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
Savannah Cultural Arts Center to host Black Art Expo
Who: Savannah Cultural Arts Center
When: Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024, Noon–4 p.m.
Where: Savannah Cultural Arts Center, 201 Montgomery St.
What: The Savannah Cultural Arts Center (SCAC) will host the 2024 Black Art Expo featuring over 30 vendors and performers, and food trucks. The second iteration of the annual event will host artists offering 2D art, jewelry, fiber pieces, photography, prints, and more. Inside the Ben Tucker Theatre, performers will be singing, dancing, playing instruments, and offering spoken word art throughout the day.
The Expo is free and open to the public. The event was organized by the City of Savannah Cultural Resources department, led by Cultural Resources Assistant Tasheca Hutchinson.
“This event, for me, means a celebration of the incredible diversity in Black artistry,” Hutchinson said. “With the Black Art Expo we get to dive into this amazing world of creativity, showcasing the unique stories and talents that these artists and performers bring. Savannah’s culture is so rich, and this event shines a spotlight on the depth of Black artistic expression in our community.”
Representatives from the African Arts Museum along with City of Savannah Municipal Archives Director Luciana Spracher will showcase the W.W. Law Exhibit.
Currently showing in the Savannah Cultural Arts Gallery, and part of the Expo, the exhibit Boundless is a multidisciplinary exhibition that amplifies Black voices and is a tribute to the exceptional talent of Black artist in our community. Boundless runs until Feb. 10 and is always free and open to the public.
“Boundless is a tribute to the exceptional talent of Black artists living and creating in our community,” curator Antonia Larkin said. “With this exhibition, we aim to continue our mission of amplifying the voices of artists who belong to historically excluded groups, showcasing the limitless potential and talent they possess.”
Attendees can also enjoy food from vendors Wing N It, Sweet Spice, and Royal Tasty Avenue as well as concession vendors Sweet Soirees by Nicole and The Ashford Tea Company.
Savannah Squares: Patterns for the People
Who: SCAD student, Paige Bryne (M.F.A, painting)
When: On view until Feb. 4
Where: Alexander Hall (668 Indian St.) What: Across these works, Byrne takes viewers on a tour of Savannah, depicting identifiable historic landmarks and symbolic objects in enlivened scenes. Based on both her deep historical research and her present-day personal experience of Savannah, Byrne incorporates signature motifs that represent or reference specific facts about the squares and stories behind their namesakes. Highlights include Johnson Square, in which Byrne illustrates a viewpoint from the tree canopy of a flute player below, evoking the melodious atmosphere through harmonious hues, and Troup Square, in which she captures the delight of thirsty dog friends at the fountain. With thick brushstrokes and a cheerful color palette, Byrne portrays the people, architecture, and greenery of Savannah in warm light, celebrating the joy and kindness she observes in her city each day, with the intention to spread generosity and positivity to all.
“As a visual learner and artist, the idea of creating paintings that connect the past to the present really resonated with me and encouraged me to learn more about the squares and their location—their uplifting patterns create such a positive environment and link everyone to the city of Savannah. It has been a delight to present my SCAD thesis exhibition, Savannah Squares: Patterns for the People”, to the community that has given so much to me,” Bryne said.
“MFA Painting Candidate Paige Byrne has created a celebration of Savannah with her thesis exhibition in Alexander Hall. The show is alive with bright color, energetic mark-making, and the charming landscape of tree-lined streets and verdant squares. It serves as a reminder that our painting students, like all SCAD students studying in Savannah, are forever impacted by our beautiful city and inspired to incorporate its history into their studio practices and artworks,” said Honor Bowman, Dean of the School of Fine Arts and School of Visual Communication.
For more information, visit: https://www.scad.edu/event/2024-01-17-paige-byrne-thesis-exhibition-savannah-squares-patterns-people
5th Annual Masquerade Ball-Mardi Gras Celebration
When: Saturday, Feb. 6:45-11 p.m.
