verge downtown augusta
free
play through downtown and discover more april 2009
verge / april / 3
contents 15
Play Through Downtown Downtown offers fun alternatives during Masters week
17
The Man Behind The Morris Kevin Grogan takes museum to next level of art
19
Rethread My Closet New stores specialize in truly “recycled” clothing
21
The Carolina Chocolate Drops African American bluegrass band comes to Imperial
23
A Solo Journey Out To Sea Wave Vidmar prepares to brave the Atlantic in a row boat
24
29
gallery: Virginia Scotchie soundcheck: Dinosaur, Jr. onstage: ‘Bama Girl offstage: Tea with Jane Austen The Good Chow Guide An easy way to discover downtown’s diverse eateries
43
on the horizon / May’s Loft Tour Historic Augusta plans for annual downtown living tour
experience more
5 7 9 11 13 27 31 35 39 41 45 47 volume two issue two
smatterings quick clips discover downtown / CADI celebrates first year he saw she saw / the karps front porch / jeff abell good chow / the bee’s knees pipeline / get plugged into april’s events april’s concert choices / mccranie cd release past times / hildebrandt’s explore downtown reverberations / science friction a shot with pow pow on the cover: fountain at jessye norman amphitheater original oil on canvas by Margaret Ann Smith
4 / april / verge
verge / april / 5
verge
smatterings / notes from the publisher But now we must pick up every piece Of the life we used to love Just to keep ourselves
publisher Matt Plocha
At least enough to carry on… And now we ride the circus wheel With your dark brother wrapped in white
editor Lara Plocha
Says it was good to be alive But now he rides a comet’s flame And won’t be coming back again The Earth looks better from a star
pipeline editors Claire Riche Joyce Tahop web guy Andy Donnan
That’s right above from where you are He didn’t mean to make you cry With sparks that ring and bullets fly On empty rings around your heart
indie album to come out of the 90’s. The
our downtown went deeper than anyone saw on
The world just screams and falls apart.
album is Neutral Milk Hotel’s In the Aeroplane
the surface. Ray and Will embodied the spirit
Over the Sea. A few days ago, I listened to the
of our community with their unselfish actions.
album again, in remembrance of my friend. I
Both always had a good word and never spoke
recommend anyone who knew Ray (or not) to
poorly of anyone. Both provided support to
get a copy, close yourself off and listen to it front
those who asked and to some that didn’t. Both
to back. It’s a great journey of life and all things.
always had a shoulder to lend and five minutes
Publisher note: this album is not for everyone. Be
to share. Both gave until they had nothing and,
warned – the lyrics are “colorful” to say the least
then, found a way to give some more.
Our
downtown
community
suffered
two
tremendous losses in March. Two beloved
photographers Elizabeth Benson Katie McGuire Editorial content of verge is the opinion of each contributing writer and is not necessarily the opinion of verge, its staff or its advertisers. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.
members of our “family”, Garland “Ray” Cotten and Will Fahnoe, passed on, each with his own special traits and talents, diversely different and uniquely the same.
Each man had an
unmistakable zeal for downtown Augusta. I chose the above lyrics from an album for which Ray Cotten and I shared a passion. “Well, time to go somewhere else now,” Ray would say as he turned up the volume and drifted away to a contemplative place. This album was our
copyright 2008, 2009 verge all rights reserved
connection. He would throw it on at Metro
verge is a free monthly publication
the day’s crossword puzzle before tending to the
verge is printed on 50% recycled stock. It may be recycled further, please do your part.
Coffeehouse first thing in the morning, rubbing the previous night’s charade from his eyes, grabbing a big glass of cold milk and starting daily chore of opening up. A fresh pot of coffee would be ready because he knew I would be stopping by well before “normal” hours. That was Ray, no matter the situation or circumstance he was always thinking of others first. Conversation would turn from suggestions for
contact us 706.951.0579 publisher@vergelive.com
10-across to the deeper meaning behind the
advertising publisher@vergelive.com
of all time, just from the sheer complexity of the
got a story tip? editor@vergelive.com free event listings pipeline@vergelive.com letters to the editor editor@vergelive.com mail 1124 Broad Street Augusta GA 30901 submit your ideas editor@vergelive.com
www.vergelive.com
music’s lyrics. (There are no more acrosses or downs to consider, just “up,” Ray). We agreed that this album placed in our top five favorites lyrics let alone the quirky music. The band is from right up the bend in Athens, Georgia. We always shook our heads in disbelief that they never got much airplay until after breaking up. Especially now that the music industry rank and file says it may be the best and most complete
– like my friend Ray. Listening to the lyrics, my thoughts wandered to
the downtown family. Their dedication should
Will Fahnoe. Will was one of the original Artist
be inspiration for us to carry on their examples
Row founders and his love of art was reflected in
of unselfishness and giving. Inspiration for us
his work. You can see it in his art on the buildings
to carry on the desire for a better community.
in downtown and on the canvases he painted at
Inspiration for us to carry on putting others first
his studio on Eighth Street. Will’s passion for
even if that means going without. Let’s embody
downtown, art and community was deep. He
life as these two men embodied life: unrelenting
poured his energy into making downtown a
in their pursuit for a better community for you,
better place and passionately pursued it through
for me and for our families.
his art. He knew the importance of community,
8th Street Tobacco 8th Street Tobacco Artistic Perceptions blue magnolia Cloud Nine Costumes by Michele Elduets Treasures of the World Ninth Street Wine Market Paper Vinyl Cloth PeachMac Quilt Shop on The Corner Revolve Rock Bottom Music
What a beautiful face
the influence it had on the public and worked
I have found in this place
hard at building a healthier and better city
That is circling all round the sun
center for all. Will’s energy and enthusiasm is
And when we meet on a cloud
missed and hard replaced.
I’ll be laughing out loud
My focus shifted again, this time to a broader
I’ll be laughing with everyone I see
picture of our downtown community and just
Can’t believe how strange it is
how interconnected we are. The outpouring
to be anything at all.
of love and emotion for both these men had me in silent awe. We have been writing about the key words for several months: koinonia (community by intimate participation), doulos
Ray, I am shaking my head in disbelief as I try to figure out these lyrics while picking up the pieces.
(devoted to another to the disregard of one’s
Gentlemen – thank you. I think I can honestly
own interests), Non sibi sed aliis (“Not for
speak for all when I say “We will miss you
ourselves, but for others”), and there it was,
downtown.”
plain as day, displayed right in front of me.
Matt
Community. Our Community. The impact
lyrics from “Holland, 1945” and “In the Aeroplane over
these men had on
the Sea” – Neutral Milk Hotel
find what you want / advertiser index
shops & galleries 38 47 46 25 6 6 40 16 37 10 6 28 2
Ray and Will were true and great contributors to
20 6 40 20 46
Vintage 965 Vintage Ooollee Window Gallery Woodrow Wilson House Zimmerman Gallery
entertainment & events 37 37 22 10 44 16
95 Rock Presents Acoustic Underground Augusta Players Le Chat Noir Lokal Loudness Sacred Heart
restaurants & bars 18
1102 Bar & Grill
27 24 48 42 10 28 46 44 36 26 32 12 28 14 8
Aroma Blue Sky Kitchen Boll Weevil Cafe Cafe 209’ Casa Blanca Club Rehab Fat Man’s Cafe’ Joe’s Underground The Loft Manuel’s Bread Cafe Metro Coffeehouse & Pub Nacho Mama’s New Moon Café Stillwater Taproom T-Boy’s Po’Boys
services 38 12 16 40 4 14 37 12 14 20 4 4
Americana Tattoo Casella Eye Center Dazzling Car Care Downtown Dental Halo Salon & Spa Health Central Klean Machine Modish Salon & Spa Perry & Company PowerServe Sanford, Bruker & Banks The Well
choose local first
6 / april / verge
Two Broads on Broad
verge / april / 7
quick clips taxation without representation: join the revolution on april 15 during the augusta tax day tea party Join the protest against overtaxation and irresponsible government on April 15 at the Jessye Norman Amphitheater on the RiverWalk from 5 to 10 pm. Over 300 cities across the nation will simultaneously gather to express grievances about the over taxation and socialization of our society. The Tea Party concept was born on February 19th when CNBC’s Rick Santelli yelled out on air to the floor of the Chicago Board of Trade “How many of you people wanna pay for your neighbor’s mortgage?” The immediate “boos” from the floor led Santelli to challenge President Obama and declare Chicago should have a “tea party,” mimicking the infamous Boston Tea Party of 1773.
downtown digs
cloud nine now offers simple jewelry repair
Tricia and Sam Hughes embraced the vision for the Downtown Augusta Alliance’s Brand New Deal event on March 14, 2009, dressing the part and posing here with Ooollee Bricker of Vintage Ooollee. Shoppers braved the chilly wet weather, with their economic stimulus checkbooks in hand, and filled their pockets (and tummies) with free stuff from downtown businesses. As one participant wrote in, “We had the best time. It gave us the chance to visit shops that we were not aware of.” Sae Shin of 1102 reported in, “We had over 100 checks redeemed and we’re ready to do it again!”
Sort through the odds and ends of your jewelry box for all those busted earrings, tangled necklaces and missing clasps. Cloud Nine Natural is now offering simple repairs for costume jewelry. “The Jewelry Doctor” promises to help you keep those favorite pieces. Just drop it off and pick it
“a brand new deal”
gallery on the row introduces new artist Carol Kelly Dorn is the newest member of the cooperative gallery, Gallery on the Row. An oil painter, Dorn actively participates in the “Art From the Heart Project,” where Georgia portrait painters donate free oil portraits to the families of Georgia’s fallen soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq. Dorn understands being a “war orphan.” Her father, Major Charles L. Kelly, was the first media rescue helicopter pilot killed in the military detachment that famously became known as “Dustoff,” she relates very personally to the pain of those affected so tragically by the war.
up at 1036 Broad Street.
symphony says hello to kuwahara
Shizuo Z Kuwahara has accepted the offer to serve as Music Director of the Augusta Symphony Orchestra. One of five final candidates for the position, Kuwahara has conducted orchestras from Tokyo to Virginia to Philadelphia. Kuwahara recently won first prize in the prestigious Georg Solti International Conductors’ Competition in Germany. Klassik.com praised his performance, writing, “In terms of artistic courage, musical élan, and emotional identification with the score, surely for many in the audience Shizuo Kuwahara had the edge.”
zingo offers downtown revelers a safe way home
Downtown partying just got a bit better and safer with the introduction of new business, Zingo Augusta. Owners Turner Simkins and Travis Gamble say their desire is to help the human environment by providing a safe alternative to drinking and driving. The unique concept uses fully insured drivers on lightweight, Di Blasi folding motorbikes. Call Zingo and a designated driver shows up on said scooter, stows the scooter in your trunk and drives you home (or to the next stop on your evening out). Zingo runs everyday from 7 pm to 4 am. The cost $20 and $3 per mile. Less than a taxi or a DUI. Put it on your speed dial: 877.50.ZINGO.
Augusta’s tea party is being organized by Tony Powers of WNRR 1230 AM and the Columbia County Young Republicans. Powers says the gathering will be family friendly and peaceful. “We will exercise our rights: our freedom to gather and freedom to speak before they too are taken away.” For more details and updates visit www.AugustaTeaParty.org.
call for entries: submit literary work for the inkling
In celebration of the art of the written word, verge is now accepting entries for The Inkling, a new literary journal discovering the best in local prose, poetry and art. Named in honor of the informal Oxford literary club of the 30s and 40s, which included famed authors J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, The Inkling mirrors the desire to encourage pursuit of the written word, while providing mind-stimulating stories, essays and poems for consumption. A few submission guidelines: • Works must be previously unpublished • Stories or personal essays: up to 6,000 words; Short plays or poems: up to 4,000 • Art from cover art to literary cartoons, photography, paintings and drawings. • Include short biography and contact information. • Deadline for submission is June 30, 2009. • Send submissions to: editor@vergelive.com or 1124 Broad Street, Augusta, 30901. The first issue of The Inkling will be inserted into September’s verge.
ken burger signs new book at book tavern april 10 The Book Tavern hosts a special appearance by author Ken Burger. On Friday, April 10th, at 6 pm, Mr. Burger will be autographing copies of his first novel Savannah Swallows. Ken Burger swirls fact and fiction into a dark tale of one man’s greed and corruption, while steeping the story in mounting racial tension and increasing fear of the Cold War. Set against the realistic backdrop of Bluff County, South Carolina, Savannah Swallows explores the impact of the federal government’s bomb plant, our very own Savannah Nuclear Power Plant and Weapons Site, on the surrounding local community. Gary Smith of Sports Illustrated said of the book, “Clean prose. Deep slime. Ooze and ahs for Ken Burger’s riveting tale hewed from the backwoods and back rooms of a South Carolina he knows down deep.”
got news? we want to hear it
Whether it’s a new product line or an addition to your menu, a new employee or a new title, an addition to the family or a request for help, verge wants to hear from you. Send your “quick clips” to editor@vergelive.com by the 20th of each month for inclusion in the next issue. We’re here to help you spread the good news about your business.
8 / april / verge
verge / april / 9
discover downtown shop
dine
play
live
Augusta Visitor Info Center
Fat Man’s Riverfront Café
Guided Tours of Augusta
Adept Imaging
Located inside the Augusta Museum of History
Originally established as an old southern soul food
If you are new to Augusta or just want to know
Need help promoting your business or event?
on the corner of Sixth and Broad, the Visitor
restaurant, Fat Man’s Riverfront Café continues
more about the history of the city that you live
Collin and Jessica McCoy at Adept Imaging,
Information Center holds the proverbial keys to
its reputation for traditional comfort food. Their
in, Augusta offers two driving tours (one or
1432 Reynolds Street have the products you
the city: information on everything that can be
menu now includes a wide array of light lunch
two hours) that is great for a group activity.
need. They specialize in custom T-shirts,
done in and around Augusta. The information
foods, such as their homemade chicken salad,
During the two hour tour, participants are taken
embroidery, screen printing, vinyl decals,
desk assistant will help you find maps of the
and offers a full range of snacks including wings,
through Augusta’s historic downtown area,
promotional products, and more. Whether
area as well as brochures on activities and events
popcorn and hand-dipped ice cream. Connected
learning about the older homes and the original
branding your business’ logo, fund-raising
that are happening. Along with the wealth of
to Fort Discovery, the new location on the
families who lived in them, after which they visit
for a school event, creating a T-shirt for your
information, the Center is one of the only spots
RiverWalk levee is perfect for a family outing in
the Summerville neighborhood, discovering
local band, or planning a family reunion, their
where you can find Augusta souvenirs, including
the coming warm months and the outdoor patio
its early beginnings as a resort for those who
personal service will help you through the
hats, T-shirts, candy, local salsas and sauces, as
has a beautiful view of the Savannah River. They
wished to escape the heat and bugs of the river
process. If you stop by, you might be able to
well as Masters information and memorabilia.
also cater any size events and have an in-house
area. The one hour tour focuses on the Telfair
score an “I Love Downtown” T-shirt or koozie!
