Augusta’s Independent Voice Since 1989 • Metrospirit.com
January 11, 2018
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Table of Contents
Augusta’s Independent Voice Since 1989 • Metrospirit.com
January 11, 2018 | V29 • N02
Fine Whine
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Generosity Will Forever Change Augusta
Jenny is Wright In The Mix Kris Fisher Whine Line Feature Lahore Express Metro Week What’s Up Calendar Nightlife The Eight Sightings
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Welcome to Stars and Stripes Fort Gordon
by The Insider
Last week was a very significant time in Augusta’s history. On Saturday evening, hundreds of people attended the opening night gala at the beautifully restored Miller Theater on Broad Street. The black-tie event featuring Tony award winner and television star Sutton Foster along with Symphony Orchestra Augusta was a huge success, and the public finally got to see for themselves how the $23 million capital campaign truly transformed the historic theater. People still remember when local businessman and philanthropist Peter Knox IV purchased the historic Miller Theater back in 2005 to try to save the historic structure. Augustans remember how the abandoned theater’s roof was literally about to cave in on itself and how most people viewed it as a complete money pit with no hope. But Knox couldn’t walk away from it.
Instead, he repaired the roof, removed the moldy carpet and seats and installed a proper ventilation system in the building. However, even after pumping money into the building, Knox couldn’t find anyone willing to step up to the plate and purchase the Miller. So, by 2008, Knox generously offered the historic theater to Symphony Orchestra Augusta. While the symphony was honored by the offer, it wasn’t until the fall of 2011 that the Board of Directors for Symphony Orchestra Augusta unanimously voted to accept the gifted building. The symphony’s board took a major risk, but it has definitely paid off. In 2011, a capital campaign was launched to save the 1,300-seat theater, and by June 2016, through generous donations from community and local foundations, coupled with
This time last year, I was approached with the opportunity to publish Stars and Stripes for Fort Gordon. For reasons beyond our control, the weekly publication has been distributed around Fort Gordon since February 2017, yet not on the base itself. We are proud to announce that beginning this week, Stars and Stripes Fort Gordon is now distributed on post. Stars and Stripes is a national publication focusing on issues relevant to activeduty as well as retired military, their families and anyone with an interest in the military. Fort Gordon’s impact on the Augusta area is massive. According to the Augusta Economic Development Authority, the workforce consists of nearly 16,000 military members and 7,100 civilians, with an economic impact of about $1.4 billion being spent in area real estate and businesses. For information on advertising in Stars and Stripes Fort Gordon, please contact Joe White at joewhiteaugusta@gmail.com or 706-373-3636. Joe White, Publisher
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The Insider > Continued from the previous page
more than $5 million in Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) funds and federal and state historic preservation tax credits, enough money was raised to break ground. The biggest driving force behind the restoration of the historic theater came from the dedication of the Board of Directors for the Miller, particularly the project chair, Levi Hill IV. Hill and the board did not give up. They took on the project and put it in the right hands: the Christman Company, to renovate and restore the building, and SMG, the management company, to run the theater. And the shows that have already been booked for 2018 look incredible. Just two days after the opening gala, Henry Rollins’ spoken-word performance came to the Miller, which will soon be followed by the band St. Paul and the Broken Bones on Friday, Jan. 12, and soul singer Lyfe Jennings on Saturday, Jan. 13. There are tickets available for shows throughout the year such as the D.L. Hughley Family and Friends Tour on Feb. 10; a concert by jazz pianist and singer Diana Krall on Feb. 16; a concert by legendary singer Ronnie Milsap on Feb. 17; and a show by “Weird Al” Yankovic on April 14. And, of course, locals are looking forward to an entire season of Symphony Orchestra Augusta at the Miller. All of this happened because Knox cared about the historic theater, generously saved it and donated the building to the symphony. Not everyone would do such a thing if they had the means. There are many Augustans that would simply save their money and let someone else deal with it. But Knox didn’t do that, and Augusta is better because of his actions. Last week, Knox took another step that will help boost this community. He generously donated $1 million to the Georgia Cancer Center at Augusta University to help address critical areas identified by the cancer 4 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
center’s future director. “Cancer is a great equalizer that can and has touched everyone’s lives,” Knox reportedly announced last week. “It is my hope that this gift will help the center’s future director continue putting the focus on finding new treatments and cures for this horrible disease right here in this community.” Knox said it is vital that this community helps make Augusta a destination for patient care and cancer research, not just for this area, but the entire Southeast. Augusta University President Dr. Brooks Keel expressed his deep gratitude for Knox’s gift. “The faculty and staff at the GCC are making a difference every day for people in Augusta, in Georgia and around the world,” Keel told Jagwire News. “If we are to achieve our ultimate goal — finding new cures and treatments for this disease — we need the support of our community.” Now, not everyone can donate $1 million to the cancer center. And not everyone can purchase a historic building and help save it from total disrepair. But everyone in Augusta can do something. Something to help improve our community and make it a much better place to live. Whether it is by donating your time and your talents, volunteering with local nonprofits or giving what you can to reputable local charities, everyone can do something. Knox did something when he didn’t have to do anything. And now, we are all much better off because he cared. Let’s all think about that as we begin 2018. Augusta can be even better, but it’s up to all of us.
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Jenny is Wright So In Love… With New York City by Jenny Wright
We spent last week in NYC with our kids. It was nothing short of incredible. The trip was carefully planned, because I tend to overanalyze such things, after too much research on where to stay, when to leave, what to see, and everything else. It was a surprise trip, given to them on Christmas morning. I lived in Manhattan almost 20 years ago for a brief and fun summer. It was an internship for American Express, down at the World Financial Center. I loved my job, and JENNY WRIGHT’S humorous observations on marriage, I loved the pace of the city. They offered me a permanent motherhood and living in position in the marketing department. As the story goes, Augusta have earned her a devoted following, both in print The Man won a bet and came to visit me, and the rest is and on Facebook. When she’s not spying on other parents in history. I moved South, got married, had kids, and never the carpool line at school, you’ll looked back. I don’t regret not taking the job, but a part of probably find her with either a camera, tennis racquet or wine my heart will always be in that city. glass in her hand. We’ve been fortunate enough to take our kids on a lot of fun trips, to a lot of fun places. They’ve never been to Disney, and I know some of you are freaking out right now, but they’ve never really asked. Neither of us went until we were older. I don’t feel like I was a suffering child without Disney. Our kids seem to be faring okay, as well. I’m sure we’ll get there eventually. Maybe not. If you’ve been paying attention, you know we have two theater kids. They love performing. They also love watching people perform. We took them to their first Broadway show, and because I’m me, I cried. I didn’t cry because the story was sad; I cried because I was sitting in a theater, in NYC, with my kids. Judge if you must. It was cold, y’all. Even the people who live in the city said it was brutal. Blizzardlike conditions swept through soon after our plane landed. The first full day we were there, it snowed all day. I’ve always said snow makes the cold bearable, but I’ve learned that’s only partly true. New York City is a beautiful place. Blanketed in freshly fallen snow, it’s magical. We bundled up and walked up to Central Park. The seals in the zoo have an outdoor habitat, and they were jumping out of the water. People were sledding. We took a million pictures. On our walk home, we passed through Rockefeller Center, still decked in full Christmas regalia. It hadn’t reached the brutal point, yet. Our excitement about being there probably helped. No one was allowed to leave the hotel room without minimum apparel requirements, which included long johns, two pairs of socks, a hat, gloves, and the coats we bought specifically for the trip. I went four days wearing no less than two pairs of pants. We took the subway downtown, to catch a quick glimpse of the 9/11 memorial. It was the coldest day, with the wind whipping and “feels like” temps below 0. My adorable husband told us we only had two blocks to walk, which was doable, so we walked from the subway station. I know my way around the city fairly well, and once I spotted the big, modern tower at One World Trade, I remarked that it seemed much farther than two blocks. He showed me the distance on the pretty, colorful little subway map he was using as a reference. He was surprised to learn that a subway map cannot, in fact, be used as a street map. It doesn’t include all the streets. Ahem. Mostly because it was temporary, we survived. The kids had a blast, and The Boy is determined to live there one day. He asked what I would think, if he just disappeared into the city, never to be seen again. He’d fit right in, but I’m not willing to let him go just yet. The Girl didn’t get to do as much shopping as she’d have liked. A return trip is in order. In the summer of ’98, my husband and I fell in love in NYC. Twenty years later, in the winter of ’18, our kids fell in love with NYC. Life has a lovely way of coming full circle. I’d prefer that circle not be covered in snow and ice, but I’d do it all again in a New York minute. 11JANUARY2018
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In The Mix Megan Collins (Metro’s Best Bartender 2017) Farmhaus Burger
All right, Megan ... how long have you been bartending? “As soon as I turned 21. I mean, literally the day after I turned 21, I was tending bar. It’s something that I had been interested in for a while.” What did you think when you found out you had won Metro’s Best Bartender? “It was really actually weird. It was shocking. I wasn’t expecting it whatsoever.” How has this prestigious award changed your life? “It was good bragging rights for a week. My friends DO announce me when we go out, like “Metro’s Best Bartender is in the house. On New Year’s Eve, they did it to me at Sky City!” What would you like to do when you “grow up”? “Well, I’m actually taking a break from cosmetology school right now, but I feel like I’ll always be behind the bar. But I am the third generation of hairdresser in my family. My grandmother was doing hair in the 40s and 50s using some medieval-looking stuff.”
