February Issue A 2011 by matt plocha

verge AUGUSTA & THE CSRA

FREE | FEBRUARY 2 2011 |VOL 3 ISSUE 15 | YOUR SOURCE FOR COMMUNIT Y DRIVEN NEWS

ART Ziv Koren + The Dorn Brothers + MUSIC SleeperStar + Lokal Choice Awards NEWS The Emporium Opens + Parking Revisted VIEWPOINT Why I Volunteer

vergelive.com | community driven news | February 2, 2011 3

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publisher Matt Plocha editor Lara Plocha contributors Chris Selmek, Alison Richter, PM Rogers, John Cannon, Dino Lull, Ben Casella, Skyler Andrews, Charlotte Okie, Elizabeth Benson, Abby Spasser, Holly Birdsong, Katie McGuire, Jennifer Maslyn, Mariah Gardner

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we want to hear from you call us: 706.951.0579 mail us: PO Box 38 Augusta GA 30903 email us: advertising and general stuff publisher@vergelive.com story tips, ideas and letters editor@vergelive.com free event listings pipeline@vergelive.com find us online: vergelive.com

vergepolicies the boring part

GENERAL POLICIES: Contents copyrighted 2011 by verge. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Editorial content of verge is the opinion of each contributing writer and is not necessarily the opinion of verge, its staff or its advertisers. DISTRIBUTION: verge is published twice a month and is available free of charge at distribution locations throughout the CSRA, including Publix and Earth Fare. RECYCLE: verge is printed on 50% recycled stock.

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24 & 27 22 26 24 18 18 10 10 6 8 3 16 8 6 6 20 12 16 8 8 12 2 10 12 12 28 16

1102 Bar & Grill 8th Street Tobacco AB Beverage Avett Brothers Bar On Broad Brigan’s Land Buzz on Biz Casa Blanca Casella Eye Center Congregation Beth Shalom DDA - Augusta Market Edge Salon and Spa Elduets Treasures Fort Gordon Halo Salon and Spa Manuel’s Bread Cafe Modish New Moon Cafe Oddfellows Power Serve Re-Fresh Rock Bottom Music Stella The Book Tavern Vintage Ooollee Windsor Jewelers Zimmerman Gallery

WHAT’S INSIDE

SMATTERINGS

yeah, we made this

Love One Another

February. The month of love – and it is about love. It’s about loving each other as members of our community, this country and the human race. “The time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but will have itching ears. They will accumulate for themselves “teachers” to suit their own passions and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.” — 2 Timothy 4:3-4 ESV

Today, it seems that we – as an overall people – are more interested in what suits our own personal needs than the overall good. We will listen to, preach about and instruct others in fleeting thoughts and treat that information as truth. A self-serving attitude for the “greater me” lifestyle. We seek teachers to suit our own passions. To that end, we are sheep being led astray from sound thinking – all for the sake of personal profit. Some companies and individuals do a lot to sway our opinion to their benefit. They stir the pot to get eyeballs on their product, which in turn, will sell more advertising. They use “shock” methods to get your attention and get you talking about them for their own gain – to your detriment. Even if it means promoting lowered values, morals and ethics. At times, even promoting lowered values, morals and ethics, no matter what the cost. Just look at some of the stuff that comes out of Hollywood or is heard on the radio or read in mass media. I am all for the right to free speech as given to us by our forefathers (who lived in a more oppressive state than we do). I am a believer in the Constitution, what it stands for and what it was established to accomplish then and now. It does, after all, provide me with the freedom to write these words. However, what I am NOT in favor of is tweaking the intent to fit the whims of a fickle society and suiting those that feel it is their “right” to undermine the greater good of our society by diminishing values, devaluing respect, lowering morals, ideals and ethics. Doing this all for strategic gain or for ratings points – “Look at us we’re number one!” Do you wonder why society seems to be falling apart around us? It’s because we, as a society, tolerate poor behavior, not only in the media, but overall, and feel that we can not do anything to change it. I respectfully disagree. A friend once asked me: “If true change does not start with you, then who does it start with?” How do you get an individual, or an entire people, to change their way of thinking? It starts with you. If someone you know is acting in a way that is going to harm them or those around them, are you really going to stand by and let this person continue to walk down this path without doing anything about it? Don’t wait for someone else to step in. If not you, then who? We need a dynamic change in our behavior as a community and in our way of thinking. We need to review what is acceptable, not only for self, but for behavior in public and change our attitudes toward one another. “If not you, then who?” is a question I ask myself often. Join me in asking yourself the same question. I think you will find that many people have had it with what is deemed as acceptable and the “new norm” in society, all for the sake of culture. We, as a community, can make a difference in what is considered acceptable and what is not acceptable. We need to be temperate, worthy of respect, selfcontrolled, and have sound faith, love and endurance. Likewise, we should demonstrate a more reverent way of life. We should not be slanderers or become addicted to pop culture. We should adhere to and teach one another what is good and right. We should love our family, our spouses and our children. In everything we do, we should set an example by doing what is honestly good. We need to show integrity, seriousness and soundness, so that our speech cannot be scoffed at or condemned. We should be steadfast in this belief and understanding so that those who oppose the good will diminish in popularity and not have footing to remain successful in their wrongdoing. We should welcome them with love. We should raise one another up. It is our call to educate our young to adhere to such strong morals and not seek other teachers. Shower people with respect and love. Just like we want others to shower us. I have been on the other side pushing the limits of what is acceptable behavior. I look back and better understand why my parents were shaking their heads. Now when I choose the wrong path, it’s me shaking my head at myself. I fall short of these ideals, but I’m working toward them every day. As a community, we should be striving toward the same goal together. Sometimes, we’ll fall short and that’s okay, as long as we keep the goal in mind. It does start with me and I’m making a commitment to start right now. I’ll see you out in our community and I’ll be sure to ask “Did it start with you?” Matt

ON THE COVER FADING 2 BY BRIAN RUTENBERG (2008-09): See page 17 for more about Brian Rutenberg’s art and exhibition at the Morris Museum of Art.

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you won’t want to miss a page

the main feature

7 Viewpoint: Community Service 9 Luxury Living Opens in Downtown 11 The Chronicles of Follicles Volunteerism’s benefits don’t end with a helping hand

The Emporium’s renovation sets the bar for living on Broad

The Dorn Brothers imbue their art with a sense of humor

13 I Will Tell You A Place 17 Peri-Peri Sauce Infuses this Cafe

Brian Rutenberg has an on-going love affair with color

DiChicko’s serves up all-natural fare with a flair

19 Derek Trucks & Susan Tedeschi Band 23 Who is Augusta’s Favorite Local Band? Husband and wife duo choose Augusta for new tour launch

Find out this month at the Lokal Loudness Choice Awards

music | theatre | art | film 14 14 15 20 21 25

Film: Abel Raises Cain Film: ASU Spring Film Series Theatre: The Good Father Film: The Film Reel Music: Sleeperstar Sound Bites: Lokal Music Musings

experience more 05 05 07 14 17 21 25 25

Discover Downtown News: TV Stations on the move Buzz on Biz Explore More with These Events Beers Locals Like Cut the Fat The Last Word Parting Shot: Science Cafe

vergequotes

here’s what inspires us

“Even after all this time, the sun never says to the earth, “You owe me.” Look what happens with a love like that, it lights the whole sky.” — HAFIZ (a Persian poet, 14th century)

“Our own realities are shifting rapidly in this economically challenging moment and so it is important that we keep ever-mindful of our purpose, our values, and our direction forward.” — Dr. Peter Buckley, Interim Dean, MCG School of Medicine

shop

discover downtown dine

play

live

Rock Bottom Music

Hildebrandt’s

Bar on Broad

CSRA Advertising Specialties

Owner Jonathan Karow describes Rock Bottom Music as “a Hard Rock Café without the food.” Throughout the store, visitors can see autographed memorabilia from the likes of Ozzy Osborne, Kiss and Toby Keith. But it’s more than a museum – Rock Bottom Music offers quality brand-new, used and vintage musical instruments and accessories, guaranteeing the lowest price or “Rock Bottom price.” They also provide full back-line rentals for professional groups coming to Augusta and set up sound and lighting systems for venues. Another portion of Rock Bottom’s business comes from thousands of instruments rented out to students from middle school to college and lessons from some of the area’s finest musicians. Rock Bottom Music is open Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.. 706.724.1172 or ROCKBOTTOMMUSIC.COM

Hildebrandt’s opened in 1879 as a small downtown grocery. In the early 60’s, Louis Hildebrandt began serving the sandwiches he took to work with him, which soon became the reason many customers visited the store. “Our Reubens and Clubs are very popular, along with one called the Hildebrandt Special which is four meats and two cheeses,” said Luanne Hildebrandt, the fourth generation of store owners who is now training her son to take over the business. “Everything is negotiable and made to order, nothing is cut ahead of time.” Repeat customer Alfred Wayne Hester II said, “This is the best deal for lunch in town. I come in about four days a week and it’s less than $5 for a sandwich, sweet tea and bag of chips. Plus, they make you feel at home.” Open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (they close at 1 p.m. on Wednesdays) and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 706.722.7756.

