THE LADIES' ISSUE
Marriage Weekend
at Cedar Creek Church
Your marriage deserves intentional investment.
Marriage Weekend at Cedar Creek Church is designed to help couples reconnect, grow, and strengthen their relationship.
Friday, May 16: Date Night!
Drop off the kids and enjoy time together. Childcare is provided from 5:30-8p
$10 for the first child
$5 each additional child Registration is Required
Saturday, May 17:
Marriage Mentorship
Connect with a Supportive Mentor Couple
Sunday, May 18:
Hear real stories from couples who have walked through challenges and come out stronger. 9 & 11 am
No matter what stage of marriage you’re in, this weekend is for you.
Join us and take the next step in building a lasting, Christ-centered marriage.
Scan Here To Register
Girl Power!
May in Aiken is bursting with color, community and the kind of inspiring stories that remind us why we love calling this place home. In this special Ladies’ Issue we’re celebrating remarkable women who are not only shaping our city but pouring their hearts into the people, places and passions that make Aiken shine.
You’ll meet Ebony Dillard, a woman whose story of resilience and unwavering faith defies the odds and inspires everyone she meets. From overcoming a life-altering diagnosis to inventing a medical device that helps others walk again, she reminds us that our greatest struggles often lead to our greatest purpose.
As spring takes root, we invite you to explore the vibrant Ag & Art Tour, returning May 10. It’s a joyful celebration of fresh food, blooming creativity and local pride where you can visit farms, meet artisans and enjoy the best of what our community grows and creates.
You’ll also get to know Vikki Crossland and Brandi Cook, the powerhouse mother-daughter duo behind Aiken Homes Team. More than REALTORS®, they are champions for local charities, advocates for pets, children and military families and living proof that giving back is just good business—and even better community.
And don’t miss our feature on Celeste Almendarez, a trailblazing public safety officer serving as both a firefighter and police officer. With courage, humility and a deep love for Aiken, she’s making a difference every day and encouraging more women to step into roles of service and leadership.
This issue is a tribute to the women who lead with heart, lift others up and make Aiken stronger with every step they take. We hope their stories move you as much as they’ve moved us.
See you next month!
BRYAN, PUBLISHER
May 2025
PUBLISHER
Gayle Bryan | gayle.bryan@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Nikita Hanif | nikita.hanif@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Carolyn McAvoy | carolyn.mcavoy@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
Ashley Elvis
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Nikita Hanif, Jessica Lawrence, Ashley Elvis
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Rebecca Judy, Gayle Bryan, Morgan Hanna
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
3:5-6
Braithwaite McMillian Grimes - Injury Attorneys and Counselors at Law, LLC serves the entire CSRA with more than 40 years of combined experience. Our attorneys are former prosecutors, public defenders, and insurance attorneys that use their experience to help clients find creative solutions to difficult problems and deliver results in Personal Injury, DUI, Criminal, Motor Vehicle Accident, Commercial Trucking, and Nursing Home Neglect or Negligence cases. Attorneys Licensed in SC and GA.
city scene
1: Polo ponies taking the track at the Aiken Trials. 2: The Mardi Gras Parade was top notch in downtown Aiken. 3: Elier and Jessica Alberto representing Rhumba at the Aiken Trials. 4: The jazz band brought the party to Laurens Street! 5: Sheri Osburn (Certapro) and Curtis Stark and Laura Stark (Stark Plumbing) at Spring Steeplechase. 6: Gayle Bryan, Stephanie Lord and Tracy Coakley decked out for Spring Steeplechase. 7: David Bryan sampling the chicken and waffle skewers at the Aiken City Lifestyle tailgate. Photography by Gayle Bryan
8: Rosi Hancock (Budget Blinds) and Rechelle Dallas dressed to impress for Spring Steeplechase. 9: Chatting away at the Aiken Trials. 10: Certainly these gentlemen competed in the Crazy Pants Contest! 11: Scott Hammond, Alex Gambill and Bobby Bryant catching up at Aiken Spring Steeplechase. 12: Jeff Rienzo and Jan Friday (Aiken Transport) railside at Spring Steeplechase. 13: Future jockeys looking super cute at the Aiken Trials. 14: Dr. Shelia and Michael Milot enjoying their first Spring Steeplechase. Photography by Gayle Bryan
Aiken Ag & Art Tour
Connecting the Aiken Community with Local Farmers and Artisans
Spring is here! And with it comes sweet, juicy strawberries, vases of fresh cut flowers, local honey and jams, blueberries fresh off the vine and colorful salads full of garden veggies all thanks to our local farmers and artisans, many who are participating in the third annual Aiken Ag & Art Tour. Join along for a chance to visit farms and markets in the area, see where our food comes from and watch artists in action.
