Metro Spirit - 12.24.15 by Metro Spirit

Table of Contents

dECEMBEr 24, 2015

Home for the Holidays

insider

Not good news for state Rep. Ernie Smith

augusta tek

Gifts I Didn’t Know I Needed

Ruffin’ It

Christmas Movie Apocrypha

Music

The Kenny George Band’s “Live at Sky City” to be released December 25

austin rhodes

Learning to Love the One You’re With

4 6 8 25 30

Fine Whine No costumes at regal for Star Wars ? Are you serious. That’s the definition of terrorism, when they are able to directly or indirectly affect our way of life they win. It doesn’t take a costume to make someone a nut job. I sure hope they enforce this rule against all women wearing burkas since we have no clue what’s up under them. Better yet how about everyone’s required to leave all their clothes at the front door of the theater in a locker if they wish to come in. Dear USA grow a pair.

Continued on Page 10

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amy Christian | Arts Editor/Production Director

Joshua Bailey | Lead Designer

amy@themetrospirit.com

joshua@themetrospirit.com

Stacey Eidson | Staff Writer stacey@themetrospirit.com

Molly Swift | Staff Writer molly@themetrospirit.com

COVER DESIGN: Joshua Bailey

SalES Gayle Bryan | Senior Account Executive gayle@themetrospirit.com | 706-373-4846

Joe White joe@themetrospirit.com | 706-373-3636

BuSinESS Joe White | Publisher/Editor joe@themetrospirit.com | 706-373-3636

Johnny Beckworth | circulation manager johnny@themetrospirit.com

Metro Spirit is a free newspaper published weekly on Thursday, 52 weeks a year. Editorial coverage includes local issues and news, arts, entertainment, people, places and events. In our paper appear views from across the political and social spectrum. The views do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. Visit us at metrospirit.com.© 15 House, LLC. Owner/Publisher: Joe White. Legal: Phillip Scott Hibbard. Reproduction or use without permission is prohibited. One copy per person, please.

Want to advertise in the Metro Spirit? Call or email Joe at 706.373.3636 | joe@themetrospirit.com

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Not Good News for State Rep. Ernie Smith THE STATE’S ETHICS COMMISSION, formally known as the Georgia Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission, last week found probable cause that state Rep. Ernie Smith from Augusta had violated various state laws in his handling of campaign cash. How many possible violations? Exactly 88, according to an article in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. With that many possible violations, the future doesn’t look very bright for Smith. In fact, the ethics commission’s staff recommended that Smith’s alleged violations be referred to the state Attorney General’s Office. That means a criminal investigation of Smith’s actions may soon be in his future. So, what exactly is Smith being accused of? “A commission investigation found Smith committed 88 violations of campaign finance laws,” The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. “Among them: Smith allegedly failed to disclose property he owned on personal financial disclosure reports and failed to report $7,503 in campaign contributions and $25,297 in campaign expenditures since December 2010.” Commission attorney Robert Lane also told the newspaper that more than $19,250 of the unreported expenditures were checks made out to “cash.” That is never good. But to make matters worse, Lane said that Smith has provided no receipts showing how the money was spent. The ethics commission’s staff is basically accusing Smith of using that money for personal uses instead of for his campaign. Of course, Smith absolutely denies any wrongdoings. “At no time has there ever been a misappropriation of campaign funds,” Smith reportedly told the ethics commission. “I’ve never spent one nickel for my personal use.” Let’s hope not because if Smith did use any of that money for personal uses, it could result in prison time. While the ethics commission voted 3-1 to find “probable cause of violations,” it gave Smith until April to produce sufficient receipts before referring the matter to the Attorney General’s Office, according to the AJC. 4 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

Whether Smith faces criminal charges or not, he will likely lose his House District 125 seat. Either he will be forced to step down or he could face some serious competition in next year’s election. It’s ironic because Smith actually won his state seat in 2009 after then-state Rep. Hardie Davis resigned to run for the Georgia Senate. And how did Smith win back in 2009? He didn’t have any competition. Smith, a former member of the Augusta Aviation Commission, was the one and only candidate who signed up to run in the special election to ﬁll the seat that was vacated by Davis. So, without any competition, Smith was immediately declared the winner. Just like that. He drove about two hours to then-Georgia Secretary of State Karen Handel’s office in downtown Atlanta, paid $400, signed a few documents and… bing, bang, boom… Smith became this area’s next state representative. Even Smith seemed a little surprised at the time that he had no competition in the race. “I tried not to even think about who would qualify,” Smith told the Metro Spirit back in 2009. “It was my hope that it would be that way, so I’m just elated.”

When some people are given a political position so easily without having to work for it, they may take advantage of that power. Let’s hope that is not the case with Smith, but when a legislator is facing more than 80 possible ethics violations, that is pretty tough to shake. This past week, Smith told The Augusta Chronicle that the allegations against him were simply a “witch hunt” and he would, without a doubt, clear his name. Only time will tell, but Smith better be searching his house, his office, his car, the bank and anywhere else for the necessary receipts to prove his innocence. Otherwise, he might lose a lot more than just his seat in the Georgia Legislature.

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Merry Christmas, Columbia County Taxpayers! So, what if your bosses came into your office to let you know you were getting a raise right before Christmas? Awesome, right? What if they said they were giving you a $19,000 raise? Holy... spirit!!! This week The Columbia County News-Times reported that Deputy Administrator Glenn Kennedy was given a 19 percent raise, equaling more than $19,000, by the Columbia County Board of Commissioners. The raise will increase his yearly salary to $121,692. So why the big boost in salary? Apparently, commissioners decided to increase Kennedy’s salary to align it with the county’s second, yet-to-be-filled deputy administrator position, according to The Columbia County News-Times. “We looked at the duties and responsibilities of those two deputy administrators and we found that they needed to be paid at least something more than starting salary for division directors,” County Administrator Scott Johnson told Columbia County News-Times Publisher Steve Crawford. “In looking at that we decided to bring them in at mid-point for what division directors make.” Also, Kennedy has taken on additional duties and responsibilities, such as overseeing the Community and Leisure Services division ever since the former director Barry Smith “resigned” this summer. If you actually believe Barry Smith resigned, well... you’re nuts. So, how does Scott Johnson feel about his deputy administrator getting such a huge boost in salary? Not too bad. Johnson got himself a $10,000 raise. Most folks would be more than happy with a $10,000 raise in one year, especially if it boosted your annual salary to $155,000 like Johnson’s pay. The Columbia County News-Times also reported that Johnson received “a raise slightly less than 10 percent” last year. Wow. Over the past two years, Johnson has received more than a 15 percent increase in his salary. Obviously, it really does pay to fall in line with what Columbia

24DECEMBER2015

County Commission Chairman Ron Cross wants and asks every minute of the day. Of course, Johnson said he had absolutely no knowledge of the fact that he was receiving a raise this year. “The commissioners went into executive session, asked that I be excused from executive session and then debated the salaries for all of our leadership team,” Johnson told Crawford. “I didn’t know what my raise, if any, was going to be until they came out and announced it.” Yeah, right... Both Johnson and Kennedy should be thanking all Columbia County citizens for their huge salary boost because they are the ones paying for it. Merry Christmas, Columbia County taxpayers!!!

AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

METROSPIRIT 5

Gifts I Didn’t Know I Needed WELL, LET’S JUST START WITH THE OBVIOUS… Obvious No. 1 — The Force Awakens opened last week and, yes, it was AWESOME! If you haven’t seen the movie yet, what are you waiting for? By now, all the uber-fan nerds have stopped seeing the movie in costume, so you shouldn’t stand out too badly. It’s a good film, go see it! BTW — You’ll get bonus points if you spot the Stormtrooper played by Daniel Craig. Obvious No. 2 — Merry Christmas!!! I hope that you and your family are enjoying the holiday season! While I have to submit this article to Amy a few days before Christmas, I’ll go out on a limb and say we had a wonderful time. Of course, there’s always a chance that the hoverboard burst into flames… Honestly, I’ve always found Christmas to be a little anti-climactic. As a community, we spend almost two months building up to the day. The first displays start appearing in stores before Halloween. By Thanksgiving, everything is fully decorated. And considering how the stores are treating Black Friday, Thanksgiving has evolved simply into a big lunch before going shopping. We’ve set high expectations for Christmas day, and while we spend a great deal of effort meeting those expectations, it’s all over in a few short hours. Then what? Many folks use this downtime to catch up with family and friends. Others relax and watch a football game or two. Today, I’m going to be your guide to those gifts that you didn’t know you needed. This season, two items really stand out. Now that neckties have officially gone out of style, what is the one gift that Dad always needs? It’s a very simple answer — Dad always needs socks. The socks he has never match, they always have holes, and they usually smell. And typically, Dad’s socks are purely functional — no fun at all. To sum it all up, Dad’s socks are old, ragged and boring. Dad suffers from another problem. He likes to fall asleep while watching the television. No man is immune from this phenomenon. Broadcasters must insert a subliminal code sequence into the programming that causes all fathers to lose consciousness. No other explanation makes sense. The first didn’t-know-you-needed gift that is perfect for Dad is a pair of socks that pauses Netflix when he falls asleep. These socks contain an accelerometer that detects when Dad is sleeping, and then triggers an attached IR device to pause Netflix. The folks at Netflix have happily provided a set of Do-It-Yourself instructions. Sure there are a couple of skills that you need to master — basic soldering, Arduino programming, knitting — before attempting this project. But a DIY success provides Dad with cozy socks and prevents him from missing a minute of Jessica Jones. The second item on the didn’t-know-you-needed list may appeal only to a smaller audience, albeit maybe not that much smaller. Over the past several years, Minecraft has developed a huge fanbase that extends across all age ranges. Minecraft pulls out our inner creativity, and players will spend hours building and creating the most insane structures. For example, just this past weekend, I learned how to create glass panes. Now, my Minecraft Steve literally lives in a glass house. Yes, it’s lame when compared to the master builders. But for me, well, no accomplishment should go uncelebrated. While Minecraft players spend a significant amount of time living in the virtual world, they do have loved ones who reside in the real world. A constant problem for these loved ones is reaching into Minecraft world. My wife can attest to this issue. When I’m involved with a build, a minimum three-hour delay exists between the time when she initiates a communication and the time I receive the message. Given that sound travels at 340 meters per second, the Minecraft universe must reside approximately 3,700 kilometers outside of the real world. Certainly, a way exists to close the gap. Verizon may have the answer, and their new product is the second item on our list. (Well, to say it’s a product may be a stretch, but…) In partnership with Minecraft design firm Blockworks, their team developed a fully-functional mobile phone that browses web pages and performs video calls. The secret is an application called Boxel that translates video into blocks. The web pages are typically too grainy to be useful, but the video call is completely functional. (See the online demonstration by CaptainSparklez.) All the code is open source at GitHub. If you missed out on the perfect present this Christmas, I hope GREGORY BAKER PH.D. these ideas inspire you. Whether is vice president of CMA Technology it’s for you or a loved one, and, yes, is actually a rocket scientist sometimes the best presents who used his doctorate in aerospace engineering at Lockheed Martin. In come from embracing your inner addition to working at CMA, he also nerd. Don’t be afraid to go there! serves the community, sitting on @gregory_a_baker

several boards in the area.

24DECEMBER2015

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Christmas Movie Apocrypha It’s easy, I think, to labor under the illusion that all of our favorite holiday films have somehow always existed, that they sprung fully formed from the primordial ooze, as if God, after realizing what a hopeless existence he doomed us to, said, “Oh jeez, you guys. My bad. Here’s some feel-goods.” But even these touchstones of our childhoods have something of the nitty-gritty to them, some apocrypha that merits telling, if only to make us appreciate them even more. So here are a few little-known facts about your (or, who are we kidding, my) favorite Christmas films. 4. the Crew of “a Christmas story” actually stuck Flick’s tongue to that Pole “A Christmas Story” is chock-full of iconic moments and immortally quotable lines, perhaps none more so than the scene in which a group of boys taunts Flick into sticking his tongue to a flagpole to see if it will stick. The “exact exchange of nuance and ritual” with regards to “double” and “triple-dog” daring each other is what really makes the scene, but actual payoff — Flick’s tongue, of course, becoming stuck to the flagpole — is played to hilarious effect by all involved. Because it kind of actually happened. In a book detailing the film’s production, cast and crew members own up to pranking the hell out of a pubescent boy. See, to achieve the tongue-sticking effect, the crew ran a vacuum through a hollowed-out pole, then drilled a tiny hole in the exterior to create suction. Scott Schwartz, the actor playing Flick, would stick his tongue onto the hole, thereby achieving the effect. It wasn’t enough to hurt him, but was strong enough to hold his tongue in place. Schwartz knew all this, had been briefed on it, and was cool with it. But when the scene was over, director Bob Clark — who, I guess not surprisingly, had filmed the “Black Christmas” horror flick just prior to this — called “Cut,” then sent the crew off for a lunch break, leaving Schwartz with his tongue stuck to the pole, probably flailing around exactly as he did in the film. There’s probably a joke to be made about Schwartz’ subsequent porn career, but I’m above that, at least when I’m sober. 3. “It’s a Wonderful Life” was Initially Famous Only for the snow “It’s a Wonderful Life” is a shockingly polarizing film today, with about half of American lauding it as the greatest Christmas movie ever made, with the other half decrying it as two hours of milquetoast propaganda. Honestly, it’s kind of a minor miracle that a movie about a man driven to suicide became a holiday family classic, but that’s neither here nor there. What people forget, however, is that the film was a complete bomb when it was first released. Remember, this was immediately post-WWII, and the entire country was a little disillusioned with… well, everything in general. People were beginning to realize that, every so often, life DOESN’T wrap itself up with a big fat bow, so director Frank Capra, famous for similarly rosecolored classics as “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” and “You Can’t Take it With You,” was kind of up sh*t creek when he even decided to start making the movie. But you know what people did love? The SNOW. The film was nominated for five Academy Awards (but, y’know, so was “Crash”), but the only one it nabbed was for Technical Achievement. RKO Pictures had developed a new chemical method for creating the falling snow in the winter scenes; they did this because snow in movies was typically created by crushing up white-colored corn flakes, and the studio wanted to ease the hassle of dubbing in dialogue later on that had initially been drowned out by the actors walking around on mounds of crunchy breakfast cereal. I like to think that this movie and “White Christmas” populate a shared universe where the song “Snow” is about this, because it’s the only reason I can think of that Irving Berlin would let that one make the cut. Or cocaine. Maybe cocaine.

