Metro Spirit - 04.26.18

Augusta’s Independent Voice Since 1989 • Metrospirit.com

APRIL 26, 2018

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Table of Contents Jenny is Wright Kris Fisher Whine Line Feature

May 11th & 12th

Aiken Bluegrass Shaky Knees Metro Week

What’s Up Calendar Music Listings The Eight Sightings

What makes the Aiken Bluegrass Festival stand out across the country?

“At the probably 50 festivals I’m going to be playing at this summer, this is the only one that is doing that kind of thing.”

Anders Beck

What kind of thing??

6 9 12 14 19 23 24 25 26 34 36 37

Greensky Bluegrass Dobro

“(Last year) every band that hit the main stage…which is THE stage, is a band that didn’t previously exist until the people walked up on stage. So I know that’s cool for the crowd!”

Jay Starling Love Canon Dobro

“Unless you knew all of us individually and very well, you couldn’t really ask us to do it.

It’s not common, no, not the way it’s done in Aiken. To really dedicate sets to that (the jam sessions made up of multiple bands’ players) is really rare.

The only reason it works there (Aiken Bluegrass Festival) in my opinion is Christian and Molly Schaumann. They know us all well enough, they know the music all well enough, to sort of improvise. It’s interesting; I essentially liken it to music. They are kind of improvising on their lineup for a jam session like this.”

Anders Beck

#loveabf

Each year, festival organizers assemble Bluegrass Super Groups made up of musicians from all the bands performing at the ABF.

“Last year, that was so fun with the different sets that they put together. Like the ‘Guitarmageddon.’ It was like Larry Keel and Billy Strings and (Leftover Salmon’s guitarist and singer) Vince Herman and Brad Parsons,” Thorn said. “There were six guitar players on stage, and they were singing and they just pulled off the most interesting set that I could have imagined.”

Andy Thorn Leftover Salmon Dobro

“And the Schaumanns have really cultivated that, friendships with lots of musicians in the music scene over a lot of time, and they have really built the trust of the performers. They just sort of build these bands with the people that are going to be playing at the festival.”

Jay Starling

26APRIL2018

AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

METROSPIRIT 3

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The Insider

Augusta should spend $10,000 on a whitewater study

by The Insider

Most days, the Augusta Commission will spend $10,000 without batting an eye.

And when it comes to studies, the city of Augusta has given hundreds of thousands of dollars to consultants to review everything from the city workers’ salaries to whether minority- and women-owned firms have fair opportunities to compete for city contracts.

The list of studies conducted by the Augusta government goes on and on.

But for some reason, it’s an uphill battle for those asking the Augusta Commission to support spending $10,000 to hire a Colorado firm called the McLaughlin Whitewater Design Group to evaluate the area around the New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam as a possible site for a future whitewater rapids park.

For months, Savannah Riverkeeper Executive Director Tonya Bonitatibus has been urging the Augusta Commission to spend the money because currently the locks are not functioning.

In fact, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has formally deauthorized the lock and dam.

“The structure has fallen into a state of disrepair and poses a safety hazard to the public,” wrote Russell Wicke, the corporate communications officer of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Savannah District in 2017. “Deauthorization is the official classification when the federal government determines a project no longer has a federal requirement for its original purpose, in this case, commercial navigation.”

This deauthorization of the lock and dam superseded former laws that directed the Corps to rehabilitate the historic structure and turn it over to the care of neighboring cities.

So, the lock and dam is currently in limbo while the Corps is reviewing the structure. They plan to make a decision on its future later this year.

Basically, there are basically two options: The first alternative is the repair of the lock wall and modification of the structure to allow safe passage to the historic spawning grounds of the Atlantic and shortnose sturgeon and maintain the pool for navigation upstream, water supply and recreational activities.

The second alternative calls for the removal of the lock and dam after the construction of a water damming rock structure or “weir” is built further upstream.

Bonitatibus is fighting to save the locks by suggesting a reasonable alternative: a whitewater rapids park.

And if anyone knows whether such a park is feasible at the lock and dam, it’s the McLaughlin Whitewater Design Group.

This whitewater group has worked with cities 4 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

and community groups all over the country including Raleigh, N.C., Tulsa, Okla., and Florence, Ala. In fact, it is the same company that designed the popular rapids park on the Chattahoochee River in Columbus, Ga. And Columbus has definitely made a name for itself by embracing rafting and kayaking along the Chattahoochee River.

In fact, the Chattahoochee Whitewater Park was recently named one of the “Top Twelve Greatest Man-Made Adventures on the Planet”

by USA Today.

The entire course is said to be the longest urban whitewater rafting area in the world, consisting of both classic and challenging runs on the same 2.5-mile stretch of river that is operated by a dam-controlled release, which occurs daily.

It’s not uncommon for the river to undergo daily fluctuations between 800 cubic feet per second in volume, which is ideal for slower, family-friendly runs down the Chattahoochee River, to 13,000 cubic feet per second in volume, which provides visitors with a wilder, more challenging ride.

With its close proximity to downtown, Columbus’ whitewater park has become a centerpiece of the community and created a booming rafting industry in the area.

But success didn’t happen overnight.

Back in 2012, the city of Columbus decided to remove two century-old dams and replace the former structures with a state-of-the-art kayak surf wave just blocks from the downtown area.

And yet, the city has also respected its links to its industrial past.

“Our community has done a heck of a job maintaining the historic character of our downtown,” Richard Bishop, president of Uptown Columbus and manager of the river park recently told Canoe & Kayak Magazine.

For a moment, just imagine the possibilities in Augusta.

A whitewater rapids park at the lock and dam could really propel the Augusta area into being a regional outdoor recreational destination.

So, what’s the hold up?

Why not spend $10,000 and find out whether a whitewater park is even possible?

Well, U.S. Rep. Rick Allen is leading the charge to get the lock and dam reauthorized, so the federal government can rehabilitate the facility.

Over the past few months, Allen has suggested developing a “power generation project” to address the crumbling lock and dam.

As a result, some Augusta commissioners seem leery about moving forward with a whitewater study if Allen has another proposal up his sleeve.

They don’t want to be seen as stepping on the congressman’s toes.

The Augusta Commission is expected to have a final vote on whether to spend $10,000 on the whitewater park study next week.

Stay tuned.

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Jenny is Wright Eighth-grader, going on college

by Jenny Wright

E LECTIC

With a never-ending roster of live music, festivals and restaurants, it’s hard to be bored in Columbia SC. You can discover something new every day of the year, from the Saturday morning farmers’ market to indie craft and film festivals, we’ve got more things to do than there are hours to do them. Visit ExperienceColumbiaSC.com

The Boy is wrapping up middle school. He’s in the final weeks of eighth grade, with only a few projects and the dreaded Milestones testing left.

Riding in the car the other day, I asked him, “What do you think about learning to drive? In less than a year, you can try it!” I expected an overjoyed teenager response.

Instead, he sighed, closed his eyes, and said, “actually, I’m really nervous. High school makes me nervous.”

Realizing the conversation was headed in a different JENNY WRIGHT’S humorous observations on marriage, direction, I softened my tone. motherhood and living in “Which parts, buddy? Driving? The workload? Dating?

Augusta have earned her a devoted following, both in print Tests?”

I’m surprised by this, because he is my laid-back, and on Facebook. When she’s not spying on other parents in non-stressed kid. Additionally, he isn’t starting a new the carpool line at school, you’ll school in ninth grade. probably find her with either a camera, tennis racquet or wine “All of it.” glass in her hand.

“Really?” I wasn’t being insensitive. I was investigating.

“Were you nervous going into sixth grade? That would’ve been scary to me.”

He went on to say that he went blindly into middle school. Academics came easily to him, he had some friends, and he was mostly excited to go to a new place. “Sure.

That all makes sense. You’re lucky you are staying at the same school, at least. All of those things seem big right now, but they’ll be fun.” I gave him my best assurance.

“What makes me most anxious is college.” Ah. There it is. As much as I wanted to tell him not to worry about college in ninth grade, that wouldn’t have been the truth. Things ain’t what they used to be. Saying like that make me sound old. It’s been almost 25 years since I sent a college application, so I suppose that’s how it goes.

My husband applied to exactly one college. He didn’t want to go anywhere else.

I’m not sure what he would’ve done had he not gotten in, but he did. He went to Georgia.

I don’t remember having many conversations with my parents about college. It was expected, of course, but there wasn’t a lot of encouragement or advice. I don’t say that to make my parents sound unsupportive. College was simply the next step after high school.

I applied to three schools, all for very different reasons. Appalachian State sounded cool because my outdoorsy high school boyfriend said it was. That made it my first choice. He wanted to come visit me there. I wasn’t all that outdoorsy, and I’d never visited the school, but the pictures looked pretty. Belmont, in Nashville, had an impressive Music Business program. I’d played several instruments growing up, and the idea of working with the business side of performers and performances sounded exciting. I never thought I’d get it. It was a dream school. Georgia was my fallback. I’d visited Athens, everyone I knew was a Georgia football fan, and it was only an hour from home. Plus, with the Hope Scholarship, UGA would be free.

Surprisingly, I was accepted to all three. I decided quickly that App State was the one. The Grateful Dead bears sticker on the back of my little car would’ve fit in well. I was planning a Birkenstock purchase. I had my roommate. In May of my senior year, I changed my mind. I followed my best friends to Georgia. I was an English major there and didn’t feel much pressure to determine a career path right away.

My SAT scores were okay. I had more As than Bs on my report cards. I had fun in high school and took it just seriously enough. Now, my son is taking high school classes in middle school and feels like he needs to map out his high school career, for fear of missing something important. He’s looking into college requirements for the schools he might like to attend.

I’m glad he’s preparing, but I hate that he has to. He’s 14. As far as I’m concerned, he’s a kid. Sure, in the days of “Little House on the Prairie,” he’d own a few acres of land and a cow by now, but for now, I’m okay with him spending his summer days at the pool. He has plenty of time to be an adult. Ask any Mama; she’ll say they all do.

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Kris Fisher Let me be myself

by Kris Fisher

I had a thought the other day, while driving home from work: ‘Why the hell didn’t that guy use his blinker?? It literally takes 1/4 of an ounce of effort from one friggin’ finger!! … oh, he was texting. Clearly you can’t be bothered to stop typing your text long enough to inform other drivers of your intent to turn.’

After that thought, I had another one: ‘If I wasn’t me, would I hang out with me?’

Random, I know, but a valid question that I feel like everyone should consider.

When I asked, most people said they’d hang out with themselves. My wife said, “of course I’d hang out with me because I’m awesome and fun!” She’s correct.

But then she added “... but I always flake on plans, so that part of hanging out with me would suck.” Also correct.

I already knew the answer before I asked my daughter. This girl’s confidence is unprecedented. But she’s right. She prides herself on being a good friend. I know I’m biased, but I also don’t mind calling out my kid when necessary. My oldest son felt like he would hang out with himself, as well.

Then I asked the youngest. He surprised me. He said he would and then thought, ‘Well, I can be a little bossy.’ That’s quite an observation for a 9-yearold. But it made me proud. He wasn’t upset or beating himself up about it. It was more matter-of-fact, like, ‘I can work on this.’ I guess my surprise came from the fact that this mature, self-realization came just minutes after he was singing a song about wieners and farts.

But these are the things I try to teach my kids. Not the wieners and farts song, but ‘What kind of person are you, and what kind of person do you want to be?’

As for myself ? I was surprised to say that maybe I wouldn’t hang out with myself, at least, not lately. It’s not that I’m a bad person… it’s just that lately, I’ve been moody and a little negative.

I’m not quite sure what it is that’s got my proverbial panties in a wad, but it’s a thing. And I’m not sure of anyone who enjoys hanging around with someone who is negative all the time. Even Tigger, Pooh and Piglet dreaded the sight of Eeyore walking toward them. Oh, sure, when the cameras were on, it was all, “hey, Eeyore, let’s cheer you up,” but behind the scenes, it was different. “uuugggggghhhhhh, here comes Eeyore … I wonder why his world is miserable today.” It’s minor and fixable, which is the whole point behind the exercise. Give it a try. I mean, you don’t have to go all Buffalo Bill, but put the lipstick down and ask yourself: “Would I hang out with me?” You might be surprised at the difference of the person you think you are vs. the person you project. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can take it a step further: ‘Would I marry me?’ I mean, I have my stunning ai-ight looks, my rock hard dad bod and flowing Costanza coif… Y’know, I’d marry the hell outta me, no question!

26APRIL2018

Col. Todd Turner is the Garrison Commander at Fort Gordon.

The Atlanta native has served as the chief of the Strategic Initiatives Group at the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence since arriving at Fort Gordon in July 2015.

