S SCOTTISH PUB: Old-school pub with an extensive selection of singlemalt scotch, beers & traditional Scottish eats. 912.239.9600 311 W. Congress St. 3

Oglethorpe Square

KEVIN BARRY’S IRISH PUB: Veteran bi-level pub boasting waterfront views & nightly live music, plus some classic Irish fare. kevinbarrys.com 912.233.9626 117 W River St.

5 THE DISTILLERY: More than 20 beers are on tap at this brick-walled bar/ eatery set in a pre-Prohibition distillery.

912.236.1772 416 W Liberty St. 6 THE RAIL PUB: Collegial pub in an 1890s building serving beers & drinks alongside pigs’ feet & pickles.

912.238.1311 405 W Congress St.

Calhoun Square

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E River St

PORT-O-POTTY LOCATIONS ➞

Savannah River

• Nature’s call hits us all at one time or another.

When it’s time to answer, you need to know where you can relieve yourself without the risk of a ticket.

(Port-O-Potty locations subject to change)

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BLEACHER LOCATIONS ➞

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• The parade will begin promptly at 10:15 a.m.

Spectators camp out as early as 5 a.m., but you can play that one by ear. If you don’t care to wake up that early, you can reserve bleacher seating at $25 a pop (pre-order). Call Kelly Tours, 912.964.2010, or visit their website to reserve. kellytours.com

E Bay St

If you plan on being entertained by the parade, use these few tips to make the most out of the experience.

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What would a St. Paddy’s Guide be without a map? Here, you’ll find a mini guide to the parade route, best squares and places to watch the parade, parade day must-haves, and, for the Irish at heart, an extenive list of pubs.

t

DRINK, DRINK, AND BE IRISH

W Bay St

pa r a d e d ay insider guide

Broughton St

E Broad St

Abercorn St

E Oglethorpe Ave

Price St

E Jones St

E Gwinnett St

Habersham St

E Taylor S

E Gaston St

S

Lincoln St

arke 7

Drayton St

Abercorn St

M City

W Broughton St

W State St

W York St

W Oglethorpe Ave

Bull St

ry ete em al C oni Col f ral o hed aptist E Liberty St Cat B The hn the Jo St.

Drayton St

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ark th P

Bull St

E

sy For

Bull St

Whitaker St

W Liberty St

Howard St Whitaker St

W Taylor St

Barnard St

W Gaston St

W Park Ave

Jefferson St

DON’T WANT TO FOOT IT? TRY SAVANNAH SLOW RIDE: Grab some friends and tour Savannah this St. Paddy’s Day on a 100 percent pedal-powered, eco-friendly, 15-person bicycle (AKA Crawler). 912.414.5634420 / W Bryan St.

8 CHURCHILL’S PUB: Clubby pub serving English & American fare, plus a downstairs wine bar offering small plates. 912.232.8501 13 W. Bay St. 9 DUB’S PUB: Casual hangout done in brick & bamboo with American pub eats, lots of TVs, full bar & various games.

912.200.3652 225 W River St.

LAN CE ST I N SON LUMBER CITY GA.’S COUNTRY ROCKER

A ST. PADDY’S DAY HEADLINER

GET READY FOR SOME “KICK-IN-THE-TEETH COUNTRY” AS LANCE STINSON RETURNS TO RIVER STREET FOR THE ANNUAL ST. PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATION. STINSON’S TRADITIONAL STORY-TELLIN’ COUNTRY STYLE CHARGED WITH A ROCK EDGE IS SURE TO PLEASE THE CROWD. ➨ WAYNE WATERS PHOTOGRAPHY BY BLAKE CROSBY

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f you were among those on River Street for Oktoberfest, you probably heard a country rock ruckus kicking up out on the waterfront. That was Lance Stinson and his band and they had the crowd tappin’ their toes and singin’ along – some of them breakin’ out in dance. Stinson had’em charged up, for sure.

Well, Lance Stinson is headed back to River Street for St. Patrick’s Day and an even bigger party is guaranteed.

“I’m really looking forward to it,” said Stinson.

“We just wanna share our music and we’re gonna do our best to entertain whoever’s there. People come to a show to be entertained. So, I feel like it’s my job to give them what they came for. We’re there to have fun!”

Stinson said he and the band will be doing a lot of their own songs but also some covers he loves and that he knows the audience loves. And he hints that he might have a very special guest appearance from someone Savannahians know well.

Stinson’s go-to bandmates are all Nashville players who’ve played with him for years. Chad Gantt plays lead guitar, drummer Chris Anderson is a native of Glennville, Georgia, and John Ezell, who Stinson says is also “one of the greatest singers I’ve ever shared a stage with,” plucks bass.

away, about 30 miles southwest of Vidalia. The Stinsons raised hogs and some row crops back in the day and eventually opened up a barbecue restaurant in town. The pork and fixin’s they serve up at Stinson’s Old Fashion Bar-B-Que have garnered considerable acclaim far beyond Lumber City.

Stinson describes growing up in Lumber City, a small community of about 1,000, as idyllic for him.

“It’s a small, tightly knit community,” said Stinson. “Everybody knows everybody and everybody looks out for everybody.”

Stinson says he listened to two kinds of music growing up, the classic country of his dad (Hank, Waylon, Merle, etc.) and the glam metal bands of the ’80s (Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, Poison, etc.) that his brothers favored, and both strains are found in his music.

It’s decidedly traditional story-tellin’ country music but some of it’s got a rock edge to it. •

Q&A

WITH LANCE STINSON SOUTH MAGAZINE: We talked a little about your musical influences growing up. Part of it was the ’80s “hair band” stuff but you definitely have a country flavor that probably took root listening as a young’un to what your father listened to.

Which one of your father’s favorites would you say was your favorite?

“People come to a show to be entertained. So, I feel like it’s my job to give them what they came for. ” Stinson has been around for years but underwent a career reboot and renewal success in the past few years, which has had him and the band touring all over the country regularly. He was recognized as the Male Country Music Artist of the Year for the 2016 Georgia Music Awards and music from his second album, Relentless, is already out. The title song seems destined to join “Tail Lights and Dust,” “Twister,” “Hold My Beer,” “Whiskey,” and “Country Never Goes out of Style” in his lineup of hit songs.

Stinson grew up on a farm with four older brothers in Lumber City, less than two hours

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LANCE STINSON: I loved all of my dad’s music but if I just had to pick, Waylon Jennings would have been

my favorite. But what really made me want to perform was seeing Garth on television. That was back when he was just hangin’ off the rafters. I said to myself, ‘Man, that’s exactly the kind of show I wanna do.’”

SM: Well, I’m not sure I’ve seen you hangin’ off the rafters but you and the band do put on an energetic show.

LS: I never did that but you know, I’ll never forget…we were playing an outdoor show way back and they had these tables out with nice paper tablecloths and fancy candles on them. So I thought I’d step off the stage while we were playing and just jump on the table.

Well, I turned a candle over and caught my blue jeans on fire. (laughs) Now that was exciting! But all kidding aside, a lot of people who come to see us buy tickets or pay an entrance fee to get

in. I mean, even if it’s free it still costs them money to get there. So, these people deserve the best we’ve got.

If they took the time to come see us, when they could be doing anything else we owe them the best that we can give them. That’s the mindset me and the guys I play with have.

SM: In addition to entertaining the crowds with good music and unintended pyrotechnics, your songs tell compelling stories. Does that just come naturally to you in the songwriting process?

LS: Yeah. You know, speaking of my own tastes in songs…I like anything that’s good. I listen mostly to the lyrics. For me, a song is about the lyrics. I like to write story songs. Don’t get me wrong, the melody and the music is very important.

But to me, a song isn’t a song unless you can tell a story.

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Eleven Really Good

REASONS

NOT TO MISS THE SAVANNAH MUSIC FESTIVAL The 28th installment of the most expertly curated, utterly intoxicating Celebration of music, genre be damned, returns for another set.

THIS ISN’T A FOLK FESTIVAL. This isn’t an Americana festival. It’s not a classical, hip-hop, jazz, blues or rock festival. This is a music festival.

This is a celebration.

~

MARCH 23 APRIL 8

THIS CELEBRATION OF EVERYTHING MUSIC SHOWS US SOMETHING ABOUT THE WORLD AND ABOUT OURSELVES. IT’S ABOUT DISCOVERING SOMETHING NEW, SOMETHING YOU NEVER THOUGHT YOU WOULD ENJOY LISTENING TO BUT NOW HERE YOU ARE.

This is, above anything else, a celebration of sound.

LIKE:

Nikki Lane WILLIAM BELL

The Avett Bros

G RAT E F U L BA LL JA SON ISBELL

PA R K E R M I L L S A P Non-stop, heart-pounding, feel good music!

A celebration of music the Southern way!

An extravaganza of musicians compiled from FOLK, TO CLASSICAL, TO BLUEGRASS, and everything between. We’re sure any music fan will love this year’s festival. Visit the SAVANNAH MUSIC FESTIVAL website to get a complete guide.✒B A R R Y K A U F M A N

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CHUCK-GRANT

FIND OUT WHY NIKKI LANE, THE FIRST LADY OF OUTLAW COUNTRY, WON’T BE IN HIGH HEELS WHEN SHE PLAYS AT THE SAVANNAH MUSIC FESTIVAL. WHEN WE SPOKE TO NIKKI LANE, the first lady of outlaw country, she had just reached a major milestone in her life. As it is with most artists, she’d reached that turning point where new creative endeavors beckon and new avenues of expression open before them.

Calling from Steamboat Springs Colorado (then-current temp: 16 below), Lane confessed she had reached a crossroards. She had officially retired from snowboarding and gone over to skiing.

“I told Jonathan (Tyler) I could snowboard and I hadn’t done it since 2006,” she said. “I just fell the whole damn day.”

So Lane took a bold new step: she joined her girlfriend in line for skiing. “This is my new thing. Not falling.”

When Lane takes the stage for the Savannah Music Festival not only will it be a much warmer, flatter departure from Colorado, it will mark her first performance in the city of Savannah. This, despite a steady touring schedule over the last few years that has taken her to all points across the South and beyond.

But already, this Greenville, South Carolina, native knows probably everything a country gal needs to know about Savannah.

“In spring I’d go for St. Patrick’s Day and teeter around on that cobblestone road in high heels, which I still think about all the time,” she said with a laugh, her upcountry twang lightly tinged with the sandpaper edge of her trademark vocals.

The rest of what she knows about the city comes from an encounter with one Savannahian whose ghost stories wore the edge off her paranormal skepticism (“It was the first time I’d ever believed in ghost stories. This was a grown ass man telling me about his haunted home, and it didn’t seem like bullshit anymore,”) and another whose dog had lost a leg to an alligator.

Really, if you know that ghosts are real, gators eat dogs and you don’t walk River Street in high heels, what else do you need to know about Savannah?

“In spring I’d go for St. Patrick’s Day and teeter around on that cobblestone road in high heels, which I still think about all the time.”

In fact, had things gone differently, Lane might have wound up calling the city home. “I was going to go to SCAD, but dropped out of high school. That makes it hard to get in.”

While higher education wasn’t in the cards, the lessons she would have learned in design and fashion clearly would have been redundant anyway. Leaving South Carolina for Los Angeles, New York and finally Nashville, Lane began a career not as a musician, but as a full-fledged brand. Nikki Lane, the musician, is just part of who she is. There’s Nikki Lane, the fashion maven. Nikki Lane, the brand ambassador.

Nikki Lane, poster child for a rough and tumble country aesthetic they call Outlaw Country.

The tenents of Outlaw Country, which reach magnificent expression in her third album “Highway Queen,” inform every aspect of Lane’s empire, from her Nashville-based boutique Highclass Hillbilly to her brand partnerships with names like Stetson, True Religion and Stetson.

“Fashion and music go hand in hand,” she said.

Without damaging her art, Lane has found a way to make her music part of the revenue stream.

It’s a simple fact of the industry, especially in the age of Spotify.

“Musicians have to go out show after show and keep the business going,” she said. “That’s part of why I have the retail store. I could put out a record and the whole would Tweet that I’d lost my edge. And I wouldn’t have a career anymore.

We talk about people working a career for 20 years and they just close the doors one day; that’s most musicians after 2-3 records.”

Indeed, even as the creative processes of making music and fashion inform each other, they also give Lane a little job security. “It’s about enjoying the art, but building a comfort structure around it.”

For what it’s worth, no one’s going to be Tweeting that Lane had lost her edge after hearing Highway Queen. If anything, it’s

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been sharpened to a prison shiv point. While her previous record, All or Nothin’ carried unmistakable traces of indie rock courtesy of producer Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys, Highway Queen is pure outlaw country.

From the first notes, a rollicking “yippie kae yay” that launches the premiere track, “700,000 Rednecks,” “Highway Queen” is whiskey and sawdust cut with a throwback vibe that showcases Lane’s modern-day Wanda Jackson vocals beautifully.

If it feels like a tighter focus on her signature sound, that’s because for the first time, Lane is producing (along with Tyler, her bandmate and partner).

“This record is what I’ve always said I’d like to make. It’s like a mix tape, but it’s all my shit,” she laughed.

Nikki Lane plays the Savannah Music Festival 8:30 p.m. April 6 at North Garden Assembly Room at Ships of the Sea Museum.

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Grateful

COURTESY TO THE ARTIST

Ball

TRAVELIN’ MCCOURYS & JEFF AUSTIN BAND

ELECTRO-DRIVEN

BLUEGRASS

COURTESY OF THE ARTIST

JEFF AUSIN BAND

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What happens when you take the Del McCoury out of the Del McCoury band? You wind up with a freewheeling bluegrass extravaganza called The Travelin’ McCourys. Comprised of Del’s sons — mandolinist Ronnie McCoury and banjoist Rob McCoury — along with fiddler Jason Carter and bassist Alan Bartram, the band takes a fresh approach to the traditions of bluegrass to create something new and rejuvenated that will still satisfy even the old-school faithful. SMF regulars, this year will mark the band’s first time back when they appeared with Del and guitarist Keller Williams.

Joining them this time will be the Jeff Austin Band, founded by the namesake Colorado-based mandolinist, singer and founder of the Younder Mountain String Band. He’ll bring a whole world of musical stylings to bear, carefully honed from 20 years as a performer, to a jam session of Dead favorites from “Cumberland Blues” to “Althea.”

He’s been praised for reinventing Americana with his electro-driven bluegrass, and now Savannah gets to find out how he did it.

Late

NIGHT

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JAZZ JAM

ART THE MUSIC, COME & PARTY One of the most sought after tickets at the Savannah Music Festival is the annual Late Night Jazz Jam at the Charles H. Morris Center. This year’s jam, led by trumpeter Terell Stafford, will be filled with every musician in town, all invited to the stage for Swing Central Jazz. This collaborative event, slated for March 31 at 10:00 pm, will feature a variety of jazz and blues standards. Tickets are $40 and available online at savannahmusicfestival.org.

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The

AVETT BROTHERS No.

T. WAYNE WATERS

S H OW S THURSDAY, MARCH 23 AT 8:00 PM & FRIDAY, MARCH 24 AT 8:00 PM

Q&A WITH RYAN MCMAKEN, MARKETING & MANAGING DIRECTOR, SAVANNAH MUSIC FESTIVAL It’s time once more for the Savannah Music Festival, the musical celebration that creates deliciously disparate live soundscapes across more than 80 performances. Two weeks and eight venues just barely contain the smorgasbord of interesting complementary combinations. Almost everybody on stage for the 2017 Savannah Music Festival, running March 23 through April 8, could be considered a headliner but among the most notable are the multiple Grammy-nominated Americana sensation The Avett Brothers; former Drive-By Trucker and current Grammy award-winning solo Americana songwriter Jason Isbell; British folk rock guitar God and Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter Richard Thompson; and rising Americana star Parker Millsap.

But it’s the performers you’ve never heard of, some from outside the U.S., who sometimes provide the most delightful surprises. Check out the entire lineup at savannahmusicfestival.org/events.

SOUTH MAGAZINE: SMF always keeps things fresh. What new or unique features are there for the 2017 festival?

RM: On opening weekend, we have several artists coming from southwest Louisiana – T’Monde, Pine Leaf Boys, Feufollet and Joel Savoy and Kelli Jones.

And on Friday, March 24, we’ll be staging a “Lafayette Late Night” for the first time at B. Matthews Eatery, which will be a revolving door of guest musicians in a casual jam session akin to the late-night scene in downtown Lafayette, Louisiana. Also, it has been several years since we’ve presented dance, and we have two such productions in 2017: Argentinian dance troupe Che Malambo on April 6, and BalletCollective on March 26. BalletCollective is a company of dancers from New York City Ballet led by choreographer Troy Schumacher with a score by indie classical composers Ellis Ludwig-Leone, San Fermin and Judd Greenstein to be performed by the ensemble Hotel Elefant. Another unique production for 2017 is Piedmont Blues, a project co-commissioned by SMF inspired by the musical style that grew up around the tobacco factories and warehouses of Durham, North Carolina, in the 1920s and ’30s. A collaboration between jazz pianist/composer Gerald Clayton and director Christopher McElroen, the show features original Piedmont blues-inspired compositions written by Clayton for The Assembly, a nine-piece jazz ensemble, with singer René Marie and tap dancer Maurice Chestnut.

