Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

Things To Do in Georgia — September

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It is definitely the start of the action-packed fall festival season, and when you see the list of some of the upcoming events below, you will know why I call it that. 

Fall is my favorite time of year, especially here on the coast and it’s definitely a busy time of year for us. It’s hard to choose where to go and what to do, there is simply to much going on at the same time. The best way to handle it is to get the calendar out and making plans early. Just take a look at these events.

 

day at the beachSavannah Ocean Exchange

The month of September, 2011

Through four Public Exchanges – Culture & Cuisine, Events & Excursions, Presentations & Performances and Vessels & Viewings – participants can see, hear, taste, smell and touch to explore the wonders of our coast and ocean.  Each Exchange hosts specific venues throughout the month of September at different locations in and around Savannah and on Tybee Island. Most are free and open to the public. Events vary from boat building, to learning about the Right Whale, Cockspur Lighthouse dedication, boat parade, performance by McIntosh Shouters and much more.  Please visit the Savannah Ocean Exchange website for details. 

 

Taste of Savannah

September 9, 2011

This food event takes place at the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center from 7 – 10 pm. 

General Admission Tickets $60 per person, $85 for VIP.

700 Drayton at the Mansion on Forsyth Park, Aqua Star at the Westin Savannah Harbor, Belford’s Savannah Seafood & Steaks, DeSoto Grill at the Hilton Savannah DeSoto, Garibaldi , Ruth’s Chris Steak House, The Olde Pink House,  Uncle Bubba’s Seafood & Oyster House, and many more. For more details visit the website.

 

Fiesta Latina – Savannah, GA

September 10, 2011

This annual festival takes place every year at Rousakis Plaza, River Street. Performances will showcase a variety of Latino cultures through folkloric song and dance, as well as music ranging from salsa to reggaeton. This is a free festival. Read more about the festival here.

 

Lucas Theatre Open House – Savannah, GA

September 10, 2011

Learn more about the historic theatre with self-guided tours and archival posters and documents, as well as what is in store for the coming season. Try our 90th Anniversary ice cream flavor from Leopold’s, snack on some popcorn, or just enjoy the air-conditioning. From Noon until 4:30 p.m., the main level will be open to explore.

Starting at 4:30 p.m., you can also watch the Savannah Philharmonic as they rehearse for their Patriot’s Day concert. Until 7:30 p.m., this open rehearsal will be viewable from the balcony seating. 

Free and open to the public. No reservation needed.  912.525.5040

 

9th Annual Food & Wine Festival

September 10, 2011

Taste food from 12 restaurants/food tables (including Lulu’s Chocolate Bar, Vic’s on the River, Garibaldi’s, Olympia Cafe, Driftaway Cafe, Edible Arrangements, Taste of India, Toucan Cafe, Crystal Beer Parlor, 45 Bistro, River House Seafood, Papa’s Barbeque and Seafood) and over 50 wines for one incredibly low price.

Tickets are $25 in advance, and $30 at the door. The Food & Wine Festival will be held at the Hellenic Center of the St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church, 14 W. Anderson St., on Saturday, September 10 (no one under 21 admitted.)

 

Shrimp n’ Grits Festival – Jekyll Island, GA

September 16 – 18, 2011

This food festival in the historic district of Jekyll Island, is one of the most popular festivals in Coastal Georgia every year. Chefs compete in making the best shrimp n’ grits. There is also lots of arts & crafts vendors, live entertainment and more.  You can watch our video and get more details on the special events page for Shrimp n’ Grits Festival on Jekyll Island, GA.

 

Omotunde Festival – Savannah

September 16 – 18, 2011

“Omotunde” is a Yoruba word which means “The child has returned”. This name is an appeal to a common African heritage which was born in Africa and transplanted in America during the tragedy of African enslavement. The Omotunde Festival is a recurring celebration that calls forth a cultural renaissance among African descendents in America in order to do their part to meet the challenges of the hanging world. The festival takes place at River Street & Savannah State University. 

For more information, call 404.348.4040 

 

Savannah Jazz Festival

September 18 – 25, 2011

Savannah Jazz Festival is one of the most anticipated events for the Fall in the city.  All concerts are free and open to the public. Watch a video from the festival and check out this year’s line up on our special events page for Savannah Jazz Festival.

