Augusta’s Independent Voice Since 1989 • Metrospirit.com
February 22, 2018
BRAND POWER. WE ARE AUTHORIZED DEALERS OF:
LMT • K I M BE R S RM
S MI •
GER
OE
W INC
HER
T S • G I S S AU E R •
R U G E R • S AVA G E A R M S
•
PISTO LS • HAND GU
BE N E L L I • BE R E T TA • BR O W N ING ELRY • AND MUCH EW MORE !•
• MEN’S J OPES • SC
M O S S BE R
F
T WA L
LES • SHO • RIF S N
TGUNS • KNIVES • ACC E S S O R I E S • SURVI VAL KITS
FENS E
DA N I E L D E
H
C O LT• CZ
A R M O RY
IW I
A E V I T A V • IN NO K • H Y LER. R A N E C E • D H R L LW • FN ABE L I H E C U N L LAY. A B P S • FR K I C D O I ST D ON ’S GL A N • FA U E A R K A THE STOC LD E O N I I S F G L S N A I M • R E R P R A N S O FIRE S WE A S F E O S W & AND H F THOUS T ER T S E
T ON • R EM ING G
LOCATED INSIDE FRIEDMAN’S JEWELERS 2745 Washington Rd • Augusta, GA 30909 706.733.4090 • Mon - Sat: 9:30am – 7:00pm www.southeasternarmory.com
V29|NO8
Table of Contents Augusta’s Independent Voice Since 1989 • Metrospirit.com
Jenny is Wright Kris Fisher Whine Line Feature ETCP Springfest
february 22, 2018 | V29 • N08
‘Souper’ event back for 17th year Page 23
Southern-rock outfit Blackberry Smoke coming to Augusta Page 24
8 10 12 14 20 Empty Bowl 23 Blackberry Smoke 24 What’s Up 26 Calendar 27 Nightlife 34 The Eight 36 Sightings 37 Austin Rhodes 39
The Insider Augusta’s Mayoral Race Just Got Interesting by The Insider
Craft Beer Springfest @ Lady A Page 20 22FEBRUARY2018
For months, it looked like Augustans were stuck with no choice but another term of Mayor Hardie Davis Jr. leading the Garden City. It was a bleak thought for many local residents. But in just the past few days, the clouds have parted, and there are two possible candidates considering running for mayor who could appear on the May 22 ballot. Voters couldn’t be more excited about the news. Political newcomer Gould Hagler II and former Augusta Commissioner Corey Johnson both have expressed interest in running for mayor against Davis. Johnson, who was first elected in 2007 and served two terms in office as an Augusta commissioner, was always generally referred to as the “friendly guy” down at the Marble Palace. Johnson was the one commissioner
who was always willing to work with anyone. Whether the commission was battling it out over the budget or arguing over the development of the Augusta Convention Center, Johnson rarely lost his temper or lashed out at his colleagues. Back in 2015, many Augustans thought his cool composure and experience on the commission would naturally equate with a run for mayor. But at the time, Johnson decided he wanted to run for state senator of District 22, instead. “Of course, a lot of people wanted me to run for mayor,” Johnson said back in 2015. “It was clear that I was going to be the guy for mayor. It was a disappointment for some people because they really wanted me to run for mayor, but they said, ‘You will do good at the senate level. We like you. AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
METROSPIRIT 3
V29|NO8
The Insider
Augusta’s Mayoral Race Just Got Interesting by The Insider > Continued from the previous page
You are savvy. You understand the political process, and you get along with pretty much everybody.’” However, Johnson didn’t make it to the Georgia Senate. Instead, he was defeated by state Sen. Harold Jones II. It now looks like he’s ready to reconsider running for mayor. We’ll see. Another fresh, new face on the ballot could be Augusta native Gould Hagler II. Hagler, who began his insurance career at Sanford, Bruker & Banks in 2009, is a graduate of Aquinas High School and Mercer University. He also is very active in the community, including serving as the past vice president of the Imperial Theatre and on the boards of Sacred Heart Cultural Center and Historic Augusta. And many Augustans know Hagler as an avid outdoorsman and a triathlete, having completed the Augusta Ironman 70.3 numerous times. But readers of the Metro Spirit might remember Hagler back when he caught our eye and was added to our “Augusta’s Batch of Bachelors” issue in 2010. Hagler, who is now happily married to his beautiful wife and has a new baby boy, was selected by the newspaper’s staff as one of the city’s top bachelors in town. For laughs, let’s look back at how he answered his bachelor questions from the Metro Spirit in 2010: Metro Spirit: What do you think are your best qualities? Hagler: “I’m very easy going. I am normally up for anything as long as I’m with my good friends. I can’t say no to a good time. Conversation is rarely a problem; I could talk to a brick wall.” Metro Spirit: What are your worst? Hagler: “I’m a triathlete, so my best qualities
4 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
have an adverse effect on my training. Also, someone recently complained that I left the toilet seat up. So… yeah.” Metro Spirit: How would you describe your ideal mate? Hagler: “She has to be fun. She needs to have goals and ambitions. I learned a long time ago that you could be with the most beautiful person in the world and if you don’t get along, those good looks will not matter. My ideal mate is the girl I want to spend all my time with.” Metro Spirit: What are your deal breakers? Hagler: “I don’t find smoking attractive. And my mom was right; you can tell a lot about a person just from their table manners.” Metro Spirit: What is the one thing that you can’t live without? Hagler: “Cheeseburgers from the Sports Center.” Metro Spirit: What is your best date? Hagler: “Good food and drinks. More than likely we’d be downtown or at Sheehan’s. And I tend to be spontaneous, so she has to be willing to keep up.” Metro Spirit: Where do you want to be in 10 years? Hagler: “I hope to be able to continue to make an impact on the community and those around me. Let’s keep the destination a surprise. For now, I’m enjoying the journey.” Very nice answers from a possible future mayor of Augusta. Only time will tell, but Hagler might be preparing for a journey of a lifetime.
22FEBRUARY2018
V29|NO8
The Insider
Rough Race Ahead for Columbia County Chair by The Insider
Whenever you have a scorned former county employee-turned-politician running against a seated elected official and a political newcomer all in one race, chances are that petty politics will quickly rear its ugly head. This past week, the knives came out against a candidate for Columbia County chair, Pam Tucker. And, unfortunately, a local nonprofit with a great reputation got caught in the middle. Basically, Tucker, who is a longtime supporter and board member of Shepeard Community Blood Center, decided to use her close relationship with the nonprofit to boost her political support by sponsoring a blood drive event scheduled for Saturday, February 24. The “Cause Change” community blood drive was being promoted by Shepeard on the organization’s website and printed materials listing the “Committee to Elect Pam Tucker CC Commission Chair 2018” as its first sponsor. The event was also promoted on the “Pam Tucker for Commission Chair 2018” Facebook page through several posts along with a Facebook Live video where Tucker invited folks to come out and donate some blood while they’re picking up Tucker campaign signs, T-shirts and bumper stickers. Well, the problem is, it’s against the federal regulations for nonprofits to engage in “political activities.” All of a sudden, Shepeard Blood Center found themselves in hot water. After a few local critics of Tucker began openly complaining and pointing fingers at both Tucker and Shepeard Blood Center, the blood drive was quickly canceled. Rules are rules, so Tucker and the administration at Shepeard Blood Center should have known better. The last thing Tucker, as a candidate for political office, wants to do is make a local nonprofit that she has supported for years look bad publicly. It was a terrible move on Tucker’s part as well as Shepeard Blood Center, but it’s also a no-win situation for the public to cancel the blood drive event. Sure, Shepeard Community Blood Center can have a blood drive anywhere it wants, but this event was highly promoted throughout the county, and now it’s completely canceled. But that wasn’t Tucker’s only misstep that was exposed this week. Columbia County resident Trey Enfinger, who also went to social media to complain about the blood drive, is questioning the creation of the “Pam Tucker for Commission Chair 2018” Facebook page. Back when Tucker worked as the longtime EMA director for Columbia County, she had an extremely popular Facebook page. Thousands of local Columbia County residents 6 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
liked the Facebook page in order to get updates on the weather or traffic or any public safety hazards in the area. Well, before Tucker resigned as EMA director last year, Columbia County Administrator Scott Johnson directed Tucker to stop using the Facebook page that she created as the county’s EMA Facebook page. Johnson wanted all of the county notifications to come from an official Facebook page created by the county. Well, when Tucker quit her job as EMA director, she apparently took with her the Facebook page that she created that had more than 9,600 followers. Now remember, everything posted on that page to that point was basically in Tucker’s official capacity as EMA director. She already had a separate personal Facebook page. So, who cares, right? Here’s where things get a little tricky. After leaving her county job, she simply renamed her former Pam Tucker EMA page to the “Pam Tucker for Commission Chair 2018” Facebook page. So those previous 9,600 followers of Pam Tucker’s EMA Facebook page that liked it to make sure they knew about approaching severe weather or bad road conditions, all of a sudden became followers of “Pam Tucker for Commission Chair 2018.” Each day, followers of Tucker’s new page get
posts about the campaign, such as this Feb. 18 post from Tucker: “Today, I stand more motivated and determined than ever to win this election. Help me by supporting the change that we so desperately need in this government. It is becoming more apparent how badly change is needed with each passing day.” Not exactly an update about heavy rain or heat advisories. But, ironically, Tucker is still doing a little bit of that, too. For example, she warned local residents of a dense fog advisory this week, as well. The point that critics such as Enfinger are trying to make is, Tucker changed the purpose of her original Facebook page and kept all of her followers of the EMA page to help promote her own campaign. But Tucker, who actually responded to Enfinger’s criticism of her page via social media, believes she has done absolutely nothing wrong. “I continue to post community information on my pages, and you are most certainly welcome to unlike at any time you want to,” Tucker posted on Enfinger’s Facebook page. “Makes no difference to me.” This race is already getting ugly, and it’s only February. Voters have more than two months of campaigning still to endure. Hang in there, folks. This is going to be a long and ugly campaign season in Columbia County. 22FEBRUARY2018
Jenny is Wright Prison Watch by Jenny Wright
I hate when I make a Mom Decision that makes my life harder. You know, like the time you said, “if you do that again, we’re leaving,” and they did it again, so you had to leave. When our two were much smaller, probably 2 and 4 years old, they were fighting, as siblings do from time to time. It was the sort of back and forth that will send any parent into psychosis. We were going to Pendleton King Park for a picnic and to play on the playground. JENNY WRIGHT’S humorous observations on marriage, They picked at each other the whole way there. He motherhood and living in would touch her. She would scream. He would laugh. Augusta have earned her a devoted following, both in print She would scream. I’m sure she hit him, too. After and on Facebook. When she’s not spying on other parents in reasoning with them as best I could, I told them they the carpool line at school, you’ll had to quit, or we would not have a picnic. She may not probably find her with either a camera, tennis racquet or wine have understood, but he did, and he didn’t quit. I was glass in her hand. sad, too, because I wanted to eat our picnic. I wanted to push them in the swings and enjoy a little fresh air. I wanted to go to the park. We left the park. For those who worry about such things, the following story is being told with The Boy’s permission. Details which might cause teenagery embarrassment have been omitted to protect the guilty. His birthday was last week. He turned 14 (14!). He asked for the kind of watch that pairs with his phone. You know the kind. The expensive kind that’s named after a fruit. For some of you, it might not be a big deal to spend that kind of money on your kids for their birthdays, but we have always stuck to the same dollar amount for birthdays. This is due in part to the fact that Christmas just passed, and we are
8 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
trying to not raise spoiled idiots. He paid for a good portion of the watch with money he’d been saving. We covered the rest, as his big birthday gift. A couple of days before the big day, his birthday, and the day we were to buy the watch, he got in trouble. I won’t tell you what he did, because it doesn’t matter. What matters is that he did something he’s done before, and the consequence is having his phone taken away. If you know anything about the watches, you know you can’t do anything with them unless you have a phone. Well, he didn’t have a phone. We bought the watch, as we’d planned, because I’m not a total jerk. It was his birthday, after all. It was a little sad, but I stuck to my guns. His watch remained dark for several days, until this punishment period was up. I almost caved a couple of times, thinking, “come on, Jenny. It’s his birthday. Give him his phone back.” The devil on my shoulder. I found myself giving me pep talks through moments like these. “It’s for their own good,” I say. I believe myself, but it’s not always easy. I want to make my kids happy. I also want them to be rule-abiding, respectful and kind. Don’t get wrong. I’m not afraid to admit my enjoyment in the power of parenting. My word is the final word. They can’t argue with me. They try, but they won’t win. If I say wash the dishes or mop the floor, they have to do it. It’s like prison, but with fancy watches and private bathrooms. At the end of his sentence, he paired his watch and all was well. If you don’t know what I mean by “paired,” imagine using a universal remote and having to sync it with your specific TV. It’s kind like that, but way more complicated. Parenting isn’t simple, either. We do our best and hope the kids don’t go to prison.
