Savannah, GA – February 5, 2010

The Third Annual Savannah Morning News Savannah Book Festival regretfully announces that Mary Chapin Carpenter will not be appearing at the Celebrating Eudora Tribute Concert.

This historic concert will still take place on Saturday, February 6, 2010 at 8 pm in Trinity Church on Telfair Square with the three other wonderful singer-songwriters—Kate Campbell, Caroline Herring and Claire Holley—who plan to give their audience an exciting, moving performance in tribute to southern writer Eudora Welty!

Here is the official statement from Mary Chapin Carpenter:

“Due to extreme, ‘State of Emergency’ weather conditions throughout the eastern seaboard, Mary Chapin Carpenter’s appearance as part of the Savannah Book Festival has been regretfully cancelled. The Celebrating Eudora event will go on as scheduled with appearances by Kate Campbell, Claire Holley, and Caroline Herring. Ticket refunds will be made available from the Savannah Box Office to those who no longer wish to attend. ‘While I have always been a snow lover, I am not this weekend, as it causes me to miss joining up with my friends Kate, Claire and Caroline in Savannah,’ Carpenter explains. ‘Hopefully it won’t be too long before we can reconvene and join voices again to celebrate Eudora Welty in stories and songs.’”

Writer Georgianne Nienaber, who has seen two of these special concerts around the country, wants the public to know that this show will be spectacular, despite the absence of Mary Chapin Carpenter:

“It is a shame that the brutal weather has forced Mary Chain Carpenter to cancel her appearance at the Celebrating Eudora Concert at the Savannah Book Festival. However, as someone who has seen and reviewed this wonderful concert twice, I can all but guarantee that Claire Holley, Caroline Herring, and Kate Campbell will provide a beautiful and memorable evening. These women are consummate professionals and incredible singer/songwriters. I, for one, am looking forward to how they will take the Eudora tribute and soar.”

Georgianne Nienaber—Author, Journalist

For anyone wishing to refund a refund for their concert tickets to this amazing performance—which, again, will still go on with the remaining three singer songwriters—please contact the Savannah Box Office at www.savannahboxoffice.com; by phone at 912-525-5050; or in person at the Savannah Box Office window, 216 E. Broughton Street, Savannah, GA, 31401.

The Savannah Book Festival, which will take place February 5-7, 2010 in and around Telfair Square, is an annual, free and open to the public celebration of the written word and its role in improving the human experience.  Our mission is to promote reading, writing and civil conversation.  For each of the past two years, the Festival has attracted dozens of popular and critically acclaimed authors and thousands of readers from all over America to Savannah’s Telfair Square, and the culturally significant buildings that surround it—Telfair Academy, Trinity Church and Jepson Center for the Arts.  Within these beautiful venues, the Festival’s authors and their readers experience the intimacy and hospitality for which Savannah is famous.

See you at the Festival!

with Kate Campbell, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Caroline Herring and Claire Holley

Presented in collaboration with the Savannah Music Festival

Co-sponsored by Carolyn Luck, & by John and Stephanie Duttenhaver

The Savannah Book Festival is offering a new ticketed musical event at this year’s Festival: five-time Grammy Award-winner Mary Chapin Carpenter and three other renowned singer-songwriters–Kate Campbell, Caroline Herring and Claire Holley–will perform a unique tribute to the late Pulitzer Prize-winning Southern writer Eudora Welty in a tribute concert the evening after the Savannah Book Festival on Saturday, February 6th, 2010, in Trinity Church.

Presented in collaboration with the world-renowned, award-winning Savannah Music Festival, this exciting addition to the Festival schedule will feature Carpenter, Campbell, Herring and Holley singing their own songs chosen specifically for and inspired by the literary legacy of Mississippi writer Eudora Welty, whose 100th birthday would have been April 13th, 2009. The concert, which debuted at the centennial celebration for Welty earlier this year, received rave reviews, and it is in perfect keeping with the Savannah Book Festival’s mission to promote the written word, particularly the work of Southern authors.

Taking place in historic Trinity United Methodist Church at 8 pm on Saturday, February 6th, 2010, the concert will be a ticketed fundraising event for the Festival. Tickets for $50 are on sale now through the Savannah Box Office.

Sponsored by

The Festival is also thrilled to welcome back Festival favorite Julia Reed as our Sunday Brunch Speaker. Ms. Reed is the author of Queen of the Turtle Derby and Other Southern Phenomena; Ham Biscuits, Hostess Gowns and Other Southern Specialties: An Entertaining Life (with Recipes), a collection of her essays on food for the New York Times Magazine and The House on First Street: My New Orleans Story, a memoir. The fundraising Sunday Brunch and talk by Ms. Reed, a much-anticipated event in Savannah’s social calendar, will be held in Jepson Center for the Arts on Telfair Square from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm.  Ms. Reed will be introduced by Savannah College of Art & Design President Paula Wallace.  Tickets for $75 are on sale now through the Savannah Box Office.

Sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Dick Eckburg

The Savannah Book Festival is proud to announce that internationally renowned and bestselling thriller writer Vince Flynn will kick-off the 2010 Festival with a Keynote Speech on Friday, February 5th, 2010 at 5:30pm. Sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Dick Eckburg and hosted by Trinity United Methodist Church and free and open to the public, this exciting talk will feature a presentation by Vince Flynn, author of several New York Times bestselling novels, including his latest, Pursuit of Honor. Flynn’s novels feature counterterrorism operative Mitch Rapp, who proves himself to be a hero unafraid “to walk the fine line between the moral high ground and violence” (The Salt Lake Tribune) for our country’s safety, for the sake of freedom, for the pursuit of honor.

Mr. Flynn will also appear during the Festival itself on Saturday, February 6th, 2010, again in the sanctuary of Trinity Church, to talk about his life in letters and his eleven novels, several of which are a part of the beloved Mitch Rapp series. Mr. Flynn, who overcame dyslexia and went on to fame and fortune as a writer, supports many worthy charities, including Tee it Up for the Troops and the Marine Corps-Law Enforcement Foundation.

Presented by the Savannah Morning News/Savannah Book Festival and co-sponsored by Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church and Unitarian Univeralist Church, this exciting, FREE event will feature a talk by Mr. Feiler, followed by a question-and-answer session and author signing.

In America’s Prophet, Mr. Feiler turns his attention to America in a groundbreaking look at how Moses shaped the nation’s character–and how he can guide us in a time of crisis.

Here’s what critics are saying about America’s Prophet:

“This is one of the most original, intelligent and endlessly fascinating books I have read in years: it should become a set book for anyone wanting to know what truly makes America tick.”  Simon Winchester

“What a smart, original and deeply intriguing reflection on the role Moses played–yes, Moses–in U.S. history.  Bruce Feiler at his innovative best: compelling, sweeping and engaging.  Highly recommended!”  Douglas Brinkley

America’s Prophet and other books by the author will be available for purchase, and Mr. Feiler will sign books following the presentation.  Book sales by ExLibris/Follett.

Wednesday, October 14th, 2009 at 7:00 pm
Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church, 429 Abercorn Street @ Gordon on Calhoun Square in historic downtown Savannah.

FREE and open to the public.  For more information, call 912-358-0575.

Click here for more details.

New York Times Bestselling Author Dorothea Benton Frank

July 15, 2009 at 7:00 pm
Trinity Church. 225 West President Street @ Barnard, Savannah, Georgia
$12 per person, $10 for paid “Friends of the Savannah Book Festival” members. 
Tickets available at the door or at www.scadboxoffice.com, 912-525-5050.

Click Here to View Details.

Ten years and ten New York Times bestselling novels later, Dottie Frank has returned with the long awaited sequel to her debut novel, Sullivan’s Island. Dottie will discuss her new book, Return to Sullivans Island, and sign books afterwards.  First edition hardback copies will be avaiable for sale at the event, $25 tax included.

 If you can identify with the foregoing verse, then you may have been one of the thousands of readers who converged on Savannah’s Telfair Square and treated themselves to this year’s Savannah Book Festival.  We hope that we exceeded your expectations.

2009 Keynote speaker Roy Blount, Jr.

Our Friday night keynote address was standing room only, filling the beautiful and historic Trinity Church to the rafters.  On Saturday, the weather was beautiful, our attendance skyrocketed to new heights, the authors were fascinating, and Telfair Square was alive with people from all over the United States who came to hear and meet their favorite authors, buy books, eat wonderful food and drink in the festival atmosphere. Sunday’s Brunch on the Square with Paula Deen was a sellout, with Savannah’s most famous restaurateur closing the festival with a rollicking good time.

But no one person or committee produces an event of this caliber alone.  

Our volunteers made things happen!

It happens through the year-round efforts of our hardworking board members and dedicated volunteers; through collaborating organizations and individuals who assist with programming and marketing; through the generosity and vision of our donors and sponsors; through the professionalism of our vendors; and our wonderful authors, many of whom waive their customary fees to appear at our festival. 

The contributions of each person and organization helped immeasurably to shape the Savannah Book Festival into a world-class literary event in only its second year of existence. If you assisted with, contributed to or attended this year’s Savannah Book Festival, we thank you for your confidence in our efforts.  In these difficult economic times, your continued support  is needed for the festival to grow and prosper.  We promise to work to improve the Festival each year to merit your support.  

For now, keep in touch with us by signing up (on the left hand side of our home page) to receive emailed updates on the 2010 Festival and our quarterly Friends of the Savannah Book Festival events.  We will keep this site updated with current news and we’re planning a book event for June 2009 that’s sure to be a blockbuster!  Donate if you can, and encourage your friends to become involved with the Savannah Book Festival.  We have needs throughout the year, not just at Festival time the first weekend in February!   

Thanks again, and stay tuned for further developments.   

Author Bailey White with a tentful of old and new fans.

