Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

Things to Do in Georgia – August 2011

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August is the month when kids go back to school and life returns to normal for many parents. But here on the coast Summer is far from over. Actually August is usually one of our hottest months, so there is no surprise that the month offers both cool jazz and and a beach music festival.

Savannah is a special place in the summer with its beautiful squares and gorgeous architecture. In the summer, downtown is usually filled with people from all corners of the world and the city takes on an international atmosphere.  

It’s always a pleasure to visit the riverfront in downtown Savannah, especially in the summer.  Lot’s of people, and lots of fun.  

SAVANNAH

2009 Heirloom Tomatoes

Attack of the Killer Tomatoes!
August 2, 2011
Restaurant Cha-Bella is inviting all tomato-lovers to the 2nd Annual Heirloom Tomato Festival – a special evening of heirloom tomato celebration. This event offers 14 different kinds of organic heirloom tomatoes. A four course killer tomato meal is available for $29.  Email farmboxharvest@cha-bella.c​om to reserve your seat – space is limited and will fill up fast. Call 912.790.7888 for more information.

 

First Friday Oyster Roast & Fireworks
August 5, 2011 at 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm 

Savannah Westin Hotel, GeorgiaThe Westin Savannah Harbor hosts a riverside evening celebration with live music, libations and hot fresh grill items & oysters for the first Friday every month. Call 912.201.2000 for more information or visit www.westinsavannah.com

Cigar Box Guitar Concert
August 6, 2011 at 7:30 pm
Come to a free concert with local blues/slide guitarists Eric Culberson, Georgia Kyle and Roy Swindell at The Ships of the Sea Museum Garden. The musicians will play Museum-model cigar box guitars in advance of the cigar box guitar making workshop on August 20. Video appearances by Richard Leo Johnson and Scott Ainslie. Refreshments available. More information at www.shipsofthesea.org or call 912.232.1511

 

Jazz it Up on the River
August 13, 2011 at 5 pm. 
Jazz – Just Across The River presents, Barbara Rosene In Johnny Mercer Tribute at the Westin Savannah Harbor. 
Barbara Rosene, who is the vocalist with the Harry James Orchestra will perform a tribute to the master of lyric, Johnny Mercer. Recently Ms. Rosene has been touring with The Harry James Big Band led by Fred Radke. They have been visiting cities all over America and Canada including performances at The Montreal Jazz Festival. 

The concert is free for Coastal Jazz Association members and $10 for non-members. For more info call: 912.920.1317

 

Low Country Boil at the Fort
August 27, 2011 from 6 – 9 pm.

This annual event is the only fundraiser for this National Historic Landmark and Georgia’s oldest brick fortification – Old Fort Jackson in Savannah. The event includes a silent auction, live music, a low country boil, and programming for kids and adults. Admission is free. Call 912.232.3945 for more information.

 

Something Old, Something New…
August 28, 2011 from noon  – 4 pm. 
Planning a wedding soon? This event will feature service providers for limousine, photography, music, flowers and rental furniture and equipment. See the very latest in fashions and wedding attire in the fashion show and experience culinary delights created by the Richmond Hill City Center team. The event takes place in Richmond Hill at the Richmond Hill City Center. Call 912.445.0043 for more information. Tickets $5.00 at the door.

ST SIMONS ISLAND

St. Simons is also busy in the summer.  In the evenings, lots of people walk down to the pier to watch the sunset or the fishermen.  If you’re lucky, you might even spot a dolphin or two.

Jazz in the Park
August 28, 2011 

The Jazz in the park series at the lawn of St. Simons Lighthouse has become a favorite summer event in the Golden Isles area. This month the concert takes place on Sunday, August 28 when  Just Jazz Quintet is performing. Read more about the event on our page for Jazz in the Park

JEKYLL ISLAND

Beach Music Festival on Jekyll Island, GA
August 12 – 13, 2011  

To me nothing says summer more than beach music.   The Jekyll Island Beach Music festival is held in Great Dunes Park which is the new park that was built on Jekyll Island. Everyone’s favorite beach music band “The Swingin’ Medallions” is performing again this year.  

Check out our video from the event on the special page for Beach Music Festival on Jekyll Island.


 

July in Florida

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Many of my friends schedule their vacation time in July.  For us here in Florida, July usually means heat Summer. But many are just like us forced to stay at home to work in July. Actually July can be one of the best times on the coast of Northeast Florida. There is always a lot to do, and it’s always an nice to spend time outdoors during our Florida Summer evenings. 

 

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA

 

First Wednesday Art Walk

The Art Walk in Jacksonville takes place on Wednesday July 6, 2011. The focus this month is dance with “Art Shook Up”as the theme. There are lots of interesting activities going on downtown.

