Tuning in to the Town
The annual Savannah Music Festival is one of the largest and most diverse music festivals in the southeastern United States and is truly “Southern, Soulful and Sophisticated”. This unparalleled 18-day musical feast will take place March 15 through April 1, 2007 in one of America’s most historic cities, offering a multitude of one-time-only performances and world premieres. The Festival’s distinctive line-up showcases indigenous music from the Deep South, originally conceived chamber music, and a wealth of internationally renowned musicians representing an abundance of musical styles and genres. Whether experiencing glorious arias in remarkably intimate venues or dancing the night away under moss-draped oaks, music aficionados and fun-seekers alike will enjoy the beautiful springtime in one of the South’s most soulful cities. For more info, visit savannahmusicfestival.org.
The Savannah Film Festival will take place Oct. 28 through Nov. 4 at the Trustees Theater located at 216 E. Broughton St. in Savannah. A premier eight-day cultural event in beautiful historic downtown Savannah, the festival features more than 50 films selected from more than 600 entries submitted from all over the world. Categories include feature, short, animation, documentary and student film. The screenings represent a variety of independent filmmakers, while an array of workshops, lectures, receptions and special events gives the festival participants an opportunity to meet colleagues active in all areas of film production. Educational benefits for students are provided through the Savannah Film Festival’s student competition as well as the festival student workshops. Films will be shown at other venues as well as the Lucas Theatre. For more information, call 912.525.5050 or visit 
The Savannah College of Art and Design will be presenting eight films that were created by its graduate students at the Lucas Theatre for the Arts May 31 at 8:30. The film selection includes: “Silent Killer” by Leigh Baldwin, “Carmondi” by Elba Roman-Morales, “Calling Forward” by Susan Flores and Ryan Farriss, “Pacific” by Aaron Wong, “Bottleneck” by Andrew Shipsides, Alexander Hammer and Somer Stamps, “The Distant Journey” by Pearl Guilian and Eric Watkins, “Directed TV” by Khanit Leekataweitin and Parat Buravas, and “Ninja Pirates 3″ by Jay Cunningham. The showcase is free and open to the public. For more information, call 596-1019 or visit 
In most towns, a couple dozen stores located within a ten-block area would consider themselves competition. But 22 shops in Savannah have joined forces to create the Downtown Design District, an impromptu outdoor mall in the heart of the historic district. Visit 
Next time you’re out and about in Savannah and looking for a quality pint, ask your bartender to pour you an Old Savannah Brewing Company Ghost Ale. OSBC’s Ghost Ale is an English Blonde with British malts and hops. The late addition of whole leaf East Kent Goldings adds a classic and traditional smooth hop aroma. During fermentation their special strain of yeast from Northeastern England contributes light fruity esters. It’s a great British session beer. OSBC also produces their Savannah Pale Ale, which is handcrafted from Fine Marris Otter malt from Thomas Fawcett & Sons, UK, which provides the backbone to their classic English Best Bitter (they still use traditional floor maltings). They also brew with mild crystal malt and a hint of pale chocolate malt - all from the heart of England. The Savannah Pale Ale has an original gravity of 1045, is dark amber in color and delicious. Their ales took first and second place in the “best novelty item” category at the 6th annual Taste of Savannah, held at the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center in January. The event’s theme was “Hollywood! A gourmet premiere” and featured offerings from the city’s finest eateries. OSBC’s Savannah pale ale and ghost ale took 1st and 2nd place, respectively. Since then, they took first place at the Atlanta Cask Ale Tasting competition. Check them out online at 
Despite a rash of new “oh-so-trendy” restaurants in Savannah, one local upscale eatery is keeping it real. 45 South, a name that’s long been synonymous with fine dining, has reinvented itself and is better than ever. Recommended by such magazines as Food & Wine, Southern Living, and even Playboy, 45 South restaurant offers a cuisine that’s been best described as “gourmet Southern.” Its ever-changing menu is likely to feature smoked North Carolina trout, rack of lamb flavored with crushed sesame seeds, grilled venison with au gratin of sweet potatoes, chicken breast with truffled pâté, or sliced breast of pheasant with foie gras. Appetizers might include anything from South Carolina quail to crab cakes. Among the most expensive restaurants in Savannah, it’s softly lighted with elegantly set tables and a cozy bar. The service is impeccable. It’s time to rediscover 45 South. Check them out online now at