April 2012 Issue B

seether comes to augusta | PAGE 13

verge AUGUSTA & THE CSRA

FREE | APRIL 18 2012 | VOL 5 ISSUE 4 | YOUR SOURCE FOR COMMUNIT Y DRIVEN NEWS

EDUCATION CHEFS OF TOMORROW + COMMUNITY ARTSPACE COMES TO AUGUSTA THEATRE LE CHAT’S QUICKIES + FOOD ROMANTIC PICNICS + WORDS FRAN AND JACK

vergestaff

REVISITING A PREVIOUS STATEMENT

publisher Matt Plocha editor Lara Plocha

Non Sibi Sed Aliss

events editor Sarah Childers copy editor Andrea Bennett contributors Alison Richter, Alison Ryan, Amy Swann, Anne Lovell Swan, Ben Casella, Christopher Selmek, Derek Berry, Dino Lull, Elizabeth Benson, Gabi Hutchison, Holly Birdsong, John Cannon, Jonathan Karow, Karen Farley, Leah Deslandes, Mariah Gardner, Michael Swan, Nora Blithe, Skyler Andrews, Stephen Delaney Hale

vergeconnect

we want to hear from you call us: 706.951.0579 mail us: P.O. Box 38

Augusta GA 30903 email us: advertising and general stuff publisher@vergelive.com story tips, ideas and letters editor@vergelive.com free event listings events@vergelive.com find us online: vergelive.com

vergepolicies the boring part

GENERAL POLICIES: Contents

copyrighted 2011 by verge. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Editorial content of verge is the opinion of each contributing writer and is not necessarily the opinion of verge, its staff or its advertisers.

DISTRIBUTION: verge is published twice a month and available free of charge at locations throughout the CSRA, including Publix, Kroger, Bi-Lo and Earth Fare.

RECYCLE: verge is printed on 50 percent recycled stock.

vergecover

by chad cole

JEZEBEL: Chad Cole’s artwork is part of The Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art’s first biennial exhibition of artists who have shown their work in the CreelHarison Community Art Gallery.

Exhibit runs through May 25.

The next issue of VERGE hits the newsstands on

MAY 2

Look for our outdoor boxes or find your copy at Publix | EarthFare Kroger | Bi-Lo and more than 150 locations in the CSRA

WHAT’S INSIDE

SMATTERINGS

yeah, we made this

“Not for ourselves, but for others.”

– Motto on the colonial seal of the State of Georgia As I contemplated this issue’s Smatterings, I had a chance to reflect on previous columns and the challenges I have made over the past four-plus years. Nothing continues to ring truer than the statement on Georgia’s colonial seal: “Not for ourselves, but for others.”

Looking around our community and seeing all of the great events, businesses, people and opportunities we have, I cannot help but think about that statement that the forefathers of Georgia made and what they were thinking about when it was penned.

What perplexes me, though, is how we as a society living in today’s crazy world have lost sight of – or have forgotten – this simple yet direct motto. As I am out and about, meeting people, I see glimpses of it being upheld and that is extremely encouraging. We need more folks in the CSRA to understand this simple concept, its true meaning and the responsibility each of us has to promote it, foster it and have it become a way of life. We at verge encourage you to seek out this way of life and to engage with your community. You will find some pretty amazing things happening on the street on which you reside, the neighborhood in which you live and the community in which you belong.

We do have a responsibility to one another to exchange ideas, encourage growth and support one another. That is what community looks like. Our mission and goal at verge is to become a part of something larger than “self.”

We promote all the good that we as a community create. We engage with you, our readers, the businesses that advertise on these pages and the movement of positive community-building. It is easy to be disengaged and to point out the blemishes. Where is the support and growth in that? After all, don’t we all have them? Blemishes, that is. What the real challenge is to all of us is to support our community. To bring solutions to issues – yes, sometimes difficult ones – and not sit on the side lines complaining all the time about how things don’t/didn’t work or who’s getting this deal or that deal around town. That mindset only fosters an attitude of “sour grapes” and division of a community.

To be knowledgeable of issues surrounding our great city and community, you must be willing to listen, look and accept the reality of each situation. Then, put forth a plan for positive change to truly have an impact. Too often, we fall prey to blame-gaming and finger-pointing and it distracts us from the real issues we face. It’s more like a reprieve from having to deal with the reality of a situation.

Again, we at verge are proponents of the positive aspect in our area. We focus our energy on the great people, events and culture that are helping to form a better place to live now and in the future for our children. We build up, represent our community and encourage others to participate.

To truly have an impact on the growth of our city, we must support her, build her up and encourage those that are in office to do the same. Continually. Not when the mood strikes us.

So, as you are looking through this issue, look for and identify something fun to do. Look for something to participate in. Look for a business you have never been to or something new to explore and become a part of it. Share the experience with your family and friends. Help grow a community.

For more ideas of how to participate, you can explore more events in our online event calendar at vergelive.com. There you will see hundreds and hundreds of ways to connect, explore and engage. It is the most comprehensive event calendar in the entire area.

I look forward to seeing you out and about, making a difference in our community and doing things “not for ourselves, but for others”.

Matt

4 April 18, 2012 | community driven news | vergelive.com

you won’t want to miss a page

the main feature

05 Combining Life and Work for Artists 09 One: The First Day of School 11 Seether Comes to the Lady Antebellum Artspace begins feasibility study to create new development

The first chapter in the story of Fran and Jack

Rock band brings 10 years of success to the stage

14 Creating the Chefs of Tomorrow 19 Explore the Gardens of Augusta

Augusta Tech’s culinary arts school provides hands-on learning

Annual festival offers a weekend of flowers and plants

20 Time for a Quickie at Le Chat Noir

Local playwrights hit the stage with a diverse offering of one-acts

heard around town 5 Festival immerses students in Shakespeare 5 Business Profile: The Cottage

music | theatre | art | film 17 19 19 21 22 23 23 25

Theatre: Bye Bye Birdie Festival: Good Boats Race Festival: The Benderdinker Film: The Film Reel Music: Sound Bites Music: The Atom Blonde Theatre: A Nightmare on Elm Street Tribute Art: Biennial Exhibition at the Gertrude

regular stuff 05 07 13 13 17 23 24 25 25 25

Heard Around Town Buzz on Biz Chow Bella Food Bites The Daily Planner Nightlife Ask Dr. Karp The New York Times Crossword Life Face First Parting Shot

vergequotes

here’s what inspires us

“One never notices what has been done; one can only see what remains to be done...”

— marie curie, 1894

heard [ students ask: to be or not to be ]

around town

what’s happening in augusta and aiken

Students from Ken Stephens’ ninth grade literature classes at the Academy of Richmond County were given the opportunity to show off what they have learned on March 29, during the sixth annual Shakespeare Festival and Day of Drama at the school’s Frank Inman Field.

Students from all six of Stephens’ classes were excused for the day as they congregated on the field to recite scenes from Romeo and Juliet, Shakespearian monologues, sonnets, and to watch performances by special guests Joe Zuchowski and Jezibel Anat.

“This always comes at the end of the year and it’s a kind of field trip for the students,” said Stephens. “Some of the other English teachers come out to help, and I have former students of mine helping in the kitchen or at the stadium entrance. I think just about everyone enjoys having a nice day outside rather than going to their regularly scheduled classes.”

[ bringing artspace to augusta ]

“It’s a fun day,” said Nikkia Newton, a student. “We don’t get to see each other a lot because we’re all in different classes, so this is an opportunity for us all to mix with one another and watch some Shakespearian performances.”

Anat performed four roles for her presentation: Queen Margaret from Henry VI, Tatiana the fairy queen from Midsummer Night’s Dream, Cleopatra and Lady MacBeth, to show students the diversity of female power in Shakespeare’s plays. She and Zuchowski also tried to provide historical context to many of the students who were unfamiliar with the plays.

“Jez and Joe are local actors who have experience with Shakespeare and after I saw them I knew I wanted to get them for this event,” said Ann Beth Strelec, a county gifted coordinator. “Jezibel is such a versatile actor, she’s really a chameleon and can project any character she wants to be, and I think the students here will really learn something by watching her perform.”

“I love Shakespeare and I want to give the kids an idea of the times that Shakespeare lived in,” said Zuchowski. “These were very uncertain and battle filled times, when the theatre was not an escape from society but was actually a very important part of the world that they lived in.”

Artspace, a property development, management and consulting firm based in Minneapolis, has entered into a new contract with the city of Augusta to help find and create affordable loft and exhibition space for local artists. The firm will hold a community meeting at Headquarters Library to explain the concept on Wednesday, April 25 at 7 p.m.

Zuchowski said that though he hoped to give the students lessons in projection and posture while they recite their lines, he felt that they might benefit most from a day outside with their friends eating generously donated Sconyers Barbeque. He said he also hoped that students would develop and interest in Shakespeare and that by studying the characters in his plays they would grow to a new appreciation of themselves and the human condition.

“I’m hoping that they’re getting an understanding about what Shakespeare was really about, because he put humanity into all his characters so you could get a better understanding of what it means to be human,” he said. “I hope that by understanding Shakespeare’s characters, these students learn to get a better understanding of themselves.” | by CHRISTOPHER SELMEK

[ find treasures at the cottage ] The Cottage Consigns and Finds for the Home is becoming one of the premier shopping destinations in Midtown. However, according to owner Patti Arnold, it is not just the wide selection of gently used furniture and accessories for the home, but the homey atmosphere and customer service that keeps people coming back.

“At The Cottage we want it to feel like you’re in a home,” said Arnold.

“People come in here and they’re amazed at the way everything is laid out. We play music, we have candles that we light and we sometimes provide lemonade or coffee to our guests because we want to have a personal relationship with our customers. Of course we want to make a sale, but our business is about more than selling.

It’s about building a sense of community with the people who come into our store.”

Since opening a year ago, 100 consigners have trusted The Cottage with their items, receiving 60 percent of the profit any time their items sell. Twelve regular vendors also share rooms in the store and bring in new finds on a regular basis.

“All of us love going to market and picking the furniture we’re going to sell, and most of us have more stuff at home we can’t wait to bring out,” said Arnold. “We price everything to sell because we want it to go so we can pick again, that’s the fun of our business.”

The firm’s mission is to create and preserve affordable space for artists and arts organizations through development projects, asset management activities and communitybuilding activities, though it is yet unclear just what kind of program will best represent the needs of Augusta residents.

“That’s what we’re bringing them out here to find out,” said Abbie Rickoff, an urban planner and designer with APD Urban Planning and Management LLC, who has been working with Artspace on behalf of the city. “We won’t really know what groups we need to represent, nor how best to represent them, until we set up a meeting with the developers, but they have had a lot of success in other cities and we believe that they can do great things for the arts in Augusta.”

“Our relationship with Augusta is just starting because we have been hired to do a feasibility study, where we come into a community and meet with artists and art organizations, show them what we do and how they can go about getting funding for subsidized gallery space,” said Wendy Holmes, the senior vice president of consulting for Artspace.

Artspace has consulted with more than 100 cities in the past five years; it also owns and operates 30 buildings for artists in cities across the country, including Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and Memphis, Tenn. Both Rickoff and Holmes hope to set up a meeting in April at which time Artspace will begin its study to determine the best way to serve Augusta.

The Cottage has also been making a splash at First Thursday.

“We have a wonderful time at first Thursday, though we take a somewhat different approach to it,” she said. “In December, we had a bagpipe player from Thompson ask if he could set up on our lawn, and in February we had Chris Goss, a local classical guitarist and vocalist who everybody was really impressed with. We have a spread of food on the table which includes flank steak and baked ham, and there is never any cover charge and all are invited.”

The Cottage, 2148 Central Ave., is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call 706.733.0695. | by CHRISTOPHER SELMEK

“Because we’ve done this so many times before we’re very good at helping cities understand where the financing is coming from, as well as helping them more understand the depth of the artistic community in their own city,” said Holmes. “As part of the fact-finding process, our team will meet with artists, city officials and funders, look at buildings and sites and generally hold a public meeting. The preliminary feasibility visit is the first step in the process that can lead to an Artspace project.”

