The LocaL, May 2024

STUFF TO READ

15 Fun Activities to Try

Set Your Watches

It’s Tamale Time

The Reel Life

Andy Carpenter & Paul Rowe Make Movies & Build Community With - A Southern Horror

The Film Scout Movies of May

AROUND

TOWN

Calendar

Bramble On

Jeff Brantley Returns To His Roots To Bring Us His Blend Of Genuine Southern Food

JAZZ

Why You Need Jazz & Why Jazz Needs YOU

Artist Spotlight

Jack Flournoy - Just Me & The Paint

Sacred Sound

Zion BluesFEST Takes Historic Church in Talbotton to New Heights

Art is made by the pieces of love and joy we find on the floor in our day-to-day lives. It’s the way you smile, the way you wear your hair, and the way you hold yourself as you walk.

Every one of us possess an astronomical amount of art, from your shopping list to the way you fold the laundry. The thing is, not all of us have the courage to show it to the world.

May has officially been deemed the month of art, and we are so here for it. We get the privilege of exploring this fascinating part of life each and every month here at the LocaL.

I am so excited for the chance to showcase the magnitude of art that one can find as they explore our city. Music, paintings and food creations, oh my. A friend of mine recently mused that even the bugs we endure by the river are beautiful things … and although I can’t completely agree, I do love the way she turned something most would find annoying into something beautiful.

Love is a mindset, and so is art.

In this month’s issue, we explore the creative mind of Jack Flournoy. A young man who shows no hesitation in sharing his gifts with the world, Jack is a visual artist and music composer, filled with a whirlwind of creativity which burns so deep in his soul he feels as if he would explode if it were not shared.

Art is the beauty we find in darkness.

Art is the love a boy finds in the simplicity of his grandma’s treasured recipe. We highlight two of these wonders through the stories of both Jeff Brantley and J.R. Mckinny as they share with us their love for good food and why it’s so important to them to share it with their community.

Art is in the words we write and the view we find through our unique lens. As film continues to make its mark among our city streets, a talented and passionate group of screenwriters, videographers, actors and amazing crew alike give their all to make our tinseltown dreams come true. Writer Frank Etheridge recently sat down with local screenwriters Paul Rowe and Andy Carpenter as they shared their love for film, the need to build (and keep) a local film community here, and their in-the-works film A Southern Horror.

We’ve got the scoop on how you can be a part of the incredible effort bringing film to life right here in Columbus. To help get you even more inspired, our very own film connoisseur, “The Film Scout” John Houzer, is here to give us the 411 on the best films to watch in May.

Art is the sweet sweet sounds of music. Join us as we descend on a stacked line up of music and stages in this month’s calendar with several big events including: RiverFest here in Columbus, May 3-4th, The Zion BluesFest in Talbotton, May 18th and plenty of shows in and around the city all month long.

As you do, please remember - you are art. Your whole life is art.

Thanks for reading, Monica Jones

What We Are All About.

The mission of the LocaL magazine is to bring you the best in art, music, food and fun from Columbus and the surrounding area. Locally owned and operated, we work to improve and expand community relationships through promoting positive events, people and stories. When good things are happening, we will be here to help you get involved. Our monthly print issues feature stories and events that comprise and drive the ongoing surge toward a more beautiful community. This magazine exists because we who work on it believe in actively engaging with community improvement, and we invite you to join us, not only by reading these pages, but also by taking part in any of the many wonderful events we feature.

&

Power House

Prelude To

Conception, 2020, Jack Flournoy

15 Fun Activities to Try

Building a Stronger Bond with Your Feline Friend

Engaging in fun activities with your cat not only provides entertainment but also strengthens the bond between you and your furry companion. Cats, known for their independent nature, still enjoy interactive playtime and affection from their human counterparts. Here are some enjoyable activities to consider incorporating into your routine with your cat:

1. Play With Interactive Toys: Interactive toys such as feather wands, laser pointers, and toys that mimic prey can stimulate your cat’s natural hunting instincts. Experiment with different toys to find what captures your cat’s interest.

2. Create a DIY Cat Fort or Tunnel: Use cardboard boxes or blankets to construct tunnels and forts for your cat to explore. Hide treats or toys inside for added excitement and engagement.

3. Teach Tricks:Contrary to popular belief, cats can learn simple tricks like sitting or giving a high-five. Use treats and positive reinforcement to encourage and reward desired behaviors.

4. Window Perch or Cat Tree: Provide a comfortable perch by a window where your cat can observe birds or passing cars. Cat trees with scratching posts and platforms offer both entertainment and exercise.

5. Catnip Playtime: Introduce catnip-infused toys to induce playful behavior. However, ensure supervision and limit access to prevent overstimulation.

6. Puzzle Feeders: Utilize puzzle feeders or treat-dispensing toys to engage your cat’s mind and encourage problem-solving. This provides mental stimulation and satisfies their hunting instincts.

7. Set Up a Window Bird Feeder: Install a feeder outside a window to entertain your cat with the sights and sounds of birds. Your cat will enjoy watching the feathered visitors.

8. Grooming Sessions:Regular brushing not only keeps your cat’s coat healthy but also serves as a bonding experience. Use a gentle brush and reward your cat with treats for cooperation.

9. Catnip Bubbles: Blow catnip-infused bubbles for your cat to chase. It’s a playful and entertaining activity that can provide lots of laughs.

10. Outdoor Enclosures: If safe, create an outdoor enclosure or leash train your cat for supervised outdoor adventures. Ensure your cat is comfortable and secure in these environments.

11. DIY Cat Grass Garden: Grow cat grass indoors for your cat to munch on. Not only is it a healthy treat, but it can also help with hairballs.

12. Water Play: Some cats enjoy playing with water. Provide a shallow bowl for them to paw at or introduce a slow drip from a faucet.

13. Play Hide And Seek: Hide treats or toys around the house for your cat to find. This engages their sense of smell and provides mental stimulation.

14. Music For Cats: Play calming or specially designed music for cats. Some cats respond positively to music tailored to their hearing range.

15. Cuddling Time: Spend quality time cuddling with your cat. Cats often enjoy being groomed, petted, or simply sitting on your lap.

Remember, every cat is unique, so observe your cat’s preferences and tailor activities to suit their personality. Whether it’s active play or quiet bonding moments, these activities contribute to a happy and fulfilled feline companion. Why not try a few of these activities with your cat today?

For more information on adoption from Paws Humane Society visit pawshumane.org/adopt

½ off Tuesdays at the Columbus Collective Museums

Discover the wonder of the Columbus Collective Museum. Immerse yourself in a maze of thrifting and discovery. Originally the Lunch Box Museum, now also the Royal Crown Cola Museum, The Chero-Cola Museum, The Nehi Drink Museum, The Georgia Radio Museum, The Tom Huston Peanut Museum, a Car Museum and more. Over 1,000 lunch boxes will just get you started. Local Readers get ½ off their ticket price every Tuesday. Open 10 a.m.6 p.m., Monday - Saturday , 3218 Hamilton Road, Columbus Tours at the Springer

This exclusive behind-the-scenes tour grants entry to areas of the theatre rarely seen by the public. Springer Tours is an unforgettable evening of history, mystery, and the unexplained. Are you brave enough to face the possible ghosts that haunt our historic theater? Please be aware that this is a 45-minute walking tour that will involve navigating multiple staircases within the Springer. For ages 12 and up. Tickets are $25. Available at our Box Office at 706327-3688. Call for dates. Times are 8:00 p.m., 9:30 p.m., 11:00 p.m. , Springer Opera House, 103 East 10th Street, Columbus No Shame Theatre

Every Friday night, come out to the Springer (side door) for a good ole hosting of No Shame Theatre. You never know what you’re going to get. Comedy, poetry, skits or music acts. Everything is good and even if it’s not? NO SHAME here. Be an act, just don’t act up. $5 cover. Sign up starts at 10 p.m., show starts at 10:30. Every Friday Night , Springer Opera House, Columbus Sketching Under the Skylight

Leave your voices at the door & witness the power of the creative process as professional artists sketch from a live model in costume under the magical skylights of the Bo Bartlett Center. Free admission and open to the public. Skechers, only need to bring your own supplies.The s econd Thursday of each month, 3 p.m - 5 p.m. , The Bo Bartlett Center, 921 Front Avenue, Columbus Beautiful The Carole King Musical

Winner of both the Grammy Award and the Tony Award, Beautiful tells the glorious story of the incomparable Carole King’s rise as one of the greatest names in popular music. Carole King wrote hits for Aretha Franklin, The Drifters, James Taylor, the Shirelles, Barbra Streisand, the Beatles, Little Eva, and hundreds of other stars. Beautiful features a song list that includes such timeless hits as “I Feel the Earth Move,” “So Far Away,” “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” “You’ve Got a Friend,” “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” and many more. The Tapestry of Life is the wellspring of Carole King’s genius and precisely what make’s Beautiful a joyous celebration. April 26 - May 12, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. , Springer Opera House, Mainstage Series - Emily Woodruff Hall, 103 10th Street, Columbus

Godspell at Family Theatre

A retelling of the Gospel of Matthew in a new and innovative way. For tickets go to www.familytheatre.org or call 706-315-6202. Ticket prices are $12 for students, $15 for military and seniors, $17 for adults. Friday, May 3, 7:30 p.m. , Family Theatre, 2100 Hamilton Road, Columbus

Reopening Member Family Weekend at the Columbus Museum

The public is invited to a free weekend celebrating the reimagined Columbus Museum and the area’s vibrant cultural scene. The weekend kicks off at 10 A.M. on Saturday, May 4 with a celebratory ribbon-cutting ceremony followed by two days of special interactive programming and activities. Highlights include artistic docent-led tours, a mystery scavenger hunt, collaborative art making, children’s story time, food trucks, giveaways, and a Saturday night silent disco. Saturday, May 4, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m..; Sunday, May 5, 1 – 5 P.M.

