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STUFF TO READ
Letter from the Publisher
PAWS Humane Society
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Stronghold Massage & Bodywork
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Alison Mills Long
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Brian Luedtke’s
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Summer Pet Safety
Helping People Heal Through Sound & Touch Atomic Path to the South
Fortune Food’s Kitchen
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AROUND TOWN Restaurant Week 2022
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Explore “Lost Columbus”
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Miguel Juarez
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New Local Bakery Brings Good Fortune To Customers and Community
Honoring the Service Workers At RiverCenter This Summer This Father Of Five Rocks The Columbus Undercurrent
706 250 7777 ummer, summer - summer time … time to sit back and t hel o cal co l u mbu s . co m SAhhh unwind. - Will Smith the sweet sounds of summer. And a heavy dose of f acebook .com/t helocalcolumbusga falling more in love with our air-conditioners. Before you lock yourself in for the heat wave, remember that there are plenty (and I do mean plenty) of reasons to get out and enjoy the hottest time of the year in the South. With a massive amount of indoor shows, late-evening events and waterside fun, there’s never nothing to do here in Columbus, Ga. For instance, get a massage. We’ve got two terrific places you can see right away. Natalie Downey covered the gamut of therapists waiting to help you stay on top of your self-care efforts. From sound therapy, Reiki and body work to complete relaxation - we caught up with Empowered By Source and Stronghold Massage and Bodywork to give you all the goods. Afterward, you could grab a delicious pastry, breakfast or lunch at Fortune Food’s Kitchen. It’s also open in the early mornings so you won’t immediately fry after picking up your delicious snacks. See a live evening show at one of the many music venues around town. And maybe, just maybe you’ll catch Miguel Juarez playing his songful melodies at one of them. RiverCenter and The Springer Opera House both have amazing shows coming up, Including The Color Purple at the Springer. RiverCenter recently teamed up with Historic Columbus for an interesting presentation of ‘Lost Columbus’ where you can learn more about the history of our city in a new and fascinating way. And don’t miss ‘Safety Last’ on the RiverCenter stage, June 25th. There’s always No Shame in getting out on a Friday night in Uptown – so check out No Shame Theatre too, every Friday night at the Springer. Just make sure you get there by 10 p.m. And please tell them, we sent ya. Let’s not forget, all the best in food around the region can be found on our pages. Plus, Restaurant Week gives you a wonderful opportunity to try them all. It’s going down July 2531st, and all the info you need is on page 15. And for those who like to make the most of the daylight hours, you can visit any of our amazing museums. The history of Alma W. Thomas “Everything is Beautiful” begins at the Columbus Museum July 1 - September 25th. There’s lots of outdoor races and challenges by the river, summer camps for the kiddos and fun for the whole family. Check it all out in our extensive calendar. Now get out there and go do it all. Just don’t forget to bring your extra bottle of water.
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 ads@thelocalcolumbus.com
Thanks for reading, Monica Jones
CONTRIBUTORS & CREDITS Scott Berson Natalie Downey Erick Richman Josh McQuien Paws Humane Society
Cover Photo Provided By Our Publisher The FoodFood’s Mill Kitchen Fortune
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Humane Society’s Summer Pet Safety
he summer months in the South can be T miserable for us humans. You can imagine, being covered in hair or fur, how miserable the
summer heat and humidity can be for our furry friends. Although the warmer weather brings about more outdoor activities, the high temperatures can also put your dog at risk of heat exhaustion. Heat exhaustion, also referred to as hyperthermia, occurs when your pet’s body temperature rises above a healthy level and they are no longer able to regulate their own body heat. Heat exhaustion can be mild, which can be treated at home, or can progress to severe heatstroke, at which point your dog could run a high fever, experience organ failure or lose consciousness. We all love spending the long, sunny days of summer outdoors with our furry companions, but being overeager in hot weather can spell danger. To prevent your pet from overheating, take these simple precautions provided by ASPCA experts: • Visit the vet for a spring or early-summer checkup. Make sure your pets get tested for heartworm if they aren’t on year-round preventative medication. • Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water when it’s hot or humid outdoors. Make sure your pets have a shady place to get out of the sun, be careful not to over-exercise them, and keep them indoors when it’s extremely hot. • Know the symptoms of overheating in pets, which include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse. Symptoms can also include seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomit along with an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees. • Animals with flat faces, like Pugs and Persian cats, are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively. These pets, along with the elderly, the overweight, and those with heart or lung diseases, should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible. • Never leave your animals alone in a parked vehicle. Not only can it lead to fatal heat stroke, it is illegal in several states. • Do not leave pets unsupervised around a pool—not all dogs are good swimmers. Introduce your pets to water gradually and make sure they wear flotation devices when on boats. Rinse your dog off after swimming to remove chlorine or salt from their fur, and try to keep your dog from drinking pool water, which contains chlorine and other chemicals. • Open unscreened windows pose a real danger to pets, who often fall out of them. Keep all unscreened windows or doors in your home closed, and make sure adjustable screens are tightly secured. • Feel free to trim longer hair on your dog, but never shave your dog. The layers of dogs’ coats LocaL
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protect them from overheating and sunburn. Brushing cats more often than usual can prevent problems caused by excessive heat. In addition, be sure that any sunscreen or insect repellent product you use on your pets is labeled specifically for use on animals. When the temperature is very high, don’t let your dog linger on hot asphalt. Being so close to the ground, your pooch’s body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn. Keep walks during these times to a minimum. Commonly used rodenticides and lawn and garden insecticides can be harmful to cats and dogs if ingested, so keep them out of reach. Keep citronella candles, tiki torch products and insect coils out of pets’ reach as well. Call your veterinarian if you suspect your animal has ingested a poisonous substance. Remember that food and drink commonly found at barbeques can be poisonous to pets. Keep alcoholic beverages away from pets. Similarly, remember that the snacks enjoyed by your human friends should not be a treat for your pet; any change of diet, even for one meal, may give your dog or cat severe digestive ailments. Avoid raisins, grapes, onions, chocolate and products with the sweetener xylitol. Please leave pets at home when you head out to Fourth of July celebrations, and never use fireworks around pets. Exposure to lit fireworks can result in severe burns or trauma, and even unused fireworks can contain hazardous materials. Many pets are also fearful of loud noises and can become lost, scared or disoriented, so it’s best to keep your little guys safe from the noise in a quiet, sheltered and escape-proof area of your home.
When in doubt, call your veterinarian
4900 Milgen Road Columbus pawshumane.org office@pawshumane.org (706) 565-0035 • Vet Clin 4
You Only Get
One Body MASSAGE & BOD YW ORK
By Natalie Downey There are few things in life better than a good massage, and Glenn Morgan is committed to offering his clients the best possible in his newly opened studio Stronghold Massage and Bodywork.
