Metro Spirit - 01.18.18 by Metro Spirit

Augusta’s Independent Voice Since 1989 • Metrospirit.com

January 18, 2018

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Table of Contents

Augusta’s Independent Voice Since 1989 • Metrospirit.com

January 18, 2018 | V29 • N03

Dozens of cocktails, but you won’t get tipsy

Page 16

The Arena Decision Headed to Voters

If Ideas Wore Hats

by The Insider

After months of squabbling over the future site of the new James Brown Arena, it appears the Augusta Commission is actually going to let voters have a say in the ﬁnal decision. This week, commissioners voted 9-0 to ask both the Republican and Democratic parties to place nonbinding questions on the May 22 ballot regarding the future site of the $120 million arena. Voters will be asked whether they support building the new arena at the former Regency Mall site or if they support building the new structure at the existing James Brown Arena site. The non-binding questions will be written in a manner that allows voters to select yes or no regarding either location, commissioners said. While the results of the ballot won’t obligate the city to build the $120 million arena, it will at least allow commissioners to get a good sense as to how the residents really feel about the project and its future location. This move is deﬁnitely a step in the right direction. Instead of commissioners and coliseum authority members dueling over the future location of the arena, the voters and the taxpayers of AugustaRichmond County will get to voice their opinions. “Let the people decide what site to choose,” Augusta > Continued on the next page 18JANUARY2018

Why has no one announced that they plan to run against Mayor Hardie Davis on May 22?

Boy, Facebook got weird, right? Who ARE you people?

Augusta National continues to straighten up Washington Road

What happens to the senior citizens if Stein Mart goes away? Do they come back and hang in the parking lot like the seagulls?

Jenny is Wright In The Mix Whine Line Feature Ballet Metro Week What’s Up Calendar Nightlife The Eight

6 7 8 12 16 18 19 20 28 30

Sightings isn’t in this issue because our photographer has been sick. Get well soon, Mike!

Downtown venue Sky City changes hands This week, a new ownership team ofﬁcially takes over Sky City, the live music venue in downtown Augusta which opened in 2004. I was a part of the three guys who originally transformed it from a thrift store to a twobar behemoth. We were perhaps ahead of its time — we sold roughly four years later to the group that sold it to Coco Rubio and Eric Kinlaw. As these things typically go, we — as the initial investors — lost our fannies. Coco and Eric, being much better operators, made a real go of the space. Now, the block-deep venue is getting its third honeymoon, with the owners of Southbound Smokehouse, Brian Brittingham and George Claussen, along with Tommy Wafford and Andrew Duke, taking on the challenge. Downtown Augusta, Georgia, is ﬁring away, which is good news for those who enjoy going out. Venues up and down Broad Street are able to accommodate audiences of any size, with the Imperial holding 700 to 800 people, the Miller holding 1,300, the Bell Auditorium with 2,800 and the James Brown Arena with 7,800. Notice how it’s all downtown. Essentially, all of the entertainment options are downtown. It’s how most cities are laid out. You have the ability to accommodate — take care of — any band. The brain trust that brings these bands to town are centered downtown. It is a thing of beauty many, many years in the making. Good luck to the new owners of Sky City. Hopefully in a couple of years, the new entertainment complex will open where the JBA is now, and who knows … a destination may appear. Not just for local residents, but for music fans from around the country to be drawn to the birthplace of James Brown, sacred ground for those who like to get down. Joe White, Publisher AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

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The Insider Chairman’s Reign is Over by The Insider

A behind-the-scenes brawl broke out this past week pitting local concert promoters against one another in a battle over a venue. Not the same date... the same week. What makes this interesting is, it turned into something so much more. At the end of the day, both promoters got their dates and a lame-duck politician discovered his remaining few months on the job will involve balancing on some seriously shifting sand. Inﬂuence is held by the position, not the person, and it can be a hard pill to swallow for someone used to ruling in such an empirical manner. Details will surely emerge in the days to come, but they will illuminate only this most recent controversy. The real story is the changing of the guard in one of Georgia’s most afﬂuent and booming counties. No longer are “friends” and “buddies” going to get special deals and privileges handed to them on a silver platter. This county is going to begin running things by the book. Commissioners and county staff will stick to written contracts, follow policies and procedures and not cut the throats of employees who are just doing their jobs. They will stand up for what’s right and what’s good for the entire county. Not just a select few. This county is growing up and doing business the way it should’ve been done for more than a decade.

The Arena Decision Headed to Voters by The Insider > Continued from the previous page

Mayor Hardie Davis said. “I think that is an outstanding idea. There is an election coming up in May. This could be put on the ballot. I think that is something that I, certainly, am not afraid of. I would encourage that.” Imagine that? Letting the citizens have a say. Now, it’s up to the people to get serious about the May 22 election. And while the mayor says he’s all

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for putting the arena question on the ballot, it could be a very risky proposition. If another candidate, who happens to be a supporter of the downtown arena, decides to run for mayor, the turnout will likely be much higher throughout Augusta-Richmond County for the May 22 election. Supporters of the mayor and the arena in south Augusta could swamp

the polls on Election Day. However, those who want to keep the James Brown Arena downtown could also come out in full force. If they have another option for mayor on the ballot, that might also spell bad news for Davis. But regardless of the consequences, the Augusta Commission and the mayor made a smart move this week. The people of Augusta can decide on the future arena site. If the downtown supporters don’t show up at the polls, it’s their fault. If supporters of the Regency Mall site fail to turn out, it’s on them. This is how democracy works, folks. Augusta is a city that is made up of people, not politicians. The people should decide. You know why the Insider is so certain about putting the questions about the arena on the ballot? All you have to do is listen to the commissioners talk about the James Brown Arena and the Regency Mall site to know that they are completely

out of touch with current concerts and the entertainment industry. Just check out the comments from Super District 10 Commissioner Grady Smith about the arena: “I won’t be going to any of that stuff anyway,” Smith said about concerts and shows at the future arena. “By the time they get it through, I’ll be in my mid-70s. So, let the millennial folks take a pick (about the location). They will be paying for it, and they’ll be the ones who will be going to see Prince and all the rest of those guys.” The commission chambers immediately erupted in laughter. “Oh, that’s right. I’m sorry,” Smith said, chuckling as someone whispered to him that Prince had died in 2016. “I don’t keep up with it.” All of sudden it was like your sweet ol’ grandpa trying to talk about popular artists like Lorde, Kendrick Lamar or Kesha. Unfortunately, Smith continued talking. It was cute, but showed exactly how much assistance the Augusta Commission really needs in making 18JANUARY2018

this decision about the future arena. “I watched the half-time show the other day, and it is just a different world now,” Smith said. “Now, I know how my daddy was, when James Brown was singing in my bedroom, he would come back to there and say, ‘Turn that music off !’ It was always up as loud as it would go. That radio would be jumping on the desk.” But it didn’t stop there. Several Augusta commissioners including Bill Fennoy, Marion Williams, Andrew Jefferson and Sammie Sias all insisted that the former Regency Mall site was a great location for the new arena. They all just had a problem with the mall owner’s proposal. “I have got no problem moving to another site if somebody can show me another site,” Williams said. “Can somebody give me a good explanation as to why it is not a good site? I may be able to change my views and my outlook on it.” Williams said the Regency Mall location was “perfect” for the new arena. “The infrastructure is there, the roadway is there, the egress is there, the room is there,” he said. “Everything is there.” Sias agreed that he supported the location, but the proposal by the mall owner, Alan Cardinale of Cardinal Management, was ridiculous. “I actually thought Regency Mall was a good site,” Sias said. “However, I have never, ever consented to the deal that’s been presented. And I will not. It has to be a deal that makes sense for the taxpayers of the city of Augusta ... This deal is a rip-off for the citizens and the taxpayers of Augusta-Richmond County.” And while Sias said he fully supported allowing the citizens to vote about the future location of the arena, he wisely pointed out that the arena won’t be built anywhere unless it is a reasonable financial proposition for taxpayers. “We still have to get a deal,” Sias said. “Let’s not fool anybody, now.” So, voters need to make sure they head to the polls on May 22 and voice their opinions about the arena. The Augusta Commission needs to know where we all stand.