 

Jazz in the Park — St Simons Island, GA

September 25, 2011

This is the last performance for the season at the St. Simon Light House where Julie White and the Bohemian Dream Band will be performing. The concert will remind you of a hip 1930s Parisian night club. Bring a chair or blanket to sit on, a picnic, and your favorite beverage. All concerts are from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children 6-12, and free for kids under 6. Call 912-262-6934 to purchase.
St. Simons Lighthouse, 12th St. at Beachview, St. Simons Island, GA 31522
Ph: (912) 262 – 6934 or visit www.goldenislesarts.org

 

Oktoberfest on the River – Savannah, GA

September 30 – October 2, 2011

With the month of October comes Oktober Fest in Savannah. This fun event on Riverstreet includes all the October “musts” – wienerdog race, oompah bands, bratwurst and sauerkraut. So don your lederhosen and get ready for a good time. Watch our video from the wienerdog race here.

Other stories to read:
title=”talk like a pirate day” target=”_blank”>Talk Like a Pirate Day – September 19
Amelia Island Jazz Festival
Green Fair in Charleston, SC

Cirque du Soleil : Alegria | Jacksonville, Fla.

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Alegría is a classic Cirque du Soleil production that has received international acclaim and wowed over 10 million people worldwide since it premiered in 1994 in Montreal. After 15 years performing under the big top, Alegría embarked on a new journey in May 2009 and is now presented in arenas throughout the United States and Canada.

Alegría means “jubilation” in Spanish. Power and the handing down of power over time, the evolution from ancient monarchies to modern democracies, old age, youth—it is against this backdrop that the characters of Alegría play out their lives. Kings’ fools, minstrels, beggars, old aristocrats and children make up its universe, along with the clowns, who alone are able to resist the passing of time and the social transformations that accompany it.

The performance features an international cast consisting of 55 performers and musicians from 15 countries. Alegría combines a baroque style with colorful, flamboyant costumes. Original music is performed live and an elaborate set is used as backdrop to the astonishing spectacle of athleticism and artistry.

The 2½ hour spectacle (with intermission) showcases breathtaking acrobatics including the dramatically sensuous Synchro Trapeze and the high-energy Aerial High Bars where daring aerialists fly to catchers swinging more than 40 feet above the stage. Imagine two agile performers who bring alive the Mongolian art of contortion and artists manipulating flaming knives around their bodies in the rhythmic and dangerous Fire-Knife Dance.

The vibrancy of youth is alive in fast-paced Power Track, a brilliant display of synchronized choreography and tumbling on a trampoline system that is magically revealed under the stage floor. In Russian Bars, artists fly through the air with spectacular somersaults and mid-air twists, landing on 4-inch wide bars perched on the sturdy shoulders of the catchers.

Now Alegria and Cirque du Soleil is coming to Jacksonville and performing at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena on June 29 & 30, and also July 1, 2, 3.

Don’t miss this exciting performance – click here to reserve your tickets now!

Charleston, SC – January 2011 Events

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Need new ideas for the new year? The holidays are finally over, and it’s time to make plans for what to do for the month of January with your family and friends. As usual, there is always a lot going on in South Carolina, especially when it comes to food events and festivals.

First Friday on Broad – Jan 7, 2011
Participating galleries on gallery row will offer a featured wine to accompany their fine art on a relaxing stroll down The Row, on Friday January 7th from 5-8 PM. Many galleries will offer demos, music and refreshments.
http://coastalcompanion.com/south-carolina/charleston/first-fridays-on-broad/

Charleston Restaurant Week – Jan 14-22, 2011
There is no lack of good food in the city of Charleston, and every year there seems to be more restaurants and food festivals.
During this event you’ll get an opportunity to try out new restaurants and new menus and explore the culinary arts scene in Charleston. Participating restaurant serve food according to a fixed price menu. Some restaurants participate with three courses for $20, others with three courses for $30.
More details on our Charleston Restaurant Week page.

Charleston Marathon – Jan 15, 2011
The First Annual Charleston Marathon presented by the Riverfront Race Festival will take place on Saturday, January 15, 2011. The start of the 26.2 full marathon and 13.1-mile half marathon course beginning near the South Carolina Aquarium, downtown Charleston. The course will run South on East Bay St., passing Rainbow Row, and White Point Gardens, then follow King Street North where the half marathon will end at the Navy Yard at Noisette and the full marathon race will continue. The 10K and 5K road races will also begin at this start/finish line on the old navy base.

In true Low Country tradition, shrimp and grits will be at the finish line, along with music on the course from the Charleston County School District groups and adult beverages. For more information, go www.charlestonmarathon.com or www.riverfrontfestival.com.