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Kris Fisher Yesterday Once More by Kris Fisher
Facebook memories are the worst. One of my favorite traits is my ability to forget things. My life is a vicious cycle of embarrassing myself, then forgetting about it. Then comes Facebook memories. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve read KRIS FISHER is the midday host and program director for HD98.3 an old post that popped and an Augusta radio staple. He up on my memories and is a husband, father of three and lover of all things adventurous, thought “What the hell was as well as activities most people would have outgrown years ago. I thinking? And why would djkfish.com. I post that?!” The answer varies but, more often than not, there was alcohol involved. It’s a nice little reminder that the things we post will remain there to haunt us for years to come. However, Facebook memories are also the best. I just had one of the better Facebook memory days. As it turns out, this week marks my third year of writing columns for the Metro Spirit. I never thought it would last this long. In all honesty, I didn’t think of it as anything other than a creative outlet. I was out of radio for a year (which, by the way, this is my third
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year back on HD983, too!). I needed a creative outlet because I was driving my wife crazy. On the advice of Matt Stone, formerly of 95 Rock and the Metro Spirit, I called Joe White to see if he’d mind if I rambled on the pages of the Spirit. Without even questioning what I was going to write about, Joe graciously said “yes.” That began three years of me bragging about my kids, complaining about being unemployed, questioning Grovetown’s lack of wider roads, despite the traffic growing exponentially, and ranting about Georgia sports (which I promise not to do here, even though I had half a column already written about that damned game). My first column popped up on my memories this week and, true to form, my first column was about one of my kids. My daughter had written some assignment for her school and listed me as her hero. According to the words in my column, I was blown away. I still am. At 40 years old, I’m pretty much grown up now. But, somehow, I still don’t feel like it … mentally, anyway. My back, knees and hairline all are undoubtedly 40. However I still marvel at how my kids have survived this long under my care. But not
only have they survived, they’re thriving. They’re all little people with goals and opinions and interests and personalities … and sarcastic little attitudes. Like my Metro Spirit column, I never really thought about my kids growing up. I mean, I always knew that they would, and I try to teach them the things they’ll need to know as they get older. But now, it’s actually happening! My oldest could move out and join the Army in less than two years! Who let this happen? They’re all still supposed to be in elementary school calling me their hero. I don’t thank Facebook for much. But I definitely am thankful for that memory. It’s reminded me that, even though I wish they were, my babies aren’t exactly babies anymore. It’s also reminded me to value the times we have now, even though they drive me crazy quite often. In another three years, I’ll be looking back missing these days, as well.
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DELI IOUS
Tucked in the heart of South Carolina, you’ll find a city that’s equal parts urban and low-key. After enjoying brunch at a sidewalk café or picking up a pulled pork sandwich from a takeaway hutch, there’s still room in this thriving metropolis to enjoy our gracious charm and a rollicking good time. Start your trip at ExperienceColumbiaSC.com
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aware of his own step-daughter (serving as city clerk) was blatantly stealing $890,000 over 5 year period while he was their Mayor. He even hindered the subsequent investigation into the theft by blocking a forensic audit while now serving as a city councilman. Resign now Trudeau from your councilman seat!!!!! The the person who whined this: “Why doesn’t all of the American taxes payers, vote to have all people in Washington, limited to two terms...” well I will tell you why, it is because you typed “doesn’t”. Take a class if you need to but do not come back until you figure this out. Have a great day! Isn’t it clear now that everything Trump called fake news was in fact real and everything he said really happened was a lie?
WHINELINE@THEMETROSPIRIT.COM
Have something you want to get off your chest? Send your whines to whineline@themetrospirit.com. The Metro Spirit reserves the right to edit submitted whines for content, but we will otherwise print them pretty much exactly as you type them… spelling errors and all.
Governor Deal, a Republican, has been a bigger help to Augusta and send us more “bacon” from Atlanta than all the Democrats who have ever served in the local Legislative Delegation; including those now out of prison. 2018 prediction: Johnson Jolts! Taxpayers of Grovetown have to be totally blind or stupid not to think their former Mayor, Dennis Trudeau, was not
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The only way you can turn around Richmond County is to revamp the public school system and make it worth a young family’s while to send their children to those schools. Sexual assault is not just happening to women. It happened to my son who, even if I say so myself, is very handsome, athletic, mature, and not homosexual like this very powerfull married man had hoped. Unlike many victims my son 19, at 6’4 “ was easily able to protect himself. Watching the 2018 Golden Globes Awards. Ophra won an Award. She gave the most amazing speech, wich spoke directly to my family. When Ophra said something like, “To all powerfull men, YOUR TIME IS UP!” my son started cheering as if he was actually at the award show. He jumped up, winked at me and my wife, and walked to his room saying Ps...check out Ophra’s speech golden globe
speech.”I got to share this speech dad.” Coming back 12 minutes later he said “dad the speech was allready shared 17000 times.” Amazing! Then my wife cheered, OPHRA 2020!!!! I think the nation has a future again. In response to claims in Wolff ’s book, trump is touting his election to president as proof that he is a genius. The election of trump only proves that the American people have become too stupid to own and manage the wonderful system of government given to us by the founding fathers. The rhetoric spewed by the litte trump aide stevie miller on CNN, was reminiscent of what was being heard in Germany in the late 1920s and early 1930s. People that work for a living, please look at your take home pay last year, then before you go to the polls, look at your take home pay. Of course those of you who couldn’t find a good paying job under the previous administration, but have been hired recently with a decent salary, please vote accordingly. All you so called Christian African Americans name one thing your savior Obama did for your faith yet you would follow him to the ends of the earth. I tell you what he did, he lit the White House like a rainbow, got rid of prayer and commandments, praised criminals while condemning heroes and much much more. But he’s black so it’s cool. It’s kinda like how yal in the club on Saturday and church on Sunday
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res o t s d r o c e r d ly owne ything from t n e d n e p e d n I fer ever released f o a t s u g u A in newly o t l y n i v music e g f a o t s e r vin n e g l l ring a albums featu by Stacey Eidson | stacey@themetrospirit.com
Music lovers don’t have to buy vinyl records anymore. Ever since iPods and MP3 players first came onto the scene almost 20 years ago, music has become easily accessible, portable and seemingly endless. But there is something sacred about scouring through bins of vintage vinyl and fondly remembering when listening to music was a social experience. Sitting down and sharing an album with your friends that actually needed to be flipped over and appreciating the occasional crackle sound of a record being played gently by a needle is something that many people still cherish. Vinyl isn’t dead. In fact, it’s back with vengeance. Just last year, vinyl album sales in the United States hit a record high, with more than 14 million albums 12 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
being sold, according to Billboard magazine. And vinyl album sales were driven by an array of artists with more than 75 different titles each selling more than 20,000 copies last year. But rock music, by far, is still the most popular, accounting for 67 percent of all vinyl album sales in 2017. For vinyl record fans, the “British Invasion” is apparently still sweeping this country. According to Billboard, The Beatles had the top two selling vinyl LPs of the year with 72,000 copies of “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” being sold and 66,000 copies of “Abbey Road.” However, the soundtrack “Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Mix Vol. 1” was the third most popular album in 2017, with 62,000 copies
being sold. The resurgence of records is going strong and, fortunately, for local music lovers, they don’t have to drive to Athens or Atlanta to explore the world of vinyl. There are several locally owned record stores in Augusta that offer everything from original vinyl to new releases of all genres of music including rock, rhythm and blues, reggae, rap, funk, jazz, folk and blues. Some of these independently owned record stores have been around for almost 50 years, while others have just recently opened their doors. So, if you’re ready to put down your iPod and check out some vinyl, Augusta has a lot of options. 11JANUARY2018
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Pyramid Music Two locations: 822 Broad St., and 1647 Gordon Highway 706-733-0923
Retro Records 1036 Broad St. 706-426-7185 retrorecordscsra.com The new kid on the block in downtown Augusta is Retro Records on Broad Street that just opened its doors about two months ago. The store’s owners are a father-andson team that first opened a record store across the river in South Carolina before deciding to head to downtown Augusta. “We were just discussing it one night, and my dad had a huge collection of records and he said, ‘Man, it would be pretty cool to have an awesome record store around here.’ And, so we just decided to do it,” said Travis Hill, adding that his father, Calvin, grew up in Langley, S.C. “It was a spur-of-themoment kind of thing. We didn’t really think about it much, but we don’t regret it. From the very beginning, it has been awesome. We were in Carolina for about a year, and then we moved over here about seven weeks ago.” Travis Hill said he can’t believe the energy and enthusiasm of the customers throughout the downtown area. “Everybody in downtown Augusta has been super inviting and just really nice people,” Travis Hill said. “And there are people from all walks of life: young, old, both sides of the political spectrum, just everybody. It’s pretty cool.” Calvin Hill, who grew up in the 11JANUARY2018
1960s and 70s, said he has always enjoyed listening to all kinds of music, but he particularly likes Southern rock, including bands such as Foghat and Three Dog Night. “For me, it’s thrilling to see some of the older guys come in here and buy the vintage records that they used to have as teenagers,” Calvin Hill said. “To hear them talk about how awesome it feels to find something from their past that they’ve been searching for and haven’t seen for years, it makes us feel really good. We just enjoy helping people find the music they love.” And business has really picked up since moving across the river to Augusta, Travis Hill said. “There was a time right before Christmas where there wasn’t anywhere to walk in here. Every bin had somebody going through it. That’s what we wanted,” he said. “Where we were at in Carolina, we had a steady business, but it wasn’t anything like this. It is really popping down here.” On Friday nights, Retro Records has been packed with people checking out both old and new vinyl, CDs, cassettes and DVDs all while listening to music or playing arcade games upstairs in the store, Travis Hill said. “On First Friday, we had four bands come in and put on a free live show in the store,” Travis Hill said. “We have two more shows coming up, free of charge. We just clear some stuff out of the way and let the bands set up and play. The goal is, we just want people to come together for the love of music.”
