Table of Contents June 29, 2017
Whine Line 6 Jenny is Wright 8 Kris Fisher 10 Insider 12 Feature 14 Metro Week What’s Up Calendar Nightlife Sightings The Eight Austin Rhodes
EDIT
CREATIVE
Amy Christian
Joshua Bailey
Joe White
amy@themetrospirit.com
joshua@themetrospirit.com
joe@themetrospirit.com 706-373-3636
Arts Editor/Production Director
Lead Designer
Stacey Eidson stacey@themetrospirit.com
BUSINESS Publisher
Johnny Beckworth
Staff Writer
SALES
circulation manager
jdbeckworth@gmail.com
Joe White Publisher
joe@themetrospirit.com 706-373-3636
Contributors Jenny Wright, Austin Rhodes, Kris Fisher, Michael Johnson, Tyler Strong
Rachael Foss Account Executive
rachael@themetrospirit.com 706-910-3461
20 22 24 32 34 35 36
COVER DESIGN: Kruhu COVER PHOTO: Matthew Smith
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.Š 15 House, LLC. Owner/Publisher: Joe White. Legal: Phillip Scott Hibbard. Reproduction or use without permission is prohibited. One copy per person, please.
Want to advertise in the Metro Spirit? Call or email Joe at 706.373.3636 joe@themetrospirit.com
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Leave it to the conspiracy theorists like Al Gray, Brad Ownes and Lori Davis to blow this whole ordeal over the misuse of city equipment out of proportion. What happned was absolutely wrong and the guilty party was forced out of his job because of it. So what more do they want? Well Brad Owens is out yapping like a chihuahua demanding the city adminstrator be fired: “Jackson knew and Johnson Flew”.. he keeps screaming in ameme all over social media. The typical consiracy theorists are using what would otherwise be a minor incident into a desperate attemtp for them to remain in the spotlight and extend their 15 minutes of fame.
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.
You would think with the Jail being in Columbia rd and the frequency of patrol cars that tear up the in town part of Columbia rd that maybe just maybe they could slow down or even pullover these out of control dump trucks, semis, and cement trucks flying down it and driving however they want. It wouldn’t “take a village to raise a child,” if some parents gave a damn about their children and their education. This idiocy of we breed them - you raise and education them has got to stop.
How long can Augusta ride on James Brown, the godfather of soul? Generations are quickly forgetting who, what and for whatever he was. This may make one contingent of Augusta happy but it truely does nothing for the future development of Augusta. If Augusta culture does not change, Augusta will continue to waste money on grand projects that go nowhere. I have watched the decline of Augusta for over 35 years with the mulitple projects that result with no gain. Change the culture and the city will grow without spending millions or billions of dollars. Everyone else except Otto Warmbier is responsible for his poor decision. Now it is the tour company guides who partied at night and didn’t babysit the “adults” from treaspassing to a known forbidden zone in the hotel and exhibiting adolescent behavior. In our societies view he was mistreated and should
have been seen as a typical naughty little college boy and permtted to continue his disrespect of others. Otto was in another country under thier laws that are known to be hostile to the U.S. and the U.S. to be hostile to them. We are still technically at war with North Korea under a cease fire! Otto did not deserve what he got but he is totally responsible for what happened! If our society treated college students as adults maybe they would act like adults. If you’re looking for a new career and want to move up quick Richmond County is probably hiring because everyone’s left. Soon the Sheriff will be holding free hamburger and interview nights. RuPaul says, “If you can’t love yourself, how in the hell you gonna love somebody else? Can I get and Amen?”. Some of you people need to think on that for a second. To much hate and not enough love! Oh, and yes if you were wondering I am GAY! What straight man in Augusta is going to quote RuPaul and fear his “bros” are going to give him a hard time?!? How can it be road rage when a driver jumps the curb on pedestrians , swings a baseball bat and kidnaps a female to further bludgeon her to death at a seperate location? And by coincidence the victims are In Muslim attire returning to the Mosque at 4 AM. This is total BS and the Muslim Americans have a right to protest this lie. From the view of a white non muslim U.S. by birth , I am repulsed by these lies.