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Jenny is Wright You Say Theater, I Say … Theatre by Jenny Wright I’ve said it a million times. Our kids are theatre kids. Do you know the difference between theater and theatre? Until about 5 years ago, I didn’t. I thought it was a style thing, like shop and shoppe. As in, Ye Olde Shoppe is way fancier than That Old Shop. Or they at least mean to be. The most basic of definitions will tell you that one is British and the other is not. Some will try to explain that the theater (with the -er) is a place. It’s tangible, and theatre (with the -re) is more of a concept. I still don’t know the actual difference. I like feeling fancy, so theatre it is. JENNY WRIGHT’S humorous observations on marriage, As kids who love being on stage, they get to go on trips with motherhood and living in other theatre kids. Imagine thousands of kids, ready to break Augusta have earned her a devoted following, both in print out in song during all everyday situations. If it sounds terrible, and on Facebook. When she’s that’s okay. Like mud wrestling, theatre isn’t for everyone. They not spying on other parents in the carpool line at school, you’ll meet celebrities. Think Ben Platt from “Dear Evan Hansen.” probably find her with either a If you don’t know what “Dear Evan Hansen” is, that’s okay. camera, tennis racquet or wine glass in her hand. Musical theatre isn’t for everyone, but I’ll bet you’ve heard of “Pitch Perfect.” The Girl went on one such trip last weekend. She met some famous people again, took some selfies, and attended dance and acting workshops. Part of the trip also includes a sort of competition, too. Each group gets a chance to perform a condensed, 15-minute musical to be judged by a panel of pros. A few years ago, when this group performed “The Little Mermaid,” one of the judges was Benj Pasek. If you don’t know who that is, that’s also okay. Winning Tony awards isn’t for everyone, but I’ll bet you’ve heard of “The Greatest Showman.” He and his writing partner, Justin Paul, wrote the chart-topping score for “Showman,” along with the Tony-winning score to “Dear Evan Hansen.” Yeah, the one with Ben Platt. After the performances, each group receives feedback, which is mostly positive. The Boy, playing Grimsby, the British butler in “The Little Mermaid,” will never forget Benj Pasek asking him, “What, are you on Downton Abbey with that accent?” He also told my boy he made good acting choices. Sorry — mom brag. So, yeah. Stuff like that happens on these trips, and it’s exciting. This year, they had some excitement like no other. About 30 seconds in to the adjudicated performance, the music stopped. Silence. Instead of panicking, this group of 30-something kids, ranging in age from 9-18, kept going, not missing a beat. They didn’t stop. They moved the room to a tearful standing ovation and glowing reviews from the judges. Although I adore their leader, that sort of teamwork cannot be taught. The point? If your kid plays soccer, and you spend hours at the field watching game after game, you get it. If your kid is a gymnast, and you spend hours at the gym, watching them do pass after pass on the spring floor, you get it, too. We don’t force our kids on the stage. We encourage them, but we initially followed their lead. A thing that sounded “like fun” years ago has led to a full-time, well, hobbyish volunteer job. I work backstage; my husband does, too, and he helps build sets for the shows. Both kids audition every chance they get. Our non-theatre friends don’t always get why we are at the theatre so much. It’s because of the people. It’s for the teamwork, both on and off the stage and the friends who are now like family. Familye?

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In The Mix Parker Mize, barista Buona Caffe

Coffee, huh. Yeah, OK, that’s the question. So the ﬁrst question is coffee, huh? Yeah, coffee. How many hours a day do you spend on social media? Oh, gosh, probably about two. Are you a cold or hot weather person? I’m a cold weather person. When you were a kid, where was your favorite place you had your birthday party? That would have been Lake Hartwell, under a pavilion cooking burgers. What was so good about it? Burgers. What is a coffee secret? Consistency is the best way to make great coffee every time. How do you improve your coffee with consistency? When you don’t know what you’re doing or not doing, you haven’t measured it out, you really have no way of improving besides guessing.

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AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

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As a retired former US Army Infantryman who served in Vietnam, I don’t think I could or would elect to serve today with transgender and other male and female soldiers in the same foxhole. Enough said! Eight years of hope & change...here’s what changed, the deficit got bigger and divisiveness grew to epic proportions. Thanks o’BAMA (he says with all the disrespect due the community organizer).

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.

Saying you are very stable genius does not make it so. Saying things are the biggest, most wonderful, most phenomenal, most intelligent - ever - does not make it so. Saying things are the best there have ever been, in the history of this country or of the world, does not make it so. Mr. Trump, since you clearly do not know it, outside of trying to sell real estate and flog business deals, bragging is not admired, lies are not believed and exaggerations are not appreciated.

Please stop printing racist whines. These peeps “Isn’t it clear now that everything Trump called should not have a voice in a free local paper. fake news was in fact real and everything he said really happened was a lie?” No In fact it looks like Not a whine, but a question. If the new civic he was telling the truth. center is built, do you think Bruno Mars will perform? Good luck Augusta. donnie trump said something. Many credible witnesses heard him say it. donnie trump denies Some of you think that God is helpless without saying it. Does this man have guts? No. Is this man you and your church. If Jesus walked into your a leader? No. Is this man a liar? Yes. Do we need a church, he would get nasty looks, and your momma real man in the office of President of The United would hold onto her purse. Thars why you been States? YES! praying for generations, yet you are surrounded by decay.

Shithole countries ? He must not have been to downtown California, outskirts of Georgia, sections of New York, South Carolina, sections of Alabama, Louisiana, Tennessee, Florida, Ohio, ... I have seen countless shithole places right here in America. And the worst of ones are located two blocks behind the whitehouse. The danger of dreaming is when you dont wake up, and face reallity. Ron Cross and Jim Jones must be kin folks Finally we have a President that tells the truth! Why are Democrats always so racist & bigoted towards white people? Sunday, David Perdue all of a sudden definitely remembered our So-Called President NOT using the word shithole, whereas Friday he “did not recall” our Fake President using the same word, yet now saying his memory has “evolved.” Praise the LORD that we, here in Georgia, have a Senator in Lindsey Graham who has the gonads to stand up to Trump and confirm the TRUTH about the racist remarks Trump made.

We know we can’t get substance from the daily paper any more so MS, please do tell us the background of the 100 years of the local NAACP. We know that it was founded at Miss Lucy Laney’s house. Who all were the other founders of the group? We know Miss Laney was a great teacher and civil rights worker. What were the others doing? As a Burke County Resident I was curious. Is Alfonzo Williams the Sheriff or Louis Blanchard ? Seems like my brother won but the rich white guy is running the show with his Richmond County boys he brought with him. Even more crazy is where did they get all this money ? Something dirty goin on !!! Where are all the police officers on Atomic Rd during the rush hours of SRS? People are ALWAYS speeding up to 90mph + (speed limit is 55mph). I pay A LOT of taxes living in Aiken Co. and would like to live and see my family after work. Where are the safety officers, sheriff ? Something needs to be done.

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“We have not received any news, so I can’t conﬁrm or deny any of those rumors. My rent check went to the same landlord this month as it has been going to for the past several months, which is WS Forum. In fact, I am already booking acts for 2019. So, if there is a new landlord, I haven’t met them. I don’t know who they are. But the rumor mill has started, and I’ve heard that someone has purchased it.” — Jeremy Britton of the The Country Club Dance Hall & Saloon

Rumors are swirling this week that Augusta National has purchased both the Publix and Stein Mart shopping centers

The future of Washington Road by Metro Spirit Staff

The earth-shaking news this past year in the world of golf was that Augusta National purchased property from its neighbor, the Augusta Country Club, with plans to possibly expand Amen Corner. While that announcement didn’t necessarily change things much here locally, it made headlines all over the world because the property is on the northwest boundary of Augusta Country Club, adjacent to Augusta National’s 13th hole. For those who don’t know, there has been a great deal of speculation over the past several years that Augusta National might be looking to lengthen the iconic par 5. “It’s fair to say, as is always the case, we are always looking at certain holes, certain other improvements to the golf course, and we talked about some of those, and I think they are all pretty obvious,” former Augusta National chairman Billy Payne told the Golf Channel this past April. 12 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

“We have a great opportunity now in that we own the old Berckmans Road. It gives us the ability, as it touches certain holes, it gives us some way to expand ... lengthen some of those holes, should we choose to do so, and all of them are under review.” Augusta Country Club President Jay Forrester explained in a memo to club members this past summer that, “as part of the arrangement that will result in the transfer of acreage to Augusta National, I can conﬁrm that a portion of the eighth hole and a new ninth hole will be constructed at no cost to Augusta Country Club.” Apparently, it’s a win-win situation for everyone in the golf community. But over the past few weeks, there have been mounting rumors of Augusta National possibly making another purchase of local property that could affect many residents living in west Augusta. Speculation is that Augusta National is in the process of purchasing both the