You can’t talk about vinyl in Augusta without honoring the legacy of Pyramid Music. Since 1971, Pyramid Music has offered its customers everything from records to cassettes to CDs to posters and more. Owner Robert “Flash” Gordon knows the music industry and the Augusta market probably better than anyone in town. With his many entertainment connections, including close ties to the late “Godfather of Soul” James Brown, Gordon has dedicated his life to music. Over the years, he has worked in broadcasting, promotions and even served as the general manager of James Brown Arena. But Gordon also has achieved the seemingly impossible: He and his daughter, Noura Gordon, have kept
Pyramid Music thriving for more than four decades. While one store is located out on Gordon Highway, the other is in the heart of downtown Augusta, right across from the James Brown statue on Broad Street. “My dad’s passion for music started it all, and we have now been in business almost 50 years,” Noura Gordon said. “And my dad passed his passion for music down to me. I love absolutely all music. I don’t discriminate. I love it all. Music is the universal language.” Pyramid Music is known for offering everything from new releases to vintage vinyl, Noura Gordon said. However, when people in Augusta are looking for James Brown’s albums, they know to head to at least one of the Pyramid Music stores, she said. “First and foremost, people always look for James Brown here at the store because of my dad working with James Brown for all those years,” Noura Gordon said. “We are known for having a great catalogue of James Brown. And
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not just having one or two that you can pick from, but we have a variety that you can choose from.” Through the years, Pyramid Music has also enjoyed a loyal and steady customer base, but the Gordons would love to see more foot traffic in the downtown area. “With The Miller opening up and all the growth downtown, I would definitely hope it will bring some more youth downtown and get more young people thinking about opening up some new businesses and making downtown great,” Noura Gordon said. “But it has grown a lot over the years. There was a slow period downtown, but now, it is coming back around, and it is a beautiful thing.” As she finished checking inventory at the Gordon Highway location with her dad, Noura Gordon was preparing to head to the Broad Street store to get ready for the First Friday crowd. “Business is good,” she said. “We try to offer people what they want. And, let’s face it, we wouldn’t be here this long if we weren’t doing it right.”
music that was happening at the time, like The Beach Boys and all of that. But then The Beatles hit like a ton of bricks, and the whole British Invasion came along and, from there, it just got better and better.” By 1973, Weldon had his first job in the famous Cleveland record store, Record Rendezvous, which has been described as being the “cradle of rock ‘n’ roll.” Former Record Rendezvous owner Leo Mintz is said to have given the music a name and plotted the first rock ‘n’ roll concert with Cleveland disc jockey
Alan Freed. That record store is believed to be the basis for Cleveland getting the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. “There is a lot about that store in Cleveland’s history and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame,” Weldon said. “So that was my start. And I have worked on and off in record stores or with record distributors since 1973.” More than five years ago, Weldon and his wife, Mia, moved to Augusta and decided to open up Psychotronic, a record store on Broad Street just up from the Augusta Common and across the street from the James Brown Plaza. “Previous to being here, we had a store in Virginia, and way before that, we had one in Manhattan,” Michael Weldon said, adding that the original Psychotronic store was in the East Village, which has now become unrecognizable. “We had been in Virginia on the coast for about 12 years and, as nice as it was there, we wanted to move further South for better weather.” His wife had a friend from Delaware who had moved to Augusta and after visiting a few times, the Weldons decided to head to Georgia. “We ended up moving down here permanently and opened the store,” Michael Weldon said. “We specialize in original vinyl. If I have new vinyl in here, it’s a small amount. I do get original vinyl all the time, and I try to get first pressings when possible.” Psychotronic offers all different genres of music, with entire sections devoted to country, funk, world music, rhythm and blues, soundtracks, classic rock and jazz, Weldon said. “We pretty much have everything here,” Michael Weldon said, adding that the store also offers posters, comic books, jewelry, books and clothing. “While rock ‘n’ roll is the prime mover for vinyl, especially
Psychotronic 859 1/2 Broad St. 706-550-5774 psychotronic.com Growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, Michael Weldon was exposed to all kinds of different music, and he quickly became what he proudly calls a “music fanatic.” “I started buying records as soon as I was old enough to go to the store,” Weldon said, chuckling. “When I was a little kid, one of my first favorite bands was The Ventures. I loved The Ventures’ “Surfing” and “The Ventures in Space” albums. I liked all of the surf 14 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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around the holidays, it was interesting to me that we were selling a lot of albums by Bing Crosby, Dean Martin and more Frank Sinatra than usual. And, recently, the most exciting buy I made was a large collection of jazz. When you have good jazz, people will come far to buy it.” While Michael Weldon said he has a lot of loyal, local customers, Psychotronic also attracts visitors from all over the region. “We have people coming in from Atlanta, Athens and even further away,” he said. “In fact, we’ve had people coming in from the West Coast and New York, and they’ll say, ‘We can’t find this stuff where we are,’ or sometimes they’ll ask, ‘How do you manage to sell these things so low?’ Because, in some stores you are going to find prices similar to what you find online, but here at Psychotronic, I pretty much price them to sell.” Grantski Records 2126 Central Ave. 706-922-9777 grantskirecords.com Augustans might have seen Evan Grantski, owner of Grantski Records on Central Avenue, sitting behind a drum set, playing his heart out at several downtown venues including Sky City and the former Sector 7G. This native Augustan has played in a number of local bands including Dead End Sons, but in 2016, he decided it was time to open a local record store.
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“I was born and raised in Augusta, and I live just around the corner from the store here on Central,” Grantski said. “I chose Central because it’s a nice area, it’s affordable and it was easy to open up.” And it’s clear that Grantski has a deep appreciation of Augusta’s music history. In his record store, he has memorabilia from other former record stores throughout the Augusta area. “This was in the old Radioactive Records here in Augusta that used to be a few doors down. That was in their shop for a while,” Grantski said, pointing at a poster on the wall and then walking over to two bags hung on the other side of the store. “And this is an old Augusta Radio Company bag and a Home Folks (News & Record Shop) bag that I found and collected over the years. I have had a few people who’ve asked to buy these bags, but I just can’t part with them. They are pieces of Augusta’s history.” Grantski said his main goal with the store is to always offer music lovers a relaxed, laid-back environment to browse classic vinyl, as well as search for new releases, CDs, cassettes, music memorabilia and turntables. “I’ve always been interested in music. I’ve played in bands, and my parents were always music lovers and my older brother was a pretty good influence on me collecting music,” Grantski said. “I started collecting records maybe in late middle school and early high school. But I collected CDs way before then.” One of his favorite albums over the years has been The Mars Volta’s “Frances the Mute,” but Grantski said he has recently started listening to more jazz
than anything. “Right now, I’ve been listening to jazz artists like John Coltrane, Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock,” Grantski said. “But I listen to everything. For example, I’ve always been a big Incubus fan.” Grantski said the Central Avenue store has been a great location for his business. “We get a lot of medical students that come in here, so Central Avenue has been really good to us,” he said. “There’s constantly a lot of new shops and restaurants popping up.” Grantski Records gets a lot of support from customers of all ages, ranging from college students looking for regional recordings to jazz lovers looking for vintage vinyl. “We are really a jazz and metal record store, but we get everything in between there, too,” Grantski said. “Anything local or regional we always pick up on, like Athens bands and bands from Augusta. And we are an authorized Daptone Records retailer. What that means is, we are able to get any of the expensive color vinyl that they put out, so we stock up on everything Daptone like Charles Bradley and, of course, Sharon Jones.” For Grantski, he simply wants to help people find what they are looking for by providing the best customer service possible. “We are here to help, and we buy, sell and trade,” Grantski said. “If there is something I want and there is something they want, I have no problem with an even swap. To me, it’s an easy trade and everybody is happy.”
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Food Stuff
Lahore Express offers homemade tastes in Indian/Pakistani food
It won’t kick ya in the face by Amanda Main | amanda@themetrospirit.com
There’s a little place that people who drive down Washington Road probably have passed by hundreds of times and didn’t even realize it’s there. Modeled after Chinese take-out places, Lahore Express is an authentic Indian/Pakistani cuisine restaurant that also does a lot of catering. Coming from Martinez, you’ll go just past Applebee’s and turn left at the little road to take you into a shopping center. Once you drive in a little ways, Lahore Express will be on your right. It’s a little hard to notice at first, but 16 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
if you get to Shannon’s, you’ve gone too far in. The owner, Shakeel Khan, is a native of Pakistan whose family came to the states when he was in middle school. They ended up in Chicago, until Khan moved to Augusta to go to school at Augusta State University — his mother, who lives here as well, is Lahore’s main chef. “It’s home-cooked, mom’s food — that’s the feel that you get,” Khan said. “It’s very authentic flavors that you’ll get from our food. And she has trained me (to cook) as well, so now I am under her shadows.”