Friday, February 6, 2009
Keynote Address
Free and Open to the Public
The festival kicks off at Trinity Church at 5:30 pm on with a keynote address by humorist and author Roy Blount, Jr., introduced by Julia Reed, returning to this year’s festival by popular demand.

The Keynote Address sponsored in part by  Elizabeth Oxnard and Carolyn Luck

Saturday, February 7, 2009 Main Festival Day
on Telfair Square
Free and Open to the Public
The Festival continues from 10 am through 5 pm on Telfair Square and the historic buildings around the square, with:
 - Six literary venues; more than 40 authors speaking to audiences throughout the day
 - Book signings after each author presentation
 - Family Activities venue, including a performance by singer-songwriter Caroline Aiken; storytellers, children’s book authors, art demonstrations and spoken word performances
 - Book sales by Follett/Ex Libris
 - Food vendors from local restaurants
 - Exhibitors, including a local authors marketplace 

Sunday, February 8, 2009
Sunday Brunch on the Square
with Paula Deen
We wrap up with a brunch fundraiser at 12 noon on Telfair Square, featuring Savannah’s own Paula Deen, and catered by her world-famous restaurant, The Lady & Sons.  Tickets $75 to benefit the Savannah Book Festival.  Visit www.scadboxoffice.com or call 912-525-5050 for tickets. Service charges apply.

Brunch on the Square with Paula Deen is sponsored by Piggly Wiggly, Elizabeth Oxnard, Don and Kay Gardner and Carolyn Luck.

Paula Deen will headline the closing event of the Savannah Book Festival

Tickets to the Savannah Book Festival’s closing event, “Brunch on the Square with Paula Deen,” are selling like, well….hoecakes!

Savannah’s own culinary star and restaurateur – Paula Deen – headlines this event, which will take place on Sunday, February 8, 2009 at 12 noon on Telfair Square.  Sharing the spotlight with Paula is her fabled southern cuisine from The Lady & Sons.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to visit with Paula in a beautiful and intimate setting.  After the brunch, Paula will sign books.*

Tickets for this event are available now at www.scadboxoffice.com, or by calling 912-525-5050.  Service charges apply.  All proceeds benefit the Savannah Book Festival.

Limited to on-site purchases, please.  Book sales by Ex Libris.

Charles Bracelen Flood was born in Manhattan and graduated from Harvard, where he was a member of Archibald MacLeish’s noted creative writing seminar. The 12 books he has written include the novels A Distant Drum and More Lives Than One, as well as The War of the Innocents, his account of a year spent in Vietnam as a correspondent. Flood’s Rise, and Fight Again won the American Revolution Round Table Award in 1976, and Hitler-The Path to Power was among several successful studies in history and biography that followed.  Flood’s first venture into the Civil War era was Lee-The Last Years. In Grant and Sherman: The Friendship That Won the Civil War, Flood explores their remarkable partnership, which helped see an entire nation through perilous times. Flood’s newest book is 1864: Lincoln at the Gates of History, and will release in February, 2009 – the bicentennial month of Lincoln’s birth.

About the Second Annual Savannah Book Festival

The Savannah Book Festival is an annual event for adult readers that takes place in and around Telfair Square in historic downtown Savannah, Georgia.  The Festival begins on Friday, February 6^th at 5:30 pm with a keynote address by southern humorist and author Roy Blount, Jr. in the sanctuary of Trinity Church. Blount will be introduced by another southern humorist and author, Julia Reed – returning this year by popular request.  This event is free and open to the public.

On Saturday, February 7^th, beginning at 10:00 am and ending at 5:00 pm, more than 40 nationally-known authors will make hourly talks at different venues in Telfair square and the stately buildings surrounding the square. Authors from Fiction, History & Biography, Contemporary Issues, Lifestyle and Poetry genres will address their audiences. The Savannah Book Festival employs a one-author/one-audience format; each author speaks informally and directly to his or her audience, with questions welcomed.

Following their presentation, each author will sign books in the Book Sales Tent adjacent to Telfair Square. Books by all authors participating in the Festival, plus additional books with regional interest, will be available for purchase on site.

In addition to author presentations, Family Activities will be available in a tented venue on Telfair Square.  This venue will feature storytellers, children’s book authors, a performance by singer-songwriter Caroline Aiken and spoken word artists. 

In the areas surrounding the square will be food vendors and exhibitors, including publishing companies, booksellers and literary non-profits. New for 2009 is the Local Author Marketplace, where emerging and self-published authors may exhibit and gain exposure to audiences.  All Saturday events are free and open to the public.

Brunch on the Square with Paula
The Savannah Book Festival concludes on Sunday, February 8th with a fundraising “Brunch on the Square with Paula,” featuring Savannah’s own restaurateur and Food Network star, Paula Deen.  Paula is bringing along her famous southern cuisine from The Lady & Sons especially for this event.  Tickets are $75 and now on sale at www.scadboxoffice.com or at 912-525-5050.  Service charges apply. All proceeds benefit the Savannah Book Festival. 

For further information about the Savannah Book Festival, call our office at 912-358-0575.