I have lived all over the USA, including Detroit, and I have to say that Augusta is without a doubt the trashiest looking and most corrupt city I have ever set foot in outside of the third world . At least in Detroit you knew where you stood and as bad as things were things were starting to look better. However, I have come to believe that there is no hope in Augusta. It is only going backwards into an inevitable death spiral. Also, despite being in the deep South there is very little Southern hospitality in Augusta. Freedom of speech lost again. Only say what people want to hear or you’re fired! Upon departing Petsmart today, a young gentleman driving next to me alerted me that there was an issue with my tire. I pulled back into the next parking lot & to my surprise, he followed and placed the temporary tire on. Thank you! I appreciate your kindness & hope you had an awesome day with your kids! What’s the deal with construction crews constantly breaking gas lines in Columbia County? Don’t they know about 811, Call Before You Dig? 6 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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Please Don’t break the ice Jenny is Wright Editor’s Note: Please enjoy this oldie but a goody from Jenny while she is on vacation this week. Tell someThing unusual or memorable abouT yourself. What’s your favorite color? If you were stranded on an island with just one thing, what would it be? Would you rather drink sour milk or eat rancid meat? Ice breakers. I think the only people who like them are seminar coordinators and orientation leaders, and that’s only because they’ll fill up time in a required daylong meeting. I’m pretty sure the intention isn’t to make people uncomfortable, but it’s an all too frequent side effect. I’m dying to know if said coordinators and leaders mind participating, or if they feel our pain. The other day I was in a meeting, and upon glancing ahead at the agenda, snuggled right between the morning break and lunch, I saw it. The dreaded and still unnamed “Get-To-Know-You” activity. Crap. Really, just the thought gave me butterflies. I can fake it, but I’m a little shy when meeting new people. Small talk is awful. The awkward silence following small talk is the worst. Usually there’s a bunch of hand shaking, too. Based on the number of sweaty hands, I wasn’t the only nervous one in the room. We played Get to Know You Bingo. The squares were labeled with things like “I have three dogs,” “I love the mountains” and “I’m not a morning person.” We had to approach everyone and ask on which square their name belonged and write it in. I didn’t see an “I hate ice breakers square.” It’s too bad, because I would’ve been all over that. We had to be reminded not to hurry the game along by cheating. If such a disclaimer is necessary, that might be red flag. People will cheat to get ice breakers over with because they don’t like them. In all honesty, everyone in this meeting was very friendly. We were running a bit behind, so the organizers imposed a time limit. Bingo was short-lived. Darn. The whistle blew after just a few minutes. It wasn’t so bad after all. Time for lunch! You know the most interesting part of it all? Ice breakers work. In spite of the painful process, the room felt more familiar after it was all over. We chatted while we ate. People remembered the interesting things about one another and colors, nodding with familiarity when any were mentioned in the lecture. Although I won’t likely interact with anyone in that class again, we all wished each other luck in future endeavors. Okay, ice breakers. You win. I played many instruments growing up, including piano, violin, flute, clarinet and French horn. My friend Ashley taught me how to play the clarinet on Friday nights while we watched Full House and 20/20 (nerds). I learned the flute for “fun” in my spare time.
8 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
I love just about anything orange. I’d bring my family. You said one thing. That’s one unit, and one I’d rather not live without. Neither. That’s disgusting. I’ll take wine, thanks. Cheers!
JENNY WRIGHT’S humorous observations on marriage, motherhood and living in Augusta have earned her a devoted following, both in print and on Facebook. When she’s not spying on other parents in the carpool line at school, you’ll probably find her with either a camera, tennis racquet or wine glass in her hand.
29JUNE2017
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Smoked Chicken Topped with Roasted Black Bean and Corn Salsa, Cheddar Jack Cheese and Queso on a Steamed Brioche Bun
P.B.L.T.