Massage therapy wasn’t originally a part of Glenn’s career plan. While he knew he wanted to help people, it wasn’t until he developed sciatica that he discovered exactly how he wanted to do that. Glenn’s sciatica led him to look for options for pain relief, which brought him to his discovery of massage therapy. With a newfound appreciation for massage, he decided to follow the path that intrigues him, and Glenn enthusiastically enrolled in Miller-Motte College’s massage program. Massage school wasn’t easy, but Glenn was passionate about pursuing the craft. With his eye on the prize, Glenn worked 80 hour weeks between massage school and his job, and earned both his Georgia and Alabama massage therapy licenses in 2017. Glenn’s initial massage endeavors led to his running a mobile massage clinic, which gained him experience and clientele. Not long after he graduated, he found out about an opening at a local salon and worked as an in-house massage therapist there for the next four years, splitting his time between the salon and a local yoga studio. As Glenn built up a network, clients began calling him and returning for pain relief and relaxation, recognizing his commitment to quality work. His reputation as a knowledgeable massage therapist was growing, and with it grew his desire to eventually open his own studio. The year 2021 was a big one for Glenn, as his wife Alanna decided to embark on her own goal of becoming a licensed massage therapist. “I witnessed his journey,” she explains. “He would show me things he learned.” Alanna had Alanna & wanted to help people for as long as Glenn Morgan she could remember. “This is a great JUNE-JULY 2022
way to help people in a tangible way,” she says. In the same year, Glenn decided to take the plunge and open his own massage studio. He learned of an open room in a chiropractic office in Columbus and knew the opportunity had come. In August of 2021, Stronghold Massage and Bodywork opened its doors to the public, a massage studio owned and operated by Glenn and Alanna.
work with the body and learn to listen to it,” he says. Glenn’s goal is to improve his client’s pain and comfort levels, and lead them to experience a better quality of life, understanding that an investment in the body is worth it, as we only get the one we’re born into. Glenn’s wife Alanna completed her massage therapy certification for both Georgia and Alabama this year, and she plans to focus her sessions on relaxation
Technique is important in the world of massage, and one of the most impressive things about Glenn is his persistent drive to learn more. “I continuously take new classes, and learn new things to help the clients I already have, and future clients,” he explains. His areas of expertise and training cover a whole gamut of body work including Thai massage, assisted posture stretching, lymphatic drainage massage, deep tissue massage, and training for issues with specific body parts, like the hips. Glenn is also a Reiki master, and implements the energetic healing techniques when he feels a client will benefit from them.
massage. Alanna looks forward to joining Glenn in the studio and working with him as a team. Listening to Glenn and Alanna talk about helping the community through massage, it’s easy to see that their passion aligns with this goal. “Finding a job you can be passionate about is a plus,” Glenn says. “I enjoy what I do.”
Glenn and Alanna want the community to know that all are welcome in their studio, and they offer a Glenn’s business goal is simple: “To help people,” he says. “That is always number one.” He uses clientfriendly language, and takes care to genuinely hear his clients and tailor his sessions to their specific needs. For this reason, every session he gives is different. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach at Stronghold, and Glenn does his best to meet each client’s individual needs by combining many of the techniques he’s learned over the years. With an emphasis on pain relief and pain management, Glenn has worked with a variety of people, including athletes and yoga instructors. “The body doesn’t care what kind of trauma it’s been through, it reacts the same way - stress response, inflammation, and trying to repair. “It’s a challenge but can be fun to LocaL
10% standing discount to all emergency and medical personnel and teachers. To book an appointment, call (706) 573-7776. Or visit stronghold-bodywork.square.siteu 5
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Helping People Heal
S
By Natalie Downey
By Natalie Downey
T H ROU GH SO U “ItNblew D me&away,”TO UCH she says. She recognized the
he sits on the floor of a dimly lit room, surrounded by bowls of various sizes. Moving her arm serenely to one bowl and then another, she gently strikes them with a mallet, and a frequency fills the air, flooding the
power behind Reiki, a Japanese healing technique which uses hands-on techniques to move energy through a patient’s body to encourage both physical and emotional healing. At the time, Alison was volunteering with hospice patients and saw the potential for using Reiki with them. With a passion for helping people, she was able to use Reiki as a means to extend a hand to those around her and completed training to get her certification as a Reiki Master/Teacher and begin the practice in her own life. At first, Alison practiced Reiki in her volunteer sessions with hospice patients, but a growing interest in private sessions led to her branching out and building clientele, and with it, continuing to gain
room in vibrations of confident calm. Patients exhale, relax their shoulders, close their eyes, and settle in to listen and appreciate the music of Certified Therapeutic Sound Practitioner Alison Mills-Long. Growing up, music was always a part of life for Alison. She began formal training during childhood and continued even through her college years, starting with piano and then eventually decided to switch to the organ. “I realize now that it was about the vibration, but at the time I didn’t know the term ‘sound therapy’,” Alison explains. Drawn to the vibration of music and sound at an early age, Alison remembers standing beside speakers at college parties. “Feeling the bass was amazing,” she recalls. Alison received her B.A. in music from Agnes Scott College. While she had a strong foundation of love for music, Alison had no idea exactly how integral sound would be in her future. experience with hands-on healing. In 2006, Alison experienced her first Reiki session. In 2009, Alison attended a conference on sacred sound and music led by the Edgar Cayce Foundation. Known as “The Sleeping Prophet” and the Father of Holistic Medicine. Her interest in Edgar Cayce, a popular writer and figure in the clairvoyance and dream analysis movements, can be traced back to an ice storm she experienced when she was young. During this storm there was no power, so her mom gave her a book to read about Cayce, and she became fascinated with the topic of dream analysis. Fast forward to the conference Alison found herself at, and she was brought face to face with sound therapy. Naturally interested in sound and vibration, as LocaL
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well as alternative healing modalities, Alison found herself drawn to sound therapy, and not long after the conference she attended, she began adding Himalayan singing bowls to her Reiki sessions. “The singing bowls are kind of like cats,” Alison laughs, “You start out with one and then you keep collecting them.” Sound therapy uses crystal and Himalayan singing bowls, chimes, tuning forks, and other soundproducing tools to help a person reach a deeper state of relaxation. As the rate of breath slows, the heart rate also slows, and then brain waves finally slow down. “A lot of people are stuck in their heads,” Alison explains. “When the body relaxes, it can do what it needs to.” While Alison believes she cannot personally heal another person, what she does believe she can do is create and hold space for them by creating the environment and offering prompts, coaching them, and being there for them as they do their own healing work. She is trained and skilled in how to use the healing techniques she offers, and guides her clients through the process as they open themselves to relaxation and healing. For a while Alison offered her Reiki and sound therapy sessions on the side while she operated in the corporate world during the work week. In 2021, she accepted the opportunity to take early retirement. This opened up time to spend more on doing what she was passionate about. “This is where my heart is, in helping people,” she says.