22FEBRUARY2018
“CELEBRATING 35 YEARS”
Learn to be an
V29|NO8
Kris Fisher On Top of Spaghetti by Kris Fisher
technologist
U
niversity Hospital’s Stephen W. Brown, M.D. School of Radiography, now in its 35th year, is accepting applications for classes beginning in July 2018. This 24-month program is accredited through the JRCERT, www.jrcert.org. Applicants must possess a minimum of an Associates Degree in any discipline and an overall grade point average of 2.25. College Algebra and English (or Communication) are also required. After completing the
Stephen W. Brown, M.D. School of Radiography University Hospital 1350 Walton Way Augusta, GA 30901-2612 706-774-5010
program, students receive a Certificate of Radiography and are eligible for the National ARRT Registry Exam. applications are available online at www.universityhealth.org/allied-health/ school-of-radiography. For information, contact Patty Graham or Nancy Elliott at 706-774-5010, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. or write to the address below. Class size is limited. To meet the eligibility deadline, all material must be received by May 15, 2018.
www.universityhealth.org/allied-health
My wife loves spaghetti. It’s her favorite. She could eat it for every meal, every day. This isn’t really a big deal; lots of people love spaghetti. Except for me. I hate spaghetti. I know, it’s weird; I hear it all the time, and no, I’m not a communist. I’ve just always hated it, ever since I was a kid. Here’s where it gets even weirder: I love almost every other Italian food. I can’t explain it. This has been the subject of many discussions, as my KRIS FISHER is the midday host and program director for HD98.3 wife just can’t fathom how someone who loves lasagna and an Augusta radio staple. He hates her favorite dish. Alas, this is the man she’s married, is a husband, father of three and lover of all things adventurous, and this is the woman I’ve married. We can’t necessarily as well as activities most people would have outgrown years ago. let her love or my dislike of spaghetti ruin our marriage, djkfish.com. right? I don’t expect her to stop eating her favorite dish just because I hate it. In return, she doesn’t complain when I make my own dinner on spaghetti night. After all, I don’t have to taste what she eats, and vice-versa. The same can be said for opposing opinions. Like most people, I have my opinions about things that are going on and the way I feel like things should be. Very strong opinions, actually. Wouldn’t you know it, some people have a different opinion than mine. Some of those people are very dear friends of mine; some are family. I don’t love them any less for it. Sure, we can get into long, drawn-out, heated discussions about it. But sometimes you just have to accept that someone feels differently than you do and go on with your life. There’s been pretty much zero instances where I’ve witnessed or have been a part of an argument where one party completely changed their mind and said, “y’know, you’re absolutely right,” especially on social media. I’m not saying we should stop expressing our opinions, and I’m definitely not saying that you should agree with everyone. I’m just saying that maybe we shouldn’t be so extreme about it. I’m sure you have a food you dislike as much as I dislike spaghetti. Is there anything that anyone can say to convince you that you’re wrong about the way you feel about that food? It used to drive my wife crazy. “How in the hell can he love lasagna but hate spaghetti?! It’s basically the same thing with different noodles!” She laughs about it now but says it would really get under her skin. Now, we agree to disagree. This can be you! Sometimes, you just have to find a creative way to disagree. Sure, I still hate spaghetti. But spaghetti night gives me an excuse to have one of my old favorites: peanut butter and pickle sandwiches! What? You don’t like those? What the hell is wrong with you?? Do you hate America?!
22FEBRUARY2018
AUGUSTA JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER
2018
17 Years of Ending Hunger Together LEGENDS CLUB
Sunday, March 4, 2018 • 10:30 am - 2:00 pm TICKETS: ADULTS....$20.00/$25.00* • KIDS 2-10....$5.00/$7.50* *at the door ALL YOU CAN EAT soups, breads and desserts donated by area restaurants & caterers. Free student created ceramic “Empty Bowlâ€? for each ticket holder. You “Canâ€? Help Raffle - Win a BIKE! • Kids’ “SOUPERâ€? Events & Eats
CSRA’s
Best Silent Auction
For ticket locations go to: www.emptybowlcsra.org Our Sponsors
K
Knight Outdoor Advertising
K
V29|NO8
WHINELINE@THEMETROSPIRIT.COM
Have something you want to get off your chest? Send your whines to whineline@themetrospirit.com. The Metro Spirit reserves the right to edit submitted whines for content, but we will otherwise print them pretty much exactly as you type them… spelling errors and all.
An enployment contract for Johnson does not have to be honored by a new BOC. Send him packing with no payout. Why are people worried about mentally unstable kids with semi-automatic guns when we have a mentally unstable president with nuclear weapons?
Hey Fennoy, get off of your damn knees, I know you are old, and if you can’t stand, retire. Your a damn double dipper anyway. All commissioner’s and every other city/government servant needs to retire at 62, period. Get some “young” blood in the system. I’m 70 years old, but retire at 55 - I knew how to plan my retirement, guess ya’ll haven’t.
It took 3 years but commissioner Duncan asked the fire chief to take him to all the firestations. What has he done for the citizens of Columbia County for the past 3 years? Lots of political conversation at the stations during the visits but the guys are not fooled. They’ve been waiting for the visits for three years.
Columbia County has grown by over 40,000 in the last 10 years, alone. What was once a nice community has turned into a mini-Atlanta. The developers and their toadies on the County Commission have ruined this place. The roadwork, traffic jams and increased crime will only get worse. Elections are coming. Vote out the incumbents. Don’t elect builders.
Are Doug Duncan’s recent visits to CC Fire Stations the precursor to “temporary firefighters”? Because surely he wouldn’t be campaigning with the Fire Chief as his chauffeur?
My social media friends are mostly active duty and veterans. They guys I trained and deployed with. Sinds trump the group of Brothers4Life has pretty much fell appart into enemies. The others stopped talking to each other. Last week deathly shooting there was life on my page. The guys agree on one thing now. There is no hope for america.
So the Russians wanted to see donnie poo trump as president and not Hillary Clinton. Obviously the Russians think Hillary is a much more difficult adversary, and a better man than donnie. I really miss my flip phone...smart phone my #%}^*!!!!
I am sick of the olympics, sick of the gay crap and sick of the ice dancers. The sports world is going to the sewer! And we do not need Lindsey Vonn representing the US with her nasty butt photos!
Erecting Columbia County Campaign signage on County owned property is Wrong! Columbia Road at Old Bel Air Rd. looks like another neighborhood. They just build one on top of the other until there are no trees left in the city. Neighborhoods are actually becoming an eyesore like billboards are in Augusta The the person who wrote this, “There is a drug called Devils Breath that can be flown into the air and out you in a stupor! I awoke with my wallet in my hand!” Uhhhhhh...what? What is it with the yard maintenance crews parking trucks and box trailers on the wrong side of the road, on hills and on curves? Then they blow the debris with leaves, dirt, nails and peices of glass into the traffic flow as well as adding to debris into the drainage system. These people are a hazard that the police seem to ignore. Maybe “they” will react after this escalates to an accident or violence when a vehicle is damaged. To Rockdale County residents: shoulda kept the Greenhood contract in place. The Walker’s sidewalks are known to dissolve in rain I’m sure they’ve patented the same idea for refuse in your area, errr - ‘hood.
12 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
22FEBRUARY2018
In The Mix Danielle Bernard Wild Wing Cafe
Can chickens fly? No. Can they roost in trees? No. (Editor’s note: They can.) Where do pickles come from? Cucumbers. Is there a reason for yoga pants? Yes! They’re just super comfortable! Do you eat beef jerky? Yes ... the terriyaki kind. What’s the farthest you’ve ever run? I don’t run. What’s your favorite night to work? Thursdays. We have really big pre-game crowds. What’s your favorite band that plays here at Wild Wing? Prettier Than Thou Does red hair run in your family? Nope ... I’m the only one. Most complicated drink you are asked to make? Any kind of Martini. Do you find yourself making a lot of martinis at Wild Wing? Not really. What is your favorite drink to make? Probably Liquid Marijuana. What’s in that? Malibu Rum, melon liqueur, blue Curacao and pineapple juice. It turns out super green!
V29|NO8
Augusta is facing two dilemmas with two massive parking lots on opposite ends of Richmond County
A Tale of Two Parking Lots by Stacey Eidson | stacey@themetrospirit.com
”It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness...” — “A Tale of Two Cities” by Charles Dickens Over the past year, Augusta has enjoyed several major announcements that have given the entire city reason to celebrate. Whether it’s the construction of the new Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center on the banks of the Savannah River, the complete restoration of the Miller Theater, the continued growth and expansion of Fort Gordon or plans to build a $93 million mixed-use project at the old depot site on Reynolds Street, a lot is happening throughout Richmond County. But along with these tremendous developments, Augusta still seems to find itself struggling with odd predicaments that leave many residents scratching their heads. Such was the case this past week in two different areas of the county, both strangely relating to the future of two massive parking lots. First, on the south side of Richmond County, the owners of the former Regency Mall site on Gordon Highway apparently decided to begin digging up the asphalt in the mall’s old parking lot. Mounds of the torn-up asphalt were being pushed and piled off to the sides of the property. The only problem was the mall’s owner, Cardinal 14 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Management, had not applied for any of the proper city permits prior to tearing up the parking lot. As a result, the Augusta Engineering Department immediately halted the digging on the Regency Mall site. Across town on Reynolds Street in downtown Augusta, all eyes were on another parking lot, but for an entirely different reason. The Augusta Economic Development Authority has spent more than $500,000 to develop a fenced-in parking lot for Unisys employees at the city-owned depot property along Sixth and Reynolds streets. The dilemma in this case is, that’s the exact spot for the future $93 million mixed-use project along the Savannah River. In November, the Augusta Commission unanimously approved a “development concept” for the massive project. Along with approving the concept, commissioners also agreed to $14 million in Downtown Development Authority bonds to help finance the project. According to the Downtown Development Authority, the $93 million project could break ground as soon as the next 60 days. The reality is, when construction on the new development begins, a portion of the brand new Unisys parking lot on Reynolds Street will likely have to be removed. Augusta Commissioner Ben Hasan said the entire situation seems comical, but city leaders aren’t laughing.
“Margaret Woodard from the Downtown Development Authority mentioned to us the $93 million project could begin as early as around April or May,” Hasan said, shaking his head. “The ground won’t even be hard before it is tore up again.” But Hasan insists the city didn’t have any choice but to support the construction of the $500,000 parking lot for Unisys on the depot property because it was part of the company’s contractual agreement with the Augusta Economic Development Authority. “The development authority promised to provide them with 500 parking spaces,” Hasan said. “Here, Unisys was already in the (former Fort Discovery) building along the river since 2016 and they needed those spaces.” Augusta Commissioner Sean Frantom said it is frustrating because the city had no knowledge of the details of Augusta Economic Development Authority’s agreement with Unisys to provide parking. “We don’t know everything the EDA does. They work these deals without us. They don’t come to us with these deals,” Frantom said. “Obviously, I was surprised about the magnitude of what we had to do on the parking lot knowing that we are going to break ground soon on this new project. But it was just something the EDA had to do as the contractual agreement with Unisys is to provide that parking. Now, I don’t know why it took so long to get it implemented, though. That’s kind of the real question.” Just this past week, the development authority approved 22FEBRUARY2018
V29|NO8
cashing in $1.3 million worth of bank certificates of deposit to pay for the entire parking lot. So the final price tag might be much higher than the estimated $500,000, Frantom said. “It’s at least $500,000,” Frantom said. “At least.” Walking around the newly paved parking lot with its iron gate and towering street lighting, Augusta Commissioner Marion Williams said the whole thing is mind-blowing. “This was supposed to be temporary parking spaces, but it doesn’t look temporary to me,” Williams said. “The gate is really nice. The lighting is quality lighting, so the development authority spent $500,000 and it was a waste of money, in my opinion.” About 90 days ago, Hasan said there was a meeting that included Augusta Mayor Hardie Davis Jr., Augusta Economic Development Authority members Henry Ingram and Butch Gallop Jr., City Administrator Janice Allen Jackson, a few Augusta commissioners and former Mayor Deke Copenhaver (who was serving as interim president of the development authority prior to Cal Wray being named the new president.) During that meeting, the group had a phone interview with a representative from Unisys who made it clear that the parking lot needed to be developed for its employees as previously agreed, Hasan said. As soon as the telephone conversation was over, Hasan said he turned to Henry Ingram of the development authority and insisted they needed to build the parking lot. “I politely told him, ‘Y’all have to do this. If you all don’t do this, the city is going to pave that parking lot and we are going to send y’all the bill. We are going to pave this parking lot. We don’t have a choice,’” Hasan said. “Unisys just needed us to do what we promised them. It’s that simple. And, unfortunately, the city didn’t know all of this was happening. We didn’t know that Unisys was waiting on the development authority to keep their promise.” Fortunately, the new $93 million project at the depot site will include the construction of a new parking deck, which will allow for Unisys to have future, permanent parking spaces, Hasan said.