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north carolina folk rock

In a world of way too many formulaic hit-maker songwriters limited to narrow confines of musical style, The Avett Brothers are a shining example of honest original songs that range widely along the musical scale. I spoke recently with Scott Avett about the band’s upcoming performances at the Savannah Music Festival and about their ninth and latest album, “True Sadness,” which was nominated for a 2017 Best Americana album Grammy, with another for Best American Roots Performance.

SOUTH MAGAZINE: First off, Scott, congratulations on the Grammy nominations.

Scott Avett: I appreciate that. It’s a real honor. To be nominated in that group of performers – it’s amazing. We’re a 15-year-old band and I don’t think the nomination was just given to us. I think we earned it. So, I’m real proud of that.

SM: This is your third appearance at the Savannah Music Festival.

Have you had a chance to actually experience Savannah, the city, much?

SA: Well, Savannah of course has such a deep history and there’s a lot of mojo, for lack of a better word, in the town.

My experience, though, has mostly been with the people in the theater. We’re really fortunate to get a snapshot of the people, the place, the region when we play. I have that connection and I have fond memories of being there.

SM: You’re once again playing a two-night run. What does the twonighter mean for you, as opposed to a one-nighter? Does it change the dynamic?

SA: It does. You know, we don’t really feel an obligation to play certain songs, however, the reality is you’re tied to the moment and you’re closer sometimes to songs that were more recently written and a lot of times those get played. But with a two-night stand we definitely get into the catalogue further. Two nights is kind of perfect. I mean, 60 or 70 songs is ‘Wow!’ We feel like we’re presenting a more appropriate picture of us as a band.

SM: I imagine you’ll play your Best American Roots Performance Grammy-nominated song “Ain’t No Man” from “True Sadness.” It’s a great song for the audience to clap and sing along with.

SA: Yeah, I think when we made it we wanted to steer it toward a way that it would be a rhythm and a mood that has a fun vibe. We wanted that and we made it that.

Because the song was originally much more mellow.

SM: It’s a different vibe from some other songs on “True Sadness,” your latest album. Not surprising, I guess, given the album’s title.

Words that come to mind for me about the album in general are “deep,” “dark” and “personal.” And yet, balanced by a grace note of hope and even joy. Tell me a little about the lyrics of True Sadness.

SA: Seth and I wrote every lyric on the album. We always take songwriting to the limit and then pull back to the simple things – night and day, dark and light, goodbye and hello. Ultimately, I think the language of living and dying is at the root of love when we talk about it, wellness when we talk about it. Living, of course, birth, but we can’t avoid the death part of it, the goodbye part, the surrendering. That being said, redemption comes in some form somehow. We always aspire to find that redemption. It always has to end with hope.

SM: As we wrap it up, is there anything further you want to say?

SA: Let the people of Savannah know that we have a warm place in our hearts for the time we’ve had there. It’s been a great connection with the people in the Johnny Mercer Theatre and we’re looking forward to coming back and playing for them and being in their presence again. It’ll be a lot of fun. ~

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Parker

MILLSAP young gun of country A vocal chameleon and devilishly clever songwriter, Parker Millsap has been making a name for himself with his wildly entertaining stage shows and barbed observations about modern life delivered through the aesthetic and framework of folk music. The young Oklahoman delivers a powerhouse vocal performance that slides with eerie easy between a bluesy snarl to an angelic falsetto and into a soaring yodel with practiced ease that evokes early rock ‘n’ roll. His seamless vocal work fronts a small but powerful band producing an emotional bluesy slide-guitar-filled romp built around its frontman’s seemingly bottomless charisma and talent. “The Wall Street Journal” has praised Millsap’s performance, calling it “notably smart, sometimes acerbic” and noting how this “charismatic new performer… rivets audiences with intense but smooth vocal whoops, cascades and pauses.”

SAMANTHA LAMB

Q&A WITH SCOTT AVETT OF SMF HEADLINER THE AVETT BROTHERS

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JASON ISBELL DAV I D - M C C L I S T E R

The last time Jason Isbell played SMF, it was a sold-out show at the Ships of the Sea Museum. That was three years ago, and since then this North Alabama native has established himself as one of the most celebrated artists in Americana music. Having departed the Drive-By Truckers in 2007, Isbell crafted a solo career on the strengths of his honest, original songwriting influenced by the sort of Southern soul, rock ‘n’ roll and country that filled radio waves in the ’60s and ’70s. Rolling Stone said of the young artist, “With his honeysuckle drawl and unrivaled knack for lyrical detail, Jason Isbell is arguably the most revered rootsrock singer of his generation.”

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WILLIAM

BELL Fans of old-school soul and R&B, you have your can’tmiss moment of the festival right here. The co-author of legendary blues tune “Born Under a Bad Sign,” William Bell, will be on hand for the festival coming off of his first album in 30 years (recorded with Grammywinning producer John Leventhal). The man who worked with Booker T. Jones to craft the song first recorded by Albert King but made famous by a little band called Eric Clapton and Cream hasn’t rested on his laurels. He has spent the last three decades writing songs for performers form Linda Ronstadt and Rod Stewart to Etta James, just to name a few. He has received the R&B Pioneer Award from Rhythm & Blues Foundation, the W.C. Handy Heritage Award from the Memphis Music Foundation, the BMI Songwriter’s Award, and is a member of the Georgia Music Hall of Fame and the Memphis Music Hall of Fame. ~

CUSTOM BREW

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Hiss Golden

MESSENGER COURTESY OF THE ARTIST

SHOWTIMES: SATURDAY, APRIL 1 AT 9 PM & SUNDAY, APRIL 2 AT 5:30 PM

➨ After relocating to North Carolina from his native California, MC Taylor went about pursuing his folklore studies, but along the way wound up distilling pure Southern mystique into the signature sound of his band Hiss Golden Messenger.

S O U T H B O U N D B R E W E RY ROLLIN’ & TUMBLIN’

➨ Southbound Brewing Company, the first production microbrewery in the area, promises to bring an American beer revolution to Savannah by catering to the tastes of the South with interesting and refreshing brews! The folks at Southbound aspire to use their skills to enlighten the community about the beauty of beer craft and create a fresh variety of brews to accompany their wide appreciation of music. Rooted in a shared love for live music, Southbound Brewing and the Savannah Music Festival have partnered to create Rollin’ and Tumblin’, a unique springtime Indian Pale Ale. This light bodied brew features notes of caramel and tropical fruit, paired with hints of citrus and ripe mango, resulting in a pleasantly crisp and delicate finish. Crack one open and watch your blues roll away. Southbound Brewing is located at 107 East Lathrop in Savannah, and open for tours Wednesday through Saturday. For more information, please visitsouthboundbrewing.com. •

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PopMatters referred to the music of Hiss Golden Messenger as a kind of “back porch mysticism,” depicting the South “of antebellum ghosts, red clay, emptiness, complex Christian iconography and sonics that draw from folk-pop, roots rock, alt-country, white-man blues and pew-shaking gospel.”

In his SMF debut, Taylor will be joined by a full band for two performances.

SOUNDS OF KOLACHI Mix the enchanting melodies of South Asia and a western sensibility raised on rock ‘n’ roll and raga in a musical blender, and you’ll wind up with something close to Sounds of Kolachi, a 10-piece super group of vocalists and instrumentalists from Karachi, Pakistan.

Composer, theorist and singer Ahsan Bari leads the proceedings through bluesy, modal riff featuring diverse global instrumentation and a quartet of male and female vocals.

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The WOOD BROTHERS

ALYSSE GRAFKEN

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FOLK

Now a mainstay at SMF, this year sees The Wood Brothers back for their fourth time since opening for Derek Trucks Band in 2009. As a duo, bassist Chris Wood and guitarist Oliver Wood have earned acclaim from The New York Time and the Los Angeles Times for their “gripping” vocals and “taught musicianship.”

Now, this duo becomes a trio with the addition of Jano Rix as drummer, a talent that has quickly proven a crucial part of the Wood Brothers’ sound, which runs the gamut from soul to folk-rock to blues, jazz, reggae, rock and gospel.

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COMPOSER

Patrick Watson Bridging the seemingly impassible divide between indie-pop and classical composition is Canadian musician/composer Patrick Watson, a classically trained artist often likened to Jeff Buckley, Andrew Bird, Rufus Wainwright and Nick Drake because of his lifting vocals and expansive compositional style. While his prolificity as a composer (15 film scores and counting) has garnered multiple awards including Canada’s elite Polaris Prize, it’s his live performances that generate the most buzz. A backing orchestra of indie-pop musicians work in dazzling harmony with Watson for a show as polished as it is refreshingly spontaneous. A recent review from NPR stated, “The Montreal singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and prolific film-score composer puts every tiny sound in its right place, but his perfectionism is deployed for the sake of grace that feels almost otherworldly…a singersongwriter whose brain seems to overflow with wise and exacting ways to reflect on the way hearts work.” THURSDAY, MARCH 30 AT 8:30 PM S OUT H M AGA ZI NE.C OM

Don’t stop the music! Led by multi-instrumentalist/ producer Joel Savoy, this late night jam includes informal, off-the-cuff performances by the visiting artists from Cajun country in a dynamic house party atmosphere.

Come listen and dance!

Friday, March 24 11:00 pm / B. Matthew’s Eatery TICKETS: $10

Notable

FRANK STEWART

HE’S A CANADIAN

MUSICIAN &

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LAFAYETTE LATE NIGHT JAM: ARRÊTE PAS LA MUSIQUE!

JOSEPH CONYERS

COURTESY OF THE ARTIST

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SOULFUL

Notable MARCUS PRINTUP

& Youngbloods A 25-year veteran of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, acclaimed trumpeter and Georgia native Marcus Printup leads a cohort of young jazz musicians called Youngbloods.

Among the up-and-comers at this special lunchtime performance you’ll find saxophonist Patrick Bartley, a former Swing Central Jazz student who is on the road to stardom. SHOWTIME: FRIDAY, MARCH 31 AT 12:30 PM COURTESY OF THE ARTIST

Joseph Conyers will be appearing with Daniel Hope & Friends, an all-star group of string players. Conyers, now assistant principal bass of The Philadelphia Orchestra, is widely known in Savannah for founding the youth program MusicAlive! (later known as Project 440). The program exposes children and adults to classical music and was featured in a 2010 Mutual of Omaha advertising campaign. While a member of the Atlanta Symphony, Conyers helped integrate music into the curriculum of local elementary schools.

SHOW, MOZART & HIS LEGACY: THURSDAY, MARCH 3 AT 6:00 PM

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RICHARD Thompson RON SLEZNAK

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COURTESY OF ARTIST

Richard Thompson, although named one of the top 20 guitarists of all time by “Rolling Stone,” has probably exerted his greatest influence on the musical world behind the scenes as a songwriter. His songs have been recorded by Robert Plant, Elvis Costello, Del McCoury, David Byrne, Bonnie Raitt and many others. After co-founding influential British folk-rock band Fairport Convention in the 1960s, Thompson enjoyed a decade-long musical partnership with ex-wife Linda Thompson before performing and recording solo as one of the most distinctive virtuosos in folk-rock history.

An in-demand live performer, Thompson has spent the past two years sharing stages around the world with Bob Dylan, Wilco and My Morning Jacket.

Notable

EARLS

of LEICESTER

The DNA of bluegrass, that American legacy of mountain music, has found a revitalized new voice thanks to dobro master Jerry Douglas and his band The Earls of Leicester.

Created with reverence for pioneering acts like Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs, the Earls have won a Grammy and swept two years of IBMA Awards since making their SMF debut in 2015. The six-man, all-star band includes Douglas and renowned musicians Shawn Camp on lead vocals and guitar, Charlie Cushman on banjo and guitar, Jeff White on vocals and mandolin, Johnny Warren on fiddle and Barry Bales on vocals and bass. “I hope people who don’t know Flatt and Scruggs hear this and think it’s totally new music,” Douglas says. “Then, I hope they find out what we’re doing and go out and buy every Flatt and Scruggs record they can find.”

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A-TOWN GET DOWN

GRATEFUL PARENTS ENLARGE AND ENHANCE THEIR ANNUAL GIFT TO THE CITY THAT MADE THEIR SON FEEL AT HOME Written by William. C. Wertz

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CEDRIC SMITH

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Alex leaping into the ocean off of a dock in St. Kitt’s, in the US Virgin Islands.

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LEX TOWNSEND FOUND A HOME, BRIEFLY, IN SAVANNAH, and

his parents, Tom and Jean, have found a unique and enduring way to express their appreciation. For the seventh straight year, they are hosting the A-Town Get Down Festival, a multi-faceted tribute to the artistic expression that was a big part of Alex’s life as a student at SCAD (the Savannah College of Art & Design). An illustrator and drummer, Alex never quite felt that he fit in the St. Louis area where he grew up. In Savannah, he told his parents, “I’ve found my people here.” A short time later Alex – nicknamed A-Town by some

a festival featuring several different forms of artistic expression allows other people to do what Alex did – and that is to discover a talent, something that they might be good at. We are so happy that Alex had been able to find his place. It was important that we didn’t lose him while he was still searching.”

From the beginning, the A-Town Get Down festival has featured more than musical performers. A graffiti artist, Peat Wallaeger, performed between acts at the first festival, and local artists representing different styles painted throughout the event. Alex’s friends helped to select the performers for the inaugural festival, and some have remained involved over the years.

T

HE TOWNSENDS HAVE SOUGHT TO INCREASE the level of

artistic involvement in the festival every year, working with the Savannah School District and a community arts program called “Loop it Up Savannah.”

“We’ll have the kids create art that plays a role in the upcoming festival that year,” Townsend said. “For example, last year they created all the backdrops for all the stages,” allowing the young artists “to see the impact of their work in a greater context.”

Townsend said he feels he’s reaching one of his goals for the festival when young people hear applause for their work or receive specific and individual encouragement. “The jolt of pride and self-esteem that can come from that” sparks the desire to do more of what gave you that feeling, and “then you get more praise and before you know it you believe in yourself and what you can do.”

And it’s not just children who benefit from the opportunity to show what hidden talents they may have. Townsend recalled a truck driver who brought his saxophone to a recent festival.

“He sat in at one of our jam sessions, and people loved him and asked who he played for and how long he’d been playing, and he said, ‘I’ve never played in public before today.’ Incredible story. He was just beside himself. He was on cloud nine.”

Townsend said he heard from a middle school student who attended the festival with a friend. “My friend actually performed. This was the first time I’ve heard him sing … it was nice to see he could actually do something … He’s the type of person who, you know, with no life … but I was glad to see him singing up there, having fun.”

A high school student told Townsend the festival made him feel “euphoric.

I sing my heart out and get all that (negativity) out of my mind and just focus on the feeling that the song gives me...I forget about any problems I have.”

In the early years of the festival, Townsend said, “I wouldn’t talk about Alex that much as part of the story because I felt like people would see that as personal to me and not involving them … All parents think their kids are

“HAVING A FESTIVAL THAT EVERYONE UNDERSTANDS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE COMMUNITY THROUGH CREATIVITY … AND AS A MANIFESTATION OF THAT (HEARING) MORE STORIES OF PEOPLE WHO DISCOVER A TALENT THEY HAD WITHIN THEMSELVES THAT THEY DIDN’T KNOW WAS THERE … THAT IS MY ULTIMATE GOAL.” of his friends – was killed in an auto crash at the age of 21.

A year after the Valentine’s Day tragedy in 2010, the Townsends launched the first A-Town Get Down at Savannah Station. In Alex’s memory the family also started a program in St. Louis to donate pianos to needy music students, said Tom Townsend. But in Savannah, there were two big reasons why a festival made sense as a way of keeping Alex’s memory alive.

“First, he and I went to a lot of concerts and festivals. We shared favorite bands. Music was a topic we often discussed.” Townsend said. “But second, Alex was the kind of kid that was highly creative. In your conventional school setting he often felt out of place and had some periods of low self-esteem. So

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great, and I didn’t want it to be about that.”

But over the years, Townsend said, he began to recognize that the loss his family had experienced was an integral part of the festival and its continuing growth.

At one festival, he said, the Blind Boys of Alabama were performing, a gospel group of five African-American men in their 70s. They were sharing the stage with blues artists, white rock and roll bands and others.

“Some guy came up to me I had never met, and he said, ‘You know, only you could have done this.’ And he said this to me when the room was packed with white people, old people, black people and young people. There was a

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Photos courtesy of Tom Townsend

Little Alex playing the piano with Tom. (left)

TOP TO BOTTOM, CLOCKWISE: Robert Randolph and Eric Gales performing at A-Town 2016. A stage backdrop created by school children through Loop It Up Savannah. Gregg Allman and Shannon (last name to come) backstage at A-Town 2015. The Blind Boys of Alabama performing at A-Town 2015. A-Town fans fill the room as winners of the A-Town photography contest are projected on the wall behind them.

