The Savannahian

27/01/2025

It's that time again! Here's what we've got for you this week. Subscribe at our site to read! 😎

“E-days, makeup days, and 'e-crying': Contentious debate over how to handle lost school time continues” by Kristy Edenfield

“Making a safe haven: Savannah Pride Center to hold first annual Health Summit” by Jami Calandros

“The Galway Rogues are ready to rove into the Savannah Irish Festival” by Jim Morekis

“Brice prepares to host Lunar New Year event” by Ansley Standridge

“Take 5: Jan. 27–Feb. 2" by Frank Ricci

FREE: “Savannahian Soundboard:
Jan. 27–Feb. 2” by Jenna Moore

FREE: “Savannah Happenings:
Jan. 27–Feb. 2” by Lila Miller

26/01/2025

This week we have a special guest column from veteran tour guide Nicole Moore about upcoming restrictions to walking tours, set to take effect the beginning of February. Free to read - check it out below!

The feeling is that decisions have been made without input from the community and have the effect of seriously impacting, if not completely shutting down, some local small businesses.

21/01/2025

Excited for a great new issue this week! Subscribe at our site to read.

⭐ FREE: “Guest column: Weighing in on the Walking Tour Pilot Program” by Nicole Moore

💥 Mountainfilm on Tour: Savannah Festival returns, showcasing directors of 'Between the Mountain and the Sky' and 'Sh*tthropocene'” by Lila Miller

✏️ “Board of Education Wrap-up, Jan. 15” by Ansley Standridge

🎨 “The Ossabaw Meditations: Betsy Cain exhibition to benefit new ARTS Southeast Artist Residency on Ossabaw Island” by Lila Miller

🎹 “Take 5: Jan. 21-26" by Frank Ricci

🎤 FREE: “Savannahian Soundboard:
Jan. 21-26” by Jenna Moore

🎫 FREE: “Savannah Happenings:
Jan. 21-26” by Lila Miller

18/01/2025

Three North Carolina musicians came together 40 years ago to create King Mackerel and the Blues Are Running, a show that has run around the country for years since its inception. Ahead of the 40th anniversary performance TONIGHT at the Tybee Post Theater, Sean spoke with writers and musicians Jim Wann, Don Dixon, and Bland Simpson. Subscribe to read it today! ⭐

News, culture, arts, and activism in Savannah, GA

18/01/2025

Set in the historic City Hotel building on Bay Street, the former home of Moon River Brewing on got the go-ahead from the Historic District Review Board for an interesting renovation. And plans for a hotel on Liberty were shot down. Read Jim's column about the latest news on what's going up -- and what's not. Subscribe to read!

The most interesting part of the developer’s proposal for the former City Hotel/Moon River building is to restore the original front porch design of the City Hotel. To do so would require express permission from the City.

13/01/2025

New week, new issue! Subscribe today to read ⭐

“Building Savannah: The latest developments about development” by Jim Morekis

“Controversial Forsyth Park development passes, tour limits proposed: City Council wrap-up, Jan. 9” by Brian Myers

“'King Mackerel & the Blues Are Running' Celebrates 40 years at Tybee Post Theater” by Sean Kelly

“There’s a Freak Show in the Cobra Room: Brother Bruce’s Fabulous Freak Show and Hoodoo Art at Lone Wolf Lounge” by Lila Miller

“Bluegrass band Blackwater Rose brings fresh perspective” by Jenna Moore

FREE: “Savannahian Soundboard:
Jan. 13-19” by Jenna Moore

FREE: “Savannah Happenings:
Jan. 13-19” by Lila Miller

“Take 5: Jan. 13-19” by Frank Ricci

10/01/2025

"John always enjoyed the fight, but also always remembered why he was fighting. It was never about him, but always about other people, and about the greater good."

This week, Jim Morekis paid tribute to the great John McMasters, a beloved Savannahian and a friend to many, who recently passed away.

This story is free to read in this week's issue.

John focused his prodigious energies in a very hyperlocal fashion. In fact, I can say that I learned directly from him that hyperlocal is the best way to make a difference.

09/01/2025

"It’s not just about professional relationships; it’s about people who truly care and want to help you succeed. This sense of belonging has been one of the most rewarding aspects of this role so far."

The Matthew Reardon Center for Autism has a new CEO in Jackie Smith, who brings years of experience to the day school. This week, Kristy Edenfield spoke with Smith as well as board chair Madigan Critell about what's ahead with Smith at the helm.

Read about it in this week's issue!

'My own experience with dyslexia - diagnosed in 4th grade - shaped this passion. I know what it’s like to struggle and feel different until you get the right support.'

06/01/2025

It's our first issue of the new year! Subscribe and read at thesavannahian.com.