Explore the Coca-Cola Space Science Center

Come and explore with us. Your General Admission ticket includes: A Planetarium show in our Omnisphere Theater, Tour of our space shuttle and Apollo artifacts, An adventure to the ISS on A Space

Shuttle Odyssey, Interactive exhibits and more. Check out our Planetarium Show Schedule at ccssc.org for times. Saturday, May 4, 10:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. , Coca-Cola Space Science Center, 701 Front Avenue, Columbus

Deep Blue Sea

An adventurous sea turtle, Tuttle, loves to explore the vast ocean around her. As she plays with her friends, fishermen throw trash into the ocean. Tuttle and her friends seek help from an octopus Doctor whose legendary skills are almost as good as her jokes. Will Tuttle remember what to do when something goes wrong? How will she teach those fishermen to recycle? This adventure teaches children all about the importance of keeping our waterways clean. Saturday, May 4, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m., Sunday May 5, 2 p.m. , Springer Opera House, 103 10th Street, Columbus

Wings - Silent Film With The Wave

Two young men, one rich, one middle class, who are in love with the same woman, become fighter pilots in World War I. Starring Clara Bow, with Gary Cooper in a small role that launched his Hollywood career. This romantic action-war picture is known for winning the first Academy Award for Best Picture in 1927. Ron Carter returns to RiverCenter to play us through all the action, suspense, and drama of war entwined with romantic rivalry that ends in a shocking turn of fate. Tickets: $10 (General Admission). Saturday, May 4, 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, 900 Broadway, Columbus Mother’s Day Victorian Tea

Join us for an enriching Victorian Tea experience on Mother’s Day weekend with our Executive Director, Holly B. Wait, who will lead a captivating program about Julia Dent Grant, the wife of U.S. Grant. As a cherished custom, delightful scones, clotted cream, and petite pastries will be served, accompanied by hot tea and refreshing lemonade. Consider inviting a special lady in your life. Gentlemen are welcome too. This memorable gift is a unique way to celebrate the mothers in our lives.The duration of the tea and program will not exceed two hours. $30 includes a keepsake tea cup and saucer. Tickets at PortColumbus.Org or call: 706-327-9798. Saturday, May 11, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m., National Civil War Naval Museum, 1002 Victory Drive, Columbus Voices of the Valley Children’s Chorus Concert

Join us for a fun filled evening of music that focuses on VOV’s mission of serving our community through choral music. VOV will world premiere two commissioned works by internationally renowned composer, Michael John Trotta. You won’t want to miss this free concert in Legacy Hall. Saturday, May 11, 7 - 8:30 p.m. , RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, 900 Broadway, Columbus

Spring Company Concert

This performance will feature Prodigy’s 2024 award winning competitive lineup, so come out and support the dancers and all of their hard work. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased by emailing prodigyparentclub@gmail.com. Saturday, May 11, 7 p.m. , Rainey-McCullers School of the Arts, 1700 Midtown Drive, Columbus

Pretty Woman

One of Hollywood’s most beloved romantic stories of all time, springs to life with a powerhouse creative team led by twotime Tony Award®-winning director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell, an original score by Grammy® winner Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance, and a book by the movie’s legendary director Garry Marshall and screenwriter J. F. Lawton. Pretty Woman: The Musical will lift your spirits and light up your heart. Are you ready to fall in love all over again? Wednesday, May 15, 7:30 - 9:45 p.m. , RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, 900 Broadway, Columbus

Home is Where The Art Is

Join us for the reception of Home Is Where The Art Is. Refreshments will be provided. Support this program by purchasing works by the artists at the reception. Select works by Bo Bartlett will also be for auction. The proceeds from artwork sales will support the program participants and the purchase of art supplies for Home Is Where The Art Is at Safe House. T hursday, May 16, 5 - 7 p.m. , King Gallery, 3211 Howard Avenue, Columbus

“The King Is Back” A Tribute To Elvis Playing for Good has established itself in recent years as a formidable vehicle for producing and promoting benefit concerts that feature a variety of the most talented musicians in

the Chattahoochee Valley. “The King is Back,” brings Elvis Presley 2021 Ultimate Tribute Artist Patrick Dunn to The Springer Opera House stage for a rock & roll night filled with orchestral arrangements of Elvis’ greatest hits. The Springer stage will be filled with musicians from the Youth Orchestra of Greater Columbus, performing alongside professional musicians from the Chattahoochee Valley, and conducted by the show’s creator, Dr. Bryan English, of Dallas, TX. A 4-piece rhythm section & backup singers, along with a special appearance by local gospel quartet “Solid Rock,” will recreate the unforgettable sound of Elvis in concert. Saturday, May 18, 2:30 p.m. , Springer Opera House, 103 10th Street, Columbus

Columbus Artists’ Guild May Meeting

Ever wonder how artists paint those beautiful murals on downtown buildings, which can bring a dull, lifeless city to life? Come listen to experienced pro Chris Johnson explain his techniques for painting scores of buildings throughout the Chattahoochee Valley, winning numerous awards for his creativity. Free, open to the public. Thursday, May 23, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. , Columbus Public Library, 3000 Macon Road, Columbus

Want to see your event listed here? Email:events@thelocalcolumbus.com Continued On

Set Your Watches

Walking through the farmer’s market, you can hear a shout above the crowd - “What time is it?”

Shoppers stop to glance at their watches before the same voice that asked the question supplies the answer - “It’s Tamale Time!”

A vibrant energy emanates from the booth and the smell of fresh tamales is irresistible. The menu is pretty

straightforward - a variety of tamales, specialty sauces, and a small variety of delicious Latin foods. “We do a few things, but we do them well,” owner J.R. Mckinny says. With a background in food service and hospitality, J.R. found waiting tables to be good money while working at a ski resort in Colorado. He recalls taking his first cooking job so he could get a ski pass - and

found out he really liked the work and was good at it.

Growing up in a Mexican family, J.R. remembers food being central to family time. His grandma made and sold tamales out of her house for extra money, and J.R. says that his first food memories are from that time at her house, the smells and flavors still lingering in the recesses of his mind. “She’d

offer you a plate of food as soon as you walked in the door,” he recalls.

Working in the food industry, J.R. says he never went hungry. “It’s a skill set where you can get a job anywhere in the world, so I went with it,” he explains.

He spent about fifteen years in the F&B industry before deciding to go to culinary school at his uncle’s

encouragement. “I enjoyed every second of culinary school,” J.R. recalls, saying that it filled in all the puzzle pieces he knew he needed. While in school, he also spent time working as a Sous Chef and eventually Chef at Saltwater Grill in Panama City Beach, FL. He then went on to work at La Cocina on 30A in 2017, where he helped build the menu and streamline production processes.

During that time, the head chef wanted something different for the menu, so J.R. suggested that they give tamales a shot. “The first batch sucked,” he laughs. “But that’s because I made them just from memory and tried using fancy expensive ingredients. The good thing is, I knew what they were supposed to taste like thanks to my grandma.”

Later, the regional manager of the restaurant wanted something to eat and J.R. decided to give the tamales another go. He made a new batch, just using his grandmother’s original pork recipe, and this time, he nailed it. The regional manager said JR’s tamales were the best thing he’d ever had out of that restaurant, and with that, JR’s tamale making gift was discovered. “That was the lightbulb moment, so to speak,”he says.

“After that the stars aligned. Some things are just meant to happen,” J.R. recalls. He started off taking a job at a high end wine shop making less pay, but doing so gave him the complete freedom to create whatever he wanted. He saw the opportunity to be creative and test concepts and, most importantly, to take his tamales to the next level. “I knew I could mass produce tamales and make money on the side because my grandma did it,” J.R. says.

In the summer of 2018, J.R. took his products to his

By Natalie Downey

Image By Danni Marie

Image by Matt McHugh

first farmer’s market in Panama City. “I was using a borrowed tent, a borrowed table, and wearing my chef coat so everyone would see that I knew how to cook, and almost died in the heat.” With a handmade sign his son Champ made and plenty of enthusiasm for his authentic family recipe, J.R. made a profit selling tamales at that first market and thought, “We might be onto something here.”

On the weekends, and between jobs, he and his wife and business partner Barre would sell tamales on the side. After Hurricane Michael, J.R. and his family traveled to Columbus. At first, the crew continued to sell tamales at farmer’s markets on weekends. In November of 2019 they began shipping their tamales, and in 2020, shipping tamales is what saved their business during Covid.

In May 2022, J.R.’s family tamale business opened their first storefront restaurant in Phenix City. In December 2023, their second storefront opened in

Columbus at the Highside Market, Georgia’s very first tamale bar, offering tamales in a wide variety of flavors such as pork, chicken, smoked brisket, and even vegan roasted veggie.

J.R.’s main concern has always been that people enjoy the food. “My main goal is to serve food that people truly love,” J.R. says. “Everybody deserves to like their food…especially if they’ve paid for it.”

J.R. describes tamales as “time travel food,” explaining that for many, the taste and smell take people back to a place and time filled with family, community, and fond memories.

“Gluten free, soy free, dairy free, some are even meat

free, but our tamales are not flavor free,” J.R. says. One of his favorite times is when he encounters farmer’s market shoppers who claim to not like tamales. J.R. offers samples knowing that his tamales are not like others, and most often, the samples seal the deal.

While It’s Tamale Time, a Latin specialty restaurant, is all about flavorful tamales, they also offer some other food options. In their Phenix City location, they sell breakfast tacos, quesadillas, street tacos, pozole soup, and grilled street corn. Their downtown location offers

daily soups, salads, and street corn along with their full line of tamales. They also serve beer, wine, mimosas, and sangrias for a more social experience.

