Metro Spirit - 05.04.17 by Metro Spirit

Table of Contents May 4, 2017

Whine Line 4 Kris Fisher 6 Insider 8 Feature 10 Cuisine Scene Metro Week Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Up Calendar Nightlife NYT Crossword Sightings The Eight

15 16 17 18 24 26 27 28

Pg. 10 EDIT

CREATIVE

Amy Christian

Joshua Bailey

Joe White

amy@themetrospirit.com

joshua@themetrospirit.com

joe@themetrospirit.com 706-373-3636

Arts Editor/Production Director

Lead Designer

Stacey Eidson Molly Swift Staff Writer

molly@themetrospirit.com

Contributors Jenny Wright, Austin Rhodes, Kris Fisher, Michael Johnson, Tyler Strong

Publisher

Johnny Beckworth

Staff Writer

stacey@themetrospirit.com

BUSINESS

SALES

circulation manager

jdbeckworth@gmail.com

Joe White Publisher

joe@themetrospirit.com 706-373-3636

Rachael Foss Account Executive

rachael@themetrospirit.com 706-910-3461

COVER DESIGN: Kruhu

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.ÂŠ 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

OPINION

Kris Fisher: 6

The Whine Line

Would someone PLEASE resynchronate the lights on Green St.?

Why are underwear advertisements openly displayed , even with CHILDREN in underwear and now our local lawmakers want to make sagging pants a crime? What a bunch of dumbies Augusta Commissioners are! The pants thing is dumb on both sides but it is not indecent exposure. There are many more important things to address. Trump is an idiot. As long as people such as Austin Rhodes continue to blindly support this idiot nothing will change. The emperor has no clothes, and it is time these dyed in the wool Republicans own up to it. I did not say conservatives, I am a conservative and I recognize and ADMIT TO an idiot when I see one. It’s time all intelligent Americans admit that Trump was/is a huge mistake for this country. I just discovered a very effective drug-free cure for insomnia. It is called “There It Is” with host Deke Copenhaver. Unfortunately, it air from 9am to noon instead of 9pm to midnight. Can we now focus on love ? We have world championed hate allready. Lets do something challenging like love. When the enemy talks about you, you tend to wanna listen. It takes some practice to break that habbit. So I am calling on everybody. Stop talking about that Austin Rodhes guy. If you hear him on the radio, change the channel. Characters like him are like a cancer to the CSRA. Raise you right arm and repeat after me.. “ I, ( state your name), do solemly swear,......that I will keep my dignity, ...... and selfrespect,....and never waste time nor energy,...by speaking, listening, wtiting, respinsing or thingking.....the name, or anything to do with the cancer Austin Rodhes. And if God doesnt help, I will go to the devil. Congratulations ! The left hand turn on west bound Washington Road in front of National Hill is just plain dumb. It turns into a dead end. GADOT can you ﬁx this? To the whiner that is worried about AU and the Snoop Dog ﬁasco...isn’t this what we condone as a country now? Not sure who you voted for in the last presidential election but when our very own president is a sexual predator, what do you expect? This behavior is ok just as long as it’s not a dooby smoking former black pimp? What a joke this country is now. And we thought we had come such a loooong way since Bill & Monica. We were mistaken. So sick of the mindless robotic drivel...

Ok...one more time, please limit your cry baby, whines to 3 sentences only. Please, Thank You and Have a nice day. What is it with athletes trying to make “fashion statements”? Gold chains everywhere...glasses without glass in them...wearing no socks with pants half way up their calves...giant fedora-style hats...wristwatches as big as dinner plates...etc. And did you see the worst offender of them all Cam Newton - and his wardrobe get-up at Coachella? These aren’t fashion statements, they’re narcissistic train wrecks! Peace out. Our American values of equality and fairness in education will leak away as education is privatized. Corporations will be running our schools using public money through a voucher system with an eye ONLY towards MONEY. Once we are completely dependent upon this system, the vouchers will be reduced and we working class families will not be able to afford to send our children to “good schools”. THEN, we are back in the same old separate but equal BULLshit. Separate is not equal when money is thrown at money! This is what happens when business runs our government. This is what happens when the people sit down and allow money to be thrown at money! The business elite (the true title for the radical right GOP) ARE NOT populist. They simply exploit the populist frame to get to us--because they know that we will vote our identities of being “hard working Americans”. But as soon as they are in office, they enact policies to make it almost impossible to get ahead, with their unethical business practices, legalized extortion, and let’s let business “do what the hell they want to the elderly and to poor people” attitude. Just think about how the fee schedules at banks work. You get “rewarded” with “minimum balance” fees while they get more money thrown at them. You might say that this is how capalism works but THAT is exactly the type of thinking that only beneﬁts THEM. When you apply this logic to the legal system--don’t even let me get started on that! Ask yourself--why is it considered “ok” in our society to put additional burden on people who don’t have it to give? We live in an alternate reality where we think that business has heart. Even the president said in an interview that being the president is so much harder because you have to make decisions that AFFECT PEOPLE. WHAT? The president thinks that you do not have to have heart to run a business! WHAT? Heart should be in government (a given) and ALSO in business. With that being said, EDUCATION IS A RIGHT for our children. We work hard just like they do but they will not hesitate to rob our children to get more money to send THEIR children to University. Don’t ever fall for the voucher system. Don’t make it even easier for them to rape our public school system of the already small slice of pie that it receives. Our children will not get an education at all if it is left up to the radical right.

So Jefferson County just hired a new county admistrator with zero experience in government management. They really should check out where that got Columbia County. One day you’re a state trooper and the next your managing a rapidly growing county. Mexico, friend or foe? Considering we now are approaching 1 trillion dollars ($987 billion to be exact) in accumulative merchandise trade deficit since NAFTA was signed by old Bill Clinton they are definitely a foe. Ross Perot was right, that large sucking sound really was American jobs and money heading for the Mexican border. The double whammy in this trade deal was Mexico illegally dumping millions of its citizens into the United States. Maybe we can balance our trade deficit with Mecico by deporting Mexican illegal aliens back to homeland. I’m at wit’s end with the Establishment in August, GA. basically, at every level from Business to Health Care Services and Educational Ethics... I focused most my endeavors on City services once everything I cherished was taken, stolen and thrown away. in particular Racial Justice and Inclusion/ Diversity opportunity. So, in retrospect I’ve decided to take up the cause of the weakest link or unheard voices of Augusta, Ga. I’ve always seek to improve it’s fundamental Humanities whenever possible to assure We The People voices are taken into account. This city has also continually dropped the ball when it comes to budgeting for our Family and Community as a whole and/or for the Longevity of LIFE e.g. mentoring real leadership. The city Council and Commissioners blatantly skip over being accountable and responsible to the citizens and their constituents. They have NO Integrity, it’s non-existent. Stop pretending to be have Christian values... It’s great that firefighters are raising money for the burn foundation but I wonder how many know that all the money isn’t going to them. One firefighter sure didn’t know and the banner on the truck only list the burn foundation.

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.

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tough Customer kris Fisher Like most peopLe, I value good customer service. I was reminded of this the other night. I was buying tape for my daughter. Duct tape, to be exact. My daughter has this way of going, “Hey I need XYZ for a school project. Yes, I do need it by tomorrow.” Anyway, I’m in one of those stores with “Dollar” in the name. I quickly find the tape and notice a “25 percent discount — taken at register” sticker by the price. Score! But, when I mentioned it at the register, the guy behind the register called over the manager, telling her about the discount. As she rounded the counter, I heard her say, “that’s highly unlikely.” I didn’t just happen to hear this. She said it loud enough that I would hear it. I offered to show her the sticker if she didn’t believe me. In my head, I could see myself telling them that they could keep their tape or, better yet, where they could stick that tape and that I was taking my money elsewhere. But, this place was super close to my house and I was far too lazy to drive anywhere else. She did apply the discount, after all. I was just really surprised to hear the comment. I’m not one of those “customers are always right” kind of people. Some people tend to take advantage of that. In fact, if the manager had told me that I misunderstood the discount or whatever, I’d gladly have accepted that. But I do think that if you don’t like dealing with customers, you shouldn’t be in customer service. There are plenty of jobs where you don’t have to deal with the general public. Trust me, I get it. I deal with the public every day. I have to sound happy every day of my life, no matter what my mood may be: grouchy, depressed, mad, sad or whatever. I still have to sound like I’m really excited to be hearing Justin Bieber for the sixth time today. There are plenty of days where I feel like not turning the mic on at all. But since I’m on the subject of customer service, I wanted to take a chance to say “thank you” to the staff at Zaxby’s on Columbia Road. It’s a delayed thank you, but a thank you nonetheless. Months ago, I stopped in with my kids after my son’s basketball game to get a late dinner on the way home. It wasn’t until after we ordered that I noticed that we walked in just a minute or two before they closed. For food service industry workers: we were “those” people. I apologized profusely to no avail. They assured me that we were fine and they were more than happy to serve us, even cheerily chatting us up as they swept and mopped, never once trying to rush us out so they could close and get home. My kids still talk about how nice they were. When we left that night, I told myself that I’d write their manager and tell them how great their staff was to us that night. I never did, so this is my sort of open letter… unless I get “Whine-Lined” and “Zaxby’s” turns into “(name redacted).” KRIS FISHER is the midday host and program director for HD98.3 and an Augusta radio staple. He is a husband, father of three and lover of all things adventurous, as well as activities most people would have outgrown years ago. djkfish.com.

4MAY2017

Windsor Moms Rock! You MaY have noticed a lot of painted rocks decorating public spaces in Augusta recently. Heck, you may have even painted and hid some yourself. Well, now Windsor Fine Jewelers is getting in on the act and just in time for Mother’s Day. “This promotion is designed for kids to express their love in a meaningful way,” said Windsor’s Shane Thompson. “A way to give Mom something special that they wouldn’t normally be able to.” Here’s how it works: The folks from Windsor have hidden nine rocks in parks from North Augusta to Evans. And don’t worry: You’ll know if you’ve found a Windsor stone! Searching begins this Saturday morning, May 6, at sunrise and, when you find a rock, visit windsormom.com and follow the instructions. The lucky winners, ages 12 and under, can then bring a parent in to Windsor Jewelers to pick a Mother’s Day present from nine different items. As the week progresses, if certain stones aren’t found, Windsor will start giving hints at windsormom.com. So, start searching for your chance to win, Augusta! Winners must be under 12 to turn the stone in. No purchase necessary.