8 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

2. “the Muppet Christmas Carol” Featured a Grab-Bag of technical tricks It may not seem like it at first, but any full-length production involving a combination of puppets and live actors is bound to require some ingenuity and elbow grease. And so it was with this supremely underrated version of Charles Dickens classic Christmas ghost story, starring Michael Caine, the Muppets and literally no one else who matters. Caine, despite having to act, engage and emote with a bevy of polyester co-stars, is arguably the greatest Scrooge to ever grace the screen, and the Muppets are as charming and heartfelt as ever. Also, the film features some impressive technical achievements that you probably never noticed or assumed. Take, for instance, the musical numbers bookending the film: “Scrooge” and “Thankful Heart.” Caine merrily minces his way through the streets of London, interacting with both live actors and puppets, all fairly seamlessly. But here’s where it got tricky: the dozens of puppets were controlled by dozens of puppeteers, all located right beneath Caine’s feet. Not only that, but they had to stand or crouch in recessed cubbies cut into the floor of the set. So for that entire time, Caine is hitting his marks, delivering dialogue, singing and dancing, all while avoiding shin-kicking the puppets or stepping on anyone’s head. Later, Scrooge is visited by the first ghost: Christmas Past, here portrayed by an ethereal, cherubic embryo-type child that is, holy crap, a lot creepier now that I think about it. It looks like CGI, but it’s not: to achieve the effect, the puppet was first suspended in a tank of water, its movements recorded, then finally green-screened into the actual scene with Caine. Perhaps most impressively, when Bob Cratchet (Kermit) and Tiny Tim (Robin) are walking through the street, singing on the way home, it took a team of several different puppeteers to make that happen. See, Kermit’s legs are fully visible, which is unusual and difficult for this type of shot. So a rotating walkway was constructed, and a gang of puppeteers, operating Kermit’s torso, head, mouth, and legs, to achieve the walking effect. 1. No One except Irving Berlin thought Much of “White Christmas” at First It’s the best-selling single of all time, let alone the most popular holiday song of all time. Bing Crosby’s rendition of “White Christmas,” whatever you may think of it, is an absolutely immortal tune, a staple of the season, and only slightly less depressing than “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” And almost no one thought much of it. Songwriter Irving Berlin sure did; when he originally jotted down a rough draft of the song, he reportedly summoned his secretary and said “Grab your pen and take down this song. I just wrote the best song I’ve ever written — heck, I just wrote the best song that anybody’s ever written!” Berlin introduced the song through Bing Crosby in 1941 for the latter’s Christmas Day recording of “The Kraft Music Hall.” Crosby famously said of the song when he first heard it: “I don’t think we have any problems with that one, Irving.” Initial sales backed that up. It performed poorly, overshadowed by “Holiday Inn’s” other singles, but it rocketed up the charts the following year, and the rest is history: it went on to inspire an eponymous sequel of sorts to “Holiday Inn,” and made Crosby all of the money, ever. Bing remained fairly dismissive of the song, saying that “a jackdaw with a cleft palate could have sung it,” because snippy jabs were hilarious in America’s golden age.

JOsH RUFFIN is a long way from home, having moved from Augusta to Middleton, Wisconsin, with his wife, Michelle. He is a self-described beer guru, so most of his Twitter posts are about what he’s drinking. While drinking, he enjoys writing poetry and watching MMA fights… or writing poetry about MMA fights.

24DECEMBER2015

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The Whine Line

No costumes at regal for Star Wars ? Are you serious. That’s the definition of terrorism, when they are able to directly or indirectly affect our way of life they win. It doesn’t take a costume to make someone a nut job. I sure hope they enforce this rule against all women wearing burkas since we have no clue what’s up under them. Better yet how about everyone’s required to leave all their clothes at the front door of the theater in a locker if they wish to come in. Dear USA grow a pair. Columbia County really embraces the vinyl siding institute - double wide stick built homes that are no better than trailers.

think s r e iv r d y t n u o C Columbia , Richmond County think

they own the reorasd, and neither use turn signals. driv they are raceucgaursta internet list rive a n o 3 # is No wonder A 15 most dangerous cities to d for America’s in 2011. Is the Spirit in Southern Company/Georgia Powers pocket or are you going to print something about how Vogtles security department (the ones protecting the nuclear reactors) had to and successfully did start a union because of how low their pay way was compared to every other department. That’s in addition to their constant mistreatment because they don’t make the company any money. Just so you know once units 3&4 are online these mistreated folks will be protecting the largest nuclear facility in the US, now print that. Geez - you guys really have it in for Mack Taylor, don’t you? The dude lost already, and now you are kicking him when he’s down by dragging him into Jodi Lott’s swearing-in? Wow. If you want something new to write about, you should point out how Jim Bartley and his girlfriend got rejected by the voters in both those races. Third time for loser Bartley - maybe he’ll finally get the message.

WHINELINE@THEMETROSPIRIT.COM Have something you want to get off your chest? Send your whines to whineline@themetrospirit.com.

I’m sure all you “Oprah-aholics” are feeling warm and fuzzy inside now that Oprah bought a $14 million dollar mansion in Telluride, Colorado....to go along with her other houses in California, New Jersey, Chicago, Hawaii, and Antigua. Six properties owned while preaching her phoney-baloney “spirituality.” I quote: “Sell your possessions and give to the poor.” (Luke 12:33). Oprah Winfrey - as fake as a $3 bill. Paine “Pain” College board of directors and other’s are responsible for the mishandling of the college funds that are causing todays pains. If honest people were managing the college they would be conducting a forensic audit today to determine how the funds were dispersed. If there were criminal acts committed in dispersing the funds then charges must be filed and lawsuits filed to recover the funds. Too many democrats involved with this college for honesty to prevail. Democrats sweep their dishonest deeds under the rug and then demand the government pay for their financial loss. If laws are made to permit suing gun manufacturers for the owner misuse of their product, I am looking forward to the same legislation to sue manufacturers of cars, motorcycles, boats, sports equipment, hammers, knives and virtually any product. What an opportunity for wrongful injury and death suits. The manufacturer of a car capable of traveling over the speed limit, i.e corvette or any vehicle, is liable for the deaths caused by speeding drivers.. GM is responsible for speeding deaths because they produce a dangerous product and they did not install protection to limit the speed of the vehicle to be under the speed limit at all times. This is the kind of stupidity that is being pushed by antigun groups and some Presidential candidates..

Why do we need 2 de

puty admin ator’s wh en the 1st one iscounty already worthisletr ss?

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to the Richmond and Columbia County government leaders, Mayor, Commissioners, employees, etc. for their excessive spending of our tax dollars; excursions to out of town meetings, swank hotels, fancy restaurant meals, fees for useless local and national associations/ conferences and everything else on our taxpayer dime! Guess we need another tax increase or SPLOST to keep pace with their dire needs and desires to properly manage our yearly budgets!!!!!!!!!!!!

10 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

24DECEMBER2015

Night of Musical Melodies At The Cotton Patch Jazz & Blues Cafeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 7 p.m.- 11 p.m. Featuring Artists:

Violenist Javonne Jones (JChereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;) 7:30 - 8:15 p.m. Mr. Bill Karp 8:30- 9:30 p.m. Guatarist Robert Reed & Vocalist John Hobbs 9:45- 11:00 p.m.

Tickets purchased in advance $15 per person | $25 per couple | $50 a table Night of Event $20 per person at the door Complimentary glass of champagne included 816 Cotton Lane Augusta, Ga 30901 706.724.4511

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Home for the Holidays Augusta Animal Services offers beautiful, loving pets lookingfor a forever home this holiday season

By Stacey Eidson

12 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

Those eyes. As soon as you walk into Augusta Animal Services at 4164 Mack Lane, you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t help but fall in love with so many amazing dogs and cats waiting and hoping for a forever home. These sweet little animals are watching every move you make. They are hoping to catch your eye, warm your heart and immediately fill your life with joy and happiness. Want to know what unconditional love is all about this holiday season? Just head over to Augusta Animal Services and adopt one of its many happy, healthy pets anxiously awaiting a new best friend to take them home for the holidays. For more information about the animals available for adoption, call 706-790-6836 or visit Augusta Animal Services website at augustaga.gov/586/Animal-Services. The following are just a few of the furry friends currently up for adoption:

24DECEMBER2015

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You want to play? This 1-year-old orange and white domestic shorthair cat is your future pet. Al is sweet and playful to all those that want to stop by and say hello to him at Augusta Animal Services. He’s a keeper!

DAhliA

Want a dog that is all heart? This black and white Dalmatian mix is only 10 months old, but she is full of love and enthusiasm. She and her fellow doggy friend, Darla, share a kennel and the two are obviously best friends. If you want two dogs this holiday season, you can’t go wrong with Dahlia and Darla. 24DECEMBER2015

BellA DonnA

If you are looking for an absolutely beautiful cat, Bella Donna is everything you could ever ask for. She is a 6-yearold black and calico cat that is a smart and gorgeous. As Stevie Nicks would say, “You are in love with... And I’m ready to sail... It’s just a feeling... Sort of captures your soul. Bella Donna...”

DArlA

This is a smart, sweet dog that is ready to run in your backyard, chase a ball and just have a lot fun. Darla clearly doesn’t mind being friends with other dogs, considering her close relationship with her kennel partner, Dahlia. These two dogs would make great companions for any local family.

