Scenes of the South

More than six thousand people gathered at Forsyth Park in the Historic District on Saturday, September 12th to celebrate the diversity of the LGBT community at the Savannah Pride Festival . The dreary weather couldn't put a damper on this colorful event, with guests arriving as early as 11 am to enjoy the full day of activities including, live musical performances, food vendors, tradeshow booths, Bud Light VIP Tent and more. Savannah Mayor, Edna Jackson and Mayor Pro Tem, Van Johnson, kicked off the day by saying a few words to the excited crowd and Savannah Pride President, Mark Hill, thanked the corporate sponsors and contributors. This year marked the 16th Anniversary of the Savannah Pride Festival, initially conceived in 1999 by the First City Network, Georgia's oldest LGBT organization. Photos by Krystal Oblinger

Over three hundred and fifty residents and neighbors arrived to the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum to attend the Taste of Pooler on September 10th and taste samples of dishes provided by Restaurants and caterers from the Pooler, GA area. Hosted by the Pooler Chamber of Commerce, this evening kicked off the Pooler Patriot Weekend and boasted record attendance from previous tasting events. New Country Bob 106.9 provided music for the festivities which included food sampling from local eateries such as, Tijuana Flats, Fatz, Buffalo Wild Wings, Chicken Salad Chick, Longhorn Steakhouse, Miss Sophie's, Naan Appetit Indian Cuisine , Molly MacPherson's and McAlister's Deli.

Over two hundred invitees arrived to the Ships Of the Sea Museum on September 10th dressed in their favorite white attire to attend the Savannah Pride 2015 Dress in All White Garden Party, sponsored by Don Callahan Realty & Families First Funeral Care. Guests enjoyed a variety of event highlights that included, live musical performance from Waits & Co, appetizers prepared by Chef Ted Paskevich of Joe's Homemade Cafe, Macarons by Marche De Macarons & Cannollis provided by Corleone's Restaurant. Kyle Nikola, with Families First brought along his vintage 1937 White Rolls Royce to add another element of flair to the evening and profits raised went to benefit several local charities including, The Rape Crisis Center of the Coastal Empire & Second Harvest Food Bank. The 2015 Savannah Pride Festival takes place on September 12, 2015 in Forsyth Park from 11 am until 8 pm and features a full day of activities, vendors, live music and more. Photos by Tracy Scarpati

Hundreds of dedicated beer lovers united together at the International Trade and Convention Center on Hutchenson Island attended the Savannah Craft Brew Festival on Saturday, September 5th. Presented by Habersham Beverage and Southbound Brewing Company, this "crafty" event featured over one hundred local and National beer and beer related product vendors showcasing their best products and services. VIP ticket holders enjoyed early entrance and enjoyed an extra hour of exclusive tastings and special privileges while the General Admission crowd poured in at 1pm. Guests who stopped by the South magazine photo booth enjoyed making memories with their friends using a variety of props including the day's favorite, a stuffed catfish donated by Scott West from Savannah VIP Events. James Grove from Savannah, GA was the big winner of our Craft Brew Giveaway and brought along four of his friends to celebrate his victory in addition to taking home Team South T-shirts to commemorate the day.

Hotel guests and Savannah neighbors welcomed pianist and composer, Dr. Benjamin Warsaw, to the Andaz Hotel for their monthly Artist Salon on September 3rd. Dr. Warsaw and musical invited along his musical friends, Andrew Ripley and Rebecca Flaherty, to accompany him as he tickled the ivories and played a variety of favorites to the Salon guests. Chef Lauren Teague and her talented culinary team from the 22 Square Restaurant and Bar prepared a fantastic selection of tapas that were paired with the delicious peach champagne cocktail and sangria offered at the bar. Dr. Warsaw is the artistic director of the Armstrong Atlantic Piano in the Arts Series that begins on September 10th with a concert titled, "Songs you Know and Love." Photos by Diane Dodd Photography

Baseball Fans arrived to Grayson Stadium on September 2nd to say farewell to long-time team, the Savannah Sand Gnats, as they played their last Season home game in the city, ever. The team announced their departure from the Hostess City in early Spring as the proposal for a new stadium was declined by City Council. Local residents and neighbors came out to Daffin Park for one last photo wth 'Gnate' the Gnat before the team moves to Columbia, SC and Savannah adopts a new team. South magazine was on hand to snap photos of the loyal fans at the game and are excited to check out the new team in May of 2016. Go online to South Magazine Facebook Page and tell us what you think about the team leaving and whether you approve of the new name.

