Cover Story
SAVANNAH VOICE FESTIVAL: Over a decade of Raising Voices
The Savannah VOICE Festival returns for its eleventh season August 6-20. Over the course of these two weeks, the Hostess City will enjoy more than 25 performances taking place at venues across the Coastal Empire. SVF is a special celebration of classical voice highlighting artful sounds of opera, musical theatre and popular song. The festival…
Reclaiming América: SOYXSOY explores identity and community in latest exhibition
SOYXSOY (pronounced “soy como soy”) is a Savannah-based collective of contemporary Latin, Hispanic and Native American artists who represent a diversity of disciplines, cultures and perspectives. Featuring visual artists, actors, fashion designers, photographers, writers, chefs and mixologists, the collective came together rather organically in January 2022 and has since grown into a creative force more…
GET YOUR GAME ON : Gameday is about supporting your team, but style doesn’t have to ride the bench
If you prefer a traditional game day look, your instinct may be to throw on a team T-shirt or a jersey and jeans. This look will always be classic, but with some simple styling, you can elevate it. If you’re going with a jersey- try an oversized fit, paired with bike shorts or tucked into…
Connect Savannah News & Notes
There’s always something happening in the Hostess City. Stay in the know about upcoming events and the latest information with our News & Notes. Coastal Empire Habitat for Humanity receives city proclamations for serving the region for 40 years Coastal Empire Habitat for Humanity (CEHFH) has received three different proclamations to commemorate their 40th anniversary…
WEATHER THE STORM: Hurricane Idalia preparedness information and tips
Hurricane Idalia is expected to move into Georgia on Wednesday, bringing strong winds and significant rainfall that is likely to cause flooding and storm surges in our region. Safety is of utmost importance at this time, and so we’ve compiled a list of vital information and recommendations from local agencies to help you prepare for…
JACOB EVANS’ PUBLIC LISTENING ROOM: Elevating Savannah’s music scene
For over five years, Jacob Evans has graced the Savannah music scene with his soulful voice, mesmerizing guitar skills and friendly demeanor, establishing himself as a beloved R&B, soul and pop singer-songwriter. Yet, it’s not just his music that sets him apart; it’s his commitment to creating a unique musical experience for both artists and…
PROPERTY MATTERS: Drayton Tower sold to NY investment firm; building permit issued for former Broughton Municipal Building hotel conversion; and city & partners to save Kiah House
The New York-based owner sold a majority of the historic Drayton Tower apartment complex in downtown Savannah to another company based in the Big Apple. Drayton Tower LLC, sold most of the 12-story mid-century property at 102 E. Liberty St. to Street Lofts LLC, a subsidiary of New York-based Benchmark Real Estate, for $37.5 million…
ELENA’S ENCHANTING KITCHEN: Popping up with Greek delights
It is not at all hard to believe if you really think about it. The effects of “2020” continue to linger across the landscape. There are a lot of negative connotations that come with that, I know, but they aren’t all so. There have been a big number of businesses that were either created or…
THE CONNECT 5: Shows you shouldn’t miss this week
TIGER BEACH + LILAKK + WEATHEREYE @ THE WORMHOLE FRI SEPT 1 | 9:30 PM The Raleigh-based trio formed last spring, and they’ve promptly loaded their Bandcamp page with at least 16 songs spread over ten single and EP releases. As advertised, the sound is all over the place, but in a good way. Tiger…
Following the path of totality with Henry Dean
Tall, lanky, and softly spoken, Henry Dean has been a professor in the School of Foundation Studies at SCAD since 1999. He recently received a 2023 Presidential Fellowship and a 2024 Sabbatical Award from the university; we meet in his Talahi Island studio to discuss the project he plans to complete during the upcoming sabbatical.…
BREAKING THE FOURTH WALL: Savannah Stage Company presents ‘Every Brilliant Thing’ tackling tough topics
The Savannah Stage Company is taking a departure from traditional theater seating with their presentation of the immersive play “Every Brilliant Thing” by Duncan Macmillan and Jonny Donahue at the Tybee Post Theater, August 31 – Sept. 3. The touching but humorous play examines human depression and suicide, and the remarkable lengths to which people…
ART PATROL: Savannah’s September art scene is popping
The dark days of March, 2020, seem so long ago. I remember a glorious Thursday evening attending a retrospective of Larry Levow’s paintings at the Marshall House and Josie Ray’s celebratory “Pollen” show at the [tragically] defunct Grand Bohemian Gallery at the Mansion on Forsyth Park. Then, ‘POOF!’ the city and its art scene were…