A Classic Sandwich Featuring Pork Belly, Lettuce, and Tomato
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A Leg & Thigh Seasoned with Our House Rub and Smoked to Perfection
THE PIMENTO CHEESE INCIDENT
Our Smokehouse Pimento Cheese Topped with Bacon on a Toasted Jalapeño Cornbread
WING TRAY
Half a Dozen of Our Smoked Wings Tossed in a Choice of Almost Famous, Famous, and Devil Sauces
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Three Hand Breaded Chicken Tenders. Served with Honey Mustard Sauce for Dipping
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Our Version of a Southern Chicken Salad made with Smoked Chicken Served with Lettuce and Tomato on a Toasted Brioche Bun - MAKE IT A SALAD Served Over a Fresh Spring Mix (All of the Above Lunch Specials are served with One Side)
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Pulled Pork and Hash Served Over Rice
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Fresh Spring Mix, Black Bean Salsa, Monterey Jack Cheese, and Fresh Tortilla Strips (Dressing Options: Ranch, Southwest Ranch, Blue Cheese, Balsamic Vinaigrette, Honey Mustard) Warning: Consumption of undercooked meat, poultry, eggs, or seafood may increase the risk of foodborne illnesses. Alert your server if you have special dietary requirements. 1855 CENTRAL AVE AUGUSTA, GA 30904
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all aboard the struggle Bus Kris Fisher I saw a guy on a corner recently. He had one of those “Homeless, please help” signs. I’m always skeptical of these people. Maybe I’m cynical or maybe I’m just heartless. But this particular guy had (what I perceived to be) his young son on the corner with him. My first reaction was that of my cynicism: “Wow, this guy is smart! That kid will really tug at the heart strings of would be donors.” And it did. Man, this kid was racking up! I thought to myself: “I could never in a million years subject my kids to that.” But, then the dad in me kicked in: What if they’re legit? What if the man and his child are homeless and in such despair that this was his last resort? What if he felt that in order to ensure a decent meal for his son that he had to swallow his pride and stick out his hand for help? Remember “The Pursuit of Happyness”? Will Smith’s character fell on such hard times that he and his son had to spend the night in a public restroom. As a father, that scene killed me. The point I’m trying to make is that you never know a person’s struggle. Yeah, we might see the guy standing there with a sign so we assume most of his story. But, what really got him there? It’d be easy to say “they’re just lazy” or “if they really wanted a job, etc…” Sure, that could be the case. But most people have needed a little help along the way. Mine usually comes from my dad. I can’t tell you how many times he’s loaned me a few dollars to get me out of a jam. But what if a person doesn’t have a dad like mine or a sibling, a mom or even an uncle they can reach out to? Many of us don’t know what we would resort to in that situation. I also found myself thinking this of the guy that set fire to Twin Peaks this past week. Most of us would never even consider doing such a heinous thing: endangering the lives of all those people, ruining all that property and depriving the CSRA of those delicious quesadillas (they were some of my favorite around)! The story I’ve heard is that he was an employee there, which leads me to believe he was at least at some point stable enough to hold a job. Or maybe he was always just a little off. Which would make me wonder: just who the hell is making our food when we eat out, anyway? I mean, I’ve been angry before. I’ve been so angry that I’ve felt like I could snap. I’ve also been fired under shady circumstances on more than one occasion. But I’ve never thought about anything remotely close to setting a building on fire. My version of snapping is more along the lines of thinking about “what I should have said to those a-holes” on my angry drive to the unemployment office. But, you really got to give it to this guy. He got so angry that he thought “well, I lost my job. The only way to top that off is by being incarcerated, too!” Then he went home, holding onto his anger long enough to load up his propane tanks. I don’t know about you, but my propane tanks are attached to things like grills and such. So, I assume he had to disconnect his tanks, check them to see if they had propane, go to a gas station to exchange them out (in case they were empty, but that would be good since he had to fill up his gas can too), then drive all the way back to his former employer, stopping only to text his neighbor to tell them to go get his mail since he’ll be away for a while, then call his buddies to tell them that he won’t be making it to play poker this weekend, finally making it back to carry out his promise to “show them.” It all seems a bit excessive to me. I would have lost interest as soon as I got home, grabbed a cold beer and gave myself a little time to calm down and think a little more rationally. But, like I said, I don’t know this guy’s struggle, or anyone’s struggle, for that matter. However, I do hope that you can find at least enough hope to keep your own struggle from reaching a similar level of intensity.