J.R. and Barre have perfected the art of tamale making, sharing a part of J.R.’s heritage for the community to savor. Moving forward, they plan to continue making mouth-watering Latin cuisine and are excited to host Highside Market’s Cinco de Mayo festival which will include a tamale eating contest, tamale making class, and pinatas for both children and adults.

Dedicated to quality, community connection, and good food, J.R. and Barre look forward to seeing what the future brings - and seeing that the clock stays set to tamale time.

It’s Tamale Time’s Phenix City store is located at 2319 Pierce Road. Their hours are Monday through Friday 7 a.m. - 7 p.m., and Saturday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

The Columbus location at Highside Market is at 211 13th Street, Monday through Friday 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. - 7 p.m., and Sunday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. If you wanna send some tamales to someone special, you can do so through their website itstamaletime.com.

Look to their social media for updates on summer hours @itstamaletime on both Facebook and Instagram. u

Akiller roaming the streets, armed with barbecue tools. A poisoned pie in an old country house. A mysterious computer with an unusual demand for its user. You’ll come face to face with these frights, and more, in A Southern Horror. This “dark journey through the haunted landscape of the American South” is part

of a new vision for local filmmaking in Columbus – one entirely supported by the community. The best part? You can help make it happen – and maybe even get your name in the credits.

Yes, big things are happening with film in Columbus, and few folks have their finger on the pulse more than Paul Rowe and Andy Carpenter. Now, these two screenwriters are bringing their take on horror to the world with A Southern Horror.

“It feels weird being here. Feels like we’re cheating,” Andy Carpenter jokes during an interview about the film, tucked in a cozy nook at Midtown Coffee.

“We call the Iron Bank ‘The Office’ because we spend so much time working there,” Paul Rowe adds. The two writing buddies have met countless times to get their creative juices flowing.

The Reel Life

ANDY CARPENTER & PAUL ROWE

Make Movies & Build Community With

Carpenter and Rowe have been brainstorming together since just before the COVID quarantine, when Rowe responded to one of Carpenter’s Facebook posts looking to gather local screenwriters. “Dan Quigley and I got together with Andy in his front yard a few times,” Rowe remembers of the socially distanced sessions. “[We] talked about screenwriting in general and started connecting with all these people. We eventually all realized, ‘We want to make our own stuff.”

“None of us had made a film at that point,” Carpenter explains, who with his Strong Land Creative venture now has several well-received shorts to his name, as does Rowe with his Last Caress Productions. “We got together to push each other to develop our craft of screenwriting, egolessly supporting each other’s vision. We’ve since made several movies together, honing in on what we’re capable of to where we are today with A Southern Horror.”

A Southern Horror contains three vignettes connected to an interwoven central story. The main story follows Adelaide (played by local actor Andi Williams), who seems lost in life, has recently been evicted and searching for her missing dog when she’s drawn to an old computer, which instructs her to document three terrifying tales. The first, “Talk Slow Die Fast,” is a witty slasher thriller written by Shavonne R. Johnson and featuring a murderous “White Socks Killer”; next up is writer Andrew Gray’s supernatural horror involving an abused wife who attempts to poison her husband’s pie; the last comes from Carpenter (“a gut punch,” Rowe calls it), “Ten Day Window,” where an unstoppable and

invisible force pushes a haunted father to seek revenge.

Slated for release on Prime Video in December, the project has 45 extremely talented local people working on it with an overall budget of $39,250. Filming begins later this month.

But there is a deeper mission at play here alongside the desire to make a great film – and that’s to kick off a new era of strong local filmmaking culture and support in Columbus. Part of that vision is through crowdfunding. Which is easy enough through their site on Indiegogo,

you can head straight to A Southern Horror and know your contribution to the film is directly supporting local art and film. Contributions have a $5 minimum and come with all kinds of perks, from social media shout outs to a thank you in the credits, from appearing as an extra to working as a production assistant for a day.

“With A Southern Horror, I decided that it was time to level up,” Rowe says. “To do something longer, with deeper complexity, especially in the technical aspect. The

idea is, ‘How much of the local film community can we get involved?’ I want to see this community grow. I don’t want to do this in Atlanta. I want to do it here. I love Columbus. And we’ve found this is a great spot for us.”

The producers opted to not go the Hollywood route and sell their script. “It’s about controlling our own vision,” Carpenter explains, “not giving it to people

Andi Williams, Paul Rowe & Andy Carpenter

who don’t know us enough to translate it onto film. Crowdfunding is not just for us to have ownership. It’s not so much about the money as the participation. Having local and regional interest and support is more important to us.”

So why a horror film?

“I’ve watched horror films my whole life,” says Rowe. “My first VHS tape was The Howling, which

my father recorded off the TV and I kept watching it again and again. I saw lots of werewolf movies and found a really good story contained in them. You can mix all the genres together in a horror film. We like to call it ‘Horror with a Heart.’

“This is Paul’s vision,” Carpenter says of A Southern Horror. “Paul helps me see what’s possible. I can’t really comprehend or visualize the things Paul can, but I learned from Paul that horror isn’t any one thing and you can find the humor, and the humanity, in horror films. I don’t frame [“Ten Day Window”] as horror but more so the terror of loss.

“Writing’s always been my main thing,” Rowe explains. “I once wanted to write from home, just living out in the boonies. At the same time, I was yearning for more community, and I found that through filmmaking, in a community that’s trying to develop in Columbus.”

“When you decide to do something like this, you need to find your tribe,” Rowe says of his DIY approach to making movies.

“What people say about our process is that they trust in us as we trust in them,” says Rowe. “That we promote their creativity, we listen to them, and work in a true collaborative spirit. Our process requires everyone to give 110% to make it happen.”

“Forty grand is not a lot of money to pay people with,” Carpenter adds, “so they know they’re not going to make a ton. They’re on board because of their love for film, Paul’s leadership, the quality of the stories, and they know what it’s like to work with us.”

If you would like to get involved and help make A Southern Horror happen, you can do so by donating through the Indiegogo page at indiegogo.com/projects - a southern horror, the crowdfunding campaign is available through mid May, you can also contact Paul directly at LCP@LastCaressProductions.com. Follow them on social media via @lastcaressproductions and @asouthernhorror. u

The Film Scout Review

Movies of May

By John Houzer

AsMay ushers in the official commencement of the summer movie season, cinephiles have already been treated to a diverse array of cinematic delights. One of the most talked-about releases of the year has undoubtedly been ‘Dune Part 2.’ Captivating audiences and critics alike, this film has solidified its status as a major success. Furthermore, Dev Patel’s directorial debut in the action thriller realm with ‘Monkey Man’ has pleasantly surprised viewers, marking a promising start to his directorial career. Alongside these highlights, there appears to be a revitalization in the realm of horror cinema, with a slew of promising releases on the horizon. Among these, ‘Late Night with the Devil,’ ‘Abigail,’ and ‘Sting’ stand out as must-watch recommendations.

There’s so much out right now that I can talk about, including some new finds off the big screen. Lately, I’ve been hooked on ‘X-Men 97.’ Let me tell you, it’s blowing my mind. The storytelling in this cartoon is on another level. It’s crazy how they brought this series back and packed it with so much drama and mature storytelling. I mean, I almost cried watching it. It’s been a while since X-Men hit me like that.

May is shaping up to be a thrilling month for movie lovers! I’ve been counting down the days because there are some seriously exciting releases coming up. From actionpacked blockbusters to gripping dramas, there’s something for everyone. Let me give you the rundown of my mustwatch movies for May.

‘The Fall Guy’

Directed by David Leitch. Starring Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt. This film is about a stuntman played by Gosling who is tasked with a mission to save his ex-girlfriend’s

(Blunt) boyfriend, who is the star of a movie she’s directing. I’m excited about this movie simply because of the director. Not only did he direct ‘Bullet Train,’ but also ‘Deadpool 2,’ and he has his hand in a lot of other films like the ‘John Wick’ series and ‘Violent Night.’ This is a director who knows how to shoot action in style. He uses a lot of wide shots with clean fight choreography, and his movies are funny. ‘Bullet Train’ was very funny and ‘Deadpool 2’ is just perfect, so if you liked those movies, check this out. ‘The Fall Guy’ will be in theaters May 3rd.

‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’

Directed by Wes Ball, and this is the 4th film in the recent Planet of the Apes series. If you were to ask me what I think the most underrated film trilogy is, the first thing that comes to mind is the ‘Planet of the Apes’ run of remakes and reimaginings. Not enough people talk about how amazing those movies are and it’s frustrating. While they still did well in the box office, I feel like the series just came and went. The series was made popular due to the incredible work by Andy Serkis playing the lead role of Caesar, as well as the beautifully realistic CGI. A lot of work goes into these movies and it’s rare for a trilogy of films where each entry not only gets better, but really sticks the ending in its storytelling. I’ve been a big fan of this series and it’s why I’m excited to see the latest entry. My only concern is that this one doesn’t involve Matt Reeves, who directed the last Ape films before going to direct ‘Batman.’ I’m not familiar with Wes Ball. The only films he’s directed are the ‘Maze Runner’ movies, which I admittedly haven’t seen. But I’m excited to see that this series is still live, so if you haven’t seen any of these films, please do yourself a favor and check them out. ‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’ releases May 10th.