Over a hundred attendees arrived to the Andaz Savannah on August 27th to witness the unveiling of the hotel's "Cambio" Mural, created by local 13 Bricks designer, Alfredo Martinez. Award-winning Chef Lauren Teague and her talented team from 22 Square Restaurant created a delicious assortment of farm-to-fork favorites that were perfectly paired with the wine, beer and craft cocktail selections available at the bar. Two floors of entertainment included, live music performed by Xuluprophet in addition to an assortment of electric and dance favorites provided by DJ Fishel. Those who missed this exciting event may attend the next Andaz Salon on September 3rd, featuring Armstrong Atlantic University's Piano in the Arts Series. Photos by Diane Dodd Photography

A distinguished gathering of invited guests and friends arrived to the Westin Savannah Harbor Ballroom on August 27th to celebrate the life and memory of Jazz Legend, Ben Tucker, at a special fundraiser to support First Tee of Savannah. The elegant evening was hosted by Eat it and Like it television personality, Jesse Blanco, and featured live music performed by the Coastal Jazz Association along with exclusive gourmet samplings of selections from the upcoming Aquacurean Seafood Festival beginning on August 28th at the resort. First Tee of Savannah is a non-profit community organization that provides character development and life skills for young people using the game of golf as a platform. Photos by Elizabeth Rusiecki

A beautiful Saturday in Forsyth Park offered the perfect venue for a the 7th Annual Kids Luv Your Heart Walk and Fitness Fair hosted by Youth for a Cleaner Environment, Inc. Children who participated in the walk around the park searched for hidden Y.F.A.C.E items that they could turn in to receive a prize. Attendees enjoyed face painting, hula hoop contests, healthy cooking demonstrations and games while being entertained by the local dance groups who performed throughout the day at the band shell. Y.F.A.C.E s a nonprofit organization designed to educate youth in the principles of safeguarding their environment and helping to make their community a better place to live. Photos by Lindsey Clark

Guests arrived to the #ClubSouth #Red Carpet on August 19th to pose for their Scene by South photo with Diane Dodd Photography before heading upstairs to Casimir's Lounge @ 700 Drayton to enjoy Martinis at the Mansion. The August event featured the Blueprint School of Pageantry, a finishing school for young women who teaches youth to reign in life with purpose and poise. Over sixty guests enjoyed the delicious and blue five dollar martini specials while taking the opportunity to win an impressive array of raffle prizes including; four tickets to #DineSouth on October 15th, four passes to enjoy the 700 Drayton Cooking School, gift certificates to Creative Approach, spa package from Southern Sugar and RMS boutique along with four tickets to Escape the Haunted Room and thirty minute makeup session with Jules, More than Makeup. Martinis at the Mansion is a monthly power networking event held at the Mansion on Forsyth Park on the Third Wednesday of each month that highlights a local, non profit organization in Savannah community who is making an impact.

After two weeks of beautiful concerts, events and celebrations, the Divas & Divos from the Savannah Voice Festival gave their final performance of the season at historic Christ Church Episcopal on Johnson Square in the Historic District on August 17th. The Voice Society members, invited guests and Savannah visitors enjoyed this magical evening, sponsored by the Italian Society of Savannah, which boasted a multitude of selections from opera to musical theater with a few suprises thrown in the program for audience members to enjoy. The Savannah Voice Festival organizers also announced the dates for their fourth season, taking place August 7th - 21st, 2016 and the group will return in October for the World Premiere of the first Savannah Opera, Alice Riley, on October 30th at the Charles H. Morris Center.