Col. Turner’s deployments include Operation Joint Guardian in support of KFOR 1A in Kosovo and multiple rotations to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal (1 OLC), the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (3 OLC), and the Air Medal (Numeral 3), the Army Master Aviator Badge, the Combat Action Badge, the Parachutist Badge, the Air Assault Badge, the Recruiter’s Badge, the Honorable Order of Saint Michael Bronze Award, and Royal Thai Army Airborne Wings.

Augusta is honored to have Col. Turner as part of our outstanding military community.

Sponsored by Thunder Over Evans Saturday, May 19 Evans Towne Center Park 7016 Evans Town Center Blvd.

Evans, Ga. thunderoveraugusta.com

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WHY has NO ONE DUG deep into AMBULANCE RESPONSE times in Richmond County? Peoples lives are held in the balance and the secret Dispatch procedures of Gold Cross is to delay and subvert response times. People die!

The fact that a United States Senator has endorsed a candidate for a local Columbia county election should set off alarms to voters. Not to mention the elites backing the same guy-there can be no other conclusion than Pam Tucker is seen as a threat to the ruling class and their builder $$$$$$$$ buddies. Defeat Duncan!!!

Ron Cross and Scott Johnson share the same 1/2 brain.

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.

Anyone who says Trump does not understand the Constitution does not know what they are talking about. He is not afraid to do what needs to be done despite all the mean spirited haters. Sean Hannity is NOT a liar. He is someone to be believed and trusted.

Soo... I was just wondering what ever happened to the rapist that is on the loose out there who attacked the woman in Summerville? Was he caught? Any leads? Will justice be served?

Poor pitiful Austin. He’s upset that George Bratcher didn’t tell him about an arrest he had 7 years ago. He even said that the charges were not the issue, the only thing that mattered was the fact he was not told. If there is any truth to the domestic abuse then George does not deserve your vote. Poor Austin at least his buddy Steve Morris feeds him whatever he wants.

WOW! My family has been bombarded with these beautiful pamphlets in the mail to vote for Doug Duncan for commission chair, and his comprehensive plan to end traffic gridlock in Columbia County. I would like to know what has he been doing since he’s been in office? Well the developers, contractors, and other good-old-boys are scared and are donating as much as possible to his campaign. They are afraid of a woman with integrity, and transparency, who will blow the whistle on these quid-pro-quo back door shenanigans.

I see that N. Korea is abandoning it’s Nuclear Weapons Program. I also see that Red China is encouraging them to do so. THANK YOU President Trump! This is reminiscent of JFK’s Tough Stand against Russia during the “Cuban Missile Crisis”! This is also Taking a Giant Step towards “Making America Great Again”!

So my wife was pulled over at 5:30pm in Richmond County for not having her headlights on at dusk. Well we all know it gets dark like at 8pm. Anyways, that complaint was handled.

My question is, how come when we have torrential down pours and nobody has their headlights on, how come aren’t these people ever being pulled over ? I guess the officers don’t feel like getting wet. Enforce the law properly Richmond and Columbia County How many people saw that Kellyanne Conway interview on CNN? Just another example of the instability of the regime currently in the White House.

Doug Duncan has worked hard all his life and EARNED the privilege to live in a guarded, country club community, like Westlake. Some of you whiners, who envy what Doug has earned, prefer to spend the bulk of your time in bars and nightclubs, are one reason why the roads in Columbia County are so dangerous.

Trailer trash never had silver spoons but my wife just now has one So, I flip to the Golf Channel Wednesday night and it’s......

Hockey. Thank you liberal NBC for screwing up something else. #WhatWouldArnieDo? So Pam Tucker is the only candidate for a Columbia County office who didn’t take advantage of her two minutes to speak to the Columbia County Republican Women’s Club on April 23rd because Sheriff Clay Whittle was going to be in the room? Are you serious??? She does know that as Commission Chairman she would have to deal with Sheriff Whittle on a regular basis, right? You CANNOT make this stuff up!

The two people who posed homeless for a week to be filmed mentioned that no one stopped to talk to them. Do you realize that a lot of homeless people, whether due to mental difficulties or loquatiousness, will want to talk your ears off and beg, beg, beg you for monies? They want your time as well as monies. So yes, a lot of us have learned to turn away and not look at folks who are complete strangers we do not want to make us listen to them.

Brandon Garrett has served on the Goshen Neighborhood Association Board, as a deacon at church and is currently serving on Richmond County Planning and Zoning Commission. He has volunteered around the county from reading at various schools to community wide projects such as City Serve among others.

12 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

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You think the mayor’s position is powerless.

You are giving VeryVera’s new cookbook to all of your friends for their birthdays.

All your husband has to say is “little green box,” and all is forgiven.

You know exactly where to pick up dinner if you hear the words, “And don’t forget the banana pudding!”

You still call Augusta’s Municipal Building the “Marble Palace.”

Azaleas and magnolias played prominent roles in your wedding.

The closest you get to culture is the gyro booth at the Arts in the Heart Festival.

You had 14 bridesmaids and 13 groomsmen in your wedding because one guy was found passed out with a bottle of bourbon in the bushes.

You want to marry someone from Augusta and name your babies after prominent local families like Fleming, Walton or Blanchard.

You never shop, drink or eat anywhere other than Surrey Center.

You want to know why all of the city’s top magnet schools have to be located “down there.”

You have already matched your 3-year-old up with their future Social partner.

You know the best and strongest margarita in town is served at Nacho Mama’s.

Metro Spirit brings back its beloved cover story poking fun at Augusta’s little quirks

by Metro Spirit Staff Every city has its own unique personality, little quirks and downright weird ways.

Augusta is no exception.

For almost 30 years since the Metro Spirit was first published back in 1989, a longtime favorite cover story that the paper has offered its readers is the “You’re so Augusta if...” issue.

They’re basically jokes about Augustans that are exaggerated for the pure humor of it and a sincere salute to locals who have seen and been through it all in the Garden City.

After all, it’s always good to laugh at yourself.

Also, there is no place like home. And, for all of us, Augusta is truly home.

So, presenting this year’s “You’re so Augusta if...” list!

You’re so Augusta if...

You honestly think the best place for the new James Brown Arena is at the abandoned Regency Mall site.

You insist on wearing your GreenJackets’ “Last Weekend at the Lake” T-shirt to all of this year’s games in North Augusta.

14 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

You walk into the new SRP Stadium and say, “It’s not that great.”

(Yeah, right.)

You believe having a small statue of James Brown on Broad Street is really more than enough to honor the Godfather of Soul.

You get upset if you have to park more than a block from your favorite restaurant on Broad Street.

You still talk about how dangerous the Riverwalk is, insisting that people are constantly either beaten by baseball bats or shot at down by the river.

You believe Ruben’s Department Store should expand.

You complain that there are too many new license plates in town coming from Texas and Virginia.

You don’t have any idea what “cyber” means.

You would smack Dr. Ricardo Azziz in the mouth if you ever saw him step foot in Augusta again.

You send your kids to Southern or UGA, but they party too much and end up at Augusta University.

You are a doctor, studying to be a doctor or married to a doctor.

You actually think using the hashtag #SOGO makes south Augusta cool.

You still insist that your teen must attend Richmond Academy for high school, even though they have been in private school ever since they were 4 years old.

You know it’s all about who you hire as your lawyer and their legacy in Augusta rather than how much they actually know about the law.

When people say they are going to the “F.A.T.S. Bike Trail,” you think they are talking about a fat camp for adults.

You assume that anyone without a Southern accent is from New York.

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You only drink mint juleps twice a year: During Masters Week and at the annual Kentucky Derby party. (You really don’t like the taste, but you feel sophisticated drinking it while wearing your sexiest cocktail dress.)

You believe there should be one monument or building in downtown Augusta recognizing former Mayor Ed McIntyre.

The only sheriff you ever really trusted was Ron Strength.

You buy a new red-and-black strapless sundress every year.

You think heavily drinking and driving a golf cart doesn’t count.

You openly call Sheriff Richard Roundtree an “idiot” to your friends, but when he’s standing right in front of you, you’re kissing his ass.

You can’t help but shake your head the moment anyone mentions the name “Charles Walker.” (Senior or Junior. It doesn’t really matter.)

Your dog is named “Vince Dooley.”

The only James Brown song you know is “I Feel Good.”

(Which, the song’s title is actually “I Got You,” but you wouldn’t know that.)

You absolutely refuse to call Augusta College anything but AUGUSTA COLLEGE.

All carbonated beverages are referred to as “Coke” regardless of brand or flavor.

You know how to properly pronounce “Taliaferro” County.

Hint: Tolliver.

You wish Augusta Chronicle columnist Sylvia Cooper would write a book.

A single snowflake falls and the city is paralyzed for three days while a WINTER WEATHER WARNING is on all the TV channels every 15 minutes.

You know where the Flowing Well is, and suspect it might have healing powers.

You know exactly how many Waffle Houses are on Washington Road.

You know you’re not allergic to pollen. If you were, you’d be dead already.

More than one person you know has used a UGA or Carolina football schedule to plan their wedding date.

You use “Sir” and “Ma’am” if there’s a remote possibility that person you’re talking to is 30 minutes older than you are.

You paint your house to match the pollen.

You love the fact that some old country politicians were once called the “Southside Mafia.” (We swear. You can’t make this stuff up.)

You met your wife at Squeaky’s Tip Top. You have never walked along the Augusta Canal because you don’t know exactly where to park.

You know what to wear to a party when the hostess describes the dress as “Augusta casual.” Men: Khakis, sport or golf shirt with blazer optional. Women: Color-coordinated shorts or skirt outfits and big earrings.

You have several “dress” Masters polo shirts that you wear to church or family events, and you have another set of Masters shirts that are reserved for nights out at The Country Club or Hooters.

You only watch golf one week a year.

You faithfully attend church every Sunday, but then treat your employees like dirt on Monday.

You still believe the Cracker Party was the best thing that ever happened to Georgia.

You constantly complain about living here, yet you don’t move away.

You think Austin Rhodes is a genius.

You think 100 degree days are “warm” summer days.

You think pimento cheese is a food group.

You actually threw a parade in your neighborhood when Dr. Brooks Keel became the new president of Augusta University.

You go to Walmart for entertainment.

You know where BFE is, and you’ve been to a bonfire somewhere near there.

You know that WJBF usually gets the news right, while WRDW is generally more entertaining.

You know that the true value of a parking space is not determined by the distance to the door, but by the availability of shade.

You believe that the best way to teach your children class and manners is to send them to Social along with every other child from “The Hill.”

The “Hot Fresh Now” sign controls your steering.

You can text “NAug” and everyone knows where you are.

You miss the entertaining days down at the Marble Palace with Augusta Commissioner Willie Mays. Sure, that man loved to talk, but he also knew what he was talking about.

You don’t care what Augusta National does to any of the properties along Washington Road because the private golf club is basically God.

You can’t wait for WJBF News Channel 6 Reporter George Eskola’s “Somewhere Out There” segment every Friday evening.

You refer to the city as Disgusta.

You refuse to call Clarks Hill by that “other” name.

You get all gussied up and bar hop during Masters Week, hoping to be discovered.

You are middle-aged and fanatical about your high school football team.

Walmart + Waffle House + friend = a good time.

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METROSPIRIT 15

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You really believed the Golf Hall of Fame would have brought thousands of tourists to Augusta.

You remember Duke Restaurant.

Your Bi-Lo Bonus Card has a higher point balance than your bank account.

You own a “dress” ball cap.

You still call MCG “Talmage Hospital.”

You own a copy of Tea Time at the Masters.

You know some of the best burgers and cold beers in all of Augusta are at the Sports Center on Broad Street.

Your riding boots are worn enough to look used, but not enough to look worn.

You get a great job not because of the amount of education and training but because your daddy knew someone.

You constantly complain that in Augusta, there is nowhere to go.

You still call the Savannah River Site “The Bomb Plant.”

You call in on the Austin Rhodes program at least four times a week.

You have a favorite song that you like to play on Luigi’s coin-operated jukeboxes.

You miss the Haunted Pillar that once stood on Fifth and Broad streets.

Sweet tea is always the initial drink of choice.

You get dressed up to go to yard sales.

You buy a completely new outfit for the first full week of April every year.

Half of your relatives are named “Bo.”

You think the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band was wrong about Augusta.

You know absolutely nothing about cutting horses, but every year you attend the Futurity in full Western garb.

Whenever you hear the initial D.W. you automatically think 3 for 1.

You have voted for the candidate that promised to reroute the trains from downtown in every election since you registered to vote.

You make an extra $20,000 during Masters by renting your house and leaving your tickets on the kitchen table.

You still get bent out of shape by Phil Kent.

You meet one person and they tell you 30 friends you have in common.

You (or your parents) are on a first-name basis with at least one very expensive lawyer, a plastic surgeon, a noted OBGYN and two or more elected officials.