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merging of interests, and people were there to share what they had in common, even though this was expressed in different styles. I have thought from time to time about what he meant … and maybe he was saying it took a loss to trigger something this complex and this encouraging.”

Townsend said he realized that, “actually, people need stories, and they need this story. I needed to forget about sounding like a parent who can’t stop bragging about his kid. I needed to get over that and allow people to appreciate that something beautiful could come from a loss.”

B

ENTERTAINMENT LINEUP FOR

A-TOWN GETDOWN

OTH THE A-TOWN FESTIVAL and the

“Pianos for People” program in St. Louis have been therapeutic for him and his family, Townsend said. “I think of it as a way that I’m still taking care of Alex and being responsible to him.

You know the other kids had their college expenses.

They needed help getting their first jobs and need moral support. They’re in their early 20s. And Alex … if I didn’t have the A-Town Get Down and Pianos for People, I wouldn’t have Alex so top of mind all the time, and it’s a way of keeping him top of mind.”

After seven years of organizing the A-Town festival, Townsend said he and his family are giving a lot of thought to the future.

“I feel like I don’t want it to go away, so the next step becomes how do you ensure that it continues? And the first step is economically getting us there,” Townsend said. As the festival has grown, he said, “we are attracting more sponsors and more individual donors who want to be a part of it … and that’s been a great trend.”

Townsend said he envisions over the next three to five years the establishment of an office in Savannah operating year round and a staff working in the community – especially the schools – to develop festival-related programs. He would like a space to display art work that has been created for previous festivals, giving more visibility to the artists and possibly generating income through sales and auctions.

“I’d like an office that people can come to and ask questions and become involved,” he said.

The festival itself continues to grow and change.

This year the A-Town Get-Down date will move from February to March 25, and its location will switch from the Charles Morris Center to a new outdoor spot at the intersection of Indian Street and the Talmadge Bridge.

The chances of good weather will better in March, Townsend said. The new location will expand the festival’s capacity and help the Savannah Department of Renewal Authority with plans to revitalize the area. •

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LEFT: Batman searches for the perfect picture to draw. MIDDLE: Finger painting exercise.

RIGHT: A Town has art programs that kids will enjoy.

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CRACKER

BOBBY RUSH

COLONEL BRUCE HAMPTON

SNARKY PUPPY

JAMES TAYLOR AND LOWCOUNTRY VOICES

OLD SALT UNION

AJ GHENT BAND

SWAMP CABBAGE

COMPLICATED ANIMALS

WRITTEN BY BARRY KAUFMAN PHOTOS BY KEVIN GARRETT ILLUSTRASTIONS BY R. LAND

R. LAND, THE SOUTH’S KING OF UNDERGROUND ART, IS BRINGING HIS SURREALIST BRILLIANCE TO SAVANNAH. BE WARNED. 102

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A rare photo of R. Land working in his studio in Atlanta, Ga. (left)

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t could be the greatest sign of our times: the viral cat meme.

Someday, historians of the future will look back on 2017 and wonder why we spent so much of our time on the Internet looking at funny cat photos and watching them do hilarious things like ride Roombas around and ask for Cheezeburgers.

The really good historians of the future will know that the viral cat meme actually predates the advent of YouTube and Tumblr by years and years, tracing it back to a quirky 2001 piece of viral art that goes by the name of Loss Cat. And those historians will rightfully credit R. Land as the pioneer that he is.

The Atlanta-based artist first rose to fame on the strength of Loss Cat, a painfully funny mock poster for a lost cat complete with garbled descriptions of said cat (“Needs Medicine.

Foams.”) which appeared in posters around Atlanta and then the world at the dawn of the millennium.

His renown has grown thanks to the riveting punk-rock energy he brings to line illustrations and iconography including the hands clasped of “Pray for ATL” and the aggressively uncuddly “Little Bunny Foo Foo.” He’s even caught the attention of the theatre of the absurd that is Cartoon Network’s “Adult Swim” block of latenight animated oddities, a partnership that has

“I’M ALWAYS LOOKING FOR EXCUSES TO BE IN SAVANNAH,” SAID LAND. “AND I’VE ALWAYS WANTED TO DO SOME KIND OF SUPER FUN BLOWOUT THING THERE.”

R. Land focused, working in his studio in Atlanta, Ga. (below)

Owls (below)

Poker playin’ bluebirds print

“Bloom where you’re planted” magnet(below)

resulted in everything from promotional art to surreal videos.

The last time he was asked to do a live painting, he showed up in a “raggedy, mangy looking dog suit,” and proceeded to anonymously send up his own unusual style in front of hundreds of fans, so expect the unusual when his circus of the absurd finds a home as part of the A-Town Get Down Arts and Music Festival.

“I’m always looking for excuses to be in Savannah,” said Land. “And I’ve always wanted to do some kind of super fun blowout thing there…”

Time will tell what this artistic mastermind has planned, but if you start seeing a sudden spike on lost cats around town – that’s just part of the show.

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JOSÉ LUCIO AN OPEN BOOK

BY JESSIE BRANNEN

Illustrations by José Lucio

Local illustrator and children’s book author has a big imagination and an even bigger heart.

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ne morning, you might find José Lucio sitting in a classroom in Savannah, reading to children at a local school. Later that night, you might find him spinning records at a hip downtown bar or teaching art to young students at Scribble Art Studios, under the name José Ray. José Lucio Ray, 36, is a busy man. His latest creative endeavor, though, a second children’s book, has him thinking even more outside the box than usual.

“Free Rain” is José Lucio’s newest book, a story about chickens making the transition from the coop to free range. As the title implies, the naïve chickens are confused about their new home and get swept up in buzz around the barn. The book, which goes to print in January, sees the chickens come together to achieve a common goal and improve their lives. His friend from Seattle, Daniel Wentzel, helped write the book, inspired by contemporary, humane farming.

“It’s been fun to write,” says José. “Animating these otherwise expressionless animals has been a blast.”

José uses two names to make the distinction between his many artistic endeavors. He goes by José Lucio, his middle name, when he’s working on digital illustration, like his children’s books.

He saves Ray, his last name, for his studio work and paintings, like his vibrant murals across downtown Savannah.

“I can always tell what people are looking for based on what name they call me and what avenue they found me through,” he says.

It’s a distinction that’s as different as his styles.

Lucio creates illustrations with flat textures and

implied lines; Ray uses strictly line work.

He found his personal style at the Savannah College of Art and Design nine years ago – and his passion for visual storytelling. A painting and illustrations major, José decided to try a children’s book illustration class. From there, the idea for his first book, “Heave, Ho!,” took root.

“I like books that show animal protagonists up against a bigger power and seeing them band together,” José says.

The book follows the struggle of a worm being pulled from the ground by a bird, and all the creatures that come to help both sides in a tug-ofwar match.

José says that he and Wentzel both appreciate the use of children’s books as a metaphor. “I liked the tension and absurdity of it,” he says.

José created the entire book without text, then added it at the very end. It was an intentional move. “I really wanted it to read visually for kids who aren’t reading yet,” he explains.

His unorthodox approaches go beyond just his creative process. He applies outside-the-box thinking to more than just his children’s stories.

At 60 pages, Free Rain is much longer than the typical children’s book.

“I’m always thinking about rhythm and design,” José says, “I wanted to pace out the text in the story the way I pictured it.”

After waiting for a publisher to pick up his book proposals, José chose to self-publish his work.

“One day, I thought, ‘Why am I treating this differently than anything else I do?’ and I decided to pound the pavement and DIY it like the rest of my work,” he says.

When asked if he plans to author another book, José answers confidently.

“Absolutely,” he says. “I don’t know when, but for sure.” • A BOOK ABOUT TEAMWORK

HEAVE HO

“Heave Ho!” is a book about teamwork and thinking outside the box. It involves friends who have to look out for each other to keep each other safe. While caught in a tug-owar, one particular worm changes how he approaches the problem. Grab you a copy on joselucio.com to find out what happened.

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WRITTEN BY BEVERLEY WILLETT

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ILLUSTR ATION BY BRITT SPENCER

Jay McInerney

Hear McInerney speak at the Savannah Book Festival on February 18.

The author famous for “Bright Lights Big City” talks about fame, Flannery and faking it – and what he thinks about most.

New Yorker Jay McInerney cemented his fame with the cultural phenomenon of the 1980s, “Bright Lights, Big City.”

Eleven books followed, including “Brightness Falls” and his latest, “Bright, Precious Days,” volume three in a series that chronicles the financial, social and marital ups and downs of Manhattan professionals Russell and Corrine Calloway.

McInerney’s book was turned into a hollywood blockbuster film starring Michael J. Fox and Kiefer Sutherland.

YOU CONTINUE MINING THE THEME OF HAPPINESS. DEFINE HAPPINESS. It’s taken me many pages to even begin to address the question, like hundreds. For me happiness is kind of threepronged – fulfillment in your work, your romantic life, and your family. I think if you’ve got 2 ½ half of those you’re doing well. That’s sort of what Russell and Corrine are struggling with.

WHY DO YOU KEEP WRITING ABOUT THEM? I find it really intriguing in fiction as well as in life to follow people through time. I’m pretty sure we’re going to see them at least one more time.

LIKE YOU, THEY LIVE IN NEW YORK, WHICH YOU’VE SAID IS THE ONLY PLACE YOU TRULY FEEL AT HOME. WHY? I moved constantly when I was growing up so I didn’t really have a hometown. But when I finally arrived in New York, in my 20s, it was IT. It was the most exciting place, the most dynamic, the most energetic, the most stimulating, and full of people like me who were young and ambitious and energetic who had come from all over the world to be together. This sort of tribe of restless strivers who are drawn to the lights of the City.

WHY ARE YOU A NEW YORKER? YOU DIDN’T GROW UP THERE. New York is a place where you don’t need to be born there to belong. I love the South, but either you’re a southerner or not.

It’s not something you can adopt or become, whereas you can become a New Yorker if you sort of land there and stay until somebody asks you directions.

EVER BEEN TO SAVANNAH? I have. It’s a wonderful city and has a lot of artistic energy.

From what I’ve seen and heard it seems to be more welcoming and tolerant and diverse than other parts of the state and South.

YOU’VE WRITTEN ABOUT FLANNERY O’CONNOR. ARE YOU A FAN? One of the greatest American writers. She took her slice of the world and made it representative of all human experience. Her vision was unclouded by sort of cheap emotions or sentimentality. She had a very clear vision of her faith which made her quite clear sighted about good and evil in the universe.

And she was not an equivocator.

YOU’VE TALKED ABOUT FAKING IT AND TRYING ON DIFFERENT SELVES TO FIND YOUR AUTHENTIC SELF. HAVE YOU FOUND YOURS? I’ve sort of created the persona and grown into it. I’m very secure in who I am because, you know, I’ve had an awful lot of years to practice.

DO YOU REALLY GO OUT EVERY NIGHT IN NEW YORK CITY? Yes. You know what you’re paying rent for or maintenance or whatever it is you’re paying, it isn’t really the square footage that’s inside your walls. What you’re really paying for, the reason why it’s so expensive, is you’re paying for everything that’s outside your door.

One would be foolish not to take advantage of it.

DO YOU THINK THE FACT THAT YOU HATE TO STAY AT HOME HAS ANYTHING TO DO WITH YOUR FOUR MARRIAGES? Maybe I’ve worn several wives out.

SO WHY DO WOMEN KEEP MARRYING YOU? I can’t speak for the women. I don’t know why they want to marry me. But there seems to be a steady supply. Better you say it than me.

YOU’VE SAID A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE RESENTED YOU OVER THE YEARS. WHY? The success of “Bright Lights” has been an albatross around my neck to some extent. I became somewhat famous I guess. That made me a bit of a target over the years, but I try not to dwell on that. And in recent years this trilogy of mine has garnered a lot of attention and I’m not only thought of as the guy who wrote “Bright Lights.” But for a long time it loomed very large in a good way and a bad way.

ARE YOU A GOOD BOY OR A BAD BOY? Both.

WHY THE WORD “BRIGHT?” I like the word in all of its connotations, including as a synonym for intelligence, as a descriptor of light. And I think all of my characters are to some extent moths attracted to the flame so I guess it’s my word.

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOUR MENTOR RAYMOND CARVER TAUGHT YOU? He felt very strongly there was a right word for every situation and that too often people reached for the flowery or pretentious or grandiose word.

He used to say to me why did you use the word “earth” here when you meant “dirt.” So he’s always been in my head making me think hard about the words that I choose.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE MOST? Sex. WHY DO YOU WRITE? I write because it’s the single most satisfying creative activity I know of; it’s just something I was meant to do. •

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CAROLINE LEAVITT

BEST SELLING BOOKS BY CAROLINE LEAVITT

The writer talks about villains, victims, and vices – and why she snoops started out wanting to write short stories and sent the story into a contest. And won first prize and got an agent right away. She sold the short story as a novel. I panicked. But that was good. When you’re terrified, it signals you’re writing about something deeply meaningful for you. I feel the novel’s job is to go to all the dark and embarrassing places most people are afraid to go to.

CRUEL BEAUTIFUL WORLD Leavitt is at her mesmerizing best in this haunting, nuanced portrait of love, sisters

and the impossible legacy of family.

WHAT’S THE MOST PROFOUND THING YOU’VE UNCOVERED ABOUT YOURSELF? It was with my current novel. I ended up writing about my relationship with my real-life sibling. I meant it to be a love letter to our relationship. Growing up she was my hero. And then she changed and became troubled and unhappy. And I’m this Pollyanna. I kept trying to help her and the more I tried the worst things became with us. As I was writing, the question became “how do you help someone you love when they don’t want your help?” The answer is sometimes you can’t.

Leavitt will speak about her new book on February 18 at the Savannah Book Festival.

In New York Times bestselling author Caroline Leavitt’s 11th book, “Cruel Beautiful World,” 16-year-old Lucy runs off with her high school teacher, William.

Set in 1969, against the backdrop of the Manson tragedy, the novel grapples with grief, scandal and love before turning dark.

Leavitt writes from Hoboken, N.J., often called NYC’s sixth borough.

WHAT UNIFIES YOUR BOOKS? I’m really interested in characters and people under duress. People living their life and something traumatic happens and makes them question everything they think they know about their life.

WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR IDEAS? From stuff that has happened to me. Something I’m trying to understand. “Girl in Trouble” for example was written after my husband and I were trying to openly adopt. We were never chosen and I couldn’t understand why. I couldn’t forget all the voices of those young girls. I wrote the book to try and understand what it’s like to be so young and growing up still and have a child. What it’s like to be a couple trying to adopt.

WHAT’S THE MOST DIFFICULT BOOK YOU’VE WRITTEN? My first novel, “Meeting Rozzy Halfway.” I 108

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THE NEW YORK TIMES SAID REPOSITIONING WILLIAM AS A VICTIM IN “CRUEL BEAUTIFUL WORLD” WAS “MAWKISH.” DO YOU AGREE? William was just a troubled man. I believe no villain ever thinks he’s a villain. I let him tell his story at the end. But you don’t know whether he’s telling the truth or even believes what he’s saying.

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN A VICTIM? I met this guy once who seemed nice. After three months we moved in together.

Things started turning weird. One time we went out to a restaurant and I reached for a roll, and he put his hand over my hand and said “oh honey you would look so much better if you were five pounds thinner.” Then it started with my clothes. He didn’t want me to see my friends. My friends staged an intervention. They said “you look like death.”

GIRLS IN TROUBLE In this heartwrenching story of an open adoption gone wrong, Caroline Leavitt’s “Girls in Trouble” reveals the astonishing power of family bonds and maternal love.

YOU WEAR COWBOY BOOTS TO READINGS. WHY? On eBay I saw a pair of red cowboy boots for $10. And I thought, a woman who wears those boots wouldn’t be afraid. I felt braver when I put them on. People started knowing me as the woman who wears cowboy boots. I’m not scared now. When I wear them now I wear them because I want to, not because I need to.

DO YOU HAVE ANY VICES? Chocolate and coffee. You can’t get through life without coffee.

ANY SECRETS? Well . . . I do really love to snoop in people’s houses, if anyone invites me to their house. Often you can learn a lot about people from their things.

IS THIS TOMORROW A truly unique story of love, loyalty, loss, betrayal and healing.

I also go through people’s pocketbooks. I’ve never taken anything. It’s fun to see what makeup they use, what’s in their wallet.

EVER CONSIDERED WRITING A SEQUEL? Never. Once I’m done, I’m done.

I send the characters on their way. I still feel their presence sometimes, though.

But they’re off living their lives. And I hope they’re happy.

YOU ALSO WRITE ABOUT THINGS THAT HAUNT YOU. DO YOU BELIEVE IN GHOSTS? I absolutely do. I had an apartment in Manhattan once, and I kept waking up to find the toilet seat up or the TV on. One night I got up and swear I saw someone standing near the stove and chopping something up.

