verge downtown augusta
free
art•music•festivals•all hallow’s eve
october 2008
verge / october / 3
contents 15
Cultural Diversity Weekend the sounds and tastes of Hispanic and Greek culture
17
Filmmakers on the Southern Circuit a unique film festival allows intimate discussion
19
You Can’t Touch This Augusta’s infamous haunted pillar guards Fifth Street
20
All Hallow’s Eve: What to Do Celebrates Halloween with a variety of unique events
20
downtown living / The Wonderwall Local artiste Gabi Hutchison creates a wall of art
24
gallery: It’s A Dog’s Life soundcheck: Sandinistas! onstage: Sleeping Beauty offstage: The Augusta Canal Cruise
27
good chow / Oasis Garden Opens Locally grown produce & plants bring new growth to Broad
experience more
5 7 9 9 11 13 29 33 35 37 39 41 43 47 volume one issue eight
smatterings quick clips discover downtown the view from downtown he saw / she saw front porch / fred daitch pipeline / get plugged in local music / language arts & chairleg more to see & do printed matter / the twilight series past times / magnolia cemetery be a tourist in your own downtown augusta music 101 five reasons to choose local on the cover:
downtown as i see it #8 art on broad original painting by Caroline Rollins
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verge
smatterings / notes from the publisher Happy October Augusta!
publisher Matt Plocha
I really like fresh baked ginger bread and it’s getting to be that time of the year where it is more suitable to the taste buds.
editor Lara Plocha
This month, I would like to share two words with everyone reading these pages and they are:
pipeline editors Claire Riche Jason Barron grammarian Gabi Hutchison web guy Andy Donnan mix master music man Jason Barron
Editorial content of verge is the opion of each contributing writer and is not neccesarily the opinion of verge, its staff or its advertisers. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.
copyright 2008, verge all rights reserved verge is a free monthly publication verge is printed on 50% recycled stock. It may be recycled further, please do your part. contact us 706.951.0579 publisher@vergelive.com advertising publisher@vergelive.com got a story tip? editor@vergelive.com free event listings pipeline@vergelive.com letters to the editor editor@vergelive.com mail 1124 Broad Street Augusta GA 30901 submit your ideas editor@vergelive.com www.vergelive.com
Think Local and Shop Local. It is great to think globally, as long as those global thoughts are brought to the local market. That’s how we are going to grow business, culture, public offering and also how we can make Augusta an even more dynamic city. The recent Westobou Festival is just one very good example of “Global Thinking in a Local Market.” Driving by the Augusta Common at night with the Slow Dancing exhibit playing gave the air a different feel. A feel of growth and promise. As someone so nicely phrased it to me “ …it’s like I am in New York City.” The statements made earlier are nothing new for those that have been reading verge for the past seven months. I can not emphasize enough the importance of those words. I personally look at it as my duty as a citizen of this great community we call Augusta to, at all costs, keep hard earned dollars in the local arena. On the next to last page there is a “Five Reasons to Choose Local” article. Please feel free to clip it out, pin it to your fridge, add to it, give a copy to a relative, a friend, a neighbor or even a stranger. The ripple effects will be felt community wide. When you do this you are in turn supporting your relative, your friend, your neighbor or heck, even a stranger. All of these folks are a vital part of our community and
will, we hope in return, do the same for you. They will shop at your place of business, they will eat at the restaurant you own or possibly work in and most importantly, they too, like you, will be keeping their dollars in the local market. The economic impact of this is huge and would require a lot more space than I have to write about it here. There are volumes of books written on why it is important to keep your hard earned wages with businesses in your hometown. To sum it up, the benefits of shopping local are more far reaching than say, buying something online or with a company based in, oh I don’t know say, Virginia. With that in mind, there are now more ways for you to get connected to your community. First, we have vergelive.com up and running and it’s pretty cool. You should check it out, make it your home page, participate in conversations, post to it, get involved and maybe even write for verge, make it your own. That’s why it’s there for you. Second: in October, verge will sponsor a second “event” in the downtown district. On October 16TH, verge and the awesome folks at Metro, A Coffeehouse and Pub, have partnered to bring you: Acoustic Underground. An evening of music and truly acoustic unplugged. You will have a chance to get up close with three of the area’s most accomplished singer/songwriters. It’s going to be great fun. There are some special surprises in store for you that evening. verge will continue to bring you at least one “special” event in the downtown district each month. It’s our way of saying “Thanks!” and to promote the unique and diverse cultural offering of the downtown district.
Speaking of which (the downtown district, that is). I recently became involved in an online social network that needs recognizing. Facebook. Most of you are already familiar with it, most of you have heard of it, and some of you may already have a Facebook page. What is interesting about this is that our Mayor, Deke Copenhaver, has created a Facebook page. This is too cool for words and incredibly important. It allows you, our reader, the ability to get plugged in to what is going on with our local Government. Our Mayor posts to his Facebook pagesome of the more current events of our city Government. This is a fantastic way to find out what’s going on with projects, events, and your community government. You can even interact with the Mayor. He does reply to posts. Now how cool is that? In a recent conversation with the mayor, (the “300”, Mr. Mayor, is a meaningful number), a friendly challenge was started. Here’s where you get involved (Koinania and Doulos): Deke would like a thousand “friends” on his Facebook page (the challenge put forth). I ask we triple that number. With our population base this should be a breeze. So, if you will, go to your nearest computer, sign on, get connected, find out what’s going on in your town. There you have it. A few great reasons and ways to become more involved in your town. We look forward to the coming days, think Fall. Get involved, support the advertisers in verge, your community and your events. We at verge say thanks again! See you downtown! Matt
find what you want / advertiser index entertainment & events
shops & galleries
restaurants & bars
41 12 42 45 16 10
47 8 22 10 25 6 18 16 8 46 24 10 2 34 18 44 46
4 34 36 22 26 46 48 46 14 38 28 18 22 12 42 42 40
Acoustic Underground Augusta Canal Augusta Tango Club Destination Downtown Historic Augusta Le Chat Noir
services 40 6 14 8 8 4 12 40 14 16 34
Alan Venable Architect Americana Tattoo Augusta Minit Print Casella Eye Center Downtown Dental Halo Salon & Spa Perry & Company PowerServe Sanford, Bruker & Banks Spa Bleu Meybohm Realty
8th Street Tobacco Alex Slapak, Jeweler Andy Jordan’s Bicycles blue magnolia The Book Tavern Cloud Nine Costumes by Michele Elduets Treasures of the World International Uniform Johannsen’s Sporting Goods Midtown Threds Oasis Garden Rock Bottom Music Vintage 965 Vintage Ooollee Window Gallery Zimmerman Gallery
1102 Bar & Grill 209 Music Lounge Beamie’s at the River Blue Sky Kitchen Boll Weevil Cafe The City Club Club Rehab Cotton Patch Joe’s Underground The Loft Metro Coffehouse & Pub Nacho Mama’s New Moon Café Riverdogs Express Stillwater Taproom Tap Tap Tacos & Tapas Tribeca
Advertising Opportunities: Contact the Publisher at: 706.951.0579 Story Ideas: Contact the Editor at: editor@vergelive.com Need additional copies? 706.951.0579 visit us on the web at: www.vergelive.com
downtown augusta
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quick clips room. The cuisine is lifted straight from the original menu, a smorgasbord of soulful southern cuisine including hamburger steak, fried chicken and squash casserole. Open Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm.
December 18, you can enter to win. Book Tavern will also be giving away several other prizes, including books and hickory switches.
and $1 for children and includes a one hour guided tour (with the last tour beginning at 4 pm). The 1797 Ezekiel Harris House is managed by the Augusta Museum of History. Details: augustamuseum.org
share your world war II love story The Miller Theatre is searching for personal love stories from World War II to include in a special Veteran’s Day exhibit in November. They are requesting copies of photographs and love stories that occurred because of or relating to “The Big One.” verge will run the best memoirs in November’s issue. Submissions can be emailed to millermemories@hotmail.com or mailed to blue magnolia, 1124 Broad Street, Augusta GA 30901.
lokal loudness celebrates 10 years of online domination
On February, 10th 1992 a small eight page booklet called Lokal Loudness appeared in Augusta clubs, music stores, and shows. Six years and eight months later, after many print issues and over 100 charity shows benefitting area causes, Lokal Loudness launched online, becoming one of the first Augusta media sources to jump on the web. This October Lokal Loudness celebrates ten years of online music coverage! www.lokalloudness.com
want to get involved? volunteer!
If you’re looking for a way to get plugged into our community and volunteer your time, check out volunteer-augusta.com, supported by Jim Hudson Lexus. Hundreds of volunteer opportunities exist: learn how you can join the Canal Volunteer Corps or tutor at risk kids, care for an aardvark or serve in a soup kitchen. Organizations also post lists of needed and wanted items.
fat man’s riverfront café opens
Brad Usry has delivered the goodness of the iconic Fat Man’s Café to downtown and he’s ready to deliver it to you. Fat Man’s Riverfront Café, located on Augusta’s Riverwalk in Fort Discovery, offers free delivery to area businesses and a free on-site meeting
cloud nine and book tavern kick it up a notch or two
Cloud Nine and The Book Tavern want you to have the opportunity to win every time you make a purchase. Cloud Nine is giving away $700 in prizes on Monday, December 15, including a $150 gift basket chock full of Cloud Nine goodness, and several gift certificates from $25 to $75. Every time you make a purchase at Cloud Nine, you are entered into the contest. The Book Tavern will give away an Electra Amsterdam Sport bicycle from Andy Jordan’s in its Reading, Riding and Arithmetic promotion. For every $10 purchase you make between now and
peter knox gives art school permanent home
One of Augusta’s biggest arts philanthropists just made a permanent home possible for the Jessye Norman School of the Arts. Peter Knox, IV donated his recently renovated building at 739 Greene Street to the art school. The Jessye Norman School of the Arts (JNSA) is an after school program designed to develop and nurture the artistic and creative talents of middle school students who may be economically challenged. The JNSA serves the cultural and educational needs of these students by providing free instruction in the areas of dance, drama, music, and art. Details: rachellongstreetfoundation.com
it’s all about movement: physical therapy month
October celebrates physical therapists, health professionals who diagnose and help people from newborns to elders with medical conditions that limit their ability to move and perform activities in their daily lives. Physical therapists work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility by developing fitness and wellness programs for healthier and more active lifestyles. One of the important roles that physical therapists play in the area of physical activity is to promote the capacity for movement in all patients. Physical therapists use their knowledge, skills, and experience to help people take control of the movement that is critical to their lives. If you are interested in becoming a physical therapist or want more information on the role of a physical therapist in the delivery of modern healthcare, visit apta.org or ptagonline.org.
oops, we goofed in september 1797 ezekiel harris house extends hours and tours
The 1797 Ezekiel Harris House, located at 1822 Broad Street, has extended its hours of operations to offer more tours to the general public. The House, known as “the finest eighteenth-century house surviving in Georgia,” is an exceptional example of what life was like during the flourishing Federal period in Georgia. Weekday hours are now Tuesday to Friday from 1 to 5 pm and include a one hour guided tour. Saturday hours are now extended from 10 am to 5 pm. Admission is $2 for adults
On Good Chow (page 31), we misspelled The Bee’s Knees manager’s name. Her name is Betsy Doubledee. What we did get right is that Betsy does a terrific job of pairing excellent wines with the equally excellent Bee’s Knees tapas. Additionally, on page 37, the article on Small Change should have included: Together with local graphic designer Ryan Davis, Small Change and Davis are putting together bottle cap repositories to distribute to participating downtown bars complete with a logo and sign alerting people to the objectives of the “Asthma Caps” drive. Ryan Davis plays an integral part in the success of the Small Change program.
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discover downtown shop
dine
play
live
Bill’s Place
La Maison on Telfair
The Fox’s Lair
The Water Source
Opened in 1934, the year after prohibition’s repeal, Bill’s Place is the oldest liquor store in Augusta. The owner, Bill Prince, is dedicated to bringing Augusta the greatest selection of domestic and imported beers, wines, and hard liquors. If you’re having trouble finding a specific brand, Bill will take down your name, number, and what you are looking for and then call around to other stores and find it no matter what. Set on the corner of Broad and Fifth streets, the store is clean, organized, and feels very open with two walls of floor to ceiling windows. Behind the counter is a third wall of glass made up of the store’s extensive inventory, including a large array of fine whiskeys. The shop is open Monday through Saturday from 8 am to 11:30 pm.
A little slice of old world sophistication in a new age world, the award winning La Maison on Telfair is renown for fine dining and even finer wines. Owner Heinz Sowinski and his staff of highly experienced chefs make it their mission to deliver the highest quality of cuisine. Opened at 404 Telfair Street in 1987, the building itself is a converted historic house, with an illustrious yet laid back atmosphere. Soft jazz plays in the background and patrons are offered the choice of being served in the dining room or having a few drinks in the separate bar area. The menu boasts an array of exotic specialties from ostrich to buffalo, elegantly prepared. With a selection of over 600 wines, this is the perfect location to share a romantic dinner or relax with friends.
Part of the Olde Town Inn, The Fox’s Lair is a quiet, reserved place for fun and good conversation. It’s Olde Town’s only bar, and owners Birkie and Carol Ayer take pride in their excellent staff. The Lair is open Tuesday through Thursday from 5 pm to 11 pm, Friday from 5 pm to 1 am, and Saturday from 8 pm to 2 am. Some nights there is live music, often by the Lair’s own patrons (one of which is a doctor at MCG) and, with the cozy atmosphere, it feels intrinsically connecting, like an Irish session. The Lair can be hard to find, but if you turn left off Telfair at Fourth street coming from downtown there is a driveway in between two houses before you reach Greene Street on your right. Turn in and keep going until you see an old-fashioned fire truck. You have arrived!