Start Here. Go Anywhere. No SAT or ACT Required Financial Aid and Scholarships Available No Miliary Obligation to Attend Ask about the new Bachelor of Applied Science degree We Accept Students with a GED

Apply for Fall 1 Quarter by June 24th deadline! 115 Davis Rd Martinez, GA (706) 993-1123 Admissions Questions? Email musry@gmc.edu Or visit www.gmc.edu

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NeWs

Frustration Behind the Wheel: 10

Lark Jones Was a Good Neighbor to Augusta After more thAN 32 yeArs of public service to North Augusta, of which 20 of those years he served as mayor, Lark Jones has earned a very heartfelt thanks from the entire Augusta area. Jones has honorably served North Augusta. Many say that Jones is North Augusta because he has such pride and love for the city. And folks absolutely adore him there. But for those longtime residents of the city of Augusta, they also always knew they had a friend in Lark Jones. While some of our neighbors in surrounding municipalities love to poke fun at the controversies that pop up in the Garden City, Jones was never that kind of leader. He respected Augusta’s differences and always wished the city well. Even when some of Augusta’s past leadership didn’t always return the favor. One particular instance comes to mind when Augusta Mayor Bob Young was in office. Several years back, Augusta was experiencing an increase of rats running along the Riverwalk, which, needless to say, was less than inviting to our guests staying at hotels along the Savannah River. The city of Augusta was having to treat the Riverwalk in order to rid the Garden City of these nuisances.

8 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

When a Metro Spirit reporter asked then-Augusta Mayor Bob Young about the increase in river rats, Young responded by saying that “the rats are coming from the North Augusta side.” While North Augusta was busy developing its beautiful riverfront homes at the time and there was a lot of construction going on across the river, Young’s statement was less than flattering to our friends across the river. When the Metro Spirit asked Jones about Young’s comment, he couldn’t help but politely ask, “Did he really say that?” It was one of those moments that the reporter knew exactly what Jones was thinking, but Jones was smart and bit his tongue. He paused and took a few seconds to consider his response. Jones didn’t slam Young. He didn’t make some off-the-cuff joke about “the real rats rule Augusta.” He just simply said, “I’m not going to respond to that comment.” That kind of leadership shows the respect that he had for his position as mayor of North Augusta. A few years later, Jones had another opportunity to make fun of the city Augusta in 2003 when then-City Administrator

George Kolb announced a proposal that surrounding municipalities should help fund a proposed $89 million civic arena. At the time, two local business leaders and tenants of the Augusta-Richmond County Civic Center — William S. Morris III, chairman of the Augusta Futurity and the National Barrel Horse Association, and Frank Lawrence, the owner of Augusta’s arena football team at the time — commissioned a feasibility study to determine whether the CSRA could afford to build a new, 12,000-seat arena off River Watch Parkway. According to the study’s research team, led by ScheerGame Sports Development out of Jacksonville, Fla., Augusta was recommended to get a little help from its nearby friends. “Our public neighbors — Columbia County, North Augusta, the City of Aiken and Aiken County — will be asked to participate, not only spiritually, but more importantly financially to make this a true, regional development,” Kolb announced in 2003. Kolb said that, with the support of the neighboring municipalities, the new civic arena would become a reality. The only problem was, this proposal was news to the neighboring municipalities at the time. Then-State Rep. Ben Harbin of Martinez was in complete disbelief when he heard about the proposal. In fact, Harbin said it was a good thing that he wasn’t at Kolb’s presentation at the time because he “might not have been able to contain” himself. “When I read in the paper that $15 million or $20 million was coming from Columbia County, I just laughed out loud,” Harbin told the Metro Spirit in 2003. That $15 million figure simply appeared to fall from the sky, Harbin said. “I started asking around and I couldn’t find anybody in Columbia County that knew why the people planning the arena had put that figure in there or where it came from or who they got approval from to put it in there, if anybody,” Harbin said. “If you are going to include us in the presentation and ask for $15 million, you’d think we’d get an invite to the meeting. I don’t think anybody knew about it.” Columbia County Commission Chairman Ron Cross was equally blunt at the time of the 2003 proposal. “Those pushing the arena are trying awful hard to tie this into a downtown revitalization for Augusta,” Cross told

the Metro Spirit in 2003. “And, of course, very few people in Columbia County are going to have much interest in revitalizing downtown Augusta.” However, when North Augusta Mayor Lark Jones was asked about the proposal, he tried to be diplomatic, but honest. “I did hear a couple of weeks ago that apparently somebody had checked into it and found that it would not be legal for us to give Augusta money without the state Legislature getting involved to pass some sort of authority between both states,” Jones said, adding that he didn’t mind discussing the project with Augusta, but didn’t think it was going to be feasible. “There would be a control issue. If you put money into something, you want to have some element of control. And how much control should you have if you only put in 5 percent of the money?” Jones said North Augusta would have a hard time simply providing money for a “cooperative effort” without any real control. “When you build something, you build it to help the whole community without asking them for anything in return,” Jones said. Now, several years later, North Augusta is actually the one stepping up to the plate. Ever since Project Jackson was proposed along the Savannah River in North Augusta back in 2012, there has been a great deal of interest in the future of the multi-use development next to the Hammond’s Ferry neighborhood. Project Jackson is far from just the future home of the Augusta GreenJackets. The estimated $180 million project is expected to include not only a baseball park, but a proposed hotel and conference center, restaurants, retail shops, luxury residential units and an office building. Project Jackson could be a major game changer for North Augusta, as well as downtown Augusta. Originally, the GreenJackets had hoped to call North Augusta home by the 2015 season. However, due to a few setbacks, the North Augusta ballpark will likely not be ready until the 2018 season or later. But, from the very beginning of the project, Jeff Eiseman, an owner in the GreenJackets along with Chris Schoen, were great partners in the project, Jones told the Metro Spirit last year. However, Jones said he was always mindful of the fact that he didn’t want to step on Augusta’s toes while negotiating the new ballpark. 4MAY2017

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“When I was first approached by Jeff Eiseman and someone asked, ‘Would North Augusta be willing to consider this?’ The team was still talking about the stadium being built at the former location of Augusta’s Golf and Gardens,” Jones said. “And I told Jeff, ‘I am not going to talk with you or negotiate with you until Deke Copenhaver lets me know things have changed for the city or you’ve let Augusta know that you have changed your mind.’” Who does that anymore? A politician who actually respects another municipality and its political leaders enough not to try to steal a major economic development project away from them? Lark Jones, that’s who. The two cities have always been good neighbors and Jones said he never wanted to hurt that relationship. “I’m not going to go behind Augusta’s back and stab them in the back. That is not the kind of neighbor North Augusta wants to be,” Jones said. “We want downtown Augusta, which is several hundred yards away from North Augusta, to be very successful. And people from North Augusta frequent downtown Augusta quite regularly... So I wouldn’t talk about the ballpark in North Augusta until I knew the negotiations had ended in Augusta.” If Project Jackson is successful, the development is expected to positively feed into downtown North Augusta, Jones said. “And, hopefully, downtown North Augusta will get some more restaurants and retail. After all, that’s what happened in Greenville, S.C.,” Jones said. “So, we are hoping to have a venue where someone in this area — not just in North Augusta, but in this entire area — on a Friday or Saturday night might say, ‘What do you want to do?’ And someone else says, ‘Why don’t we ride over to North Augusta and see what is happening down on the riverfront.’”

The next thing you know, there will be more visitors dining, shopping and taking a nice stroll along the river in both North Augusta and downtown Augusta, Jones said. “We have a wonderful river, but we don’t have a riverfront with restaurants and retail. And with the Riverwalk in Augusta, it doesn’t work that way because of the levee on the river. The levee blocks everything,” Jones said. “So this will be a great new addition along the Savannah River that I think will help promote both cities in the future.” That’s the kind of leadership this entire Augusta area really needs.

Columbia County residents are dealing with daily traffic jams and road construction delays all across the county By Stacey Eidson Sitting in traffic on Hardy McManus Road with dozens of cars ahead of her, Lori Andrews has decided to make her daily commute from her Evans home to the medical district in downtown Augusta less aggravating. With her car window rolled down, a deep voice can be heard asking, “How would you say to a close friend, ‘I would like to go with you?’” There is a brief pause and then the voice answers, “Me gustaria ir contigo.” “Yes, I’m trying to brush up on my Spanish,” Andrews said, laughing. “Some of the people who come to our office only speak Spanish and it’s been 10 years since I took it in college, so I decided to start listening to lessons in the car.” Andrews, 33, said it beats getting aggravated with the congested traffic that she runs into each morning after dropping her kids off at school and heading down Hardy McManus to Furys Ferry Road, then over to River Watch Parkway. “A few years ago, it would take me about 25 to 30 10 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

minutes to get to work,” Andrews said. “Now it takes me about that long just to get onto Furys Ferry Road. It was getting to the point that I was completely stressed out before I even walked into work, so that’s when I decided I needed to leave a lot earlier each morning and find a distraction. Otherwise, I was going to lose my mind.” Steve Cassell, division director of Engineering Services in Columbia County, said he completely understands residents’ frustrations with traffic delays due to road construction projects and the heavy volume of vehicles on the roadways. “Our peak times are very peaked. That’s when the frustration sets in and I understand that,” Cassell said. “I get frustrated being stuck in traffic, too, and I know how it works.” The traffic delays occur because there are a number of road projects going on throughout the county on various main arteries such as River Watch Parkway and Washington Road, along with an increase in the volume of traffic in areas such as North Belair, Furys

“Our peak times are very peaked.” — Steve Cassell Ferry, Hardy McManus and Columbia roads. “It is unfortunate, especially here in the Evans area, that we have so much that is impacting traffic right now,” Cassell said. “We have the River Watch project, which they are trying to complete. We also have the Washington Road project going on now. Those are two main arteries, so we are trying to get better coordination between the two.” The $35 million extension of River Watch Parkway in Columbia County by the Georgia Department of Transportation began near the beginning of 2014 and was scheduled to be completed this week. However, 27APRIL2017