DID YOU KNOW SAVANNAH’S BEEN CALLED THE MOST HAUNTED CITY IN AMERICA? I didn’t! I’m so excited! I hope I feel a presence while I’m there and hope I see a ghost. That would be icing on the cake for me.

ONE LAST QUESTION. WHY DO YOU WRITE? Because I would be mentally insane if I didn’t. It has helped ground me. It’s the one thing I can do and do relatively well. •

SAVANNAH BOOK FESTIVAL WHAT’S HAPPENING DURING THE FESTIVAL

Thursday, February 16, 2017 – 6 p.m.

OPENING ADDRESS WITH JAMES PATTERSON Trustees Theater, Tickets: $20 per person Friday, February 17, 2017- 6 p.m.

KEYNOTE ADDRESS WITH COLSON WHITEHEAD Trustees Theater, Tickets: $20 per person Sunday, February 19, 2017 – 3 p.m.

CLOSING ADDRESS WITH CHRISTINA BAKER KLINE Trustees Theater, Tickets: $20 per person Festival Saturday, February 18 Over 40 authors are scheduled to appear at seven venues around Telfair, Wright and Chippewa Squares on Festival Saturday, which is free and open to the public and no tickets are required. Seats at the venues, which range in capacity from 175 seats to 560 seats, are on a first-come, first-served basis.

Gerri Willis - Rich is not a Four-Letter Word Telfair Square, Telfair Unity Methodist Church 1:40-2:35PM Fox Business Network anchor Gerri Willis

takes on the progressive mind-set that gives government bureaucrats the right to decide what’s best for us, resulting in bigger government programs and more wasted taxpayer money.

Among the Living – Jonathon Rabb Chippewa Square, First Baptist Church Sanctuary, 4PM-4:55PM Local writer Jonathan Rabb’s moving novel about a Holocaust survivor who finds his way to the only family he has left in Savannah and must learn to navigate the social standards found in the town’s African-American and Jewish communities.

The Bee and the Acorn – Paula Wallace Telfair Square, Jepson-Neises Auditorium, 10:10AM-11:05AM SCAD’s president and founder Paula Wallace’s memoir captures her daring journey as she sets out to build a new and original university for the arts in the heart of the Georgia coast and how it sets a new creative standard for students.

A Lowcountry Heart – Cassandra King Telfair Square, Telfair Unity Methodist Church 10:10AM-11:05AM With a heartfelt introduction, Cassandra King presents the last non-fiction volume written by her husband, Pat Conroy, as he reminisces on a life well-lived, the memories he was a part of and the lives he touched.

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G R E AT S O U T H E R N A RT I ST S When the great american writer William Faulkner waxed poetic about the South, he stated that it wasn’t so much a geographical place as an emotional idea. Shrouded in mystery and myth, the South is, perhaps, the most culture-rich area of our great country and therefore has seen no shortage of artists. The deluge of such creators trying to capture the multifaceted idea of what the South intrinsically is can oftentimes come up short, and even more so often contrived.

A select few, however, see the South for what it is- taking from its physical, spiritual, historical and emotional domains, and in turn creating transcendent works of art that propel us forward and shape our way of thinking. The artists we have chosen for this distinction are doing just that, reimagining the South in new ways and reframing its place in contemporary art, all while reminding us that southern art is a community venture, for us and by us. —C

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BY EMM SAL A IO NDE, A COVOZ H NSEN ZI. PHOT OGRAPHERS: CEDRIC SMITH, JE

RIG ROD

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Hometown: Fairfield, Alabama Medium: Oils on canvas, paper, cutouts Betsy Cain will tell you she’s been a working artist since the beginning of time and it may very well feel like it. But, since 1976 when she got her MFA, Cain has been harnessing the heavy power of Southern Gothic into her paintings, letting Savannah and its habitat inform her work. “My paintings are exploratory with initial all-over random marks that take me instantly into another realm. The realm of possibility. I would describe my work at semi-abstract with a figurative undertone,” says Cain, “There seem always to be references and images in my paintings taken from both the landscape and the body. The landscape most strongly imprinted on me is the salt-marsh ecosystem and the maritime forests of our

barrier islands.”

Cain and her husband David Kaminsky moved to Savannah in the 1980s and since then she has maintained six amazing studios over the years, her most recent currently located on Bonaventure Road.

“The South,” says Cain, “is my habitat and context. The visual, cultural, political, and emotional landscapes of my youth still reverberate around all the changes I have witnessed.” This has kept her deeply engaged in painting and what it reveals. Right now you can view her work at Laney Contemporary, Reynolds Fine Art Gallery, The Jepson Center for the Arts and in March she will be participating in Kobo Gallery’s 10 year retrospective. •

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➻ Hometown: Savannah, Georgia Medium: Metal and mixed media Inspiration is a struggle for many artists, but creative vision seems to come easily to Savannah artist Shelly Smith.

“The ideas in my head just have to come out,” Smith says. “If I don’t make them they just stay in there and I can’t move on to something else.

It’s like an attic. You have to make room.”

For years, she says, metal was the connecting theme in her work – more specifically, upcycled oil drums. She made dresses from strips of metal hammered into shape on an anvil (see “Ornamental Armor,” p.

128). Jewelry, platters, vases, light fixtures and other utilitarian items sprang to life from reclaimed metals.

But her new work has a new overarching theme: birds.

“I used to paint birds all the time with watercolors before I was a welder,” she says. “Now I just feel like I see them everywhere.”

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Smith is preparing for a fall exhibition of mixed-media pieces called “Gods and Monsters,” housed in a miniature church. And, per usual, everything will be made from found and recycled materials.

From simple bird rings to lifelike, disembodied metal torsos with metal birds cascading up and out, the likeness of birds has come to dominate many of Smith’s recent works in “Gods and Monsters.”

“It’s my biggest project to date,” she says. “The birds, to me, represent human transformation and an ability to excel.”

Landscaped by hand with a metal rose garden, the tiny church will look like a lush environment, despite the fact that it’s made from discarded things.

“I’m intrigued by taking something so grotesque and transforming it into something beautiful,” Smith says. •

➧ Hometown: Thomaston, Georgia Medium: Mixed-media paintings, photography To say Cedric Smith is prolific would be an understatement. He seems to be constantly creating, researching and working through ideas. Many know him for his photography work. A selftaught artist in all respects, he has a way of creating intimate spaces within the walls of his photographs, making an indelible connection between the subject matter and camera, and giving us, the audience, a rare feast of the eyes.

His mixed-media paintings, however, delve deep into life growing up in the rural south. Taking from a wide range of historical sources, most notably brand advertising and photography, Smith creates large, provocative, mixed-media paintings that conjure up the absence of African Americans in advertising and popular brands, many of which were created by African Americans and conveniently white washed over. The paintings themselves are beautifully rich, aesthetically pleasing and deceptively simple, qualities that most artists spend their entire careers trying to achieve.

Most notable however is the way in which Smith seems to reclaim this power, no doubt through extreme diligence, and make it seem effortless. Some of these pieces are on public view at The Francis Walker Museum in Thomaston, GA, the Tubman Museum in Macon, GA, and Morris Brown College in Atlanta, GA. cedricsmithphotography.com •

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Hometown: Savannah, Georgia Medium: Painting + fibers Katherine Sandoz arrived in Savannah in 1995, graduating from Savannah College of Art and Design, and over 20 years later still calls Savannah her home. For the past 12 years she has worked full-time as a commercial and fine artist, moving seamlessly from illustration to painting to fibers.

Her works of art are bold and full of emotion. “I create color-fueled abstractions, depicting the natural world that are informed by photographs,

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drawings, detailed painted studies and abstract studies,” says Sandoz on her process. For the past 20 years she has let the people and landscape of the South inspire her and inform her subject matter. “The faces, the flowers,” she says, “naturalborn Georgians. The water, land and sky I paint surround Savannah and extend throughout the South. When I pick a location or subject matter outside our region, I don’t doubt that parts

of that South reappear.” With her fine art in particular she akins her work to that of any other profession, “all vocations require dedication to the foundations of the trade and a fierce desire to reconsider, reorder and reinvent,” Sandoz says.

She is always moving forward, always changing and growing. You can find Sandoz’s work currently at Laney Contemporary, Spalding Nix Fine Art and her website. katherinesandoz.com •

Hometown: Ontario, Canada Medium: Oil, mixed media, digital If 2017 is the year of women, there is no better artist than Elizabeth Winnel to further that agenda. As a past model, Winnel was interested in exploring her own delusions about her body as an object to be photographed and even more so as someone who became disillusioned with the modeling world as a degradation of female beauty. Her response? Winnel started creating large format oil paintings of her own mouth, effectively gaining inspiration from herself and becoming her own muse. Her “self-portraits” are both provocative and quelling, asking the audience to become entranced in each fold and glint of her pout. The result is both erotic and impolite, seductive and obscene, and all at once captivating. Each painting, though all of her

own mouth, forms it’s own kind of language, a window into a distinct and effectual emotion. Her knack for photorealism only accentuates the flaws and blemishes in each of her portraits giving them an absolute surreal and uncanny beauty. Winnel is constantly delving deeper into this exploration of mouths, branching out into digital works, screen printing, and public works, and the community of Savannah has embraced it wholeheartedly. To view and purchase her pieces you can contact ShopSCAD and Laney Contemporary Gallery in Savannah, and Castor Gallery in New York. elizabethwinnel.com • FE BRUARY / M ARCH 2017

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Hometown: Savannah, Georgia Medium: Painting, mixed media, sculpture You could say Maggie Hayes is an “OG” of the Savannah art scene. Though only 27 years old, Hayes indoctrinated herself into the art world while still in high school at Savannah Arts Academy.

Unlike most of the creative forces in the city, Hayes opted out of the traditional SCAD route to focus more on her own artistic odyssey. “I was lucky enough to go to Savannah Arts Academy for high school which sort of planted a healthy seed that it was actually possible to become a working artist,” says Hayes, “then I tried going to a good handful of colleges before realizing I would probably fare just as well by spending my money on paint and trying to learn by putting in the hours and giving myself the chance to experiment with processes and other mediums as often as possible.” Her art is, like the South, ever-changing and evolving, most of the time working backwards from a “big” or difficult idea, she tries to boil that down into very concentrated, detailed works that, while in a gallery together, form a larger narrative. An idea particularly game-changing is her need to create exhibitions that are thematic and conceptual and as she puts it, “have the chance of speaking beyond being decoration for a wall.” Hayes’ next solo exhibition, entitled “Potential Energy,” will take place early spring of this year in Savannah. maggie-hayes.com • 116

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Hometown: Cooter Point, Louisiana Medium: All of the above Marcus Kenney has been a beacon of the new conceptual South for almost 20 years. Growing up in very rural town in Louisiana, Marcus earned his M.F.A. in photography from SCAD in 1998, though you wouldn’t know it from his current milieu of work. Kenney’s most well-known pieces are centered around collage and found objects, though he has also dabbled quite successfully in sculpture. Because he has lived his whole life in the south, it is ingrained in his work, not so much as a subject matter but rather a part of the aesthetic as a whole. His pieces are immediately engaging and compelling on many levels. Most notably is his knack for telling a story through a single piece, as he puts it, “The south has a long of history of exaggerating the truth into story form.”

Kenney harnesses this ability to turn reality into something more fantastical. “My thoughts and ideas about life are constantly being shaped and formed and of course that has also found its way into my art practice as well,” says Kenney, “throughout my career I have worked in a variety of mediums, but the change has been a more sharpened focus on the concepts that drive my work. Currently, I am interested in the idea of America as a melting pot of culture and am exploring ideas and concepts including consumerism, environmentalism, religion, morality, identity, race relations and authority.” You can find Kenney’s work currently at the Jepson Center for the Arts and the Florida Mining Gallery in Jacksonville. marcuskenney.com •

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➻ Hometown: Lexington, Kentucky * Medium: Acrylic and acrylagouache Britt Spencer seems to have enough personality in his pinkie finger to fill up this entire magazine with entertaining content.

A graduate of SCAD and now professor in the illustration department, at first glance Spencer’s illustrations evoke the incoherent ramblings of a satirist, but at closer glance they seem to effortlessly and seamlessly transition into something more gratifying, something you can’t quite put your finger on but know the feeling very well. “My paintings are euphemisms,” says Spencer, “a generalized pathetic misery painted with bright childlike colors that belies their content. Sort of a nice packaging of insecurities, operating somewhere in the realm between humor and pity. I think the message that is conveyed is the

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message of the spineless storyteller; obscuring a direct message with an ambiguous one.

Stories of nothing say a lot about everything.”

His unique style draws the viewer in with a sinister perversion, and keeps our attention with its intriguing balance of the good and bad, the ugly and the beautifully ugly. As someone who thinks you can derive just as much culture sitting in a McDonald’s as you could visiting the Louvre, Spencer’s eye on the world puts the notion of “high art” on its head and does so in an endlessly entertaining and thought-provoking fashion. You can usually find Spencer’s work in editorial publications around the U.S. but he is currently working on a solo show entitled “Sweet Nothings” he hopes to debut in late 2017. brittspencer.com •

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Photo credit: Sal Rodriguez / 1xRun.com

Hometown: Charleston, South Carolina Medium: Aerosol and acrylic paint His work has been described as “a psychedelic ride down the rabbit hole driven by obsessed melty candy-coated monsters. A place where you can slide down a rainbow and hot air balloons are the main source of transportation.” Patch Whiskey’s murals and public works inhabit a world where wildly eccentric and kooky characters commingle with bold, in-your-face colors and stay with you every time you close your eyes and see phosphenes. Whiskey graduated from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh in 2004 but the South has always inhabited his heart and his storytelling. When talking about the main inspiration for his murals, the inherent folklore of the South inevitably seeps in. “We have a lot of folklore that comes out of the hollows where I grew up,”

says Whiskey, “the stories that get passed down from generation to generation about the monsters that walk the Earth, and like a good stew the stories get better with time. I feel there is something about those tales that kept my imagination running wild as a kid. I guess I may have told some of my own tales as the time went on.” Because most of Whiskey’s work is done in the public arena, he is able to reach a larger amount of people, thus breaking down the idea that art needs to be commodified. “If art is done correctly it will take you to another place and time,” says Whiskey, “It will reach through you and touch your soul.” You can follow his latest works and daily travels through his social media accounts, @patchwhiskey. patchwhiskey.com •

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Hometown: Jacksonville, Florida Medium: Oil enamel on panel Important art discourse in the South can often be muddle and washed over in favor of its breath-taking aesthetics, especially in terms of our current and past race relations. Some would say however, a true artist isn’t making work unless they are addressing a social issue. Jacksonville-born artist Chip Southworth grew up in the South and considers himself as much an activist as an artist. “The South is still kinda burning from a racial standpoint,” says Southworth, “so in that regard it’s lighting a fire under my ass on the regular…

I’m using my white privilege to say things that some can’t.” Usually known for large-scale portraiture and figurative work on wood panel, Southworth’s most recent work takes from his roots growing up as a billboard painter and

are heavily text dominated pieces. “The first pieces were part of this big show at the Cummer Museum, LIFT and the response was greater than anything I could have imagined, says Southworth, “they are big, bright and super glossy text-portraits of three slain black youths. Which kinda socks the viewer in the stomach as they read and try to decode the pieces.” The names are ones we know all too well and remind us how far we have to go in establishing racial justice in our country. Like most art activists, Southworth is busy with interviews, panels and talks, but you can see these incredibly compelling pieces at the Cummer Museum in Jacksonville until mid-February. @chip_southworth on instagram •

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Hometown: Savannah, Georgia Medium: Oil, silver leaf on aluminum June Stratton’s paintings are often whimsical blurred visions of fantasy that immediately transport you to a place of fragility. She’s been working as an artist since 1989, working mostly in Seattle, but in 2010 decided to move to Savannah. “When I lived in Seattle I was known mostly for my dark moody tonalist landscapes,” says Stratton, “when I moved to the South I used the change of environment to reinvent myself as an artist. The funny thing is in my current surrealist work the landscapes have crept back into my paintings…I believe that if you are not pushing yourself then you’re not creating.” Her current aesthetic blends photorealistic portraiture with a surreal touch, reminiscent of Magritte, though perhaps entirely more fantastical. “I start from an idea I have in my head then find the appropriate model and collaborate with them. I take hundreds of photos and sometimes

my initial idea evolves into something completely different once I review them. I create a photo mockup complete with the surrealistic elements like clouds, water and nature that is my coastal environment. Using this mockup as a guide I go to my easel block in the composition with paint. When that layer dries, I add silver leaf. What follows is multiple layers of paint with many adjustments. I finish with varnish which brings out very rich color.”

She attributes her inspiration to the South’s abundance of natural beauty and its sublime coastal estuarine environment. (“That and the fact that paint dries faster here,” she mentions cheekily.) You can currently find her work at the Robert Lange Gallery in Charleston, Reynolds Square Fine Art, and Distinction Gallery in Escondido, California, as well as the cover of American Art Collector. junestratton.com • FE BRUARY / M ARCH 2017

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THREE PROMINENT MEMBERS OF SAVANNAH’S ARTS COMMUNITY TALK ABOUT WHAT THEY LOVE AND ADD TO THEIR COLLECTIONS. LV26

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The Gilbert Stuart painting was destroyed in a fire, so the daguerreotype is the only record of it remaining.