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Not long after retiring, Alison took an opportunity to set up a space in the office of her chiropractor, Dr. James Crawmer. “It has been an amazingly supportive environment,” Alison says. She had been raving about the healing power of Reiki and sound therapy to Dr. Crawmer for years, and the opportunity to collaborate with him in offering her services was the right next step. Alison and Dr. Crawmer often refer their patients to each other and Alison has recently begun playing her singing bowls in the therapy room of the chiropractic office. While Alison loves using her skills to help individuals, she also has a heart for making changes within the corporate world by introducing her techniques there. As people return to the office after working from home for an extended period of time, Alison believes that this is the perfect time to make changes for the well-being of employees. “The work environment doesn’t have to be stressful or inefficient,” she explains. With a background in project quality, and vendor management, as well as business continuity, Alison has experience in the corporate world that gives her the understanding of what kinds of changes are needed and possible. She is booking well-being workshops for the corporate environment and looks forward to seeing a shift in
the corporate culture to embrace holistic health and wellness amongst employees. Alison hosts monthly workshops, sound meditations, dream analysis workshops, and offers life coaching and neuro-linguistic programming. She also has a shop in her office where she sells Himalayan singing bowls, tuning forks, chimes, spiritual/wellbeing books, crystals, journals, and essential oils. “It’s like a metaphysical bookstore,” she explains. At the end of the day, for Alison, it’s all about helping people. “When I’m able to bring peace to someone and send that energy through the room, it’s all worth it,” Alison says with a smile. Contact alisonmlong@empoweredbysource to book an appointment or workshop.u
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Brian Luedtke’s
Brian Luedtke in Arcadia, Nebraska
A t o m i c P a t h To T h e S o u t h
By Erick Daniel Richman
rian Luedtke’s historic home base here in B Columbus is a settlement from which he explores and expands his connections with the From Scene in ‘Steam It’
city around him: Volunteering in the mornings, jogging in the late afternoons, performing on stage in the evening. As a child on a Nebraska farm in 1974, he was struck by determination: “One day, I’m going to be a Southerner.” Today, he has a prolific role in the city of Columbus, allocating his time to the theater scene, committee appointments - serving with many organizations including the Historic Columbus Foundation, the Historic Linwood Foundation, the American Legion, Uptown Columbus, and the Historic District Preservation Society - and to hands-on work. “I get out an oar and I help row the boat,” he says, “or hitch up the wagon and help pull. That’s what I do.” At the Springer Opera House, for example, he is a board member, actor, easily one of the most enthusiastic and ardent supporters (and performers) of No Shame Theatre, and also the Jim Pharr & Brian On Stage In 2019 At No Shame
window revitalization specialist, entrusted with the difficult and painstaking task of preserving the National Historic Landmark’s original windows. Brian’s journey – from Nebraska farmer to nuclear artillery officer to Columbus community LocaL
pillar – echoes and reinforces his beloved Springer Academy’s motto: “Life skills through stage skills,” he nods emphatically. “As an officer, you’re always in front of people, always teaching, always writing.” RESTORATION & PRESERVATION In the 1990s, when Brian purchased his historic home, he set out to learn how to repair and rehabilitate it himself. Known as the Lion House for the pair of stone-faced big cats out front, its complex history was explored by writer Tom Ingram in a January 2018 issue of The LocaL. Today, Brian has carefully restored the home, adorning it with all manner of retrieved and reclaimed artifacts: eighty-year-old blenders that still function, hand-made advertising signs for long-shuttered diners, one-off folk-art pieces, and the family’s furniture that was delivered to Nebraska on covered wagons and more recently brought to Georgia by automobile. In a free moment, he might be found tinkering with ‘built-to-last’ tools from “before planned obsolescence” was standard: as determined to hear an old weed-wacker spin up once more as
says, and “one of only three that went to college.” He considered staying to tend the farm, but he says he knew what he really wanted to do: “become a southerner.” ACTING & ARTILLERY As a high school junior, he was inspired by Elizabeth Hendricks, a fellow Nebraskan who returned from college to teach her first year of English literature. “I’m sitting in class and I’m looking at her,” he says, “I’m mesmerized by how cute she is, but she also taught southern authors and southern culture, which I’d never heard before.” Inspired by his teacher and their classes on the writings of Mark Twain and William Faulkner, he determined then that he wanted to relocate to the idyllic, dynamic southern locales he envisioned.
The Lion House
to restore a rotting, mottled window to beauty and clarity. NEBRASKAN FARMHAND Brian’s penchant for working with his hands was formed – alongside his childhood memories - in the harsh farming conditions of Nebraska; the child of a Korean War veteran descended from immigrants following the wave created by the Homesteading Act of 1862, he recalls his young days spent raising crops, defeathering chickens, and straining milk. “We subsistence gardened,” he says, “It was land Mom and Dad bought for $50 an acre back when I was a year old.” Patting dry freshly-birthed piglets, a young Brian didn’t know the winding journey that would eventually allow him to settle such an expansive space for himself in Columbus, Georgia. “I was in a class of 22 in my high school,” he 8
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“I was just a farm kid doing chores on the farm and going to school,” he says with a smile, “It makes me light up to think about it because it’s ultimately what made me push myself to get here.” Realizing that “the way to get me south is to get the army to do it,” so he joined the campus’ Reserve Officers Training Corps and completed a teaching degree in English, theatre, and speech. “And then the first thing that the army did,” he recalls, “was they sent me to Germany!” Bonnie Jayne Vornlocher (Left) And Brian At The Springer
Although it wasn’t the assignment he’d hoped for, his patience – as well as his education in communication and performing under pressure - would pay off. “I was living in Nuremberg, Germany,” he says, “Great experience; That’s where I first was introduced to nuclear weapons.” His role as a Pershing 2 Missile Officer in the Cold War of the late 1970s meant he was responsible for maintaining the readiness of the front-line nuclear arsenal against the Soviet Union. “You’re staring into the eyes of what was once a very dangerous man,” he says with a drawn breath, “because all I needed was a release from the president, and I was sending off the very first nukes.” In February 1985, his circuitous path to the South finally came around; he was assigned to Fort Benning to initiate the development of a new nuclear artillery unit there. “It worked out that I could come here,” he says, “so that was pretty good.” STEPS, STAGE, AND SCREEN Nearly two decades later, Brian is well-known throughout the city for his expansive personality, tenacious work ethic, and inclination toward volunteerism. His jogging route leads him throughout downtown, past the tables and chairs of Broadway’s popular eateries. “I’m either running from my demons,” he says, “or toward my goals.” His recurring characters (such as Norma, his most cherished) have been mainstays on the No Shame Mike Murphy (left) & Brian as Norma
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Theatre stage for years. “I created [Norma] while I was driving back from Nebraska, years ago,” he says, “She’s a gossipy old woman and you never really know what she’s going to say or do.” Brian remembers the first week of No Shame back in 2009: “It was like, wow, how come we haven’t had this before? It was a lot of fun.” He’s still an active participant thirteen years later, believing No Shame to be a powerful and transformative setting that lets people “get their creative urges out” and “boost your own ego and confidence.”
Opening Scene From ‘Stream It’