He said the recipes are the same as those he grew up eating. “Basically, it reminds me of home. And a lot of people come here from India and Pakistan,” he said. “And they’re like, for years, they haven’t found this home cooking since they left their countries. When they eat our food, they’re like, ‘Well, in 15 years or 20 years, this is the first time we have felt that way — that it’s authentic and it reminded us of home.’” Many people who are accustomed to eating American food seem to be afraid to try Indian food, because they expect the flavors to be hotter than what they’re used to. “The fear that I always see people having is that they automatically associate Indian food with extremely spicy food, and we’ve made a conscious effort of making sure that most of our dishes are not very spicy,” he said. “And they are surprised after they eat it; they’re like, ‘Well, we were completely surprised by how it was not that spicy; we expected it to be fire.’ And the interesting thing is that sometimes customers will come and they’ll be like, ‘Hey, it was awesome flavor, but can you kick it up a notch for us — can you make it a little more spicy?’ And we do that upon request, make it spicier. “What we use in most dishes is so well balanced, that people are surprised that it is an Indian food, and they expected it to be very potent and hit-you-on-the-face.” The food is heavily influenced by the Punjab region in Pakistan and India — an area that Khan says is famous for food. He noted that, like in America, the food in India and Pakistan is spicier the farther south you go, and it’s milder the farther north you go. “The Punjab region has been lucky enough to have a combination of both, because it’s right in the middle, so we have influences of spicy food and of mild food,” he said. “So that’s why we can implement both spicy and mild on our menu.” The menu might look a little foreign, with lots of words that aren’t native to English, but the staff can help you pick something out that you’ll love. Some of the most popular dishes
are the Chicken Biryani, the Lahori Chana Masala, and the Chicken Makani (butter chicken). In the Chicken Biryani (pronounced bree-AH-nee), you’ll get seasoned chicken steamed with basmati rice in a tomato-based sauce, along with a bunch of spices and a touch of cilantro. It comes out to be a beautiful dish, with a mix of yellow and orange colors throughout the rice. There is enough food to make into two meals or to share. Other dishes that are not ricebased will come with a side of cumin basmati rice. One of those dishes is Chicken Makani (the butter chicken). “Butter chicken basically is a very popular dish that got introduced around the Mughal Empire time,” Khan said. “So back then, they wanted something very rich, creamy sauce, so butter chicken was introduced as a dish that would give that need of richness. So it has a very rich, creamy sauce, along with chicken that is grilled. Once we grill the chicken, we mix it with our creamy sauce, which is a tomato-based sauce. It’s very popular; we do a lot of catering orders of butter chicken.” One of their most popular vegetarian dishes is the Lahori Chana Masala. “The Lahori Chana Masala is basically a very popular dish in the Lahore, Punjab, area of India and Pakistan,” Khan said. “Mostly in Pakistan because that’s the reason that’s called Lahore. This is slowcooked chickpeas seasoned with a very nice medley of spices, to a point where it brings harmony to the dish. It’s enjoyed usually with rice or with naan (an Indian flatbread). “A lot of people eat it in the morning in the Punjab region. And it’s one thing that I saw back home in Pakistan growing up, that people always looked forward to a weekend breakfast, on a weekend when they’re off from office, they would grab Lahori Chana Masala and eat that first thing in the morning.” Because of the made-to-order nature of the business, it’s easy to get a dish customized to your tastes. Many of the vegetarian options are vegan-friendly, but some of them are cooked with a yogurt — however, 11JANUARY2018
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Khan said that can be removed for anyone seeking a vegan meal. Lahore Express is open from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. Depending on the hour, customers can usually expect a 10- to 20-minute wait after placing their order. The food has become so popular with its regulars that there are a lot of requests to serve at lunchtime — and that might be a possibility in the future — but for now, the only way you can get it at lunchtime is through catering orders. “We do catering on a regular basis for anywhere from five to 10 people, all the way up to 500-600 people,” Khan said. He said the restaurant requests that people give at least 48 hours’ notice for a catering order. “We’re here to give a unique experience to customers, a unique Punjabi Indian and Pakistan experience,” Khan said. “It’s homecooked food, so we don’t use any preservatives. “It’s not gonna kick them on their faces,” he said with a laugh. “Hopefully not.” Lahore Express 201 Shartom Drive 4-9 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays (closed Mondays) 706-305-1104 Delivery through augustatogo.com
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It’s been nearly 50 years since the murder of civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and several events in the CSRA are commemorating his life this week in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. He is remembered every year in the United States on the third Monday in January around his birthday. He was born Jan. 15, 1929, so this year’s commemoration is even more special because the holiday falls exactly on his birthday. To read more about his life’s work, visit thekingcenter.org/about-dr-king. The following are some ways people in the area can remember and celebrate him: Thursday, Jan. 11 11am - 1pm Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Carrie Mays Community Life Center Call 706-821-1754 or visit augustaga.gov. Friday, Jan. 12 Noon - 2pm Annual Tri-College Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration Paine College’s Gilbert-Lambuth Memorial Chapel Call 706-721-6890 or visit augusta.edu. Saturday, Jan. 13 9am Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast 212 McLendon Drive, Washington Part of the 17th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, this breakfast costs $6 per person. Call 706-990-7067 or 706-990-9876, or visit washingtonwilkes.org. 11am Martin Luther King Jr. Parade Dyess Park Community Center Presented by the Augusta chapter of the NAACP and the city of Augusta, this year’s parade theme is Steadfast and Immovable. Line-up begins at 9 a.m., and the parade begins at 11 a.m. The parade will start at Dyess Park Community Center, go south on James Brown Boulevard, west onto Wrightsboro Road, north onto Augusta Avenue, east onto Laney Walker Boulevard, north onto 11th Street and east onto D’Antignac Street. Sunday, Jan. 14 3pm Martin Luther King Jr. Sunday Service 212 McLendon Drive, Washington This Sunday service is part of the 17th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration. Call 706-990-7067 or 706-990-9876, or visit washingtonwilkes.org. 18 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Monday, Jan. 15 7:30am Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Breakfast Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center, Oglethorpe Ballroom Keynote speaker for the Unity Breakfast is the Honorable Kellie Kenner McIntyre, a judge of the State Court of Richmond County. A community member or organization will be honored for having worked throughout the past year to make Dr. King’s dream a reality with the Bert T. Thomas Unity Award. The Lee N. Beard Humanitarian Award also will be given out. Proceeds from the breakfast will benefit the Phil H. Waring Education Foundation. $40 each, or $400 for a table. Call 706-722-0994 or visit alphachilambda1935. org. 1pm Martin Luther King Jr. Parade Highway 44/Robert Toombs Avenue, Washington This parade is part of the 17th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration. It lines up at noon at the old laundromat near the Wynn residence on Whitehall Street/Highway 44. It will head north on Highway 44, then turn east onto Robert Toombs Avenue. Call 706-990-7067 or 706-990-9876, or visit washingtonwilkes.org. Sunday, Jan. 21 2:30pm - 5pm Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration USCA Convocation Center Featuring keynote speaker South Carolina state Sen. Mia S. McLeod. Free and the open to the public. Visit facebook.com/events/1855084981469591. Ongoing I Have a Dream Contest Appleby Branch Library From Monday, Jan. 15, to Saturday, Jan. 20, teens ages 12-17 are invited to fill out the library’s “I Have a Dream” speech bubble to be entered for a chance to win a prize. Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org. If I Met Martin Luther King Jr. Appleby Branch Library Starting Sunday, Jan. 14, the library is inviting people to fill out a questionnaire about what they would do if they met Martin Luther King Jr. Turn it in by Saturday, Jan. 20, to be entered for a chance to win a prize. Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.
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What’s Up
Calendar: 20 | Music Listings: 26 If you have any questions, or would like to submit an event to our calendar, please email Amanda Main at amanda@themetrospirit.com.
ROYALTY… RIDING ABOVE DIRT? Skateboarding is often stereotyped as a guy’s sport, but a company based in Columbia, S.C., is defying that. Walk With Queens is a women-owned business that creates limitededition, laser-engraved skateboard decks featuring strong historical female figures, like Cleopatra, Lady Masai and Lady India. 4P Studios in Augusta will be displaying some Walk With Queens creations during the month of January, with a reception from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 12. The skateboard decks are really meant to be wall art — though someone could turn it into a ride-able board, it’s not recommended. Walk With Queens founder Reese Striker told skatingfashionista. com last year: “I love art, I love women, and I love history, and I wanted to do something that combined all three elements in a way that I felt like wasn’t exploitative.” Striker said both male and female artists work on the pieces. The company’s FAQ page says they draw inspiration by always having their “heads in a history book.” Because of the cost of laser engraving, each design is limited to 100 skateboard decks. Walk With Queens 4P Studios (Le Pavilion Shopping Center) 6pm - 8pm Fri Jan. 12 (on display through January) walkwithqueens.com 706-267-6724 or info@4pstudiosart.com
SATURDAY, JAN. 13
SUNDAY, JAN. 14
TUESDAY, JAN. 16
THURSDAY, JAN. 18
Even though we’ve had some frigid days in the Augusta area lately, we have yet to see a white covering on the ground around here... But that is about to change, with the annual Snowfest at Evans Towne Center Park this Saturday! From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the park will feature three snow slides, two snow fields, live music and much more. Getting in is free, but unlimited ride tickets are $10 in advance and $12 on Saturday. Call 706-854-8636 or visit columbiacountysnowfest.com.
If eatin’ vegan’s your thing, and you also love live, local music, you’ll want to check out Soulful Sunday: A Vegan Jazz Brunch this Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Humanitree House. You’ll get good eats and mimosas, as well as entertainment by Augusta’s own Karen Gordon & Friends. Cost is $10 for kids ages 3 to 7 and $20 for people ages 7 and up. With limited seating, tickets must be bought in advance. Visit eventbrite.com/e/soulful-sunday-a-veganjazz-brunch-tickets-41538335279 or call 762-233-5299.
The annual Hay Bales and Cocktails fundraiser is back at the Julian Smith Casino at 6:30 p.m. this Tuesday, benefiting the Golden Harvest Food Bank. The event features a wine and craft beer tasting, barbecue, mechanical bull riding, live music, line dancing and more. Tickets are $30 each, or buy one, get one half price. Call 706-922-3590, email ginger.gray@ fehrmaninvestmentgroup.com, or visit cityspintickets.com/e/hay-bales-andcocktails-2018.
We wish sexual assault weren’t a reality in the world, but as we’re all too aware, victims sadly are everywhere. Statistics at rainn.org report that every 98 seconds, another person in the United States is sexually assaulted. If you feel led to help fight back, Rape Crisis & Sexual Assault Services in Augusta is having a Sexual Assault Victim Advocate Training starting Thursday, Jan. 18, through Monday, Jan. 22. For more information, call 706-7742746, email volunteerrcsas@uh.org or visit rapecrisisaugusta.org.
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For more information on these events, see our calendar of events on page 20.
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Part I
Columbia County Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-8631946, ext. 4, or visit gchrl.org.
11:30am - 1:30pm Brown Bag History Series Lecture
Augusta Museum of History Featuring “An Overview of Business Development in the River Region” led by Augusta University Historian and Director for the Study of Georgia History Dr. Lee Ann Caldwell. Participants should bring their own lunch and the museum will provide beverages. A Q&A session at 1 p.m. follows the 12:30 p.m. lecture. Free, members; $3, nonmembers. Call 706-7228454 or visit augustamuseum.org.
6pm Tertulia: Spanish Conversation Group
Headquarters Branch Library A group for beginner to intermediate Spanish speakers. Call 317-695-4748 or visit arcpls.org.
Thu Jan 18
6pm Legal and Financial Planning for Dementia
The Lonesome River Band Imperial Theatre 7:30pm Fri Jan 12 $15-$40. Call 706-722-8341 or visit imperialtheatre.com.
Columbia County Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-8631946, ext. 4, or visit gchrl.org.
Ongoing
ARTS
DANCE
10am - 11:30am Jewelry Weaving Class
7pm - 9pm “Sleeping Beauty”
This program presented by Beth Williams offers tips to assist families with difficult conversations relating to dementia, including going to the doctor, deciding when to stop driving, and making legal and financial plans. Pre-registration required. Call 706-863-1946, ext. 4, or visit gchrl.org.