‘Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga’

Starring Anya Taylor-Joy and directed by legendary director George Miller. This is a prequel set 15 to 20 years before the highly successful ‘Fury Road’ film released back in 2015. If you’re into high-octane car crashes and explosions, Mad Max delivers on all fronts. Furiosa is a character who appeared in Mad Max played by Charlize Theron. These movies are essentially road trip movies with explosions. This movie features a story about a young Furiosa who is snatched away from her family and must fight her way home. The film also stars Thor himself, Chris Hemsworth, who plays as the antagonist. This movie looks to be another hit for George Miller, who is still pushing out amazing work at the age of 79. ‘Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga’ comes out May 24th. With such an exciting lineup of films on the horizon, it’s clear the summer movie season is off to an electrifying start. From epic blockbusters to gripping dramas, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at the cinema.u

Birds of Prey

A must-see since its debut in 2000. During suitable weather, these magnificent creatures – which cannot be released into the wild, due either to injury or having developed an unnatural association with humans known as “imprinting” – demonstrate their strength, speed, and natural instincts in daily flighted programs. Several birds appear at each program, swooping overhead and giving guests an up-close look “on the glove,” while our raptor experts explain how man’s actions affect their well-being. Callaway also offers a program called Adopt-ARaptor, which enables visitors to help support the feeding, training, housing, husbandry, and medical care of one of our resident raptors. Every day (weather permitting), 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. , At the Discovery Theatre, Callaway Gardens, Overlook Pavilion 17800 US-27, Pine Mountain Vets Run/Walk @ the Columbus Riverwalk

Bring water, headphones and a positive attitude (unless poor weather conditions). Every Monday, 4:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. , Event by Swaggy Veterans, meet up in parking location, 900 Bay Avenue, Columbus

Little Sprouts (Ages 3-5)

Join us at Columbus Botanical Garden for Springtime Sprouts: An Exploration of the First Signs of Spring. An enchanting adventure into the awakening world of spring. Tailored for young nature enthusiasts, this class is a joyful celebration of the seasonal transition, inviting children to discover the magical moments that herald the arrival of spring. $5 for Children who are members, $7 non-members. One caregiver enters free. Explore and experience the Columbus Botanical Garden. The first Tuesday of every month, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. , The Columbus Botanical Garden, 3603 Weems Road, Columbus Line Dance Lessons at Broadway Saloon

Join us on Tuesdays as we teach ya to two-step. There are three dances and three instructors to help you learn the steps. You’ll have fun and meet new friends. Free. Just bring your line dancing shoes. Every Tuesday, 8 p.m. - 12 a.m. , Broadway Saloon, 1111 Broadway, Columbus

Weekly Board Game Night @ TCP

We have around 50 open board games that you can play or bring your own. This event is welcome to all ages and all experience levels. We will teach you games as needed. Come and go anytime. Price: $5 per player. Food is available for purchase. Every Wednesday, 4 – 9 p.m. , The Cool Place – Columbus, 7830 Veterans Parkway, Columbus

Weekly Trivia @ Bytes and Brews

Gather ‘Round. We’re kicking off weekly Trivia at our Level Up Bar located upstairs at Bytes and Brews. Get your smartest friends, and fly that nerd flag proud. Hosted by local legend Tom Callahan. Trivia is an 18+ event so our second floor will be a kid free zone starting at 7:30. You never know what kind of trivia questions might pop up. Tom will have 5 rounds of trivia planned out, and maybe a few themed bonus round questions. Prizes to the top 3 teams, drink specials and good times. Every Wednesday, 7 - 8:30 p.m. , Bytes and Brews, 117 12th Street, Columbus

Sweet South Music Revival @ The Loft

Celebrating the music of the American South. Gospel, Blues, Soul, Funk, Zydeco, Jazz, Americana, and more. Hosted by Jesse Shelby & Jason Ezzell. Wednesday nights, 7 p.m. - 10 p.m. , The Loft, 1032 Broadway, Columbus

Women’s Circle

Find Community, Friendship, Support. This event is Free and open to the public and no RSVP is necessary. Hosted by Aglow Apothecary. Every Thursday, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. , Aglow Apothecary + Healing Haven, Old Town, 3501 Massee Lane, Columbus

Crown and Comedy Night @ The Loft

It’s always laughs at the Loft as our favorite hostess with the mostest Lil’ Bit takes the stage to introduce the best comedians

around. Great drinks, good friends and lots of comedy. Every Thursday, 7:30 p.m. , The Loft, 1032 Broadway, Columbus The Living Room @ Nonic on Broadway

Join us at The Living Room on Thursdays. Doors open at 5:30 pm with multiple artists varying throughout the evening and no night is ever the same. Advance tickets at getlocaltix.com. Every Thursday night, 5:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. , Nonic on Broadway (Nonic-at-Night), 1239 Broadway, Columbus

Acoustic Sunset Hour

Guests can find a spot on the picturesque grounds and soak in the sunset views while enjoying relaxing live music, wine, and a perfect picnic dinner during Acoustic Sunset Hour. Included in gardens admission & overnight stays. Picnic Baskets & Wine sold separately. Every Friday, 5 - 6 p.m. , Callaway Gardens, Overlook Pavilion, 17800 US-27, Pine Mountain Live Music at Nutwood Winery

Join us every Friday & Saturday when we feature a local performer at our Tasting Room. Starting around 7pm on Fridays and 3pm on Saturdays until we close at 10pm. No cover charge but please tip your servers and performers. Free parking. Family-friendly. Every Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday 3 p.m. , Nutwood Winery, 1339 Upper Big Springs Road, LaGrange Mobile Food Market Friday

In partnership with the Food Mill and Piedmont Columbus Regional’s Mobile Unit. The Food Mill will sell fresh fruits and vegetables. The Piedmont Columbus Regional Mobile Unit will provide free screenings for blood pressure, body weight, BMI, body fat, and waist circumference, as well as health education. This event is open to everyone. Held on the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month, 1 - 3 p.m. , at the Three Arts Theatre Parking Lot, 1120 Talbotton Road, Next to Columbus Diagnostic Center/in front of the old Columbus Health Department near the Midtown Campus, Columbus

Relax with Sound

This free-form class is designed to offer the soothing benefits of a sound bath, while allowing you to use and explore the time and space how you wish. Jeffrey will play live instruments to create a meditative environment, and students are welcome to stretch, practice yoga, freely move, sit, lie down, or anything that simply feels good. If you have been curious about the benefits of therapeutic sound, but don’t want to dive into a full sound bath, or would like to do your own movement practice while immersed in live healing sounds, this is the class for you. $25 drop-in. Find tickets at getlocaltix.com or through your membership app. 1st Saturday of the Month, (May 4), 2 p.m. , Art of Yoga, 4924 Armour Road, Columbus

Market Days On Broadway

Each Saturday, three blocks along Broadway host over 100 local and regional vendors. Visitors can expect to find fresh and organic produce, home goods, jewelry, unique crafts, and delicious baked goods. Market Days is the perfect Saturday activity for family, friends, and visitors. Don’t forget to bring your furry pals to get in on the fun. Every Saturday, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. , Uptown Columbus

Salsa Sundays

Learn how to dance with BilaMo. Choose from beginner to more advanced classes. Either class will leave you feeling confident that you know how to dance. If this is your first time dancing, need to practice or need a refresher. This will be a great way to practice the moves you know and learn more. With a bit of musicality, footwork and partner work. Feel free to show off a bit as we add more techniques to our dancing. Only $10 cash or card at the door. Every Sunday, 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. , Art of Yoga, 4924 Armour Road, Columbus Trivia at The Brick & Mortar Cafe

Grab your smart friends and join us for fun, friends, tasty treats and prizes. Test your brain skills along with hosts Trevor and Zach. Every Sunday, 4 p.m. - 5 p.m. , The Brick and Mortar Cafe, 3500 Massee Lane, Old Town, Columbus

Motor and

Mouths Monthly Meet Up

A family friendly monthly meeting of car guys/girls to run their motor mouths about their vehicles. Held the 2nd Sunday of month from 8-11am . Windsor Village parking lot, Carnoisseur Detail side, Columbus

Jazz at Sydney’s On First

It’s a jazzy afternoon at Sydney’s. Come out for a Free jazz session performed by local jazz musicians as they continue to hone their skills for your listening pleasure. Sydney’s has a great beer and wine bar and the vibes are always chill. Plus meet the people behind the jazz scene here in Columbus and make some new friends. Every 2nd Sunday, 5 p.m. , Sydney’s on First, 1214 1st Avenue, Columbus Classic Cars and Diner Favorites

Join us for Metro Diner’s Classic Car Drive-in. We’re pairing classic cars with classic diner dishes. The 4th Tuesday of every month, 4 - 6 p.m. , Metro Diner, 5524 Whitesville Road, Columbus

Sullivan Cup

The Sullivan Cup takes place in the spring time in even numbered years. The competition brings together tank crews from across the Army and across the world in a competition that rigorously and comprehensively tests their individual and crew-level proficiencies. The competition requires mastery of individual tasks, technical and tactical competence, and the ability to demonstrate an array of maneuver, sustainment and gunnery skills. The competition focuses primarily on the performance of the soldiers functioning as a crew. Wednesday, April 29 - May 3 , Fort Moore

Vegan BBQ in Columbus

Vegan Comfort Food Pop Up. Featuring a menu of Southern Staples and Sandwich specials you don’t want to miss out on this special event. Menu highlights include Fried Chickun, Smoked Meats, Mac-N-Cheeze, Beer-Cheeze Battered Beyond Burgers, Jambalaya, Po Boyz, Cajun Corn, Totchos, and more. Our menu is Nut-Free with several Gluten-Free options. Thursday, May 2, 5 - 8 p.m. , Scofflaw Brewing Co., 1421 6th Avenue, Columbus Yoga in the Garden

A sixty-minute, all-levels yoga class. The purpose of this class is to increase student strength, flexibility and confidence. Each class includes a warm up, flow, balance work, relaxation and breathwork. Pose variations are encouraged. Friday, May 3, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. , Columbus Botanical Garden, 3603 Weems Road, Columbus