In 2020, he starred in the Springer/Seven Zero Six collaboration film titled Stream It, which prominently features his carefully restored Lion House home. “It was a ball to do,” he says simply. Directed by John Houzer and written by Dan Quigley, with contributions from other Columbusbased artists, Stream It is available to watch for free at Malik Jordan (left) & Brian vimeo.com/393085512. Rooting into Columbus “Folks just come up to me,” he says, “and they go, ‘Brian, you’re always so involved. How can I be like you?’” “I go, ‘Oh, geez, you don’t want to be like me,” laughing with a little self-deprecation before clarifying, “Well, here’s your guidance. Don’t do what I’m doing. If [something] is important to you, then roll up your sleeves and get involved. Do what would be a passion for you.” To learn more about Brian and his role in the community, visit SpringerOperaHouse.org, HistoricColumbus.com, or search “The Lion House Columbus, Georgia” on Wikipedia. You can also catch Brian on the podcast “Off the Cuff Drunks,” on SoundCloud. On Friday nights, you’re likely to find him performing at No Shame Theatre, often as Norma or one of his other personas; performances begin at 10:30 p.m. with only a $5 cover charge. Or, just hang out downtown and you might see him eclipsing the sun on one of his afternoon runs.u 9
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Fortune Food s ’
Kitchen
NEW LOCAL BAKERY B ri ngs Good Fortune To Cus tom e rs & Com m uni t y
and especially about hearty, hand-made bread. The kitchen was created by Kurt Dralle and Adam Icard, two culinary artists who share an insatiable passion for finding locally sourced ingredients and making mouth-watering delicacies that are always seasonally forward. The two met while working in the kitchen at a local restaurant. Kurt had been dreaming of opening a bread business, and one day mentioned this to Adam, to which Adam replied, “I love baking bread! It’s my dream.” At first Kurt and Adam only sold their bread at markets and events, and it soon became popular. Their plan was to just keep selling at markets, until one day it “just kinda fell in our laps,” Adam says. As a storefront location became available in the River Road shopping center, they decided to take the opportunity. As one fortunate event led to another, they completely renovated the space themselves and Fortune Food’s Kitchen was born. Like the food they make, the naming of the business was chosen with much intention, and a little cosmic intervention. Through the
By Natalie Downey
ood and community go hand in hand, and a F new bakery is finding ways to support local while striving to create the tastiest breads in town,
with the help of a little cosmic intervention. Fortune Food’s Kitchen is located just north of the Piggly Wiggly on River Road – just look for the “Fresh Bread” sign. Once inside you’ll be met with a robust display of delightful sourdoughs, baguettes, bagels, cinnamon rolls and whatever else the guys dreamt up that morning to delight you, including gluten free items (by request and on Saturdays). After making your choice and after tasting that first bite, you’ll fully understand how passionate Kurt and Adam are about food – Adam Icard And Kurt Dralle Photo Taken By Electric City Life
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family member of a friend trained in the old-world way of fortune telling – by reading coffee grounds – a fortune was read, for fun. They believe it led them to where they are today. “Whatever happened that day put all this into motion,” Kurt said. With an appreciation for the fortunate events that led to the realization of their dreams, Kurt and Adam decided it was too much of a coincidence and settled on the name Fortune Food’s Kitchen. With full intent to pay the good fortune forward to all who enter their doors, the name echoes the optimism of the two bread makers who decided to follow their passion and take a leap together. Both credit their food mentors with teaching them the skills and knowledge they’ve put to work in the bakery. Kurt has more of a background in classical cuisine, and carries a passion for locally sourced, farmto-table ingredients. Adam has run the gamut of the food world, working everything from McDonald’s, to
a bar and grill, to fine dining. “It was the boulangerie work” Adam said, for him, and the realization that he had found something he truly loved that really planted the seeds that would lead to their dreams of opening a bakery. “Our dream has evolved so much as it has grown,” they both said. They’ve now expanded on their bread making and have included sandwiches to their menu items, opening up a whole new horizon in their vision. By sourcing their ingredients from regional sources
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to foster local spirit and support, Kurt and Adam focus on providing the highest quality ingredients to their customers. “People taste the difference when food is made from fresh, local, organic products,” Kurt explains. “In a true kitchen, everybody’s making everything.” Kurt and Adam’s commitment to making the best product means they consider every ingredient in their food. “If we can’t get it locally,” Kurt says, “We get the best possible quality.” Since they collaborate with local farms, the ingredients they have to work with vary from season to season, and they always appreciate the challenge of creating something new with the fresh ingredients they get. They remember a time when the only
vegetables they had to work with were cabbage, kale, and collards. “We took those three ingredients and we made about fifteen different products out of them,” Adam chuckles. Kurt and Adam’s commitment to quality has paid off, setting them apart as culinary professionals whose work tells the story of their persistence and passion. “We love the ability to make pastas, sauces, garnishes and pastries, using the freshest ingredients from just right around the corner,” Adam proudly exclaims. The guys tell stories of people who compare the quality of their food to dishes tasted in Italy, France, and around the world. It’s evident that they love what they do. At the end of the day, for Kurt and Adam, it’s all about the food and community. They wouldn’t be where they are today without their passion for new food experiences and creating an environment that helps all thrive while making the best product possible. And the magic of good fortune. Fortune Food’s Kitchen has breakfast and lunch items in addition to freshly baked breads, pastas and pastries. Open Tuesday - Friday 7:00 am - 2:00 pm and Saturday 9:00 am - 2:00 pm (sellout). The restaurant is located at 5156 River Road, you’ll see the sign.u
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Free Group Run + Yoga Start your week off with River Flow Yoga every Monday at Hotel Indigo for a free group jog or bike ride (choose your own adventure), an all levels yoga flow, and discounted food and drinks. Bring your friends and meet at Swift Park at 6pm for a group run, jog, or walk along the Riverwalk. Bring your own mat for yoga at 6:30pm. We’ll open and expand the mind and body to get ready for the week ahead. Relax afterwards on the outdoor patio at Denim and Oak for some delicious food and beverages. Every Monday Starting June 6 - Aug 1, 5 - 8 p.m., Hotel Indigo at Riverfront Place, 21 West 14th Street, Columbus Tuesday Night Ride with Ride On Bikes Join us for a ride along the riverwalk. All riders welcome. Every Tuesday, 6 p.m., Ride On Bikes, Columbus Market Days on Broadway Uptown Columbus’ Market Days on Broadway feature’s 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 Saturday Public Programs at Oxbow Meadows On Saturday’s Oxbow Meadows hosts three different subject parties perfect for ages 2-7 years. Tickets should be reserved in advance. Visit oxbow.columbusstate.edu. For group reservations of 10 or more people contact our Education Manager, Dr. Lauren Johnson at johnson_lauren1@columbusstate.edu. Every Saturday, 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center at Columbus State University, Columbus 2nd Saturdaze Market It’s an outdoor Vendor Market featuring Food Trucks, Live Music and all Kinds of Amazing Vendors, with Vintageville, ReDesign Time and Chattabrewchee right there to view, sip and shop. Every 2nd Saturday of the month. Starting at 10 a.m., 1301 6th Avenue, 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 Chase the Hooch 1 & 2 Mile Swim Swimmers have the option of a 1 mile downriver swim or for those looking for a challenge a 2 mile swim consisting of 1.5 mile down river and 0.5 mile upriver. River depths are consistently 4-6ft. Participants receive a race specific towel. Food and festivities will be at the finish line. Swim teams are welcome and encouraged. Registration is OPEN at www.tricolumbusga.com. Saturday, June 4, 8 – 10 a.m., Chase the Hooch 1 & 2 Mile Swim, Woodruff Park, Columbus The Chattahoochee Valley Daylily Festival This festival includes a Daylily show, Daylily class, as well as vendors and food trucks. Saturday, June 4, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Columbus Botanical Garden, Weems Road, Columbus Teen Summer Kickoff at the Columbus Museum (Ages 14-18) Join us at the Museum for a teen takeover. Free. You’ll explore the galleries while trying to complete a variety of interactive challenges, then drop by our art making stations to experiment and create your own work. Saturday, June 4, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., The Columbus Museum, Wynnton Road, Columbus Cancer Survivors Parade A Celebration for those who have survived, an Inspiration for those recently diagnosed, a gathering of Support for families, and an Outreach to the community. In recognition of all who have dealt with cancer in one form or