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“We’ve had a lot of people using Washington Road to avoid Furys Ferry Road. And then we’ve had a lot of people using Columbia Road to avoid Washington Road because it was getting congested.” — Steve Cassell the project is running behind schedule. GDOT said the project experienced a number of weather delays due to heavy rains during the first part of the year. There is also a $29 million road widening project on Washington Road between Gibbs Road and William Few Parkway that is tying up traffic, Cassell said. The project, which began in September 2014, will eventually provide two travel lanes in each direction, along with a center turn lane, on this 2.9-mile stretch of Washington Road. There will also be bike lanes and sidewalks on both sides of

the road. “In order to reduce some of the impact with the Washington Road project, we have done some changes to the traffic control plan and it has helped the flow there,” Cassell said. “It’s not perfect. I’m not saying it is not congested, but I watch it, I measure it and I’ve seen an improvement. It is flowing a lot better than it was two or three months ago.” Active management of the traffic signals can make all the difference during peak hours, Cassel said. “The staff has really picked it up and I think the construction people are appreciating the fact that we need to keep everyone mobile,” Cassell said, adding that the county is working with GDOT to make sure that lane closures are truly necessary throughout the week and not just part of a scheduled plan. “It all impacts each other because we’ve had a lot of people using Washington Road to avoid Furys Ferry Road. And then we’ve had a lot of people using Columbia Road to avoid Washington Road because it was getting congested. So I am hoping that will start to balance out and sort of stabilize a little bit pretty soon.” Another major traffic concern in Columbia County is the Grovetown exit off I-20 at the Lewiston Road and William Few Parkway corridor. Construction at that exit frequently causes traffic to back up onto the interstate. Currently, the GDOT is working on an $8.28 million concrete pavement replacement project along I-20 from mile 194 to mile 172. Over the past several months, crews have been shutting down the right hand westbound lane around Exit 194 and carry the closure two miles downstream during each phase, the GDOT stated. The official completion date for the entire project is scheduled for Aug. 31. “There are some things dealing with maintenance on I-20 by GDOT that is just necessary. I mean, the slabs out there on I-20 were bad. As bad as it is now, it could be worse if they have a failure,” Cassell said. “These projects are very necessary. GDOT wouldn’t be doing it if they didn’t need to. They are not sitting there saying, ‘How can we shut down that area?’ That’s not what they do.” But when traffic backs up on an interstate and some motorists are speeding well above 70 mph, it can be a dangerous combination. Just last month, 23-year-old Fort Gordon soldier Alexander Earles died in a multiple-car crash near the Grovetown exit on I-20 westbound. Crews had to close I-20 westbound for several hours from the Belair Road exit to Lewiston Road. According to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, Earles was behind two other vehicles in the westbound lane on I-20 and was completely stopped due to road construction. A fast-moving pick-up truck with a trailer slammed into Earles’ stopped vehicle. Earles’ car was crushed to half of its original size and he died at the scene. Over the next several months, the county will be working with the GDOT to improve access onto the Grovetown exit and reduce the number of vehicles backed up on the interstate, Cassell said. “There are some issues out there. There is no denying that,” Cassell said. “Because it is such an issue right now, we met with GDOT to come up with an agreement to allow us to do some interim improvements over there and they have been very supportive of it.” The goal of the short-term improvements is to allow better access onto the exit ramp while construction continues in the area, he said. “We are actually in the process of getting the approval from GDOT to go ahead and add an extra lane by using the shoulder coming off the ramp as a right turn

“They are not sitting there saying, ‘How can we shut down that area?’ That’s not what they do.” — Steve Cassell 4MAY2017

AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

METROSPIRIT 11

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“We do what we can to improve the traffic ﬂow and get rid of the bottlenecks. And people understand once they see the progress. Of course, they get frustrated with road construction at times, but at least we have a solution in the works.” — Steve Cassell

12 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

4MAY2017

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lane,” Cassell said. “We will also do some minor widening along Lewiston to help lane utilization out there.” Within the next two years, Cassell said a major $25 million road widening project is also scheduled to begin at the Lewiston Road interchange from I-20 to Columbia Road. The 2.5-mile project will be funded through the Transportation Investment Act (TIA) of 2010. “That will be the widening to five lanes and that includes the famous diverging diamond interchange,” Cassell said. A diverging diamond interchange, also known as a double crossover diamond, is an interchange that crosses traffic to the opposite side of the road across an interchange so vehicles have unimpeded movement onto the freeway ramps, according to the GDOT. Therefore, left turns, which are a typical challenge with standard four-way interchanges, are eliminated with a diverging diamond interchange. “By the end of year, hopefully we will be buying right of ways in that area,” Cassell said. “However, that is going to be about a year-and-a-half to a two-year process to get it to where we can start construction within 2019. But I want to get it going as early in 2019 as we can because we are under the statutory deadline to get it under construction by December 2019 to meet the purposes of the TIA program.” Once completed, Cassell believes this road project will significantly improve the traffic flow at the Grovetown exit. “A lot of traffic is shifting over there because there is so much going on around the Belair Road and Jimmie Dyess Parkway area,” Cassell said. “So what you are finding in the evenings is a lot of back up on I-20 coming off that interchange. And it has a lot of peak traffic because that is pretty much one of the few arterials in that area that goes to Fort Gordon.” But 2019 is still a ways off and the public has been discussing Columbia County’s traffic woes around Grovetown for a number of years now. In fact, not long after taking office in 2015, Commissioner Doug Duncan said he received an earful while campaigning about the traffic delays throughout the county. He frequently told citizens that he experienced the same frustrations while sitting in traffic in Columbia County. “I often get hacked off and say, ‘What the heck?’” Duncan told the Metro Spirit in 2015, adding that he travels each weekday from his Martinez home to his Greene Street office in downtown Augusta. “We have to fix the transportation issues as quickly as we can. There’s $200 million that has been allocated to be spent on a plethora of projects. Unfortunately, it just takes a long time to get it done, which is frustrating.” With so much rapid growth in Columbia County over the past decade, Duncan said it has been virtually impossible for the GDOT and the county to keep up with the area’s transportation needs. “The county has a progressive plan for all the pinch points from a traffic perspective,” Duncan said. “The tough part is, it just does not happen fast. You have to have the plan designed and go through the right-of-way acquisitions and move the utilities before you even get to move dirt. That can take years.” But Duncan said the frustrations are very real and are being voiced throughout the county. “A gentleman got up during a meeting and he was really upset with the Grovetown traffic situation. He was saying, ‘You’ve done nothing,’” Duncan said. “It’s just not a situation whereby we get the funding and we just go start moving dirt. It is a cumbersome system.” In order to truly understand what the residents of Grovetown were facing each day, Duncan drove out to exit 190 during rush hour. “I went out to I-20 on a Friday at about 5:30 p.m. and got off on Lewiston Road,” Duncan said, adding that cars were racing by on the interstate as Duncan waited in line, inching his way up the exit ramp. “I actually took my life in my hands,” Duncan jokingly said, describing the cars flying by him on I-20. “It took me an hour to get from there to Boots, Bridles and Britches (on West Robinson Avenue in Grovetown). All I could think of was, ‘This is a mess.’” While traffic congestion still remains an issue in Columbia County, Cassell said 4MAY2017

“If you have a bad design, you are going to pay for it during construction. So we want to make sure we have a thorough design that is easy to construct that won’t cause us any headaches down the line.” — Steve Cassell the county is moving as quickly as possible to help alleviate some of the problems. “It is definitely a focus here and to have traffic taking away from all the other good things we are doing is not what we want,” Cassell said. “We do what we can to improve the traffic flow and get rid of the bottlenecks. And people understand once they see the progress. Of course, they get frustrated with road construction at times, but at least we have a solution in the works.” For instance, the county held public information meetings earlier this year regarding the planned Furys Ferry Road widening project. The 3.8-mile project goes along Furys Ferry Road from Evans to Locks Road to the South Carolina state line. The plan proposes widening Furys Ferry Road from Evans to Locks Road to Hardy McManus Road to four lanes with a 20-foot raised median. In addition, bike lanes, a multi-use path and a sidewalk would be constructed. At the intersection of Hardy McManus Road and Furys Ferry Road, the project also proposes installing a partial multi-lane roundabout. Currently, the average daily traffic (ADT) at Evans to Locks and Furys Ferry roads is more than 20,600 vehicles. At Furys Ferry and just before Hardy McManus Road, the ADT is approximately 15,200 vehicles. “So I think the long-term impact of the Furys Ferry Road fix will be very good,” Cassell said. “And people are starting to see that. To be honest with you, what has been truly amazing to me with both the Lewiston Road and Furys Ferry Road projects has been the amount of interest by the public in these projects.” Back when he was the traffic engineer for Augusta-Richmond County, Cassell said he would hold public meetings about road projects and sometimes only three people would attend. “And two of the people were from the media,” Cassell said, laughing. “But at the public meeting for the Lewiston Road project, we had 250 people. At the Furys Ferry Road meeting, we had 270 people. That was great to see and, for the most part, everyone was really positive. They mainly asked, ‘How quickly you can get it done?’ And another big concern was, ‘Will Washington Road be done before Furys Ferry’s project begins?’ And that answer is, yes. Washington Road will be done.” While Cassell would love to tell the public that these projects will be completed in no time at all, the truth is that major road construction projects take time and a lot of solid planning in order to be successful. “If you have a bad design, you are going to pay for it during construction,” Cassell said. “So we want to make sure we have a thorough design that is easy to construct that won’t cause us any headaches down the line.”