EDUCATION
3:30pm - 5pm Spanish for Beginners
Sat Jan 13
Harlem Arts Council Necklace/bracelet weaving with Ulrika Beck. $20. Make reservations at least 24 hours in advance. Minimum of two students required. Call 706-556-1984.
10:30am Photography Class
Harlem Arts Council Photography with Leena Dennison. $25. Make reservations at least 24 hours in advance. Call or text 813-455-5876.
Mon Jan 15
Thu Jan 11
Imperial Theatre A production of the State Ballet Theatre of Russia. $25-$55. Call 706-722-8341 or visit imperialtheatre.com.
Thu Jan 11
5:30pm - 7:30pm Gadget Help with Alex
Columbia County Library First come, first served. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
7pm Advanced Sign Language
Maxwell Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-7932020 or visit arcpls.org.
Mon Jan 15
3:30pm - 5pm Intermediate Spanish Class
Harlem Arts Council Oil painting with Minette Hatcher. $20 per class. Make reservations at least 24 hours in advance. Call 706-556-6656.
University Hospital This is an eight-week class. $50, tuition, plus $45, text. Pre-registration required. Call 706-738-2095 or visit universityhealth. org.
Friedman Branch Library An adult class for those who already know some Spanish, led by Edwin Perez of the Asociacion Cultural Hispanoamericana. Pre-registration required. Call 706-7366758 or visit elcervantino.org or arcpls.org.
Wed Jan 17
Fri Jan 12
5:30pm Beginner Spanish Class
Aiken Public Library A class for adults and teens that meets Wednesdays through March 28. Preregistration and purchase of your own materials required. Call 803-642-2020, ext. 1131, or visit abbe-lib.org.
Columbia County Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-8631946, ext. 4, or visit gchrl.org.
10am - noon Oil Painting Class
2pm - 5pm Acrylic and Oil Painting Sessions
10am Estate Planning and Elder Care
Friedman Branch Library An adult class led by Edwin Perez of the Asociacion Cultural Hispanoamericana. Pre-registration required. Call 706-7366758 or visit arcpls.org.
11:30am Dementia Conversations
Wed Jan 17
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10am Computer Boot Camp:
James Brown Family Historical Tour
Augusta Museum of History Available each Saturday at 11 a.m. and lasting approximately two hours, this bus tour includes Brown’s elementary school, his childhood home, his statue and more. $15 fee, includes admission to the museum, which houses the largest collection of James Brown memorabilia. Reservations 24 hours in advance required. Call 803-640-2090 or visit jamesbrownfamilyfdn.org.
Guided Tours
1797 Ezekiel Harris House Offered by appointment only MondayFriday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Last tours of the day begin at 4 p.m. Adults, $2; children, $1. Call 706-722-8454 or visit augustamuseum.org.
North Augusta Driving Tour
Arts and Heritage Center of North Augusta Offered by appointment and includes a 30-45-minute guided tour and admission to the center. Self-guided tours are also available through an iPhone downloadable audio tour or a Google Maps-based tour. Guided tours: $5, adults; $3, students K-12. Call 803-441-4380 or visit artsandheritagecenter.com.
Tours
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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.
1 Million Cups
theClubhou.se Held from 8-9 a.m. on the first Wednesday of every month is an opportunity for two early-stage start-ups to present their companies to an audience of mentors, advisors and other entrepreneurs. Each founder presents for six minutes, followed by a Q&A. Coffee and doughnuts are provided. To apply, visit 1millioncups.com/ augusta. Visit theclubhou.se or call 706723-5782.
ELSEWHERE Sat Jan 13
9am Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast
212 McLendon Drive, Washington Part of the 17th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, this breakfast costs $6 per person. Call 706-990-7067 or 706-9909876, or visit washingtonwilkes.org.
Sun Jan 14
3pm Martin Luther King Jr. Sunday Service
212 McLendon Drive, Washington This Sunday service is part of the 17th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration. Call 706-990-7067 or 706990-9876, or visit washingtonwilkes.org.
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Mon Jan 15
6pm - 8pm Exhibition Preview Party
Columbia Museum of Art Normally closed on Mondays, the museum will be open on Martin Luther King Jr. Day with free admission. Call 803-7992810 or visit columbiamuseum.org.
Morris Museum of Art Featuring “Alan Shuptrine: Appalachian Watercolors of the Serpentine Chain.” Lecture starts at 6 p.m., and the reception starts at 7. Free, members; $5, nonmembers. Reserve a spot by calling 706828-3867 or kara.exum@themorris.org.
1pm Martin Luther King Jr. Parade
6pm - 8pm Exhibitions Reception
11am - 5pm Free Admission to Museum
Highway 44/Robert Toombs Avenue, Washington This parade is part of the 17th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration. It lines up at noon at the old laundromat near the Wynn residence on Whitehall Street/Highway 44. It will head north on Highway 44, then turn east onto Robert Toombs Avenue. Call 706-990-7067 or 706-990-9876, or visit washingtonwilkes. org.
EXHIBITIONS Thu Jan 11
5pm - 7pm Exhibit Opening Reception
Sacred Heart Cultural Center Featuring works by Dr. Linda Hardy. The exhibition will remain on display through Feb. 23. Reception is free and open to the public. Call 706-826-4700 or email kimsacredheart@knology.net.
Fri Jan 12
6pm - 8pm Walk With Queens
4P Studios Walk With Queens is a women-owned, laser-engraved skateboard deck art company based out of Columbia, S.C. They make limited edition laser engraved skateboard decks designed by women, depicting strong historical women figures. 4P Studios will be displaying these creations during the month of January. Email info@4pstudiosart.com or call 706-2676724.
Thu Jan 18
Adults
Maxwell Branch Library Call 706-793-2020 or visit arcpls.org.
Tue Jan 16
5:30pm - 8pm Tuesday Night Movie Series Headquarters Branch Library Eclectic variety of films. Visit arcpls.org or call 706-821-2600.
Wed Jan 17
Order of St. Helena Episcopal Works including 2D, 3D and mixed media by 18 members of the North Augusta Artists Guild will be on view and for sale through April 13. The reception is free and open to the public. Visit osh.org or naartistsguild.org.
1pm “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks”
Ongoing
5pm - 7:45pm “Maze Runner” Book Club and Movie Night
Augusta Museum of History Includes the following: “The Godfather of Soul, Mr. James Brown; “Celebrating a Grand Tradition, the Sport of Golf ”; “Augusta’s Story”; “A Community That Heals”; “Into the Interior: A History of the Georgia Railroad and Banking Company”; “Local Legends”; “One Man, Two Ships: Lessons in History and Courage”; “A Quilt Journey”; and “Canteens to Combat Boots.” Call 706-722-8454 or visit augustamuseum.org.
SEEDS Exhibition
Westobou Gallery An exhibition of works in a variety of mediums from local and regional artists, all available for $300 or less. The exhibition will show through Feb. 2. Call 706-7552878 or visit westobou.org.
FLIX
Sat Jan 13
11am - 1:30pm Movie Time for Kids
Maxwell Branch Library A rated G or PG kid-friendly movie will show. Call 706-793-2020 or visit arcpls.org.
2pm - 4:30pm Movie Time for
AU’s Maxwell Theatre This free screening is part of AU’s Cinema Series. Also showing at 7 p.m. Jan. 17. Visit augusta.edu/maxwelltheatre or call 706737-1500.
Headquarters Branch Library Read the book before the event, and the movie will screen at the event, with discussion to follow. Call 706-821-2600. Visit arcpls.org.
Thu Jan 18
1pm - 3pm Cinema Series at Augusta University
AU’s Maxwell Theatre Free screening as part of the Cinema Series at Augusta University. Call 706-667-4100 or visit augusta.edu/maxwelltheatre/ schedule.
7pm - 9pm Cinema Series at Augusta University
AU’s Maxwell Theatre Free screening as part of the Cinema Series at Augusta University. Call 706-667-4100 or visit augusta.edu/maxwelltheatre/ schedule.
8:30pm - 11pm Movie Night
AU’s Maxwell Theatre Join The CREW for movie night; vote on Instagram (@aug_thecrew) for what movie you’d like to see. Free for AU students with JagCard; $5 for guests. Visit augusta.edu.
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Thu Jan 18
6:30pm - 8:30pm PWN AUG Chess Club Meeting
The Book Tavern A club open to all ages and skill levels that meets the first and third Thursdays of each month. Participants are encouraged to bring their own chess sets. Call 706-8261940 or visit booktavern.com.
Ongoing
Basic Genealogy Tutorials
Headquarters Branch Library’s Georgia Heritage Room Free sessions offered by appointment. Call 706-826-1511 or visit arcpls.org.
KIDS-TEENS Thu Jan 11
10:30am Create with Me: Explore the World of Jonathan Green
Morris Museum of Art Participants will view the exhibition “Jonathan Green: Selections from the Permanent Collection,” then create a Gullah-inspired painting. Free, members and parents; $4 per participant, nonmembers. Pre-registration required. Call 706-724-7501 or visit themorris.org.
Augusta Futurity James Brown Arena All day Sun Jan 14 - Sat Jan 20 $14.50-$35. Visit augustafuturity.com or call 706-823-3417.
HEALTH
Thu Jan 11
7pm - 8:30pm Babies, Bumps and Bruises
Doctors Hospital Pre-registration required. Call 706-6512229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.
7pm Women’s Center Tour
University Hospital Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706-774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.
Sat Jan 13
10:30am Childbirth Tour
AUHealth Call 706-721-2273 or visit augusta.edu.
Wed Jan 17
8am - 1pm My Cry in the Dark: Mental Health Summit IV
AU’s JSAC Ballroom This free mental health summit is hosted by the Augusta University Department of Kinesiology, in partnership with Augusta Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History Health Initiative. Lunch is provided. Call 706-731-7911 or email lhardy1@augusta.edu.
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1pm - 3pm Homeschool Adventure
Doctors Hospital A class for women in their first trimester of pregnancy. Pre-registration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.
awareness meditation at 9 a.m. the first Sunday of every month. Find more details at meetup.com, or email cynthiagray@ outlook.com.
Mistletoe State Park For homeschool students ages 5 and up. $5 per child, plus $5 parking. Pre-registration required. Call 706-541-0321 or visit gastateparks.org/mistletoe.