If you own a business and are looking for a distributor of bottled water or if you just need a supply of fresh, crisp, clean water at home then The Water Source, a family owned and operated business, has your answer. Owner Todd Brandenburg and his team will deliver, install, and maintain their products to reduce any hassle on the customer’s part and have twenty years of experience guiding them. They offer three distinct types of water and will be happy to find the one that fits your needs and budget. Their website, waterdude.com, includes their full list of pricing for water and accessories as well as delivery fees and special offers available. Their office number is 706.774.0020.
209 Fifth Street
404 Telfair Street
349 Telfair Street
214 Fifth Street
stories and photos by Andrew Mullis
the view from downtown / verge readers respond There are few things that invoke the nostalgic feel of yesteryears like the crack of the bat and roar of the crowd in downtowns across America. When I think of a new stadium in Augusta, it calls upon images of the adolescent boys, with well oiled gloves waiting in the street, hoping for that elusive home run; or families perched with picnic baskets on the roofs of the adjacent buildings catching glimpses of the game in a packed stadium. These are the images of a Norman Rockwell painting. These are the memories of our mothers and fathers. Yet, here in Augusta, we have a wonderful and perfect opportunity to bring the “memories” to life. To allow ourselves and our children to experience the truly American wonder of urban baseball that has so often been lost to large institutional-like stadiums sitting in seas of parking lots on the outskirts of our cities. How could there be anything more appropriate than to bring baseball into our historic downtown, to build our stadium right at the city streets, to provide the opportunity for Augustans to experience this historic city as it was intended to be enjoyed. Our downtown historic district is not a collection of artifacts to be preserved and observed from afar; rather it is a vibrant and living district that respects and appreciates the best of our past. Downtown baseball as proposed for Augusta will only add life to our city and propel us into our future with a respectful nod to our historic past. Mark Lorah, Chair, Richmond County Historic Preservation Commission
the proposed baseball stadium /entertainment complex
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he saw / she saw
a family experience downtown every friday night
she saw: A night out in downtown Augusta used to include playing acoustic shows at The Fox’s Lair or with the Half-Shirt Leroy’s at Stillwater Tap Room and with Snapdragon at the Soul Bar. These days we’re more likely to be playing a family music show with the Mud Puppy Band at Le Chat Noir or Fort Discovery’s Paul S. Simon Theatre. he saw: One thing that hasn’t changed is our weekly downtown date night, although now we have a fun little four-year-old third wheel tagging along. she saw: We start with dinner at Nacho Mama’s or Blue Sky Kitchen. We occasionally try something new, but you can pretty much bet we’ll be at one of these two. At Nacho Mama’s, Felix & I share a… felix adds: Bikini quesadilla! she saw: Well that’s what we call it. On the menu, it’s a zucchini quesadilla, and Kevin has a regular chicken burrito. he saw: At Blue Sky, Tara’s favorite is the basil pesto BLT with pasta salad. I have the Blue Sky Burger (no mayo) with mashed potatoes, and Felix loves the grilled cheese. she saw: After dinner we take the “Broad Street Stroll:” stop in to see Coco (and sometimes Maya) at the Soul Bar, say “hey” to the guys at Metro, and get a chocolate chip cookie at New Moon Café. he saw: Then we duck down 10th Street, where we always see someone we know sitting at one of the Bee’s Knees sidewalk tables, then head over to Tire City to see what Shishir’s working on. Last time, we got a preview of the fall dog bowls he’s designing exclusively for our dog shop. she saw: Back on Broad, we stop in at The Book Tavern. We have found some really wonderful books here. Felix is reading the Boxcar Children series, and I found a great book of classic children’s music that I’ve used for my Silly Monkey Music class at ASU, plus ideas for songs for the next HiFi Felix family music CD. he saw: Our last stop is usually Blue Magnolia. We like to make sure they have plenty of the Fetch Dog Treats we make exclusively for them, plus Tara’s always looking for jewelry & bags. she saw: They have fun, eye-catching rings that I like to wear to my family music concerts. My favorite is the big wooden ring with the word “love” burned into it. It looks great when you’re playing guitar! Kevin also got my mother’s day gift here- a great little Bagallini everyday bagg. I think I might need another one in blue!
he saw: Sometimes we make a stop at Silver City. We’ve both gotten some great pieces there- and they have those awesome Mexican mirrors and wall hangings. Besides, that store is just so cool-looking. It’s amazing how much stuff he gets into that tiny space! she saw: And then right about the time our night used to be beginning, we head home. It’s almost bath time, plus we’ve got Noah’s Pals to register, and a new bedtime book to read. But we’ll be back next weekend!
he saw: I like to follow Felix and play with him in the kid’s area. He loves… felix adds: Noah’s Pals! she saw: He loves playing with all the toys they have out on the play table, and picking out new wooden groceries, wind-up toys, but yes, especially Noah’s Pals. He’s been collecting them from Blue Magnolia with his “chore chart” money for about a year now. We usually have to rush right home to register them online.
Tara & Kevin Scheyer own Fetch Dog Treats, Augusta’s only dog bakery, in Surrey Center. They also started Augusta’s only family music band, Tara Scheyer & the Mud Puppy Band, where their son, Felix, guest stars on harmonica at their sold-out concerts. Don’t miss their upcoming performance at 12 Bands of Christmas. photo by Elizabeth Benson
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front porch / fred daitch
a four generation legacy continues downtown It’s no secret that downtown Augusta has weathered some rough times over the last several decades. Suburbia’s burgeoning growth coupled with the introduction of enormous malls and discount stores effectively stymied the economic health of the city’s center for years, and by doing so wreaked havoc on local businesses and their owners. While many chose to close shop and move on, there remained a brave, and some might say stubborn few who refused to leave. Fred Daitch of International Uniform counts himself among the stubborn. While the flight of the late nineties was beating the area’s economy into submission, Daitch was certainly taking some bruises of his own. But through it all, he doggedly clung to his family’s downtown legacy. Daitch’s great-grandfather, Fishel Levy, first opened Levy’s Department Store one hundred years ago in the building which now houses The White Elephant Cafe. Several years later, Phil Daitch, Fred Daitch’s grandfather, immigrated from Poland to Denmark, Georgia where he successfully operated a small business of his own. Phil would later move to Augusta, where he met and married one of Levy’s daughters and began working at the department store. In 1930, Phil left Levy’s to open Kersch-Daitch Dry Goods, which was based in the current International Uniform building. “Back then, the building was only about a third the size it is now,” said Daitch. “It was added onto first in the 40’s and again in 1967.” In 1945, Daitch’s father returned from World War II and bought out Mr. Kersch’s portion of the business, thus becoming partners with his father. “The two of them had a great wholesale company. They sold goods to all the mom-and-pop stores from Broad Street to towns like Wrens, Waynesboro, Sardis, and Columbia,” says Daitch. “It was just an unbelievable business—solid as the Rock of Gibraltar. They were shipping merchandise all over the South. And it just continued to grow.” Throughout the years, the business remained in the hands of the family. Fred’s brother entered the fold after graduating college in the ‘70s and Fred did likewise in the ‘80s. All was going well until the commercial exodus of the late nineties hit. In 1998, three years after the death of their father, what was now Fred Daitch and his brother’s dry goods business went defunct. “When all the Wal-Marts, the K-marts, and the other big-box stores moved into the region, they shut down most of the mom-and-pop stores that did business with us,” said Daitch. “They would open a Wal-Mart or something in Sardis or Waynesboro and you pretty much knew that retail as anyone knew it was over. These stores could never survive the onslaught of the discounters.” So with the family business closed, Fred bought the building from his father’s estate and tried to figure out what to do next. “I was just kind of left here with no job, no income, and a wife in medical school. I was struggling just trying to make a living for myself,” he said. “Eventually, I said to myself, ‘Well, I guess clothing is what I know, so I guess clothing is what I’ll do.’” The result was a uniform store, though it was a far cry from its current appearance—he only had one rack of merchandise. “While I have customers and traffic now, it didn’t used to be this way. Before, if I didn’t go out and sell somebody something, nothing happened.” Over the years, however, Daitch’s tireless work and dedication helped make the store a legitimate success. Not content to stay confined to any one particular downtown business venture, and inspired by his family’s account to supply the white coveralls for caddies at the Augusta National, Daitch decided to expand his horizons toward Augusta’s great love: golf. While he says it took several years of both running his retail store and attending numerous golf expos to get everything
in order for his new endeavor, eventually Daitch reached his goal of becoming a legitimate presence in the golf supply industry. What’s more, he says, everything he sells has been produced right here in the United States. It is a source of immense pride for Daitch. “All our golf products are manufactured at a mill in Eastman, Georgia,” he says. “Yes, I could make a lot more money if I went to places like China or India to make these goods. But I look at what has happened to our country and our city as a result of outsourcing and I just refuse to do it. I’m making a fine living for my family as it is. I’m happy. I don’t need to be taking more money out of this country.” Currently, Daitch not only plans expanding his presence downtown, but he also intends to move here from Columbia County. “I’ve had some tremendous offers on my building, even recently, but I’ve turned them all down,” he says. “My wife and I have blueprints and plans for over the next two years. When our kids are out of the house, we’re going to build a penthouse on the top of that building.” He also plans to add more commercial space and has even bought the land behind his property for parking relief. Besides, he says, he doesn’t think he could ever bring himself to actually sell the 25,000 square foot building. “I’m quite emotional about this place. I can’t explain the feeling. When I come up here and turn that same key to that same lock that my dad and my grandfather did—I just can’t explain it.” by Donald Merton photo by Elizabeth Benson
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gyros and baklava / a weekend of greek food, music, and culture Greek Festival October 9 to 12 Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
The Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church will host its annual Greek Festival of Augusta this month. The event, beginning October 9th and lasting until the 12th, will celebrate and promote appreciation of Hellenic culture. Traditional dance will be performed by Troupe Hellas of Atlanta. The adult group has a repertoire of over 200 dances, which come from twenty Grecian villages, islands and regions. The Fabulous Grecian Keys, acclaimed to be the best Greek American quartet today, will also perform live. Inside the church will be the Greek Market, a treasury of local and imported art, jewelry, gifts and other crafts.
thru allows for a speedy retrieval of a scrumptious and filling meal. For the weekend football moguls, visit the Taverna on Saturday and Sunday to watch the games on the big screen while the grill cooks Greek style wings. A children's play area and free balloons will be available to the kids (and the young at heart). Admission and parking are free, and the rich cultural atmosphere of Augusta's Greek Festival is not one to be missed.
The epitome of Greek Fest is without a doubt the delicious authentic cuisine. Souvlaki (grilled meat kebabs, usually pork) and Gyros (rotisserie lamb, tomatoes, lettuce and tzatziki, a yoghurt, cucumber and herb sauce, served in a hearty pita wrap) as well as desserts like Baklava, a pastry made with crisp dough layered with chopped nuts and sweet honey, will be available for dining on the festival grounds. But for those on the go: do not despair! A convenient drive-
The Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church is located on the corner of Tenth and Greene Street. Church tours will be conducted throughout the Festival weekend. All proceeds provide funding for Parish programs, special projects, missions, and outreach ministries of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, unless otherwise designated. Details: 706.724.1087.
by Ashley Plocha
mariachi to flamenco / celebrating the vibrancy of hispanic culture Festival Hispano October 11 and 12 The Augusta Common
In its sixteenth year, the festival closing Hispanic Heritage Month is a celebration of the contributions of Hispanics to the cultural arts of Augusta. This two day festival is guaranteed to energize and stimulate the senses with the best in Latin music, food, dance, crafters, and children’s amusements. Hispanic Heritage Month officially began on September 15, the anniversary of independence for five Latin American countries—Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico declared its independence on September 16, and Chile on September 18. A wealth of cultural heritage originating in these and other Latin American countries continues to migrate to Augusta as our Hispanic population grows and becomes more diverse. The Festival Hispano provides a unique opportunity to share Hispanic culture with the community and celebrate diversity. Festival goers have been delighted with
the varieties of authentic food from many Hispanic countries. Experience the irresistible rhythms of the mariachi band and the beauty of flamenco dance. The festival also features folkloric groups, arts and crafts, games for children, street dance, and other educational attractions for the entire family. The event is presented by The Hispanic American Cultural Association (ACHA), whose goal is to preserve and promote the Hispanic culture while strengthening bonds of culture and unity. ACHA believes it is important that our community unites in order to share and maintain the cultural traditions of our countries.
Hispanic Countries Represented Argentina Bolivia Chile Columbia Costa Rica Cuba Dominican Republic Ecuador El Salvador Guatemala Honduras Mexico Nicaragua Panama Paraguay Peru Puerto Rico Spain Uruguay Venezuela
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southern circuit film festival / indie film
imperial brings opportunity to meet independent film makers
The mention of independent films may bring a mixture of feelings to mind, but trust that you won’t be alone. The National Alliance for Media Arts and Culture (NAMAC) reported at the 2007 general sessions in Austin, Texas, “While there are numerous touring film festivals and film programs throughout the country…none of them bring the filmmakers into communities to screen their works and engage audiences.” Former tour director of the South Carolina Arts Commission, Susan Leonard, states, “The core of Southern Circuit is very human, personal, conversational… It has provided a way for filmmakers to really be a part of their audience and have a dialogue.” Imperial Theatre will be hosting 6 feature films, between September 2008 & May 2009, which document a variety of social-themes and humanizes them. Beyond the Call, Tjuba Ten (The Wet Season), Tru Loved, Random Lunacy, & ‘Bama Girl make up Circuit #1 of
Saturday • October 11, 2008 Beyond the Call Adrian Belic Ed Artis, James Laws, and Walt Ratterman are three middle-aged men whose idea of adventure is taking desperately needed food and medicine into the world’s most forbidding yet naturally beautiful places, often the front lines of war.
the 2008-2009 Southern Circuit Film Festival. The history of the Southern Circuit began in July 2006. After 33 years of service, the Southern Circuit emerged when the South Carolina Arts Commission transferred development and management to the Southern Arts Federation (SAF). The Southern Film Circuit’s vision was to have two parallel tours, each with six filmmakers and their films traveling to ten sites for a total of 120 screenings with 20 organizations hosting the tour throughout eight Southeastern states from September 2008-May 2009. Alan Bell, program director at the Southern Arts Federation, manages Southern Circuit and Short Circuit. Bell admits the success of the circuit is due to the parallel tours and the increasing number of venues the tour circles. The structure of the schedule allows theatres to get a variety of independent films for their community to enjoy. As a participant, you will not only see a feature film, but a couple ‘short circuit’
Saturday • November 8, 2008 Tjuba Tén (The Wet Season) & Other Experimental Ethnographies Ben Russell Recorded in the jungle of Suriname, Tjúba Tén (The Wet Season) is composed of community-generated performances, reenactments, and extemporaneous recordings of the villagers.