The only time you can afford to get into the Masters is during practice rounds.

You know that the best soup at Sunshine Bakery is served on Friday. Seriously. The barley bean soup is by far the best soup ever made.

When asked for directions, you say, “Oh, turn off Bobby Jones at the Home Depot, take that little road. It’s in the mall with the ham store, next to CVS.” You are never rude... you simply “polite” them to death.

You’re insulted that General Sherman didn’t think the city was even worth the trouble of burning down.

You are someone in the medical field, married to someone in the engineering field.

You don’t notice the smell from the paper mills, the meat packing house or the cricket farm.

You think Murphy Village is a tourist attraction.

You remember when WBBQ was the king of local radio.

You remember when Disco Hell was at Squeaky’s Tip Top. You put a deposit down on a condo at Port Royal, then didn’t buy one.

You remember Buddy Carr and George Fisher.

You think driving in the suicide lane is perfectly acceptable.

You actually think Augusta has a rush hour traffic problem.

You go to Atlanta or Charleston to shop for clothes.

You are a 60-year-old male but you still wear saddle oxfords.

You think they make you “sporty.”

You see the same people at every social or civic event you attend.

You aren’t really as conservative as you would have your friends and associates believe.

You bought a home in Columbia County because you thought the schools were better, but your kid is still failing.

You think beach music is cool.

You refer to William S. Morris III as “Billy,” as if you knew him.

You look down your nose at south Augusta, Hephzibah and Blythe.

Your biggest goal in life is to get into the Junior League.

You believe if only the local powers-that-be chose the name Ty Cobb Stadium over Lake Olmstead Stadium, the GreenJackets would still be in Augusta.

When being interviewed for a job, you mention who your daddy is within the first three minutes.

You work for your father-in-law, live in your wife’s house (which you brag you’ve completely renovated), have three blonde children and your petite wife drives a white Lexus RX to drop off the kids at Episcopal Day School.

“You refer to that golf event in April as the tuna mint, as in ‘Ah ya’ll goin’ out to the tuna-mint this moanin’?”

A guest at your home screams when they see a Palmetto bug, but you know them by name and don’t even kill them anymore.

You know what CSRA means.

You shave your head so you can get a military discount at the local car dealership.

You hang out at Daniel Field airport during the Masters to see whose plane lands.

Your husband makes $250,000 a year and you still insist on shopping at T.J. Maxx.

You think that real skiing is in North Carolina.

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You are excited because another store is open for 24 hours.

You continuously gripe about high taxes and government waste, except when it comes to SRS, Fort Gordon and the Medical College of Georgia.

You always regarded the Snake Lady as an asset instead of a liability.

You mention the name “Coco,” and everyone knows exactly who you’re talking about.

You have caused an accident by trying to look down the driveway at Augusta National.

You never wanted to come here, but you stayed here.

You miss the days when your grandma used to direct traffic onto your lawn during Masters Week.

You profess to have a relative who saw Gene Sarazen’s double eagle on the Augusta National’s 15th hole in the 1935 tournament.

You assume everyone naturally knows exactly what you’re talking about when you refer to “The Club.” (The Augusta Country Club, of course.)

You go from being a spinster to a junior leaguer.

You think the Braves are the hometown team.

You took Social at the YWCA with Miss Price.

You think The Augusta Chronicle is the next best thing to a Prayer Book.

You feel the need to write letters to every editor in the CSRA quoting the Bible.

You unpack your winter clothes when the temperature drops to 80 degrees.

You’re ‘fixin’ to do something and it doesn’t involve anything broken.

You have at least one relative with only nine fingers.

You remember the days when it was a pleasure to drive on Washington Road.

You’ve gotten out of more than three speeding tickets on your own recognizance, owing to the fact that your daddy and the cop are in the same hunting club.

You really believe it is legal to pass in the center lane of Walton Way. You’ve been caught with your 4x4 on a driving range more than one time.

You think only rich people pay to use parking garages.

You actually think YOU saved the A. You have sat in a lawn chair and shower shoes at Dunkin’ Donuts in April with a sign that says “Need 2.”

You think ‘Krogering,’ and ‘cruising for chicks,’ are synonymous.

You wear tennis skirts and yoga pants every day. Yet do neither.

Your worst nightmare is having tickets for a Braves game and the monster truck races on the same night.

You actually think Augusta Mayor Hardie Davis is doing a good job.

You’re so Columbia County if…

You miss Pam Tucker’s old haircut.

You thought Tim Tebow was going to be in the kitchen at PDQ frying up your chicken fingers.

It doesn’t seem incredibly odd that entire right-hand lanes of I-20 are full of parked cars.

You have proudly not been to Broad Street in 35 years.

You have never been to any other local concert except those held at the Lady A. Your mom dresses up more for your prom picture than you do.

You complain about congestion and traffic, but when it comes time to move, you insist on a brand-new house in a brand-new neighborhood.

You’ve driven through 37 school zones to get anywhere, anytime.

You didn’t consider fried chicken a health food until Chick-fil-A came along.

You’ll gladly pay $15 to look at chickens and cows.

There’s a “massage parlor” at the entrance to your neighborhood.

You receive letters detailing “observations” of your neighbors concerning your house.

Your dog has a hashtag.

Your mother is more ripped than you are.

You’ve put so many kids through the same elementary school, you chuckle during open house at the teacher’s insistence on homework.

You’ve never once in your life thought that Martinez was mispronounced.

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Your Christmas parade looks like “traffic,” yet everyone is smiling and waving.

You live in Columbia County because you love country life, yet your neighborhood has no trees, the closest thing to wildlife that you see is your neighbor’s Labradoodle, and if you even look at a dirt road, you get your SUV detailed.

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The 14th Annual Aiken Bluegrass Festival offers music lovers the same easy-going vibe, but with an incredible lineup with headliner Greensky Bluegrass

Newgrass takes center stage in Aiken

by Stacey Eidson | stacey@themetrospirit.com

For more than 15 years, Greensky Bluegrass has changed the way audiences view bluegrass music by mixing the acoustic stomp of a string band with the energy of rock ’n’ roll.

Add influences of jam, country, blues and psychedelia to their music, and this Kalamazoo, Mich.-based band offers fans an improvisational trip on stage like no other.

Feel free to describe the music as newgrass, jamgrass or progressive bluegrass, but no matter what the name, it’s a mind-blowing sound that is best experienced live and in person.

Fortunately, for local audiences, Greensky Bluegrass returns to headline the 14th Annual Aiken Bluegrass Festival on May 11-12, alongside an incredible lineup that includes bands such as Leftover Salmon, Billy Strings, Larry Keel Experience, The Lil Smokies, Lindsay Lou, Jon Stickley Trio, Grass is Dead and many more.

Greg Burns, the production manager for 18 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

Greensky Bluegrass and co-director for this year’s Aiken Bluegrass Festival with local organizer Christian Schaumann, said a great deal of planning has gone into taking this year’s festival to the next level.

“With the Aiken Bluegrass Festival, we are very focused on the newgrass and jamgrass vibes and all of the artists that are involved are just family,” Burns said. “It is really a beautiful group of people, and everybody likes hanging out with each other and playing together, and it really shows. The audience knows. The energy of all of the parts comes across on stage very clearly.”

With Greensky Bluegrass’ jam-packed touring schedule, Burns said he was thrilled to be able to bring the band back to the Aiken festival.

“It took a lot of doing to get Greensky back,” Burns said. “The level of performance that they are at now is just constantly growing. They are a top dog right now on that scene, and we are really

excited to have them in Aiken this year. In fact, they are finishing up their new album and literally driving down from Asheville after their final day in the studio.”

With the new album fresh on their minds, Burns said he won’t even attempt to predict what songs the band will play when it hits the Aiken stage.

“I doubt we’ll have any bust outs from the studio down in Aiken, but I don’t know,” Burns said. “I can’t tell what the guys are going to do sometimes.”

And between the “super jams” that happen each night and the wide variety of bluegrass bands on stage, Burns said the Aiken festival is always full of surprises.

Such was the case in 2016 when Burns himself took the stage on a dare and began playing.

This spur-of-the-moment act has turned into the band Greg Burns & Friends.

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that often,” Burns said, laughing. “The first time I took the stage was in Aiken, and it was kind of an experiment. Actually, it was kind of a dare and a slight bet, to a certain degree, but I felt like I pulled it off pretty well.”

Greg Burns & Friends will once again take the stage this year at the Aiken festival, and Burns said he can’t wait.

“I feel like this lineup is going to be awesome,” Burns said. “The whole band is flying into Nashville on Monday to do a rehearsal to get ready for Aiken.”

Audiences familiar with the Aiken Bluegrass Festival will also notice a few improvements to the layout, he said.

“We’ve added a second stage this year called Steve’s Beer Hall,” Burns said. “It’s an ode to Steve Groat, who is the original founder of the Aiken festival. Essentially, we’re lengthening the soundcheck times on the main stage in order to have a second stage and add more artists to the lineup. The beer hall stage will host our super jams as the last performances of each day, following the headlining sets on the main stage.”

Without a doubt, the Aiken Bluegrass Festival has become known for its incredible super jams, Burns said.

“I just recently sent Vince Herman (the founder and front man for Leftover Salmon) all of his options for his super jam, and he is sifting through his artists to finalize a set for that,” Burns said. “That’s going to be super fun because it will be Vince Herman with some of the members of The Lil Smokies, Lindsay Lou, Billy Strings and Jon Stickley Trio. In fact, Jon’s new drummer, Hunter (Deacon) is going to be the main drummer for that with a rotating cast of characters on stage.”

“So, we are trying to create that late-night Steve’s Beer Hall as the jam space so the people who are camping and staying late can come hang out there and really enjoy themselves,” he added.

But the music doesn’t stop there, especially for those camping at the festival.

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“There is a third stage that hasn’t really been mentioned,” Burns said.

“It’s going to be a smaller stage offering open mics in the mornings and latenight jams at the campground.”

Steve’s Beer Hall will also offer a variety of beers from sponsors New Belgium Brewing and Hi-Wire Brewing, who is a new beer sponsor for 2018.

“They’ve got a whole new slew of beers, and we have a special, sour tapping going on, on Saturday,” Burns said. “So each brewery is going to have a sour beer that is going to be on tap for Saturday only in the beer hall.

We’ve also got late-night activities, and we are staffing a food truck 24 hours, so there is overnight food and breakfast available.”

Burns said organizers this year are trying to cover every angle to create a highly enjoyable festival for everyone.

“There will also be a pop-up tent area that we are going to start this year and kind of test the waters on that. And Aiken is very unique because this festival is dog friendly,” Burns said. “The SPCA is involved this year, and they are going to have puppies up for adoption on Saturday from 12 to 4 p.m. And there is actually a dog park that we are setting up this year.”

The goal is to allow the festival to continue to grow, but still maintain its comfortable, laid-back vibe, Burns said.

“With the Aiken Bluegrass Festival, the specialness comes from the scene itself,” Burns said. “The bluegrass fan base is really a fantastic group of people. They really care about each other, and everybody takes care of everybody.”

The Aiken Bluegrass Festival Friday, May 11, and Saturday, May 12 561 May Royal Drive Aiken loveabf.com

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Musicians Brad Parsons and Love Canon’s Jay Starling talk about the magic that happens on stage at the Aiken Bluegrass Festival

Let the good times roll

by Stacey Eidson | stacey@themetrospirit.com

For those who haven’t experienced the unique sound of the Charlottesville, Va.-based band Love Canon, don’t be surprised if you recognize many of their songs at the upcoming Aiken Bluegrass Festival on May 11-12.

Love Canon is known for not exactly “covering” music from the 1980s, but transforming it into a bluegrass joyride.

“It kind of started as an inside joke to a certain degree between the band’s banjo player and the lead singer,” said Jay Starling, Love Canon’s dobro player.

“I think they were coming down Interstate 81 from somewhere up North driving back to Virginia and the song ‘Girls Just Want to Have Fun,’ came on the radio.”

The 1980s tune sparked an idea traveling down the road, Starling said.

“There happened to be a mandolin in the car, and the banjo player just grabbed the mandolin and started playing through it, and they were just kind of singing along,” Starling said. “Suddenly, they were like, ‘Man, we should start a string band that just does ’80s hits.’ And the banjo player was like, ‘Yeah, and we’ll call it Love Canon.’ And the rest is history.”

When Love Canon first began, Starling wasn’t a part of the band yet, but after hearing them play live, he said he was soon vying to join.

“I was born in 1979, and I kind of grew up with 20 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

those tunes, so I loved it,” Starling said. “I’ve played a bunch of different styles, but ultimately, this is a string band. But you know, we are kind of pulling from more modern bluegrass sensibilities like David Grisman and Tony Rice as well as straight bluegrass and, then of course, ’80s tunes.”