another. Parade lineup will begin at 11 a.m. at the John B. Amos Cancer Center. Saturday, June 4, noon – 1:30 p.m., John B. Amos Cancer Center, Columbus Summer Kids Painting Camp at Painting With A Twist (Ages 5-12) Campers will “Seas the Day” this week with our sea themed paintings. Camp fee includes all art supplies, drinks and snacks each day. Monday, June 6, 9 – June 10 at noon. Painting with a Twist, Columbus Little Sprouts - Pollinators (for kids) Join us for the June Little Sprouts series and learn how pollination works. Tuesday, June 7, 10 a.m., Columbus Botanical Garden, Weems Road, Columbus Finding Peace Book Signing Book signing with Kendall Walton “Finding Peace”. Saturday, June 11, noon – 2:30 p.m., Columbus Public Libraries, 1200 Linwood Blvd, Columbus The Greater Columbus Food Fight Who doesn’t love a good Food Festival? Amiright? Local Trucks and Restaurants Battle it out While You get to Try and Taste Them ALL. Featuring: The Food Mill, Fortune Food’s Kitchen, Batter Cookie Dough, & Ms.Tanya’s Sweets and Treats - just to get you started. Entry is $5 and each ticket is a vote towards your winner, additional tickets are a buck. Plus an incredible Raffle. Just $20 could win you an Art Piece by Ralph Frank, A Night Stay at The Rothschild-Pound House Inn, Dinner for Two at Buckhead Steak and Wine, A CBD Package from The Well and a Whole Lot More. In honor of the Spankin’ Spoon. Get Tickets & more at GetLocaLTix.com. Saturday, June 11, noon - 4 p.m., at Rally Point Harley Davidson, Williams Road, Columbus
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Summer Camp at the Museum (Ages 4-5) Give your child the opportunity to learn about art through lessons in the studio, hands-on art projects, and gallery walks. Each camp culminates with an exhibition of each camper’s artwork. June 13 - June 17, 9 a.m., The Columbus Museum, Columbus Ladies Night at Spring Harbor Delightful Sip and Shop event with music, dancing food and fun...Ladies Only. Thursday, June 16, 5 p.m., Ladies Night at Spring Harbor, Columbus Summer Supper at the Wynn House Dinner, Dancing, and Live Music from the Chattahoochee Pine Beatles. $50 per person, ticket sales close June 2. Dress Garden Casual. Info@mciahspromise.org or by calling 706-507-0825. Thursday, June 16, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m., The Wynn House, 1240 Wynnton Road, Columbus Beef, Bourbon, & Beer Dinner This will be a 4 course menu with a drink pairing. The price is $75+ per person. This will be a reservation Only event and the restaurant will be closed to the public. Please call us at 706-507-5384 to make your reservation. Friday, June 17, 6 – 9 p.m., Hudson’s At Main Street, 6298 Veterans Pkwy Suite 7A Columbus Dawg Day of Service at Feeding the Valley Food Bank We will be packing boxes in the warehouse for the Mobile Food Pantry. Space is limited to 10 volunteers for this event. Join us for a Dawg Day of Service with our Columbus community at the Feeding the Valley Food Bank Warehouse. Please email ugaalumnicolumbuschapter@gmail.com to register. Saturday, June 18, 8 a.m. – noon, Dawg Day of Service at Feeding the Valley Food Bank, 6744 Flat Rock Rd, Midland Inaugural Juneteenth Jubilee Food, Music, Art, Vendors, Parade, Artists, Art and Crafts and a 5k run. Hosted by Juneteenth Columbus. Look for more information on their social media pages. Saturday, June 18, 10 a.m., Columbus Yoga at the Museum De-stress with a yoga class at The Columbus Museum, surrounded by art and history. Start with a short mindfulnessfocused gallery experience then relax with a gentle, all-level yoga session led by Sue Tomkiewicz. Some yoga mats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Saturday, June 18, 10:30 a.m. – noon, The Columbus Museum, Columbus Wreath Making Party Want to learn to make a wreath, have some fun and meet new people? Light refreshments are provided. $35 deposit and $30 the day of party. Message Mandi Styles on FB for more information and tickets. Saturday, June 18, 2 p.m., Burlap Magnolia, 6600 Flat Rock Rd, Midland Bluebelle Mini Market Taco Crawl This mini market will be packed with flavor & vendors. Over 200+ indoor and outdoor vendors and tacos. Including Tuesdays Taco Truck, Belles BBQ and Bliss, Lizzy’s Sweet Shoppe and Vego Taco. The event is free to attend and limited VIP tickets available. $15 each & include Swag Bag of Bluebelle Goodies, One taco from each food participant, One entry into $100 bluebelle gift card giveaway and a Golden Ticket to Vote for the Best Taco. Saturday, June 18th Bluebelle Mini Market Taco Crawl, 2301 Airport Thruway, Columbus Wild Leap BreakFestival Breakfast for dinner never tasted so good. Join us for a full night of your favorite breakfast and brunch foods with six food vendors, rare beers, brunch cocktails, live music and more. Free entry, All Ages Welcome.. Live Music, Brewery Games. No outside food or beverage is permitted. This is a rain or shine event. Saturday, June 18, 6 - 10 p.m., Wild Leap Brewing Co. 308 Main Street, LaGrange Father’s Day Feast at Netta’s Southern Flava Normally closed on Sundays, but they’re opening up just for LocaL
Father’s Day. Book your reservation for the entire family to celebrate your dad, grandfather, uncle, Pastor and the special men in your life. Reservations are highly recommended to avoid and extensive wait. Sunday, June 19, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Netta’s Southern Flava, 2401 Whittlesey Boulevard, Columbus The Masters Kids Art Camp (Ages 5 - 12) Has your child ever expressed an interest in visual art? Charcoal sketching, watercolor, acrylic, sculpture, and to learn the history behind the masters of art such as, Van Gogh, Picasso, and many more, then this is the camp for them. This exciting camp will conclude on Friday with a gallery showing during which your child can debut their works. Tuition: $129. Monday, June 20, 9 a.m. – Friday, June 24 at noon. The Masters Kids Art Camp, Columbus School of Music and Dance, 7610 Schomburg Rd. Columbus Summer Art Camp at the Columbus Museum (Ages 8-10) During this exploratory camp, participants will learn about the many ways we can create art. Sculptures, paintings, collages, and self-portraits will be just a few of the many projects your camper will experience throughout the week. $145 Members/$175 Future Members. Sunday, June 20, 9 a.m. – June 24, 5 p.m., The Columbus Museum, Wynnton Road, Columbus Summer Paint Party at the Farm House Enjoy the season with friends and a fun paint night at the Farm House. All supplies included (canvas, paint, brushes and instructions). Ages 15 and up. No experience required. Leave with a fun Summer painting to display for the season. Beverages will be served. Dinner can be added on for additional charge. $40 for paint class+supplies and instruction, $15 for dinner: seasonal salad and chicken salad. Tuesday, June 21, 6 – 9:30 p.m., The Farm House, 469 Farmhouse Road, Ellerslie Men’s Night at Spring Harbor Fun Men’s Night at The Harbor with great food, drinks and some Trivia. Be ready to win some prizes. Thursday, June 23, 5 p.m., Spring Harbor, 100 Spring Harbor Drive, Columbus WIM Poolside @ Carolee’s Women In Motion (WIM). June activity for Women in Motion with swimming, snacks & socializing. Saturday, June 25, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., WIM Poolside @ Carolee’s 7 Chive Ct, Columbus NCNW’s Big Hat Tea Interest Meeting Join the Columbus GA Section of NCNW for a Big Hat Tea interest meeting. Join us for a chance to learn more about NCNW and an opportunity to join our impactful organization. Saturday, June 25, 1 p.m., NCNW’s Big Hat Tea Interest Meeting, Mildred L. Terry Public Library, Columbus K Beauty Lingerie & Spa Party We’re inviting the Tri-City to come help us celebrate our 3yr Anniversary. Free Drinks, Food etc. Catch the Newest All Natural Skincare/Makeup Products added to Nonnie Cosmetics. K Beauty Models will show off the Newest Products while looking fashionable in their Most Sexiest Lingerie Fits, Open Bar + Exquisite Dishes + R&B &HipHop Music to get the party started. Door Prizes + Samples. This is one event No One will want to miss. Nothing But G.V.O (Good Vibes Only Hunny). Saturday, June 25, 8 – 11 p.m, K Beauty, 1225 Broadway,Columbus Heatwave 5 Miler This will be a point to point 5 mile race. Starting at Lake Oliver Marina and ending at Big Dog Uptown on 11th Street. Race start time: 8:00 a.m. $30, No race day registration. Up to 70+; Male / Female in all categories. Guaranteed a shirt if registered by June 24th. Friday, July 1, 8 a.m., Big Dog Fleet Feet, 12 W 11th Street Columbus Chattahoochee Challenge Sprint Triathlon and Duathlon The perfect race for beginners. Start with a 500 meter swim down river with depths no greater than six feet. Not a fan of swimming? Join the Float Division and float your way down the river. The Sprint swim begins at 7:30AM (Duathletes start at 7:45am with a one-mile run). The 12-mile bike route is flat and 13
