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Cover photo provided by Jake Koehler
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STUFF TO READ
Letter from the Publisher
PAWS Humane Society
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twelvemonth and a day
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Get Up. Get Out. Get Active.
The Deep, Musical Magic of Wolf & Clover
Local Diver Reaches Billions
While Exploring a Hidden World Beneath the River
Local “Chicken Lady” Creates Award-Winning Recipes
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Cheap Eats
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AROUND TOWN
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Affordable LocaL Spots in & Around Columbus
A “Once in a Lifetime” Musical Performance Comes to Rivercenter Creates Award-Winning Recipes
The Industrial Archeology of Columbus 1828 - 1865 (Part 1)
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706 250 7777 e are well into 2022, and although things have been t hel o cal co l u mbu s . co m W rough for many the past few years. I do feel a fresh new pace beginning. With that, I’d like to take a moment to reflect f acebook .com/t helocalcolumbusga on the past year or so and thank everyone in my life who is a part of what we do. I don’t know where we’d be without our lead designer, Mat Cornett. My absolute rock and the most dependable person I’ve probably ever known. Scott Berson, our consulting editor, who without a doubt makes sure we all seem smarter than we truly are. I appreciate your work, your effort and especially, your words. Writer Natalie Downey has created absolute masterpieces over the last year or so and I can’t say enough about the ease of working with her. She puts magic in everything she does. I can’t wait for you to read about Jake Koehler and what he’s created with his videos and accomplished with his family. We have had many writers, freelancers and others who contribute to these efforts and I can’t thank you all enough. I am absolutely blessed to get to do what I do. Working on this magazine is a pleasure most will never understand. I am happy to share what we get to learn about this area with you. From water rafters, entrepreneurs who truly make a difference like Melinda “the Chicken Lady,” to getting to eat at all these affordable, fine establishments… and where all the hot spots in town are. Mostly I want to thank our partners. This thing can’t be done without you and the support of this community. Thank you for working with us and allowing us to showcase your awesomeness. And to you our reader. Thank you for picking us up! Taking the time to read over these pages of hard work, we appreciate you for it. You’re the real MVP. Please let us know how we’re doing. You can show support by viewing our digital copies online on issuu.com/thelocalcolumbus, on Facebook and Instagram as thelocalcolumbusga, and on our website TheLocaLColumbus.com. Where you can share your favorite articles and leave us a review. Feel free to share your thoughts and ideas. If you know of an artist we should be covering, send them our way. We are always down for a Joint Redemption story as well. And if you have an event? We have a service for that, and it’s absolutely free for any organization to use. Check out getlocatix.com and give us a call. It’s easy to get you set up. Thank you for reading,
issuu.com/t helocalcolumbus
What We Are All About.
The mission of the LocaL magazine is to bring you the best in art, music, food and fun from Columbus and the surrounding area. Locally owned and operated, we work to improve and expand community relationships through promoting positive events and stories. When good things are happening, we will be here to help you get involved. Our monthly print issues will feature stories and events that comprise and drive the ongoing surge toward a more beautiful community. This magazine exists because we who work on it believe in actively engaging with community improvement, and we invite you to join us, not only by reading these pages, but also by taking part in any of the many wonderful events we feature.
PUBLISHER
Monica Jones publisher@thelocalcolumbus.com editor@thelocalcolumbus.com
LAYOUT & DESIGN
Mat Cornett
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Scott Berson
ADVERTISING | PR
Monica Jones
Monica Jones ads@thelocalcolumbus.com
CONTRIBUTORS & CREDITS Scott Berson Natalie Downey Paws Humane Society The Historic Society
Cover photo provided by Jake Koehler Tristan Yaptengco, & Jake Koehler
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Humane Society
Get Up. Get Out. Get Active.
enjoy a day out anytime that we are open. We will provide you with a goodie bag that will take care of your doggy pal’s creature comforts and a list of suggested places to go and things to do. While children are welcome, we do ask you to leave your personal pets at home so our dogs can get the one-on-one attention they crave. Sounds like the perfect day out, right? We think our dogs will agree as they emBARK on their adventures!
By Courtney Pierce, Interim Executive Director
pring is right around the corner and there is S no better time to participate in our Dog’s Day Out (DDO) Program at Paws Humane Society.
The Paws Humane Dog’s Day Out program makes a difference in the lives of companion animals by ensuring they get plenty of exercise, attention, and exposure to environments outside of the shelter, all while putting smiles on the faces of the people who share this experience with them. DDO is exactly as the name suggests; spending a few hours with a shelter pet outside of Paws Humane Society. This can be anything from grabbing a puppuccino, going on a hike, taking a leisurely stroll at a park, enjoying the off-leash freedom at the new Fetch Park in Uptown, or
even a nap at your home. Research by Maddie’s Fund found that dogs on field trips were happier, more relaxed, more playful and calmer than dogs in the shelter. Dogs on field trips showed less nervousness, anxiousness, insecurity, barking, shaking/trembling and repetitive behaviors such as jumping. Both you and the dog can enjoy a day of companionship combined with an adventure, a win-win situation for all! Not only is a Dog’s Day Out important and beneficial for a shelter pet, it can have positive effects on a person’s health as well. For instance, people who walk a dog are seen as friendly and more approachable. Stroking and patting a pet can reduce stress and high blood pressure. A dog’s nonjudgmental affection can provide mental health benefits as well as increased self-esteem. How does DDO work? If you want to get involved in DDO you must be at least 18 years old and able to provide a picture ID. You can come down to Paws during our business hours, fill out a quick application, sign a waiver and pick out your adventure partner for the day. Dogs may LocaL
What are the goals of DDO? • To engage with the community in a fun, new way • To increase adoptions of medium and large dogs due to increased information on the dogs’ behavior outside the shelter • To increase safety within the building by keeping dogs’ stress levels down • To increase enrichment for our organization’s dogs Getting up, getting out and getting active is vital in ensuring a shelter pet remains happy and healthy. Join us in making a difference in the life of a shelter pet today! For more information or questions regarding the Dog’s Day Out program, please email adoptions@pawshumane.org or call 706-565-0035. 4900 Milgen Road Columbus pawshumane.org office@pawshumane.org (706) 565-0035 • Vet Clinic (706) 987-8380
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Photo By Bekah Barrow
twelvemonth and a day
THE DEEP, MUSICAL MAGIC OF WOLF & CLOVER
By Scott Berson
whistle, a banjo. A guitar and a washboard. A fiddle, A an accordion, and a beautiful voice singing from beyond the world. Highland jigs and ghostly woods, a
lover’s quest and a good day’s work, and another morning coming after rest. This is the soul of Wolf & Clover, an “Irish-ish” band that dives deep into traditional Celtic music before surfacing again with new tweaks and twists and interpretation to share. The Columbus band’s new album, twelvemonth and a day, is out on all major digital platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music. It’s a long-awaited new studio album from the local group, which released its last self-titled record in 2018 to wide acclaim. But what is Wolf & Clover? What does it mean to play “Irish-ish” music? Celtic music, like most folk music, has roots that go back centuries. Some tunes have been played, in one form or another, for about as long as anyone can remember. At the same time, composers have never stopped writing new music either. “We experiment with traditional material, looking for interesting musical elements and opportunities to capitalize on and push the boundaries of the traditional Celtic style,” said Mattew McCabe, who plays tenor banjo, bouzouki, button accordion, bass, cello, and organ on the album. This latest album, which has eleven tracks which include “sets” of multiple tunes, includes many contemporary composers. “These are people who are pushing the limits of the celtic style and tradition,” he said. Wolf & Clover is established now, at more than five