6:45pm Childbirth Tour
HOBBIES
4pm Job Applications for Teens
AUHealth Call 706-721-2273 or visit augusta.edu.
Mon Jan 15
All day Puzzle of the Week
University Hospital Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706-774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.
Appleby Branch Library Join the library each week for a new puzzle to solve. Turn in your completed puzzle and be entered to win a prize at the end of each month. Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.
6:30pm - 9:30pm Breastfeeding Class
6pm - 8pm Civil War Roundtable Meeting
Thu Jan 18
6pm Breastfeeding Class
Doctors Hospital Pre-registration required. Call 706-6512229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.
Ongoing
Meditation Sessions
The Yoga Center, North Augusta Led by members of the Southeastern Buddhist Community the first and second Wednesday of each month. Sessions are free and open to the public. Visit sebuddhist.org.
Augusta Meditation Meetup
Unity of Augusta sanctuary Licensed Professional Counselor Cynthia Gray leads this non-religious, breath-
Goodwill’s The Snelling Center John Sexton, former appraiser for PBS’ “Antiques Roadshow, presents on “How to Know What It’s Worth.” Meetings are $23, including dinner (buffet starts at 5:15). Membership is $25 per year, individual; $40, couple. Call 706-736-2909 or visit civilwarroundtableaugustaga.com.
Wed Jan 17
2pm - 4pm A Legacy Family Tree Webinar Headquarters Branch Library Learn about online access to genealogy. Pre-registration recommended. Call 706826-1511 or visit arcpls.org.
Maxwell Branch Library Tips on filling out a job application. Call 706-793-2020 or visit arcpls.org.
Fri Jan 12
10am - 12:30pm Story Time Fridays
Aiken Public Library Stories, songs and interactive activities. Story time for babies (0-23 months) begins at 10:15 a.m., toddlers (2-3 years) at 11 a.m. and preschoolers (4-5 years) at 11:45 a.m. Participants and caregivers are encouraged to participate. Call 803-6422023 or visit abbe-lib. org.
10:30am - noon Story Times
North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library Story time for those ages 0-2 begins at 10:30 a.m., and story time for those ages 3-6 begins at 11:15 a.m. Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.
12:30pm - 2pm Mr. Kenny’s Wondrous Stories, Songs and Play
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instruments and explore movement designed to help them develop both literary and cognitive skills. Parents or caregivers participate in the class through age 3. Preschool and kindergarten children may attend with, or without, a parent or caregiver. $10; pre-registration required. Call 706-828-7768 or visit jessyenormanschool.org.
6:30pm - 8pm Stuffed Animal Sleepover
Aiken Public Library Bring a favorite stuffed animal or doll for story time, games and hot chocolate — then, your fluffy friend will stay behind for a stuffed animal sleepover. Plan to pick up your friends between Jan. 15 and Jan.19. Recommended for ages 4-7. Registration was due by Jan. 8. Emailjennifera@abbelib.org or call 803-642-2020, ext. 1141.
Sat Jan 13
9:30am - 11am Children’s Hike with Story Time
Phinizy Swamp Nature Park Story time and nature hike designed for kids from toddler age to age 8. Preregistration required. Free, members; $2, nonmembers. Call 706-396-1428 or email info@phinizycenter.org.
10am - 2pm Mindset Shift Youth Workshop
University of Phoenix, Room 109 This workshop by Ace Ambition is aimed at young men ages 11 and up to help them develop a productive mindset to accomplish their goals. $12, advance; $15, general. Lunch is provided. Visit dominiquebond. com or call 706-631-9451.
10:30am - noon Beginners Chess
11JANUARY2018
for Kids
Headquarters Branch Library No registration required. Call 706-8212623 or visit augustachess.com or arcpls. org.
11am “Paddington” Story Time Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.
2pm Lego Club
Headquarters Branch Library Legos provided. Pre-registration recommended. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.
Mon Jan 15
10am - noon Junior Rangers: Winter Survival
Mistletoe State Park An event in which kids will learn ways to survive the harsh elements of winter, then create a special craft. Pre-registration required. $25; $5, parking. Call 706-5410321 or visit gastateparks.org/mistletoe.
10am Monday at the Museum: Integration
Augusta Museum of History This program for children ages 2-6 will include learning about Brown vs. the Board of Education and creating chalkboards. $2, members; $4, nonmembers. Preregistration required. Call 706-722-8454, email aschaffman@augustamuseum.org, or visit augustamuseum.org.
Tue Jan 16
10am All Ages Story Time
Headquarters Branch Library Join in for stories, songs and rhymes. Preregistration required for groups of six or more. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.
10am Big Kid Story Time
Headquarters Branch Library For those ages 3-6. Pre-registration recommended. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.
Wed Jan 17
10am Music and Movement
Headquarters Branch Library Music, songs, dance and rhymes for children. Groups of six or more require registration. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.
10am Story Time
Maxwell Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-7932020 or visit arcpls.org.
10am Story Time for Tots
Headquarters Branch Library For those ages 0-3. Pre-registration recommended. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.
10:05am Toddler Story Time
Appleby Branch Library This is a program best for children ages 18 months-3 years. Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.
10am Wacky Wednesday Story Time Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.
10:30am Preschool Story Time
Appleby Branch Library Songs, finger plays and stories for those ages 18 months to 3 years. Pre-registration required for groups of six or more. Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.
10:30am - noon Super Awesome Story Time
The Book Tavern Juice and cookies provided by New Moon Cafe. Call 706-826-1940 or email superawesomestorytime@booktavern.com.
11am - 12:30pm Homeschool Hub Book Club
North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library Homeschoolers of all ages are invited to read a fiction or non-fiction book of their choice and then share it with the group. An activity will follow, and participants are invited to bring a lunch. Call 803-2795767, ext. 1541, or visit abbe-lib.org.
Thu Jan 18
5pm Books, Movies & Music
Aiken Public Library This discussion group is for teens in grades 6-12, who are invited to discuss their favorite books and authors, movies and TV shows, and songs and bands. Snacks will be served. Call 803-642-2020 or visit abbe-lib. org.
6pm TAG Meeting
Headquarters Branch Library A teen event in which participants will help plan upcoming programs. Call 706-4342036 or visit arcpls.org.
7pm Teen Gaming Night
North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library Board games and PlayStation 3 provided for teens in 6th-12th grade; bringing games encouraged. Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Ongoing
I Have a Dream Contest
AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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or call 800-514-3849.
Wed Jan 17
7pm In This Moment
Miller Theater $37.50. Visit millertheateraugusta.com or call 800-514-3849.
Thu Jan 18
7:30pm American Portraits: The Dallas Brass Etherredge Center, Aiken $40, general; $15, USC Aiken students. Visit etherredge.usca.edu or call 803-6413305.
9pm Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
Sky City $35, advance; $40, day of show. 21+ with valid ID. Visit skycityaugusta.com.
Brown Bag History Series Lecture Augusta Museum of History 11:30am - 1:30pm Wed Jan 17 Featuring “An Overview of Business Development in the River Region” led by Augusta University Historian and Director for the Study of Georgia History Dr. Lee Ann Caldwell. Bring a lunch; the museum will provide drinks. A Q&A session at 1 p.m. follows the 12:30 p.m. lecture. Free, members; $3, nonmembers. Call 706-722-8454 or visit augustamuseum.org. Appleby Branch Library From Monday, Jan. 15, to Saturday, Jan. 20, teens ages 12-17 are invited to fill out the library’s “I Have a Dream” speech bubble to be entered for a chance to win a prize. Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.
The Shepard Project
Teen Scavenger Hunt
Aiken Public Library Follow clues and win a prize anytime from Jan. 1-31. Turn completed clue sheet in at the Circulation Desk for a small prize. Call 803-642-2020 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Metropolitan Community Church of Our Redeemer A teen hangout and safe space for LGBTQ+ teens, ages 14-17, and allies that meets the first and third Tuesday of each month from 5-8 p.m. The group is also looking for chaperones ages 25 and older and youth mentors 18-24 years old, who must pass a background check. Call 803-617-8352 or email shepardprojectaugusta@gmail.com.
LITERARY
After-School Program
Appleby Branch Library Running from Jan. 1 to March 31, get a log at the front desk and record your winter reading (five books or five hours). Turn in your complete reading log for a chance to win a reading prize — there’s one for kids, teens and adults. Participants can complete the program once per month. Call 706736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.
Smith-Hazel Recreation Center, Aiken A program for those ages 5-13 that includes homework help, games, snacks and more. It meets Monday-Friday from 2:30-5 p.m. and follows the Aiken County Public School calendar. $20 first child, then a $5 sibling discount. Call 803-642-7634.
Teen Tech Tutors
Aiken Public Library This program is for teens in grades 9-12 who love working with technology and who want volunteer hours. Ask for an application at the reference desk. Call 803642-2020, ext. 1131, or email mariec@ abbe-lib.org. 24 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Sat Jan 13
2pm - 3:30pm Book Signing
Aiken Public Library Featuring poet and rhythm storyteller Janice Wright, author of “They Came So Naturally: A Poetry Collection.” Call 803642-2020 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Ongoing
Winter Reading Program
Winter Reading Challenge
Aiken Public Library Pick up a reading challenge starting Dec. 27 and return it by March 31 to win a small prize and be entered in a drawing to win a $25 Books-A-Million gift card. Open to adults only. Call 803-642-2020, ext. 1131,
or visit abbe-lib.org.
MUSIC
Fri Jan 12
7:30pm Garth Newel Piano Quartet
AU’s Maxwell Theatre $40, general; $5, students; free, AU students, faculty and staff. Children must be at least 6 years old. Call 706-667-4100 or visit augusta.edu/maxwelltheatre.
7:30pm Not Fade Away: The Ultimate Buddy Holly Experience
Jabez S. Hardin Performing Arts Center Tribute to Buddy Holly performs. $39.50. Visit augustaamusements.com or call 706726-0366.
7:30pm St. Paul and the Broken Bones Miller Theater $33.50-$150. Visit millertheateraugusta. com or call 800-514-3849.