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Around Town Continued From p.13 begins and ends on the Columbus Riverwalk. Finish this race up with a flat 5k run and a water slide at the finish line. Registration at www.tricolumbusga.com or linktr.ee/ tricolumbusga.com . You can check out the website for more details on the event. Saturday, July 9, 7:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Woodruff Park, Columbus Summer Sing Along (for kids) Our free demo class will feature Music Together songs as well as some household favorites, like Row Row Row your Boat, 5 Little Monkeys, If You’re Happy and You Know It, and more. We will do about 30-40 minutes of teacher led music time. With a free raffle for prizes, including one free semester tuition at Music Together Columbus. There will be light refreshments Let’s make Music Together. Held in Synovus Room B. Saturday, July 9, 11 a.m. – noon. In the Columbus Public Library, 3000 Macon Road, Columbus Red White and Blues Come out to the beautiful Columbus Botanical Gardens for a Barbeque Party. With Yard Games and Live Music by the Shelby Bros. Gates open at 6pm, band plays at 7:30. ColumbusBotanicalGarden.org. For more information and tickets. Thursday, July 14, 6 p.m. Columbus Botanical Garden, Weems Road, Columbus Bluebelle Mini Market Sip & Shop Come out to Bluebelle for a Day Packed with Local Flavor. Wine Slushes From Wolf Creek Plantations, Lemonade By Carnival Treat Eats, Lavender Blooms & Picnics, Snowcones From Icey Girl, Delicious Kettle Me Crazy Popcorn, Belles BBQ & Bliss, NA daiquiris. Free to attend. Saturday, July 16, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Bluebelle Mini Market, 2301 Airport Thruway, Columbus Muskogee District Bike Rodeo - Cub Scouts Cubs come out in your Class A, invite a friend and ask them to join Cub Scouts. An adult partner needs to stay with cub throughout the event. Bring your bike for a full inspection by professionals at Ride on Bikes. If your cub has a bike helmet, please bring it with you to ensure proper sizing and fitting. Have fun while learning the rules of the road while biking in our mini obstacle course. Contact Sarah Maurin for more information, sarahmaurin2021@ gmail.com. Saturday, July 16, 10 a.m. – noon. Boy Scouts of America, Columbus Civic Center Frozen Fever Dance Camp (for kids) Experience the true meaning of family with Elsa, Anna, and their friends during this exciting dance camp. Learn ballet terms and basic positions while dancing to the original soundtrack, and new songs from Frozen. Dancers will embark on an adventure as they make fun snowinspired crafts, build a snowman, play games, dress-up, dance, meet a special snowman and much more. The week will close with a fantastic Frozen interactive dance performance. Ages 3 - 10 years old Tuition: $109. July 18 - July 22, 9:00 a.m.- noon, Columbus School of Music and Dance, 3610 Schomburg Road, Columbus Road to River Challenge Start at Big Dog Fleet Feet and run across Dillingham Street Bridge to Phenix City. Run down Brickyard Road to Chattahoochee Paddle. Paddle/Kayak to Rotary Park. Run along Riverwalk back to Big Dog Fleet Feet. 5 miles of running and paddle combined. Start Time: 8:00 a.m. $50 Limited to 30 participants. Register by July 15th to be guaranteed a t-shirt. Saturday, July 23, 8 a.m., Big Dog Fleet Feet, Uptown Columbus Yoga at the Museum 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, first-served basis. Registration LocaL
required. Free for Members / $5 for Future Members. Saturday, July 23, 10:30 a.m. – noon. The Columbus Museum, Wynnton Road, Columbus 2nd Annual Beer Run Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association® GA Chapter 25-4 Hosts a Poker Run. Food and Music will be provided following a 75 mile ride through the Georgia countryside. Stops include Riverbend Park, Florence Marina State Park, and Omaha Brewing Company. Donated Items will be auctioned at the completion of the ride. Come support your local Combat Veterans. Saturday, July 23, 11 a.m., VFW Post 5000, 267 Old Louvale Road, Cusseta Summer Safari Music Camp (Ages 3-12) The perfect musical introduction for your child. Campers will learn about musical concepts and musical instruments. Through small groups rotating through 4 classes daily; Music Mind Games, Voice Class, and Piano Class. There will also be plenty of time for music games, and creating musical instruments to bring home. $109. July 25 - July 29, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Columbus School of Music and Dance, 7610 Schomburg Road, Columbus Alma’s Art Adventurers (Ages 5-7) Become an art adventurer and dive into the world of artist Alma Thomas. Each day, campers will explore Alma W. Thomas: Everything is Beautiful and use their discoveries to create their own work throughout the week including paintings, marionettes, and more. $145 Members/$175 Future Members. July 25 9 a.m. - July 29, 5 p.m., The Columbus Museum, Wynnton Road, Columbus Tomato Festival at the Food Mill Featuring All the Local produce one could only dream of. The Tomato fest will feature many local food producers and vendors. Including partners like the Columbus Botanical Garden, Turn Time Farms, and more. All for a good cause. Feeding the community the best. Visit TheFoodMill.org for more info and tickets. Saturday, July 30. The Food Mill, 2nd Avenue, Columbus
You’ve seen MO-SHO with Jackyl, Warrant, Quiet Riot, Slaughter, Confederate Railroad, and a long list of other famous bands that we never got autographs from. Saturday, June 11, 9 p.m., Outskirts Bar and Grill, 5736 Veterans Pkwy, Columbus Highway Katz Return to the Hangout Slinging all the classic rock you can handle. Friday, June 17, 8 p.m., The Hangout, North Veterans, Columbus House Show w/Jacob Goins and Boha Tribe This will also be our first house show of the year, so we’re especially excited. Music will start around 7; feel free to come early for hangs. The show is free, but merch purchases are probably appreciated. Hope to see you there. Featuring Jacob Goins from Andrews, NC and Boha Tribe from Albany, Ga for the first time. Saturday, June 18, 7 p.m., House Show w/Jacob Goins and Boha Tribe, Magee Manor, 2913 11th Avenue, Columbus Relative Sound, Unplugged at Wild Wing Cafe Come out for a few bites and unwind to the sound of Relative Sound, unplugged. Wednesday, June 22, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m., Wild Wing Cafe, 6525 Whittlesey Boulevard, Columbus Colt Ford w/ Trey Guthrie at Boggin’ On The Plains Back, this time with Stormie Leigh and Trey Guthrie. Free Camping, Concessions, Live Music, Kids Bounty Hole (Saturday June 25th), Giveaways, Mud Competitions. Y’all don’t want to miss this event. If you have any questions please message call 334456-3737. June 24, 11 a.m. – June 26, 8 p.m., Boggin’ On The Plains, 3935 US 29 South, Auburn Whiskey Moon at Wild Wing Cafe Come on out for a fun night of Country, Classic Rock and Dance favorites. Saturday, June 25, 8:30 – 11:30 p.m., Wild Wing Cafe, Columbus Continued On p.16
Caleb Gamble Live at AC Hotel Grab some friends and come out for a night of live music with Caleb Gamble. Drink Specials, Free event, public welcome. Saturday, June 4, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. AC Hotel, Broadway, Uptown Columbus Old Crow Medicine Show Presented by Sweetland Amphitheatre. All ages. $37.50-$65.50, General Admission, Lawn + Reserved Seating. Tickets available. For more info please visit: SweetlandAmp.com. Friday, June 10, 8 p.m., Sweetland Amphitheatre, LaGrange John Cox Live at AC Hotel The talented local musician will be performing upbeat, popular & country songs. Free and welcome to the public. Drink specials on deck. Friday, June 10, 6 - 9 p.m., AC Hotel, Broadway, Uptown Columbus Outskirts Brings MO-SHO The best low-dough-rock-show Ever. The Money Shot Rock Band is going rock you! You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. You’ll leave the show in your 1987 Iroc-Z blasting Warrant songs and singing them at the top of your lungs. 14
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HONORING THE SERVICE WORKERS Who Make Our Stellar Food Scene Possible
By Scott Berson
The week-long event is sponsored by U.S. Foods and local organizations like Dragonf ly Trails, the Food Mill and Liberty Utilities, helps raise money for the Giving Kitchen, a Georgia nonprofit which provides assistance to service workers when they need help. In fact, helping, honoring and highlighting the critical role of servers and other support roles is a huge part of this year’s restaurant week, especially as the industry continues to reel from the pandemic and ongoing labor shock. By the end of 2021, nearly one in every ten restaurant workers had quit their job, according to labor data from the federal government. “The labor crisis is still facing every industry. People completely f led the industry during and
estaurant Week is back for another celebration R of the incredible culinary community in Columbus. Few other cities in Georgia can
claim as many options from as many amazing restaurateurs and chefs – from exquisite fine dining