Local teacher Ariel Brown named 2023 First Tee National Teacher of the Year
There are a lot of lessons that can be learned on the greens — things like patience, perseverance, respect and responsibility. Though golf is sometimes thought of as a game for the elites, one organization is making the game more accessible to youth, imparting important values along the way. First Tee is a youth development…
FOSTERING FUTURE ENTREPRENEURS: TigerCo Marketing empowers students with real-world business experience
A question posed to essentially every child is ‘what do you want to be when you grow up?’ Some will say a doctor or a lawyer. Others will say an athlete or an artist. Some want to join the armed forces, and plenty just aren’t sure. But there are a few who know from early…
Widow of Gregory Hirsch testifies during heated Meeting of Creditors in Master Lending Group bankruptcy case
For nearly two hours on Aug. 15, roughly 70 people took part in a Meeting of Creditors teleconference concerning the Chapter 7 bankruptcy case for Master Lending Group, LLC (MLG). During the meeting, the widow of MLG owner Gregory M. Hirsch testified in front of creditors, lawyers and others. The meeting was originally scheduled for…
WSAV: Square formerly known as Calhoun Square officially renamed
The square formerly known as Calhoun Square is now known as Taylor Square, named after Savannah-born Susie King Taylor. In November 2022, the square’s name, “Calhoun” was removed due to John C. Calhoun’s position on slavery. The square has been a popular topic and changing the name has been discussed for several months. Taylor’s name won…
Connect Savannah News & Notes
There’s always something happening in the Hostess City. Stay in the know about upcoming events and the latest information with our News & Notes. Amerigroup Georgia and Dr. John DeGarmo bring critical resources, support and training to Savannah and Chatham County foster parents Foster parents often grapple with substantial challenges, underscoring the crucial need to…
PROPERTY MATTERS: Multifamily, retail complex to replace Daiss service center along Bull at 60th
The Bull Street corridor between Victory Drive and DeRenne Avenue is going to look a lot different 10 years from now, with the way things are going. Actually, five years from today you may not even recognize the place. An auto repair shop will be replaced with a mixed-use apartment complex as a Richmond Hill-based…
THE CONNECT 5: Shows you shouldn’t miss this week
TONY HIGHTOWER @ GOOD TIMES JAZZ BAR FRI-SAT, AUG 25-26 | 8 PM If you think about the combination of jazz and pop music, you might think of Al Jarreau, and you would be correct. Now you can add a new name to that list. Atlanta’s Tony Hightower is on a mission to bridge popular…
SCAD MOA presents dynamic and diverse new fall exhibitions
The Savannah College of Art and Design’s Museum of Art showcases an eclectic and evolving collection of artworks from internationally acclaimed and emerging artists. About twice a year, the museum’s dynamic gallery spaces transform to present new works, and this month, SCAD MOA has displayed three new exhibitions as an introduction to the fall 2023…
REPORT: Tourism to Fort Pulaski National Monument creates $34 million in economic benefits
A new National Park Service (NPS) report shows that 471,077 visitors to Fort Pulaski National Monument in 2022 spent $34,286,000 in communities near the park. That spending supported 429 jobs in the local area and had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $43,314,000. “Fort Pulaski welcomes visitors from the Savannah and around the…
HARMONIZING GENERATIONS: Jason Bible and Son Jack’s Musical Journey
In the world of music, stories of passion, perseverance and family bonds often intertwine to create beautiful harmonies. One such story is that of Jason Bible, the renowned singer-songwriter and former band leader of the popular Savannah band The Train Wrecks, and his 11-year-old son, Jack Bible. From the highs of local stardom with his…
City’s Summer aquatic programs running through August
As originally announced in April, the City of Savannah Recreation and Leisure Services Department has extended its summer aquatic programs through August this year. Most of the programs offered by the City are free to the public with the exception of the adult swim lessons. Typically, the programs conclude when school reenters session. “We have…
HOMECOMING OF HUMANITY: Dr. Lee Berger returns to Tybee for paleoanthropology evening
Renowned paleoanthropologist Dr. Lee Berger is set to captivate audiences once again as he makes his eagerly awaited return to the Tybee Post Theater this August. Dr. Berger's visit promises to bring a wealth of knowledge and experience gained from his extensive explorations in the field of paleoanthropology. Currently embarking on a public relations tour…
PROPERTY MATTERS: Marriott buys office building; church sells downtown properties; historic mansion rehab OK’d