Started by the Clemson University Cooperative Extension and led in each county by volunteers, this grass roots program is in its thirteenth year. It has grown to be the largest, free farm and art tour in the nation with over 150,000 visitors participating since 2012. This year over 22 counties in South Carolina will be taking part in the tour on the weekends throughout the month of May, including Aiken on Saturday, May 10 from 9am-4pm.
Aiken’s Ag & Art Tour chairman, Maggie Rutland, is all too familiar with the benefits of agritourism as she owns her own first generation farm. Offering
recreational, educational and cultural experiences on working farms educates the public on the importance of farms and also helps farmers bring in other types of income. Farmers and artisans also have a woven connection; they rely on each other to successfully continue their trades and crafts. Rutland states, “Getting the public involved in agriculture can encourage people to buy from their local farmers, local artists, and maybe even get people interested in starting their own farm.”
This year in Aiken, there will be eleven places to visit on the self-guided tour. Redcliffe Plantation will offer informational demonstrations by Aiken Master Gardeners, Trusty Farms will have flowers, honey, fruits, and gourmet mushrooms available for purchase, Southerlee Farms will showcase a small scale, sustainable, cut flower and medical herb farm. Even the Aiken Farmers Market is on the tour! There are so many others to check out. Information can be found at www.agandarttour.com/aiken
Getting the public involved in agriculture can encourage people to buy from their local farmers, local artists, and maybe even get people interested in starting their own farm “
Behind each of our 200+ City Lifestyle magazines is someone who cares deeply about their community. Someone who connects people, celebrates businesses, and shares the stories that matter most. What if that someone was you?
Or maybe it’s someone you know. If this isn’t the right time for you, but you know someone who could be the perfect fit, we’d love an introduction.
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OVERCOMING EVERY OBSTACLE THROUGH FAITH
EBONY DILLARD’S JOURNEY PROVES THAT RESILIENCE, FAITH AND PERSEVERANCE CAN TURN TRIALS INTO TRIUMPHS
BY
BY
Ebony Dillard’s journey is one of faith, resilience and defying the odds. From the beginning, life seemed unfair. Born in Las Vegas, her struggles started at just five months old when she contracted bacterial meningitis from a bad batch of the pertussis vaccine. Doctors warned her mother that the fever had severely damaged her brain, leaving her unlikely to ever see, hear or walk. But Dillard proved them wrong.
ARTICLE
NIKITA HANIF PHOTOGRAPHY
REBECCA JUDY
As a child, she tried not to dwell on what made her different. That changed in third grade when she began having seizures. One moment, she was in class; the next, she was in the nurse’s office unaware of how she got there. Doctors conducted test after test, prescribing countless medications, but no
answers emerged. At nine, a neurologist delivered a harsh prognosis; she would never be able to drive, and alcohol, drugs or pregnancy would kill her. His bluntness enraged her mother, but Dillard took his words to heart. Coming from a family with generational addiction, she saw it as
“Call unto me and I will answer you and show you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”
a warning. Fear kept her away from risky choices and possibly saved her life.