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Something Different

The newly opened The Juicy Crab offers Augustans the taste of something new Alex ZhAo, a new Augusta resident from New York and who most recently lived in Atlanta, grew up in the restaurant business. He’s knows a thing or two about the industry, having helped his parents since he was a child. “I have been in the restaurant business since I can remember, really,” he laughed. “I grew up in the restaurant business. My parents owned sushi restaurants, Chinese restaurants and bars.” When he came to Augusta, however, Alex decided he wanted to give the area something it didn’t have: A sit-down restaurant with a casual vibe that served Creole-inspired seafood. He has succeeded admirably in The Juicy Crab, which has been open since the middle of February in a prime location next to The Country Club on Washington Road. “I wanted it to be a laid-back, family oriented restaurant with a bar where families can bring their kids and friends, and couples can come to have dinner out,” he said. “A place to spend quality time with friends and family.” The interior of the restaurant is definitely conducive to conversation among friends. Decorated in natural wood tones accented with nautical touches and dark furniture, it is inviting without being stuffy. Despite only being open a couple of months, much of the wood on the walls and booths has already been tagged with writing from past guests, which only serves to emphasize the anything goes atmosphere of the airy, tworoom restaurant. Then there’s the food. The Juicy Crab is actually a chain that started in Jacksonville, Florida, so it’s no surprise that seafood is its main focus. Open for lunch and dinner, the menu includes items like calamari, raw and steamed oysters and chicken wings for appetizers and a variety of fried seafood and sides. The real focus, though, is on steamed seafood and low-country boils. And while The Juicy Crab serves this

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dish in the traditional manner, it does so with a twist. “Actually, we made it so you can pick what kind of seafood you want in your low-country boil,” Alex explained. “We have mussels, crawfish, snow crab legs and shrimp. We even have lobster tails and king crab legs if you want to do something different. We’re all about choices.” The low-country boil comes with a half pound of whatever seafood you choose, then you decide on your seasonings and spice level. The restaurant offers Cajun, lemon pepper and garlic butter seasoning, or you can get the Juicy Special, a combination of the three. The special is definitely the way to go, and the medium spice level I chose on a recent visit (choices from mild to extra hot are available) left a pleasant warmth in my mouth after my lunch was over, but not so much that it was overpowering. Low-country boils are available at lunch with one seafood choice. Turn the menu over to the other side, however, and you can get a combo with two or more items. I chose the traditional shrimp with the addition of

green mussels. Both were excellent: fresh, meaty and, in the case of the shrimp, easy to peel. A side of hush puppies were the perfect complement: not too sweet, fried just right, and great for dipping into the generous amount of “juice” left over from the main dish. According to Alex, the lunch and dinner menus differ in only a couple of ways. “Our lunch menu offers a smaller selection, but the prices are a little bit cheaper,” he said. “The amount is not as much as on the dinner menu, but people can still get a healthy serving of seafood for lunch.” In addition to the food, The Juicy Crab’s bar also adds to its casual hangout mood. Offering a great selection of sangrias, martinis and signature cocktails (the Juicy Punch, with vodka, strawberry puree, lemonade, OJ and Sprite, sounds like the perfect summer accompaniment to a spicy low-country boil), The Juicy Crab just this week began a happy hour that runs 3-7 p.m. on weekdays and all day on Sundays. During those times, diners can indulge in $2 beers, $4 cocktails and $5 appetizers, as well as other specials. All these elements combined make The Juicy Crab a unique dining experience in the Augusta area, which is exactly what Alex Zhao envisioned when he opened it. “I think it’s different from most restaurants out there. It’s something special, something you don’t see around every corner,” he said. “We cater to a specific group — people seeking something different — and I think we’re doing pretty well.” The JuiCy CrAb 2834 Washington Road Noon-10 p.m., Sunday-Thursday Noon-11 p.m., Friday-Saturday 706-922-8088 facebook.com/thejuicycrab juicycrabaugusta.com

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GoinG to a drive-in movie just screams spring and summer fun for the entire family. Fortunately, Augusta area residents have The Big Mo. The Monetta Drive-In Theatre, or The Big Mo, as it has come to be called, was opened by Linda and Richard Boaz in the summer of 1999. Located less than an hour from Augusta in Monetta, S.C., this much beloved drive-in has won over the hearts of many moviegoers over the years. Co-owner Linda Boaz and her husband used to go to a drive-in regularly when they lived in West Virginia. Over the years, they developed a fondness for drive-ins and, when traveling, would always make a point to visit even the ones that had been closed down in other states and cities. Boaz said her husband came across the abandoned Big Mo — which originally opened in 1951 and closed in 1986 — after he had driven to Aiken on business from the couple’s home in Irmo, S.C. It was a lot of work to undertake, but the couple managed to clear the tall pine trees that had overgrown the lot and outfit the place with new screens and a rebuilt concession stand. The Big Mo is an authentic drive-in experience that is hard to find in this day and age. It will be open each Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings until sometime in November, depending on attendance and movie availability. And this particular drive-in offers not just one, but three different screens to satisfy everyone’s tastes. This weekend, The Big Mo opens on Thursday with a single feature screening of “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.” Gates open at 7 p.m. and the movie starts at 8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, screens 1 and 2 show “Guardians” and “Beauty and the Beast,” while screen 3 shows “The Boss Baby” and “The Circle.” Admission to The Big Mo is $9 per person for ages 12 and over, while children ages 4-11 are $4 each. Children 3 and under are free. Cash only is accepted at The Big Mo’s ticket booth. The drive-in also offers a full-service concession stand featuring hot dogs, hamburgers, corn dogs, chicken sandwiches, popcorn, pizzas, nachos, cotton candy and soft drinks. But no alcohol is allowed at the drive-in. To get there, take I-20 East toward Columbia. Take Exit 33 (about 20 minutes past Aiken) and take State Road 39 for seven miles to Monetta. Turn right on U.S. 1. The Big Mo will be on the right side, about a mile down. And be sure to visit the drive-in’s website, specifically its Helpful Hints & The Rules page, so you don’t get kicked out once you drive all the way there. For instance, you have to wear shoes at all times and you’d better get there at least an hour, if not two, before the movie starts. Especially for something like “Guardians.” For more information about The Big Mo, visit the drive-in’s website at thebigmo.com.

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WhaT’s up

Calendar: 18 | Music Listings: 24 If you have any questions, or would like to submit an event to our calendar, please email Amy Christian at amy@themetrospirit.com.

Friday Fun in March, the weather is too iffy. In April, everyone who would normally go is probably out of town. In May, however, First Friday shines. And thanks to First Friday Fire, it will also blaze. While the sun’s still out, however, those visiting downtown should make a point to hit up the Augusta Handmade Fair, which begins at 5 p.m. at the Doris Building. There, you’ll find local crafters and creators selling their wares. A little farther down Broad will be the opening of Faces and Places at 600 Broad Street. This exhibition includes paintings, like “Strategize It” shown here, by Lakeside High art teachers Catherine Montgomery Rausch and Carolyn Simonds. Speaking of exhibitions, the Westobou Gallery will be open late so visits can peruse 5/Fifths, the AU senior student exhibition. First Friday Fire, at the corner of 11th and Broad, will commence at 8 p.m. and will feature feats of fire, spinning poi, staff, hoop, fan and more in a family friendly show to the music of DJ Codec. And, as if this weren’t enough for one night, a celebration of Cinco de Mayo will happen at the Augusta Common, featuring live music by Maggie Lindemann and Aaron Carter. Whew! For more information about these and other First Friday events, see the Special Events section of our community calendar on page 21.

saTurday

sunday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Dragon boat racing dates back more than 2,000 years, but if you don’t know anything about this Chinese tradition, that’s okay. You can learn all about it today from 9 a.m.5 p.m. at Good Boats for Goodwill: Dragon Boat Race & Festival at Lake Olmstead. In fact, you and your coworkers or friends can sign up to race. Even if you don’t race, you’ll want to show up for the festival, which showcases Asian traditions, food and culture. Visit goodboats.org.

The City of Augusta kicks off its Candlelight Music Series tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Augusta Common with live music from Finesse. The series continues throughout the summer, ending with a festival on Labor Day. During the weekly event, participants are invited to bring picnics, blankets and lawn chairs so they can extend their summer weekend just a little bit longer. All for only $8.

The folks at Metro Pub & Coffeehouse, Whiskey Bar (Kitchen) and 4Teal Promotions have teamed up with Sky City to bring Lucero to Augusta. The country-punk-rock band, who hails from Memphis, Tennessee, has been around since 1998, releasing 11 albums and a live DVD. It’s quite the musical coup, as neither the band nor the crowds they gather could fit into Metro’s space. See Lucero, with the Phillip Lee Band opening, tonight for $20 in advance or $25 the day of.

You usually have to wait until Friday and Saturday to visit Riverwatch Brewery and taste their fabulous selection of beer. Not this week, though. Tonight beginning at 6 p.m. is Tunes and Taps w/ HD 98.3, an event that will feature Metro Spirit columnist Kris Fisher giving away digital downloads, T-shirts and more, as well as a chance to taste a special beer that Brey and Anne Sloan have brewed just for this event. $30 gets you a glass, shirt and beer, and all you have to do is sign up at riverwatchbrewery.com.

For more information on these events, see our calendar of events on page 18. 4MAY2017

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A financial workshop for women. Preregistration required. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.

3:30pm Intermediate Spanish Friedman Branch Library An adult class led by Edwin Perez of the Asociacion Cultural Hispanoamericana. Call 706-736-6758 or visit arcpls.org.

5:30pm Beginner Spanish Friedman Branch Library An adult class led by Edwin Perez of the Asociacion Cultural Hispanoamericana. Call 706-736-6758 or visit arcpls.org.

Tue May 9

10:30am Computer Basics: Keyboarding and Mouse Skills Headquarters Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-821-2615 or visit arcpls.org.

10:30am Tech Tuesday Computer Class Appleby Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.

11am Homeschool Hub

Greek Festival Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church Fri-Sat, May 5-6, 11am - 10pm Sun, May 7, 11am - 6pm A three-day celebration that includes traditional foods, drinks and entertainment, as well as shopping in the marketplace and church tours. holytrinityaugusta.org

ARTS Sat May 6

10am - noon Glass Bead Jewelry 175 N. Louisville St., Harlem A Harlem Arts Council class in which participants will make a necklace, earrings and bracelet. $40; pre-registration required. Visit harlemartscouncil.org.

EDUCATION Thu May 4

9am - 11am Computer Help for Absolute Beginners Wallace Branch Library Call to schedule an appointment. Call 706722-6275 or visit arcpls.org.

10am Computer Boot Camp: Part I Columbia County Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.

resumes or conduct job searches with staff available for one-on-one help if needed. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.

5:45pm Basic Conversational Spanish Weeks Center, Aiken A class for those ages 18 and up. May’s classes meet each Thursday and the topic will be traveling II. $30, residents; $38, non-residents. Call 803-642-7631 or visit cityofaikensc.gov.

Sat May 6

10am - 2pm Step by Step Seminar for Fathers Smith Hazel Recreation Center, Aiken Led by two attorneys, this event will help fathers understand their rights and establish strong relationships with their children. Call 706-631-9451 or visit dominiquebond.com.

11:30am - 1:30pm Open Job Lab

Mon May 8

Diamond Lakes Branch Library Participants can complete job applications,

Columbia County Library

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Noon P.U.R.S.E.S.

Aiken Public Library An information session for homeschooling parents that will include services, tips and more. Participants are invited to bring lunch and hang out with other homeschooling families in the park after the program. Call 803-642-2020, ext. 1141, or visit abbe-lib.org.

2pm Computing for Beginners Diamond Lakes Branch Library A two-session class that continues at the same time on Tuesday, May 16. Preregistration required. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.

Wed May 10

11:30am Brown Bag History Series Augusta Museum of History Featuring Augusta, led by the Augusta Chronicle’s Bill Kirby. Participants should bring their own lunch and the museum will provide beverages. A Q&A session follows the lecture at 12:30 p.m. Free, members; $3, nonmembers. Call 706-722-8454 or visit augustamuseum.org.