Publix and Stein Mart shopping centers along Washington Road. While a spokesperson for Augusta National declined to comment and there have not been any recent changes to the public records of the two properties in the Richmond County Tax Assessor’s Office, the rumor is out there. In fact, Jeremy Britton of the The Country Club Dance Hall & Saloon said he had also heard the latest gossip about the Stein Mart shopping center being sold, but he hasn’t gotten any such announcement from the property’s owner, Forum WS LLC, based out of Atlanta. “We have not received any news, so I can’t confirm or deny any of those rumors,” Britton said. “My rent check went to the same landlord this month as it has been going to for the past several months, which is WS Forum. In fact, I am already booking acts for 2019. So, if there is a new landlord, I haven’t met them. I don’t know who they are. But the rumor mill has started, and I’ve heard that someone has purchased it.” Of course with rumors comes all kinds of speculation, Britton said. “Somebody told me just the other day, ‘The shopping center has been purchased and they are going to relocate y’all,’” Britton said. “But I just told them, ‘That’s the first I’ve heard about any of it.’ Of course, I know the rumor was that the property owner may sell. But anybody in their right mind would sell to the Augusta National if they own property on Washington Road.” Lori Collins and her roommate live in an apartment off Berckmans Road, and she said nothing surprises her about the Augusta National anymore. “We lived through the construction of the new Berckmans Road, and that was crazy,” Collins said. “So, hopefully if they really did purchase Publix and Stein Mart, it won’t affect too many residents and those businesses can relocate nearby

like Jiffy Lube did further down on Washington Road.” Having open green spaces around the Augusta National that the private club uses for parking is actually pretty nice for nearby residents, Collins said. “They have done a great job clearing and beautifying the area, but pretty soon everything on this side of Washington Road will probably be gone,” Collins said, as she headed into Walgreens to pick up a few snacks. “Personally, I like having these stores like Walgreens and Publix right by our apartment. I regularly bike to Publix, but I guess we’ll still have Kroger across the street.” Collins joked that Augustans just don’t know what Augusta National has planned down the road. “I mean, do they want to buy the property all the way down to I-20? Who knows?” she said. “But I really like shopping at 2nd & Charles and eating at some of the restaurants like the Curry Hut and Vallarta. And I haven’t even gotten to try Metro Diner yet because it’s been packed since it opened. I just hope those places won’t be hurt.” The Curry Hut, located at 2810 Washington Road right in front of Publix in National Plaza, was opened in September 2014 by co-owners Deshdeep and Ranjeet Singh. The two owners also operate the Taj of India off Furys Ferry Road in Martinez and currently lease the building that houses the Curry Hut. For almost 25 years, that same building on Washington Road housed Thai Jong. One of the reasons Deshdeep and Ranjeet Singh chose the Curry Hut’s location was because Washington Road is a main artery in Augusta. This week, the Curry Hut owners told a Metro Spirit reporter that they “haven’t seen any notices,” and their “landlord hasn’t told us anything” about any possible purchase of their location or the 18JANUARY2018

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Publix shopping center. But it takes only a few seconds for longtime Augustans to clearly see all of the major changes that have occurred over the past several decades surrounding Augusta National. Entire neighborhoods are gone. Many hospitality houses are history. And no one is ever going to make any money parking cars in their front yards during Masters Week again. From 1999 until 2006, the private golf club purchased more than 50 lots surrounding its property for approximately $23 million. Golf World magazine called the purchase of the properties one of the most “unprecedented buying sprees of neighboring commercial and residential properties” it had ever seen. More than two years ago, Augusta National loaned the city of Augusta the necessary money, interest free, to advance the construction of the first phase of the Berckmans Road’s $16 million project in order to get it moving ahead of the state’s schedule. Basically, the Augusta National bypassed Georgia DOT using its own money to get what it needed done in less than half the time. So, for Augusta National, nothing is impossible. If the rumors are true and Augusta National has purchased property stretching all the way down to the Washington Square Shopping Center, which includes the stores Stein Mart and 2nd & Charles, many wonder what they have planned. Off the record, some sources close to the club insist they are simply planning to use the land for parking and to beautify the area around the golf course ... at least for now. But it will be interesting to see how much Augusta National paid for the two shopping centers if the rumors turn out to be true. Most recently, the Augusta National, under the name Berckman Residential Properties LLC, purchased the former Jay’s Music & Sound Super Center located at 2702 Washington Road for a whopping $5.35 million. The purchase of the music store, which had been located on the corner of Washington Road and the old Berckmans Road for 25 years, made national headlines in 2016 because Augusta National paid eight times what the 0.73acre piece of land and 5,600-squarefoot store was assessed for, according to Richmond County real estate records. 18JANUARY2018

Golf Digest reported that Augusta National had spent an estimated $55 million to purchase 100 acres around the club from 1999-2014. “The land has been used for parking during the Masters, hospitality areas during the tournament, a new practice facility, and most recently, a new constructed media center,” Golf Digest reported, adding that it estimated that Augusta National spent $27 million on the small piece of land that it purchased from the Augusta Country Club. The truth is, if Augusta National wants it, most likely they are going to get it. In fact, many locals weren’t surprised when Augusta National paid more than $4.5 million for the The Lodge on Heath — the spacious 12,000-square-foot hospitality house located less than 150 feet away from Gate 9. For eight years, Robert Williams, the owner of Roux’s Catering in downtown Augusta, made Masters Week at The Lodge a real occasion for all of the patrons who walked through the doors. The Lodge was the ideal location for Masters guests to congregate, relax and enjoy everything from outstanding food to a hand-rolled cigar to even instruction from a PGA professional golf swing analyst. These days, Williams said it is almost impossible to even find the spot where The Lodge once stood. “There were a couple of landmarks as far as trees, so I knew where essentially it was,” Williams told the Metro Spirit after attending the 2016 Masters. “It was kind of a heavy feeling. ... To see it go was kind of like selling the house you grew up in. Most people can still go ride by their childhood home, but, within a month, it was gone. It went from a living, breathing facility to sod in a matter of weeks, and that’s what’s hard, not to just be able to have some sort of connection.” As a result of The Lodge being sold, Williams bought the former CVS on Boy Scout Road, completely renovated it and opened The Foundry at Rae’s Creek just in time for the first week in April of 2016. Williams said it was inevitable that The Lodge would be

“I mean, do they want to buy the property all the way down to I-20? Who knows? But I really like shopping at 2nd & Charles and eating at some of the restaurants like the Curry Hut and Vallarta. And I haven’t even gotten to try Metro Diner yet because it’s been packed since it opened. I just hope those places won’t be hurt.” — local resident Lori Collins purchased by the Augusta National. “We knew our days were numbered,” Williams told the Metro Spirit. “It was something that, as that process started happening, it happened fairly rapidly but, for us, the road construction was going to be something that was going to have a major impact on our business. And when the Augusta National wants something, they tend to get it.” Over the past several years, Augusta National also purchased the former Jiffy Lube property at 2730 Washington Road for $1.05 million and the former National Hills Tire and Service at 2718 Washington Road, as well as the former TGI Fridays location at 2800 Washington Road right next to the new Berckmans Road. For the larger lot that used to be home to the Augusta Comedy House Theatre at 2740 Washington Road, the Augusta National paid $3.5 million back in 2001. The golf club also bought the smaller lot next to it at a price of $506,000 in 2004. And then there is the matter of the property listed as 2830 Washington Road, which is basically 30 acres of land behind the Washington Square Shopping Center that the Augusta National paid $946,000 to purchase. In addition, the golf club owns the two lots next to Walgreens. AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

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“They are giants. We are like David, and they are Goliath. Honestly, a lot of people feel powerless.” — local resident Mechone Williams

“It was something that, as that process started happening, it happened fairly rapidly but, for us, the road construction was going to be something that was going to have a major impact on our business. And when the Augusta National wants something, they tend to get it.” — Robert Williams, the owner of Roux’s Catering Piece by piece, Augusta National has been expanding its property along Washington Road. But not everyone is selling. One house, a brick ranch at 1112 Stanley Drive, is still standing not far from Augusta’s National’s Gate 6. Herman and Elizabeth Thacker found themselves in the national spotlight in April 2016, after sports columnist Steve Politi of NJ Advance Media and The Star-Ledger interviewed them about the house that they have lived in since 1959. The story was picked up by several national golf magazines and business publications. “Augusta National has an incredible way of making things disappear. Trees. Houses. Roads. If the most powerful golf club on Earth wants something, it buys it, and it has spent the past 15 years gobbling up the property around its borders,” Politi wrote. “An entire neighborhood once sat across from Gate 6-A at the Masters. The golf club spent more than $40 million to bulldoze it into a free parking lot, and now all that 14 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

remains is the simple three-bedroom house at 1112 Stanley Drive that Herman and Elizabeth Thacker built in 1959.” The Thackers told Politi that they had raised two children in the home and, since that time, have expanded their family to five grandchildren and a number of great-grandchildren. “We really don’t want to go,” Elizabeth Thacker told Politi. But a representative from Augusta National is still trying to purchase the house. “He’ll come by here every so often and he’ll say, ‘Just want to let you know we’re still interested in your property,’” Herman Thacker reportedly said. “And we’ll tell him the same thing again.” But the Thackers have another reason why they love their brick home on Stanley Drive. Folks may recognize their grandson, professional golfer Scott Brown. Brown, who learned to play golf with his dad at 3 years old at Goshen Plantation in Augusta, is a graduate of North Augusta High School and USC Aiken. He joined the PGA Tour in 2012 and won the Puerto Rico Open the following year. Brown is still trying to qualify for his first Masters, but the Thackers told The Star-Ledger that they will happily walk to the tournament from their home on Stanley Drive when he does. “Money ain’t everything,” Herman Thacker reportedly said. The Thackers aren’t the only ones who feel that way. Before Berckmans Road was rerouted, a number of residents living near Augusta National were worried about how it may impact their lives. “We’ve raised five children in this home,” said Mechone Williams, who has lived with her husband

in their house just off Wicklow Drive for more than 15 years. “We were drawn to this neighborhood because of the energy. It’s a very quiet, nice, clean neighborhood that was a safe place to raise children.” But residents living the near the Augusta National simply have no idea about their future because the Augusta National is so secretive about its plans, she said. “They are giants. We are like David, and they are Goliath,” Williams said of the Augusta National. “Honestly, a lot of people feel powerless.” Lori Collins, who lives in the apartment off Berckmans Road, said locals will never really know what Augusta National will do next, but the city is still very lucky to have the private club and the Masters tournament every year. “For me, what they do doesn’t really concern me because I know it’s the most famous golf course on the planet. We really benefit a great deal from them,” she said. “And I can always find another place to live. But I hear it all the time from people who own houses around the National. They used to love it, but it is much different now.”

