Your ultimate guide to the coast
I’m always on the lookout for fun things to do on the coast from South Carolina, Georgia to Northeast Florida. Every week I’ll show my findings to you – sometimes you’ll agree, and sometimes I’m sure you’ll disagree with my choice.
If so, make sure to let me know – and don’t hesitate to submit your suggestions for things we should showcase in one of our upcoming episodes – send me an email to joe@coastalcompanion.com.
I’d also appreciate your comments below! Thanks!
Immediately following of the country’s biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, the 2010 Savannah Music Festival opens on Thursday, March 18,2010, with a performance with Chinese pianist Lang Lang and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, along with Mike Marshall’s Big Trio premiering the newly-commissioned “Suite Savannah†on a co-bill with new favorites of western swing, The Belleville Outfit.
Unique co-bills and original productions are staged in intimate venues throughout Savannah, Georgia, during the festival which continues through April 3rd. This is one of Savannah’s most popular festivals.
Some of the highlights in this year’s festival is violinist Daniel Hope’s Sensations chamber music series (this year featuring newcomers Mark O’Connor, Jeffrey Kahane, Gabriela Montero and Gautier Capuçon), the Savannah Jazz Party series with Wycliffe Gordon, Marcus Roberts, Henry Butler, Gerald Clayton, Dick Hyman and others, Bill Frisell’s Trio playing two nights alongside Malian powerhouse Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba, the Del McCoury Band, Nicole Cabell, Wilco, Kristina Train, Yefim Bronfman, She & Him (featuring M. Ward & Zooey Deschanel), Ruthie Foster, Renaud Garcia-Fons, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, and the debut of the all-new Derek Trucks & Susan Tedeschi Band with The Wood Brothers opening.
Below is a video of an “unplugged” performance with Bassekou Kouyate and Ngoni Ba on a roof top in Timbuktu
For a complete schedule or to order tickets visit www.savannahmusicfestival.org or call 912-525-5050.
Also, visit the latest episode of Tripping with Joe to find out what Joe has to say about the event.
The city of Savannah is known for its rich history and for its many festival. This time of year festival season is in full swing. Savannah hosts the largest St. Patrick’s Day party in the South over several days, with a St Patrick’s Day parade, green fountain and lots of beer on this Irish party day. This is one of the most popular events in Savannah, it is said that 400,000 people will show up to celebrate Irish heritage.
Tara Feis, an Irish Festival
Then on Saturday, we’ll go all out with a genuine Irish Festival, Tara Feis taking place on  Saturday March 13. This is a festival celebrating Irish culture with lots of fun for the whole family from food, to music and dance and much more. The festival is held in Emmet Park. The event is free and open to the public, this year’s event features the Cathie Ryan Band. Tara Feis festival takes place in Emmet Park from 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. For more information call 912.651.6417 or http://www.savannahga.gov/arts.
Then there is of course the River Street celebration in the historic downtown district on March 16-17, 2010. This is the main waterfront location for all Paddy Day partygoers coming to town.
The 2010 St. Patrick’s Festival on Historic River Street takes place along the waterfront, includes the following area: River Street from East Broad Street to Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Festivities in this area include games, food, beverages, and live entertainment. The event itself is free, but partygoers must purchase a wristband ($5) to consume alcoholic beverages on the plaza and inside River Street businesses on Tuesday and Wednesday. Wristbands will be sold at kiosks on the plaza, and at businesses on River Street. Already on Tuesday, the party starts with the I-95 Battle of the Bands.
For more details about St Patrick’s Day on Riverstreet, visit www.riverstreetsavannah.com
The City Market also hosts an Irish celebration on March 16-17.
St Patrick’s Day Parade
Don’t miss the parade itself. This year it’s the 186th time for the St. Patrick’s Day parade, so this is one of the oldest in the United States. The parade features bands and marching groups from across the country. Savannah St Patrick’s Day parade starts at 10:15 a.m. (Here is the map of the parade route)
For more information visit www.SavannahStPatricksDay.com
The city will double in size for St Patrick’s Day – so plan to come early and stay late. For more information about St Patrick’s Day and places to stay, contact Savannah CVB at 1-877-SAVANNAH
When I was reading my twitter stream today, @dizzygirl pointed out a story about the state bird that I found interesting.
The state bird in Georgia is the brown thrasher. But now, there is a movement trying to change the state bird from the Brown Thrasher to the chicken.
Their argument – the chicken makes more of an economic impact.
Here are a few of the interesting facts from the website:
Take a look at the video below – and make sure to post your comments below – I’m interested to hear what you think!
It makes you wonder about the other state birds. Do they contribute to the economy? And what about the plants? What do they do?
For more information, visit www.flipthebirds.com
The Skidaway Island Antiques Show and Sale has raised $572,000 for Savannah’s neediest children over the past 11 years. More than 1500 people attend the show each year. Two things makes The Skidaway Island Antique Show and Sales so popular, first and foremost the amazing antiques, secondly,  the delicious lunches prepared by the parishioners of St. Peter’s Church.
This year’s show will begin with a preview gala the evening of Thursday, March 4, and runs daily from Friday, March 5, through Sunday, March 7.
Preview Gala and Champagne Receiption
Already on the evening on March 4, 2010, it’s time for kick off. The event begins with the preview gala, An Evening in the Garden, at 7 p.m. Here  collectors have an  opportunity to secure the antiques of their choice in the dealer gallery.  Meanwhile the elegant black-tie (optional) soiree will be going on in the adjoining tent. One of the highlights of the evening is the performance of the Mary Davis & Company band. Also hors d’oeuvres will be provided by noted caterer Anna Hood and the women of St. Peter’s Church.  Dinner stations will feature a variety of cuisines from noted Savannah-based chefs.  Call 912-598-9521 for invitation information.
The daily show dates are Friday and Saturday, March 5 & 6, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday, March 7, from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 3 West Ridge Road, Savannah, located on Skidaway Island, 20 minutes southeast of the city.
Tickets to the show are $8 and are valid for all three days. Tickets may be purchased on site during the event.
Gourmet lunches and desserts, prepared from recipes in St. Peter’s cookbook, Manna from Savannah, are offered daily from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in a flower-filled tent adjacent to the dealer showcases.
For more information, visit St Peter’s Episcopal Church website by clicking here.