6pm Tertulia: Spanish Conversation Group Headquarters Branch Library A group for beginner to intermediate Spanish speakers. Call 317-695-4748.

Thu May 11

9am - 11am Computer Help for Absolute Beginners Wallace Branch Library Call to schedule an appointment. Call 706722-6275 or visit arcpls.org.

10am Computer Boot Camp: Part II Columbia County Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.

10:30am Get to Know Your PINES Account Diamond Lakes Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.

Ongoing

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 803-6402090 or visit jamesbrownfamilyfdn.org.

EXHIBITIONS Thu May 4

6pm Star Wars 40th Anniversary Art Show The Book Tavern The exhibition, including work by multiple artists, will be on display until May 25. Call 706-826-1940 or visit booktavern.com.

Fri May 5

6pm - 8pm Faces and Places Opening Reception 600 Broad Street An exhibition that includes paintings by Lakeside High School art teachers Catherine Montgomery Rausch and Carolyn Simonds. The reception includes wine and hors d’oeuvres and the work will remain on display through May 31. Visit facebook.com/600Broad/.

Thu May 11

5pm - 7pm Mary Kilgore Houston Exhibition Opening Reception Sacred Heart Cultural Center Call 706-826-4700 or visit sacredheartaugusta.org.

6pm - 8pm Gallery Opening Reception Aiken Center for the Arts Featuring the 2017 Aiken Artist Guild Member Show. The exhibition will remain on display through June 16. Call 803-641-9094 or visit aikencenterforthearts.org.

Ongoing

Rhythm and Movement: Paintings by James Michalopoulos Morris Museum of Art An exhibit of more than 30 large-scale paintings of the historic architecture of New Orleans that will show through May 14. Call 706-724-7501 or visit themorris.org. 4MAY2017

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FLIX Thu May 4

7pm “Sing Street” North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.

7:30pm Augusta Jewish Film Festival Jabez S. Hardin Performing Arts Center Featuring “There Are Jews Here.” For more information, visit augustajcc.org.

Fri May 5

Noon “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” Morris Museum of Art Part of the Films on Friday series that includes a discussion afterwards. Participants are invited to bring lunch. Free. Call 706-724-7501 or visit themorris.org.

Sat May 6 3pm “Lion”

Aiken Public Library Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.

Tue May 9

5:45pm Free Movie Tuesdays Headquarters Branch Library Call 706-821-2600 for weekly selections. Visit arcpls.org.

Thu May 11

11am Movie for Special Needs Diamond Lakes Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.

7pm “For Roseanna” North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.

HEALTH Thu May 4

6:30pm - 9pm Your Amazing Baby Augusta University Medical Center Pre-registration is required for this baby care class. Call 706-721-8283 or visit augusta.edu.

7pm Center for Women Tour Doctors Hospital Pre-registration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.

Mon May 8

4pm Breast Self-Exam Class University’s Breast Health Center Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706774-4141 or visit universityhealth.org.

6:30pm Refit Headquarters Branch Library A free cardio dance class. Call 706-8212600 or visit arcpls.org.

7:30pm Beginner’s Yoga That Place Coffee 4MAY2017

Call 706-339-7011 or visit thatplacecoffee.com.

Tue May 9

7pm - 9pm Breastfeeding Augusta University Medical Center Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706721-8283 or visit augusta.edu.

7:30pm Childbirth Tour AUHealth Call 706-721-2273 or visit augustahealth.org.

Wed May 10

9:30am - noon Wellness Checks Headquarters Branch Library Free blood pressure checks, blood sugar screenings and information provided by Christ Community Health Services. Call 706-821-2600 or visit arcpls.org.

10am - noon HIV Testing Headquarters Branch Library Free. Call 706-821-2600 or visit arcpls.org.

5pm Breastfeeding University Hospital Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.

Thu May 11

Noon Lunch and Learn AU Alumni Center Dr. John Morgan will talk about Parkinson’s Disease, dementia and dementia with lewy bodies. Free, but pre-registration by May 8 required. Call 706-721-4895 or email brainhealth@augusta.edu.

7pm Happiest Baby on the Block Doctors Hospital An infant care and sleep class for new parents. Pre-registration required. Call 706651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.

6:30pm PWN AUG Chess Club 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 706-826-1940 or visit booktavern.com.

Sat May 6

3pm - 7pm MiniCon MayHem

University Hospital Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.

Cardboard Castle, 4015 Columbia Road An AgamaCon event featuring a Magic the Gathering tournament, an art contest, a superhero meet and great and a cafe. Cosplay is encouraged. Visit facebook.com/agamacon/.

Ongoing

Mon May 8

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.

Columbia County Library A group for those of all abilities. Call 706863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.

7pm Women’s Center Tour

Meditation Sessions

HOBBIES Thu May 4

6pm - 8pm Garden & Gun’s The Southerner’s Cookbook Plum Pudding, Aiken Part of the kitchen store’s schedule of spring cooking classes, participants will enjoy a full meal from the recipes. $65; preregistration required. Call 803-644-4600.

3pm Genealogy Club

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 May 4

10am I Have the Rhythm Morris Museum of Art Part of the Mommy and Me series for

children and parents in which participants will view the exhibit Rhythm and Movement: Paintings by James Michalopoulos and then create their own rhythmic painting. Free, members; $4 per participants, nonmembers. Pre-registration required. Call 706-828-3867 or visit themorris.org.

10am Star Wars Story Time and Craft Headquarters Branch Library Pre-registration recommended. Call 706821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.

Fri May 5

6pm - 10pm Kids Night Out Kroc Center A drop-off program for kids ages 2-12 that may include swimming, gym play and inflatables. Swimsuit and towel required. Children 4 and younger will not swim. $15, members; $20, non-members. Dinner is included. Register at the welcome desk or visit krocsales.sauss.net.

6pm - 8pm Family Fun Night Putt-Putt A fundraiser for the Family Counseling Center of the CSRA. The first 50 kids to attend will get a free gift bag. $10. Call 706868-5011 or visit fcccsra.org.

Sat May 6

10am - noon You’re a Big Girl Now Doctors Hospital A class for girls ages 9-12, along with their AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

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therapy dogs. Call 706-793-2020 or visit ecgrl.org.

4pm Storytime in the Gardens Hopelands Gardens Each family in attendance will receive a free book. Blankets, chairs, drinks and snacks are welcome. Call 803-642-7631.

Wed May 10

10am Children’s Story Time Friedman Branch Library Call 706-736-6758 or visit arcpls.org.

10am Mother’s Day Craft Friedman Branch Library Call 706-736-6758 or visit arcpls.org.

10am Story Time Maxwell Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-793-2020 or visit arcpls.org.

10am Story Time Wallace Branch Library Pre-registration required for groups. Call 706-722-6275 or visit arcpls.org.

10am Story Time for Tots Headquarters Branch Library Stories and songs for those ages 0-3. Pre-registration recommended. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.

10am Wacky Wednesday Story Time

Downtown Loft Tour Tour Headquarters: Metro Market Fri, May 5, 6pm - 9pm Sat, May 6, 11am - 4pm The tour will feature 13 loft spaces in 10 historic downtown buildings. $15, advance: $20, at tour headquarters. Tickets are good for both Friday and Saturday. 706-724-0436 historicaugusta.org

Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.

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.

10:30am Preschool Story Time Appleby Branch Library For children ages 3-5. Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.

10:30am Super Awesome Story Time

mothers, on puberty and adolescence. Pre-registration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.

Stories and songs for those ages 3-6. Pre-registration recommended. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.

11am Dragons Love Tacos 2: The Sequel Story Time

10am Make a Mother’s Day Card

Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.

Friedman Branch Library A craft and story time. Call 706-736-6758 or visit arcpls.org.

Sun May 7

10am Mother’s Day Craft

Morris Museum of Art Part of the Artrageous! Family Sunday series in which archaeologist Dwayne Pickett plays the part of Captain William Hilton. Afterwards, participants will make their own explorer’s map. Free. Call 706-724-7501 or visit themorris.org.

Diamond Lakes Branch Library Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.

Imagination Station Children’s Museum Free, members; $10, visiting families with up to three children and $2 for each additional child. Visit imagineaugusta.org.

10am Preschool Story Time

4:30pm Drawing & Painting

2pm An Explorer’s Tale

Mon May 8

10:30am Jr. Lego Club Headquarters Branch Library For those ages 2-4. Legos provided. Pre-registration required. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.

Tue May 9

10am Big Kids Story Time Headquarters Branch Library 20 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

Diamond Lakes Branch Library A program for those ages 3-5 that includes stories, songs, games, short movies and crafts. Pre-registration required for groups of 6 or more. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.

10am - 11:30am Puddle Ducks: Kids & Caregivers Club Phinizy Swamp Nature Park Stories and hands-on fun. Free, members; $5, nonmembers. Call 706-396-1424 or email info@phinizycenter.org.

3:30pm Paws for Literacy

The Book Tavern Story time will be followed by a craft, and juice and cookies will be provided by New Moon Cafe. Call 706-826-1940 or email superawesomestorytime@booktavern.com.

3:30pm Yoga for Little Ones

Church of Our Savior An Artists’ Guild of Columbia County class for those ages 6-12. Classes continue Wednesdays through May 24 and price is $20 per session. Visit artistsguildcc.org.

Thu May 11

4pm Lego Club Aiken Public Library For those ages 5-11. Legos provided. Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.

Maxwell Branch Library An event in which members of the community can read to 4MAY2017

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Ongoing

Sun May 7

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.

St. John’s United Methodist Church, Aiken An oratorio sung in English and featuring soloists, the Masterworks Chorale and Canticum Novum. $20; students free with ID. Call 803-641-3305 or visit etherredge.usca.edu.

The Shepard Project

LITERARY Sat May 6

10am - 3pm Book Sale Headquarters Branch Library Held in the lobby. From 2-3 p.m., books will be $5 per bag full. Call 706-821-2600 or visit arcpls.org.

11am Novel Writing Series Headquarters Branch Library Part 1 of an Augusta Literary Festival Series in which participants will learn workable techniques to apply to their own work. Participants should bring tablet, laptop, pen, paper and lunch. Free and open to the public. Call 706-821-2600 or visit arcpls.org.

MUSIC

4pm “Creation” Concert

4pm Unforgettable Songs and Singers Gilbert-Lambuth Memorial Chapel This annual Augusta Chorale spring concert features selections from Andrae Crouch, Moses Hogan and Dottie Rambo, as well as spirituals and a rendition of “America the Beautiful.” $15, adults; $5, children and students. Visit augustachorale.org.