They recently began carrying Georgia souvenirs
meeting room. Owner Brad Usry offers free
district of the downtown area as well as a shorter
For a full lists of products, pricing, and any
as well. It’s a perfect place to start your Augusta
delivery as well. Patrons and members of Fort
trip to Summerville. Information on tickets and
other questions, the McCoys can be reached at
vacation. The gift shop and center is open Monday
Discovery also get 10% off of their purchase with
sign-up can be found at the Augusta Visitor
706.995.1120. Meetings and store hours are by
though Saturday: 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday: 1
their daily ticket stub. Open 10:30 am to 5 pm,
Information Center. Contact 706.823.6000 for
appointment only.
pm to 5 pm.
Monday thru Saturday. 706.733.1740.
more information.
560 Reynolds Street
One Seventh Street #104
560 Reynolds Street
1432 Reynolds Street
by ANDREW MULLIS photos ANDREW MULLIS
happy birthday CADI! / celebrating a safer, cleaner downtown March marked the first anniversary of the Clean Augusta Downtown Initiative (CADI), downtown Augusta’s Business Improvement District (BID). The team accomplished many great strides in its first year and, as a result, downtown Augusta is cleaner, safer and a friendlier place for our residents and visitors. The BID, which runs from the Savannah
River to Greene Street and from Thirteenth to Seventh Street, became a reality in June 2007 when 54 percent of the property owners in the district agreed to assess themselves additional taxes for a five-year period. The funds raised by this assessment are approximately $354,000 and a board of directors, comprised of the property owners themselves, determine how the funds are spent. To date, the funds are spent primarily
on clean and safe activities through CADI, which began operations in March 2008. “CADI’s first year has far exceeded everyone’s expectations. The positive letters and enthusiastic calls we have received are a true testimony to the program’s success as well as the first year statistics,” said Margaret Woodard, executive director of the Downtown Development Authority under which the program operates. In its first year, CADI recorded:
19 Property Damage Reports 78 Police Assistance 240 Outreach Referrals 149 Panhandling Reported 469 Property Owner Contacts 250 Pedestrian Assistance 30 TONS of Litter Removal
The program, which employs nine full-time positions, has steam cleaned and removed weeds from our sidewalks; provided escort services for employees; assisted with events such as the Mayor’s Masters Reception and James Brown Payback Concert, installed downtown’s Christmas Decorations and forged new relationships with city department heads to work on infrastructure repair.
Finally, to make downtown a friendlier environment, the Augusta Convention & Visitors Bureau provided hospitality training to the team. The training included tours of downtown museums and cultural venues and stops in local restaurants to sample their fares. Residents and visitors can now get firsthand recommendations on what to do while visiting. Congratulations to the CADI Program for a remarkable first year. We are cleaner, safer & friendlier because of you. by ANNE HUTTON photos KATIE MCGUIRE
10 / april / verge
verge / april / 11
he saw / she saw
two doctors tell a passionate love story for downtown augusta Petula Clark was right! Go downtown… The lights are much brighter there, you can forget all your troubles, forget all your cares. So go down town. Things’ll be great when you’re down town. There is no place in the CSRA like downtown Augusta. It is the heart and soul of the city and we love it. The excitement and cultural diversity is astounding and cannot be found in any other place in the CSRA. We know, we have lived here thirty seven years and looked high and low for good places to go. On a beautiful spring, summer, or autumn day, you might find the both of us sitting outside one of many of the wonderful eating establishments downtown. We may be having “Mama’s Special” at Casa Blanca Café (in the old JB White’s building) or a salad at the New Moon Café. Perhaps we are chomping on one of those big fat burritos at Nacho Mama’s at a sidewalk table or having a “linner” on the patio at the Marriott’s Augustino’s. Of course, Boll Weevil is tops. We still miss that little deck in the back where you could eat outside on a warm summer night (sigh!) Let’s pretend for a moment we are sitting outside at one of favorite downtown tables gawdy-gawking: “Oh, look, here comes a business group. Looks like lawyers. All dark suits. Don’t they look serious? And… right after them is some fellow with 12 earrings in his ears, eyes, nose, and mouth. Wait a minute, who’s this walking by? Some people working at the Board of Education building… all dressed up… looks like they are going to a business birthday lunch. What’s next? Here comes the preacher lady trying to convert some poor soul on Broad Street. Let’s look at our food and not make eye contact… maybe she will pass us by this time.” In five minutes, you can count dozens of people: short people, tall people, black people, brown people, white people, red people, yellow people, we even saw a purple person once (but that was First Friday, so it’s to be expected). You will see well-dressed people, hardly-dressed people, rich people, poor people, young people, old people, weird people, normal people… you name it and they will walk by. We constantly go downtown at night, too. There is nothing like getting all spiffied up and going to the Imperial Theatre for one of those great, professional productions by the Augusta Players (did you see Into the Woods? all I can say is wow!) or over to Le Chat Noir for some intense personal drama. One great thing about “Le Chat” (as the “in” people call it) is that the audience is just as much a part of the theatrical experience as the play. If the play gets too heavy, scrutinize the audience. You will definitely get your money’s worth!
Perhaps you will find us at an event on the Common or the RiverWalk, during Arts In the Heart or the Christmas Tree Lighting or one of the dozens of events that goes on down there. How about those jazz concerts at the Eighth Street Bulkhead overlooking the Savannah? Fantastic. On Sundays, you can find us at the Morris Museum of Art for their wonderful Sunday programs (they begin at 2 pm) or on Friday for their lunch-andlearns. When we were growing up, museums were never that much fun and you always had to be so quiet! Then, of course, we explore Fort Discovery and the public library (we can hardly wait until the new one opens). At night, we watch the downtown dynamics change right before our eyes. Try it. Go sit at Pizza Joint for a while and watch the families come in between 6 and 8 pm, the dating couples around 9ish, and the night owls and whatever else wanders in arrive around midnight. The whole restaurant changes ambience depending upon the hour! It is like a theatrical production. We’ve gone to the Evans Pizza Joint (we do live in Martinez), but the atmosphere there is nothing compared to the excitement downtown. We always laugh when we hear Augustans fighting for development dollars and where they should go. South Augusta? West Augusta? East Augusta? To us, it is very clear. The soul and identity of Augusta is downtown. It is the hub, it is the heart and it needs to be developed to stay that way. Renovating the Miller Theatre is exciting. We will start attending the Symphony again.
It was such a sterile experience having the symphony at First Baptist Church. One day, after America gets back on its economic feet, we may have a Performing Arts and Cultural Center downtown (if Columbus can do it, we can do it better!). We are looking forward to the Trade and Exhibit Center bringing in out-of-town diversity to the downtown area, too. Some of the most unique “objets d’art” we have bought came from Artists Row. If you are stuck for a unique birthday, anniversary, or Christmas present for someone you really love, go downtown! We even buy furniture downtown. The most interesting decorator items and piece of furniture we own comes from blue magnolia. You can look elsewhere in the CSRA, but there is no way to deny the uniqueness of downtown Augusta. So, remember Petula’s advice: “So go down town. Things’ll be great when you’re down town. Don’t wait a minute more down town. Everything’s waiting for you.” And, say “hello” to us as you walk by. You will recognize us by our two happy faces and our two bikes. “Wow,” downtown Augusta, keep up the good work! by DRS. WARREN AND NANCY KARP photo ELIZABETH BENSON Dr. Nancy Karp is a registered physical therapist, specializing in geriatrics. Dr. Warren Karp is a Professor Emeritus at MCG and Vice Chairman of the Columbia County Board of Health.
12 / april / verge
verge / april / 13
front porch / jeff abell (and ruby)
“it’s making music that’s allowed me to understand recording it.” Finally. The highly anticipated record you’ve been patiently waiting for is released. The vocals shine through, clean and resonant. The instrumentals relay a perfect composite of guitar and bass melodies, while the percussive rhythms solidly mix synthesized and organic drum kits. Subtle sounds of various instruments pass through the channels of your speakers and your ears couldn’t be happier with the complete sound. The process in producing an album goes far beyond the talent of the musicians involved. It’s a network of individuals working towards perfecting the final recorded sound. My fascination with the studio process spawned after a few years of living up north and meeting students in the Music Production and Engineering program at Boston’s Berklee College of Music. I spent my free time sitting in on recording sessions and expanding my curiosity on various equipment being used in the studio. When I moved back to Augusta in 2005, it was that environment that I missed that most, so when I met Jeff Abell, executive sound engineer for Clarity Studios, I was thrilled. Abell is a classic example of hip, down-to-earth professionalism. His broad knowledge of audio delves further than recording and engineering it; he understands the schematics of sound and what it takes to display it properly. After a brief stint in culinary school, Abell decided to attend Full Sail University’s Recording Arts program. He developed the ability to cover all aspects of production and sound design, focusing on recording audio through analog means. The boom of digital recording was still budding, so his work with Pro-Tools didn’t culminate until after Full Sail. “Back then, recording digitally wasn’t readily available like it is now, everything was analog.” Today, the debate of digital vs. analog recording continues to rage amongst sound enthusiasts. Many prefer one over the other, depending on preference, accessibility or budget. Abell states that both provide sufficient tools for production, each one having its own unique sonic quality. “Digital makes it affordable for people to record,” but he agrees that analog will never be a lost art. As a teen, Abell learned guitar and played songs into his four track recorder. “It’s making music that has allowed me to understand recording it,” he adds. After graduating Full Sail in 1996, he left for New York with a thousand dollars and an itch to work with his new craft. The story leads to the usual network of building connections and experiencing the industry in more realistic terms. His first studio job resulted in work with a cluster of hip hop artists, both mainstream and underground. Mobb Deep, Busta Rhymes, Alchemist and The Beatnuts all have Abell listed with engineering credit. For four years, Abell worked through New York’s circuit of studios and musicians until September 11, 2001, when the studio he currently worked with temporarily closed as it was in the quarantine zone. He moved back to the South and met Bruce Freshley. Clarity Studios hatched through Abell’s work with Freshley. The studio was built from the ground up with Abell executing all the engineering aspects. Locals groups Blue Collar Blue Heart, Keith Jenkins, Josh Pierce and Veara have all recorded at Clarity Studios, not to mention energetic punk/rap girl group T.B.U.C, who’s grimy, bass driven beats are courtesy of Abell. “It’s all networking,” Abell says as he adds artist after artist on his list of projects he’s proudly been a part of. After almost four years at its Washington Road location, Clarity Studios has renamed and relocated to Broad Street in downtown Augusta. Now dubbed Mixmaster Studios, the studio, under Abell’s direction, is already busy with upcoming work, including local rock act Edison Project and R&B singer Kudzo, along with Abell’s ongoing production of various local hip hop groups and radio commercial spots (one of which I got to be a part of). “Hip Hop is second nature to me,” Abell says, “and the commercials pay the bills.” With a few bigger named local groups recording in Athens and Atlanta, Abell isn’t discouraged. He’s glad for local bands
to branch out and work out of town, but he explains that the new studio is equipped and comparable to studios in Atlanta and much more affordable. With thousands of dollars invested to harbor top notch studio gear, Mixmaster Studios is set to provide musicians with all the tools they need to record. With a exceptional talent and creativity is the studio process, I wondered why Abell doesn’t pack his bags and head for Los Angeles. “My family is here,” he says. “My daughter, my friends, this is all my family”. Abell loves his career. He’s a definite figure in Augusta’s music scene, just not as visible. He’s the man behind the boards, layering vocals and tweaking the levels in an effort to make the music sound perfect through those speakers. Mixmaster Studios is located at 756 Broad Street, next to Rock Bottom Music. You can reach Jeff Abell at jeff@clarity.net or 706.667.0094. by JOYCE TAHOP photo KATIE MCGUIRE
14 / april / verge
Augusta’s Premiere Americana Showcase
974 Broad Street Augusta GA 706.825.9857
verge / april / 15
play through downtown / april 3 to 11
downtown invites you to discover, play and win during spring break Grab your favorite caddy and head to downtown Augusta for the second annual Play Through Downtown game, a fun way to discover the charming array of shops, restaurants and attractions only downtown offers. Designed to encourage visitors and locals to discover downtown Augusta in an interactive way, this year’s Play Through Downtown game combines the excitement of a scavenger hunt and the thrill of golf. David Hutchison, owner of The Book Tavern and one of the game’s original creators says, “d(a)² wanted to provide fun and excitement for Augustans who don’t go out of town during the Masters Tournament and allow visitors to the Masters to experience the best of what Augusta offers.” On First Friday, April 3, downtown turns into one giant golf course (figuratively speaking), with eighteen holes (aka shops and restaurants) of golf to play through and win. The concept is simple: pick up a scorecard at any participating business or at the First Friday tent. Walk the course by visiting each hole listed and look for the glass tee. Swing for par (or make a hole in one) by guessing the number of items in each glass tee. Record your scores. Turn in your card for the opportunity to win one of nineteen prizes by Saturday, April 11, at any of the “holes.” You must hit at least nine holes to be eligible to win. Gift certificates will be awarded to the persons who get closest to par (by having the closest guess) at each hole. A grand prize, the coveted white jacket, will be awarded to the person who has the most overall accurate guesses. “Whether you’ve got a big handicap or a small one, we hope you join us downtown for our local spin on this revered tradition,” says Kate Lee, owner of Oasis Garden. For more information, visit any participating store or go to dasquared.com.
cut out here SAMPLE GAME CARD cut out here
bringing vogue downtown / modish still lifes window models go ga ga for golf on april 11
Two mannequins dressed in dark Victorian garb and clutching red fans stare eerily from one window of Modish Salon, with almost identical piles of elaborate twists and curls perched upon their heads. In the opposite window, a larger group of frozen figures sit in a vintage boudoir looking as if they have been plucked from a still frame of a film and placed as crystalline bodies. Then, the mannequin blinks, nonchalantly moves an arm, rises and changes position completely, and you realize this is not a body made of ceramic and wire, but a body made of flesh and blood. These are live models. Modish’s still life model displays began in November of 2008. “We wanted to create something that not only attracted people to our salon, but provided people with entertainment,” says Patty Thelen, owner and head stylist of Modish Salon. “We have great windows, and we never know what to do with them. This turned out perfect.” With two windows to fill that first November, Thelen and fellow stylist Toni Horton set off to create their own diverse themes; Thelen choose the boudoir filled dressing room dolls and Horton, her Gothic twins. Using outfits from Vintage Ooollee and Costumes by Michele, the exhibit was successful for all. The stylists (and window gazers) had so much fun that they put on another still life display in March for Mardi Gras. “We love to play with hair,” says Horton. “I’ve always got crazy ideas I can’t just do because it’s not a standard cut or ‘do,’ but this is such a great creative outlet.” Vintage Ooollee was so impressed by the still life’s that they
requested to continue lending vintage garments for the window exhibitions. The next still life exhibit, “Modish Salon Goes Ga Ga for Golf ” is on Saturday, April 11. The display will showcase the talents of Patty Thelen and Toni Horton as well as local models and clothes provided by Vintage Ooollee.