to mouthwatering BBQ to authentic international cuisines and humble, down-home sandwich shops slinging farm-fresh ingredients, Restaurant Week is a chance to support your favorite eatery or branch something new. This year’s Restaurant Week kicks off July 25th and lasts until the end of the month. Here’s how it works: Each local restaurant will submit a three-course menu showcasing what makes their business special. All you need to do is head onto the restaurant week website, where all the participating restaurants and their menus are located, and check to make sure the restaurant does not require reservations. If you are walking into the restaurant versus reserving, be sure to ask for the restaurant week menu. It’s a great way to experience the many,
after COVID. They’ve gotten other full time positions,” Bishop said. “If you’ve ever worked in the industry, you know what it can be like. The hours are horrible for a lot of people, you never know what you’re going to bring home, and it’s a difficult lifestyle. The industry is taking a huge shift in the way they price things and take care of their employees.” Now the question, she says, is “how can the culinary industry not only survive, but thrive? What will that look like?” Part of that answer starts with honoring the service workers that keep restaurants running. That’s why a big part of this Restaurant Week will be a campaign to “show off ” tips for servers. “(We want to) showcase that tipping is the way to show your love,” Bishop said. “We’re going to do a “Show Your Tip” campaign, encouraging consumers throughout Restaurant Week to feel emboldened to take photos of their receipts with their tips and post them.” In addition to the week benefitting Giving Kitchen, Restaurant Week will wrap up with a free party for industry workers on Monday, August 31st. It’s just one more way Restaurant Week is about giving back. To learn more about Restaurant Week, or to donate to the Giving Kitchen, check out the Restaurant Week website at www.yallapr.com/ restaurantweek. “We encourage people to go out and eat, and take care of the people who take care of us so often,” Bishop said.u
many incredible dining opportunities around town in a curated, affordable way, says Katie Bishop of Yalla PR. “We are dedicated. This is one of the busiest weeks for some of these restaurants and it helps them get through this summer when a lot of people are traveling and out of town.” LocaL
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Music Continued From p.14 Dixie Red at The Outskirts Always a good time with Dixie Red. Plus good food and ice cold beer. Y’all come on out. Saturday, June 25, 9 p.m., The Outskirts Sports Bar & Grill, 5736 Veterans Parkway, Columbus Relative Sound at Wild Wing Cafe Friday, July 1, 8 – 11 p.m., Relative Sound at Wild Wing Cafe, Columbus George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic Presented by Sweetland Amphitheatre. All ages. $40-$80. General Admission, Lawn + Reserved Seating. Tickets available. For more info please visit: SweetlandAmp.com. Sunday, July 3, 8 p.m., Sweetland amphitheatre, LaGrange Georgia Sundown Duo at The Hangout Playing all your favorite classic tunes. Saturday, July 9, 8 p.m., The Hangout, 6060 Veterans Parkway, Columbus Whiskey Moon at The Loft Join us at one of Columbus’ premier live music venues. Incredible food, ice cold drinks & the best Classic Rock, Country and Dance favorites to make this a helluva Saturday night party. Saturday, July 9, 9 p.m., The Loft, 1032 Broadway, Columbus The Promise Drive at Cuckoo’s Nest Skate Shop Come hangout with us Columbus! 20 years of heart on your sleeve pop punk. Featuring Hopes On Hold, What About Mike, and Proxi. Doors open at 5:30 PM show starts at 6:00. $5 cover. Friday, July 15, 6 p.m., Cuckoo’s Nest Skate Shop, 1326 10th Avenue, Columbus The Marshall Tucker Band Outlaws -Kentucky Headhunters Presented by Sweetland Amphitheater. All ages. $40-$75. General Admission, Lawn + Reserved Seating. Tickets available. For more info please visit: SweetlandAmp.com. Friday, August 5, 8 p.m., Sweetland Amphitheatre, LaGrange
Competere: An Exhibition of Artist Couples This exhibition explores artist couples and their creative collaboration. The Latin word competere means to “strive together.” It is the root of the English word “competition.” Whereas “competition” suggests rivals, one faction determined to overcome the other - competere means two equals striving for the betterment of both. Every day - June 17, Bo Bartlett Center, Columbus Alma W. Thomas - Everything is Beautiful The artistic journey of renowned African American artist Alma W. Thomas (1891-1978) took her from Columbus, Georgia to international acclaim. The upcoming exhibition offers a comprehensive overview of her extraordinary career with more than 150 objects, including late- career paintings that have never before been exhibited or published. July 1 - September 25, at the Columbus Museum, Wynnton Road, Columbus 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 LocaL
violence and intimidation that activists faced; and continued civil rights activism in the 21st century. Now - October 16, The Columbus Museum Half Off Tuesdays @ The Lunch Box Museum Take ½ off your admission price every Tuesday. Opens 10 a.m. The River Market Antiques and Lunch Box Museum, 3218 Hamilton Road, Columbus No Shame Theatre Every Friday night, come out to the Springer (side door) for a good ole hosting of No Shame Theatre. You never know what you’re going to get. Comedy, poetry, skits or music acts. Everything is good and even if it’s not? NO SHAME here. Be an act, just don’t act up. Sign up starts at 10 p.m., show starts at 10:30. Every Friday Night, Springer Opera House, Columbus Locals Comedy Open Mic Hosted by Nicole B. Sign-up at 7:00p, show-time at 8:00p. Come out to Locals, Every Saturday Night, Summerville Road, Phenix City Sketching Under the Skylight Leave your voices at the door & witness the power of the creative process as professional artists sketch from a live model in costume under the magical skylights of the Bo Bartlett Center. Free admission and open to the public. The second Thursday of each month. 4 p.m., The Bo Bartlett Center, 921 Front Avenue, Columbus Theo Von: Return of the Rat at RiverCenter A stand-up comedian who grew up in the stray animal belt of southern Louisiana. A child there and became an adult slowly there.Theo’s new comedy special Regular People was filmed at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN, and is now streaming on Netflix. If you want to know how Theo is doing, he is probably doing the best he can; which varies. Sunday, June 5, 7 p.m. RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, Columbus Over the Prodigy Rainbow We will be clicking our heels, casting our spells and following the Yellow Brick Road to Oz as we showcase each class in Over the Prodigy Rainbow. June 8 & 9, 6:30 p.m., Event by Prodigy Dance Center, RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, Columbus The Color Purple This glorious musical adaptation spotlights Celie, a young woman whose personal awakening over the course of 40 years forms the arc of an epic story. With a joyous Tony Awardwinning musical score featuring jazz, ragtime, gospel, African music, and blues, The Color Purple is a story of hope and the healing power of love. Produced on Broadway by Oprah Winfrey and Quincy Jones, A triumphant theatrical treasure. Tickets on sale now at springeroperahouse.org. June 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, and 25 at 7:30 p.m. June 19 & 26 at 2:30 p.m., The Springer Opera House, Columbus Black Heritage Arts Festival A one-day event taken place on Juneteenth of every year, the day is filled with Cultural Dancing, Music, Food, Live Performances, Exhibits, Motivational Speakers and more. This event is for the Entire Family. Please come out wearing your cultural clothing and enjoy the day. Followed by a 5 p.m. funeral service held for the black on black homicides in the Tri-City and surrounding areas. The BHAF is a non- profit/ grassroot organization with a mission to bring awareness to issues that plague the community. Sunday, June 19, 2 p.m. – 8 p.m., Black Heritage Arts Festival, 1175 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Columbus The Cantey-Thomas Family in the New South Panel Discussion Ancestors of nationally acclaimed artist and Columbus native Alma Thomas, sought to establish a Black upper class in Columbus in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.This panel will situate the family within the broader context of African American life in the New South, as cultural vitality and economic progress clashed with Jim Crow segregation and racial violence. Scholars La-Kisha Emmanuel of New York University, Gregory Mixon of the University of North Carolina Charlotte, and Kathryn Tucker of Troy University 16