Here are a few highlights:

Zumba is a growning workout trend, and if you are curious here is your chance to try it out for yourself during the Art Walk this month. Positively Fit is having a big Zumba Party at Hemming Plaza from 5.30 pm to 7 pm. I talked to Vickie at Positively Fit, and she said it is going to be a lot of fun. They will have a mini-stage and several instructors ready to go, so come downtown and join the fun! The Zumba party is open to everyone, even the complete newbie!

Mark’s Downtown is hosting free Tango, Salsa, and Swing group classes hosted by A Social Affair Dance Studios.

MOCA Jacksonville & Café NOLA – Presents “Deformance” by Liz Gibson at 7 p.m. 111 E. Bay St. Studios – F13RCE Dance Theatre presents “Reflections of Dance” at 7 p.m.

For more information about the First Wednesday Art Walk visit our special events page.

 

The Jacksonville Landing Market

Friday July 8, 15, 22, 29, 2011, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Vendors set up throughout The Landing selling locally-grown produce, baked goods, plants, pottery, arts and crafts and more. Every Friday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. For more information call (904) 353-1188.

 

Riverside Arts Market

July 9, 16, 23, 30. The Riverside Arts Market is open every Saturday. Even though it can be hot and humid, it’s usually cool in the shade under the bridge. This is a great place to visit. There is always something fun going on. Now you can also take your boat to the Arts Market. For more information, check out our special events page.


Jazz at Jacksonville Beach

July 10, 2011 from 5 pm. In the summer you can listen to cool jazz at Sea Walk Pavilion in Jacksonville Beach during the Summer Jazz series. This is a free concert. For more information, call the  EVENTS HOTLINE at (904) 247-6100 press 3. You can read more on our special events page for the Summer Jazz series at Jacksonville Beach.

 

Summer Movie Classics – Florida Theatre

Sunday, July 10 at 2 pm.All Summer long you can escape from the Summer heat and relax with a good movie and good company at the Florida Theatre. The movie screened on July 10, 2011, is “Taxi Driver”.

Chris Tucker

Friday, July 15, 2o11 at 8 pm. The very funny guy Chris Tucker is coming to the Veterans Memorial Arena. Chris Tucker might be most popular for the Rush Hour movies, but he is also a great standup comedian. Click here to get your tickets! 

 

 

Family Fun Day

Saturday, July 16 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.It is the 2nd Annual Family Fun Day with dance and musical performances, bounce houses, water activities, arts and crafts, giveaways, face painting, Family Expo, demonstrations, special appearances by popular characters and much more at the Jacksonville Landing downtown. All events and activities are free.. There is also Live music in the Courtyard by Hipp Street 7 p.m. – 12 a.m.

 

Kingfish Tournament JacksonvilleKingfish Tournament in Jax

This is one of the biggest fishing events around.  The Kingfish Tournament last for six whole days! More details available on our special page for Kingfish Tournament

 

 

Toby Keith at St. Augustine Amphitheatre

Toby Keith with Aaron Lewis is coming to the St. Augustine Amphitheatre on  July 21, 2011 at 7 pm. Click here to buy your tickets now!

 

Britney Spears

Saturday, July 23 from 4 p.m. at the Jacksonville Landing

95.1 WAPE’s Brittney Spear’s Pre and Post Party featuring a Brittney Spears look-a-like contest, Brittney karaoke, giveaways including tickets to the concert, drink specials and more. Live music in the Courtyard by Little Green Men 7 p.m. – 12 a.m.

Britney Spears Concert at the Veteran’s Memorial Arena – July 23, 2011 at 8 pm.

Britney Spears with Jessie and the Toy Boys is coming to Jacksonville Veterans Memorial for a special concert. This is going to be a popular event, so don’t wait. Book your tickets now.

 

ST. AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA

 

St Augustine, Florida

 

Concerts in the Plaza

Downtown St. Augustine comes alive every Thursday night in the summer when it’s time for the Concert in the Plaza concert series. Bring your own chair or blanket to this free concert in the plaza. Performances in July 7, 14, 21,28. For details visit our special events page for Concert in the Plaza, St Augustine.

 

Uptown Saturday Night

Every month antique dealers and art galleries in the Old City’s San Marco District in Saint Augustine, Fla.,  hold the Uptown Saturday Night.  This is a monthly art event combines a festive party atmosphere with hospitality and special deals.  Uptown Saturday Nights takes place the last Saturday of  the month, so in the month of July that means Saturday, July 30, 2011.

The event takes place from 5 to 9 p.m.  Galleries, antique stores and shops between Ripley’s Museum and the Mission of Nombre de Dios in St. Augustine’s San Marco Shopping District stay open.

 

FERNANDINA BEACH, FLORIDA

 

Fernandina Farmers Market

Every Saturday from 8 am – 2 pm the Fernandina Farmers Market opens in downtown Fernandina on Amelia Island, Fla. Here you can find fresh vegetables, plants, fruit, cheese, arts and crafts and much more. Read more on our special page. 