Where: Grand Ballroom, 1108 Bull St.
What: American Legion Post 135 is hosting their 5th annual Masquerade Ball with food, entertainment, dancing and “the best priced drinks in town.” Guests will enjoy a DJ, a 360 video booth, New Orleans style hors d’oeuvres and free door prizes. New this year will be professional ballroom dancers who will teach a class for the first 20 minutes of the event, free to all who attend.
Due to recent renovations including a remodeled ballroom, more people are able to attend this year. “I’m actually able to have 20 more people this year than I did last year. Last year my max was 180 and I had 172 people at the event. This year my max is 200,” said James Evans Sr., the organizer of the event. Evans, who said this is an event for the community as opposed to a fundraiser, want others to know their American Legion differs from others. Their ballrooms are available for people to rent and their bars are open to the public. “It’s just a great place for veterans if they’re looking for a home to be a member of a great legion that’s not like any other legions to be members,” said Evans. “It’s just giving back to the community, letting people know that we’re open to the public and it’s a fun place to come.”
For more information about the event, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-masquerade-ball-mardi-gras-celebration-5th-annual-tickets-696554512297?aff=oddtdtcreator
The American Legion Post 135 will also be hosting their 7th Annual Warrior Lift Golf Classic on Saturday, April 27. For more information, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/7th-annual-warrior-lift-golf-classic-tickets-741983301027?aff=oddtdtcreator
Savannah Cupid Ride returns to support medically challenged senior dogs
Special thanks to Pawsome-level supporter, National Spay Alliance Savannah
Who: Savannah Cupid Bike Ride
When: Saturday, Feb. 10 at 12 p.m.
Where: Savannah On Wheels, 405 W Hall St.
What: Savannah On Wheels is excited to announce the return of the Savannah Cupid Ride for its third year. This Valentine’s Day-themed, 5-mile police-escorted bicycle ride aims to raise funds and awareness for Georgia Rescue, Rehabilitation, and Relocation (GRRR), a 501(c)(3) rescue organization dedicated to the welfare of local and senior animals in need. The Ride highlights their initiative, Last Stop Loved.
GRRR’s Last Stop Loved program finds homes full of love and care for senior dogs that have been abandoned or have lost their owners due to unfortunate circumstances. The organization offers medical care and works tirelessly to find suitable placements for these canine companions, ensuring their last days on earth are filled with comfort and compassion.
The Savannah Cupid Ride departs from and concludes at Savannah On Wheels located at 405 W Hall Street, and promises participants a delightful experience. The event will feature live music by Dr. K, on-site bites available from A Taco Affair, and a raffle that could allow entrants to win fantastic prizes, including a brand-new bike donated by Savannah On Wheels, valued at up to $400. Other prizes include an original piece of artwork by Kelly Thompson, a gift card from A
Taco Affair, and promotional goods by LoGo Goods. Valentine pet portraits will also be available from Keyla TeAnn, with proceeds benefiting GRRR. A prize will be awarded for Best Cupid-Themed Attire for both human and canine attendees.
2023 was a year marked by unprecedented challenges for animal rescues nationwide. An estimate by Shelter Animals Count, a national database for animal rescues, shelters, and humane societies, asserts that shelter populations in the United States grew by nearly a quarter-million animals last year. Common factors in pet abandonments have been economic challenges due to rising costs of living, as well as people returning to the workplace post-pandemic. Chatham County was hit hard and many of those surrenders were older animals. The Savannah Cupid Ride takes on added significance as it strives to support GRRR’s efforts in caring for these often medically challenged senior dogs. The event not only raises crucial funds but also aims to shine a spotlight on the plight of senior dogs and the importance of their well-being.
“We believe in the transformative power of love, and Last Stop Loved is a testament to that belief. It’s a final haven for these wonderful senior dogs, providing them with the care and affection they deserve in their golden years,” said Perry Brandon, Director at GRRR. “This event is not just a ride; it’s a community coming together to make a difference for these incredible animals that have given so much to us.”