With only five months at their current location, Bar on Broad is the newest bar on Broad Street. The upscale venue is perfect for date night, according to bartender David Alcaraz, who says it is one of the cleanest lounges and martini bars in town. A dress code is enforced on Friday and Saturday nights, which means that gentlemen must wear collared shirts and no hats. A live deejay on those nights plays for the crowd, which can include hip-hop, reggae or requests. On Thursday nights, ladies receive free wine from 10 p.m to midnight, while Monday and Tuesday feature all-day happy hour with $4 Jager bombs, $3 well drinks, $3 imports and $2 domestic beers. The bar is typically open from 6 p.m. to last call, which can be as late as 2:30 a.m. on Friday nights. For more information, visit the Bar on Broad Facebook page.

CSRA Advertising Services has been downtown for 17 years, but as the name implies their clients span the entire CSRA and beyond. It is a testament to their customer service and efficient business model that most of their own advertising happens by word of mouth. “In this day and age it’s easy to make connections and work with people on-line,” said owner Bruce Parker. “I have a large network of resources, and as they move from job to job they take their recommendations with them.” The company does most of their work with businesses, providing promotional products like pens and tee-shirts. The company supplies business and industry with quality promotional products and decorated apparel with excellent customer service and competitive prices. 706.722.5344 or csraadvertisingspecialties.com

758 Broad Street

226 Sixth Street

917 Broad Street

608 Reynolds Street

article and photos by CHRISTOPHER SELMEK

BUSINESS: TV STATIONS LEAVE DOWNTOWN

Consolidation of WJBF and WAGT Leave Downtown with Vacant Buildings Two network television stations and their conglomerates will be moving their offices out of downtown Augusta sometime this spring. WJBF and WAGT, which combined operational services earlier this month, along with their secondary channels RTV and CW, will move to a new 28,000 square foot building with enough space for the employees and equipment running the networks. The vice-president and general manager of all four stations, Bill Stewart, said this will allow the networks to better combine their resources to bring more efficient coverage to the entire CSRA and that opportunities to grow their business will benefit the whole city over time. “In order to make this work we have to be in one facility,” said Stewart. “We looked at renovating [the WJBF] building, but there was not enough space for the satellite dishes or parking for all the employees. We tried very hard to find a facility that would work in the downtown area, but ultimately were faced with the fact that we would have to relocate.” “We’re very saddened by their leaving,” said Downtown Development Authority Executive Director Margaret Woodard. “Anytime you lose a major business, there’s a good reason to pause and consider the impact. WJBF and WAGT both have been very good to the downtown area, but there are also opportunities associated with any loss. We look forward to many years of continued coverage through those stations.” The move is scheduled for April or May “depending on the equipment and construction going on at the new building,”

notes Stewart. “There are always hiccups associated with any project of this magnitude but, once the building is complete, all activity will transfer with the flip of a switch, and there will be no interruption in service for any of our viewers.” The new building is now in the process of being built on Augusta West Parkway, near the mall and across from the Bobby Jones Ford dealership. Neither Stewart nor Woodard is exactly sure what will become of the land currently occupied by the stations. Stewart believes it will be sold by the parent companies, Schurz Communications and Media General. “We will probably have some kind of downtown presence in the future, but my main goal right now is to get all the personnel and equipment transferred from one building to another,” said Stewart. “When you get everybody in one building, you have more work efficiency for coverage of news and weather by the teams, particularly the camera crews, working together.” This move has been planned since the stations combined. “We are very proud of the staff and management of WAGT and their commitment to their community. But it has become clear that the current economic conditions will only make it increasingly difficult to operate as we have in the past,” said Marci

Burdick, senior vice president for Schurz Communications. “We believe the new agreement allows the best of both companies to be leveraged for the benefit of the viewers and advertisers in the CSRA.” “We will have more of the latest gear and equipment to deliver content to our viewers,” said Stewart. “You will continue to get good news coverage of all downtown events, in fact, coverage for the entire CSRA will probably be even better following the move.” article and photo by CHRISTOPHER SELMEK

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6 February 2, 2011 | community driven news| vergelive.com

LOCAL BUSINESS

Local Employers Take National Stage

VIEWPOINT

Use Your Talents for Community Service

LOCAL McDonald’s Franchisee a Shining Star Out of thousands of franchisees to represent the McDonald’s brand in a recent Wall Street Journal article, the execs at at the Chicago corporate headquarters chose the Crawfords from Augusta. The WSJ contacted several other franchisees and many refused comment about expansion plans. “We got no backlash,” said Christine Crawford. Christine and her mother Dee have been like “local celebrity entrepreneurs” in the CSRA since they opened their first store in 1987. They have hired thousands of employees – some working for the family’s business for over 15 years. Recently, Christine told Buzz on Biz radio co-hosts John Patrick and Bill Botham that she eats the new oatmeal and fruit combination almost every day and is excited about the new McCafé area. This rebranding by the McDonald’s corporation as a place for a excellent cup of coffee drew attention from the WSJ because of the $100,000 price tag per machine. “This [element] adds a whole new line to our business and, in this part of the country, it is not easy [to be approved as a franchise that will offer] smoothies,” she told Botham. She also shared some buzz at the end of her radio interview. This summer, the Crawfords will add a Frozen Strawberry Lemonade and Christine indicated Flatbread Sandwiches and Garden Wrap sandwiches are in a national testing phase. Even with her international celebrity status now, Christine still does “mystery shopping” by going through the drive-thrus of the Crawford’s five McDonald’s locations – just to see how fast and friendly her staff members are. The Wall Street Journal hasn’t changed her.

Club Car and EZ GO Continue Turf Battle in Orlando Both CSRA-headquartered golf car manufacturers will be present in mid-February at the Golf Industry Show, just a few weeks after the PGA Professionals Show at the same convention hall in “Mickey Mouse” country. No one would ever accuse either of Augusta’s finest of conducting “shady” business until a recent deal went down in Orlando. Club Car announced an exclusive partnership with the Shadys company out of Pasadena, California. Shadys’ see-thru mesh screens attach to the vehicle quickly and easily. Since golfers can spend up to 5 hours on the links, prone to being scorched by the hot sun, Club Car wanted to ensure a great customer experience. “Keeping our customers safe and comfortable is very important to Club Car, and this product helps us provide golfers and fleet owners with the best and most innovative sun protection shade screens available,” said Bill Hodge, Club Car Category Manager for Aftermarket. E-Z-GO is focusing more on its golf cars than accessories for the 2011 shows. This year’s changes include increasing their efficiency rating by 50% on their gas powered TXT model with a 13 HP Kawasaki engine and an increase from 36 to 48 volt DC Drive train to give more power and range for the performance of the TXT. For golf course operators, E-Z-GO is also introducing another engine system for the TXT. “We can customize the characteristics of any course by having the braking and acceleration match the topography of any course”, said Marketing\Communications Manager Brandon Haddock from the PGA Golf Show Floor in Orlando. Haddock returns to Augusta in early February only to turn around and come back to Central Florida for the Golf Industry Show later in February. Neil Gordon owns Buzz on Biz, LLC, a company dedicated to highlighting business growth through Newspaper, Television, Radio, and Web content. Story idea? Email neil.gordon@buzzon.biz

VOLUNTEERS TAKE OUT THE TRASH AT THE MASTER’S TABLE

In our community, the opportunities to use one’s talents to help those in need abound. As a resident of the CSRA for the past six years, I have been blessed enough to be able to pitch-in at many non-profits. The benefits I received by being involved easily matched the difference I was able to make at each service point.