Growing up in the projects, Dillard lived in the midst of a violent drug turf war. The alley behind her home was known as Crack Alley. By thirteen, she had witnessed more death than most see in a lifetime. Statistically, she had an 80% chance of ending up dead, in jail, addicted or exploited. But Dillard found strength through her faith in God with the help of her mom and a youth group she attended.
At fifteen, Dillard met a neurologist who offered something new-hope, which led her to UCLA’s Seizure Disorder Center where she underwent three years of testing before doctors determined she was a candidate for brain surgery. They removed part of her left temporal lobe, and for three years, she was seizure-free. Then, she had one final episode, a sign, doctors said, that her brain was finishing its healing process. In 2007, her seizures stopped completely. Looking back, she no longer resents God for the struggles she endured. Instead, she
sees how He used her pain to break the generational cycles that had plagued her family. Through it all, He was working, even when she didn’t realize it.
In 2017, Dillard faced a loss unlike any other when her mother passed away. The grief sent her into a deep depression. She had always leaned on her mother’s strength, and now she had to find her own. By what she calls God’s grace, she had reconnected with her sister, Lynn, a year before. Lynn encouraged her to visit South Carolina, a suggestion she dismissed. But in 2018, while spreading her mother’s ashes, Dillard reluctantly stopped in Aiken and that changed everything.
Lynn suggested she apply for a job, and, on a whim, she did. The process of getting her physical therapy license, one that should have taken months, took only two weeks. She interviewed on July 5 and was hired three days later on July 8. Her plan to move over a two year span quickly changed to two months.
Adjusting to a slower-paced life was difficult, but Dillard knew God had led her there for a reason. Today, she is married to a loving husband, works her dream job and is launching a licensed and patent-pending medical device she invented through the VA that is designed to help people with lower extremity weakness be able to walk safely.
Her favorite Bible verse continues to guide her: “Call unto me and I will answer you and show you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” (Jeremiah 33:3). Looking at her life now, she believes that every struggle was preparing her for something greater.
HERITAGE IN HERHANDS
A local artisan is reviving an ancient craft with skill, passion and a deep understanding of the rider’s needs. Chanté Argenti, the founder of Feather Leather Co., is weaving a reputation for creating high-quality leather chaps, chinks and belts, all by hand and using techniques passed down through generations.
“This craft found me,” said Argenti. “My mother is an artist, and my father is a builder. We all have our different creative modalities, but I was born into a family of artists.”
From an early age, Argenti was surrounded by hands-on craftsmanship, watching her family shape raw materials into functional and beautiful creations. It seems she was destined to carve her own path in a trade that blends both artistry and utility.
Argenti’s journey in leatherwork began in 2018 with the guidance of three mentors who helped refine her skills. Her first teacher, Catherine Malish, a lifelong leather artist and family friend,
Continuing an artistic legacy, Chanté Argenti handcrafts chaps, chinks and belts with timeless skill and modern passion.
ARTICLE BY JESSICA CRANDALL LAWRENCE PHOTOGRAPHY BY MORGAN HANNA
introduced her to saddle-stitching. The following year, Argenti apprenticed under C.J. Brown at his renowned saddle shop in Haines City, Florida. Brown expanded her capacity with leather by fostering creativity.
“I learned to sew on the big machine. How to use a round knife, edgers and stitch groovers. C.J. always encouraged me to push the envelope and come up with my own ways to make something.”
Three years ago, Argenti expanded her skillset by taking a specialized design course with Cory Seamann at Coyote Valley Academy where she studied to make chaps – a skill that would become a cornerstone of her business.
“The defining moment was when my first customer put on his chaps, and then it became real for me,” said Argenti.
With a foundation of knowledge and a passion for quality, Argenti turned her garage into a fully equipped leatherworking studio, thanks to her father’s craftmanship. There, she carefully creates each piece ensuring every stitch meets the highest standards.