The Columbus Cup

The Inaugural Columbus Freestyle Kayaking Cup at Waveshaper Island features a groundbreaking kayaking competition showcasing top freestyle kayakers. The Kayaking competition kicks off at Waveshaper Island on Friday, May 3rd at 11 A.M. and continues through early afternoon on Saturday, May 4th. Competitors take the waves in pursuit of glory and a share of over $10,000 in the purse. Friday, May 3, 11a - May 4, 12 p.m. , Waveshaper Island, near the PowerHouse, Riverwalk, Columbus RiverFest 2024

This year’s lineup is going to set the stage on fire. Jonboy Storey - A country music artist who opened for Brooks & Dunn and Hardy. He also frequently plays at Flora-Bama in Pensacola. Skyler Saufley Music - A big-time performer with the 2023 Alabama Blues Hall of Fame inductee title. Tanner Fussell Music - Artist who debuted on season 22 of The Voice and was coached by Blake Shelton. D.S.O.S. BAND ‘AKA” Deeper Shades of Soul- A Columbus fan favorite R&B Funk Party Band since 1992. Holley Rumbarger - A Nashville country artist who defines her music as a love for life in the Deep South but knows no true genre. $10 on Friday. $15 on Saturday. $20 for both days.Children 12 and under are admitted Free. Ticket prices will increase by $5 at the gate on both days of the festival. Buy your tickets in advance at alwaysuptown.com/riverfest. Friday, May 3, 5 - 10 p.m., Saturday, May 4, 2 p.m. - 10 p.m. , Woodruff Riverfront Park, 1000 Bay Avenue, Columbus Dixie Red at T-Bones Steakhouse

Come join us at T-Bones in Phenix City for another great night playing all your favorite country and southern rock. We can’t wait to see y’all there. May 3, 8 p.m. , T-Bones Steakhouse and Grill, 3745 US Hwy 80 W, Phenix City Chris Knight / Mic Harrison in the Green Room

Playing live in the Green Room for your listening pleasure. With special guests Mic Harrison And The High Score. Doors at 7p, show at 8p. $30.00 in advance, $35.00 day of the show. 21+. Friday, May 3, 8 p.m. , The Loft, 1032 Broadway, Columbus Open House - Columbus Water Works

Drinking Water Facility

Come enjoy a free family-friendly event and learn more about our water system. Free to attend. Tour our treatment facility, Learn about our water treatment process, Music, inflatables, food, ice cream, and more. Saturday, May 4, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. , North Columbus Water Resources Facility, 5301 River Road, Columbus

Youth Poetry & Performance Workshop (Ages 12-18)

Calling all area youth. Join us for a Free and Open workshop. No prior experience in writing or performance is needed, just an open mind. Get ready to delve Deep and explore something New. This workshop is your chance to DIG beneath the SURFACE and embark on a creative Journey. Speak 101: Youth Writing & Performance Workshop. Saturday, May 4, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. , North Columbus Branch Public Library, 5689 Armour Road, Columbus

The Cotton Fair

It’s the spring edition of The Cotton Fair. Arts, Crafts, and Antiques. Over 300 artisans from all over the country will gather on our grounds. They have wonderful items in store for you and can’t wait for you to take them home. Gates are open from

9am to 5pm each day. Adult $15. Senior (65+) $10. Active Duty Military $10. Children (10 and under) Free. (Service animals Only). For more information, such as directions, accommodations or general information about our festival, please visit our website at www.thecottonfair.com. Saturday, May 4, 9 a.m. - Sunday, May 5, 5 p.m. , The Cotton Fair, 18830 Highway 85, Gay Free Comic Book Day

Annual event to promote the love of reading comic books. Each person can pick out 3 FCBD issues. Graphic novels 20-50 %Off. Recent back issue comics 50% Off. Older back issue comics 20% Off. For every $5.00 spent, pick another Free comic. Saturday, May 4, 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. , Columbus Comics, 6440 West Hamilton Park Drive, Columbus 13th Street JukeBox Live at The Loft

A five piece, ParTyCenTriC Dance*Pop*Rock Band from Opelika, AL. 21+. Saturday, May 4, 9:30 p.m. , The Loft, 1032 Broadway, Columbus

MidTown GetDown

Bring your friends, pets, and kids for an afternoon of music and fun. Event is free and open to everyone. This year’s GetDown will be featuring our headliner, The Maria Gabriella Band, and your favorite opener, The Midtown Dad Band. The kids will love the Icey Girl and Co. as well as the cardboard playground and more. We look forward to seeing you soon. Rain or Shine. Sunday, May 5, 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. , THe Band Shelter at Lakebottom Park, 1505 Cherokee Avenue, Columbus

IV and The Strange Band with Nik Flagstar

Making their first appearance at The Plughouse. Openers Nik Flagstar and His Dirty Mangy Dogs. Limited tickets. Wednesday, May 8, 7 p.m. - 11 p.m. , The Plughouse, 2213 Laurel Drive, Columbus

Eli Howard and The Greater Good

An alternative country rock sound that has not only created a dedicated fan base in the Northwest and beyond, but allowed him to share the stage with artists including the Steel Woods, Whiskey Myers, Shane Smith and the Saints and William Clark Green. Their new single “Wildfire” is rapidly gaining popularity on Spotify. $5 Cover. 21+. Friday, May 10, 9:30 p.m. , The Loft, 1032 Broadway, Columbus Spring Closet Cleanout

Columbus, Georgia Convention & Trade Center is hosting a closet cleanout, Saturday, May 11. Spring cleaning of closets allows you to find gently-used clothes in a one-stop shop! Mark your calendars and plan to thrift with us! This event is free to the public. Saturday, May 11, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. , Iron Works, Georgia Convention & Trade Center, 801 Front Avenue, Columbus

Columbus Children’s Book Festival

Join us as we welcome the best-selling children’s authors, Matt de la Pena, Vashti Harrison, and Alyssa Satin Capucilli. Get crafty in the Craft-O-Mania area, take a picture with some of your favorite costumed characters, and get started on the Summer Reading Challenge. Visit cvlga.org for more info. Saturday, May 11, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. , Columbus Public Library, 3000 Macon Road, Columbus

Ladies of Linwood: A Walking Tour

In honor of Mothers, on their special weekend. Stroll through the cemetery, you’ll hear about a couple of tea room ladies, the wife of a university president, a Georgia governor’s wife, a lady of the night, a cemetery researcher, an African American, and others. Attendees are asked to convene at the Lummus Chapel at the east end of the cemetery no later than 10am. Parking will be on the grass in front of the chapel or anywhere in the cemetery that doesn’t block traffic flow. After a short introduction, attendees will be divided into small groups, and the tours will begin. The tour should last for about an hour. The cost of the tour is $5 a person – cash at the door. Reservations are not required. Please note that this is strictly a walking tour – there will be no golf carts. Saturday, May 11, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. , Linwood Cemetery, 721 Linwood Boulevard, Columbus

Mountain Laurel Hike

This moderately easy 0.6 mile hike leads us through the different habitats of Georgia and features lush mountain laurel thickets along a rushing, spring-fed stream. We’ll

By Frank Etheridge

Jeff Brantley Returns To His Roots

In The Kitchen & In Life – To Bring Us His Blend Of Genuine Southern Food

J eff Brantley first sampled joy in a jar as a child, on visits to his father’s family in the remote South Alabama town of Thomasville.

“I spent a lot of time there growing up – it was our closest family so we were down there a ton,” Brantley, an accomplished chef and Columbus native, recalls while chatting at his Midtown production facility for Bramble, his pickle/relish food line.

“Because of the way my dad and my grandmother were, food, well, that’s just what you did. I remember they would have everything in jars. I mean, everything. I would see all this stuff, all cut up and weird colored, floating around in these jars and ask, ‘What is that? What do you mean we’re going to eat that?’ It was weird but it was great. I would sit down with a jar of sweet potatoes and eat them until I turned orange.”

Those cherished childhood memories helped inspire Brantley’s career path and continue to inform his

incurable culinary curiosity. He uses his grandmother’s recipe for Bramble’s Pickled Green Tomatoes. The business name itself came courtesy of his grandmother. “She had this expression she’d always use about getting caught in the bramble, the prickly bushes and vines that’s all over South Alabama,” he explains. “She translated it to mean getting in trouble. When we decided it was time to start our own thing, we said, ‘We’re going to do it. We’re going to go get caught in the bramble.’”

That ‘we’ is Brantley and his wife Brooke, and that business was a spot in a new, high-concept food hall in Louisville, Kentucky. In its first incarnation, Bramble made “everything but the meat, bread and ketchup” and found instant success with loyal customers hungry for

Brantley’s imaginative concoctions, from potato salad to relishes to ice creams made with far-flung ingredients from all over the food pyramid. The venture opened in late 2019, but the COVID shutdown in March 2020 forced the food hall to close. That’s when Bramble found its way onto local grocery store shelves in Louisville – his relishes were ideal for the quarantine’s charcuterie craze,

Brantley points out – but a few months into that the call came to come home and help take care of his parents. Home to Columbus — back where it all began.

Brantley’s remarkable, accomplished career as a chef started while in high school at Brookstone, when he got a job washing dishes at the newly-opened Buckhead Grill

on Armour Road. “I loved it,” he recalls. “Just took to it immediately. Went from dishwasher to bussing tables to prep cook. Once I got in the kitchen, that was it. I was all in.”

After graduation, Brantley moved to Oxford, Mississippi to attend Ole Miss. “‘I was not quite a year into school when I decided I wanted to be more of a worker and not a student. I wanted to work at as many places as I could,” he says.

His career began cooking under noted chef John Currence, including a 3-year stint at the popular City Grocery on the square in Oxford. Currence gave Brantley the opportunity to create dishes on his menus at just 21 years old. “Eventually I realized I could either work there forever for him or go somewhere else.” Brantley recalls. ”I wanted to try out someplace bigger. I moved to Chicago.”