While the idea for the band might have started off as an inside joke, Starling said Love Canon takes their music extremely seriously.

“If we wanted to, we could not do the songs justice,” Starling said. “But instead, we really get in there and fine tune the details and make the arrangements interesting.”

Starling said it’s hilarious to see the audience’s reactions to their songs.

“Sometimes we get people who say, ‘Well, I don’t really like bluegrass, but I love the 1980s, and I love you guys,’” Starling said. “Or we’ll get the opposite, where they say, ‘I can’t stand the 1980s, but I love bluegrass and I love you guys.’ But probably the best compliment I ever got was some woman said, ‘I hate the ’80s and I can’t stand bluegrass, but you guys are great!’”

As the son of John Starling, the founding member of the famous bluegrass band The Seldom Scene, Jay Starling had actually steered clear of playing bluegrass music for much of his life.

“Everybody would say, ‘Oh, you are John Starling’s

son. You must be great at bluegrass.’ And I would say, ‘I never touched the stuff,’” Jay Starling said, laughing.

Instead, he studied the drums at Berklee College of Music in Boston and later began playing electric guitar and keyboards with regional bands.

It wasn’t until he began giving guitar lessons at a local music shop that he was introduced to the dobro.

“About 10 years ago, I was teaching guitar lessons at a place in Fredericksburg, Va., and I almost didn’t go in because I wasn’t feeling well and I only had one student coming in that day,” Jay Starling said. “Well, I sitting there, waiting on my one student and the delightfully crabby proctor of lessons said, ‘You have a dobro lesson in 30 minutes.’ And I asked, ‘Am I doing it or taking it? I don’t really play dobro.’”

That fact didn’t matter to the music store’s manager, Jay Starling said.

“He said, ‘The guy is like 80-something. Show him something. It doesn’t really matter,’” Jay Starling said, explaining that he picked up the dobro and started figuring out a major scale.

“After that, I got kind of obsessed with it, which was kind of refreshing at 28. It was kind of nice to pick up something new and make some headway on it, and it really helped me get into that genre of bluegrass. Now, I love it. To a certain degree, it was like the monkey was off my back.”

Five months after picking up the dobro, Jay Starling was playing the national bluegrass circuit with singer Adrienne Young and later with Keller Williams.

Now with Love Canon, Jay Starling is excited to bring the band’s music to the Aiken Bluegrass Festival.

“The fairgrounds in Aiken really reminds me of an old Bluegrass festival, like some of the ones that I used to run around at when I was a little kid and watch my dad and The Seldom Scene,” Jay Starling said. “But what’s so great about it is, Aiken has that old feel that I’m very familiar with, but it’s more of an open-arms invitation to different styles of bluegrass. It’s super warm and inviting.”

And the “super jams” each night are incredible, Jay Starling said.

“Every single act that hit the main stage was a band that didn’t previously exist until they just walked up on stage,” he said. “You get to play music you’ve never done with people you’ve never played with, so I think it’s really exciting for us.”

This will be the second year that Portlandbased singer and songwriter Brad Parsons will perform at the Aiken Bluegrass Festival.

His first trip to Aiken was quite memorable, Parsons said.

“Aiken was the first festival I was ever being flown out to,” Parsons said. “It was a big deal for me and I was really excited. I remember I flew out at 6 a.m. or something like that. Well, 26APRIL2018

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naturally, as a musician, I’m not a morning person and I overslept and missed my flight.”

Parsons joked that such a mistake was hard to live down last year.

“So I was the big guy that everybody was making fun of because he was the idiot who overslept and missed his flight,” Parsons said, laughing. “But once I got there, the atmosphere was super welcoming. I loved the mixing and matching of people on stage. And I think it was a great place to come together with other musicians and get out of our comfort zones and share our ideas.”

Jamming and improvising live on stage is what it’s all about, Parsons said.

“It’s part of the magic,” he said.

“That’s the great thing about newgrass.

It has a spontaneous quality, and that’s what I really enjoy about playing live music.”

The Aiken Bluegrass Festival Friday, May 11, and Saturday, May 12 561 May Royal Drive Aiken loveabf.com

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More than 65 rockers to take the stage May 4-6

Shaky Knees: For hardcore music fans

by Amanda Main | amanda@themetrospirit.com Sometimes, the “music” part of a “music festival” seems to get lost… there are big music festivals around the country that for sure are a good time, but sometimes they seem to be more about who can party the hardest or who can take the trendiest selfies.

Shaky Knees, however, puts most of its focus on the music. If you’ve never been, this year is a good year to start. Featuring headliners such as David Byrne, Jack White, Queens of the Stone Age, The National and Tenacious D, this is a rock fan’s festival. With more than 65 bands and musicians playing the stages throughout the three days, you might notice that the smaller, lesserknown acts were likely influenced by at least one of the bigger acts on the same bill. It’s that way on purpose, says the festival’s creator and director Tim Sweetwood.

“I take the time to curate it, and you’ll find those bands all the way down to the bottom that are influenced by some of the bands at the top … you’ll probably see (them) years from now down the line being of that bigger nature, so it’s a chance for musical discovery within the rock genre.”

People are so into the music there, he says, you might just find someone shushing ya if you’re being too loud during a quieter set.

And the festival is all about that one, overarching genre.

“It really is rock. If you’ve got a six-string instrument in your band, then Shaky Knees is the spot for you,” Sweetwood said. “I mean, there’s pop in there; there’s some electronic-leaning ones, but pretty much what they all have in common is, they’re live bands set-ups.

So there’s rock and pop, and there’s even a little bit of metal and there’s some punk and stuff like that, but they’re all subgenres of rock.”

Something else you need to know is: There’s no official parking at the festival. But not to worry! You can take the MARTA all the way to the festival, to the Civic Center stop and the North Avenue stop. (Find out more

about riding MARTA here: martaguide.com/how-toride-marta-trains.)

But if the idea of getting on MARTA turns you off (yeah, we too have seen at least one MARTA fight video uploaded to YouTube), the festival has designated rideshare drop-off spots. Uber is probably your best option, especially if you’re taking it all the way from wherever you’re sleeping after the festival is over for the night — that way, if you had a little too much to drink while taking in the shows from the crowd, you can safely get to your destination. If you’re planning on being able to drive afterward, you might get lucky and find parking in the surrounding neighborhoods.

With about 20,000 people at the festival each day, it’s good that it’s a little spread out. The festival takes place at Central Park, as well as Renaissance Park and a portion of the Civic Center Station parking lot.

Getting to the festival from Augusta is super easy.

You’ll basically drive down I-20 almost all the way there. About six turns later, you’ll be at Central Park.

But again, if you don’t like hunting for a parking spot, your best bet will either be public transportation or a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft. So you’ll probably want to go to wherever you’re staying the night first, then head to the festival!

Besides the loads of music happening on the four stages, there will be loads of food trucks, for all different tastes including vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free. You’ll want to leave your oversized bags at home — bags will be restricted to small purses and drawstring bags, and they can’t exceed 14” x 11” x 5” — bags with multiple pockets are not allowed.

And also leave the selfie sticks at home — nope, they’re not allowed, and you’re there for the music anyway, right? Check shakykneesfestival.com/information to see what else is or isn’t allowed.

Oh, and want to get in the festival for free? All you’ve got to do is get a tattoo of the festival’s logo. Seriously.

Check out #ShakyTats on Instagram for inspiration.

Shaky Knees’ sister festival, Shaky Beats, happens the following weekend — it’s all about bringing in good electronic/hip-hop acts.

It’ll be from May 11 to May 13 and features artists like Ludacris, Marshmello, Zedd, Kygo and more. Visit shakybeatsfestival.com.

Shaky Knees Central Park in Atlanta All day May 4, 5 and 6 $189, 3-day pass; $99, 1-day pass shakykneesfestival.com

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Crafts aren’t just for kids! In fact, there’s evidence that putting your hands to work on something creative can soothe whatever stress and anxiety you might be experiencing.

According to Rodale’s Organic Life, “even simple crafting can actually help cognitively because it allows a person to find some peace and focus in a simple activity, called ‘flow.’”

Some activities the online publication suggests taking up include coloring, knitting and crocheting, mosaicking, cross-stitching, pottery and origami.

Here are a few events in the Augusta area this week to help get you started on a new hobby that just might be good for your health: Tuesday, May 1 5:30pm - 7pm Arts & Crafts Buffet Columbia County Library Experiment with crafting materials and art supplies at this drop-in program for all ages. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.

Wednesday, May 2 Noon Doodle Hour Columbia County Library Coloring for grown-ups. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.

Thursday, May 3 1pm - 3pm Coloring for Grownups Aiken Public Library Coloring sheets and refreshments will be provided at this event held on the first Thursday of every month. Bring your own coloring pens and pencils. Preregistration required. Call 803-642-2020, ext. 1131, or visit abbe-lib.org.

5:30pm Fiber Arts Craft and Chat Columbia County Library Open to those of all abilities who crochet, knit, loom and cross-stitch. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.

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What’s Up

Calendar: 26 | Music Listings: 34 If you have any questions, or would like to submit an event to our calendar, please email Amanda Main at amanda@themetrospirit.com.

LITTLE GREEK VILLAGE IS BACK It’s time to head downtown again for yummy gyros and some of the best baklava around! If you have never tried baklava, this week is seriously the time to do it. It’s a rich dessert pastry made of flaky dough, nuts and honey… oh, man, we can almost taste it now.

Go try it — and all the other great food.

The Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church puts on its Greek Festival every spring and a bigger one in the fall.

When you go, you’re immersed in Greek culture. The festival, of course, offers all kinds of food, but there’s also tours of the deeply historical church sanctuary, music by the trio A Night in Athens, and the church’s own dance troupes to really get the festival vibe going.

Amazingly, admission is free to this festival that’s considered one of the best in the city. It’ll be happening all weekend from Friday, April 27, to Sunday, April 29.

Spring Greek Mini Festival Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, April 27, and Saturday, April 28 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, April 29 holytrinityaugusta.org or 706-724-1087

ONGOING

SATURDAY, APRIL 28

MONDAY, APRIL 30

THURSDAY, MAY 3

You can take a trip back in time (well, almost) by getting on the Ford Tri-Motor, known as the first luxury airliner and formed in the 1920s. The plane will be at Daniel Field from 2 to 5 p.m. Thursday, April 26, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 27 to 29. Flights cost $75 for adults and $50 for youths 17 and under. Anyone can watch the plane for free! Visit flytheford.org or call 877-952-5359.

If you don’t know much about Beech Island, S.C., the first thing to know is that it’s not near the coast. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, the Beech Island Historical Society offers the self-guided, 12th annual Historic Beech Island Tour of historic homes, churches, cemeteries and historical sites. A barbecue lunch is available. Tickets that day are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and free for youths 18 and under. Call 803867-3600 or visit beechislandhistory.org.

What’s Mayor Hardie Davis saying about the city he’s serving? He’s in the middle of a “State of the City” Tour right now, with the next stop being at 6 p.m. Monday at the Carrie J. Mays Community Life Center.

This event where he’ll share highlights from his address is free and open to the public.

His next appearances are May 7 at McBean Community Center and May 8 at Henry H. Brigham Community Center. Call 706821-1831 or email jbuffkin@augustaga.gov.

If you’re in the mood for hearing quirky music with the vocals belted out (trust us, you are), you’ll want to check out Aubrey Logan at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Miller Theater.

The trombonist/vocalist seems to sail through songs with her nothing-held-back, multi-octave voice. She will perform jazz, soul and classic rock with the Augusta Symphony.

Tickets start at $35; visit augustasymphony. com or millertheateraugusta.com, or call 706-826-4705.

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For more information on these events, see our calendar of events on page 26.

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membership optional. Call 803-642-2020 or visit abbe-lib.org.

3:30pm - 5pm Intermediate Spanish Class

Friedman Branch Library An adult class for those who already know some Spanish, led by Edwin Perez of the Asociacion Cultural Hispanoamericana. Preregistration required. Call 706-736-6758 or visit elcervantino.org or arcpls.org.

5:30pm Beginner Spanish Class

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

Spring Flea Market and Earth Faire Fort Gordon’s Barton Field 9am - 2pm Sat Apr 28 An Earth Day event that includes educational booths, activities, vendors and more. Call 706-791-8878 or visit fortgordon.com.

ARTS

Sat Apr 28

10am - 1 pm Paint & Create

Caye Chapel, Kroc Center Join a local artist for step-by-step instruction of a specially themed painting each month.

No previous experience required; all supplies provided. For ages 12 and up. $35. Call 706364-5762 or visit augustakroc.org.

Ongoing

Bogart Paint Party

Jessye Norman School of the Arts This class takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month. $30. Call 706-828-7768 or visit jessyenormanschool.org/paint-parties.