BernADette

This beautiful, one-and-a-half year old St. Bernard just wants somebody love. As soon as she heard the door open at the shelter, she immediately jumped up ready to run into her new owner’s arms. Augusta Animal Services suggests her perfect home would not include any cats or small animals because she wants to play with absolutely everyone and she doesn’t realize her own size.

GolDy

This treeing walker hound mix is beyond sweet. She is friendly to both men and women and absolutely loves going for walks. This 3-year-old Chihuahua mix is a true delight. A little shy at first, but warms up quickly when someone shows her they are also filled with love.

Blue

So sweet. Blue is a happy, healthy 6-month-old labrador retriever mix that is friendly to men, women, children and other dogs. And Blue is so happy. The minute anyone walks into Augusta Animal Services, he is thrilled to see their smiling faces. Blue arrived at Animal Services because his family had to move away, but he is ready for a new forever family to call his own.

JAnsen

This 4-month-old kitten is so cute, it is unbelievable that someone hasn’t swooped in and taken him home yet. While Jansen is still a little intimidated by the unknown, he quickly becomes playful and friendly as soon as he knows he’s among friends. Augusta Animal Services recommends a home without dogs and children because they make Jansen a little nervous. AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

METROSPIRIT 13

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Jezzabelle

This beautiful cat’s yellowish-green eyes tell it all. At 2 years old, Jezzabelle is a bright and curious cat that is just looking for a warm lap to curl up in and become someone’s best friend for life.

Malone

With a name like Malone, you know this black-and-white pit bull mix has to be cool. He is friendly to men, women, children, dogs and even cats. He is a loving and affectionate dog that simply wants to have a home for the holidays.

14 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

lady

This little girl was sent to Augusta Animal Services because her family had to move away. You may notice that she holds her left leg up when you visit, but that is only because she is missing two toes on that foot. She simply wants a little love and attention and those missing toes don’t slow her down for one minute. She loves to run and give as many kisses to people as possible.

Monster

What can we say? Monster will let you know that he is ready for a new home. He is a very enthusiastic 1-year-old pug/ beagle mix that would probably be better in a home without children, according to Augusta Animal Services. But who needs kids when you have a little baby like Monster to snuggle up with all night?

lilly

This gorgeous Maine Coon cat enjoys attention and just wants to be petted. At 10 years old, Lilly is friendly to men, women and children and is mostly indifferent to other cats, according to Augusta Animal Services. She is an indoor cat that loves to snuggle, but prefers not to be picked up.

Prince

You want a dog that shows his heart on his sleeve? Prince is your boy. This black and tan beagle is full of love and affection for both men, women and fellow dogs. He’s also smart because he likes to check you out a bit first before showing how much he wants to come home with you. If there was a dog to get a new home this holiday season, Prince really deserves a family full of kindness and love.

Maka

This beautiful, one-and-a-half-yearold domestic shorthair tabby cat is full of energy and ready to play. As soon as a visitor walks into the room, Maka is curious and wants to meet this new friend with the hopes of finding a place to call home.

sPencer

This four-month old cocker spaniel mix looks a little more “mix” than cocker spaniel, but he is one happy dog that seems perfect for a family with kids who love to play outside. Spencer is the type of dog that is longing to play ball or catch a Frisbee in the backyard with the family.

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SaSSy

To say this dog is friendly is the understatement of the year. Sassy is not only filled with enthusiasm and love for potential owners, but she is also a dachshund mix that is extremely protective of her fellow dog friends. She shares a kennel with Goldy, who is a little more shy with strangers. But, when Goldy looked a little nervous during our visit, Sassy immediately sat down next to her, laid her head on Goldy’s back and tried to let her know that everything was going to be just fine. Sassy is one special dog that’s particularly affectionate to women.

Toga

Want a cat that is looking for nothing more than to play and snuggle all day? This super sweet domestic shorthair gray tabby is extremely playful and full of love. At 1 years old, Toga enjoys playing with men, women and children. This little boy loves giving and receiving kisses as much as possible.

Zoey

When you first approach Zoey, she is a bit shy. She might even shake a little because she doesn’t know you yet. But it is clear that this sweet little girl wants to be your friend. This little Chihuahua quickly warms up to visitors once they show her that she can trust them.

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If all your know of exorcisms comes from the 1973 movie, then you might be interested in attending “Exorcism: Christianity’s Dark Rite” on Wednesday, December 30, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Maxwell Branch Library. This fascinating exploration will be led by Exorcist Bishop Bryan D. Ouellette of the Sacred Order of St. Michael the Archangel (Order of Exorcists) and presiding bishop of the autocephalous Holy Nicholean Catholic Church, and he’ll talk about the nature of demonic possession and how the church deals with authentic cases of demonic infestation. Pre-registration required. Call 706-793-2020 or visit arcpls.org.

ARTS Mon Dec 28, 2015

10am Weave a Coin Purse and/or Belt Harlem Arts Council A three-session class for those ages 9 and older. $10. Email harlemartscouncil@gmail.com.

Tue Dec 29, 2015

10am Weave a Coin Purse and/or Belt Harlem Arts Council A three-session class for those ages 9 and older. $10. Email harlemartscouncil@gmail.com.

Wed Dec 30, 2015

10am Weave a Coin Purse and/or Belt Harlem Arts Council A three-session class for those ages 9 and older. $10. Email harlemartscouncil@gmail.com.

EDUCATION Mon Dec 28, 2015

3:30pm - 5pm Intermediate Spanish

Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.

Friedman Branch Library An adult class led by Edwin Perez of the Asociacion Cultural Hispanoamericana. Call 706-736-6758 or visit arcpls.org.

Ongoing

Wed Dec 30, 2015

11am - 2pm Exorcism: Christianity’s Dark Rite Maxwell Branch Library Exorcist Bishop Bryan D. Ouellette of the Sacred Order of St. Michael the Archangel (Order of Exorcists) and presiding bishop of the autocephalous Holy Nicholean Catholic Church presents on the nature of demonic possession and how the church deals with authentic cases of demonic infestation. Preregistration required. Call 706-793-2020 or visit arcpls.org.

3pm Spanish For Adults Aiken Public Library

Guided Tours 1797 Ezekiel Harris House Offered by appointment only MondayFriday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Last tours of the day begin at 4 p.m. Adults, $2; children, $1. Call 706-722-8454 or visit augustamuseum.org.

North Augusta Driving Tour Arts and Heritage Center of North Augusta Offered by appointment and includes a 3045 minute guided tour and admission to the center. Self-guided tours are also available through an iPhone downloadable audio tour or a Google Maps-based tour. Guided tours: $5, adults; $3, students K-12. Call 803-4414380 or visit artsandheritagecenter.com.

Tours Boyhood Home of President Woodrow Wilson

Guided tours, approximately 45 minutes long, are offered Thursday-Saturday on the hour from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Group tours are available by advanced reservation. Adults, $5; seniors, $4; kids K-12, $3; under 5 years, free. Call 706-724-0436 or visit wilsonboyhoodhome.org.

Historic Trolley Tours of Augusta Augusta Visitors Center Tours aboard the Lady Libby available at the Augusta Visitors Center with 24-hour advanced reservations. Tickets include admission to the Augusta Museum of History. Call 706-724-4067 or visit visitaugusta.org.

ELSEWHERE Sat Dec 26, 2015

1pm Gallery Tour: Georgia O’Keeffe and Independent Spirits Columbia Museum of Art Free with admission. Call 803-799-2810 or

If you have any questions, or would like to submit an event to our calendar, please email Amy Christian at amy@themetrospirit.com. 18 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

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Sun Dec 27, 2015

2pm Healthy Eating Pantry Makeover Whole Foods Pre-registration at customer service required. Call 762333-0260 or visit wholefoodsmarket.com.