See the girls go gaga for golf Saturday April 11th at Modish Salon, 1018 Broad Street. Call 706.722.1518 or visit myspace.com/modishsalon13 for more information. by ASHLEY PLOCHA photo TWELVE NINETEEN
16 / april / verge
verge / april / 17
the pulse of the morris / kevin grogan
the vision of one man enriches art in augusta
Wedged between the Savannah river and the city of Augusta, the Morris Museum of Art sits at the crux of the old and the new. Much as the river has been here since time immemorial, and human arts along with it, the Morris represents permanence to Augustans. On the other side, the city and its builders are changing. The Morris embraces that new vision as well. Kevin Grogan, Executive Director for the Morris, recognizes the need for balance and the difference between teetering on a fence and securely bridging two significant aspects of Southern art: the traditions of the region and the work of contemporary artists. “Museums fulfill different functions in different communities,” he says. The Morris seeks “to preserve the visual culture of the South.” What does that mean? The effort is twopronged and takes a whole flow-chart of museum staff to pull it all off successfully. The first prong is community outreach. Grogan is quick to defer praise for the wide range of activities that occur within the walls of the museum. The education department, led by Michelle Schulty and Sarah Alexander, is responsible for the majority of public programming. Affiliate organizations such as Friends of African American Art and the Collector’s Group also provide program potential. But the true heartbeat of the Morris lies firmly in the chest of one man, Mr. Grogan. It is his passion and insight that has placed the Morris Museum of Art as a leader in the arts community. The active Morris calendar demonstrates how it has become the pulse of the arts in Augusta. In April, programs include Grogan leading a discussion of the 1949 film Pinky, ceramicist and painter Tom Spleth lecturing during the Terra Cognita series, and gospel musician Mike Farris joining The Carolina Chocolate Drops at the Imperial Theatre as part of the Southern Soul and Song series. Later in the month, the Artful Garden lecture series features a garden designer and an environmental horticulture instructor, while the popular Toddler Time allows young artists to mimic the techniques of self taught painter Larry Connatser. Collections is the other major component of museum work, and it’s here that Mr. Grogan plays a more direct role. The Morris only displays about 140-150 of its 5000 permanent pieces. Still, there is an impressive variety of work on the museum floor. The permanent collection was “aggressively” drawn from 16 different southern states, but Grogan says they are still filling gaps in the collection and are currently looking for ways to get the remaining pieces on the road at other museums around the nation. The three-year arc in the exhibits schedule allows Mr. Grogan and his team to balance Southern art with other kinds of art to serve the needs and interests of as large
“artists are best served by the exhibition of their work... this is how we come to know ourselves.” a population as possible. Here again, the work of focus groups and surveys keeps the museum’s collection geared for the city it calls home. April includes special exhibitions of Edith Caywood’s simple and studied Southern iconography and Jim McGuire’s portraits of Nashville’s musicians. Larry Connatser’s “Southern Eccentric” dot paintings opens in May. Kevin Grogan has worked around the South curating and directing in museums like The Phillips Collection in Washington, D.C., and the Cheekwood Museum of Art in Nashville. When Billy Morris, founder of the Augusta museum, approached Grogan in 2002 looking for a new executive director, Grogan accepted. I walked through the collection on a recent Sunday afternoon (there’s free admission every Sunday) and found myself following a docent who was leading a young African-American couple on a tour. She discussed a slave portrait, Civil War paintings, Civil Rights artwork, and African-American art. It was obvious, from the couple’s positive response, that the Morris is a meeting place, a display of the South that all people can appreciate. “Artists in the CSRA are best served by the exhibition of their work,” says Mr. Grogan. “In a large way, this is how we come to know ourselves.” Grogan cites the “unusual
number” of professional artists in the area as an economic boon to the community that the Morris seeks to cultivate. A recently-released National Endowment for the Arts study indicates that almost 2 million Americans consider themselves artists, making up about 1.4% of the national labor force. These people, innovators by trade, can be jump-starts to the local economy if they are given the right kind of encouragement, Mr. Grogan suggests. At some point in history, museums gained a reputation as a function of the wealthy, a venue for preserving and displaying art for the artist or the collector. Or they were viewed as mediums for magnanimous social justice types to spread education among the poor. Both paradigms for a museum are only part right. In the beginning, museums of all kinds were characterized by an entrepreneurial spirit. This is the basis of The Morris as Mr. Grogan leads it: fresh ideas about art and fresh partnerships among all kinds of people coming together to make Augusta a better place to live for all its people. For more information on programming at the Morris Museum of Art, check out our Pipeline or themorris.org. The Morris is located at One Seventh Street and is open daily. by CHARLOTTE OKIE photo ELIZABETH BENSON
18 / april / verge
5VFBTEBZ /JHIU JT
4UFBL /JHIU $5 OFF all steak dinners
Filet Mignon - New York Strip - Ribeye Steaks
Master’s Week Back Bar Open 7 days!
1102
DOWNTOWN
BAR & GRILL
Every Thursday Night - Trivia 8:30 PM
First Friday - April 3 Pit Boss Friday - April 10 Traitor in a Second Friday - April 17 Reed Brown Beret Friday - April 24 Edison Project Live DJ Every Saturday Night
Great times with Great People!
verge / april / 19
rethread my closet / style on a budget
two new stores “recycle” clothes into new looks
revolve
One of t he most t axing p ar ts of t he 20t h centur y is t he pressure of s av ing t he env ironment. In lig ht of t his, we’ve b e come a more re c ycling-cons cious communit y, putt ing out our blue bins and s ep arat ing our p ap ers and pl ast ics. But t here is s o much more to re c ycling t han just c ans and b ott les; t he concept of “ret h re ading” (w hi le s ome w hat ne w to dow ntow n August a) is not on ly a way to t hr if t clot hes and pre vent waste, but s ave c ash and invent a st y le of your ow n. R e volve of fers a unique range of clot hes, f rom lig ht ly us e d denim minis to cow b oy b o ots and 70s dress es. The f ront of t he store fo c us es on young women’s mo der n t rends and has s e vera l s e c t ions w it h a var iet y of shap es and sizes. Whet her a p air of sk inny corduroys f rom t he sl acks rack or a f lower y blous e f rom of f t he wa l l; R e volve is sure to ple as e a maj or it y of its c ustomers. L i ke simi l ar stores such as R ag-a-R ama or Pl ato’s C los et, R e volve has b egun purchasing clot hes w hich are in s e as on and in go o d condit ion. D ow ntow ners c an b e t han k f u l t hat t he y don’t have to t rek to f ind g re at de a ls on g re at clot hes.
s h o p p e 31:30
B efore enter ing Shopp e 31:30, I had he ard it was a “t hr if t shop” of s or ts and s er ve d a s ome w hat older crowd (as opp os e d to my under 21 s elf ) but nonet heless was quite excite d t hat dow ntow n had anot her ne w pl ace to buy fashionable clot hes at inexp ensive pr ices. I was sur pr is e d, to s ay t he le ast. 31:30 has t he b eg innings of a b e aut if u l store. First of a l l, t he dé cor is amazing . O w ner Jennifer E l liott’s husb and, Jess e, ref urbishes ant ique f ur niture and tur ns do ors into a f unc t iona l dressing ro om, c ubbies into a splendid ly chic storage system and storage t r un ks into a g re at c ash w rap. S e cond ly, t he clot hes are not t he t ypic a l s e cond hand wares. From f l atter ing sk ir ts to br ig ht j e welr y, t he clot hes are p er fe c t for any woman lo ok ing for s omet hing smar t and comfor t able for work or c ute and st y lish for a nig ht out. The shop has a sma l l but g row ing mater nit y s e c t ion c a l le d Bump to Bump, a l l of w hich is consig nment, and a wonder f u l v int age rack.
Towards t he b ack of t he store lies t he v int age app arel, a t re asure t rove of clot hing for b ot h men and women. Patter ne d hig h waist dress es, v int age b as eb a l l t-shir ts, work p olo’s and g randma-li ke clutches are p er fe c t for any a lter nat ive st y le s e eker. Throw in an el ast ic b elt or si l k s c ar f and t he shopping is complete. Now I c an cont inu a l ly ret hre ad my clos et, w it hout bre a k ing t he budget or a swe at, and, one d ay, s ome one els e may invent a ne w st y le one d ay f rom my c astof fs.
The most impressive p ar t of t he store, howe ver, is t hat it is a p ar t ner minist r y of Bro ad St re et Minist r y C enter. The store t a kes its motto f rom its names a ke vers e, Proverbs 31:30: “C har m is de cept ive and B e aut y is f le et ing , but t he woman t hat fe ars t he L ord sha l l b e honore d.” Shopp e 31:30 wants to prov ide af ford able clot hing to women, w hi le encourag ing t hem to s e e t hat t he y are more t han t heir out ward b e aut y. C lot hing is donate d t hroug h t he BSMC Mond ay t hroug h Fr id ay, 9:30 to 4:30. A l arge p or t ion of a l l pro ce e ds f rom Shopp e 31:30 are donate d b ack to BSMC to help f und t heir many out re ach minist r ies.
REVOLVE 930 Broad Street. Open Tuesday through Saturday 10 am to 6 pm.
SHOPPE 31:30 1126 Broad Street. Open Wednesday to Saturday 10 am to 6 pm.
by ASHLEY PLOCHA photos KATIE MCGUIRE
20 / april / verge
verge / april / 21
carolina chocolate drops / imperial theatre on april 17
“we are able to create awareness about black culture and how it is connected to old music and country music after years of being in the background.” The Morris Museum of Art’s Southern Soul and Song concert series presents the Carolina Chocolate Drops on April 17 at the Imperial Theatre. The young, multi-instrumental string band trio of Rhiannon Giddens, Justin Robinson and Dom Flemons are nothing short of brilliant in their interpretation of traditional music, rich with fiddle, banjo and mountain sounds. Flemons, a native of Phoenix, Arizona, moved to North Carolina in 2005 after finishing college. It was there that he and Robinson, both learning from legendary string band player Joe Thompson, began developing a repertoire that led to forming the Carolina Chocolate Drops (CCD). “I was playing jazz, country, folk, bluegrass, and I added all those things I knew from those sounds into our string band,” he says. His musical journey began in fifth grade, when he played percussion in his school band. Already a singer, his arsenal of instruments steadily grew from cymbals, tympani, snare and bass drum to include harmonica, jug, guitar, four-, five- and six-string banjo, piano, Cajun accordion, bones, kazoo, quill and fife. Amazing, to say the least. The Carolina Chocolate Drops played their first gig in November 2005. Since then, says Flemons, the crest on their wave of popularity has yet to ebb, and for that the group is grateful. “Having Joe Thompson play with us has helped, along with good music and a solid set. The people who come to see us take away a bigger idea of the music, and a real advantage is that we have a big historical aspect to what we do. We are able to create awareness about black culture and how it is connected to old music and country music after years of being in the background.” This gives CCD a broad scope of performing options, from bluegrass festivals to classical concerts, jazz shows, clubs, Black History events and a lot of school shows. “Unlike most bands who are struggling for the next gig, we’re struggling for the time off to come home and have family lives,” says Flemons. “It’s an interesting struggle and the best problem you can have in the music business.” During those breaks, the trio work on new material, solo material and solo performances. “Having band and solo dynamics of different varieties fuels us,” says Flemons. There’s
also a new album in the works, which will probably see a release date in 2010. For CCD, it’s all about capturing the live performance in the studio, with not much in the way of plug-ins or comping. The upcoming album is being produced by Joe Henry and, says Flemons, “It’s interesting seeing what could be done, the line where Joe went with the music. The most important thing to him is finding the most natural performance. Up until this point, everything we did, we did in one day, and I’d mix with the engineer the next day. Everything else was different projects, like contributing to soundtracks and tribute albums. This is our first real major studio album, which we cut at Joe’s home in Pasadena. It’s the first time we’ve ever done anything like it.” Youngsters are a growing segment of those who are drawn to CCD, and that translates into an entire audience demographic. “People don’t live in a vacuum anymore,” says Flemons. “They’ve all had at least a little bit of popular culture, and that’s what folk music is now — a part of the American landscape. A lot of younger people are discovering and listening to the folk revival music of the 1960s; some of them are children and grandchildren who discovered their parents’ and grandparents’ records. That music is a part of their lives.” For Flemons, the highlight of CCD is seeing the impact the music has on audiences night after night. “To see people taking something away — it started four months after we became a band. People don’t have to give you anything, and at almost every show we have received a standing ovation from young and old people, from different genres of music. We’re teaching them about this music in a different way. I think that, in today’s times, people want to hear exuberant music so that they can get up and dance their blues away. It’s been very interesting to see that happen for us, and it’s a great thing.” The Carolina Chocolate Drops perform on the same bill with Mike Farris at the Imperial Theatre. Tickets can be purchased at the Imperial Theatre box office by calling 706.722.8341 or online at www.southernsoulandsong.org. by ALISON RICHTER photo COURTESY OF THE ARTIST
22 / april / verge
verge / april / 23
wave vidmar / adventurer by birth
begins new expedition right next door
Wave Vidmar’s last name means “Look at the sea.” It’s an imperative in Latin, a command to an individual. The name brings forth the vision a general telling his soldier to press on in the campaign, or a monarch urging an explorer toward the horizon where unknowns await. Or the memory of seeing the ocean for the first time and being overcome by its size: Look at the sea. There’s no sea in Augusta, but there is a Vidmar building a boat and looking very concretely toward the coast. On a recent warm day, the doors of his workshop on a street corner in Hammond’s Ferry were wide open. Patrons of Manuel’s Bread Café lit up the sidewalk, walking and talking and looking in on Wave Vidmar with curiosity. I wonder if this is how Noah felt, building an ark in the desert, surrounded by people who didn’t understand. Wave is taking a similar leap of faith: building an ocean row boat for a solo journey across the Atlantic ocean. A step-by-step guide for building an ocean row boat is posted on a window outside his shop, with images and computer-generated schematics under each step. Once completed, Wave will row the 3,300 nautical miles across the North Atlantic from the US to the coast of England, all alone. He will use cutting-edge rowing technology, including specially-designed Lithuanian oars built for flex to prevent the waves from ripping his arms out. He will carry everything he will need on the boat, including tools for doing repairs and even making parts while on the ocean. Wave is an adventurer by nature and by trade. This current project challenges both. Considered to be the most difficult solo ocean row there is, with 40-foot waves, Great White sharks, and a narrow four-month window of time to complete the journey, Wave must plan every last detail. His boat was designed for the worst-case scenario. It’s made to be strong and flexible from the inside-out, with a curved-foam inner structure and carbon-fiber and Kevlar outer surface.
