Katherine Sandoz’s water filled world
The opening reception for Katherine Sandoz’s new show at Laney Contemporary on Friday, April 5 is sure to be a well-attended, not-to-be-missed art “happening” in Savannah. The cerebral artist is known for delving deeply into her subject matter and this exhibition, entitled water ways, is no exception. Sandoz (American, b.1969) graduated Mount Holyoke College with…
Remembering the life and legacy of Kevin “Catfish” Jackson
Kevin Jackson passed in the quiet hours this morning, just before dawn, around 5:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 4, 2024. Jackson, who was born on June 2, 1961, was a man of strong faith, whose guide light was grounded in Luke 12:48, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from…
MARITIME MAVEN: Molly Taylor sails Ships of the Sea in new direction
When Molly Taylor took the helm as executive director of Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum, she didn’t just make a commitment to a collection that highlights 300 years of Savannah’s maritime history. She made a commitment to the community, too. And 13 months into the role, she’s making good on both promises. Not surprising…
Savannah Technical College 19th Annual Opportunity Awards Gala
Honoring deserving civic leaders for a lifetime of service in creating and enhancing opportunities for others to succeed, Savannah Technical College honored Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. at their 19th Annual Opportunity Awards at Eckburg Auditorium on March 28, 2024. Scroll the slideshow from the event below.
INTRODUCTIONS: Meet David Jones
An administrator at Pin Point Heritage Museum educating the public about Savannah’s Gullah/Geechee community Located on the bank of Savannah’s picturesque Moon River, Pin Point is a community of Gullah/Geechee residents who have inhabited the area since the late 1800s. There, visitors will find Pin Point Heritage Museum, which tells the story of this community…
Busier than ever, the Port of Savannah brings the world to our shores
You don’t have to go to the Port of Savannah to appreciate the massive facility’s impact on the city. You can literally feel its long history as a gateway to international trade by taking a walk downtown by the Savannah River. Evidence is right at your feet. “A lot of folks who come and go…
Tybee Island solidifies spending plans for Orange Crush weekend
As the island continues preparing for Orange Crush weekend on April 19-21, 2024, the Tybee Island City Council voted unanimously this week to approve a budget amendment capping the city’s spending for the event at $250,000. According to the interim city manager, Tybee has already committed to spending $220,000 ahead of the annual HBCU beach…
Club Car Championship returning to The Landings next week
The seventh edition of the city’s only professional golf tournament returns to Savannah on April 4-7, 2024. The Club Car Championship at the Landings Golf & Athletic Club will be broadcast on The Golf Channel for the entire tournament, from Thursday’s opening round through Sunday’s trophy presentation. It will air in more than 170 countries,…
EmployAbility to honor American film producer, entrepreneur, philanthropist Stratton Leopold in fundraising event
Founded in 1951, EmployAbility is a local nonprofit organization that works to empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live fuller, richer lives through community integration, job training and supported employment. They offer services for high school adolescents and adults ranging from the ages of 14 on up. EmployAbility was started more than 70…
SAVANNAH MUSIC FESTIVAL: The 2024 SMF starts Thursday night
The Savannah Music Festival (SMF) returns to the city this weekend, kicking off on Thursday, March 28 and running through Saturday, April 13. At venues across downtown Savannah, the SMF brings musical acts in a variety of genres to town to play at historical venues and in front of thousands of SMF attendees. More than…
A Random Roundup of April’s Artsy Happenings
April is bursting with art events! Let’s start off by mentioning three largescale shows worthy of your attendance: The Spring SLAM (Savannah Local Artist Market) is Saturday, April 13 from 10 to 4pm at the Salvation Army baseball field, 3000 Bee Road. The brainchild of indefatigable octogenarian Charlie Ellis who I wrote about back in…
Executive Chef Daniel Herget takes The Emporium back to its French roots
When Perry Lane Hotel first opened, its rez-de-chaussée restaurant was decidedly French. Every bespoke design element at The Emporium Kitchen & Wine Market said 8e arrondissement brasserie: round-back wooden bistro chairs, cozy-tight seating, corner banquettes, and brass fixtures throughout. Par conséquent, the original menu was replete with de rigueur bistro fare: coquilles St. Jacques, salmon…
Forsyth Park parking garage agreement revealed ahead of Thursday’s city council vote
The Savannah City Council meets again on Thursday, March 28 at City Hall on Bay Street the agenda for the regular meeting (2pm) has been posted on the city’s website and it includes several items of note. The headliner is likely item No. 16, a development agreement between the City of Savannah, Savannah Economic Development…
WOODVILLE-TOMPKINS HIGH SCHOOL: Preparing women for success
During Women’s History Month, we celebrate women who have chipped away at the glass ceiling – women who lived before us, upon whose shoulders we now stand. Woodville-Tompkins High School is training the next generation of diverse and fierce women who will shatter that ceiling. Serani Hassan, a sophomore at Woodville-Tompkins High School, is not…
VICI Rooftop to add second location: VICI Restaurant