Saturday • April 18, 2009 ‘Bama Girl Rachel Goslins
The Crimson Tide’s homecoming has a rich history, tied into centuries of privilege, old money and racial exclusivity. This powerful and enlightening documentary follows Jessica Thomas’s quest to become Homecoming Queen at the University of Alabama.
films as well. Short Circuit is a stand alone as well as a companion program to Southern Circuit that showcases short films by Southern filmmakers living in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Jim Haverkamp’s, director of Willow Garden, post last April on Southern Circuit’s blog explains: “Traveling the circuit has really brought home the fact that there are people who will go to extraordinary lengths to support low budget independent filmmaking. The fact that people will take a risk & come to see movies by people they’ve never heard of, about all kinds of strange subject matter, is astounding. Getting to talk to people after the show is probably the best part of the tour.” This is a unique opportunity; to have the filmmaker and audience interact so each may gain a full-scope of how something visual stimulates the mind and perhaps influences people.
adrian belc
ben russell
by Heather Rankin
Saturday • February 7, 2009 Tru Loved Antonio Brown & Stewart Wade A teenage daughter of lesbian mothers, Tru struggles at high school as an outsider until high school quarterback Lodell takes an interest in her. Explores the themes of love and acceptance that we all seek.
Sunday • March 15, 2009 Random Lunacy: Videos from the Road Less Traveled Victor Zimet & Stephanie Silber
Poppa Neutrino is the patriarch of an innovative and creative family of vagabonds. He, his wife, and their five children travel from New York to Arizona, from Moscow to Mexico, playing Dixieland jazz.
details / five films five nights All films begin at 7:30 pm • General Admission $8 • Student & Military $5 www.imperialtheatre.com or 706.722.8341 All tickets include a pre-screening reception with filmmakers and a post-screening Q&A with the filmmaker/producer. The 2008-2009 Southern Circuit is a program of the Southern Arts Federation. Screenings are funded in part by a grant from the Southern Arts Federation in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and local partner organizations.
18 / october / verge
verge / october / 19
you can’t touch this / the enduring legend of
augusta’s haunted pillar
experience it for yourself on the corner of fifth and broad
Like a shadow at night, it is hardly noticeable. A tall unimpressive slab of stone camouflaged like a chameleon among the weather worn exterior of the corner of Fifth and Broad streets, the Augusta landmark known as the Haunted Pillar contains no visual qualities that would urge an observer to gasp in awe. What the Haunted Pillar does possess is a tale that is every bit southern folklore as it is historical reference. But what is it about this simple drab column that makes it stand out over other subjects of Augusta lore? In a city filled with nearly three centuries of ghostly tales and myths, why has the legend of the Haunted Pillar endured while so many other compelling local fables have been largely forgotten? My first conscious encounter with the Haunted Pillar occurred nearly fifteen years ago as part of an outing prompted by an October Halloween news article spotlighting area ghost stories. My nephew Bryan and I were intrigued by tales of ghosts that until that day we were totally oblivious to. Further investigation turned up such an overwhelming amount of information on spooky Augusta haunts that we decided to try and check out each and every one. The ghost of Emily Galt, the tale of the Camellia bush at Pendleton King Park, the confederate ghost of Augusta State University, the Gambler’s Grave, and of course, the Haunted Pillar. Starting early one Saturday morning Bryan and I ventured on a ghostly scavenger hunt that took us across a large portion of the CSRA. With newspaper clippings and a historical booklet purchased from the Municipal Building, we hit every location on our checklist before arriving on Broad Street to search for our final destination and last remaining evidence of the old Augusta market: the Haunted Pillar. Built in the early 1800’s, the lower market was at one time the economic center of Augusta standing right in the middle of Broad Street near what is now the intersection of Broad and Fifth streets. The market was the place to gather for the buying, selling, and trading of agriculture, livestock, and slaves. The original structure was destroyed by fire in 1829 and rebuilt shortly after. Legend has it that a vagabond preacher, denied requests to preach at the market, prophesized that a “great wind” would destroy all but one column of the market. This lone pillar was to carry the preacher’s curse threatening harm to anyone who dare attempt to move or destroy it. In February 1878 a cyclone leveled all but one column. Supposedly a worker helping to clear debris from the cyclone, after mocking the curse,
died of a heart attack while trying to pull the column over. Shortly after, a local grocer purchased the pillar for $50 and moved it near its current location on the corner of Broad and Fifth. A rebuilt market would eventually be torn down in 1891, closing the book on the history of the lower market. Or did it? Over the years, accounts of strange happenings connected to the column would add to the legend, since dubbed “The Haunted Pillar.” When Broad Street was widened, two workers who attempted to move the column were reportedly struck by lightning and killed. In 1958, a bale of cotton from a truck caused a section of the pillar to collapse. The driver, who took a small section as a souvenir, promptly returned the souvenir after passing out unexpectedly. People claimed to have heard footsteps following closely behind as they approached the pillar. Others are said to have seen a handprint appear from nowhere on the column. It is said that the footsteps are those of the preacher’s spirit still seeking a place to preach while the handprint is the mark where a slave tied to the column rested his bloody hand. After driving up and down Broad Street for almost thirty minutes we stopped at a package shop to ask for directions and were dumbfounded when we were directed to look right across the street. This unassuming piece of Augusta history had eluded us as we searched for it. How strange we thought that this insignificant looking column could be the source of so much attention and debate. Could it be that, like many things in life, the true essence of the Haunted Pillar lies much deeper than a mere stack of old gray weathered stone? Were there lessons to be learned from our ghostly tour? We saw no ghosts yet felt like we were left with spirits that would remain with us for rest of our lives. Maybe the purpose of the Haunted Pillar is to remind us that history should not be simply forgotten and left to only the ghosts of the past. Can these unusual occurrences be attributed to the preacher’s curse? There are those that say the true curse of the Haunted Pillar comes from the blood of the slave that was tied to the column. Could it be that it is really just the hearts of those that believe that keep the curse alive? Perhaps it’s a little of each. by John “Stoney” Cannon photos by David Hanna art by Alex McCain, III
20 / october / verge
all hallow’s eve Jekyll & Hyde
Imperial Theatre 745 Broad Street October 3 & 4 at 8 pm October 5 at 3 pm $15 to $40 “All human beings ... are commingled out of good and evil,” says Robert Louis Stevenson. The Augusta Players portray this passionate struggle in one man in its premier of Jekyll and Hyde. Based on Stevenson’s whirlwind odyssey, the story pits man against himself when the brilliant Dr. Jekyll’s medical experiment backfires, giving life to Edward Hyde, his alter ego. Flawlessly directed by Richard Justice, this Broadway musical version creates a chilling combination of thrilling entertainment and pure pulse-pounding theatrical enjoyment. This powerful tale filled with moving music, compassion, conflict, and love has become a true contemporary masterpiece. Recommended for mature audiences only. Details: augstaplayers.com
Spooktacular Party
Fort Discovery 1 Seventh Street October 25 2 to 5 pm free to $4
Halloween Festival Augusta Common 800 Block of Broad Street October 25 5 to 8 pm free
What’s the most popular children’s Halloween costume this year? Spiderman? Batman? WALL-E? Is it even possible to dress up as a metal robot with tank-like wheels and binocular shaped eyes? Whatever the hot costume is this year, I’m sure you’ll spot it as the majority in The Augusta Common during the Halloween Festival. You’ll find games, rides, and activities ready to entertain (or spook) you and yours. Expect more activities for those who aren’t squeamish and a spooky movie once the sun goes down. Details: 706.821.1754
Fort Discovery’s annual Spooktacular Party combines two of my favorite things: Halloween and Science. This event features several make-and-take activities, a costume parade, door prizes and “Weird Science” demonstrations that will definitely spark the eye of any scientific ghost or goblin. Goodie bags are given to the first 500 kids, so come early and grab a photo opportunity with various Halloween characters. Spooktacular is also a drop site for “Spooky to be Hungry,” an organization collecting food donations on Saturday during the Spooktacular event from 10 am to 5 pm and on Sunday from noon to 5 pm. All items should be non-perishable and commercially prepared. Details: nscdiscovery.org
Pumpkin Carving Contest & Family Night
Hammond’s Ferry Boeckh Park October 25 6:30 to 9 pm free
There’s nothing better than transforming a big, orange pumpkin into an intricate bat, flying out of a cauldron or into the classic triangleeyed, jagged-mouthed pumpkin face with a carving knife and a handful of pumpkin guts. Bring your pumpkins and carving tools to Boeckh Park where you can display your pumpkin carving creativity for all to see. “It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” will play at 8 pm to compliment the festivities. Costumes are encouraged and the best looking pumpkin wins, so I’d practice carving little bats out of apples right now, if I were you. Details: hammondsferry.com
the zombie crawl / downtown parties on all hallow’s eve Black Cat Ball
Le Chat Noir 9 pm $20 An intimate atmosphere of elegant All Hallow’s Eve conviviality.
Halloween DJ Mix
Soul Bar 9 pm $5 Grab a couple drinks and snag a spot to dance on stage.
A Metro Halloween
Metro Coffeehouse 9 pm Live entertainment will rock The Metro with their amazing blend of gritty, Southern rock and classic blues. Best costume wins the prize.
All Hallow’s Eve Party
Tribeca Lounge 9 pm $5 Expect to see dancing on the bar during the Third Annual Lingerie Show, with VIP model section. Costumes are welcomed and prizes will be awarded.
verge / october / 21
all month long Grand Guignol: Theatre of Horror
Le Chat Noir 304 Eighth Street October 17 & 18, 24 through 31 7 & 9 pm $13 The Grand Guignol, a Parisian theatre in the late 1800s, specialized in naturalistic horror shows which have since been the inspiration for graphic, horror entertainment within performance theatres. Downtown’s Le Chat Noir continues the tradition with their own version of Grand Guignol, showcasing various performances that surround the theme of amoral horror and gory special effects. Being quite sensitive to certain visual depictions of blood and guts, I’m looking forward to entering the theatre with a curious fascination and leaving with a greater appreciation for this particular type of theatre, which I’m positive, will please all fans of horror. Details: lcnaugusta.com
Walk with the Spirits
Magnolia Cemetery 702 Third Street October 11 & 12 3 pm to 6pm $10 to $15 Come hear the stories and discover the history behind one of the South’s most unique burial sites, where the cemetery stretches 60 acres full of intriguing and iconographic headstones. Did you know that one of the oldest marked graves at Magnolia Cemetery is of a man who died of consumption back in 1833? Also among the gravesites of former governors and generals of the Southeast stands a granite Mausoleum of a losing gambler named Wylly Barron and his story of “A Suicide’s Curse.” Apparently, his remains were bricked over inside the vault and after the keyhole was sealed shut, the keys were thrown into the Savannah River. Barron’s interesting story of superstition and lost luck is just one the “spirits” featured during Historic Augusta’s “Walk with the Spirits,” a guided tour of Magnolia Cemetery’s notable burial grounds. Each tour will start every twenty minutes and last about 45 minutes. Reservations are required and the tour is not recommended for children under 5. Group discounts available. Details: historicaugusta.org
Nightmare on Ellis Street
Sector 7G 631 Ellis Street October 31 7 pm $7 door or $5 in costume There couldn’t be a more perfect name for an event that hosts four metal bands on Halloween night in a small building on the corner of Seventh and Ellis Streets. Augusta’s own thrash music makers, Chairleg, are releasing their newest album with the help of local bands Shotgun Opera and Pursuit of Angels. Quickfuse from Columbia, South Carolina joins the debacle, helping Sector7G raise its decibel intensity. Don’t be alarmed if you see ripped particles of various costumes and fake blood splattered on the sidewalk the day after “Nightmare on Ellis Street,” just slap yourself because you missed it. Details: myspace.com/sector7g
Halloween
80s Night
Sky City 10 pm $5 Costumes of David Bowie and the entire cast of The Warriors will surely grace the dance floor during downtown’s most popular dance party.
Halloween Party
The Loft 10 pm free Gentleman, grab your canes and fur coats while the ladies dress down to their satin miniskirts, fishnets, and heels to compliment the theme of The Loft’s sexy party.
The 209 Halloween Party
209 Music Lounge 9 pm $10 DJ Awesome Rick drops the beats all night long. Costume contest!
Halloween Karaoke
Fox’s Lair 8 pm free Sing “Thriller” by Michael Jackson at the top of your lungs.
Joe’s Halloween Party
Joe’s Underground 10 pm $4 Win a $50 bar tab with your best costume, while the Stone Dog’s rock the underground.