 

More interesting posts from Florida to read:

Sounds on Centre in Fernandina Beach

Jacksonville City Page

 

St. Augustine City Page

 

 

 

 Opening of the Beaches - Sand Castle Competition Jacksonville Beach, Fl

 

 

 

Hootie & The Blowfish in Charleston, SC

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Hootie & The Blowfish – In Concert at the Family Circle Cup

 

 

The Family Circle Cup
Daniel Island, SC

Come out to the Lowcountry’s biggest party on August 12 – 13, 2011,  when Charleston’s favorite band returns for the eighth consecutive Homegrown Concert.  Hootie and the Blowfish Homegrown Weekend will be a 2-day event this year. A seperate ticket will be necessary for Friday night and Saturday night, but your best bet is the 2-Day Passes are available for a discounted rate.

This concert at Family Circle Stadium is always sold out, so don’t hesitate or wait – you need to buy your tickets today!

Click here to reserve your tickets today!

Hootie & the Blowfish,  Mark Bryan, Dean Felber, Darius Rucker, and Jim “Soni” Sonefeld, have sold more than 25 million albums since they started back in 1994.  The band established the Hootie & the Blowfish Foundation to support children of South Carolina through supporting school music programs.

 


Fourth of July Weekend in Georgia

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Fourth of July Weekend in Coastal Georgia 2011

There are lots of fun things to do in coastal Georgia for the Fourth of July weekend. Many cities start their celebration of Independence Day already on Saturday July 2  this year.  So if you really enjoy fireworks, you  can actually enjoy several fireworks and celebrations and make the weekend an extraordinary birthday bash for our country.

 

SAVANNAH, GEORGIA

Savannah celebrates Fourth of July in style. The Great American Weekend takes place on River Street July 2 – 4, 2011, with lots of fun things for the whole family. On Monday July 4th, there is of course fireworks over the river as usual.

In the Savannah area you can watch fireworks twice. Start already on Sunday July 3rd, with Tybee Island Fireworks at dusk. Just be prepared to come early and stay late.

Read more about Savannah & Tybee Island’s  Fourth of July Events here.

 

ST. SIMONS ISLAND, GEORGIA

"state of georgia flag"St. Simons Island has a great Arts & Crafts Festival every Fourth of July called the Sunshine Festival.  The festival takes place July 2 – 4, 2011.  As usual, there is also Fourth of July fireworks over the water. The fireworks  on St. Simons Island are scheduled for 9 pm on July 4, 2011.

 


BRUNSWICK, GEORGIA

In downtown Brunswick, Georgia, head to Mary Ross Park for an old-fashioned Fourth of July celebration with music, food and fun for the whole family.

 

DARIEN, GEORGIA

The concert Red, White and Blue on the Bluff takes place on Saturday July 2, 2011 at the waterfront park. The concert is followed by fireworks.  Another great family event in Darien is the Cannons Across the Marsh at Fort King George.

Read more about Fourth of July events in St Simons, Brunswick and Darien here.

 

ST. MARYS, GEORGIA

In St. Marys, Georgia, Fourth of July this year is celebrated on Monday July4, 2011, with a customary 4th of July Festival followed by fireworks.

Read all about the St. Marys Fourth of July here.

 

Armed Forces Day at Jacksonville Landing

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Armed Forces Day Concert at the Jacksonville Landing

On Saturday, May 21, 2011, Armed Forces Day is celebrated with a special joint concert with First Coast Wind Ensemble and Navy Band South East. The concert takes place  at 4:00 p.m. at the Jacksonville Landing.

The Navy Band Southeast is led by Musician First Class Jose Acosta USN. The performance includes military and patriotic music and video presentations that pay tribute to the brave men and women who serve our country in all our uniformed services.

First Coast Wind Ensemble
First Coast Wind Ensemble

First Coast Wind Ensemble and Navy Band Southeast
Captain Jeffrey Maclay USN, Commanding Officer, NAS Jacksonville
Saturday, May 21 @ 4:00 p.m.

Opening remarks will be delivered by Captain Jeffrey Maclay USN, Commanding Officer of NAS Jacksonville. The concert will include the Presentation of Colors by the US Coast Guard Auxiliary Honor Guard and the singing of the National Anthem by vocalist Laurie Orth.

The program will feature vignettes by the Jacksonville Historical Society’s Executive Director Emily Lisska, who will highlight the role of Jacksonville’s service personnel during the different phases of World War II. The Landing’s jumbo tron will bring photos from the war period, most never publicly shown before.

The 60-member First Coast Wind Ensemble is an organization of community musicians led by principal conductor Artie Clifton and associate conductor Don Reynolds. The organization is celebrating its 21st season of concerts offered as a cultural service to the greater Jacksonville area.