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Arts

Ballets with a Twist: Holy Water from “Cocktail Hour: The Show”

New York ballet company to help kick off Imperial Theatre’s 100th year

Dozens of cocktails, but you won’t get tipsy by Amanda Main | amanda@themetrospirit.com

A ballet company from New York City is coming to Augusta for the ﬁrst time — to help the Imperial Theatre celebrate a whopping 100 years this February. It’s actually the ballet company’s ﬁrst time to perform in all of Georgia; despite having been down to Florida several times, they’ve never even put on a show in Atlanta! The theater’s executive director, Charles Scavullo, is excited to have Ballets with a Twist in town to help commemorate the big milestone. “The thought was to have a fun event to kick off 100th anniversary activities, and tie that into some sort of a culturally oriented event that would have some basis on what we normally do here at the theater and would be a fun kind of a show,” Scavullo said. The classically trained company will be putting on their signature show: “Cocktail Hour: The Show” at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2. Ballets with a Twist aims to entertain a broad audience. The company’s founder and Artistic Director Marilyn 16 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

Klaus elaborated about the show. “The feeling is that people all over the world understand the sort of essences of social beverages, and a lot of these cultural types of cocktails make references to times or places or countries, and so when an audience sits down to take the show in, they immediately can relate to the experience,” Klaus said. “It’s not a very ancient fairytale that they may never have heard of. “For instance, our martini piece is a real James Bond reference, which I have to say, everybody has seen those films. And those films have been popular for 20, 30 years, so while our score for that is original, it definitely is an homage to the Bond theme song. And we have it switched up a little bit where the protagonist, the super spy, is a blonde bombshell, and she has three G-Men who accompany her throughout her adventures. And these pieces are very, very quick, also to go along with sort of the modern attention span.” Klaus, who grew up with a father who was a social

ballroom dancer in a home where her parents converted their den into a dance studio/social club, has been working on and tweaking “Cocktail Hour: The Show” for decades. Each segment is based on a different drink (not all of them are alcoholic — there is a country-Western vignette based on the Roy Rogers, a kidfriendly concoction made of cola and grenadine with a maraschino cherry). Klaus said the segments range from two minutes all the way to 15 minutes, with the show lasting more than an hour, divided by an intermission. The company has written vignettes for about 27 different drinks, which means they can go back to a venue where they’ve already performed it and do a completely different production of “Cocktail Hour: The Show.” Klaus said they try to tailor the shows to the area where they’re performing. For example, they are saving the Cuba Libre vignette for Latin audiences in Florida, during their upcoming stop in Delray Beach. For the upcoming Augusta show, the last segment they’re doing seems meant to be for the town. “We’re closing the show with Holy Water, which a lot of it surprisingly and interestingly enough is an homage to James Brown,” Klaus said. “I adore James Brown’s music; our composer does, as well, so there was no way we were going to go to Augusta, Georgia, without closing with Holy Water.” The company also reached out to the Academy of Richmond County Purple Pride Marching Band, which has been working on music for the show for a couple of months and will be at the Imperial Theatre to accompany the dancers in a big way. Klaus started working with the company’s composer, Stephen Gaboury, in the 1980s and ’90s before forming Ballets with a Twist in 1996. The company has done shows with big names including Cyndi Lauper. Ballets with a Twist premiered “Cocktail Hour: The Show” in November 2009. The show consists of 14 dancers, and the company is still working on more vignettes to showcase in the future. At the Augusta show, the Imperial plans to sell some of the cocktails that are featured in the production. There also will be an after-party hosted by the Augusta Ballet, with a meet and 18JANUARY2018

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greet featuring dancers. The Imperial Theatre has more events planned throughout the year to commemorate 100 years (the ofﬁcial anniversary is Feb. 18). Details are still being worked out, but the theater is planning a Hat Party on May 4 — a day before the Kentucky Derby, hence the hats. That event will include a screening of the Marx Brothers’ ﬁlm “A Day at the Races.” Then in September, the Columbia County Ballet will present their production of “Cinderella,” with proceeds from that performance going toward the Imperial’s capital improvements fund. Finally, in November, the theater will have some sort of an event related to the 100 years since the ending of World War I. “Cocktail Hour: The Show” Imperial Theatre 7 p.m. Feb. 2 imperialtheatre.com balletswithatwist.com 706-722-8341 Ballets with a Twist: Grappa from “Cocktail Hour: The Show”

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We wouldn’t exactly say it’s going to be totally warm this coming week, but the forecast on accuweather.com had highs in the 60s and near 70s. So if you’ve been bundling up indoors and maybe are getting a little stir-crazy, here are some opportunities to get in the great outdoors and hopefully get some sunshine! Friday, Jan. 19 5pm - 7pm Growler Gardening theClubhou.se Volunteers will weed and mulch, then enjoy some locally brewed beer. Visit theclubhou. se or call 706-723-5782. Saturday, Jan. 20 9am - 9:30am 4H Yoga in the Park Phinizy Swamp Nature Park Free yoga event outdoors for kids and adults of all experience levels; bring your own mat or towel. Call 706-821-2349. 9am - 3pm Hilltop Family Fun Day Hilltop Riding Stable, Fort Gordon Take the family for a fun day at Hilltop Riding Stables. Call 706-791-4864 or visit fortgordon.com/events. 9:30am - noon Dog Gone Cold 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run Julian Smith BBQ Pit A benefit for Hopeful Hounds in which dogs are welcome. $10-$30. Visit hopefulhounds. org/8th_Annual_DGC_5k.html or call 706-294-6200. 9:30am - 11am Health and Wellness 5K 2018 Nelson Fitness Center, Fort Gordon This 5K fun run and walk coincides with the Health and Wellness Fair. Call 706-7916872 or visit fortgordon.com/events. 10am - noon Animal Show Mistletoe State Park Learn about animals native to Georgia, with a discussion on mounted animals, furs and live animals. $3, plus $5 parking. Call 706-541-0321 or visit gastateparks.org/mistletoe. 1:30pm - 2:30pm Egg Drop or Bust Reed Creek Park Kids ages 5 and up will experiment with different materials to create an egg parachute, then test it. Free, members; $2 per child, nonmembers. Pre-registration required. Call 706210-4027 or email reedcreekpark@columbiacountyga.gov. Sunday, Jan. 21 8am - 10am Adopt a Highway Cleanup Riverwatch Parkway Pilot Travel Center A Sierra Club event in which participants will clean up a mile stretch on Riverwatch Parkway and be done by 10 a.m. Call 706-945-3454 or email t.nelken@att.net. Ongoing Free Fun Run Thursdays Evans Towne Center Park Hosted by Fleet Feet Sports, this is intended for anyone looking for a 2- to 5-mile run with a group. It happens at 6 p.m. every first, second, third and fourth Thursday of the month. Wear lights and reflective gear when appropriate for better visibility. Email training@ fleetfeetaugusta.com or visit facebook.com/events/218818291994876.

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What’s Up

Calendar: 20 | Music Listings: 28 If you have any questions, or would like to submit an event to our calendar, please email Amanda Main at amanda@themetrospirit.com.

SUPER-SWEET HUES ON STAGE If you’ve been in the toy section of a store in the past few years, you’ve probably heard of or at least unknowingly seen some Shopkins. If you don’t know what we’re talking about, they are itsy-bitsy, brightly colored toys shaped like food items with cutesy little faces on them. They first came out in 2014 and have grown in popularity, to include things like children’s bedspread sets. Amazingly, this simple concept has been turned into a stage show, filled with some of the most vivid colors ever seen in a theatrical production. “Shopkins Live! Shop It Up!” takes the audience into Shopville, featuring musical performances by Jessicake, Bubbleisha, Peppa-Mint and more. All of Shopville is in a tizz as preparations get underway for the annual “Funtastic Food and Fashion Fair.” The event has a few hiccups along the way… What will happen?! Taking your kids to this show sounds like the way to be their hero for the day. “Shopkins Live! Shop It Up!” Miller Theater 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 21 $29.50-$100. Visit millertheateraugusta.com or call 800-514-3849.