KRIS FISHER is the midday host and program director for HD98.3 and an Augusta radio staple. He is a husband, father of three and lover of all things adventurous, as well as activities most people would have outgrown years ago. djkfish.com. 29JUNE2017
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Arson at Twin Peaks Shocks Augusta WHEN ROLAND EVAN CROYLE, 45, crashed his vehicle into Twin Peaks restaurant at Robert C. Daniel Parkway this week and then set the restaurant on fire with customers and employees still inside, many residents were shocked that something like this could happen in Augusta. But it did. According to the Richmond County Sheriff ’s Office, a brave, unnamed private citizen managed to detain the suspect at gunpoint until deputies arrived at the scene. Richmond County deputies then tackled Croyle, a former employee of the restaurant, and eventually took him into custody. The sheriff ’s office stated that witnesses described Croyle dousing gas inside the restaurant and then igniting it. Fortunately, there were no injuries related to the fire, but the restaurant was severely damaged and now dozens of employees are out of work. Why would someone do such a thing? That may take a while to really figure out. Employees at the restaurant said that Croyle was a disgruntled employee at times, but no one seemed to ever imagine that he would actually try to harm anyone. Looks can often be deceiving. Oddly enough, Twin Peaks is located next door to another restaurant near the Augusta Exchange shopping center that was completely destroyed by fire just last year. In February 2016, Macaroni Grill was reduced to a pile of rubble following a late-night blaze that began after the restaurant had closed. There were no employees or customers inside the restaurant at the time. It was a total loss, but it’s no secret that the entire chain of Romano’s Macaroni Grill restaurants has been struggling nationwide for the past several years. The company has changed hands several times since it first began back in the late 1980s in Texas. Initially, Brinker International, Inc. bought the franchise rights to the company in 1989 and eventually opened more than 200 locations. After changing hands a couple more times, in 2013 Ignite
Restaurant Group purchased Romano’s Macaroni Grill from Golden Gate Capital for $55 million. Ignite also owns Joe’s Crab Shack seafood restaurants and the smaller Brick House Tavern & Tap chain. Only two years after buying the restaurant chain for $55 million, Ignite sold Macaroni Grill to Redrock Partners LLC for an astonishing $47 million loss. So, it’s not terribly surprising that, after the Augusta location burned down in 2016, Macaroni Grill never rebuilt. The once popular Italian restaurant is now just an empty lot, but now many people are worried the same fate might befall the Twin Peaks restaurant. It is a valid concern, especially when one considers that the restaurant’s corporate offices canceled the franchise for the Twin Peaks in Waco, Texas, in 2015, after a shootout at the restaurant in May of that year. The shootout, which killed nine and injured 18, happened in the Twin Peaks parking lot and involved motorcycle clubs the Bandidos and the Cossacks. It reportedly started because of dispute over a parking spot during which one participant’s foot was run over. The fight escalated and eventually involved the Waco police and SWAT team, which had already gathered there to monitor the regular meeting between the clubs. While there are reports that Twin Peaks plans to rebuild its Augusta restaurant, that spot on Robert C. Daniel Jr. Parkway has been an extremely unlucky location for several restaurants over the years. Augustans can only hope that the owners will be able to rebuild. In the meantime, several local companies are reaching out to former employees of Twin Peaks and offering them assistance in finding new jobs. For example, Goodwill’s Director of Community Engagement, Kelly Tabor, met with the Twin Peaks staff on the day of the fire. Any workers needing assistance are asked to visit the Goodwill Job Connection at 3179 Washington Road at Fury’s Ferry Road or call 706-447-5195.