The community meeting on April 25 in the first floor meeting room at the Headquarters Library, 823 Telfair St., is open to the public. For more information, visit artspace.org. | by CHRISTOPHER SELMEK

vergelive.com | community driven news | April 18, 2012 5

6 April 18, 2012 | community driven news | vergelive.com

the buzz on

biz

what’s moving and shaking in local business

You Take Austin, I’ll Take Augusta Austin, Texas, is known for its high-tech companies during the day and its nightlife – well, at night. It’s also an expensive place to call home, but a good place to do business, according to On Numbers, a company that ranks which companies have the healthiest small business climates in the United States. For the third straight year, Austin was No. 1 out of 37 Southern markets. This year Augusta was dead last: No. 37.

“Augusta, Ga., is the region’s lowest-rated market because of its drop in employment (down 4.4 percent in five years) and its unusually low concentration of small businesses,” reported one of the surveyors.

On Numbers bases its rankings on a six-part formula that analyzes such diverse factors as population growth, employment gains or losses and local concentrations of small businesses. (A small business is defined as any private-sector company with 99 or fewer employees.) Raleigh, N.C., was second.

Austin is No. 1 because of its strong growth in population (18.1 percent in five years), private-sector jobs (6.3 percent in half a decade) and small businesses (0.4 percent during the past year).

The latter might not seem particularly impressive, but increases in small businesses have been unusual since the recession. Only three of the 37 Southern markets posted one-year gains.

I still take Augusta, there is something to be said about doing business with folks you know and trust.

CALIFORNIA STYLE PIZZA SHOP TO OPEN IN NATIONAL HILLS The Straw Hat Genuine California

Pizza restaurant will be opening soon in the Publix Plaza in National Hills. It will be dine-in, carry-out and delivery. You will probably notice some difference in taste and texture than traditional pizza especially with the crust, which is layered, flakier and crispier.

What you won’t notice as much is what is done as a franchise behind the scenes. According to Straw Hat’s website, the boxes and napkins are made from 100% recycled material. The company also controls the tomato and wheat fields where it gets its product for sauce and dough, ensuring the growing method and freshness. Menu items are also free from trans-fat.

FAMOUS COMEDIAN GIVES TWEETING TRIBUTE TO CSRA FILMAKERS Legendary comic Bill Cosby was

apparently so moved by viewing a documentary on the Tuskegee Airmen that he took to Twitter to encourage others to take a look.

Bill Cosby posts a “shout out” to Bryton Entertainment for their efforts on making the story.

It’s been posted on Cosby’s home page since April 3, where he tweets: “In Their Own Words: The Tuskegee Airmen – a documentary about the individuals, heroics and lessons we can learn from them.”

Perhaps Cosby was picking up duct tape and laundry detergent at WalMart when he purchased a DVD. The two principals of Bryton, Bryan Williams and Denton Adkinson, got a contract to sell DVDs through the store nationwide as part of Black History Month.

The Augusta-based filmmakers shoot with high-end Panasonic equipment, own a jib camera (which provides the ability to shoot on a crane to provide a panoramic view of an area), and work on a variety of projects, including other documentaries, such as the Graniteville story related to the effects of the train derailment. brytonentertainment.com

MEMA HAD ONE RELOCATES TO AWOL A consignment shop is moving from

its Bobby Jones Expressway location next to Southern Siding to the old AWOL storefront on Washington Road near the Calhoun Expressway. Mema Had One specializes in affordable antiques and eclectic décor.

Mema is capitalizing on the value of local estate sales to bring in oneof-a-kind items. There are several other antique stores thriving in the CSRA – especially ones that allow regular folks to consign their items and make some money.

Neil Gordon owns Buzz on Biz LLC, a company dedicated to highlighting business growth through newspaper, television, radio, and Web content.

Story idea? Email neil.gordon@buzzon.biz

vergelive.com | community driven news | April 18, 2012 7

8 April 18, 2012 | community driven news | vergelive.com

one the love letters from fran and jack First Day of School

by DOUG HOLLEY AND JENNIFER CRAIG

“Thank you, Joseph,” Mr. Henry said, extending a fleshy hand. Jack tried to squeeze the hand like Doc had taught him but his fingers were too short to gain a suitable grip.

“It’s right gentlemanly of you to walk my Frannie to school.”

“It’s not far,” Fran muttered. From the corner of his eye, Jack could see her staring down at her shiny black shoes.

“Try and show a little gratitude, Princess,” Mr. Henry said. He straightened her frock and kissed her forehead. “You don’t want to be late on your first day.”

“Yessir,” Fran said.

“Don’t you worry about Frannie, here,” Jack said, giving Mr. Henry his most serious face.

“I’ll get her to school and back all right.”

“It’s right gentlemanly of you to walk my Frannie to school.”

“It’s all right, though,” Jack said, slowing to a saunter. “Maybe I didn’t want you to see it, anyways.”

He turned and walked a few steps backward – a trick he had recently mastered. The Henry’s house was out of sight, hidden behind a clump of trees overhanging a bend in the road. Jack veered off of the dirt road, onto a rough path that cut into the woods.

“Hey!” Fran called after him.

The sun crept up the sky while Jack and Fran followed the winding path behind the Henry’s land.

“There’s a creek up ahead,” Jack said. “Just over this hill.”

The path crooked to the left and ran parallel to a high ledge over a muddy red ravine.

Fran stopped and peered over the edge, clinging to a tree trunk for support.

“This ain’t it,” Jack said, “but we’re getting close.” The creek gurgled beneath them, slogging through the red clay towards the Savannah River.

“We gotta go through the woods a piece now,” he said. “Try not to snag your dress.”

“I don’t doubt it,” Mr. Henry said with a quick nod.

They picked their way through the brush, down into the ravine to the water’s edge. Fran clung to her skirts and kept them from the brambles, but her shoes and stockings were coated in mud. They followed the creek upstream until Jack stopped and pointed at a large boulder that jutted out into the stream as if God himself had placed it there.

“Race ya to the fence!” Jack yelled, leaping from the front porch and into the scrubby yard.

“There it is.” Jack said. “Your shoe’s untied.” He took off in a full run towards the rock.

At the end of drive, Jack hooked his arm around a fencepost and swung to a stop. Fran was sulking halfway between the Henry’s big white house and the fence line.

“I ain’t even got laces!” Fran cried, catching up to him and matching his pace.

“Aw, c’mon, Frannie!” he called. “Run!” She looked up from the ground and scowled. Jack sighed and walked back down the drive to meet her.

“Can’t you run in that dress?”

“Your shoe’s untied,” she muttered.

He looked down in a panic. Hattie had laced his new shoes that morning but his fingers were not clever enough to repeat the loops and knots on his own. He discovered that the laces were still intact, but not before Fran burst into a run, kicking up a fresh cloud of red dust.

“Wait!” he cried, running after her.

She was laughing at the gate when he caught her.

“That’s not fair,” he said.

“So?” “So maybe you can walk to school by yourself.”

“I’ll tell Daddy.”

“Not if you get ate up by the wild dogs first.”

They followed the creek upstream until Jack stopped and pointed at a large boulder that jutted out into the stream as if God himself had placed it there.

They reached the boulder, laughing and out of breath. Jack leaned against it, feeling the cool stone at his back. Fran circled around the stone and appeared above his head a moment later. She leaned over and her hair brushed his nose.

“Can you swim?” she asked. “’Course I can swim. Can you?”

“I bet you can’t.”

“I bet I can.”

“So do it.”

Doc stepped into the clearing, his hands sunk deep in his pockets.

“You’ll ruin those clothes, son. And I can’t count on Mrs. McNeil coming down with the shingles again every time you need new britches.”

“There’s no such thing.”

Jack spun to face him, thought about running, then reconsidered his chances and decided to stay put.

“Don’t you worry yourself, Frannie.”

“Are you youngins gonna drown yourselves or go to school?”

“Stop calling me that.”

“I knew you couldn’t swim,” Fran said.

“Stop calling you what, Frannie?”

Doc offered her his hand and helped her down from the boulder.

She punched him hard in the shoulder and he took three quick steps into the road to keep his balance.

“I’ll walk with you,” Doc said, “I have to make a stop in town, anyhow.” 

“I’ll let the dogs eat you,” he threatened.

“You’ll do no such thing,” she said. “You’ll walk me straight to school or my daddy will put you straight in jail.”

“Well I guess you won’t ever get to see the secret place, then.”

Fran stopped in the road.

The Love Letters of Fran and Jack by Doug Holley and Jennifer Craig is an ongoing, serialized story cycle. Look for the further adventures of Fran and Jack in the second issue of verge each month.

vergelive.com | community driven news | April 18, 2012 9

10 April 18, 2012 | community driven news | vergelive.com

seether holds on to

more than strings hard rockers join chevelle and black stone cherry for a night at the lady antebellum

When the hit single “Country Song” went to No. 1 on rock radio, it laid the groundwork for Seether – vocalist/guitarist Shaun Morgan, bassist Dale Stewart and drummer John Humphrey – to release its 2011 album, Holding Onto Strings Better Left To Fray.

Now celebrating its 10th year, the band has sold more than 4 million albums, thanks to a loyal fan base.

Seether remains one of the few rock bands who can claim sold-out venues and chart numbers. It is not a given, says Humphrey, it’s the result of hard work, quality music in the studio and onstage, and most importantly, staying connected with fans.

Verge: Seether’s first album was released in 2002. What do you see when you look at the timeline of recordings? humphrey: The band’s been around a while and we don’t follow trends. It makes us stand out a bit and all for the better. I’m proud to say also that when we write music for an album, it’s new music.

We never have leftover songs from the last album that we revisited and tried to work on again.

Everything is captured at the moment – what we were feeling, how we were feeling, and the moods that we were in naturally. Each album captures us at a different time. Karma & Effect was a bit more aggressive in parts; maybe we still had a little bit of a chip on our shoulder, coming back after “Broken” and trying to prove ourselves to be a rock band before we had established our identity. It has a bit of an edge to it, where with Finding Beauty In Negative Spaces, we felt more comfortable and started to expand more with sounds and instrumentation and stepping away from the rock band formula. I think we’ve done that even more with the newest album, kind of stepping out of boundaries. The great thing about being in this band is that we don’t put limitations on what the band should or should not work on. We’re all pretty open-minded. Now, we’re not going to come out with a polka album; it will always be Seether within the confines of rock ‘n’ roll music, but we’ve had diverse types of singles, anything from “Broken” to “Remedy,” “Careless Whisper,” “Country Song” and everything in between. Our fans are appreciative and let us test the waters and step outside of those usual boundaries that artists sometimes put on themselves.

“I always say we’re a garage band that’s fortunate enough to play on bigger stages.”

— John Humphrey

Verge: What does it take to stay ahead of the curve and hold on to your fan base? humphrey: It comes right down to a human connection. As much as in the beginning we were anti-Facebook and anti-Twitter, you have to have some real contact with your fans, and those resources allow that. At the same time, we aren’t robots and we aren’t just Seether. We’re human beings with lives who are playing and living this life. Seether is very important to us, we take this very seriously and it’s a huge part of our lives, but it isn’t the only thing in our lives. I think there has to be a little bit of a barrier. We’re very honest and passionate and serious about our music, the music we’ve released, the records we work hard on, and unfortunately, you put that stuff out and it’s open for critique for the whole world. People sit behind their keyboards in anonymity and say things and give opinions that they wouldn’t give to another human being in person. Sometimes that can be tough, especially on some of the forums. But I think there has to be some sort of human connection, and you can obviously connect with artists now much easier than when I was a kid.

SEETHER every song. It’s added color; there’s extra ear-candy bits, if you will, that a lead guitar player plays, but Shaun has a full sound. He’s a good, solid guitar player. With Dale, our magic musician, and then me just playing loud and punching it, three guys make a lot of noise.