HANDS ACROSS AUGUSTA

If business is your forte, have you considered getting more involved with the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce? The Chamber is an organization based on the mutually beneficial give-and-take of volunteerism. With a team of Ambassadors, Women in Business committee, and many other options, there are ample opportunities when it comes to volunteering with this community service company focused on furthering local business and economics. Start by attending one of the events listed on AUGUSTACHAMBER.NET and go from there. The time I spent on their Women in Business committee is precious to me, and I had a great time doing it. If you like to raise funds, lend a hand, or help steer the direction of a company, than maybe a position on a board of directors is for you. While serving on the board at the North Augusta Branch of the Family Y, I was able to enjoy a behind-the-scenes preview of their newest location. And, as for the large number of ceiling fans in the spinning class room – well, I’d like to think that because of me, the bikers in that class are a little cooler because of a suggestion I made when looking at the master plan. This was a small thing, but it’s a way that my personal imprint of something I am passionate about was able to make a difference, not for my benefit, but for the benefit of all the users of that room. My journey of volunteerism continues, this time with a new appointment to the board of directors for Shoppe 3130, located on Broad Street next to Wierhouse. I got involved in this organization in a rather organic way. I shopped there, then got involved and volunteered my time to them. My relationship grew with the organization and my passion for the way Shoppe 3130 helps change women’s lives grew as well. This consignment shop funds a program that helps disadvantaged women enter the work force successfully. Their programs to train, dress, and equip these women are impressive. Find out more at SHOPPE3130.ORG The key to actually applying yourself to your volunteering commitment is two-fold. First, make sure that you don’t overextend yourself. Quality at one company is better than spreading yourself too thin at many. Also, when you’re involved in multiple organization, the potential exists for a preponderance of committee meetings and, let’s be honest, they can be massively tedious. Second, be passionate about where you serve. It is infinitly easier to dedicate your time, money and skills to something you are excited to see grow. It becomes a natural part of your daily life instead of a drain on your resources. You will enrich the lives in your community and it will feel like they are giving you a gift the whole time. That’s a kind of life enrichment that we should all enjoy. EDITOR’S NOTE: A great place to start finding out about our

community’s needs and volunteer opportunities is through Volunteer Augusta. THis unique web portal provides a wealth of information on area non-profits, needs and the many ways volunteers are needed. Sign up for more information, event volunteer notifications, and more at VOLUNTEER-AUGUSTA.COM. A native of California, Sarah Childers now calls North Augusta her home. She is a stay-at-home mom to Ruby Jude and a wife to Wes. Her hobbies are home renovation, reading, travel, ZUMBA and blogging and and enjoys working parttime as the Communications Coordinator for Westminster Schools of Augusta.

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8 February 2, 2011 | community driven news| vergelive.com

IN PROGRESS: THE EMPORIUM OPENS

Downtown’s Newest Renovations Boasts Luxury Living Options The Emporium grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony took place on January 25th, with building owner Natalie McLeod, Downtown Development Association executive director Margaret Woodard and Augusta Mayor Deke Copenhaver in attendance. It took a year, but now that the fence has been removed from the face of the 2.7 million dollar Emporium historical rehabilitation project and the nine new apartments will “set the standard for luxury living in downtown Augusta,” according to Woodard. “It takes people with vision and perseverance to make downtown flourish in tough economic times,” said Copenhaver. “The city of Augusta would like to thank Natalie and Mack for their dedication and for all of their hard work.” Sadly, the project, which started with an abandoned building and a creative idea to furnish it with modern amenities, held its grand opening the day after the funeral of Wallace “Mack” McLeod, Natalie’s husband. The building has been dedicated in his honor. “We’ve had hundreds of people work on this project, so many that I can’t mention them all, but that’s a good thing and I truly appreciate them all,” said Natalie. “Above all, I’d like to thank my husband, Mac, who truly believed in the downtown and wanted this to happen, and who supported me when I needed it most.” Natalie also thanked architect Alan Venable, Capers and Associates, the Queensboro National Bank and all the contractors and subcontractors who worked on the building over the last year. “We had one year to accomplish all this work, and the contractors deserve a medal for all the effort they put into this,” said McLeod. “Some of the guys probably feel that they live here because they’ve been in here so much.” McLeod sincerely hopes that her dream will end up benefitting the whole of downtown Augusta due to the types of residents she hopes to bring in. “Most of the people who have lived here (downtown) tend to be the type who only need a room for a year or two while they go to school or wait to get a bigger place, but this building is appealing to

permanent residents and trying to bring them into the community,” she said. “When people live someplace, they have more ownership and they’re more interested. Those who can afford upscale housing like this are usually more involved socially and politically and because they’re permanent residents they may feel obligated to get involved in the downtown community.” Already, two of the nine apartments have been rented and another two are expected to be leased very soon. The commercial space on the first floor has yet to find an owner, and Rex Properties (the leasing agent) is still seeking businesses interested in having a Broad Street storefront. While work continues inside the building, most is limited to the “punch list” – those last minute spots that need touching up or cleaning. The building’s electronic security system should become operational within a few weeks and the last major undertaking, putting up tile on the façade, was completed on the last day warm enough to work with the glue. “They keep sweeping the floors but everyone here just keeps walking over them, so they’ll probably have to come through and do a really thorough polish sometime on the weekend,” said McLeod. “Some kitchen islands and frosted glass still needs to come in, but for the most part the work is done.” Small examples of McLeod’s personal touches abound within the building, including the carpet tile she personally laid in one elevator and the pair of arched doorways on the second floor that she sanded and stained in her own garage. Other mementos point to the historical nature of the building, including the saloon style doors in some bathrooms, and the original stair banisters, which were reused as table legs in several of the kitchens. McLeod imagines that her role as building owner will never be finished and may even consider moving into the building at some later date. For now, however, she would like to sit back and see how the community embraces her finished project. “Even though the management company has taken over most of the leasing and other duties, I will always have something to offer,” she said. “In another five years we’ll hopefully be turning these apartments into condos, and I hope to be an active part in that process as well.” article and photos by CHRISTOPHER SELMEK

ABOVE: Mayor deke copenhaver HELPS EMPORIUM OWNER NATALIE MCLEOD CUT THE RIBBON. BELOW: SNAPSHOTS FROM THE NEWLY RENOVATED EMPORIUM BUILDING.

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10 February 2, 2011 | community driven news| vergelive.com

ART: THE CHRONICLES OF FOLLICLES

“With Our Powers Combined, We Are the Dorn Brothers!”

THE GRILLMASTER

NATE AND TRAVIS DORN

Nate and Travis Dorn grew up surrounded by art and literature — their mother is a portrait painter who helped start Artists’ Row and their father owned a bookstore — so it’s no surprise that the siblings pursued careers in the visual arts. They both possess natural talent and an eye for capturing moments though a camera lens, whether on video or via digital imagery.

Get More Dorn

What is remarkable is that in the cutthroat world of freelance work and self-employment, a world where talent doesn’t always mean success, the Dorn Brothers — native Augustans and graduates of Georgia State University; Nate with a photography and studio arts degree, Travis with a film degree and a minor in photography — survive and thrive by doing what they love. Their photography has won numerous awards and earned glowing reviews, and this, too, is no surprise: the Dorn Brothers use their cameras to create concepts and tell stories. Sometimes offbeat, sometimes poignant, the results are never anything less than unique. Their latest endeavor, The Chronicles of Follicles, sounds simple enough: “Men with beards doing man things” is how it’s billed. But, as the saying goes, every picture tells a story. The exhibit, which was close to two years in the making from inception to final editing, debuted in Atlanta last year to much fanfare and praise, with its unique portraiture and hirsute subjects in various forms of bearded lifestyles. It relocated to Augusta’s Tire City Potters in January as the Dorn Brothers’ first real local show and remains on display through mid-February. The Dorn Brothers became intrigued with photography in elementary school and taught themselves the craft of portraiture and video during the days of film — actual film. Over the years, says Nate, they’ve watched the medium change dramatically. “What used to require five or ten people for printing, processing and a dark room is now done by one person,” he says. “It’s in-camera and uploading to a computer. There’s no need to send anything off to labs. One person can do everything, including editing and color work.” At the same time, affordable, high-quality point-and-shoot cameras with video options have both leveled and lowered the playing field. “It has saturated the market with too many people who think they’re ‘photographers,’” says Travis. “And in terms of making money — that’s a good one, isn’t it? — because stock photography is so accessible, anyone with a camera can put their stuff on stock sites. Companies can buy directly from anyone with a good point-

and-shoot and Photoshop. Thanks to digital technology, they can easily take thousands of pictures, one or two will stand out, and people who aren’t that good are simply good marketers. But that doesn’t make it art, no matter what kind of gear you have.” Art is the key word in describing the Dorn Brothers’ work. From irreverent to editorial, each piece stands on its own and as part of a collection. The siblings honed their post-graduate skills by working with master photographers in the Atlanta area, which enabled them to perfect their craft and establish themselves as a team. In addition to their award-wining projects, they also specialize in weddings and other aspects of portraiture — the backbone of survival in order to channel their passion into works like The Chronicles of Follicles and “less hairy works” such as the Flapper Dapper Art Show. True to its name, this extraordinary collection features contemporary women dressed in 1920s-style flapper outfits. “The challenge,” says Nate, “was to make the photos look aged and antiqued, so there was a lot of research and experimentation.” Another work in progress features expectant mothers in their third trimesters. Tire City Potters, host of The Chronicles of Follicles, is located at 210 B 10th Street. by ALISON RICHTER photos THE DORN BROTHERS

IN PERSON TIRE CITY POTTERS THROUGH 2/16 210 B BROAD STREET TUE, FRI, SAT: 6 pm to 11 pm

THE MAIN SITE DORNBROTHERS.COM

IN THEIR OWN WORDS DORNBROTHERSBLOG.COM

ON VIDEO | YouTube these: The Chronicles of Follicles Art Critics The Grill Master Under Fire The Beard Booth

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12 February 2, 2011 | community driven news| vergelive.com

ART: BRIAN RUTENBERG

“I Have a Love Affair with Color and I Try to Push It as Far as I Can”

Brian Rutenberg, Pine, Palm, and River, 2006. Courtesy of the artist.