KIM IOCOVOZZI S I LV E R Y FA C E S F R O M A PA S T C E N T U R Y Kim Iocovozzi, a former Savannah gallery owner, keeps many of his treasures in the drawers of small wooden cabinets. Most are hardly bigger than a deck of playing cards and none bigger than a magazine.

Iocovozzi has a collection of rare daguerreotypes – the first photographs in history. Named after Louis Jacques Mande Daguerre, the man who invented the process in 1939, daguerreotypes captured images on a silvered copper plate. Making a daguerreotype was complicated, time-consuming and expensive. Once the image had been captured, the plates were commonly surrounded by a mat, covered with a sheet of protective glass, and sealed in a metal frame. Often it was then mounted in larger wooden frame or presented in a folding velvet or leather case. By 1860 a less expensive technology had been developed to capture images on paper, and few daguerreotypes were produced after that. However, those taken in the 1840s and 1850s were often portraits of prominent people – Abraham Lincoln and Daniel Webster, for example.

Daguerreotype collectors, Iocovozzi said, often specialize in a particular type of image, perhaps groups of people or outdoor scenes. He collects daguerreotypes of paintings. He has about 170 and believes it is the largest collection in existence.

“This is my prize possession,” said, displaying a framed, silvery image. “This is a Gilbert Stuart painting – which no longer exists – of Washington Irving. It still has its original label from 1848. This is the kind of stuff that I’m just crazy about.”

Why would someone go to the trouble and expense of photographing a painting? Many reasons, Iocovozzi said. The Gilbert Stuart painting was destroyed in a fire, so the daguerreotype is the only record of it remaining. Family members often had daguerreotypes made of favorite portraits to take with them when they moved to other parts of the country – knowing they might never have the opportunity to return.

Iocovozzi belongs to the Daguerrian Society, an international group of people interested in early photography. He trades items from his collection frequently and watches E-Bay and other web sites for pieces to be offered for sale.

Buying and selling are a big part of the fun of collecting for Iocovozzi. “I’m constantly culling my collection,” he said. •

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TIPS FROM THE COLLECTORS • Follow your heart and collect what you love. It’s tough to anticipate swings in the market and predict what prices art work will bring in the future.

• Look for works by artists who are just getting started.

• Learn all you can about what you’re collecting. Talk to artists, gallery owners, sellers and other collectors. Take advantage of all the information on the Web. • Be skeptical about sellers’ claims. Don’t hesitate to ask for advice and second opinions. Good sellers guarantee authenticity and allow returns • Start with inexpensive items. Better to buy a $10 fake than one for $1,000. Remember that prices are negotiable on many items.

LORI JUDGE – J U D G E R E A LT Y E N E R G Y, T H E E N V I R O N M E N T AND THE ECONOMY The Judge collection is easy to see. It’s displayed every day in the Judge real estate office on Abercorn Street.

“I’ve been so inspired by the idea of a private collection being accessible to the public,” said Lori Judge, the firm’s owner. “This is not like a museum. We’re open 9-5 seven days a week and it’s something you can view at any time.

In fact, there are times you can see key elements of the collection standing outside on the sidewalk.

Throughout the month of December, the front façade of Judge’s building was a canvas of sorts, displaying light and form patterns and two-dimensional abstract designs from three projectors, the concept of Savannah artist Will Penny.

The installation, called “Intersection,” was about the intersection of public space and art, Judge said in an announcement on her company website. “It’s about how we could … ask people passing by on the street to take a second to pause, looking at themselves against the scale of it – slowing down, stopping, meditating.”

Judge said she’s been collecting for more than 15 years. She was working for a furniture company when she acquired her first piece – paying no money, but arranging to move someone’s household goods.

“I collected works from artists I knew, mostly local, all visual art, no specific medium,” she said. The public collection was launched in 2014, and in 2015, Judge said, “I decided to focus on a theme – the three E’s – environment, economy and energy.”

Society needs all three of these elements working in harmony, Judge said. “Finding artists that are putting their spin on these things … is what we’re going to do going forward.” •

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R I C H A R D M I D D L ET O N FA M I LY H E I R L O O M S A N D A FONDNESS FOR DOG S Richard Middleton grew up in a family that loved art. He remembers many paintings on the walls of the home on the farm in Virginia where he grew up.

“Many were sporting paintings, and I really developed an interest in the ones with dogs,” he recalled in a recent interview.

Flash forward and Middleton was grown up, a young attorney, and ready to acquire his first art work. He came across an 1856 painting of foxhounds by the Scottish artist Samuel Fulton “for a modest sum.” That was the start of an extensive collection of dog paintings that Middleton hung throughout his house.

As time went on, however, Middleton’s interests broadened, and he began to branch out in his collecting. He began purchasing late 19th and early 20th century Southern paintings, some by artists with ties to Savannah. One of his current favorites is a watercolor by Georgia artist Mary Cabaniss of passengers on a boat to Daufuskie Island. “I collect whatever I see that’s pleasing to my eye,” Middleton said.

One item in his collection, a portrait of a lady from Baltimore by Thomas Sully, came from an auction of items confiscated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, “which usually just has fast cars and speedboats for sale,” Middleton said.

But his most treasured piece is an inheritance from his great grandmother, a portrait of a Native American woman weaving.

It was painted by E.I. Couse, one of the six founding members and first president of the Taos (New Mexico) Society of Artists.

Middleton said he wasn’t sure his children will want to keep all of his dog paintings, but said about the Couse work: “That’s one I would hope would stay in the family.” •

I collect whatever I see that’s pleasing to my eye.

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StyleSouth

INSIDE: SHELLEY SMITH SOUTHERN SOIREE

MORE ON SHELLEY SMITH - PG. 112

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FULL METAL DRESS MOST WOULDN’T TYPICALLY ASSOCIATE OIL BARRELS WITH BEAUTY– BUT SHELLEY SMITH ISN’T MOST PEOPLE.

BY JESS BRANNEN

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t began when Shelley Smith’s mother bought her an acetylene torch in 2004. For two years, it remained in its original packaging, stowed away while Smith ran two busy restaurants in Savannah. Finally, the tension and stress of a fastpaced life began to weigh heavily on her.

“To be honest, I was just having a meltdown,” Smith says. “I just had to get the hell out of town.”

And get out of town she did. She visited her father in the Mississippi Delta on the Gulf Coast, acetylene torch packed with her. That’s when she discovered an unlikely inspiration.

“He had a couple of oil barrels around and I just cut them up and started making things,” she says.

Two weeks of welding later, Smith knew what she had to do. She returned to Savannah, sold her restaurants, and moved to the Gulf Coast to begin following her artistic ambitions.

“That decision probably saved my life,” she admits.

After six years of restorative time in Mississippi, Smith decided it was time to move back to Savannah.

Her newest endeavor is new and unexpected: dress-making.

“When I get something in my mind, it haunts me until I create it,” Smith says. “So I thought to myself, ‘I want to see if I can pull this off.’”

Her first “dresses” were intricately welded chains, birds, or calla lilies meant to lay over an existing dress.

Then, slowly, her work began to evolve into something more all-encompassing when she and longtime friend Bryce Griffis joined forces.

“He works magic with a glue gun,” she says. “It’s so much fun to speak this strange, creative language with another person who just gets it.”

Her impressive dress collection is evidence that the two work perfectly together. Smith hammers, welds and shapes the corset, collar and cuffs from steel, while Griffis intricately ruches, smocks and pleats found fabric to create the full skirt. The end result is Elizabethan couture at its finest– and, somehow, its most unpretentious.

“My philosophy is ‘upcycling and recycling,’” Smith says. “Dumpster diving is a big part of the process.” She laughs as she recounts a time when she and Griffis came across more than 10 yards of satin fabric thrown away after a wedding at the Mansion on Forsyth.

Such unusual creations have earned her a place in fashion shows in some of the most unorthodox venues, like bars and reclaimed wood warehouses.

Her newest exhibition is slated for Savannah’s Earth Day, April 15 at Forsyth Park. The capsule collection of 10 recycled gowns will be on display in a pop up parade through the streets of Savannah.

“It’s not the last thing I’m working on, that’s for sure,” Smith says, tapping her forehead. “There’s still more up here.” •

View Shelley’s portfolio on Facebook

SOIREE, PRONOUNCED “SWAH-RAY,” IS A FRENCH WORD MEANING EVENING PARTY. THIS ELEGANT GATHERING, FILLED WITH LIVELY CONVERSATION, HYPNOTIC MUSIC AND TASTY TEMPTATIONS, WILL CHARM THE MOST PARTICULAR GUEST. FOR THIS CHIC AFFAIR, , YOU LL WANT TO LOOK YOUR BEST, KEEPING THAT SENSE OF GRACIOUS HOSPITALITY THAT IS OMNIPRESENT IN THE SOUTH. Styled by Emily Bargeron * Hair & Makeup by Michelle Peth * Style Assistant: Kat Wardlaw * Photography by Cedric Smith , SPECIAL THANKS TO LILLIAN S CHINA & CUPCAKE EMPORIUM

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On Nelle (left): Jacket / Fab’rik Savannah Dress / Civvies Socks / H&M On Sarah (right): Dress / Free People dress Kimono / Civvies Jewelry / M.Liz

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On Nelle: T-shirt / Mamie Ruth for Belk Sequin Jacket / Free People Vintage shorts / Gypsy World Socks / H&M

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Sweets and bakery provided

by Cupcake Emporium Cupcakes : “ Mabel’s cupcakes “ Macarons: Lemon, Vanilla , Violet Assorted berry and cheese danish Mini Croissants

LILLIANSCHINA.COM

China provided

by Lillian’s China

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On Nelle: Jacket / Fab’rik Savannah Pants & top / Mamie Ruth Bag / Southern Sugaring

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On Sarah: Top & tie / Rivers and Glen Vintage skirt / Gypsy World

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CHARLESTON, SC

HILTON HEAD ISLAND & BLUFFTON, SC

ST. SIMONS & SEA ISLAND, GA

JACKSONVILLE, FL

ST. AUGUSTINE, FL

GoSouth

SOUTHERN

ARTFUL GET AWAYS The south is home to many creative destinations that will satisfy your craving for extraordinary works and inspire artists and art lovers alike.

WRITTEN BY BROOKE MORTON

The Art Garden at the Bohemian hotel in Jacksonville.

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SOUTHERN ART GETAWAYS | FEBRUARY & MARCH 2017

LEFT: An exhibit at Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art, College of Charleston School of the Arts.

▲ BELOW: Reknowned restaurant Husk in Charleston.

Husk is opening a location in Savanah in 2017.

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WHERE TO EAT & DRINK The concept of R. Kitchen, creating a new menu nightly for the five-courses dinners, appeals to willing and adventurous types, making for lively conversation among the 16 diners. Moreover, with no wall separating you from all the fun in the kitchen, you’ll be treated to a show and perhaps learn a technique or two. The restaurant offers three seatings nightly, but recommends making reservations two weeks in advance. rutledgekitchen.com Hailed as elevated Southern fare, the dishes at Husk delight the palate with just enough of the unexpected on its ever-changing menu, from roasted oysters with honey and fermented pepper mash, to lettuce wraps with pig’s ear and marinated cucumber. Moreover, the interior itself, two converted houses dating to the late 1800s, set the mood for homey Southern hospitality. huskrestaurant.com

CHARLESTON, SC

PHOTOS COURTESY OF HUSK, HALSEY INSTITUTE OF CONTEMPORARY ART

THE PICTURE-BOOK-PRETTY CITY OF CHARLESTON IS ONE OF THE SOUTH’S MOST POPULAR TOURISM DESTINATIONS FOR GOOD REASON—ONE OF WHICH IS ART. THE DOWNTOWN MUSEUMS ARE A GREAT PLACE TO START BEFORE VENTURING INTO THE MIX OF BOTH YOUNG-AND-INNOVATIVE AND MORE TRADITIONAL GALLERIES. FOUND ON THE CITY’S Museum

Mile, Gibbes Museum of Art focuses on American works, with a permanent collection that includes paintings from the 18th and 19th centuries, as well as pieces from the city’s renaissance from 1915 to 1945. From now until late April, the rotating exhibits include paintings from the Hudson River School that celebrate the scenic splendor of the Northeast. gibbesmuseum.org The Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art, part of the College of Charleston, is a small space dedicated to representing artists that are newer, lesser known

or otherwise underrepresented.

Similarly, the museum welcomes artists who show equal creativity in the mediums they choose. Past exhibitions have included artist Motoi Yamamoto’s landscape patterns created with salt, and Lonnie Holley’s assemblage pieces born of found objects. Note that the museum is non-collecting, as in there is no permanent collection; call ahead to make sure the main gallery will be open as it can take weeks to change out exhibitions.

However, the gallery of student artwork is always open to the public. halsey.cofc.edu

WHERE TO STAY The Vendue Hotel, located downtown, has its own art docent to oversee exhibits and sales, as nearly all the art on property is for sale. In addition to what’s currently showing, the hotel’s permanent collection includes 300 pieces in galleries, corridors and in the 84 guest rooms — each of which is unique, furnished with antiques.

Also of note is The Rooftop Bar, with inspiring views of the Charleston Harbor, Waterfront Park and The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. thevendue.com From the lobby art to the sofas’ mismatched fabrics, every detail in the 50-room Grand Bohemian Hotel Charleston, also located in the historic downtown, is playful, edgy and meant to provoke thought and conversation. The hotel displays roughly 1,500 pieces of art, and that number includes jewelry for sale in the gallery.

Note that the hotel’s art curator gives property tours upon request, and answers any questions about the art or hotel architecture. grandbohemiancharleston.com

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HILTON HEAD ISLAND & BLUFFTON, SC

WITH MORE THAN 100 ART GALLERIES, you’ll need to do your homework for a Hilton Head Island weekend visit, but a safe place to start is The Red Piano Gallery, the state’s oldest. Its walls currently display the works of 33 painters, including the marine-themed watercolors of Ray Ellis and expressionist Dan McCaw. Throughout, you’ll also take in the bronze works of nine sculptors. redpianoartgallery.com

In Bluffton, stroll historic Calhoun Street for a variety of galleries. Among them, The Filling Station Art Gallery is an education of sorts in the value of created works: The 50 artists showing have pieces—paintings, photography and sculptures— priced from $5 to $5,000. Abstract expressionist Nicholas Daunt’s pieces are especially fun for their vibrant colors, as are the landscapes of Lara Neece. fillingstationartgallery.com

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ALTHOUGH PERHAPS BETTER KNOWN FOR GOLF COURSES AND TENNIS COURTS, HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC, IS ALSO HOME TO GREATER THAN 100 ART GALLERIES. THE NEIGHBORING TOWN OF BLUFFTON IS LESS ESTABLISHED IN THE ART WORLD, BUT AS AN UP-AND-COMING MARKET, ITS WORKS ARE MORE WITHIN REACH OF NEWER COLLECTORS.

RIGHT: The Inn and Club at Harbour Town at dusk.

WHERE TO STAY

WHERE TO EAT & DRINK

Traditional and elegant, The Inn and Club at Harbour Town is Hilton Head Island’s only Forbes four-star property, with butler service, 24-hour room service, and complimentary transportation to the Sea Pines Beach Club. Plus, the 60 rooms are a six-minute walk from the Harbour Town lighthouse and its shops. Bonus: The Linda Budge Gallery of wildlife paintings opens its doors across the street. seapines.com Built this past September, The Inn at Palmetto Bluff welcomes guests into 74 all-new rooms, in addition to the existing cottages and guesthouses. The collection sits on 20,000 acres studded with sculptures, which the concierge can guide you to. palmettobluff.com

At Red Fish Hilton Head restaurant, diners peruse the art of the adjoining J Costello Gallery in between courses. If you won’t be too distracted by the pieces, order the salmon with harissa apricot glaze or the strudel of grilled vegetables and Boursin cheese rolled into phyllo dough. But if you’re one to lose track of time when viewing art, choose the southwestern chopped salad with smoked cheddar and chipotle ranch—served cold, it’ll keep while you browse. redfishofhiltonhead.com Regionally sourced ingredients form the foundation of the FARM Bluffton menu, which also relies on unexpected international flavors to punch up the classics. Take the roasted May River oysters, served with kimchi butter and pickled kohlrabi, or the smoked trout dip featuring fennel pollen. And, in a fun nod to the South, the pecan pie is fried. farmbluffton.com

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BOTTOM: Lobster macaroni & cheese from Red Fish Hilton Head

LEFT: Red Piano Gallery

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ST. SIMONS & SEA ISLAND, GA

IT’S NO WONDER THIS SERENE COASTAL HIDEAWAY IS A HOTSPOT TO BUY ART, GIVEN THAT EVERY VIEW, FROM THE BEACHES AND LIGHTHOUSES TO THE MARSHES AND ROOKERIES, IS SO INSPIRING.

