Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

Things to do in Georgia – August 2010

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I never get tired of visiting Savannah with its beautiful squares and beautiful architecture. In the summer, downtown is usually filled with people and there’s a lot going on.  There are so many different places to sit down, have a bite to eat or a drink.  With the beginning of a new month comes another “week of firsts” – and in Savannah there are even two special events.

Savannah Westin Hotel, GeorgiaIt’s always a pleasure to visit the riverfront in downtown Savannah, especially in the summer.  Lot’s of people, and lots of fun.  To finish off a day of sightseeing head to the riverfront for First Friday Fireworks on August 6, 2010 at 9:30 pm.  Then on Saturday August 7, it’s the First Saturday on the river, with lots of events, arts & crafts and fun for the whole family.

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.

The Jazz in the park 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 22 when  Gwen Hughes and the Retro Jazz Cats are performing. Read more about the event on our page for Jazz in the Park

To me nothing says summer more than beach music.  You can’t beat the combination of beach music and bbq, and this is especially attractive when the event in question takes place on beautiful Jekyll Island, Georgia. This year the festival is held in Great Dunes Park for the first time.  Everyone’s favorite beach music band “The Swingin’ Medallions” are coming again.  The Beach Music Festival and BBQ Bash takes place August 20 – 21, 2010.

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

Old Fort Jackson Auction invites you to join for a special Low Country Boil and Auction on August 28, 2010. This is an annual fundraiser for Old Fort Jackson, a National Historic Landmark site in Savannah, Georgia.
The fundraiser takes place at Old Fort Jackson on Saturday, August 28, 2010 6:00pm There will be a silent auction, children’s activities, cannon firings, and live music, and lots of fun for the whole family. Free admission. Food and concessions available for purchase. For more information contact Old Fort Jackson directly at 912.232.3945

Another fun event coming on August 21, 2010 is the Songwriters Showcase in St. Marys, Georgia. It’s the first year for the event, but if you enjoy live music, it might be something for you. You can read more about the event on our sister site Camden Happening. Here is the link to the post about the Songwriters Showcase in St Marys, Georgia Also in St. Marys in August, there’s Starry Nights. Here is the link to the Starry Nights in St Marys post.

SCAD Fashion Grad competes in “Project Runway”

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April Johnston
April Johnston, fashion designer

2010 SCAD fashion grad and Savannah resident April Johnston is to be a competitor in upcoming season of “Project Runway”.

At 21 years old, April will be the youngest of the 17 contestants, the largest number of designers in the show’s history. And the Savannah resident is the only contestant from the South.

“Everybody at SCAD is thrilled for April. We’ll all be glued to our sets,” says School of Fashion Dean Michael Fink. “If her provocative and powerful senior collection is any indication, we’re confident she’ll create some exciting and intriguing clothes.”

April’s senior collection was inspired by deconstructed halls, old asylums and abandoned morgues. Her SCAD Style Lab mentor, Zac Posen, guided her through the creation of her collection. The result was a theme of dark beauty—black and grey designs whose beauty was found in the detailed textures.

“Project Runway” premieres on Lifetime Network Thursday, July 29 at 9 p.m. EST.

April Johnston's SCAD Senior Collection
April Johnston's SCAD Senior Collection

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

Things To Do for Father’s Day in Savannah

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It doesn’t matter if your Dad likes the outdoors, is a history buff, or just likes jazz and good food – below you’ll find a few ideas about fun things to do in Savannah for Father’s Day 2010.

Have a Blast with Dad!

What dad can resist a good old cannon firing? Wouldn’t that just be the perfect way to celebrate Father’s Day in style? This time of year there are cannon firings at Old Fort Jackson! For history buffs, a visit to the National Historic Landmark Old Fort Jackson is a special treat – especially when the visit includes cannon firings. The cannon firings take place at 10am and 2pm all throughout the spring and summer.

For more information, contact us at 912.232.3945 or visit www.chsgeorgia.org for more.

