Table of Contents December 28, 2017
Insider Jenny is Wright Whine Line Feature YMCA Metro Week What’s Up Calendar Nightlife The Eight Sightings
4 6 10 14 22 28 29 30 34 37 38
Running into the river? Page 22
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More Humor From the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office ThiS New Year’S eve, everyone knows that law enforcement will be out in full force making sure that drunk drivers stay off the roadways. There’s no doubt about it, the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office won’t be joking when it comes to impaired drivers. When they warn their residents to behave, they aren’t subtle. They point out stupid, and they point it out quick. Throughout this holiday season, the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office has also tried to provide some humor in their warnings to the public. For example, earlier this month when there was snow falling around the Atlanta area on Dec. 6, they posted the following warning on their Facebook page: “There could possibly, maybe, barely be less than an inch of snow Saturday in the OC. You know the drill. We have rehearsals for this every year. You are ready for the big event,” the sheriff wrote. “Tomorrow, buy out the grocery stores. Buy things you don’t need or even want. Loot the bread, milk and eggs first. When everything but sardines in mustard sauce is gone, then you know you are done.” They also told citizens to get their vehicles ready. “Get out your 4-wheel drive trucks, jeeps and SUVs and put them in 4wd immediately,” the sheriff joked. “You don’t want to be the only guy with a jeep who isn’t in a ditch by 9 am. Check on momma and them. That goes without saying. If there isn’t enough snow at your house to make a snowball, steal your neighbors’ snow.” The sheriff ended the post by stating, “The panic of 2017 begins at noon tomorrow.” Believe it or not, these unusual posts are generally written by Oconee County Sheriff Scott Berry, himself. Last year, Berry began getting some attention for his humorous posts after he wrote one about regarding the legality of shooting armadillos. Yes, armadillos. “Due to the number of calls I have received, I elected to discuss today the nemesis of Western Civilization. No, not ISIS (ISIL??) or the threat of thermonuclear war. I mean the real threat to human existence, the wily, elusive and destructive armadillo,” the sheriff posted in August 2016. “The armadillo (blunderous stupidious), which migrated here in 2004 as the result of being stuck in the grill of Eddy Thaxton’s pickup truck has made its presence felt countywide. They will destroy your landscaping, yard, bushes, dig up your home foundation, undermine our economic system, destroy peace and goodwill worldwide and generally make a nuisance by their mere existence.” Due to this obvious threat, what should citizens do about these pesky varmits? “So the question I get asked is, ‘Sheriff, can I choot ‘em?’” Berry posted. “Armadillos that live in the city limits of Watkinsville, Bogart, North High Shoals and Bishop are safe from randomly getting shot ‘cause ordinances cover blasting away at things, including armadillos, inside the city limits. If you live in the city you must find a more humane way to dispatch them, such as running them over with your pickup. If you happen to live in the county, you are responsible for where your stray bullet goes and you have to be 50 yards from the roadway to whack an armadillo.” Well, this year, Sheriff Berry has also not been shy when it comes to his allegiance to his favorite SEC team this season. Prior to the SEC Championship game, the sheriff sent out the following message on Dec. 2: “I need y’all to do your best not to bother us today,” the sheriff wrote. “Between the Christmas Parade and the SEC Championship game we just don’t need your drama today. Don’t do the things that draw attention to yourself, like crashing your cars and stealing things from people, selling meth or anything else that is going to make paperwork for us. If you are an Auburn fan, I am sure you can find someone to read this to you. GOOOOOOO DAWGS!!!!!!!!” Then, when the Georgia Bulldogs crushed Auburn in the SEC Championship 4 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
with a score of 28-7 and eventually earned a spot in the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1 against the Oklahoma Sooners, the sheriff once again let everyone know that he bleeds red and black with the following Traffic Enforcement PSA: “Show proof you graduated from Auburn and we will discount your speeding tickets by 5 miles per hour. Y’all have had enough of a beating today. GOOOOO DAWGS!!!!!!!!!” We can only imagine what the sheriff plans to post prior to the 2018 College Football National Championship on Jan. 8 in Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium. It should be a good one. But prior to New Year’s, Berry also decided to spread some holiday cheer by announcing that “Barney the Elf” took his oath of office and began his official duties for the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office in December. “Barney grew up on the mean streets of the frozen arctic and comes to us after a long career of mucking out reindeer stalls,” the sheriff posted. “We will follow Barney as he enters field training in the various divisions of the Sheriff’s Office.” With Barney joining the sheriff’s office and the Bulldogs in the Rose Bowl, 2018 should be a good (and humorous) year for the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office. Their posts are worth checking out. Happy New Year, everybody! 28DECEMBER2017
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15 in 5: The Year in Random Review Jenny is Wright 1. Buy season tickets! Go to gallery openings. Buy local art. There are plenty of ways to support the arts in the CSRA. No excuses. Support doesn’t have to cost money. If you want to give money, that’s cool, too. $$ (January 2017) 2. If you came to the Imperial on Saturday, February 4, you were a part of the very first Debi Ballas Day. Oh, what a night. The speeches, the performances, the packed house. All of it. The support for Debi and The Augusta Players was overwhelming. The support for the arts in Augusta was inspiring. (February 2017)
9. Friends have come and gone, but the most important ones still remain, and they are more important than ever. The cream rises to the top. It’s a natural selection process that at first feels a little unnatural. Go with it. A wiser, older friend told me it would happen. I didn’t believe them. Even when it was happening, I denied it. Her words came back to me in a bright, flashing epiphany. “Just you wait until you’re forty,” she said, “you’ll be surprised that the ones who now cause you pain won’t even remain.” It sounded so silly at the time. (June 2017)
3. Being a parent is an amazing thing. It’s amazing how you can go from so proud of your kid one minute to so irritated the next. I wish there was a kid manual that taught them how to not aggravate parents. Wishful thinking. (March 2017)
10. Looking for local, fresh produce? Visit Good Earth on Davis Road. Everything is as local as possible, including peaches from SC. Also, try a jar of green tomato pickles, homemade candies, peach bread, or local honey. You’ll be glad you did! They have butter, cheese, and meat, too. My kids love a bottled Nehi while we shop! (July 2017)
4. Why do so many of you dislike the tournament so much? Is it because you’ve never been? I don’t ask that in an ugly way. I’m curious. Yes, it’s a bit of a hassle for one week, but our city is better because of the improvements, landscape-wise. The hospitality industry does pretty well during that week, and it’s actually easy to avoid traffic. (April 2017)
11. Does anyone else have a kid who constantly asks to buy things at the store? Like, no matter the store, “Can I get this?” Is inevitable. She wants everything. She has her own money, but she wants me to buy this and that. I say no and no. And no. And no again. And again. (August 2017)
5. The Easter Bunny doesn’t come to our house. Never has, even when The Kids were tiny. It’s always been Easter Mama, because that makes more sense than a bunny. Easter Mama quit buying candy for the baskets because she found herself throwing it all away to make room for Halloween candy later in the year. Speaking of Easter candy, do y’all like Peeps? I’ve found that Peeps make some people really angry. I like them. Sue me. (April 2017)
12. Every night, I ask my kids if they’ve done their homework, packed up their book bags, and laid out their clothes for school. I don’t really care what they wear to school, as long as there isn’t any “I don’t have socks!” or “My jeans are dirty!” at 6:30 a.m. There’s not enough coffee in the world for that. I felt like a mean mom this morning, when The Girl realized she’d lost a big homework assignment and I told her I was sorry. That’s all I did. She looked and looked, and it was nowhere to be found. I hugged her and told her I loved her. Then I told her she should’ve packed up her book bag the night before like I asked. (September 2017)
6. Even if you don’t care a lick about golf, you should watch Sergio win that tournament here. He is a true hero, and a fine example of class and sportsmanship. He’s been playing for that green jacket since 1999, when he was an amateur. Work hard. Don’t give up. It’ll pay off. Sergio Garcia’s payoff was $1.98 million. (April 2017)
13. The Boy had the chance to be an extra in “Stranger Things 2.” If you blink, you’ll miss him, but he shows up a few times in the last episode of the season, in the middle school dance scene. (October 2017)
7. Fifteen years is a long time when you really think about it. How often do people stick with anything for fifteen years? I’ve been driving for over fifteen years. I’ve been able to swim for nearly forty years. Breathing for over forty. I’ve been married for fifteen and find it to be quite an accomplishment. (May 2017)
14. I’m thankful for everyone who reads this mess every week. At almost seven years in, you’ve put up with a lot of words, strange stories, and endless lists like these. Thank you for letting me keep rambling. I love my people. You know who you are. If you think you are, I’m thankful for you. (November 2017)
8. We don’t always get along, and I don’t have any sage advice to share. We have a common goal: to see this thing through no matter what. We talk about that often, especially when things feel tense. We try to go on dates as much as we can, and when we do, we try not to talk about the kids. We aren’t anywhere near perfect, but that’s okay. We’re us, and we make a great team. (May 2017)
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15. I’m not nosy. I’m curious. (December 2017) JENNY WRIGHT’S humorous observations on marriage, motherhood and living in Augusta have earned her a devoted following, both in print and on Facebook. When she’s not spying on other parents in the carpool line at school, you’ll probably find her with either a camera, tennis racquet or wine glass in her hand.