Only two of the artists on the current roster are locals, but the original landscape and wildlife paintings in Anderson Fine Art Gallery feature moonlit palm trees and sunsets over marshes that could easily be pulled from St. Simons Island. The staff of the gallery, open since 1998, can help first-time buyers choose an investment piece or collectors find that next something special. andersonfineartgallery.com If your wallet can’t back a buy at Anderson’s, try next door at ArtTrends. This co-op gallery is staffed by the eight local artists whose works adorn the walls. If

you’re curious which tidal marshes inspired a piece, odds are you’re chatting with someone who can answer that. The gallery’s 100 pieces include watercolor, oil and acrylic landscape and abstract paintings, plus a mix of eclectic sculptures. arttrendsgallery.biz The most eclectic mix on the island is found at Glynn Visual Arts Center, where workshops are taught and field trips start. In addition to serving as a nonprofit for the community, the center shows local art—not just paintings, but photography, etchings, pottery, sculpture, jewelry and more. glynnvisualarts.org

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ABOVE: The Inn at Sea Island offers acomfortable, relaxed setting for visitors to enjoy.

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WHERE TO EAT & DRINK

WHERE TO STAY The Forbes five-star, 85-room property that is The Inn at Sea Island has mastered island casual, creating an atmosphere that’s both cozy and elegant. The Inn is, of course, part of the private resort that is Sea Island, but gives guests the option of paying for island amenities, which include three championship golf courses, the facilities at the Cloister, as well as the spa. The Inn is located on St. Simons Island, roughly a 10-minute walk from a handful of art galleries and one mile from Sea Island. seaisland.com Located on the Atlantic Ocean, The King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort offers 296 rooms in eight categories, from beach villas to oceanfront rooms—with pet-friendly options available. kingandprince.com 138

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From the outside, Tramici may not look like much, but this Italian eatery bills itself as a neighborhood favorite—and for good reason.

As you enter, you may smell the roasted garlic cream on the margherita pizza, cooked to crispy crust perfection in a massive brick oven.

All the pastas are made in house, including the braised-short-rib-and-goat-cheese ravioli, and the gnocchi served with sweet Italian sausage and lemon cream. All desserts are also made on site; the honeysuckle gelato is a light but satisfying finish to any hearty meal. tramicirestaurant.com As of January, Sea Island renovated to merge two of its restaurants, combining the awardwinning Georgian Room with Tavola, the rustic Italian eatery. The result is Estro, which will no longer require men to wear jackets. The menu offers traditional fare with an Italian flair, such as beef tenderloin with truffles and capers. Mains aside, Estro is worth a visit for its extensive drink menu, from Italian digestifs to vermouth. seaisland.com/dining/estro

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE INN AND CLUB AT HARBOUR, THE INN AT PALMETTO BLUFF, THE RED PIANO GALLERY, HE INN AT SEA ISLAND , ANDERSON FINE ART GALLERY, TRAMICI

BELOW: Anderson Fine Art Gallery

SOUTHERN ART GETAWAYS | FEBRUARY & MARCH 2017

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JACKSONVILLE, FL

THERE’S A ROMANCE TO THIS CITY OF THREE RIVERS, WHERE NIGHTTIME BRINGS THE LIGHTS OF THE SKYLINE AND BRIDGES DANCING ACROSS THE WATER. IT’S ALSO FLORIDA’S LARGEST CITY, HOME TO MORE THAN ENOUGH MUSEUMS TO FILL A WEEKEND VISIT.

spans 4,000 years, from ancient Egypt to the present day. Don’t miss William-Adolphe Bouguereau’s painting, “Return from the Harvest,” a hyper-realist work that chief curator Holly Keris describes as “easy to get lost in.” And, be sure to leave time for Art Connections, the interactive center intended for kids but open to creative types of all ages wishing to create their own portraits and sculptures. End a visit at the historic gardens along the St. John River; the space designed by the Olmsted brothers is especially picturesque. cummermuseum.org Jacksonville’s Museum of Contemporary Art, aka MOCA, is a showcase of dynamic pieces from the 1960s to the present. The permanent collection includes works by abstract expressionist painter Hans Hofmann, sculptor Alexander Calder and photographs by Larry Clark. Upcoming exhibits in 2017 include the muslin-and-wax pod sculptures of Lorrie Fredette, starting April 8, and on June 3, Synthesize, a collection focusing on the unpredictable ways in which visual and sonic arts can merge. mocajacksonville.unf.edu

THE CUMMER MUSEUM COLLECTION

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ABOVE: World-class Jacksonville hotel Aloft

LEFT: Installation in Project Atrium at the MOCA in Jacksonville

WHERE TO STAY

WHERE TO EAT & DRINK

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ABOVE: Mouthwatering burger and fries from The Blind Rabbit

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The Blind Rabbit bills itself as a whiskey-andburger bar, but this hip and cozy eatery is so much more. Below the starters, including poutine, aka fries with cheese curds and gravy, and the burgers, such as the southern with fried green tomato, Creole pimento cheese and pickled okra, you’ll find the more grown-up mains, including a truffle-parmesan-crusted daily catch and a buttermilk-fried chicken with a chive aioli. theblindrabbitwhiskeybar.com Come to River City Brewing Company for views of downtown across the St. Johns River, and the four beers on tap, including the Kentucky Bourbon Ale and the Red Rooster Ale. Stay for the hearty Southern fare, from the crab fondue to the shrimp served atop smoked gouda grits. Choose to sup in the more upscale main dining room, or in the livelier Brew House Lounge where you’ll more likely to wind up in conversation with locals. rivercitybrew.com

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ALOFT, THE BLIND RABBIT, MOCA

Clean and modern, the Aloft Jacksonville Tapestry Park puts you 10 minutes by car from downtown. Rooms are Spartan yet comfortable, with Wi-Fi and keyless entry via the SPG app.

Plus, retire to the W XYZ bar for a nightcap as a live DJ spins to keep the mood lively. aloftjacksonvilletapestrypark.com The Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront sits in the heart of downtown, giving guests views of the St. Johns River and the Main Street Bridge.

From the hotel, it’s a 9-minute walk to MOCA, and a 9-minute drive to the Cummer Museum.

If you’re feeling sporty, take advantage of the hotel’s $25-a-day bike rentals—lock and helmet included—for complete, parking-hassle-free access to the city. jacksonville.regency.hyatt.com

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SOUTHERN ART GETAWAYS | FEBRUARY & MARCH 2017

WHERE TO STAY Bloc ks from the historic downtown and less than 4 miles from Atlantic beaches, Jaybird’s Inn offers clean, comfortable rooms that fit any budget. A stay includes free Wi-Fi, inroom Starbucks coffee, continental breakfast and rental bike use. vjaybirdsinn.com For a stay more fitting with Henry Flagler’s vision, stay at the Casa Monica Resort and Spa, built in 1888 and completely remodeled when ushered into the Richard C. Kessler Collection of hotels. The aesthetics merge Spanish and Moroccan influences—think ornate with an abundance of reds and golds.

Each of the 138 rooms is unique, but all come with the impeccable service of the detailoriented staff. casamonica.com

AMERICA’S OLDEST CITY PACKS ALL THE HISTORY YOU’D EXPECT FROM 452 YEARS OF SETTLEMENT, AND YET, THE NEXT GENERATION IS CREATING A FRESH BUZZ BY OPENING ART GALLERY CO-OPS, COCKTAIL BARS AND MORE.

Every hour, legacy tours of Flagler College are offered by current students detailing the history of the property that once was the 540-room Hotel Ponce de Leon. Built by Henry Flagler and opened in 1888, it catered to a wealthy crowd who wintered here. Tour highlights include the collection of Tiffany glass, as well as the rotunda painting with 23-karat gold, created by Library of Congress artist George Maynard. flagler.edu Formerly the Hotel Alcazar, the Lightner Museum houses a varied collection of American Gilded Age pieces, from Rota, the stuffed lion gifted to Sir Winston Churchill, to a desk once belonging to Louis Bonaparte.

The third-floor ballroom displays the majority of paintings, including the 1879 Jules-Arsène Garnier work, “Temptation,” shown in the Paris Salon. lightnermuseum.org Art galleries are peppered throughout downtown, with clusters on St. George and Artillery Streets. On Artillery, Plum Gallery brings bright, colorful landscapes and contemporary art pieces within reach of the everyday buyer. Gary Borse stands out for landscape paintings of south Florida with pop flair, as does Claire Kendrick who paints classic coastal landscapes with a contemporary edge. The gallery also displays glass sculptures, folded paper lanterns and other fun finds. plumartgallery.com

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ST. AUGUSTINE, FL

ABOVE-LEFT: Toour at Flagler College

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TOP-RIGHT: A bartender preparing a drink at the Ice Plant

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ABOVE: Interior of the Columbia Restaurant

WHERE TO EAT & DRINK The Columbia Restaurant dishes up upscale Cuban fare in a lively hacienda-style space.

Try the crab cakes, served with a passion fruit aioli sauce, or the Gulf shrimp, sautéed in olive oil, garlic and chili pepper flakes. The 14page menu features four varieties of paella, including a Campesina variety, studded with generous hunks of beef tenderloin, chorizo, pork and chicken. The sangria is a must. columbiarestaurant.com Ice Plant Bar, yes, a former ice plant, honors its heritage with cocktails kept cool with custom cuts of the stuff. The menu is inventive and playful, from the John Candy with brown butter, whiskey, spiced pear and bitters, to the Notorious F.I.G., a cocktail with scotch, fig, lemon and bitters. iceplantbar.com

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE COLUMBIA RESTAURANT, ICE PLANT BAR, FLAGLER COLLEGE

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DineSouth

INSIDE:

SOHO SOUTH CAFE S.N.O.B ARTILLERY PUNCH THE ART OF FOOD

ART of DINING

SOHO SOUTH CAFÉ REPRESENTS A DIFFERENT SIDE OF SAVANNAH.

BY WILLIAM C. WERTZ

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SOHO South Cafè’s interior has undergone changes over the years, but retained its connection with the arts.

The spacious bar provides a beautiful view of the inside.

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PHOTOS: JOHN MCMANUS

t’s not the genteel Southern side with sweet tea and shady live oak trees dripping with Spanish moss. Nothing wrong with that. But there’s a side to Savannah that’s modern, urban and edgy – a spirit captured by this transformed automotive service station with its high ceilings, brick walls and huge garage doors.

“It gives off more of a Southern shabby chic vibe,” said General Manager Richard Kramer.

“It’s like an urban warehouse.”

Kramer has been at SOHO South for the past year and with Daniel Reed Hospitality, the restaurant’s corporate owner, for four years.

Kramer opened Daniel Reed’s nearby Public Kitchen and Bar before moving to SOHO. SOHO is open as a restaurant only for lunch and Sunday brunch, which leaves the evenings free for special events.

Kramer said weddings and related activities – receptions and rehearsal dinners – are SOHO’s most frequent evening events, although there are other special dinners and corporate events. BMW once chose SOHO for the launch event featuring a new model car.

“It seemed fitting, given the history of this building,” Kramer said.

The original building dates from 1945 and sat vacant for many years. It had been a restaurant for some 20 years when Daniel Reed acquired it in 2013 and did extensive remodeling. One big change was creating a separate space for a bar near the entrance. Old brick walls, steel windows and iron roof trusses were retained. One long wall was covered with a colorful and eclectic collection of doors and windows. Another wall features a collage of old-fashioned flowery plates.

“We do all our cooking in-house, and we’ve seated as many as 175 for dinner,” said Kramer.

“Usually those planning events will want to use our tables and chairs, but we have cleared the dining room in special situations. It’s a very flexible space.”

Come grab a bite and enjoy Soho South’s ecelectic atmosphere at 12 W Liberty St. Savannah, GA (p) 912.233.1633 / (w) sohosouthcafe.com

S O U T H E R N S I P P I N ’ / C H AT H A M A R T I L L E R Y P U N C H

KNOCKOUT PUNCH SAVANNAH’S STORIED BREW IS STRONGER AND SMOOTHER THAN YOU’D EXPECT.

BY JESS BRANNEN

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PHOTO: BLAKE CROSBY

O TRUE CELEBRATION is complete without a little extravagance. And there is no extravagance greater than the Chatham Artillery Punch, called “killer of time” and “vanquisher of men” by those who have dared drink one too many. While locals debate its origin, they can agree on one thing: it’s deceptively smooth.

The Shrimp Factory, located on River Street, claims to concoct the truest original recipe at their full service bar. Joel Teston pours a glass of the peach-colored elixir as he explains just what gives the juice its power.

“It’s got seven different kinds of booze,” he says. “Wine, rum, gin, brandy, whiskey, champagne and a French liqueur.”

The Chatham Artillery is Georgia’s oldest military organization on record. Legend has

it that when they welcomed President James Monroe into Savannah in May 1819, their wives threw together the large-batch beverage in a horse bucket to sate the many attendees. One by one, members of the Artillery are said to have snuck in and added various liquors to the batch, creating the notorious libation we know today.

Teston likes to joke about a different take on the beloved punch’s history, one in which Major General of the Union Army William T. Sherman spared Savannah from attack.

“The reason Sherman didn’t burn down the city was because he was too drunk,” he says, laughing.

Whether or not Chatham Artillery Punch is responsible for saving Savannah from obliteration, one thing is clear: the concoction can do some destruction of its own. The taste

is impeccably easy on the palate, thanks to the weeklong aging process, something that mellows the flavor, but amps up the impact.

A word to the wise, though – either drink ‘em slowly, or clear your schedule for the next day.

You’ll be glad you did. •

PLEASE DO TRY THIS AT HOME IT MAY NOT BE THE ORIGINAL, BUT IT’S DARN CLOSE 1 and a half gallons Catawba wine 1 half gallon of rum 1 quart of gin 1 quart of brandy 1 half pint of Benedictine 2 quarts Maraschino cherries *Serves 100 people.

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CHEF FRANK LEE, AN ACCIDENTAL CHEF, HAS ELEVATED COOKING TO AN ART FORM. HIS CLASSIC BISTRO-STYLE RESTAURANT IN CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA, HAS DEVELOPED OVER THE YEARS INTO A COMMUNITY WHERE PEOPLE FEEL AT HOME AND ARE NURTURED. WRITTEN TASTEFULLY BY BEVERLY WILLET

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Chef Frank Lee

➻ “I’m not a big fan of cookbooks,” celebrated chef Frank Lee says about “The S.N.O.B. Experience,” his new cookbook based on Slightly North of Broad, the restaurant he co-founded in 1993. “If you want to learn how to cook, get your ass in the kitchen and learn.”

It’s hard to peg S.N.O.B. by genre. The menu’s been eclectic from the start. So much of what happens there isn’t easily distilled. Fresh, carefully – and lovingly – prepared food, executed with community in mind sums up Lee’s philosophy.

And his cookbook is far more than a mere compendium of recipes.

He became a chef by accident. In 1973, he and a bunch of teenage friends were goofing around after a yoga class and one of them suggested opening a vegetarian restaurant. So they did. “We were thinking maybe we’d do it for a year or less for a hoot and a holler,” Lee says. But one year turned into six, followed by a trip to France to learn technique.

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CHEF FRANK LEE CELEBRATES “THE S.N.O.B EXPERIENCE” COOKBOOK

u “A BUNCH OF YOUNG REBEL CHEFS WERE ELEVATING COOKING TO AN ART FORM. THEY WERE SOURCING LOCALLY AND BEING A PART OF THE COMMUNITY.” u

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Photos courtesy of Hall Hanagement Group

“A bunch of young rebel chefs were elevating cooking to an art form. They were sourcing locally and being a part of the community,” he says of his French mentors. After stints elsewhere, Lee opened S.N.O.B., pairing the fundamentals of French cooking with Southern heritage and quality local ingredients reflective of the seasons.

He banded together with other Charleston chefs and the business community and, over several decades, turned the town into an international food and cultural mecca. Despite the risks and high costs of restaurant ventures, Lee prefers collaboration to competition.

“A rising tide floats all boats,” he claims. “It’s a lot like sports. Even though they’re busting heads one minute, at the end of the game they’re hugging and slapping each other on the butt.”

Not a fame seeker, Lee’s achieved it nonetheless. “Good Morning America,” “Food & Wine,” “Great Chefs of the South,” and more: they’ve all taken notice.

“S.N.O.B. is not just a transaction that exchanges money for calories,” Chef explains.

“Over the years it has developed into a community spot where people feel at home and are nurtured.

Where people know your name, where you like to sit, who your children are.” Kind of like a family restaurant, only a top-star one.

That’s because Lee understands the cosmic interconnectedness of all things. The timing and orchestration necessary to prepare, plate and serve every single meal. The transformation of

seedlings into the perfectly ripe vegetable selected by hand at the local market.