Argenti’s dedication to quality comes not just from her artistry but from her experience as a rider. Having started in hunter-jumper disciplines as a child and later transitioning to western riding, she understands firsthand what equestrians need – comfort, durability and timeless style.
“I don’t use a standard template,” said Argenti. “I take every customer’s unique measurements and make adjustments based on their needs. I draw and design everything by hand. The only machine I use is a sewing machine.”
Feather Leather encompasses more than business. It’s a tribute to tradition, skill and the enduring spirit of artisanship in a new generation.
Mother-Daughter Duo Build Community Through Service
VIKKI CROSSLAND AND BRANDI COOK
GIVE BACK BEYOND REAL ESTATE
ARTICLE BY NIKITA HANIF | PHOTOGRAPHY BY REBECCA JUDY
In Aiken, South Carolina, the spirit of community runs deep, and no one embodies that more than Vikki Crossland and Brandi Cook, the dynamic mother-daughter duo behind Aiken Homes Team with Meybohm Real Estate. Together, they are not only top-tier REALTORS® helping clients find their dream homes but also dedicated advocates for the people, pets and programs that make Aiken such a special place to live. With a strong belief in giving back, they have spent over 10 years weaving philanthropy into the very fabric of their business, supporting local charities, nonprofits and community initiatives year after year.
Crossland and Cook’s efforts extend far beyond the closing table. “At Aiken Homes Team, we believe in the power of community,” they say, “and we’re committed to giving back to the people and places that make the Aiken area feel like home.” Whether it’s contributing time, resources or simply spreading the word about good causes through videos on social media, Crossland and Cook are always looking for meaningful ways to be of service.
One of the team’s proudest and longest-standing contributions is their yearly sponsorship of the Hopelands Concert Series. Held in the heart of downtown Aiken, this beloved music series brings neighbors together to enjoy local and regional performances under the shade of sprawling and ancient oak trees. “It’s such a joyful way for people to connect,” says Crossland. “We love supporting events that create those special moments that make Aiken feel so tight-knit.”
Equally close to their hearts is Storytime at Rye Patch, an event designed to ignite a love of reading in local children. Each participating child receives a free book to take home, building not only their personal library but also their
Brandi Cook loves sponsoring the books for Storytime
confidence and curiosity. “There’s something magical about watching a child fall in love with a story,” says Cook. “If we can play even a small part in that journey, it’s worth everything.”
Crossland, a lifelong animal lover, is particularly passionate about their partnership with F.O.T.A.S. (Friends of the Animal Shelter). The organization works tirelessly to rescue and re-home animals in need, and Crossland has been a proud advocate of their efforts for years. “Animals don’t have a voice, so we have to be their voice,” she says. “Every pet deserves a safe, loving home, and FOTAS makes that happen again and again.”
For Cook, her heart lies with Aiken’s military families. She champions the Military on the Move (MOM) program which offers immediate financial rebates that can be used for closing costs, home repairs or price reductions for both buyers and sellers. “There’s no waiting, no red tape,” Cook explains. “It’s our way of showing gratitude for the service and sacrifice of our military families. They deserve support that’s simple, direct and heartfelt.”
Another cause close to both of their hearts is the Tri-Development Center which empowers individuals with developmental disabilities through job training, education and community connection. Supporting their work helps ensure that everyone in Aiken has a chance to thrive and feel included. “It’s about dignity, opportunity and creating pathways for all people,” Crossland notes.
“There’s something magical about watching a child fall in love with a story,” says Cook. “If we can play even a small part in that journey, it’s worth everything.”
“Animals don’t have a voice, so we have to be their voice, Every pet deserves a safe, loving home, and FOTAS makes that happen again and again”
Their love for Aiken also extends to the natural beauty of the area. Through the Adopt-a-Highway program, Aiken Homes Team maintains a clean and scenic stretch of road. “We take pride in keeping our city beautiful,” Cook says. “It’s a hands-on way to show love for where we live, and we hope it inspires others to get involved, too.”