DANCE

Fri Apr 27

7pm Mood Swings

Imperial Theatre Colton Ballet collaborates with Russell Joel Brown and Karen Gordon of Garden City Jazz for this show. $25-$35, general; $20, senior; $10, children and students. Visit imperialtheatre.com or call 706-722-8341.

Ongoing

The Best of Tap

Jessye Norman School of the Arts This class takes place from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesdays. $50 for a four-week course. Call 706-828-7768 or visit jessyenormanschool. org/community-classes-all.

Hip-Hop n Groove Dance Class with Ashley Denerra

Jessye Norman School of the Arts This class takes place from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

Saturdays. $15. Call 706-828-7768 or visit 26 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

jessyenormanschool.org/dance-classes.

MMUVE with Ashley Denerra

Jessye Norman School of the Arts This class takes place from 2 to 3 p.m.

Saturdays. $15. Call 706-828-7768 or visit jessyenormanschool.org/dance-classes.

Lett’s Dance with Mario Lett

Jessye Norman School of the Arts This class takes place from 7 to 8 p.m. on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month. $7. Call 706-828-7768 or visit jessyenormanschool.org/letts-dance.

EDUCATION Thu Apr 26

10am - 11:30am English Conversation Class

Fairview Presbyterian Church, North Augusta These free classes, held weekly on Thursdays through May 17, are for people learning English at the intermediate/advanced levels to practice their skills. Register by visiting LearnEnglishForLiving.com, or call 706-2847555.

3pm - 5pm Tech Tutor Session

Aiken Public Library Anyone looking to become more comfortable with computer or device basics is invited to drop in to see a Tech Tutor. No registration is required, but take your charged device with you. Call 803-642-2020, ext. 1131, or visit abbe-lib.org.

3pm What Can I Do with a Degree in Education?

AU’s JSAC Coffeehouse This free workshop will tell attendees what options a degree in education might lead to.

Tue May 1

4pm Integrated Master of Arts in Teaching Info Session

Call 706-729-2980 or email marice@augusta. edu.

5:30pm Confederate Memorial Teach-In

Headquarters Branch Library Local academics and guest historians will discuss the issue of the monument in the 700 block of Broad Street. A Q&A session will follow. Call 706-724-0390.

6pm Estate Planning and Elder Care

Columbia County Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-863-1946, ext. 4, or visit gchrl.org.

Fri Apr 27

3:30pm - 5pm Spanish for Beginners

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

Sat Apr 28

10am - 1pm Whole Life Christian Academy Open House

Whole Life Christian Academy Tour the school and register for the 2018-19 school year. Programs for students ages 2 to fifth grade. The school offers small class sizes, Christian curriculum and affordable prices.

Call 706-364-1439 or visit wlmacademy.org.

AU’s JSAC Coffeehouse This free workshop is for anyone who is earning or already completed a bachelor’s degree in any subject and is interested in getting a master’s degree in teaching. Call 706-729-2980 or email marice@augusta.edu.

Wed May 2

10am - 3:30pm Computer Boot Camp: Part I

Columbia County Library Learn the basics of Windows including parts of the computer, using the mouse, saving to a USB flash drive and basic computer maintenance. Pre-registration required. Call 706-863-1946, ext. 4, or visit gchrl.org.

2pm Computer Basics: Keyboard and Mouse Skills

Headquarters Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-821-2615 or visit arcpls.org.

6pm Tertulia: Spanish Conversation Group

Headquarters Branch Library A group for beginner to intermediate Spanish speakers. Call 317-695-4748 or visit arcpls. org.

6:30pm - 8pm English as a Second Language

Fairview Presbyterian Church, North Augusta These free classes are for all levels and run weekly on Wednesdays through May 16.

Register by visiting LearnEnglishForLiving. com, or call 706-284-7555.

Mon Apr 30

Thu May 3

Aiken Public Library This elementary course in conversational Italian language and culture is suitable for teens and adults. Partners in Friendship

Fairview Presbyterian Church, North Augusta These free classes, held weekly on Thursdays through May 17, are for people learning

3pm - 4:30pm Partners in Friendship

10am - 11:30am English Conversation Class

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English at the intermediate/advanced levels to practice their skills. Register by visiting LearnEnglishForLiving.com, or call 706-2847555.

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

Diamond Lakes Branch Library Participants can complete job applications, resumes or conduct job searches with staff available for one-on-one help if needed. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.

5pm Digital Detox

Maxwell Branch Library This class will help people gain more control of their digital life. No registration required.

Visit arcpls.org.

Ongoing

GED Classes

Kroc Center These free classes are offered from 9 a.m. to noon Mondays and Wednesdays throughout the year for adults 18 and older. Preregistration and entrance testing required.

Call 706-771-4131 to register for entrance testing.

James Brown Family Historical Tour

Augusta Museum of History Available each Saturday at 11 a.m. and lasting approximately two hours, this bus tour includes Brown’s elementary school, his childhood home, his statue and more. $15 fee, includes admission to the museum, which houses the largest collection of James Brown memorabilia. Reservations 24 hours in advance required. Call 803-640-2090 or visit jamesbrownfamilyfdn.org.

Guided Tours

1797 Ezekiel Harris House Offered by appointment only MondayFriday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Last tours of the day begin at 4 p.m. Adults, $2; children, $1. Call 706-722-8454 or visit augustamuseum.org.

North Augusta Driving Tour

Arts and Heritage Center of North Augusta Offered by appointment and includes a 30-45-minute guided tour and admission to the center. Self-guided tours are also available through an iPhone downloadable audio tour or a Google Maps-based tour. Guided tours: $5, adults; $3, students K-12. Call 803-4414380 or visit artsandheritagecenter.com.

Tours

Boyhood Home of President Woodrow Wilson Guided tours, approximately 45 minutes long, are offered Thursday-Saturday on the hour from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Group tours are available by advanced reservation.

Adults, $5; seniors, $4; kids K-12, $3; under 5 years, free. Call 706-724-0436 or visit wilsonboyhoodhome.org.

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Historic Trolley Tours of Augusta

Augusta Visitors Center Tours aboard the Lady Libby available at the Augusta Visitors Center with 24-hour advanced reservations. Tickets include admission to the Augusta Museum of History.

Call 706-724-4067 or visit visitaugusta.org.

1 Million Cups

theClubhou.se Held from 8-9 a.m. on the first Wednesday of every month is an opportunity for two earlystage start-ups to present their companies to an audience of mentors, advisors and other entrepreneurs. Each founder presents for six minutes, followed by a Q&A. Coffee and doughnuts are provided. To apply, visit 1millioncups.com/augusta. Visit theclubhou. se or call 706-723-5782.

EXHIBITIONS Thu Apr 26

6pm - 8pm Exhibition Opening: Paintings by Stephen Estrada

The Morris Museum of Art Preview this exhibition of seascapes by Stephen Estrada. The lecture is at 6, and the reception is at 7. Free, members; $5, nonmembers. Reserve a spot by calling 706828-3867, or visit themorris.org.

Sat Apr 28

3pm - 5pm Shali Denton Artist Reception

Hire Grounds Cafe Local artist Shali Denton has works on display and for sale in the cafe through April.

Call 706-650-5760 or visit goodwillworks.org.

Thu May 3

5:30pm - 7:30pm Student Art Show Opening Reception

Arts and Heritage Center, North Augusta Artwork shows from May 3-18. Call 803-4414380 or visit artsandheritagecenter.com.

Ongoing Exhibits

Augusta Museum of History Includes the following: “The Godfather of Soul, Mr. James Brown; “Celebrating a Grand Tradition, the Sport of Golf ”; “Augusta’s Story”; “A Community That Heals”; “Into the Interior: A History of the Georgia Railroad and Banking Company”; “Local Legends”; “One Man, Two Ships: Lessons in History and Courage”; “Life Cycles”; and “Canteens to Combat Boots,” and the “Victorian Era in Augusta.” Call 706722-8454 or visit augustamuseum.org.

“The Eyes Have It”

Westobou Gallery “The Eyes Have It” is presented in conjunction with Augusta University’s Art Department featuring four graduating

seniors. The exhibit will be on display from May 4 to June 15. An opening reception will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. May 4. Call 706755-2878 or visit westoboufestival.com.

Katherine McCall

Sacred Heart Cultural Center This painting and photography exhibition will remain on display through April 30. Call 706-826-4700 or email kimsacredheart@ knology.net.

Tom Crowther

Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art “Be Careful of the Ants: Reinvention and the ART of Plodding Along” is an exhibition of paintings and drawing spanning a variety of subjects, but it is predominately rooted in the psychology of the self. The exhibit is on display through May 25. Visit ghia.org or call 706-722-5495.

Staci Swider

Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art The exhibit titled “Within: Reckless Acts of Faith” is on display through May 25. Visit ghia.org or call 706-722-5495.

The Epochs of Courage: AfricanAmericans in Golf

Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History This traveling exhibition explores the bittersweet evolution of African-American golf emerging from the Jim Crow Era. For more information or to book a tour, call 706724-3576. The museum will be hosting its annual Golf Tournament on Saturday, May 19, at the Augusta Municipal Golf Course.

The tournament format will be a four-person best ball; registration is from 6 to 7 a.m., with tee time at 8 a.m. The Early Bird entry fee for golfers is $85. Registration information can be found at lucycraftlaneymuseum.com.

Multi-Artist Show

Aiken Center for the Arts Featuring the “Your Doctor Is In!” exhibit with works by local physicians, potter Frank Lustig and Aiken Artist Guild Past Presidents’ 50th Anniversary Celebration. The exhibits are on display through May 4. Call 803-6419094 or visit aikencenterforthearts.org.

FLIX

you’d like to see. Free for AU students with JagCard; $5 for guests. Visit augusta.edu.

Sat Apr 28

1:30pm - 5:30pm Cine: Spanish Movie Series

Headquarters Branch Library This eclectic series features Spanish-language films with English subtitles. Visit outreach. arcpls.org/cinesceneeng for the title of the next film. Free; snacks welcome. Visit arcpls. org or call 706-821-2612.

3pm “Chops”

Humanitree House This free screening is part of Jazz Appreciation Month. Visit eventbrite.com.

3pm “The Greatest Showman” Aiken Public Library Call 803-642-2020 or visit abbe-lib.org.

Tue May 1

5:30pm - 8pm Tuesday Night Movie Series

Headquarters Branch Library Eclectic variety of films. Visit arcpls.org or call 706-821-2600.

7pm “Mr. Kaplan”

Jabez S. Hardin Performing Arts Center $10, general; $5, students. This film screening is part of the Augusta Jewish Film Festival.

Visit augustajcc.org.

Thu May 3

4pm - 8pm “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” Headquarters Branch Library Snacks will be provided. Call 706-821-2600 or visit arcpls.org.

Ongoing

Free Family Movie Night

Kroc Center Showing at 6:30 p.m. on the last Friday of most months, this event is free for members and nonmembers. Limited seating is filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Refreshments available for purchase. Call 706-364-5762 or visit augustakroc.org.

Thu Apr 26

HEALTH

North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.

7pm - 8:30pm Happiest Baby on the Block

6:30pm “Darkest Hour”

7pm “The Testament”

Jabez S. Hardin Performing Arts Center $10, general; $5, students. This film screening is part of the Augusta Jewish Film Festival.

Visit augustajcc.org.

8:30pm - 11pm Movie Night

AU’s Maxwell Theatre Join The CREW for movie night; vote on Instagram (@aug_thecrew) for what movie

Thu Apr 26

Doctors Hospital An infant care and sleep class for new parents.

Pre-registration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.

7pm - 8:30pm Infant CPR Class

University Hospital Pre-registration required. Call 706-774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.

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Fri Apr 27

9am - 4pm Free Head and Neck Cancer Screening

AU’s Medical Office Building, Harper Street Request a free screening at augustahealth. org/headandneckscreening. Call 706-7214400.

Mon Apr 30 6:30pm Refit

Headquarters Branch Library A free cardio dance class. Call 706-821-2600 or visit arcpls.org.

Tue May 1

2pm Heart Attack & Stroke Prevention Class

University Hospital’s Heart & Vascular Institute A class that offers information, diagnostic exams, lab work, a personal plan and more.

Pre-registration required. Call 706-774-5548 or visit universityhealth.org.

6:30pm It’s a Stretch: Yoga for the Stiff Skeptic

7pm - 9:30pm Baby 101

Doctors Hospital An infant care and development class. Preregistration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.

Ongoing

Augusta Meditation Meetup

Meditation Sessions

Ongoing

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.

6:45pm Childbirth Tour

AU Health Call 706-721-2273 or visit calendar.augusta. edu.

Thu May 3

6pm Breastfeeding Class

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

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 calendar. augusta.edu.