22FEBRUARY2018
“Margaret Woodard from the Downtown Development Authority mentioned to us the $93 million project could begin as early as around April or May. The ground won’t even be hard before it is tore up again.” — Augusta Commissioner Ben Hasan “I know the fact that the parking lot is being built and torn up doesn’t sound like it makes sense, but we didn’t have any choice,” Hasan said. “We couldn’t afford not to do it.” Augusta Commissioner Sammie Sias, who also attended that meeting several months ago with the development authority, said it’s imperative that anyone representing the city of Augusta honor their contractual agreements. “It is very important for this government and any entities that are related to this government, including authorities and boards, that if you have a legal or written obligation to a client or anyone else, you have to fulfill what you are required to do,” Sias said. “So the bottom line is, that was a requirement that had to be fulfilled. It was way behind schedule. It may seem a little strange, but clients want what they’ve been promised or agreed to. It had to be done.” Fortunately, Sias has been told the $93 million mixeduse development will be completed in phases. “I look forward to the new project coming in, and the neat thing about it is, as they work their way from the Fifth Street Bridge to Sixth Street, that parking will still available for Unisys to use as they work from one end to the other,” Sias said. “That’s the plan, so there was never a bad time to do that parking lot. It was promised.” Now, when it comes to the Regency Mall parking lot, Sias said that’s an entirely different situation. Not only did the owners of the mall fail to submit the proper application for permits or any development plans
to the city, but it appears that Cardinal Management might be attempting to remove the parking to reduce the property’s stormwater fees. “I’m not sure why they were doing what they did, but it has been stated that if you change the surface from impervious to pervious, then that’s a part of what you don’t have to pay for the stormwater fee,” Sias said. “But I can’t answer to what they were doing. However, I can tell you as far as the stormwater fee part of it, tearing up the parking lot would have been advantageous to them.” Representatives from Cardinal Management did not return calls seeking a comment. While Sias said he was “disappointed” by Cardinal Management’s failure to get all the proper permits and an erosion control plan in place before starting any work on the property, he pointed out that the milling up of a portion of the parking lot did clear up one matter that has been promoted by those who want to build a new $120 million James Brown Arena on the former mall site. “The tale that had been told the past couple of weeks is that there was concrete under that the mall parking lot and a base. Well, that concrete base was not there,” Sias said. “We didn’t expect it to be there, but there was a member of the Augusta Coliseum Authority who has been going around talking about the fact that the concrete base was there and, therefore, it would be less expensive to fix the parking lot at the former mall site.” “We didn’t believe that, and we were right,” Sias added. “That was proven when they started milling up the asphalt. So, obviously, you cannot overlay a parking lot in that condition based on the way it was done and its age.” Sias said the milling of the parking lot has also put a spotlight back on the fact that the mall’s owners haven’t paid any of the property’s stormwater fees. After discovering there was a glitch in the billing system last summer, Sias said the city learned Cardinal Management hadn’t been billed for the mall property’s stormwater fees for almost a full year starting in 2016. However, Sias said the city has been billing Cardinal Management since last summer more than $6,000 a month. But Cardinal Management has yet to pay any of its stormwater bills. “It is our position that nobody is exempt from the AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
METROSPIRIT 15
V29|NO8
stormwater fee,” Sias said. “Now, we are not going to try to get that amount from them that they weren’t charged for because of that glitch. There was no water meter account to go with the mall property, so that’s how that mistake occurred. The mistake was on our end. But it has been corrected. So absolutely we expect them to pay the stormwater fee that they’ve been charged. They need to pay their bill.” Frantom said he couldn’t agree more with Sias. “The fact that they still haven’t paid the stormwater fee is definitely concerning,” he said. “To now know that they have around $50,000 still owed in stormwater fees that they haven’t paid is troubling. And now they are ripping up asphalt without the proper permits. I was shocked by that.” When Hasan drove past the former Regency Mall property over a week ago, he was surprised to see movement on the land that has been abandoned for decades. “I went there last Sunday and saw what I thought were mounds of dirt, and I was thinking, ‘Where are they going to spread all of that?’” Hasan said. “I didn’t realize that was asphalt that they had ground up. I couldn’t believe it when I found out. You really only hurt yourself by doing stuff without a permit.” Williams, who has been a big proponent of building a James Brown Arena and a museum honoring the “Godfather of Soul” on the former Regency Mall property, was thoroughly disappointed to learn of Cardinal Management’s actions. “I don’t like them going in there and trying to do something underhanded like that. That tells me they want it all,” Williams said. “I’m all for the James Brown Arena and a James Brown Museum in that area. I think the location is perfect. So, I thought they would be working with us to get something done, but instead they are going
Thank
you for
voting us
“I don’t like them going in there and trying to do something underhanded like that. That tells me they want it all. I’m all for the James Brown Arena and a James Brown Museum in that area. I think the location is perfect. So, I thought they would be working with us to get something done, but instead they are going behind our backs. I totally disagree with their actions.” — Augusta Commissioner Marion Williams
behind our backs. I totally disagree with their actions.” It might be time to seriously discuss eminent domain regarding the Regency Mall property, Williams said, especially if Richmond County voters support the south Augusta site for the new arena in the non-binding question on the May 22 ballot. “The mall owners thought they could get away with tearing up the parking lot and no one would notice or say anything,” Williams said. “If they are doing that kind of stuff, we might have to go ahead and do eminent domain and take the property and do something with it. We want to move ahead and do something with that property, but the owners are holding us back. That needs to change.”
got a
phone?
“Metro’s Best Credit Union ”
srpfcu.org 16 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
22FEBRUARY2018
NTING SPONSOR PRESE
WITH
Mitchell Tenpenny
Wed. March 21, 2018 judchickeycenter.org
V29|NO8
Metro Spirit’s 6th Annual ETCP Springfest brings craft beer, great music & food
Craft Beer Springfest @ Lady A by Amanda Main | amanda@themetrospirit.com Spring is officially almost upon us (though it actually feels like it already started this month), and coming soon are three really good reasons to get out in the sunshine. It’ll all be happening at the 6th Annual ETCP Springfest, hitting Evans Towne Center Park from noon to 6 p.m. March 10. The festival started back in 2012, as the creation of Metro Spirit Publisher Joe White. Admission to the festival is absolutely free for the whole family — and dogs, too. “It was the first big festival that they had at the Lady A,” White said, noting the many other festivals in the area, including Arts in the Heart and the Greek Festival. “When they were building the Lady A, the idea hit me that, well, we could have our own festival. … The second Saturday in March has historically been the nicest weekend that we have leading into spring, and so far, each one of these Springfests has been beautiful weather. “Everyone is out in the sun just soaking it in, happy as they can be. It’s just a gorgeous day, and I wanted it to be a place for people to have conversations and hang out with each other, as opposed to screaming at each other (at a noisy bar) and saying, ‘I can’t hear you! What?’ So that’s the main thing that I wanted, was to create a day where people got together and just hung out. “For a city the size of Augusta, one that isn’t historically known as a college town, we have a tradition of very, very talented musicians. I obviously don’t need to run down the list, but we have them in spades. This year, we have three 20 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
examples of local bands; each has members that have been performing out and about for decades. And I think each one of these bands could hold their own anywhere in the country.” White said the event is designed so that people can catch up with each other throughout the day without many distractions. Along with the beer flowing, the grooves grooving and the food filling bellies, there also are vendors that fit in well with the day. Those vendors represent massage therapy, dermatology, hair salons, jewelers and more. Studio 285 will have a free hair-braiding bar there. The gates open at noon, and the crowd typically picks up from 1 to 3 p.m., with people satisfying their appetites at the food vendors. Then as the day goes on, the live music picks up. The musical acts at ETCP Springfest don’t tend to fit into any one genre. This year, the headliners are the Scarlet Begonias, with the Mason Jars and the Robbie Ducey Band putting on a show before them. THE SCARLET BEGONIAS If you’re not into the Grateful Dead, maybe you just haven’t given them enough listens. The Scarlet Begonias are a tribute band, and founding member/drummer Brian Brittingham says not getting into the Grateful Dead right away is absolutely normal. But once you do “get” the band, he says, you won’t tire of them easily. Brittingham said he and the other band members are drawn to the Grateful
Dead’s “timelessness and depth.” The Scarlet Begonias have a catalog of about 60 or 70 Grateful Dead songs that they know how to play. They also play other songs that the legendary band covered at some point; though the Augusta band’s members have been in other bands with original music, that’s not the point of this one, which is to pay homage to the Grateful Dead. The Scarlet Begonias started about five years ago, with Brittingham and his brother, Michael Garrett, who plays keyboards. “I think he and I were kind of just talking about the idea of getting together and playing some Grateful Dead music (about five years ago), and then we kind of just started looking for some other people that were interested in the same thing,” Brittingham said. “And we kind of went through a couple of — not necessarily auditions, but through some kind of jam sessions with some other people right at first until we kind of found our members. … It’s been fun, and we’ve played a lot of shows around and no one show is like any other show. They’re all different and unique and have learned a lot of new songs along the way. We started out with probably just enough to get through our first gig, and now we can probably play a bunch of shows without ever repeating a song at this point, probably.” Other members of the band include Jason Shepard on guitar, John Kolbeck on guitar and George Dale on bass — and part-time member Jeff Johnston, who plays a second drum set when there’s enough room. They are looking 22FEBRUARY2018
V29|NO8
forward to their Springfest set. “We’ll probably stick to more of the high-energy, recognizable songs, to keep it a little bit more listenable for the masses,” he said. “If the weather’s anything like it is today, which is about 78 or 80 degrees and beautiful, then it’ll just be great to get outside and be a wonderful, professionally run event like Joe knows how to do and it’ll be a lot of fun… family-friendly fun.” Find out more about the Scarlet Begonias on Facebook at facebook.com/ Scarlet-Begonias-1422963771279562. To hear them play, visit reverbnation.com/ scarletbegonias. THE MASON JARS Local band the Mason Jars consists of only two people — Andy Colbert on vocals and rhythm guitar and Trey Pitts on lead guitar. Though the two went to the same school (Augusta Christian Schools), they never knew each other until they met at a house party and started jamming together around 2005. “I’ve always done my own thing as far as like poetry and songwriting,” Colbert said. “We never were really into doing a cover band. So we just kind of did our own thing and gained a small following, and wrote more songs and just kept growing and growing to the point where right now, which we’ve got three albums. One of the album’s actually out on iTunes and all that; the others are just some home recording stuff. But we built up a pretty decent catalog. And I am the singer/ songwriter for the band and play rhythm, and Trey is more the lead guitarist, ripping and shredding the whole time. But as far as a genre of music goes, it’s kind of like a rambunctious, backyard picking kind of thing.” Colbert said the duo’s music is hard to define. “People hire us for all kinds of stuff, different reasons — bluegrass this, or blues that,” he said. “We kind of dance around all of that, I guess, but we definitely have more of our own style going. And I find that even the fans that we have are not something you can just box into one kind of genre, either. So it seems to work out pretty well.” Now in their 30s with families, Colbert said it’s been a while since he’s had the peace and quiet needed to sit down and write songs. “I’ll just take an emotion and run with it,” he said. “I’ll tell you, the majority of those songs have some way or another to do with a girl. And just kind of a partying lifestyle that we had going on at that time. I think the songs have kind of veered away from that, more maybe the repercussions of all of that lifestyle. I definitely have noticed the beginning, middle and not really an end to all of that. We both have families and stuff now. So that lifestyle has 22FEBRUARY2018
definitely changed drastically. I haven’t written any songs in probably a couple of years now, but definitely started to tone down that aspect of those particular styles of songs, I guess.” Pitts said he appreciates getting together with Colbert and playing around town. “I’m an attorney now, so all day I’m in an office or in a courtroom reading and writing, so this gives me kind of an avenue to pursue a different set of interests that I have,” he said. “So music and getting out into the local scene and all of that is great.” Pitts described their music as “up-tempo, folk rock — maybe.” They don’t tour like they did in years past, but they play upwards of 100 shows a year now. Colbert said people can expect from their ETCP Springfest set a “nice, barefoot, stomping and energetic good time. Just expect to hopefully do a little dancing under your toes.” Though their music is hardly definable, Colbert shared what people have said to them after they’ve played a set. “I’ve had people walk up to me afterwards and say, ‘I don’t know what that was, but I like it. I can’t put my finger on it. I’d like to classify you as this or that, but I don’t get it,’ he said. “Some people try to classify us as like a country song, which I definitely don’t put myself in that category. And then we’ve got a bluesy thing, we’ve got a rock thing, and I’ve got even a rap song out there.” To hear for yourself what the Mason Jars sound like, visit reverbnation.com/ masonjars. Follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/themasonjarsusa. THE ROBBIE DUCEY BAND The Robbie Ducey Band has been around in Augusta for the longest of the three acts, having gotten together in the early ’90s. Robbie Ducey himself, though, has been traveling and playing music professionally for a living since the ’70s. The band members’ ages range from the 60s to 70s. He said the band is working on a new album now. The band focuses on original music but does covers now and then. “(It’s) guys that were influences on me coming up, so we do a few covers by Jimi Hendrix and a couple of Stevie Ray songs, but other than that, it’s all original stuff, based on that style of music,” Ducey said “We’re starting to book dates out and wanting to go out and play some more again, to the point where I guess everybody gets so old that they’re like, ‘I don’t want to do anything anymore except stay home and be old,’” he said with a laugh. “So we’re trying to get all of that in because we’re really aware of it; it’s like, ‘Wow, that’s right around the corner, isn’t it? It’s sneaking up on us.’ So we’ve all got kind of a renewed vigor about it.” Ducey is the guitarist and singer; the other band members include Burt
The Scarlet Begonias
The Mason Jars
Robbie Ducey of The Robbie Ducey Band AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
METROSPIRIT 21
V29|NO8
Rayburn on drums, Steve Brantley on bass and Buzz Clifford on keyboard. Ducey and Rayburn have been playing music together since they were in high school, and Clifford is the newest member of the band. They have had some time to see how the world of music has changed. “Augusta was home. Back in the early, early days, back in the ’70s, the Whippin’ Post used to be the big thing downtown on Broad Street,” he said. “All the circuit bands, that’s where you’d play down there and got your teeth into the action there, running the road and playing professionally, you know. … And I tell you what, we were fortunate to come up when we did, because I’ve said this to my wife and my friends, too — I don’t know how guys who are trying to give it a go in the music business these days as far as a band situation. Because the situation is so different now than the way it was when I was younger and starting out in the ’70s. The whole climate, the economy, the scene, everything was different. There was lots of work to go around. Back then in the ‘70s, we would play five or six nights a week, no problem, and we got on a circuit like I was lucky enough to do, you were liable to go out for five or six weeks at a time before you come back home and take a break. … But that way of life, as far as live music and guys making it in the music business, that’s long since been gone.” Ducey said he thinks the Internet plays a part in that, but that it has a dual role in how things are for musicians now. “The Internet’s helped a lot of musicians, especially musicians who are a little smaller, private label like I am,” he said. “And marketing yourself, that’s really helped do that, but at the same time, it’s kind of helped hurt it, too, because people are kind of jaded to live music when they can go on the Internet and get instant gratification for a quick 99 cent download or they’ll pirate a song and do whatever. … Good and bad, yin and yang. I guess if you get something good, there’s always a price to be paid.” The Robbie Ducey Band is looking forward to playing ETCP Springfest. “What we’ve always done is, a lot of my music is predicated on grooves, and I always talk (to my band) about taking that groove and hammering it into the audience’s heads so they can’t forget it,” Ducey said. “You never stop moving your foot or doing whatever, so most of my music is based around the stuff that I grew up listening to and playing. And that was blues, rock, soul music — there’s a lot of soul element in my music, because in my younger days growing up, that’s what I was listening to and learned how to play was soul music. Sam & Dave and that kind of thing back in the ’70s or whatever, but I’ll get a good dose of a lot of good groove and some good soul music, same day.” Find out more about the band at robbieduceyband.com, or follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/Robbieduceyband. ETCP Springfest Evans Towne Center Park Saturday, March 10 Noon - 6 p.m. Free Metrospirit.com
22 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
22FEBRUARY2018
V29|NO8
Empty Bowl involves the entire community as it seeks to ‘end hunger together’
‘Souper’ event back for 17th year by Metro Spirit Staff
On any given day, there are a number of fundraisers going on around the Augusta area, but none of these events involves the community to the extent that Empty Bowl does. From students and teachers to restaurants and caterers, from local businesses and artisans to volunteers, celebrity servers and diners, all participate in some form or fashion in Empty Bowl, coming up Sunday, March 4, at the Legends Club. And the person in charge of keeping all these different balls in the air is Empty Bowl Chair Susan Steinberg. “We have a committee of about 12 people,” Steinberg previously said. “We have someone in charge of volunteers, we have someone in charge of the bowl room. Actually, there are three art teachers on the committee and they took over the T-shirts and the bowls. Then we have one person on the committee who basically is the kitchen coordinator the day of the event, but she is also the person who delivered all the clay to the schools and will be picking up all the bowls and giving the kids their comp tickets. And she’ll also be folding 240 T-shirts next week. And then we have someone on the committee who does publicity, and then I pretty much handle the sponsors.” It is a massive undertaking that results in one of the most anticipated events of the year. Now in its 17th year, Steinberg said the first Empty Bowl in Augusta made about $5,000. Last year’s event made about $29,000. The proceeds from the event are split equally between the Augusta Jewish Community Center and the Golden Harvest Food Bank. There are many reasons for the event’s popularity. One is, of course, the food. Empty Bowl, whose mission and slogan is “Ending Hunger Together,” places the focus on soups. There’s always a little something for everyone’s tastes. In the past, the event has featured sherry mushroom soup, chili, hot and sour soup (appropriately, for the Jewish Community Center, it’s made with chicken instead of pork) and sweet corn soup. And it’s not all soup. The kid-friendly station (which, let’s be honest, the kids have to “share” with the adults) has 22FEBRUARY2018
hot dogs, mac and cheese, coleslaw and banana pudding. Desserts also will be there; all of the foods are donated by the CSRA’s best restaurants. Food is one reason that Empty Bowl has always been such a popular event, but the massive silent auction is another. Table after table will be lined with items for diners to bid on and, while the donations are still coming in, Steinberg said there are some exquisite finds. In the past, the event has had many items, including gift certificates and all kinds of artwork. A “take home now” price will be on the items, so people can snag something right away if they don’t want to risk losing it to another bidder. Once they’re done eating and shopping, participants get to pick out their bowl from the bowl room. Meant to symbolism the struggle with hunger that many face, these bowls are made by students from about 30 schools in the area. Additional bowls may be purchased for $10 each. Students also are invited each year to enter a design in the T-shirt contest. Out of about 400 entries, Ashley DunnSmith from Grovetown High School won for her design, featured here.