years in performance. But it started as a side project among a group of musicians from the Schwob School of Music at Columbus State University. It quickly became clear how interested Columbus was in their venture; their first concert at RiverCenter was packed to capacity, and then some. Something magical happens when they play, and people are drawn to it. It’s spellbinding. Part of that may come from the group’s desire to bring something for any type of listener. “It occurred to me that we might be the people who introduce Irish music to somebody. That’s a really interesting phenomenon, and it’s also a really big responsibility. There’s something for everyone to latch onto in this album, and if that gets them interested in the more traditional stuff, or the more experimental stuff, I think we can bridge the gap. Jazz lovers will like songs on this album, folk lovers will like certain songs on this album. We try to communicate the spirit of the Celtic style while being true to ourselves,” McCabe said. The many hours of practice and tweaking of tunes also means there’s a certain personality that comes through in each song, whether it’s the winding, joyful meandering of Chris Walton on the whistle, hearty thrums of Julian Chalon on guitar, or warm tones of Caroline Richards on the accordion. “The thing I like about this album is that it’s a mishmosh of who we are as people,” said violinist Jessica Bennett French. “Each of these sets, you can see a little bit of each person in every one.” The tracks run the gamut, from quick-stepping dancy jigs to low-crackling picking that evokes a late night fireside wind-down in an old tavern. Through it all, Shellie DeBruyn, pianist and trained opera vocalist, brings her years of experience to the group, with lovely renditions of traditional tunes. “When I listened to the first album, I was really taken aback by the vocals,” she said. “It’s a fusion of styles. It was still Irish, but it sounded American, and it was this interesting juxtaposition of styles. I am still kind of learning how I fit into this, bringing my own voice while honoring tradition.” To celebrate the release, a free album release concert will be held in Columbus State University’s (CSU) Legacy Hall on St. Patrick’s Day - Thursday, March 17, 2022, at 7:30pm. In addition to the live performance, the concert will also be live streamed on the Schwob School of Music Facebook and YouTube channels, and presented on Irish Music Magazine’s social media outlets. Concert attendees can expect modern interpretations of traditional material including Irish tune sets, and special renditions of popular songs, and original arrangements created by the band.u
Michelle DeBruyn, Julian Chalon, Jessica French, Chris Walton, Caroline Richards & Matthew McCabe - photo by Bekah Barrow
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taken by Justin Graham - videographer
LOCAL DIVER REACHES BILLIONS While Exploring a Hidden World Beneath the River
By Natalie Downey
world of hidden mysteries lies beneath the A reflective surface of the Chattahoochee River, and Jake Koehler has spent the past five years uncovering
it a little at a time. Originally from California, Jake moved to Columbus with his family many years ago. Pursuing his lifelong dream of being a YouTube influencer, Jake had spent several years developing a channel focusing on gaming videos, but decided to get out and try something new after he moved to Columbus. He felt drawn to the water and began surfing and fishing in the Chattahoochee. It wasn’t
whole floor of the river was covered with fishing lures, iPhones, and all kinds of interesting finds,” Jake said, which inspired him to dive again the next day, and the next, as curiosity developed into a passion for finding treasures in the river. In 2016, Jake began to shift his channel’s focus Left to Right - Brandon Jordan, Tristan Yaptengco, & Jake Koehler
Finding High Point Pistol By Pedestrian Bridge
“For me, the treasure is putting the videos together. These are memories. I love looking back at the videos, seeing my friends smiling,” Jake says. “That’s the number one reason I started doing it.” After the gun video, Jake’s subscribers went from 200,000 to a million in two weeks, and as his support grew, he was able to invest in equipment and produce better videos. After several years, Jake began branching out, making videos of him diving in places such as Florida, Ginnie Springs, IPhone
Jake Koehler at Ginnie Springs Fl Taken by Joseph Talerico
long before Jake realized his opportunity to transition from gaming to fishing videos. As Jake spent time fishing, he lost a lot of lures due to the rocks, so one day he decided to bring a pair of goggles and do some diving in the river to try to recover the lures. What he saw on his first dive in the Chattahoochee inspired him to begin the river treasure hunting he is known for today. “It opened my eyes to a world I never knew existed,” he explained. “The
DALLMYD, continued to increase, inspiring him to keep diving and making videos. River treasures tell a story, and one of Jake’s first finds was a handgun. Working closely with the local police, he reported the find and made a video about it, which went viral, resulting in over a million views. “My life changed,” Jake remembers. “Everyone started sharing it, and millions of people saw what I was doing in Columbus.” Jake used the hype to keep going, and made it his goal to be in the water every day no matter what.
to river treasure hunting, using a mask and fins, and inviting some friends to go along with him. At first his equipment was makeshift and simple. He brought his mom’s kitchen scissors to cut fishing lines under the water, and used a GoPro he found during one of his dives to make his videos. Jake didn’t know where this new venture would take him, but he took it one day at a time. “I was obsessed,” he said, “I just loved being under the water, I started going every day.” It didn’t take long for Jake to realize he had found an idea that appealed to many. What IS beneath the surface of the river? A lot of people wanted to know. Views on Jake’s channel, named Local Police Officers, Taken After Jake Found His first gun in Columbus, Ga
opening a whole new genre to his channel as he discovered springs and beautiful new spots to explore. He also helped other people close to him launch and grow their own channels. “For me, it’s always been about helping people,” he explained. When asked about the most interesting things he’s found, Jake just laughs. The quiet world beneath the surface of the water contains some pretty intense secrets, it would seem. One of the strangest finds for Medal Detecting In Oahau, Rescue Mission Returning Lost Items To Owners
Jake under water exploring Florida springs LocaL
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Jake was a box of human ashes, discovered in real time in a video, catching Jake off guard. Working with the police, Jake was able to respectfully resolve the find and return the ashes to the river. Another time, a potential human leg bone was found under Dillingham Bridge. Guns are always an interesting find for Jake, generating a lot of interest, because there’s a lot of curiosity surrounding the reason the guns are thrown into the river. “I never censor or set River Treasures
Finding Drone Under Water Under Wake Compound In Valdosta
up anything. What we find is what we find, we always try to locate the original owner so we can give back what they have lost.” Jake says. “It’s rewarding when it brings closure to families, which is even bigger than finding a gun.” Along with lost phones, the occasional gun, fishing lures, and knives, Jake finds a lot of trash in the river. He makes a point to remove it when he finds it, but wants to encourage the local community to help him out by being careful not to let trash enter the river, and by cleaning