Savannah On Wheels and GRRR express their heartfelt gratitude to the sponsors of the ride, whose support has been instrumental in making this event a reality. As a Pawsome-level supporter, National Spay Alliance Savannah understands firsthand the challenges faced by animal welfare organizations in our community. They provide high-quality, affordable and accessible spay/neuter and basic medical services to communities where economic barriers may otherwise prevent pet owners and rescue groups from accessing those services. National Spay Alliance Savannah commendably endeavors to end the tragedy of euthanasia due to pet overpopulation and homelessness. Their generosity contributes directly to GRRR’s mission to provide love and care to medically challenged senior dogs in need.
The Savannah Cupid Ride welcomes all members of the community to join this heartwarming event and make a positive impact on the lives of senior dogs. For more information, registration details, and sponsorship opportunities, please visit SavannahCupidRide.org. Registration will also be available on-site the day of the ride, beginning at 11a.m. Bike rentals from Savannah On Wheels are also available.
Local Updates
United Way of the Coastal Empire holds the largest Read United Day effort distributing nearly 20,000 books to local students
United Way volunteers spread out across classrooms in Bryan, Effingham, and Liberty counties on January 26, 2024, for the first part of Read United Day. The effort will continue in Chatham County when the second part of Read United Day takes place on February 2.
On Read United Day, United Way volunteers and community leaders read and give books to thousands of Pre-K through 2nd-grade students. Throughout this two-day initiative, nearly 1,000 volunteers will read to roughly 1,000 classrooms in 60 schools across our four-county region, giving almost 20,000 new books to local students.
Read United Day is part of Read United, which is a year-round series of programs to improve early language and literacy for all children in United Way’s service area.
“Reading is vital to the success of our children and the future of our entire region,” says Brynn Grant, president and CEO of United Way of the Coastal Empire. “61% of low-income families do not have any books in their homes, and through this initiative, we can help change that. We are grateful for the sponsors, donors, and volunteers who made it possible to give nearly every student in Pre-K through 2 nd grade across our region a book of their very own.”
Read United Day originated in Liberty County and through donor support, has grown to include each of the four counties in United Way’s service area. With the addition of Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools this past year, Read United Day nearly tripled the number of classrooms served and, therefore, the number of volunteers and books needed.
“We are sincerely grateful for the nearly 1,000 volunteers and community leaders who stepped up to read in the classroom this year,” said Cheri Dean, vice president of direct services and impact at United Way of the Coastal Empire. “It has been rewarding to see the joy on the faces of the students as the volunteers read to them and gave them books to take home. This year was a big undertaking, and we are grateful for our many partners who helped make this year’s Read United Day possible.”
This year’s Read United Day sponsors include Vystar Credit Union, Gateway Terminals, WTOC, and many other community partners.
Buc-ee’s Breaks Ground in Brunswick
On Monday, Buc-ee’s broke ground for their new location set to be the largest of three in Georgia. In attendance was Arch “Beaver” Aplin III, the founder of Buc-ee’s, U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter, as well as Glynn County and Brunswick government officials and members of the economic development authority. The Brunswick location is scheduled to open in 2025.
Woman Chooses YMCA Critz Tybee Run Fest as Her 300th Half Marathon
Feb. 3, the day of the event, will also mark Tracey Newenhouse’s 63rd birthday
The YMCA Critz Tybee Run Fest, a two-day running event taking place the first weekend of February as a fundraiser for the YMCA of Coastal Georgia, this year welcomes Tracey Newenhouse, a New Jersey paramedic and grandmother who has chosen the Run Fest’s Chu’s Mart Half Marathon as her 300th half marathon. Tracey will be wearing bib number 300 to celebrate.
Newenhouse ran her first half marathon at the age of 24 in 1985 while training for her first full marathon. Between 1985 and 2008, she ran eight more marathons.