One thing you can’t get on an audience is honesty and how passionate we are when we play. When you listen to our records, or when you see us live, we’re not going through the motions or being complacent. We’re playing our instruments, we’re working hard and it’s important to us to put on a good show. If there’s a bad note, or a beer bottle gets kicked over, it’s rock and roll and we wave the flag proudly. I always say we’re a garage band that’s fortunate enough to play on bigger stages.

Touring is a big part of what we do. We love playing live, and that’s the beauty of this business — with everything that goes on, the changes that go on, the one thing that remains is the 75 to 90 minutes we’re onstage just playing and being a band. It’s the same thing I was doing when I was 14 years old in a garage with the guys I started with, and it’s the thing I love to do most. I would never want to go home and just put out records. Playing live is another part of that connection with the fans. Those are things you have to do to keep your fan base interested and to keep growing. That, and hopefully putting out quality music, and I feel we work very hard to do that.

by ALISON RICHTER photos CLAY PATRICK MCBRIDE

see the show WHAT Seether + Chevelle + Black Stone Cherry + New Medicine

Verge: What is your role in Seether? humphrey: With this music that Shaun writes, we all write, it’s rhythmical; it sounds just as good in an acoustic setting as in a full-blown electric rock setting. My job is to drive, keep the band grounded, be solid, provide the rhythm and set the tempo for the show. If we’re blazing through the set and playing too fast, that’s my fault. So it’s keeping it solid and keeping the groove and a musicality to it. I do bash, I do play hard, I love to rock, but I also like it to be musical and fun to watch. My favorite bands are three-pieces. In our case, we’ve got a singer/guitar player combined and he’s a great guitar player and it works. The lead guitar role in Seether — we don’t have leads in

WHERE Lady Antebellum Pavilion Evans Towne Center Park WHEN Thursday, May 3 | 6 p.m.

TICKETS $35 advance, $40 day of show BUY | 800.514.3849 or ETIX.COM

CHEVELLE

MORE | SEETHER.COM

vergelive.com | community driven news | April 18, 2012 11

12 April 18, 2012 | community driven news | vergelive.com

fresh food bites

springtime delight

an average joe’s guide to eating healthier

love in a picnic basket

The weather in Augusta is beautiful – so beautiful that it might be perfect for romance. Imagine cool evening walks in the park and peaceful hand-in-hand strolls along the river. The warm days and cool nights of April are also great for outdoor dining, which leads me to ponder: “What did Romeo and Juliet dine on as they stole away on romantic evenings hidden amongst the vineyards of fair Verona?”

Surely, the ultimate couple of love brought along wine, breads, cheese and fresh meats. They probably also dined on grapes fresh from the vine, free of chemicals and pesticides.

As I’ve gotten older, picnics have taken on more of a romantic meaning and wiping grease off my face to give a tender kiss to my gal is just not my idea of romantic. Call me a closet softie, but I think gals really dig it when you surprise them with a romantic picnic getaway. You can take a break from the meat and taters (and sports) for a day to make your true love happy.

Here is a simple guide for light healthy picnic dining that will make your gal feel good about you and herself.

Skip the Chips: Quite simply, chips are not romantic. Datefriendly side items, such as sliced veggies are far more pleasing and lighter. What is more romantic than feeding your fair lady fruits, such as slided cantaloupe, strawberries or -- the very item Romeo might have fed Juliet – grapes? For an added treat, you can bring small containers of light dressing or yogurt for dipping.

Love the Liquids: What romantic meal would be complete without some beverages? I recommend bringing bottled spring water or cold mineral water. And for the capper, a nice small bottle of wine is perfect. Red wines can sometimes overpower the foods you bring so try a nice inexpensive rose or a light white wine. Sauvignon blanc, chenin blanc, pinot grigio or pinot blanc will bring your lighter foods to life and the coolness of the wine will be refreshing for a nice romantic day outdoors.

So guys, there you have it – the perfect way to your gal’s heart … through her tummy.

by JOHN “STONEY” CANNON John believes that anyone can learn to eat healthier - in small steps - taking one bite at a time.

simple tips and recipes on cooking with natural goodness

lemon poppy seed cake

I have had the baking bug lately. It bit in the spring and I am hoping it stays until Christmas. Baking is one of those things in life that take equal parts love, joy, patience and perseverance. The rewards are gratifying.

Creating a lemon poppy seed cake was a testament to both love and patience and I found a dessert that I will make time and time again. Citrus fruits are a favorite of mine – when I was pregnant with my daughter, I craved all things citrus and I still do love a perfect orange. I also enjoy poppy seeds immensely and, since I have tasted this cake, I have found lemon and poppy seeds are a match made in yum heaven.

Imagine the deliciousness of a lemon poppy seed layer cake with lemon cream cheese frosting on one of the beautiful spring days that we have had recently. This is the perfect dessert for a garden party, ladies’ tea or dining al fresco.

The only tricky part to the cake is in the baking – you must be careful not to overbake it. The mix is not naturally moist because of the egg yolks and lack of milk. If it bakes even five minutes too long you might lose desired moistness. I recommend checking on it periodically while baking because,

Keep it Cool: Hot food on a warm day outdoors can be unappetizing and the idea is to keep things light. If need be, bring along a cooler to keep cold items at a cool, crisp temperature.

Watch the Wrap: Sandwich items are the classic picnic item but you don’t have to go old school Wonder Bread with fatty meats and cheeses. These days there are many tasty alternatives, such as wheat or whole grain bread, and even wheat pita bread and wraps. If you’re not sure, bring a few of each and give your lady a choice (after all, she deserves it!) and the fun you’ll have making some sort of sandwich-type item with precut fresh lettuce, tomatoes, lean meat and cheese from your favorite deli will get her heart fluttering. Little containers of light mayo and mustard couldn’t hurt and, just to show you’re a modern kind of guy, bring along some other healthy toppings such as slices of guava, shredded carrots, zucchini and sprouts.

chow bella

as I learned from moving recently, every oven is different. The cake also takes a lot of egg yolks but the whites are not used, so plan a big egg breakfast the next day or find another use for all those egg whites. Other than that – enjoy this lovely, lovely cake. article and photo by ELLIE BENSON boyandabride.virb.com

from chow bella’s kitchen: Lemon poppy seed cake

With a lemony, cream cheese frosting, it’s perfect for an afternoon tea or a Sunday brunch.

CAKE INGREDIENTS: 1 ⅓ cups sugar 16 large egg yolks 2 large whole eggs Zest from 3 to 4 lemons 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup cornstarch Pinch of salt 4 sticks unsalted butter, melted and cooled a bit ⅔ cup poppy seeds plus a pinch for garnish

DIRECTIONS: 1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees and butter and flour three 8-inch pans.

2. Butter the dull side of a 10-inch piece of foil for each pan.

3. Whisk together the sugar with the egg yolks and whole egg at medium-high speed until the mixture is pale yellow and very fluffy, approximately eight minutes.

4. Beat in the lemon zest.

5. Sift the flour and cornstarch over the egg mixture and fold in along with the pinch of salt with a rubber spatula.

6. At medium speed, beat in the butter, then beat in the poppy seeds.

7. Pour batter evenly into the prepared pans and cover tightly with the buttered foil.

8. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes or until the cake pulls away from the side of the pan or a toothpick comes out clean.

9. Remove the foil and let the cake cool in the pan on a rack for 15 minutes.

10. Invert the cakes onto the rack and let cool completely before icing.

ICING INGREDIENTS: Zest of one lemon 8 oz. cream cheese 1 ½ cup confectioner’s sugar

5 tbsp. lemon juice ½ cup butter

DIRECTIONS: 1. Beat together the butter and cream cheese.

2. On low speed, add the confectioner’s sugar, lemon juice and lemon zest until smooth and creamy.

3. Frost between the layers of the cake and garnish with poppy seeds. cake adapted from Smitten Kitchen | frosting by Ellie Benson

vergelive.com | community driven news | April 18, 2012 13

creating the chefs of tomorrow

culinary students learn in a hands-on environment One day, Jennifer Barnes walked into her class at Augusta Technical College and discovered her teacher waiting for her with a refrigerator full of leftover chicken thighs. It was a pop quiz, and Barnes, along with about 65 other students, would be graded on what they did with the chicken.

Barnes opted to create a Napa Valley ravioli stuffed with chicken, minced vegetables and mushrooms, served with a white wine and cream sauce with cranberry and orange dressing. Her “Thanksgiving in a bite,” as she proudly named it, received an A. “The best part of the culinary arts program is getting to live the experience,” Barnes said. “You’re not just seeing these beautiful meals made on TV, you’re getting your hands dirty and getting to see the reaction on people’s faces as they taste what you’ve just made. If you’re in this class, then you’re probably the kind of person who enjoys seeing that positive reaction.”

Barnes is in her second semester at Augusta Technical College’s culinary arts program, where students learn about more than just preparing meals. There is also sanitation, preparing the dining room, and learning the many different kinds of meats, sauces and presentation aspects they need to master before receiving a diploma.

“The best part of the culinary arts program is getting to live the experience.”

— jennifer barnes, student

The program, based in Building 400 on Augusta Tech’s campus, houses combiovens, convection ovens, steam jacketed kettles, flambé carts and materials for making sugar and ice sculptures, in addition to classrooms and offices for the two culinary arts instructors, Kathleen Fervan and Eddie Walker.

“I teach the new students sanitation, which is extremely important because they take the state ServeSafe exam, and I also teach cooking basics like sauces, soups and cuts of meat,” said Fervan. “They have to cut up chickens and all types of meat, but I tell my students that a lot of restaurants buy their meat pre-cut because they don’t have the knowledgeable staff to know how to cut them. I like to encourage students to see me for the basics and then go to Johnson and Wales in Charlotte, N.C. after they get their diploma, which will take all of our credits.”

“I get a chance to see approximately 60 to 90 students on a typical day, and by the time they get to me Miss Fervan has already brought them through the basics,” said Walker. “I concentrate on teaching them how to prepare buffets.

We have people who are dining room personnel and focus on preparing vegetables, salads, entrees, deserts and beverages, but I also focus a lot on a la carte preparation, which is when they take orders out front and fulfill them in the back.”

Another part of their program includes a monthly preparation of a catered meal, which may be buffet-style or served in five courses. Anyone can show up and spend $12 to sample the artwork of the students.

“Ours is the kind of art that gets eaten,” Fervan likes to tell her students. “Food is entertainment. It’s got to be a passion and you have to know that you’re here to make other people happy.

“Every student here will have an opportunity to learn front of the house

14 April 18, 2012 | community driven news | vergelive.com

service as well as back. You have to have the opportunity for hands on experience, because that’s the only way you learn. I explain it, we look at it in the book, and then we go out and do it and we will repeat it. I show them a number of meat dishes that go well with the sauces we make in the early classes, because if they don’t keep making the item then eventually they may forget how.”

Many students say their favorite class is g which includes techniques such as frui aspects of presentation come into use ice sculptures, for which Walker recen the class.

gets

“Ours is t eaten. Fo

“The gardémanger class was my fav drawing, and then doing the actual car second semester. “They give you a bloc and 10 inches deep, and I took a piece o do with it. There’s a lot I’m interested in Chef Walker on the carving because th

“These past couple banquets I’ve been semester student. “I like gardemanger aspect and creativity and the joy that y

If there’s one part of the class students d mathematical aspect of figuring out ho

“They definitely need to know how to the worst part of the course for them is but you need to know how much some on your menu. I’ve seen a lot of restau put something on their menu for less some other place was selling it for the s

The suggestion that these students will menu of a newly opened restaurant is of the culinary arts program have gone

gardémanger, or cold food preparation, it and vegetable carving. Many of these e during the catered buffets, including ntly ordered equipment to be used by

the kind of art that ood is entertainment.”