22 / october / verge
verge / october / 23
yourspace /downtown living
creating a wonderwall with a little ingenuity and lots of imagination
During a session of perusing various interior design blogs (one of my favorite things to do), I came across the most intriguing photograph of a rather simple idea: plates hanging on a wall. Not just any plates, but charismatic and vibrant plates in every size and color, arranged to display wonderful patterns and images in a captivating work of art worthy of placement in even the most stylish of homes. I loved the idea so much that I decided to create one of my own. Little did I know this would turn into months of searching local thrift and antique stores to find exactly what I was looking for. Plates are not hard to find, but the right plates don’t come automatically. Not to discourage you, of course; just be prepared for a little work! Look often for small (2-3 inches in diameter), medium (3-5 inches in diameter), and large (5 to no bigger than 8 inches in diameter) plates, trying to imagine the shape you want the plate wall to take. You’ll need to buy according to the shape you want. Here’s a tip: small and medium sized plates fill in your arrangement better. Try not to buy too many plates of the same color/ shade, and hunt for as many plates with as many patterns and images as you can. The more diverse your collection, the better it looks. Online stores like etsy.com are a good place to start, as well as estate sales and thrift stores. I even picked up two plates on sale at blue magnolia. You’ll be surprised where plates will pop up, so keep your eyes open! After gathering all of my plates (25-28 is ideal), I laid them out on the floor to decide on the placement that looked best. Be warned: this may take a while. You want to make sure your arrangement has the proper balance. Whatever looks good to your eye. Be sure to measure the area of the wall where you plan to hang the plates so you can arrange them according to that space. I found it very helpful to take a digital photo of the arrangement just in case I had to move it before I was actually able to put it up. Another tip, don’t just look at your arrangement standing on the floor; instead stand on a chair or some other elevated surface to see what it will look like head on. Angles do make a difference. When I began this project, I had no clue how I was actually going to achieve the look, only that I had to. By some freak occurrence I was nudged in the direction of Disc Hangers. These wonderful little inventions allow you to hang your plates without having anything visible from the front, just the plate itself. For the type of
project I was doing, this was a must. Disc hangers are available at blue magnolia in various sizes and prices. Buy according to the diameter and/or weight of your plate. To apply the Disc Hangers to your plates, first clean the plates with Soft Scrub (or another scouring powder or cream) and a sponge. Next wash and dry the plates. Then apply water to the Disc Hangers, wait for the adhesive to become “tacky” and firmly place them on the plates. Wait 24 hours for them to dry and voila, your plates are ready to hang! Now we’ve reached the hardest part: actually putting the plates on the wall. With your plate arrangement on the floor in front of the space you plan to use, it’s easiest to start with the plate in the middle of the top. Hang this one first. Simply hammer a finishing nail in the wall (make sure it’s angled enough so that the plate won’t slip off), paying careful attention to where the Disc Hanger is on the back of the plate. If you make a mistake, don’t fret! It can be fixed. After the first plate is on the wall, work through the plates as you see fit. I didn’t have a set plan and mostly hung the plates in the order that seemed easiest and most sensible. It will vary depending on your arrangement. Be sure to take your time; sometimes the arrangement will shift in the floor-to-wall transition (let’s face it, we can’t be 100% accurate all the time), so it’s important to make sure your plates will still fit in with one another. Step back periodically to make sure the arrangement looks good at a distance. Once your plates have been hung, you can finally breathe! And after all that work, don’t forget to enjoy your creation. If you’re doing this project by yourself (as I did), you’ll feel an intense wave of satisfaction that just might make you want to try creative projects like this more often. Total cost of this project will vary tremendously depending on where you purchase your plates and how many you buy. Bargain hunters can save a lot by patiently waiting for deals at thrift stores, while those who don’t mind the price can probably find a greater selection at antique stores. The average price for a plate is about $2. On this entire project I spent approximately $300.
story and photo by Gabi Hutchison
24 / october / verge
gallery
soundcheck
It’s a Dog’s Life: Photographs by William Wegman
Sandinistas!
Morris Museum of Art Opens October 11
The Loft October 4
You may not know the name, but you’ll recognize the face of his favorite subject: the grave and, apparently, forbearing Weimaraners. Wegman has immortalized the breed with his quirky photographic portraits of the dogs, whose reserved beauty and aloof carriage prove the perfect foil for his unpredictable whimsy and wit. From the Smithsonian to greeting cards to Sesame Street, Wegman’s troupe of canine companions has captured our hearts, as eloquently as he has captured them on film.
Hailing from Charleston, South Carolina, Sandinistas! return to Augusta with this whirlwind of a four piece taking on the songs of The Clash. The band came together originally to cover a classic rock album in their hometown for a local concert series. Next thing they knew, they had a catalog of 30-35 Clash songs embedded in their minds. What do you do with that many Clash songs as a professional musician? Become a Clash tribute band, of course!
In It’s a Dog’s Life: Photographs by William Wegman from the Polaroid Collection, twenty-nine of these photographs will be on view at the Morris Museum of Art. Each photograph was created on Polaroid film.
Starting in November of last year, Sandinistas! have played all over the southeast in an effort to entertain post-modern rockers. Starting their slow infiltration into Augusta with the Red Lion Pub, they moved onto the illustrious (and very appropriate) Firehouse Bar. They have now set sights on Augusta’s newest late night entertainment spot, The Loft.
In 1979, Wegman was invited to Cambridge, Massachusetts along with Chuck Close,and Andy Warhol to test the new Polaroid 20x24-inch camera. This very rare 5-foot camera weighs 235 pounds and produces large format contact prints, renowned for their lush color and detail. Only six of these huge Polaroid cameras exist “Wegman composes his photographs very carefully, giving extraordinary attention to the pose and lighting of his subject,” comments Jay Williams, curator of the Morris Museum of Art. “Some of his Polaroid images continue Wegman’s penchant for dressing his subject in zany costumes and disguises, while others appear to be serious portraits—studies of his dog’s physical form that become studies in abstraction.” One of the images features Wegman’s photo assistant Andrea Beeman sitting with Fay Ray (Fay and Andrea, 1987). Both girl and dog look wide-eyed, innocent, and beautiful, but the mischievous catch is that Fay is wearing long fake eyelashes. It’s a Dog’s Life: Photographs by William Wegman from the Polaroid Collection opens to the pubic on October 11th. Details: www.themorris.org
Chris (guitarist and part-time singer) describes a typical show to have extreme amounts of crowd participation. They encourage random crowd members to come up on stage and sing with them to truly bring them into the life of the show. Chris adds that every gig varies tremendously with diversity of crowds, amount of participation, set list, and so on. They really try not to play the same show twice, and with over 55 songs currently in their catalog it should be easy. The major consistency Chris finds is how often people forget exactly how many Clash songs they know until they find themselves singing all night until hoarseness is reached. Carry your Clash lovin’ booty to The Loft on October 4th to see Sandinistas! They promise amplified rowdiness as the night progresses. Come early to witness the debauchery as it takes on a life of its own. Music is always free at The Loft and starts at 10:30 pm for a night of new wave punk rock. by Jason Barron
verge / october / 25
onstage
offstage
Sleeping Beauty
Imperial Theatre November 1 Once upon a time, there was a king and queen who longed for a child. Finally they had a daughter, and to celebrate the birth, good fairies were invited to bestow gifts upon the princess. An evil fairy appeared with her own “gift:” a curse; on her sixteenth birthday, the princess would prick her finger on the spindle of a spinning wheel and die. But one good fairy changed the curse to sleep instead of death. Only true love’s kiss could break the enchantment, save the princess, and defeat the evil fairy. So goes the beloved fairy tale of Sleeping Beauty, which Storyland Theatre brings to life in their original musical production. All the world’s a stage and this troupe creates exciting and imaginative theatre for the world they care about most: children. “Our favorite part is watching the children and seeing their expressions as they enjoy the shows. Their laughter and applause are all we need to make us happy,” says Austin Rhodes, well known radio talk show host. Rhodes frequently acts in Storyland productions and plays the proverbial Hero in Sleeping Beauty. This isn’t just typical kid theater fare. Adults will enjoy the antics, humor, and excellent acting. The actors are all adults, professionals in the community who want to share their love of theatre with our young people so that they will learn to enjoy the arts. Executive director Barbara Feldman takes community theatre a step further by entirely producing each show with local talent. Sleeping Beauty was written specifically for Storyland by local playwright Richard Davis, Jr. and composer Susan Reese Burgess. Under the musical direction of James Nord, Sleeping Beauty unfolds onstage with a set by Steve Krecskay and costumes by Michele Hattman. The Matinee is November 1 at 3 pm at the Imperial Theatre. Tickets are $5 and all active duty military personnel and families are free (box office opens at 2:15 pm).
Petersburg Boat Tours
Augusta Canal daily tours Augusta Canal Boat Tours feature rich heritage while drifting down the Augusta Canal among a vast array of wildlife and vegetation. The tour begins with a 10 minute movie entitled The Power of the Canal, which explores the vision of Henry H. Cumming who created the Canal to harness the power of the Savannah River. The self-guided tour, located within the building, hosts many interactive displays that walk you through the expansion of what makes the Augusta Canal so remarkable. On the way in there is a quote: “To Southerners, nothing was more noble than planting, growing, harvesting & selling the fruits of the good earth.” Within the framework of Augusta’s rich heritage, you witness the transformation of a city as time and technology progressively utilize the environment through harvesting the power the canal offers. During the day tour you make your way down to the 49-passenger Petersburg boat. As the boat glides along the river, humorous tales of the Enterprise, King, and Sibley Mills are told. History and wildlife come alive throughout the tour. It is also highly recommended to take part in the Augusta Canal Moonlight Music Cruises. For ages 21 and up, the captain insists it’s highly entertaining and sometimes interactive. Picnic dinners are suggested as well as your beverage of choice. Catch the Moonlight Cruise on one of these dates: October 3, 10, 17, 24, or 31 & November 7. Cruises start at 6 pm and last for an hour and a half. Regular day tours are offered daily (weather permitting). Tickets are $12 each. Moonlight Music Cruise tickets are $24 each. Seating is limited, so call to reserve your seat: 706.823.0440 or visit augustacanal.com.
by Heather Rankin
26 / october / verge
verge / october / 27
good chow / oasis garden
local farmers offer fresh produce and plants with style When Kate Lee and Brian Gandy first came from Athens to Augusta they bought a farm. Well, actually, someone else bought it, but Brian was lured away from bio-fuel research at UGA to manage Blue Clay Farm at Hammond’s Ferry in North Augusta. The farm is part of the Hammond’s Ferry Foundation and was established to beautify green space and create community supported agriculture. They use organic techniques predating the introduction of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Blue Clay runs a year round growing cycle, which means it’s growing something nearly all the time. When Brian began running the farm, his first order of business was to develop its infrastructure and start turning out crops. As vegetables and other produce were harvested, they were sold to local restaurants like Bistro 491, La Maison, Manuel’s Bread Café, and Tap Tap. The farm also sold at the Saturday Market on the River. With the end of the Market’s season on August 30th, the couple knew they would need to find a new venue to continue selling. Kate had nurtured a childhood dream of owning a garden and flower shop, and when they relocated here the soil of Downtown Augusta was perfect for her concept to germinate. With no store selling produce or plants in the district, she and Brian worked to open Oasis Garden as the Saturday Market’s season closed. They timed the opening of the store perfectly, and their first sprouts appeared on First Friday in September.
Oasis Garden is open Tuesday – Saturday 11 am to 7 pm 1034 Broad Street want more info? 706.364.0169
Oasis Garden encompasses a vision surpassing a place to sell produce from Blue Clay Farm, and it’s rooted deep within the psyche and heritage of Kate and Brian. Both came from families with a history of lifestyle gardening and fondly remember eating the produce of family labor. Growing plants wasn’t merely a means to making dinner; they also enrich life with their beauty. “A plant can change the whole atmosphere of a room,” says Kate. So she didn’t limit Oasis Garden to a produce stand, but integrated house and yard plants into the mix. They desired to share their passion with their patrons, and included a full range of products to help you grow and care for your own plants. Now, if you’re like me, you have a black thumb. But don’t fear killing the plants you buy, because Kate will walk you
through the best way to make sure each plant survives and thrives. Beyond that, she can tell you what plants will thrive best in your home and yard. In the future, she hopes to provide full garden consulting services, training people how to grow and maintain a plant filled life. Never satisfied with doing things half way, she wants to help guide people from the beginning of a design all the way to helping dig in the dirt. Oasis Garden already has an amazing array of house plants. I was particularly drawn to the pitcher plant, whose hanging vines end in “pitchers” you fill with a little water. Flies and other insects are attracted to the pitcher where they fall in and are digested by the plant for nutrition. I love to eat, so the incredible produce, which currently includes zucchini, summer squash, butternut squash, okra, eggplant and a dozen other delectable items all fresh and ready to eat, provided me with a veritable horn-of-plenty. Of course, the produce available will vary according to the season. Brian tells us to expect lots of greens in the fall, like kale, mustards, spinach and various lettuces. Fall also brings beans like fava and squash and cucumbers. You can count on more greens in the winter along with brussel sprouts and cabbage. Spring brings a marginal season where broccoli, potatoes, garlic and onions will be available. Blue Clay has a greenhouse, so herbs will be available year round. While Blue Clay is the dominant produce provider for Oasis Garden, Kate is already working to create partnerships with other local growers like Persimmon Hill Farm and Walker Farms. Since the current demand for veggies and fruit is higher than any one grower can supply, current farmers should contact them. Even if you don’t grow for a living, but you have space for cultivating a community garden or land that could be donated for agricultural development, you can help fulfill the vision of Oasis Garden. Regardless of where you are with plants and produce in your life, you should stop in to meet Kate and Brian (and sometimes his dog Monty, who can now go to work with his dad). They are a delightful addition to our downtown family. by David Hutchison photos by Gabi Hutchison
28 / october / verge
verge / october / 29
pipeline / 10.3 to 10.8
movies at main october Augusta HQ Library 902 Greene Street 6:30 pm mondays free October 6: Young@Heart 2007 PG 107 min
directed by Stephen Walker For over 25 years, a group of senior citizens in Northampton, Massachusetts have refused to let age and ill health get them down. Their story is rousingly documented in Young@Heart, a chorus whose average member is 81 years old and who perform contemporary, classic rock, punk, and pop music.