Local professionals and Savannah neighbors gathered together on the rooftop of a private Bay Street Penthouse on August 11, 2015 for a Hawaiian-themed fundraiser to benefit Hospice Savannah, hosted by Families First WJCL News and Savannah VIP Events. Guests arrived to the event to receive their Lei and were escorted to the residence on the top floor where they enjoyed passed appetizers and plated offerings from the Chefs and Students at Virginia College before being entertained by Kayley and Kimberly Jacobs, exotic Hula dancers from Marylin Youman's School of Dance. Door prizes were awarded to participant's and included gifts from such favorites as Marche de Macaroons and Daufuskie Island Rum Company with a grand finale performance on the piano by Benjamin Warsaw, MD, from Armstrong Atlantic University. Photos by Lindsey Clark

The 40th consecutive First Friday Art March, hosted by Art Rise Savannah, was held on August 7th; featuring over a dozen locations where participants could enjoy a range of opening exhibitions, kid-friendly art activities, live music and interactive displays. Guests could ride for free throughout the stops on the map by hopping on and off the free Art March Trolley hosted by Old Savannah Tours or they could walk, bike or drive to the locations if preferred. New locations on this month's tour included; Shop the Fox and Escape Savannah and the march said farewell to the fan favorite, Non-Fiction Gallery as they said goodbye to an Era. The next Art March will take place on September 3rd and will offer a special Fashion theme for guests to enjoy. Photos by Lindsey Clark

Attendees at the South Magazine Power Professionals Party arrived to the red carpet at Savannah Station on August 6th to to strike their best pose before enjoying an interactive evening of displays and presentations from the events' powerful sponsors including; Stage Front Productions , The Hilton Head Island Motoring Festival, Old Savannah Tours, The Mansion on Forsyth Park, Boy Scouts of America-Over the Edge, Cinemobius, and The Daufuskie Island Rum Company. Delicious food was provided by Leoci's Trattoria with live music performed by the Danielle Hicks Band. Before leaving, guests had the opportunity to take their South cover photos with Tap Snap Phototainment to post on Facebook and pick up the latest August/September issue of South magazine. Photos by Lindsey Clark

More than three hundred guests arrived to the red carpet at Savannah Station on August 6th to celebrate the release of the newest issue of South Magazine. The evening boasted a Power and Luxury theme, featuring interactive displays that included presentations by The Hilton Head Island Motoring Festival, Old Savannah Tours, The Mansion on Forsyth Park, Boy Scouts of America, Cinemobius, Stage Front Productions and The Daufuskie Island Rum Company. Danielle Hicks and company performed live throughout the night and attendees enjoyed delicious food provided by Leoci's Trattoria and dessert by Cupcake Emporium before having their own South cover shoot with Tap Snap Phototainment. South magazine's August/September issue is on stands now and is also available with online subscription. Photos by Corey Brooks

Community members, civic organizations, local businesses and residents joined forces with local law enforcement officials from the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department in Washington Square on August 4th to participate in the 32nd Annual National Night Out initiative. The purpose National Night out is to raise heightened awareness for drug and crime prevention and generate support and participation for anti-crime programs. Officers were available throughout the evening to meet with residents and offer crime prevention tips while answering questions with McGruff the Crime Dog. This annual event is intended to send a message to criminals to let them know that citizens in these neighborhoods are organizing and fighting back to "take a bite out of crime." Photos by Lindsey Clark

Members and of the Savannah Quarters Community arrived to the clubhouse on July 30th to attend a red carpet affair to celebrate the grand opening of their new, state-of-the-art fitness center. Pooler Mayor, Mike Lamb and Savannah Quarters COO, David Ceechele had the honor of cutting the ribbon and opening the doors to allow visitors to take a tour the long-awaited, four thousand square foot facility which features over forty pieces of Matrix equipment. Savannah Quarters is West Chatham's premier master-planned community developed by SunCal, one of the largest real estate development companies in the U.S., specializing in large-scale, mixed-use master-planned communities. Photos by Lindsey Clark

Thirsty guests arrived to West River Street on July 29th to see what all the Buzz was about at the grand opening of the Savannah Bee Company's new Mead Bar. Savannah Bee opened the city's first mead tasting bar at their Broughton Street location in August of 2103 to an amazing response from honey lovers and made the decision to open a second tasting bar at their River Street retail store. Mead is an alcoholic beverage that is created by the fermentation of water and honey and Savannah Bee founder, Ted Dennard has plans to begin making mead in Savannah as he moves into private label wines. Photos by Lindsey Clark