— kathleen fervan, instructor

vorite because I’m artistic and I like rving,” said Brad Buss, a student in his ck of ice 20 inches across, 40 inches tall of paper out and drew what I wanted to n, but I’d like to continue working with here’s so much to it.”

n out front,” said Allison Smith, a third r the best because I like the hands on you get from creating something.”

don’t like, Fervan says it is probably the ow much a meal costs to serve.

o price things out,” she said. “Probably that they hate doing requisition forms, ething is going to cost before you put it urants go out of business because they s than they could afford, just because same amount.”

l one day be deciding what goes on the not overly ambitious. Many graduates on to work at Le Maisson, the Augusta

Country Club, West Lake Country Club, Pinnacle Club, Partridge Inn, Riverwalk Marriott Hotel and the Augusta National Golf Club.

“When all the country clubs are calling us saying they need chefs and want our students to intern with them, that speaks very highly of our program,” said Walker. “We’re making a reputation for ourselves that is very good, and we’re trying to create local supply of chefs so that local clubs and restaurants don’t have to import talent from other places, they can stay right here in the community.”

It takes four semesters, approximately 18 months, to earn the diploma. This includes three in-house classes, with the final semester dedicated to interning at clubs and restaurants around Augusta. Students attend class Monday through Thursday, though some classes, such as nutrition and purchasing, have been made available online.

“We’re trying to create a local supply of chefs so that local clubs and restaurants don’t have to import talent ... they can stay right here in the community.”

— eddie walker, instructor

“The food networks have done a lot to get people psyched up about making food, but it also makes many of them think its glamorous and not going to be hard work,” said Fervan. “We don’t create chefs here, we give students the basic understanding they’re going to need to continue with their education.

This is not for a lazy person because you will get knocked down.”

Past students have had to wait more than a year to enter the program because of its popularity, but the school is accepting applications for the fall and spring at augustatech.edu. For information about the monthly catered meals, contact Fervan at 706.771.4084 or Walker at 706.771.4083. article and photos by CHRISTOPHER SELMEK

vergelive.com | community driven news | April 18, 2012 15

16 April 18, 2012 | community driven news | vergelive.com

the

daily planner

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO?

APR. 18 to may 4

[ BYE BYE BIRDIE ] Set in the world of soda fountains, going steady, Elvis and The Ed Sullivan Show, Bye Bye Birdie tells the tale of a small Ohio town turned upside-down when the hip-thrusting superstar Conrad Birdie visits for his farewell television appearance and to give “one last kiss” before his induction to the Army.

Harlem High School, under the direction of Roy Lewis and the musical direction of Phillip Streetman, tackles the Tony Awardwinning musical about growing up and letting go with aplomb.

“The story helps us remember the days when teenagers were innocently in love with rock stars, who set standards, and adults wanted more out of their lives,” said Harlem High junior Alex Pitts, who plays Albert Peterson.

This year, Bye Bye Birdie is also a way to say, “bye-bye Lewis,” as it is the last play Lewis will direct for the school. Over the past 30 years, Lewis has garnered local, regional, state and international awards for the school’s drama department. | PRESS WHAT Bye Bye Birdie WHERE Harlem High School | 1070 Appling Harlem Road, Harlem WHEN April 25, 26, 27 at 8 p.m. | April 28 at 3 and 8 p.m.

TICKETS $10 in advance BUY 706.556.5980 The Daily Planner is our selective guide to what is going on in the city during the next two weeks. IF YOU WANT TO BE LISTED: Submit information by email (events@vergelive.com) or by mail (verge, P.O. Box 38, Augusta, GA 30903). Details of the event - date, time, venue address, telephone number and admission price - should be included. Listings included are accurate at press time, check with specific venues for further details.

WEDNESDAY

4.18

EDUCATION THINK GREEN, LIVE GREEN, WORK GREEN A community-wide

clean air presentation for Earth Day presented by Augusta State University, Georgia Health Sciences University and Paine College. Augusta State University, Jaguar Student Activity Center (JSAC) Ballroom; 10 a.m.; free; 2500 Walton Way AUG.EDU

THURSDAY

4.19

LITERARY BROWN BAG BOOK CLUB The Library of

Shadows by Mikkel Birkegaard.

Columbia County Library; 11:30 a.m.; free; 7022 Evans Town Center Blvd., Evans; 706.863.1946

CONCERT MIDDAY MUSIC SERIES First Presbyterian

Church; noon; music free, $9 for lunch; 224 Barnwell Ave. NW, Aiken; 803.648.2662 AIKENPRESBYTERIAN.ORG

GOOD CAUSE LIONS BENEFIT DINNER The Jim

Metts Memorial Car Show on Saturday, April 21, with an Italian buffet and jazz by Bill Karp. Proceeds benefit the Evans Lions Club Vision Programs.

The Garlic Clove; 5:30 p.m.; $10 person, excluding wine; 4534 Washington Road, Evans; 706.364.7377

HISTORY EPOCHS OF COURAGE Historical

photographs, memorabilia and documents illustrate the impact and contributions that African Americans have made to the sport of golf. Ends May 31. Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History; $3 to $5; 1116 Phillips St.; 706.724.3576

MARKET AUGUSTA MARKET AT THE RIVER

Peruse the offerings of local farmers, artisans and other vendors. Eighth Street Bulkhead; Saturdays only; 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.; free; Corner of Eighth and Reynolds streets; 706.627.0128 THEAUGUSTAMARKET.COM

FILM SOUTHERN CIRCUIT: LUNCH LINE Documentary

follows six students from a Chicago school to Capitol Hill as they set out to “fix school lunch,” Lunch Line explores the goals of the national school lunch program to its current incarnation. Morris Museum of Art; 6 p.m.; free members, $3 nonmembers; 1 10th St.; 706.828.3815 THEMORRIS.ORG

THEATRE INTIMATE APPAREL Presented by the University Theatre Players. USC Aiken Etherredge

Center; 7:30 p.m.; $7 to $15; 471 University Parkway, Aiken; 803.641.3305 USCA.EDU

EDUCATION LUNCH & LEARN POETRY MOVIE SERIES Edgar Allan Poe’s Tell

Tale Heart. Bring your own lunch. Headquarters Library; noon; free; 823 Telfair St.; 706.821.2600 ECGRL.ORG

BUSINESS YPA CARDS & COCKTAILS PARTY Bring

business cards and have some cocktails with YPA members and guests. Food will be provided by The Brown Bag and Casablanca.

RSVP online. Casablanca Café; 5:30 p.m.; event is open to the public; 936 Broad St. YPAUGUSTA.COM

4.20

LITERARY IT’S YOUR BOOK CLUB! Reaching Back by Nea Anna Simone. Headquarters Library, third floor meeting room; 6:30 p.m.; free; 823 Telfair St.; 706.821.2600 ECGRL.ORG

ONGOING

DAILY

FRIDAY

COMMUNITY 16th ANNUAL TAKE BACK THE NIGHT RALLY Activities, speakers and candlelight campus march.

Augusta State University; 6 p.m.; free; 2500 Walton Way; 706.737.1471 AUG.EDU

CONCERT ASU WIND ENSEMBLE Maxwell

Performing Arts Theatre; 7:30 p.m.; $5; 2500 Walton Way; 706.667.4100 AUG.EDU

THEATRE INTIMATE APPAREL See listing on April

18. USC Aiken Etherredge Center; 7:30 p.m.

EDUCATION EARTH DAY 2012 Sustainability

education and awareness initiative sponsored by the GHSU Green Team featuring educational booths, vendors and presentations about making our community a greener place to live. Georgia Health Sciences Building, CJ Building (Pavilion III) and Student Center Courtyard; 10 a.m.; free; Laney Walker Boulevard; 706.721.0804 GEORGIAHEALTH.EDU

FILM FILMS ON FRIDAY: STAGECOACH (1939) After

viewing this John Ford classic (starring John Wayne in his career-making role), museum director Kevin Grogan will lead a discussion. Morris Museum of Art; noon; free; 1 10th St.; 706.724.7501 THEMORRIS.ORG

FESTIVAL OLDE TOWNE ARTISANS’ FAIR PREVIEW PARTY The Artisans’ Fair

highlights fine artists and skilled artisans and features booths

displaying items for sale and craftsmen demonstrating their skills. Living History Park; 5 p.m.; free; 299 W. Spring Grove Ave., North Augusta; 803.441.8956 COLONIALTIMES.US

CONCERT MOONLIGHT MUSIC CRUISE: ERYN EUBANKS & THE FAMILY FOLD Passengers may bring

aboard refreshments of their choice. Reservations required.

Enterprise Mill; 6:30 p.m.; $25; 1450 Greene St.; 706.823.0440 AUGUSTACANAL.COM

CONCERT ARABESQUE WINDS Presented by the Harry

Jacobs Chamber Music Society.

Grover C. Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre; 7:30 p.m.; $7 to $25; 2500 Walton Way; 706.790.9274 HJCMS.ORG

THEATRE INTIMATE APPAREL See listing on April

18. Etherredge Center; 7:30 p.m.

THEATRE QUICKIES Third annual short play festival features original works by local playwrights. Read the article on page 20. Le Chat Noir; 8 p.m.; 304 Eighth St.; 706.722.3322 LCNAUGUSTA.COM

discover more events and classes @ vergelive.com vergelive.com | community driven news | April 18, 2012 17

18 April 18, 2012 | community driven news | vergelive.com

FRIDAY

4.20

THEATRE TWELFTH NIGHT

One of the great comedies

by William Shakespeare, two siblings, Viola and Sebastian, are separated in a shipwreck and both think the other dead.

The antics immediately ensue – Viola lands in a foreign country, pretends to be a boy, befriends a count and helps him woo the woman he loves who falls in love with the disguised Viola, who is also pursued by her alcoholic cousin. Then, Sebastian shows up and the games truly begin.

Suitable for most audiences. Aiken Community Playhouse; 8 p.m.; $7 to $20; 126 Newberry St. SW, Aiken; 803.648.1438

SATURDAY

4.21 FESTIVAL EARTH DAY 2012 CELEBRATION Phinizy

Swamp Nature Park; 1858 Lock and Dam Road; 706.828.2109

FESTIVAL JIM METTS MEMORIAL CAR SHOW

Academy Sports; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; free; 4210 Washington Road, Evans; 706.210.6100

HISTORY BEHIND THE SCENES AT REDCLIFFE PLANTATION Behind-the-

scenes tour of the historic mansion including the circa 1935 kitchen, historic basement and the old garage/slave quarters.

Reservations are required.

Redcliffe Plantation; 9:30 a.m.; $18; 181 Redcliffe Road, Beech Island; 803.827.1473

FESTIVAL OLDE TOWNE ARTISANS’ FAIR Artists

and artisans demonstrate their skills and exhibit their wares.

Living History Park; 10 a.m.; free; 299 W. Spring Grove Ave., North Augusta; 803.441.8956 COLONIALTIMES.US

FOR KIDS FEELING ANTSY?

Explore the underground world of ants with indoor activities showing the behavior and social life of ants and outdoors looking for signs of ant life. For ages 5 and up. Preregistration required.

Reed Creek Nature Park; 10 a.m.; $2; 3820 Park Lane; 706.210.4027 REEDCREEKPARK.COM

[ A DAY FOR BOAT RACES ]

In addition to the exciting races, a festival along the banks will feature an Asian-themed marketplace and performance stage, along with food, music, crafts and children’s activities. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and admission is free.

The Benderdinker is an approximately 6-mile-long kayak course that launches from Betty’s Branch at Riverside Landing at 10 a.m., begins at the Rail Bridge and loops around Germaines Island. The event is noncompetitive and should take a leisurely three hours to complete, which includes checkpoints along the route featuring live local bluegrass musicians and samples of local food items.

Upon completion there will be demonstrations on kayak fishing, demos from local kayak shops and a Local Fest including performances by Eryn Eubanks and The Family Fold, booths with local artisans, local small businesses, local churches and local food.

