Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

McIntosh County Shouters Raise the Roof – Savannah, GA

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McIntosh County Shouters
McIntosh County Shouters

The McIntosh County Shouters are making a special appearance on Wednesday, July 21, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. at Second African Baptist Church, 123 Houston Street in Savannah.

The McIntosh County Shouters have been bringing folks to their feet with their unique “shouting” performance for over 30 years. A mesmerizing blend of circling dance movements, call-and-response singing and percussive handclaps, modern “shouting” derives from the communication used by African slaves working in rice fields in the 18th- and 19th centuries. It is thought to be one of the oldest surviving forms of African American cultural and spiritual expression, and its influences can be heard in later musical genres including jubilee, gospel, and even jazz.

McIntosh County ShoutersThe ring shout tradition was for the most part forgotten by the world until it was discovered that a small community had been passing down this joyful practice for generations. The group began performing as the McIntosh County Ring Shouters in 1980 and has held audiences spellbound ever since. Unchanged for hundreds of years, today’s ring shout both pays homage to the community’s ancestors and contributes to a greater understanding of early African American culture.

The Shouters have been featured in a Georgia Public Broadcasting documentary, performed at Lincoln Center in New York City, and are a recipient of the prestigious National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts.

McIntosh County ShoutersThis event is brought to you by the Georgia Historical Society and is free and open to the public. For more information, www.GeorgiaHistory.com

The McIntosh County Shouters presented by The Georgia Historical Society on Wednesday, July 21, 2010 at 6:00 p.m.
Second African Baptist Church, 123 Houston St., Savannah, GA
Cost: FREE

View Map of the Location here

Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Festival – Mt Pleasant, SC

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Our area is rich in history and culture, and one of the most fascinating cultures is the Gullah Geechee. This weekend you can learn more about the Gullah Geeche culture at the Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Festival in South Carolina. This festival has the largest showcase of authentic sweetgrass baskets in the Lowcountry, but the festival offers music, arts and craft, storytelling and much more.
Click here to read more about the Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Festival in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina

Cinco de Mayo in Charleston, SC

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Cinco de MayoThis year it’s actually the  fifth annual Charleston Cinco de Mayo Festival. The event will take place on Saturday, May 1st, at the Visitors Center Bus Terminal in downtown Charleston from 7p.m. to 11p.m. The celebration will feature Orquesta Mayor, DJ Luigi Bravo of Latin Groove, (R)evolution:Genesis, Latin Groove Kids, Professional Salsa Dance Performances and a Salsa Dance Competition (Winner receives $200).

May 5th marks the Mexican army’s victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. In the United States, this day has become a celebration known as “Cinco de Mayo.” It has become a time to commemorate Mexican heritage and culture.

Come celebrate on Saturday, May 1st! A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Ryan White HIV Care Program at Roper St. Francis Healthcare.

Charleston Cinco de Mayo FestivalSchedule
7:00-7:45 DJ Luigi
7:45-8:00 Salsa Kids
8:00-8:45 Oruestra Mayor – Set 1
8:45-9:00 Buen Ache
9:00-9:15 Arthur Murray
9:15-10:00 Oruestra Mayor – Set 2
10:00-10:15 Salsa Competition
10:15010:30 Femme Fatales
10:30-11:00 (R)evolution Reggeton Group

Tickets
$8 online, pre-event (make sure to bring PayPal receipt to event)
$10 at the door
Kids 12 and under get in FREE

Food and drink are sold separately. Cash only.  For more information and tickets visit www.charlestoncinco.com

World of Nations Celebration – Jacksonville, Fl

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Have you ever dreamed of traveling to far away countries and exotic places? If you happen to be in Jacksonville in the spring time, you can become a globetrotter without needing a passport or a plane ticket. Pack your bags and bring your family, friends and neighbors to Metropolitan Park for an exciting adventure around the world.

During the 18th annual World of Nations Celebration, held April 29 – May 2, 2010, Metropolitan Park transforms into a multi-ethnic marketplace of cuisine, crafts and entertainment of people from throughout the world. With more than 30 countries represented, the festival provides a unique look into cultures from across the globe.

The City of Jacksonville and the event organizers will bring the world to you showcasing sights, sounds, and tastes of different nations within your reach. Embark on an exciting journey, traveling throughout the park where travelers may see nations and regions such as Cambodia, China, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Ghana, Haiti, India, Italy, Jamaica, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, St. Thomas, Senegal, South Africa, South Korea, Spain,Taiwan, Turkey, U.S.A., Venezuela and Vietnam.

Other happenings during the weekend:

Naturalization Ceremony
You can witness the commemorative ceremony when people are sworn in as United States citizens.

Parade of Flags
The inspirational Parade of Flag takes place on Saturday, May 1, 2010. Kids of different nationalities dressed in traditional clothing from different countries carry their native flags in the parade.

World of Entertainment
Come to the festival and experience talents from many different countries, see folk dance, listen to music and more.

Passport to the World
To get you and your kids feel like real world travelers, make sure to pick up your official passport to the world. Each country will stamp your passport during your exploration and at the end of the day, you can turn in your passports at the booth near the main entrance for a chance to win prizes.

USA Pavilion – Going Green!
Learn how you can activly participate to help the environment at the 2010 USA Pavilion.

Hours
Thursday, April 29
9 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Registered Field Trips only)
Friday, April 30
9 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Registered Field Trips only)
5 p.m. – 9 p.m. International Party
Saturday, May 1: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sunday, May 2: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Admission:
One-Day Ticket to the World: $5.00
Two-Day Pass: $8.00
International Party: FREE!
(Friday, April 30 from 5-9 p.m.)
Children Three & Under: FREE
Visit www.coj.net or call (904) 630-3690 for more information.

St Patrick’s Day Celebration in Savannah 2010

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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.

Go Green!
Start your celebration early and head to Forsyth Park at lunchtime on Friday March 12, 2010.  Watch the water turn green at noon.
This event is sure to be a hit with the younger crowd. With the nice, warm weather we’re having, it might be a perfect time for a picnic in the park.

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
St Patrick's Day Parade in Savannah, Georgia