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These morons who keep saying, “The Spirit won’t print my whines!” They send something libelous and insult the Spirit when it won’t run it. They send something that can be printed, and celebrate b/c they think they overcame some imaginary barrier. They’re fighting with themselves, inside their own minds. Get it together, Tyler Durden.
Animal Control is on the way to come and pick up the poor animal now, as I have recently taken in 2 stray cats in the neighborhood and had them neutered and vaccinated, and am in no way in a position to take in a dog for no reason other than your repugnant lack of responsibility. I hope the little guy is adopted soon from the animal shelter. Merry Christmas :)
Marion Williams is a bully and crybaby if he does no get his way.
The Georgia PSC unanimously agrees to continue the construction of Vogtle unit 3&4 citing economic importance to the area and jobs. The only thing they did not address is the fact that completing the two units will cost ratepayers 2 billion dollars more than other methods of electrical generation and that is IF they are finished on the NEW schedule. The PSC should be considering what is best for ratepayers not how to create jobs. With abundant natural gas, deregulation of coal, and denial of climate change, there is NO reason for nuclear. Some PSC members are up for reelection....remember they did the next time you pay your electric bill.
Paul Ryan says entitlement programs are the big drivers of our debt. So to pay for their tax gift to their rich donors, Republicans will soon come after Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. Fox News will soon start broadcasting attack news and fake news with regard to entitlements. Just part of their job as Republican Government State News. To your response, about my response, “Miss USA”, no I’m a Black Woman. Single, two college degrees, never been arrested, not on food stamps, own my home, nice car, volunteer for the Wounded Warriors and the VA, and have a good job and pay taxes. Anything else you’d like to know about me?
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.
For those who decide to mole and sexually abuse children, need to be put away for life. The victims are affected everyday for the rest of their lives. I have friends who are victims and deal with the damaging results every day. The guilty usually end up repeating the abuse to others so why not put them away for life? Only seems fair to me.
Here’s thought. Instead of replacing minimum wage workers with robots lets replace congress with robots. That should save us a TON in tax dollars based on their rate of pay/benefits considering they can’t get anything accomplished unless they’re voting to add yet another perk to benefit themselves. The system governing us is broke & corrupt! Listening to Austin Rhodes is like being in a time machine. It’s like bing in middle school all over again
To the individual who left a Chihuahua in a cage on my front porch early Friday morning as some kind of twisted Christmas present while you apparently thought I was still asleep, guess what? I was up early and got the make, model and tag number of you car as you drove off, so you should be contacted by the our law enforcement officials in very sort order. Shame on you, lowlife. You are dead wrong if you were of the belief that I would take the dog in.
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Local Augustans involved in the music industry talk about the magic that happens on stage, the craziness behind the scenes and tours of lifetime GROWING UP IN DETROIT, guitarist Jack Rigg was exposed to all different kinds of music, including everything from rhythm and blues to hard rock. But Rigg soon discovered he was drawn to the sound of many bands coming out of New York City in the 1970s. So, he packed his bags and headed for the East Coast. “I was a big fan of the New York Dolls,” Rigg said, adding that the Dolls were one of the first bands of the early punk rock scene in New York. “So, I decided to move to New York and, two years later, I was playing in (vocalist) David Johansen’s band after the Dolls broke up. It was unbelievable.” Johansen was the lead singer of the New York Dolls, a group once known for their blatant vulgarity, cross-dressing and wild live performances. “My favorite Dolls’ song was ‘Personality Crisis,’” Rigg said. “And when I joined David Johansen’s band, I got to play (guitarist) Johnny Thunders’ part on the song. I was a giant fan of Thunders, so it was an honor. And I got to play with him a few times because he would occasionally sit in with us.” Unfortunately, Thunders had a long history of drug abuse and died when he was only 38 in New Orleans in 1991. “But it was incredible that I got to hang out with him because Johnny Thunders was a great sloppy guitar player, very much in the lineage of Chuck Berry and Keith Richards,” Rigg said. “And I got to kind of partake in that. I copped some of Johnny’s parts and made up some of my own stuff, but I loved what he did on ‘Personality Crisis.’ There are a lot of cool little parts that are kind of buried in the mix that I was a big guitar nerd fan of. It was just fun to play.” Rigg, who still plays with the local band The Bonaventures, is one of several Augustans who have a passion for and deep connection to the music industry. 14 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
By Stacey Eidson
“I was in some pretty cool New York bands and some of the characters that were fans that I got to meet and hang out with include Andy Warhol, Madonna, David Byrne and JFK Jr. And when I was on tour in Japan, I spent an evening in Tokyo singing karaoke with Queen Latifah.” — local guitarist Jack Rigg 28DECEMBER2017
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Performing on stage with David Johansen was always an adventure, Rigg said. “Every night when we would come to the guitar solo, David would go, ‘Come on, Jack, take it back across the track,’ in his raw, tobacco and booze-stained voice,” Rigg said, laughing. “That would always just bring a smile to my face.” Rigg toured as part of David Johansen’s band in 1981, and they were the opening act for Pat Benatar’s “Precious Time” Tour. “I actually just found my Pat Benatar backstage pass the other day,” he said, adding that he lived in New York City for about 25 years and recorded, toured and wrote songs for a number of bands including Blue Öyster Cult. “I was in some pretty cool New York bands, and some of the characters that were fans that I got to meet and hang out with include Andy Warhol, Madonna, David Byrne and JFK Jr. And when I was on tour in Japan, I spent an evening in Tokyo singing karaoke with Queen Latifah.” Blue Öyster Cult was known for several heavy metal hit singles such as “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper,” that was featured in the classic John Carpenter horror film “Halloween,” as well as hit songs such as “Godzilla” and “Burnin’ for You.” Blue Öyster Cult sold more than 24 million records worldwide, including 7 million records in the United States alone. “Albert Bouchard was the original drummer and founding member of the band, and I had produced and played on four or five CD/records for a New York singer and songwriter named David Roter,” Rigg explained. “For instance, David and I wrote a song
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called ‘Il Duce.’ It is a very humorous song about Mussolini. In fact, it’s more of a sarcastic song about Mussolini being ridiculed and going to pieces after his woman left him.” Rigg said he had previously played with Bouchard in a side project and that’s how he got involved in Blue Öyster Cult. “So Albert had this beautiful studio up in his home in Connecticut that he bought with money from ‘The Reaper’ when that was hit,” Rigg said. “He called us up and said, ‘I think the Cult would love to record, ‘Il Duce.’ So David and I drive up from the city to Albert’s house in Connecticut and we are in his garage where his studio was.” The three were working on recording a demo for “Il Duce’ when Bouchard’s wife kept interrupting them. “Albert and his wife had a kid at the time. I think the child was about 5 years old or so. Well, she kept coming in the room saying, ‘You guys are making too much noise! He is trying to take a nap!’” Rigg said, chuckling. “And at one point, she came in the room, really angry and said, ‘Here! You take him!’” Rigg said the trio was stunned. “I leaned over and said to David, ‘Did you see the look on her face?’ And he says, ‘Yeah. She looks like Joan Crawford risen from the grave,’” Rigg said, laughing. “All of a sudden, David goes, ‘Wow. Wait a minute. That is a cool song title.’” And so, Blue Öyster Cult’s song, “Joan Crawford Has Risen From the Grave,” was born. The song is filled with lyrics envisioning an apocalyptic scene where anarchy rules and Joan Crawford returns from the dead. “So, while Albert is doing engineering and bouncing tracks and I’m playing guitar and bass on the demo of ‘Il Duce,’ David and I are sitting in the corner writing, ‘Joan Crawford Has Risen From the Grave,’ about his wife who is pissed off in the other room,” Rigg said, laughing. “We drive back to New York in the van and we are tweaking it the whole way.” Once they were done writing the song, Rigg and Roter recorded it on a cassette and sent it to Bouchard. “He loved it and said, ‘Come on up,’” Rigg said. “So we go up to Albert’s studio again and we record ‘Joan Crawford.’ The band loved it, and they put it on the ‘Fire of Unknown Origin‘ record and I played on that.” Rigg actually earned a Gold Album for his work with Blue Öyster Cult. “But the funny thing is, Albert never knew it was about his wife. And about five years later, we finally told him,” Rigg said, chuckling. “At first, his wife was pissed off, but then she realized she got a song written about her. So she kind of resolved her anger and was able to appreciate the fact that she was the inspiration for a song, although it might not have been her best moment.” These days, Rigg is a doctor and program director of the Traumatic Brain Injury Clinic at Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center at Fort Gordon. The clinic offers an intensive outpatient approach where service members with mild brain injuries learn skills to help with their PTSD.