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Charleston Comedy Festival – Jan 19 – 22, 2011
The annual festival brings in some of the hottest improv, sketch, and stand-up artists from Chicago, New York, Canada, Atlanta, and LA to the city of Charleston for a weekend of comedy.
The Charleston Stand-Up Competition finals will kick off early with a Tuesday night show at Theatre 99. On Wednesday and Thursday nights, there will be shows by local troupes Cats Hugging Cats, Full Love Throttle, Neckprov, Hot Pants, Moral Fixation, and Human Fireworks. Out-of-town performers Nate Baratze, The Shock T’s, and the Village Theatre will take over the Charleston Ballet Theatre on Thursday for a night of stand up, sketch, and improv. Read more on our special page about Charleston Comedy Festival.

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On Friday night, choose from 15 shows at various venues across town, including a show by Robot Johnson, Introducing Fish Taco, and This is Chucktown at South of Broadway Theatre in North Charleston and a stand up show featuring Nate Baratze, Dave and Ethan, and Tom Keller at the Pour House on James Island. More information at www.charlestoncomedyfestival.com

Charleston Boat Show – Jan 21 – 23, 2011
This is the biggest boat show in the Low Country with lots of things to see and do. The show takes place at North Charleston Convention Center and during the three day event you can look of course look at boats, get fishing tips, there’s even lots of fun activities for the kids.

Low Country Oyster Festival – Jan 30, 2011
One of the most popular food festivals in Charleston is the Oyster festival at beautiful Boone Hall Plantation in Charleston, SC. This is an annual festival for oyster lovers from all over the region, and now wonder, after all this is the world’s largest oyster festival.

It is said that about 65,000 pounds of oyster are delivered to the famous Charleston oyster roast for the big day, can you believe it? Don’t miss the well-known “Oyster Shucking” and “Oyster Eating” Contests. There is also live music on stage, a Kids Corner, a “Food Court” showcasing a variety of local restaurants and much more.

The Oyster Festival takes place January 30, 2011 from 10:30 am – 5 pm.
More details can be found on our special Low Country Oyster Festival page.

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A Christmas Carol – Brunswick, GA

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The story “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens was first published back in December 1843. This is the story about Ebenezer Scrooge who finds out the true meaning of Christmas. Dickens’ novella met with instant success and critical acclaim back in the day, and the story is still as popular.

A Christmas Carol is an all-new production, featuring some of the Golden Isles’ most talented performers of all ages. And once again, Brunswick Mayor Bryan Thompson will be recreating his unforgettable performance as the miserly old Scrooge himself.

Beside adding the saying “Bah! Humbug!” to the English language, Dickens also influenced many aspects of Christmas and who we are celebrating it today. According to Wikipedia, Mr. Fairbanks attended a reading of the story on Christmas Eve in Boston, Massachusetts in 1867, and was so moved he closed his factory on Christmas Day and sent every employee a turkey.

And it really doesn’t matter if you’ve heard the story a hundred times before, this is a funny, spooky and always pertinent holiday show you want to share with family and friends.

Click here to buy tickets now!

A Christmas Carol
Friday-Saturday, December 10-11 and 17-18, 2010 at 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 19. 2010 at 3:00 p.m.
Advance: GIAHA Members – $15 adults, $10 seniors (65+), $5 ages 18 and under
Non-Members – $20/$15/$5
Day of show: Members – $20 adults, $15 seniors (65+), $5 ages 18 and under
Non-Members – $25/$20/$5

A Prairie Home Companion

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Now you can experience the famous broadcast “A Prairie Home Companion” right here on the coast. There is going to be a live broadcast performance from The Saint Augustine Amphitheatre in Saint Augustine, Florida on November 13, 2010. Special Guests: Nashville Bluegrass Band

Photo by: Andrew Harrer / Bloomberg News / Landov

Today over 4 million people listen to the weekly show on some 590 public radio stations, and abroad on America One and the Armed Forces Networks in Europe and the Far East. But the show comes started out much smaller. The first show took place on July 6, 1974, at the Janet Wallace Auditorium at Macalester College in Saint Paul. Tickets were sold for $1.00 each, and at the premier broadcast only 12 people showed up.

A Prairie Home Companion has come a long way since 1974. Don’t miss the live broadcast at St. Augustine Amphitheatre.

Book your tickets now!

A Prairie Home Companion Cast FROM LEFT: Fred Newman, Tim Russell, Sue Scott, Garrison Keillor