7:30pm Candlelight Music Series Augusta Common Participants are invited to bring picnics, blankets and lawn chairs at this weekly event, this week featuring Finesse. $8. Call 706-821-1754 or visit augustaga.gov.

7:30pm Sand Hills String Band Concert AU’s Maxwell Theatre Free and open to the public. Call 706-6674100 or visit augusta.edu.

Mon May 8

7pm Hopelands Summer Concert Series

Imperial Theatre $10. Call 706-722-8341 or visit imperialtheatre.com.

Hopelands Gardens, Aiken Featuring Savannah River Winds. Attendees can bring blankets, lawn chairs, picnics and well-behaved pets on leashes, but no alcohol. Free. Call 803-642-7631 or visit facebook.com/experienceaiken. The rainout hotline is 803-643-4661.

Sat May 6

Tue May 9

Thu May 4

7pm Deconstructing The Beatles’ “White Album”

8am - 2pm Saturday Morning Swing Eighth Street Plaza Live music from local jazz artists and performing arts groups during the Augusta Market. Call 706-627-0128 or visit theaugustamarket.com.

6pm Straight A Jazz Barnard Amphitheatre, AU Summerville Campus Featuring cellist/vocalist/arranger Arpenik Hakobyan and saxtress/flutist/ singer Paula Atherton. $10, general; $5, students and military with ID. Visit augusta. universitytickets.com.

6:30pm Pops Blockbuster Etherredge Center, Aiken An Aiken Symphony presentation featuring Clifford Leaman on alto saxophone and featuring music from “Jaws,” “Indiana Jones,” “Harry Potter,” “Star Wars” and more. Maestro Donald Portnoy will present Illuminations, a pre-concert talk, at 6:30 p.m. before the 7:30 p.m. concert. $30-$45. Call 803-641-3305 or visit aikensymphonyorchestra.com/tickets.

4pm Beginning Guitar Class Columbia County Library A class for those ages 11-18. Pre-registration required. Call 706-863-1946, ext. 4, or visit gchrl.org.

7pm Aiken Youth Orchestra Concert Aiken Center for the Arts Call 803-641-9094 or visit aikencenterforthearts.org.

Thu May 11

6pm Adult Guitar Club Columbia County Library A club for experienced guitar players. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.

7pm Music in the Park Maude Edenfield Park, North Augusta Featuring North Augusta Idol Spotlight with Dancin’ in the Park. Participants can bring blankets and chairs. Free. Visit naartscouncil.org.

SPECIAL EVENTS Thu May 4

5pm - 8pm First Thursday Shops of Midtown, Kings Way at Central Ave. 4MAY2017

This event features discounts in the shops, hors d’oeuvres and more. Call 706-733-1788.

7pm - 10pm A Night in Cabo: 11th Annual Undercover Artists Show The Legends Club A benefit for the Walton Foundation’s Camp to be Independent that includes a silent auction of local artwork, a raffle, food, live music and more. $50. Call 706-826-5809 or email haleyh@waltonfoundation.net.

Fri May 5

11am - 10pm Greek Festival Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church A three-day celebration that includes traditional foods, drinks and entertainment, as well as shopping in the marketplace and church tours. Visit holytrinityaugusta.org.

4pm - 5pm Rakubeque Tire City Potters Participants will paint and fire two planters and enjoy a barbecue dinner with drinks. $75; pre-registration required. Call 706-8280334 or visit facebook.com/tcpotters/.

5pm - 9pm Augusta Handmade Fair The Doris Building An event in which local crafters and creators will sell their products. Visit facebook.com/events/389422208081846/.

5pm - 9pm First Friday Downtown Augusta A family friendly arts event that includes musicians, dancers, artists and other vendors. First Friday Fire, presented by Arcane Arts, will be at the corner of 11th and Broad at 8 p.m. and will feature feats of fire, spinning poi, staff, hoop, fan and more in a family friendly show to the music of DJ Codec. Visit artistsrowaugusta.com.

5pm - 9pm Park and Play Downtown 600 Broad Street A monthly First Friday event presented by the Augusta Regional Collaboration that features live music, art, food and more. Visit facebook.com/600Broad.

5pm - 8pm Wine Tasting Wine World A drop-in First Friday event. $5; $3 rebate upon purchase of a bottle of one of the featured wines. Call 803-279-9522 or visit wineworldsc.com.

6pm - 11:30pm Dancing Stars of Augusta Gala Marriott Hotel and Convention Center An Alzheimer’s Association fundraiser featuring local celebrity dancers and their professional dancer partners. Participants will vote on the winners, and the event will also feature cocktails, dinner and more. Visit dancingstarsofaugusta.com.

6pm - 9pm Downtown Loft Tour

Tour Headquarters: Metro Market The tour will feature 13 loft spaces in 10 historic downtown buildings. $15, advance: $20, at tour headquarters. Tickets are good for both Friday and Saturday. Call 706-7240436 or visit historicaugusta.org.

6pm - 11pm First Friday Augusta Common A family event that includes a car show, fun zone, vendors and live local entertainment. Call 706-821-1754 or visit augustaga.gov.

Sat May 6

8am - 2pm Augusta Market at the River 8th Street Plaza, Reynolds Street The event features vendors of all kinds, activities, live entertainment and more. Visit theaugustamarket.com.

9am - 5pm GoodBoats for Goodwill: Dragon Boat Race & Festival Lake Olmstead A family event that will feature dragon boat races, awards, a festival showcasing Asian traditions, food and other vendors, cultural performances, children’s activities and more. Free. Visit goodboats.org.

9am - 1pm Plant Sale Pendleton King Park’s Franke Pavilion Featuring sun and shade perennials, native plants, shrubs, bulbs, succulents, vines and more direct from Master Gardeners, who will be on hand to answer gardening questions. Former extension agent Sid Mullis will sell and sign his book “Sid Sez: Grow It in Augusta.” Call 706-738-3991 or visit facebook.com/pendletonkingpark.

9am - 2pm Spring Herb Faire Pascalina Farms An event features more than 30 local vendors, selling items like herb plants, vegetables, antiques, dried flowers and wreaths, pottery, soaps, goat cheese and milk products, pasture raised meat, wooden bowls, furniture, quilts, baked goods, honey, blacksmith work, pet portraits and sketches, antique cast iron, jewelry and more. Free. Call 803-646-3774 or email pascalina_linda@yahoo.com.

10am - 5pm Archaeology Day Ezekiel Harris House A free event that will include archaeologists on hand to identify and classify prehistoric and historic artifacts and collections, fling knapping and primitive weapons demonstrations and Ezekiel Harris House tours. Call 706-722-8454.

10am - 9pm Jurassic Tour Augusta Exchange Club Fairgrounds This event simulates what it would be like to experience the Jurassic, Triassic and Cretaceous periods first hand. “Tracey” (a young T-Rex) greets guests at noon, 3 p.m. and 6 p. m., and can be found walking and playing around the exhibit during those AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

METROSPIRIT 21

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SPIRITUAL Thu May 4

7:30am National Day of Prayer Community Breakfast First Baptist Church of Augusta Held in the fellowship hall, the keynote speaker for this event will be Duncan Johnson Jr. of Johnson Motor Company. $25 per seat; $250, table of 8. Preregistration required. Visit mirmakmin.com.

7pm Lifting the Veil on Islam Islamic Society of Augusta Part of a monthly program to enlighten newcomers about Islam, this one on the subject of the motherhood. This series, held the ﬁrst Thursday of each month, is open to the public and refreshments will be served. Visit openhouse.isaugusta.com.

SPORTS-OUTDOORS

Low Down Throw Down Columbia County Exhibition Center Fri-Sun, May 5-7 A roller derby tournament featuring 11 teams from across the southeast playing a total 16 games over the weekend. Augusta’s Soul City Sirens play Saturday, May 6, at 6 p.m. $15 per day; $25, weekend pass; $5 discount for military; free, kids 12 and under. soulcitysirens.com times. The main exhibit features life size ultra-realistic animatronic dinosaurs; over 40 lifelike dinosaurs in all with the rides and the skeletons. $20, adults; $25, children ages 1-12. Visit jurassictour.com.

10am - 3pm Kite Festival Citizens Park III, Aiken An event featuring kite ﬂying (participants can bring their own or purchase ones to make at the event), kids activities, refreshments, pet adoptions, live entertainment and more. Call 803-293-7851 or visit cityofaikensc.gov.

10am - 3pm Woofstock Doxie Derby Citizens Park, Aiken A beneﬁt for the Aiken County Animal Shelter that includes dog races and contests, exhibitors, live music, adoptable pets and more. Visit fotasaiken.org.

11am - 4pm Downtown Loft Tour Tour Headquarters: Metro Market The tour will feature 13 loft spaces in 10 historic downtown buildings. $15, advance: $20, at tour headquarters. Tickets are good for both Friday and Saturday. Call 706-7240436 or visit historicaugusta.org.

11am - 2pm Kitten Shower and Supply Drive SPCA Albrecht Center, Aiken A free event, but donations of kitten supplies or gift cards are encouraged. See the center’s needs on their Amazon wish list at letlovelive.org/kittenshower.

4pm - 8pm Derby Day The Legends Club An Augusta Training Shop event that includes mint juleps, silent auctions, raffles, a fashion contest, live music by The Unmentionables, the Kentucky Derby on a big screen and food. $75. Call 706-738-1358 or visit augustatrainingshop.com.

7pm and 8pm “Engineering the International Space Station” Dupont Planetarium, Aiken 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.

Sun May 7

10am - 7pm Jurassic Tour Augusta Exchange Club Fairgrounds This event simulates what it would be like to experience the Jurassic, Triassic and Cretaceous periods ﬁrst hand. “Tracey” (a young T-Rex) greets guests at noon, 3 p.m. and 6 p. m., and can be found walking and playing around the exhibit during those times. The main exhibit features life size ultra-realistic animatronic dinosaurs; over

Thu May 4

8am - 5pm Aiken Charity Horse Show Aiken Horse Park Visit aikenhorsepark.org.

Fri May 5

Low Down Throw Down

40 lifelike dinosaurs in all with the rides and the skeletons. $20, adults; $25, children ages 1-12. Visit jurassictour.com.

11am - 6pm Greek Festival Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church A three-day celebration that includes traditional foods, drinks and entertainment, as well as shopping in the marketplace and church tours. Visit holytrinityaugusta.org.