It’s just one more way that the AJCC and Golden Harvest are involving the public in their fight against hunger. “What’s so neat about this, and I’ve always said this, is that it involves the entire community,” Steinberg has said. “The students at the schools do the T-shirts and bowls, and the teachers also get involved. Then you have all the businesses that get involved and we have community volunteers and restaurants and caterers. And it’s so popular with the public, and I think it’s partially because of the food. I think people know this is for a very worth cause. A lot of people support Golden Harvest and support the Jewish Community Center.” Empty Bowl 2018 The Legends Club Sunday, March 4 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Adults: $20, advance; $25, door Children 2-10: $5, advance; $7.50, door 706-228-3636 emptybowlcsra.org
AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
METROSPIRIT 23
V29|NO8
Southern-rock outfit Blackberry Smoke in Augusta on Feb. 22 by Metro Spirit Staff Blackberry Smoke is a homegrown Georgia band — but they’ve grown to have fans all around the world. The musical group, described by Rolling Stone as “a Southernrock group that can toggle easily between shit-kicking country, funky soul and blistering heavy rock,” will be at the Bell Auditorium this Thursday, Feb. 22, but it’s not their first time in Augusta. The band is lead vocalist/guitarist Charlie Starr, Richard Turner on bass and vocals, Brit Turner on drum, Paul Jackson on guitar and vocals, and Brandon Still on keyboards. They have their sixth LP coming out April 6: “Find a Light.” “The new album is a melting pot of Blackberry Smoke music with a wide range of sound and emotion,” Starr told savingcountrymusic.com. “I think it’s our most inspired work yet.” Blackberry Smoke’s members are in their 40s, and Starr said their sound is “rock ’n’ roll influences range from Hank Williams Sr. to the Grateful Dead to Led Zeppelin. Needless to say, the outcome is a band that appeals to people who like vastly different genres. Metro Spirit: How have things been going for you and your band lately? Charlie Starr: Everybody seems fine; we just got started for the year about a month ago, and we’re getting busy again, which is good. We’re getting ready to release a new album in a month or so, and everybody’s excited.” Metro Spirit: What do you think is hard about life on the road? Charlie Starr: Being away from our families is the toughest thing, but we’ve been touring for 17 years, so it’s what everybody knows. It’s not new. But still, that doesn’t make it any easier, because we all have children. But it would be no different if we were traveling salesmen. Metro Spirit: Is Atlanta still home for you guys? Charlie Starr: It is, yeah. Metro Spirit: What changes have you noticed in Georgia and the surrounding areas that have happened since you were growing up? Charlie Starr: More people — the population has boomed, of course. And it seems like growth is something that everybody’s come to expect. I look around sometimes and think, ‘Oh, well there’s a shopping mall here, and it used to be an empty field.’ Growth and change. Metro Spirit: Do you think some of your song lyrics reflect those changes that have taken place? Charlie Starr: Yeah, I’m sure. It’s part of the game, I guess. Metro Spirit: What inspires you and the band’s lyrics — do you write the lyrics? Charlie Starr: I do. Everything that you see and hear can be an inspiration. Whether it’s a couple fighting in the bar, or something that happens to you personally. As a songwriter, I think you’ve got to keep your antenna up. 24 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Metro Spirit: What’s one of your band’s best stories from the road that you look back at and say, ‘Wow, I can’t believe that happened.” Charlie Starr: Probably nothing you can print. Road life can be quite an adventure. Metro Spirit: Yeah… is there a good story that I could print? Charlie Starr: Nothing that I can recall. That’s always tough, you know, it’s just 17 years of it, so anything from lost luggage to bar fights to you name it. There’s not one that sticks out. Metro Spirit: What draws you to keep making music? Charlie Starr: Well, it’s a way of life. I think that once the bug bites you to write songs and record them and tour and play for audiences, you don’t ever really want to stop. Metro Spirit: Was music always your plan, or did you think you might go a different route at some point? Charlie Starr: I think I knew from 6 years old or so. I think I knew, I just have to do this. I’m not really good at anything else. But I can make a tune on an instrument. Metro Spirit: Six years old, that’s pretty young to know what you want to do, because there are people in their 30s now who are still like, ‘Do I really want to do this?’ Charlie Starr: Yeah. Well, I had to do lots of other things before it finally took hold, but I knew that I would always make music. Metro Spirit: What do you love about life on the road? Charlie Starr: I love the people and the places and seeing something different every day, experiencing something different every day. Travel is addictive. I think anyone that travels for any job will tell you that. It’s just an adventure.
Metro Spirit: What’s one of your favorite places you’ve been to that you wouldn’t have gone to without this band? Charlie Starr: Probably Australia. It’s incredibly beautiful. I’ve never seen beaches like that anywhere else. I don’t know that I would have had a reason to go to Australia if it were not for playing this music. Metro Spirit: Do you guys do a lot of international travel? Charlie Starr: Yeah, we go to Europe twice a year. Metro Spirit: Have you played on every continent yet? Charlie Starr: Not yet. We’ve not been to Japan; we’ve not been to Central or South America. Metro Spirit: Have you ever been to Augusta with your band? Charlie Starr: Oh, yeah. We’ve played there bunches over the years. Metro Spirit: Yeah? What do you like about Augusta? Charlie Starr: It’s the home of James Brown! And it’s always great to play in our home state. Metro Spirit: Well, Charlie, thank you for taking the time to talk to us. Good luck with your tour. Charlie Starr: Thanks! Find out more about the band at blackberrysmoke.com or follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/BlackberrySmoke. Blackberry Smoke with Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real Bell Auditorium 8pm Thu Feb 22 $29.50-$59.50 Call 877-4AUGTIX or visit georgialinatix.com 22FEBRUARY2018
:(73$,17 3$57< $57 6$/(
V29|NO8
What’s Up
Calendar: 27 | Music Listings: 34 If you have any questions, or would like to submit an event to our calendar, please email Amanda Main at amanda@themetrospirit.com.
KEEP ANIMALS OFF THE STREETS If you’re an animal lover, we hope you already know how important it is to spay and neuter cats and dogs. According to the Humane Society of the United States, almost 3 million adoptable dogs and cats are euthanized in the U.S. each year. This number would be significantly lower if pet owners would spay and neuter their fur babies, so they can’t reproduce unplanned and unwanted litters. The SPCA Albrecht Center in Aiken is one of many animal shelters that offer a low-cost spaying and neutering program, and this Tuesday, Feb. 27, is your chance to have a pasta dinner and help ensure fewer animals are roaming the streets without homes. The Spayghetti Dinner benefit is from 5 to 8 p.m. Feb. 27 and includes spaghetti, a roll, salad and drink. If you’re vegan, there are food options for you, too. Buy advance tickets at the SPCA Albrecht Center in Aiken, at the SPCA Thrift Shop in downtown Aiken, or at the SPCA Thrift Shop in Mitchell Shopping Center in Aiken. You also can preorder tickets by phone at 803-648-6863. Find out more at letlovelive.org. Spayghetti Dinner SPCA Albrecht Center, Aiken 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 27 $8, advance; $10, door Call 803-648-6863 or visit letlovelive.org
FRIDAY, FEB. 23
SATURDAY, FEB. 24
SUNDAY, FEB. 25
TUESDAY, FEB. 27
It’s getting warmer out, and that means it’s time to spruce up your indoor and outdoor living space! The Augusta Home and Garden Show will be at the James Brown Arena daily from Feb. 23 to Feb 25. Celebrity guests include Tom Silva of PBS’ “This Old House.” General admission is $8; it’s $7 for seniors and retired military, and free for active-duty military and anyone 16 and under. Visit augustahomeandgardenshow.com.
If someone you loved needed CPR, would you know how to help them? The Harlem Arts Council is co-sponsoring a free Layperson CPR class this Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon at the Public Safety Building in Harlem. The only cost required is to buy a $10 pocket mask. Register at harlemartscouncil.org. Call 706-556-9786 or 706-414-8704, or visit facebook.com/ HarlemArtsCouncil.
Dubbed “Magic’s Cirque du Soleil” by The Times of London, the Illusionists Live from Broadway are bringing their spectacular show to the Bell Auditorium at 7 p.m. this Sunday. This show is made up of five of the best magicians in the world. Tickets range from $54 to $76. Call 877-4AUGTIX or visit georgialinatix.com.
Anyone who’s curious about what’s been going on from the office of Mayor Hardie Davis Jr. will want to witness his State of the City Address. It starts at 6 p.m. Tuesday, but the public is encouraged to get to the free event by 5:45 p.m. It’s at the Jack B. Patrick Information Technology Center, and a reception will follow. Call 706-821-1833 or email jbuffkin@augustaga.gov.
For more information on these events, see our calendar of events on page 27.
V29|NO8
The CSRA League of Women Voters host a panel of current and former local women politicians who will discuss issues related to running for public office. This forum is open to anyone regardless of gender, party affiliation, etc., for ages 18 and up. Visit facebook.com/events/295359050974154.
Mon Feb 26
3pm - 4:30pm Partners in Friendship
Aiken Public Library This elementary course in conversational Italian language and culture is suitable for teens and adults. Partners in Friendship membership optional. Call 803-642-2020 or visit abbe-lib.org.
3:30pm - 5pm Intermediate Spanish Class
Women in Politics: Ready to Run Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 150 1:30pm - 4pm Sat Feb 24 The CSRA League of Women Voters host a panel of current and former local women politicians who will discuss issues related to running for public office. This forum is open to anyone ages 18 and up regardless of gender, party affiliation, etc. Visit facebook.com/events/295359050974154.
ARTS
Thu Feb 22
6:30pm - 8:30pm Pottery Class
Harlem Arts Council Pottery with Angelika Bondar. Continues Feb. 8 and 22. $60 for all three classes; includes material fee. Make reservations at least 24 hours in advance. Call 706-394-4682, visit harlemartscouncil.org/register or email harlemartscouncil@gmail.com.
