Savannah Jazz Fest Finale

Savannah did it again!!!
I hope that you had a chance to attend at least one of the many events that were put on by the Savannah Jazz Festival Committee. I was pleased to be able to attend Friday night under the stars. It was a fun filled, family oriented, romantic, awe-inspiring evening.
Mark your calendars for next year.
And I'll see you under the oaks in Forsyth Park.
Enjoy the photos and enjoy a taste of jazz in the video...

Wake Up Savannah

Ok, I had to make a note here.

This story broke in Savannah a few days ago and I couldn't let it go.

I guess I am just one of those people who believe that there is still good in all mankind; after reading this story, I began to challenge my way of thinking. If you check out the link. You will get the true origin of my rage for my city, my hometown, the place I call my sanctuary.

Here was my response to the story........

OMG!!!!
I had to read this article about 10 times. Word for word, line by line. I was taken by the stories that were so eloquently presented by the SMN journalist Lesley Conn. Excellently done. Then I had to get to the meat of the story. I guess you have to have the lemons to have lemonade. There was so much talk about the numbers, the numbers, the numbers. Whatever happened to "reach one, teach one"?
Last night, I sat through a presidential debate that made me absolutely ill. So much talk about numbers. Numbers which in turn becomes dollars. Are we all becoming nothing but numbers to these people. Lets not let this become the case in Savannah. I could care less if the success rate is 10%, at least someone is being helped.
People are people Savannah. The programs that are on probation help many in this city. The mere thought of them becoming extinct is absurd. Correct me, ANYONE if I'm wrong; but isn't the whole purpose of these programs is to get people off the streets? Get people off of the welfare system? Lower Savannahs unemployment rate? I do believe if you train someone, no matter what their background is, they will prosper at some point. Surely the City of Savannah leaders do not expect the Union Mission to turn out doctors, lawyers, and mayors. Lets be realistic. These programs are helping people get a hand up, not a hand out.
Bottom line? You want to make Savannah something to be proud of? Listen to the visitors. You see, your visitors can tell the difference in Savannah. They see that there are fewer people on the strolls of River Street pan-handling. They see a difference in the streets. Isn't that what its all about? Making this wonderful city a showcase to bring more tourist and money into Savannah? I thought so! Wake up fellow citizens!!!! If these programs start falling by the wayside, where are these people going to go? Let alone whats going to happen to the people who are working within the program? The office managers, instructors, counselors, medical workers; I mean the list goes on and on. Eliminating these programs won't just hurt the ones being helped, its going to hurt the ones helping.
Wake up Savannah!!!! Lets let our City "Leaders" know that this can't happen. Given the time limit placed on the directors of the sited programs, my prayers are truly with those that are currently being served. I have always lived by the mantra of "reach one, teach one". Hopefully this can bleed over to others of our community. I can only conclude by saying, stand up and be counted. Let your voice be heard. They can never take that away from you.

Sunday Brunch in Savannah at the Jepson Center

Well my friends, another event of great multitude has graced our fair city. This time it comes in the form a magnificent Sunday evening in the squares of Savannah.
Just off the corner of Barnard Street, you'll find the Telfair Museum of Art - The Jepson Center. This center lives up to its motto... ART in Focus. The center is filled with a bounty of exhibits. I encourage you all to take a trip there when time permits. Even better, become a member, you'll be informed about great events like the one featured here.
Honestly, I came across this event from an editor at the Savannah Morning News where I was given an assignment to cover a Sunday Brunch. WOW!!! Was I ever taken back.
Let me take you through my time at the Jepson......
This is an event that brings members of the community together with the many visitors to our fair city.
Add in great art...
Some of the best of food, prepared by Savour Savannah...
A well-known host and radio personality, Ms. Ursula Boyd of Magic 103.9...
And a host of talents from local and some not so local gospel choirs in the area...
And you have the makings of a great Sunday Brunch at the Jepson Center.
This months entertainment ... The 1st Tabernacle Baptist Church Adult Choir.
Friends let me tell you.... this choir brought it.... And I mean they brought it.
A group of about 15 angelic voices brought a sound that could only be described as heavenly.
I have been taking photos for quite some time now, but I had to put this event on a different level.
This program, which is the brainchild of the Executive Assitant of the Telafair.. Ms. Verdise Bradford. A person I will always consider a friend. In plain words... She gets it.
This program will be around for a long time. Never fear, you will get another chance next month. Just check out Telfair.org for whats coming up next.
I want to go back just a touch though.....
The event brings in an educational value as well. Along with a great meal and entertainment, you are given a tour of the facility. This is the most important part to me. Educational because you are able to bring the kids and share this experience. I would recommend this to any family. Its affordable and inspiring to all that attend.
I hope to see you at the next Sunday Brunch at the Jepson Center.