“I had so many backstage passes that if you spread them out, they would cover the entire floor. There were so many of them and now I cannot find them. And I’m a nerd for things like that because they are a part of my past and it’s also a souvenir of something I did.” — local guitarist Keith Jenkins
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It’s quite different from his former life as a touring musician living in New York City, but he finds both careers fascinating. “I love it,” Rigg said. “I have been a science nerd all my life. I had a degree in chemistry, but I didn’t go to med school when I was 21 because I had been a musician since I was 11 and I just kind of pursued that. I got my first job in a hospital when I was 16 years old to make enough money to buy an electric guitar to play in a band.” While Rigg always enjoyed music, he also had dreams of becoming a doctor. “I went to pre-med and put up good numbers, but I just didn’t want to go to med school at 21. And I never thought I would go back,” Rigg said. “It wasn’t until I was 42 or so and I met my wife and we talked about getting married and having kids that I started thinking about med school again.” Rigg said he knew he couldn’t enjoy raising a family if he was constantly on the road. “I was doing 250 gigs a year, traveling around,” Rigg said. “When I met my wife, I had an apartment in New York. One room was a studio, the other room was the studio apartment. I had a kitchen and a motorcycle, a guitar and amps. What more does a man need? But, with my wife, a whole new realm started. I began looking into med school because I didn’t want to have my kids sleeping on top of my amps.” Keith Jenkins At the young age of 20, local guitarist Keith Jenkins earned a spot touring the world with the legendary “Godfather of Soul” James Brown as part of his band. By 1999, Jenkins was leading the band in rehearsals, as well as recording sessions and live performances. He was even asked to accompany Brown on special engagements with other top artists such as the Dave Matthews Band, Lenny Kravitz and Usher. But Jenkins is extremely modest and private when it comes to his time with the “Hardest Working Man in Show Business.” “If you walk in my house, you see his face as much as you see anybody else on the walls and in photos,” Jenkins said, chuckling. “It’s like my kids and James Brown.” However, while touring with Brown, Jenkins was a huge collector of posters and badges that he has kept over the years. “I was a big poster grabber,” Jenkins said. “I would roll them up and stick them in my guitar bag. And I tried to get as many as I could. Sometimes you are peeling them off the wall. Sometimes they are pristine, but I would get as many as I could.” By the end of a tour, Jenkins said his guitar bag was full of posters. “I would come home and have a big fat roll of posters that I stuffed in my guitar bag,” he said. “We would do two or three big tours every year. We would go to
“So during the show, Tommy Lee gets in this cage with his drum kit inside the cage, (with the cage being lifted into the air). Then, all of a sudden, halfway through the song, Tommy Lee pulled his britches down and mooned the crowd.” — George Croft, the former arena operations manager for the Augusta-Richmond County Civic Center
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Europe like twice a year and somewhere else overseas. So I have a ton of posters. In fact, a lot of my posters are in The Soul Bar.” The truth is that his house isn’t big enough for all the James Brown tour posters he has, Jenkins said. “I have a few hanging up and I’ve given some away,” he said. “I also kept all my badges and laminates. And I had them in a zipper cellophane thing, but you know what? I cannot find them. It is driving me crazy. I’m really upset about that because I know I had them. But I just moved a couple of years ago, and I can’t find them.” Jenkins said it is crushing to think how many badges he saved over the years. “I had so many backstage passes that if you spread them out, they would cover the entire floor,” Jenkins said. “There were so many of them, and now I cannot find them. And I’m a nerd for things like that because they are a part of my past and it’s also a souvenir of something I did.” Ironically, while Jenkins thoroughly enjoyed touring with Brown, he actually doesn’t like going to any big concerts or shows these days. “I cannot stand going to concerts. I’m terrible at it,” Jenkins said, laughing. “Now, I love to stumble into bars and listen to lounge bands. I can watch that all night long, but not big concerts or shows.” The last big show that he attended that wasn’t job related was a B.B. King concert, he said. “Whenever B.B. King would come to Augusta, I would buy a ticket, walk in and go in and watch B.B. by myself,” Jenkins said. “B.B. was my concert passion and now that he’s gone, I doubt anything else will come along that I will want to go see.” Jenkins acknowledges that people probably find that really odd. “I know it’s strange,” Jenkins said, laughing, “But, like I remember playing festivals with James Brown and walking around before we played in the mud and the heat and going, ‘God, if I wasn’t playing at this, I would never come to a place like this.’ I mean, don’t get me wrong, I’m glad that the people were there to see the bands, but I was thinking, ‘Why would anybody come to this?’ Everybody looks miserable and dirty and thirsty.” Jenkins couldn’t help but laugh at himself. “Obviously, I’m not a big one for the festivals,” he said. “Like someone will tell 28DECEMBER2017
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me, ‘I’m going to Bonnaroo. It’s going to be sick!’ And I’ll say, ‘Yeah, you are going to be sick. Sitting out in the hot Tennessee sun for three days.’” However, Jenkins admits he didn’t always feel that way about concerts and shows. “When I was younger, I was just enamored with going to concerts. I loved it,” he said. “When I was young, everything about it was magic.” Jenkins said he was fascinated with attending concerts even when he was still in elementary school. “When I was 9, Van Halen came to town and I really wanted to go to that concert, but I was 9. It was 1984, and it was the last tour with David Lee Roth and I couldn’t go,” Jenkins said, chuckling. “I just laid on the floor and cried. I remember we were listening to WBBQ and they said, ‘There are still tickets left for the Van Halen show.’ And I was like, ‘Momma! Momma! Please!’ And she just said, ‘I can’t. You’re 9.’” The young 9-year-old Jenkins was beside himself. However, his mother soon began allowing him to attend shows not long after. “The first concert I did get to go to was Halloween night in 1985 and it was Ratt with Bon Jovi opening,” Jenkins said. “In fact, Bon Jovi was the opening band because it was before they got huge. And it was Oct. 31, 1985. I was 11.” Jenkins said he was automatically hooked. “A month later, I got to see Mötley Crüe and me and my friend met Tommy Lee at the Augusta Hilton, which is now the Ramada,” Jenkins said. “The band was staying down there and my friend’s parents were down there and they were having a furniture sale. And they called us and said, ‘Some of these Mötley Crüe people are walking around here.” Jenkins and his friend desperately wanted to meet them. “So my friend’s mom came and got us and took us to the Hilton and me and my buddy sat there and waited in the lobby,” Jenkins. “Finally, Tommy Lee came out of the elevator and we got to meet him and we got free tickets to the show. And it was incredible. And, I’ll be honest with you, we had no business being at that
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show.” From there, his fascination grew and he began getting into shows held in smaller clubs featuring Southern rock bands like The Outlaws. “I used to go to clubs when I was 14,” he said. “In the beginning, everything was fascinating. I remember being backstage at The Outlaws show and they had a deli tray and I was like, ‘This is what I want to do for the rest of my life. Look at all of these cold cuts! We can just eat all their turkey while they are on stage!” Cold cuts were the way to Jenkins’ teenage heart. “It wasn’t about the drugs or women,” Jenkins said, laughing. “For me, it was about, ‘Look at all this turkey and ham! They have ranch dressing! I’m never leaving!’” George Croft At 77, George Croft is proud of the fact that he is still “rocking and rolling.” “I think I was about 4 when I had my first stage appearance,” said Croft, a former member of the group, The Pallbearers, whose hit single “Getting Fired Up” reached No. 4 on the national charts. “My mother used to take me all over the place, especially in the 1940s and 1950s. In fact, the first show I did was at The Miller back in its heyday.” Croft explained The Miller used to host a talent show called the “Sankens Youth Review.” “That’s where I started singing,” Croft said. “After that, my mom helped me get on shows like Arthur Godfrey, the original ‘Amateur Hour’ and Ed Sullivan and the Paul Whiteman Show. I was young and in my early teens, which was before rock ’n’ roll.” Croft didn’t actually start performing rock ’n’ roll until around 1954, he said. “Then in 1958, I was 18, I got a job at The Imperial and we had a thing called ‘Teen Time,’” Croft said, explaining that he emceed the live radio show for local rock bands. “But by the 1960s, we started a band called The Pallbearers. We were
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‘Indecent exposure.’” He couldn’t believe his ears. “I said, ‘What? You are joking, right?’” Croft said. “And he said, ‘No. We are really going to do it.’” Croft said he had no other choice but to prepare for the worst. “So during the show, Tommy Lee gets in this cage with his drum kit inside the cage,” Croft said, explaining the cage was then lifted into the air. “Then, all of a sudden, halfway through the song, Tommy Lee pulled his britches down and mooned the crowd.” Two officers standing next to the stage immediately approached the rig once it was lowered and they gently grabbed Tommy Lee underneath his arms and hauled him away. “There is a police car waiting out back and they escort him over to 401 Walton Way and book him,” Croft said. “And the crowd goes crazy. Fortunately, it didn’t take long. Maybe about 15 minutes and then he came back on stage and the crowd went wild. We later found out, it was all part of the show. He did it everywhere he went. It was crazy.” The thrill of live shows