SATURDAY, JAN. 20

MONDAY, JAN. 22

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 24

THURSDAY, JAN. 25

Fort Gordon is offering a Health and Wellness Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday at the Nelson Fitness Center, along with a 5K event in the morning to go along with it! The free fair will include health education and resources, physical fitness challenges, CPR and first aid demonstrations, and more. Call 706-7916872 or visit fortgordon.com/events.

Libraries are pretty great, right? Of course you can borrow books there, but you can also study, borrow movies and music, and get free access to the Internet. The Friends of the Augusta Library is a way you can be a financial supporter, and it’s having its annual meeting at 6 p.m. this Monday, complete with award-winning author Brian Panowich, music by Bill Karp Jazz, hors d’oeuvres and drinks. Call 706-469-3356 or email friends@arcpls.org.

Know what sounds good to us this week? Local beer served with a fancy, fourcourse dinner! And because it’s at Edgar’s Grille, it supports a good cause, benefiting Goodwill. The Beer Dinner starts at 7 p.m. Wednesday. It’s $60 per person, and reservations are required. You’ll get an appetizer, soup, choice of one of two entrees, and a dessert — along with drinks provided by Riverwatch Brewery. Call 706854-4700 or visit edgarsgrille.com.

Newbies and veterans are welcome to go to the JavaScript Meetup at theClubhou.se from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday. It’s a good way to learn new skills! You’ll learn “vanilla” JavaScript basics by building 30 things. View the coding challenge at javascript30.com. Pizza and soft drinks will be served at the meeting. Reserve a spot at meetup.com/HackAugusta/ events/245918780 or call 706-723-5782.

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For more information on these events, see our calendar of events on page 20.

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will affect the taxes of businesses and individuals. Free, members; $20, nonmembers. Pre-registration required. Call 706-651-0018 or visit columbiacountychamber.com.

10:30am - noon English as a Second Language

Columbia County Library All levels welcome. Email boassma@gmail. com or call 706-863-1946.

Wed Jan 24

10am Computer Boot Camp: Part II

Columbia County Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-8631946, 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.

“The Sound of Music” Sing-Along Aiken Public Library 3pm - 5pm Sat Jan 20 Call 803-642-2020 or visit abbe-lib.org.

ARTS

Sat Jan 20

10am - 11:30am Jewelry Weaving Class Harlem Arts Council Necklace/bracelet weaving with Ulrika Beck. $20. Make reservations at least 24 hours in advance. Minimum of two students required. Call 706-556-1984.

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.

Mon Jan 22

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.

Wed Jan 24

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.

DANCE Ongoing

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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. For more information, call 803-441-4311.

EDUCATION Thu Jan 18

11:30am - 1pm Third Thursday Business Builder

Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce Presentation will be “Generational Diversity in the Workplace: Recruiting and Hiring Millennials” with Melissa Furman and Tom Cathey. Free, chamber members; $15, nonmembers. Pre-registration required. Visit augustametrochamber.com.

6pm Legal and Financial Planning for Dementia

Columbia County Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-8631946, ext. 4, or visit gchrl.org.

Fri Jan 19

3:30pm - 5pm Spanish for Beginners

Maxwell Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-7932020 or visit arcpls.org.

Sun Jan 21

3:30pm Managing Your Money Columbia County Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-863-

Ongoing

James Brown Family Historical Tour 1946, ext. 4, or visit gchrl.org.

Mon Jan 22

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

Friedman Branch Library An adult class for those who already know some Spanish, led by Edwin Perez of the Asociacion Cultural Hispanoamericana. Pre-registration required. Call 706-7366758 or visit elcervantino.org or arcpls.org.

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

Friedman Branch Library An adult class led by Edwin Perez of the Asociacion Cultural Hispanoamericana. Pre-registration required. Call 706-7366758 or visit arcpls.org.

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.

Tue Jan 23

Tours

5:30pm Beginner Spanish Class

7:45am - 9:30am Chamber Before Hours

Columbia County Chamber of Commerce This networking opportunity includes a small breakfast, and Serotta Maddox Evans, CPAs, will lead a presentation on how the new tax reform legislation

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 18JANUARY2018

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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.

1 Million Cups

theClubhou.se Held from 8-9 a.m. on the first Wednesday of every month is an opportunity for two early-stage 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 706723-5782.

EXHIBITIONS Thu Jan 18

5pm - 7pm The Winter Exhibit Reception

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, with special guest Karen Gordon performing. The reception is free and open to the public. Exhibitions will be on display Jan. 19-March 4.

6pm - 8pm Exhibition Preview Party

Morris Museum of Art Featuring “Alan Shuptrine: Appalachian Watercolors of the Serpentine Chain.”

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Lecture starts at 6 p.m., and the reception starts at 7. Free, members; $5, nonmembers. Reserve a spot by calling 706-828-3867 or kara.exum@themorris. org.

6pm - 8pm Exhibitions Reception

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. The reception is free and open to the public. Visit osh.org or naartistsguild.org.

Fri Jan 19

6pm - 8pm Tactic III and Tom Hubbard: Uncharted Exhibition Reception

Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art Tactic III is in the main gallery, and Tom Hubbard Transience Series is in the Creel-Harison Community Gallery. These exhibits will be on display through Feb. 23. Call 706-722-5495 or visit ghia.org.

Ongoing 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”; “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 706-7552878 or visit westobou.org.

Dr. Linda Hardy

Sacred Heart Cultural Center Featuring works by Dr. Linda Hardy, this exhibition will be on display from Jan. 11 to Feb. 23. Call 706-826-4700 or email kimsacredheart@knology.net.

Walk With Queens

4P Studios Walk With Queens is a women-owned, laser-engraved skateboard deck art company based out of Columbia, S.C. They make limited edition laser engraved skateboard decks designed by women, depicting strong historical women figures. 4P Studios will be displaying these creations during the month of January. Email info@4pstudiosart.com or call 706-2676724.

FLIX

Thu Jan 18

1pm “The Florida Project”

AU’s Maxwell Theatre Free screening as part of the Cinema Series at Augusta University. Also showing at 7 p.m. Jan. 18. Call 706-667-4100 or visit augusta.edu/maxwelltheatre/schedule.

8:30pm - 11pm Movie Night

AU’s Maxwell Theatre Join The CREW for movie night; vote on Instagram (@aug_thecrew) for what movie you’d like to see. Free for AU students with JagCard; $5 for guests. Visit augusta.edu.

Sat Jan 20

3pm - 5pm “The Sound of Music” Sing-Along

Aiken Public Library Call 803-642-2020 or visit abbe-lib.org.

Tue Jan 23

5:30pm - 8pm Tuesday Night Movie Series

Headquarters Branch Library Eclectic variety of films. Visit arcpls.org or call 706-821-2600.

Thu Jan 25

6:30pm - 8:30pm “Meghan Leavey”

Aiken Public Library Call 803-642-2020 or visit abbe-lib.org.

HEALTH

Thu Jan 18

6pm Breastfeeding Class

University Hospital Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706-774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.

6:30pm - 9:30pm Breastfeeding Class Doctors Hospital Pre-registration required. Call 706-6512229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.

Sat Jan 20

10am - 2pm Health and Wellness Fair Nelson Fitness Center, Fort Gordon This free event will include health education and resources, physical fitness challenges, CPR and first aid demonstrations, and more. Call 706-7916872 or visit fortgordon.com/events.

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visit doctors-hospital.net.

7pm - 8:30pm Infant CPR Class University Hospital Pre-registration required. Call 706-7742825 or visit universityhealth.org.

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

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 Jan 18

6:30pm - 8:30pm PWN AUG Chess Club Meeting

Harpist Vonda Darr Morris Museum of Art 2pm Sun Jan 21 Free. Call 706-724-7501 or visit themorris.org.

Sun Jan 21

3pm - 5pm The Daddy Class

Doctors Hospital An infant care class for fathers only. Preregistration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.

Wed Jan 24

6:30pm - 9pm Childbirth Education

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AU’s Medical Center This four-week class meets Wednesdays through Feb. 14. Pre-registration required. Call 706-721-9351 or visit calendar. augusta.edu.

Thu Jan 25

7pm - 9:30pm Baby 101

Doctors Hospital An infant care and development class. Preregistration required. Call 706-651-2229 or

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 706-8261940 or visit booktavern.com.

Fri Jan 19

10am Genealogy Class

Columbia County Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-8631946, ext. 4, or visit gchrl.org.