He pays homage to “the business partners that raised me from an egg.” To the bartenders, managers, kitchen staff, patrons, and suppliers, calling each by name. To his wife who kept him focused and tended their children while he worked long hours mentoring his other family – the kitchen staff, teaching them everything he knows about food and its preparation. And also art and how to get along in the world; practicalities, too, like how to open a bank account. He played opera in the kitchen for inspiration. And he and his partners paid for health insurance for hourly employees!

All are equal in Lee’s kitchen. And the restaurant’s warehouse location with exposed ducts and open kitchen reinforce this egalitarian view.

“If you’re the leader, you’re responsible for your team,” he says. “It was instilled in me in the French kitchen. It also came from my parents – to share, to help others around you.”

Even his cookbook is part love letter to the “critters” he believes give their lives for human nourishment. “Approach [them] with love in your heart and a lot of responsibility,” he instructs. And don’t waste a single scrap.

“The pigeon is the best bird ever,” he says, complimenting the Palmetto version at a recent six-course dinner to launch his cookbook. It’s true, I agree, after my first forkful. Local oysters floating in scallop-and-leek-laced cream turn me, an oyster loather, into a convert. I despise radishes, but joyfully scarf up the snapper, pickled fennel, radish and chili citrus salad.

So how does Lee feel now that he’s no longer head honcho, recently turning over the S.N.O.B. stove to protégé Russ Moore? “The lasting legacy is the people you produce. I raised them good.

These people have earned their titles and don’t need to be crowded by my shadow.”

Like Lee before him, Moore has washed more than his fair of dishes to get there. In fact, Lee thinks those who show the most promise should remain longest at the sink: “It would be pretty silly if you didn’t know every nuance and were held hostage by your dishwasher.” “[Dishwashing] takes fortitude, skill and patience,” he adds. Who knew?

Why, then, a snooty word for a restaurant that seems anything but? The owners meant it tongue in cheek – Charlestonians South of Broad (SOBs) are generally considered blueblood. Instead of taking offense, however, locals from both north and south have embraced the restaurant with humor. And devotion. l

➻ Chef Frank Lee recently announced the release of his cookbook, “The S.N.O.B Experience.” Lee provides more than just a compilation of the classic recipes that played foundational roles in the establishment of his restaurant. He shares stories and insights into his role as a pioneer in the Charleston culinary community. The cookbook celebrates Lee’s 23 yearlong dedication to Slightly North of Broad.

The cookbook is a compilation of SNOB classics, long-running seasonal plates and many of the side dishes and sauces that played foundational roles in establishing the restaurant’s loyal following since it opened its doors in 1993.

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TEMO ORTIZ

INVITES YOU TO VISIT TEQUILA’S TOWN AT THEIR TWO LOCATIONS – DOWNTOWN SAVANNAH, GA AT 109 WHITAKER STREET AND IN SANDFLY AT 7360 SKIDAWAY ROAD. TEQUILASTOWN.COM

THE ROAD TO TEQUILA’S TOWN HOW DO YOU GET THERE? IT’S A STRAIGHT SHOT.

BY BARRY KAUFMAN H PHOTO: MICHAEL HRIZUK

When Tequila’s Town launched just a few years ago, it didn’t take long for area foodies to take notice and begin showering the restaurant with accolades. Best new restaurant, best restaurant in general, best tequila bar – you name it, they’ve earned it. Their fresh approach to the cuisine of Michoacán takes the DNA of the region’s famous street food and gives it a high-end makeover, and now they’ve expanded their empire beyond food.

Tequila Blanco by Tequila’s Town is the restaurant’s own private label, and we sat down with restaurant CEO Temo Ortiz to discuss its origins and how it should be enjoyed.

SOUTH MAGAZINE: Where is Tequila Blanco produced and what made you decide to begin producing your own private label?

TEMO ORTIZ: We are working with Tequileño, a company based out of Jalisco, to bottle this for us. We wanted to have a premium house tequila that would be nice and smooth for people to drink. Something premium that could shape all the cocktails we make in-house and that would be the gateway for exploring premium tequilas for people who have not ventured into premium tequilas.

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SOUTH MAG: That would make sense, given your huge tequila selection.

TEMO ORTIZ: We have more than 80 brands and styles of tequilas – blancos, añejo, reposado – plus a lot of other agave spirits.

SOUTH MAG: And how would you describe yours?

TEMO ORTIZ: It’s a premium blanco; bright with a very smooth end. It’s very neutral because we wanted to make sure we could mix it with not just lime, but we could make things like palomas which are made with grapefruit juice. We’ll mix it with

fruits like strawberry, tamarind and pomegranate so the acidity needed to be just right. It’s allowed us to present really nice margaritas.

SOUTH MAG: So how do you take your tequila?

TEMO ORTIZ: I like it straight, and I sip it. Good tequila should not be taken in one shot. Our Tequila Blanco is nice for sipping with lemon and some salt. We have some spicy salt with chili in it that’s really nice to pair with it, or we have a tamarind paste with chili; that’s really good.

– TEQUILASTOWN.COM

ART OF FOOD HOW MANY TIMES HAVE YOU JUMPED INTO A WELL-PLATED DISH BEFORE APPRECIATING THE CHEF’S FINE DETAIL AND ARTISTIC EFFORT THAT WAS POURED INTO IT? HERE ARE 8 PLATINGS THAT WILL MAKE YOU DROOL WITH APPRECIATION.

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WRITTEN BY EMMA IOCOVOZZI PHOTOGRAPHY BY BLAKE CROSBY & MICHAEL HRIZUK S OUT H MAGA ZI NE.C OM

TEMO ORTIZ TEQUILA’S TOWN • According to Hass, the avocado people, guacamole was a favorite of Montezuma, king of the Aztec nation, when the Spanish first arrived in what is now Mexico. The Spanish loved it, too, and guacamole became a treat enjoyed around the world. At Tequila’s Town, you can customize your guacamole to your own taste.

The classic ingredients are brought to your table and mixed together as you watch –avocados, onions, tomatoes, salt & pepper and as much chile as your taste buds enjoy. You’ll enjoy watching the ingredients come together and love the taste of the finished product. !Delicioso!

DOWNTOWN LOCATION 109 WHITAKER STREET SAVANNAH, GA 31401 912.236.3222 SANDFLY LOCATION 7360 SKIDAWAY ROAD, SAVANNAH, GA 912.226.3307 TEQUILASTOWN.COM

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CHEF DRUE QUAY 39 RUE DE JEAN • The Japanese have always favored clean lines and purposeful simplicity. Every aesthetic is intentional: the bone china and black slate are dramatic but effortlessly cut with the soft warmth of bamboo and and a single flower. The food itself lends the same manner of intention and straightforwardness; a pinch of warm rice, a gently toasted sheet of nori and a rich buttery piece of freshly caught fish all make for an unforgettable meal.

605 w. Oglethorpe Ave. Savannah, GA 912.721.0595 holycityhospitality.com

NEED CATERING? COHEN’S RETREAT will customize your menu for your special occasion.

912.355.3336 39 RUE DE JEAN Whether planning an elegant wedding reception or casual office party, GOOD FOOD CATERING has the perfect FOOD AND BEVERAGE options to enhance your event experience. Good Food Catering believes you should be a guest at your own event. Put our team to work, relax and enjoy the party!

912.721.0595

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CHEF HANK PHILLIPS COHEN’S RETREAT • The sweet, earthy spices and velvety textures of this dish are only enhanced by the vibrant backdrop of kantha stitched table cloths and warm distressed wood, creating the perfect dichotomy to balance out the terracotta tagine of roast chicken. The open faced toast of smoked trout and pickled fennel offers a burst of brightness and lightness to cleanse the palate and finish the table perfectly.

5715 Skigaway Rd Savannah, Ga 912.355.3336 cohensretreat.com

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CHEF GREG SILVER • A.LURE • Peas and Carrots is the name of this dish. You grew up on peas and carrots, you mother made them every night for dinner. At first glance, this dish has nothing to do with peas and carrots, and yet. A.Lure has an intriguingly deceptive way of turning something we know and love on its head and broadening our palate. A sweet baby carrot risotto lays atop a sea of ginger carrot reduction. Punctuated by a bright grassy hue of sweet pea coulis, the plate draws the eye up, finishing with a perfectly seared scallop and fresh pea tendrils.

309 West Congress St Savannah, Ga 912.233.2111 aluresavannah.com

CHEF CLAYTON ROLLISON LUCKY ROOSTER • The mouthwatering crispy chicken skin is the first to catch our eye in this contemporary still life. It seems to jump off the page, encapsulating all the senses with just an image. Yet, as ostentatious as the focal point is, it is reigned in coolly and naturally by the beautiful earthenware plate, reminiscent of an inky blue coastal skyline. Bold and vibrant, this dish from the Lucky Rooster is heaven on a plate.

841 William Hilton Pwky, Hilton Head Island, SC 843.681.3474 lkuckyroosterhhi.com

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NEED SPACE FOR A PRIVATE PARTY? a.Lure provides a semi-private dining room for parties up to 28 guests. They can accommodate rehearsal dinners, business meetings, birthday parties or any other special occasions. Call 912.233.2111 or visit aluresavannah.com.

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BRIAN CURRY (OWNER) JAZZ’D TAPAS BAR • Form follows function with the plating of Jazz’d decadent dishes. The pop of vibrant green in one of their many exquisite libations is the perfect contrast to extenuate the beauty and contrasting colors of the organic mint and basil in their fresh summer rolls. The baked brie and berries also bring visual organization to the organic chaos, and reminds the audience of one thing; how deliciously satisfied they are about to be.

52 Barnard St Savannah, Ga 912.236.7777 jazzdtapasbar.com

CHEF STEPHEN MCLAIN ALLIGATOR SOUL • At first glance, this image is bursting with movement.

Reminiscent of a Joan Miro painting, the food speaks entirely for itself as the delicate china merely provides a backdrop, propping up every intentional bite. With this dish Alligator Soul is asking you to eat with your eyes first. Like a painter’s pallet, tastes, colors, and textures are all given the same deference, creating a visually appealing, stunning dish.

Every strategically placed garnish or perfectly cubed tartare asks the diner to eat with intention and savor each purposeful taste.

114 Barnard St Savannah, Ga 912.232.7899 alligatorsoul.com 158

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SERVING THE BRIDE & GROOM With a soul food fusion menu to boast, Allgator Soul caters weddings with a flair you can’t find anywhere else.

If you would love for them them to provide the menu to your wedding, call 912.232.7899 or visit alligatorsoul.com.

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CHEF BRANDON WHITESTONE COTTON & RYE • It’s hard to capture of easy stillness and laid-back sophistication of a meal at Cotton & Rye, but the food naturally and effortlessly speaks for itself. Three different dishes, all contrasting and converging, manage to portray perfectly the effervescent flow and attention to detail the restaurant lends to its food. A charcuterie board with housemade pates and jams on a rough edged block of wood somehow fits excellently with spicy, peppery mussels rhythmically echoed in a clean white porcelain bowl.

1801 Habersham St Savannah, Ga 912.777.6286 cottonandrye.com

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Play South

INSIDE: NICK CAVE BEST FESTS FAITH EQUESTRIAN’S HEARTS FOR HEALING GALA EVENTS CALENDAR SCENES OF THE SOUTH DJ JEFF KARR

Drive-by (DVD still), 2011

NOW SHOWING: ARTIST NICK CAVE

THE JEPSON CENTER’S NEWEST EXHIBITION OF SCULPTURAL INSTALLATIONS FROM INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNIZED ARTIST NICK CAVE IS A MUST-SEE COLLECTION THIS SPRING.

By Anna Jones / Courtesy of the artist and Jack Shainman Gallery, New York / James Prinz Photography

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SOUNDSUIT, mixed media including rugs, afghans, metal, fabric, and mannequin Nick Cave

SOUNDSUIT, mixed media including hooked rugs, fabric, metal, and mannequin

One of Savannah’s best cultural attributes is its lively, thriving arts scene. Though it’s a small town, Savannah showcases art collections from artists known around the world, and this spring will be no exception with a new exhibition from Nick Cave at Telfair Museum’s Jepson Center. Internationally lauded for his work, artist Nick Cave has made a name for himself by his profound visual and performing art exhibitions that convey his meaningful messages to the world. He works in several artistic mediums, creating extraordinary works of art through sculpture, installation, videography, photography and more.

Cave is most well-known for a specific sculptural series he calls his soundsuits, which are large, human-sized sculptures that he created based on the scale of his own body.

These suits, much like suits of armor, create a metaphoric barrier between the body and the outside world, protecting the body from external judgment or prejudice. Cave uses these pieces to make his own statements about societal issues, as well as give the viewer the opportunity to draw their own conclusions about the pieces’ meaning. •

Nick Cave’s exhibition is at the Jepson Center until April 23, 2017 / Jepson Center is located 207 W York St, Savannah, GA 31401 (p) 912.790.8800 / (w) telfair.org/nickcave

SUITS & SOUNDS

SPEAK LOUDER, Mixed media including black mother of pearl buttons, embroidery floss, upholstery, metal armature, and mannequins

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An assortment of Cave’s soundsuits will be on display at the Jepson Center now through April 27 as a part of a larger exhibition of Cave’s work, which is the largest presentation of his

art ever displayed in Georgia.

The soundsuits will be joined by two tondos, which are massive sculptural works of art that visually represent the night sky, and videos that reveal Cave’s creation process for his famous soundsuits.

the exhibition is open. As Cave is one of the greatest active artists of our time, this exhibition is not one to miss.

In addition to the exhibition, the Jepson Center will host events and programming for the community to enjoy and experience Cave’s work while

TONDO, Mixed media including beaded and sequined garments, fabric and wood

Best Fests!

We know our readers love a good time, so we searched far and wide to find the best fests for you. It’s time to party in the sultry South!

season! Start the weekend at the traditional Ceili (or party), where participants will learn Irish folk dancing. The festival continues all day Saturday and Sunday, with live entertainment of music and dance groups, as well as food, drinks and fun!

For more information visit savannahirish.com Nikki Lane, who will be performing at the Savannah Music Festival

Georgia Day

Georgia History Festival (Savannah, February 4-18) After the kickoff in Georgia’s capital city of Atlanta, the annual history festival takes over Savannah. Celebrating the founding of the Colony of Georgia on February 12, 1733, this is one of the best educational programs for kids in grades K-12. Festivities include the Colonial Faire and Muster living history program, inschool education events and the amazing Georgia Day parade!

For more information visit georgiahistory.com

SCAD presents ‘Savannah Songs’ (Savannah, February 11) Join us for an afternoon of immersive live performances that chart a musical journey through Savannah’s rich history.

“Savannah Songs” will have you dancing in the streets and celebrating the city’s remarkable legacy. This one-of-a-kind event

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is brought to you by SCAD students and alumni.For more information visit scad.edu Annual Savannah Book Festival (Savannah, February 16 – 19) The Savannah Book Festival will be held Feb. 16-19, 2017 in locations in and around Telfair, Wright and Chippewa Squares in Savannah’s Historic District, bringing in renowned authors for all kinds of events throughout the week.

For more information visit savannahbookfestival.org Savannah St. Patrick’s Day (Savannah, February 17) It’s the biggest St. Patrick’s celebration this side of the Atlantic, and it’s back and better than ever! With street parties and festivals around the city, attended by proud Irish and not-so Irish citizens from miles around, you’re sure to find something to do!

Don’t forget to wear your greenest clothes, else risk getting pinched a thousand times over! For more information visit savannahstpatricksday.com Savannah Irish Festival (Savannah, February 17-19) Enjoy the beginning of Savannah’s famous St. Patrick’s

Savannah Music Festival (Savannah, March 23 – April 8) The Historic District of Savannah will host to more than 100 performances from March 23-April 8, 2017, during the annual 2017 Savannah Music Festival, providing an ideal backdrop for an event that celebrates exceptional artistry in jazz, classical and a variety of American and international

Carlos Cruz-Diez

musical traditions. For more information visit savannahmusicfestival.org deFINE ART 2017 (Savannah, February 24) An annual program of lectures, exhibitions and public events SCAD presents the eighth edition of deFINE ART, an annual program of fine art exhibitions, lectures, performances and public events. Taking place Feb. 21–24, 2017, at SCAD locations in Savannah and Atlanta, Georgia, and Hong Kong, deFINE ART highlights the work and careers of world-renowned artists and visionaries.For more information visit scad.edu Craft Brew Race 5K & Brew Fest (Savannah, March 11) On March 11, 2017 the Craft Brew Races returns to Savannah! This 5K road race followed by a local craft brew festival, invites runners to celebrate local craft brewing, an active lifestyle and the surrounding community with this fun pre-St. Patricks Day event.For more information visit craftbrewraces.edu Good Catch Oysterfest (Charleston, February 3) Join the South Carolina Aquarium for a one-of-a-kind oyster festival featuring some of Charleston’s best local cuisine to support sustainable seafood!

Enjoy delicious,

responsibly-sourced oysters from St. Jude Farms as well as sustainable seafood dishes from Good Catch partners and local craft beer.

For more information visit charlestoncvb.com Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival (Hilton Head, March 6-12) Join one of the biggest food fests in the region for their 30th year celebration! Enjoy the full week of foodie events from wine tastings and talks to the several course meals hosted by some of Hilton Head’s finest establishments. Get your tickets now as they sell out quickly!