Brantley confesses he didn’t really know anyone in Chicago or have any job prospects when he arrived. “All I knew was I was gonna be in a kitchen. I did the ol’ circle job openings in the classifieds and hit the streets as we used to do back in the day. I had a job a couple weeks after moving there.” He bounced around restaurants while earning his degree from a Le Cordon Bleu-affiliated culinary school in the city.

His longest stint in Chicago was at a hip, upscale spot

called Tizi Melloul, which offered a fusion of French / Moroccan cuisine, where he was ultimately promoted to chef. Perhaps he was homesick or maybe just hungry for the comfort of a fried-chicken plate, but Brantley came to the realization he wanted to go back down South, to a region he learned had the most dynamic culinary culture in the United States.

So he moved to Louisville, once again showing up in town not really knowing anyone or having work lined up, but now with a wife. “I met some great people pretty quickly and they got me plugged in at the right places,”

Where My Love Of Southern Food & Creating Genuine Food Came From. Thank You, Mema

remembers Brantley. “I’ve learned over the years that if you work hard and you’re creative, you will find likeminded people.”

“I’ve been lucky to have worked for some great chefs and owners,” he says. “I’ve learned a lot from them: to be creative with your menu; how to hire and fire; to always treat people with kindness but also not put up with any bullshit. I’ve only worked in small, independent kitchens. Never corporate, much to my financial detriment, but with the attitude of ‘do it your way and do it the right way.’”

******

Brantley’s way has led him back to Columbus to create Bramble 2.0. Describing it as a ‘great, full-circle type of opportunity,” Bramble now prepares and packs

jars with labels declaring ‘Genuine Southern Food” and “Made Proudly in Columbus, Georgia.” There are currently 8 varieties: pickled carrots, pickled okra, dill pickle chips, pickled green tomatoes, bread and butter pickle chips, chow chow mild relish, sliced jalapenos, and Giardiniera Hot Italian Relish. Bramble can be found locally at The Peach Shoppe, The Bottle Shop, The Food Mill, and more that can be found on their website. His membership in the Georgia Grown program has helped Brantley put Bramble in more stores with better marketing while also connecting him to independent farmers such as Jenny Jack Farms

and West Georgia Farmers Co-Op, both in Harris County, for his supply of fresh, locally grown produce. “I don’t want to call US Foods,” he says of his inventory, “With Georgia Grown, I’m getting most of my stuff in-state.”

The response in Columbus has been great, Brantley says, noting that The Bottle Shop has managed to create a cocktail with every variety of Bramble except for Chow Chow. “All of them go good on hot dogs, I have found,” he adds with a grin.

After a year and a half of developing and perfecting his recipes, Brantley has established his USDA-approved facility in Midtown – no longer cooking up big batches of vinegar at home, much to

wife Brooke’s delight – and built up a solid inventory and customer base.

“There’s a lot that has inspired me in Columbus after coming back; there is so much creativity right now in the city. So the plan is to build Bramble up and hopefully build up some other local folks along theToway.”get your hands on some Bramble and elevate your meals, visit any of the stores where Bramble is sold. You can also order straight from their website at brambleinajar.com. Follow the Bramble journey on social media @bramblefood on both Instagram and Facebook. u

search for signs of wildlife and delight in the native azaleas and mountain laurel in bloom. Be prepared for nature discovery and fun! We recommend that you wear hiking boots or sturdy walking shoes, and bring drinking water to carry. We also encourage you to apply sunscreen and bug repellent. Saturday, May 11, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., Callaway Gardens - Overlook Pavilion, 17800 US-27,Pine Mountain

Jr Beekeeper Spring Workshop (Ages 6-13)

Discover what it means to be a beekeeper and the wonders of these pollinators in this 1 day workshop. Experienced CVBA beekeepers will teach and oversee the program. Jr. Beekeepers will watch a video, have the opportunity to look at beekeeping equipment, participate in hands-on activity, inspect the beehives, and help extract honey. $35 per child. All participants will be in the beeyard and in contact with live honey bees. Saturday, May 11, 10:30 a.m. - 3 p.m., Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center, 3535 South Lumpkin Road, Columbus $20 and Under Vintage Market

Come join us for an afternoon of shopping with locally made and sourced goods, decor, and clothing. Call the shop for vendor applications. This month’s theme? $20 and under. Saturday, May 11, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Vintageville, 1301 6th Avenue, Columbus

Wholistic Expressions Poetry Open Mic

Mental Health Wellness Month is about to get groovier with an Open Mic & Showcase event. Hosted by author and poetry wizard, Enamored Ink, alongside co-host Karl Golden JR., the visionary behind The New Christian Movement. Headlining will be the sensational Lakendra Huckaby of Gapee Music with her mesmerizing melodies, and her stroke of genius on canvas with a live painting as Art by Huck. Closing the show will be the illustrious Josiah Toussaint. Open Mic welcomes all artists across the city to express their creativity on stage. Familyfriendly, for all ages, with special activities, arts and crafts to keep the little ones entertained. Sponsored by Art-ahoochee. Parental guidance is advised, ensuring a sanctuary of safety and delight for all. Saturday, May 11, 4 - 8 p.m., Photoshop SelfieHouse Museum, 1425 3rd Avenue, Columbus

Playing For Good: Neighborworks

An outdoor concert hosted by The Loft. Playing for Good is an organization who supports area nonprofits, like NeighborWorks Columbus, a nonprofit striving to promote and provide access to fit and affordable housing and build assets for financial independence for all citizens of low to moderate income. With live music from Sweet South and Three Hour Tour, come celebrate Neighborworks’ 25th Anniversary with good food, good music and good times. Burger bar tickets available for $10. Beverages available for purchase. Doors at 5:30, Music at 6. Saturday, May 11, 5:30 p.m., The Loft backyard courtyard, 1032 Broadway, Columbus

Whiskey Moon at The Loft

Back to play your favorites for another night of good food, friends, music and good whiskey. Saturday, May 11, 9:30 p.m., The Loft, 1032 Broadway, Columbus

Sushi Rollin 101

Roll on over and create your own sushi. Led by GringoNinja. This class explores the traditions and techniques of sushi rolling. Come and learn the basics of sushi making as we go over everything from equipment and preparation, how to make the rice, and the fundamentals of making a sushi roll. Interactive, full of laughs, and you always leave with your belly full. All you can eat. Includes one drink ticket. Wednesday, May 18, 6:30 p.m., Chattabrewchee Southern Brewhouse, 1301 6th Avenue, Columbus

Relative Sound at T-Bones

Come out and enjoy a great night under the deck at one of the best steakhouses in the area. A great venue, good food, friends and really good music. Friday, May 17, 8 - 11 p.m., T-Bones Steakhouse and Grill, 3745 US Hwy 80 W, Phenix City

Family Saturday at The Museum

Discover, create, and more at our Family Saturdays at The Columbus Museum! Drop by the Museum’s temporary headquarters every month for a new activity exploring our permanent collection and temporary exhibitions. This week’s program will be presented by the Museum’s Teen Exhibition Council. This event is Free and open to the public. No registration is required. Saturday, May 18, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., The Columbus Museum, 1327 Wynnton Road, Columbus

Bluebelles Summer Kickoff Outdoor Market

Join us for our first outdoor market of the year. Our markets are home to over 120+ hand selected outdoor vendors & food trucks. As well as 120+ indoor vendors with new inventory daily. Event is free to the public & we have plenty of free parking. Pets are allowed but please keep them on a leash & keep in mind the hot pavement. Saturday, May 18, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Bluebelle Local Mercantile, 2301 Airport Thruway, Columbus

Z ion Church BluesFEST

Join us on the grounds of iconic Zion Church. This 1-day festival will feature the best local Georgia Blues/Roots acts. Including: Jontavious Willis, Jayy Hopp, Oscar Wilson, Eleanor Ellis, Jake Fussell, Neal Lucas, Lylie Mae and Ethan & Val Leiwand. The festival takes place outside, so bring your own lawn/camp chair. Tours of the historic 1848 church will be ongoing. There will be Food Trucks and Vendors. Tickets are available online at getlocaltix.com or you can get them onsite. $20 per person, $15 for groups of 3 or more. 12 and under are Free. Military discounts are available. Saturday, May 18, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., Historic 1848 Zion Episcipal Church, 31 Jackson Avenue, Talbotton

Roller Derby - Muscogee Roller Girls

Vs Mobile Bay Roller Derby

Join our roller girls as they battle Mobile Bay. Food trucks will be on-site. Wear Green to support Muscogee. After party location is the Cataula VFW. Doors at 4pm, First Whistle at 5pm. Presale tickets $10. At the door $15. Kids 5 and under are free for General Admission Bleacher Seating only. Limited VIP Trackside Chair Seating $15 advanced; $20 at the door. Saturday, May 18, 5 p.m., Harris County Community Center, 7509 GA-116, Hamilton

Drew Hernandez at The VFW

Join us for an amazing evening of comedy with Drew Hernandez and friends. Food and drinks will be available so come hungry and thirsty. Doors open 7 and show starts 8 depending on how many people arrive on time. Saturday, May 18, 7 p.m., VFW Post 665 Moina Michael and Auxiliary, 1824 Victory Drive, Columbus

Poison Whiskey at The Dawg House

Ice cold drinks, fantastic food, Great friends, and Poison Whiskey rockin the stage. Saturday, May 18, 8 p.m., The Dawg House Bar and Grill, 5140 Warm Springs Road, Columbus

Dixie Red at The Loft

We are always looking forward to being back at The Loft in Downtown Columbus! One of the nicest venues! Y’all come on out for a great night.