October 13: The Visitor 2007 PG 13 102 min
directed by Thomas McCarthy An incredible coming of age film where a series of random events collide to bring about a life-changing event. Sounds trite, but its simplicity and steady pace capture the tale of a professor and the lives he touches in a heartwarming and heart-breaking way.
October 20: The Edge of Heaven
2007 R 122 min directed by Fatih Akin The story of several people in Turkey and Germany and how fate and circumstances connect and liberate them from their sins, mistakes, and guilt.
October 27: The Incredible Hulk
2008 PG 13 114 min directed by Louis Leterrier Balancing intense action with tender moments, this version focuses on the love story between fugitive Dr. Bruce Banner and Dr. Betty Ross. The crux of the story? Banner must use the genetic accident that transforms him into a rampaging Hulk to stop a former soldier that turns evil.
friday october 3 First Friday: Oktoberfest
saturday october 4
outdoor event
Broad Street • 5 to 10 pm • free Downtown comes to life as galleries, studios and shops stay open late and Broad Street is filled with vendors and live entertainment. Check out the Kids Zone on Tenth Street. Featuring the live music of Ship of Fools and Carey Murdock at 11th & Broad.
First Friday: Eighth Street Eighth Street • 5 to 10 pm • free Watch as local sculptor Daniel Foreman creates art from scrap metal. Glass blowing demonstration and fire dancing will light up the street.
Annual Fall Concert
Augusta Common • 6 to 11 pm • free Come be a part of this heart thumping, toe tapping celebration of the Augusta Common. Live music by Jerusalem Sound, The Swingin’ Medallions and Tony Howard. Details: 706.821.1754
Moonlight Cruise of the Canal
Augusta Canal • 6 to 7:30 pm • $24 Experience a twilight boat ride along the scenic Augusta Canal while enjoying the old time dulcimer, mandolin, and fiddle of the Savannah River String Band. Reservations required: 706.823.0440 theatre
Jekyll and Hyde: The Musical
outdoor event
Light the Night Walk
Augusta Common • noon to 9 pm The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s annual walk to celebrate and commemorate lives touched by cancer. Details: 800.399.7312
Third Annual Croquet for the Ballet Tournament
Hammond’s Ferry • 3 to 8 pm • $100 Call now to compete in the Third Annual Croquet for the Ballet tournament. Hammond’s Ferry provides the opportunity for placid river relaxation to intense competition. A free music event will be open to the public at the Boeckh Park Pavilion following the tournament. augustaballet.org for kids
Disney Live: Winnie the Pooh
Bell Auditorium • 1:30 pm • $15 to $37
“Fish Fry” with Kris Fisher of HD98.3 Metro Coffee House
80’s Night
Sky City • 9 pm • ladies free & guys $5
First Friday DJ Mix
Soul Bar • 9 pm • ladies free & guys $5
DJ Awesome Rick
209 Music Lounge • 9:30 pm • $5 live music
Eryn Eubanks & the Family Fold
Vintage 965 • 6 to 9 pm • free • bluegrass
John Kolbeck
live music
Versa Emerge • Eye Alaska • Agnes • Avaria Sector 7G • 7 pm • $7 • rock
Drivin N Cryin with Shawn Piazza Band Sky City • 9 pm • $13 to $15
Sound Unlimited
209 Music Lounge • 9:30 pm to 2 am • $10
Electric Voodoo
Joe’s Underground • 10 pm • $4 • blues
Sandinistas!
The Loft • 10:30 pm • free • rock
sunday october 5 Artrageous! Family Sunday: Tales of an African American Woman
art
Morris Museum of Art • 2 pm • free Kitty Wilson-Evans relates provocative stories of plantation life. Then, it’s your opportunity to create authentic African American toys. theatre
Jekyll and Hyde: The Musical
Swanee Quintet 69th Anniversary Bell Auditorium • 5 pm • $19 The Swanee Quintet & Lee Williams
monday october 6
Michael and Tony
Young@Heart: Movies at Main
film
Kort McCumber
Green Street Library • 6:30 pm • free
Temporary Setback
Keith Gregory
Stillwater Tap Room • 10 pm • $4 • bluegrass The Playground • 10 pm • $3 • metal
Almost Blue
The Loft • 10:30 pm • free • rock
live music
Imperial Theatre • 8 pm• $15 to $40 see 10/4 listing for details
R2D1
Pizza Joint • 9 pm • free • acoustic
Jucifer
Jekyll and Hyde: The Musical
The Well • 7 to 9 pm • $3 • acoustic
Le Chat Noir • 9 pm • free • acoustic
Lucy Craft Laney Museum • 11:30 am • $7 On the second Wednesday of each month area seniors and working professionals are invited to enjoy lectures on a variety of topics, while dining on food from our city’s finest restaurants. Reservations: 706.724.3576
theatre
Friday Night Live: Jacob Johnson
Jennifer Daniels Live
Senior Luncheon
Southern Mirage
Imperial Theatre • 8 pm• $15 to $40 see 10/4 listing for details live music
The Fox’s Lair • 8 pm • $15 to $20
wednesday october 8
Augusta Museum of History • 11 am to 2 pm 2008 Family Fun Day series continues with Toys and Games Family Fun Day. Families are invited to take a playful look at the history of historic toys and games and participate in hands-on demonstrations and activities. Free with paid Museum admission. dance
Cotton Patch • 7pm to 11 pm • free
special event
Joe’s Underground • 10 pm • $2
Sky City • 10:30 pm • $5 • indie metal
Portrait of Maestro Donald Portnoy
Morris Museum of Art • noon • $10 to $14 Artist and poet Malaika Favorite discusses her highly-collectible work. Lunch by Washington Hall. Reservations: 706.828.3867
John Kolbeck
Toys and Games Family Fun Day
Le Chat Noir • 7 pm • TBD Experience the glamour of belly dancing with Southern Mirage and the Bellydance Superstars.
Art at Lunch: Malaika Favorite
live music
special event
Imperial Theatre • 8 pm • $15 to $40 The Augusta Players present Augusta’s premier of the Broadway musical theatre phenomenon, Jekyll and Hyde. A chilling combination of thrilling entertainment and passion, the show is pure pulse-pounding theatrical enjoyment, filled with moving music, compassion, conflict, and love. Recommended for mature audiences only. Details: augustaplayers.org art Artistic Perceptions • 10 am to 9 pm • free Watch Wanta Davenport create an original portrait of Maestro Donald Portnoy, retiring music director of the Augusta Symphony. When completed, the portrait will be presented as a gift to the Augusta Symphony.
tuesday october 7
Joe’s Underground • 10 pm • $2
live music
lexie’s legacy: rat pack party thursday october 9 8 pm metro a coffeehouse & pub Support a great cause while swinging to the hip sounds of the Rat Pack: Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Peter Lawford and joey bishop. Don your best Ocean’s Eleven duds and you might win the Best Dressed Rat Packer Contest. The evening also includes a quirky poker chip game with prizes and giveaways. $2 door cover if you’re wearing your best hep cat lounge duds, $4 without. The door cover of $2 to $4 goes directly to Lexie’s Legacy. Don’t miss out on the $2.50 Draft Pints, martini and drink specials. Lexie’s Legacy provides scholarship opportunities for young married women to continue their education.
30 / october / verge
pipeline / 10.9 to 10.18
saturday october 1 1 festival
Joe’s Underground • 10 pm • $2 • rock
Greek Festival
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church 11 am to 10 pm • free see 10/9 listing for details
tuesday october 14 live music
Hispanic Festival
Augusta Common • 11 am to 11 pm This annual festival gets underway with exciting musical entertainment and art/crafts from several Hispanic countries and dancing in the street. Enjoy the authentic food and beverages. outdoor event
Walk With The Spirits
Magnolia Cemetery • 3 to 6 pm • $10 to $15 Meet the “spirits” of some of Augusta’s notable residents during this guided tour of Magnolia Cemetery, learning history and the iconography of headstones along the way. Refreshments provided. Tours start every twenty minutes and last about 45 minutes. Reservations required: 706.724.0436 film
Beyond The Call: Southern Circuit Tour
en garde! a fencing tournament october 11 and 12 augusta fencing club
Imperial Theatre • 7:30 pm • $6 to $10 Part of the Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers: Ed Artis, James Laws and Walt Ratterman are three middle-aged men whose idea of adventure is taking desperately needed food and medicine into the world’s most forbidding yet beautiful places on Earth, often at the front lines of war. Beyond the Call chronicles the global adventures of this heroic threesome. Details: imperialtheatre.com special event
Experience the fast paced, edge of your seat thrill of a live fencing tournament. The Augusta Fencing Club hosts a Regional One Tournament on October 11 and 12, sanctioned by the United States Fencing Association. Watch competitors from Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina vie for the title in epee (the dueling sword), foil (the light court sword) and sabre (the slashing calvary sword). On Saturday: Mixed Open Epee at 9:30 am and Mixed Open Foil at 1 pm. On Sunday: Mixed Open Sabre at 9:30 and Mixed Youth Sabre at 12:30 pm. Spectators are welcome, free of charge. 134 Ninth Street.
Greek Festival
festival
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church 11 am to 8 pm • free Enjoy authentic Greek cuisine and celebrate Hellenic culture. Shop the Greek market, filled with imported jewelry, gifts and more! Experience the live music of the Fabulous Grecian Keys and Hellenic dance by Troupe Hellas from Atlanta. Details: holytrinityaugusta.org
Story Time at the Museum
for kids
Augusta Museum of History • 11 am In celebration of Children’s Week, the Augusta Museum of History presents Story Time at the Museum. Enjoy four stories read by local dignitaries, politicians and public figures. Register at (706) 722-8454. dance
Augusta Tango Club Practica
Bell Auditorium • 8 pm • $31.50 to $36.50 Featuring Bruce Bruce sports event
Fencing Tournament
Augusta Fencing Club • 9:30 am to 3 pm • free Experience the slash and dash of live tournament fencing during this Regional One Tournament – epee, foil and sabre. 134 Ninth Street
live music
outdoor event
Moonlight Cruise of the Canal
Augusta Canal • 6 to 7:30 pm • $24 Enjoy a twilight boat ride along the scenic Augusta Canal while enjoying the live Celtic sounds of Lillie Morris & Solstice. Reservations required: 706.823.0440 art
It’s a Dog’s Life Party
Morris Museum of Art • 6 to 8 pm • free to $10 Celebrate the opening of William Wegman’s exhibition during a lively evening of heavy hors d’oeuvres, short film screenings, and hands-on activities. RSVP: 706.724.7501
Music for the Masses Metro Coffee House
TFS Rave
Sector 7G • 8 pm • $5 • techno The Fox’s Lair • 8 pm • free • rock
80’s Night
209 Music Lounge • 9:30 pm to 1:30 am • $5
Soul Bar • 9 pm • ladies free & guys $5
Lexie’s Legacy: Rat Pack Party
Corduroy Road
Stillwater Tap Room • 10 pm • $4 • bluegrass
Metro Coffee House Joe’s Underground • 10 pm • $2 • acoustic
friday october 10 festival
Greek Festival
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church 11 am to 10 pm • free see 10/9 listing for details
Sky City • 10 pm • $5
Same as Sunday
The Loft • 10 pm • free • rock
The McDuffie Allstars
Joe’s Underground • 10 pm • $4 • rock
film
Books on Film: Moby Dick
Morris Museum of Art • 12:30 pm After viewing the film Moby Dick, join director Kevin Grogan as he compares and contrasts the movie with the original novel. Bring your own lunch.
thursday october 16 live music
Acoustic Underground Metro Coffee House
And Then There Was You Sector 7G • 8 pm • $4 • rock
Joe Stevenson Joe’s Underground • 10 pm • $3 • rock
friday october 17 special event
St Patty’s Day in October Metro Coffee House
theatre
Grand Guignol: Theatre of Horror Le Chat Noir • 7 pm & 9 pm • $13 Details: lcnaugusta.com
sports
Augusta Lynx Hockey
James Brown Arena • 7:30 pm • $10 to $19 Augusta Lynx vs Mississippi Sea Wolves Details: augustalynx.com live music
Jamie Jones
Aralic
Friday Night Live: The Eleventh Hour
Roger Enevoldsen
Nick’s Bachelor Party: Veara Pursuit of Angels • Aralic • Studgebomb
Cotton Patch • 7 to 11 pm • free The Well • 7 to 9 pm • $3 • blues & jazz
Sector 7G • 7 pm • $5 • metal The Fox’s Lair • 8 pm • free • folk
Sector 7G • 8 pm • $5 • metal
Richard Swift Foundation Benefit
Joe’s Underground • 10 pm • $10 Stone Dogs, Impulse Ride, Paul Arrowood, Senile Drive, X Factor & George Croft and The Hey Baby Allstars. FREE T-shirt Included!