3pm - 6pm Dog Wedding Fifth Street Marina A free event that will include dog vendors, pet adoption, a weinie roast and more. The wedding will take place at 4 p.m. Email 5thstmarina@gmail.com.

Tue May 9

4:30pm - 7pm Veggie Park Farmers Market Mill Village Trailhead, 109 Eve Street This weekly event in the park behind the Kroc Center features all local farmers and doubles EBT/SNAP beneﬁts. augustalocallygrown.org/veggie-parkfarmers-market/.

7pm - 10pm Great Futures Celebration Bell Auditorium A Boys & Girls Club of the CSRA event featuring keynote speaker and football player Inky Johnson. Call 706-504-4071 or visit bgccsra.org.

Columbia County Exhibition Center A roller derby tournament featuring 11 teams from across the southeast playing a total 16 games over the weekend. Augusta’s Soul City Sirens play Saturday, May 6, at 6 p.m. $15 per day; $25, weekend pass; $5 discount for military; free, kids 12 and under. Visit soulcitysirens.com.

8am - 5pm Aiken Charity Horse Show Aiken Horse Park Visit aikenhorsepark.org.

Sat May 6

Low Down Throw Down Columbia County Exhibition Center A roller derby tournament featuring 11 teams from across the southeast playing a total 16 games over the weekend. Augusta’s Soul City Sirens play Saturday, May 6, at 6 p.m. $15 per day; $25, weekend pass; $5 discount for military; free, kids 12 and under. Visit soulcitysirens.com.

8am - 5pm Aiken Charity Horse Show Aiken Horse Park Visit aikenhorsepark.org.

8am - 2pm Marine Mud Challenge and Children’s Challenge 2017 Fort Gordon, corner of Chamberlain Ave. and 19th St. A ﬁve-mile off road course with obstacles for those in ﬁve adult categories: competitive male, competitive female, competitive co-ed, competitive hard corps and non- competitive. For kids there is a 1-mile, self-contained course with appropriately sized obstacles. All pre-registered participants will receive a 4MAY2017

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T-shirt and race bag, and finishers receive a medal. Visit marinemud.com.

7:05pm Augusta GreenJackets vs. Kannapolis Intimidators

9:30am Swamp Saturday Hike

Lake Olmstead Stadium $8-$12. Call 706-922-9467 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.

Dinner begins at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 8 p.m. $53, civilians; $50, seniors, retirees, DA civilians, active-duty E7 and above; $40, active-duty E6 and below, students; $30, show only. Call 706-793-8552 or visit fortgordon.com.

Phinizy Swamp Nature Park A free, guided, 2.5-mile hike. Pre-registration required. Call 706-828-2109 or visit phinizycenter.org.

SUPPORT

7:30pm “Noises Off”

10am - noon Hike and Craft Mistletoe State Park A naturalist-led hike of about one hour, followed by a craft time. $2, craft; $5, parking. Call 706-541-0321 or visit gastateparks.org/mistletoe.

Sun May 7

Low Down Throw Down

Thu May 4

10am Alzheimer’s Association Support Group Kroc Center For those dealing with Alzheimer’s and/or caregivers. Preregistration required. Call 706-860-5233.

Noon Active-Duty Parent Support Group Fort Gordon’s Family Outreach Center Call 706-792-5220 or visit fortgordon.com.

Aiken Community Playhouse $20, adults; $17, seniors and active military; $12, students; $7, children. Call 803-648-1438 or visit aikencommunityplayhouse.com.

8pm xTreme Theatre Games Le Chat Noir First Friday improv comedy by Schrodinger’s Cat. $10, advance; $12, door (if available). Call 706-722-3322 or visit lcnaugusta.com.

Sat May 6

10pm Sloppy Seconds

Headquarters Branch Library Call 706-821-2600 or visit arcpls.org.

Le Chat Noir First Friday improv comedy by Schrodinger’s Cat. $5. Call 706-722-3322 or visit lcnaugusta.com.

Tue May 9

8am - 5pm Aiken Charity Horse Show

10:20am Moms Connection

Sat May 6

Aiken Horse Park Visit aikenhorsepark.org.

3pm - 4:30pm Sibley Soilworks: Building Soil to Grow Harrisburg Mill Village Trailhead, 101 Eve Street Led by Augusta Locally Grown’s Kim Hines, who will talk about a new composting area on the Augusta Canal. Free. Call 706-823-0440 or visit augustacanal.com.

Mon May 8

11am - 7pm Augusta Metro Chamber Golf Classic Gordon Lakes Golf Course Registration and practice range open at 11 a.m.; shotgun start is at 12:30 p.m.; dinner and awards begin at 5 p.m. Single golfer: $135; foursome, $500. Visit augustametrochamber.com.

Tue May 9

7pm Evening Canoe Mistletoe State Park Pre-registration required. $10 plus $5 parking. Call 706-5410321 or visit gastateparks.org/mistletoe.

Wed May 10

8am - 5pm Aiken Charity Horse Show Aiken Horse Park Visit aikenhorsepark.org.

Noon Under the Stars Dressage Stableview Farms, Aiken A USEF/USDF Recognized Level Two Championship Qualifier Dressage show. A schooling show starts at noon. Call 803-648-1222 or visit stableviewfarm.com.

10am WIC Breastfeeding Support Group

Augusta University Medical Center This free weekly support group for new mothers meets in the Terrace Dining Dogwood Room on the second floor. All new moms and their babies are welcome and an international board certified lactation consultant/educator/ perinatal nurse will answer questions and offer resources. Call 706-721-8283 or visit augustahealth.org.

Wed May 10

Sun May 7

4pm Breast Cancer Support Group AU Cancer Clinic Call 706-721-0472 or visit augusta.edu.

Thu May 11

6pm Cancer Survivor Support Group Augusta Oncology Associates Call 706-651-4567.

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.

Adult Sexual Assault and Rape Support Group

Thu May 11

THEATER

Aiken Horse Park Visit aikenhorsepark.org. 4MAY2017

7:30pm “Noises Off”

AU Cancer Center Call 706-721-1634 or visit augusta.edu.

Lake Olmstead Stadium $8-$12. Call 706-922-9467 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.

8am - 5pm Aiken Charity Horse Show

Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre Dinner begins at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 8 p.m. $53, civilians; $50, seniors, retirees, DA civilians, active-duty E7 and above; $40, active-duty E6 and below, students; $30, show only. Call 706-793-8552 or visit fortgordon.com. Aiken Community Playhouse $20, adults; $17, seniors and active military; $12, students; $7, children. Call 803-648-1438 or visit aikencommunityplayhouse.com.

4:30pm All Cancer 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.

7:05pm Augusta GreenJackets vs. Kannapolis Intimidators

7pm “Crimes of the Heart”

Fri May 5

7pm “Crimes of the Heart” Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre

7pm “Barefoot in the Park” Auditions Aiken Community Playhouse The production will show in July. For more information, call 803-648-1438 or visit aikencommunityplayhouse.com.

Mon May 8

7pm “Barefoot in the Park” Auditions Aiken Community Playhouse The production will show in July. For more information, call 803-648-1438 or visit aikencommunityplayhouse.com.

Wed May 10

10am “Goldilocks” AU’s Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre The Augusta University Literacy Center answers the question of what happened to Goldilocks after she left the three bears. Free. To reserve seating, call 706-737-1625 or visit augusta.edu.

7:30pm “Don’t Dress for Dinner” Auditions Musical Theatre Studios This Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre production has parts available for three men and three women. Call 706-793-8552 or visit fortgordon.com.

Thu May 11

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The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn

Riverwalk Revival w/ Lil Uzi Vert, Bibi Bourelly Jessye Norman Amphitheater Tuesday, May 9 Doors, 7 p.m.; music, 8 p.m. $35, advance; $35, door fwbpro.com

What’s Tonight?

The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Chevy’s - DJ Richie Rich Sky City - First Friday ‘80s vs. ‘90s Night Soul Bar - First Friday DJ Mix

Saturday, May 6 Live Music

8th Street Plaza - Saturday Morning Swing at the Augusta Market on the River The Backyard Tavern - The Vicky Grady Band Bell Auditorium - Mann’s World Family Tour w/ Tamela Mann and David Mann Country Club - Radio Romance Coyotes - Garrett Speer Fox’s Lair - Will McCranie Shannon’s - Strangebrew Sky City - The Breakfast Club Tribute w/ the Misﬁt Theatre Group and Chainsaw Masscara Stillwater Taproom - Chris Ndeti and Co. Thomson Festival Site - Blind Willie McTell Blues Festival w/ The Wood Brothers, Mingo FishTrap, Sugar Ray & the Bluetones, Alvin Youngblood Hart, Joey Landreth Trio, Marcus King Band Wild Wing - Interstate Exiles The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn

What’s Tonight?

The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Chevy’s - DJ Richie Rich Helga’s Pub & Grille - Trivia The Highlander - Karaoke Soul Bar - Dance Party That Place Coffee - Cushions & Caffeine Afternoon Open Mic

Sunday, May 7 Live Music

Augusta Common - Candlelight Jazz w/ Finesse Capri Lounge - Vivian Valium & the Lounge Lizard Divas Maxwell Theatre - Sand Hills String Band Wild Wing - Matt Chase Duo The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn

Blind Willie McTell Blues Festival w/ The Wood Brothers (pictured), Mingo FishTrap, Sugar Ray & the Bluetones, Alvin Youngblood Hart, Joey Landreth Trio, Marcus King Band Thomson Festival Site Saturday, May 6 11 a.m. $40 blindwillie.com Thursday, May 4 Live Music

Fox’s Lair - Open MIc Jam w/ Thomas Langley The Red Pepper (Aiken) - Mike Frost Band Wild Wing - Robbie & Rushton The Willcox (Aiken) - Thursday Night Jazz w/ 4 Cats in the Dog House

What’s Tonight?

Chevy’s - Karaoke w/ Ellie Cotton Patch - Old School Thursday w/ DJ Groove Coyotes - Karaoke with Bam Helga’s Pub & Grille - Trivia The Highlander - Butt Naked Trivia Kickers Country Bar - Studs of Steel Live

24 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

The Loft - Karaoke Pizza Joint (Downtown) - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane Sky City - Sharon Jones and James Brown Birthday Tribute and Dance Off That Place Coffee - MAD Open Mic

Friday, May 5 Live Music

Augusta Common - First Friday Fiesta w/ Maggie Lindemann and Aaron Carter Barnard Amphitheatre - Straight A Jazz w/ Arprenik Hakobyan and Paula Atherton Bell Auditorium - Bily Currington Cotton Patch - Live Jazz

Country Club - Blair Hanks Coyotes - Theodis Ealy, Nelson Curry, The Klass Band, Angel Brown, Pamela Bowman, Joe Nice Fox’s Lair - Live Music The Highlander - The Brand Band Iron Heights - Muerte de Fiji y Amigos w/ Live Music Poblanos - The Phun Pharm Band Rose Hill Estate (Aiken) - Celtic Pub Night w/ Gavin Winship Shannon’s - Third Time Charmers Stillwater Taproom - Michael Baideme and Phillip Lee Jr. Tin Lizzy’s - Drinko de Mayo w/ the Vince McKinley Band Wild Wing - Tim Cardiere

What’s Tonight?

Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ Mike Johnson

Monday, May 8 Live Music

Hopelands Gardens (Aiken) - Hopelands Summer Concert Series w/ Savannah River Winds Metro Coffeehouse & Pub - Blues Monday w/ Famous Last Words

What’s Tonight?

Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane Wild Wing - Trivia

Tuesday, May 9 Live Music

Fox’s Lair - Irish Music with Dr. John Fisher and the Undefeated Army Jessye Norman Amphitheater - Riverwalk Revival w/ Lil Uzi Vert, Bibi Bourelly Joe’s Underground - Open Mic Sky City - Lucero, the Phillip Lee Band The Willcox (Aiken) - Hal Shreck

What’s Tonight? Bar West - Trivia

4MAY2017

Capri Lounge - Trivia The Cotton Patch - Trivia Limelite Cafe - Bottom’s Up Trivia Mellow Mushroom (Aiken) - Trivia Mellow Mushroom (Augusta) - Trivia Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane

Wednesday, May 10 Live Music

The Highlander - Open Mic Night Shannon’s - Mike and Walter Wild Wing - Acosta & Swan

What’s Tonight?

The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Bar West - Karaoke Capri Lounge - Game Night Chevy’s - DJ Richie Rich Pizza Joint (Evans) - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper Polo Tavern (Aiken) - Karaoke w/ Tom Mitchell Riverwatch Brewery - Tunes and Taps w/ HD 98.3 Sky City - Conspiracy w/ DJ Knightmare Southbound Smokehouse - Trivia Stillwater Taproom - Pub Quiz

Upcoming

REAL PEOPLE REAL DESIRE REAL FUN.

Try FREE: 706-434-0108 More Local Numbers: 1-800-926-6000

Just Neighbors, Subutech, Sunwell

Ahora español Livelinks.com 18+

- Sky City May 11 The Temptations Revue w/ Dennis Edwards and the O’Jays

- Evans Towne Center Park May 12 Aiken Bluegrass Festival w/ The Infamous Stringdusters, Fruition, Larry Keel Experience and More

- Aiken Fairgrounds May 12-13

Meet sexy new friends

FREE TRIAL

706-434-0112

A CENTURY OF SONG By Olivia Mitra Framke/Edited by Will Shortz Note: When this puzzle is done, draw a line connecting the 11 circled letters, starting and ending in Square 28, so as to spell a phrase related to the puzzle’s theme.

ACROSS 1 Italian relatives 7 Part of the earth 12 ____ Coast, scenic area near Capri 18 Brutish sort 19 “Dallas” actress ____ J. Wilson 20 Mermaids’ home in Neverland 21 1938 No. 1 hit for 68-/70-Across, which was inspired by a nursery rhyme 23 Listless feelings 24 Many August births 25 Popular pairing with steak au poivre 26 Charm 27 And the following: Abbr. 29 Longbow wood 30 Detached 32 One for the plus column 33 Congestion site 35 Wyatt of the Old West 37 Extremely loud, in music 39 Soft-drink brand 40 Love interest for Anastasia in “Anastasia” 42 ____ Reports 45 Suffix with sheep or hawk 48 Vintner’s cask 49 Old car named for an explorer 51 Elder Lannister son on “Game of Thrones” 53 Stone Age relics 56 Piñata smasher, maybe 57 “____ parvis magna” (“Greatness from small beginnings”: Lat.) 58 H.S. big shots 60 Talk endlessly to 61 Act like 63 Illustrator software maker 65 Kama ____ 67 For grades 1-12, briefly 68 & 70 Nickname for a celebrated performer born on April 25, 1917 71 Dreary 72 Dog whose tail curls over the back 74 Great Lakes natives 76 Sister of Helios and Selene 77 Polish coin 78 Promising action on a fishing line 79 Picks out of a lineup, informally 81 Letter-shaped fastener 83 Button on the bottom of a multipage form 85 Ring

87 Frank 89 Rapa ____ (locale of many monoliths) 90 Sports team V.I.P.s 91 Set piece? 93 Natural-history-museum sights 96 Turkish title 98 Road offense, for short 99 The hots 100 Bluish shades 103 Green who was a four-time vocal coach on “The Voice” 105 Question asked while extending the hand, maybe 108 Reassuring touch 110 Fixture on a fishing dock 112 One state symbol of Massachusetts 114 Introduces slowly 117 Record label that looks like the name of a radio station 118 Lao-tzu follower 119 Notable quote by 68-/70-Across 121 Set oneself right, in a way 122 Five Pillars of Islam, e.g. 123 “Bonehead” and “numbskull,” e.g. 124 Solitudinarians 125 State representatives? 126 Ride and Field DOWN 1 Sacred choral works 2 Melodic passages 3 Accidentally hit “reply all” on, say 4 Jan. inits. 5 “Smart” one 6 Skewered Asian dish 7 Arctic food fish 8 Close again, as a purse 9 “Family Matters” ubernerd 10 Manage 11 Winter celebration abroad 12 Sheltered at sea 13 Japanese comic style 14 Mass recitation 15 Repeated collaborator with 68-/70-Across 16 Thwarted 17 Maps of Alaska and Hawaii, often 18 Big blow 19 Flight attendant 22 Red as ____ 26 Close buds 28 “Enough already!”

31 Be ____ use 34 Unlikely book-club recommendation 36 Edith Piaf’s “Non, Je Ne Regrette ____” 38 Name on a blimp 41 Gets some air 42 ____ Nast (magazine publisher) 43 Good name for an Irish carpenter? 44 Bubs 45 For laughs 46 Arctic young ’un 47 Signature tune of 68-/70-Across 50 One-named singer with the 2016 No. 1 hit “Cheap Thrills” 52 Slip in a book 54 Café additive 55 Trade jabs (with) 57 Flavors 59 Approve 62 Hollywood job title 64 Freedom Caucus, e.g. 66 Wrinkly fruit 69 Gossipmonger 73 Portion of a penny 75 Where Nice is en France 77 Tough draws in the game Bananagrams 80 No fun, as a party 82 Vegan staple 84 Van Gogh’s “Le Café de ____” 86 Beverage sponsor of the old “Little Orphan Annie” radio show 87 One in line? 88 Biblical quartet 92 Silence 94 East German secret police 95 Quantity of toys on Santa’s sleigh 96 Perfumer’s liquid 97 Summer piazza treat 99 Near ringer 101 Nowadays 102 Occurrences in the 30s, say 104 Skating champ Brian 106 Sore 107 Setting for a fine meal 109 Polynesian carvings 111 Bracket shapes 113 Takeoff figs. 115 Three-stripers: Abbr. 116 Singer with the 1984 hit “99 Luftballons” 119 Part of T.G.I.F. 120 Cuba or Catalina: Abbr.

28 33

79 85

112

77 83

88 93

98 104

84 89

106

113

95 100

107

114

99 105

66 71

103

108

109

115

101

119

121

122

123

124

125

126

102

110

111

116

118

117 120

PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWERS N E A R

A L L A H

F L I P A C R I O P R I M A N A R T S

L O R E

B A D B E T

C L A U D E

L Y I N

T E S T R I D E S

O R G I E C S E L E T T I C C H

A N T B S I D E S

C O C A S U R G E R Y

B A T H R O B E B E E R Y

I M H O K L A N

P R I E S S T M D T E V A N E R M I T P L S S E O G O D

56 62

68 73

55 61

37 42

26 29

G E E K

A X H E A I D O T S A H S O W S N G A R K I E M M S L K O W T H

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

E Z O R M A S S F R E T S A W

O A R S

G E T L S I T O O N S P A

G O N G

G R A N P M A E N G D O E E L S L O C O M O T E D

O N O N E H A N D

O R D E A L

S O O T H E

E M M A

R E S T

S T T O U T D O L C E

H E E D

V28|NO18

SIGHTINGS

Michael Johnson | mejphoto.photoreflect.com

Reagan Freville, Tabitha Umphress and Rachel Thomas at Metro Pub & Coffeehouse.

Stephanie and John Gerace with Jody and Erik Mezzacapo at Sole.

Hunter Jeffers, Briana Rondinone and Will Slaten at Metro Pub & Coffeehouse.

Sam and Alexandra Stutt with Audrey and Ricky Smith at Whiskey Bar (Kitchen).

Bill and Donna Means with Brad Means at Farmhaus.

Olivia Chalmers, Haley Harris, Taylor Stacy and Will Dunaway at Whiskey Bar (Kitchen).

Michelle McMahan, Chelsea McGaheen and Anna Dieringer at The Bee’s Knees.

Christopher Hennebert, Maneisha Lewis and Scot Lavarnway at The Bee’s Knees.

Abby Wood, Christina Watson and Will McCranie at Stillwater Taproom.

Open First Friday until 8pm and Saturday from 12-3pm Visit westobou.org for gallery location and hours.

4MAY2017

AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

METROSPIRIT 27

THE EIGHT

BOX TOPS What even are any of these movies? And get off my lawn!!! RANK TITLES

WEEKEND GROSS TOTAL GROSS WEEK # LAST WEEK

THE FATE OF THE FURIOUS

$19,389,780

$192,721,355

HOW TO BE A LATIN LOVER

$12,018,500

BAAHUBALI 2

$10,138,189

THE CIRCLE

$9,320,000

THE BOSS BABY

$9,050,000

$148,465,584

In Theaters May 5

ACTION “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2,” rated PG-13, starring Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Michael Rooker, Sylvester Stallone, Kurt Russell. After its record-breaking opening in 2014, a sequel to “Guardians of the Galaxy” was inevitable. Well, now it’s here. Peter/Star-Lord is back with his bickering family, including Baby Groot, to save the universe yet again, all while meeting his long-lost father and listening to some kick-ass classic rock. The latest mixtape, if the trailer is any indication, kicks off with Fleetwood Mac’s “The Chain,” so they’re off to a good start, anyway.