Suitcases will apparently be replacing briefcases at another downtown office building, following Marriott’s acquisition of the HunterMaclean building at 200 East Saint Julian St. The hotel chain purchased the 5-story building for $18.7 million on Aug. 4, according to sales records. The 143-year law firm for which the building is named expects to remain at…
BUNNY IN THE CITY: Crab Shack’s 40th Anniv. and Captain Jack’s 90th Birthday
When I pull up to the iconic Crab Shack on Tybee Island for Captain Jack Flanigan’s 90th birthday party on August 8, I think of the phrase “This is how legends are made,” because it also happens to be the 40th anniversary of the place where “the elite eat in the bare feet”. When I…
SCOOP DREAMS COME TRUE: Doki Doki adds flavor to Savannah’s ice cream scene
Any local will tell you that a visit to Savannah would not be complete without a visit to Leopold’s Ice Cream on Broughton Street. It is every bit the Savannah icon you would expect it to be. Now Savannah has a new ice creamery that you should make time for. It’s called Doki Doki. It’s…
Connect Savannah News & Notes
There’s always something happening in the Hostess City. Stay in the know about upcoming events and the latest information with our News & Notes. River Street Sweets presents check to Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Coastal Empire River Street Sweets, an iconic Savannah candy company with a sweet 50-year history, is making a generous…
THE CONNECT 5: Shows you shouldn’t miss this week
CATIE LAUSTEN + LAKIN CRAWFORD + SUSANNA KENNEDY @ EL ROCKO LOUNGE THU AUG 17 | 9 PM It may seem so, but it’s not always loud guitars and big, heavy sounds at El Rocko. Take this lineup, for example. Caitie Lausten (pictured) is a Richmond-based indie artist who plays dreamy pop and indie folk,…
Savannah Clovers announce Bigger Dreams sponsor night
Savannah Clovers Football Club announced today that its August, 19 match against Club De Lyon FC will be a special “Bigger Dreams” themed night sponsored by their official beer partner Creature Comforts Brewing Co. Creature Comforts Brewing Co will be donating $1 of its proceeds to Renegade Paws Rescue for every “Bigger Dreams” Hazy IPA…
KEEP COOL: City and partners providing spaces to stay cool during periods of excessive heat
With heat index values predicted to exceed 110 degrees, the City of Savannah and partner agencies are making facilities available to help residents stay cool. This is the fifth day of extreme weather this summer with heat indexes surpassing 110 degrees. Today, a heat advisory has been issued from 11 a.m. through 7 p.m. in the…
FARM TO STREAMLINER TABLE: Strange Bird refuses to be pigeonholed in vintage Victorian District diner
Like many folks who live between Downtown proper and Derenne, I was sorry to see Sandfly Bar-B-Q pull up stakes at the SCAD-owned Streamliner during the worst of 2020. Moreover, it was sad the primo property lay fallow for so long after a five-year run of serving up superbly smoked everything. Last Saturday morning, as…
Power outages affecting school day at some SCCPSS schools
A widespread power outage on the west side is affecting the school day for several Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools due to network and HVAC systems being impacted. Due to a lack of air conditioning and the amount of time it could take to fully restore power to buildings, students at both Woodville-Tompkins Technical and Career…
Charles Morris III wins SGC Junior Club Championship
2023 SGC JUNIOR CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL RESULTS1. Charles Morris III – 76* 2. Colby Brennan – 76* T3. Colin Halligan – 77 T3. Bear Dollander – 77 5. Jack Weeks – 78 6. Sean Halligan – 88 7. Jack Ganem – 95 8. Whit Watson – DQ *Morris III won on the second playoff hole…
Eric Bailey to host Summer Comedy Jams Weekend in Statesboro/Tybee
Savannah-based comedian Eric Bailey will host Summer Comedy Jams Weekend at two theaters this month. The show is a mix of stand-up comedy and interactive live music. The first show of the weekend will take place in Statesboro at Emma Kelly Theater at Averitt Center for the Arts on Saturday, Aug. 19 at 8 p.m.…
Georgia Southern recruiting updates; Tippins indoor practice facility opens; Preseason practice notes & quotes
On Monday, Aug. 7, Georgia Southern opened the brand new Anthony P. Tippins Family Training Facility by conducting their fall camp practice inside the long awaited venue. The football team was the first to use it, but 17 different departments have plans to utilize it in the near future. “The Athletics Department was given the…
STRINGS AND STORIES: Midtown Whiskey Jam unites Savannah’s country music stars
Savannah area country music enthusiasts are in for a treat on Friday, Aug. 18 as Midtown Sports Grill in the vibrant Habersham Shopping Center plays host to the Midtown Whiskey Jam. This one-night-only event promises an unforgettable evening of live country music, featuring two of Savannah's most prominent country music stars, Damon Mailand of Damon…