Fly Boy Special
Blasting cannons might not interest your dad, but how about air planes? In honor of Father’s Day on Sunday, June 20, the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum is offering all fathers a special admission rate of $5.
Jun 20, 2010 – 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.

The Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum, 175 Bourne Ave., Savannah, GA
Call for admission information 912.748.8888 or visit www.mightyeighth.org

Jazz It Up
If your dad enjoys jazz, this is a great idea for a fun event to attend.
The performance with the Equinox Jazz Quintet led by Jeremy Davis is not your everyday concert or a jazz recital, but more a one-of-a kind, high-energy stage show featuring some of the best jazz musicians around.

Jeremy Davis has shared the stage with artist ranging from David Sanborn, Ellis Marsalis, Bill Watrous, Carl Fontana, Fred Wesley and Harry Waters to George Clinton, Govt Mule, Col. Bruce Hampton, Derek Trucks and many more.

Jazz – Just Across The River presents the Annual Fathers’ day Concert, featuring the Equinox Jazz Quintet, on Sunday, June 20 at 5 pm at the Westin Savannah Harbor on Hutchinson Island. The concert is free for Coastal Jazz Association members and $10 for non-members. Attendees who join CJA while at the concert will also be admitted for free.

The Equinox Jazz Quintet with Jeremy Davis
Sunday, June 20th 5:00 p.m.
Westin Savannah Harbor – Hutchinson Island

For more info call: 912.920.1317 or go to www.coastal-jazz.org

I Scream, You Scream…
Lately the heat has been a bit tiring, so make sure to include a trip to Leopolds Icecream Parlor – what dad is going to turn down a delicious cool treat?
Leopold’s has been around forever, and there is a special flavor for everyone. The pink grapefruit sherbert is so refreshing. I know that suggestion would meet with “the look” from my Dad, he would have opted for the more appropriate “real man” flavor of Peanut Butter Chippy or Rum Bisque.

Leopold’s Ice Cream, 212 E. Broughton St., Savannah
912.234.4442 or visit Leopolds Icecream

The Beat Goes On
Join dad on a trip down memory lane with this fun performance. Remember the big hair, the funky fashion and most of all the music. This hit musical will covers all of dad’s favorite songs from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s! From beach blankets to the BeeGees, it’s three decades of Big Hair and big fun!

Savannah Theatre, 222 Bull St., Savannah 912.233.7764

A Luxury Brunch for Dad
To impress dad, how about a fantastic Father’s Day Sunday Jazz Brunch at Aqua Star at the Westin? You and dad will enjoy a decadent meal prepared by Executive Chef Roger Michel and his team of culinary experts. Live music provided by Jazz legend Ben Tucker. Reservations to this event is strongly recommended since it most likely will sell out.

So call now and reserve your spots at 912.201.2085 or visit www.aquastar@westin.com.

Down the River
Another idea is to go on a Fathers Day Brunch Cruise in the Savannah River. This is a great way to see Savannah from the water if you’re visiting for the day.

Enjoy a buffet style brunch while the Captain narrates the rich history of Savannah along the way. Spend some quality time with dad, learn about Savannah’s history and a experience a boat ride on the river!
The brunch cruise takes place at noon on Jun 20, 2010. Call (800)786-6404 for ticket information.
9 East River Street, Savannah, GA
Tickets: $21.95 – $39.95
www.savannahriverboat.com

For the Brave Outdoors Man
For dads who enjoy the outdoors – how about a special trip for summer solstice? This is an easy paddling tour down a historic, blackwater creek.Paddling is a great way to experience the outdoors, and this trip is suitable for beginners too. After basic canoeing instruction, the naturalist will lead the way downstream past stately tupelo and cypress. Their bright green foliage and unique trunks reflect perfectly in the mirror-dark water. Keep an eye out for turtles, herons and kingfishers. Maybe you’ll be lucky enough to spot a shy alligator.