Fri Feb 23
6pm - 8pm Art Journaling Class
Harlem Arts Council Art Journaling with Tina Pilgrim. Ages 12 and up. $25; all materials supplied. Register at least 24 hours in advance. Call 706-564-5662, visit harlemartscouncil.org/register or email harlemartscouncil@gmail.com.
Sat Feb 24
10am - 12:30pm Dirty Pour Class Harlem Arts Council Dirty Pour with Jeannie Stanford. $30. Register at least 24 hours in advance. Call 330-592-2256, visit harlemartscouncil.org/ register or email harlemartscouncil@gmail. com.
10am - 1pm Paint & Create
Caye Chapel, Kroc Center Join a local artist for step-by-step instruction of a specially themed painting each month. No previous experience required; all supplies provided. For ages 12 and up. $35. Call 706364-5762 or visit augustakroc.org. 22FEBRUARY2018
1pm Arm Knitting Class
Harlem Arts Council Arm Knitting with Katie Gastelle. $35 fee includes yarn. Make reservations at least 24 hours in advance. Call 706-726-0685, visit harlemartscouncil.org/register or email harlemartscouncil@gmail.com.
Mon Feb 26
10am - noon Oil Painting Class
Harlem Arts Council Oil painting with Minette Hatcher. $20 per class. Make reservations at least 24 hours in advance. Call 706-556-6656, visit harlemartscouncil.org/register or email harlemartscouncil@gmail.com.
Winter Dance Classes
North Augusta Activity Center Dances taught include ballroom, line, shag and more. Classes meet from 7 to 8 p.m. every Wednesday through the end of February. For information, call 803-441-4311.
EDUCATION Thu Feb 22
5pm - 7pm Tech Tutor Session
Aiken Public Library Anyone looking to become more comfortable with computer or device basics is invited to drop in to see a Tech Tutor. No registration is required, but take your charged device with you. Call 803-642-2020, ext. 1131, or visit abbe-lib.org.
Wed Feb 28
Fri Feb 23
Aiken Public Library A class for adults and teens that meets Wednesdays through March 28. Preregistration and purchase of your own materials required. Call 803-642-2020, ext. 1131, or visit abbe-lib.org.
Maxwell Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-793-2020 or visit arcpls.org.
2pm - 4:30pm Acrylic and Oil Painting Sessions
Thu Mar 1
1pm - 3pm Cool Coloring for Grownups
Aiken Public Library Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.
DANCE Ongoing
3:30pm - 5pm Spanish for Beginners
Sat Feb 24
8am - noon Layperson CPR
Public Safety Building, Harlem This basic course in resuscitation comes with a certificate. Free with the purchase of a $10 pocket mask. Call 706-556-9786 or 706-4148704.
1:30pm - 4pm Women in Politics: Ready to Run Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 150
Friedman Branch Library An adult class for those who already know some Spanish, led by Edwin Perez of the Asociacion Cultural Hispanoamericana. Preregistration required. Call 706-736-6758 or visit elcervantino.org or arcpls.org.
5:30pm Beginner Spanish Class
Friedman Branch Library An adult class led by Edwin Perez of the Asociacion Cultural Hispanoamericana. Preregistration required. Call 706-736-6758 or visit arcpls.org.
Tue Feb 27
10:30am - noon English as a Second Language
Columbia County Library All levels welcome. Email 7022esl@gmail. com.
11am - noon The Emancipation Proclamation Presentation
North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library A presentation by Senior Instructor Alexia Helsley. Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib. org.
5:30pm - 7:30pm Microsoft Excel
Columbia County Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-863-1946, ext. 4, or visit gchrl.org.
6pm - 8pm Whole Life Christian Academy Open House
Whole Life Christian Academy Tour the school and register for the 2018-19 school year. Programs for students ages 2 to sixth grade. The school offers small class sizes, Christian curriculum and affordable prices. Call 706-364-1439 or visit wlmacademy.org.
7pm Music of the Civil Rights Movement
North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library This historical presentation will include live music and video. Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org. AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
METROSPIRIT 27
V29|NO6
Wed Feb 28
Noon - 2pm Bookkeeping, Payroll and Business Financial Seminar
Columbia County Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-863-1946, ext. 4, or visit gchrl.org.
6pm Tertulia: Spanish Conversation Group
Headquarters Branch Library A group for beginner to intermediate Spanish speakers. Call 317-695-4748 or visit arcpls. org.
Thu Mar 1
8am - 5pm American Military University Information Session and Career Counseling
4081 Jimmie Dyes Parkway (Hampton Inn & Suites, Main Business Conference Room) This free event will provide information about Academic Strategy of Career Development, Financial Assistance, Credit Transfers and Admissions. Light refreshments will be served. Call 540-336-2872 or email ebrown@apus. edu.
11:30am - 1:30pm Open Job Lab
Diamond Lakes Branch Library Participants can complete job applications, resumes or conduct job searches with staff available for one-on-one help if needed. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.
6:30pm - 9pm Citizen’s Law Enforcement Academy
Columbia County Sheriff ’s Office, Appling These classes will take place from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Thursdays through May 10. Applications can be downloaded from the Columbia County Sheriff ’s Office website at columbiacountyso.org under the Community Services Division. Call 706-541-2856 for information.
Ongoing
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program
Maxwell Branch Library Volunteers from AARP will help patrons file their taxes; there is no age requirement. Help is on a first-come, first-served basis. Continues from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through April 14. Visit aarpfoundation.org/taxaide or arcpls.org for information.
GED Classes
Kroc Center These free classes are offered from 9 a.m. to noon Mondays and Wednesdays throughout the year for adults 18 and older. Preregistration and entrance testing required. Call 706-771-4131 to register for entrance testing.
Job Skills Training Kroc Center
28 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
V29|NO8
This three-month, tuition-free program starts in April and provides people of low income the opportunity to gain the practical skills necessary for personal growth and employment success. Call 706-364-4088.
James Brown Family Historical Tour
Augusta Museum of History Available each Saturday at 11 a.m. and lasting approximately two hours, this bus tour includes Brown’s elementary school, his childhood home, his statue and more. $15 fee, includes admission to the museum, which houses the largest collection of James Brown memorabilia. Reservations 24 hours in advance required. Call 803-640-2090 or visit jamesbrownfamilyfdn.org.
Guided Tours
1797 Ezekiel Harris House Offered by appointment only MondayFriday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Last tours of the day begin at 4 p.m. Adults, $2; children, $1. Call 706-722-8454 or visit augustamuseum.org.
North Augusta Driving Tour
Arts and Heritage Center of North Augusta Offered by appointment and includes a 30-45-minute guided tour and admission to the center. Self-guided tours are also available through an iPhone downloadable audio tour or a Google Maps-based tour. Guided tours: $5, adults; $3, students K-12. Call 803-4414380 or visit artsandheritagecenter.com.
Tours
Boyhood Home of President Woodrow Wilson Guided tours, approximately 45 minutes long, are offered Thursday-Saturday on the hour from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Group tours are available by advanced reservation. Adults, $5; seniors, $4; kids K-12, $3; under 5 years, free. Call 706-724-0436 or visit wilsonboyhoodhome.org.
Historic Trolley Tours of Augusta
Fri Feb 23
7:30pm A Jazz Celebration of The Beatles
Columbia Museum of Art The Noel Freidline Quartet reimagines some of The Beatles’ most well-known songs. $35, general; $28, members; $5, students. Premier table seating is $300 for six guests and two bottles of wine, or $200 for four guests and one bottle of wine. Visit columbiamuseum. org or call 803-799-2810.
EXHIBITIONS Sat Feb 24
3pm - 5pm Jas Boyd Artist Reception
Hire Grounds Cafe Thomson artist Jasmine “Jas” Boyd has works on display and for sale in the cafe through February. Call 706-650-5760 or visit goodwillworks.org.
Harison Community Gallery. These exhibits will be on display through Feb. 23. Call 706722-5495 or visit ghia.org.
Exhibitions
Order of St. Helena Episcopal Works including 2D, 3D and mixed media by 18 members of the North Augusta Artists Guild will be on view and for sale through April 13. Visit osh.org or naartistsguild.org.
Walter Cumming
Sacred Heart Cultural Center Featuring works by Walter Cumming, this exhibition will be on display from March 8 through 29. A free exhibit opening reception will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. March 8. Call 706-826-4700 or email kimsacredheart@ knology.net.
Sentiments & Origins
Ceremony and Reception Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art The 2018 competition will showcase work created by K-12 students from public, private and home schools throughout the CSRA. Artwork will remain on view until March 22. Call 706-722-5495 or visit ghia.org.
Westobou Gallery Showing from Feb. 23 to April 20, this exhibition features contemporary interpretations of flowers and foliage by artists Frances de La Rosa, Cynthia Farnell, Juan Alberto Negroni, and Pandra Williams in collaboration with Jennifer Garcia-Green. A free artist lecture will take place at 4 p.m. March 2, with a free reception to follow from 5 to 8 p.m. The exhibit will remain on display until April 20. Call 706-755-2878 or visit westoboufestival.com.
Ongoing
FLIX
Wed Feb 28
4:30pm 39th Annual Markwalter Youth Art Exhibition Awards
Exhibits
Augusta Museum of History Includes the following: “The Godfather of Soul, Mr. James Brown; “Celebrating a Grand Tradition, the Sport of Golf ”; “Augusta’s Story”; “A Community That Heals”; “Into the Interior: A History of the Georgia Railroad and Banking Company”; “Local Legends”; “One Man, Two Ships: Lessons in History and Courage”; “Life Cycles”; and “Canteens to Combat Boots,” and the “Victorian Era in Augusta.” Call 706722-8454 or visit augustamuseum.org.
Thu Feb 22
7pm - 9pm Cinema Series at Augusta University
AU’s Maxwell Theatre Free screening as part of the Cinema Series at Augusta University. Call 706-667-4100 or visit augusta.edu/maxwelltheatre.
Sat Feb 24
3pm - 5pm “Annie” Sing-Along Aiken Public Library Call 803-642-2020 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Tue Feb 27
Augusta Visitors Center Tours aboard the Lady Libby available at the Augusta Visitors Center with 24-hour advanced reservations. Tickets include admission to the Augusta Museum of History. Call 706-724-4067 or visit visitaugusta.org.
Dr. Linda Hardy
Sacred Heart Cultural Center Featuring works by Dr. Linda Hardy, this exhibition will be on display through Feb. 23. Call 706-826-4700 or email kimsacredheart@knology.net.
5:30pm - 8pm Tuesday Night Movie Series
1 Million Cups
The Winter Exhibit
Wed Feb 28
theClubhou.se Held from 8-9 a.m. on the first Wednesday of every month is an opportunity for two earlystage start-ups to present their companies to an audience of mentors, advisors and other entrepreneurs. Each founder presents for six minutes, followed by a Q&A. Coffee and doughnuts are provided. To apply, visit 1millioncups.com/augusta. Visit theclubhou. se or call 706-723-5782.
ELSEWHERE
Arts & Heritage Center of North Augusta Exhibit of art by Robert Lyon and Alicia Cully in Main Gallery; history exhibit “Palmetto Park and Pond” in Balcony Gallery. Exhibitions will be on display through March 4.
Tactic III and Tom Hubbard: Uncharted
Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art Tactic III is in the main gallery, and Tom Hubbard Transience Series is in the Creel-
Headquarters Branch Library Eclectic variety of films. Visit arcpls.org or call 706-821-2600.
4pm “Coco”
North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Ongoing
Free Family Movie Night
Kroc Center Showing at 6:30 p.m. on the last Friday of most months, this event is free for members and nonmembers. Limited seating is filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Refreshments 22FEBRUARY2018
V29|NO8
available for purchase. Call 706-364-5762 or visit augustakroc.org.
HEALTH
Thu Feb 22
6pm Hernia Screening Seminar Doctors Hospital Visit doctors-hospital.net to register.
The Fort Gordon Community Garden Gardening Club meets the fourth Thursday of every month; meetings are open to the public. Call 706-791-4300 or visit fortgordon. com/event/gardening-club/2018-02-22.
6:30pm - 8:30pm JavaScript Meetup
University Hospital Pre-registration required. Call 706-774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.
theClubhou.se This meeting to explore JavaScript is open to any skill level. Pizza and soft drinks will be served at the meeting. Visit github.com/ JavascriptAugusta or call 706-723-5782.
Mon Feb 26
Mon Feb 26
Headquarters Branch Library A free cardio dance class. Call 706-821-2600 or visit arcpls.org.
Appleby Branch Library Join the library each week for a new puzzle to solve. Turn in your completed puzzle and be entered to win a prize at the end of each month. Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.
7pm - 8:30pm Infant CPR Class
6:30pm Refit
Tue Feb 27
7pm - 9:30pm Ready and Able
Doctors Hospital A five-session Lamaze class that continues Tuesdays through March 27. Pre-registration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctorshospital.net.
Wed Feb 28
10am - 1pm Breastfeeding Class
Doctors Hospital Pre-registration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.
Thu Mar 1
6pm Breastfeeding Class
University Hospital Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.
6pm and 7pm Center for Women Tour
All day Puzzle of the Week
Thu Mar 1
5:30pm - 7:30pm Fiber Arts Craft and Chat
Columbia County Library Open to those of all abilities who crochet, knit, loom and cross stitch. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
6:30pm - 8:30pm PWN AUG Chess Club Meeting The Book Tavern A club open to all ages and skill levels that meets the first and third Thursdays of each month. Participants are encouraged to bring their own chess sets. Call 706-826-1940 or visit booktavern.com.