(R)evolution
Language Arts • The Downout Twin Tigers
Edison Project
sunday october 1 2 festival
Greek Festival
Stillwater Tap Room • 10 pm • $4 • bluegrass
Signal 18 • Ajustmentz
The Loft • 10 pm • free • metal
Chris Ndeti The Fox’s Lair • 8 pm • free • folk
Joe’s Underground • 10 pm • $4 • rock
saturday october 1 8
Hispanic Festival
Augusta Common • 11 am to 11 pm see 10/11 for listing details.
outdoor event
special event
Walk With The Spirits
Magnolia Cemetery • 3 to 6 pm • $10 to $15 see 10/11 listing for details sports event
Fencing Tournament
Augusta Fencing Club • 9:30 am to 3 pm • free see 10/11 listing for details
monday october 1 3 Green Street Library • 6:30 pm • free
Betsy Franck
Red Headed Step Child
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church 11 am to 10 pm • free see 10/9 listing for details
The Visitor: Movies at Main
Soul Bar • 9 pm • ladies free & guys $5
Sky City • 10 pm • $5 • rock
Sky City • 10 pm • $5 • indie rock
The Dynamites featuring Charles Walker
John Krueger
wednesday october 15
Keith Gregory
live music
Rudy Collins Band with Open Mic & Poetry
Joe’s Underground 10 pm $2 rock
live music
Daddy Grace
Tap Tap • 7 to 9 pm • free
Ruskin
All Star Comedy Art II
Cotton Patch • 7 to 11 pm• free
thursday october 9
live music
Paul Arrowood
film
Miracle Mile Walk
Augusta Common • 8 am University’s Health Care Systems Breast Center annual breast cancer walk. Details: 706.729 .5656
Fall Saturday Market on the River
Eighth Street Bulkhead • 9 am to 2 pm • free Buy your fall produce, great crafts and enjoy special entertainment. Fun for the entire family. art
Exploring Watermedia: Acrylic on Paper
Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art Led by Augusta artist Lou Ann Zimmerman, this innovative workshop will introduce students to the potential of acrylic paint, using a technique that yields a transparent surface similar to watercolor painting. Details: 706.722.5495.
verge / october / 31 theatre
Grand Guignol: Theatre of Horror
theatre
Grand Guignol: Theatre of Horror
Le Chat Noir • 7 pm & 9 pm • $13 Details: lcnaugusta.com
Le Chat Noir • 7 pm & 9 pm • $13 Details: lcnaugusta.com
live music
Music at the Park: The Kings of Swing
Hammond’s Ferry • 7:30 pm Join us for the Kings of Swing! This trio of local musicians will be performing a mix of jazz and contemporary songs at the Pavilion in Boeckh Park. Bring a lawn chair or blanket.
Imperial Theatre • 7:30 pm • $12.50 to $22.50 Born as a coal miner’s daughter in the hills of Kentucky, Patty Loveless remains one of country music’s most beloved female vocalists. Details: southernsoulandsong.org
Music for the Masses
Jeff Johnson
John Kolbeck
209 Music Lounge • 9:30 pm to 1:30 am • $10
sunday october 19 live music
Music at the Morris: Bernice Hogan Hall
Morris Museum of Art • 2 pm • free Atlanta lyric soprano Bernice Hogan Hall presents a recital including art songs and spirituals. Refreshments and conversation with the artist follow.
monday october 20 film
The Edge of Heaven: Movies at Main Green Street Library • 6:30 pm • free
Clay Cook Live in Concert
Rock Bottom Music • 9 pm • $15 adv Rock Bottom turns into a live venue with this special living room style concert with Clay Cook, co-writer of some of John Mayer’s biggest hits and a regular in the Marshall Tucker Band.
The Fighter • Truthis • Averman
Soul Bar • 9 pm • ladies free & guys $5
Paleface
Stillwater Tap Room • 10 pm • $4 • folk
Rock ‘n’ Roll Circus
tuesday october 21 live music
Dave Firmin
Joe’s Underground • 10 pm • $2 • rock
wednesday october 22 special event
Metro’s Best Party
Sky City • 8 pm • free Celebrate as The Metro’s Spirits picks the best of Augusta businesses. Live music from Edison Project, Rebel Lion and many more. live music
Before Their Eyes • Lovehatehero Oceana • Kiss for Jersey • Eyes Set to Kill Ice Nine Kills • Seladora Sector 7G • $8
thursday october 23 dance
Augusta Tango Club Practica Tap Tap • 7 to 9 pm • free
live music
Three Dog Night: Augusta Symphony Pops! At the Bell
Bell Auditorium • 7:30 pm • $25 to $65 In the years 1969 through 1974, no other group achieved more top 10 hits, moved more records or sold more concert tickets than Three Dog Night. Details: 706.826.4705
Paul Arrowood
Joe’s Underground • 10 pm • $3 • rock
friday october 24 outdoor event
Moonlight Cruise of the Canal
Augusta Canal • 6 to 7:30 pm • $24 Enjoy a twilight boat ride along the scenic Augusta Canal while enjoying the acoustic rock of Roger Envoldson. Reservations required: 706.823.0440 art Morris Museum of Art • 10 am to 3 pm The museum hosts an annual luncheon for high school students to learn more about careers in the field of art. Details: 706.828.3808
Sky City • 10:30 pm • $5 • indie
tuesday october 28
Blue Cotton
theatre
Bridal Fair
The Botanical Gardens • 2 to 5 pm • free Great event for brides-to-be to get information from local wedding vendors, merchants and ceremony and reception venues. Details: 706.513.2572 Fort Discovery • noon to 5 pm See details on 10/26 listing
The Loft • 10 pm • free • rock
Le Chat Noir • 7 pm & 9 pm • $13 Details: lcnaugusta.com
Hammond’s Ferry • 8 am • free Enjoy an invigorating yoga session taught by Ruthie McGhee. Bring a yoga mat and plenty of water! Exact location will be determined by the weather. for kids
Spooktacular Party: Fort Discovery
Fort Discovery • 2 to 5 pm • Free for members & half price admission for visitors Three hours of Halloween fun: a costume parade, “Weird Science” demos, make-and-take activities, refreshments and door prizes. Goodie bags for the first 500 kids! Photo opportunities with Halloween characters.
National Barrel Horse World Championships
James Brown Arena • 8 pm • $7.50 augustaentertainmentcomplex.com
film Green Street Library • 6:30 pm • free
theatre
Grand Guignol: Theatre of Horror
Grand Guignol: Theatre of Horror
sports
National Barrel Horse World Championships
James Brown Arena • 8 pm • $7.50 augustaentertainmentcomplex.comlive music
Unknown Hinson
Sky City • 10:30 pm • $10 to $12 • rockabilly
thursday october 30
Le Chat Noir • 7 pm & 9 pm • $13 Details: lcnaugusta.com
sports
James Brown Arena • 8 pm • $7.50 augustaentertainmentcomplex.com
Joe’s Underground • 10 pm • $2
Le Chat Noir • 7 pm & 9 pm • $13 Details: lcnaugusta.com
The Incredible Hulk: Movies at Main
National Barrel Horse World Championships
live music
theatre live music
outdoor event
Yoga at Hammond’s Ferry
sports
wednesday october 29
Grand Guignol: Theatre of Horror
monday october 27
Joe’s Underground • 10 pm • $4 • funk
Le Chat Noir • 7 pm & 9 pm • $13 Details: lcnaugusta.com
Shane of Blue Cotton theatre
Cotton Patch • 7 to 11 pm • free
Bodacious Band
Grand Guignol: Theatre of Horror
It’s Spooky to Be Hungry: Fort Discovery
John Kolbeck
Sky City • 10 pm • $5 • metal
saturday october 25
Sector 7G • 7 pm • $5 • rock
live music
Joe’s Underground • 10 pm • $2 • rock
Paisley Gordon
Disco Hell
Keith Gregory
live music
John Kolbeck
special event
The Fox’s Lair • 8 pm • free • acoustic
Joe’s Underground • 10 pm • $5 • funk
Cotton Patch • 7 to 11 pm • free
sunday october 26
Heath, Gowdy and Hadley
Blue Funk
Lucia and Levi
Joe’s Underground • 10 pm • $4 • funk
Metro Coffee House
Cotton Patch • 7 to 11 pm • free
The Fox’s Lair • 8 pm • free • acoustic
Business of Art Symposium
live music
Patty Loveless: Southern Soul & Song
Picture Perfect
pipeline / 10.18 to 10.30
theatre
Grand Guignol: Theatre of Horror Le Chat Noir • 7 pm & 9 pm • $13 Details: lcnaugusta.com
Halloween Festival
Augusta Common • 5 pm to 8 pm • free Bring your ghosts and goblins dressed for the occasion. We will be have several games, rides, activities, a costume contest, and much more for those who aren’t squeamish! Trick or treat time for everyone, plus a special movie at dark. Details: 706.821.1754.
Pumpkin Carving Contest & Family Halloween Night
Hammond’s Ferry • 6:30 to 9 pm • free Join us at Boeckh Park for a pumpkin carving contest (bring your own pumpkins and carving tools). It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown will be screened at 8 pm. All are welcome to wear costumes! special event
It’s Spooky to Be Hungry: Fort Discovery
Fort Discovery • 10 am to 5 pm Bring your donations of non-perishable, commercially prepared food, baby food, diapers, and baby wipes during this annual food drive. theatre
Grand Guignol: Theatre of Horror Le Chat Noir • 7 pm & 9 pm • $13 Details: lcnaugusta.com
live music
Trent Monk: Live in Lafayette
Lafayette Center • 7 pm • $12 Trent Monk (formerly of Monk and Neagle) performs live in a special concert with local singer/songwriters Jim Perkins & Brandon Reeves. Bring your own lawn chair or blanket. Presented by Vintage 965. Details: 706.724.4077
three dog night with augusta symphony thursday october 23 • 7:30 pm • bell auditorium One of the most enduring, beloved bands of all time, Three Dog Night opens the 2008-09 Augusta Symphony Pops! at the Bell Series under the direction of Conductor Larry Baird. Founding members Danny Hutton and Cory Wells, with original band members Jimmy Greenspoon (keyboards) and Michael Allsup (guitars) plus Paul Kingery (bass ) and Pat Bautz (drums), continue to delight audiences with impeccable performances of their well-loved hits. Tickets range in price from $25 to $65 and are available online at www. augustasymphony.org. Full-time students and military personnel with valid I.D. may purchase $7 tickets on concert evening only, subject to availability.
32 / october / verge
pipeline / 10.30 to 11.7
thursday november 6 Oysters on Telfair 2008
sports
thursday october 30 sports
National Barrel Horse World Championships
James Brown Arena 8 pm $7.50 Tickets: augustaentertainmentcomplex.com live music
Rudy Collins Band with Open Mic and Poetry
National Barrel Horse World Championships
James Brown Arena 8 pm $7.50 augustaentertainmentcomplex.com live music
Nightmare on Ellis Street: Chairleg CD Release Party plus Shotgun Opera Pursuit of Angels Quickfuse Sector 7G 6 pm $5 to $7 metal
saturday november 1
Soul Bar 10 pm $5 funk
art
Keith Gregory
Holiday Greeting Card Workshop
Joe’s Underground 10 pm $4 rock
friday october 31 outdoor event
Moonlight Cruise of the Canal
Augusta Canal 6 to 7:30 pm $24 Enjoy a twilight boat ride along the scenic Augusta Canal while enjoying the bluegrass / gospel sounds of Eryn Eubanks & the Family Fold. Reservations required: 706.823.0440 theatre
Grand Guignol: Theatre of Horror Le Chat Noir 7 pm only $13 Details: lcnaugusta.com
special halloween event
Halloween Party with Karaoke The Fox’s Lair 8 pm free
Black Cat Ball
Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art Accomplished watercolorist Thomas Needham will show you how to design and produce unique holiday greetings cards in this one-day workshop. Details: 706.722.5495.
Tribeca Buddha Lounge & Shoe Bar 9 pm $5 Featuring the Third Annual Lingerie Show. Costume contest, dancing on the bar, and upstairs VIP model section.
The 209 Halloween Party
209 Music Lounge 9:30 pm to 2 am $10 DJ Awesome Rick hosts a costume contest with prizes.
The Metro Halloween Party
Metro Coffee House 9 pm Costume contest & live entertainment.
Imperial Theatre 3 pm $5 Storyland Theatre presents this original musical retelling of Sleeping Beauty. For families and kids of all ages. Active duty military and families free with ID. Details: knology.net/storyland sports
National Barrel Horse World Championships
Soul Bar 9 pm $5
Exhibition Opening: JC America’s Other Illustrator
Morris Museum of Art 6 pm free Terry Brown, collection consultant at the Norman Rockwell Museum, discusses the life and work of artist J. C. Leyendecker. live music
John Krueger
Joe’s Underground 10 pm $3 pop
friday november 7 First Friday November
Broad Street 5 to 10 pm free Downtown comes to life as galleries, studios and shops stay open late and Broad Street is filled with vendors and live entertainment. Stretching from 5th to 12th St., this family friendly event boasts over 22 live music venues, complemented by numerous locally owned restaurants.
live music
sunday november 2 art
Artrageous! Family Sunday: Wild About Wegman
Morris Museum of Art 2pm free Enjoy William Wegman’s movies Alphabet Soup and Fay’s Twelve Days of Christmas starring the artist’s beloved Weimaraners and create your own sun prints.
monday november 3
Augusta Canal 6 to 7:30 pm $24 Experience a twilight boat ride along the scenic Augusta Canal while enjoying the jazz saxophone of Rob Foster. Reservations required: 706.823.0440 sports
Augusta Lynx Hockey
James Brown Arena 7:30 pm $10 to $19 Augusta Lynx vs Charlotte Checkers
The Loft 9 pm free
Stillwater Tap Room 10 pm $4 bluegrass
Edison Project
Joe’s Underground 10 pm $4 rock
Sky City 10 pm $5
Stone Dogs Halloween Party
Joe’s Underground 10 pm $4 Stone Dogs perform live. Win a $50 bar tab with your best costume.
Don’t forget to vote! live music
Joe’s Underground 10pm $2 rock
fridays
Friday Night DJ Mix
209 Music Lounge 9 pm $5 saturdays
The Metro Saturday Tailgate Party
Metro Coffee House all day Root for your favorite football team with the gang at Metro Coffee House every Saturday through college football season.