probably together for eight years or so. We had a contract with Fontana Records, which was a part of Mercury Records. And in 1968, one of our tunes, ‘Getting Fired Up,’ went to No. 4 in the country and the song was played on the show, ‘American Bandstand.’” Croft toured on the road until about 1971, but he eventually made his way back to his hometown and took a job with the Augusta-Richmond County Civic Center where he served as the arena operations manager for many years. In that position, he met a lot of musicians who had a wide range of personalities, Croft said. “I guess we all have egos, but some of them are definitely over the top,” Croft said, laughing. “Like, I hate to say it, but Diana Ross’ ego was unbelievable. But we also had a lot of incredible people who treated everyone so nice. Like Patti LaBelle was just out-of-this-world nice, and so was Vince Gill.” Ironically, Croft, who now plays in the local band The Bonaventures, also has an extremely memorable Mötley Crüe story. “I remember we were getting ready for the Mötley Crüe show, and I’m at my desk and I get a call on the radio asking me to come around to the dressing rooms,” Croft said. “So I go over and Tommy Lee is there. And this was before we painted the dressing rooms. They were still sort of bare concrete walls. And Tommy Lee asked, ‘Can I get an 8-foot ladder and a Sharpie?’” Confused, Croft simply replied, “Yeah.” He called his crew for a ladder and a Sharpie marker. “Well, Tommy Lee set the eight foot ladder up and went up the ladder with that Sharpie to one of the load bearing columns and at the top of the load bearing column on the ceiling he wrote, ‘I, Tommy Lee, went to jail in the name of rock ’n’ roll.’ And he wrote the date.” Croft was totally baffled by Lee, but he didn’t object. “I’m looking at that thinking, ‘What the hell? What is that about?’” Croft said. “But I had work to do, so we put all that stuff away, I go back to my desk and I get a call from one of the officers doing my uniform security at the show.” Croft said he couldn’t believe the warning that came out of the officer’s mouth. “He says, ‘Hey George, I just want to let you know we are going to arrest Tommy Lee tonight,’” Croft said. “And I said, ‘Do what? For what?’ And the officer goes, 18 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Matt Flynn of Stillwater Taproom on Broad Street said he also had an interesting experience working at the Augusta-Richmond County Civic Center in the 1980s. “Back in 1983, I was 19 years old and I was a security guy at the civic center,” Flynn said, chuckling. “Actually, I was an usher more than anything. But they had me work a Kiss concert, and this band called Axe was opening for them.” Well, Flynn was put in charge of the security for Axe’s dressing room. “They had me guarding Axe’s dressing room, like everybody was going to try to get in there, which, of course, nobody did,” Flynn said. “But it was pretty cool because the band pulled me in there and let me hang out with them.” At 19, it was fun to see what was going on behind the scenes, Flynn said. “They had me answering fan mail from Europe or somewhere,” Flynn said, laughing. “They said, ‘Just write whatever you want. Just butter them up and sign our name to it.’” So, that’s exactly what Flynn did. But a few minutes later, he couldn’t help but get a little starstruck. “Gene Simmons from Kiss came in just to say hello and he had one of those little windup buzzers that kids have that buzz when you shake somebody’s hand,” Flynn said. “He had one of those and really got the first guy that he saw. It was a big gag. And then he went around and did it to everybody. I was the last guy in the room and he said, ‘Hey,’ and he shook my hand with the joy buzzer. It was a silly experience, but it was cool to meet him.” Over the years, Flynn has collected so many concert T-shirts that he has considered making a quilt out of the ones that are completely worn out. “But, lately, I am kind of into collecting set lists,” Flynn said. “I’ve got a fairly 28DECEMBER2017
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“Gene Simmons from Kiss came in just to say hello and he had one of those little wind-up buzzers that kids have that buzz when you shake somebody’s hand. He had one of those and really got the first guy that he saw. It was a big gag. And then he went around and did it to everybody. I was the last guy in the room and he said, ‘Hey,’ and he shook my hand with the joy buzzer. It was a silly experience, but it was cool to meet him.” — Matt Flynn of Stillwater Taproom nice and growing set list. And, of course I have all of my tickets stubs, too.” Flynn said he enjoys collecting the playlists because it is something out of the ordinary. “I guess because I’m up close, up against the stage where after the show, it is right there in front of me,” Flynn said. “It’s a nice little memory. I probably have about 40 or so now. I framed most of the better ones and put them up on my
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office wall.” Coco Rubio, one of the owners of both The Soul Bar and Sky City on Broad Street, said it is extremely difficult to choose some of his favorite concerts or shows that he’s attended over the years. “It’s fun to think about them because there have been so many great shows and when I think of these shows, I also think about what I was doing in my life then,” Rubio said. “And, being an Army brat, we were all over the place so I remember everything by those years and where I was living and the things I was doing.” Rubio said he will never forget the very first concert that he was allowed to attend without parental supervision. “My first concert ever, which was a real concert that I didn’t go to with my parents and my dad dropped us off, was at a concert venue in Frankfurt, Germany in 1982,” Rubio said. “I was like in the ninth grade and we got to go see Earth, Wind & Fire. My brother and I and a couple of friends from school went. My dad dropped us off and then, like three hours later, he came back and picked us up.” The big hit at the time was “Let’s Groove,” but Rubio said the entire performance
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blew him away. “It was a great first show. It was larger than life,” he said. “We thought it was awesome.” One of his all-time favorite shows was in Athens at the old Georgia Theatre back in 1991. “We went to go see The Replacements,” Rubio said. “I had just finished college and I remember a bunch of us going up there, like my brother, Jayson was there, Barry Blackston was there and Matt Flynn went. We all went up there. And I love The Replacements. They are one of my favorites, if not my favorite rock ‘n’ roll band, from the early 1980s. (Singer) Paul Westerberg is still to me one of the best song writers in rock ‘n’ roll.” When The Replacements hit the stage, Rubio said he was prepared for anything, but then something totally unexpected happened. “They come out at the Georgia Theatre and Paul says, ‘Hey Athens! What’s up? How are you doing?’” Rubio said. “And you see this beer in a cup get thrown from the crowd, and you see it go up and you see it hit him right in the chest.” Rubio couldn’t believe what happened next. “Paul takes off his guitar, points to the crowd and then jumps into the crowd,” Rubio said, laughing. “And we are all like, ‘Oh, man. This is not going to be good. They are not even going to play. We’re about to head home. They are going to cancel the show.’” Finally, Westerberg climbed back on stage. “He got up and he said something like, ‘OK, now let’s rock ‘n’ roll!’” Rubio said. “He laughed it off and just turned it around and made it fun. The crowd totally got into it. And then they broke up within the next year, so it was kind of nice to see them before they broke up. They are one of the best rock ‘n’ roll bands of all time, in my opinion.” Another unforgettable show was going to Stevie Wonder in concert in Atlanta’s Philips Arena in 2014 for his “Songs in the Key of Life” tour. “That show was a bucket list right there,” Rubio said. “That is one of our favorite albums.” Holly, his wife, is a huge Stevie Wonder fan, and because it was such an important show, they also wanted to invite their teen daughter, Maya. “We were able to say, ‘Maya, you are going to come with us because this album and Stevie Wonder is too important for you not to go,’” Coco Rubio said. “We told her, ‘We listened to this album a lot before you were born and while Holly was pregnant, so it was always an important album for us.’”
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“It was one of the best shows I have ever seen. Stevie Wonder was perfect and incredible. In fact, it was so good that (my wife) Holly was crying when he first came out. It just meant that much.” — Coco Rubio, one of the owners of both The Soul Bar and Sky City The entire family was blown away by Wonder’s performance. “It was one of the best shows I have ever seen,” Coco Rubio said. “Stevie Wonder was perfect and incredible. In fact, it was so good that Holly was crying when he first came out. It just meant that much.” Other shows that Rubio thought were incredible over the years have been Beyoncé, Paul McCartney and Prince. But there will always be a special place in his heart for one show that happened right here in Augusta at The Soul bar. “When Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings came to play at The Soul Bar, it was the very first time they came to Augusta and played,” Coco Rubio recalled. “I remember Sharon Jones walked in and said, ‘Where’s the stage?’ And I said, ‘Right there.’” Coco Rubio was pointing at the small stage located at the front of the bar. “And she looked at me and said, ‘Coco. Your name is Coco, right? Hey, Coco. Where’s the stage?’” Coco Rubio said, laughing. “And I was like, ‘That’s the stage.’” When the reality of the situation sunk in, Jones didn’t skip a beat, Coco Rubio said. “She kind of looked at all of her guys in the band and said, ‘OK, guys. This is the stage. We are going to do the show right here,’” Coco Rubio said. “And they killed it when they started performing. They all squeezed onto the small stage somehow, but when they played, it was like a fullon soul revue. She killed it. She was so good and she went all out.” Coco Rubio said he was floored by the performance. “After the show, she hung out and we kind of laughed about the whole thing,” Coco Rubio said. “And we just kind of became friends after that. And after that first show, we watched her and the band get bigger and bigger and bigger and bigger and doing more things. It was really cool. I miss her.”