adventures. Always looking for another big story, trying to think outside the box, Jake dreams of future discoveries as he chases his passion and inspires others to get outside and explore. I think about how long the Chattahoochee River has flowed through the city of Columbus, a whole world hidden under its blanket of water, and how so few people have wondered what that world was like. Jake’s curiosity has led to an interest in the water, the river, and the city of Columbus. And he speaks highly of the city he now calls home. “This is the best spot,” he says, “If you love water activities, the river can occupy you forever. This city has built me up to be the man I am today.” Jake always shows an appreciation for local support as well as a passion for encouraging others to do whatever they want, even if it means thinking outside the box. As for the future? Jake looks forward to more adventures, more discoveries, more river
Jake Koehler
US Navy Collab - Taken by Justin Graham
it up when they see it there. “The undertone of what we’re doing is just cleaning the waterways in our local communities,” he said. Along with his sense of adventure, one thing that really stands out about Jake is his positive attitude. “Life’s a treasure hunt,” he says, smiling, his eyes shining with stories of underwater LocaL
treasure, and more memories. “You can never find everything,” he said. The potential finds are as infinite as the water itself, and Jake intends to keep exploring for as long as he’s able to.u
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“the Chicken Lady”
Readers Choice Awards. And, last month, her recipe won “Best of Georgia” from Georgia Business Journal. Featured in the Wall Street Journal and Atlanta Journal Constitution, The Chicken Lady began to receive more and more attention for her award-winning recipe. While Melinda has always enjoyed working at Minnie’s, she longed to do more. As she became the owner of Minnie’s, and even though the restaurant was successful, she started getting ideas. “I really wanted to put a product in a grocery store, but it The Holy Grail
C R E A T E S AWARD-WINNING R E C I P E S
H
By Natalie Downey
ere in the South, Southern Comfort food is an art form, and local food expert Melinda Newton has created some tasty masterpieces. Known around these parts as “The Chicken Lady,” and for good reason. Her first experiences
Melinda, G’ma Minnie & Momma Rose with food, and especially, chicken, began in the iconic Minnie’s restaurant, which was opened by Melinda’s grandmother “Minnie” in 1986. In 1991, Melinda’s mother, Rose, became the manager of Minnie’s, and in 1999, Melinda decided to join the women of the family in working at the restaurant. During her time there, she developed the recipe for Minnie’s famous fried chicken, and
and she took it. She put the products from the two companies in grocery stores side by side, offering barbecue sauces, mac and cheese, and cornbread dressing in the Chicken Lady brand, and cornbread dressing, sweet potato souffle, and corn souffle in the Aunt Pearlie’s brand. Casseroles are available on a seasonal basis in grocery stores. Melinda’s next move was franchising, and “The Chicken Lady’s Coop” was born. She opened a storefront in Columbus known for its “Southern flair, casseroles, fried chicken, and award winning chicken sandwich, ‘The Holy Grail’,” Melinda says. This storefront has acted as a concept store for The Chicken Lady’s Coop, and is the first of its kind. With hopes to add a second storefront in Alabama, and within the next five years, five more. While Melinda became known for her famous fried chicken recipe, she had to teach herself much about running a business and the distributing aspects of food production. “I didn’t know how to get the product store-ready and distributed, so I had to learn all of that,” Melinda explained. Though The Chicken Lady’s Coop hit the ground running, the pandemic created challenges for the company, as with so many others. Melinda decided to take a personal hit by significantly reducing her own income, downsizing her home, and selling her car to protect the business. Most of all, she made sure her employees were ok, because as she saw it, “They’re the most important. I value my employees as much as my customers, because I can’t be everywhere at once. They are the face of this business.”
was just a dream. I didn’t know how, I just knew I wanted to do it.” And just like that. She developed a new company with the intention of putting Minnie’s famous cornbread dressing and macaroni and cheese in grocery stores. She needed a new name for this venture, and, playing off the nickname her customers had bestowed upon her, “I was like, well, let’s just call it The Chicken Lady.” Melinda worked closely with an illustration artist to develop her logo, and in 2017, the new company was up and running, and the product hit local grocery stores. As Melinda’s new company grew, so did her opportunities. In 2018, she was offered the chance to buy her competition company, Aunt Pearlie’s,
when it began winning awards, she knew she was onto something. As she began to make the news with her fried chicken recipe, Melinda became affectionately known among her customers as “The Chicken Lady.” For 23 years, her recipe has won “Best fried chicken in Columbus” from the Ledger-Enquirer LocaL
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So, what sets The Chicken Lady’s food and especially her fried chicken apart from the rest? “The Flavor!” Melinda assures, without missing a beat. One taste of her famous fried chicken and award winning Holy Grail chicken sandwich confirms this. It’s a flavor unlike any other,
combining multiple layers of flavors with spicy, sweet, and special recipe chicken drizzles. But the chicken isn’t the only thing The Chicken Lady is known for. “You’re not going to taste a cornbread dressing like ours anywhere,” Melinda proudly declares. As the business grows and her products become more widely available in grocery stores, Melinda looks forward to giving more people the chance to find out what the fuss is all about. Minnie’s Uptown still sits proudly at their location at 104 8th Street open every day except Saturday from 11a 2:30p. Chicken Lady products can be found in the frozen section of local grocery stores Publix and Piggly Wiggly, and her storefront, The Chicken Lady’s Coop is located at 6597 Whittlesey Blvd in Columbus and is open every day from 11a- 8p.u
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Cheap Eats Affordable LocaL Spots In & Around Columbus C
Clearview BBQ Home of the less than a dollar fifty chipped sandwich, and yes, it’s good. Definitely bigger than a dollar burger at the fast food restaurant. If you want to mix things up, get a Junkyard dog with a side of Brunswick stew. One of the oldest barbeque joints in town – just make sure you bring cash. facebook.com/ClearviewBbq/ Criolla This hole-in-the-wall and just out of town joint will have you coming back again and again. Chef David hails from the Panama City streets and his food has a flair like New Orleans. I had the best club of my life there just the other day. Please tell him we sent you. Menu changes weekly so make sure you check it ahead of time. facebook.com/CriollaRestaurantPC Dinglewood Pharmacy Synonymous with Columbus culture. The Scrambled Dog is the most recognizable hot dog in town. Just across from Aflac on Wynnton Road. The late Lieutenant made sure every hot dog tasted like the best hot dog of your life. Dinglewoodpharmacy.com El Carrizo Mexican Restaurant With two locations, El Carrizo has served most of Columbus with their icy margaritas, crispy tacos and the absolute best chips in town for years. On our top 5 list of best dishes in town is the Cocos Salad. You’re welcome. Whittlesey & Macon Road locations. Ezell’s Catfish When you want true southern fried catfish, theirs is unmatched. Cole slaw and hushpuppies are their chips and salsa and it is yum. Eat catfish and be somebody. The second location is in Phenix City. eatcatfishandbesomebody.com Frank’s Alley NY Street Food This quirky and eclectic shop delivers menu items that run the gamut from sweet to savory, no small feat for a place that’s literally in an alley and mostly serves hot dogs. Each dog is named after the five New York City boroughs, and the ingredients vary depending on what you choose. Golden Chopsticks Korean Restaurant Their bulgogi is legendary and they are routinely mentioned as the best place to eat Korean food in Columbus. Their food is always freshly prepared and it’s the kind of place you can take the whole family. facebook.com/Golden-Chopsticks-Korean-Restaurant Jarfly Located smack dab in the middle of midtown, this gastropub has some of the most interesting and eclectic fare around. Our favorite is the Jarfly burger, but stop by on Ramen Wednesdays to get your noodle fix, and if you’re feeling bold, have one of their signature Tiki Drinks like the Jarfly DTO. jarflymidtown.com Jordan’s Girls Gourmet Dawgs It doesn’t seem likely that you would hear the word “gourmet” in the same breath as hot dogs, but Columbus has never seen anything like Jordan’s girls. This hot dog