will discuss connections between the current exhibition Sand Unshaken: The Origin Story of Alma Thomas and their research on African American clubwomen, racial unrest, interracial relationships, and more. Thursday, June 23, 6 p.m., The Columbus Museum, Wynnton Road, Columbus Dragons Love Tacos (For kids) You know what Dragons really love? Tacos of course. A boy and his dog are watching a TV show about dragons when they unexpectedly get caught up in the ‘Dos and Don’ts’ of what to serve dragons to eat. Based on the wildly popular children’s book by Adam Rubin, this show will be the best dragon taco party ever-- just watch out for the spicy salsa. Single & Season tickets on sale. SpringerOperaHouse.org. Jul 8 - Jul 24, Springer Opera House, Columbus Adult Puppet Workshop Join puppet artist Paulette Richardson to learn about Alma Thomas’s interest in puppetry and try your hand at making your own. Participants will design and build an animatronic Alma Thomas puppet, then create a collaborative story to act out with other participants. Ages 16+. Register online. $15 for Members/$25 for Future Members. Thursday, July 14, 6 p.m., Adult Puppet Workshop, The Columbus Museum, Wynnton Road, Columbus Nature Now Environmental Film Festival Now the 5th year of this premier Georgia environmental film festival experience. Featuring top films from the wildly successful Wild & Scenic Film Festival franchise alongside a film list curated by Paige Swift, Nature Now Executive Director and lover of all things environmental film. Stay tuned for more details about the festival weekend, special guests, parties, and more. Visit www.watchnaturenow.org. August 18, 5 p.m. – Aug 21, noon. Nature Now Environmental Film Festival, Riverside Theater, Columbus Want to see your event listed here? • Email:eventsthelocalcolumbus.com
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E xplore “ L O S T C O L UM BU S” at Ri v erCen t er T h i s Su mmer Historic Columbus and RiverCenter for the Performing Arts have formed a partnership to present three exhibits of Columbus history. The first, “Lost Columbus” is now on view through December 22. “Lost Columbus” provides an interesting perspective of Columbus’ past through historic images and stories of significant buildings and homes that stood before many of us were born. Their stories may be reinterpreted over time, different values may be emphasized, but continuing the conversation about them and their historic significance is important. These places, even though gone, give voice in a very tangible way to Columbus’ past and provide an impetus for the future. “Historic Columbus is extremely grateful to have been given this opportunity to partner with RiverCenter,” said Elizabeth B. Walden, Executive Director of Historic Columbus. “When presented with the idea, we jumped at the chance to share with the show-goers of RiverCenter the stories of our town. Columbus, like many cities, lost numerous older structures in the 1940s and 1950s for many reasons. These are only a sample of the residential, commercial, and civic buildings that were lost over time focused within
our greater downtown area. We are so excited for this cultural arts partnership and look forward to more in our future!” RiverCenter’s Executive Director, Norman LocaL
S. Easterbrook is also excited by the partnership. “The arts tell the stories of who we once were, who
we are, and who we want to be. These exhibits will help all who see them to appreciate our history and to respect and celebrate the structures that were key to making Columbus a great community,” said Easterbrook. RiverCenter had not worked with Historic Columbus before, Easterbrook said, but the performing art center had display space available and was searching for ways to use it to support their community mission. After f loating ideas to a few different groups, Historic Columbus Executive Director Elizabeth Waldon recognized the great opportunity. “Although RiverCenter is a relatively new structure and ours is a relatively new organization, the inspiration that brought both the RiverCenter structure and organization into being has roots that run very deep in Columbus; the desire to improve our community, to lift things of grace and beauty up so they can be accessible to all, and I think, to establish firm foundations on which our community can grow to its highest and best culturally, economically, and socially,” Easterbrook said. “This exhibit allows us to tell a richer story of Columbus and to help us all memorialize the foresight of those who loved and built this community long before RiverCenter was part of the growing cultural fabric of our community.” The “Lost Columbus” exhibit is located on the second-f loor mezzanine and is open for viewing during RiverCenter’s normal business hours from 10AM-5:00PM Monday through Friday.u 17
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Miguel Juarez & Paulo Siqueira
Miguel Juarez WITH FILIPINO PRIDE By Scott Berson
& Skill Beyond Boundaries
This Father of Five
Rocks the Columbus Undercurrent
and tried to break into the scene by busking in the streets of Los Angeles. It didn’t take, though – at the time, he was mostly playing rock, and it was hard to stand out in a city full of show people. That’s when he decided to join the military, a move he credits with letting him break out of his introversion to perform.
began playing music as a guitarist for hire, playing gigs and working with other musicians to record new songs, as well as playing while working as a translator in Qatar overseas before returning to be with his wife, with whom he now raises five children. In Columbus, he has worked with singer Emily Stilwell, drummer Martell Hughes, saxophone maestro and alumnus of CSU’s Schwob School of Music Paulo Siqueira and many others. Through it all, his work remains rooted to his pride in his Filipino heritage. “I’ve always felt hardcore Filipino,” he said. “I’ve always felt pride in our values and our close knit community. They say in America you live to work. That was not the case in the Philippines. It was work to live, they would find whatever work they could find, and then party. Here I meet so many people who are so well off but they’re miserable. In the Philippines, I see people with one leg and arm, and they’re dancing the day away. That sheer love for life, I take pride in that.” As Miguel branched out into the music scene, his interests expanded beyond rock to other genres, including his most recent endeavor, a full jazz album, all of which
“My brother was in the states already, and was going to join the military. It wasn’t a big deal, I impulsively signed up that same day. I had never exercised or prepared, and that was a rude awakening, but that extreme was what gave me what I needed to make it,” he said. “The fact that I was able to put on a uniform and be a part of something else, that removal of yourself from the job, helped me to develop the music as a brand. I don’t have to be afraid of showing myself.” He met his wife after getting out of the Army and
was produced remotely during the pandemic. He had always been a little intimidated by jazz, with its deep history, arcane harmonics and tricky rhythmic rules. “I decided to just give it a go. It was like a leap of faith,” he said. The final product, which is available on Spotify through his band Bolera, is a collection of iconic tunes interpreted by Miguel and his collaborators, filled with funky new ideas sure to turn some jazz fans’ heads (in a good way).
By Scott Berson
rom Los Angeles to the Philippines, from active duty F at Fort Benning to translating in Qatar and raising a family down home in Columbus, Miguel Juarez has
run life’s gamut. A guitar virtuoso whose interests range from hard rock floor-smashers to mellow folk tunes to wild inversions of classic jazz, Miguel has worked his way into playing some of the most interesting music in recent memory. His new album, “Jazz Affair” is out now – but it’s only the latest piece from a true musician’s musician, one more stop on his steady journey. Born to two “highly extroverted” parents in Los Angeles, the shy and withdrawn Miguel discovered music as an older child and realized its power as a means of expression. “I did not grow up musical,” he said. “If anything, I was terrified of performance. At school, I would cry and have to be escorted off the stage. But when I was around ten years old my parents split up, and my dad gave me a guitar. It was kind of one of the last things he left me.” The guitar was not the focus of Miguel’s life, but it was something, and he began jamming and playing with a cousin occasionally. Eventually, the music opened up to him and began to give something back. “It started becoming my solace. It provided me with some form of comfort or hope that, well, I couldn’t do this yesterday, but now I try, and I can do it easier now.” When he turned 21, Miguel returned to the States
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There’s no break time for Miguel, though. With over 100 original songs already released and counting, he’s continuing his work as a full time musician through Miguel Juarez Music, LLC, where thanks to the new breakthroughs in technology, he can work with other musicians from anywhere to lay down new tracks. Still, at the end of the workday, Miguel still considers himself “a proud regular Columbus dad trying to make a living,” and he’s planning to stick around and keep doing the work. “I’ve been here in Columbus on and off for ten years now. It’s down home. You can relax here and do your thing without the external pressure. It enables me to live my family life and still do this
music without having sacrificed one or another,” he said. You can find more information about Miguel, including photos, videos, songs, and ways to contact him for ideas or projects, at his Facebook or Instagram at @migueljuarezmusic. u
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