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Running into the river?
New downtown Y location offers glorious views
If you love going to the gym (or, OK, at least tolerate it) but are sick of staring at walls or TVs while you’re working out, the Family Y has what you need. Just this week, the Downtown Y is opening up in its new location — called the Riverfront Y — just half a mile from its old location on Broad Street. You can find it in the giant pink building at 1 Seventh Street on the Riverwalk (where Fort Discovery used to be). “This location is going to offer up some unique programming just because of the venue,” said Family YMCA of Greater Augusta President/CEO Danny McConnell. “When you have a place on the river, you want to use it. So we have some plans in the river and around the river, everything from kayaking classes to 5Ks and 10Ks around the river — things that would be very wellness-driven for adults, primarily. And yet, offer up the unique beauty of that river.” The 11,000-square-foot location opens to members — who are full of excitement — on Dec. 26. As of Thursday, Dec. 21, tons of workers were buzzing around the building working to get it open, and they probably were going to work right up until Christmas Day to get it ready. It will open to the public on Jan. 2, with a grand opening coming Saturday, Jan. 13. The Riverfront Y has no basketball court or swimming pool, as it is geared toward professional adults and millennials who want to get in a good workout. Besides being right by a beautiful part of nature in the CSRA, there is some high-tech stuff going on at this Y. A couple of exercise bikes called Expresso Bikes have high-def screens with tracks to choose from and swiveling handles to make it feel and look like you’re actually riding a bike outdoors, with the screen responding to the direction you put the handles and the bike responding with resistance to the track. Games on the bike will let you collect tokens and other incentives to keep riding. It’s a lot like playing a video game like Wii Fit, only even 22 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
By Amanda Main
more realistic. Melrose York, 65, of Martinez, is a longtime Family Y member and says she and others who have been using the Downtown Y are looking forward to the new location. She and her husband — who are retired and work out six days a week — have grown close to other people who use the Y. York also said the Family Y holds an extremely special place in her and her husband’s hearts because after their daughter and Family Y employee Katie died at age 20 from a seizure disorder back in 2008, the Wilson Family Y dedicated an adapted swimming pool to Katie, called the Kathryn M. York Adapted Aquatics Center. Melrose York says she had been working out in the space on Broad Street since 1989, when it was owned by University Hospital as Health Central before being sold back to the YMCA about six years ago. The Broad Street location officially closed on Sunday, Dec. 17. TaxSlayer will be opening offices there. “There’s an excitement down there; we’re looking forward to seeing the different programming and being together in a different place, although it’s bittersweet to leave that facility (on Broad Street),” York said. “The last night we walked out, I looked up and said, ‘I’ve been here for 30 years.’ There was a lot of sharing people’s joys and sadnesses; it was a bittersweet moment. But we’re looking forward to a new facility and seeing what that has to offer.” When you first walk into the new location, you’ll want to look to your left, past the numerous treadmills and other cardio equipment. The Savannah River looms large straight outside the windowed wall. People using the cardio machines in that space could become mesmerized by its beauty. Then, there’s a cardio theater with about 30 spin bikes on different levels and a stage for an instructor’s bike. Behind the instructor will be a large screen used for things like showing mountain or coast scenes. McConnell also said there’s a 200-seat theater within the building housing 28DECEMBER2017
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notice when compared to the old Downtown Y is that the parking situation is vastly better at the new location. On Broad Street, members would spend time circling the building hoping to find a nearby spot. But at the new location, there’s tons of designated parking: about 70 spots are designated just for people using the YMCA, and there are two gravel lots on either side of the building, which total more than 700. The Family Y staff is excited to make the Savannah River a part of people’s workout experience. “We’re looking forward to getting it open,” said Riverfront Y Vice President Ronnie Scott. “We’ll use the Riverwalk down below next to the water, we’ll hold classes down there at various times of the year. Eventually we’ll finalize the partnership with the Augusta Marina down there. They are looking at paddle boarding, kayaking and canoeing.” The Riverfront Y’s grand opening will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13, and will include food, competitions, sample classes, prizes including memberships, facility tours and games.
the new Y, which could be used for all sorts of things, like Friday night concerts or family movie night. The new Y really takes advantage of its outdoor space, too, with an area for outdoor classes (the tai chi instructor is really looking forward to having the river right there). And what looks like a bright orange, adult jungle gym offers all sorts of ways for people to work out using their own body weight — complete with monkey bars. And there is a courtyard-type space next to it, which will be an outdoor member lounge with an inspirational, prayer garden. Monica Martinez-Canty, the location’s Corporate Membership Coordinator, is working closely with downtown businesses and getting them on board
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with membership discounts — starting with the global information technology company Unisys, which also is housed in the building. “We’re just really excited to have a new facility and attract a variety of people and really strengthening our partnerships with downtown businesses,” Martinez-Canty said. And for anyone wondering about the safety of being outdoors on the Riverwalk, McConnell said that’s really not an issue, with more activity going on downtown and at the Riverwalk in recent years — and he said there’s even a new Richmond County Sheriff’s Office substation in the building, which opened last month. One of the biggest improvements members will
For people interested in joining any Family Y location in January, the joiner fees will be waived, which could save new members $75 to $100. There’s also a program starting Jan. 20 called Team Lean 2018, which is a 12-week weight loss challenge including wellness coaching appointments and weekly health seminars. For that program, members pay $25 through Dec. 31 or $35 from Jan. 1-20; nonmembers pay $75 through Dec. 31 or $100 from Jan. 1-20, and nonmembers also will get a three-month Y membership included in that price. The Riverfront Y is a metro membership location, meaning members who join there will be able to use any location throughout the area. Visit thefamilyy.org for more information about memberships and locations, or call 706-9226190.
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RemembeR this time last yeaR, when people said “2017 can’t be any worse than 2016!” Looking back on the past year, there were some immensely tragic times to hit our nation (and world), and it’s a wonder we made it through another year. Add to that, a growing number of people are being snarky on social media about the “new year, new me” sentiment so many of us tend to feel. Their point is understandable — it’s super cliché to wait until Jan. 1 to commit to starting fresh. But it’s undeniable that there really is something about leaving a whole calendar year behind and starting a new one to get you motivated. There are some area events going on this week and next to boost you into your New Year’s fitness routine. Why not join in on one of these: sunday, Dec. 31 10:30am Bike Ride, at the Augusta Canal This Sierra Club event will have participants riding, taking a break to eat downtown and returning, for a total of about 16 miles. Meet at the lower level of the Savannah Rapids Pavilion. Email dgavigan@live.net to sign up. monday, Jan. 1 10am - noon First Day Hike, at Mistletoe State Park $5, parking. Call 706-541-0321 or visit gastateparks.org/mistletoe.
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7am - 7pm Head of the South Regatta (HOTS), at 101 Riverfront Drive 5K time trial rowing race on the Savannah River from Hammond’s Ferry in North Augusta down to the Boathouse. Call 734-904-6685 or visit augustarowingclub.org. The club also offers other activities throughout the year for anyone interested in rowing. saturday, Jan. 6 9:30am - 11:30am Swamp Saturday Hike, at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park A guided, 2.5-mile hike. $2; free for members. Pre-registration required. Call 706396-1426 or visit phinizycenter.org. 10am - noon First Saturday Hike and Craft, at Mistletoe State Park $5, parking; $2, craft fee. Call 706-541-0321 or visit gastateparks.org/mistletoe. monday, Jan. 8, and thursday, Jan. 11 Introductory Fencing Classes, at the Augusta Fencers Club The Augusta Fencers Club is offering 10-week fencing courses that start the second week of January. The adult class (ages 14 and up) starts at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 8, and the young teens class (ages 10-13) starts at 5 p.m. Monday, Jan. 8. A kids class (ages 6-9) will start at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11. Each course is $180, with family and military discounts available. Visit augustafencersclub.com, email rvolk1@comcast.net or call 706-722-8878. 28DECEMBER2017
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What’S up
Calendar: 30 | 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.