Any visitor to Savannah will tell you that part of the trip will include some time at one of the city’s beautiful rooftop bars and restaurants. The scenes are beautiful, the menus are carefully crafted and the crowds they draw reflect that popularity. One rooftop lounge that doesn’t draw as many headlines, largely because it…
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 periodic News & Notes. Upcoming Events Great Thunderbolt Egg Hunt Saturday, March 30 Experience family fun and community pride at the Great Thunderbolt Egg Hunt, The Town of Thunderbolt continues to expand community event…
Prayer vigil held for Kevin “Catfish” Jackson
On Monday, March 25, the family of Kevin “Catfish” Jackson joined in prayer in the Kelley Gym at Savannah Christian Preparatory School with hundreds of friends, students, CEOs, elected officials, and well wishers to pray. On Tuesday, March 19, Jackson went for his daily walk around his neighborhood. Twenty minutes later, he fell and suffered…
THE CONNECT FIVE: Shows to see in Savannah this week
FURY IN FEW + KLEPT + HEAVEN MOTO @ EL ROCKO SAT MAR 30 | 8 PM It’s probably not hyperbole to say Atlanta’s heavy rock duo can be called the current generation’s Local H. They get a lot done with the leanest setup and swerve hard into a pile styles. Think heavier alt-rock with…
Benedictine Athletic Association hosts their 4th annual Bands & Chefs
On Saturday, March 23, Benedictine Athletic Association hosted their 4th Annual Bands & Chefs event featuring music by Jupiter Coyote and culinary creations from four renowned chefs. See our photos from the event!
SPECIAL REPORT: Orange Crush series
Connect Savannah takes a probing look at issues surrounding the annual HBCU beach party, including how officials and promoters view the past, present and future of Orange Crush, as well as the potential impact of a new state law on this and other gatherings. Read part one of the series (Mar. 19) by clicking here.…
Geneva’s Famous Chicken and Cornbread Co. reopens after massive makeover
I can only assume that Day One of journalism school features a lesson on objectivity. Good thing I never went to journalism school because you can throw that dictum out the back door on this article. I love Geneva and Kenny Wade. We met nearly five years ago to the day when I wrote about…
HEATHER YOUNG: Artist, mom, and savvy business owner
Throughout my interviews with local artists, one theme consistently reappears: many of them must rely on another source of income to support their creative endeavors. Heather Young is one of the exceptions. Her business acumen allows her to be a self-sustaining artist, though, as we will see, one aspect of her practice helps fund the…
SAVANNAH TECHNICAL COLLEGE: Moving forward, growing enrollment and filling Hyundai employee needs
On Monday, March 11, Donald Lovette, chairman of the Savannah Technical College’s local board of directors, was informed that Dr. Kathy Love was no longer president of the college. Upon this news, Lovette sent an email to his fellow board members. “Mr. Greg Dozier, TCSG Commissioner, called me to inform me Dr. Love is no…
Parker’s Kitchen honored as a USA TODAY top workplace for 2024
A nationally acclaimed convenience store company headquartered in Savannah, Parker’s Kitchen was recently named to the USA TODAY Top Workplaces 2024 list, identifying the popular chain founded by Greg Parker as one of the best places to work in the nation. The list features companies that have created exceptional, people-first work environments. The 2024 Top…
Mayor Van Johnson: Savannah’s 200th St. Patrick’s Day Parade was ‘an epic weekend’
On Tuesday, March 19 at Savannah City Hall, Mayor Van Johnson held his weekly media briefing to highlight some of the notable outcomes of the city’s 200th St. Patrick’s Day Parade held on Saturday, March 16. “We’re still wiping the sleep out of our eyes. Team Savannah is tired, but Team Savannah is back on…
Dr. Ryan Foley named interim president of Savannah Technical College
The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) has appointed Ogeechee Technical College Executive Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs, Dr. Ryan Foley, as Interim President of Savannah Technical College. TCSG Commissioner Greg Dozier tabbed Foley as the interim replacement for Kathy S. Love, who was removed from her position last week as first reported…
Seafood pop ups highlight spring season
It’s been one of the most talked about topics on the food scene for months, if not longer. We’ve all seen the build out going up on the West side of Franklin Square since way back in 2021. Charleston, SC based The Darling Oyster Bar is coming to Savannah soon, but before we get to…
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 periodic News & Notes. Upcoming Events City to hold job fair for summer rec positions Who: The City of Savannah Human Resources department When: Wednesday, March 20, Noon to 7 p.m. Where: First floor,…
PROPERTY MATTERS: Foram Group’s East Broad apartment complex plan heading to City Council
The Foram Group is once again proposing to develop a mixed-use complex with residential and commercial space along East Broad and East Gwinnett, following the Metropolitan Planning Commission’s recommendation to deny a similar plan last fall. The latest proposal is scheduled to go before the Savannah City Council on March 28, when the mayor and…
Riverview Health and Rehabilitation Center celebrates St. Patrick’s Day
Riverview Health and Rehabilitation Center hosted a St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 14 with special appearances by the 116th United States Army Band, Mini’s2Love, Alee Shriners, SA Recycling and Oasis Senior Advisors. Residents enjoyed a drive through parade, lively music and hot off the grill meals!
