The South is known for good food, southern hospitality, and of course, great music.  What better way to celebrate music from the South and all across America than a competition?

The American Traditions Competition for Singers is about to enter its 17^th year, but this is the first year it will stand on its own instead of being a part of the Savannah Music Festival. Elizabeth Oxnard, president of the board of directors, said, “The festival is so big and marvelous that it dwarfed the ATC, so we decided to take it out and make it stand alone.”

Though host Lady Chablis may not sing “There She Is, Miss America” at the Miss Savannah Pride Pageant at Club One on July 29, the winner is sure to be the “queen of femininity” that the song describes.  In its eleventh year, this beauty pageant with a twist celebrates style and talent—and it’s a fundraiser for Savannah Pride, a local LGBT (lesbian, gay, bi, and transgendered) organization that hosts the annual Pride Festival in Savannah.

The show starts at 10 PM; there will an $11 cover charge. Hosted by Savannah celebrity Lady Chablis and Kristina Foxx (who impersonates another Savannah favorite, Paula Deen), the pageant will feature talent from Savannah’s LGBT community as contestants don their best drag.

“With infectious tunes, a jaw-dropping stage show and equal doses of hits and hugs, Sick Puppies are striking a blow against the horde of faceless modern rock bands that are virtually all the same.” [from Wagatail's website.]

Cost: $22

More info: livewiremusichall.com/

The sun’s perfect lighting makes Savannah summers ideal for taking photos. We wanted to help you and your family find your way to a “Picture Perfect Summer” so here’s a guide to getting your best “photo-opt” in scorching summer heat.

Shannon Christopher specializes in wedding portraits with an editorial look. The Savannah heat doesn’t always help when it comes to making the groom and bride to be camera ready.

“Three H’s! Heat, humidity, and harsh shadows are obvious dislikes when it comes to making images in the summer,” said Shannon Christopher in regards to capturing prenuptial moments in the summer.“The best way to battle the heat is not fight it if possible. Engagement sessions are scheduled with just a few hours of daylight left and if it’s a daytime wedding window light works great, if your outside open shade is your friend.”

As media coverage of the BP Gulf oil spill begins to recede, Savannah locals are trying to reel attention back in and continue to help.

“We’re trying to counter people’s tendencies to let attention drift,” said Jerome Meadows, director of the Indigo Sky Community Gallery. The Gallery has released a call for entries for a special exhibition called “Spill” that responds to the Gulf oil disaster. Artwork can be of any shape, size or medium as long as it deals with the Gulf Oil Spill or another environmental crisis.

“It’s a different angle on the issue,” said Meadows. “Not a political or economic angle, but an artistic angle that allows people to respond, share views, and create a discussion.”

Digital entries will be accepted until September 17th, 2010 (e-mail Galleryindigosky@aol.com for more information or to submit). The show itself will be in October. Meadows hopes the timing of the show will remind people of the issue and reopen the discussion. After the exhibition has been opened, Meadows plans to organize a forum to discuss both the art and the disaster that is its subject. The gallery may also offer information on how individuals can help.

The Strong Group is an efficient accumulation of three family owned construction companies. Each company specializes in a different construction industry, while all benefit from the common resources of the collective group.

Our company was founded on the premise that we would build affordable Solar appliances that exceed the dreams of our buyers. We strive for complete customer satisfaction in all aspects of our business

Our team at EnviroFOAM Technologies, Inc. is the coastal region’s premier licensed Icynene dealer, providing the industry leading spray foam insulation on the market. The cutting-edge insulation technology allows for substantial savings on energy costs, and we can spray foam your entire new home or existing roof, deck and/or crawlspace. With rising costs of energy, we can help you by providing high-performance insulation solutions at competitive pricing and unmatched service.

Pace Lighting is a 2010 National Showroom of the Year finalist as selected by the editors of Residential Lighting magazine! Pace Lighting showcases light fixtures for your kitchen, bathroom, dining room, outdoor patio, and home theater. In addition to light fixtures, Pace Lighting displays state-of-the-art lighting controls, a geothermal heating & cooling system, the latest in window shades, and via our partners, we have samples of cabinetry, counter tops, patio pavers, tiles, flooring, original artwork from Savannah area artists and more!

Over 18 years, the Earth Comfort Company has evolved in to a full service Renewable Energy contracting company. We started out offering geothermal heat pump installations for residential applications. We now provide the drilling component for the ground heat exchanger to anyone wishing to install a geothermal heat pump system in a home, development, commercial building,or military base. The inside equipment and ductwork can be installed by any competent heat pump installation company.