Culture from China, but not in China Shen Yun is a beautiful spectacle of traditional Chinese culture, and it’ll be here in Augusta on Tuesday, Jan. 2. But the Communist Party in China for decades has been trying to destroy traditional culture there, as it sees it as a threat to its power. According to shenyun.com, “a group of elite Chinese artists came together in New York in 2006 with a mission — to revive traditional culture and share it with the world.” The traveling show combines ancient legends with technological innovations and boasts historically authentic costumes with breathtaking animated backdrops. “We let classical Chinese dance do the storytelling and share with you beautifully diverse ethnic and folk traditions,” reads information from Shen Yun. “Filled with an enchanting orchestral sound, this is a mesmerizing experience you won’t find anywhere else.” Shen Yun Bell Auditorium 7:30pm - 9:45pm Tue Jan 2 $80-$120 Call 877-4AUGTIX or visit georgialinatix.com.
fridaY, deC. 29
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WedneSdaY, Jan. 3
OK, so Fantasia might currently be the bigger star of the show coming to the Bell Auditorium on Friday, but would it be bad to say we’re more excited about blast-fromthe-past Bell Biv DeVoe being in town? If you’re too young to remember their 1990 hit “Poison,” go to YouTube right now and find it. Tickets to the show are $52-$102. Call 877-4AUGTIX or visit georgialinatix.com.
Seeing a movie before reading the book just kind of ruins the book forever, doesn’t it? Well, Barnes & Noble in Augusta is featuring “The Story of Ferdinand” at their 11 a.m. Story Time this Saturday, with activities to follow. The book published in 1936 is the inspiration for the recent animated release “Ferdinand,” in theaters now. Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.
Doggies and literacy… arguably two of the most important things in the world! If you have a love for both, the Maxwell Branch Library is offering Paws for Literacy at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, when members of the community can read to therapy dogs. This sounds like the perfect event for kids — or anyone who loves dogs, really. Call 706-7932020 or visit arcpls.org.
Artist Grady Walden Carr is just 9 years old and has been painting since he was 6, with tutoring by local art teacher Patricia Clayton. His painting “Woodland Road,” shown here, looks like the work of an adult! A free reception at Sacred Heart Cultural Center will be from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, and the paintings will be on display there through Jan. 5. Call 706-826-4700 or email kimsacredheart@knology.net.
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For more information on these events, see our calendar of events on page 30.
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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 803-441-4380 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 706724-0436 or visit wilsonboyhoodhome.org.
Historic Trolley Tours of Augusta 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.
Poison Peach Film Festival Imperial Theatre 7pm - 11pm Fri Jan 5, Sat Jan 6, Sun Jan 7 Organized by Christopher Forbes of Forbes Film, this event showcases the offerings of Augusta’s film community. $13 per day or $20 for a weekend pass. Call 706-722-8341 or visit imperialtheatre.com.
ARTS Wed Jan 3
2pm - 5pm Acrylic and Oil Painting Sessions 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.
Thu Jan 4
6:30pm - 8:30pm Pottery Class Harlem Arts Council Pottery with Angelika Bondar. Continues Thursdays through Jan. 25. $60 for all three classes. Includes material fee. Make reservations at least 24 hours in advance. Call 706-394-4682.
Ongoing
$200 and Under 4P Studios, That Place Coffee, 600 Broad Gallery More than 60 artists will have original works priced at less than $200 through Dec. 30. Call 706-267-6724 or visit 4pstudiosart.com.
DANCE Tue Jan 2
7:30pm - 9:45pm Shen Yun 30 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Bell Auditorium This show features classical Chinese dance. Visit shenyun.com/augusta/william-b-bellauditorium. $80-$120. Call 877-4AUGTIX or visit georgialinatix.com.
EDUCATION Fri Dec 29
3:30pm - 5pm Spanish for Beginners Maxwell Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-793-2020 or visit arcpls.org.
Sat Dec 30
11am Christmas in the Quarters Redcliffe Plantation State Historic Site An event that brings to life the holiday experience of enslaved families at Redcliffe Plantation during the Civil War. Centered on the site’s historic slave cabin, visitors will enjoy special tours, demonstrations and games. The Dec. 30 theme is gifts and giving and features plantation games and crafts. $7.50, adults; $5, S.C. seniors and those ages 6-16; free, 5 and under. Call 803-827-1473 or visit southcarolinaparks.com/redcliffe.
Wed Jan 3
6pm - 7pm Tertulia: Spanish Conversation Group Headquarters Branch Library A group for beginner to intermediate Spanish
1 Million Cups
speakers. Call 317-695-4748 or visit arcpls. org.
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.
Thu Jan 4
EXHIBITIONS
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.
Ongoing
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
Wed Jan 3
5pm - 7pm Exhibit Opening Reception Sacred Heart Cultural Center Featuring paintings by Grady Carr. The exhibition will remain on display through Jan. 5. Reception is free and open to the public. Call 706-826-4700 or email kimsacredheart@ knology.net.
Ongoing
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”; “A Quilt Journey”; and “Canteens to Combat Boots.” Call 706-722-8454 or visit augustamuseum.org.
SEEDS Exhibition Westobou Gallery An exhibition of works in a variety of mediums from local and regional artists, all available for $300 or less. The exhibition will show through Feb. 2. Call 706-755-2878 or visit westobou.org. 28DECEMBER2017
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Sat Dec 30
Sacred Heart Cultural Center Featuring works by Dr. Linda Hardy. The exhibition will remain on display from Jan. 11 to Feb. 23. Call 706-826-4700 or email kimsacredheart@knology.net.
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.
Melanie Stokes
HOBBIES
Tue Jan 2
Wed Jan 3
Dr. Linda Hardy
Sacred Heart Cultural Center Featuring works by Melanie Miller Stokes. The exhibition will remain on display through Dec. 29. Call 706-826-4700 or visit sacredheartaugusta.org.
FLIX Fri Dec 29
6pm - 8pm Family Movie Night Kroc Center A free movie showing. Concessions will be available for purchase. Call 706-364-5762 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org/kroc-center/.
Tue Jan 2
5:30pm - 8pm Tuesday Night Movie Series Headquarters Branch Library Eclectic variety of films. Visit arcpls.org or call 706-821-2600.
HEALTH
Noon - 1pm Doodle Hour Columbia County Library Coloring for grownups. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
Thu Jan 4
1pm - 3pm Coloring for Grownups Aiken Public Library Pre-registration required. Call 803-642-2020, ext. 1131, or visit abbe-lib.org.
5:30pm - 6:30pm Fiber Arts Craft and Chat Columbia County Library Open to those of all abilities who crochet, knit, loom and cross stitch. Call 706-8631946 or visit gchrl.org.
6:30pm - 8:30pm PWN AUG Chess Club Meeting
Doctors Hospital Pre-registration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.
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.
Wed Jan 3
Ongoing
Tue Jan 2
7pm - 8pm Center for Women Tour
7pm - 9:30pm Weekday Childbirth Education Class University Hospital This four-week class meets 7 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Pre-registration required. Call 706774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.
Basic Genealogy Tutorials Headquarters Branch Library’s Georgia Heritage Room Free sessions offered by appointment. Call 706-826-1511 or visit arcpls.org.
KIDS-TEENS
Thu Jan 4
Fri Dec 29
University Hospital Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.
Safe Kids Greater Augusta Designed for teens in grades 6 to 8, this course teaches safety skills, child care skills, CPR, first aid and rescue, and life and business skills. $40; fee includes Safe Sitter kit and manual. Register at augustahealth. org/safekids. Call 706-721-7606 or visit calendar.augusta.edu.
6pm - 7pm Breastfeeding Class
7pm - 8:30pm Happiest Baby on the Block Doctors Hospital An infant care and sleep class for new parents. Pre-registration required. Call 706651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.
Ongoing
Meditation Sessions 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.
Augusta Meditation Meetup 28DECEMBER2017
9am - 4pm Safe Sitter
11am - noon “The Story of Ferdinand” Story Time
Ongoing
Barnes & Noble Activities to follow. Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.
Headquarters Branch Library For those ages 3-6. Pre-registration recommended. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.
Metropolitan Community Church of Our Redeemer A teen hangout and safe space for LGBTQ+ teens, ages 14-17, and allies that meets the first and third Tuesday of each month from 5-8 p.m. The group is also looking for chaperones ages 25 and older and youth mentors 18-24 years old, who must pass a background check. Call 803-617-8352 or email shepardprojectaugusta@gmail.com.
3:30pm - 4:30pm Paws for Literacy
After-School Program
10am - 11am Big Kid Story Time
Maxwell Branch Library An event in which members of the community can read to therapy dogs. Call 706-793-2020 or visit arcpls.org.
Wed Jan 3
10am - 11am Story Time Maxwell Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-793-2020 or visit arcpls.org.
10am - 11am 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 - 11am Wacky Wednesday Story Time Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.
10:30am - 11:30am Preschool Story Time Appleby Branch Library Songs, finger plays and stories for those ages 18 months to 3 years. Preregistration required for groups of six or more. Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.
