Here are the results for South magazine’s 2010 Greatest List featuring your picks for the greatest in Home Design and Beauty and Bliss.

No Dreadlocks, no political agenda: This is the new reggae music-and it resides in Savannah

Among the myriad of popular music styles that have emerged over the past century, only a handful claim to have inspired-or at least to have come to represent-an entire way of life. Blues, jazz, rockabilly, and punk immediately come to mind as niche genres that boat loyal die-hard fans worldwide, but immerse global popularity of reggae dwarfs them all. From it’s humble beginnings in late-60’s Jamaica as laid-back dance fodder to it’s current status as the preeminent form of grooveoriented protest music, reggae is, simply put, one of the most beloved forms of music in existence today.

The basis of reggae’s appeal is its insistent, mesmerizing rhythmic foundation. Essentially a hybrid of America soul, R & B and traditional African and Caribbean folk, it’s been closely aligned with the Rastafari ideological movement since the late superstar songwriter (Rasta icon) Bob Marley used his own brand of “roots reggae” to spread that universal message of human rights and equality. Marley also promoted the overriding philosophy that all people should strive to attain “irrie,” a sense of well-being and harmony oneself one’s surroundings.

Yet along the way, reggae has diversified and grown. Offshoots such as dancehall, dub, reggaeton and reggae fusion now update the genre, incorporating outside elements forum other forms of pop music. As one of the hottest rising acts on the modern U.S. reggae scene, Savannah’s own Passafire continues that forward evolution. Over the past seven years, they’ve striven to create a unique sound by infusing reggae with their own alternative rock and psychedelic-tinged, trip-hop sensibilities. Known as much for their devoted work ethic and keen business senese as for their knakc of crafting memorable crowd pleasing tune, the group- made up of singing guitarist Ted Bowne, singing keyboardist Adam Willis, drummer Nick Kubley and his brother, singing bassist Will Kubley- is currently riding a growing wave of success.

Pencil this season’s crop of weird, wacky, and wonderful soirees into your social calendar.

Sandy Springs Festival

WHEN: September 25 – September 26 WHERE: Atlanta, Georgia THE LOWDOWN: This two-day festival includes a wide array of happenings including an artist’s market, a business and civic expo, a car show, entertainment for teens, the Doug Kessler Lightning 10K/5K (which kicks off the festival on Saturday at 7:30 a.m.), a food court, heritage crafters demonstrating 19^th century traditional activities, and a silent auction. New to the festival this year are the following activities: Me and My BFF Photo Contest, Interactive Game Zone, Georgia Grown Market, and an Antiques and Collectibles Market.

INSIDER’S TIP: Cooper – Atlanta Transportation Services will provide a free shuttle service to the festival from Century Springs West parking lot, located at the intersection of Hammond Drive and Lake Forest Drive. MORE INFO: 404.851.9111, sandyspringsfestival.com

Savannah Jazz Festival

WHEN: September 19 – September 26 WHERE: Savannah, Georgia THE LOWDOWN: A must for lovers of both jazz and blues. Visitors and locals can experience live performances by local and regional musicians outdoors in beautiful Forsyth Park and a variety of other venues around Savannah. This festival boasts the best in international, national, regional and local jazz talent. Since its inception in 1983, the Savannah Jazz Festival has been held every year and has featured some of the best artists in the world including Lionel Hampton, Ahmad Jamal, Clark Terry, Carmen McCray, Nancy Wilson, Maynard Ferguson and numerous others. INSIDER’S TIP: Sponsored by the City of Savannah, the Savannah Jazz Festival is a free event and open to the public. MORE INFO: savannahjazzfestival.org

Dive In

Cool off with one of the most popular trends in exterior design: salt water pools. These manmade ponds offer both health and financial benefits. Because they have a generator that breaks down salt and produces chlorine, the pools are easy to maintain and don’t require purchasing a lot of expensive, harsh chemicals. “The pH of the water in a salt water pool is very close to the pH of our eyes,” explains Frank Fotia, president of Year Round Pool.

