Colonial Park Cemetery, SCAD Film Fest & A Nightmare on Congress Street

Good morning, Savannah!

In today’s newsletter:

• Colonial Park Cemetery

• SCAD Film Fest

• A Nightmare on Congress Street

Let’s get to it.

-Jay Paszamant

INBOX INSIDER

Tales from the Tombstones: Savannah's Colonial Park Cemetery

In the heart of Savannah, Georgia, lies a six-acre plot of land that's been quietly collecting stories for over 270 years. Colonial Park Cemetery, established in 1750, is less a resting place for the dead and more a lively archive of the city's most colorful tales. It's a place where history and mystery waltz together in a macabre dance, leaving visitors to wonder if they're stepping on hallowed ground or the world's most elaborate stage for ghost stories.

Consider, if you will, the curious case of Rene Rondolier, the cemetery's resident giant. At seven feet tall, Rene was said to tower over his victims - two unfortunate young girls - before meeting his untimely end at the hands of an angry mob. Now, his shadowy figure allegedly stalks the grounds, perhaps searching for a tailor to fashion a ghostly outfit for his uncommon stature. One might say he's the ultimate example of someone who can't quite fit into their final resting place.

But Rene isn't the only one refusing to stay grounded. In 2008, a video surfaced of the "Jumping Boy," a spectral child with a vertical leap that would make NBA scouts weep. This ethereal youngster was caught on camera leaping impossibly high into a tree, presumably practicing for the afterlife Olympics. It makes one wonder if the cemetery's "No Playing Ball" signs should be amended to include "No Defying Gravity."

The cemetery's history took a particularly spicy turn during the Civil War when it reluctantly hosted a group of Union soldiers. These troops, apparently not content with merely occupying the city, decided to leave their mark on history—quite literally—by vandalizing gravestones. It seems that even in death, Savannah's residents couldn't escape becoming a canvas for wartime graffiti artists.

For those with a flair for the dramatic, Colonial Park was once the go-to spot for settling scores. Known as the "dueling grounds," it saw countless men trade lead over matters of honor, turning "till death do us part" into more of a short-term commitment. One can almost hear the ghostly echoes of "Ten paces, turn, and fire!" mingling with the more traditional "Rest in Peace."

Ultimately, Colonial Park Cemetery is a testament to Savannah's rich, sometimes dark, but always captivating history. It's a place where the lines between fact and fiction blur, where every tombstone tells a tale, and where the past refuses to stay buried. So next time you're in Savannah, stroll through this historic park. Remember to watch your step - you never know who (or what) you might disturb.

LOCAL WEATHER

Today - 🌦️ A 30 percent chance of showers before 8 am. The rain could be heavy at times. Cloudy through mid morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 🌡️ 87. Breezy, with a south wind 15 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 43 mph. 🍃 

Tonight - 🌙 Mostly clear, with a low around 🌡️ 71. The southwest wind is around 7 mph. 🍃 

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MORE LIVE MUSIC THIS WEEKEND

Friday, September 27th

• Victory Drive at the Warehouse: 9:00 pm - 1:00 am

• Phantom Wingo at Huc-A-Poos: 10:00 pm - 1:00 am

Saturday, September 28th

• Hitman at Two Cracked Eggs: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

• Bluegrass Brunch at Sea Wolf: 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm

• Open Bluegrass Pick at Savannah Guitar Lutherie: 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm

• Eric Daubert at Broken Keel: 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

• Hunter Price at Barrelhouse: 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm

• Joey Manning at A-J's Dockside: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

• Brian Bazemore at the Shrimp Factory: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

• Susanna Kennedy at the River House: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

• Claire Frazier & Frank Bright at Vic's on the River: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

• Jody Jazz Trio at Rancho Alegre: 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm

• Claire Vandiver at Churchill's: 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm

• Gabriel Donohue at Wexford Pub: 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm

• Brendan Nolan at Wexford Pub: 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm

• David Duckworth at Planters Tavern: 7:30 pm - 11:00 pm

• Real People, Beer, Protozoan, and Coffee Stain at El Rocko: 8:00 pm - ?

• LAX Band at Water Witch: 8:00 pm - 11:00 pm

• Literal Ginger at the Britannia: 8:30 pm - 11:30 pm

• Ember City at Barrelhouse: 9:00 pm - 1:00 am

• Jon Lee Murphy at the Warehouse: 9:00 pm - 1:00 am

• Dan & Friends at Huc-A-Poos: 10:00 pm - 1:00 am

Sunday, September 29th

• Equinox Jazz Brunch at Fleeting: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

• Open Mic at Flashback: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

• Blake Eason at Vic's on the River: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

• Open Mic at Mint to Be Mojito: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

• Joe Wilson at the Warehouse: 6:30 pm - 10:30 pm

• Roy Swindelle at Nickie's 1971: 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm

EXTRA NUGGETS

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