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Headquarters Branch Library’s Georgia Heritage Room Free sessions offered by appointment. Call 706-826-1511 or visit arcpls.org.

KIDS-TEENS

5pm Gardening Club

4pm - 5:30pm Makerspace

Thu Apr 26

Sat Apr 28

Bernie Ward Community Center Led by certified yoga teacher Karin Bush, this weekly hourlong Hip-Hop Yoga class is an athletically powered vinyasa flow challenging all levels, set to your favorite hip-hop and R&B tunes. Beginners welcome. $10. Email clearlykarinyoga@gmail.com or call 470-2409412.

Basic Genealogy Tutorials

HOBBIES

7pm - 9:30pm Ready and Able

6pm Hip-Hop Yoga

6:30pm - 8:30pm PWN AUG Chess Club Meeting

The Book Tavern A club open to all ages and skill levels that meets the first and third Thursdays of each month. Participants are encouraged to bring their own chess sets. Call 706-826-1940 or visit booktavern.com.

Woodworth Library, Fort Gordon The Fort Gordon Community Garden Gardening Club meets the fourth Thursday of every month; meetings are open to the public. Call 706-791-4300 or visit fortgordon. com/events.

Wed May 2

Columbia County Library Open to those of all abilities who crochet, knit, loom and cross stitch. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.

Unity of Augusta sanctuary Licensed Professional Counselor Cynthia Gray leads this 20-minute non-religious, breath-awareness meditation at 9 a.m.

Sundays. Find more details at meetup.com, or email cynthiagray@outlook.com.

Jessye Norman School This hourlong Vinyasa flow yoga class for all abilities focuses on balance, flexibility and strength. $10 per class. Call 706-828-7768 or visit jessyenormanschool.org/communityclasses-all.

Doctors Hospital A five-session Lamaze class that continues Tuesdays through May 29. Pre-registration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctorshospital.net.

5:30pm Fiber Arts Craft and Chat

11am - 12:30pm Knitting Circle Woodworth Consolidated Library, Fort Gordon Open to the public, this weekly gathering is for knitters and crocheters. Registration required. Call 706-791-0396, ext. 4674, or visit fortgordon.com/events.

Mon Apr 30

All day Puzzle of the Week

Appleby Branch Library Join the library each week for a new puzzle to solve. Turn in your completed puzzle and be entered to win a prize at the end of each month. Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.

Wed May 2

Noon Doodle Hour

Columbia County Library Coloring for grown-ups. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.

Thu May 3

1pm - 3pm Coloring for Grownups

Aiken Public Library Coloring sheets and refreshments will be provided at this event held on the first Thursday of every month. Bring your own coloring pens and pencils. Pre-registration required. Call 803-642-2020, ext. 1131, or visit abbe-lib.org.

Thu Apr 26

Columbia County Library Teens will have the opportunity to work collaboratively or on their own projects under staff guidance while using library equipment.

Call 706-868-1946 or visit gchrl.org.

Fri Apr 27

10am - noon Play and Grow

Aiken Public Library A drop-in program for those ages 0-5 that includes DUPLO blocks toys, puppets and more. Call 803-642-2020 or visit abbe-lib.org.

10:30am - noon Story Times

North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library Story time for kids ages 0-2 begins at 10:30 a.m., and story time for kids ages 3-6 begins at 11:15 a.m. Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.

12:30pm - 2pm Mr. Kenny’s Wondrous Stories, Songs and Play

Jessye Norman School of the Arts Participants will read, sing, play musical instruments and explore movement designed to help them develop both literary and cognitive skills. Parents or caregivers participate in the class through age 3.

Preschool and kindergarten children may attend with, or without, a parent or caregiver. $10; pre-registration required. Call 706-8287768 or visit jessyenormanschool.org.

Sat Apr 28

9am - 4pm Safe Sitter

Doctors Hospital A class for those ages 11-13. Pre-registration required. Call 706-651-4343 or visit doctorshospital.net.

10:30am Family Lego Time

Appleby Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.

11am “Scientist, Scientist, Who Do You See?” Story Time Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.

Mon Apr 30

10am - 10:30am Extra Story Time

Maxwell Branch Library Pre-registration required for groups of four or more for this event taking place the last Monday of each month. Call 706-793-2020 or visit arcpls.org.

10am Tiny Tot Story Time

Reed Creek Park “Dot & Jabber and the Mystery of the Missing Spring” story time for kids ages 2-4. Free, members and nonmembers.

Pre-registration required; register through reedcreekpark.com. For information, call 706-210-4027 or email reedcreekpark@ columbiacountyga.gov.

10:30am Jr. Lego Club

Headquarters Branch Library For kids ages 2-4. Legos provided. Preregistration required. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.

4:30pm - 6:30pm Your Money, Your Future

Columbia County Library This Georgia 4-H program is aimed at students in grades 7 to 12. Topics include the uses for money; how to spend, save and share; setting SMART financial goals; how to open a checking account; and budgeting.

Pre-registration required. Call 706-863-1946, ext. 4, or visit gchrl.org.

Tue May 1

10am All Ages Story Time

Headquarters Branch Library Stories, songs and rhymes. Pre-registration recommended. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.

10am - 10:30am Celebrate Cinco De Mayo Friedman Branch Library Includes stories and a fun craft. Pre-register by calling 706-736-6758, or visit arcpls.org.

3:30pm Paws for Literacy

Maxwell Branch Library An event in which members of the community can read to therapy dogs. Call 706-793-2020 or visit arcpls.org.

4pm Storytime in the Gardens

Hopelands Gardens, Aiken For families with children ages 8 and younger. Blankets, chairs, drinks and snacks are welcome. Call 803-642-7631 or visit 26APRIL2018

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cityofaikensc.gov.

5:30pm - 7pm Arts & Crafts Buffet

Columbia County Library Experiment with crafting materials and art supplies at this drop-in program for all ages.

Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.

Wed May 2

10am Music and Movement

Headquarters Branch Library Music, songs, dance and rhymes for children.

Groups of six or more require registration.

Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.

10am Story Time

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

10am Story Time for Tots

Headquarters Branch Library For kids ages 0-3. Pre-registration recommended. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.

10:05am Toddler Story Time

Appleby Branch Library This program is best for children ages 18 months-3 years. Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.

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

10:30am Preschool Story Time

Appleby Branch Library Songs, finger plays and stories for kids ages 18 months to 3 years. Pre-registration required for groups of six or more. Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.

10:30am - noon Super Awesome Story Time The Book Tavern Juice and cookies provided by New Moon Cafe. Call 706-826-1940 or email superawesomestorytime@booktavern.com.

Thu May 3

1pm - 3pm Homeschool Adventure

Mistletoe State Park For homeschool students ages 5 and up. $5 per child, plus $5 parking. Pre-registration required. Call 706-541-0321 or visit gastateparks.org/mistletoe.

Ongoing

The Shepard Project

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 26APRIL2018

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.

Homeschool PE

Kroc Center For kids ages 5-12 and meets Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for an hour at 9:30 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. Free, members; $2 per visit, nonmembers. Activity follows the Richmond County school calendar. Call 706364-5762 or visit augustakroc.org.

After-School Program

Smith-Hazel Recreation Center, Aiken A program for those ages 5-13 that includes homework help, games, snacks and more.

It meets Monday-Friday from 2:30-5 p.m. and follows the Aiken County Public School calendar. $20 first child, then a $5 sibling discount. Call 803-642-7634.

Kroc Tots

Kroc Center A program for parents and children up to age 5 that includes work on physical, social and emotional development, as well as cognitive skills and language development. Meets most Tuesdays at 10 a.m. during the school year. $2, members; $5, nonmembers. Call 706364-5762 or visit augustakroc.org.

Kids’ Night Out!

Kroc Center Held from 6 to 10 p.m. on the first Friday of the month, this night for kids ages 2-12 means a night alone for parents. $15, members; $20, nonmembers. Price includes dinner and activities like swimming, gym play, inflatables, crafts and more. Call 706-364-5762 or visit augustakroc.org.

LITERARY Thu Apr 26

10am - noon Morning Book Club Maxwell Branch Library “Empire of Illusion: The End of Literacy and the Triumph of Spectacle” by Chris Hedges will be discussed. Call 706-793-2020 or visit maxwellbookclub.wordpress.com or arcpls.org.

Ongoing

Kroc Book Club

Kroc Center This diverse group of people who love to read and talk about literature meets the fourth Wednesday of the month from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

For ages 25 and up. Call 706-364-5762 or visit augustakroc.org.

MUSIC

Thu Apr 26

6pm Guitar Lessons

Jessye Norman School This hourlong class is taught Thursdays by Keith Jenkins. $5 donation for group lessons; private lessons available. Call 706-828-7768 or visit jessyenormanschool.org/communityclasses-all.

7:30pm Concerto Competition Winners’ Concert

AU’s Maxwell Theatre This concert features three of the most talented musicians at Augusta University, chosen by competitive audition. Each winner will play a concerto with the Augusta University Orchestra. $5, general; free, AU and EGSC students, faculty and staff.

Call 706-667-4100 or visit augusta.edu/ maxwelltheatre.

7:30pm The Drifters

AECOM Center for the Performing Arts, Aiken Repeats at 7:30 p.m. April 27. $40. Visit apagonline.org or call 803-643-4774.

Jessye Norman School of the Arts Featuring classic live jazz and wines selected by the host. $7, advance; $10, day of show.

Call 762-233-5299 or visit jazzsoiree.com.

Mon Apr 30

4pm Senior Recital: Eric Hannah (Tuba) AU’s Maxwell Theatre Free. Call 706-667-4100 or visit augusta.edu/ maxwelltheatre.

5:30pm Junior Recital: Carter Wolfe (Trumpet)

AU’s Maxwell Theatre Free. Call 706-667-4100 or visit augusta.edu/ maxwelltheatre.

6:30pm Hopelands Summer Concert Series

Hopelands Gardens, Aiken Featuring East Aiken School of the Arts.

Attendees can bring blankets, lawn chairs, picnics and well-behaved pets on leashes, but no alcohol. Free. Call 803-642-7631 or visit visitaikensc.com.

Miller Theater $32-$72. Visit millertheateraugusta.com or call 800-514-3849.

AU’s Maxwell Theatre Free. Call 706-667-4100 or visit augusta.edu/ maxwelltheatre.

Fri Apr 27

Tue May 1

6:30pm - 8pm Music Cruise

Augusta Canal National Heritage Area Featuring Gwen Hughes, a jazzy blues and pop vocalist. Participants are invited to bring snacks and beverages. $25. Pre-registration required. Call 706-823-0440, ext. 4, or visit augustacanal.com.

7:30pm Rastrelli Cello Quartet

Wed May 2

7:30pm Ray Charles On My Mind

Barnes & Noble Held every first Wednesday of the month.

Call the store for information about the book of the month. Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.

7:30pm - 10pm Soiree: Jazz + Wine

7pm Senior Recital: Raji Venkat (Soprano)

The Book Tavern A group open to older teens and up. Call 706826-1940 or email david@booktavern.com.

6pm Page Turners Book Club

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.

8pm The Marshall Tucker Band

AU’s Maxwell Theatre $40, general; $32, seniors (65+) and military; $5, students; free, AU and EGSC students, faculty and staff. Children must be at least 6 years old. Call 706-667-4100 or visit augusta. edu/maxwelltheatre.

7pm - 10pm Graphic Novel Discussion

Swing

Jabez S. Hardin Performing Arts Center Featuring Kenny Brawner as Ray Charles. $47. Visit AugustaAmusements.com or call 706-726-0366.

Sat Apr 28

8am - 2pm Saturday Morning

6pm Piano Lessons and Workshops

Jessye Norman School This hourlong class is taught Tuesdays by Daon Drisdom. $5 donation for group lessons; private lessons available. Call 706828-7768 or visit jessyenormanschool.org/ community-classes-all.

Thu May 3

6pm Guitar Lessons

Jessye Norman School This hourlong class is taught by Keith Jenkins. $5 donation for group lessons; private lessons available. Call 706-828-7768 or visit jessyenormanschool.org/community-classesall.

7:30pm Aubrey Logan

Miller Theater The Augusta Symphony presents this trombonist and singer. $35$101. Visit augustasymphony.com or millertheateraugusta.com, or call 706-8264705.

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Columbia County

Columbia County Amphitheater Visit relayforlife.org/columbiacountyga or call 706-731-0152.

6pm “Magic Tree House: Space Mission”

Dupont Planetarium, Aiken Weather permitting, the observatory, housing the Bechtel Telescope, will be available for viewing after each show. $2-$6.50. Call 803641-3654 or visit rpsec.usca.edu.