Sat Jan 20

1pm - 5pm Maxwell Library Game Time

Maxwell Branch Library Open to all ages, this event will have people playing board games and card games. Call 706-793-2020 or visit arcpls.org.

Mon Jan 22

All day Puzzle of the Week

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.

6pm - 8pm Robotics Meetup @

theClubhou.se theClubhou.se Meet other robotics educators and enthusiasts to learn hardware, engineering, and coding best practices. This meetup gathers on the fourth Monday of every month. Reserve a spot at meetup.com/ HackAugusta/events/245189356 or call 706-723-5782.

Thu Jan 25

6:30pm - 8:30pm JavaScript Meetup

theClubhou.se Learn “vanilla” JavaScript basics by building 30 things — newbies and veterans welcome at the meeting. View the coding challenge at javascript30.com. Pizza and soft drinks will be served at the meeting. Reserve a spot at meetup.com/ HackAugusta/events/245918780 or call 706-723-5782.

Ongoing

Basic Genealogy Tutorials

Headquarters Branch Library’s Georgia Heritage Room Free sessions offered by appointment. Call 706-826-1511 or visit arcpls.org.

Researching Your Irish, ScotsIrish Ancestors Seminar

Headquarters Branch Library This event coming 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. March 3 exists to help people with an Irish or Scots-Irish 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

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breaks are included. Call 706-722-4073, visit augustagensociety.org or email augustagensociety@comcast.net.

KIDS-TEENS Thu Jan 18

5pm Books, Movies & Music

Aiken Public Library This discussion group is for teens in grades 6-12, who are invited to discuss their favorite books and authors, movies and TV shows, and songs and bands. Snacks will be served. Call 803-642-2020 or visit abbe-lib. org.

6pm TAG Meeting

Headquarters Branch Library A teen event in which participants will help plan upcoming programs. Call 706-4342036 or visit arcpls.org.

7pm Teen Gaming Night

North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library Board games and PlayStation 3 provided for teens in 6th-12th grade; bringing games encouraged. Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.

Fri Jan 19

10am - 12:30pm Story Time Fridays

Aiken Public Library Stories, songs and interactive activities.

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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 803-6422023 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 706-828-7768 or visit jessyenormanschool.org.

2:30pm STEM Class: Skittles

Columbia County Library A science, technology, engineering and math program for children in grades 1-4 that will have children using Skittles

to explore the scientiﬁc method. Preregistration required. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.

nonmembers; $8 for military/student families. Email imagine.augusta@gmail. com or visit imagineaugusta.org.

4pm Crime Scene Science

10am - noon Animal Show

Aiken Public Library Hands-on science class for kids ages 7-11. Pre-registration required by Jan. 16 and limited to 30 spots. Email jennifera@abbelib.org or call 803-642-2020, ext. 1141.

Sat Jan 20

9am - 4pm Safe Sitter

Doctors Hospital A class for those ages 11-13. Preregistration required. Call 706-651-4343 or visit doctors-hospital.net.

9:30am - 11:30am Danielle’s Brainiac Extravaganza

theClubhou.se This event is open to kids of all ages and will show the world of magnets by making magnetic slime. Parents should be prepared to work alongside their children to make the slime. Visit theClubhou.se or call 706723-5782.

9:30am - noon Winter Wonderland

Imagination Station Kids will enjoy a winter-themed craft, story time, photo booth, sensory activities and snacks. Free for members; $10 for

Mistletoe State Park Learn about animals native to Georgia, with a discussion on mounted animals, furs and live animals. $3, plus $5 parking. Call 706-541-0321 or visit gastateparks.org/ mistletoe.

10:30am - 11am Family Story Time

Aiken Public Library Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.

11am “You!” Story Time

Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.

11am - noon Sensory Story Time

Headquarters Branch Library Sponsored by Georgia Libraries for Accessible Statewide Services (GLASS), this event is designed to engage kids through movement, music, stories and sensory activity play and is ideal for children with autism spectrum disorders, sensory integration challenges or children who have trouble sitting still. All ages welcome. Preregistration encouraged. Call 706-821-2625 or visit arcpls.org.

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I Have a Dream Contest

Appleby Branch Library From Monday, Jan. 15, to Saturday, Jan. 20, teens ages 12-17 are invited to ﬁll out the library’s “I Have a Dream” speech bubble to be entered for a chance to win a prize. Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.

The Shepard Project

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.

After-School Program

Robotics Meetup @ theClubhou.se theClubhou.se 6pm - 8pm Mon Jan 22 Meet other robotics educators and enthusiasts to learn hardware, engineering, and coding best practices. This meetup gathers on the fourth Monday of every month. Reserve a spot at meetup.com/HackAugusta/events/245189356 or call 706-723-5782. 1:30pm - 2:30pm Egg Drop or Bust

Reed Creek Park Kids ages 5 and up will experiment with different materials to create an egg parachute, then test it. Free, members; $2 per child, nonmembers. Pre-registration required. Call 706-210-4027 or email reedcreekpark@columbiacountyga.gov.

Sun Jan 21

4pm “Shopkins Live! Shop It Up!”

Miller Theater $29.50-$100. Visit millertheateraugusta. com or call 800-514-3849.

Mon Jan 22

10:30am Jr. Lego Club

Headquarters Branch Library For those ages 2-4. Legos provided. Preregistration required. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.

Tue Jan 23

9:30am Tiny Tot Story Time

Reed Creek Park “Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear?” story time for kids ages 2-4. Free, members; $2 per child, nonmembers. Preregistration required. Call 706-210-4027 or email reedcreekpark@columbiacountyga. gov.

10am Big Kid Story Time Headquarters Branch Library

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For those ages 3-6. Pre-registration recommended. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.

3:30pm Teen Tech Help

Appleby Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-7366244 or visit arcpls.org.

4pm Teen Guitar Club

Columbia County Library For those ages 11-18. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.

5pm 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.

Wed Jan 24

10am Music and Movement

arcpls.org.

10:05am 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.

Teen Scavenger Hunt

10:30am Preschool Story Time

LITERARY

Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.

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 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.

10:30am - noon Super Awesome Story Time

10am Story Time

4pm Makerspace

Headquarters Branch Library For those ages 0-3. Pre-registration recommended. Call 706-821-2623 or visit

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 803642-2020, ext. 1131, or email mariec@ abbe-lib.org. 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 803-642-2020 or visit abbe-lib.org.

The Book Tavern Juice and cookies provided by New Moon Cafe. Call 706-826-1940 or email superawesomestorytime@booktavern.com.

10am Story Time for Tots

Teen Tech Tutors

10am Wacky Wednesday Story Time

Headquarters Branch Library Music, songs, dance and rhymes for children. Groups of six or more require registration. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org. Maxwell Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-7932020 or visit arcpls.org.

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.

Thu Jan 25

Columbia County Library Teens will have the opportunity to work on their own projects under staff guidance while using library equipment. Call 706868-1946 or visit gchrl.org.

Ongoing

Sat Jan 20

2pm Author Signing

Barnes & Noble Featuring Hollis Lance Liebman, author of “Complete Physique: The 12-Week Total Body Sculpting Program for Men and Women.” Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.

Mon Jan 22

6pm Friends of the Augusta Library Annual Meeting

Headquarters Branch Library This meeting will feature award-winning author of “Bull Mountain” Brian Panowich, who will read from his next novel. The meeting also includes music by Bill Karp Jazz, hors d’oeuvres and drinks. Call 706-469-3356 or email friends@ arcpls.org. 18JANUARY2018

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Tue Jan 23

2pm - 5pm Book Club

Aiken Public Library Read “The Invention of Wings” by Sue Monk Kidd before this discussion. Call 803-642-2020, ext. 1131, or visit abbe-lib. org.

Thu Jan 25

10am - noon Morning Book Club Maxwell Branch Library “Wise Blood” by Flannery O’Connor 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 706-826-1940 or email david@booktavern. 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 706736-6244 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

Thu Jan 18

7:30pm American Portraits: The Dallas Brass Etherredge Center, Aiken $40, general; $15, USC Aiken students. Visit etherredge.usca.edu or call 803-6413305.

9pm Bone Thugs-N-Harmony

Sky City $35, advance; $40, day of show. 21+ with valid ID. Visit skycityaugusta.com.

Fri Jan 19

7:30pm - 9pm 4 Seasons Chamber Jazz

Unitarian Universalist Church of Augusta Featuring Gray Mayﬁeld. $23, general; $18, senior; $13, student and military with ID. Call 706-733-7939 or visit uuaugusta. org. 18JANUARY2018

Sat Jan 20

7pm - 10pm An Evening of New York Jazz Saluting Our Military

Aiken Center for the Arts This concert features jazz singer and Aiken resident Gerry Eisenberg with her trio of New York jazz musicians for an evening of saluting the military. Proceeds will beneﬁt Saratoga WarHorse. $100. Includes wine, coffee and dessert. Email daria@ saratogawarhorse.org or call 301-928-6439.