Registration for this event must be done online at www. benderdinker.com by April 15 and costs $25 per vessel. All proceeds will benefit Augusta Locally Grown, Colombia County Cares, Camp Sweet Life and the Savannah Riverkeeper.

by CHRISTOPHER SELMEK

the

daily planner

Children ages 6 to 11 will make a kite and then fly it. Headquarters Library; 2 p.m.; free; 823 Telfair St.; 706.821.2600 ECGRL.ORG

Swamp Nature Park; 8 a.m.; $17 to $23; 1858 Lock & Dam Road; 706.828.2109

The Good Boats Race and Festival is a day of races and a celebration of Asian-American culture beginning at 10 a.m. with the blessing of the boats and “Painting of the Dragon Eye” to start the festivities and remind spectators that Goodwill is “more than meets the eye”.

performance workshop focused on embracing the art within and conquering stage fright.

Columbia County Library; 1 p.m.; free; 7022 Evans Town Center Blvd., Evans

FOR KIDS GO FLY A KITE

SPORTS SWAMP STOMP 5K RUN/WALK Phinizy

Boats are coming to Augusta in a big way on April 28, a day that will feature both Goodwill’s first Good Boats Race and Festival at Lake Olmstead and the Benderdinker, a musical kayak and canoe event which will begin at Riverside Boat Launch in Evans.

LITERARY WRITING AND PERFORMANCE POETRY WORKSHOP Creative writing/

FILM WAR HORSE Rated PG13. Aiken County Library; 3 p.m.; free; 314 Chesterfield St. SW, Aiken; 803.642.7586 CONCERT PICKIN’ AND PRAISIN’ CONCERT SERIES Featured artist is Nathaniel Samsel, a young mountain dulcimer player from Clarkesville, Ga. Glenn Hills Baptist Church; 6 p.m.; free; 2877 Lumpkin Road; 706.373.7855

CONCERT EIN DEUTSCHES REQUIEM JOHANNES BRAHMS performed by the

LITERARY FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY BOOK SALE

Appleby Branch Library; 10 a.m.; free; 2260 Walton Way; 706.736.6244 ECGRL.ORG

TOUR ST. THADDEUS HOME & GARDEN TOUR

featuring restored, renewed and newer homes in the historic Highland Park neighborhood.

After the tour, explore the Heritage Market, have afternoon tea and tour the historic church.

St. Thaddeus Episcopal Church; 10 a.m.; $25; 125 Pendleton St., SW Aiken; 803.648.5497 STTHADDEUS.ORG

HISTORY CANAL DISCOVERY WALK: WATERWORKS AND WORKING WATERS Learn

how Augusta gets 75 percent of its water from the Augusta Canal.

Water Pumping Station entrance; 10 a.m.; $2; Eisenhower Drive.; 706.823.0440

FESTIVAL YELLOW JESSAMINE FESTIVAL

North Augusta’s annual spring art festival. The Arts and Heritage Center of North Augusta; 11 a.m.; free; 100 Georgia Ave, North Augusta NORTHAUGUSTA.NET

Augusta Choral Society and featuring Laquita Mitchell, soprano and Christian Elser, bass. Saint Paul’s Church; 7:30 p.m.; $10 to $25; 605 Reynolds St,; 706.826.4713

THEATRE INTIMATE APPAREL See listing on April 18. Etherredge Center; 7:30 p.m.

THEATRE QUICKIES See listing on April 19. Le Chat Noir; 8 p.m.

THEATRE TWELFTH NIGHT (OR WHAT YOU WILL) See listing on April 6. Aiken Community Playhouse; 8 p.m.

SUNDAY

4.22

FESTIVAL OLDE TOWNE ARTISANS’ FAIR See listing

on April 21. Living History Park; 10 a.m.

CONCERT CANDLELIGHT JAZZ PRE(VIEW) featuring A Step Up. The River Stage; 7 p.m.; $6 for ages 13 and up; Eighth Street and Riverwalk GARDENCITYJAZZ.COM

[a weekend of flowers] Gardeners throughout the CSRA will be flocking to Augusta’s Sacred Heart Cultural Center on April 27 to 29, for the 20th annual Sacred Heart Garden Festival, which will feature speakers, vendors and a tour of Summerville’s gardens, certain to inspire those creating their own green spaces.

This year’s festival will feature a self-guided tour of five private gardens located in Summerville, which will be open to ticket holders from noon to 5 p.m. each day of the festival. Sacred Heart will host nine speakers during the weekend on various topics, from butterfly gardening to Japanese gardening, a garden market with vendors selling plants, tools and gardening accessories, and a flower show inside Sacred Heart’s Great Hall that will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m.

Sunday.

“This started in 1992 as a small flower show that grew into what it is today,” said Kim Overstreet, the program director at Sacred Heart. “It’s a unique opportunity to see professional landscapers and floral experts, and to learn from experts in the field.

Gardeners of any skill level, from the most beginning novice to seasoned experts, will appreciate the opportunity to see what other people are doing in their gardens and use those ideas for their own. It’s a real horticultural educational event.”

The Garden Tour is self-guided so that ticket-holders may take as long as they want to view the exotic landscapes privately owned throughout Summerville and consult with Master Gardeners on each property, who have been trained and certified by the University of Georgia Extension Office.

The Garden Market at Sacred Heart features more than 20 vendors from the CSRA, including Birdhouses and More, Casual Furniture of Augusta, Outdoor Lighting Perspectives, Shiloh’s Antiques and others.

On Saturday, the Morris Museum of Art will hold the grand opening of “Golden Afternoon: Watercolors” a collection of 19th Century paintings of Victorian-era English Gardens owned by John Elsley, who will speak about his collection at 6 p.m. Admission to this event is $5 for ticket holders and Morris Museum members.

Two different categories of tickets are available. A one-day ticket is $10 and allows access to all speakers and exhibits at Sacred Heart, while a three-day ticket is $25 and allows access to everything at Sacred Heart plus the garden tour. To order, call 706.826.4700 or visit sacredheartgardenfestival.com. All proceeds support the Sacred Heart Cultural Center.

by CHRISTOPHER SELMEK

vergelive.com | community driven news | April 18, 2012 19

MONDAY

4.23 HISTORY ST. GEORGE DAY

Celebrate the famous Roman soldier and slayer of dragons, St. George, with a sword-fighting demonstration by western martial arts expert, Christopher Myers. Café customers will receive a complimentary red rose. The Curiosity Shop; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; free; 224 Park Ave. SW, Aiken; 803.644.0004 CURIOSITYSHOPTEA.COM

THURSDAY

4.26

LITERARY MAXWELL MORNING BOOK CLUB

With echoes of Wuthering Heights and Rebecca, Robert Goolrick’s intoxicating debut novel, A Reliable Wife, delivers a classic tale of suspenseful seduction, set in a world that seems to have gone off its axis.

Maxwell Branch Library; 10 a.m.; free; 1927 Lumpkin Road; 706.793.2020

FESTIVAL SENIOR ADULT FORMAL SPRING DANCE

Reservations required. The Boathouse; 5 p.m.; free; 101 Riverfront Drive; 706.560.1814 AUGUSTAGA.GOV

CONCERT USCA CHAMBER MUSIC CONCERT USC Aiken Etherredge Center; 7 p.m.; 471 University Parkway, Aiken; 803.641.3305 USCA.EDU

TUESDAY

4.24

ART ART NOW: IAN BOGOST Video game theorist, artist and poet Ian Bogost discusses his digital creations.

Enjoy food, cocktails and music

by Sure Eel following the talk.

Morris Museum of Art; 6 p.m.; free; 1 10th St.; 706.724.7501 THEMORRIS.ORG

See listing on April 25. Harlem High School; 7 p.m.

THEATRE QUICKIES See listing on April 20. Le Chat Noir; 8 p.m.

LITERARY BOOK DISCUSSION Dreaming in

4.25 FILM MANON ENCORE

From the Metropolitan Opera House. Regal Augusta Exchange Stadium 20; 6:30 p.m.; $18 to $24; 1144 Agerton Lane; 706.667.9713

LITERARY 2012 TEEN POETRY CONTEST AWARDS NIGHT Headquarters Library; 7 p.m.; free; 823 Telfair St.; 706.821.2600 ECGRL.ORG

THEATRE BYE, BYE BIRDIE Read the article on page 17.

Harlem High School; 7 p.m.; $10; 1070 Appling-Harlem Hwy. 221, Harlem; 706.556.5980

LITERARY WORDS, WINE AND POETRY NIGHT An

evening of poetic words with local poets. Headquarters Library; 6:30 p.m.; free; 823 Telfair St.; 706.821.2600

OUTDOORS MOONLIGHT MUSIC CRUISE with Lillie

Morris and Michael Hay. Passengers are welcome to bring aboard refreshments of their choice. Cruises last approximately an hour and a half, reservations are required.

Enterprise Mill; 6:30 p.m.; $25; 1450 Greene St.; 706.823.0440 AUGUSTACANAL.COM

car-crushing giant trucks compete in racing and wheelie contests. James Brown Arena; 7:30 p.m.; $12 to $27; 601 Seventh St.; 706.262.4556 MONSTERTRUCKENT.COM

THEATRE QUICKIES See

listing on April 20. Le Chat Noir; 8 p.m.

CONCERT SPRING CLASSICS LYRICAL SYMPHONY: Dramatic Voices.

CONCERT THE GRASCALS

SATURDAY

FRIDAY

HISTORY SIXTH ANNUAL HISTORIC BEECH ISLAND TOUR Beech Island Historical

FESTIVAL SACRED HEART GARDEN FESTIVAL Read

the article on page 19. Sacred Heart Cultural Center; 10 a.m.; $10 to $25; 1301 Greene St.; 706.826.4701

the

daily planner

FESTIVAL GOOD BOATS RACE & FESTIVAL Read

the article on page 19. Lake Olmstead; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; free; 706.650.5760 GOODBOATS.ORG

the South Edisto River with a ranger at Aiken State Park.

The two-hour trip is 1.7 miles.

Register one week in advance.

Aiken State Park; 10 a.m.; $20; 1145 State Park Road, Windsor; 803.648.2857 DNR.SC.GOV

FOR KIDS CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL Lucy Craft Laney

Museum of Black History; 10 a.m.; free; 1116 Phillips St.; 706.724.3576

FESTIVAL SACRED HEART GARDEN FESTIVAL See

listing on April 27. Sacred Heart Cultural Center; 10 a.m.

SPORTS MONSTER X TOUR Watch 10,000 pound,

See listing on April 27. URS Center for Performing Arts; 8 p.m.

4.27

article on page 19. Riverside Park Boat Launch; 8:30 a.m.; $25; 4331 Hardy McManus Road, Evans BENDERDINKER.COM

See listing on April 25. Harlem High School; 8 p.m.

CONCERT THE GRASCALS

Group pays homage to one of the most beloved and enduring TV shows with A Tribute to the Music of The Andy Griffith Show.

URS Center for Performing Arts; 8 p.m.; $30; 126 Newberry St. SW, Aiken; 803.643.4774

FESTIVAL THE BENDERDINKER Read the

OUTDOORS CANOE WITH A RANGER Take a trip down

USC Aiken Etherredge Center; 8 p.m.; $40; 471 University Parkway, Aiken; 803.641.3305

Cuban by Cristina Garcia, led by USC Aiken Professor Timothy Ashton. Aiken County Library; 7 p.m.; free; 314 Chesterfield St. SW, Aiken; 803.642.7586

WEDNESDAY

Baptist Church of Augusta; 6 p.m.; $25 to $35; 3500 Walton Way; 803.439.1791 CSRA-GNA10.ORG

THEATRE BYE, BYE BIRDIE

THEATRE BYE, BYE BIRDIE FILM J. EDGAR Rated R, directed by Clint Eastwood.