Perhaps one of the most impactful things this mother-daughter duo does is simply share the good happening in Aiken. Whether it’s a charity event, a local fundraiser or a new nonprofit initiative, they use their platform to amplify community voices. “We want to give these efforts the spotlight they deserve,” says Cook. “Because when one of us shines, we all shine.”
At the end of the day, Crossland and Cook are more than real estate professionals; they are neighbors, volunteers and champions for the causes that matter most. Their dedication to community is not an afterthought; it’s the heartbeat of everything they do.
“Helping people find homes is only part of the story,” Crossland says. “Helping build a stronger, more connected community…now that’s the legacy we want to leave.”
Vikki Crossland enjoys Storytime at Rye Patch
Timeless
ARTICLE BY NIKITA HANIF PHOTOGRAPHY BY REBECCA JUDY
How Dr. Sheila Milot Blends Science, Innovation and Empathy to Bring Out
the Best in Every Patient
Confidence
Dr. Sheila Milot is no stranger to the medical field. She has over 25 years of experience in internal medicine, but in 2003, when Botox was first introduced, she began incorporating aesthetic medicine into her practice, offering both specialties. In the rapidly evolving field of aesthetic medicine, Dr. Milot believes one can never stop learning. She stays committed to continuous education by attending conferences, tuning into webinars, pursuing advanced trainings and keeping up with the latest research in her field. This commitment keeps her skills sharp and translates into better patient care.
and melting small fat pockets for firmer skin and improved contours. It’s a non-surgical “lunchtime lift” with appointments lasting about 45–60 minutes. This procedure is noninvasive, and most people resume normal activities within a day. Results appear rapidly and continue to progress as collagen rebuilds. The results from this incredible procedure can often last up to two years before a touch-up might even be desired or necessary. Dr. Milot notes Endolift can firm sagging skin on the face and neck with minimal downtime, making it a popular choice for those seeking a youthful boost without undergoing a taxing surgery.
“Patient education and safety is always my top priority,” Dr. Milot emphasizes, encouraging questions at every step of the process. She finds that well-informed patients feel more empowered to make the best decisions for their beauty and wellness goals. By demystifying procedures and explaining options in detail, she ensures each person is comfortable with their treatment plan. One of the most fulfilling parts of her job is seeing understanding blossom into renewed self-confidence.
One of her most groundbreaking offerings is Endolift laser, a minimally invasive laser procedure for skin tightening and fat reduction. She was among the first of eight physicians in North America to offer this Italiandeveloped technology, underscoring her pioneering spirit. Endolift uses a hair-thin laser fiber under the skin to heat tissue, stimulating collagen
“PATIENT EDUCATION AND SAFETY IS ALWAYS MY TOP PRIORITY.”
Another cutting-edge treatment addresses women’s intimate wellness, often considered taboo, but crucial for quality of life. She uses a specialized radiofrequency (RF) therapy to strengthen the pelvic floor and alleviate urinary incontinence. This FDAapproved procedure is gentle, painless and requires absolutely no downtime. A small wand delivers controlled RF energy inside and out, stimulating collagen and restoring tissue tone. For menopausal or postpartum women, the benefits can be significant and life changing. Many patients report improved bladder control and enhanced sexual wellness.
Each session lasts about 45 minutes, and typically 2–3 sessions a few weeks apart are all that is necessary. Patients often see improvement after the first treatment, and results can last around a year before maintenance. “There is always a solution,” Dr. Milot reminds women, urging them not to accept issues like leakage or dryness as a part of normal aging, especially when such advanced, accessible therapies exist. By addressing feminine health openly, she helps patients regain physical wellness and confidence.
Dr. Milot’s practice is defined by a highly personalized approach. She often combines multiple technologies to tailor a multimodal rejuvenation plan to each patient rather than a one-size-fits-all solution. Whether she’s pairing laser treatments with injectables or adding regenerative therapies, her goal is to maximize results in a safe, natural-looking way. Safety is paramount; she even uses ultrasound guidance for injectables to ensure precision and avoid complications.