The paddle takes place at Ebenezer Creek. The price is $45 – person, includes canoe, paddle and basic instruction. Please call 912.236.8115 or visit www.wilderness-southeast.org

Savannah Westin Hotel, Georgia

Juneteenth at Telfair

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JUNETEENTH AT TELFAIR – Savannah, Georgia

June 14-19, 2010
Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom

In June, the Telfair proudly presents its third annual Juneteenth Festival, celebrating the anniversary of the end of slavery in the United States. This year’s event focuses on the roots of African music as well as its impact on American music. Throughout the week, the Telfair will present programs at multiple sites to explore black history, culture, and identity. Highlights include a talk by author and political commentator Farai Chideya, a performance by the renowned Senegalese rap group the Gokh-Bi System, and the third annual Juneteenth Family Day.

The Telfair will kick-off the 2010 Juneteenth festival on Monday, June 14, with an opening ceremony featuring storytelling by Aunt Pearlie Sue. Aunt Pearlie Sue is the creation of Anita Singleton-Prather, a native of the Sea Islands in Beaufort County, South Carolina. From 6:30-7:30 pm, the Aunt Pearlie Sue character, based on Prather’s grandmother, will entertain visitors with Gullah-flavored stories and folktales.

Owens-Thomas House Tour/Talk:
“How the Owens-Thomas House Got the Thomas Name”
June 15, 5 pm
Telfair’s Owens-Thomas House

Lecture by Multimedia Journalist Farai Chideya:
“The Color of Our Future: Race in the 21st Century”
June 17, 7 pm
Second African Baptist Church, 123 Houston Street
A former host of NPR’s News and Notes, Chideya is an award-winning political reporter and writer who has worked in print, television, and radio, as well as online. She has authored several books, including Kiss the Sky and Don’t Believe the Hype: Fighting Cultural Misinformation about African Americans.

Akonting Workshop with Sana Ndiaye of the Gokh-Bi System
Presented in collaboration with the Ships of the Sea Museum
June 18, 6 pm
Ships of the Sea Museum, 41 Martin Luther King Boulevard, Museum Garden Pavilion
Musician Sana Ndiaye will lead a workshop on playing the akonting—a stringed, banjo-like instrument used in parts of West Africa including Senegal and Gambia. Bring your akonting or come by to listen. Registration requested.

Juneteenth Family Day
June 19, 10 am – 1 pm
Telfair’s Jepson Center
This fun-filled morning features storytelling, instrument-making demonstrations, and more!

Family Day Schedule

10-10:10 am
Welcome with Drumming/Libations – Majied /J’miah

10:10-10:50 am
J’miah’s Juneteenth Storytelling

10:50-11:10 am
Health Restoration 101:
Presentation by Carolyn Guilford, Consulting Nutritionist

11:10am-11:40 am
Juneteenth and the Puppet People Theater

11:40 am-12 pm
World Music Interlude: “Hanif aboard the Black Star Liner”

12-12:30 pm
Conversation with Sana and Tony Pizzo, Director of Ships of Sea Museum (Musician Sana Ndiaye)

12:30p m
World Music Interlude and Broom Jumping with Sista V and Jahwalks

Activity Stations
Eckburg Atrium
Health Talk – Carolyn Guilford
Oral History Table – Barbara Fertig, Volunteer (Dr. Barbara Fertig, Preofessor of History at Armstrong Atlantic State University
Basket-weaving Demonstration – Jery Taylor

Gokh-Bi System/Rap Tassu from Senegal Concert
Presented in collaboration with the Ships of the Sea Museum
June 19, 5-7 pm
Ships of the Sea Museum, North Garden
Recognized as one of the leaders in contemporary African music, the Gokh-Bi System unites hip-hop with its ancient West African roots. The group uses a variety of instruments, including djembe drums and the traditional, stringed akonting, while rapping in English, French, Arabic, and Wolof.

All Juneteenth programs are free of charge and open to the public, thanks to project funding provided by the City of Savannah. Additional support for selected programs has been provided by the Ships of the Sea Museum.

telfair museum, savannah, georgia