As SCAD begins its long holiday break and the events calendar slows down - a little - it's a time for those who work more quietly in the local arts scene to take some of the spotlight.

One of the more under-the-radar events around town has been the monthly "Savannah Songwriter" series, a gathering of proudly local, longtime musicians who rotate venues around town in an effort to expand the universe of local music.

This past weekend, the classic ballroom at Johnny Harris on Victory Drive hosted the Savannah Songwriters. Performing were Eric Culberson, Kris Youmans, Roy Swindelle, and Joan Maute, photographed here by photographer extraordinaire Ann Sosbe.

The next edition of the Savannah Songwriters Series is Dec. 9 at Doc's Bar on Tybee. See savannahsongwriters.com.

Another local tradition - this one a bit more longstanding - kicks off this Sunday with the opening reception for the 18th annual "I Have Marks to Make" show at the Jepson, featuring work by those who have found therapeutic inspiration through art.

All that said, the biggest news in this week's paper involves the awesome lineup for the third edition of the Savannah Stopover, of which Connect Savannah is extremely proud to be a founding sponsor. This year, among other shows, we're sponsoring the free, all-ages opening performance in Forsyth Park by Athens band of Montreal. And while the Stopover itself is in March, there's a special launch event this Friday at ThincSavannah on Ellis Square.

Read more about it all in Bill DeYoung's special extended column.