“if we did all the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves.”
– thomas alva edison
Right now, a 24x6-foot wooden frame sits on the floor of his shop under a cathedral ceiling. The room is spare. In one corner, a piece of plywood on a sawhorse is a table, empty except for a laptop. The unfinished boat’s absence is a presence, expectant. Hopeful launch date is sometime between June 1 and July 31, out of Chatham, Massachusetts. But Wave remains vague. “It’s not so much about when I leave from here,” he explains, “It’s about getting to land on the other side.” In late October and early November, winds off the coast of England change direction and will push Wave away from land. A lot can be accomplished in three months. In January, he relocated to Augusta from California after taking his third bicycle ride across the country and discovering Augusta on two wheels. “Augusta is home now,” he says, remembering his warm reception by the people here. Within a few weeks, he’d made contact with the Augusta Rowing Club about his solo row idea. Next, he was speaking with Turner Simkins of LeylandAlliance LLC, Hammond’s Ferry developer, and found himself giving a presentation. Then Ken Newsome, who owns the building across from Manuel’s, offered the space to build the boat. Everywhere he turned, Wave found supporters. He is already well-known for his major North Pole expedition in 2004: a 600-mile solo trek through Russia to the North Pole. Considered the most difficult solo expedition, it involved skiing, swimming, and hiking 150 miles on a broken leg in sub-zero weather and an icescape that was constantly moving. It took him about two months. When he finally located the pole by GPS in late April 2004, he became the first American to reach it alone. In each expedition, Wave creates a strong educational and research component. Satellite phones and email in the Arctic allowed him to contact schoolchildren to relay his journey in real time. Wearing a t-shirt and jeans, Wave Vidmar doesn’t look particularly extraordinary. But he was taught not to conform by his mother and his professional water skier father. “If someone tells me how comfortable a certain pair of shoes is, I will avoid them… It’s just how I’m wired.” He was always intrepid; as a small child, he would hop on any bus when he was supposed to be at the playground, and then try to find his way back home (which he always did). He studied physics in college well before any of his peers were done with high school, and he’s held jobs as a small business consultant, a camping gear designer for North Face (he owns three sewing machines), and owner of the world’s largest climbing gym. You can’t tell Wave that he can’t do something. Fear is a reality for each of us. Wave gets recognition for being fearless, but he’ll tell you that there’s no such thing. On the way to the North Pole, he says, he was constantly afraid of dying. “But I enjoy the balance. I embrace fear and use it as a strength.” Wave seeks to prove to the world that each of us is able to do more than we think. That’s why his doors are open, to let the world in, to encourage each person take the next risk, to look at the sea of options and then take action.
“You can’t cross the sea merely by standing and staring at the water.”
– rabindranath tagore
editor’s note: Wave Vidmar promotes a positive challenge with each of his expeditions: Envision – Inspire – Accomplish. Ocean Row Solo includes a strong educational component (reaching 45,000 schools worldwide), and a daily feed to the Fort Discovery at National Science Center. The community is encouraged to participate in this historic expedition, and can visit the boat building at Hammond’s Ferry and online at oceanrowsolo.com by CHARLOTTE OKIE photos COURTESY OF WAVE VIDMAR
24 / april / verge
gallery
soundcheck
Virginia Scotchie: Ceramic Abstractions
Dinosaur Jr.
Gertrude Herbert • opens April 17
Sky City April 21
Virginia Scotchie: Ceramic Abstractions, opens at the Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art’s Main Gallery of Ware’s Folly on April 17, 2009. One of the region’s leading contemporary ceramic artists, Scotchie brings her work to Augusta for the first time in this six-week solo exhibition.
Sky City approaches its first anniversary this June in a solid position as Augusta’s hippest music venues. Mainstream chart toppers Saving Abel and Edwin McCain have graced Sky City’s stage in the last year; while favorites like Jucifer and Unknown Hinson have performed multiple shows. Though the music is varied, one thing remains consistent: each band remarks on how amazing the venue sounds. Now, Sky City brims with excitement as another influential rock notable makes its Augusta debut this April: Dinosaur Jr.
It is the undefined, open-ended nature of clay that first attracted Scotchie to her chosen medium. “Clay is the most abstract material you can create art with; it is really just a shapeless blob,” she notes and she delights in its inherent lack of boundaries and limitless potential. Inspiration for her work comes from myriad sources in nature and within her own home and family. Many pieces imitate commonplace, utilitarian items—a kitchen funnel, a child’s ball, her father’s pipe—yet the simple, abstract forms she sculpts are intended to be experienced and appreciated on a purely visual level, as works of art rather than as functional objects. Scotchie develops her own custom glazes to create the vivid hues, metallic finishes, and unique surfaces that characterize her work. Currently a Professor of Art and head of the ceramics area at the University of South Carolina, Columbia, Virginia Scotchie holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in ceramics from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and in 1985 completed her Master of Fine Arts at Alfred University in New York. Her work has been widely exhibited throughout the United States, and is held in numerous museum and corporate collections, including the South Carolina State Museum, the Asheville Museum of Art, the Wustum Museum (Racine, WI), Price Waterhouse, (Charlotte, NC) and the Yingge Ceramics Museum in Taiwan.
The stop is on Dinosaur Jr.’s American tour, designed for more intimate venues as the band tests new material from their upcoming record Farm, set to be released on June 23. Since its genesis in 1986, Dinosaur Jr.’s founding members, J. Mascis, Lou Barlow, and Murph, were prominent icons during the height of the 90’s grunge scene. After disbanding and reuniting in 2005, the original trio have been steadily touring, recently playing Austin’s interactive film and music festival, South by Southwest. Sky City anticipates a diverse crowd of old and new school fans, gathering excited townies and fans from nearby cities to fill the venue for a definite night of musical consummation. Augusta/Athens bred, Dead Confederate is also on the bill for the tour’s southeast portion, making this show a fantastic homecoming for the rock crooners. Paige Patton, a thrilled downtown devotee and Dinosaur Jr. fan, posted on Facebook: “Augusta, we have arrived!” And for us, who’ve driven miles to catch Dinosaur Jr. play, it certainly feels like we have.
An opening reception will be held on Friday, April 24th, from 6 to 8 pm. Ms. Scotchie will be on hand to give an informal gallery talk regarding her work ($5 for non members). Virginia Scotchie: Ceramic Abstractions will remain on view through May 29, 2009. The Institute’s galleries are open Tuesday to Friday from 10 am to 5 pm. Admission is free.
Plus, your ticket includes a free tour-only seven-inch vinyl featuring the new jam “I Don’t Wanna Go There” and You’re Living All Over Me standby “Tarpit.”
by GHIA photo VIRGINIA SCOTCHIE / Turquoise Ball Bowl, 2008
by JOYCE TAHOP photo COURTESY OF THE ARTIST
Save the date. Dinosaur Jr. with Dead Confederate, April 21 at Sky City. Tickets are $21 and includes 7” vinyl single. Doors open at 8.
verge / april / 25
onstage
offstage
Southern Circuit: ‘Bama Girl
Tea With Jane Austen
Film historian Bernard F. Dick taught me an appreciation of the subtleties most often overlooked when viewing a film. ‘Bama Girl is full of the subtleties that make great film, while simultaneously (and courageously) exposes racial tensions that still exist in college life today. “‘Bama Girl “blows your mind,” as one critic says.
“To sit in the shade on a fine day and look upon verdue is the most perfect refreshment,” Jane Austen declared in the late nineteenth century.
Imperial Theatre April 18
‘Bama Girl follows one coed’s pursuit of becoming homecoming queen at the University of Alabama. Filmmaker Rachel Goslins masterfully presents the good sides of the school and student pride, while contrasting it with the “seamier” side, the centuries filled with privilege, old money and racial exclusivity. By focusing on the single-minded pursuit of Jessica Thomas, an African American coed, Goslins exposes a strictly segregated Greek system, internal black politics and, most ominously, a secret all-white association called “The Machine” that has controlled politics at the University, including the student government and homecoming queen elections, for most of the past century. Thomas refuses to allow “The Machine” to sway her determination. We are introduced to this incredible young black woman with tremendous drive and self-confidence to work hard and fearlessly towards her goals no matter what obstacles might lie in the way. ‘Bama Girl is a moving portrayal of a continued racial divide, the Old South versus the New South, that mirrors much of what is happening across our country today. Interview-based documentaries, like ‘Bama Girl, historicize the world through the director’s eyes and those they capture on camera. There is a certain harmony and poetic justice of how a documentary opens our own eyes to timely issues in need of attention. ‘Bama Girl is part of The Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers, a program of the Southern Arts Federation. Screening is on April 18 at the Imperial Theatre (7:30 pm). Meet Rachel Goslins before the screening at a meet and greet open to all ticket purchasers. Tickets: www.imperialtheatre.com or 706.722.8341. by HEATHER RANKIN photo SOUTHERN CIRCUIT
Sacred Heart April 19
Each year, women gather to celebrate friendship and spring in the spirit of Jane Austen; experiencing a Regency Period tea party in Old South garden style. Through food, dress and social niceties, Augusta becomes Georgian England for an afternoon. Guests stroll through lovely gardens sipping on regent’s punch with parasols in hand. Servers (and guests, if so inclined) are clothed in Regency attire. Kim Wilson, author of several books about Jane Austen and longtime member of the Jane Austen Society of North America, will speak during the tea. In the Garden with Jane Austen brings Jane Austen’s natural world to life in an illustrated stroll through Regency England, while Tea with Jane Austen brings modern adaptations to Austen-era tea recipes, with social history and anecdotal information. Mr. and Mrs. R. Daniel Blanton host this year’s tea in their gardens, which feature multiple fountains, the beautiful new foliage of Japanese Maples and rhododendron plants throughout, a unique millstone herb garden and an organic vegetable garden. Tea with Jane Austen begins at 5 pm on Sunday, April 19, while the gardens open at 4 pm for previews. All recipes for the tea are from Wilson’s book Tea with Jane Austen. Reservation required by Sunday, April 12. Tickets are $100 each and available through Sacred Heart: 706.826.4700. The tea is the prelude event for the Sacred Heart Garden Festival, which begins on April 23, 2009. www.SacredHeartGardenFestival.com. by WYLIE GRAVES photo SACRED HEART
26 / april / verge
verge / april / 27
good chow / the bee’s knees brings tapas dining to new level It is difficult to find the perfect balance between indie urbanity and local veracity when dining at an independently owned restaurant. Sometimes the scale leans towards a more polished style, making one feel out of place in their own hometown. Other times, those good local spots simply aren’t appropriate for a night out. In between, there lies a thin medium and, in that small gap, The Bee’s Knees Tapas Restaurant is firmly placed. North American tapas is an interesting sort of system. Derived from the original Spanish tapas, the name for a wide variety of appetizers, it is now used as a way to create a totally unique meal. Patrons can order several different tapas dishes and make a full meal, sharing with everyone at the table and maintaining conversation while doing so. In order to create the “tapas experience,” it is pertinent to order several of the small dishes and broaden your palate. I began my early supper at The Bee’s Knees with a Blenheim’s Spicy Ginger Ale and Maker’s Mark. The sweetness of Maker’s whiskey combined with the spicy kick of Blenheim’s makes this drink an instant favourite, and The Bee’s Knees is the one of few restaurants that serves the tasty ginger ale. With it came the Sesame Seaweed Salad, a chilled crunchy salad dressed with sesame oil and served with marinated
cucumbers. It’s a close tie between this delicate dish and the beautiful Bee’s House Salad, adorned with feta, walnuts and a homemade black grape vinaigrette, as my personal favourite starter. Both are tasty salads which appeal to the vulnerable palate and start the whirlwind adventure of tapas. I shall now admit my most terrible vice: bread. If anything can cause my downfall, it is a fresh croissant or slice of blue cheese sourdough; a sandwich falls apart for me if the nine grain is not quite grainy enough. Thus, it is only natural that I am very fond of bruschetta. The Bee’s Goat Cheese Bruschetta makes the perfect appetizer for anyone who shares any sympathy or empathy with my affections for bread. The combination of creamy goat cheese spread and bruschetta alone is perfect but, when topped with black olive tapenade, spinach and tomato, it is practically ethereal. A favourite Bee’s Knees dish is the Tuna Carpaccio. Thin slices of raw tuna might turn one away from the plate, but this sashimi is not to be underestimated. The Carpaccio is a melt in your mouth sort of dish. Blended with avocado slices and scallions on a bed of sticky rice and Asian vinaigrette, it also allows you to show off your chopstick abilities! Topping off the evening was a hearty slice of Tirima-Cake, as I lovingly call The Bee’s
Knees Tiramisu. This homemade Tiramisu is not your typical Italian espresso dessert, having a much denser and thicker consistency. Fond of it since a child (raised by coffee addicts), I find comfort in the more localized version of the treat. To match its delicious range of tapas and entrees, The Bee’s Knees surrounds patrons in an intimate atmosphere. Indie art and photos hang from the dark brick walls, lo-fi music pumps through the two dining rooms and narrow bar, tattooed waiters and waitresses in bright sneakers and oxfords take orders from a vast range of diners. Perfect for a cozy first date, night out with the girls or as a way of introducing guests to the city, The Bee’s Knees Tapas definitely encompasses the urban style of Augusta. The Bee’s Knees is located at 211 Tenth Street. Hours are Tuesday to Thursday (5 pm until 11 pm), Friday to Sunday (5 pm until midnight). Closed Mondays. by AURELIA SORENSON photos KATIE MCGUIRE
28 / april / verge
verge / april / 29
good chow guide / downtown fare with flair
local restaurants give augusta its flavor
Charming, locally owned restaurants dot the landscape of downtown Augusta and truly connect our community. We’ve pulled our local fare into one guide to help you explore all the flavors downtown offers. Whether you’re a local, a visitor, or somewhere in between, the next time you go out to eat, choose one of these instead of a cookie cutter corporate franchise. You’ll be quite pleased by the good food, the interesting people you meet, and the joy of finding a new place to share with family and friends.