JUST PEACHY: Creative peach dishes and drinks to try at local restaurants
August is National Peach Month, and Georgia is the Peach State, so it’s quite natural to celebrate the flavorful fruit around these parts. Fuzzy, round, juicy and deliciously sweet, Georgia peaches don’t disappoint. Here in the Hostess City, we’re known to enjoy a peach bellini at brunch and a golden peach cobbler as our decadent…
WATCH: Nine Savannah Arts film teams selected to compete in NYC film festival
Nine film teams from the Savannah Arts Academy have been nominated to this year’s All American High School Film Festival in New York City. It is the largest high school film festival in the world with a panel of industry judges selecting the best of the best films for nomination. These SAA films were selected…
USG: Georgia Southern University’s annual economic impact soars to record of more than $1.1 billion
According to new reports from the University System of Georgia (USG) show that Georgia Southern continues to have an increased economic impact on the region it serves and on the students it graduates. The USG recorded a $20.1 billion total economic impact from July 1, 2021 until June 30, 2022, while Georgia Southern’s annual economic…
Connect Savannah News & Notes
There’s always something happening in the Hostess City. Stay in the know about upcoming events and the latest information with our News & Notes. Telfair Museums announces two sculpture exhibitions opening at Jepson Center Telfair Museums announces two exhibitions to open at the Jepson Center in August. “Richmond Barthé: Harlem Renaissance Sculptor” opened to the…
Dr. Elizabeth Gray named founding dean of new MCG four-year campus
Elizabeth Gray, MD, associate dean at the Southeast Campus of the Medical College of Georgia, based in Savannah and Brunswick, has been named founding campus dean of the Augusta University/Medical College of Georgia-Georgia Southern Partnership campus. The campus, which is slated to open in Savannah in the fall of 2024, will be the third four-year…
Savannah Clovers make additions to squad In playoff push
Savannah Clovers Football Club announced today the addition of new players to the squad with hopes that the new signings will help push the Clovers to secure a playoff spot before the end of the season. Jack Chrichton, Goalkeeper – (Colwyn Bay F.C.), Max Rugova, Forward – (Gold Star Detroit F.C.), Cameron Schneider, Midfielder -…
WORTH THE DRIVE: Palmetto Bluff’s Artist-in-Residency Program
“Just over the bridge,” as we like to say here, lies a beautiful, upscale, riverfront community which many of us have never visited. Palmetto Bluff, situated about 25 miles from downtown Savannah, has thoughtfully created a vibrant arts initiative and an artist-in-residency program that operates from March through December. Through offering an exciting calendar of…
PROPERTY MATTERS: Historic status recommended for Victorian District properties, Drayton demo pending, more hotel projects on the way, and restaurant, inn planned for Duffy and Bull
There is a lot of development going on in Savannah. These are some of the more recent projects that caught my attention while perusing building permits and meeting agendas. Stay engaged Savannah, Eric Curl Historic Preservation Commission recommending historic status for buildings following demolition petition The Historic Preservation Commission is recommending that the city designate…
FROM PIES TO PINTS: British Bakery expands into charming pub experience in Pooler
It felt like old times visiting with the Wagstaff Family. The visit to their soon to be open English Pub in Pooler featured a long stroll down memory lane. The first time we met, Winter of 2013, they were a couple of weeks into their brand new bakery on Canal Street in Pooler. Sister Emma…
A funny thing happened on the way to the comedy club
You sometimes hear about the bizarre career changes of famous people. Brad Pitt drove a limo. Stephen King was a janitor. Pope Francis was a nightclub bouncer. Depending on your perspective, moving from adult films to stand-up comedy makes perfect sense, or it makes none at all. If you choose the latter, you’ll have to…
BUNNY IN THE CITY: Downtown Business Association’s 2nd Annual Golf Tournament
Best way to kick off the week? Easy: arrive early on August 7 for Savannah Downtown Business Association’s second annual Golf Tournament at the oldest golf club in America! Cruising through the magnolia tree-lined drive to meet my new friend from Boston, digital marketing genius Catherine Howe, I arrive to find DBA executive director Brooke…
POLLSTAR: Enmarket Arena ranks first in Southeast, second in the U.S., and fourth in the world