THE CONNECT FIVE: Shows worth seeing this week
FUNTCASE @ ELAN SAVANNAHFRI MAR 22 | 10 PMOriginally from Bournemouth on the southern coast of England, the former James Hazell started with dubstep and drum-n-bass under the alias DJ Dose. A persona change to Funtcase, a creepy skin mask, and a deal with Flux Pavillion and Doctor P label Circus Records set it off.…
A look at Savannah’s 200th St. Patrick’s Day Parade
On Saturday, March 16, Savannah celebrated St. Patrick’s Day with a 200th year parade that showcased the city’s Irish pride. The route, which was a little over three miles long, was lined with thousands of visitors and tourists who enjoyed marching bands and parade floats led by parade Grand Marshal, John Forbes. Take a look…
How Thompson Savannah became an art lovers’ destination + new exhibition from William S. Dutterer
The title of this column is the header of an email I recently received from the New York-based firm that markets the Eastern Wharf’s Thompson Savannah. “Hmmm,” I thought, “Interesting they are choosing to highlight their art programming, and who the heck is William S. Dutterer?” I quickly set up a meeting with the articulate,…
LOST AND FOUND: The Alida launches new Mediterranean menu at The Lost Square Rooftop Bar
For the last few years, Savannahians and those who visit the Hostess City have been spoiled for choice whenever they have sought out a meal with a view. Since The Alida opened back in October of 2018 and presaged the mammoth revitalization of River Street’s west end, The Lost Square had been serving signature cocktails…
Dr. Kathy Love out as president of Savannah Technical College
As of Monday, March 11, 2024, Dr. Kathy Love is no longer the president of Savannah Technical College. Officials for the Technical College System of Georgia would not comment on the reason for Dr. Love’s departure. Dr. Ray Perren, Deputy Commissioner for Technical Education, provided Connect Savannah with a copy of the email sent to…
CITY NOTES: Savannah officials expecting ‘biggest St. Patrick’s Day crowd we’ve ever seen’
The City of Savannah is gearing up for the 200th St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 16 in downtown Savannah. Although most of the news this week is centered around the parade and plans for preparing for it, there is other news to pass along as well. Take a look at this week’s city…
Five ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day like a local
George Schwartz, last year’s St. Patrick’s Day parade grand marshal, knows first-hand how to get the most out of enjoying Savannah’s big day and he’s sharing his expert advice. 1. MAKE A PLAN According to Schwartz, there’s two main parts to making a good plan for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day—parking and knowing how you’re getting…
Starland Yard introduces two new eateries
When Starland Yard opened their doors a few years back, it was an instant hit. Savannah’s first full blown Food Truck Park has delivered everything this city hoped it would be. A family friendly gathering space with lots of food options to enjoy. The fact that it was primarily food trucks (other than the very…
NAWIC and Habitat for Humanity host ‘Wine Down Wednesday’
National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) and Habitat for Humanity held Wine Down Wednesday at Oak 36 on March 6th. This night of networking has become a jewel in the Women Build/Women in Construction crown as NAWIC celebrates a month of all things women!