CAJUN
T-BOY’S P0’BOYS
1032 Broad Street | 706.722.7738 everyday 11a : 4p SIGNATURE DISH: The Muffaletta WHY THE LOCALS GO: Authentic Cajun food with enormous portions & a unique Banana Nut Bread Pudding for dessert. COFFEEHOUSE
CASA BLANCA CAFE
936 Broad Street | 706.504.3431 T W R F S 11a : 3p | W R 5p : 9p | F S 5p : 10p SIGNATURE DISH: Curry Chicken Sandwich WHY THE LOCALS GO: This Moroccan themed cafe offers up cool atmosphere and tapas in the evening. COFFEEHOUSE
NEW MOON CAFE
1002 Broad Street | 706.823.2008 M T W R F S 8a : 6p | SU 9a : 3p SIGNATURE DISH: Crab Bisque WHY THE LOCALS GO: The place to connect (in person and online) with locally roasted coffee (made the right way). COFFEEHOUSE
COFFEEBREAK CAFE
boll weevil cafe & sweetery AMERICAN
BOLL WEEVIL CAFE & SWEETERY
10 Ninth Street | 706.722.7772 M T W R 11a : 10p | F S 11a : 11p | SU noon : 10p SIGNATURE DISH: Perfect Chocolate Cake WHY THE LOCALS GO: A mouth-watering selection of desserts that literally drape off the plate. AMERICAN
THE COTTON PATCH
816 Cotton Lane | 706.724.4511 M T W R F S 11a : until | SU noon : ‘til SIGNATURE DISH: Charleston Chicken WHY THE LOCALS GO: Popular watering hole, cozy patio seating and live music. Good food, too.
753 Broad Street | 706.823.0501 M T W R F 7:30a : 2:30p SIGNATURE DISH: Green Onion Pasta WHY THE LOCALS GO: Nestled at the base of the Lamar Building, it’s perfect for a quick bite. CONTINENTAL
SIXTH AT WATKINS
559 Watkins Street | 706.722.8877 M T W R F 11a : 2:30p SIGNATURE DISH: Chicken Ribier WHY THE LOCALS GO: This 1896 warehouse exudes casual elegance perfect for lunch meetings. DELI
HILDEBRANDT’S FOOD STORE
226 Sixth Street | 706.722.7756 M T R F 9a : 6p | W 9a : 1p | S 9a : 3p SIGNATURE DISH: Stacked Reuben WHY THE LOCALS GO: A blast from the past serving up hand stacked sandwiches for 129 years.
BROAD STREET MARKET
1282 Broad Street | 706.922.5970 T W R 5p : 10p | F S 5p : 11p | SU 11a : 2p & 7p : 11a SIGNATURE DISH: Sea Bass Brisket WHY THE LOCALS GO: New York City atmosphere with Deep South service.
DINER
WHISTLE STOP CAFE
573 Greene Street | 706.724.8224 M T W R F 6:30a : 3p | F 7a : 1p SIGNATURE DISH: Buttermilk Pancakes WHY THE LOCALS GO: To watch the short order cook flip homemade pancakes and fluffy biscuits. FRENCH COMFORT FOOD
MANUEL’S BREAD CAFE
505 Railroad Avenue (NA) | 803.380.1323 M T W R F S 9a : 10p | SU 11a : 3p SIGNATURE DISH: Steak Frites WHY THE LOCALS GO: Homemade artisan bread is just the beginning of the edible delights inside. FRENCH EXOTIC
LA MAISON ON TELFAIR
211 Tenth Street |706.828.3600 T W R 5p : 11p | F S SU 5p : 12a SIGNATURE DISH: Tuna Carpaccio WHY THE LOCALS GO: Tapas style dining in sultry jazz surroundings make this the cat’s meow.
1102 Broad Street | 706.364.4075 M T W R 11a : 12a | F S 11a : 1a | SU 11a : 12a SIGNATURE DISH: Cajun Chicken Pasta WHY THE LOCALS GO: One of the few remaining smoke & dine places with really good fare.
GREEK / ITALIAN
LUIGI’S
ASIAN AMERICAN
SILLA CAFE
855 Broad Street | 706.821.3988 M T W R F S 11:30a : 2:30p | T W R F S 6p : 10p SIGNATURE DISH: Classic Cuban WHY THE LOCALS GO: The sidewalk tables give the perfect opportunity to see and be seen.
302 Tenth Street | 706.823.6237 M T W R F 7a : 2:30p SIGNATURE DISH: Salisbury Steak WHY THE LOCALS GO: Breakfast or lunch, this place is always hopping. The pimento cheese is tops.
THE BEE’S KNEES
1102 DOWNTOWN BAR & GRILL
BLUE SKY KITCHEN
SANDWICH CITY
INTERNATIONAL / TAPAS
AMERICAN GRILL
CUBAN / KOREAN
DINER
404 Telfair Street | 706.722.4805 M T W R F S 6p : ‘til SIGNATURE DISH: Smoked Ostrich Carpaccio WHY THE LOCALS GO: Elegant evenings out. Plus where else can you get ostrich, buffalo and antelope?
AMERICAN CONTEMPORARY
855 Broad Street | 706.722.1800 M T W R F 8a : 4:30p SIGNATURE DISH: Chicken Teriyaki WHY THE LOCALS GO: Quick, large, filling portions .
la maison on telfair
broad street market DELI
SUNSHINE BAKERY
1209 Broad Street | 706.724.2302 M T W R F S 8:30a : 3:30p SIGNATURE DISH: The Daily Double WHY THE LOCALS GO: Hearty soups and thick sandwiches make this a staple stop for lunch.
590 Broad Street |706.722.4056 M T W R F S 5p : 11p SIGNATURE DISH: Greek Pork Chops WHY THE LOCALS GO: Stepping in, you feel as though you’re part of the family. Traditional Italian and Greek dishes, atmosphere and family. HOT DOGS
REGGIE’S HOT DOGS
902 Reynolds Street | 706.432.0994 M T W R F 11a : 4p | SU noon : 6p SIGNATURE DISH: The All Fixin’s Dog WHY THE LOCALS GO: Fastest all American lunch around: two hotdogs, chips and a soda. TURN THE PAGE FOR MORE TASTY OPTIONS
30 / april / verge
good chow guide / downtown fare with flair
local restaurants give augusta its flavor
ITALIAN
PUB FARE
AUGUSTINO’S
MUNCHIES
JAPANESE / SUSHI
PUB FARE
WICKED WASABI
THE SPORTS CENTER
Two Tenth Street | 706.823.6521 everyday 6a : 10p SIGNATURE DISH: Filet Mignon WHY THE LOCALS GO: The place for a quiet upscale business luncheon. But it’s the Sunday brunch that’s tops.
1048 Broad Street | 706.823.0555 T W R 11:30a : 2:30p | T W R F S 5:30p : 10p SIGNATURE DISH: The Volcano Roll WHY THE LOCALS GO: The owners are straight from Japan and so is the cuisine. Authentic.
1149 Broad Street | M T W R F 11a : 3p | R F S 9p : ‘til SIGNATURE DISH: Feta Cheese Fries WHY THE LOCALS GO: Tasty wings and cheese fries for late night hunger pangs fits the bill.
594 Broad Street | 706.724.9307 M T W R F S 11a : ‘til SIGNATURE DISH: The Perfect Thick Hamburger WHY THE LOCALS GO: Hamburgers made to order, cold draft beer to wash it down. SEAFOOD
BEAMIE’S AT THE RIVER
865 Reynolds Street | 706.724.6593 M T W R 11a : 10p | F S 11a : 11p | SU noon : 10p SIGNATURE DISH: Shrimp Basket WHY THE LOCALS GO: Dig into the best fried shrimp and oysters in town on the covered outdoor patio. SEAFOOD / LOW COUNTRY
SWEET LOU’S CRAB SHACK
1293 Broad Street |706.922.1699 M T W R 11a : 10p | F S 11a : 11p | SU noon : 10p SIGNATURE DISH: Bucket of Crab Legs WHY THE LOCALS GO: Each time this quirky little place reinvents itself, it gets better and better.
t–boy’s po’boys SOUTHERN TRADITIONAL
BJ’S ON BROAD / RAMADA
640 Broad Street | 706.722.5541 M T W R F 11a : 2p SIGNATURE DISH: Chicken & Dumplings WHY THE LOCALS GO: The Southern style buffet lunch reminds us of Grandma’s Sunday dinners.
SOUL FOOD
CAFE 209 the white elephant MEDITERRANEAN
THE WHITE ELEPHANT
1135 Broad Street | 706.722.8614 T W R F S 11:30a : 2:30p and 5p : ‘til | SU 11a : 4p SIGNATURE DISH: Goat Cheese Pie WHY THE LOCALS GO: New owners Josh and Luke make sure you’ll want to eat slowly and savor every bite. MEXICAN
NACHO MAMA’S
976 Broad Street | 706.724.0501 M T W R F S 11:30a : 10p SIGNATURE DISH: “The Bomb” Burrito WHY THE LOCALS GO: They really do roll them “this big.” Try the peanut butter pie for a delicious ending. PIZZA
MELLOW MUSHROOM
1167 Broad Street | 706.828.5578 M T W R 10a : 10p | F S 10a : 11p | SU 3p : 10p SIGNATURE DISH: Kosmic Karma Pizza WHY THE LOCALS GO: Unusual topping choices make for fun pizza eating, as does the psychedelic decor.
4 Eighth Street | 706.722.9692 everyday 11a : 7p SIGNATURE DISH: Cassandra’s Fried Chicken WHY THE LOCALS GO: When Cassandra starts cooking, the incredible aromas stop folks in their tracks. SOUTHERN CAFE
FATMAN’S RIVERFRONT CAFE
One Seventh Street | 706.733.1740 M T W R F S 10:30a : 5p SIGNATURE DISH: Squash Casserole WHY THE LOCALS GO: Good food, great prices and a wide variety to choose from. The only place to get a hand dipped ice cream cone downtown.
cotton patch
SOUTHERN FUSION
JASMINE CAFE
217 Ninth Street | 706.722.3650 M T W R F 8a : 2:30p SIGNATURE DISH: Salmon Croquette WHY THE LOCALS GO: Breakfast or lunch, LaTonya serves her favorites, which change daily.
visiting for the masters?
getting downtown is a breeze Downtown Augusta is just a hop, skip and jump from The Augusta National Golf Club. In less than ten minutes and three and a half miles, you can be right in the heart of our beautiful city.
PIZZA
PIZZA JOINT
1245 Broad Street | 706.774.0037 M T W R 11a : 12a | F S 11a : 2a | SU 11a : 12a SIGNATURE DISH: The Big One WHY THE LOCALS GO: Hand tossed pizza, but it’s the stromboli that keeps us coming back.
DIRECTIONS: Take Washington Road to the
South (away from 1–20). Keep straight as Washington Road turns into JC Calhoun Expressway, which then turns into Greene Street. Take any left off Greene Street and head over to Broad Street (one full block). There you are, in the heart of downtown Augusta.
PUB FARE
JOE’S UNDERGROUND CAFE
144 Eighth Street | 706.724.9457 M T W R F 11:30a : 3a | S 5p : 2a SIGNATURE DISH: Joe’s Kitchen Sink Sub WHY THE LOCALS GO: “I goes to Joe’s” for the cool factor. It’s underground, reminiscent of Cheers and the potato skins make a great afternoon snack.
nacho mama’s
map it at www.augustaga.org
verge / april / 31
the club crawl /our april picks
slippery when wet: april 8
traitor in a second: april 17
dehlia low: april 24
veara: april 24
Who says the ’80s, or even the ’90s, are over? Not Slippery When Wet, also known as “The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute.”
Recording a new CD is work enough, but imagine recording two at once. That’s what Traitor in a Second — vocalist BJ Brush, keyboardist Mark Crump, bassist Chris Bryer, guitarist Mike McLeod and drummer EJ Sharif — are doing. The first disc will include 14 TIAS originals. The second will feature 12 covers from female artists such as Tina Turner and Miley Cyrus. “We’re doing things like transposing keys, keeping the vocals melodic and the band rides on top to ensure that the arrangements are different,” says Sharif. All proceeds from sales of the album will benefit breast cancer research via the band’s savetheboobs.com site, now under construction. The music is important, the group agrees, but so is raising awareness about a very serious diagnosis.
How many times have you grumbled, “All these bands sound the same?” And, now, for something completely different: Dehlia Low will make their Augusta debut on April 24 at 10 pm at Stillwater Taproom, bringing a lovely — yes, lovely — blend of traditional bluegrass, mountain and old country music in their original songs.