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olumbus patrons have it made when it comes to dining out. We have so many tantalizing options to choose from, with classic places around every corner and amazing new places opening up every week. The truth is, there are absolutely too many places to be able to mention them all. We’re going to try our best anyway. So here to help you steer through the mountain of options, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best local-only eateries we think any foodie should try on a budget. In Alphabetical Order Banks Food Hall Almost too easy. Banks has something for everyone. Grab a Fountain City coffee from the Bake Shop, Multitude Bar for your craft beer cravings, frozen treats at Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, Poke bowls at Poke Sun, Tacos from El Primo Taqueria, Hotdogs from the Original Hot Dog Factory and the Jazzy Crab and Filberto’s Authentic Filipino Cuisine (opening soon). Stay tuned. Banksfoodhall.com Bodega 1205 Not the cheapest on our list. But you definitely need to go. We dare you to try to eat a full sandwich in one sitting. The coffee is amazing, they have a little grocery as well as yummy empanadas that are only $2.99 a piece. Add one to any of their delicious breakfast or lunch items. On 12th and 1st in Uptown. Bodega1205.com Caffe Amici Mostly Italian and a little ‘down unda.’ This place is held close to a lot of locals’ hearts. Known as “the best kept secret” in Columbus, for lunch or date night. It’s a must. Amicicolumbus.com Chef Lee’s Peking So taken for granted. I left town once, and how many times while I was away did I long to come back to Columbus only to have another bite of their mongolian beef? Chef Lee knows how to give you the ultimate dining experience, and this is one no one should miss. Chefleespekingrestaurant.com Chicken Comers Locals who know will tell you: this is the one. You won’t find another version of their soupy, mustard-based and oh so delicious sauce, anywhere. Chickencomersbbq.com Chili Thai Right on 10th in Uptown. Everyone loves Chili Thai. It’s an adorable spot with adorable staff and you’re gonna like anything on the menu - from callyour mama spicy to mild and comforting. Clean Eatz As one of the shops in Old Town (N. Veterans) you’ll go for the food and stay in awe of the area. This is a great place for a quick healthy option for lunch or a great way to stay on track of your health with weekly meal plans. www.cleaneatz.com
stand cooks food to order, including vegan options. facebook.com/jordansgirlsgourmetdawg La Mexicana Although this is definitely one of the most delicious Mexican restaurants in our area, it also serves as a grocery store. So if you don’t want to necessarily eat out, you can grab all the fixings for an authentic Mexican meal at home. la-mexicana-de-columbus.business.site La Nacional Mexican Buffet If your idea of heaven is a boat load of Mexican food, then this is the lunch spot of your dreams. Served cafeteria style, all you have to do is tell them what you want and they will load you up. facebook.com/LaNacional-Mexican-Buffet Lemongrass Thai and Sushi Get ready for some of the most authentic Thai and sushi you’ve ever had. With a location on Wynnton Rd and another on Northlake, everything on the menu is a winner. We are partial to the Tom Khai Gai and Columbus Roll. You can even order online. Lemongrassthaiandsushi.com Luke’s Pub Steak dinner or lunch. You’re gonna get good food, good service and everything is made like home. Just a little drive north in Harris Co. It’s worth it. Mercy’s Jamaican Kitchen Customers are encouraged to ask “fi wey yuh want” at Mercy’s and when you do you will likely get a mouthful. As one of the few authentic Jamaican restaurants in Columbus, you’ll come for the jerk chicken, but come back for the Yardy style oxtails. If Mercy’s doesn’t have a Jamaican meal or item on the menu, you can call ahead and request it. mercysjamaicankitchen.com Mexi Grill Taqueria Hands down, some of the most authentic Mexican food in Columbus. From Birria Tacos to horchata, you are sure to love this place. They offer military discounts on Tuesdays, and their service is quick and friendly. facebook.com/Mexi-Gril Minnie’s Uptown Restaurant Serving up the area’s best meat-and-three, Minnie’s is practically world famous for their traditional homecooking. This local favorite has won countless awards and continues to offer the most reliably filling meal of the day. minniesuptownga.com. Mr. Pizza Brick Oven and Tap Just off I185 on Macon Rd. Much like the days of old. A place where you can find a willy good pizza or a fantastic salad, watch the game with some friends or play against them in a friendly game of billiards. Lots of fun for the family as well. And the staff is great. mymrpizza.com My Boulange A slice of Paris right here on 12th Street. They also hand make their own dough for their pizza’s and they are definitely a must try. thetowerboulange.com Neicy’s BBQ of Columbus While the ribs are top-notch at Neicy’s, it’s the sausage dog and Q-Stew that really puts it on the local radar. The food is amazing and the prices and customer service is just a bonus when you pop in to eat lunch. facebook.com/Neicys-BBQ-of-Columbus
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Peppone’s Ristorante and Pizzeria We can’t recommend this place enough. Located on Manchester. You want NY Italian? This is NY Italian at it’s finest. facebook.com/Peppones-Ristorante-Pizzeria Plucked Up Chicken and Biscuits One word. The Chicken Coop. Yes, that’s three words. Go Get One. Just make sure you get there before 2:30 p.m. so you can have a seat and enjoy the atmosphere. They close at 3. Sapos Mexican Cocina and Bar All your favorites and then some, we highly suggest the Chicken Tortilla Soup on a cold day (insider tip, ask for a side of shredded cheese - So Good!) facebook.com/ saposmexican/ Shane’s Rib Shack When you want plenty of good food on your plate for less money, this is the BBQ for you. Lip smacking ribs and one of the best burgers in town. You can thank us later. Shanesribshack.com Super Mercado Las Americas You just can’t have enough hole-in-the-wall Mexican places. Amiright? This one serves up the authentic stuff as well as a grocery store. On Veterans near Manchester. Tacos El Paisa Located on Victory Drive. You want authentic street tacos. These are the most authentic street tacos in town. facebook.com/ricostacosalpastor/ The Chicken Lady’s Coop From the same family who brought us Minnie’s Uptown, the Chicken Lady brings us her famous fried chicken to the Coop. Nestled in a happening strip in North Columbus. You can eat inside the Coop, but it’s just as convenient to carry out. Chickenladycoop.com The Food Mill Feed your body and your spirit. Not only do they serve fresh daily favorites, they might just make the best biscuits and gravy you’ve ever had in your life, all while working to eliminate food insecurity in the area. Proceeds for your meal go to the UGrow Foundation, which seeks to help grow wellness and nutrition education. Now open on Saturdays from 8-2. Stay tuned for an indoor and mobile Farmers Market opening to the public soon. thefoodmill.org The Royal Cafe Anyone who’s lived in this area for even a little bit of time has probably had lunch at the Royal Cafe. Serving their world famous soul food for over half a century, their customers know they will consistently get good food, cooked with love and experience. facebook.com/ Royal-Cafe The Speakeasy Known for their sandwich the Camel Rider, the pizza is really good too. Easy is the best way to describe the place. Bring the kiddos to play the games in the back or the boss to have a lunch time beer at the bar. The Speakeasy is one of Columbus’ most versatile lunch spots. speakeasycolumbus. com
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Tuesdays Tacos and Burritos Angie and Jeff started as a simple food truck and now sling California-inspired street tacos from their new brick and mortar location off Williams Road. We highly suggest you try anything, but one of our favorites is the chimichanga appetizer. Hire them for your next big office party. They have taco bars to go. Find their food truck around town as well. Tuesdaystacotruck.com Uptown Vietnam Cuisine You need their pho in your life. If you don’t know what that is? Go, go right now. They’re on the corner of Broadway and 13th. You can’t miss em. Vertigo Fusion Kitchen Located in Historic Uptown Columbus, this fusion kitchen serves only the freshest ingredients with dishes inspired by regions all over the world, with a focus on the influence of Mexican culture. And they have the absolute best street corn dip of your life. Vertigofusionkitchen.com Wherever you go, please be patient, kind and always respect health and safety guidelines.
