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.