Enmarket Arena is the number one ranked venue in the Southeast, second in the U.S. and fourth worldwide for venues under 10,000 seats, according to Pollstar Magazine’s Mid-Year Venue Report. The rankings, which are generated by ticket sales (excluding sporting events) lists Enmarket Arena 99th among the highest grossing venues in the world. Pollstar also…
THE CONNECT 5: Shows you shouldn’t miss this week
OMENKILLER + MANHACK + CORRUPTED EMPIRE @ SOUTHBOUND BREWERY FRI AUG 11 | 7 PM Aura’s Summer Brutality show features Savannah’s own Omenkiller, fresh off a tour that took them from here to Wisconsin to Texas and parts in between. They make their metal more interesting by adding a healthy dose of beatdown and deathcore.…
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEWS
The 2023 high school football season kicks off with “Week Zero” action on Thursday, Aug. 17 and Friday, Aug.18. Connect Savannah will be covering all of the Savannah area teams this season, and in an effort to preview the upcoming campaign, I’ve compiled a list of notable returning quarterbacks in the area. A pair of…
Coastal Empire Habitat for Humanity celebrates 40 years of building community
In 1983, Coastal Empire Habitat for Humanity joined the international community of Habitat for Humanity, taking on the united mission of spreading love and hope amid the locales they serve. Since then, CEHFH has built more than 150 houses for families throughout Chatham County and over a quarter of those families have paid off their…
BLACK BUSINESS MONTH: How empowering Black entrepreneurs uplifts our community
August is National Black Business Month. It’s a special time to recognize the economic and social contributions of Black business owners across the nation. Locally, Savannah boasts a strong and resilient economy with a diverse class of entrepreneurs, many of whom operate black-owned businesses. The Greater Savannah Black Chamber of Commerce is committed to supporting…
Connect Savannah News & Notes
There’s always something happening in the Hostess City. Stay in the know about upcoming events and the latest information with our News & Notes. SCAD donates thousands of art supplies to Savannah area schools Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) donated tens of thousands of art supplies to the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System…
Tinsley Ellis unplugged: legendary bluesman’s acoustic album and fan-driven revival
Tinsley Ellis is a consummate bluesman, a string-savvy veteran whose work ethic across four decades and 18 albums have made him an icon of modern blues. After folding his band, the Heartfixers, in 1988, Ellis released his solo debut “Georgia Blue” with Alligator Records, and since then he's been a border-to-border, coast-to-coast road machine– that…
JAZZ SET TO SIZZLE: Benny Benack III and the Christian Tamburr Trio at PRD
Benny Benack III with the Christian Tamburr Trio WHEN: Wednesday Aug. 2, 2023 7:30 p.m. performance; doors open at 6 p.m. WHERE: Plant Riverside District – District Live400 W. River St. TICKETS: General admission tickets are $25 per person and are available at plantriverside.com or by clicking HERE. If you listen to jazz, then you…
DEBUT NOVELIST HELEN BRADLEY: Feeling the Love
Buoyed up by supportive family members, a plethora of girlfriends, former co-workers and fellow board members, gym buddies, local business owners, and by the colleagues in her weekly writing group, Helen Bradley has successfully published her first novel at the age of 60-plus and is doing a stellar job of promoting it! She has had…
The Wayward’s Motor City Mondays with Detroit-Style Pizza
Daniel Herget, Executive Chef at Emporium Kitchen and Market, does what chefs do. He plays with his food when he is at home. “I’ve been working on this dough at home for maybe a year.” he says The dough he is referring to is what he has created to be the new Detroit-Style pizzas his…
WHAT ARE WE READING? Books of the Week
The back-to-school season beckons us to embrace the allure of learning, the pursuit of knowledge, and the mysteries that lie within the hallowed halls of academia. E. Shaver, Booksellers, invites you to immerse yourself in the captivating world of dark academia with three mesmerizing titles. If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio Step into the…
BUNNY IN THE CITY: Fight the War Within Warriors Ball
Pulling up at Fight the War Within’s third annual Warriors Ball at Savannah Station on July 29, I see the station’s petite owner, Teresa Reed waving me over for a front row parking space next to a Corvette, Porsche, and a race car from MotorSports Mafia. Teresa then climbs up on top of “Smokey.” my…
THE CONNECT 5: Shows you shouldn’t miss this week
TRAE PIERCE & THE T-STONES @ BARRELHOUSE SOUTH SAT AUG 5 | 9 PM Trae Pierce has won four Grammy Awards, three with the Blind Boys of Alabama; he’s backed James Brown and George Clinton; toured with Peter Gabriel; was a member of The Ohio Players; and recorded with Hank Jr, Phil Collins, and Randy…