Dr. Milot is unique and avoids impersonal online booking. She prefers to schedule consultations by phone, allowing her team to connect with clients from the very first interaction. This extra touch ensures each appointment is personalized with
ample time for discussion. Patients also appreciate that Dr. Milot is available 24/7 for any concerns.
Her practice, founded in 2003, is Aiken’s longest-standing med spa. Many clients remain loyal for years and refer friends, a testament to the resultsdriven care and genuine relationships she fosters.
Ultimately, Dr. Milot’s blend of scientific innovation and compassionate care empowers patients to feel their best. She prides herself on delivering natural rejuvenation, the kind where clients look refreshed and glowing, never “overdone.” By staying ahead of the curve and educating patients along the way, she ensures each person can make informed choices with confidence. When a patient sees her reflection and smiles a little wider, recognizing a vibrant inner self, Dr. Milot knows she’s succeeded. That transformation, not just of appearance but of spirit, drives her passion every day. Through her deep expertise and empathy, Dr. Milot has become a true leader in her field, helping countless women (and men) embrace their best, most timeless selves.
THE POWER OF A SKILLED LOCAL TEAM
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CELESTE ALMENDAREZ Serves Aiken with STRENGTH AND HEART
Celeste Almendarez is a proud public safety officer with Aiken Public Safety. She serves as both a police officer and firefighter, roles that demand strength, skill and heart. For the past three years, she’s been breaking barriers and making a difference in a field traditionally dominated by men. She does it with quiet confidence, humility and a deep gratitude for the community she now calls home.
Originally from California, Almendarez and her wife made the life-changing decision to relocate to the South in search of something more grounded with a small-town atmosphere, a slower pace and a place where people genuinely look out for one another. Her wife had family nearby, and after much research and contemplation, they felt an instant connection. Their decision
A Dedicated Public Safety Officer Protecting Her Community While Inspiring Women to Pursue the Force
ARTICLE BY NIKITA HANIF PHOTOGRAPHY BY REBECCA JUDY
was solidified when, almost serendipitously, they both received job offers in Aiken at the same time “It just felt right,” Almendarez says. “Like it was meant to be.”
That feeling only deepened after settling in. Almendarez speaks highly of the people of Aiken, calling them some of the most respectful and kind individuals she’s ever met. “Everyone here is so polite and genuine,” she says. “It’s an honor to serve this community. I feel supported and appreciated daily, which makes all the difference.”
Outside of her demanding job, Almendarez is full of energy and joy. Whether she’s fishing, riding dirt bikes, playing basketball or pickleball, swimming or walking her four beloved dogs, she embraces the outdoors and values balance in life. These moments of calm and fun give her the recharge she needs to meet the responsibilities of her role with strength and focus.
Her journey to becoming a public safety officer wasn’t without nerves. “I was nervous at first,” she recalls. “But I worked hard to get in the best physical shape I could and gave it everything I had.” That determination paid off, and she quickly credited the Aiken Department of Public Safety for its warm welcome and ongoing support. “They believed in me and gave me a space to grow and thrive,” she says.
Almendarez strongly encourages more women to feel empowered to join the ranks of law enforcement and public safety. “If you’re thinking about it, go for it,” she urges. “You can do it. I was hesitant initially, too, but it’s worth every bit of effort.”
Each day, Almendarez wakes up determined and heads to work with one clear goal in mind: to make sure every officer and every citizen gets home safely. “That’s what a good day looks like to me,” she says. In a field where every moment matters, Almendarez stands tall and proud in her chosen city and home, not just as an officer or firefighter but as a beacon of courage, dedication and community spirit.