DJ On Point
The Loft 10 pm free
ongoing exhibitions The Inventions of Leonardo DaVinci Fort Discovery Now thru October 11
Leonardo’s scientific and technical drawings have captured the imagination for centuries. This exhibition focuses on 16 drawings, through reproducing Leonardo’s drawings on graphic panels and also realizing the idea in model form. Originally developed by the IBM Corporation, this interpretive exhibition encourages visitors to explore these concepts, in many cases through hands-on experiences with working models. Details: www.nscdiscovery.org
A Sense of Place
Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art September 19 thru October 17 Now in its 28th year, this juried fine art exhibition seeks to recognize the outstanding quality and diversity of work being generated by contemporary American artists. This autumn, thirty-eight artists representing twenty-two states are featured. Details: ghia.org
Landscape of Slavery: The Plantation in American Art
Morris Museum of Art Now thru October 19 Works of art that interpret plantation imagery from the eighteenth century to the present in the light of social history. The exhibition examines the depiction of plantation life and related slave imagery as a special part of the American landscape tradition. Details: themorris.org
Environments: Past, Present and Future Augusta Canal Lockkeepers Cottage Now thru October 30
Augusta Photography Festival finalists & winners work will be on display.
Wilx
Folly’s Jewels: Art, Architecture and You
Sky City 10 pm $5 jam rock
Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art September 19 thru December 16
ever y week
Free Morris Museum Tour
Created as a GHIA initiative for Georgia teachers, the documents featured in this exhibition provide a fascinating look at historic Ware’s Folly, the beautiful 1818 structure built for one of Augusta’s earliest mayors and home to the Institute since 1937. Details: ghia.org
John Kolbeck
It’s a Dog’s Life: Photography by William Wegman
sundays
Worship at The Well
Morris Museum of Art 2:30 pm free Cotton Patch 7 to 11 pm free mondays
Monday Night Football Bash Metro Coffee House
tuesdays
Jazz Jam Sessions: Jazz Collective Metro Coffee House 9 pm free
Fox’s Lair 9 pm free irish session wednesdays
Open Mic Night
209 Music Lounge 8 pm free
Bike Night & Drink Specials The Loft
Open Mic Night Fox’s Lair free
Wednesday DJ Dance Party Sky City 10 pm $2
Morris Museum of Art October 11 thru January 4
From the Polaroid Collection, this innovative collection includes 29 photographs by one of the world’s most famous photographers, best known for capturing Weimaraners on film and juxtaposing zany costumes with the rather serious expression of his pets.
The Godfather of Soul: Mr. James Brown
Dr. John Fisher
happy halloween from verge!
209 Music Lounge 7 to 9:30 pm free
The Loft 10 pm free funk folk
715 Broad Street 10:30 am
It’s Election Day John Kolbeck
Rhyme and Dine: spoken word
Bayou Bleu
Joe’s Underground 10 pm $2 rock
tuesday november 4
Halloween 80’s Night
live music
New Familiars
Jacob Beltz
Pimps & Ho’s Halloween Party
Leyendecker,
Moonlight Cruise of the Canal
James Brown Arena 8 pm $7.50 Tickets: augustaentertainmentcomplex.com
live music
Halloween DJ Mix
Morris Museum of Art 10 am 11:15 am 12:30 pm $4 Learn about Ida Kohlmeyer’s colorful Medusa Chair in this hour long class, and paint your own stick-snake. For children 5 and younger. Register: 706.828.3867.
outdoor event
Sleeping Beauty
Joe’s Underground 10 pm $4 rock
All Hallows Eve Party
Toddler Time: Marvelous Medusa Chair!
theatre
Box of Moonlight
Le Chat Noir 9 pm $17 Details: lcnaugusta.com
Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art 7 pm $65 An evening of fun and down-on-the-bayou food catered by French Market Grille, in the gardens of Ware’s Folly. Featuring the CSRA’s own Cross-Tie Walkers. Details: 706.722.5495.
thursdays
art
209 Music Lounge 9:30 pm to 1:30 am $5
Bayou Bleu
ever y week
special event
Augusta Museum of History Now thru May 2011
The first major exhibit devoted to the life of James Brown, the Godfather of Soul. The exhibit celebrates his life through three studies – the man, the music, and his great legacy. Details: augustamuseum.org
verge / october / 33
friday night live The Well • 716 Broad 7 pm • $3 donation
October 3 Jacob Johnson Jacob has ventured to Augusta on many occasions, even opening for Angie Aparo and Brian Vander Ark. He makes another jaunt to us on his own as headliner. Jacob’s funky finger play and cheeky lyrics are destined to bring smiles to your face and heart as he reinvents what is common in the singer/ songwriter genre. His style will have you drawn like a moth to the flame with wonderment unlike any you may have ever witnessed in such an intimate setting.
October 17 The Eleventh Hour With a combined height that makes them giants, this trio brings music of epic proportions. The freshest breath of new music on the Augusta scene, The Eleventh Hour brings a new take on jazz and blues with organic simplicity. Prepare to feel the swoon at the core of your soul with standards and originals from what will soon be the band that you will proudly say, “I heard them first at The Well.”
language arts / no essays required Sky City • October 11
When you think of music inspired by Chuck Berry, The Zombies, The Flamingos, and especially The Beach Boys, you probably wouldn’t think to look for a 3 piece Augusta band. Spurned from long nights and the slow passing of a former band, this trio has regenerated a sound that regains the innocence of rock’s early days. Together, Jamie McGaw and Natalie Roberts made up the rhythm section of the Athens band An Epic at Best. Jamie left Athens and moved in with Kurt in Augusta about 2 years ago. An Epic at Best still intact, Jamie and Kurt found the common bond of music both in late night conversation and marathon jam sessions. As these nights and days progressed, the two felt an undeniable musical energy that fueled their passion. Natalie, enamored with their creations, was quickly drawn into the mix, bringing more life to the grandiose drills in the form of lyrics. Language Arts was born. This infant needed a place to show itself to the world and found it in Athens’ Go Bar. As Kurt and Jamie explain, “It sucked, it was really bad.” It was Kurt’s first appearance, ever. There was no sound system. They ended up
playing through another bands PA. Jamie says, “Best part is that it was out of town, no one we knew was there to hear us suck.” This trio went on to play Augusta’s home for indie rock, The Soul Bar, as the second show in their rapid growth. Maintaining momentum, Language Arts quickly recorded a sampling of songs on hand with Eric Friar at Downtown Athens Recording Company (DARC). Recently they went on to record their newest work with Scott Collier (former guitarist for An Epic at Best) at Collier Studios in Warner Robbins. Chosen largely for
the price (free!), they found a host of stories to be told for recording in the living room turned recording studio of the former band mate. Language Arts looks forward to recording locally with Jeff Abel in the near future. Keeping it simple with drums, bass, and a guitar leaning only on delay and a huge dose of volume, Language Arts teaches simplicity. Catch Language Arts as they play October 11th with Athens’ Twin Tigers and Atlanta’s The Drownout at Sky City. The show is $5 and music starts at 10 pm. photo by David Hanna
chairleg / metal like it’s supposed to be Sector 7G • October 31
Personally, metal bands nowadays generally bring to mind names that are ripped from CNN or FOX news headlines. So, when I heard of the local metal band, Chairleg, I sighed in relief of originality and then laughed when Larry Sprowls explained the simplicity of the name. Short and simple: Many years ago, after staring at a chair while trying to keep quiet during a conversation, Larry thought, “I could name a band ‘Chairleg’ and we would still rock!” He held onto this promise only to prove its worth. Larry describes Chairleg as just metal, “metal like it should be. Metal is supposed to be a release. Not necessarily dark. But a chance to let go.” Recently the band completed their DVD themed around the Ides of March as a brilliant example of exactly that, clad in togas and goofing off as they rocked out. Chairleg will be celebrating the release of their new CD, Determinate, on October 31st at Sector 7G. The name of this festive event is “Nightmare on Ellis Street.” Being big fans of Halloween and all the fun that it brings, Chairleg has promised that this will be an amazing show, complete with tons of fake blood.
Coming along for the ride is Shotgun Opera, Pursuit of Angels, and Columbia’s Quickfuse for their final show, so expect an extremely loud and furious experience. Prizes will be distributed all night long at this metal fest costume party. $7 w/o costume, $5 with. Doors open at 6 pm and the show is set to begin at 7 pm.
our local music scene is covered by music editor Jason Barron
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the joy of fall / saturday market on the river Saturday Market on the River is Downtown Development Authority of Augusta’s (DDA) open air market and cultural hub for the city’s local produce and crafts serving the complete Central Savannah River Area (CSRA).
october 18 9 am to 2 pm
On October 18 from 9 am to 2 pm, visitors will have access to what makes the Saturday Market on the River a local hot spot. Make yourself a note: The market, which was formally on Macartan Street, has re-located to the Eighth Street plaza where Georgia Bank & Trust and Cotton Patch restaurant are. The market, which houses a plethora of produce, pottery, painting, prints and crafts, is unique by its own standards. Consumers will see a cornucopia of seasoned squash, zucchini, eggplant, corn, and the possibility of okra. The fan favorite event, pumpkin bowling, will satisfy the kid in all of us. Local artists, such as Bob Maze’s tentacle art, Eric Sisk’s nautical paintings and Specialty Glass Works from Greensboro, Georgia, will be there. About 10 pottery tents will feature local established artists from Jerry Pruett’s group. Augusta native Randy Lambeth’s water color painting vividly expresses the heart of the market. The painting captures a moment in time with attention to the details of the cobble stone paved way, along with familiar faces like Georgia Bank & Trust, produce vender Mr. Pruitt, Mr. Russell, and a stream of merchants circled around an ice cream stand. If you wish to purchase a print, they will be available on October 18th at the Fall Market or anytime at DDA. Jessica Fuselier, market coordinator, says, “The fall market is my favorite.”
With two other Saturday Market on the River events, Fuselier is amazed by the uniqueness this season brings out in the vendors. “People are full of the holiday spirit [and] the most unique thing is the paint pails,” continues Fuselier. The paint pails are covered in felt with decorative themes such as Halloween. The Saturday Market welcomes more friends. Donations are encouraged, find out more at: www.myaugustadowntown.com by Heather Rankin
i submit to you / biking trumps other outdoor activities Please mentally prepare yourself for this introductory sentence. Sit down, take a big sip of your favorite beverage, enter a meditative state, whatever it takes. There is an endless supply of great fitness related activities to keep even the most ADD-Augustan entertained. Many folks complain that there is not much to do in Augusta, but I disagree. This month’s entry is about the absolute most simplistic and entertaining offering, the joy of riding a bike. I will not be explaining why bicycling is the greatest activity on Earth. I will provide examples of why bicycle riding is better than “insert your favorite activity here,” bringing bicycling to that number one spot. The activities I will use for comparison are ones I have personally experienced. skateboarding: I admit, at first glance, skateboarding looks like a cool activity. But it’s pretty hard to look cool when you’re skating down the sidewalk and suddenly your 52mm wheels collide with a pebble. Now your board has been brought to a rather abrupt stop. What follows is you in science class learning about inertia as your face meets the concrete. Since the bicycle has pneumatic, rubber tires, it can easily traverse the most extreme conditions, providing the rider with a smooth and safe ride. Blast your playlist and plow over anything in your path. By the way, where are the brakes on a skateboard? running: Yes, it’s a great way to get your heart rate up in a hurry. But it’s virtually impossible to forget that it’s a high impact activity. Just what I want to do, go run around downtown, stomping my feet, seeing how much abuse my entire body can take. Have you ever seen anyone smiling while they are
running? I can’t count the number of times I’ve been told the story of how a doctor told someone they should quit running and start riding a bike as a result of the beating their body has received. Bicycling is a smooth, fluid motion, simply turning the pedals with virtually no impact. You’ll see more on a bike, always have a nice breeze, and have more fun doing it. Did I mention that doctors recommend biking to a lot of their patients? yoga: On to Zen circles, downward dogs, and child poses. Yoga is a great way to get your body loosened up and clear your mind. Well, it’s supposed to be. I had a hard time letting my Prana flow, as the amount of concentration it took to get into the required poses was overwhelming. Now, lie on your stomach, reach for your ankles, and begin pulling them up towards the back of your head. The Yogi keeps saying things to take your mind off of the pain, but that’s hard when your limbs feel they’re going to snap off at any time. Are we training for Cirque de Soleil? Want to wake up your body and clear your mind? Just jump on a bike a go for a ride. You don’t have to be a contortionist to participate. golf: On the opposite end of the spectrum is golf. I would have to say that if yoga were the equivalent to good, golf is the deepest, darkest evil. I know, golf is supposed to teach discipline, control and concentration. My last golf memory does not include me hitting the ball with great precision. Instead I was perfecting the ancient art of driver throwing. By the end of the day I could pretty much throw my clubs further than I could hit the ball. Think about it, what other sport or game can you play where alcoholic beverages are allowed? You have to blow a 0.08 in order to stomach the constant disappointment in your performance on the course. Enter the bicycle. No greens fees, no chasing a ball all day, just you, the bike, and one of life’s oldest, most simplistic joys. On a more serious note, it’s October. Get out and experience autumn. Let the falling leaves make music as they meet your turning wheels. Breathe in the fresh fall air as you choose your path. Enjoy the cool wind as it blows through your hair. Go back to a simpler time and feel like a kid again. Go for a bike ride around downtown. by Drew Jordan photo by Katie McGuire
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printed matter / stephenie meyer Twilight. It refers to that time of day when the sun has dropped below the horizon and a diffused light imbues the sky with an aura of otherworldliness. It now also refers to the latest series of Young Adult fiction books to sweep the nation. Or maybe I should say swoop, though the vampires in Twilight do not turn into bats. In fact, the vampires as author Stephenie Meyer envisions them are a far cry from the classic Dracula of Hollywood. They walk around in the day. They don’t sleep in coffins. And though they do drink human blood, some of them choose to abstain in favor of a lifestyle more compatible with life in a small northwestern town. Before I go any further, many of you might be wondering why I have chosen to write about what can only be described as a teen angst vampire love story when my previous articles have centered around literary giants like Cormac McCarthy, Shirley Jackson, and Anne Fadiman. I will admit, there is a part of me which cried out, “NO! Don’t admit to reading these books! If you do, no one will ever trust your judgment of serious literature ever again!” But then, I realized if I enjoyed these books, then perhaps you had your own guilty pleasures and would forgive me if I indulged in sharing mine with you. The story opens with a young girl, Bella, who moves from her mother’s home in sunny Phoenix, Arizona to live with her father in the rather overcast town of Forks, Washington. Bella attempts to fit in to her new school and develop a new set of friends, though internally she is filled with all the joys teen angst brings. I immediately identified with her. How many times have I wanted to become a part of a group of people who have already have been together most of their lives? As a newcomer, it seems so awkward and difficult to penetrate the welldefined social groups. All this is exacerbated by the Cullen family, who on the surface seem nearly perfect, yet so distant. In particular, one member of this family seems to have a distinct disliking for Bella. At this point I must warn you, it is difficult to explain Twilight without giving a few things away, but I am trying hard not to spoil it. So when I tell you the Cullens are vampires, I hope you don’t feel cheated out of discovering if for yourselves, but if you haven’t heard by now, it’s probably because you don’t know Toni. She is the reason I read the Twilight series. She’s a fan. And by fan I mean take the most avid Harry Potter lover you ever met (you know the one who made opening night for every movie and goes to all those midnight release parties for the books), multiply their enthusiasm by 100 and you’ve got Toni. I don’t even have to sell this book to customers because, thanks to Toni, they mostly come presold. Toni convinced me to read the first book and I was hooked. Aside from Toni’s enthusiasm, the addictive quality of Twilight resides in Stephenie Meyer’s ability to create a roller coaster of twists and turns in a world of the supernatural that is uniquely her own. While I don’t want to
ruin anything, it should be fairly obvious from the first few chapters that Edward and Bella are going to be star-struck lovers. And Meyer’s capacity for delving into relationships and balancing it with appropriate action and otherworldly conflicts keeps the roller coaster at a perfect balance of up and down, left and right, with nice loops at the appropriate points to keep the reader entranced. Of course, if you ask Toni, it’s all about Edward. Edward might not be for everyone. Some of you may prefer Bella’s other friends. I debated telling you about them in advance and decided you needed to find them on your own. They are a crucial part of the story and become one of the many elements of conflict and suspense upon which the story hangs. Without spoiling anything, I will mention that a bit of a love triangle develops and it is that relational element that presents one of the largest crises for young Bella. As Toni said to me as I was approaching the end of the series, “The resolution of the crux was so delicious, I dropped the book.” I have to agree with her. Meyers not only develops each crisis with the appropriate suspense and angst, but resolves them in ways that maintain the story and lead to the next scene. These books were definitely crafted with a great potential for films. In fact, the first film is slated to be released November 21st, and in my mind is the number one reason the release of the new Harry Potter film was rescheduled from Thanksgiving of this year to next summer. I’m not always pleased with movie adaptations, so I am urging you to give in to your guilty pleasures and read these books now. If you are looking from respite from literature of a lofty nature, you will find just the right amount of delicious delights in these books. One last word for parents: These books do have some very serious relationship elements. Many of you might want to pre-read these books to decide whether they are appropriate for your child. Next month: Thanksgiving is the biggest meal of the year for most Americans. Can we eat books? David Hutchison is the proprietor of the Book Tavern, located at 1026 Broad Street. David is best known for his unique ability to match the perfect book to a customer’s personality and being a veritable walking encyclopedia of literary works.
