Savannah is proud to be a thriving arts city with museums and local exhibitors in abundance along the streets of our Historic District. That’s why we are very excited to welcome PULSE, a ten-day arts/tech festival presented by the Telfair Museums. An artist and techie’s dream, the festival features an array of visual and musical arts, robotics, lectures from the art world’s elite, highly specialized art fabrications and technologies, sound installations, circuitry and multimedia mastery. Celebrating technology and creative innovation, all exhibitions, performances, lectures, workshops and events are free and open to the public thanks to funding provided by the City of Savannah, although reservations are required to attend workshops.

This year’s featured exhibition will be a 10-year survey of work by renowned light sculptor Leo Villareal, organized by the San Jose Museum of Art. In addition, the festival will feature an exhibition and programs by artists working within the medium of videogames, performances by national and local electronic music groups, an evening of projections and light installations and a “Green Machine” Art Bike Ride, coordinated with the Savannah Bicycle Campaign. PULSE truly meshes with Savannah’s unique spirit, and we encourage you to take advantage of it by attending at least one of the events. For the full line-up please see the Telfair Museums’ website.

The Savannah Theatre crew is staying busy. Earlier this month we told you about “Grease” and “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change”, both in February. Now we want to tell you about a third show they are putting on called “The Great American Songbook”.  Featuring the greatest jazz singer ever to live and perform in the Savannah area, Huxsie Scott, “The Great American Songbook” highlights some of the best American songs of the 20th century. Huxsie Scott and your favorite Savannah Theatre cast members will sing classics from Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, Cole Porter and Savannah’s own Johnny Mercer. Join them as they go through the many memorial moments with the cast and band, and you’re invited to sing along. The show is Friday, February 24 – Sunday, February 26. And with only three performances, you don’t want to miss it! Buy your tickets online or at the box office!

His movies leave audiences in stitches from laughter, and now, you can see why Tyler Perry is considered a comedic genius both on the silver screen and on stage with his celebrated musical, “The Haves and the Have Nots”. Playing on Tuesday, February 21 at the Johnny Mercer Theatre in the Savannah Civic Center, Perry brings his incredible screenplay to life with original music and a talented, hilarious all-star cast of characters. “The Haves and the Have Nots” tells a powerful story of love and honor told with honesty and brutal truth. Audiences will fall in love with Hattie, played by Patrice Lovely, and Palmer Williams Jr. as Floyd and their cast mates. Tyler Perry explores the heavy subject of class and poverty while keeping the storylines light and comical as only he can do. Tickets can be purchased online or at the Civic Center box office. See you at the show!

You’ve seen the videos; you’ve heard the hype; but have you ever seen it live? We’re talking about the Irish dancing phenomenon, Riverdance, coming to the Johnny Mercer Theatre on Thursday, February 16! Audiences all over the world have been mesmerized by the immense talent of the dancers and the careful precision of their movements. This theatrical sensation doesn’t come to Savannah often, so we invite you to take advantage of this one-night-only performance!

Celebrating the Irish culture, the international show started in Dublin, Ireland in 1995 and has since come a long way performing sold-out shows all year round. They are currently in the midst of their USA Tour and will also tour in Canada, Australia and Ireland in 2012 alone. We can talk all we want about how incredible this show is, but it’s really something you have to see to believe. It is truly the definition of entertainment, and we are honored to have them in Savannah. Tickets are available for purchase online, and we encourage you to get yours quickly! Let us also suggest staying in our preferred partner hotel, SpringHill Suites Historic District, which is literally walking distance from the Civic Center. You won’t even have to worry about parking!

When you think of February, you probably think of hearts, candy and cupid. Valentine’s Day is great, but just because we’re not New Orleans doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate Mardi Gras with the best of them! Head on down to beautiful Tybee Island on February 17 and 18 for the 4th Annual Mardi Gras Tybee celebration. If you’ve ever been to Tybee, you know the unique atmosphere and fun residents serve as a pretty natural setting for a Mardi Gras party.

Events will include a Masquerade Ball at Fannie’s on the Beach, the Mardi Gras Tybee Parade, the Mardi Gras Tybee Street Party featuring free live entertainment and more. You are invited to come all decked out in your purple, green and gold attire – and don’t forget the beads! The Masquerade Ball is Friday, February 17 from 8-11 p.m. and will feature a King and Queen costume contest, food, drink, dancing and live music from accordionist Dwight “Black Cat” Carrier. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. On Saturday, February 18, the streets of Tybee will be alive with street vendors, live music and an over-the-top parade with colorful floats and plenty of beads. It’s a party you don’t want to miss!

One of the most prolific and popular performers today is making a rare appearance at the Savannah Civic Center. Savannah is very excited to welcome world-renowned comedian, author, playwright, social critic and actor, Lewis Black, who will perform at the Johnny Mercer Theatre in the Savannah Civic Center on Sunday, February 12 at 8 p.m. Audiences are in for a treat as Black gives his satirical and hilarious opinion on our favorite topics including history, politics, religion, trends and cultural phenomena.

A regular on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, Black performs over 200 nights a year to sell-out audiences throughout Europe, New Zealand, Canada and the United States. Lewis’ live performances are described to “provide a cathartic release of anger and disillusionment for his audience.” This is a can’t-miss opportunity to see an artist who Comedy Central voted as one of the best comedians of all time, and we encourage you to purchase your tickets soon! Please also consider booking your stay at the Springhill Suites Historic District, located within steps of the Savannah Civic Center giving you absolute best in comfort and convenience. Book today!

Stay in Savannah would like to welcome the Florida State University ice hockey team to the SpringHill Suites Historic District! The team will be competing in the Savannah Tire Hockey Classic tonight, Friday and Saturday at the Savannah Civic Center. If you see them around town, be sure to give them a warm Savannah welcome. And don’t forget to get your tickets for the Hockey Classic online or at the door before they sell out. Good luck guys!