“Art offers us the opportunity for unhurried reflection in which time itself becomes a tangible source of pleasure. Looking at painting helps us to see with greater acuity, quickens our sense of experience and reminds us of the miraculous.” - BRIAN RUTENBERG

“Have you had any color experiences lately?” My professor poses this question at the beginning of each color theory studio session and I always have a hard time answering. Am I not always experiencing color? Whether the dull eggshell of our dorm walls or the vivid blue of Savannah sky, my eyes are constantly absorbing and cataloguing color. I feel like I could share each and every moment of my life and call them “color experiences.” But when I view Brian Rutenberg’s Fading 2, I can’t help buy say to myself: this is a color experience. Masterfully arched lines and shapes veer across the canvas, leading the eye from one hue to another. Truly observing the piece takes more than a brief moment – it’s an involvement, an active participation with the intense amount of color. With every glance, a new element is discovered. Tiny slivers of bright reds, pinks and oranges burst from a mass of subdued shades. A warm yellow haze envelops the network of stronger shapes and colors. Rutenberg’s love affair with oil paint is one to be envied. Layers build upon each other; the textures give off the appearance of some rag doll haphazardly but beautifully put together.

I could continue to describe the fantastic eye-gasm that occurs when viewing Rutenberg’s work. I could rattle off a list of inferences as to what the subject of his work is, what his motive as an artist is.* But this work is not to be analyzed. It’s to be experienced. Have your own color experience at the Morris Museum of Art with the new exhibit I Will Tell You A Place: Paintings by Brian Rutenberg. Join the Morris for the exhibition opening, including live music and a champagne tasting, on Thursday, February 3rd at 6 p.m. Free for members; $5 per nonmember. Call 706.724.7501 for reservations. The Museum is located at One Tenth Street in downtown Augusta. Hours of operation: Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday noon to 5 p.m. Regular admission is $3 to $5 and free on Sundays. | THEMORRIS.ORG See more of Brian’s art at BRIANRUTENBERGART.COM by ASHLEY PLOCHA

*To read an interview with the artist, visit the verge online archives, May 2010, available at VERGELIVE.COM.

It’s entrancing, surprising, mysterious – and overall a sheer delight to the eye.

vergelive.com | community driven news | February 2, 2011 13

Your Pipeline to Upcoming Events

FEB

Friday, February 4 Complexions: Celebrating the Colors of Our History Beverly Barnhart Theatre

Each year, Davidson Fines Arts presents a musical/dance/theatre production in celebration of Black History Month. This year’s show will take the audience through the historical and emotional understanding of the many colors of African American culture. The “shades of our complexion” will be told through poetry, dance, drumming, visual arts, music, and drama. $4 to $6 | 7 p.m.

14 FEB

davidson.rcboe.org

Sunday, February 6 Artrageous! Family Sunday: Fourth Annual Artapalooza The Morris Museum of Art

Celebrating the young at art, the Morris Museum presents a fun, free Sunday of creative arts projects and music performances by the Augusta Young Lions and Mackenzie Marr (the 2010 Symphony Orchestra’s Youth Competition winner). Free | 1 to 4 p.m. | THEMORRIS.ORG

Sunday, February 13 Sweetheart Bike Tour Join Andy Jordan on this 15-mile bike tour through Phinizy Swamp at a leisurely pace – a great activity to enjoy with your loved ones. Adults should accompany children under the age of 12. Helmets are required. Register: 706.828.2109. $10 | 2 to 4 p.m. naturalsciencesacademy.org

9 FEB

MARC MITCHELL, AVELUT

Marc Mitchell

Through March 4 Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art Tuesday to Friday, 10 am to 5 pm | Free Marc Mitchell’s abstract paintings create the illusion of habitable space in his solo exhibition at the Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art. Shapes and color trick the eye into reading depth – creating an almost three-dimensional quality on the flat surfaces of his oil paintings. Mitchell’s exploration of color and texture relationships is his own unique contribution; the complex layering and juxtaposition of organic browns and deep blacks with eye-popping greens, oranges, and pinks gives the canvases a magnetic power. The Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art is located at 506 Telfair Street in historic downtown Augusta. GHIA.ORG

Abel Raises Cain

Wednesday, February 9 The Morris Museum of Art | 6 pm | $3 The South Arts Southern Circuit Tour continues with Abel Raises Cain by producer/director Jenny Abel. The film is an intimate look at Abel’s father – Alan Abel – who is a professional prankster. Alan’s hoaxing career began in the late 1950’s with a campaign to clothe all animals for the sake of decency. More than 40 years later, Alan continues to wreak havoc on the media. Hailed by some journalists as the “world’s greatest hoaxer,” yet scorned by others as a menace to the media, Alan Abel has his true tale told for the first time by his daughter Jenny. She reflects on what it was like growing up with a prankster and follows her father on the road during his most recent hoax. The film has won awards at Slamdance, Brooklyn Underground and other national film festivals. Following the screening, Abel and the audience will engage in a discussion about the film and her work as a filmmaker. The Morris Museum of Art is located at One Tenth Street in downtown Augusta. ABELRAISESCAIN.COM | THEMORRIS.ORG

14 February 2, 2011 | community driven news| vergelive.com

The Tillman Story Monday, February 7

Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky

Monday, Feburary 14 ASU University Hall, Room 170 | 7 pm | Free ASU’s Spring Film Series is making Mondays more entertaining through March 28th. Screening February 7th, documentary filmmaker Amir Bar-Lev and the family of fallen Army Ranger and ex-football pro Pat Tillman look to expose a dense web of corruption and lies surrounding the high-profile soldier’s untimely death in THE TILLMAN STORY. The record-breaking Arizona Cardinals defensive player made headlines when he gave up his NFL career to serve his country. Sadly, in 2004, Tillman was killed in the line of duty in what the military concluded was a “friendly fire” incident and the product of confusion among his peers. The documentary draws on witness interviews and testimony from high-ranking military officials to allege the shooting was instead fratricide intentionally carried out by members of Tillman’s own platoon. This exploration of an American hero’s mysterious murder was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival. The Valentine’s Day edition of the film series welcomes a romantic French biopic, COCO CHANEL & IGOR STRAVINSKY. This fictionalized exploration of the rumored romance between the iconic fashion designer and the influential Russian composer begins with a depiction of the 1913 premiere of Stravinsky’s ballet The Rite of Spring, which is infamous for causing an audience riot attributed to overly bold, modern subject matter. Chanel, as the story goes, was inspired by Stravinsky’s brash ingenuity. Seven years later, Chanel and Stravinsky were formally introduced and she offered the down-on-his-luck composer a place to stay. Their purported affair inspired this film, which is based on writer Chris Greenhalgh’s novel Coco and Igor. AUG.EDU | by MARIAH GARDNER

Art | Dance | Music | Film | More

FEB

Winter Jam 2011

Thursday, February 10 | James Brown Arena | 7 pm | $10 Christian music’s largest annual tour, Winter Jam, returns to Augusta’s James Brown Arena on February 10th, touting some of the hottest Christian artists and covering a wide spectrum of musical tastes, from pop, to heavy metal, to rap. This year’s line-up includes the Newsboys, whose current release “Born Again” continues to be a number one radio hit, and The David Crowder Band, a perennial favorite of praise and worship teams. Hard rockers Kutless also take the stage with singer-songwriter Francesca Battistelli, the alternative metal group Red and rapper KJ-52. Thirteen years ago, Eddie Carswell of New Song teamed up with Roy Morgan of Premier Productions with a mission to bring the Gospel message through music to the thousands. Tickets are available at the door – everything is handled in cash ($10) to remove the charges that are incurred with using costly ticket services. The concept is simple: affordable with a focus on the Gospel. JAMTOUR.COM

11 FEB

The Good Father Opening Night Friday, February 11 | Le Chat Noir | 8 pm | $25

Tim meets Jane. Tim and Jane have sex. Jane and Tim like each other! Tim is going to be a father. They live happily ever after. Ah, if life, love, and romance was as simple and straightforward as the books we read as children – the simple structure, the unassuming syntax, the ease of thought and a determined, smile-filled outcome. These are the scripts of innocence, where difficult decisions involve what flavors of ice cream to mix and how to best utilize that Cracker Jack prize. The cleanliness of the writing, however, never articulates the complexities we discover in between the lines. The Good Father by Christian O’Reilly examines the unsaid and catapults two unlikely people into a hotbed of romance, regret, denial, acceptance, and possibly love. Tim (Duane Brown) leads a rather invisible life as a proud member of the working class. When he meets Jane (Emily Surles), a cold, pretentious attorney from the right side of the tracks, their relationship evolves from a chance encounter at a New Years Eve party into a menagerie of deception that ultimately explodes with truth, honesty, and the simplicity of forgiveness.