By the time you read this, Veara — vocalist/ guitarist Brad, guitarist/vocalist Patrick, bassist/ vocalist Bryan and drummer Brittany — will be in Ocala, Fla., recording a six-track EP, What We Left Behind. This is prior to embarking on another leg of their endless itinerary, joined by Latin For Truth and A Newborn Thriller. The disk is Veara’s third, following Forget The Everything and The Walls Have Ears.
SWW — vocalist Jason Morey, guitarist Anthony Cappolino, bassist Brian Nielson and drummer Paul Sahlin — got together in 2003, the inevitable result of Morey frequently being mistaken for Jon Bon Jovi. Apparently, the resemblance is so convincing that comedian Dave Chappelle invited the frontman backstage following one of his comedy shows, mistakenly believing that the “real” Bon Jovi was in the audience. An idea was born. Morey was no stranger to the material, having included several Bon Jovi songs in sets with his previous metal-tribute band, The White Leppard Crue. With SWW, the set list includes note-perfect live renditions of the Bon Jovi repertoire as performed on the supergroup’s 2000 Crush tour, 2002 Bounce tour and 2005 Have a Nice Day tour. Thanks to their finetuned arrangements, SWW can perform what Morey describes as “an arena club show.” He notes, “Slippery When Wet has the power to turn a 600-1500 capacity club into a 20,000seat arena for two and a half hours.” It’s noteworthy that Slippery When Wet is also officially authorized by Bon Jovi. Check them out at Sky City on April 8 at 10 pm. Aerosol Aqua Net optional. venue SKY CITY tickets 1157 BROAD STREET
TIAS are still a young band under their present moniker, but the members have a lot of history together. Brush and Bryer are former members of Lyka Champ, while McLeod, Sharif and Crump were members of Challenge Theory. Both groups toured steadily along the East Coast, and both disbanded in 2006, leading to the formation of Traitor in a Second.
Dehlia Low is Anya Hinkle - vocalist, fiddler, songwriter; Aaron Balance – dobro, songwriter; Stacy Claude – guitar, vocals, songwriter; Bryan Clendenin – mandolin, vocals; and Greg Stiglets - upright bass, vocals, songwriting. The band was formed in 2007, and within months was earning rave reviews for their eight-song, self-titled debut EP. Next month they’ll release Tellico, a full-length CD of original material recorded in their home state of North Carolina.
TIAS aren’t booking many gigs yet. “We’ve spent more time, an infinite amount of time, in our studio,” says Crump. “We would rather work on getting good recordings than risk overplaying around town.”
Bluegrass, says Anya Hinkle, is no longer the niche genre. “We’re finding more openings than limitations when it comes to bookings,” she says. “I think because we’re so rooted in traditional music, we get feedback from those crowds while we’re still able to reach a broader audience. The main thing is that we enjoy developing and figuring out what Dehlia Low is. We’re energized from sharing ideas and being creative, and it’s a positive loop that grows as that sound develops.”
venue THE LOFT tickets 927 Broad Street
venue STILLWATER TAPROOM tickets 974 Broad Street
In the six years since Veara’s formation, they have developed a solid following and wellhoned sound. The former, says Brittany, is thanks to social-networking websites like Myspace and Facebook. “People ‘surf ’ for new music,” she says, “and those sites are the best thing that ever happened to bands. Without them, we wouldn’t have fans more than two hours away. Now, people overseas can find us.” Veara’s music embraces a pop/punk feel, but it’s Brittany’s powerhouse drumming that holds down the fort. She was 9 years old when her parents bought her a small drum kit. Today, she drives Veara with an SJC kit. Recording, she says, is Veara’s pleasure, but the real passion is live performances. “It doesn’t matter how long we’re in that van or how many hours away from home we are,” she says. “It’s all about that time onstage.” Veara’s tour kicks off, and their music kicks ass, on April 24 at Sector 7G. venue SECTOR 7G tickets 631 ELLIS STREET
all above by ALISON RICHTER
north south cd release /mccranie returns from big apple Singer-songwriter Will McCranie looks like your average AllAmerican cute kid next door. With his tussled blond hair and wide-eyed gaze, McCranie could easily fit on the pages of any teenybopper magazine next to Aaron Carter.
All that gets tossed out the door the moment this early twentysomething Augustan hits the first note of any of his numerous originals and starts singing. His songs may include a touch of catchiness, but bubble gum they surely are not. On McCranie’s latest release North South, McCranie mixes experiences from his hometown of Augusta, Georgia, with those of his new base in the Big Apple, New York City. He returns home for the album release on April 10th at Sky City. “The whole idea of having the release of North/South in Augusta was so my friends could be there. You can never forget the home team,” says McCranie. That home team join McCranie for the show, including Chelsea Logue as DJ Cielo spinning scratch and The Edison Project. The evening will also be a memorial to the late Garland McRay Cotton, a dear friend of Will’s (and a friend of all downtown). “Ray was a good man who always cared,” Will mourns. “Even thinking about him now, I laugh because he laughed. That’s Ray.” Made up of a pair of sessions recorded nearly a year apart from each other in two vastly different parts of the US, North South is a unique take on where McCranie has been, where he is, and where he may be headed. Released as a “double EP,” the only thing the two discs have in common are McCranie himself.
The first disc, titled North was tracked at The Buddy Project in New York and kicks off with an updated “bare bones” version of McCranie favorite “City Lights” before sliding into a roller coaster of ups and downs, going from the pure pop goodness of “You&Me, Maybe” to the all out ferocious rock of standout “This Time” eventually sailing into the autobiographical beauty of “Laura’s Song.” South, recorded at the Jam Room in Columbia, South Carolina in 2007 is the most subtle of the two discs. Where North shows mature growth, South stands out as more musically personal featuring McCranie pals Jacob Beltz, John Kolbeck, and former James Brown drummer Erik Hargrove in support. Perhaps more than anything, North South presents a touching time capsule of a young artist still growing. South, for all its raw emotion, still exhibits an innocence that is replaced by an obvious maturity in McCranie’s vocals within the newer material found on North. While the vocals on many of McCranie’s earlier efforts come off as forced at times, on this latest batch the delivery is more natural and soothing pushing North over the top as McCranie’s most impressive and ambitious work to date. Will McCranie CD Release Show • Sky City • April 10 • 9 pm • $5 by STONEY CANNON & JACOB BELTZ
32 / april / verge
verge / april / 33
pipeline / 4.3 to 4.9
movies at main monday nights • 6:30 pm augusta main library
friday april 3
The Great Big Gopher Boat
n
outdoors
First Friday
Downtown Augusta • 5 to 10 pm • free On the First Friday of each month a celebration is held downtown along Broad Street. Galleries and studios remain open those evenings to debut new works, street vendors sell their wares, and bands can be heard all over. First Friday is a free, monthly, family friendly event.
Fort Discovery 5 pm • $7 to $15 Enopion Theatre presents this delightful retelling of Noah and the Ark. Details: enopion.com
Mason Jars
live music
Joe’s Underground • 9 pm
April 6: Slumdog Millionaire This quirky tale about how an orphan from India’s slums turned millionaire grabbed eight Oscars, including Best Motion Picture. Directed by Danny Boyle and based on the novel by Vikas Swarup. Rated R, 120 minutes (2008)
April 13: Happy Go Lucky Director Mike Leigh is determined to put a smile on your face with this cheerful, colorful biopic look at Poppy, who looks at life’s pitfalls through rose colored glasses. Rated R, 118 minutes. (2008)
April 20: Doubt Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Amy Adams create a triage of superb acting in this tense drama about the Catholic Church and the insidious doubt that occurs when suspicion rears its head. Beautiful from beginning to end. Directed by John Patrick Shanley. Rated PG-13, 104 minutes. (2008)
Downtown Augusta • free Pick up a Play Through Downtown Game Card at participating downtown businesses for your chance to win while exploring downtown Augusta. Details: see Page 15. art
Art at Lunch: Art Rosenbaum
Morris Museum • noon • $10 to $14 Artist and musician Art Rosenbaum discusses his experiences collecting and researching Georgia folk music and plays samples from his Grammynominated boxed set Art of Field Recording. Catering by Al’s Family Restaurant. RSVP by March 11. Details: themorris.org live music
Eryn Eubanks & the Family Fold Vintage 965 • 6 to 9 pm • free
Suffer Content • Chairleg • Shotgun Opera • Signal 18 Sector 7G • 7 pm
Tommy D and the Survivors • Taming Bacchus The Playground • 8 pm
wednesday april 8
sunday april 5 special
Play Through Downtown Game
Downtown Augusta • free Win while exploring downtown Augusta. Details: see Page 15.
Temporary Setback
Joe’s Underground • 10 pm
The New Familiars
Stillwater Taproom • 10 pm
First Friday DJ Mix
monday april 6
Slippery When Wet (Bon Jovi Tribute Band)
Bees Knees • 9 pm
Play Through Downtown Game
live music
special
Sky City • 10 pm
Paul Arrowood
Joe’s Underground • 10 pm
Downtown Augusta • free Win while exploring downtown Augusta. Details: see Page 15.
thursday april 9
Mayor’s Masters Reception
Augusta Common • 5:30 pm • free Come sample foods from over 40 local restaurants and stay for guest speaker and honoree, Fuzzy Zoeller, as he is presented with a key to the City of Augusta by Mayor Copenhaver. Details: 706.821.1754.
Play Through Downtown Game
Augusta Golf Expo
Lunch in the Park
James Brown Arena • 11 am to 8 pm film
Joe’s Underground • 10 pm
saturday april 4
Senior Luncheon
Projections & Selections with DJ Joycette
live music
Ruskin
Soul Bar • 10 pm
Downtown Augusta • free Details: see Page 15.
Lucy Craft Laney • 11:30 pm • $7 On the second Wednesday of each month area seniors and working professionals are invited to enjoy lectures on a variety of topics, while dining on food from our city’s finest restaurants. This month’s speakers: Lamar Nursing Alumni. RSVP: Emily Capers at 706.724.3576.
Fort Discovery • 3:30 pm • $7 to $15 Enopion Theatre presents this delightful retelling of Noah and the Ark. Details: enopion.com
kids
Lucy Craft Laney • 10 am to 2 pm • $125 This weeklong camp features artist/instructor Zena Graham. Cost is $125 per child. Lunch is not included. Details: 706.724.3576
Whosehouse
special
James Brown Arena • 11 am to 8 pm
theatre
The Great Big Gopher Boat
Masters Children’s Camp
Club Sp@rks • 10 pm
Play Through Downtown Game Augusta Golf Expo
Greene Street Library • 6:30 pm • free Directed by Danny Boyle. Rated R, 120 min.
Sky City • 9 pm
live music
Joe’s Underground • 10 pm
Movies at Main: Slumdog Millionaire
80’s Night
Downtown Augusta • free Details: see Page 15.
John Kolbeck
special
Play Through Downtown Game Kickoff
Play Through Downtown Game
James Brown Arena • 11 am to 8 pm
Sky City • 9 pm
Augusta Common • 6 to 10 pm • free Featuring live music on the main stage, vendors, and our monthly car show. Details: 706.821.1754
900 Block of Broad • 3 to 9 pm • free Experience the Passion of Christ as local area artists interpret each station of the cross in their own medium. Presented by The Well and The Quest.
special
Augusta Golf Expo
Open Mic Shoot Out
Spring Concert & Car Show
Way of the Cross Art Exhibit
tuesday april 7
live music
special
Downtown Augusta • free Details: see Page 15.
Augusta Golf Expo
James Brown Arena • 11 am to 8 pm outdoors
Augusta Common • noon • free Bring your lunch to this mid-day break with live music performed by local artists. Details: 706.821.1754 live music
Sick Sick Sick • Nervous Breakdown Nothing Lost • The Chiltons Radiation Blues Sector 7G • 7 pm Lounge Lizzards
Joe’s Underground • 10 pm
Hogslobber • The Decrepits Sky City • 10 pm
Packway Handle
Stillwater Taproom • 10 pm
special
senior exit art show
Play Through Downtown Game Downtown Augusta • free Win while exploring downtown Augusta. Details: see Page 15. kids
Family Fun Day: Botanicals of the South
April 27: The Reader Kate Winslet turns this post WWII German tale into a Oscar winning film, while David Kross lights up the screen with promise. Nearly a decade after his affair with an older woman came to a mysterious end, law student Michael Berg re-encounters his former lover as she defends herself in a war-crime trial. Directed by John Patrick Shanley. Rated R, 124 minutes. (2008)
Augusta Museum of History • 11 am to 2 pm regular admission Learn how William Bartram recorded every species of plants, flowers, and trees in the South, discover Baron Von Reck’s voyages through Georgia and create your own botanical rubbings to take home.
Visit the Easter Bunny
Hammonds Ferry • 11 am to 1 pm Bring the kids, pack a picnic lunch and enjoy your day with the Easter Bunny in Boeckh Park. Easter Egg Hunt at 11 am. theatre
Hansel and Gretel
Imperial Theatre • 3 pm • $5 Storyland Theatre finishes their season with this family matinee. No reservations required. Come meet the actors after the show! Details: www. knology.net/storyland
april 2 through april 21 Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art Works by graduating seniors from Richmond County’s award-winning magnet school, Davidson Fine Arts, will showcase a wide variety of two- and three-dimensional media, including drawings, paintings, photography, and sculpture. A tradition begun in 2000, the seniors develop all aspects of the show, giving them a taste of what to expect in the real world of visual art.
34 / april / verge
pipeline / 4.10 to 4.20 friday april 10 Play Through Downtown Game
special
Downtown Augusta • free Details: see Page 15.
Book Signing: Ken Burger, author of Swallow Savannah The Book Tavern • 6 pm • free
with Jacob Beltz • Edison Project • DJ Cielo Sky City • 9 pm
80s Night
Soul Bar• 9 pm
James Brown Arena • 11 am to 8 pm live music
Le Chat Noir • 8 pm • cost TBD This country musician has performed with Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Clint Black, Roy Orbison, The Bellamy Brothers, Ricky Nelson, Leon Russel and Ray Price. Performing all the greats from Johnny Cash to Willie Nelson to his original songs, Billy promises an intimate evening of fun.