“In 2009, I decided I wanted to try and complete a marathon each month,” she says. “I was successful, except for July that year. In 2010 and 2011, I was trying to complete a marathon in each of the 50 states, and I finished my 50th state in September of 2011 in Akron, Ohio.”
In reaching her 50-marathons-in-50-states goal, Tracey says she completed a few half marathons here and there before running her 100th full marathon in Philadelphia in June of 2013, and decided that she could give her body a rest and focus on less-taxing half marathons, collecting medals in each state. The state of Hawaii became number 50 in November 2017. Number 100 was achieved in Wyoming in June of 2019; Tracey hit 200 in Dallas in November 2020, and 250 in Aruba in June 2022.
This won’t be the first time Tracey has run at the YMCA Critz Tybee Run Fest, which is now the chief fundraising event for the YMCA of Coastal Georgia with Critz Auto Group as the title sponsor—she also ran the event’s half marathon in 2015 when it was still hosted by Critz Auto.
“My daughter was going to the University of South Carolina (at the time), so I drove down to visit her, and she drove me to Tybee. I found it to be a very quaint beach town and had a good race. At that time in my life, I was having a streak where I could break the two-hour time barrier!”
In 2016, Newenhouse was in a car accident, suffering broken ribs and several pelvic fractures. She spent a week in a hospital and two more in a rehabilitation facility. Since recovery from the accident, she says she mostly power walks now to avoid the impact on her hips and joints that running on asphalt can cause. She says she plans to keep going as long as she can: in addition to 299 half marathons, she has also completed 139 full marathons, and enjoys doing triathlons in warmer weather.
Newenhouse says she chose the Tybee Run as number 300 for several reasons. First, it’s being held on her 63rd birthday. Second, it’s a flat course. Third, it’s a reasonable flight from her home in New Jersey.
“My two friends and fellow running enthusiasts will be joining me for this milestone— they’ll drive out from Arkansas. I so appreciate it when I have friends and family at the finish line…it doesn’t happen that often, so I enjoy it that much more when it does!”
Tracey is even planning to leave Tybee Island on Saturday and head to Jacksonville for half marathon number 301 on Sunday, the Run with Donna fundraiser for breast cancer research.
Says Newenhouse about when she’ll be ready to hang up her sneakers, “I plan to keep going as long as I can.”
YMCA Critz Tybee Run Fest weekend—February 2 and 3—begins with the Mauldin & Jenkins Kiddie Run at 5:30 p.m. Friday evening, then closes day one with the Chamaco’s Tacos & Surf 5K at 6 p.m. Saturday morning starts bright an early with The Collins Quarter 10K at 7 a.m., then the Chu’s Mart Half-Marathon at 8:30 a.m. and the noon BankSouth 2.8-Mile Beach Run, wrapping up with the West Construction Company One-Mile Run at 1 p.m. Runners completing all five events will have done 26.2 miles, a full marathon distance. Packet pick-up will take place at the race site near the base of the Tybee Pier beginning Friday at 2 p.m. and continue throughout the weekend, with check-in closing 30 minutes before the beginning of each race.
Kiddie Run participation is free but requires advance registration as participants will receive a shirt and finisher medal. A special Savannah Magazine Saturday VIP Experience is available as an add-on to race registration for $50, and will include locally-made snacks, hot coffee, a private Bellini and mimosa bar, extra-comfortable seating and a one-year subscription to Savannah Magazine. For full race information, visit TybeeRunFest.com.
Savannah Music Festival announces exciting additions and updates to 2024 lineup
Tickets on sale now for Rosanne Cash with John Leventhal, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Amy Helm and a Closing Night Party featuring Rebirth Brass Band and Eddie 9V
The Savannah Music Festival (SMF) – renowned for its unique mix of jazz, classical and American and global roots music programs presented in venues across Savannah’s National Historic Landmark District – is thrilled to announce exciting additions to its 2024 festival lineup, which will run from Thursday, March 28 through Saturday, April 13, 2024.