The Shepard Project
Smith-Hazel Recreation Center, Aiken A program for those ages 5-13 that includes homework help, games, snacks and more. It meets Monday-Friday from 2:30-5 p.m. and follows the Aiken County Public School calendar. $20 first child, then a $5 sibling discount. Call 803-642-7634.
Teen Tech Tutors Aiken Public Library This program is for teens in grades 9-12 who love working with technology and who want volunteer hours. Ask for an application at the reference desk. Call 803-642-2020, ext. 1131, or email mariec@abbe-lib.org.
Teen Scavenger Hunt Aiken Public Library Follow clues and win a prize anytime from Jan. 1-31. Turn completed clue sheet in at the Circulation Desk for a small prize. Call 803642-2020 or visit abbe-lib.org.
LITERARY Thu Dec 28
10am - noon Morning Book Club Maxwell Branch Library “The Science of Evil: On Empathy and the Origins of Cruelty” by Simon Baron Cohen will be discussed. Call 706-793-2020 or visit maxwellbookclub.wordpress.com or arcpls. org.
7pm - 10pm Graphic Novel Discussion The Book Tavern A group open to older teens and up. Call 706-
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.
4:30pm - 5:30pm Lego Club North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library Open to kids in kindergarten through fifth grade. Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbelib.org. AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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SPORTS-OUTDOORS Sun Dec 31
10:30am Bike Ride Augusta Canal A Sierra Club event in which participants will ride, take a break to eat downtown and return for a total of about 16 miles. Meet at the lower level of the Savannah Rapids Pavilion. Email dgavigan@live.net to sign up.
Mon Jan 1
7am - 7pm Head of the South Regatta (HOTS) 101 Riverfront Drive 5K time trial rowing race on the Savannah River from Hammond’s Ferry in North Augusta down to the Boathouse. Call 734904-6685 or visit augustarowingclub.org.
Christmas in the Quarters Redcliffe Plantation State Historic Site 11am Sat Dec 30 This event brings to life the holiday experience of enslaved families at Redcliffe Plantation during the Civil War. Centered on the site’s historic slave cabin, visitors will enjoy special tours, demonstrations and games. The Dec. 30 theme is gifts and giving and features plantation games and crafts. $7.50, adults; $5, S.C. seniors and those ages 6-16; free, 5 and under. 803-827-1473 or southcarolinaparks.com/redcliffe
10am - noon First Day Hike Mistletoe State Park $5, parking. Call 706-541-0321 or visit gastateparks.org/mistletoe.
Wed Jan 3
All day Stable View Jumpers Stable View Farms, Aiken This equestrian event is free for spectators. Call 484-356-3173 or visit stableviewfarm. com.
Ongoing
Lights of the South 826-1940 or email david@booktavern.com.
8pm Fantasia and Bell Biv DeVoe
Wed Jan 3
Bell Auditorium $52-$102. Call 877-4AUGTIX or visit georgialinatix.com.
6pm - 7pm Page Turners Book Club Barnes & Noble Held every first Wednesday of the month. Call the store for information about the book of the month. Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.
Ongoing
Winter Reading Program Appleby Branch Library Running from Jan. 1 to March 31, get a log at the front desk and record your winter reading (five books or five hours). Turn in your complete reading log for a chance to win a reading prize — there’s one for kids, teens and adults. Participants can complete the program once per month. Call 706-7366244 or visit arcpls.org.
Winter Reading Challenge Aiken Public Library Pick up a reading challenge starting Dec. 27 and return it by March 31 to win a small prize and be entered in a drawing to win a $25 Books-A-Million gift card. Open to adults only. Call 803-642-2020, ext. 1131, or visit abbe-lib.org.
MUSIC Fri Dec 29 32 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Sat Dec 30
11am - noon Guitar Lessons Harlem Arts Council Guitar lessons with Jeff Jordan; groups of four or less can learn at a reduced cost per student. $30. Register at least 24 hours in advance. Call 706-556-3756.
SPECIAL EVENTS Sat Dec 30
10:30am - 4pm Last Saturday at the Park North Augusta’s Living History Park Featuring living history demonstrations. Call 803-279-7560 or visit colonialtimes.us.
6pm - 7pm “Mystery of the Christmas Star” Dupont Planetarium, Aiken Also showing at 7 and 8 p.m. Dec. 30. 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.
Ongoing
Augusta on Ice Augusta Common
Daily through Jan. 6, The Augusta Common is a winter wonderland, complete with an ice skating rink, live music, dancing, beer and wine, Santa selfies and more. Passes to all activities cost $20 for one day or $50 for a season pass. General admission for those who just want to watch the skaters, enjoy the entertainment and visit the Elves Lounge (aka alcohol tent) can pay $5 for a day or $20 for the season. Kids under 3 get in free. Visit augustaonice.com for more information, to buy passes and to find discounts.
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, 2018. 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 Thu Jan 4
7pm - 8:30pm Lifting the Veil on Islam Islamic Society of Augusta This discussion is about the Quran and Jesus and the Mother Mary, who are revered by Muslims worldwide. Free, with refreshments. Email outreach@isaugusta.com.
633 Louisville Road, Grovetown See millions of lights, roast marshmallows, take a hay ride, and experience more holiday fun. $12, adults; $9, kids 4-17; free, kids 3 and under. Open through Dec. 30 from 6-10 p.m. (closed on Christmas). Visit lightsofthesouth. com or call 706-556-6623.
Introductory Fencing Classes Augusta Fencers Club The Augusta Fencers Club is offering 10week fencing courses that will start the second week of January. The adult class (ages 14 and up) starts at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 8, and the young teens class (ages 10-13) starts at 5 p.m. Monday, Jan. 8. A kids class (ages 6-9) will start at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11. Each course is $180, with family and military discounts available. Visit augustafencersclub.com, email rvolk1@ comcast.net or call 706-722-8878.
Augusta Sports Leagues This organization offers adult sports leagues and social events, including kickball, soccer, flag football, softball, basketball, indoor and sand volleyball, cornhole, dodgeball and more for coed and men’s leagues. For more information, visit augustasportsleagues.com or call 706-309-0280.
SUPPORT Tue Jan 2
10am - 11:30am Moms Connection 28DECEMBER2017
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Augusta University Medical Center This free weekly support group for new mothers meets in the Terrace Dining Dogwood Room on the second floor beginning at 10:20 a.m. All new moms and their babies are welcome and an international board certified lactation consultant/educator/ perinatal nurse will answer questions and offer resources. Call 706-721-8283 or visit augustahealth.org.
5:30pm - 6:30pm Weight Loss Support Group AU Professional Building 1 Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706-721-2609 or visit augustahealth.org/ weightloss.
Wed Jan 3
1pm - 2pm The Lactation Club University Hospital A breastfeeding support group for mothers of NICU babies. Pre-registration required. Call 706-774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.
5:30pm - 6:30pm Girl Talk Support Group Doctors Hospital A support group for those who have pelvic health issues. Pre-registration required. Call 706-651-4343 or visit doctors-hospital.net.
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 from Jan. 7 to April 1. Email showmanjj@comcast.net or call 706-8308741.
TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) GA, 110 Augusta St. Alban’s Episcopal Church fellowship hall The group meets Mondays, with weigh-in 28DECEMBER2017
Teen Tech Tutors Aiken Public Library This program is for teens in grades 9-12 who love working with technology and who want volunteer hours. Ask for an application at the reference desk. Call 803-642-2020, ext. 1131, or email mariec@abbe-lib.org. beginning at 5:15 p.m. and the meeting beginning at 6:30 p.m. Call 706-790-0391 or visit tops.org.
TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Pine View Baptist Church The group meets Tuesdays, with weigh-in beginning at 4:45 p.m. and the meeting beginning at 5:15 p.m. Call 706-481-0529 or visit tops.org.
La Leche League A breastfeeding support group. For more information on meeting dates, times and locations, visit them on Facebook under La Leche League of Augusta or at lllaugusta.wordpress.com.
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. Preregistration 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 Meets at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, at 7 p.m. Thursdays at Unity Church, and at Covenant Presbyterian Church at 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays. 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.
Beyond the Bars A support group for those with incarcerated loved ones. Call 706-8558636.
Diabetes Youth Support Group Meets quarterly. Call for more information. Call 706-868-3241. AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
METROSPIRIT 33
Wild Wing - Hooker Bros The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn World of Beer - Keith Gregory
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Jackson Browne
- Bell Auditorium January 6 Tokyo Joe
- Wild Wing January 6
What’s Tonight?