“'A catalyst for change': A talk with Jackie Smith, new CEO of The Matthew Reardon Center for Autism” by Kristy Edenfield

FREE: "Rest In Peace, John McMasters: A personal remembrance of a great Savannahian” by Jim Morekis

“'A lowbrow event for highbrow people': Seersucker Live Returns for 2025 Resolution show and workshop with Jami Attenberg” by Lila Miller

“Endangered Places: Historic Savannah Foundation invites public to nominate buildings to preserve and protect” by Jim Morekis

FREE: “Savannahian Soundboard: Jan. 6-12” by Jenna Mo

FREE: “Savannah Happenings: Jan. 6-12” by Lila Miller

“Take 5: Jan. 6-12” by Frank Ricci

03/01/2025

“Several venues closed in 2024, including two that focused on a specific style, leaving uncertainty as to what, if anything, will fill the void.”

We at The Savannahian have been lucky to have Frank Ricci on board over the last few months for his Take Five column—and this week he reflected on a mostly-great year for local bands, venues, and events.

Read this special ‘year in review’ here:

Several venues closed in 2024, including two that focused on a specific style, leaving uncertainty as to what, if anything, will fill the void.

03/01/2025

“Having a dedicated studio space to connect with the community and work on my own comics is an absolute lifesaver!”

Taylor Hughes is the Neighborhood Comics artist-in-residence for January 2025!

Neighborhood Comics dropped a quick interview with them this week, and you can find it in The Savannahian:

'Having a dedicated studio space to connect with the community and work on my own comics is an absolute lifesaver!'

03/01/2025

This Sunday 1/5 is the deadline for applications to ARTS Southeast’s Artist Incubator Initiative, through which one emerging artist is awarded free studio space for a year!

Included with the studio are exhibition opportunities, professional development, community engagement, and mentorship.

In this week’s issue of The Savannahian, Ansley Standridge heard all about the nonprofit and its initiative from Executive Director Emily Earl.

Read it here:

As far as the additional perks of the residency, the artist will participate in three exhibitions throughout 2025 and in the ON::View R***e group exhibition in early 2026.

03/01/2025

“The best part about this collection is that since it’s a digital release and we’re not pressing physical product, there is absolutely no limit in terms of how long it can be.”

We recently covered the announcement of a new compilation benefitting Hurricane Helene relief in North Carolina, and this week Sean Kelly spoke with producer and organizer Jim Reed about the massive collection of songs, which features over 200 local artists.

Read it in The Savannahian, right here:

'The best part about this collection is that since it’s a digital release and we’re not pressing physical product, there is absolutely no limit in terms of how long it can be.'

01/01/2025

“If you still haven’t seen Maxines vocalist AJ Grey stalk the stage with that badass voice, you should rectify that soon.”

Each week, The Savannahian’s Frank Ricci gives us Take Five: a shoutout to the five best live shows in town!

So if you’re looking for something to do or just curious what’s going down these days, subscribe and read it through the link in our bio:

If you still haven’t seen Maxines vocalist AJ Grey stalk the stage with that badass voice, you should rectify that soon.

01/01/2025

“On the surface, it might appear to some that elected leaders opted to halt the rise of property taxes. This would be true if home values were holding steady in the midst of inflation.”

To round out the year, Brian J. Myers looks back at the best decisions our local leaders made in 2024–and, of course, the worst too!

From millage rates to saving the Johnny Mercer Theater, take a look back at some of the most consequential decisions of the year in this week’s issue of The Savannahian.

Find it here:
https://www.thesavannahian.com/the-best-and-worst-of-local-leader-decision-making-in-2024/

30/12/2024

It’s our FREE weekly live music calendar, here to take you through New Years and beyond!

Assembled by Jenna Moore. Check it out here:

Our FREE weekly live music calendar!

30/12/2024

Looking for something new to do around New Years? Check out what’s happening this week in our FREE events calendar!

Lila Miller’s dug up something for everyone, so read it all here:

Our FREE weekly events calendar!

30/12/2024

It’s almost 2025, and The Savannahian is rounding out this year with one more great issue!
Our stories this week:

💿 “Jim Reed talks giant hurricane benefit compilation featuring 201 Savannah artists” by Sean Kelly

📜 “The Best (and Worst) of local leader decision-making in 2024” by Brian J. Myers

🎨 “Arts Southeast's Artist Incubator Initiative is looking for applicants” by Ansley Standridge

💭 “Neighborhood Comics presents: Taylor Hughes” by Neighborhood Comics

🍾 “2025: Resolving to do more with less, and actually following through with it” by Lila Miller

🎤 “Savannah music scene: The year in review” by Frank Ricci

🎸 FREE: “Savannahian Soundboard: Dec. 30-Jan. 5” by Jenna Moore

🧊 FREE: “Savannah Happenings: Dec. 30-Jan. 5” by Lila Miller

🎻 “Take 5: Dec. 30-Jan. 5” by Frank Ricci

Subscribe and read it all at thesavannahian.com !