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The Meaning Of Home This exhibition, co-curated by Curator of American Art Jonathan Frederick Walz and Director of Education & Engagement Lucy Kacir, explores the evolution of the meaning and function of home through photography. Throughout the chaos of the past 18 months, our relationships with our homes have changed as our lives have changed. The curators hope to document this shift and encourage reflection on the lessons to carry forward. Every Day that the museum is open through July 31, 2022. The Columbus Museum Journey Towards Justice: The Civil Rights Movement in the Chattahoochee Valley A spotlight on the Civil Rights Movement in the Columbus area. Themes and topics include the beginnings of a southern freedom movement and the effects of Jim Crow segregation; the role of Black institutions as a source of community pride and a breeding ground for activists; the influence of Fort Benning; direct public actions that led to the desegregation of public and private spaces; the cycle of generational violence and intimidation that activists faced; and continued civil rights activism in the 21st century. Now - October 16, The Columbus Museum Improv Club @ Heritage Art Center Join us weekly for a chance to hone your improv skills with other local actors. $5 entry fee. Contact Kevin Johnson for more information: 706-580-1784. Every Thursday evening at 7 p.m. Heritage Art Center, 541 2nd Avenue, Columbus Market Days on Broadway Uptown Columbus’ Market Days on Broadway takes place every Saturday. Featuring many local and organic farmers selling produce, along with soap vendors, home goods, jewelry vendors, and baked goods. Our friends from local shelters and animal rescue groups can be found in the median of Broadway. For questions, call the Uptown office at 706.596.0111. Every Saturday morning, 9am - Noon, Broadway, Columbus Sketching Under the Skylight Free Admission and open to the public but feel free to make a donation if you enjoy these events. Due to COVID-19, the class is limited to 15 participants and properly worn masks (over nose and face) and physical distancing is required. Please call the Center at (706) 507-8432 for reservations. Leave your voices at the door and catch the creative spirit. The second Thursday of each month. The Bo Bartlett Center, Columbus Motor and Mouths Monthly Meet Up A family friendly monthly meeting of car guys/girls to run their motor mouths about their vehicles. Held the 2nd Sunday of month from 8-11am. Windsor village parking lot, Carnoisseur Detail side, Columbus Quilts from the Collection of Paul M.Goggans This exhibition, the second of two planned installations, features quilts newly acquired from Paul M. Goggans. Goggans’ family lived in the Chattahoochee Valley for more than 150 years, and his maternal grandmother, greatgrandmother, and great-great-aunt produced dozens of quilts that the family lovingly preserved over the years. February 5 - October 2, The Columbus Museum Heritage Art Center Online Auction That’s right. Shop our Heritage 541 Artists online. Our highly anticipated Auction is Back. Follow us on Instagram at Auction_541 and then at midnight on Feb.5th all new artworks will be posted for bidding. Just drop your bid in the comments of your favorite piece. If you’re the highest bidder at midnight on Feb.12th, it’s all yours. Pickup in our 541 gallery Feb. 16th - 19th. Heritage Art Center, 541 2nd Avenue, Columbus Little Blue Truck’s Valentine-story time Bring the kids to listen to this cute story. They will get to paint a little truck, in the color they would like. Of course there will be a snack. $16. Saturday, February 5, 10:30 – noon. Bare Ware Pottery Studio, Columbus Coffee & Coloring: Adult Afternoons looking for a relaxing activity to de-stress and create beautiful artwork at the same time? The Coffee & Coloring Club is just the thing. Stop by and grab your coffee & coloring to-go kit anytime during normal library hours. Tuesday, February 8, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., North Columbus Library Annual Chili Cookoff @ Omaha Brewing Tasting will begin at noon and the winner will be announced at 6pm. We will have live music from Jimmy Gaddy 3-7. The Spankin Spoon and Famous Nate’s Food Trucks will be out slingin food from 1-7. We have limited contestant spots this time so make sure to sign up soon - email brooke@omahabrewingcompany.com. 1st, 2nd & 3rd place winners receive prizes (and bragging rights). Saturday, February 5, noon – 8 p.m., Annual Chili Cookoff by Omaha Brewing Company, Omaha Trap Yoga Brunch: Adjust Your Crown A Yoga experience that connects the need for self-care and cultural representation for the BIPOC community and anyone who feels they don’t fit into the typical yoga experience. The itinerary normally consists of affirmations, meditation, breath work, sound healing, a mental health discussion or motivational speech, brunch, and fellowship. Visit our facebook page for more info. Sunday, Feb 6, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Columbus Sports & Training Complex, 5765 Miller Court, Columbus LocaL
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February Photopia Meeting Join us for an evening of photography chat & image critique. We encourage all attendees to bring a handful of images on a jump drive for sharing with the group, but it’s not required. Monday, February 7, 7 – 9 p.m., Event by Shannon Belletti & Photopia Image Makers. More information on their facebook page. Rankin Photography & Art Center, Columbus Black History Month Panel Witness Pastor Carlos Coleman, Sherricka Day, Rev. Dr. J.H. Flakes III, and Geniece Granville as our guests. Don’t miss this important conversation. This year’s panel event will take place in person and will be live-streamed. For those attending in-person, masks are mandatory. A box lunch will be provided at the conclusion of the panel discussion. Visit our facebook page to purchase tickets in advance. Event by United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley. Thursday, February 10, 10 a.m., Columbus, Georgia Convention & Trade Center 2022 Valentine’s Coffee Klatsch Come out and enjoy a light breakfast and vintage craft. The cost is $20 per person. Adults only. Reservations are required. Contact the Education Department at 706-685-2614 or email campdirector@ nationalinfantryfoundation.org for more information. Saturday, February 12, 9 - 11:30 a.m., at the WWII Mess Hall located on WWII Company Street at the National Infantry Museum Hearts & History Mini Camp Kids will enjoy crafts, activities and history lessons about our nation during the Hearts and History Mini Camp at the National Infantry Museum. Contact the Education Department at 706-685-2614 or email campdirector@nationalinfantryfoundation.org for more information. Saturday, February 12, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m., Event by NIM Kids Valentine’s Date Night & Mixer @ Warehouse 9 For couples and singles. Couples will enjoy a 4-course meal from a special menu that includes your bottle of wine $150 (per couple) And a special mixer area will be set up for singles to include hors d’oeuvres, special menu items and drink specials. $50 (per person). Tickets can be purchased in person or by visiting getlocatix.com, or visit our Facebook. Friday, February 12 - Monday, February 14, 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. & starting at 4 on Sunday, Warehouse 9, 920 9th St, Columbus Brittany Allen performs live @ AC Hotel Former contestant on The Voice under team John Legend. Now witness her perform in the AC Hotel Lounge. Public Welcome, Drink Specials available during the show. Saturday, February 12, 6 - 9 p.m., AC Hotel, Uptown Columbus The British Invasion Live @ RiverCenter RiverCenter invites you to experience an all-new live concert event that showcases the most popular music from the era that was The Rolling Stones, Dave Clark 5, The Animals, The Kinks and Dusty Springfield, this immersive multimedia show will place the audience front and center of pop culture history. Manfred Mann, The Searchers, Gerry & The Pacemakers, The Zombies, Freddie & The Dreamers, and Herman’s Hermits along with dozens more. Saturday, February 12, 7:30 p.m., RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, Columbus Serenade! Plan your Valentine’s weekend with tickets to a romantic evening of music as the CSO presents “Serenade!” on February 12th in Legacy Hall. This charming concert will feature serenades in an intimate performance that will leave listeners smitten with sound, and hearts skipping LocaL