Ongoing
Basic Genealogy Tutorials
The Yoga Center, North Augusta Led by members of the Southeastern Buddhist Community the first and second Wednesday of each month. Sessions are free and open to the public. Visit sebuddhist.org.
African-American Genealogy
Unity of Augusta sanctuary Licensed Professional Counselor Cynthia Gray leads this non-religious, breathawareness meditation at 9 a.m. the first Sunday of every month. Find more details at meetup.com, or email cynthiagray@outlook. com.
HOBBIES Thu Feb 22
5pm Gardening Club
KIDS-TEENS Thu Feb 22
4pm Makerspace
Columbia County Library Teens will have the opportunity to work on their own projects under staff guidance while using library equipment. Call 706-868-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
Fri Feb 23
10am - 12:30pm Story Time Fridays Aiken Public Library Stories, songs and interactive activities. Story time for babies (0-23 months) begins at 10:15 a.m., toddlers (2-3 years) at 11 a.m. and preschoolers (4-5 years) at 11:45 a.m. Participants and caregivers are encouraged to participate. Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.
10:30am - noon Story Times
North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library Story time for those ages 0-2 begins at 10:30 a.m., and story time for those ages 3-6 begins at 11:15 a.m. Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.
12:30pm - 2pm Mr. Kenny’s Wondrous Stories, Songs and Play
Jessye Norman School of the Arts Participants will read, sing, play musical instruments and explore movement designed to help them develop both literary and cognitive skills. Parents or caregivers participate in the class through age 3. Preschool and kindergarten children may attend with, or without, a parent or caregiver. $10; pre-registration required. Call 706-8287768 or visit jessyenormanschool.org.
4:30pm - 5:15pm Lego Club
North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library Open to kids in kindergarten through fifth grade. Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.
4:30pm Pudding Pictionary
Aiken Public Library Teens in grades 6-12 will compete to guess drawings in pudding. Artistic ability not required, but be prepared to get messy. Call 803-642-2020 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Puzzle of the Week
Doctors Hospital Pre-registration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.
Augusta Meditation Meetup
Headquarters Branch Library This event coming 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. March 3 exists to help people with an Irish or ScotsIrish background research their family history. The deadline to register is Feb. 23. $45 per person for Augusta Genealogical Society members; $50 for nonmembers. Lunch and refreshment breaks are included. Call 706722-4073, visit augustagensociety.org or email augustagensociety@comcast.net.
Ongoing
Appleby Branch Library Join the library each week for a new puzzle to solve. Turn in your completed puzzle and be entered to win a prize at the end of each month. Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.
Meditation Sessions
Researching Your Irish, Scots-Irish Ancestors Seminar
Headquarters Branch Library’s Georgia Heritage Room Free sessions offered by appointment. Call 706-826-1511 or visit arcpls.org. Augusta-Richmond County Public Library System Georgia HomePLACE, the Digital Library of Georgia and the Augusta-Richmond County Public Library System have announced the addition of more than 10,000 digitized pages of African-American funeral programs from 1933 to 2017 to the library system’s funeral program collection. Programs are available for free online at dlg.galileo.usg.edu/CollectionsA-Z/ fpro_search.html?Welcome. Email astanley@ georgialibraries.org or call 404-235-7134.
Woodworth Library, Fort Gordon 22FEBRUARY2018
AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
METROSPIRIT 29
V29|NO6
V29|NO8
visit arcpls.org.
11am - 11:30am Morris Museum of Art Program
Columbia County Library For kids ages 2-6. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
Tue Feb 27
10am Big Kid Story Time
Headquarters Branch Library For those ages 3-6. Pre-registration recommended. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.
4pm Teen Guitar Club
Columbia County Library For those ages 11-18. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
4:30pm - 6pm Arts & Crafts Buffet
The Battle of Aiken 1210 Powell Pond Road, Aiken 8:30am - 8:30pm Sat Feb 24 and Sun Feb 25 In addition to battle re-enactments, there will be living history presentations, reproductions of medical facilities, an engineer and signal service and civilian portrayals. Food vendors will be available. $12, adults; $6, ages 6-12; free, under 5. Visit battleofaiken.org or call 888-378-7623.
Sat Feb 24
10am - 3pm Cheerleader for a Day Christenberry Fieldhouse Kids are invited to the Augusta University cheerleaders’ annual mini cheer camp. The girls will be performing at halftime of the women’s basketball game on Feb. 24. Cost is $25 per child and includes camp instruction, a healthy snack, temporary tattoo and participant game entry. Visit tinyurl.com/ AUCheerDay to register.
10:30am Family Lego Time
Appleby Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.
11am - noon “Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss” Story Time
30 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.
11am - noon Crime Scene Science Experiment
North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library Hands-on science class for kids in grades K-5. Pre-registration required; register at the circulation desk or by calling Renee at 803279-5767, ext 1541.
11:30am - 12:30pm Minecraft Mini-Camp Columbia County Library Visit gchrl.org or call 706-863-1946.
2pm - 4pm USCA Theater Workshop Kroc Center
Youths ages 10 to 15 can participate in this free workshop led by the USCA Theater group. Pre-registration required. Call 706364-5762 or visit augustakroc.org.
Mon Feb 26
10am Tiny Tot Story Time
Columbia County Library Experiment with crafting materials and art supplies at this drop-in program. Call 706863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
5pm - 7pm Girls Who Code Club
Headquarters Branch Library Girls in grades 6-12 explore coding in a fun and friendly way. Call 706-394-2187 or visit girlswhocode.com/clubs or arcpls.org.
5:30pm - 7:15pm Gaming Club for Teens Headquarters Branch Library For teens who play games like “Yu Gi Oh,” “Magic: The Gathering,” “Pokemon” and more. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.
Reed Creek Park “Mysterious Tadpole” story time for kids ages 2-4. Free, members and nonmembers. Pre-registration required; register through reedcreekpark.com. For information, call 706-210-4027 or email reedcreekpark@ columbiacountyga.gov.
Wed Feb 28
10:30am Jr. Lego Club
Maxwell Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-793-2020 or visit arcpls.org.
Headquarters Branch Library For those ages 2-4. Legos provided. Preregistration required. Call 706-821-2623 or
10am “RAPunzell”
AU’s Maxwell Theatre A free children’s play. Pre-registration required. Call 706-737-1625 or email literacycenter1401@gmail.com.
10am Story Time
22FEBRUARY2018
10am Story Time for Tots
Headquarters Branch Library For those ages 0-3. Pre-registration recommended. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.
10:05am - 11am Toddler Story Time
Appleby Branch Library This is a program best for children ages 18 months-3 years. Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.
10am Wacky Wednesday Story Time Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.
10:30am Preschool Story Time
Appleby Branch Library Songs, finger plays and stories for those ages 18 months to 3 years. Pre-registration required for groups of six or more. Call 706736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.
10:30am - noon Super Awesome Story Time
The Book Tavern Juice and cookies provided by New Moon Cafe. Call 706-826-1940 or email superawesomestorytime@booktavern.com.
Thu Mar 1
1pm - 3pm Homeschool Adventure Mistletoe State Park For homeschool students ages 5 and up. $5 per child, plus $5 parking. Pre-registration required. Call 706-541-0321 or visit gastateparks.org/mistletoe.
5:30pm - 7:30pm “A Wrinkle in Time” Cosmic Art Workshop
Headquarters Branch Library Create cosmic art and discuss the book. Best for kids and young adults ages 9 and up. Call 706-821-2623, 706-434-2036 or visit arcpls. org.
Lane: An Augusta Story”
Morris Museum of Art Discussion led by florist, author and retired floral designer for the Augusta National Margaret Brown. $12, members; $16, nonmembers. Catered lunch included. Pre-registration required by Feb. 21. Call 706724-7501 or visit themorris.org.
Tue Feb 27
2pm - 5pm Book Club
Aiken Public Library Call 803-642-2020, ext. 1131, for book information and registration, or visit abbe-lib. org.
MUSIC
Thu Feb 22
8pm Blackberry Smoke with Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real
Bell Auditorium $29.50-$59.50. Call 877-4AUGTIX or visit georgialinatix.com.
Fri Feb 23
7:30pm Morgenstern Piano Trio
AU’s Maxwell Theatre $40, general; $5, students; free, AU students, faculty and staff. Children must be at least 6 years old. Call 706-667-4100 or visit augusta. edu/maxwelltheatre.
Sat Feb 24
3pm - 5pm “Songs for a Winter Afternoon”
AU’s Maxwell Theatre Soprano Melanie Wade Larsen and pianist Cindy Wilkinson present this free concert (no tickets needed), with special guest musicians Carl Purdy and Travis Shaw. Call 706- 6674100, or visit melaniewadelarsen.com.
Presented by Symphony Orchestra Augusta and the Augusta University Department of Music, this competition is free and open to the public, and it features orchestralinstrument students ages 10 to 18 living in Georgia or South Carolina. Call 706-6674100 or visit augusta.edu/maxwelltheatre.
Garden Show
6:30pm Soiree Sunday Augusta
5pm - 7pm Growler Gardening
Humanitree House A Garden City Jazz event that will feature live music, dance, performance art, film, spoken word and more. Call 762-233-5299 or visit jazzsoiree.com.
8pm Gordon Lightfoot
Miller Theater $35-$70. Visit millertheateraugusta.com or call 800-514-3849.
Mon Feb 26
7:30pm USC Aiken Wind Ensemble Etherredge Center, Aiken $10, general. Visit etherredge.usca.edu or call 803-641-3305.
SPECIAL EVENTS Thu Feb 22
James Brown Arena Continues from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Feb. 24 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 25. $8, general $7, seniors and retired military; free, those 16 and under and active-duty military. Visit augustahomeandgardenshow.com. theClubhou.se Volunteers will weed and mulch, then enjoy some locally brewed beer. Visit theclubhou.se or call 706-723-5782.
6:30pm - 10pm Paint Your Palate
Arts & Heritage Center of North Augusta An event that featuring food, drinks, live music, silent and live auctions, and more. $70, members; $75, non-members. Call 803-4414380 or visit artsandheritagecenter.com.
7pm Vive la France Tasting Seminar
Wine World, North Augusta This event will feature 10 wines and heavy hors d’oeuvres. $25, general; $18, members. Pre-paid reservation required. Call 803-2799522 or visit wineworldsc.com.
10am - 6pm Wee-Peats Spring and Summer Consignment Sale
Sat Feb 24
11am - 2pm K-12 Recruitment Fair
1210 Powell Pond Road, Aiken In addition to battle reenactments, there will be living history presentations, reproductions of medical facilities, an engineer and signal service and civilian portrayals. Food vendors will be available. Continues all day Feb. 25. $12, adults; $6, ages 6-12; free, under 5. Visit battleofaiken.org or call 888-378-7623.
3069 Washington Road, Martinez This sale offers clothing, toys, furniture and more. Continues through Feb. 23. Visit weepeatsconsignment.net.
Christenberry Fieldhouse For potential educators seeking jobs in local and regional school systems. Attendees are encouraged to dress professionally and bring several copies of their resumes. For a current list of employers planning to participate, visit augusta.edu/careerservices or call 706-7371604.
8:30am - 8:30pm The Battle of Aiken
10am - 2pm Game Day & Card Party Fundraiser
6pm - 9pm Black History Jazz Concert
1pm Black History Celebration
Thu Feb 22
Smith-Hazel Community Center, Aiken Featuring live music, door prizes and light hors d’oeuvres. $10, advance; $15, door. Pre-registration recommended. Call 803-6427631 or visit cityofaikensc.gov.
Alternative Education Center at Lamar This program with the theme Black History Makes a World of Difference includes keynote speaker Jerry Hardee, president of Paine College, with guest choir the Augusta Chorale. Free. Visit rcboe.org/alternative.
St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church This come-and-go event features board games, card games, charades and more. $10; refreshments included. The Delta Kappa Gamma International (Rho Chapter) event raises money to support a scholarship recipient in Augusta University’s primary or secondary education program. Call 706-8633999 to reserve a spot.
The Book Tavern A group open to older teens and up. Call 706826-1940 or email david@booktavern.com.
7:30pm A Classical Affair
Fri Feb 23
10:30am - 4pm Last Saturday at the Park
LITERARY 7pm - 10pm Graphic Novel Discussion
Fri Feb 23
10am - 5pm Big Book Sale
Miller Theater A Symphony Orchestra Augusta performance. $23-$66. Visit soaugusta.org or call 706-826-4705.
Sun Feb 25
Christenberry Fieldhouse More than 50 employers will be offering opportunities including internships, summer and seasonal openings and full- and parttime employment. Attendees are encouraged to dress professionally and bring several copies of their resumes. For a current list of employers planning to participate, visit augusta.edu/careerservices or call 706-7371604.
AU’s Maxwell Theatre
2pm - 6pm Augusta Home and
Columbia County Library Both fiction and non-fiction books will be available in the foyer during this Friends of the Columbia County Libraries event. Continues 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, and Sunday, Feb. 25. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
7:30pm - 10pm Soiree: Jazz + Wine
Noon - 1pm Art at Lunch: “A Florist’s Walk Down Magnolia
1pm Youth Concerto Competition
22FEBRUARY2018
11am - 2pm Employer Expo Career Fair
Jessye Norman School of the Arts Featuring classic live jazz and wines selected by the host. $7, advance; $10, day of show. Call 762-233-5299 or visit jazzsoiree.com.
North Augusta’s Living History Park Featuring living history demonstrations. Call 803-279-7560 or visit colonialtimes.us.