Savannah Almost Slept On A Great Production

Let me start by saying that I AM proud of my hometown. Savannah is a "jewel".
Anyway, Savannah was blessed with the opportunity of viewing one of the hottest Christian plays. It's called, "Church Mess".
This is a play about a troubled congregation. Filled with every form of deviance you can imagine. From a womanizing "minister of music" to a devout "pillar" of the church with a checkered past.
I must say, I went into this show with blinders on. Preconceptions that this was just another writer with "Tyler Perry" dreams. A play that thoroughly disgraced the sanctity of the christian faith. I tell you, I was wrong. Wrong in many ways.
Seeing the advertisements for this play made me want to see it. After talking with a few friends, they had the same feelings.
What stressed me the most though, was what I was hearing in a "few" pulpits before the play made it to Savannah. Things like: "Why would a Christian want to see something called "Church Mess"?" I started thinking that maybe there is something wrong with plays of such content. On the outside looking in, it could suggest that "some" churches are filled with nothing but "whore-mongers", cheating mates, and false prophets. I will say this, I am glad that there are "shepherds" in our community that believe in teaching and preaching, instead of dictating a fictitious intimidating form of law. Promoting values that are bible based, not from personal opinion.
I want to say, thank you to "real" Savannah Christian leaders. Your sheep answered the call.
The opening performers, the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church Choir. Wow!!!! What a performance. This group of 9 angelic voices brought the house down. Their photo is also included in this article. I say to them, you are all truly blessed.
Leaving me almost gasping for breath, they brought out Ms. Virginia Bostic. A powerhouse vocalist from the Miami Mass Choir. Let me tell you, she brought a message. A message delivered from a wheel-chair. The wheel-chair she came out on was only a to set her off the runway. From the first note she shared, you knew that this woman was heaven bound. "On the heels of Glory."
The message brought forth was so powerful, I felt bad for those who missed it.
From beginning to end, you were made a part of the action & drama. Viewers were given several issues to ponder. Things that we know may be occurring , but we do nothing about. Faith and the importance of Gods' will were the focal points. I can see no reason why any clergyman wouldn't encourage his flock to view such a masterpiece.
So as not to give away the plot or the content, I will say this. There wasn't a stone left unturned in this plot of twists, turns, and deceit. The characters lead you right into their hearts, no matter how dark it may be. The play dealt with issues not so far from any church in this city or country for that matter.
You see, there is "mess" everywhere. Although the writers and producers put their comedic spend on it, it was chock full of truth.
So, take a look and see where this beautiful play will be presented next. You won't be disappointed.
I say to the producers, Chad & Alicia Cooper, thank you and your staff, writers, cast, and production crew, Thank you. Savannah, GA has been blessed with your production.

Wow!! What A Weekend!!!

I must say. Savannah did its best to shine this weekend. Goodwill Industries hosted the "First Saturday on the River" on Saturday August 2nd.

Sponsors included Wet Willies - Coca Cola - Wachovia - Cumulus Broadcasting - MDA - US Coast Guard - Local Savannah Fire & Rescue.

The event made all visitors feel at home.
There were visitors from so many different sections of the U.S.
Several family reunions were able to enjoy this event. The Epps family were having there Family Reunion here and I must say, they really stretched the "where I'm from" question. The family even enjoyed a wonderful tour cruise on our Georgia Queen.

Even smaller groups like Ms. Brenda Hinds, visiting from Columbia,SC with her mother Ms. Celillus P. Hinds (and I had to get the P. in there she said). They were here to celebrate Brendas birthday. BTW, mom is an agent for NetTrav Inc.

The arts and crafts were just as spectacular. From items of the ordinary to things you won't necessarily see in Wal-Mart. Honorable mention to the following vendors:
Three Crows Illustrations Luke Hamilton
Stain In The Glass - James Revels
NetTrav Inc. - Celillus P. Hinds
Sweet n Sassy Things - Pat & Charles Revels
DJ Services - John Shellmer
Best N Town - (truly the best boiled and roasted peanuts)
The Original Cider - ( I couldn't believe the taste)

There were so many great vendors out there that i can't mention them all. It just lets you know that you can't pass up an event on the Savannah River if you ever hear that one is about to happen.

The event served many purposes. It showcased some the best in art and culinary; but it was also there for a great organization. The Goodwill Industries. This organization has helped so many with seemingly so few. It has been around for more than 100 years. Their motto: "A hand up, not a hand out." It shined through with everyone involved in the event. The local Goodwill Industries locations are deeply involved in the Savannah community. It is a well known fact that "...when giving to Goodwill, you're opening doors to employment, independence, and opportunity for people in your community. " Kudos to Goodwill Industries of the Coastal Empire and its sponsors.

The day was one for the record books. Despite the heat, a cool breeze was welcomed off the Savannah River. To get shoppers in the mood for even more fun. The organizers enlisted the help of one of the best DJ's in the city. From "DJs To GO", Mr. Mike Dodd. Give this man a microphone and a crowd, and you're sure to have a party. His extensive collection of music was a true crowd pleaser. This guy really knew his crowd. Even helped to inspire a young man to show off his skills on the dance floor. The crowd went wild. (This kid was all of about 10 or 12 years old. I wish I would have remembered to get his name.) Anyway, it was a party just the same. I recommend to anyone in the Savannah area, if you have an event and you need to get the party started, contact Mike. Heres his website: http://savannah-dj.com
I'm sure he'll be glad to hear from you.

Now the evening progressed into a jazz mode. Giving DJs TO GO a needed break, the crows was given a special treat. An ecclectical combination of every genre of you can imagine. From country western to R&B, this band had it covered. Their name? Second Time Around. A three piece mixture of vocals, horns, rhythm section, and digital data base second to none. Kudos to Robert McKenzie, Robert Agnew, and a wonderful lady with an angelic voice. Now, I didn't know this, but a little birdie told me that this trio is a part of the heroes of Savannah. The Savannah - Chatham Metropolitan P.D. I was definitely impressed. Those who serve us in this community are just as regular "folk" as we are. A great group, with great talent. I highly recommend this band for any event. Just ask around for the 2nd Time Around band.

Well, this is just another reason to fall in love with the Jewel of the South, Savannah, GA. Keep in touch for the next posting... You never know what's to come....
Love you all

Savannah - The Hidden Jewel of Georgia

So excited about finally geting this together. I really wanted people to see my hometown the way I do. In all actuality, I had to leave here to appreciate it.
In the many years to come, I want all who travel here to remember the spirit of the city.
From the diverse cultures to the even more diverse events that occur here, I want eveyone to enjoy Savannah through my lens.