to the downbeats. Saturday, February 12, 7:30 – 9 p.m., RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, Columbus Speed Dating Event Fun music and good drinks. Come meet some new people. Host- Mansa Musa (Sir) . Performing R&B Artists Tonio Armani & Jocelyn “Bre” Morton. Happy Faces Lounge, Saturday, February 12, 8 p.m., 2046 Fort Benning Rd, Columbus Tantra Yoga Training Workshop In this workshop we will explore: Basic Concepts of Tantra. Practice solo or with a partner, Understanding the Structure of Tantra in Relation to your Self, Learn how to Let Go of the source of pain, and learn to Love again. This workshop will include lecture, physical movement, meditation, pranayama breathing exercises, and libido enhancing techniques. Light Refreshments will be served. Sunday, February 13, 12:15 - 3:45 p.m., Art of Yoga, 627 2nd Ave. Columbus Dreams for Change: A Collaborative Benefit Concert A Collaborative Benefit Concert featuring the gifts and talents of three local youth arts organizations: Youth Orchestra of Greater Columbus, Voices of the Valley Children’s Chorus, and The Columbus Ballet sponsored by The Youth Dance Conservatory at CSU. Tickets are $20. Sunday, February 13, 4 – 5:30 p.m., Rainey-Mccullers School of the Arts, Columbus Yoga at the Museum De-stress with a yoga class at The Columbus Museum, surrounded by art and history. Start with a short mindfulness-focused gallery experience then relax with a gentle, all-level yoga session led by Sue Tomkiewicz. Some yoga mats are available on a first-come, firstserved basis. Registration required. Free for Members/ $5 for Future Members. Tuesday, February 15, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m., The Columbus Museum, Columbus Caleb Gamble Performs Live @ AC Hotel Grab some friends and head over to the AC Lounge. Enjoy some drinks while listening to Caleb sing. Open to the public, drink specials will be flowing. In the AC Lounge Friday, February 18, 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m., AC Hotel, Columbus Wolf & Clover Perform Live @ Rothschild-Pound House As Wolf & Clover are about to release their New Album this is a once in a lifetime chance to catch them Live at one of Columbus’ most beautiful and casual venues. Don’t miss this show. Tickets and Packages available. Visit getlocaltix.com. Find the event on facebook as well. Wolf & Clover Loves everyone and doesn’t want anyone to get sick. Please consider wearing a mask at our concerts while sitting in close proximity to others. Friday, February 18, 7 – 9 p.m., The RothschildPound House Inn and Events, Columbus Step Outside: Discover Historic Linwood Cemetery Established in 1828. Linwood Cemetery is a repository of Columbus history. Some of the residents highlighted on this tour will be Philip Shutze (Architect - Swan House, Rich’s Department Store), John Pemberton (Coca Cola), Henry L. Benning, Noble Leslie DeVotie (Founder of the SAE fraternity), Clara Meigs (wife of the first president of UGA), Clara Forsyth (wife of Gov. John Forsythe), Gov. James Johnson, Tom Huston (Tom’s peanuts), & Jack Hughston (the sports medicine guru). Event by Atlanta Preservation Center, Saturday, February 19, 10 a.m. – noon, Historic Linwood Cemetery, 721 Linwood Boulevard,Columbus Continued On p.19 13
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Around Town Continued From p.13 Columbus Black History Bicycle Ride Join a casually paced ride along the Martin Luther King Jr. Outdoor Learning Trail, with historic site interpretation by Carver HS students, music by CSU Black Schwob Society, and a reading of Dr. King’s 1958 speech at the Prince Hall Masonic Lodge. The route, a combination of public roads and the Martin Luther King Jr Trail, is 1-WAY, so participants should arrange pickup at the masonic lodge or plan to ride back to the start. Questions: Brian Lackey (678) 296-5134. Saturday, February 19, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., Muscogee County Public Education Center (MCPEC) - 2960 Macon Road, Columbus Point in Time Count 2022 The count makes it possible to strategically target resources for the homeless. We are looking for volunteers to participate. We will be surveying the unsheltered homeless who are sleeping in outdoor locations. The surveys will provide demographic information, that will enable the Continuum of Care to effectively plan housing and service intervention. All volunteers must register for training prior to event. Training for the 2022 Point in Time Count began January 11th and will be conducted each Tuesday -Thursday at 10 am and 2 pm through February 3rd. To volunteer or learn more, visit: http:// www.homeforgoodcv.org/pitcount. Tuesday, February 22 - Wednesday 23, 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., Home For Good CV, Columbus Tuneful Tuesdays An event series by the Schwob School of Music held at the Bo Bartlett Center. Under the center’s skylight, attendees are invited to enjoy music performed by established and student musicians. This event is free and open to the public. February 22, 6 -7 p.m., The Bo Bartlett Center, Columbus Dear Anne, From Nina Written by Claudia Haas @ Family Theatre In February 1940, a young girl, Nina Jensen, in Danville, Iowa pulled the name of a pen pal out of a hat. That name was Anne Frank. There was a brief correspondence before the Nazis invaded The Netherlands. The play is a coming-of-age reflection of the time during the years of the Second World War. For Tickets and Reservations call 706-431-3752 or visit familytheatre.org. February 25, 26, March 4, 5 at 7:30 & a Sunday matinee on March 6th at 2:30, Family Theatre, 2100 Hamilton Road Columbus Toy & Comic Book Show Come and join us for The Columbus Toy & Comic Book Show. $6 admission (Kids 8 and under are Free). https:// www.ccssc.org/comicbookshow/. There will be door prizes, contests, costume characters, local artists, vendors, fan films, a game room and more. Sunday, February 27, 11 – 4 p.m., Columbus State University’s Coca-Cola Space Science Center, Columbus Reveries: Music Under the Dome Series Event by Schwob School of Music and the CocaCola Space Science Center. Featuring performances by Schwob faculty member Dr. Henry Kramer, the L. Rexford Whiddon Distinguished Professor of piano. We will conclude with three magical performances by the Schwob University Singers under the direction of Addison Walton. These incredible performances will be supported by designs created by our Omnisphere Theater director. Reception at 5pm with wine and cheese, and 45-minute concert at 5:37pm. Tuesday, March 1, 5 p.m., Columbus State University’s Coca-Cola Space Science Center, Columbus Blue Man Group Enjoy this euphoric celebration of human connection through art, music, comedy, and non-verbal LocaL
communication. More than 35 million people around the world have experienced their signature drumming, colorful moments of creativity and quirky comedy— the men are still blue but the rest is all new. Including pulsing, original music, custom-made instruments, surprise audience interaction, and hilarious absurdity, audiences join the Blue Men in a joyful experience that unites audiences of all ages. Wednesday, March 2 & Thursday March 3, 7:30 p.m., RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, Columbus Toast of the Town 2022 World-class wines, fine foods, hand-crafted beers, Southern spirits and a silent auction all await you at the Grand Tasting. Mark your calendars and plan to join us to meet the chefs, vintners, distillers and brew masters who will be on hand to share their toasts and tastes with you. All this plus a silent auction filled with rare and specialized spirits. Please note that the Toast of the Town is a 21+ event. Benefiting the Columbus Symphony Orchestra. Friday, March 4, 7 – 10 p.m., Columbus, Georgia Convention & Trade Center, Columbus Samposium - Sam Pate Naturalist Symposium We live in a part of the world that is home to many unique habitats, and these natural spaces play host to a spectacular diversity of bird species throughout the year. Use this chance to celebrate that heritage, to learn, and to honor the memory of a man who devoted his life to fostering a deep relationship with the wild world around us in all those whose lives he touched. Saturday, March 5, 8:30 a.m. – Sunday, March 6, 5 p.m., Columbus Botanical Garden, Columbus Project Prom - Hosted by The Junior League of Columbus This annual event provides prom dresses to local junior and senior high school girls. Please bring your school ID. We will offer new and lightly used prom dresses and accessories at no cost to participants. In addition to receiving the dress of their dreams, attendees and their parents will also sit through “Be Smart, Guard Your Heart” training, a program provided by Right from the Start. It teaches participants to make better decisions when it comes to dating, friends and life. Saturday, March 5, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Jackson Square, 1512 3rd Avenue, Columbus Artful Babies Babies love art too. Join us and learn about the world of art with your child. Each month we will explore a different theme and discover what our youngest visitors are drawn to during their museum visit. Each session includes a playtime to explore books and hands-on objects as well as an art activity for children and their caregivers to complete together. Space is limited, so sign up today. Saturday, March 5 and Tuesday, March 8, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m., The Columbus Museum Wine Women & Shoes Benefitting the Muscogee County Library Foundation, Wine Women & Shoes is returning for its 6th year in Columbus. Mark your calendar for an afternoon of sipping wine, tasting local cuisine, shopping for a cause, and enjoying a fabulous fashion show. Visit our event page for tickets. Thursday, March 10, 6 p.m., Columbus Public Library Mardi Gras 5K Run & Fun Walk This race serves as High School JCAMP’s annual scholarship fundraiser. High School JCAMP conducts the 5K in partnership with the Fountain City Mardi Gras Festival and serves as the festival’s kickoff event. Race Start Point: Liberty District. 