Trouble in Tahiti + The Old Maid and the Thief Friday, February 11 | Maxwell Theatre, ASU | 7:30 pm | $12

Augusta State University’s Opera Ensemble presents a double feature of American one-act operas, Leonard Bernstein’s Trouble in Tahiti and Gian Carlo Menotti’s The Old Maid and the Thief. Written in 1952, Trouble in Tahiti was Bernstein’s first opera. The opera presents the invisible side of the 1950’s American dream, the not-so-idyllic reality that awaits an up-and-coming couple at home every night in suburbia. One of the unique features of the opera is the three-person chorus, which Bernstein referred to as “a Greek chorus born out of the radio commercial.” In a review of a London production, George Hall of the Guardian UK wrote of Bernstein’s score: “Pop and film music parodies infuse a score in which the composer indulged his love of Broadway while keeping one foot on classical turf. The result is charming, witty and sad.” In Menotti’s The Old Maid and the Thief, respectability is turned upside down as the mere presence of an appealing thief cause the women of the house to engage in comic high jinx. Composed in 1939, it was one of the first operas written for radio, commissioned by NBC. The Maxwell Theatre is located at Augusta State University, 2500 Walton Way, Augusta. AUG.EDU/PAT

O’Reilly’s first full-length play, The Good Father, was produced by Druid Theatre Company for the 25th Galway Arts Festival in 2002. It was joint winner of the 2002 Stewart Parker New Playwright Bursary. O’Reilly’s screen credits include Inside I’m Dancing, a feature film that won the Audience Award for Best Film at the Edinburgh Film Festival in 2004. Le Chat’s production of The Good Father is led by Douglas Joiner, the Artistic Director of Le Chat Noir and Director of Theatre at Augusta State University. On stage are Duane Brown, a local photographer and veteran performer at Le Chat Noir, and Emily Surles. Surles is a staple within the Augusta performing arts community and is also the Choral and Drama Director at North Augusta Middle School. Le Chat Noir opens The Good Father on February 11th. The play also runs February 12th, 18th and 19th, 24th-26th. A special “Cupid’s Cabaret” performance will be held on February 14th. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. The theater is located at 304 Eighth Street in downtown Augusta. Tickets $25 each and available at the box office: 706.722.3322. LCNAUGUSTA.COM | by DOUG JOINER photo Melanie Avita

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16 February 2, 2011 | community driven news| vergelive.com

GOOD CHOW: DICHICKO’S CAFE

Their Own Peri-Peri Sauce Adds the Flavor Little Peri-Peri peppers travel all the way from South Africa to the plates and palates of Augustans right on Washington Road – and our taste buds say “Thanks, DiChickO’s!”

beers locals like 24 More Months to Party

It’s 2011 and, according to the Mayan calendar, we have exactly 24 months (including the last one) before the world ends. Are you thinking what I’m thinking? Because I’m thinking – PARTYYY! Am I joking? Is this whole Mayan thing for real? There’s no font for sarcasm. There are, however, at least three reasons to celebrate 2011 in style. Two are from Oregon, and one is from Malta. That’s right, get out your 7th grade geography books, Malta does exist.

Rogue Maierfest Lager | This product of the Rogue Ales Brewery is dedicated to its brewmaster, John Maier. No, not that guy who sang that song about that girl that he made out with in the music video. Mr. Maier is an artist of a different medium, and he does not disappoint. This malty lager has a refined nose with a color to match. The first edge of the sip really coats the whole mouth with a complexity that is as harmonious as it is meticulous. The delicate balance of malts and hops really give this brew that fullness of flavor, yet the quick decay allows this rich mixture to simmer just long enough without that feeling of “why do I still feel like I never swallowed this sip?” A distinct and precise brew from an obsessively definite brewery, this crisp and dry lager finishes with a freshness that’ll make you think of new beginnings and good times ahead. Chatoe Rogue | Another fine product from Oregon’s Rogue Ales Brewery, this brew prides itself on being a “first growth OREgasmic ale.” No, it’s not like that shampoo commercial. This ale is made with barley and hops from Oregon. So, not one thing is outsourced, giving the sipper a distinctly Pacific Northwest experience from open to finish. The nose hints of orange and other unspecified citrus flavors, foreshadowing a hoppy bite. However, from the moment of the first sip, a fullness of flavor engulfs the entirety of the tongue, yielding a completeness of flavor that few ales can offer. I guess that’s the “OREgasmic” aspect of it. So, feel free to light-up the proverbial cigarette after you finish this smoother-than-most ale. Farsons Lacto | A milk stout from Malta? The alliteration practically writes itself. It pours like an oatmeal stout (exactly like a Farmer Fran’s if you’ve spent much time in the Northeast). The taste is as sweet as the nose, and the milky aspect really does well to take the edge off of the fact that it is a stout. If you’re a light beer fan who has never really tried a stout before, a Farsons Lacto would serve the dual purpose of being a good and user-friendly diplomat for this class of beer. It’s rich enough to remind you that you’re drinking a stout, but easy enough not to overwhelm you. Try it with that dark chocolate you resolved to eat but angled for a Charleston Chew instead. The paradoxically softer aspects of this stout will do well to complement dark chocolate or anything bitter, for that matter.

Lucio and Heather DiCicco (Lucio is from Johannesburg, South Africa and Heather’s from right here in Augusta) left safe, well-paying jobs as accountants in Atlanta to take a chance on getting their special Peri Peri Pepper sauces onto the global map – creating a wholesale company and a café in the process. Lucio missed Peri Peri chicken, a dish as popular in South Africa as pulled pork barbecue is here in Georgia. He and Heather spent several years creating an all-natural version of Lucio’s hometown favorite. The DiCiccos use lemon – actually, the entire lemon, zest and all – to preserve their sauces and give them extra zing and all the vitamins found in pulverizing the whole lemon. When the sauce recipes ready to roll out, the couple moved to Augusta. Heather took over managing the Augusta store her grandparents “Red” and Dorothy Hanson began 30 years ago: New Life Natural Foods in Fairway Square on Washington Road. Then, she and Lucio opened DiChickO’s Peri-Peri Café inside New Life, combining the uniqueness of their original sauces with organic and all-natural menu options. “We’re trying to make eating healthy, not seem weird,” says Heather. The DiChickO’s Café serves a variety of soups, sandwiches, salads, quesadillas, and flaps (grilled wraps), plus smoothies and Wow Cow frozen yogurt. Heather and her cafe crew are preparing to fire up a new menu featuring 12 items under 400 calories each. Complete nutritional information on each menu item can be found on DiChickO’s website – look for the beach umbrella icons; they indicate the under 400 calorie meals. Perinaise (Peri Peri marinade with mayo or veganaise) is a customer favorite which gives a flavorful kick to veggies, rice, and cream-based dishes. The DiCiccos don’t bottle it – yet. Lucio has been developing the wholesale side for their eight varieties of the bottled Peri Peri Sauce. The product is now in stores across America, including Fresh Market, Winn Dixie, Earth Fare, Harris Teeters, and Whole Foods. Local businesses like Nacho Mamas serve DiChickO’s sauces as condiments; countries like Turkey, England, and Canada are importing this Augusta-made specialty.

Owner Heather DiCicco (right) and chef Brett Hilton (left)

To promote both sauce and café, Heather developed an innovated marketing technique to brand the logo of “Larry,” the DiChickO chicken. Customers who display a car window sticker emblazoned with the “Larry” icon receive a free lunch the first Wednesday of each month. DiChickO’s Café also begin “Dinner and a Movie” this month with a film about reversing the effects of diabetes, showing in their newly expanded dining area. DiChickO’s Peri-Peri Café is open Monday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Café is located in New Life Natural Foods at Fairway Square, 2825 Washington Road. Details: 706.737.8805. Follow their daily specials on Facebook and Twitter. DICHICKOS.COM | NEWLIFEAUGUSTA.COM article and photos by JENN MASLYN

REASONS TO TRY A DICHICKO’S PERI-PERI SAUCE PACKED WITH VITAMIN A and C | A SAUCE FOR ALL OCCASIONS GREAT SOURCE OF BETA CAROTENE AND ANTIOXIDANTS FRESH, NATURAL INGREDIENTS | ADDS KICK TO YOUR COOKING

These quality brews can be found at Eighth Street Tobacco (corner of Eighth and Ellis). by BEN CASELLA Ben Casella hopes Charleston Chews still exist. He hasn’t had one in a while, and he has never had one in Charleston. He has, however, had more than he’d care to mention at the Brynwood Pool.

vergelive.com | community driven news | February 2, 2011 17

18 February 2, 2011 | community driven news| vergelive.com

LIVE MUSIC: THE DEREK TRUCKS & SUSAN TEDESCHI BAND

Husband and Wife Duo Open New Tour at the Imperial Theatre

Derek Trucks couldn’t care less what the critics think. “Every once in a while I read reviews, but I really don’t care, even if they’re good,” he says. “You don’t [play and write music] for that reason. Their take doesn’t change what we do. If a guy reviews a record of Coltrane covers and he never heard the originals, then it’s not important what his take is — he doesn’t know the history. A lot of times people read a review and take it on that level, and they have no idea what the reviewer’s background is. It depends on someone’s life experiences and what they’re trying to say. There are some great writers we run into, quite a few who have been around a long time and know where it’s coming from. On the other hand, a young mind that’s educated is not just writing from inexperience. You have to know what you’re talking about — the musicians, the scene. Otherwise, unless you’re really open-minded, it can be a little strange.” Trucks and his wife, blues guitarist Susan Tedeschi, have been busy: 2010 included performances at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Eric Clapton Crossroads Guitar Festival, Telluride Blues & Brews Festival and Japan’s Fuji Rock Fest. In addition, they collaborated with Herbie Hancock on his Imagine Project, with accompanying television and concert performances. Derek Trucks has led his own band for over 15 years, has been the slide guitarist for the Allman Brothers Band for more than ten, and toured the world with Eric Clapton. Tedeschi is a multiple Grammy Award nominee and highly respected vocalist/guitarist. The couple will perform at the Imperial Theatre on February 10 with their new band. It’s the first stop on their 2011 tour and will make for any blues and/or guitar lover’s dream come true.