7:30pm Beethoven’s Ninth

Miller Theater A Symphony Orchestra Augusta performance. $25-$69. Visit soaugusta.org or call 706-826-4705.

Sun Jan 21

2pm Harpist Vonda Darr

Morris Museum of Art Part of the Music at the Morris series. Free. Call 706-724-7501 or visit themorris.org.

3pm Monroe Crossing

Saint John United Methodist Church Part of the Concerts with a Cause series, this one beneﬁting GAP Ministries and featuring bluegrass band Monroe Crossing. Call 706-724-9641 or visit stjohnaugusta. org.

4pm Trio d’Esprit

Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church This free concert features Pawel Kozak on violin, Justin Resley on cello and Carol Cook on piano. A reception will follow. Visit reidchurchaugusta.org or call 706733-2275.

Tue Jan 23

Noon Tuesday’s Music Live

Saint Paul’s Church Featuring a free concert by Andrew Sords on violin and Eriko Izumida on piano. Lunch afterwards is $12 a person and requires reservation. Call 706-722-3463 or visit tuesdaysmusiclive.com.

Thu Jan 25

7:30pm The Texas Tenors

Miller Theater $35-$101. Visit millertheateraugusta.com or call 800-514-3849.

7:30pm Winter Nocturne: Pianist Petronel Malan Etherredge Center, Aiken $20. Visit etherredge.usca.edu or call 803641-3305.

SENIORS Tue Jan 23

10:30am Senior Tech Help

Appleby Branch Library Bring your device (phone, tablet, laptop, etc.) and get one-on-one assistance from library staff. Pre-registration required. Call

706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.

SPECIAL EVENTS Fri Jan 19

5pm - 7pm Growler Gardening

theClubhou.se Volunteers will weed and mulch, then enjoy some locally brewed beer. Visit theclubhou. se or call 706-723-5782.

Sat Jan 20

11am Richmond County Democratic Committee Vacancies 1250 Reynolds Street The RCDC is holding elections to ﬁll vacancies; registration for those who want to vote starts at 11 a.m. Anyone who would like to run as post holders to represent their Richmond County Commission District (1-8) must have submitted an ofﬁcial application between Jan. 10-12. Email publicrelations@ rcdcvote.org or call 706-738-5962.

4pm My Mother’s Purse

1250 Reynolds Street Empowerment seminar for mothers and daughters, with the theme of “Show Me How: The Art of a Woman, Pre-teen Edition (for 9-12-year-olds). $40 admission for mother and two daughters; dinner and materials included. Register at eventbrite. com by searching My Mother’s Purse. Call 678-653-4669 or email sl.honeypr@gmail. com.

USCA Convocation Center Featuring keynote speaker South Carolina state Sen. Mia S. McLeod. Free and the open to the public. Visit facebook.com/ events/1855084981469591.

Wed Jan 24

7pm Edgar’s Grille Beer Dinner Edgar’s Grille This four-course dinner is partnered with beer from Riverwatch Brewery. Beneﬁts Goodwill. $60 per person; reservations required. Call 706-854-4700 or visit edgarsgrille.com.

Thu Jan 25

7pm The March on Washington 1963

North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library Assistant Professor Meaghan DwyerRyan will speak about The March on Washington in 1963. Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.

Ongoing

Steps Toward a Cure

On Feb. 3, Dr. Franklyn Beckles Jr. and his son, Chris, will run from Aiken, S.C., to Augusta, Georgia, to raise money and awareness for Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Proceeds will go to the Children’s Christian Center and ALS Association. For more information on how you can help, visit facebook.com/alsageorgia.

5:30pm CSRA Veg Instapot Cooking Demo

Earth Fare Cooking demo/meet-up for vegans/ vegetarians. Find out more at meetup.com/ csravs.

6pm “Magic Tree House: Space Mission” Dupont Planetarium, Aiken Weather permitting, the observatory, housing the Bechtel Telescope, will be available for viewing after each show. $2$6.50. Call 803-641-3654 or visit rpsec. usca.edu.

6pm - 9pm Hair and Fashion Show Extravaganza

Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre $10, advance; $15, at the door. Call 706496-5099.

7pm “Dark Shadows”

Dupont Planetarium, Aiken Weather permitting, the observatory, housing the Bechtel Telescope, will be available for viewing after each show. A second showing at 8 p.m. Jan. 20. $2-$6.50. Call 803-641-3654 or visit rpsec.usca.edu.

Sun Jan 21

2:30pm - 5pm Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration

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 Tooner Chris Murray 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 AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

METROSPIRIT 25

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Columbia County Democratic Party Meeting

Riding Stables. Call 706-791-4864 or visit fortgordon.com/events.

Columbia County Government Center Auditorium, Building A The Columbia County Democratic Party invites the public to its monthly meetings, held on the first Monday of every month (unless it’s a holiday). Social time takes place before the meetings at 6:30 p.m. Visit facebook.com/columbiacntydemocrats for updated information.

9:30am - noon Dog Gone Cold 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run

SPIRITUAL

Nelson Fitness Center, Fort Gordon This 5K fun run and walk coincides with the Health and Wellness Fair. Call 706-7916872 or visit fortgordon.com/events.

Sat Jan 20

2pm - 6pm Southern Gospel Concert

Belair Church, Grovetown This free concert will feature several musicians including The Powells, All For Him, Your Hope, Terrell Hannah, William Isgett, Ansley Morrison, Bob Matthews, The Baughmans and more. Call 864-3773545, email daisyflower0333@gmail.com or visit csra-sgma.com.

Sun Jan 21

4pm - 5:30pm Why Religion Matters

Baha’i Community Room, 3830 Washington Road This free forum is in recognition of World Religion Day and is sponsored by the Baha’is of Augusta and Columbia County. Visit facebook.com/pg/augusta.bahais.

Tue Jan 23

8am - 10am Community Prayer Breakfast

Augusta First Seventh-day Adventist Church Hosted by Pastor Mark Etchell, 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.

Julian Smith BBQ Pit A benefit for Hopeful Hounds in which dogs are welcome. $10-$30. Visit hopefulhounds.org/8th_Annual_DGC_5k. html or call 706-294-6200.

9:30am - 11am Health and Wellness 5K 2018

Ongoing

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. Sign up at 7 p.m. Feb. 26 at The Loft. Call 706-414-7525.

Free Fun Run Thursdays

Evans Towne Center Park Hosted by Fleet Feet Sports, this is intended for anyone looking for a 2- to 5-mile run with a group. It happens at 6 p.m. every first, second, third and fourth Thursday of the month. Wear lights and reflective gear when appropriate for better visibility. Email training@fleetfeetaugusta.com or visit facebook.com/events/218818291994876.

Hoop Session

SPORTS-OUTDOORS

Game Train, Grovetown This gym is open to play basketball starting at 7:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays for $3 per person. Kids 5 and under can play for free. Concessions available for purchase. Call 706-755-0549, email realgametrain@ gmail.com, or visit facebook.com/ events/178772572715451.

All day Augusta Futurity

SUPPORT

Thu Jan 18

James Brown Arena Runs through Jan. 20. $14.50-$35. For more information and a schedule of events, visit augustafuturity.com.

Sat Jan 20

9am - 9:30am 4H Yoga in the Park

Phinizy Swamp Nature Park Free yoga event outdoors for kids and adults of all experience levels; bring your own mat or towel. Call 706-821-2349.

9am - 3pm Hilltop Family Fun Day Hilltop Riding Stable, Fort Gordon Take the family for a fun day at Hilltop 26 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

Tue Jan 23

6pm CSRA Parkinson Support Group

St. John Towers dining room Free and open to the public. Call 706-3641662.

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 706-830-8741.

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) GA, 110 Augusta

St. Alban’s Episcopal Church fellowship hall The group meets Mondays, with weigh-in 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)

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 706-855-8636.

THEATER Ongoing

“The Rainmaker”

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.

Aiken Community Playhouse Showing at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 19, 20, 26 and 27, and at 3 p.m. Jan. 21. $20, adults; $17, seniors and active military; $12, students; $7, children. Call 803-648-1438 or visit aikencommunityplayhouse.com.

La Leche League

“Last Chance”

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. 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. Preregistration required. Call 706-721-5160 or email nawilliams@gru.edu.

Diabetes Youth Support Group

Augusta Mini Theatre Showing at 3 p.m. Jan. 20 and 21 and at 3 p.m. Feb. 17 and 18. $15, adults; $10, students, children ages 2-18 and seniors; $8.50, groups of youths or seniors (10 or more). Call 706-722-0598 or visit augustaminitheatre.com.

“A Streetcar Named Desire”

Le Chat Noir Showing at 8 p.m. Jan. 19 and 20, and at 3 p.m. Jan. 21. $15. Visit lcnaugusta.com or call 706-722-3322.