Daddy Grace
In the Midst of Lions • All or Nothing In Separate Cities • Seladora Tristan Betrayal • Exsillium
Papa String Band
Tony Williams and the Blues Express
Stillwater Taproom • 10 pm The Playground • 10 pm
saturday april 11 special
James Brown Arena • 11am to 8pm
Sector 7G • 5 pm
Galen Kipar
Club Sp@rks • 9 pm
Guitar Strings
Augusta 706.724.1172 Aiken 803.649.1919
sunday april 12 Jessye Norman Amphitheatre • 7 am • free Join this celebration of Easter service that has become an Augusta tradition. Details: 706.821.1754. live music
Suicide Silence • Bury Your Dead By the Sins Fell Angels • Aralic
monday april 13 film
special
live music
wednesday april 15 special
Downtown Development Authority of Augusta’s (DDA) open air market and cultural hub for the city’s local produce and crafts springs into full swing with the opening day theme, “Dancing at the Market,” and a performance by Center Stage Dance Studio.
RiverWalk • 11 am • $4 to $6 After viewing the Museum’s collection of fiber arts, try your hand at weaving on a lap loom and take your masterpiece home. kids
Hands on History: Weaving and Fiber Arts
Augusta Museum of History • 11 am • $4 to $6 After viewing the Museum’s collection of fiber arts, try your hand at weaving on a lap loom and take your masterpiece home.
As for the children, kick-off the summer reading and being creative! Debra Hutter brings story-time and craft events from the library. Kids can even sign up for their own library card.
Terra Cognita: Tom Spleth
The Saturday Market on the River runs through August 8th, 8 am to noon. The market is located at the Eighth Street Plaza between Georgia Bank & Trust and Cotton Patch. by HEATHER RANKIN photo COURTESY OF DDA
theatre
Fort Discovery • 7 pm • $7 to $15 Enopion Theatre presents this delightful retelling of Noah and the Ark. Details: enopion.com art
Morris Museum • 6 to 8 pm • free Ceramicist and painter Tom Spleth discusses his work. live music
Nuclear Blast Suntan • T.B.U.C DJ Joycette Soul Bar • 10 pm
My Instant Lunch Sky City • 10 pm
The Cubists CD Release • Eat Lightning Sky City • 10 pm
Brian McGee and Hollow Speed Stillwater Taproom • 10 pm
dance
Club Sp@rks
film
kids
Lions Memorial Field • 11 am to 1 pm Area agencies and organizations share earthfriendly information through fun activities. Details: 803.441.4224. live music
Suhgarim • Signal 18 • L.I.E. Eye of Abram Sector 7G • 7 pm
Edison Project
Joe’s Underground • 9 pm Sky City • 9 pm
sunday april 19 Tea with Jane Austen
special
Sacred Heart • 5 pm • $100 Details: see page 25 .
Music at the Morris: Augusta State University Faculty
thursday april 16 The Great Big Gopher Boat
Future themed markets will consist of American Heart Association Day, Green Jackets Day and Hometown Cookbook Day.
live music
Joe’s Underground • 9:30 pm
The well known Clara Hornsby provides a wonderful selection of exotics plants and florals like day lilies. As for Mr. Pruitt, better known as the ‘bread-man,’ keeps the locals salivating over his breads.
Soul Bar • 10 pm
Jemani CD Release
Augsuta Tea Party
Keith Gregory
POP LIFE
Kids Earth Day
Joe’s Underground • 10 pm
Experience the real favors of fresh spring produce, from apricots, artichokes, asparagus, and avocados to carrots, peas, potatoes, spinach, and strawberries, you can find it at the Saturday Market.
Sector 7G • 8 pm
Imperial Theatre • 7:30 pm • $5 to $8 Details: see page 25. Tickets: imperialtheatre.com
Bell Auditorium • 7:30 pm • $44 to $59
Signs of spring have already begun to appear in your local farmer’s market. The 2009 Saturday Market on the River opens on April 18th.
The Playground • 8 pm
‘Bama Girl
tuesday april 14
saturday april 18 • 8 am • eighth street & reynolds
Bayou Bleu
Fusion Belly Dance Expo
Greene Street Library • 6:30 pm • free Directed by Mike Leigh. Rated R, 118 min.
Lord of the Dance
Joe’s Underground • 9 pm
saturday april 18
Club Hollywood • 6 pm
Movies at Main: Happy Go Lucky
Jeff Liberty
TFS Rave
special
Easter Sunrise Service
saturday market on the river kick off
Fort Discovery • 7 pm • $7 to $15 Enopion Theatre presents this delightful retelling of Noah and the Ark. Details: enopion.com
Oblivian w/DJ Gene & DJ Codec
Stillwater Taproom • 10 pm
Dave Firmin
theatre
The Great Big Gopher Boat
Imperial Theatre • 7:30 pm • $12.50 to $35 Details: see page 21. Tickets: imperialtheatre.com
Sky City • 10 pm
Augusta Golf Expo
James Brown Arena • 8 pm • $42
Mike Farris & The Carolina Chocolate Drops: Southern Soul and Song
Shaun Piazza Band • Turf War Eat Lightning
Downtown Augusta • free Details: see Page 15.
comedy
Larry the Cable Guy: “Eat, Drink and Be Larry”
live music
Joe’s Underground • 9 pm
Electric Voodoo Revue
Play Through Downtown Game
Fort Discovery • 5 pm • $7 to $15 Enopion Theatre presents this delightful retelling of Noah and the Ark. Details: enopion.com By the Sins Fell Angels • The Synapse Defect Exsillium • Eterna • Glory of the Forgotten POA Sector 7G • 7 pm
Club Sp@rks• 10 pm
friday april 17
theatre
The Great Big Gopher Boat
live music
Philo
Joe’s Underground • 10 pm
Augusta Golf Expo
Billy Erickson
Will McCranie CD Release Party
Morris Museum • 2 & 3:15 pm • free ASU music faculty give an afternoon of wonderful music.
The Great Big Gopher Boat
theatre
Fort Discovery • 3:30 pm • $7 to $15 Enopion Theatre presents this delightful retelling of Noah and the Ark. Details: enopion.com live music
The Rise of Science • The Radar Cinema Forever Inside Out Sector 7G • 7 pm
monday april 20 Movies at Main: Doubt
film
Greene Street Library • 6:30 pm • free Dir. by John Patrick Shanley. PG 13, 104 min.
verge / april / 35
pipeline / 4.21 to 5.1 tuesday april 21
saturday april 25
live music
Kontatto • The Skuds Populations Control • Defeat
Sacred Heart Garden Festival
Sector 7G • 8 pm
Sacred Heart • 10 am to 4 pm • $10 Details: see April 24 listing
Dinosaur Jr. • Dead Confederate
The Artful Garden
Sky City • 9 pm
iGallo
Tribeca Buddha Lounge • 9 pm
Ruskin
Joe’s Underground • 10 pm
wednesday april 22 theatre
The Great Big Gopher Boat
Fort Discovery • 11 pm • $7 to $15 Enopion Theatre presents this delightful retelling of Noah and the Ark. Details: enopion.com
Hoods • Beg for Life
live music
Sector 7G • 7pm
special
Lunch in the Park
Augusta Common • noon • free Bring your lunch to this mid-day break with live music performed by local artists. Details: 706.821.1754
Garden Festival Preview Party
Sacred Heart • 7 pm • $60pp or $100 couple Details:sacredheartaugusta.org
Jeff Liberty
Augusta Common • noon to 4 pm • free A day of family fun and excitement on the Augusta Common presented by WRDW News 12. Details: wrdw.com or 803.278.1212
live music
live music
Paris is Burning • Seladora • POA • Glory of the Forgotten • Dr. III/Malpraktiz Sector 7G • 6 pm
Joe Stevenson
Joe’s Underground • 9 pm
Jennifer Daniels CD Release Sky City • 10 pm
Drum Heads
Augusta 706.724.1172 Aiken 803.649.1919
Old Ceremony
Sky City • 10 pm
Sacred Heart Garden Festival
special
Sacred Heart • 10 am to 4 pm • $10 This year’s Garden Festival focuses on the importance of sustaining natural resources and working harmoniously within the environment. Patrons will see the finest examples of garden & floral exhibits, learn from well-known garden experts and authors, buy unique plants and hard to find items in the Garden Market and tour extraordinary private gardens throughout Augusta. Garden Tours require an additional ticket. details:sacredheartaugusta.org art
Virginia Scotchie: Opening Reception Gertrude Herbert • 6 to 8pm • free to $5 Details: See page 24 or ghia.org
Nashville Portraits Closing Party
Morris Museum • 6 to 9 pm • $10 to $20 Photographer Jim McGuire answers your questions about his stunning black-and-white portraits of country music legends. McGuire’s latest subject, Larry Jon Wilson, will perform songs from his new self-titled album. Enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres and conversation with both artists in the galleries. Includes lecture, concert, food, and two drink tickets. Space is limited; register: 706.724. 7501. theatre
Fort Discovery • 7 pm • $7 to $15 Enopion Theatre presents this delightful retelling of Noah and the Ark. Details: enopion.com live music
Sub/li/mat Dark Electro Dance Party Club Sp@rks • 10 pm
Veara • Latin for Truth • A Newborn Thriller • Kids of Survival Disco Hell
Sacred Heart Garden Festival
special
A Green Occasion Sacred Heart • 10am to 4pm • $10 Details: see 4.24 listing
film
tuesday april 28
Stillwater Taproom • 10 pm
Impulse Ride
Joe’s Underground • 10 pm
Downtown Augusta • 6 to 9 pm • $15 to $20 A selection of trendy living and working spaces. Details: see page 37 or historicaugusta.org
First Friday Concert & Car Show
Augusta Common • 6 to 10 pm • free Featuring live music on the main stage, vendors, and our monthly car show, this event is sure to entertain the whole family! Details: 706.821.1754 film & theatre
Film Festival and Student Directed One Act Plays
Davidson Fine Arts School • 3:45 pm • $3 to $5
Peter Pan
Imperial Theatre • 8 pm • $15 to $40 The Augusta Players presents this never aging musical is overflowing with memorable songs, unforgettable characters and a touch of fairy dust. Peter Pan is an enchanting tale about freedom of spirit and believing. Fall under the spell of Neverland, where children can fly and exciting escapades happen everyday. Don’t miss the extraordinary delight for the young and the young at heart! Details: augustaplayers.org live music
Eryn Eubanks & the Family Fold Christabel and the Jons
live music
“A twinge of wonderment that might charm the most cynical of New York dance and then they jump over it,” says Jennifer Dunning
Sector 7G • 8 pm
of The New York Times of
Brandon Reeves
the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet,
Joe’s Underground • 10 pm
presented by The Augusta
thursday april 30 art
Undercover Artists Show
Details: augustamuseum.org
thru May 2011 The Godfather of Soul: Mr. James Brown continuing A Community That Heals continuing Stories and Legends: Remembering the Augusta National thru April 30 History Theatre Film: Bobby Jones – Stroke of Genius
FORT DISCOVERY
Details: nscdiscovery.org thru April 26 National Geographic MAPS: Tools for Adventure
GERTRUDE HERBERT Details: ghia.org
thru April 21 Davidson Fine Arts Senior Exit Exhibition April 17 to May 29 Virginia Scotchie
LUCY CRAFT LANEY MUSEUM
Details: lucycraftlaneymuseum.com thru April 30 Women’s Fine Arts Exhibition with Nancy Bookhart and Malaika Favorite
MORRIS MUSEUM OF ART Details: themorris.org
thru April 19 Inside/Out: The Private World of Edith Caywood thru April 26 Nashville Portraits: Photos by Jim McGuire
get your event listed for free. send to pipeline@vergelive.com by the 20th of each month.
Stillwater Taproom • 10 pm
fans…They raise the bar,
Walton Rehabilitation • 7 pm • $50 View and bid on art created by local celebrities and artists during this annual fundraiser for Camp TBI, held each summer for children with acquired traumatic brain injuries. The evening includes music, fun food and “art-aritas.” Details: 706.823.8584 theatre
The Great Big Gopher Boat
Fort Discovery • 11 am • $7 to $15 Details: enopion.com live music
Fireworks • We are the Union • The Greenery • Kid Liberty • Agnes • Virulence
Ballet on May 6 for their Sixth Annual Gala. The Aspen Santa Fe Ballet troupe currently boasts ten versatile, athletic, classically-trained dancers. Directors Malaty and Mossbrucker have the unique ability to perceive and design a repertoire that entertains all components of a performance whether
Sector 7G • 7 pm
it’s the audience or the
Paul Arrowood
dancer. Tickets range from
Joe’s Underground • 10 pm
Soul Bar • 9 pm
Dehlia Low
Annual Downtown Loft Tour
AUGUSTA HISTORY MUSEUM
wednesday may 6 • imperial theatre
Greene Street Library • 6:30 pm • free Directed by Stephen Daldry. Rated R, 124 min.
Pound for Pound
Downtown Augusta • 5 to 10 pm • free Celebrate James Brown’s birthday during First Friday. a monthly celebration held downtown on Artists’ Row. Galleries and studios remain open those evenings to debut new works, street vendors sell their wares, and bands can be heard all over. First Friday is a free, monthly, family friendly event in Downtown Augusta. Details:augustaarts.com
aspen santa fe ballet
monday april 27 Movies at Main: The Reader
special
Vintage 965 • 6 pm to 9 pm
sunday april 26
friday april 24
Sector 7G • 7 pm
theatre
Fort Discovery • 5 pm • $7 to $15 Enopion Theatre presents this delightful retelling of Noah and the Ark. Details: enopion.com
Joe’s Underground • 10 pm
The Great Big Gopher Boat
outdoors
WRDW Family Fair
ongoing exhibitions
First Friday: James Brown Birthday Bash
Morris Museum of Art • 6 to 8 pm • $5 Members of Creative Conversations and gardening experts discuss the flora and landscapes depicted in selected works from the museum’s collection. Speakers include garden designer Jeff Tilden, Augusta Technical College environmental horticulture instructor Scott Smith, and floral designers Margaret Brown Swift and Suzanne Hamilton. Wine and cheese reception to follow.