HOBBIES Wed Dec 30, 2015

Noon Georgia-Carolina Toastmasters The Cotton Patch Those interested are invited to learn speech and leadership skills in a fun and supportive atmosphere. Call 706-627-2134.

KIDS-TEENS Mon Dec 28, 2015

9am - 3pm Christmas Art Camp Kroc Center Week two, held December 28-30, is $30 a day for members and $35 for non-members. Extended care, 7-9 a.m. and 3-6 p.m., is $5 per day. Lunch is provided and pre-registration is required. Call 706-364-5762 or visit salvationarmyaugusta. org/kroc-center/.

10:15am Music & Me

Masks are required for Le Chat Noir’s New Year’s Eve Masque, held Thursday, December 31, at 8 p.m. The theater’s annual winter fundraiser will include a champagne toast, midnight countdown, balloon drop with prizes, party favors, hors d’oeuvres, drink specials, music and dancing. Cocktail attire is also required. $35, individual; $60, couple. Call 706-722-3322 or visit lcnaugusta.com. visit columbiamuseum.org.

Sun Dec 27, 2015

2pm Gallery Tour: Highlights of the CMA Collection Columbia Museum of Art Free with admission. Call 803-799-2810 or visit columbiamuseum.org.

Ongoing

Georgia O’Keeffe: Her Carolina Story Columbia Museum of Art This exhibition of 12 of O’Keeffe’s works will show through January 10. Call 803-799-2810 or visit columbiamuseum.org.

Simple Gifts: The Timeless Beauty of Artisan Creations LithaMoonGallery, Greensboro An artisan show featuring the work of Tim Goodson, Cynthia Perry and Vicky Bernard, Wade Franklin, Hugh Fleming and Cheryl White. The exhibit shows until December 26 (closed Christmas day). Call 513-356-4055.

EXHIBITIONS Ongoing

westoboufestival.com.

Exhibits Augusta Museum of History Includes the following: “Glamorous Gowns of Centuries Past” (through December 2015), “Augusta, 1864” (through January 2016); “The Godfather of Soul, Mr. James Brown; “Celebrating a Grand Tradition, the Sport of Golf”; “Augusta’s Story”; “A Community That Heals”; “Into the Interior: A History of the Georgia Railroad and Banking Company”; “Local Legends”; “One Man, Two Ships: Lessons in History and Courage”; “A Quilt Journey”; and “Canteens to Combat Boots”. Call 706-722-8454 or visit augustamuseum.org.

FLIX Sat Dec 26, 2015

7:30pm Cheap Date Free Movie Series Le Chat Noir A free movie screening with free popcorn. Cash bar available. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Call 706-722-3322 or visit lcnaugusta.com.

HEALTH

SEEDS Exhibition

Fri Dec 25, 2015

Westobou Gallery An exhibition of works in a variety of mediums from local and regional artists that are $300 or less. The exhibition will show until January 29 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on weekdays and on weekends by appointment. Call 706-755-2878 or visit

Trinity Hospital Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706-481-7727 or visit trinityofaugusta.com.

20 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

9am - noon Baby Care Basics and Breastfeeding Class

Headquarters Branch Library A weekly class for those ages 0-2 in which participants will learn to chant, sing, play instruments and move to the music. Pre-registration required for groups of five or more. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.

Tue Dec 29, 2015

10:30am - 2pm Junior Rangers: Orienteering and Geocaching Mistletoe State Park Children ages 8-14 will learn navigational skills. $25; preregistration required. Call 706-541-0321 or visit gastateparks. org/mistletoe.

Wed Dec 30, 2015

10am Wacky Wednesday Story Time Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.

Thu Dec 31, 2015

11am Countdown to Noon Episcopal Day School Gym A New Year’s Eve celebration for kids ages 5-17 and their families that features a concert by Tara Scheyer. $5; 24DECEMBER2015

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tickets can be purchased at the door. Visit tarascheyer.com.

Ongoing

Youth Archery League Registration HO Weeks Center, Aiken For those ages 5-18, this 12-session class meets Wednesdays, January 6-March 23, from 6:30-8 p.m. Open to beginners and experienced participants, students will learn archery history, safety, technique, equipment, mental concentration and self-improvement. $11 per session; $20 fee at the time of enrollment for non-city residents. Call 803-642-7631 or 803648-7892, or visit cityofaikensc.gov.

Whole Foods A $5 wine tasting in which participants get five 3-ounce samples of featured wines. During this time Brandyn Burnette and Molly Moore will perform @The Turn. Call 762-3330259 or visit wholefoodsmarket.com.

Mon Dec 28, 2015

6pm, 7pm and 8pm “Season of Light” Dupont Planetarium Weather permitting, the observatory, housing the Bechtel Telescope, will be available for viewing after each show. $1-$5.50. Call 803641-3654 or visit rpsec.usca.edu.

Walton Winter Weekend

Thu Dec 31, 2015

Applications for Walton Foundation for Independence’s Winter Weekend Camp will be accepted until January 1, 2016. The camp, which will be held February 5-7 at Camp Twin Lakes in Rutledge, Ga., is for children ages 6-18 with physical disabilities and their families. Applications should include a $25 registration fee. For more information, call 706-826-5809 or visit waltonfoundation.net/winterweekend.

8pm - midnight New Year’s Eve Masque Le Chat Noir The theater’s annual winter fundraiser will include a champagne toast, midnight countdown, balloon drop with prizes, party favors, hors d’oeuvres, drink specials, music and dancing. Cocktail attire and masks required. $35, individual; $60, couple. Call 706-722-3322 or visit lcnaugusta.com.

Creek Freaks

Lights of the South

Phinizy Center A Georgia Adopt-a-Stream team of middle-and high-school students that meets regularly to monitor the health of Butler Creek. Call 706-796-7707 or visit naturalscienceacademy.org.

LITERARY Thu Dec 31, 2015

10am - noon Morning Book Club Maxwell Branch Library Discussion will be on “The Power of Habit” by Charles Duhigg. Call 706-793-2020 or visit ecgrl.org.

MUSIC Thu Dec 24, 2015

10:30pm Christmas Eve Concert with Lessons and Carols

Ongoing

633 Louisville Road, Grovetown Open 6-10 p.m. through December 30. Visit lightsofthesouth.com.

Christmas in Hopelands Hopelands Gardens, Aiken This walk-through exhibit features more than 1.5 miles of pathways lighted with holiday displays that include more than 100,000 lights. Each night features an outdoor concert or movie on the Roland H. Windham Performing Arts Stage. The exhibit is open from 6-9:30 p.m. December 13-23, December 26-27, with a shuttle service from Citizens Park provided from 5:45-9 p.m. Free, but donations accepted. Call 803-642-7631.

SPIRITUAL Thu Dec 24, 2015

Sacred Heart Cultural Center Part of the Concerts with a Cause series, this one benefiting the United Methodist Children’s Home and featuring the Saint John Choirs and orchestras. Call 706-7249641 or visit stjohnaugusta.org.

5:30pm Community Candlelight Celebration

Sat Dec 26, 2015

Ongoing

Jessye Norman School of the Arts Featuring classic live jazz and wines selected by the host. $7. Call 762-233-5299 or visit jazzsoiree.com.

Augusta Fencers Club Classes for children as young as six, as well as teens and adults, meet five nights a week. The next 10-week introductory course begins January 11 and is $180 with all competitive equipment provided. Call 706-722-8878.

7:30pm Soiree: Jazz + Wine

SPECIAL EVENTS Sat Dec 26, 2015

Evans Towne Center Park Hosted by Harvest Pointe Fellowship. Visit harvestpointefellowship.org.

SPORTS-OUTDOORS Fencing Classes

5pm - 8pm Soiree: Wine Not 22 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

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Guided Tours

Diabetes Youth Support Group

Phinizy Swamp Nature Park Call to schedule custom tours of the park for organizations, kids groups or private parties. Tours included hiking, bicycle or golf cart tours and more. Call 706-828-2109 or email info@phinizycenter.org.