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past times / magnolia cemetery Magnolia Cemetery, originally used for burials of Augusta’s white citizens, was established in 1817 and previously called City Cemetery. Located in the Pinched Gut Historic District (Olde Town Neighborhood), the cemetery’s boundaries are Third Street on the west, Watkins Street on the north, Taylor Street on the south, and Second Street on the east. The cemetery is over 60 acres and contains five Jewish sections, one Greek section, a Masonic Lodge section, a Confederate section, and numerous church sections. Examples of funerary art in the cemetery are some of the finest in the world. The first two blocks of Magnolia Cemetery were owned by the Academy of Richmond County and sold in 1817 for $800. Additional acreage to the south of Second Street was originally part of Nicholas de L’Aigle’s plantation. Donations by Mrs. Louise de L’Aigle Reese built the present building in 1940 in memory of her mother, Mrs. Mary Clark de L’Aigle. Protection and care of historic cemeteries is in the hands of the locals who meticulously maintain the records, location, and appearance of the markers. To research individuals buried in Magnolia Cemetery, visit the Trees and Landscaping department on the City of Augusta’s website and click on “Grave Search” in the side menu bar.
1800
Although the cemetery officially opened in 1817, the oldest marker is for John Harford, who died December 24, 1800. It is found near the corner of the north and west walls of the cemetery and was likely moved there after St. Paul’s Cemetery was closed in 1817.
1843 John Martin dies and is buried in Magnolia Cemetery.
At age 105, he had served in the Cherokee War of 1755 and the Revolutionary War. The revolutionary cannon he brought back from the war supposedly marks his grave.
1931
Augusta City Council renames it Magnolia Cemetery.
1980
“Pinched Gut” Historic District (Olde Town Neighborhood) is listed on the National Register, which included Magnolia Cemetery.
Today Join Historic Augusta for “Walk with the Spirits,” a guided tour of Magnolia Cemetery, Saturday October 11th and Sunday October 12th, 3 pm to 6 pm. You will learn about Augusta’s notable residents and the symbolism of the markers. The tours start every 20 minutes and last for 45 minutes. For tickets, visit historicaugusta.org or call 706.724.0436.
Robyn Mainor is the Preservation Services Director at Historic Augusta, Inc., a nonprofit organization whose mission is to preserve historically or architecturally significant structures and sites in Augusta and Richmond County, Georgia. photos by David Hanna
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be a tourist in your hometown
experiencing southern art at the morris
It may come as no surprise when I say that downtown often resembles a ghost town on Sundays. Unless the weather is perfect, and we find ourselves strolling down Riverwalk or sharing a picnic at the commons, there’s not much to do to pass our free time creatively. Typically, I reserve Sundays to lazily wake up around noon, protest the concept of showering, drink a pot of coffee and watch my roommate pick up things around the house and put them back in their right place. I try to spend Sunday’s doing nothing but inevitably realize it’s the last day to conquer everything I put off the entire week. If you happen to share my mentality of “responsibility” then you will often find yourself making excuses and inventing distractions to further procrastinate. Ghost towns typically aren’t the best location for this, unless of course yours happens to have an art museum open on Sundays with free admission. I gathered a small group of friends to visit the Morris Museum of Art with me last Sunday. Ironically, all of us had seemingly more important things to do, but the idea of using art as a distraction seemed both entertaining and intellectually worth bragging about. What better way to say you spent a slow Sunday than meandering through the area’s largest source of southern art? It sounds much better than saying you got caught up in the House marathon on USA. The Morris Museum of Art is located right off the Riverwalk near the Reynolds and 10th street intersection. It’s in walking distance from practically anything downtown. The museum opened in 1992 and attracted more than ten thousand visitors in the first three months of operation. Since then, it has expanded its original collection to include nearly five thousand objects. The limited space of the museum only allows for a portion of its art to be on display, but the constant rotation of exhibitions provides an incentive for locals to continue to visit. At the time of my visit, the museum showed three different exhibitions, not including its permanent work: The Landscape of Slavery is a groundbreaking exhibition that examines plantation images in the American South, plus related slave imagery in the context of the American landscape tradition. The images in this series were phenomenal and immediately caused me to question the luxury of living in a post-industrial country. Realist Paintings by Bryan LeBoeuf was so breathtakingly realistic that one of our co-tourists thought they were photographs. As I walked out of this show, my eye caught a shimmer of sunlight radiating from one of the paintings. I expected to see a glare from one of the building’s light-bulbs, but instead was transfixed by the delicate use of lighting LeBoeuf used in his paintings. The reinstallation of Robert Rauschenberg’s August Allegory (Anagrams) was held on the first floor lobby of the museum. Rauschenberg was a highly influential 20th century artist whose artwork can often be found in major museums like the MOMA. To be able to see such a familiar name in Augusta makes me wonder why I would ever want to drive 3 hours to Atlanta’s High Museum. Leaving the Morris made me eager to return again. I always curse myself for not visiting downtown’s local attractions more often, thinking they are the same as they were last time, but I’m learning this is far from the truth. by Katie McGuire Art © Estate of Robert Rauschenberg/Licensed by VAGA, New York, NY
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augusta music history 101
October Music History Still “Haunts” the CSRA No other month of the year screams rock & roll like October. So deliciously fun with scary frolic is the month of October that many a rock & roll artists have gone out of their way to celebrate, and in many cases exploit, the spooky history of the month. Artists like Kiss and Alice Cooper alone surely made millions over the years, with everything from costumes to makeup. There was even a 1986 rock & roll movie called Trick or Treat, which starred Kiss’ Gene Simmons and the “Prince of Darkness” himself, Ozzy Osbourne! But before I’m allowed to rant about the flirtatious relationship rock & roll has had with that most wicked of all months, let me delve deep into our own historical trick or treat bag and pull out a few sweet nuggets of musical confections. Ghosts of October’s past if you will.
October 18, 1927 • October 17, 1928 October 30 & 31, 1929 Blues music has always been filled with tall tales and sometimes chilling myths, but none such as the story of “Blind” Willie McTell, an early 20th century blind Georgia blues singer whose legacy lingered quietly until his “rediscovery” during the early 60’s blues-folk revival. Adding to his growing legend of the hazy circumstances surrounding his death in 1959, McTell’s music would go on to inspire some of music’s most influential and successful blues, jazz, and rock artists including The Allman Brothers, who recorded a version of McTell’s “Statesboro Blues” in 1969. Starting with his earliest recordings for the Victor label in Atlanta in 1927, McTell had a history of recording in Atlanta during the month of October. He recorded 13 (the most spooky of numbers!) separate songs during the month from 1927 to 1929, including “Statesboro Blues,” which was recorded as part of a four-song session on October 17, 1928. Over the next few years, McTell would record under several different names for several prominent labels, further adding to the unique legend that is “Blind” Willie McTell.
October 8, 1932 Record producer, record company founder, and steel guitar player Roddis Franklin “Pete” Drake is born this day in Augusta. Drake formed a band in the 50s that included future country stars Jerry Reed, Doug Kershaw, Roger Miller and Joe South before moving to Nashville in 1959. Drake’s signature steel guitar can be heard on hits such as Lynn Anderson’s “Rose Garden,” Charlie Rich’s “Behind Closed Doors,” Bob
Dylan’s “Lay Lady Lay,” and Tammy Wynette’s “Stand By Your Man,” as well as on five of Elvis Presley’s movie soundtracks and George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass album. In the mid-70’s, Drake produced Ringo Starr’s Beaucoup of Blues album, marking the first time a Beatle had recorded in the U.S.
October 7, 1940 The troubadour storyteller of Augusta, Larry Jon Wilson, is born this day in Swainsboro to Louise Phillips and John Tyler Wilson. Raised in Augusta, Wilson would not pick up the guitar until the age of 30. Within five years, Wilson would release the first of 4 critically acclaimed albums for CBS before temporarily retiring in 1980. He would return to music in the late 80’s, and in 2000 his New Beginnings/Let Me Sing My Song to You albums were rereleased as a package CD in Great Britain and chosen as the Re-Issue of the Month for June 2000 by MOJO magazine. Artists who have performed at the Richmond County Civic Center (now called James Brown Arena) during the month of October include: The Beach Boys on October 22, 1981, Randy Travis on October 5, 1990, and Elton John October 9, 1999.
John “Stoney” Cannon is the creator of Augusta music resource Lokal Loudness and has been covering area music since 1992. For more information visit www.lokalloudness.com.
Alexis All-Star Picks: Various – Haunted Pillar Presents From its stark black and white cover photograph of one of Augusta’s most haunting landmarks to the dark underground music found within, “Haunted Pillar Presents” is a uniquely local representation of the original Augusta indie music scene of the early 90’s. An inner cauldron of similar artists striking different somber chords at a time when cover artists were all the rage in the area, artists such as Smile, Hundred Year Sun, Blah, Burning Bush, Corduroy Days, Joseph Brennan, and Phil Hamelton’s Bob Project/Collective Mind were part of the original generation of downtown music dwellers several years before revitalization breathed new life into an otherwise forgotten area. Fifteen years later the spirit of the bands found on this, the first of three compilations put out in the 90’s on David Bradberry’s Haunted Pillar label, still resonates from music venues downtown in the guise of original bands of many different styles.
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Option 5 PMS 131 PMS 356
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reasons to keep your dollars local
1 keep your money helping
Augusta’s local economy
spending your dollars in locally owned stores generates more dollars in the local economy – tripling the benefit of shopping at chain stores.
THE STATS: For every $100 spent at a locally owned and operated business, $45 stays in the community. That same $100 spent at a chain store only puts $13 back into our local economy.
2 we are community leaders
small business owners spend time and money contributing to our community – making Augusta a better place for all.
THE STATS: Ninety-one percent of small-business owners contribute to their community by volunteering or through donations.
3 small businesses are everywhere
instead of fighting for parking spots at the mall, try exploring some of your local small businesses for the perfect gift - there are plenty of places to look.
THE STATS: there are more than 25 million small businesses in the United
States and 90 percent of all retail firms are small businesses with less than 20 employees.
4 receive extra attention and quality service
small business owners go above and beyond to be a knowledgeable and friendly resource for their customers
THE STATS: Research shows that small-business owners compete with other businesses by focusing on customer service and the quality of their service or goods.
5 we are the country’s top job creator
small businesses make up 99.7percent of all US employers and create twice as many new jobs as large companies every year
THE STATS: In the most recent year with data (2003), employer firms with fewer than 500 employees created 1,990,326 net new jobs, whereas large firms with 500 or more employees shed 994,667 net jobs. statistics courtesy of: National Federation of Independent Business and Civic Economics
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