7:30pm The Lonesome River Band Imperial Theatre $15-$40. Call 706-722-8341 or visit imperialtheatre.com.
Sat Jan 13
8pm Lyfe Jennings
Miller Theater $35-$105. Visit millertheateraugusta.com
SPECIAL EVENTS Thu Jan 11
11am - 1pm Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Carrie Mays Community Life Center Call 706-821-1754 or visit augustaga.gov.
6pm - 8:30pm AAF Augusta Addy Award Party Nacho Mama’s This drop-off party for AAF Augusta Addy Awards is open to the public. Visit aafaugusta.com.
Fri Jan 12
Noon - 2pm Annual Tri-College Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration
Paine College’s Gilbert-Lambuth Memorial Chapel Call 706-721-6890 or visit augusta.edu.
Sat Jan 13
10am - 5pm Snowfest
Evans Towne Center Park An event featuring three snow slides, two snow fields, live music, concessions, arts and crafts, inflatables and carnival rides, and visits with favorite children’s characters. Free admission. Unlimited ride tickets: $10, advance; $12, day of event. Call 706-8548636 or visit columbiacountysnowfest.com.
11am Martin Luther King Jr. Parade
Dyess Park Community Center Presented by the Augusta chapter of the NAACP and the city of Augusta, this year’s parade theme is Steadfast and Immovable. Line-up begins at 9 a.m., and the parade begins at 11 a.m. The parade will start at Dyess Park Community Center, go south on James Brown Boulevard, west onto Wrightsboro Road, north onto Augusta Avenue, east onto Laney Walker Boulevard, north onto 11th Street and east onto 11JANUARY2018
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D’Antignac Street.
6pm “Magic Tree House: Space Mission” Dupont Planetarium, Aiken Weather permitting, the observatory, housing the Bechtel Telescope, will be available for viewing after each show. $2$6.50. Call 803-641-3654 or visit rpsec. usca.edu.
7pm “Dark Shadows”
Dupont Planetarium, Aiken Weather permitting, the observatory, housing the Bechtel Telescope, will be available for viewing after each show. A second showing at 8 p.m. Jan. 13. $2-$6.50. Call 803-641-3654 or visit rpsec.usca.edu.
Sun Jan 14
1pm - 3pm Soulful Sunday: A Vegan Jazz Brunch
Humanitree House Enjoy a vegan brunch and mimosas prepared by Humanitree House with music by Karen Gordon & Friends. $10-$20. Limited seating; no tickets sold at door. Visit eventbrite. com/e/soulful-sunday-avegan-jazz-brunch-tickets-41538335279 or call 762-233-5299.
Mon Jan 15
7:30am Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Breakfast
Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center, Oglethorpe Ballroom Keynote speaker for the Unity Breakfast is the Honorable Kellie Kenner McIntyre, a judge of the State Court of Richmond County. A community member or organization will be honored for having worked throughout the past year to make Dr. King’s dream a reality with the Bert T. Thomas Unity Award. The Lee N. Beard Humanitarian Award also will be given out. Proceeds from the breakfast will benefit the Phil H. Waring Education Foundation. $40 each, or $400 for a table. Call 706-7220994 or visit alphachilambda1935.org.
Tue Jan 16
6:30pm Hay Bales and Cocktails
Julian Smith Casino A benefit for the Golden Harvest Food Bank, this event features a wine and craft beer tasting, barbecue, mechanical bull riding, live music, line dancing and raffle. Tickets are $30 each, or buy one, get one half price. Call 706-922-3590, email ginger. gray@fehrmaninvestmentgroup.com, or visit cityspintickets.com/e/hay-bales-andcocktails-2018.
Ongoing
If I Met Martin Luther King Jr. Appleby Branch Library Starting Sunday, Jan. 14, the library is inviting people to fill out a questionnaire 11JANUARY2018
about what they would do if they met Martin Luther King Jr. Turn it in by Saturday, Jan. 20, to be entered for a chance to win a prize. Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.
I Have a Dream Contest
Jan. 20. For more information and a schedule of events, visit augustafuturity. com.
Ongoing
Augusta Sports Leagues
hall The group meets Mondays, with weigh-in beginning at 5:15 p.m. and the meeting beginning at 6:30 p.m. Call 706-790-0391 or visit tops.org.
This organization offers adult sports leagues and social events, including kickball, soccer, flag football, softball, basketball, indoor and sand volleyball, cornhole, dodgeball and more for coed and men’s leagues. For more information, visit augustasportsleagues.com or call 706-3090280.
TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly)
Old Medical College of Georgia The Academy of Richmond County Class of 1968 is having its 50th anniversary reunion June 9, 2018. Visit arcclassof68. com to learn more, and share the website with your out-of-town classmates. Email Hap Harris at hharris@sbbinsurance.com, Keith Henry at henryke@bellsouth.net, or Gail Evans Patty at gepatty@aol.com.
SUPPORT
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.
SPORTS-OUTDOORS
Headquarters Branch Library Socialize with and support others who are ages 50 and up with low vision or blindness. For more information or to register, call 706-724-6262. Sponsored by Walton Options.
Appleby Branch Library From Monday, Jan. 15, to Saturday, Jan. 20, teens ages 12-17 are invited to fill out the library’s “I Have a Dream” speech bubble to be entered for a chance to win a prize. Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.
ARC Class of 1968 50th Reunion
Thu Jan 11
5:30pm Fencers Club: Kids
Augusta Fencers Club This introductory class for kids (ages 6-9) runs for 10 weeks. $180; family and military discounts available. Visit augustafencersclub.com, email rvolk1@ comcast.net or call 706-722-8878.
Sat Jan 13
All day USEA “Aiken Opener” Horse Trials
Stable View Farms, Aiken This equestrian event is free for spectators. Call 484-356-3173 or visit stableviewfarm. com.
10am - noon Geocache and Nature Center
Mistletoe State Park Special caches will be hidden around the nature trails. $2, plus $5 parking. Preregistration required. Call 706-541-0321 or visit gastateparks.org/mistletoe.
7:30pm USC Aiken Extra Inning Bull Riding James Brown Arena $18-$25. Call 877-4AUGTIX or visit georgialinatix.com.
Sun Jan 14
All day USEA “Aiken Opener” Horse Trials
Stable View Farms, Aiken This equestrian event is free for spectators. Call 484-356-3173 or visit stableviewfarm. com.
All day Annual Augusta Futurity James Brown Arena $14.50-$35. Runs daily through Saturday,
Sat Jan 13
10am WIC Breastfeeding Support Group
Headquarters Branch Library Call 706-821-2600 or visit arcpls.org.
1pm - 3pm Looking Forward Group for Older Blind
Ongoing
Recovery International Mental Health Support Group
Unitarian Universalist Church of Augusta A weekly group that meets Wednesday from 6:30-8 p.m. Based on the work of Abraham Low, MD, RI offers its members a low cost method to regain and maintain their mental health by using mental health through will training. People who stick with the RI Method are able to live healthy, productive lives with lower levels of tension, anger, fear, anxiety, stress, compulsions, and other symptoms. Email marykahb@yahoo. com.
Georgia Carolina Toastmasters
Group empowers people to become more effective communicators and leaders. Meets weekly from noon-1 p.m. Wednesdays at Fat Man’s Cafe. Email jmcneill22@att.net or call 706-798-5515.
Grief Share Program
Aldersgate United Methodist Church This program is for people who have had a loved one pass away and need to share with others in the difficult journey. There is a $20 registration fee, with free child care and scholarships available. The group will meet Sunday evenings from Jan. 7 to April 1. Email showmanjj@comcast.net or call 706-830-8741.
TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) GA, 110 Augusta
St. Alban’s Episcopal Church fellowship
Pine View Baptist Church The group meets Tuesdays, with weigh-in beginning at 4:45 p.m. and the meeting beginning at 5:15 p.m. Call 706-481-0529 or visit tops.org.
La Leche League
Celebrate Recovery
Journey Community Church This Christ-centered recovery program meets every Monday night at 7 p.m. The meetings last two hours and childcare is provided. Pre-registration suggested. Visit cr@journeycommunity.net.
Write to Heal Creative Writing Program
Children’s Hospital of Georgia family resource library For patients, family members and caregivers, this program meets the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. Preregistration required. Call 706-721-5160 or email nawilliams@gru.edu.
Diabetes Youth Support Group Meets
Joe White Publisher joe@themetrospirit.com 706-373-3636 Amanda Main Arts Editor/Production Director amanda@themetrospirit.com Stacey Eidson Staff Writer stacey@themetrospirit.com Joshua Bailey Lead Designer joshua@themetrospirit.com Johnny Beckworth circulation manager jdbeckworth@gmail.com COVER DESIGN: KRUHU
quarterly. Call for more information. Call Contributors Jenny Wright, Austin Rhodes, 706-868-3241. Kris Fisher, Michael Johnson Tooner Chris Murray
Overeaters Anonymous Metro Spirit is a free newspaper published weekly on
Thursday, weeks a year. Editorial coverage includes local Meets at52St. Andrews Presbyterian issues and news, arts, entertainment, people, places and Church at political 7 events. Inat our7:30 paper p.m. appear on viewsTuesdays, from across the spectrum. p.m. Thursdaysandatsocial Unity Church, and at The views do not necessarily represent the views of the © Covenant Church 1:30 p.m. publisher. Presbyterian Visit us at metrospirit.com. 15 at House, LLC. Owner/Publisher: Joe White. Legal: Phillip Scott Hibbard. onReproduction Saturdays. Call 706-863-9534 or email or use without permission is prohibited. One oa.augusta.recovery@gmail.com. copy per person, please. Want to advertise in the Metro Spirit? Call or email Joe at 706.373.3636 joe@themetrospirit.com AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
METROSPIRIT 25
The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Sally’s - Drag Fabulous
Saturday, January 13 Live Music
The Backyard Tavern - Bill Goss Country Club - Juvenile Fox’s Lair - Dewayne Brock — The Lucky Bastards Miller Theater - Lyfe Jennings Shannon’s - Third Time Charmers Southbound Smokehouse - Phillip Lee Jr. Wild Wing - Interstate Exiles The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn World of Beer - Time Pirates
What’s Tonight?