All 2024 Savannah Music Festival tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at savannahmusicfestival.org, by phone at 912.525.5050 or in person at the Savannah Box Office, located at 216 E. Broughton St.
In addition to discounts for students, military, educators and seniors, Savannah Music Festival offers discounts for purchases of tickets to more than three concerts (10% off), more than five concerts (15% off) or more than 10 concerts (20% off).
Lineup Updates
Rosanne Cash with John Leventhal
April 3 at 7:30 p.m.
Lucas Theatre for the Arts, 32 Abercorn St.
Rosanne Cash is a composer and singer-songwriter with four Grammy Awards, in addition to having partnered in programming collaborations with Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, SFJAZZ, the Minnesota Orchestra and the Library of Congress. She is also an author, whose 2010 memoir Composed landed on The New York Times bestseller list. In 2021, she became the first female composer to receive the MacDowell Medal, awarded since 1960 to an artist who has made an outstanding contribution to American culture. Cash is joined by her husband and longtime creative partner John Leventhal for their first SMF performance in six years, this time celebrating the 30th anniversary of her acclaimed album The Wheel, which the duo co-produced and which led to their partnership. Leventhal is a six-time Grammy Award-winning musician, songwriter, composer and producer.
Christone “Kingfish” Ingram
April 6 at 8 p.m.
Lucas Theatre for the Arts, 32 Abercorn St.
Grammy Award-winning guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Christone “Kingfish” Ingram has quickly become the defining blues voice of his generation. From his hometown of Clarksdale, Miss. to stages around the globe, the young blues star has already headlined multiple U.S. and European tours. Selected in summer 2022 to open for The Rolling Stones in London’s Hyde Park, Kingfish has also performed and toured with friends including Vampire Weekend, Jason Isbell, Steve Miller and Buddy Guy, a mentor of his, with whom he appeared on Austin City Limits and at the 2023 Savannah Music Festival at Trustees’ Garden. Don’t miss his first headlining show at SMF!
Amy Helm
April 12 at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
Metal Building at Trustees’ Garden, 660 E. Broughton St.
Singer and multi-instrumentalist Amy Helm makes her Savannah Music Festival debut on closing weekend with her ace band. The daughter of Levon Helm of The Band and singer-songwriter Libby Titus, Amy Helm was a member of her father’s band in the ‘90s and 2000s, was a founding member of acclaimed roots-rock ensemble Ollabelle and has released three solo albums over the last decade. She also organizes the annual Dirt Farmer music festival and curates the storied Midnight Rambles monthly series at Levon Helm Studios in Woodstock, N.Y. Her rich, emotive voice is at home in music across the American roots spectrum, from R&B to folk and country to gospel, and her live performances are always buzzed about.
Closing Night Party: Rebirth Brass Band / Eddie 9V
April 13 at 8 p.m.
Metal Building at Trustees’ Garden, 660 E. Broughton St.
For nearly four decades, the Grammy Award-winning Rebirth Brass Band has been one of the Crescent City’s premier musical ambassadors. Their trademark sound pays homage to the New Orleans brass band tradition while weaving a tapestry that combines elements of jazz, funk, soul, R&B and the sounds from the streets they grew up on. Founded by brothers Phil and Keith Frazier over 35 years ago, Rebirth Brass Band has since shared the stage and collaborated with everyone from the Grateful Dead to Trombone Shorty. Back to close out Savannah Music Festival again, as he did in 2022, Eddie 9V opens this co-bill. An Atlanta native, Eddie 9V (a.k.a. Brooks Mason) has retooled the soul-blues genre on his own terms, reminding a new generation why the music hits so hard. When Eddie infiltrated his home state’s live circuit, he quickly pricked up ears everywhere he played. His artistic vision became fully realized when he adopted the solo moniker that promises an electrifying night out: Eddie 9 Volt.
This article appears in January 2024.