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

Daily Canal Tours Augusta Canal Winter Season hours, through March, include Heritage Boat Tours at 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays. The Civil War boat tour is daily at 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $13.75 for adults and $11.75 for seniors, military and students. All tickets include admission to the Canal Discovery Center, which costs $6 for adults and $4 for seniors, military and students without a boat tour. Pre-registration encouraged. Call 706-8230440, ext. 4, or visit augustacanal.com.

Overeaters Anonymous Meets at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, at 7 p.m. Thursdays at Unity Church, and at Covenant Presbyterian Church at 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays. Call 706863-9534 or email oa.augusta.recovery@ gmail.com.

Adult Sexual Assault and Rape Support Group Provides group counseling at University Hospital for those who have experienced sexual assault, incest, rape or childhood sexual abuse. Call 706-724-5200 or visit universityhealth.org.

Alcoholics Anonymous

SUPPORT

Holds several meetings locally. For a current schedule, visit augustaaa.org/meetings.pdf.

Mon Dec 28, 2015

Narcotics Anonymous

University Hospital For those with any type of cancer. Call 706774-5946 or visit universityhealth.org.

Trinity Hospital of Augusta Meets Fridays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. Visit na.org.

6pm Multiple Sclerosis Support Group

Beyond the Bars

6pm Cancer Share

GR Medical Center, sixth ﬂoor Call 706-721-5219 or visit grhealth.org/classes.

Ongoing

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) GA, 110 Augusta St. Alban’s Episcopal Church fellowship hall The group meets Mondays, with weighin beginning at 5:15 p.m. and the meeting beginning at 6:30 p.m. Call 706-790-0391 or visit tops.org.

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Pine View Baptist Church The group meets Tuesdays, with weigh-in beginning at 4:45 p.m. and the meeting beginning at 5:15 p.m. Call 706-868-0539 or visit tops.org.

La Leche League A breastfeeding support group. For more information on meeting dates, times and locations, visit them on Facebook under La Leche League of Augusta or at lllaugusta. wordpress.com.

Celebrate Recovery Journey Community Church This Christ-centered recovery program meets every Monday night at 7 p.m. The meetings last two hours and childcare is provided. Pre-registration suggested. Visit cr@journeycommunity.net.

A support group for those with incarcerated loved ones. Call 706-855-8636.

Families Who Have Lost a Baby Support Group For more information, call 706-721-8299 or visit grhealth.org.

THEATER Ongoing

Quickies Short Play Festival 2016 Seeking Submissions Le Chat Noir is seeking original scripts by local authors that are shorts from 5-15 pages and one acts that are 15-30 pages. No monologues or scripts over 30 pages will be considered, but organizers are open to all styles and genres, including those with adult language and situations. The deadline for submission is December 31. Call 706722-3322 or visit lcnaugusta.com.

MARKETPLACE

VOLUNTEER Ongoing RSVP

Senior Citizens Council The Retired Volunteer Program (RSVP) is seeking those ages 55 and older who would like to work with disaster preparedness, school literacy, ushering and fundraising for nonproﬁts. Call 706-868-0120 or visit seniorcitizenscouncil.org. ALL CLASSIFIED ADS ARE

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$40 PER WEEK.

EMAIL JOE@THEMETROSPIRIT.COM OR CALL

(706)373-3636

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Just so you know, most drinking establishments in Augusta will be closed Christmas Eve but open Christmas night. Why? Because most people have had enough of their families shortly after the presents have been opened and the dinner consumed, and Santa just needs a break, okay? Friday night should prove to be a low-key affair, although a few places will have live music. Saturday night, however, will find everything back to normal.

Thursday, December 24 Live Music

The Willcox (Aiken) - Thursday Jazz

What’s Tonight? Coyotes - Karaoke

Friday, December 25 Live Music

Doubletree - MP4 Shannon’s - Mike and Walter Surrey Tavern - 824 Wild Wing - Annual Christmas Jam

What’s Tonight?

Chevy’s - DJ Nicky B Soul Bar - James Brown Tribute

Saturday, December 26 Live Music

Country Club - Phil Vaught Jessye Norman School of the Arts - Soiree Jazz + Wine Shannon’s - Perfect Picture Sky City - Scarlet Begonias, Black Dawg Stillwater Taproom - Jacob Beltz and Friends Surrey Tavern - 824 Wild Wing - Bad Cash The Willcox (Aiken) - Jon Vaughn

24 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

Whole Foods - @The Turn w/ Brandyn Burnette and Molly Moore

What’s Tonight?

Chevy’s - DJ Nicky B Helga’s Pub & Grille - Bluegrass Brunch (11 a.m.-3 p.m.); Trivia, nights Joe’s Underground - Comedy Show/Open Mic Night Laura’s Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Soul Bar - F.E.V.E.R. Vera Cruz Mexican Restaurant - Karaoke w/ Denny van Valkenburgh

Sunday, December 27 Live Music

Mellow Mushroom (Aiken) - Brunch w/ Mike Frost and Lauren Meccia Wild Wing - Prettier Than Matt The Willcox (Aiken) - Jon Vaughn

Somewhere in Augusta - World Tavern Poker Wild Wing - Trivia

Tuesday, December 29 Live Music

Joe’s Underground - Open Mic Surrey Tavern - The Moon and You The Willcox (Aiken) - Hal Shreck

What’s Tonight?

Bar West - Trivia The Cotton Patch - Trivia Limelite Cafe - Bottom’s Up Karaoke Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane Somewhere in Augusta - Big Prize Trivia; Poker for Fun

Wednesday, December 30 Live Music

What’s Tonight?

The Highlander - Open Mic Night Shannon’s - Shameless Dave Wild Wing - Sabo & Dave

Monday, December 28 Live Music

What’s Tonight?

Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane

Metro Coffeehouse & Pub - Blues Monday w/ Famous Last Words

What’s Tonight?

Joe’s Underground - Poker Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane

Bar West - Karaoke Chevy’s - Karaoke Cotton Patch - Trivia and Tunes The Loft - Karaoke Mi Rancho (Downtown) - Karaoke

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Mi Rancho (Washington Road) - Karaoke the Playground - Krazy Karaoke w/ Big Troy Polo tavern (Aiken) - Karaoke w/ Tom Mitchell somewhere in augusta - The Comedy Zone w/ Philly Plowden and Jack Warren stillwater taproom - Pub Quiz surrey tavern - Trivia w/ Christian and Mickey three Dollar Lounge - World Poker Tournament

Elsewhere

upcoming

- Variety Playhouse, Atlanta January 2

sibling string

- Stillwater Taproom December 31 Fantasia, Lyfe Jennings

- Bell Auditorium January 3 an Evening with scotty McCreery and Cassadee Pope

- Country Club January 14 Delia Mae

- Imperial Theatre January 15 tedeschi trucks Band

- Bell Auditorium January 19 Jucifer

- Sky City January 19 Brantley gilbert

- James Brown Arena February 4 The Fairfield Four and the McCrary Sisters

- Imperial Theatre February 12 R5

- Bell Auditorium February 16 Colonel Bruce Hampton

- Sky City February 20

Widespread Panic

- Fox Theatre, Atlanta December 29-31 gregg allman

- Symphony Hall, Atlanta December 30-31 the Revivalists

- Buckhead Theatre, Atlanta December 31 Delbert McClinton Indigo girls

- Terminal West, Atlanta January 3 Jackson Browne

- Johnny Mercer Theatre, Savannah January 14 Waka Flocka Flame

- Georgia Theatre, Athens January 15 grace Potter

- The Tabernacle, Atlanta January 16 Lamb of god, anthrax

- The Tabernacle, Atlanta January 19 Madonna

- Philips Arena, Atlanta January 20

REAL PEOPLE REAL DESIRE REAL FUN.