The Great Big Gopher Boat
thursday april 23
friday may 1
special
$15 to $35. For details and tickets: augustaballet.com or
Woodwind Reeds
Augusta 706.724.1172 Aiken 803.649.1919
706.261.0555. photo ROSALIE O’CONNOR
36 / april / verge
verge / april / 37
38 / april / verge
verge / april / 39
past times /hildebrandt’s food store Step back in time as you enter Hildebrandt’s Food Store at 226 Sixth Street, which has been continuously operated by four generations of the Hildebrandt family. The old-fashioned grocery store with a deli in the back is a favorite among downtown residents and business people. The current owner, Louanne Hildebrandt, welcomes her regulars by name and makes sandwiches to order any way you like them.
hildebrandt’s a brief history 1879 German immigrant Nicholas Hildebrandt established a grocery in Augusta.
1887 Advertisements
list the business address as 219 Sixth (Washington) Street, which is now known as 222 Sixth Street. Hildebrandt specialized in fish, oysters, game, vegetables and fruit. Nicholas Hildebrandt and others formed the Augusta Ice Company and he began to deliver ice on behalf of the company the following year.
1889 Hildebrandt
moved his business into a more spacious adjacent one and a half story building on the corner of Sixth and Ellis Streets.
1896 The
current three story brick building was built on the site of the previous building at what is now known as 226 Sixth Street.
1902 Nicholas
Hildebrandt, nephew and namesake of the proprietor, who had immigrated to the United States in 1892, purchased the business from his uncle. He married Edna Adela Mohrman in 1908.
1968 Louis Hildebrandt, son of the younger Nicholas Hildebrandt and his wife Edna, who had been born in the apartment above Hildebrandt’s Food Store, took over the business upon the death of his mother.
1993 Louanne Hildebrandt, a great-great niece of the original owner, inherited the store upon the death of her father Louis.
Today Louanne Hildebrandt continues to carry
on the family tradition of operating a grocery store. In the back she serves sandwiches and other lunch fare to devoted patrons just as her father did before her. On Saturday, May 2, 2009 from noon to 5 pm, Hildebrandt’s will be a featured stop on Historic Augusta’s Downtown Loft Tour.
by ROBYN MAINOR rendering ALEX McCAIN, III Robyn Mainor is the Preservation Services Director at Historic Augusta, Inc., a non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve historically or architecturally significant structures and sites in Augusta and Richmond County.
40 / april / verge
verge / april / 41
the monumental history of greene street / 06 General George Washington Marker
/ 600 Block of Greene Street erected by / Elizabeth Washington Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution 1932 location
The General George Washington Marker is a rouge edged monument commemorating Washington’s visit to Augusta in 1791 during a tour of Georgia that began on March 12th in Savannah and ended, after nearly four days, in Augusta following his arrival on March 18. Washington’s arrival in Augusta, then the capital of Georgia, was met with much fanfare, starting with a welcoming committee that included Governor Edward Telfair and Judge George Walton five miles on the outskirts of town near Highway 56. Following a parade down Broad Street, the first President was entertained at Telfair’s home, located near Broad Street and East Boundary, with a dinner that featured no less than 15 toasts in honor of the United States and Georgia. Washington engaged in several documented activities over the next few days, perhaps the most significant being a visit with soldiers from Augusta’s Volunteer Light Horse Calvary who, at another afternoon parade, performed an artillery salute. Other activities included a public dinner at the town courthouse, a ball at the Academy of Richmond County, then located where the levee now stands along the river near Third Street, as well as tours of the Fort Cornwallis ruins and the Augusta Falls. Early Saturday morning, Washington crossed the river and headed for Columbia, South Carolina. The marker, which stands near the intersection of Greene Street and Sixth Street, contains only one smooth section inscribed with the honor logo of the Daughters of the American Revolution surrounded by the words “To Honor The Memory of General George Washington Guest of Our City 1791 Placed By Elizabeth Washington Chapter D.A.R. 1932.”
by JOHN CANNON rendering ALEX McCAIN, III
editor’s note: This is the sixth installment of a the history of the monuments that line the grassy expanse in the center of Greene Street. The first monument erected in the median was the Signer’s Monument in 1848, sixty two years after Greene Street was laid out. Over time, Greene Street has become a walking tribute of our community’s contributions and legacy.
explore downtown / the acvb’s new self guided driving tour Whether you are new to Augusta or your roots run deep here, getting to know your city and its rich history gives oneself a sense of place. Do you know the birthplace of Augusta resides at the end of Sixth Avenue by the Savannah River, where an old Celtic cross stands behind Saint Paul’s Church marks the site of the founding of Fort Augusta by General James Oglethorpe in 1736? The Augusta Convention and Visitors Bureau recently released a 70-minute self-guided driving tour of Augusta on CD, holding many secrets to Augusta’s rich heritage that spans as far as First Street and as wide as Fourteenth, but as narrow as Greene Street to the Savannah River. I undertook this tour during a sunny Sunday afternoon, a perfect choice because of the weather and the lack of traffic. I popped the CD into my car player and ventured out. As my own personal tour guide began to reveal the sights of Augusta, I was amazed. I never imagined the influence a town as small as Augusta had on our country. On the third stop of the self-guided tour, I came across a
monument honoring three Signers of the Declaration of Independence. Under that monument, those three are buried. On that same stretch of Greene Street, another marker displays how far the Great Fire of 1916 extended from the Savannah River. It was amazing, for me, to see the highs and lows of one city like Augusta. To get a glimpse at the progression of it’s faith and the endurance of man. I know what it’s like to have lived in one town for twenty plus years and I also know what it’s like to be the new person on the block. Nevertheless, one thing I have learned is the importance of knowing, really knowing, where you are planted. The Self Guided Driving Tour of Augusta is available at the Visitor’s Center located in the Augusta Museum of History at 560 Reynolds Street. by HEATHER RANKIN
42 / april / verge
verge / april / 43
on the horizon / historic augusta’s annual loft tour a glimpse into downtown living
On May 1 and 2, the fifth annual Downtown Loft Tour will showcase urban living in historic buildings. Hosted each year by Historic Augusta, the tour allows a glimpse into about fifteen trendy living and working spaces, from a restored fire department to remodeled historic apartments to innovative new construction – each with unique architecture and design. Historic Augusta’s aim exceeds the idea of providing an inside look at unique downtown living choices. Their main purpose is to spark interest in the preservation and utilization of historic buildings in Augusta’s downtown historic district. “Our tour is not about who has the best decorating, but who has the best architecture,” says Karen Bruker, this year’s tour chairperson. “Our focus is to show the benefits of buying and restoring buildings for their historical and architectural significance. Resurgence in contemporary urban living is spreading across the country as a popular option for young professionals, empty nesters and young families. People are moving out of the suburbs and back into the inner city for convenience, lower cost of living, the lure of an urban, downtown style of living In fact, Bruker got involved with the Loft Tour for that very reason. She and her husband, Davenport, are renovating the loft above their company’s Broad Street storefront, Sanford, Bruker and Banks, and plan to move in once its completed. “This (chairing the loft tour) seemed a great way to get some ideas for what we’re doing,” she says. “Downtown is a great address. The Loft Tour should give others a quick glimpse into the wide variety of properties down here, from Hildebrandt’s, a historic family owned business to Vintage 965, the oldest home on Broad Street, to the Hugh Dempsey House.” The inclusion of the Hugh Dempsey House at 609 Reynolds Street adds a new dimension to the tour. The home has been lovingly restored by the Aitken family and stands as a testament to what a vision and perseverance can create. “The White’s Building is the lynchpin of the tour,” Bruker adds. Five of the condos on the second floor will be open, featuring a wide diversity of interior design and style (as shown here). On Friday night, tour stops will feature appetizers or sweets from downtown restaurants and caterers such as La Maison on Telfair and Reconstructed Soul. One of last year’s tourees, Sarah Dennison, said, “ The best part of the Loft Tour was when I realized that my Saturday consisted of touring cool loft living spaces, wandering through beautiful art galleries, attending a little acoustic concert in the park and then having dinner with friends at a sidewalk table. All within walking distance of each other in downtown Augusta, an area that would have been deserted on a Saturday night just a few years ago.” by WYLIE GRAVES white’s condos interiors KATIE MCGUIRE
historic augusta’s loft tour all the details when
Friday, May 1 • 6 pm to 9 pm Saturday, May 2 • noon to 6 pm
cost $15 advance • $20 during the tour tickets Historic Augusta • 415 Seventh Street
Mellow Mushroom • 1167 Broad Street blue magnolia • 1124 Broad Street Metro Spirit • 700 Broad Street Hill Drug • 1432 Monte Sano Avenue Day of Tour • HQ 1002 Broad Street
guide
Tour sites may be visited in any order and at your own pace. Tickets include the tour guide booklet and route map
the sites
Stovall–Barnes House • 1211 Greene Street The Levy House • 1107–7 Greene Street Old Fire Department Headquarters • 1263 F Broad Street Mercantile Building • 965–967 Broad Street PowerServe • 959 Broad Street The White’s Building • 936 Broad Street The Davenport Loft & Artistic Perceptions • 551 Broad Street The Mullis Loft & Quilt Shop on the Corner • 426–428 Fifth Street The Hugh Dempsey House • 609 Telfair Street Hildebrandt’s Food Store • 226 Sixth Street The Leonard Building & Metro Spirit • 700 Broad Street
the benefit All proceeds benefit the programs and projects of Historic Augusta more info www.historicaugusta.org or 706-724-0436
44 / april / verge
verge / april / 45
reverberations / Science Friction 1986 - 1990
augusta music history 201
then In the mid to late 1980’s, Augusta music lived and breathed on two sides of a very tall fence. On one side, rock and top 40 cover bands flourished at well-known venues on Washington Road while on the other side, original alternative groups vented in the smaller underground venues that were mostly located in a pre-rejuvenated downtown area. Augusta rock bands of the day rarely offered up personal musings as the alternative acts did through their original compositions and to operate as an all original rock band in CSRA was nearly unheard of.
says Sanders. “That’s why we had all that music in not that much time.” To say that things happened fast for Science Friction would be a major understatement. Within a matter of weeks and a short list of new self-penned songs, the band jumped head first into their first performance. The result would be a sign of things to come for the next four years not to mention proof that the guys were always thinking one step ahead.
“Glenn wrote the name in the snow on Bucky’s truck,” says Sanders about the afternoon that Science Friction formed on a rare snowy day. Choosing to keep the band to a trio, the fledgling group set forth to make another vital decision, one that would, unbeknownst to the trio, cause Science Friction to stand out in a very unique way. “I think the thing that sent us down the original music road was: it’s hard to cover Bon Jovi with a three-piece band,” Brown says about Science Friction’s decision to play all original rock. “We figured the best way to approach it would be to do our own stuff.” With a game plan written in stone (as well as in snow), Brown, Sanders, and Wise began to create songs that would make up the set list for Science Friction’s first shows. Each member would bring in ideas to be cultivated by the group as a whole and according to the band, the songs poured out almost immediately. “When we all got together we all read each other well,”
Wise. “And lifted our stuff on top of the sub shop. We were taking minimal stuff because we had to lift all this crap up to the top and we had to lift an extra 2x15 bass cabinet just for Billy just so he could set his main one on top of it.” “You gotta have a bass stack,” quips Sanders in response. “Well, we never spared any expense to make it a little different from everybody else,” adds Brown. The next four years were spent “doing it their way” and fighting the stigma of being a three-piece all original rock band at a time when most suitable venues looked for top40 cover bands. Despite the odds, Science Friction bucked the usual system of the day played just about everywhere; pulling off rock and roll and a mix of shenanigans along the way.
But South Carolina rockers Science Friction were not just your ordinary late 80s rock band. Formed out of the ashes of the band Rox on January 1, 1986 (a quartet that found a good bit of success itself), Science Friction was off and running from day one when they won the, then prestigious, Butler High School Battle of the Bands with their debut performance. Over the next four years guitarist/vocalist Glenn Wise, bassist Billy Sanders, and drummer Bucky Brown would consistently tour the Southeast, win numerous awards, and produce recordings that to this day remain unreleased.
today
“Opening for Foghat was our finest prank hour,” says Brown. “Because we changed the sign in front of the Post Office. Instead of saying “Foghat,” it said “Faghot.” “Three weeks after, we did the Butler High battle of the bands and won,” Wise says about the band’s first gig. “The key to winning a battle of the bands - take your own carpet,” chimes in Sanders before Brown interjects, “your drums won’t slide.” With a cohesive chemistry and knack for the smallest details, the band grabbed the spoils of their victory and blew out of the gates like madmen possessed. First prize included a studio session and airplay on the local rock station. Word about Science Friction spread quickly. From that moment, Science Friction would play just about anywhere and with just about anyone, logging in time out of town and at area venues like the Operating Room and the original Post Office night club. But perhaps it is the band’s “highest altitude” gig that stands out as their most unusual. “One of our famous gigs was playing on top of Baldinos,” says Sanders. “For free subs, free tee shirts and, I think, a hundred dollars.” “We set up this pulley system with cheap plywood,” adds
While the Science Friction story seems to demand a spectacular ending, the truth is the band simply ran its course and the guys are hard pressed to remember a defining moment which spelled the end of the band. All that is certain is that history shows that Science Friction ceased to exist after 1990. These days, Brown, Sanders and Wise still take part in musical endeavors, only separately. Brown and Wise performed together in Sonic Souls, as well as DMZ, while Brown and Sanders spent time together in the Sanders’ fronted Headshop 5. Brown and Sanders have also spent time in other well known bands; Brown in Symon Sezz, Sanders in Impulse Ride and Figure 4. During daytime hours, Wise works as an industrial radiographer; Brown is self employed working six to seven months out of the year; and Sanders is the popular artist known as Billy S. Together, the three are the artists formerly known as… Science Friction.
by JOHN STONEY CANNON, LOKAL LOUDNESS
46 / april / verge
verge / april / 47
a shot with pow pow COCO CHANEL: Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.
the elegant spring formal redux
the spring formal get the look the dress Sho–
Ane’s Design Studio
the hair Wendall
Dean | Perry & Company
the makeup Lauren King | Halo Salon & Spa
the model Laura Norman the photographer Bird In Hand Photography the vision With a pow for style, Nikki PowPow combs the salons, boutiques and clothing racks of downtown Augusta simply for a love of “the look.”
48 / april / verge