Not Fade Away: The Ultimate Buddy Holly Experience Jabez S. Hardin Performing Arts Center 7:30pm Fri Jan 12 $39.50. Visit augustaamusements.com or call 706-726-0366.
Helga’s Pub & Grille - Trivia The Highlander - Karaoke Sally’s - Saturday Drag!
Sunday, January 14 Live Music
Capri Lounge - Vivian Valium & the Lounge Lizard Divas Wild Wing - Mike Reid Duo The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn
What’s Tonight?
Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ Mike Johnson
What’s Tonight?
Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane Wild Wing - Trivia World of Beer - Open Mic Night
Tuesday, January 16 Live Music
Fox’s Lair - Irish Music w/ Dr. John Fisher and the Undefeated Army Joe’s Underground - Open Mic The Willcox (Aiken) - Hal Shreck
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony Sky City 9pm Thu Jan 18 $35, advance; $40, day of show. 21+. Visit skycityaugusta.com. Thursday, January 11 Live Music
The Bee’s Knees - Concurrent Improvisations with Rob Foster & Travis Shaw Fox’s Lair - Open Mic Jam w/ Brandy Douglas and Thomas Langley Mellow Mushroom (downtown Augusta) Trey McLaughlin The Scene Nightclub - The EDM Takeover Soul Bar - Vilai Harrington & The Hamptones, Pony League, Mourning Dove Wild Wing - Brandon Reeves The Willcox (Aiken) - Thursday Night Jazz w/ 4 Cats in the Dog House
What’s Tonight?
Helga’s Pub & Grille - Trivia The Highlander - Butt Naked Trivia Imperial Theatre - “Sleeping Beauty” Joe’s Underground - Spoken Word w/ J. Martin-Moses Pizza Joint (Downtown) - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper Sally’s - Karaoke
26 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane
Friday, January 12 Live Music
What’s Tonight?
The Highlander - Game Night Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane World of Beer - Karaoke
Wednesday, January 17 Live Music Miller Theater - In This Moment Shannon’s - Hello Betty Band Wild Wing - Hooker Bros
Country Club - Scooter Brown Band Fox’s Lair - Hillary Thompson with Fenwick and the Backwoods Boys The Highlander - Bethany Davis Imperial Theatre - The Lonesome River Band Jabez S. Hardin Performing Arts Center - Not Fade Away (The Ultimate Buddy Holly Experience) Maxwell Theatre - Garth Newel Piano Quartet Miller Theater - St. Paul and the Broken Bones Shannon’s - Anybody’s Guess The Stables Restaurant (Aiken) - Keith Gregory Stillwater Taproom - Gaslight Street Surrey Tavern - Roshambeaux Wild Wing - Kindlin The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn World of Beer - Old Man Crazy
What’s Tonight?
What’s Tonight?
Brian Herrington
The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Bar West - Karaoke Capri Lounge - Way Back Wednesday Chevy’s - DJ Richie Rich Pizza Joint (Evans) - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper Polo Tavern (Aiken) - Karaoke w/ Tom Mitchell Sky City - Hip-Hop Night Southbound Smokehouse - Trivia Stillwater Taproom - Pub Quiz World of Beer - Trivia
- Southbound Smokehouse January 18V29|NO2 Troy Breslow
- Riverwatch Brewery January 18 Dewayne Brock and The Lucky Bastards
- The Highlander January 19 PITBOSS
- Country Club January 19 Gray Mayfield (Four Seasons Chamber Jazz)
- Unitarian Universalist Church of Augusta January 19 Atomic Road
- Shannon’s January 19 Josh Daniel/Mark Schimick and Friends Bluegrass Smash
- Stillwater Taproom January 19 Center Lane
- Wild Wing January 19 Beethoven’s Ninth
- Miller Theater January 20 Kenny George Band
- Country Club January 20 Perpetual Groove w/ The Orange Consant
- Sky City January 26 Sam Bush
- Imperial Theatre February 9 Kelsea Ballerini
- Bell Auditorium February 10 “Weird Al” Yankovic w/ Emo Philips
- Miller Theater February 10 Diana Krall
- Miller Theater February 16 Brantley Gilbert
- James Brown Arena February 16 Ronnie Milsap
- Miller Theater February 17 Blackberry Smoke
- Bell Auditorium February 22 Ed Turner and Number 9 w/ Symphony Orchestra Augusta
- Miller Theater March 2 and 3 Sister Hazel
- Country Club March 3 ETCP Springfest
- Evans Towne Center Park March 10 Daughtry
- Bell Auditorium March 13 Major Rager w/ George Clinton & Parlimaent-Funkadelic, The James Brown Band
- Augusta Common April 6 “Weird Al” Yankovic w/ Emo Philips
- Miller Theater April 14
Elsewhere
Neko Case, Mt. Joy
- Georgia Theatre, Athens January 19 They Might Be Giants
- Variety Playhouse, Atlanta January 20 Cracker
- 40 Watt Club, Athens January 20 Miranda Lambert, Brent Cobb, Jon Pardi
- Infinite Energy Center, Atlanta January 20 The Killers
- Infinite Energy Center, Atlanta January 21 Say Anything
Upcoming
- Hell at the Masquerade, Atlanta January 25 & 26
- Sky City January 18
- City Winery, Atlanta January 27
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony Sabo and Dave
- Wild Wing January 18
Don McLean Aimee Mann
- Variety Playhouse, Atlanta February 1 Tokio Hotel 11JANUARY2018
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- Heaven at the Masquerade, Atlanta February 2 Lana Del Rey, Kali Uchis
- Philips Arena, Atlanta February 5 Matisyahu
- Georgia Theatre, Athens February 8 Kid Rock
- Infinite Energy Center, Atlanta February 9 Blues Traveler, Los Colognes
- Variety Playhouse, Atlanta February 9 Sleigh Bells, Sunflower Bean
- 40 Watt Club, Athens February 10 Tyler, the Creator w/ Vince Staples, Taco
- Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta February 10 Mary J. Blige
- Fox Theatre, Atlanta February 13 Of Mice and Men w/ Blessthefall, Fire From The Gods, Cane Hill, Moscow
REAL PEOPLE REAL DESIRE REAL FUN.
- Heaven at the Masquerade, Atlanta February 21 Phillip Phillips
- Georgia Theatre, Athens February 22 - Variety Playhouse, Atlanta February 23 Pedro the Lion, Marie/Lepanto
Try FREE: 706-434-0108 More Local Numbers: 1-800-926-6000
- Terminal West, Atlanta February 22
Ahora español Livelinks.com 18+
George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic
- The Buckhead Theatre, Atlanta February 25 Flogging Molly
- Music Farm Columbia, Columbia March 1 Dropkick Murphys, Agnostic Front, Bim Skala Bim
- The Roxy Theatre, Atlanta March 7
Meet sexy new friends
FREE TRIAL
706-434-0112
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THE EIGHT
BOX TOPS RANK TITLES
WEEKEND GROSS TOTAL GROSS WEEK # LAST WEEK
1
JUMANJI 2
$37,233,653
$245,606,319
3
2
2
INSIDIOUS: THE LAST KEY
$29,581,355
$29,581,355
1
-
3
STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI
$23,728,944
$572,691,546
4
1
4
THE GREATEST SHOWMAN
$13,770,951
$76,875,323
3
4
5
PITCH PERFECT 3
$10,298,345
$86,055,435
3
3
In Theaters January 12
DRAMA ANIMATED “The Commuter,” rated PG-13, starring Liam “Paddington 2,” rated PG, starring Ben Neeson, Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson, Jonathan Banks and Sam Neill. Michael MacCauley (Liam Neeson) is sitting on his commute train going home, minding his own business, when an odd woman named Joanna (Vera Farmiga) sits across from him and offers him $100,000 to find a certain passenger before the train’s last stop. He hesitates and soon realizes that he’s in the middle of a deadly criminal conspiracy. But this plot should be easy for Neeson, having hunted down others before in the “Taken” movies.
11JANUARY2018
Whishaw, Hugh Grant and Hugh Bonneville. Paddington Bear is back in the States; this sequel was released back in November in the United Kingdom. We even didn’t bother seeing the first one, as it looked like a bore… but in case you’re interested, Paddington Bear ends up in jail in a mix-up involving a stolen pop-up book. Don’t worry, kids, it’s not as dry as the books always seemed to be — there’s some modernized rude humor, like Paddington sticking some electric toothbrushes up his nose for God knows what reason.
THRILLER “Proud Mary,” rated R, starring Taraji P.
Henson, Neal McDonough and Danny Glover. Taraji P. Henson (best known for “Empire” and “Hidden Figures”) plays a hitwoman working for a crime family when she comes across a young boy during a hit that goes awry. She develops a soft spot for the kid. This film’s directed by someone whose work isn’t super well-known in America, Iranian director Babak Najafi. “Proud Mary” doesn’t look like the same old movie we’ve seen a million times before, and it seems like the new release to see this weekend — unless you have kids, in which case the choice is unfortunately obvious. AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
METROSPIRIT 29
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SIGHTINGS
Michael Johnson | mejphoto.photoreflect.com
Danna Gay, Elizabeth Gay and Angle Dye at Habanero’s Mexican Grill
Carlisle Minus, Abby Roberson and Frannie Miracle at Wild Wing Cafe
Sheila O’Grady, Bill Norman and Gloria Cruse at the Jackson Browne concert at the Bell Auditorium
Angela Maskey, Martha Long, Julie Harison and Crystal Eskola at the Miller Theater’s Opening Night Gala
Ann Owens, Betty Jones and Mary Shattuck at the Miller Theater’s Opening Night Gala
Roger and Barbara Mahannah with Robin and Brian Brazier at the Jackson Browne concert at the Bell Auditorium
John Spears, Sally McCarty with JoAnn and Phil Langelier at the Jackson Browne concert at the Bell Auditorium
Emily, Jennifer and Taylor Montgomery at the Jackson Browne concert at the Bell Auditorium
Bob and Donna Heider with Ceira Kitchings and Jeff Heider at the Jackson Browne concert at the Bell Auditorium
30 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
11JANUARY2018
stackable bracelets
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