Reverend Horton Heat

- Terminal West, Atlanta January 21 Billy gibbons

- Variety Playhouse, Atlanta January 23 art garfunkel

Try FREE: 706-434-0108

More Local Numbers: 1-800-926-6000

- Buckhead Theatre, Atlanta January 29 Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

- Fox Theatre, Atlanta January 29

the Major Rager w/ umphrey’s Mcgee, the Revivalists, Earphunk and tauk

Ahora español Livelinks.com 18+

- Augusta Common April 7 Meet sexy new friends

David Feherty

- Bell Auditorium April 7

The Kenny George Band’s “Live at Sky City” to be released December 25 Last august, the Kenny George Band packed out Sky City on Broad Street for a live show during which they recorded material for their next album. A few months down the line, and “Live at Sky City” is finished and set to be released Friday, December 25. Guitarist and vocalist Scott Rankin said, “We’ve had an exciting past few months, including opening for Rascal Flatts and being asked by Lee Brice to come to Nashville in April to record.” The band — made up of Rankin, Kenny George on guitar and vocals, Bucky Brown on drums and vocals, C.M. Ely on pedal steel guitar, and Brooks Andrews on bass — was invited to join Rascal Flatts at the Rock ‘n’ Roll Savannah Marathon in November, where they kicked off three days of marathons, 5K and one-mile runs, and a host of music. Saying farewell to 2015 and hello to 2016 with the release of a new album certainly makes a statement. Featuring 10 tracks, “Live at Sky City” introduces fans to new tunes and revisits some old favorites. The first few, which include “Last Stop Birmingham” and “Gunshy,” kick off like an old friend; there’s something comfortable and familiar about the clean launches into loose vocals, tight drums and wide open pedal steel solos. Without appearing to pay attention to the road and guided by George’s no BS lyrics and effortlessly smooth vocals, “Live at Sky City” drives the audience straight into Americana and life on the road. The KGB digs deep into the vaults of traditional country with tracks like “Great Unknown (Loving on the Phone)” — a new tune — revealing a soulful, albeit up-tempo, honkytonk lament reminiscent of Hank Williams, Waylon Jennings and Alan Jackson. Which, frankly, tells you almost all you need to know about the rest of the live album. Polished, smooth and melodic, “Live at Sky City” not only highlights the band’s tight-knit live performances, but supports the theory that venues such as Sky City are viable recording spaces. The recording is immaculate, seamless and balanced. It was precisely the sound the band was looking for when planning on the recording. Anticipating the recording back in August, Kenny George said Sky City was the perfect venue for the band both because of the sound and the experience. “We really love playing Sky City,” he said. “Every time we’ve played there we’ve had a really good time and it’s really good sound.” Highlights of the album are hard to pinpoint, if only because so many of the tracks are simply easy on the ears, and the album progresses smoothly from one track to the next. However, a 24DECEMBER2015

FREE TRIAL

706-434-0112

By Molly Swift

couple of gems truly stand out from the rest. “Small Town Radio” and “Shouldn’t Let You Go” lead with Ely’s alluring steel pedal guitar, and ease the audience into tales of lost love and regret, punctuated by rhythmical drums and evocative, sweeping guitar solos. Yes; hip-swaying, foot-stomping and head-bobbing are likely to occur. “Live at Sky City” delivers almost everything desired from a live album: A flawless live performance of undeniable talent that transports the listener into the KGB’s reality of steamy Southern nights spent with friends and lovers. Yes, please. Though CDs will be limited, “Live at Sky City” will be available to buy online via iTunes, Amazon, Google Play and Spotify. Round off your New Year’s celebrations and catch the band at Southbound Smokehouse on Central Avenue next Friday, January 1, as they play an all-ages show featuring tracks from the new album.

AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

METROSPIRIT 25

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SIGHTINGS

Michael Johnson | mejphoto.photoreflect.com

Rob Simpson, Adam Wilson and Charity Lynn at SantaCon Augusta 2015 downtown.

Kate Lintel, Sean Murphy and Taylor Smith at Metro Coffeehouse & Pub during SantaCon Augusta 2015.

Thomas Neubauer, John Malmquist and Jamie Meredith at Flo’s during SantaCon Augusta 2015.

Brian Arthur and Tawnya Sharke with Roy and Kim Kitts at SantaCon Augusta 2015 downtown.

Gabriel Smith, Summer Bell, Shelby Nirk and TJ Johnston at SantaCon Augusta 2015 downtown.

Easton Bertelsen, Brandt Beasley, Justin Carter and Tony Locrotondo at the Loft during SantaCon Augusta 2015.

Lindsay Rampolla, Tara Hammond and Michelle Green at SantaCon Augusta 2015 downtown.

Paul Thompson, Caitlin Graybill, Suki Sidhu and Adam Lawless at SantaCon Augusta 2015 downtown.

Michael E Johnson with Jann and Ray Perkins at SantaCon Augusta 2015 downtown.

26 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

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BANDS TOGETHER By Tracy Gray and Andrea Carla Michaels / Edited by Will Shortz ACROSS 1 Plentiful 6 Pomeranian, e.g. 12 Slow musical movements 19 “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen,” e.g. 20 Available, as a London limo 21 A touch of class 22 Elevated sight in the Windy City 24 “Why didn’t I think of that?!” 25 Forward, as a letter 26 Quest for the unknown? 28 Aid for a flood-prone house 29 Itinerary abbr. 30 Some are 13-/14-Down 33 It’s for the birds 35 Key state geographically or electorally?: Abbr. 36 All the cars going the same way 42 Nominative or accusative 44 “Grand” name in the frozen-food aisle 45 “Eww, gross!” 46 Arch type 47 Fatty liquid 49 Brewery kiln 51 Twaddle 55 “Absolutely!” 58 “The King of Queens” co-star Remini 60 Job-related move, for short 61 Certain sorority member, informally 62 They’re seen spread on the back of a quarter 65 Title ship in a 1997 Spielberg movie 69 Former baseball boss Bud 71 Times when shops close 72 Kind of pie or doughnut 74 Public spat 76 Medium for cuneiform writing 77 Victoria’s home: Abbr. 78 Like child-safe cleaning products 83 Strong and unwavering 86 Cold War capital 87 Investor’s concern 88 Recipe amounts 89 Skyrocket 91 ____ Claire, Wis. 94 Org. in “The Martian” 95 Lark for a Halloween hooligan 101 Chemical suffix 102 ____ Mellark, Katniss Everdeen’s partner in “The Hunger Games”

103 Bar snacks 104 “Now the truth comes out!” 107 Home Depot competitor 110 Land on the Red Sea 113 A wink or a nod, maybe 115 Gift 117 What many Black Friday shoppers do at midnight 120 Newborns 121 “We’ve been approved!” 122 Deliverer’s assignment 123 Like Crimea, now 124 Sound-related 125 Time and time again DOWN 1 Capital of Ghana 2 Bill for cable TV 3 Early spring blooms 4 “Livin’ La Vida ____” 5 Lover of Sir Lancelot 6 John 7 Symbol of industry 8 “Wheel of Fortune” category 9 Ratchet (up) 10 Nee: Abbr. 11 No-name 12 Bosox division 13 & 14 Figs. in the war on drugs 15 It may be jaunty 16 Not taking sides 17 Peacock’s “eyes” 18 Northwest airport named for two cities 21 Big bankruptcy of 2001 23 Open spot in a woods 27 Something bound to sell? 31 Relieve (of) 32 Yelp 34 Show, with “out” 37 No de Cologne? 38 Dermatological sac 39 Sound of disapproval 40 Dating datum 41 Kind of wheel 42 Like the comment “Maybe, maybe not” 43 Order at McSorley’s 48 Silently acknowledge 50 Humiliates 51 Carrier inits. 52 Professors’ reading