Headquarters Library; 6 p.m.; free; 823 Telfair St.; 706.821.2600

FESTIVAL 2012 CSRA NURSING SHOWCASE First

4.28

Society; $20 to $25, free for children under 18; 144 Old Jackson Highway, Beech Island; 803.827.1473

FESTIVAL AIKEN TRUGRASS FESTIVAL This

family-friendly music festival features bluegrass music by local artists, craft and food vendors.

Newberry Street Festival Center; all day; free; 126 Newberry St. NW, Aiken; 803.648.4124

discover more to do and see @

20 April 18, 2012 | community driven news | vergelive.com

HISTORY LIVING HISTORY PARK: LAST SATURDAY EVENT Learn about the

history of the 18th Century.

Living History Park; 10:30 a.m.; free; 299 W. Spring Grove Ave., North Augusta; 803.279.7560 COLONIALTIMES.US

FESTIVAL ARTSFEST 2012 Augusta Prep’s

annual celebration of the arts showcases student art, dance and music. Other features include a silent auction, children’s activities, a petting zoo, and an art show in the Hutchinson Gallery. Augusta Prep Day School; 11 a.m.; free; 285 Flowing Wells Road; 706.863.1906 AUGUSTAPREP.ORG

FESTIVAL BLOCKS ARE BEAUTIFUL Featuring

entertainment, a soul food cookoff and tours of the Heritage Pines homes. 11 a.m.; $1; Pine Street, between Laney Walker Blvd. and Florence Street; 706.724.3576

THEATRE BYE, BYE BIRDIE See listing on April 25. Harlem High School; 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.

HISTORY A SPRING EVENING AT REDCLIFFE

Redcliffe Plantation; 5:30 p.m.; $7.50 to $10; 181 Redcliffe Road, Beech Island; 803.827.1473

vergelive.com

[ time for a quickie ] Quickies returns to Le Chat Noir for the third time, April 20 to 28, with eight short plays written by local playwrights and performed by newcomers and veteran actors.

This year’s Quickies festival has been promoted to Le Chat Noir’s main season because of the popularity and success of the two previous years. The plays run the gamut from slapstick comedy to dramatic, with a few surprises mixed in.

“One of the appeals of Quickies is the diversity of content, so we’re presenting a theatre buffet where people can experience different styles and forms,” said Jezibell Anat, the Quickies coordinator. “I think we have a great line-up this year with wonderful writers, directors and actors.”

“One of the great things about Quickies is that it’s always a potpourri and we never know what we’re going to get,” said Joe Zuchowski, one of this year’s playwrights. “Last year we had more new people on stage, whereas this year we have more tried and true actors. The tone of the pieces also varies a lot, but even the comedic pieces have their dramatic moments, and even the most dramatic pieces have moments of comedy in them, as well.”

This year’s plays include Brackish, a western written and directed

by Jonathan Cook; Claudette, a twisted love story written and directed by Zuchowski; Edna’s Diner, written by Eric Dean and directed by Mickey Lay; Every 50 Seconds, written by David Hallman and directed by Ernie Williamson; Jack and Jill written

by Richard Lawson and directed by Mickey Lay; Klytemnestra, a one-woman play written, directed by and starring Anat; The Venting Machine, written and directed by Rick Davis and Win by a Nose, written by Joseph Barry and directed by Nicole Swanson. “[Every 50 Seconds] is a bit more on the lighter side, but there are a couple of the others that are funny and that have different degrees of seriousness,” said Williamson. “It’s about a nurse treating a patient with short term memory loss and the type of relationship they have, with the pizza delivery boy coming in to sort of observe the situation. I also really like the idea behind Brackish, because having a western on stage isn’t the kind of thing you’re likely to see very often.”

“I like everything that I’ve heard so far,” said Krys Bailey, a coowner of Le Chat Noir. “I actually don’t like to be too involved in the rehearsal process because I like to be surprised on opening night and enjoy the plays the same way as every other member of the audience. Based on what I’ve seen, I think everybody is really going to enjoy this year’s plays.” | by CHRISTOPHER SELMEK

WHAT Quickies WHERE Le Chat Noir | 304 Eighth St. WHEN April 20, 21, 26, 27 and 28 | 8 p.m.

Tickets $20 BUY 706.722.3322 MORE | LCNAUGUSTA.COM

SATURDAY

4.28

ART EXHIBITION OPENING: GOLDEN AFTERNOON: English Watercolors from the Elsley Collection. Art collector and horticulturist John Elsley discusses his collection of 19th Century paintings of Victorianera English gardens, followed by a reception featuring heavy hors d’oeuvres and drinks in the galleries. Morris Museum of Art; 6 p.m.; $5 to $10; 1 10th St.; 706.724.7501 THEMORRIS.ORG

FOR KIDS FAMILY EARTH AND SKY NIGHT Celebrate

National Astronomy Day and Earth Day, make items to take home and interact with live animals such as snakes, turtles, alligators, and owls with free, hands-on activities. Observe the night sky through the Bechtel Telescope. Experience the planetarium show, To The Moon and Beyond. Show will be presented on a first-come, firstserved basis at 7, 8, 9 and 10 p.m.

Ruth Patrick Science Education Center at USC Aiken; 6:30 to 11 p.m.; planetarium show tickets: $2.50 to $4.50; 471 University Parkway, Aiken; 803.641.3313 RPSEC.USCA.EDU

CONCERT DRAMATIC VOICES The Sympony

Orchestra Augusta performs the evocative and classic works of Beethoven and the symmetrical beauty of Brahms’ Symphony No. 1. First Baptist Church of Augusta; 7:30 p.m.; $10 to $45; 3500 Walton Way; 706.826.4705 AUGUSTASYMPHONY.ORG

THEATRE STUDENTS CAUGHT IN THE ACT An

evening of short plays, written, directed and acted by ASU students. Maxwell Theatre; 7:30 p.m.; $5; 2500 Walton Way; 706.667.4100 AUG.EDU

THEATRE QUICKIES See listing on April 20. Le Chat Noir; 8 p.m.

SUNDAY

4.29

FESTIVAL SACRED HEART GARDEN FESTIVAL See

listing on April 27. Sacred Heart Cultural Center; noon

GOOD CAUSE A HYMN FESTIVAL WITH DAVID CHERWIEN Organist, composer

and conductor of the National Lutheran Choir, Cherwien leads a celebration of hymns of faith.

St. John United Methodist Church; 3 p.m.; free; 736 Greene St.; 706.724.9641

the

daily planner

THEATRE STUDENTS CAUGHT IN THE ACT See listing on April 28. Maxwell Theatre; 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

FRIDAY

vs. Greenville Derby Dames.

Experience the thrill of roller derby. It’s family friendly with a halftime full of games and prizes for kids. Red Wing Rollerway; 5:30 p.m.; $10, kids 12-and-under are free; 3065 Washington Road; 803.295.9618 SOULCITYSIRENS.COM

CONCERT CANDLELIGHT JAZZ PRE(VIEW) Jerusalem

Sounds + Sounds of Zamar. River Stage; 7 p.m.; $6 for ages 13 and up; Eighth Street and Riverwalk GARDENCITYJAZZ.COM

THEATRE VELVETEEN RABBIT Maxwell Performing

Arts Theatre; 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.; $3; 2500 Walton Way; 706.737.1625 JULIAN.AUG.EDU

HISTORY BROWN BAG HISTORY TALK Bill Kirby, a

writer for The Augusta Chronicle presents “Changes in Augusta in the Last 75 Years, My Observations.” Augusta Museum of History; 12:30 p.m.; free; 560 Reynolds St.; 706.722.8454

THURSDAY

5.3

FOR KIDS WHAT’S IN THE BOX? TRACKS AND TRAILS Learn about the untamed landscape and animals of the old Wild West and create a painting inspired by a surprise in the box.

Advance registration required.

Morris Museum of Art; 10 a.m.; $4; 1 10th St.; 706.724.7501 THEMORRIS.ORG

FESTIVAL FIRST THURSDAY Midtown Market

features artist Annemarie Kipar of Bali, Indonesia, exhibiting jeweled batik wall hangings and bed covers. Midtown Market; 5 to 8 p.m.; free; 2113 Kings Way; 706.364.8479

NOW PLAYING ON THE BIG SCREEN

5.4

about our six-legged friends by catching and releasing insects with bug nets in different areas of the park. For ages 5 and up.

Preregistration required. Reed Creek Nature Park; 4:30 p.m.; $2; 3820 Park Lane; 706.210.4027 REEDCREEKPARK.COM

Viewers have seen Zac Efron more as “leading boy” than leading man in movies such as High School Musical and 17 Again. Now, Efron has the chance to propel himself into onscreen manhood with Sparks’ latest movie adaptation. Efron rose to the challenge by bulking up with some 20 pounds of muscle and buzzing off his trademark tresses for his role as Logan, a Marine whose chance finding SPARKS FLY BETWEEN EFRON AND SCHILLING of a beautiful woman’s photograph during combat in Iraq saved his life. Believing the woman to be his lucky charm and feeling inexplicably drawn to her, Logan makes it his mission to find her upon his return to U.S. soil.

FESTIVAL FIRST FRIDAY

Downtown Augusta celebrates the First Friday of each month.

Art galleries display new works, performers take to the sidewalks, arts and craft vendors sell their hand-made goods.

Family friendly. Downtown Augusta; 5 to 10 p.m.; free; Broad Street; 706.826.4702 AUGUSTAARTS.COM

WEDNESDAY

5.2

film reel

Writer Nicholas Sparks just seems to “get” women in the sense that he has penned some of the best-selling romance novels of the past 15 years. Seven of Sparks’ books have achieved Hollywood’s ultimate compliment with big-screen adaptations, including Message in a Bottle, Nights in Rodanthe, A Walk to Remember, Dear John, The Last Song and The Notebook. Now, Sparks can add April 20 opener THE LUCKY ONE to his film credits.

FOR KIDS INSECT INVESTIGATIONS Learn about

SPORTS SOUL CITY SIRENS ROLLER DERBY

the

TOUR DOWNTOWN LOFT TOUR Historic Augusta

celebrates National Historic Preservation Month with an annual, intimate look inside historic buildings in the Downtown Historic District.

Downtown Augusta; 6 p.m.; $15 to $20; 706.724.0436 HISTORICAUGUSTA.ORG

THEATRE GAME SHOW

Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre; 6:30 p.m.; $25 to $40; 32100 Third Ave.; 706.703.8552 FORTGORDON.COM

FESTIVAL AIKEN LOBSTER RACES More than 100 thoroughbred lobsters compete in this annual event. which includes music, rides and food.

Newberry Street Festival Center, Aiken; 6:30 p.m.; $5 to $10, ride bands $20 to $30; 126 Newberry St. NW, Aiken; 803.649.9500 LOBSTERRACE.COM

The woman, Beth, is a divorced mother of a young son who lives with her grandmother (Blythe Danner) and helps run their family-owned dog kennel. Logan shows up at their door looking for a job in order to be closer to Beth and starts laying the groundwork for their inevitable romance.

Beth’s antagonistic ex-husband provides the catalyst for drama as he jealously looks to remove Logan from his ex-wife and son’s lives. Taylor Schilling steps up for her first major movie role as Beth. The actress is best known for her leading role on the short-lived TV hospital drama Mercy.

Fate, romantic destiny and second chances at happiness are themes that will once again speak to female audiences through Sparks’ characters. However, this film’s setting moves away from the writer’s usual North Carolina stomping grounds in favor of a Louisiana backdrop. Scott Hicks (Shine, Snow Falling on Cedars) directs.

The week’s other openers include THINK LIKE A MAN, an ensemble romantic comedy in which a group of women use relationship advice and insight from Steve Harvey’s book Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man: What Men Really Think About Love, Relationships, Intimacy and Commitment in order to gain the upper hand in their budding romantic relationships. When the men courting them find out they’ve been played, they admit to feeling betrayed by one of their own – meaning Harvey – and vow to turn the tables on the females who have been manipulating them with Harvey’s advice.