Yearroundpool.com 912.236.6261

Paver Lights

Pavers have been a hot trend in exterior design for some time due to their durability and clean aesthetic. Now, paver lights are adding another attractive element: the ability to highlight a back patio, walkway, or driveway with solar-charged lights. “They look really great at night and add to the ambiance if you like to entertain,” says owner of Quality Hardscapes, Fabio Santos. And since they’re self-powered, these lights don’t emit any harmful carbon dioxide, a perfect addition to the already eco-friendly benefits of pavers.

Step through the gates of Savannah’s Grayson Stadium and you’re entering somewhat hallowed ground.

Spend a few minutes with Savannah Sand Gnats President John Katz, and you’ll realize he’s extremely proud of this year’s team. In fact, all it takes is a simple query about how the season’s going so far to get him talking. Enthusiasm and pride rises in his voice as he responds.

HIP NEW TRENDS IN HOME AND INTERIOR DESIGN FROM AN INDUSTRY INSIDER.

WRITTEN BY MICHAEL BUNN

1 SAVANNAH HARDSCAPES Dining al fresco has led to cooking al fresco. The moveable feast has moved to the great outdoors, and Savannah Hardscapes leads the way with a full range of outdoor appliances to make your outdoor entertaining sizzle. Whether you intend to grill it, smoke it, wok it, cook it on a rotisserie or in an oven, there’s an outdoor kitchen appliance for the job. There are warming drawers to keep your food fresh after it comes off the fire and outdoor hoods to keep the fresh air fresh. There’s a full line of refrigerated storage and dispensers to make sure your favorite brew or nicely aged Chardonnay stays at the perfect temperature. All you need for a perfect backyard outing are some wonderful guests and a day of sunshine. SAVANNAHHARDSCAPES.COM

Power Pumps

These days, women can get away with a slightly sexier heel at the office. The rules have changed and the fashion savvy professional can certainly find wiggle room within office dress codes. Pumps can look ultra-chic in the workplace when paired with fitted slacks and can add a slight sexiness to a high waist pencil skirt. But how do you know which pumps are office appropriate?

Indie folk group, Matt Pond PA, is yet another big name to play at Live Wire Music Hall as of late. Last Wednesday night, the formerly Pennsylvania based band played an intimate set in the depths of Savannah’s underground. These are the types of shows that critics and music goers alike live for. There isn’t quite anything like seeing a musically refined show in a dark, humid bar. The experience is entirely personal and intimate where the audience finds themselves on the same level as the performer. What results is a rare dialogue and a lasting memory.

SOUTH SEATS SHOWDOWN

Win your chance to get a group of South Seats for our sponsored Sand Gnats Game June 24th.  We want to here from the biggest fans of the Sand Gnats on Facebook and Twitter!

FACEBOOK FACEOFF!

Send us your favorite picture from a Gnats game whether you were cheering for the home team or enjoying some of the great deals at Grayson Stadium for a chance to win a group of 4 tickets! Enter from June 16-20. Winners will be notified via Facebook and should respond within 12 hours.

TWEET FOR THE TEAM

Tweet us @south_mag why you should win the South Seats, 4 prime seats at the June 24 th Sand Gnats game!! Enter 6/21-23. Winners contacted via Twitter by 6/24.

Summertime means warm weather, spending time outdoors, and hot dogs. Summertime is also when the one event that combines all three of those happens: baseball! Thankfully, Savannah’s very own home team The Sand Gnats have many upcoming games where you can come out, cheer for the team, and stretch in the 7th inning.

Sand Gnats Home Game Schedule

Country gospel returned to Savannah last Friday night with the Oak Ridge Boys. Nearly selling out the Johnny Mercer Theatre, the legendary group comprised most notably of lead singer Duane Allen, tenor Joe Bonsall, baritone William Lee Golden and bass Richard Sterban still knew how to woo their audience. Their charismatic and friendly demeanor was engaging and even at times over the top. Nevertheless, the enthusiasm of the the group was contagious and quickly had the women cheering and screaming.