VERGE: Most people have heard the story about how you picked out a guitar at a yard sale when you were nine-years-old because it was the only thing that looked interesting. When did you truly discover the essence of the instrument and also find your sound? TRUCKS: At 13 or 14, when I realized it was what I wanted to do, that it would be a lifelong search and that I had to buckle down and go for it. As far as hearing a personal sound, a few years later, but that’s something you’re constantly searching for. It seems to come and go. VERGE: At what point in your playing did imitation become innovation? TRUCKS: That’s hard to pinpoint. You look back and hear the change, but it’s a little bit at a time. When you first start, obviously you play stuff you’ve heard, but there are flashes of doing stuff you’ve not done before. I constantly go back and forth. VERGE: How does your approach change when you’re working with another guitarist? TRUCKS: It really depends on who the other guitar player is. Some guys are naturally free and liberating, and they spur you on to do and hear things you’ve not done and heard before. Other times, a guitar player is constantly fighting for space. When you’re the only guitar player, obviously you have complete space in your realm. VERGE: Can you play everything you hear in your head? TRUCKS: Oh no! But that’s good because it means I have a lot more to do. VERGE: When you solo, do you concentrate on what you’re playing or do the hands just take over the mind? TRUCKS: My mind goes somewhere else, especially on a good night. When you’re really locked in, hopefully you’re not even a part of it. I’m not thinking about technique when I’m playing a solo and trying to say something. Sometimes you consciously direct it. Other times, it’s the spirit of what goes on onstage. The moments that strike me are when you’re taken out of the picture. VERGE: What should a solo do within the context of a song and by itself?

“The guitar is not something you should bang around and throw around and step on. I give the instrument more respect than that. You should treat it like a woman.” – DEREK TRUCKS

TRUCKS: It’s different every night and with every tune. It should tell a story, convey different emotions, and not be a self-indulgent display of what you can do. It should move somebody and make them feel or hear something they’ve not heard or felt before. It should be a complete musical release, an offering, and should move away from being a selfindulgent display of all your practice. It should be deeper than that.

See The Show

VERGE: In the ridiculous tradition of rock and roll, have you ever smashed a guitar? TRUCKS: No, I have not. I was reading a story about Ravi Shankar at Woodstock. He was supposed to go on after Hendrix. In their culture, your instrument is how you get in touch with God, and he refused to go on because it messed him up so much, so he had to go on the next day. I take that approach. The guitar is not something you should bang around and throw around and step on. I give the instrument more respect than that. You should treat it like a woman. VERGE: Lee Roy Parnell told me that with slide, “You don’t hit a fret; you’re on a molecule. You’ve got to be dead on the money or you’ll drive everyone crazy.” Is that an accurate assessment? TRUCKS: It can be. It’s really that way with any instrument. It’s about your ear being in tune. Obviously, with slide, it’s that much more important because being just a hair off can be really ugly. With wind instruments also you have to be pitch-conscious, and with a fretted guitar, but slide is the extreme. VERGE: Are today’s artists as willing to stick to their guns in terms of originality? TRUCKS: The ones that should be, I think do. Everyone’s course is what it’s going to be, and if you’re going to be the real thing, you’ll stick, and if you give in, you were going to give in anyway. It’s not an easy road, but once you see what you should be doing and that the intention is as important as the music you play, you have to stick to it. There’s a huge gap in the amount of musicians and the amount of good musicians today, and the standards have to be raised again because they’ve definitely been lowered for quite a while. by ALISON RICHTER

WHAT The Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi Band WHERE The Imperial Theatre 745 Broad Street | Augusta WHEN Thursday, February 10 7:30 pm TICKETS $24 to $68.50

BUY IMPERIALTHEATRE.COM WHY Trucks “played slide guitar

with an expressiveness and volatility that echoed the late Duane Allman while accompanying his equally intense wife, Susan Tedeschi.” - The Chicago Tribune

MORE | derekandsusan.net

vergelive.com | community driven news | February 2, 2011 19

THE FILM REEL

Not Much Love for V-Day Two thrillers opening the week prior to the Valentine’s box office seems like a bad omen for Cupid. A stalker flick and a claustrophobic 3D adventure monopolize theaters on February 4th. Leighton Meester (Gossip Girl, Country Strong) plays the obsessively possessive college roommate of Esquire’s reigning Sexiest Woman Alive, Minka Kelly (Friday Night Lights), in THE ROOMMATE. Meester, who looks freakishly similar to Kelly in this film, channels Fatal Attraction for a co-ed horror fest with co-stars Cam Gigandet (Twilight) and Aly Michalka (Hellcats). Big-budget film titan James Cameron (Titanic, Avatar) brings his reputation for cutting-edge 3D to the depths of the earth as executive producer of SANCTUM. A team of underwater cave divers travel to a remote part of Australia to explore uncharted areas below sea level. The adventure seekers’ mission becomes a panicked struggle for survival when a tropical storm floods their exit and the team must continue to travel downward to search for a way out. The 3D and IMAX adventure is based on true events experienced on an expedition led by Andrew Wight in 1988. Wight helped to write and produce the film. STRUGGLE IN THE INNER SANCTUM February 11th openers have something a tad more romantic for moviegoers … courtesy of a womanizing Adam Sandler, a garden gnome and teenybopper heartthrob, Justin Bieber. In JUST GO WITH IT, Sandler gets back into character as the lying womanizer he played in 50 First Dates, but instead of concocting a bevy of tall tales to trick women into one-night stands, he sticks with one basic form of deception: wearing a wedding ring. The plan backfires when he finds a gorgeous woman he wants to settle down with (swimsuit model Brooklyn Decker in her first major movie role). Diving into the romantic comedy pitfall where characters create a string of lies to cover up an unflattering truth, Sandler formulates a scheme with his office assistant, played by Jennifer Aniston, in which she poses as the wife he’s supposedly divorcing. Complicating matters, her two kids become part of the equation and Sandler has to feign fatherhood to keep up appearances. Nicole Kidman shows up briefly and Sandler’s frequent collaborator Dennis Dugan (Happy Gilmore, Big Daddy, Grown Ups) directs. Garden gnomes from competing families (red gnomes vs. blue gnomes) in neighboring yards find Shakespearean love in GNOMEO AND JULIET. Lawn ornaments with romantic sentiments might not faze kids as long as 3D animation and silly jokes take center stage. A slew of famous British voices might help adults accept this far-fetched adaptation of the Bard’s work, too. The voice cast DO YOU BITE YOUR BEAK AT ME? includes James McAvoy, Emily Blunt, Jason Statham, Michael Caine, Maggie Smith and Ozzy Osbourne. Elton John served as executive producer and provided the soundtrack. Love him or hate him, 16-year-old singer Justin Bieber is this generation’s recipient of the giddy adoration of loyal armies of tween and teen girls around the world. JUSTIN BIEBER: NEVER SAY NEVER (in 3D) chronicles the young superstar’s humble beginnings singing and drumming in online videos and follows him backstage on a recent tour alongside the likes of Usher and Jaden Smith. Alright, guys, there’s a February 11th opener for you, too. Playing the son of Roman warrior Flavius Aquila, Channing Tatum (Step Up, The Dilemma) embarks on a dangerous journey to solve a 20-year-old mystery surrounding the disappearance of his father, some 5,000 soldiers and a prized possession in THE EAGLE. Jamie Bell (Billy Elliott) is the slave Tatum brings along in his quest for closure and redemption in this period action film, which also features Donald Sutherland and is based on the 1954 novel The Eagle of the Ninth by Rosemary Sutcliff. The Last King of Scotland director, Kevin Macdonald, helms this feature. by MARIAH GARDNER, MOVIE GURU CHANNING TATUM IN THE EAGLE