6pm - 10pm Sweet Celebrations

North Augusta Community Center A dessert buffet with items from local businesses and silent auction fundraiser for the RECing Crew that also features live entertainment spotlighting the 2018 Crew Idol participants and the organization’s dance programs. $10. Call 803-426-1284 or visit therecingcrew.com.

Roller Derby Bootcamp Red Wing Rollerway 7pm - 9pm Mon Apr 30 and Tue May 1 No experience is necessary for this Soul City Sirens event, in which almost all gear will be provided. $10; participants should bring a fitted mouthguard. Must be 18 or older. Childcare provided for $10 per child per night. (Email secretary@soulcitysirens.com ahead of time with ages of children, how many and on what day they’ll be there.) Visit soulcitysirens.com.

SPECIAL EVENTS Thu Apr 26

6:30pm Dinner in Denim

Arts and Heritage Center of North Augusta This casual barbecue dinner includes live music from Cricket Ridge and a raffle from Carolina Moonshine, and it supports the Arts and Heritage Center of North Augusta. Adults may bring their own alcoholic beverages. $25. Email Director@ artsandheritagecenter.com or call 803-4414380.

Fri Apr 27

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. Continues 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

April 28 and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 29. Visit holytrinityaugusta.org.

5pm - 9pm Boots, Brews & BBQ

Columbia County Amphitheater This event includes live music by Blue Brindle Band and food trucks including Smokeshow BBQ and Riverside BBQ. Columbia County Exchange Club will operate full bars with $4 beer, $5 wine and $6 mixed drinks. $5, general; free admission for park pass holders.

Email events@columbiacountyga.gov or call 706-868-3484. For park pass information, visit evanstownecenterpark.com/parkpass.

7pm Argentina Seminar Tasting Wine World, North Augusta This event will feature 10 wines and heavy 30 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

hors d’oeuvres. $25, general; $18, members.

Pre-paid reservation required. Call 803-2799522 or visit wineworldsc.com.

8pm Live Comedy Mixtape with Musiq Soulchild

Miller Theater $33.56-$63. Visit millertheateraugusta.com or call 800-514-3849.

Sat Apr 28

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.

8am - 4pm Saturday Pop-Up Market

5th Street Marina Vendors will set up at 8 a.m. and stay set up until at least 2 p.m. but can stay until 4 p.m.

Held weekly on Saturday through Dec. 22; no market on rainy Saturdays. Call 706-8695404 for information; sign up on the day of the event.

9am - 11am Columbia County Republican Party Breakfast Meeting

Eli’s American Doors open at 8:45 a.m. Speaker is Insurance Commissioner candidate Jim Beck. $10; includes breakfast and gratuity. Visit ccgagop. org or call 706-925-2277.

9am - 2pm Spring Flea Market and Earth Faire

7pm and 8pm “Seven Wonders”

Dupont Planetarium, Aiken Weather permitting, the observatory, housing the Bechtel Telescope, will be available for viewing after each show. $2-$6.50. Call 803641-3654 or visit rpsec.usca.edu.

Fort Gordon’s Barton Field An Earth Day event that includes educational booths, activities, vendors and more. Call 706-791-8878 or visit fortgordon.com.

10am - 5pm 12th Annual Historic Beech Island Tour Beech Island Historical Society A self-guided tour of historic homes, churches, cemeteries and historic sites. A barbecue lunch at the History & Visitors Center will be available. $20, advance general; $25, day of general. $15, advance seniors; $20, day of seniors. Free, youths 18 and under. Call 803-867-3600 or visit beechislandhistory.org.

10:30am - 4pm Last Saturday at the Park

North Augusta’s Living History Park Featuring living history demonstrations. Call 803-279-7560 or visit colonialtimes.us.

2pm - 5pm Congressional Candidates Forum

Columbia County Government Complex, Building A The League of Women Voters invites the public to this opportunity to hear candidates speak about various issues, their positions and answer questions ahead of the May 22 primary election in Georgia. Democratic and Republican candidates for District 10 and District 12 have agreed to be there. The forum is set up to be more informational than to serve as a debate. Visit facebook.com/ CSRALeagueofWomenVoters or call 706414-6515.

4pm - midnight Relay For Life of

7pm Letters From Home

Miller Theater Courtney Groves and Erinn Diaz put on a show completely in the spirit and style of the ‘40s. The mission of Letter From Home is to travel the country, honoring U.S. veterans, active military heroes and their families by Reviving Patriotism through music. $30-$50; group and military discounts available. Ticket proceeds benefit the Augusta Warrior Project.

Visit millertheateraugusta.com or call 800514-3849.

7:30pm ‘90s Block Party

James Brown Arena Featuring Guy, Teddy Riley, Jagged Edge, 112, SWV and Next. $39.50-$89.50. Call 877-4AUGTIX or visit georgialinatix.com.

Mon Apr 30

4pm Anti-Manic Monday

Headquarters Branch Library Come to the library on Mondays through May 21 for fun that will help students relax and get ready to take on finals and exams.

Visit arcpls.org.

6pm - 7:30pm “State of the City” Tour

Carrie J. Mays Community Life Center Mayor Hardie Davis will share highlights from his address with Augusta residents at several events throughout the city. Free and open to the public. Call 706-821-1831 or email jbuffkin@augustaga.gov.

Tue May 1

5:30pm - 10pm Great Futures Celebration 26APRIL2018

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Bell Auditorium A Boys & Girls Club of the CSRA event featuring keynote speaker Dabo Swinney, head football coach at Clemson University.

VIP meet and greet with Swinney starts at 5:30 p.m., and dinner starts at 7. Call 706504-4071 or visit bgccsra.org.

Kroc Center A program that meets each Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. in which those ages 13 and older worship and develop their gifts in dance, drama and music. Call 706-364-5762 or visit augustakroc.org/

A guided bike ride through approximately 7 miles of wetland trails. Helmets and preregistration required. Free, members; $2, nonmembers. Call 706-396-1426 or visit phinizycenter.org.

7:30pm Yoga at Sky City

Kroc Kids

Kroc Center A program for those ages 3-12 years old that meets each Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.

Participants will develop character and understanding of God through games, singing, arts, crafts and more. Snacks provided. Call 706-364-5762 or visit augustakroc.org.

Pendleton King Park Presented by Child Enrichment and Creole Yoga, this free yoga session is for people ages 6 and up and is part of Child Abuse Prevention Month. Bring your own yoga mat. Visit facebook.com/events/187473725311723 or call 706-737-4631.

Sky City Taylor Watts from the The Yoga Center will be guiding a yoga class from The Hangar Stage in the back, while Evans Carter will be creating aural soundscapes to relax your soul. After your practice, turn in your ticket to a bartender for a free signature cocktail or an ice cold brew. $16. Visit facebook.com/ events/153209672021977.

Wed May 2

6pm - 8pm Yappy Hour

SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare An event that includes live music, a cash bar, open dog park and food. Visit letlovelive.org or call 803-648-6863.

Ongoing

Aiken Newcomers’ Club Luncheon

Newberry Hall, Aiken Doors open at 9:30 a.m. May 8, with a business meeting at 10:15 a.m. and then lunch at 11:30 a.m. $15; pre-registration required by noon May 3. This month, a representative from the Aiken Board of Realtors and Multiple Listing Service will discuss “Real Estate and the Economy.”

Email newcomers29803@gmail.com, visit aikennewcomers.com or call 757-593-9013 or 803-514-2563.

ARC Class of 1968 50th Reunion Old Medical College of Georgia The Academy of Richmond County Class of 1968 is having its 50th anniversary reunion June 9. Visit arcclassof68.com to learn more, and share the website with your out-of-town classmates. Email Hap Harris at hharris@sbbinsurance.com, Keith Henry at henryke@bellsouth.net, or Gail Evans Patty at gepatty@aol.com.

SPIRITUAL Ongoing

Food, Faith & Fitness

Kroc Center This faith-based fitness class meets each Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Call 706-364-5762 or visit augustakroc.org.

Golden Agers

Kroc Center This seniors group meets every Monday at 9:30 a.m. for Bible study, crafts, exercise, educational workshops and more. Call 706364-5762 or visit augustakroc.org.

Creative Arts 26APRIL2018

SPORTS-OUTDOORS Thu Apr 26

8am - 5pm Aiken Spring Classic Horse Show

Highfields Event Center The Aiken Spring Classic draws participants from all over the country, Canada, and several other foreign countries to compete at the Premier Level. Continues daily through May 1. Call 803-649-3577 or visit psjshows.com.

2pm - 5pm Fly the Ford TriMotor

Daniel Field Free for spectators. Flights cost $75 for adults and $50 for youths 17 and under. Continues 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 27-29. Visit flytheford. org or call 877-952-5359.

Fri Apr 27

8am - 3pm CSRA GYN Cancer Support Group’s Annual Golf Tournament

Jones Creek Golf Club Benefits the CSRA GYN Cancer Support Group. $100 per player for teams of four.

Hole sponsorship is $125 for one hole or $200 for two. Registration includes lunch, prizes and goodie bag. The deadline to register was April 17. Visit gyncancergolf.eventbrite.com, or call 706-721-3992 to donate.

10am - noon Yoga in the Park

1pm Archery

Mistletoe State Park Certified archery instructors will be teaching the basics and offering practice at this hourlong program, for all skill levels. $10, plus $5 parking. Pre-registration required.

Call 706-541-0321 or visit gastateparks.org/ mistletoe.

6:05pm Augusta GreenJackets vs. Columbia Fireflies SRP Park, North Augusta $9-$14. Call 706-736-7889 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.

6:30pm - 9:30pm Race For Life Race (BMX)

Blanchard Woods BMX Free for spectators; concessions will be open. Visit facebook.com/ events/106820543433669 or facebook.com/ blanchardwoodsbmx.

Sun Apr 29

7am - noon TASC Crappie Tournament

Butler Reservoir, Fort Gordon Open to all ID cardholders and members of the public with a Fort Gordon fishing license participant permit. $20 per person; $10 for FGSC members. Cash prizes will be awarded. Call 706-791-5078 or visit fortgordon.com/events.

7:05pm Augusta GreenJackets vs. Columbia Fireflies

2:05pm Augusta GreenJackets vs. Columbia Fireflies

SRP Park, North Augusta $8-$13. Call 706-736-7889 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.

SRP Park, North Augusta $8-$13. Call 706-736-7889 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.

Sat Apr 28

Mon Apr 30

6:30am - 1pm Run United

Newberry Street, Aiken A race in which the half marathon starts at 7:30 a.m., the 5K at 8 a.m. and the kids fun run at 9 a.m. Proceeds benefit the United Way of Aiken County. $65, half; $30, 5K; $20, kids fun run. Call 803-649-6245 or visit aikenco-op.org/RunUnited.

9am - 10:30am Swamp Bike Saturday Phinizy Swamp Nature Park

7pm - 9pm Roller Derby Bootcamp

Red Wing Rollerway No experience is necessary for this Soul City Sirens event, in which almost all gear will be provided. $10; participants should bring a fitted mouthguard. Must be 18 or older.

Childcare provided for $10 per child per night. (Email secretary@soulcitysirens.com ahead of time with ages of children, how many and on what day they’ll be there.) Visit soulcitysirens.com.

Tue May 1

7pm - 9pm Roller Derby Bootcamp

Red Wing Rollerway No experience is necessary for this Soul City Sirens event, in which almost all gear will be provided. $10; participants should bring a mouthguard. Must be 18 or older. Childcare provided for $5 per child per hour. Visit soulcitysirens.com.

Wed May 2

All day Stable View Hunters & Jumpers

Stable View Farms, Aiken This equestrian event is free for spectators.

Call 484-356-3173 or visit stableviewfarm. com.

8am - 5pm Aiken Charity Horse Show Aiken Horse Park Session 1 runs from May 2-6, and session 2 runs from May 9-13. Visit aikenhorsepark. org.

6:30pm - 9pm Ladies Night Pickleball

Newman Tennis Center $2 per person; call 706-821-1600 to sign up.

Newman Tennis Center will have paddles and balls, but bring your own if you have them. Also, free play is available from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Fridays.

Ongoing

It’s a Stretch: Yoga for the Stiff Skeptic

Jessye Norman School of the Arts This class takes place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Tuesdays. $10. Call 706-828-7768 or visit jessyenormanschool.org/its-a-stretch-moreyoga-for-the-stiff-skeptic.

Paul Anderson Golf Classic

The River Club, North Augusta This tournament coming up 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. May 7 is in its 25th year. The golf classic has raised millions of dollars for work with young man needing a second chance and an alternative to incarceration. The tournament is played as a four-man scramble, with one group playing in the morning and the other in the afternoon. Breakfast and lunch provided. Morning tee-off is at 8:30 p.m., and afternoon tee-off is at 1:30 p.m. $175, individuals; $700, teams of four. Call 912537-7237 or email info@payh.org.