For more information visit hiltonheadwineandfood.com Atlanta Film Festival (Atlanta, March 24- April 2) One of the largest, and longestrunning, film festivals around, tens of thousands will flock to Georgia’s capital city to attend screenings and see the stars!

The Academy Award qualifying, international festival welcomes genres from documentary to science fiction, and even presents what they call their “Pink Peach” category, or the best in LGBTQ movies.

For more information visit atlantafilmfestival.com To Submit Your Event Visit: playsouth.com

S P O N S O R E D E V E N T / FA I T H E Q U E S T R I A N G A L A HEARTS FOR HEALING GALA

TUESDAY, FEBR UARY 14, 2017 / 6:30 PM - 10:00PM

WANT TO H P ?

PURCHASE TIEL C K ET AT FAITHETC.OR S G

A GALA WITH HEART

FAITH EQUESTRIAN CENTER HOSTS AN EVENING WITH DINNER AND DANCING TO SUPPORT ITS AMAZING MISSION

BY ANNA JONES PHOTOS: COURTESY OF BONNIE RACHAEL

J

Top left: Michael Johnson catching a ball on horseback.

Top right: Cameron hugging Higbee the black pony Left: Volunteers help a student on horseback.

Above: Kristy Tilton (wheelchair) and volunteers Kirk Meals and Jackie Garman (left) take Sky for a walk.

> Faith Equestrian began back in 2006 with two students and a whole lot of faith. Bonnie Rachael opened the center in her backyard after finding an article about a similar program in a flyer at church. Knowing this was something God called her to, she began the process of obtaining her certification through PATH Intl.

The center began to slowly transform over time, each year adding riders, volunteers and horses. In 2014, the property doubled to ten acres which included a house for the future program director. In 2015, the foundation was laid for the Danielle Collins Covered Arena to be built in memory of Bonnie’s first student.

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ust 25 miles away from Savannah, in the small town of Guyton, Georgia, you’ll find an equestrian center that while it may look like a normal horse haven from the outside, is anything but usual on the inside. This is the home to the Faith Equestrian Therapeutic Center, an incredible non-profit organization that was founded to improve the quality of children with special needs through the therapeutic nature of horses. Therapeutic riding courses and an equestrian program in partnership with local schools helps special needs children develop social and physical skills while having a great time too.

To continue its incredible mission and also celebrate its tenth anniversary, the Faith Equestrian Therapeutic Center will host the Hearts for Healing Gala to raise money for its programming on Tuesday, February 14, at the Tybee Island Wedding Chapel on Tybee Island.

A silent auction with an assortment of high-end items will start this Valentine’s Day evening following by dinner and dancing to live music from the John Brackett Quartet.

Tickets are on sale via the Faith Equestrian Therapeutic Center website ( faithetc.org) and 50 percent of the ticket price is tax deductible. Spend your Valentine’s Day this year where it matters –by supporting our community and helping those who need it most. • See what Bonnie and crew are accomplishing at Faith Equestrian Therapeutic Center 243 Appaloosa Way Guyton, Ga. 31312 (p) 912.728.3728 (w) faithetc.org

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Events Calendar

Check out the latest happenings in the Lowcountry.

SAVANNAH Savannah Book Festival (February 16-19)

With names like Erik Larson, William Paul Young and Paula McLain headlining the 2016 Savannah Book Festival, you really don’t want to miss it! Featuring over 40 of the nation’s most loved and bestselling authors, attend talks and book signings to meet them. Book lovers rejoice!

For more information visit savannahbookfestival.org Guest authors Christina Baker Kline Colson Whitehead James Patterson

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Georgia Historical Society Trustees Gala (February 18)

activities! For more information visit savannahboatshow.com

The premiere event of the Georgia Historical Society’s year, the annual Trustees Gala is a black tie evening that hosts the top leaders in the state and in the nation.

Paying homage to the best in the state of Georgia, the evening will also feature plenty of food, drink and the inducting of the 2016 trustees.

For more information visit georgiahistory.com Savannah Boat Show (March 3-5)

Boat enthusiasts and seafarers unite for the 13th year of Savannah’s Boat Show! The show attracts thousands from across the coast to view vessels for any budget, fishing clinics, demonstrations and family- friendly

Telfair Ball “Modern Lights” (February 25)

Dress to the nines for the 37th annual popular party, hosted by the renowned Telfair Museums in Savannah! This yearly celebration for their members will feature the jazziest and most artistic of the city, recognizing the museum’s cultural impact on Savannah and its history. Not a member?

Register now so you don’t miss out on this amazing bash!

For more information visit telfair.org

Savannah Boat Show, March 3-5

March of Dimes Shamrock Run (March 10)

Join thousands of other runners during Savannah’s most famous season! The Shamrock Run takes place downtown and is a distance of 5K. All proceeds go toward the March of Dimes and their mission to improve infant health. Register now! For more information visit fleetfeetsavannah.com/races/ shamrockrun.

GnomeCon (March 3-5)

Who wants to travel all the way across the country for your game and sci-fi fix?

The annual con happening right here in Savannah features famous authors, artists, comics, gaming and entertainment personalities, special guests, and there’s always room for costumes! Let your inner nerd out and

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get passes now. For more information visit gnomecon.org

For more information visit stbaldricks.org

193rd Savannah St. Patrick’s Day Parade (March 17)

Savannah Music Festival (March 23-April 8)

This beloved Savannah tradition is the culmination of the city’s famous St. Patrick’s Day celebrations! Historic downtown Savannah sets the stfor this celebration of everything in Irish heritage, and is the kickoff to one of our favorite holidays. Don your green, grab the family and get out there! Erin go bragh!

For more information visit savannahstpatricksday.com St. Baldrick’s Foundation Savannah City Market (March 20)

Be a “Shavee” this year in City Market, where the St. Baldrick’s Foundation will once again be shaving heads to raise money for childhood cancer research.

Show your support for this amazing organization and get a new haircut all in one afternoon.

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The largest musical arts event in the state of Georgia, the Savannah Music Festival is back with a world-class lineup. Get your tickets today for concerts ranging in genre from classical to pop, from jazz to folk. Join other music lovers in this celebration of sound! For more information visit savannahmusicfestival.org 82nd Annual Savannah Tour of Homes & Gardens (March 23-26)

This annual tour has been “opening doors” since 1935, and is back in 2017 for its 82nd year!

Take the opportunity of touring some of the city’s finest and most famous homes to experience the history, architecture and designs that are uniquely Savannah. Enjoy special events including food and drink as well!

Get tickets now, as they sell out quickly. For more information visit savannahtourofhomes.org

TYBEE ISLAND

continue with a street party, live music and entertainment, and a masquerade ball!

For more information visit mardigrastybee.com

Critz Tybee Run Fest (February 3-4)

Run one or run them all during this weekend-long running fest!

Choose from the 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, 2.8 Mile Beach Run or 1 Mile dash, all adding up to a full marathon. Hosted by Critz and supported by many of the islands’ best restaurants and businesses, this annual run donates proceeds to many local non-profit organizations.

For more information visit critztybeerun.com.

9th Annual Mardi Gras Tybee (February 25)

Join in the Mardi Gras fun with Tybee Island’s annual bash! Kick things off with the festive, family-friendly parade that marches down Butler Avenue. Festivities

Critz Tybee Run Fest, Tybee Island, February 3-4

HILTON HEAD Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival (February 20-26)

The annual fundraiser for the M.D. Anderson Cancer Research Center, Island Recreation

Hilton Head Seafood Festival, February 20-26

hiltonheadwineandfood.com

CHARLESTON Scholarship Fund and the American Cancer Society will feature fabulous local seafood restaurants such as The Crazy Crab and several others! Local chefs will also compete in the festival’s version of Iron Chef and festival attendees will be treated to live entertainment.

For more information visit hiltonheadisland.com Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival (March 6-12)

Join one of the biggest food fests in the region for their 30th year celebration! Enjoy the full week of foodie events from wine tastings and talks to the several course meals hosted by some of Hilton Head’s finest establishments. Get your tickets now as they sell out quickly!

For more information visit

Carolina Challenge Cup (February 18, 22, & 25)

Since the first Carolina Challenge Cup in 2004, the tournament has come to showcase some of the best soccer players in North America at this annual, round-robin style competition.

Watch the action over three nights of doubleheader games at Charleston’s Blackbaud Stadium.

Get your tickets now!

For more information visit charlestonbattery.com

BLUFFTON

Palmetto Bluff Half Marathon (March 12)

What could be better than taking in the scenic views of Palmetto Bluff’s rivers, islands and forests as you run for charity? $20 from each registration will benefit BackPack Buddies, a Crossroads Community Support Services program which gives backpacks full of food to children in need.

First, second and third place

Hilton Head Food & Wine Festival, March 6-12

winners will be awarded medals and special T-shirts will be given out to early registrants!

For more information visit palmettobluff.com

BEAUFORT Beaufort Memorial Hospital Foundation Valentine Ball (February 11)

Join over 500 guests at the 28th Annual Valentine Ball, a black tie fundraising event for the Beaufort Memorial Hospital.

Attend a pre-ball dinner party at some of Beaufort’s elegant, historical homes, then get your dancing shoes on for the ball itself which will also include delectable dessert creations and silent auctions. For more information visit bmhsc.org

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11th Annual Beaufort International Film Festival (February 15-19)

Actress Andie MacDowell and bestselling author Pat Conroy will be special guests at this year’s International Film Festival, hosted by the Beaufort Regional Film Commission. View films from around the world, some even shot in the Lowcountry!

For more information visit beaufortfilmfestival.org

ATLANTA 17th Annual Atlanta Jewish Film Festival (January 24- February 15)

Celebrate Jewish culture and art at the annual Atlanta Film Festival dedicated to the Jewish peoples’ rich history and artistic present.

Films include those with stories of Jewish history, life in Israel, and those created or produced by Jews in the film industry. The festival is packed with excellent content and entertainment, so get your passes

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now! For more information visit ajff.org Black History Month Parade (February 25)

The Historic Martin Luther King Jr./Sweet Auburn District of Atlanta will be taken over with this celebratory parade, showcasing the pride and talent of the region’s African American citizens. In celebration of the nationwide Black History Month, the parade will include music, charities, artists and entertainment for the whole family! For more information visit blackhistorymonthparade.com

(March 3-4)

matter your background. After all, in Georgia, “everyone is Irish”!

For more information visit atlantastpats.com

135th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade (March 11)

39th Annual Spring Atlanta Home Show, March 24-26

Folk to Fine Arts Festival

Taking place just outside Atlanta in Commerce, Georgia, the third annual art festival will display regional artists ranging in style from quirky folk pieces to classic, fine art. Buy or sell your art, and find some true Georgia gems!

For more information visit folkfinearts.com

Since 1858, families from Atlanta and around Georgia have enjoyed this St. Patty’s Day tradition! You don’t have to be Irish to join in the fun, so line the streets to see the amazing displays of floats, bands, bagpipe and drum line performances and more! Celebrate afterward at events throughout the city, no Black History Month Parade, February 25

39th Annual Spring Atlanta Home Show (March 24-26)

Head to the largest home show in the state of Georgia! Hundreds of companies showcasing everything you could possibly want for your home or apartment will be participating for the 37th year of this annual event. View exhibits and demonstrations, and find some great products to spruce up or remodel your house.

For more information visit atlantahomeshow.com

For more information visit communityfirstseawalkmusicfest.com

2nd Annual Salt Life Fest (March 18)

This festival is all about embracing the Salt Life lifestyle. It is a free event held at the Seawalk Pavilion, ocean side, in Jax Beach Florida.

There will be music, fun, food, and shopping. Head down to the beach for a family-friendly Satly time! For more information visit saltlifefest.com

JACKSONVILLE Jacksonville International Auto Show (February 17-19)

Looking for a new car, or just love anything on wheels? Head to the premiere showcase of new, imported and domestic vehicles in Florida! There will be cars for everyone’s style and budget. See showcases, inspect the cars, and

find some awesome new models of your favorite brands!

For more information visit jaxautoshow.com 5th Annual Community First SeaWalk Music Festival (February 25-26)

This free one-day event is held at the beach at the Seawalk Pavilion located on 1st Street N., just behind Jacksonville Beach City Hall. The festival celebrates Jacksonville’s rich and diverse local resources with all local

artists, crew, volunteers, and food vendors! Hear some of the best upand-coming talent from the First Coast, and taste and experience the great offerings from the local vendors and mobile eateries.

For more events & to submit your event visit SouthMag.com

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SCENES OF THE SOUTH / DIVINE REST GALA DINNER & AUCTION

ns Blaine Little & Jessi Owe

awn Norman Danielle & Sh

er, & Dawn Hagin Sue Brown, Gabe Alexand

Patti Tao & Sheila Shi

Local charity organization, Divine Rest, hosted the Hope For A Home Gala on January 14th and it was a beautiful evening supporting a great cause. Divine Rest works within the Savannah community to reduce the number of single homeless women in our beautiful city.

Guests enjoyed some savory food, dancing, entertainment and shopping from the silent auction all within the walls of a beautiful setting in the Savannah Station!

1. Kathi Myers & Kathy Burnsed 2. IP Harris, Bobby Park, Jameson Weatherspoon, and Brandon Teter 3. Bill Militiades & Mark Ricks 4. Jennifer & Donald Waldburg 5. Georgette Jackson & Ashia Miller 6. Kallan Flynn, Susan Renfroe, & Shelby Kuzlik

Rob & Melissa Doane & Amy Pearce

Pastor Matthew Gunn & Kimberly Gunn

DIVINE REST GALA DINNER & AUCTION

Monica Mckinney & Shelbey Price

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SCENES OF THE SOUTH / TOP DECK NEW YEAR’S EVE BASH

TOP DECK NEW YEAR’S EVE BASH

Richard and Andrew

Deja & Er ic Josh & MT

Guests kicked off the New Year with friends at one of Savannah’s Hottest Rooftop Venues and enjoy Passed Hors D’Oevres throughout the evening topped off by a Champagne toast at midnight!

Top Deck Bar is located on the 6th floor of the Cottonsail Hotel and boasts one of the greatest views in the city of Savannah.

Libby and Alyssa

1. Alex, Ashley, and Taylor 2. Marc, Charles, Ashley, and Kate 3. Bri and Tiffany 4. Taylor, Ricky, Stephen, Stephanie, and Kyser 5. Kara, Hayley, Alden, and Emily Gray

Melinda and Jason

Sarah and Elaina

Scott and Matt Laura, Brent, Michelle and Ryan

Ashley and Chloe

Taylor and Diani

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TRUE SOUTH / FIRST CITY EVENTS

A FUNNY THING HAPPENED

WITH SAVANNAH BASED DJ JEFF KARR

BY WILLIAM C. WERTZ

PHOTO: BLAKE CROSBY

You may have seen the insurance company commercial on TV that says, “We’ve seen everything, so we know how to cover everything!”

Event planners might as well have the same slogan – Just ask Bonnie Kaas at Savannah’s First City Events.

She and husband, Jeff, started their business 14 years ago, and they’ve had to cope with a few um… unusual circumstances. Here are a few that brought back sweet memories THE HURRICANE WEDDING – The big event was planned at the Westin along the Savannah River – right in the path of Hurricane Matthew as it neared the Georgia coastline – and the bride didn’t want to cancel.

Even when the Savannah airport closed, “she just said, ‘I can fly into Jacksonville,’” said Kaas. “I was loading the kids into the car. We were getting ready to evacuate.”

Finally, the Westin told the bride it, too, was closing down, and Kaas held a flurry of calls in her car with the bride and others as she tried to make new wedding arrangements in Macon and Atlanta.

“We ended up in Atlanta,” she said, “and it turned out great. We couldn’t move the cake from Savannah, so we had a new one made with a radar map of the hurricane on top!”

NIPPLES IN CHURCH - “We had a wedding rehearsal at the church, and I knew everybody was going to a toga party afterwards,” Kaas said. “I didn’t know they were going to wear togas to the rehearsal. Someone said, ‘this is the first time I’ve shown my nipples in church!’” Kaas added: “It was a guy, so it was OK.” SOMETHING’S SLIPPING – The mother of the groom had commented that her pantsuit was a bit loose, Kaas said. “She had made the comment, ‘Gee, I hope my pants don’t fall down.’” Escorted down a long row of tables by a soldier from Fort Jackson, the lady felt her pants slipping and leaned over to pull them up. The soldier thought she was about to fall and, being a good escort, resolutely held her up.

“So she walked down the aisle with her pants down and her underwear showing,” said Kaas.

HELP! IT’S BROKEN! – The urgent message came to Kaas that a guest at the wedding had broken his foot. She rushed to help with ice and towels, anticipating the need for medical help and an ambulance.

“It turned out he had a prosthetic leg,” she said. “All we needed was a wrench.”

Find out more information about Jeff Karr and his wife Bonnie at firstcityevents.com. • 178

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