20 February 2, 2011 | community driven news| vergelive.com

CUT THE FAT XV Throwing Your Weight Around

“Courage is the power to let go of the familiar.” - Raymond Lindquist

For many people the hardest part of weight loss is not necessarily getting started, but getting past that first big hump of what you HAVE to do and what you WANT to do. There’s no easy way to lose weight. Whether it is through simple exercise, good nutritional choices or surgical means, losing weight involves hard work, determination, the gumption to make the best choices and the ability to accept failure and move on. For most people, that means stepping outside of lifelong created comfort zones and that can be scary. Even scarier is that it means not only doing a program once or twice, but regularly for a long period of time – and it doesn’t stop once the weight is gone. Weight gain – and weight loss – is not a one-off thing, it can happen again and again and again. Sounds even scarier now, doesn’t it? Ask anyone who has tried to lose weight about the experience and, chances are, they have had several experiences trying to lose weight. Heck, just in the last two years since I stated to take weight loss seriously, I have had to endure several experiences. In February of 2009, I weighed a whopping 450 pounds. Since winning Biggest Loser –finishing at a weight of 355 pounds – I have spent most of my time flirting with the 300 pound mark, even getting as low as 281 pounds, only to find myself nervously balancing on the 300 pound line again and again and even going over by a good bit. It took all of this for me to realize that simply being thinner wasn’t enough of a reason for me to stay focused. I would just continually find myself unmotivated and back in my old comfort zone. When I started in 2009, I had the motivation of a Lenten promise and, after that, Biggest Loser. I found that I worked best with a goal that would keep me motivated and interested. When I remembered a deal I had made with my daughter Alexis, I thought I had found just the one. After seeing video of some friends who went sky diving, I decided that I really wanted to go. The problem though was that I was way heavier than the required 250 maximum weight allowed. Alexis made a deal with me. If I could lose the weight, she would take me sky diving the following Father’s Day. Just two months after she turned 21, Alexis passed away following a car accident. There would never be another Father’s Day for us and any interest I had in losing weight went out the window. Ironically it was Alexis’ regular routine of not eating Taco Bell during Lent that led to my own food-related Lenten promise the following February. I decided to steer clear of fried food, red meat and fast food. (The fast food part went by the wayside early on when my trainer told me that Wendy’s grilled chicken sandwich was a great food choice on the go.) At the start of 2010, I found myself shakily recovering from the holidays. I prepared for Lent by deciding to start in January with a goal of soaring across the open skies in June. Well, being that weight loss is just as much mental as it is physical, I found myself falling victim to the pressure of living up to this promise I had made myself to complete this deal that Alexis and I had made. It was eating me alive. I was so consumed with not letting her down that I was unable to carry out the tasks needed to reach my goal. By May, I was a basket case and, once Father’s Day came and went, I was devastated. To make matters worse, I couldn’t let it go and it started to affect everyday life and, at that point, I could have cared less about weight loss or much else, for that matter. After some major reflecting, I realized that during my attempt to lose weight, somehow I had also lost a good bit of myself. Instead of making exercise and good nutrition a part of my life, I let it take over and it made for some crazy moments during those months. Enter Fall 2010 – I decided to try and take this newfound knowledge and put it to work. But, before I could get back into the gym, I had to make sure I was steady on the inside with the things that were most important to me. I decided to spend the holidays focusing on my relationship with my wife, God and my music. We even put up a Christmas tree and decorations for the first time since 2007. The even better part was that, while I was trying to clear the cobwebs for better things to come for myself, my wife Jeannie made a huge decision and effort to get healthier for herself. Her decision has not only helped her to feel better physically, it has also brought a new noticeable glow to her everyday personality as well. Both of us working on ourselves and our relationship together has made such an amazing difference that I was able to kick-off 2011 with a fresh new outlook. I’m excited about what the future holds for us and I believe that I’m ready to get back on track for the right reasons. Before I was trying to escape the past, now I’m trying to find a better future, one where there is so much to look forward to—including jumping out of a plane!

by JOHN “STONEY”CANNON John “Stoney” Cannon began chronicling his weight loss Spring 2009 and has since lost over 150 pounds. Follow his progress and get more inspiration at FATKATFITNESS.BLOGSPOT.COM

MUSIC: SLEEPERSTAR

Getting the Message Across

In a music world filled with hardcore metal, screaming rock, pounding hip-hop and tracking on the grid, Sleeperstar — Chris Pearson – vocals, piano, acoustic guitar, electric guitar; Nick Box – lead guitar; Jake Lester – piano, background vocals; Shaun Menary – drums; and Brandon Rosas – bass — are bending the rules and defying the formula by employing melodies, harmonies and positive messages.

“Privacy has gone out the window because of the internet, but it allows bands like us to maneuver their way through the sea of music.” –CHRIS PEARSON

The Texas-based band members met as students at Baylor University in Waco while playing in different bands. Pearson’s group signed a deal with Interscope/Geffen and toured extensively. Between road stretches, the vocalist wrote songs with Box and Lester, and when his band went separate ways, the new partnership continued. Those tracks became Sleeperstar’s EP, To Speak, To Love, To Listen (2008), which was recorded in Los Angeles and Sweden. A few of the tracks made their way to the independently released full-length Just Another Ghost, which was released last year after a hectic schedule of record/tour/record/repeat. “We did the EP, toured it and talked to various labels,” says Box. “We were waiting to see if we would sign and we started working on a new record, but we couldn’t decide on the tracks. We had been writing a lot; we were all lead writers in our other bands and we write all the time, it’s our favorite thing to do. We had to try to balance the first full-length with completely new songs or the best of the EP. We re-mastered some of the songs and did a little bit of rearranging because we now had everyone in the band, and we released Just Another Ghost on our own.” The efforts paid off, as did the power of the Internet, which turned Sleeperstar into superstars literally overnight. “The biggest push was a lot of word-of-mouth,” says Pearson. “It took a few years to trickle, but it creates perpetual movement as people tell more people. That was the biggest push, and internationally it was in November. EMI Publishing loved the band and wanted to put our songs on television and film. The CW contacted us about using ‘I Was Wrong’ in The Vampire Diaries. We were very excited … and they paid us, which was really neat! The show airs in 31 countries. It aired on a Thursday night and by Friday morning we had a flood of Twitter and e-mails and YouTube. We sold more songs on iTunes in more countries. We were Number 6 in Canada on alternative rock, Number 20 in France, Number 8 in Israel, Belgium and New Zealand. The internet, if it’s not the most crucial thing, then it’s second behind digital recording software, which has made it so that you don’t have to spend $100,000 to make a record. Privacy has gone out the window because of the internet, but it allows bands like us to maneuver their way through the sea of music. The verdict, however, is still out. WH0 Sleeperstar We’re still vying for a spot to do this for the next 30 years.” WHERE Douglas Barnard, Jr.

See the Show

Sleeperstar will continue vying for their well-deserved spot with a performance at Augusta State University on February 16th as part of the college’s homecoming celebration. by ALISON RICHTER

Amphitheatre at Augusta State University WHEN Wednesday, February 16 | 7 pm WHY Part of ASU’s homecoming week

MORE | SLEEPERSTAR.COM

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LOKAL LOUDNESS CHOICE AWARDS 2011

The Votes Are In: Who Will Be Augusta’s Favorite Local Band? Lokal Loudness Choice Awards Turn 18

48 VOLT

I recently mentioned to a friend that this year – 2011 – will be the 18th time Lokal Loudness Choice awards have been presented to recognize Augusta’s favorite local musicians. I almost spit out my coffee when he said that the awards were “finally going to be old enough to vote.” Yeah, it is hard for me to believe that we have been handing these awards out for such a long time and even harder for me to think that next year Lokal Loudness will celebrate her 20th birthday. When I look at it that way, Lokal Loudness has been a part of me for just a little less than half my life. WOW! Each year, I find myself enjoying the Choice Awards party a little bit more than the previous year. People tell me that they can imagine the reason(s) why; but, oddly enough, they’re usually wrong. Or, shall I say, they may know SOME of the lesser reasons but not the main one. It is pretty cool to be involved with an event that so many people dig but, quite honestly, I simply enjoy seeing so many people that I have seen and spent time with around town just relaxing and enjoying each other’s company – all the while showing respect and support for each other. I’m not just blowing smoke when I say how special the music community we have here in Augusta is. We may not all agree on some things but, at the end of the day, there exists this love and respect that is rarely found among such a wide rage of artists in other cities. I can’t help but to dig it.

THE NOMINEES ARE: 48volt chairleg False flag L.i.E. My instant lunch

CHAIRLEG DID YOU KNOW? In 1984, the first Lokal Loudness Awards were voted for and awarded at SQUEAKY’S

TIP

TOP. Mary Jane Jones got the nod for Augusta’s favorite band. This was also the first and only time area artists did not perform. The current award, coined the LEXI

FALSE FLAG

PLEXI

in 2009 after Alexis Noelle Colohan-Cannon, debuted in February 2002 at Lokal Loudness’ 10th Anniversary. The annual event was originally called the Lokal Loudness Music Choice Awards. The word

Like previous years, the list of nominees for the 2011 awards is an interesting read. Some names are surprising, some not so surprising and, like always, the list always leads to debate about which artists were nominated and which artists were NOT nominated. But, after all the discussion and debate, the awards show arrives and all talk is put aside for a great evening of music and fun. To find out more about Lokal Loudness Choice Awards, and to preview this year’s list of nominees: LOKALLOUDNESS.COM.