A Memorial Run was hosted by Fleet Feet Sports Savannah on July 28th to celebrate the legacy of Savannah's Jogfather, Robert Espinoza. Participants gathered at Ellis Square to choose their course from the four, five or six mile routes which intersected with past race courses that Robert developed over the years. Runners arrived to brave the heat wearing their favorite Fleet Feet Sport shirts and Savannah Race tees to honor Robert's memory. Robert touched many lives throughout Savannah and the Lowcountry, making a major impact on the community through endless charity events, healthy living programs and mentoring young athletes to have a winning, don't stop attitude. We will miss you old friend. Photos by Lindsey Clark

How do you serve? Veteran-owned Service Brewing Company celebrated its first anniversary on July 24th by serving up a two-part event that proved why they are in Savannah to stay. Early bird attendees arrived to the brewery for the five o'clock session with DJ Jose Ray and his eclectic mix of 50's, 60's 70's and 80's music while Chef Kyle Jovencio from The Florence Restaurant showed off his grilling talent to prove why he's the top chef in his kitchen. Leopold's Ice Cream was on the scene to provide a much needed scoop of their Anniversary Ale-flavored ice cream on this hot Summer evening and guests could also keep cool with pints of their favorite flagship Service brews. The second session kicked off at nine o'clock with a live performance by the Futurebirds from Athens, Georgia and stretched well into the night. Photos by Lindsey Clark

Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce members converged for a night of networking along the Intracoastal Waterway at the Savannah Yacht Club Business Connection on July 23rd. This annual event is one of the most highly anticipated social occasions of the year, offering over two hundred area professionals a place to mingle while promoting their business or product. Attendees enjoyed a delicious array of hors d'oeuvres prepared and served by the staff at the Savannah Yacht Club while listening to the live performance by the Southern Maple Band. Several representatives from the Chamber were in attendance including; President, Bill Hubbard and Chairmen Trey Cook, along with members from Visit Savannah including President, Joe Marinelli. The Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce is the largest business organization in the Coastal Empire, offering opportunities for networking, education, marketing and community involvement. Photos by Lindsey Clark

An exclusive list of Savannah residents and local friends gathered together for an elegant afternoon of high tea at the new Café' Jozef, opening this summer on Congress Street across from The Lady and Sons Restaurant. This quaint Southern eatery is the sister restaurant of midtown favorite, Joe's Homemade Café, and will be open for lunch and dinner at their new location in the Historic District. Owners, Don Holland and Chef Ted Paskevich, designed this premier event as an opportunity for guests to taste select items from their afternoon tea menu and offer their reviews on the food and offer their opinion of the décor and layout of the space. Café' Jozef is scheduled to be opened in late August 2015 with a grand opening event to be announced. Photos by Lindsey Clark

Members of the Savannah Tourism community gathered together for a casual Summer social on Tuesday July 21st at the Top Deck Bar inside of the Cotton Sail Hotel hosted by Visit Savannah. Cotton Sail Director of Sales, Ana Camacho and Event and Sales Manager, Caitlin Cummings greeted the hospitable crowd on the rooftop and directed them to the bar where they could grab a refreshing drink to cool down from the hundred degree temperatures outside. Renae Scott and Alex Hankinson from Old Savannah Tours were seen sipping on tasty martinis while the CEO of the Girl Scouts USA , Sue Else, could be found posing for a photo opportunity with Scott West from Savannah VIP Events. Visit Savannah holds a monthly Tour and Travel meeting on the first Tuesday of each month at the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce building located at 101 E Bay Street with the next meeting taking place on August 11th at 9 am.

The Bluffton Sunset Party Series continued on July 16th and 17th with the May River Shrimp Festival held at The Bluffton Oyster Factory Park along the May River in Bluffton, SC. This two-day festival kicked things off on Thursday with a Water and Adventure Sports Expo featuring; kayaking, fishing and stand up paddle boarding and continued on Friday with an arts fair showcasing local artists from around the Lowcountry. Attendees had the opportunity to tour local shrimp boat with The Bluffton Oyster Company and enjoyed live performances from area bands including; OCD, LaBodega, Native along with Will Snyder and the Horan Brothers Band. Bluffton Sunset Parties are held once a month on Friday nights during the summer with the next Rocking Hot Summer Night event taking place on August 21st. Photos by Lindsay Clark