Her journey to becoming a public safety officer wasn’t without nerves. “I was nervous at first,” she recalls. “But I worked hard to get in the best physical shape I could and gave it everything I had.” That determination paid off, and she quickly credited the Aiken Department of Public Safety for its warm welcome and ongoing support.
“They believed in me and gave me a space to grow and thrive,” she says.
MAY 1ST
Thai Chi in Hopelands
Hopeland Gardens | 9:00 AM
Find your balance with free Tai Chi at Hopelands Gardens. Led by instructor Jennifer Curtis, this beginner-friendly class promotes relaxation, mindfulness and gentle movement in a serene outdoor setting. Join in at the Reflection Pond to improve flexibility, focus and well-being while connecting with nature.
MAY 2ND
First Friday
Downtown Aiken | 5:00 PM
Kick off the month with First Friday in Downtown Aiken on May 2 from 5-7 PM. Enjoy live music, local shopping and great food while stores stay open late. Don’t miss this fun community tradition—mark your calendar for an unforgettable evening!
MAY 2ND-4TH
Aiken Foodees Festival
Newberry St | 1:00 PM
Savor the flavors at the Foodees Food and Culture Festival, making its Aiken debut May 2-4. With 25+ top food trucks and 50+ artisans, crafters and makers, this is a feast for the senses. Join the excitement on Newberry Street for a weekend of food, art and culture you won’t forget!
events
CONTINUED
MAY 9TH
Blue Jeans & Black Tie Gala
Overlook at the Vista | 6:00 PM
Celebrate 20 years of the Child Advocacy Center at the Blue Jeans/Black Tie Gala on May 9. Held at Overlook at the Vista, this unique fundraiser blends elegance with comfort. Enjoy live music, gourmet dining, auctions, an equestrian demo and more—all in support of a vital cause. Dress up, dress down or mix both!
MAY 10TH
Augusta Jam 2025
Georgia Carolina State Fairgrounds | 12:00 PM
Get ready for Augusta Jam 2025, a country music festival with a purpose. On Mother's Day weekend from 12 to 7 PM, enjoy live music, great vibes and community giving. A portion of the proceeds will support a great cause, making this celebration even more meaningful. Don’t miss it!
MAY 24TH
Chic in Bloom: A Summer Fashion Experience
2023 Silver Bluff Rd | 5:00 PM
Step into style at Chic in Bloom hosted by The Model Institute. This event brings top creatives to Aiken for an evening of networking, local fashion showcases and a sneak peek at what’s coming in 2025. Join the excitement at Cottage on the Bluff—fashion lovers won’t want to miss this!
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AN ODYSSEY
SCHUBERT • TCHAIKOVSKY • MENDELSSOHN
BEETHOVEN • SIBELIUS • BRAHMS • SCHUMANN
MASTERWORKS SERIES
All MasterWorks Concerts held at the Etherredge Center
Friday, October 17, 2025 @ 7:30 PM
TCHAIKOVSKY & SIBELIUS
Isabel Ong, violin
Saturday, January 24, 2026 @ 7:30 PM
MENDELSSOHN’S ITALIAN SYMPHONY
Laurie Baynard, flute
John Wickey, harp
Friday, February 13, 2026 @ 7:30 PM
FIFTHS OF BEETHOVEN
Albert Cano Smit, piano
Sunday, May 3, 2026 @ 3:00 PM
BRAHMS & SCHUMANN
Risa Hokamura, violin
CHAMBER SERIES
All Chamber Concerts held at the Amentum Center for the Performing Arts
Friday, September 19, 2025 @ 7:30 PM
FROM AIKEN TO VIENNA AND BACK
Daniel Adam Maltz, fortepiano
Sunday, November 2, 2025 @ 3:00 PM
SCHUBERT’S OCTET
POPS SERIES
All Pops Concerts held at the Etherredge Center
Friday, December 12, 2025 @ 7:30 PM
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Saturday, March 28, 2026 @ 7:30 PM
MOVIE NIGHT!