Saturday, May 18, 9:30 p.m., The Loft, 1032 Broadway, Columbus

CCO Commemorates Memorial Day

To honor the sacrifices of America’s service men and women, the Columbus Community Orchestra, will perform a Pre-Memorial Day Tribute Concert. The concert is free and open to the public. The public is encouraged to attend this concert of pop and patriotic selections. Additional information can be obtained at 706-575-5371. Sunday, May 19, 3 p.m., St. Mark UMC Activity Center, 6795 Whitesville Road, Columbus

Flower Moon Bike Ride

Enjoy an easy, leisure ride with all your new friends in Columbus. We will ride at a conversational pace with just a few miles to our destination. We’ll have some great music and will stop to grab a beverage. Rentals are free, but be sure to call ahead to reserve. Also, don’t forget to fill out the waiver and show up about 30-20 mins early for your reservations if you’re renting a bike from us. We will give away your rental at 7:45/50 if no show, and hard shut down at 7:55 so we can roll @8. We can’t wait to see y’all, call us with any concerns or questions, Ride On. Thursday, May 23, 8 p.m. – 9 p.m., Ride On Bikes, 1036 Broadway, Columbus

Relative Sound at The Loft

Another night of amazing food, friends and good ol fashion music. Friday, May 24, 9:30 p.m., The Loft, 1032 Broadway, Columbus Odd Alice at The Loft

Dive into the musical world of Odd Alice. With energetic performances and a unique blend of glam rock and flannel vibes, they deliver a diverse selection of popular hits from the 80s, 90s, and 2000s. Get ready for a journey down the rabbit hole and through the looking glass. $5 cover. 21+. Saturday, May 25, 9:30 p.m., The Loft, 1032 Broadway, Columbus Memorial Day Weekend featuring the 64th Annual Masters Water Ski & Wakeboard Tournament

Start summer with an exciting weekend full of sun and surf during our annual Memorial Day Weekend at Callaway Resort & Gardens. Friday, May 24 - Sunday, May 26, Callaway Gardens, Overlook Pavilion, 17800 US-27, Pine Mountain Memorial Day Ceremony & Paver Dedication

Join the National Infantry Museum as we commemorate Memorial Day with guest speaker Tony Mayne and dedicate the newly placed pavers out on Heritage Walk. Monday, May 27, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. , National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center, 1775 Legacy Way, Columbus

Jenna McClelland at The Loft

A songwriter-showman from Mobile, AL by way of Opelika. “You can take the girl out of Alabama…”. Jenna got her start in Maryville, TN where she and her band meticulously moved from local bars and restaurants to ticketed showcases and

Around Town Continued On p.23

By Miguel Juarez

AWhy You Need Jazz & Why Jazz Needs YOU

century after its birth, jazz music continues to be a source of wonder and delight for people from all walks of life. That said, jazz in Columbus has seen brighter days. I am often asked if our city has a jazz bar, along with the inevitable follow up question, “If not, why not?” Through the years I have come up with different answers that express my feelings about music and the city, but always find myself making excuses for Columbus. The truth is, I don’t understand why we don’t have a jazz club. I believe, however, that with the help and support of our community, we can make it happen. We certainly have a rich history of jazz. Being home to the prestigious Liberty Theatre and the birthplace of Gertrude “Ma” Rainey, Columbus has always been a hotbed for jazz, music, and the arts. The Columbus Symphony Orchestra is the 2nd oldest orchestra in the United States and was founded by Herman S. Saroni, a student of Felix Mendelssohn. More recently, through the persistent advocacy spearheaded by Columbus Arts Liaison Carrie Beth Wallace and other members of the Columbus Cultural Arts Alliance, Mayor Skip Henderson has recently proclaimed April as Arts and

Culture Month in Columbus. CJS founding member Bruce Huff of City Council District 3 was also present during the proclamation and was excited to hear about our plans. The recent ArtFest, which was a month-long celebration of Arts that included over 60 events and 30 different artists, is a direct result of this proclamation. Arts and culture are both vital to the health and happiness of citizens, and there is no doubt that the city and people of Columbus are doing their part to push the arts to the forefront.

As far as a home for the CJS, although we don’t have a designated jazz club in our city yet, we still meet every 2nd Sunday at 3pm to discuss our plans with our members and anyone in the community who is interested in participating. Sydney Helms, owner of Sydney’s on First has graciously stepped up and volunteered her salon for our monthly meetings, which is usually followed by a live jazz concert at 5pm and an open jam afterwards. These are great opportunities for artists and musicians of all ages and backgrounds to network, learn from each other, and possibly even form new bands and friendships. It is also a great way to get involved with the CJS in any capacity, whatever your abilities and skills are. We are always looking for new talent such as artists, musicians, photographers, videographers, leaders, organizers, developers, professionals in fundraising, accounting, marketing, and everything in between. We need help from our community. In an age where everything can

be factory-made and even AI generated, jazz is as important as ever. Jazz is an expression of the human experience which cannot be manufactured. We hope to see you on 2nd Sundays at Sydney’s on First.

HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT JAZZ IN COLUMBUS?

1. Become a member, partner, or sponsor.

2. Donate directly to CJS website: columbusjazzsociety.com

3. Attend and share CJS events (concerts, clinics, jam sessions, meetings)

4. Follow CJS on social media (@columbusjazzsociety on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube) for news and updates.

5. Enjoy and appreciate art.

CJS Musician of the month : Noah Herrera

CJS: What got you into jazz/music?

NH: My dad used to play blues (Stevie Ray Vaughan and Albert King) in the car when I was a kid. When I was around 8 years old, I wanted to be like them and carry on the tradition.

CJS: What makes you excited about playing jazz in Columbus?

NH: Seeing the joy it brings to other people just by being yourself and being a part of a good community of people who thrive off music just like me.

CJS: Where can people hear you play?

NH: I play at The Loft Southern Revival jams on Wednesdays and at Piccolo in Auburn on Thursdays. You can also check my instagram.

CJS: 3 jazz artists you’d recommend for beginner, intermediate, and advanced listeners.

NH: Grant Green, Emily Remler, Kenny Garrett.

CJS: Favorite local musician and why?

NH: Ricky Whitley has to be my favorite in the local scene. He understands what it means to be a performer above all else. I always get enjoyment out of seeing him play and seeing the great music videos he’s made over the years.

CJS: Advice/tips for aspiring musicians

NH: Don’t let random people tell you what you need to be. At the end of the day our goal is to express emotions and ideas through our music, and that is a personal and deep connection that all of us feel. Your ideas are not worthless even if someone else doesn’t see it that way. You drive your own future, don’t let it change. Also, practice and play like it will be the last time you’ll touch your instrument. We take our abilities for granted sometimes and we shouldn’t forget where we started.

To summarize: Play and be yourself.

To learn more about Noah, follow him on social media via @noah_j_herrerau

Artist Spotlight Jack Flournoy

Just Me & The Paint

F or Jack, expressing the landscapes of his inner world through art doesn’t feel like a choice. Listening to him talk about his creative processes and

the compulsion drawing him to create, it’s clear that Jack pours his soul’s energy into his work. “It’s what my body was created to do,” he says.

From the time he could hold a crayon, Jack was creating works of art that blew his parents and teachers away. His brilliant mind and intricate imagination led to an enthusiastic interest in subjects not many three year olds would have cared about. Jack’s mother, Anna, for example, remembers him painting a watercolor abstraction at three years old. When she asked him what the mysterious symbols meant, he explained that he had painted Al Gore eating a lobster.

His creativity continued to expand. In kindergarten, Jack chose to draw at recess instead of play, and his teacher was astounded by his art, his mother remembers.

By Natalie Downey

In Little League, he could be found drawing in the dirt instead of watching the ball. And throughout his school days, Jack continued to catch the attention of his teachers who recognized that at a young age, he already had a unique gift.

Growing up in Columbus, Jack was fortunate to have the opportunity to learn from iconic artists such as Bo Bartlett. When Jack attended one of Bo’s artist talks at the age of twelve, he asked a thought-provoking question which impressed Bo, and when Bo realized Jack’s potential and passion for art, he took Jack under his wing. “From an early age Jack showed an uncanny ability to grasp what Art is all about,” Bo recalls, adding,

“Jack Flournoy is a force of nature!”

“Bo was incredibly gracious to share his time and talent,” Jack’s mother remembers. Jack began studying with Bo in Bartlett’s studio almost every Saturday, where he was able to receive world class instruction at a young age. “He was fortunate for the opportunity to learn from one of the masters,” Anna says.

“It’s always been his path,” Anna says. When his parents asked Bo how they could support his passion, Bo encouraged them to give Jack all the art supplies he needed and immerse him in the fellowship of other artists. Recognizing the value for an artist to be around other creatives, Jack’s parents sought to give him the chance to do just that and are grateful for the supportive art community in Columbus. “I don’t know where else you could find an opportunity like Jack’s,” Anna says.

Jack, too, is grateful for the support he has found in the local community. “I love the people in Columbus,” he says, “That love can be experienced in my paintings.”

Jack’s art emanates from his mind and life experiences. For him, the creative process is a cerebral, holy trajectory that lands in an explosion of colors and sounds. “Everything I experience converges in my work,” he explains.

Jack Flournoy

Image by Sammie Saxon

Image by Sammie Saxon

Image by Sammie Saxon

Little Boy Blue and Dogs, 2022

Mothers Hands Are My Hands, 2024

Impermanence of Form 3, 2023

Bruno Zupan, Jane Ritchie, Anna Flournoy Jack Flournoy & Jack SR

Mothers Hands Are My Hands, 2024

Kingfysher 1

Impermanence of Form 2, 2023

Image by Sammie Saxon

His work is visceral, suspended in time, like the drop of water that lingers before falling to the ground. Jack’s award-winning self-portrait “Unfolding Consciousness” is a dance of light and dark and undulating spirit captured in oil on canvas.