Scandal Hits Atlanta’s The Cheetah Club THe CHeeTAH Club in Atlanta is facing a serious controversy. More on why that matters in Augusta in a second, but for now the facts of the case: A former exotic dancer, Alison Valente, who worked for The Cheetah for more than a decade and was one of the club’s most popular strippers, filed a lawsuit earlier this year claiming the club’s management and bouncers ran a “sophisticated organized crime syndicate” of sex and drugs that “became an integral part of The Cheetah’s operations.” The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Atlanta’s Channel 2 Action News have done an extensive investigation into the stripper’s claims and things aren’t looking good for The Cheetah Club. Valente and five other former Cheetah employees told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that they witnessed everything from inappropriate touching to sexual intercourse in the club’s private VIP rooms. “Moreover, they described the dangers faced by strippers who did not want to cross the line,” the AJC reported this year. “The women said patrons secretly drugged, assaulted, and in one case, raped one of them in an atmosphere where they said Cheetah customers were led to believe they could expect sexual favors from dancers if they were willing to pay for it.” The Cheetah Club Owner Bill Hagood has denied the claims and pointed out that Valente was fired from the club in 2015. As a result of the pending lawsuits, Hagood has hired two of Atlanta’s most high-profile defense attorneys: Steve Sadow and Ed Garland. Augustans may recognize attorney Ed Garland from another well-known local case. Garland represented former state Sen. Charles Walker in his federal case back in 2005. In the end, Walker was found guilty of conspiracy, mail fraud and filing false tax returns and sentenced to a decade in federal prison. Needless to say, Walker isn’t a huge fan of Garland, but that’s an entirely different story. In a statement to the AJC, Hagood’s attorneys described Valente and another dancer who talked to the newspaper as “vindictive, discharged strippers, some of whom may well have been fired for engaging in the very same misconduct that they claim was tolerated by management.” They claim there are serious holes in her allegations. Just this week, Valente dropped one of her lawsuits against the club involving racketeering claims; however, two other lawsuits against the club are still pending. “Valente is a plaintiff in a labor lawsuit claiming gender discrimination and another suit alleging that the club violated federal labor laws by classifying her and other strippers as contractors and not employees,” the AJC reported this week. “In her gender-discrimination suit, Valente alleges the Cheetah operated as a ‘sophisticated organized crime syndicate’ where managers known as ‘floormen’ sold ‘sex and drugs’ at the club.” Only time will tell if the allegations against The Cheetah will hold true and if, probably the most famous strip club in Georgia, will survive this scandal. What goes around, comes around. Why does this matter to us in Augusta? Remember the infamous Cheetah exotic dancers from Atlanta who wreaked havoc on the political careers of a handful of Georgia legislators, including our own powerful former state Rep. Robin Williams, more than two decades ago? Back in 1995, lobbyists treated five Georgia lawmakers, including then-state Rep. Robin Williams, to a golf outing on Daufuskie Island, S.C. However, it was no ordinary golf trip. Four strippers from Atlanta’s Cheetah Lounge went along for the ride.
Of course, at the time, both the lobbyists and the lawmakers swore nothing inappropriate happened on the trip, but no one really ever bought that story. The scandal immediately created a need for much tighter ethics rules under Georgia’s Gold Dome. By 2000, the highly questionable trip and a few other missteps completely tarnished Robin Williams’ reputation and he was unable to duck political defeat. He lost his state seat to political newcomer Sue Burmeister in 2000 and never fully recovered. Soon after, Williams began doing consulting work for the security and prisons industries. And then Augusta’s Community Mental Health Center awarded the former Republican state representative a consulting contract in 2001, paying him $30,000 for only four months’ work. Local mental health activists and clients of the center were dumbfounded and disgusted by the deal. By 2004, a 30-count federal fraud indictment suggested Williams and some of his cronies stole hundreds of thousands of dollars from the mental health center through a scheme involving health care fraud, money-laundering and bribery. Williams was eventually convicted in May 2005 of stealing more than $2 million from the Community Mental Health Center and was sentenced to 10 years in prison. He was also ordered to pay $1.4 million in restitution. Williams was eventually released from prison in 2013. While Williams had several other controversies in his past, pressure really began to heat up following that politically fatal trip to Daufuskie Island with the Cheetah strippers.