Augusta Sports Leagues

This organization offers adult sports leagues and social events, including kickball, soccer, flag football, softball, basketball, indoor and sand volleyball, cornhole, dodgeball and more for coed and men’s leagues. For more information, visit augustasportsleagues.com or call 706-309-0280.

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

Alcoholics Anonymous

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

Narcotics Anonymous

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

Aiken Spring Classic Horse Show Highfields Event Center 8am - 5pm daily through May 1 The Aiken Spring Classic draws participants from all over the country, Canada, and several other foreign countries to compete at the Premier Level.

Continues daily through May 1. Call 803-649-3577 or visit psjshows.com.

Free Fun Run Thursdays

Your Pie, North Augusta Hosted by Fleet Feet Sports, this is intended for anyone looking for a 2- to 5-mile run with a group. It happens at 6 p.m. every first, second, third and fourth Thursday of the month. Wear lights and reflective gear when appropriate for better visibility.

Email training@fleetfeetaugusta.com or visit facebook.com/events/1375849709227928.

SUPPORT Tue May 1

5:30pm Weight Loss Support Group AU Professional Building 1 Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706-721-2609 or visit augustahealth.org/ weightloss.

Wed May 2

1pm The Lactation Club

University Hospital A breastfeeding support group for mothers of NICU babies. Pre-registration required. Call 706-774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.

5:30pm Girl Talk Support Group Doctors Hospital A support group for those who have pelvic health issues. Pre-registration required. Call 706-651-4343 or visit doctors-hospital.net.

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 32 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

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.

Alzheimer’s Support Group

Kroc Center Meeting the first Thursday of every month from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., this support group helps those dealing with Alzheimer’s or someone who is a caregiver of an individual who is affected by Alzheimer’s. Call 706-9228338.

Furry Friends

AU’s Cancer Clinic On the second and fourth Monday of every month, the Georgia Cancer Center uses furry friends to help people recover from or cope with various physical and emotional health issues related to cancer. Call 706-721-0472 or visit augusta.edu.

Georgia Carolina Toastmasters

Group empowers people to become more effective communicators and leaders. Meets weekly from noon-1 p.m. Wednesdays at Fat Man’s Cafe. Email jmcneill22@att.net or call 706-798-5515.

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) GA, 110 Augusta

St. Alban’s Episcopal Church fellowship hall The group meets Mondays, with weigh-in beginning at 5:15 p.m. and the meeting beginning at 6:30 p.m. Call 706-790-0391 or visit tops.org.

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Pine View Baptist Church The group meets Tuesdays, with weigh-in

beginning at 4:45 p.m. and the meeting beginning at 5:15 p.m. Call 706-868-0539 or visit www.TOPS.org.

La Leche League

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

Beyond the Bars

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

THEATER Ongoing

“Cheaper by the Dozen” Auditions Musical Theatre Studios This Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre production, directed by Karen Brotherton, has parts available for two men ages 18-80, three women ages 18-80, seven boys ages 8-18 and four girls ages 8-18. The auditions will be from 7 to 8:30 p.m. May 15 and 16, and the production will show in July and August. Call 706-793-8552 or email danny.f.posey.naf@mail.mil.

Celebrate Recovery

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

Write to Heal Creative Writing Program

Children’s Hospital of Georgia family resource library For patients, family members and caregivers, this program meets the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. Pre-registration required. Call 706-721-5160 or email nawilliams@gru.edu.

Diabetes Youth Support Group

Meets quarterly. Call for more information.

Call 706-868-3241.

Overeaters Anonymous

This 12-step, self help program for people who are addicted to food meets for an hour at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church at 10 a.m. Tuesdays and at Covenant Presbyterian Church at 1:30 p.m. Saturdays. No dues or fees. Call 706-863-9534 or email oa.augusta. recovery@gmail.com.

Joe White Publisher joe@themetrospirit.com 706-373-3636 Amanda Main Arts Editor/Production Director amanda@themetrospirit.com Stacey Eidson Staff Writer stacey@themetrospirit.com Joshua Bailey Lead Designer joshua@themetrospirit.com Johnny Beckworth Circulation Manager jdbeckworth@gmail.com COVER DESIGN: KRUHU Contributors Jenny Wright, Austin Rhodes, Kris Fisher, Michael Johnson Metro Spirit is a free newspaper published weekly on Thursday, 52 weeks a year. Editorial coverage includes local issues and news, arts, entertainment, people, places and events. In our paper appear views from across the political and social spectrum.

The views do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. Visit us at metrospirit.com.© 15 House, LLC. Owner/Publisher: Joe White. Legal: Phillip Scott Hibbard.

Reproduction or use without permission is prohibited. One copy per person, please.

Want to advertise in the Metro Spirit?

Call or email Joe at 706.373.3636 joe@themetrospirit.com 26APRIL2018

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Ray Charles On My Mind Jabez S. Hardin Performing Arts Center 7:30pm Fri Apr 27 Featuring Kenny Brawner as Ray Charles. $47. Visit AugustaAmusements.com or call 706-726-0366.

The Highlander - Fugitive Soul, Moon Bums, Bull Moose Imperial Theatre - Mood Swings w/ Colton Ballet, Russell Joel Brown, Karen Gordon Jabez S. Hardin Performing Arts Center Ray Charles On My Mind (tribute) Shannon’s - Terence Lonon and the Untouchables Southbound Smokehouse - Brian Herrington The Stables Restaurant (Aiken) - Jazz w/ Jimmy Easton Stillwater Taproom - Pickled Hollar Tin Lizzy’s - Jaycie and the Beards Wild Wing - King Size The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn

Mellow Mushroom (Aiken) - Trivia Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane World of Beer - Karaoke w/ Jeff Barnes

What’s Tonight?

The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Bar West - Karaoke Capri Lounge - Game Night Chevy’s - DJ Richie Rich Joe’s Underground - Open Mic w/ J. MartinMoses Pizza Joint (Evans) - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper Polo Tavern (Aiken) - Karaoke w/ Tom Mitchell Southbound Smokehouse - Trivia Stillwater Taproom - Pub Quiz

The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Helga’s Pub & Grille - Karaoke Le Chat Noir - “Game of Thrones” Trivia Miller Theater - Live Comedy Mixtape with Musiq Soulchild Sky City - Pride Night w/ Carla Cox

Saturday, April 28 Live Music

Evans Towne Center Park - JaVonne Jones Fox’s Lair - Riley Williams James Brown Arena - ’90s Block Party w/ Guy, Teddy Riley, Jagged Edge, 112 and more Miller Theater - Letters From Home Shannon’s - Tandum Sky City - The Collection, Wanderwild Wild Wing - DM Radio The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn World of Beer - Keith Gregory

What’s Tonight?

The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Helga’s Pub & Grille - Trivia, then Karaoke The Highlander - Karaoke Sally’s - Sally’s King Show

Sunday, April 29 Live Music

Aiken’s First Baptist Church - Aiken Chorale Society w/ Great American Musicals Capri Lounge - Vivian Valium & the Lounge Lizard Divas The Highlander - Billy McKnight, Soul Patrol Wild Wing - Dave Love The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn

The Perceptionists Sky City 9:30pm Wed May 2 Visit skycityaugusta.com.

Thursday, April 26 Live Music AECOM Theater (Aiken) - The Drifters Arts and Heritage Center of North Augusta - Dinner in Denim w/ Cricket Ridge Fox’s Lair - Open Mic w/ Brandy Douglas Harlem Java House - Open Mic Night Mellow Mushroom (Aiken) - Mellow Music Miller Theater - Marshall Tucker Band The Scene Nightclub - Fuego w/ Deejay Andrew Serrano Sky City - Whitey Morgan and the 78’s Southbound Smokehouse - Eryn Eubanks Wild Wing - Whiskey Run Duo The Willcox (Aiken) - Thursday Night Jazz w/ 4 Cats in the Dog House

34 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

What’s Tonight?

Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ Mike Johnson

What’s Tonight?

Carolina Ale House - Trivia Helga’s Pub & Grille - Trivia The Highlander - Butt Naked Trivia Pizza Joint (downtown) - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper Sally’s - Karaoke Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane

Friday, April 27 Live Music AECOM Theater (Aiken) - The Drifters Augusta Canal National Heritage Area Moonlight Music Cruise w/ Gwen Hughes Columbia County Amphitheater - Boots, Brews, & BBQ w/ Blue Brindle Band Coyotes - Sherry Iles, Atomic Road Fox’s Lair - Brooks Dixon Band

Monday, April 30 Live Music

Hopelands Gardens (Aiken) - East Aiken School of the Arts

What’s Tonight?

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

Tuesday, May 1 Live Music

Fox’s Lair - Irish Music w/ Dr. John Fisher and the Undefeated Army The Willcox (Aiken) - Hal Shreck

What’s Tonight?

The Highlander - Game Night

Wednesday, May 2 Live Music

The Larder - Bethany Davis and the Southside Boys Retro Records Vinyl Store - Broadmoor, Decimated, Rebirth, Traumgeist Shannon’s - Hello Betty Band Sky City - The Perceptionists Wild Wing - Whiskey Run Duo

What’s Tonight?

Upcoming

Adam Harris Thompson Duo

- Wild Wing May 3 Aubrey Logan

- Miller Theater May 3 Fruition

- Sky City May 4 Perfect Picture

- Shannon’s May 4 False Flag, Passage, A Future Now Past

- The Highlander May 4 Derby Day Gala and Hat Party: A 100th Anniversary Event

- Imperial Theatre May 4 Rodney Atkins

- Columbia County Amphitheater May 4 I Am King (Michael Jackson tribute)

- Jabez S. Hardin Performing Arts Center May 5 Todrick Hall

- Miller Theater May 5 Voxnbass

- World of Beer May 5 Moneybagg Yo

- Sky City May 5 Chris Hardy

- Stillwater Taproom May 5 Blind Willie McTell Blues Festival w/ JD McPherson, Samantha Fish and more

- Festival Site, Exit 172, Thomson May 5 Cinco Saturday

- Evans Towne Center Park May 5 The Accidentals

- Sky City May 7 Whose Live Anyway?

- Bell Auditorium May 9 The Cordovas

- Sky City May 9 Three Dog Night

- Miller Theater May 10 Shop Boyz

- Sky City May 10 Half Seas Over

- Southbound Smokehouse May 11 26APRIL2018

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THE EIGHT

BOX TOPS RANK TITLES

WEEKEND GROSS TOTAL GROSS WEEK # LAST WEEK

1

A QUIET PLACE

$20,911,809

$131,270,520

3

2

2

RAMPAGE

$20,094,294

$65,694,360

2

1

3

I FEEL PRETTY

$16,030,218

$16,030,218

1

-

4

SUPER TROOPERS 2

$15,181,624

$15,181,624

1

-

5

TRUTH OR DARE

$7,793,425

$30,268,840

2

3

In Theaters April 27 ACTION “Avengers: Infinity War,” rated PG-13, starring Karen Gillan, Elizabeth

Olsen, Tom Holland, Chadwick Boseman, Scarlett Johansson, Chris Hemsworth and Josh Brolin. The Avengers are back again to try to stop a bad dude named Thanos, who is working to collect all six Infinity Stones so he can rule the world or some shit. What we really want to know is, how many more superhero characters can Marvel pack into one movie? It seems the whole “Guardians of the Galaxy” gang is here, along with Ant-Man, Black Panther and more. With the mega success of the recent “Black Panther” release, it’ll be interesting to see how big a role they gave Chadwick Boseman in this one.

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SIGHTINGS

Michael Johnson | mejphoto.photoreflect.com

Wayne Lord and Jim Nord with Jane and Jerry Howington at the Sacred Heart Garden Festival Preview Party

Nicole Perrin with Ed and Cheryl Servy at the Sacred Heart Garden Festival Preview Party

Dexter and Cathy Aquinde with Stephanie and Will Huggins at the Sacred Heart Garden Festival Preview Party

Lisa and Patrick Hatch with Sandra and Wesley Scott at the Sacred Heart Garden Festival Preview Party

Mary Bryans, Nancy Whitford and Gene Gilbert at the Sacred Heart Garden Festival Preview Party

Sara Carroll, David Fondren, Tim Carroll and Aaron Bray at the 2018 Augusta Craft Beer Festival at SRP Park in North Augusta

Briggs and Bethany Dorn, Harriett-Graham Courtney and Reed Kramer at the 2018 Augusta Craft Beer Festival at SRP Park in North Augusta

Brandon Vangundy, Sharelle Booher and Jackie Vangundy at the 2018 Augusta Craft Beer Festival at SRP Park in North Augusta

Christian and Christina Renteria, Anane Pirtle and Alec Barrett at the 2018 Augusta Craft Beer Festival at SRP Park in North Augusta

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38 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

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