11am - 3pm Vet Fest 2018
Evans Towne Center Park Presented by Veterans K9 Solutions, this event to support the military features live music, raffles, silent auctions, inflatables, food, vendors, service dog demonstrations, motorcycles and more. Visit facebook.com/ events/103309907145850 or call 706-8324144. AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
METROSPIRIT 31
V29|NO8
A benefit for the center’s low-cost spay and neuter program. $8, advance; $10, door. Ticket includes dinner of spaghetti, roll, salad and drink — a vegan option is available. Call 803-648-6863 or visit letlovelive.org.
6pm - 7pm State of the City Address
Augusta Technical College Mayor Hardie Davis Jr. will give this address at the Jack B. Patrick Information Technology Center. Free and open to the public; arrive by 5:45 p.m. A reception will follow. Call 706821-1833 or email jbuffkin@augustaga.gov.
Thu Mar 1
7pm - 10pm Attic Sale Preview Party
Augusta Exchange Club Fairgrounds An event that includes dinner, live music, raffles and a chance to see and purchase attic sale merchandise before the sale on Saturday. $20. Call 706-736-0033 or visit jlaugusta.org.
7pm Brian Kemp Putting Georgians First Bus Tour
Vet Fest 2018 Evans Towne Center Park 11am - 3pm Sat Feb 24 Presented by Veterans K9 Solutions, this event to support the military features live music, raffles, silent auctions, inflatables, food, vendors, service dog demonstrations, motorcycles and more. Visit facebook.com/events/103309907145850 or call 706-832-4144. 5:30pm Healthy Weight Loss Class Earth Fare Monthly meet-up class with the CSRA Vegetarian Society. Find out more at meetup. com/csravs.
6pm “Defying Gravity: It IS Rocket Science!” Dupont Planetarium, Aiken Weather permitting, the observatory, housing the Bechtel Telescope, will be available for viewing after each show. $2-$6.50. Call 803641-3654 or visit rpsec.usca.edu.
6pm - 9:30pm 18th Century Gaming Night
North Augusta’s Living History Park
This family-friendly event features games, food, alcoholic beverages and more. Free, but for those who want to eat and drink, it’s a donation of $12. Lemonade, tea and popcorn are free. Call 803-279-7560 or visit colonialtimes.us.
6:30pm CSRA Veg Winter Meet-Up Earth Fare Meet other plant-centric people — vegcurious people welcome. Find out more at meetup.com/csravs.
7pm and 8pm“Seven Wonders”
Dupont Planetarium, Aiken Weather permitting, the observatory, housing the Bechtel Telescope, will be available for
Monterrey Restaurant, 4352 Washington Road Voters are invited to meet with Secretary of State Brian Kemp. Visit KempForGovernor. com/Tour.
Ongoing viewing after each show. $2-$6.50. Call 803641-3654 or visit rpsec.usca.edu.
7pm - 9pm Family Chocolate Festival
Reed Creek Park Participants can take a walk on the luminary lit boardwalk, sample chocolate and more. $5; free, children 3 and under. Pre-registration required; register through reedcreekpark.com. For information, call 706-210-4027 or email reedcreekpark@columbiacountyga.gov.
7pm - 10:30pm Wet Paint Party and Sale
Sacred Heart Cultural Center This Greater Augusta Arts Council event includes a vintage fashion show, art auction, food, music and more with an Iconic Musicians theme. Free for members; $35 and up for nonmembers. Visit augustaarts.com/ wet-paint-party-and-sale or call 706-8264702.
Sun Feb 25
7pm The Illusionists Live from Broadway Bell Auditorium $54-$76. Call 877-4AUGTIX or visit georgialinatix.com.
Tue Feb 27
5pm - 8pm Spayghetti Dinner SPCA Albrecht Center, Aiken 32 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Jessye Norman School of the Arts Annual “5K” Fundraiser
Jessye Norman School of the Arts This fundraiser is to help strengthen the school’s curriculum; its school program and summer camps are free for all students. This project needs $5,000, and it would be used for a community stage, community garden and a community outdoor movie area. Incentives are available for different levels of giving, starting at $50. Visit jessyenormanschool. org/jnsa4th5k, or fill out a check for JNSA (note “for art garden”). Drop checks off at the school, or mail them to 739 Greene St., Augusta, GA 30907. Call 706-877-0411. The fundraiser runs through the end of February.
Attic Sale
Augusta Exchange Club Fairgrounds A sale of gently used items, including household goods, clothing, furniture, electronics, appliances, books, toys and more will take place from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 3. Free admission. A free community health fair will be held at the same time. And from 7 to 10 p.m. March 1, a Preview Party including dinner, live music, raffles and a chance to see and purchase attic sale merchandise will take place for $20. Call 706-736-0033 or visit jlaugusta.org.
Butler High School Class of 1971 Reunion
Legends Club This reunion will be from 6 to 11 p.m. March 3. $40 per person or $75 per couple, advance. $50 per person or $85 per couple, at door. 22FEBRUARY2018
V29|NO8
Includes a catered dinner and entertainment by a DJ. For more information, visit Facebook under Butler High Augusta GA Class of 1971 Reunion or contact Jeanne Thigpen Christy at 706-951-6199.
Columbia County Democratic Party Meeting
Columbia County Government Center Auditorium, Building A The Columbia County Democratic Party invites the public to its monthly meetings the first Monday of every month. Social time takes place before the meetings at 6:30 p.m. For information, contact columbiacntydems@aol.com. Visit facebook. com/columbiacntydemocrats for updated information, or call 706-414-5558.
Aiken Newcomers’ Club Luncheon Newberry Hall, Aiken Doors open at 9:30 a.m. March 13, with a business meeting at 10:15 a.m. and then lunch at 11:30 a.m. $25; pre-registration required by noon March 8. This month’s meeting features the annual Gala Fashion Show Fundraiser. The Aiken Newcomers’ Club is an organization for women. Email newcomers29803@gmail.com, visit aikennewcomers.com, or call 803-644-7924.
Purses for a Purpose
The Richmond on Greene A handbag auction event is set at 7 p.m. March 15 that will benefit the Jessye Norman School of the Arts. The event will also feature live music, a silent auction, door prizes, hors d’oeuvres, wine and more. $50. Call or text 706-836-3058 or visit thejnsa.org.
ARC Class of 1968 50th Reunion
Old Medical College of Georgia The Academy of Richmond County Class of 1968 is having its 50th anniversary reunion June 9. Visit arcclassof68.com to learn more, and share the website with your out-of-town classmates. Email Hap Harris at hharris@sbbinsurance.com, Keith Henry at henryke@bellsouth.net, or Gail Evans Patty at gepatty@aol.com.
SPIRITUAL Tue Feb 27
8am - 10am Community Prayer
Breakfast Oasis of Blessings Christian Center Hosted by Pastors Angel and Merari Maestre, this event includes prayer beginning at 8 a.m. and breakfast following at 9 a.m. RSVP recommended. Call 706-829-1296 or 706833- 7426, or email stampbob@gmail.com.
SPORTS-OUTDOORS Sat Feb 24
All day Eventing Academy
Stable View Farms, Aiken Continues Feb. 25. This equestrian event is free for spectators. Call 484-356-3173 or visit 22FEBRUARY2018
stableviewfarm.com.
7:30am - noon Augusta University Half Marathon, 10K and 5K Lake Olmstead $30-$70. Visit augustahalf.org.
1pm - 2pm Archery
Mistletoe State Park Certified archery instructors will be teaching the basics and offering practice at this hourlong program, for all skill levels. $10, plus $5 parking. Pre-registration required. Call 706-541-0321 or visit gastateparks.org/ mistletoe.
Sun Feb 25
7am - noon TASC Crappie Tournament
Butler Reservoir, Fort Gordon Open to all ID cardholders and members of the public with a Fort Gordon fishing license participant permit. $20 per person; $10 for FGSC members. Cash prizes will be awarded. Call 706-791-5078 or visit fortgordon.com/events.
Mon Feb 26
7pm SRDA Dart League Sign-up
The Loft All skill levels are welcome to join the league’s 10-week spring season in singles, doubles and team formats. Matches are held Monday nights, and new players can sign up as a team or individuals can join existing teams. Call 706-414-7525.
Wed Feb 28
6:30pm - 9pm Ladies Night Pickleball
Newman Tennis Center $2 per person; call 706-821-1600 to sign up. Newman Tennis Center will have paddles and balls, but take your own if you have them. Also, free play is available from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Fridays.
SUPPORT Tue Feb 27
6pm CSRA Parkinson Support Group
St. John Towers dining room Free and open to the public. A representative from Abbvie will explain the drug Duopa, then a patient will share their experiences with Parkinson’s disease and whey they chose that therapy. A Q&A session will follow. Call 706-364-1662.
Ongoing
Recovery International Mental Health Support Group
Unitarian Universalist Church of Augusta A weekly group that meets Wednesday from 6:30-8 p.m. Based on the work of Abraham Low, MD, RI offers its members a low cost method to regain and maintain their mental health by using mental health through
will training. People who stick with the RI Method are able to live healthy, productive lives with lower levels of tension, anger, fear, anxiety, stress, compulsions, and other symptoms. Email marykahb@yahoo.com.
Georgia Carolina Toastmasters
Group empowers people to become more effective communicators and leaders. Meets weekly from noon-1 p.m. Wednesdays at Fat Man’s Cafe. Email jmcneill22@att.net or call 706-798-5515.
Grief Share Program
Aldersgate United Methodist Church This program is for people who have had a loved one pass away and need to share with others in the difficult journey. There is a $20 registration fee, with free child care and scholarships available. The group will meet Sunday evenings through April 1. Email showmanjj@comcast.net or call 706-830-8741.
Celebrate Recovery
Journey Community Church This Christ-centered recovery program meets every Monday night at 7 p.m. The meetings last two hours and childcare is provided. Pre-registration suggested. Visit cr@journeycommunity.net.
Write to Heal Creative Writing Program
Children’s Hospital of Georgia family resource library For patients, family members and caregivers, this program meets the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. Pre-registration required. Call 706-721-5160 or email nawilliams@gru.edu.
Overeaters Anonymous
This 12-step, self help program for people who are addicted to food meets for an hour at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church at 10 a.m. Tuesdays and at Covenant Presbyterian Church at 1:30 p.m. Saturdays. No dues or fees. Call 706-863-9534 or email oa.augusta. recovery@gmail.com.
Adult Sexual Assault and Rape Support Group
Provides group counseling at University Hospital for those who have experienced sexual assault, incest, rape or childhood sexual abuse. Call 706-724-5200 or visit universityhealth.org.
Alcoholics Anonymous
Holds several meetings locally. For a current schedule, visit augustaaa.org/documents/ Meetings/meetings.pdf.
Narcotics Anonymous
Trinity Hospital of Augusta Meets Fridays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. Visit na.org.
THEATER
Ongoing
“The Last Romance”
Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre Showing at 8 p.m. Feb. 23 and 24, and March 2 and 3. $28-$53. Call 706-793-8552 or visit fortgordon.com.
“Sense and Sensibility”
Aiken Community Playhouse Showing at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 23 and 24. An Aiken Youth Wing production. $20, adults; $17, seniors and active military; $12, students; $7, children. Call 803-648-1438 or visit aikencommunityplayhouse.com.
“Sister Act”
Imperial Theatre Showing at 8 p.m. Feb. 23 and 24 and at 3 p.m. Feb. 25. An Augusta Players production. $20-$48. Call 706-722-8341 or visit imperialtheatre.com.
VOLUNTEER Ongoing
Remove Invasive Plants
Reed Creek Park Volunteers ages 16 and up are needed from 7 to 11 a.m. March 10 to help rid the park of the non-native, invasive privet plants. Many people are needed, and volunteers should wear long-sleeved shirts, plants, closed-toe shoes and thick gloves. Visit reedcreekpark. com, call 706-210-4027 or email reedcreekpark@columbiacountyga.gov.
Joe White Publisher joe@themetrospirit.com 706-373-3636 Amanda Main Arts Editor/Production Director amanda@themetrospirit.com Stacey Eidson Staff Writer stacey@themetrospirit.com Joshua Bailey Lead Designer joshua@themetrospirit.com Johnny Beckworth Circulation Manager jdbeckworth@gmail.com COVER DESIGN: KRUHU Contributors Jenny Wright, Austin Rhodes, Kris Fisher, Michael Johnson Metro Spirit is a free newspaper published weekly on Thursday, 52 weeks a year. Editorial coverage includes local issues and news, arts, entertainment, people, places and events. In our paper appear views from across the political and social spectrum. The views do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. Visit us at metrospirit.com.© 15 House, LLC. Owner/Publisher: Joe White. Legal: Phillip Scott Hibbard. Reproduction or use without permission is prohibited. One copy per person, please.
Want to advertise in the Metro Spirit? Call or email Joe at 706.373.3636 joe@themetrospirit.com
Road to Fossil Fox’s Lair - Ruskin and Cam Miller Theater - A Classical Affair Sally’s - Sally’s Dragonfly’s Shannon’s - Shinebox Sky City - Mothers Finest Smith-Hazel Community Center (Aiken) Black History Jazz Concert Stillwater Taproom - Finnegan Bell Surrey Tavern - Machine Kid Wild Wing - Tokyo Joe The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn World of Beer - Doctor Ocular
Upcoming
V29|NO8
Nelly
- Country Club March 1 Whiskey Run Duo
- Wild Wing March 1 Ed Turner and Number 9 w/ Symphony Orchestra Augusta
- Miller Theater March 2 and 3 Neon Moon
- Southbound Smokehouse March 2 Chainsaw Masscara
- The Highlander March 2 Perfect Picture
What’s Tonight?
Gordon Lightfoot Miller Theater 8pm Sun Feb 25 $35-$70. Visit millertheateraugusta.com or call 800-514-3849.