VOLUNTEER Sun Jan 21

8am - 10am Adopt a Highway Cleanup

Riverwatch Parkway Pilot Travel Center A Sierra Club event in which participants will clean up a mile stretch on Riverwatch Parkway and be done by 10 a.m. Call 706945-3454 or email t.nelken@att.net.

Meets quarterly. Call for more information. Call 706-868-3241. 18JANUARY2018

Fox’s Lair - She ’n She Miller Theater - Beethoven’s Ninth Sky City - Scarlet Begonias, Caleb Tokarska Shannon’s - Weston and Preston Stillwater Taproom - The Shadow Pines Wild Wing - Cover Story The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn

What’s Tonight?

The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Helga’s Pub & Grille - Trivia The Highlander - Karaoke

Sunday, January 21 Live Music

Gray Mayﬁeld (Four Seasons Chamber Jazz) Unitarian Universalist Church of Augusta 7:30pm - 9pm Fri Jan 19 $23, general; $18, senior; $13, student and military with ID. Call 706-733-7939 or visit uuaugusta.org.

Capri Lounge - Vivian Valium & the Lounge Lizard Divas Wild Wing - Prettier Than Matt The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn

What’s Tonight?

Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ Mike Johnson

Monday, January 22 Live Music Soul Bar - The Big Lonesome

What’s Tonight?

Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane Wild Wing - Trivia World of Beer - Open Mic Night

Tuesday, January 23 Live Music

Fox’s Lair - Irish Music w/ Dr. John Fisher and the Undefeated Army Joe’s Underground - Open Mic The Willcox (Aiken) - Hal Shreck

What’s Tonight?

The Texas Tenors Miller Theater 7:30pm Thu Jan 25 $35-$101. Visit millertheateraugusta.com or call 800-514-3849. Thursday, January 18 Live Music

Fox’s Lair - Open Mic Jam w/ Brandy Douglas Riverwatch Brewery - Troy Breslow Sky City - Bone Thugs-N-Harmony Southbound Smokehouse - Brian Herrington Wild Wing - Sabo & Dave 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 Joe’s Underground - Spoken Word w/ J. Martin-Moses Pizza Joint (Downtown) - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper Sally’s - Karaoke Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane

Friday, January 19 Live Music Country Club - PITBOSS Coyotes - Trey Teem

28 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

Fox’s Lair - Desmond Jones The Highlander - Dewayne Brock and The Lucky Bastards Sky City - Larry Keel Experience Shannon’s - Atomic Road The Stables Restaurant (Aiken) - Jazz with Jimmy Easton Stillwater Taproom - Josh Daniel/Mark Schimick and Friends Bluegrass Smash Unitarian Universalist Church of Augusta - Gray Mayﬁeld (Four Seasons Chamber Jazz) Wild Wing - Center Lane The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn World of Beer - Ippie Music

What’s Tonight?

The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Sally’s - Dragonﬂy’s

Saturday, January 20 Live Music

Aiken Center for the Arts - An Evening of New York Jazz Saluting Our Military Country Club - Kenny George Band

The Highlander - Game Night Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane World of Beer - Karaoke

Wednesday, January 24 Live Music Shannon’s - Hello Betty Band Soul Bar - When Particles Collide Wild Wing - Sabo & Dave

What’s Tonight?

- Shannon’s January 26

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Billy Creason

- Country Club January 26 A Future Now Past, The Good Fortunes

- The Highlander January 26 Fireside Collective

- Stillwater Taproom January 26 Outshyne

- Wild Wing January 26 Fake It To Make It

- Miller Theater January 26 Jason White with Randy Johnikin

- The Backyard Tavern January 27 Roamin’ Jasmine

- Southbound Smokehouse January 27 Shinebox

- Shannon’s January 27 Bad Cash

- Wild Wing January 27 Kenny George Band

- Wild Wing January 28 CBDB, Steady Flow

- Sky City February 2 Sam Bush

- Imperial Theatre February 9 Kelsea Ballerini

- Bell Auditorium February 10 “Weird Al” Yankovic w/ Emo Philips

- Miller Theater February 10 Diana Krall

- Miller Theater February 16 Kelen Heller, Zero Day

- Sky City February 16 Brantley Gilbert

- James Brown Arena February 16 Ronnie Milsap

- Miller Theater February 17 Blackberry Smoke

- 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 ETCP Springfest

- Evans Towne Center Park March 10 Daughtry

- Bell Auditorium March 13 Major Rager w/ George Clinton & Parlimaent-Funkadelic, The James Brown Band

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

- Augusta Common April 6

Upcoming

Miranda Lambert, Brent Cobb, Jon Pardi

- Country Club January 20

The Killers

Kenny George Band Funkyjunk Duo

- Wild Wing January 25 The Texas Tenors

- Miller Theater January 25 Perpetual Groove, The Orange Consant

- Sky City January 26 Hello Betty Band

“Weird Al” Yankovic w/ Emo Philips

- Miller Theater April 14

Elsewhere

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 - Inﬁnite Energy Center, Atlanta January 20 - Inﬁnite Energy Center, Atlanta January 21 Say Anything

- Hell at the Masquerade, Atlanta January 25 & 26 Don McLean

- City Winery, Atlanta January 27 Aimee Mann 18JANUARY2018

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- Variety Playhouse, Atlanta February 1 Tokio Hotel

- Heaven at the Masquerade, Atlanta February 2 Lana Del Rey, Kali Uchis

- Philips Arena, Atlanta February 5 Matisyahu

- Georgia Theatre, Athens February 8 Kid Rock

- Inﬁnite Energy Center, Atlanta February 9 Blues Traveler, Los Colognes

- Variety Playhouse, Atlanta February 9 Sleigh Bells, Sunﬂower Bean

- 40 Watt Club, Athens February 10 Tyler, the Creator w/ Vince Staples, Taco

- Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta February 10 Mary J. Blige

REAL PEOPLE REAL DESIRE REAL FUN.

- Fox Theatre, Atlanta February 13 Of Mice and Men w/ Blessthefall, Fire From The Gods, Cane Hill, Moscow

- Heaven at the Masquerade, Atlanta February 21 Phillip Phillips

- Georgia Theatre, Athens February 22 - Variety Playhouse, Atlanta February 23

Try FREE: 706-434-0108 More Local Numbers: 1-800-926-6000 Ahora español Livelinks.com 18+

Pedro the Lion, Marie/Lepanto

- Terminal West, Atlanta February 22 George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic

- The Buckhead Theatre, Atlanta February 25 Flogging Molly

- Music Farm Columbia, Columbia March 1

Meet sexy new friends

FREE TRIAL

706-434-0112

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THE EIGHT

BOX TOPS

The numbers shown are weekend estimates. Actuals were not available by press time.

RANK TITLES

WEEKEND GROSS TOTAL GROSS WEEK # LAST WEEK

JUMANJI 2

$28,125,000

$284,260,909

THE POST

$19,300,000

$23,789,237

THE COMMUTER

$13,700,000

THE GREATEST SHOWMAN

$12,500,000

$95,253,868

INSIDIOUS: THE LAST KEY

$12,450,000

$48,691,140

In Theaters January 19

ACTION ACTION “12 Strong,” rated R, starring Chris Hemsworth, “Den of Thieves,” rated R, starring Gerard Michael Shannon, Elsa Pataky, William Fichtner and Rob Riggle. The events surrounding Sept. 11 make it to the big screen again — this ﬁlm is based on the declassiﬁed true story of the Army’s Green Berets, who quickly responded to the attacks on horseback in Afghanistan. We’re not quite used to Rob Riggle taking on a super-serious role, but in real life he spent more than 20 years in the U.S. Marine Corps — and in this role, he’s actually playing his former commander! 30 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

Butler, Jordan Bridges, Pablo Schreiber and Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson. Oh, it’s on between the LA County Sheriff ’s Department and a seemingly unstoppable bank robbery crew, who’s on the verge of attempting to steal billions of dollars that the Federal Reserve is taking out of circulation. This ﬁlm’s got grit and guns, and it looks headed toward the ultimate showdown, with Gerard Butler’s cop character taking no shit from the gang.

ROMANCE “Forever My Girl,” rated PG, starring Alex

Roe, Jessica Rothe, John Benjamin Hickey and Abby Ryder Fortson. A country star. A formerly heartbroken former fiancée. A precocious little girl. This film — based on a novel of the same name — has a singer coming home after about a decade to find the woman who was going to be his wife has moved on, and she has a daughter born not long after he ended their relationship. If you like sappy romance, this one’s for you.

18JANUARY2018

DARING PRECISE TIMELESS F

2635 Washington Road | Augusta, Georgia 30904 Mon - Sat 9am - 9pm | 1.706.738.7777 | www.windsorfinejewelers.com