850 7th Ave. More info, fcmardigras@gmail.com, 706.672.6419. Saturday, March 12, 7 – 10 a.m., Mardi Gras 5K Run & Fun Walk, Liberty District 850 7th Avenue, Columbus 14
Mardi Gras Parade and Festival The festival will take place along the parade route on Broad Street in Phenix City and onto Broadway in Columbus. A family-friendly event filled with vendors, youth attractions, pageantry, food trucks, community tailgates, celebration of Mardi Gras and Carnival culture. Filled with music, vendors, and more. Facebook. com/FCMardiGras. For more information, go to www. fcmardigras.org or email us at FCMardiGras@gmail.com. Saturday, March 12, 10 – 4 p.m. Free event, Columbus BYOC Carnival Parade Bring Your Own Costume (BYOC) and participate for the Mardi Gras Parade. BYOC is an opportunity for masqueraders to wear any privately owned or previously worn costume for the parade. All participation requires registration. Food and snack registration wristband, Masquerader cinch bag with Tshirt (Limited), Photoshoot before and during parade, Personality Emcee, DJ, and Music Truck, No Costume? No Problem. Register for the T-Shirt section and receive same festival package. For more information: fcmardigras@gmail.com. Saturday, March 12, noon – 2 p.m., Liberty District 850 7th Avenue, Columbus HART - An Art Show @ AC Hotel Featuring local artists Jayclavious, Suzanne Reed Fine, Cora King, Landon Bennett and Tony Pettis. Masks are Strongly recommended while viewing the art along with social distancing as much as possible. Saturday, March 12, 5 p.m. - 8 p.m., AC Hotel, Columbus St Paddy’s Day 5K Wear your green on this Irish holiday. The Big Dog St Paddy’s Race is part of St. Patrick’s Day on Broadway. Come out and run then enjoy the concerts and food after. This is the last race of the Winter Series. Friday, March 18, 6:30 p.m., Big Dog Fleet Feet, Columbus Walkin’ The Line @ Springer Opera House America’s favorite Johnny Cash tribute show stars America’s favorite Johnny Cash - Scott Moreau. Performing all of Johnny’s biggest hits - Folsom Prison Blues, Ring of Fire, I Walk the Line and A Boy Named Sue. Moreau portrays the Man in Black so convincingly it will give you chills. When this man growls, “Hello, I’m Johnny Cash,” you believe him. March 18, 19, 24, 25, 26, April 2 at 7:30 pm March 20, 27 at April 3 at 2:30 pm. Presented on the Springer’s Main Stage. Tickets on sale at springeroperahouse.org. Bluebelles Spring Kickoff Indoor Event Spring is in the air & our 150+ indoor vendors will be having sales throughout the store to help welcome the warmer weather. We will have a variety of food vendors outdoors for even more fun. Saturday, March 19, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., 2301 Airport Thruway, Columbus Artists & Creatives Meetup Join your fellow writers, actors, illustrators, filmmakers, musicians and creative types of all disciplines at this cozy gathering. The meetup is free but please RSVP. Calling together individual creators from working in isolation,to help artists connect and build relationships with each other. For additional information please email Melissa directly: melissa@epiphanyspace.com. Monday, March 21, 7 – 9 p.m., Grace Community Church, 4333 Fortson Road, Fortson Sixth Annual Outrun Hunger 5K and Fun Run Thanks to our dedicated sponsors who made our virtual totals fabulous. We raised over $12,000 for Feeding the Valley Food Bank during the pandemic. But virtual isn’t what we’re all about. We’re delighted to go back to our community celebration. Fun and fellowship while raising money to feed the hungry. Saturday, April 2, 8 a.m. – 10 a.m., Feeding the Valley Food Bank Want to see your event listed here? Email:eventsthelocalcolumbus.com F EBR UAR Y-MAR CH 2022
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A “Once in a Lifetime” Musical Performance Comes to Rivercenter
THE ACADEMY OF ST. MARTIN IN THE FIELDS
WITH JOSHUA BELL
By Scott Berson
ASMF with JB (043) Photo Benjamin Ealovega
here is something almost divine about watching a T group of people pull off something beautiful together. A group of dedicated musicians, living, practicing, touring, rehearsing together, and then sitting down to share their work – it’s one of the most amazing sights (and sounds) in the world. Now, one of the world’s best musical ensembles will take the stage at RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, thanks to the groundbreaking generosity of a legendary Columbus arts patron. The Academy of St Martin in the Fields, coming to town February 22, is one of the world’s finest chamber orchestras, renowned for fresh, brilliant interpretations of the world’s greatest orchestral music. Formed by Sir Neville Marriner in 1958 from a group of leading London musicians, the Academy gave its first performance in its namesake church in November 1959. Through unrivaled live performances and a vast recording output – highlights of which include the 1969 best-seller Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and the soundtrack to the Oscarwinning film Amadeus – the Academy quickly gained an international reputation for its distinctive, polished and refined sound. It is now led by Joshua Bell, a legendary violin virtuoso who has performed for three American presidents and the sitting justices of the Supreme Court of the United States. “It’s a concert experience that is based upon really incredible foundations,” said Norm Easterbrook, Rivercenter Executive Director. “The players know each other extremely well and can pick up what each other are doing. Magic things can happen. They play off each other, stay in sync with each other, and that only comes about by spending time with each other and being excellent musicians.” Columbus is no stranger to beautiful music. Rivercenter for the Performing Arts hosts the world-class student musicians from CSU’s Schwob School of Music dozens of times a year, connecting locals to spellbinding music both classic and contemporary. Easterbrook sees this as an amazing opportunity to show Schwob students where their talent can take them. Rivercenter has provided discounted tickets to CSU staff and students to make sure they can take advantage of that chance. “(The Academy musicians) come from different backgrounds, but they pretty much live, eat and breathe together as performers, and that is something we hope students at CSU, who are excellent performers, will see LocaL
as inspiration. This is the level they’re aspiring to, to know that it can be done,” Easterbrook said. It’s not easy to bring this level of talent to Columbus. It was possible thanks to an ongoing endowment from Virginia Norman, a longtime supporter of classical music in the Valley, who dedicated part of her estate to create an ongoing fund for major classical performers to come to Rivercenter. “She felt it important that there be a high-quality classical music presence in Columbus, and she wanted the people of Columbus to have access to exceptional artists, and that’s why this fund was established,” Easterbrook said. The Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, then, is just the first of what promises to be many exquisite performances to come. “If you’ve never experienced classical music, don’t overlook this event,” Easterbrook implored. Child or adult, musician or not, he said, this is something everyone can find value in – a group of amazing people creating something amazing together. “Take a chance ,and come see this performance. This is a once in a lifetime event.”u Joshua Bell Portrait by Lisa Marie Mazzucco