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 periodic News & Notes. Upcoming Events Historic Savannah Foundation to continue 2024 lecture series with “Women in Construction” discussion panel Who: Historic Savannah Foundation When: Thursday, March 21 at 6 p.m. Where: 321 E.…
PROPERTY MATTERS: FARM folks fermenting future of Back in the Day Bakery building
The folks behind Common Thread and Strange Bird, in addition to FARM Bluffton, are continuing to expand their restaurant presence throughout Savannah. The restaurant group’s co-owner, Ryan Williamson, recently acquired the building formerly occupied by Back in the Day Bakery, under FARM-Starland Properties LLC, according to public records. Williamson is seeking to establish a restaurant…
THE CONNECT FIVE: Shows to see this week before and after The Parade
BRITTANY DENT @ THE WORMHOLE FRI MAR 15 | 8 PM If tales of treating her roommates’ kids like dogs she’s not allowed to kick makes you smile, Brittany Dent might be the comic for you. The Atlanta-based stand-up comedian was someone enthralled by the idea of performance, but scared to death of it. In…
Get ready to shamrock and roll with the city’s first mobile Irish pub
In a city known for great Irish celebrations, a thriving Celtic heritage, and one of the best St. Patrick’s Day parades on the planet, Savannah is ripe for a new business ready to roll into your event. Literally. Introducing An Sibín Mobile Irish Pub, pronounced “ahn shabeen,” the brainchild of Caleb Harkleroad, more well-known in…
UPCYCLING: How “going green” and “saving green” have become the trend to take on in your home
One big buzzword in home design right now is upcycling. Thrift stores, antique markets and even Facebook Marketplace aren’t just ways to save money and instead have become a haven for young homeowners and hip décor enthusiasts. Upcycling focuses on repurposing items by either fundamentally altering their form and use, or just simply reimagining a…
Wexford Pub at City Market – A Savannah history lesson
For all the people that roll into the Hostess City during the annual St. Patrick’s Day festivities, it would be more than fair to say a tiny percentage understand why St. Patrick’s Day is such a big deal around here. I’d be willing to take an educated guess that the number is below three percent…
Bluegrass legend Ricky Skaggs returns to Savannah Music Festival
The Savannah Music Festival is gearing up to welcome back a true legend of bluegrass music: Ricky Skaggs and his award-winning band, Kentucky Thunder. The group will illuminate the historic Lucas Theatre on April 4th. Ricky Skaggs was born into the heart of bluegrass music in Cordell, Kentucky. A child prodigy, he received his first…
Midwest transplant thrives thanks to the Garden Club of Savannah
Being a transplant isn’t easy. New places, new faces, new customs, new rules. But being a member of the Garden Club of Savannah boosts the likelihood of success, whether the transfer is a plant … or a person. Just ask Indiana transplant Ena Shelley. In the summer of 2019, Shelley and her husband left their…
BAILEY DAVIDSON – An Eye on the Parade
The most iconic event in Savannah happens every March when the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade and all things Celtic-related rule. The town’s population triples for the occasion and, thanks to the keen eye and artistic talent of photographer Bailey Davidson, the entire world can witness the city’s joyous, fun, and traditional celebration through his treasured…
SAVANNAH’S ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE: Celebrating 200 years of faith, family, and tradition
Every year, for the past 200 years, Savannah celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with an annual parade that showcases Irish pride, tradition and community. People from around the country visit Savannah to partake in one of the biggest demonstrations that, in the end, lasts a few hours but upholds the beliefs and customs established long ago.…
Connect Savannah throws VIP St. Patrick’s Day party
Join us for an unforgettable St. Patrick’s Day celebration on March 16, 2024 from 2 p.m.- 6 p.m! Connect Savannah will be throwing an exclusive VIP Party at Eastern Wharf following the 200th Savannah St. Patrick’s Day Parade! Enjoy live music from Outlaw Gypsy while sipping on Classic City Lager. Food & drinks will be available…
Lights, Camera, Werk! The 5th season of Chi Chi’s “Just a Little Drag” is here
Underneath the bright lights of the stage every Wednesday in March and April, audiences can experience the 5th season of Chi Chi’s “Just a Little Drag,” a competition presented by Club One, a staple in Savannah’s LGBTQ+ community. “Just a Little Drag” was started in 2021 by beloved glamorous Club One drag queen Chi Chi Bonet…
Bohemian Hotel opens Coastal 15 with Executive Chef Luke Wolf at the helm