Helga’s Pub & Grille - Trivia The Highlander - Karaoke
Sunday, December 31 Live Music
Carey Murdock Fox’s Lair 9pm - midnight Fri Dec 29 $5; facebook.com/theoldetowninn, 706-828-5600
Capri Lounge - New Year’s Eve Party w/ live music Country Club - New Year’s Eve w/ Jared Ashley Coyotes - New Year’s Eve Bash The Highlander - New Year’s Eve w/ Auditory Armory, Comin’ Home, Passage (no cover) Kickers Country Bar - New Year’s Eve Party Sally’s - New Year’s Eve w/ Drea Suarez, Spikey Van Dykey, Claire Storm, Alexiya St. Martin Shannon’s - New Year’s Eve w/ Anybody’s Guess Wild Wing - New Year’s Eve w/ Phillip Lee Jr. Band
Augusta Common - Casey Donahew Band at Augusta on Ice Fox’s Lair - Open Mic Jam w/ Thomas Langley Southbound Smokehouse - Resinated Wild Wing - Sabo and Dave The Willcox (Aiken) - Thursday Night Jazz w/ 4 Cats in the Dog House
Fox’s Lair - Carey Murdock The Highlander - Bethany Davis The Red Pepper (Aiken) - Anybody’s Guess Shannon’s - Weston and Preston Stillwater Taproom - Silvertown Southbound Smokehouse - The Mason Jars Wild Wing - Matt Brantley Band The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn World of Beer - Ruskin and Cam of King Size
What’s Tonight?
What’s Tonight?
Helga’s Pub & Grille - Trivia The Highlander - Butt Naked Trivia Joe’s Underground - Spoken Word w/ J. Martin-Moses Pizza Joint (Downtown) - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane
Friday, December 29 Live Music
Bell Auditorium - Fantasia, Bell Biv DeVoe Country Club - 8 Second Ride Coyotes - Robin Dixon
34 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Sally’s - Charleston Divas
Saturday, December 30 Live Music
The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Fox’s Lair - Authentic Blues with Billy McKnight Shannon’s - Shinebox Sky City - Funk You Southbound Smokehouse - Brian Herrington Stillwater Taproom - Phillip Lee Jr. and Michael Baideme
Dirty Dancing
- Bell Auditorium January 8 The Lonesome River Band
- Imperial Theatre January 12 St. Paul and the Broken Bones
- Miller Theater January 12 Scooter Brown Band
- Country Club January 12 Juvenile
- Country Club January 13 Lyfe Jennings
- Miller Theater January 13 Bill Goss
- The Backyard Tavern January 13 - Sky City January 18
Julian Smith Casino - Urban Suite Augusta New Year’s Eve Social Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ Mike Johnson
Sam Bush
Monday, January 1 What’s Tonight?
“Weird Al” Yankovic w/ Emo Philips
Tuesday, January 2 Live Music
Thursday, December 28 Live Music
- Miller Theater January 8
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
What’s Tonight?
The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Shannon’s - Monday Night Football World of Beer - Open Mic Night
New Year’s Eve w/ Auditory Armory (pictured), Comin’ Home, Passage The Highlander 9pm - 2am Sun Dec 31 Free; facebook.com/events/331145530627826, 803-278-2796
Henry Rollins
- Imperial Theatre February 9 Kelsea Ballerini
- Bell Auditorium February 10 - Miller Theater February 10 Diana Krall
- Miller Theater February 16 Brantley Gilbert
- James Brown Arena February 16 Ronnie Milsap
- Miller Theater February 17
Bell Auditorium - Shen Yun Fox’s Lair - Irish Music w/ Dr. John Fisher and the Undefeated Army Joe’s Underground - Open Mic The Willcox (Aiken) - Hal Shreck World of Beer - Mike and Nate Acoustic Duo
Blackberry Smoke
What’s Tonight?
ETCP Springfest
The Highlander - Game Night Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane
Wednesday, January 3 Live Music
Fox’s Lair - Estuarie, Mark Stokes, Waystray St. Wild Wing - Lucero and Dave
What’s Tonight?
The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Bar West - Karaoke Capri Lounge - Game Night Chevy’s - DJ Richie Rich Pizza Joint (Evans) - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper Polo Tavern (Aiken) - Karaoke w/ Tom Mitchell Sky City - Hip-Hop Night Southbound Smokehouse - Trivia Stillwater Taproom - Pub Quiz World of Beer - Trivia
- Bell Auditorium February 22 Ed Turner and Number 9 w/ Symphony Orchestra Augusta
- Miller Theater March 2 and 3 Sister Hazel
- Country Club March 3 - Evans Towne Center Park March 10 Daughtry
- Bell Auditorium March 13 “Weird Al” Yankovic w/ Emo Philips
- Miller Theater April 14
Elsewhere Widespread Panic
- Fox Theatre, Atlanta December 31 Neko Case, Mt. Joy
- Georgia Theatre, Athens January 19 They Might Be Giants
- Variety Playhouse, Atlanta January 20 Cracker
- 40 Watt Club, Athens January 20 Miranda Lambert, Brent Cobb, Jon Pardi
- Infinite Energy Center, Atlanta January 20 The Killers
- Infinite Energy Center, Atlanta January 21 Say Anything
Upcoming Brian Herrington
- Hell at the Masquerade, Atlanta January 25 & 26
- Southbound Smokehouse January 4
Don McLean
Happy Bones
- City Winery, Atlanta January 27
- The Highlander January 5
Amy Mann
King Cat and the Elders
- Variety Playhouse, Atlanta February 1
- Stillwater Taproom January 5
Kid Rock
King Size
- Infinite Energy Center, Atlanta February 9
- Wild Wing January 5
Sleigh Bells, Sunflower Bean
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- 40 Watt Club, Athens February 10 Phillip Phillips
- Georgia Theatre, Athens February 22 - Variety Playhouse, Atlanta February 23 George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic
- The Buckhead Theatre, Atlanta February 25 Blake Shelton, Brett Eldredge, Carly Pearce
- Philips Arena, Atlanta March 8 The Avett Brothers
- Township Auditorium, Columbia April 6 & 7 O.M.D.
- Center Stage Theater, Atlanta April 10 Lorde, Mitski, Run the Jewels
- Infinite Energy Center, Atlanta April 14 Little Big Town, Kacey Musgraves, Midland
- Infinite Energy Center, Atlanta April 21 Foo Fighters
- Georgia State Stadium, Atlanta April 28 U2
- Infinite Energy Center, Atlanta May 28 Harry Styles, Kacey Musgraves
REAL PEOPLE REAL DESIRE REAL FUN.
- Infinite Energy Center, Atlanta June 11 Sam Smith
- Infinite Energy Center, Atlanta July 10 Weezer, Pixies
Try FREE: 706-434-0108
More Local Numbers: 1-800-926-6000
- Cellairis Amphitheatre, Atlanta July 27 Ahora espaĂąol Livelinks.com 18+ Meet sexy new friends
28DECEMBER2017
FREE TRIAL
706-434-0112
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THE EIGHT
BOX TOPS FOR 2017
Shown are the top domestic results from the year through Friday, Dec. 22; last weekend’s numbers were not available by press time. Note that “Star Wars” is expected to rise to the top 5 by Dec. 31.
RANK TITLES
TOTAL GROSS
1ST WEEKEND
OPEN
CLOSE
1
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
$504,014,165
$174,750,616
MAR. 17
JULY 13
2
WONDER WOMAN
$412,563,408
$103,251,471
JUNE 2
NOV. 9
3
GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY 2 $389,813,101
$146,510,104
MAY 5
SEPT. 21
4
SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING
$334,201,140
$117,027,503
JULY 7
NOV. 30
5
IT
$327,481,748
$123,403,419
SEPT. 8
DEC. 14
In Theaters December 25
DRAMA “All the Money in the World,” rated R, starring Michelle Williams, Christopher Plummer, Mark Wahlberg and Romain Duris. This film, based on a real-life Mafia kidnapping in the 1970s, made headlines recently after sexual misconduct allegations came out against Kevin Spacey — he was in a lead role, and director Ridley Scott decided to reshoot his scenes with Christopher Plummer a month before release. In the story (and in real life) an oil tycoon worth more than a billion dollars refuses to give any extortion money to the kidnappers of his grandson, instead sending a security person (played by Mark Wahlberg).
28DECEMBER2017
AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
METROSPIRIT 37
SIGHTINGS
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Michael Johnson | mejphoto.photoreflect.com
Cori Eicher, Amanda Leigh and Taylor Stacy at Metro Coffeehouse & Pub
Carla Moore, Nicole Tutt with Cheena and Shawn Bunch at The Bee’s Knees
Dee Anderson, Rachael Grant and Shelley Underwood at The Bee’s Knees
Jay Norman, Conor DeVaughn and Josie Krug at Blue Sky Kitchen
Tim and Sherri Krienke with Julie and Darren Stiles at The Bee’s Knees
Josh and Karah Trahan with Callie Trahan at Sole
Garrett Matthews, Elizabeth Keller and Morgan Cooke at Savannah River Brewing Company
Kelly Locke, Meredith Gay and Haley Rohe and Lauren Langsam at Southbound Smokehouse
Holly Mae Freeman, Micah Wilby, Erica Langsam and Alex Powell at Southbound Smokehouse
38 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
28DECEMBER2017