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The Industrial
Archeology of Columbus 1828 - 1865 (Part 1) Contributed by Historic Columbus
extile production had its roots planted in Georgia T soon after the American Revolution, when Eli Whitney, in collaboration with Catharine Green,
invented the cotton gin in Chatham County in 1793. The cotton gin transformed cotton into a marketable commodity and turbo-charged the industry in the 19th century. The industry spread throughout the New England states over the next several decades. In 1814, Boston investors opened the first planned textile mill in Lowell, Massachusetts, which introduced the power
loom. Now, factories could process raw cotton into cloth in one factory. The creation of mill towns, with housing for workers, became popular in the north and spread into southern communities as well. Georgians began to invest in building textile mills in the 1810s. These were small, water powered cotton factories established along the fall line, a strip of land across the piedmont from Columbus to Augusta where rapids provided sufficient waterpower to operate the mills. The Georgia legislature established Columbus in 1828 specifically as a “trading town” at the head of navigation of the Chattahoochee River. Crossing the fall line at Columbus, the river drops 125 feet within 2.5 City Mills
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miles and produces a potential energy of at least 66,000 horsepower. This hydropower attracted entrepreneurs, investment capital, and laborers to Columbus. Those individuals and their contributions were also instrumental in the planning, building, education, and entertainment that has shaped Columbus since its founding. The first industry to harness the river, City Mills (a grist mill) began operating before the end of 1828. This was the year Columbus was established, and the initial dam constructed on the Chattahoochee River would
begin powering the new mill. The surviving structures at this site include the Flour Mill (1890) with some of its original power transmission and grinding equipment installed from 1890 to 1903; the warehouse (1890 & 1914); abutments of the rubble masonry dam (19041907, 10-foot head); and the remains and turbines of the Columbus Railroad Company powerhouse (1894-1896), the city’s first central-station hydroelectric plant. In 1832, construction started on the first local textile mill, Clapp’s Factory, at a site (now Oliver Dam) three miles north of the town. A small dam between an island and the eastern bank powered a yarn mill, a tannery, and a grist mill. Workers lived in the surrounding village. The company reorganized and rebuilt after the war but went bankrupt in 1885. The abandoned, wooden structure, erected in 1866 and built by master builder and former
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enslaved laborer Horace King, burned in 1910. In 1925, the property on which the Clapp’s Factory Cemetery is located was purchased by the Georgia Power Co. from the Clapp family. Oliver Dam was built north of the cemetery in 1955. The dam now covers the old mill site; however, the area south of the dam remains the site of the operatives’ cemetery During the 1840s, the political and economic leadership of Columbus sought to establish industries within the town. The city council sold nineteen riverfront lots that would run from what eventually became the Eagle & Phenix Mill to the Muscogee Mill (now TSYS/ Global Payments) for a nominal price to John H. Howard and Josephus Echols, provided they furnish waterpower to all the lots. They constructed a dam (at the present 14th Street bridge) and the Coweta Falls Factory began operating in 1844. In 1846, John G. Winter, one of the richest men in Columbus, and William Brooks launched the Variety Mills, which manufactured textiles, sawed lumber, and ground wheat and corn. Winter also operated the Rock Island Paper Mill just north of the city on the Alabama side of the river. In 1847, the Georgia legislature passed an act to encourage industrial development. Three years later, Georgia had 50 cotton and woolen mills producing coarse wool and cotton duck.
Pictured is the letterhead of Muscogee Manufacturing Company. The mills produced textiles such as cottonade, a heavy, coarse cotton fabric often used in work clothes. Muscogee Manufacturing was established by the Swift family, owners of the Swift Mills; SG
A decade later, six mills (both textile and grist) lined the head race below the dam in Columbus. Underscoring the community’s commitment to manufacturing was the impressive public ceremony in 1847 when construction began on the Howard Factory. In early 1849, the Columbus Enquirer observed: “All that is wanting to make our city not only the Lowell of the South but of the United States is capital, and that is rapidly tending towards it.” More investment came that year with William H. Young, a New Yorker, who had noted the river’s energy in 1827 even before the city existed. After making a fortune as a merchant in Florida, Young returned to begin the Eagle Mill in 1850. It quickly became the city’s most successful mill. In 1860, the Eagle absorbed the faltering Howard Factory making the combined operation one of the largest textile factories in the South. F EBR UAR Y-MAR CH 2022
Urban slavery thrived in Columbus, and many enslaved people were apprenticed to local butchers, carpenters, masons, and tailors. The 1860 census reveals that enslaved people made up 36 percent of the city’s population, approximately 3,265 people. While the movements and activities of the 165 free Blacks in Muscogee County, as in other areas of the South, were severely limited, the antebellum South was not a segregated society. Blacks and whites participated together in many of their daily activities, though never as equals. Columbus was one of the Confederacy’s most important centers of industry, and Columbus’ enslaved population played a central role in our town’s economic life. An incredible amount of raw material was needed for the textile mills to meet production needs, so it was given to those enslaved to plant and harvest this cash crop. These large estates could be found on the outskirts of town and in the surrounding counties. By 1860, Columbus (Muscogee County) ranked second only to Richmond in southern textile production. In addition, its paper mill, furniture factory, cotton gin manufacturer, and iron foundries made Columbus a rather diversified industrial city. During the Civil War, Columbus supplied the Confederacy with textile products, gun carriages, cannon and shot, Indian rubber cloth, tents, military caps and uniforms, steam engines, and gun boats.. By 1862, the Eagle mill ran two twelvehour shifts, and its daily production included 1,500 yards of cotton duck for tents, 2,000 yards of heavy gray tweed for uniforms, and $1,500 worth of other cotton materials and thread. Each week the Eagle Mill also turned out 1,000 yards of India rubber cloth and 1,800 pounds of rope. The Confederate government consumed about three-fourths of the Eagle’s goods. On April 17, 1865, eight days after Robert E. Lee surrendered, General James H. Wilson’s troops burned every industry in Columbus except the grist mills. Liberated people who were formerly enslaved were oftentimes skilled craftspeople and artisans, but instead
rebuilding of the mills. Columbus didn’t wait fifteen years for industrialization. It became one of the first “New South’’ cities, and its industrial success inspired other Southern towns to imitate it. To access the full history visit www.historiccolumbus. com/blog and ALL of Historic Columbus’ History and Preservation Spotlights. As well as Tuesdays With Justin here: Historic Columbus (GA) - YouTubeu City Mills
Photo courtesy of Judith Grant. Columbus, GA.
City Mills Today
of working their trades, they were often forced into tenant farming.. While the mills used some African Americans to haul cotton bales and perform other menial tasks, these workers were not allowed to become operatives, and many remained unemployed. The newspaper, at the time, constantly urged the freedmen to go back to the country. With the mills in ashes, hundreds of white factory workers formed a destitute group within the city. The newspaper, however, saw this group differently than the freed Blacks, calling them the whites the “deserving” and “virtuous” poor. They received relief from the federal government, the state, the city, and private individuals. In addition to those funds, they subsisted by cleaning burned bricks, doing menial jobs, and a lot of fishing. The presence of these unemployed workers added a sense of urgency to the LocaL
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