 Dixie Dregs Award for Favorite Lokal Band

“music” was removed following THREATS

LEGAL ACTION from national cable music channel provider Music Choice. Henry Wynn, Jr. holds the MOST

NOMINATIONS for a single category with 10

L.i.E.

consecutive favorite miscellaneous instrument category nominations. The biggest awards haul in one year goes to

L.i.E. who, in 2010, walked away with band or individual awards in 7 of the 9 categories

by John “Stoney” Cannon Stoney created and continues Lokal Loudness and its annual awards celebration.

for which they were nominated. The band was nominated in 10 of this year’s 17 categories.

Plan To Go

Previous awards shows have included performers and presenters who have worked with artists such as JAMES

BROWN, Larry Jon Wilson,

Shawn Mullins, Earl Scruggs, the Lewis Family,

MY INSTANT LUNCH

Buckcherry, Skid Row, the Georgia Satellites, the

BLACK CROWES, as well as Motley Crue

drummer Tommy Lee, former Metallica bassist

WHAT The Lokal Loudness Choice Awards WHERE The Playground Bar at 978 Broad Street in downtown Augusta WHEN Friday, February 18 | 8 pm

FEATURING Brandy Douglas, Dee Hemingway, False Flag, G-City Rockers, John Berret’s LaRoxes, The Radar Cinema

MORE | LOKALLOUDNESS.COM

Jason Newsted, and Dave Navarro of Jane’s Addiction. 2011 marks the 18th consecutive year that Lokal Loudness has recognized the accomplishments of independent artists within the Augusta music community making the Lokal Loudness Choice Awards the LONGEST

RUNNING music

awards of its kind in the state of Georgia.

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SOUND BITES

Lokal Music Musings Hey, kiddies and rock and rollers! February is here – time for love and, just like any other month, rock and roll. It’s the perfect combo for me because it just so happens that I love rock and roll (queue up Joan Jett, if you feel the need). There’s nothing quite like driving along Riverwatch Parkway on the way downtown with some cool tunes and, if you’re lucky enough, your baby by your side. You don’t even have to talk right? Who needs to say a thing when the songs say it all? It was announced recently that LADY ANTEBELLUM, featuring the area’s very own CHARLES KELLEY and DAVE HAYWOOD, had been nominated for a whopping six Grammy Awards. Now, it appears that the band has been added to the list of performers on the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, February 13th. We’ll be watching to see if the trio will perform the recently released single “Hello World.” The track is the fourth single to be released from the trio’s smash hit album Need You Now. Now if they would just jump on the Rock Fore Dough lineup. In related news, MCA Nashville announced in late January that JOSH KELLEY (brother to Lady A’s Charles) will release his debut country album Georgia Clay on March 22nd. What’s up next for the one-time pop singer-songwriter gone country? A tag-team tour with Atlanta troubadour Tim Brantley. As happens from time to time, bands have members come and go – some bands more than others. Recently, Adrien Pilot was brought in to take over the bass spot in hard rocking Augusta band L.i.E. after the departure of the very popular (and frequently barefoot) JO BONE. It has also been reported that area horror metalheads Chairleg recently lost a member, but I’m still not clear on if that means someone left the band or there was an accident involving a chainsaw. If that wasn’t crazy enough, long-time Augusta vet guitarist Edmond “Lurch” Kida suddenly disappeared one day from the G-City Rockers compound and in his place appeared a pair of shorter, yet capable, guitarists in Jason Morris and Darryl Cliett. Better watch out! Next thing you know, it will be Guapo of False Flag being replaced by that Marvin the Martian dude from the Bugs Bunny cartoons. Over the past few months, Rock Bottom Music has brought cool, packed-out 80’s style rock shows to Augusta with L.A. Guns and Adler’s Appetite. In RBM’s third show – on February 26th – the glam-athon continues as Bang Tango hits the A-U-G to rock Sky City. Heard rumors that Dirty Blue Dress and a reformed Nobody’s Fault will also join the line-up. Regardless, I’m sure it’ll still rock. But you’ll have to fill me in on the results; my butt will be keeping warm on a ship in the middle of the Caribbean on that particular night. Still hoping the Arena Rock Series finds a way to bring Pretty Boy Floyd to town. Or was that Ugly Kid Joe? Well it looks like my space is up (but not for rent). For now just remember to keep your thermal undies on and plug in those electric chair blankets and, finally, go to a show and rock and roll!

THE LAST WORD

2/14 or 4/1?

Question: What’s the difference between Valentine’s Day (2/14) and April Fool’s Day (4/1)? Answer: There is no difference. Both are for fools and both are jokes. Now, wait just a minute and give me a chance to explain. I’m actually not some bitter broad or scorned woman seeking to right the wrongs of gender Y. I’m simply writing for the rest of us – the uncelebrated, lonesome and loveless – who might otherwise feel like Rudolph or a misfit toy in the coming weeks. I’m saying that Cupid is stupid, and I’ll tell you why. The folly unfolds something like this: every year, we gallop and gift our way through Christmas, only to trudge through the month of January bloated, crabby and paying off credit card bills. As the long, cold month comes to a close, we tether our hopes and dreams to an arrow aimed at Cupid – who either picks our name or he doesn’t – every February 14th. Like other holidays, Valentine’s Day is officially allocated just one calendar day per year (thank God), and we are to pour all the love we’ve got into that one particular bucket (this year it happens to fall on a Monday). Sounds melodramatic, huh? You got that right. And talk about performance pressure? Any true “Cupid Scrooge” will tell you that the only ones madly in love with this holiday are Hershey’s, Hallmark, florists and jewelers. So for all of you out there – St. Valentine’s Unsung Heroes – this one’s for you! After years of experience, I’ve come up with a few “tricks from the trade” on the Dos and Don’ts of Valentine’s Day Survival: First off, let’s address some technicalities. As noted before, this year’s VD falls on a Monday. Because the nature of this celebration typically involves (if not requires) pricey dinners, long waits at restaurants (hence cocktails from the bar), and even babysitters – lots of folks are apt to “wine & dine out” during the preceding weekend, which is key info to keep in mind if you’re short on patience and not a fan of large crowds or mass feedings.

Here are a few other considerations:

WHAT TO WEAR Steer clear of reds, pinks, shades of red and shades of pink – and opt for black instead. Do not misinterpret your color selection as a reflection of self-pity; rather, you merely mourn for those poor souls who have fallen prey to commercialism and all its trappings. WHO TO INVITE Ben & Jerry. If they don’t end up satisfying you, call Jack Daniels. WHAT TO EAT Opt for anything with portion control, as this will serve two purposes: first, you’ll save your calories for the good stuff; second, there’ll be no memories of this evening (in the form of leftovers) tomorrow. Erase all hopes of fortune cookies or Chinese take-out or deliveries, as these “love hubs” might trigger flashbacks. Whatever your selection, savor it as best you can and wash it all down with a bottle of “Scorned Woman” wine (truly, it does exist and it’s good, too). MUSIC NOT TO PLAY Avoid (at all costs) Barry White tunes, country music, lyrics with a title like “Have You Heard of the Lonesome Loser” or the theme song from Ice Capades. If you feel up to it, blast “Shoot That Poison Arrow Through My Heart” or Beyonce’s “All the Single Ladies”… Finally, grin and bear it. Take a hot bath and tuck in early. Take heart in knowing that you’ve got 364 other days to enjoy! Singularly yours (and I mean that oh-so-literally),

by KRIS COOK Kris Cook is a freelance writer who speaks from the heart and shoots from the hip. Clearly, she spends way too much time pondering the peculiarities of everyday life. kriscook@ymail.com

 Parting Shot

Get a Chemical Reaction with Science Cafe

by JOHN “STONEY” CANNON To keep up with what’s going down in Augusta music, check out Stoney’s long-running website LOKALLOUDNESS.COM.

Look out for the next issue of VERGE hitting the newstands on

FEBRUARY 16 Find Your Copy At Publix | EarthFare | Mellow Mushroom New Moon Cafe | Sunrise Grill And Over 150 Locations Throughout the CSRA

February is definitely the month for chemistry. Actually, all of 2011 is the official Year of Chemistry. In keeping with the theme, the local chapter of the American Chemical Society debuts the refurbished Living Periodic Table - a life size wall cabinet displaying a real, physical specimin of each element on the table. WHAT Science Café WHERE Ruth Patrick Science Education Center WHEN Tuesday, February 15 | 6 pm MORE | acs-sr.org/livingperiodictable

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