The ensemble cast includes Taraji P. Henson, Gabrielle Union, Meagan Good, Michael Ealy and Kevin Hart. Controversial pop star Chris Brown also makes an appearance. Tim Story (Fantastic Four, Barbershop) directed the film inspired and executive produced by Steve Harvey, which should do double-duty in attracting audiences and reinvigorating sales of the comedian’s book.

An Earth Day tradition continues as DisneyNature presents CHIMPANZEE, a documentary spotlighting wildlife from another continent with portions of opening week proceeds going to related charities – this time it’s the Jane Goodall Foundation. The film focuses on the journey of a young orphaned chimp named Oscar. Tim Allen narrates.

THEATRE THE SOUND OF MUSIC The Augusta

Players presents this story of love, passion and family devotion against a backdrop of tyranny and war, with some of the most memorable music of all time, including “Climb Every Mountain”, “Do-ReMi” and “Edelweiss.” Imperial Theatre; 8 p.m.; $15 to $41; 745 Broad St.; 706.826.4707 AUGUSTAPLAYERS.ORG

April 27 openers include THE FIVE YEAR ENGAGEMENT, a romantic comedy written by and starring Jason Segel with co-star Emily Blunt and the influence of producer Judd Apatow. John Cusack plays Edgar Allan Poe, who teams up with a detective to solve murders based on the writer’s works in THE RAVEN. Jason Statham headlines another of his signature action flicks with SAFE and kids can enjoy time on the high seas with 3D claymation pirates in THE PIRATES! BAND OF MISFITS.

go to vergelive.com for art exhibits to see, classes to attend and more to do

cusack as edgar allan poe

by MARIAH GARDNER, MOVIE GURU

vergelive.com | community driven news | April 18, 2012 21

stoney’s

sound bites

the guy who put the “k” In lokal gets vocal about augusta’s music scene

I am always astounded at the musical history to be found in Augusta, and even more flabbergasted at how much is hidden or just plain lost to the passing of time.

It was only a few years ago that a trip to the archives of the Augusta Museum of History meant little in the way of music history, aside from the usual pictures of James Brown. The museum has worked hard to bring to light the history of music, and entertainment as a whole, in Augusta. Recently, through a combined effort of students and faculty at Augusta State University, a new book was published that sheds even more light on the legacy of entertainment and media in Augusta.

WGAC RADIO: THE VOICE OF THE GARDEN CITY FOR 70 YEARS from The History Press is an incredible read with insight into how station founder J.B. Fuqua created one of Augusta’s longest-running media outlets with little more than a borrowed car and a single suit. Started as a communications class paper by students of Augusta State University Professor Dr. Debra van Tuyll, the content soon grew into a book of material, with sections written and edited by students, overseen and then completed by van Tuyll and WGAC investigative reporter Scott Hudson. The book is now available locally at such places as The Book Tavern on Broad Street. For more information, check out WGAC HISTORY on Facebook.

Speaking of Augusta music history, I was totally stoked to hear that James Brown’s original band the FAMOUS FLAMES finally got the nod to be inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame. Artists are only eligible 25 years after their debut release. Realizing that the Godfather’s debut was with the Famous Flames, it was decided that the oversight needed to be corrected and the Famous Flames were added to this year’s class along with several other backing groups such as the Miracles, who backed Smokey Robinson, and the Crickets, Buddy Holley’s band. It only took the Famous Flames an additional 25 years to be recognized. I wonder how much longer it will take the hall to finally induct Kiss. Probably long enough that metal maniac DJ/TV show host Eddie Trunk can roll over in his grave. And I thought the Grammy’s was a total pile of dung!

What was I thinking?

panic manor

Word on a few bands entering the studio in the upcoming weeks: Looks like Augusta’s favorite Lincolnton hard rockers STILLVIEW are set to lay their blistering hard rock tunes to digi-tape, and the word from PANIC MANOR bassist/vocalist Liz Bramlett is that the power pop group is gearing up to record in Florida sometime in May. If you ask nicely, Stillview might shoot you a copy of its original self-produced demo. To download Panic Manor’s debut EP for free, go to PANICMANOR.TUMBLR.COM.

In the last issue I mentioned the date for the first ever RockHer Music & Art Festival showcasing female artists in the CSRA. While the event will still be held at Sky City, it will be a day earlier: Thursday, May 10.

Well, it’s time for me to pop on some old James Brown and the Famous Flames tunes and take another look through this great new WGAC book! Remember to check out the Daily Planner every month in print and online at vergelive.com. To get an earful of what’s happening in Augusta music, listen to me rant with my good buddy Brian “Stak” Allen on CONfederation of LOUDness, which can be found, ironically enough, at confederationofloudness.com and of course as always … Make it LOKAL, Keep it Loud.

John “Stoney” Cannon is considered the guru of “lokal” music.

Check out his long-running Augusta music website: lokalloudness.com.

Send any music news to lokalloudness@yahoo.com.

22 April 18, 2012 | community driven news | vergelive.com

night

A SELECTIVE GUIDE TO NIGHTLIFE IN THE CSRA

WEDNESDAY, APR. 18

WEDNESDAY, APR. 25

LIZ BRAMLETT & STEVEN BRYANT @ Manuel’s Bread Café 5:30 p.m.

KATHLEEN TURNER OVERDRIVE @ Joe’s Underground Café | 9 p.m.

COMEDY ZONE: RON FEINGOLD + JOHN BURTON @ Somewhere in Augusta | 8 p.m.

OLD MAN CRAZY @ Wild Wing Cafe | 10 p.m.

life

THRU May 5

FRIDAY, APR. 20

SIBLING STRING @ Joe’s Underground Café | 9 p.m.

BRANDON HOOKER DUO @ Wild Wing Café | 10 p.m.

THURSDAY, APR. 19

PROFILER: THE ATOM BLONDE Members Ashley Taylor – vocals, Ben Dixon – guitar and vocals, Justin Miller – bass, Bruce Dixon – drums genre Alternative/Hard Rock/Metal/Punk FORMED Late 2010 HISTORY This four-piece started from the remains of other

bands when Taylor met the rest of the band members at Georgia State University. Eventually the band relocated to Augusta, and that is where the story of The Atom Blonde really begins.

“I told my dad I was going to drop out of college, quit my job and move to Augusta where I didn’t know anybody,” Taylor said.

With each member bringing something to the table, The Atom Blonde began crafting its sound, a hybrid of many different styles.

“We’re purists,” Taylor explained about the group’s reliance on more traditional styles of musicianship and a lack of Auto Tune or lots of polish. “We have influences of rage, Southern rock and punk.’

The group’s music sometimes has a funkier, heavier, metaldriven sound, and other times influences of grunge and punk are more evident.

“We want to bring back the element of sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll,” Taylor said.

There is nothing that sums up the hard-driving sound and party atmosphere better than that one statement, which comes through in the band’s live performances.

“All of our shows are one big party,” Taylor said.

Catching them live at Joe’s Underground, there is a lot that words can’t convey: the stage presence of Taylor, the shoelessness of Miller, the flowing beer and the excellent and the provocative stage show that pulls no punches and leaves no one sitting. Think of everything you loved about the ‘90s updated with a modern rock edge, sprinkled with excellent musicianship and a lead singer who belts it out with the best of them.

quirks Miller hosts trivia at Mellow Mushroom on Tuesdays.

The band also has a video on its website for “Calling You Out” that was shot bay BiPolar Love Productions in Atlanta and Augusta. future In a few months, The Atom Blonde will release a

new EP and there is a full-length album in the works. The band records in its own studio, as several of the members have learned the skill professionally.

upcoming shows Sky City on April 28, Cooter Fest in Allendale, S.C., on May 4, Joe’s Underground on May 5

D.I.Y. theatomblonde.com

by DINO LULL

JEFF JOHNSTON @ Joe’s Underground Café | 9 p.m.

MATT ACOSTA @ Wild Wing Café | 10 p.m.

FRIDAY, APR. 20

MISFIT THEATRE’S NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET TRIBUTE SHOW @ Sector 7G 8 p.m.; $10 TX CLERGY @ Joe’s Underground Café | 9 p.m.

MOON TAXI MOON TAXI + FUNK YOU @ Sky City | 10 p.m.; $5 COMEDY ZONE: HYPNOTIST RICH GUZZI @ Somewhere in Augusta | 8 p.m.; $12

THURSDAY, APR. 26

JEREMY GRAHAM BAND @ Joe’s Underground Café | 9 p.m.

STEVEN & LIZ @ Wild Wing Cafe | 10 p.m.

FRIDAY, APR. 27

MAMA SAYS @ Joe’s Underground Café | 9 p.m.

MR. & MRS. AUGUSTA PRIDE PAGEANT @ Sky City | 9 p.m.; $5

THE RADAR CINEMA JUBEE & THE MORNING AFTER + ARTEMIA + THE RADAR CINEMA + FDURTY @ Sky City | 9:30 p.m.; $5

CONNOR PLEDGER @ Somewhere in Augusta | 10 p.m.

SHINEBOX @ Wild Wing Café 10 p.m.

SATURDAY, APR. 28

JOE STEVENSON @ Somewhere in Augusta | 9:30 p.m.

DAVE FIRMIN @ Joe’s Underground Café | 9 p.m.

TONY WILLIAMS BAND @ Wild Wing Cafe | 10 p.m.

J.D. PAUGH BENEFIT RIDE AND CONCERT: JUDGE WOOD + H40 + PITBOSS @ Wild Wing Cafe | 10 p.m.

EFREN @ Stillwater Tap Room 10 p.m.; $5

SATURDAY, APR. 21

JAR (ROCKING THE 80’s) @ Somewhere in Augusta | 10 p.m.

THE ATOM BLONDE + STILLVIEW @ Sky City 10:30 p.m.; $5

SUNDAY, APR. 29

CAMERAS, GUNS & RADIOS

CAMERAS; GUNS & RADIOS @ Joe’s Underground Café | 9 p.m.

COUSIN DAN + GOLDYARD + ROCKY HORROR + JOYCETTE + K*FLOSSY @ Sky City 9 p.m.; $5 LYNAM @ Wild Wing Cafe 10 p.m.

UFC 145 – JONES VS. EVANS @ Somewhere in Augusta 10 p.m.

JASON MARCUM @ Wild Wing Cafe | 10 p.m.

TUESDAY, APR. 24

X-FACTOR WINNER CHRIS RENE SINGING AND JUDGING AUGUSTA’S X-FACTOR + ERIK SMALLWOOD @ Wild Wing Cafe | 10 p.m.

Splattervision returns to the all-ages Sector 7G stage with Misfit Theatre’s stage presentation of the classic, 1984 horror movie Nightmare on Elm Street.

“The teens of Elm Street are being plagued by Freddie, a deceased child-killer who attacks them all in their dreams,” said Maria Cain, who plays the lead role of Nancy. “When they all realize that they’re all dreaming of the same guy, Nancy has to find a way to break the curse in order to save all her friends.”

“When I started Misfit Theatre group this is exactly the kind of show I wanted to do, but I needed to wait until I had the right cast assembled to do it,” said Robert Seawell, who plays Freddie Kruger and directs. “This is one of my favorite horror movies of all time and Freddie is one of my favorite characters, even though he’s only on screen for a total of about 14 minutes he’s still made his mark as one of the greatest boogeymen of all time.” @ Sector 7G | 8 p.m.; $10

WEEKLY MONDAYS MIKE FROST JAZZ @ The Willcox | 8 p.m.

TUESDAYS Twisted Trivia @ The Playground Bar | 10 p.m.

WEDNESDAYS Krazy Karaoke @ The Playground Bar | 8 p.m.

THURSDAYS

TUESDAY, MAY 1 HAPPY BONES @ Joe’s Underground Café | 9 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 2 SIBLING STRING @ Joe’s Underground Cafe | 9 p.m.

THURSDAY, MAY 3

TANGO NIGHT

TANGO NIGHT @ Casa Blanca Café | 6 p.m.