Helga’s Pub & Grille - Trivia, then karaoke The Highlander - Karaoke
Michael Baideme and Phillip Lee
Sunday, February 25 Live Music
- Bell Auditorium March 2
Capri Lounge - Vivian Valium & the Lounge Lizard Divas Humanitree House - Karen Gordon, Mike Tanksley Miller Theater - Gordon Lightfoot Southbound Smokehouse - Phillip Lee Jr. Wild Wing - Kenny George Band The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn
What’s Tonight?
Bell Auditorium - The Illusionists - Live from Broadway Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ Mike Johnson
Monday, February 26 What’s Tonight?
Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane Wild Wing - Trivia World of Beer - Open Mic Night
Tuesday, February 27 Live Music
Nelly Country Club 7pm (doors) Thu Mar 1 $60; 21+. Visit augustacountry.com or call 706-364-1862.
Thursday, February 22 Live Music
Bell Auditorium - Blackberry Smoke, Lukas Nelson, Promise of the Real Fox’s Lair - Open Mic Jam w/ Brandy Douglas Mellow Mushroom (Aiken) - Mellow Music The Red Pepper (Aiken) - Mike Frost Band The Scene Nightclub - Deejay Andrew Serrano Wild Wing - Lucero Duo The Willcox (Aiken) - Thursday Night Jazz w/ 4 Cats in the Dog House
What’s Tonight?
Helga’s Pub & Grille - Trivia The Highlander - Butt Naked Trivia Pizza Joint (downtown) - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane
Friday, February 23 Live Music
Country Club - The Mason Jars Coyotes - The Southpaw Band Fox’s Lair - Chuck Holt
34 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
The Highlander - Sir Edward Phillips and The Psychedelic Blue Joe’s Underground - Public Mind, Fenwick Metro Coffeehouse & Pub - Fuzzheimer Shannon’s - Preston and Weston Sky City - Caleb Tokarska & Little Brother Soul Bar - gRUT The Stables Restaurant (Aiken) - Jazz w/ Jimmy Easton Stillwater Taproom - King Cat and the Elders Wild Wing - King Size The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn World of Beer - Hannah Thomas
What’s Tonight?
The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Helga’s Pub & Grille - Karaoke Sally’s - Ms. Augusta Sweetheart Pageant
Saturday, February 24 Live Music
The Backyard Tavern - Roadhouse Blues Band Coyotes - Noah Smith The Epicenter - Gloom Cocoon, BullMoose,
- Shannon’s March 2
Fox’s Lair - Irish Music w/ Dr. John Fisher and the Undefeated Army Soul Bar - Ruckzuck The Willcox (Aiken) - Hal Shreck
What’s Tonight?
The Highlander - Game Night Mellow Mushroom (Aiken) - Trivia Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane World of Beer - Karaoke
Wednesday, February 28 Live Music
The Larder - Turner Simkins and Friends Shannon’s - Hello Betty Band Wild Wing - Patterson and Nate
What’s Tonight?
The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Bar West - Karaoke Capri Lounge - Game Night Chevy’s - DJ Richie Rich Joe’s Underground - Open Mic w/ J. MartinMoses Pizza Joint (Evans) - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper Polo Tavern (Aiken) - Karaoke w/ Tom Mitchell Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ Mike Johnson Southbound Smokehouse - Trivia Stillwater Taproom - Pub Quiz World of Beer - Trivia
- Stillwater Taproom March 2 Dixie Dregs The Mantras (Beastie Boys tribute)
- Sky City March 3 Sister Hazel
- Country Club March 9 Olate Dogs
- Jabez S. Hardin Performing Arts Center March 9 ETCP Springfest w/ Scarlet Begonias, The Mason Jars, Robbie Ducey Band
- Evans Towne Center Park March 10 Daughtry
- Bell Auditorium March 13 Kellie Pickler (benefit concert)
- Evans Towne Center Park March 24 Keith Urban
- Evans Towne Center Park April 5 Major Rager w/ George Clinton & ParlimaentFunkadelic, The James Brown Band
- Augusta Common April 6 Sir Mix-A-Lot
- Country Club April 13 “Weird Al” Yankovic w/ Emo Philips
- Miller Theater April 14
Elsewhere Phillip Phillips
- Georgia Theatre, Athens February 22 - Variety Playhouse, Atlanta February 23 Pedro the Lion, Marie/Lepanto
- Terminal West, Atlanta February 22 Blue Brindle
- BB King’s, Nashville February 23 George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic
- The Buckhead Theatre, Atlanta February 25 Flogging Molly
- Music Farm, Columbia March 1 Matisyahu
- City Winery, Atlanta March 5 & 7 Dropkick Murphys, Agnostic Front, Bim Skala Bim
- The Roxy Theatre, Atlanta March 7 Blake Shelton, Brett Eldredge, Carly Pearce
- Philips Arena, Atlanta March 8 Spoon
- The Masquerade, Atlanta March 9 Steven Curtis Chapman
- Buckhead Theatre, Atlanta March 10 MGMT
- The Roxy Theatre, Atlanta March 13 Attila, Insane Clown Posse
- The Masquerade, Atlanta March 14 Los Lonely Boys
- City Winery, Atlanta March 14 22FEBRUARY2018
Iced Earth, Sanctuary, Kill Ritual
- The Masquerade, Atlanta March 17 Mac Sabbath
- Hell at the Masquerade, Atlanta March 17 Dashboard Confessional, Beach Slang
- The Buckhead Theatre, Atlanta March 23 Lee Ann Womack
- City Winery, Atlanta March 29 & 30 Cradle of Filth, Jinjer
HALF HOUR FREE
- The Buckhead Theatre, Atlanta April 3 &4 The Avett Brothers
- Township Auditorium, Columbia April 6 &7 Dweezil Zappa
- Variety Playhouse, Atlanta April 7 O.M.D., GGOOLLDD
- Center Stage Theater, Atlanta April 10 Lorde, Mitski, Run the Jewels
- Infinite Energy Center, Atlanta April 14 Eagles
- Colonial Life Arena, Columbia April 16 Little Big Town, Kacey Musgraves, Midland
- Infinite Energy Center, Atlanta April 21 Corey Smith
- Music Farm, Columbia April 27 Foo Fighters
- Georgia State Stadium, Atlanta April 28 U2
- Infinite Energy Center, Atlanta May 28 Harry Styles, Kacey Musgraves
- Infinite Energy Center, Atlanta June 11 Sam Smith
- Infinite Energy Center, Atlanta July 10
Real Singles, Real Fun...
706-434-0108 More Numbers: 1-800-926-6000 Livelinks.com 18+ FREE TRIAL
Discreet Chat Guy to Guy
706.434.0117
V29|NO8
THE EIGHT
BOX TOPS RANK TITLES
WEEKEND GROSS TOTAL GROSS WEEK # LAST WEEK
1
BLACK PANTHER
$242,155,680
$242,155,680
1
-
2
PETER RABBIT
$23,382,931
$54,355,473
2
2
3
FIFTY SHADES FREED
$19,439,120
$78,630,575
2
1
4
JUMANJI 2
$10,014,906
$379,693,471
9
4
5
THE 15:17 TO PARIS
$8,923,106
$26,670,823
2
3
In Theaters February 23
ADVENTURE “Annihilation,” rated R, starring Natalie
Portman, Jennifer Jason Leigh and Tessa Thompson. A team of five women — a biologist, an anthropologist, a psychologist, a surveyor and a linguist — enter an environmental disaster zone after the biologist’s husband disappears. What looks like rainbow swirls from an oil puddle has created a large barrier, hiding a new world inside. In a movie that looks like a mix of horror and fantasy, the team of women resemble Ghostbusters going in... and Natalie Portman does dark movies well. 36 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
FANTASY “Every Day,” rated PG-13, starring Angourie
Rice, Justice Smith and Debby Ryan. This teen romance is based on a best-selling novel of the same name. The premise is, a girl falls in love with someone who is a different person (and gender) — but is the same age — every single day. The mysterious soul is called “A,” and the role is played by at least 15 different actors in the movie. This seems like a refreshing way to twist up the same old, tired teen love story.
COMEDY “Game Night,” rated R, starring Rachel
McAdams, Jesse Plemons and Jason Bateman. Jason Bateman stars in this movie by the guys who brought us the “Horrible Bosses” flicks… so the vibe feels very familiar. The plot has a group of friends who love game nights going on an unusual adventure trying to solve a murder mystery that feels more and more real as the night goes on. We might see it, if only to see actor Jesse Plemons, who did a superb job creeping us out in a recent episode of “Black Mirror.” 22FEBRUARY2018
V29|NO8
SIGHTINGS
Michael Johnson | mejphoto.photoreflect.com
Dan Duggan, Lacey Hansen, Kristin Price and Franklin Perlis at Wild Wing Cafe
Cheyenne Dewolfe, Katie Pfennig, Caroline Canady and Casidy Pfennig at Wild Wing Cafe
Preslee Trahan, Gunner Trahan with Brittany and Daniel Trahan at Rhinehart’s Oyster Bar on Washington Road
Chase Schofield, Brandon Haddock and Katie English at Takosushi in Surrey Center
Cassidy Campbell, Ocean Sweeny, Keely Dickson at Sole
Sally Pickett, Haylie Byrd and Kayla Perdue at Sole
Carrie Brady, Patricia Fisher and KC Prather and Margaret Armstrong at the Bee’s Knees
Vaughn Hurder, Bridgett London and Jeremy Ferris at the Blue Sky Kitchen
Chance Nevitt, Suzy Rynier, Martina Anderson and Gerald McMillen at the Bee’s Knees
22FEBRUARY2018
AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
METROSPIRIT 37
V29|NO8
Austin Rhodes Hurricane Pam is About To Land by Austin Rhodes
I was asked the other day when I stopped fighting for Pam Tucker to get her severance pay from the Columbia County Commission. That was an easy one — I stopped fighting for it when she stopped fighting for it. It was a little over a year ago that the worse “inhouse” battle of bureaucrats (that didn’t involve a felony) in Columbia County history was playing out with longtime Emergency Management Director AUSTIN RHODES A long-time radio talk show host who can be Pam Tucker on the way out the door, and County heard weekdays on WGAC from Administrator Scott Johnson left bloodied and 3-6 p.m. The views expressed are the opinions of Austin insecure enough in his position that he started to put Rhodes and do not necessarily represent the views of the together an exit strategy. publisher. Because some have forgotten, and others may not know, let me remind you where I stood in all this, with these words taken from my column in this space, Feb 2, 2017: “Scott Johnson may survive this, and if he learns from the experience and becomes better, God bless him. But unlike when about two dozen other folks left (Columbia County government service) under odd circumstances, Pam Tucker has turned on the light, while slamming the door. He created a hostile work environment for her, and that in my humble opinion, is tantamount to termination. So play the lady what we owe her. As a Columbia County resident, I demand it. As a member of the media, I will hold you accountable for it.” Some months later an investigation into the matter showed nothing “obviously” actionable concerning Johnson’s behavior as Tucker’s immediate supervisor, the “opinions” that she was “run off ” were subjective, and obviously open to all kinds of different perspectives and personal conclusions. Many of us still believe there was a conscious effort to get Tucker to capitulate to a number of restrictive orders which would have greatly changed the way she did her job, and basically “retire” her ability to communicate directly with media and the general public. An ability believed by many to be her greatest strength and talent. Understandably, Tucker chose to leave rather than yield to orders that she rightly or wrongly deemed to be destructive, demeaning and beneath her. So here we sit in 2018, just a few months away from the election that will see Pam Tucker either returned to prominence, as the new elected leader of the Columbia County Commission, or permanently relegated to the sidelines.
22FEBRUARY2018
During the last days of her tenure as EMA director, I was doing everything in my power to convince her to stay and fight. Not only did I think it was the right thing to do, but I knew the flip side to the equation meant that my home county was going to lose the best Emergency Management mind in the Southeast. It was one of the saddest days in my civic memory when she decided to opt out. Rather than settle her grievances in a courtroom, Pam decided to fix the problem by replacing the “problem children,” and here we sit in the countdown to that historic election. And as much as I have always loved Pam as a public servant, and a great community leader, ironically she is running against the one man, the only man, I had the confidence in to try to save her job, Commissioner Doug Duncan. Doug and I go back to our National Hills pool days, somewhere back in the mid 1970s. He was a bit older than me, but not much, and if there was a more popular or better liked kid in the neighborhood, I don’t know who it was. I have enjoyed his friendship and counsel for over 40 years, and there is not a single elected official I have ever known that I respect more, or have more confidence in, than Doug Duncan. Doug was working behind the scenes as hard as he could to head off Pam’s departure last year, but by the time he was brought into the loop, the damage had been done, and there was no turning back. I still believe fervently that Columbia County would have been far better off with her as EMA director than without her, and I have no idea if her return in a new capacity is going to right that wrong. One thing is certain, win, lose or draw, she won’t be the EMA director. Doug Duncan’s plan to run for the Chairmanship this year was not going to be sidetracked, come Hell, high water, or Pam Tucker. It was part of a plan to help lead the county into an amazing period of growth and development that he has seen coming for years, and wouldn’t you know it, he was 100 percent right. There was no way he could have predicted “Hurricane Pam” would be part of this election cycle, and to his credit, he is not abandoning ship; he is hunkered down for the long haul. God bless him. I will definitely have to vote for one of these two in May. One thing is certain, I would never vote against either one of them. Ever.
AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
METROSPIRIT 39
we salute the keepers of time.
2635 Washington Road, Augusta, GA 30904 Mon - Sat 9am - 9pm | 706.738.7777 | www.windsorfinejewelers.com