“I experience the whole spectrum throughout the process,” Jack explains. “I live painting, breathe painting.” Jack has learned the importance of discipline and forces himself to paint twelve hours a day, explaining that as he works, “Time explodes and is devoured, and I push through until my heart explodes.”

The result is a finished work so expansive that it can only be held in the soul. For Jack, his work reveals the spirit of the moment, a force he discerns behind all life and seeks to capture in the essence of his art. “The pure force of lightning that makes everybody move - that’s my muse,” Jack explains, “Every painting I create has that force of life that moves us.”

Existential, spiritual, and yet still glowing with a boyish wonder, Jack approaches his work seriously, for he feels compelled to show the world the secret,

winding paths his mind leads him down. He expresses the belief that there’s a concealed 3D plane that viewers experience when they truly look into art. He wants viewers to feel as if they are alive in his artwork, he says, like they are bathing in it.

For Jack, creating art is a spiritual experience, and he doesn’t limit himself to painting. Jack also writes poetry and fiction, composes music, and plays piano. “It’s all about what gets created,” he says. “He has so much beauty and creativity in his brain, and he uses his art to bring his beauty into the world,” Anna says.

In 2021, Bo Bartlett selected Jack’s work to be featured in the Columbus Museum at a display showcasing established artists partnered with emerging artists.

Jack’s work has received noteworthy attention. “Unfolding Consciousness” won a 2023 Scholastic Gold Medal and an American Visions Award, national

awards

applicants received. And this year, Jack had his first solo exhibit at The Goetchius House (405 Broadway).

While Jack appreciates the awards he’s received

for his work, he prefers to keep creating as he looks to the future. Recently, Jack received the news that he had been accepted into the New York Academy of Art, where he also received a scholarship. Bo Bartlett sees the opportunity as a promising one for Jack, saying, “New York Academy will be good for Jack. He’ll be surrounded by a group of equally serious young peers.”

The future is wide open for Jack, who undoubtedly has more to say to the world through his art.

For Jack, labels are limiting, and he aims to let his work speak for itself. He works and reworks each piece until he feels its essence is imbued with the ideas, emotions, and energy he wants to convey. A form of communication without words that is innately human, visceral, and personal, Jack’s art is a conversation. “All of my works speak to each other,” he explains.

At 20 years old, Jack Flournoy is just starting out. His work isn’t finished, and so, he ventures into the horizon, paintbrush in hand.

“At the end of the day, there’s just me and the paint,” JackTosays.learn more about Jack and his art, visit jackflournoy. com. If you hurry, you may find his works still at the Goetchius House. u

that only 14 students out of 300,000

Earth Is A Womb, 2023

Go Get The Bagels, 2023

Kingfysher 2, 2023

Midnight Magnolia

Study For Kehata, 2022 Predestination

Heavy Neuron Devil Flower

Image by Sammie Saxon

Image by Sammie Saxon

By Frank Etheridge

“ Growing up going around with my dad and his band, there was a lot of music going on all over Talbot County,” bluesman Neal Lucas recalls. “People were playing all the time, getting together in volunteer fire departments and churches and all. My dad played in different bands and they played old country, blues, bluegrass, and early rock and roll.”

A remote, rural enclave bordering Muscogee County to the northeast, Talbot County has a long, rich cultural

legacy. It was once one of the wealthiest counties in Georgia. Modern life, however, seems to have passed by this place of dirt roads, rolling hillsides beautiful and green, and fertile soil producing some of the best peaches. Now in its fourth year, the Zion Blues Festival embraces Talbot County’s timeless tradition while also preserving it. Formed to raise funds for Zion Episcopal Church — an architectural marvel built in 1848 with significant historic value that was deteriorating in recent years but is now stabilized — the laid-back affair brings folks from all walks of life together for a day of food, art,

and a killer line-up of real-deal blues musicians.

“For me, it’s cool that music is still going on like in Talbot,” says Lucas, a big part of the festival from the beginning who returns this year with a three-piece band for what’s sure to be a stellar set of electric blues. “I appreciate the fact that people keep coming out to support it.”

Located on Jackson Avenue in Talbotton, the festival takes place on the charming church grounds, with the main stage set up in a shady grove next to Zion. The headliner is the Grammynominated Jontavious Willis, a throw-back talent hailed as “wunderkind” by Taj Mahal. A native of Greenville in neighboring Meriwether County, Willis organized this year’s incredible roster of musicians. BluesFEST is the brainchild of Jontavious, Neal Lucas, and Talbotton native, Tom Persons.

New in 2024, some acts will play acoustic sets inside the acoustically pristine church. This includes a performance by critically acclaimed Columbus native Jake Fussell, now in North Carolina but constantly touring as a high-demand draw all over the world, who returns to the sacred hometown of perhaps his biggest musical influence, the late Precious Bryant, a rare gem of authenticity and a direct link to blues’ beginnings. ******

“The musicians who have played inside Zion tell me, ‘There’s no place where we can hear ourselves like

we can here,’ ” explains David Johnson, a retired CSU English professor, poet, and, along with wife Katherine, Board Members of the nonprofit dedicated to Zion’s preservation. “They say, ‘Playing inside this church is like playing inside an instrument.’”

Fest-goers will have the chance to take a tour of Zion guided by Johnson, who first found Zion in the ‘70s when, as a newcomer to the Chattahoochee Valley, he found himself exploring the small towns surrounding Columbus. “I knew it from my art history class in college when we studied its extraordinary architecture,”

he says by phone from his Pine Mountain Valley home, describing it as a rare example of carpenter-gothic style in the Deep South in fine shape.

The Johnsons first became involved in Zion’s restoration as members of St. Thomas Episcopal on Hilton Avenue, fixing the roof, and hanging new shingles. The couple now attends St. Nicholas in Hamilton, whose congregants were charged with taking care of Zion by the Episcopal diocese. In recent years, however, Zion’s structural issues became more serious – and expensive –as the outside timber planks started breaking down, the bell tower leaning worsened, and the big arched-window behind the altar began to crumble. Zion was turned over to the Georgia Trust who in turn deeded it to the nonprofit Zion Restoration Inc. Zion won a $100k grant

from Historic Columbus and raised another $200k+ from private donors for the restoration. Another $30,000 was raised to restore the 1850 Organ. Then launched Zion BluesFest as its annual fundraiser.

Money from Zion BluesFest keeps the nonprofit from going into debt and provides for a modest general maintenance budget. The impact, however, is priceless. It raises awareness of the need to preserve Zion by attracting music-lovers from Columbus, Macon and Atlanta. It also has the power to help heal old, deep wounds.

“Blues Fest fosters friendships in the good community

Takes Historic Church In Talbotton To New Heights

Jontavious Willis

Neal Lucas

Jake Fussell

of Talbotton,” says Johnson, who tells the story of a current board member who was overcome by tears when she first stepped inside the church and felt a connection with her ancestors, whom she can trace directly back to Africans enslaved in Talbot County.

“Zion Blues Fest has really sparked the community coming together to the point where it enlivens the whole town,” he says, “and that sense of community can make all the difference in the world.”

Zion BluesFEST

11 a.m.- 6 p.m., Saturday, May 18

ADDRESS: Historic 1848 Zion Episcopal Church, Jackson Avenue, Talbotton, Georgia

CHURCH STAGE

Noon- 12:45: Lylie Mae

3:45 - 4:25: Eleanor Ellis

4:30 - 5:10: Jake Fussell

OUTDOOR STAGE

12:45 -1:25: Jayy Hopp Band

1:30 - 2:10: Ethan Leinwand & Valerie Kirchoff

(The St. Louis Steady Grinders)

2:15 - 2:55: Neal Lucas Band

3:00 - 3:40: Oscar Wilson

5:00 - 6:00 Jontavious Willis

Tickets $20 per person, $18 military, $15 with groups of 3 or more, 12-under free. All can be purchased in advance through getlocaltix.com. u

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hot opening slots. From garage band to hometown heroes, Jenna quickly became known for her energetic full band performances and her way of molding songs you know and love into her very own, delivering something unique, refreshing, and energizing. It’s a show you won’t want to miss. Friday, May 31, 9:30 p.m. , The Loft, 1032 Broadway, Columbus Chattahoochee Valley Daylily Festival

We will have a daylily show at 1:30, as well as a daylily class. Shop the garden, art and craft vendors, and get lunch from local food trucks. Lawn games will also be out for kids to enjoy. Saturday, June 1, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. , Columbus Botanical Garden, 3603 Weems Road, Columbus

Summer String Camp

The Youth Orchestra of Greater Columbus is bringing back it’s annual favorite..Summer String Camp. Any string player with at least one year of experience will benefit from this amazing annual summer camp. It’s a fun reason to keep playing your instrument during summer break, and is a great way to experience what the Youth Orchestra of Greater Columbus has to offer. Daily activities include fiddling sessions with a guest artist, daily sectionals with music educators, daily orchestra and chamber ensemble rehearsals, improvisation instruction, and a free final concert in a professional performance venue. If you or your student plays a stringed instrument, you do Not want to miss this opportunity. Monday, June 3 , Rainey-McCullers School of the Arts, 1700 Midtown Drive, Columbus Springer Summer Theatre Academy (Ages 5-18)

Students will learn Musical Theatre, Movement, Voice, Improvisation, Devising and More. Life Skills Through Stage Skills. Springer Theatre Academy (campbrainregistration. com), (706) 324-1100, education@springeroperahouse.org. June 3rd - August 2nd (No Class July 1st-5th), 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. , Springer Opera House, 103 10th Street, Columbus Want to see your event listed here? Email:events@thelocalcolumbus.com

Ethan Leinwand and Valier Kirchhoff

Jayy Hopp

Lylie Mae - Image by Daniel Breault

Eleanor Ellis Oscar Wilson