53 Actress Kurylenko of “Quantum of Solace” 54 Fling 56 Travelmate in “On the Road” 57 Clunker 58 China’s Chou En-____ 59 Goads 62 American ____ 63 Chinese: Prefix 64 Pipsqueak 65 They may be taught with a song 66 Undergo ecdysis 67 Who said, “Aristotle is my friend — but my greatest friend is truth” 68 Apple Pencil, for one 70 Put away 73 Place to get stuck 75 Films 78 Spectacle 79 Lead role in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” 80 Solve by logic 81 Golfer Ernie 82 LeShan who wrote “It’s Better to Be Over the Hill Than Under It” 84 Typing test fig. 85 Pronto 86 Weigh (down) 89 Baked ____ 90 Traveling 92 Candy Crush Saga, for one 93 Czar’s decree 95 Singer/actress Lola 96 One of the majors 97 Favored at the 96-Down, say 98 “____ to you!” 99 Area code 801 resident 100 San ____, Argentina 105 Writer Bret 106 TV’s ____ twins 108 Start of a Mozart title 109 Classic record label for R&B and soul 111 Book that begins, “In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land” 112 He, in Italian 114 Slip 116 Sport-____ 118 ____ Fridays (restaurant chain) 119 Ad follower

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PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWERS M O N A S T E R I E S

R H E A S T C H A R L E S

P O L E V A U B L I T O

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M E S H

S I P P T Y O O A L M I S T I G L U L E E S R S

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A T R O T O N Y A T T O L E E R I A S S T L H O E E M T S E T P L O R I A U L D

R A M P A N C K Y E L M O P O

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O P E R N O R M P A O L O

I P S S A R E H M O W E R S S V E A D U P O N T E R S E A K T O S O R G E N O R O T I G H T M S H I B A E C A T R E A L E A L L Y B S Y E R M I W L I O N A G A G Y S T A

P E T N A M E D A N A

S E E N S A Y

H E R E A P E D H I N G C O Y G E O N D O L T O N D E L L E R L Y N E C C O Y O R S E M U S P S I T A T E A R X T R A I M U M E M O N B C T A O

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THE EIGHT

BOX TOPS The Chipmunks over Sisters? Really, people? RANK

TITLES

WEEKEND GROSS

TOTAL GROSS

WEEK #

LAST WEEK

STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS

$247,966,675

ALIVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS

$14,287,159

SISTERS

$13,922,855

THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY...

$5,892,683

$254,481,457

CREED

$5,013,055

$87,828,128

In Theaters December 25

WESTERN COMEDY COMEDY “The Hateful Eight,” rated R, starring Jennifer Jason “Joy,” rated PG-13, starring Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley “Daddy’s Home,” rated PG-13, starring Will Ferrell, Mark Leigh, Channing Tatum, Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell, Tim Roth, Michael Madsen, Bruce Dern. A bounty hunter is escorting a dangerous woman accused of murder to her judgment during a blizzard. This being a Quentin Tarantino-directed movie, we can guess that things will not go as planned for the duo. We also predict lots of red blood on the snow-covered landscape and a killer soundtrack. (Limited release)

Cooper, Robert De Niro. Just like Tarantino, director David O. Russell loves to use the same actors in his films. This time he reunites Lawrence, Cooper and De Niro from his “Silver Linings Playbook” for the story of a put-upon mother and daughter who, against all odds, founds a business dynasty based on her Miracle Mop invention.

Wahlberg, Linda Cardellini. Let’s face it: Will Ferrell’s radio exec and stepdad seems pretty wimpy, especially when compared to his wife’s ex, Mark Wahlberg. We may as well also face it that, while this one looks really dumb, it’ll probably rake in some cash based on Ferrell’s all-in performance. Confession: we laugh every time he hits the cheerleader in the head with the basketball.

ACTION ACTION DRAMA “Point Break,” rated PG-13, starring Luke Bracey, Edgar “The Revenant,” rated R, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom “Concussion,” rated PG-13, starring Will Smith, Luke Ramirez, Teresa Palmer. Why? Why remake a movie that was pure cheese to begin with — but cheese that featured inspired performances by Patrick Swayze, Keanu Reeves and Gary Busey — with a bunch of people no one’s ever heard of? Knock it off, Hollywood. The original may have been stupid, but it’s a classic. 28 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

Hardy, Domhnall Gleeson. DiCaprio plays explorer Hugh Glass who is abandoned by his hunting team after he’s mauled by a bear. Can he survive? It’d be a pretty short movie if he couldn’t. (Limited release)

Wilson, Alec Baldwin. Based on the true story of Dr. Bennet Omalu, the neuropathologist who first discovered football-related brain trauma and then became the NFL’s public enemy No. 1.

24DECEMBER2015

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Learning to Love the One You’re With If you’re down and confused And you don’t remember who you’re talking to Concentration slips away Because your (party) is so far away Well there’s a rose in a fisted glove And the eagle flies with the dove And if you can’t be with the one you love, (voters) Love the one you’re with — Stephen Stills “Love The One You’re With” Some in the Republican paRty say they have no idea how they got where they are. Many claim they do not know when they lost their party and, for that matter, where the great interloper we know as Donald Trump came from. I know it all. The party faithful, and the veteran politicians they have supported for years (some for decades), put us exactly where we are right now. In recent years the GOP took great solace, and sometimes rightfully so, at being the party of “no.” Saying no to a bad idea is always the right thing to do. But once you have successfully defeated a bad idea, you better have an alternative primed and ready to go, and that is where the GOP pooped right out. Obamacare, and all that has come with it is the greatest example of this phenomenon we have ever seen. Republicans rebuffed the concept of socialized medicine with a strong and affirmative hand when Bill Clinton was in office. You remember that speech he gave when he held up a mock “insurance card” and spoke vaguely of a plan that would solve all the problems that the healthcare system was causing the country? The plan back then, which was September of 1993 to be precise, was to have the First Lady head up the effort to get the overhaul in place, and the effort was actually dubbed “Hillarycare.” While no conservatives were considering a complete overhaul of the status quo, everyone with common sense acknowledged obvious problems with escalating costs, portability of insurance coverage, and the issue of “pre-existing conditions.” To say the initiative went over like a lead balloon would be generous. The issue is credited by many as the main inspiration for the great “Republican Revolution of 1994.” It was the November political bloodbath that not only gave us Newt Gingrich as the new Speaker of the House, but it also helped to create a new GOP surge in states like Georgia and South Carolina that continues to hold strong over 20 years later. But alas, all that surging, all that turnover, and even eight years of George W. Bush in the White House, and what great Republican alternatives did we see presented to the long-standing issues we had with the American healthcare system? Not DOODLY SQUAT. Nature abhors a vacuum, and looky-loo, as soon as President Obama was able to assure his people that the last vote was counted and his victory could not be threatened, he made changing the healthcare system his No. 1 priority. The sheer uncertainty of it all made the issue almost invisible on the campaign trail in 2008, at least as far as Obama’s team goes, but the moment he was shielded from the wrath of the voters, he was able to reveal his real ambitions. And just like we saw in 1993, the GOP had nothing. We can cite this exact same dynamic on the issue of tax reform. Conservatives have been clamoring for real change since the mid-‘80s, and the Republicans have delivered exactly nothing. The Dems have favored “more of the same” with escalating tax rates on the producers and achievers, all the while expanding the rolls of those

30 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

who collect great support from the federal government while paying virtually nothing, or very little, back into the system. Statistically we are at a tipping point with more of the population on the “free end” of that equation than the “business end” of it. And when that officially occurs, and we see it manifest at the polls in a way that further facilitates the political goals of that particular crowd, good frigging luck to the rest of us. If conservatives do not use 2016 as a point of debarkation, if they do not do something to aggressively put forth the specific ideas and initiatives that they believe will save the country from the liberal policies of our current president and his party, then we deserve far worse than Donald Trump as our nominee. As a lifelong Republican, there are many things I would have never predicted I would believe in or consider. But times have changed. As a party we have to stop behaving like cassette salesmen in the digital age. If Donald Trump is that guy, then so be it. I will take an eccentric, sometimes goofy conservative over a crazy liberal (Bernie Sanders) or a crooked liberal (Hillary Clinton) any day of the week. Trump ain’t perfect, but if he is the nominee, I am all in. If you are a real conservative, you better be too. The alternative is something too depressing to consider. auStin RhoDeS

The views expressed are the opinions of Austin Rhodes and do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher.

24DECEMBER2015