Do not think for a minute that what was Rocks on the River for the last fifteen years has undergone a simple rebranding and splash-dash paint job. When Coastal 15 cranks open its brand-new garage doors and reveals itself to the River Street throngs on March 7, it will be clear that this is a…
Women Who Rule event recognizes Carol Bell, raises funds for transportation
On Tuesday, March 5, United Way of the Coastal Empire honored Carol Bell as Woman of the Year during their annual Woman Who Rule event. Nearly a thousand guests attended the luncheon that was held at the Savannah Convention Center. In addition, a record breaking $27,500 was raised during the event, totaling more than $91,500…
BREAKING BARRIERS AND BUILDING BRIDGES: Southern Regional Press Institute’s Journey to 73
Savannah State University’s Southern Regional Press Institute (SRPI) celebrated 73 years at the end of February. The two day media conference was packed with 13 workshops, and a theme titled “Artificial Intelligence in the Media and Pop Culture.” Over the years, a wide range of topics have been covered in various aspects of journalism, media,…
Comedian Bert Kreischer coming to Savannah this summer
On Tuesday afternoon, social media accounts for Enmarket Arena in Savannah announced news of a new show booked on its summer schedule. “Get ready to laugh until your sides hurt because Bert Kreischer’s Fully Loaded Comedy Tour is hitting the road! Brace yourselves for an unforgettable night of non-stop laughter, hilarious stories, and the one-of-a-kind…
A GLIMPSE OF GULLAH: Coastal Heritage Society to host annual Art and Oysters fundraiser at Pin Point Heritage Museum
The Coastal Heritage Society is a local nonprofit organization that operates six historic museums throughout coastal Georgia, each providing engaging educational experiences to the public. Located in the idyllic Moon River District, one of their sites is Pin Point Heritage Museum, which shares about the history and culture of the Gullah/Geechee community that has lived…
SAVANNAH MUSIC FESTIVAL: Rosanne Cash spins full circle with her album “The Wheel”
In 1993, Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Rosanne Cash released her album “The Wheel.” To mark its 30th anniversary, Cash and her husband and longtime collaborator, a six-time Grammy-winning producer and songwriter, John Leventhal have remastered the album and are making a stop at the Savannah Music Festival. “I had a clause in my contract…
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 periodic News & Notes. Upcoming Events DHS and HOPE for Georgia Moms will sponsor “Bump & Beyond Maternal Health Fair” with Co-Host Coastal Georgia Indicators Coalition Who: Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) and…
Developer secures financing for apartments at Oglethorpe Mall, Sears site
The project’s Charlotte, NC-based developer recently secured $35.5 million in financing for the planned multifamily development being constructed on the west end of Oglethorpe Mall, where a closed Sears and parking lot are currently located. Madison Capital Group affiliate, Madison Communities, now anticipates the 240-unit “upscale” apartment development will be completed in late 2025, according…
Local library offers more than books
Jimmy Buffett wrote a song titled “Love in the Library,” but according to Katherine Johnson, yoga in the library is even better. Johnson began teaching free classes at the Southwest Chatham Library in August of 2015, and added chair yoga classes a few months after. “When I was first certified to teach yoga, I needed…
THE CONNECT FIVE: Shows to see this week
THE RUMTONES @ STARLAND YARD SAT MAR 9 | 6 PM There’s a special place in Las Vegas everyone should visit once. At Frankie’s Tiki Room, time stands still, night and day don’t take each other seriously, and things once unsaid will inevitably be revealed. The Rumtones are the Savannah-sourced soundtrack to that experience. They…
REINVIGORATED: Mary Hartman’s solo show opens at Location Gallery
The combination of encouragement and support from a loving husband, and the reawakening of creative urges spawned through extra time gifted during the pandemic, created the necessary space for Mary Hartman to finally hone her skills as an artist. Despite having earned an MFA in Painting from SCAD in 1998, and despite subsequently enjoying a…
Mint to Be Mojito Bar and Bites Celebrates four years
Mary Githens and her Mint to be Mojito Bar and Bites team celebrated their 4th anniversary on Thursday, Feb. 29. To mark the occasion, attendees enjoyed mojitos at 4:44pm, fresh homemade Latin snacks and beats from DJ Precisa. Take a look at our photo slideshow from the event.
Savannah ‘turns green’ at locations across the city
Savannah government buildings and businesses across the city turned their exterior lights green on Friday night as part of an event to kick off St. Patrick’s Day month. Take a look at locations from across the city turning green on March 1 by checking out the slideshow at bottom of this story. Related Put on by…