SOUP, SUDS & CONVERSATIONS @ The Fox’s Lair | 6 p.m.

4 CATS IN THE DOG HOUSE @ The Willcox | 6 p.m.

SUNDAY, APR. 22

JOHN KOLBECK @ Wild Wing Cafe | 10 p.m.

MISFIT THEATRE

MISFIT THEATRE’S NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET TRIBUTE SHOW

HOPE FOR AGOLDEN...

HOPE FOR AGOLDENSUMMER @ Sky City | 10 p.m.; $5

SATURDAY, MAY 5 JEREMY GRAHAM BAND @ Coyotes | 10 p.m.

for more concerts, parties, shows and more visit vergelive.com

OPEN MIC NIGHT @ The Playground Bar | 8 p.m.

KARAOKE @ Coyotes | 9 p.m. $5 after 9 p.m.

CASA BLANCA Café @ 936 Broad St.; 706.504.3431 FRIDAYS LIVE MUSIC EVERY FRIDAY @ First Round | 10 p.m.

LIVE MUSIC EVERY FRIDAY @ 1102 Bar and Grill | 10 p.m.

FIND THE VENUE

The COUNTRY CLUB @ 2834 Washington Road.; 706.364.1862 Coyote’s @ 2512 Peach Orchard Road; 706.560.9245 FIRST ROUND @ 210 11th St.; 706.828.5600 the fox’s lair @ 349 Telfair St.; 706.364.8278 JOE’S UNDERGROUND Café @ 144 eighth St.; 706.724.9457 manuel’s bread cafe @ 505 Railroad Ave.; North Augusta; 803.380.1323 THE PLAYGROUND BAR @ 978 Broad St.; 706.724.2232 SECTOR 7G @ 631 Ellis St.; 706.496.5900 SKY CITY @ 1157 Broad St.; 706.945.1270 SOUL BAR @ 984 Broad St.; 706.724.8880 Somewhere in augusta @ 2820 Washington Road; 706.739.0002 STILLWATER TAP ROOM @ 974 Broad St.; 706.826.9857 WILD WING CAFE @ 3035 Washington Road.; 706.364.9453 The Willcox @ 100 Colleton Ave. SW; Aiken; 803.648.1898

vergelive.com | community driven news | April 18, 2012 23

ask

dr. karp NO-NONSENSE NUTRITION ADVICE

Joey in Hephzibah asks…

is red meat bad?

Red meat has been in the news a lot lately. Is it good? Is it bad? How much is healthy? What kind of red meat is the best? So, let’s spend a minute answering these questions. And let’s answer the questions from a scientific point-of-view, not from an agenda point-of-view, as might be held by a spokesperson for organizations such as the American Meat Institute or The American Vegan Society. It is clear, from a nutritional science prospective, what the answers to the questions are and, believe it or not, the answers have not changed for years.

Red meat is not the work of the devil and veggies are not a gift from heaven. The fact is that red meat, like most foods, is neither “good” nor “bad.” Looking at red meat from a nutritionscience perspective: It is an important source of iron, zinc, phosphorous, potassium, magnesium, selenium, choline, thiamine, riboflavin and other B vitamins. It is also a great source of protein, since the proteins found in red meat are what we call “complete” proteins; that is, they contain all the essential amino acids needed for normal growth and development of human beings.

On the other hand, red meat, especially if it is not lean, might contain high amounts of saturated fat, the kind that raises your blood cholesterol level. Because red meat is usually cooked at high temperatures (broiling, grilling, sizzling, etc.), the cooked meat might also contain significant amounts of carcinogens, substances that increase your risk of cancer. A study recently published in the scientific medical journal Archives of Internal Medicine concluded that “red meat consumption is associated with an increased risk of … (cardiovascular disease), and cancer mortality.

Substitution of other healthy protein sources for red meat is associated with a lower mortality risk.”

More scientific evidence is accumulating that indicates that if you eat less red meat, you will be healthier and live longer, with a better quality life and with less chance of developing many of the chronic diseases associated with aging in the U.S. today, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure and cancer. This also applies to wild game red meat.

Now, I am not a vegan. I like the way meat tastes, the way it fills you up and provides some great nutrition. But, I don’t eat very much red meat, period. I practice “semi-vegetarianism.” A suggestion would be to eat smaller portions of red meat no more than three times a week, if that much. First of all, it is expensive, especially when you compare the cost of red meat with other high-quality protein sources that you can use in your diet. Secondly, I don’t eat a lot of red meat because of the health issues surrounding it.

What sources of dietary protein can you use other than red meat? There is fish (cold water, oily fish are good) and there is poultry. Eggs and milk are an rich source of complete animal protein.

The part of the egg that contains high quality protein is the white of the egg, referred to as egg albumin. This is also the part of the egg that is low in cholesterol and fat. When you make an egg white omelet or use these foods in cooking (instead of whole eggs), you are eating high quality protein. The same thing goes for skim milk, a rich and relatively inexpensive source of protein.

Did you know that skim milk contains exactly the same amount of high-quality protein, calcium and vitamins A and D as whole milk? The only things missing are the fat and many of the calories.

Great sources of protein that can substitute for red meat include beans (such as red, black and white beans), vegetables (including, but not limited to, soy beans and soy protein), low fat cheeses and other low fat dairy products. If you are “fixating” on the protein in your diet, it means that you have fallen for all the “hype.” The fact is that most Americans eat way too much protein. Attention should be focused, instead, on limiting fat, saturated fat, salt, sugar and calories and increasing the consumption of foods such as whole grains and fruits and vegetables.

So, what is the no-nonsense nutrition advice about red meat? It is simple and unambiguous. If you like red meat, then eat lean red meat, eat it less often, and do not burn it when you cook it. And the less red meat you eat, the lower your grocery bill and the better your health. So, be a “healthier cheapskate” and eat less red meat.

Ask Dr. Karp focuses on food, diet and nutrition. Dr. Warren Karp is a professor emeritus at Georgia Health Sciences University. If you have a question you would like answered in this column, email him at DrKarp@vergelive.com, or visit his Facebook page, facebook.com/AskDrKarp or website at sites.google.com/site/drkarpverge.

24 April 18, 2012 | community driven news | vergelive.com

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Edited by Will Shortz | by DAVE SARPOLA | No. 0314 Across 1 Hit 1942 film with the song “Love Is a Song” 6 Pack (down) 10 Maybe too smooth 14 Starter of a 58-Down 15 Many a cut, eventually 16 Page, e.g.

17 Dagger’s partner 18 Like some sloths 20 Legal deadlock 22 Relatives of aardwolves 23 Pollution watchdog org.

24 Bank list 25 Bookie’s concern 30 Pink-slip 33 Carnival attractions 34 Dissolve with acid, say 35 Acid neutralizer 36 War, famine, etc.

37 They’re crossed by bridges 39 Give a thumbs-up on Facebook 40 Nappers catch them 41 Bobby of the rink 42 Shaved 43 Goof 44 Most stand-up comedy acts 47 Stroked 48 Farm abode 49 Sagittarius, with “the”

52 Bush

cabinet member 57 1863 speech opener 59 Do like some birds and bees 60 90° from norte 61 Mop, say 62 Confederate 63 Do some gardening 64 Trick-taking card game 65 Mid-March celebration … or a hint to the starts of 18-, 25-, 44and 57-Across

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Book entry 25 Cherish 26 Titan, once 27 Loiterer 28 Lake of cryptozoological interest 29 Violate a peace treaty, maybe 30 Tahrir Square’s locale 31 Catawampus 32 Budget priorities 35 Snooze-inducing 37 Kansas City ___, Negro Leagues team with Satchel Paige, Jackie Down Robinson and 1 “Brandenburg Ernie Banks Concertos” 38 Utah city composer 42 Get pumped 2 Censorshipfighting org.

44 Is in the hole 3 Natural satellite 45 Declare 4 Egotist’s comment 46 Highest degree 5 Some printers 47 Bit of evidence 6 Feature of some 49 More than one high heels 50 Levitated 7 Hurting 51 Buttonlike?

8 Disrupt, say 9 Gets ready, as an 52 “Nessun dorma,” for one oven 10 Bush cabinet 53 Pasta, in product member names 11 Symbol on Sri 54 He wrote “Jupiter Lanka’s flag from on high laughs at lovers’ 12 Word exclaimed perjuries” after “no” or “good” 55 Greek cheese 13 Hospital capacity 56 Long shot, in hoops 19 Inspected 21 DHL competitor 58 See 14-Across

Find the solution to this puzzle at VERGELIVE.BLOGSPOT.COM

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face first Negotiating one calamity at a time

Somewhere in America lives a woman of extraordinary power. Her name is Erica and she works for Word Press, the web’s major blogging platform.

It is Erica’s job to select posts to appear on Freshly Pressed, Word Press’ page of recommended reading. In the blogging world, it’s the equivalent of the front page of the New York Times, the Diane Sawyer of news anchors, the chocolate of flavors of ice cream. In short, it’s a big deal.

With the click of a mouse, Erica has the power to highlight a brilliant blog post -- be it about traveling to Singapore or must-have gluten-free recipes. She takes readers around the world, gives them fantastic images and challenges their thoughts and ideas. Erica brings the best blogs of Word Press to the readers of Word Press.

We’ll never know what happened to Erica. Maybe she had an off day. Maybe she was worried that she left her iron on.

Maybe she was heavily dosed with Benadryl. Or maybe, just maybe, she was sick to death of pollen, because on April 4, 2012 she selected a post from my blog, Door In Face, to appear on Freshly Pressed.

The post, “Smells Like a Headache,” isn’t terribly good, and that’s why we have to wonder whether Erica has lost her game. It’s a short diatribe about how fantastic spring is but how it’s ruined by pollen and allergies. That’s it. Nothing ground shattering but according to the comments people have left, it seems even people outside of Augusta can relate.

When you’re a new blogger, you spend approximately 26 hours a day checking your stats. Every day you wait anxiously, hoping that someone, anyone will read your most recent post.

You yearn desperately for someone to comment on your blog.

It gets so bad that you would trade a kidney for someone to stop by and type a  in the comment box. When the number

A CELEBRATION OF LOCAL ART This issue’s cover features local artist Chad Cole. His artwork is part of The Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art’s first biennial exhibition of artists who have shown their work in the Institute’s Creel-Harison Community Art Gallery.

Exhibiting artists alongside Cole are Ethan Brock, Jackson A. Cheatham, Shishir Chokshi, Dorothy F. Eckmann, Ingrid Hofer, Lillie Morris, the collective Southern Observatory, Rosanne Stutts and Laura Umphrey.

of visitors to your blog exceeds five you throw a party. Even your cat gets tired of hearing about the post that “took off ” which is code for: was read by more than 10 people.

When your blog makes Freshly Pressed, your numberaddiction becomes so out of control not even the Betty Ford clinic can help you. You have to let the numbers run out on your stats screen and hope your head doesn’t explode before they stop climbing. By 8 a.m. I was in a frenzy of delight.

My stats were more than 10 times higher than on an average day. By 10 a.m. I was imagining my interview with Ellen. By noon I’d mentally composed a book on how to be a successful blogger. By 2 p.m. I was desperate for a break. I tried to take one by going to the bathroom but while sitting there, I checked my stats again on my cell phone.

Finally, I crawled to bed exhausted from a happy day. In the writing world, rejection comes at you and comes often.

You develop alligator skin or you quit. To have your writing promoted so freely with no work on your part is as confusing as it is delightful. So, Erica, be sure to look for my greeting card this Christmas. Anyone who helps me so much makes my list, even if I do think you’re a bit daft.

Nora Blithe is the author of Door In Face, a humor blog about all things that lay you flat. Read more at doorinface.com.

a parting shot

AND THE OPENING COVER

The Creel-Harison Community Gallery was opened in fall of 2009 to provide an exhibition resource for regional artists. The Biennial Exhibition opened April 13 and runs through May 24. GHIA.ORG

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