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The Legacy conTinues After 43 years in business and two years after its namesake’s death, Andy Jordan’s Bicycle Warehouse continues its commitment to community service By Amy Christian Exactly two yEars after he died, Andy Jordan’s friends and family will do what the local legend loved to do most — ride bikes. The date of the inaugural Flow Master race, a 20-mile cross-country mountain bike race at the world famous Forks Area Trail System (FATS) course, was a complete accident, said Andy’s son Drew. “The race is going to be on October 21, of all dates,” chuckled Drew, who took over ownership of Andy Jordan’s Bicycle Warehouse downtown after his father died on October 21, 2015. “It was kind of funny. When me and Paul, the guy from SORBA (the Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association) who is helping me with the race, kept tossing dates around, it always kept coming back to that one. I was like, ‘This is too much.’” The date may have been a bittersweet but (somewhat) happy accident, but the reason behind the race is one that falls right into the bike shop’s wheelhouse, if you will. Whether it’s setting up DIY bike repair stations along local trails, holding group rides and maintenance clinics for cyclists of all types and abilities, or volunteering to do bike maintenance at local races, community service has always been an important component of Andy Jordan’s business model. Flow Master, which costs $50 and is limited to 125 riders, is no different. The money raised will go straight to SORBA-CSRA, a local group that created and FATS, a system that has earned the International Mountain Biking Association’s Eric Trail status. “FATS is an absolute gem of a trail for us,” Drew said. “There’s people from all over coming to ride those trails. A couple of weeks ago we had this group from southern 14 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Florida coming up to ride. We see that group a few times a year, actually. And a few weeks prior to that there were some guys from Pennsylvania out riding it. So there are people coming to ride FATS from all over the region and the country.” In the past few seasons, however, the 37 miles of trail in Sumter National Forest near Clarks Hill, S.C., has been showing signs of wear. “We’ve had some hard winters where it was real wet and didn’t have time to dry out, and maybe some people went out there and rode anyway and that ends up expediting the erosion process and you get more ruts forming on the trail and more exposed rocks and roots that you might not expect,” he explained. “So the local club, SORBA, they’re raising money to resurface the trail and, hopefully, even add a little more to the trail.” The trails are free for all — cyclists, runners, hikers — to use, but SORBA also has a strong community involvement ethic, so Drew felt it was a good way for him to give something back. “I’ve always wanted to put a race on out there and this was kind of the motivation I needed, knowing they were trying to raise money,” he said. “I like riding out there and everybody in the store does, too, so it’s a good way to sort of earn my turn, so to speak.” spEaking of Earning his turn, Drew has definitely done so at Andy Jordan’s, a store in which he literally grew up. 29JUNE2017
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“I don’t know what it is about this building, but as soon as kids come in here, they want to start running around, getting bikes down and riding around.”
“I’ve always wanted to put a race on out there and this was kind of the motivation I needed, knowing they were trying to raise money. I like riding out there and everybody in the store does, too, so it’s a good way to sort of earn my turn, so to speak.” Opened by a businessman from Columbia, S.C., Andy Jordan took over the shop in 1974. The store was in his possession for three years when Drew was born, and he says his earliest memory is doing what virtually every kid who comes into their 13th Street location can’t resist doing. 29JUNE2017
“I just remember being in here and riding bikes around the store,” he laughed. “It’s something every kid likes to do. I don’t know what it is about this building, but as soon as they come in here, they want to start running around, getting bikes down and riding around.” That was when he was 5 or 6 years old and racing BMX bikes, and the shop was always the place to be before practice or weekend races. That was in the early 1980s, when Drew said BMX teams would tour the country, set up ramps and do tricks for crowds. “There’s this documentary on the history of BMX called ‘Joe Kid on a Stingray.’ It came out many years ago, but I remember sitting down and watching that and having to hit rewind and rewatch it because our store was actually in that and it was from when one of the teams had come to town to do a show,” Drew said. “We used to have shows on the side of the building in the alleyway. They would set up big ramps and just put on a show for an hour or so, have someone playing music and guys just doing tricks. I remember those days for sure, back in the heyday of BMX, and skateboarding was also getting really big at the time. In fact, one of our local artists who’s now pretty famous, Paul Pearman, he used to skate for my dad back in those same days.” Drew also remembers doing demo races and shows at the roller-skating rinks, but it’s odd things about the past that come back to him without warning. “It’s kind of funny the little things you remember,” he said, smiling. “The store was a lot of little rooms then instead of one big open space and I just came across a picture the other day of the old floor. You can actually see it on some of the areas
where they’ve stained the floor, you can see where the old tiles were. I remember those tiles. It was just all these old-school, checkerboard, 12 by 12 tiling.” As the shop grew and evolved, so did Drew’s role in the store. What started as just hanging around, “being a pain in everybody’s butt, I’m sure,” turned into actual work during his high school years. He had a difficult time convincing the folks at Richmond Academy of that, though. “They had OJT, so you could leave school a little early if you had a job to go to,” Drew remembers. “When they found out that I was going to be working for my dad, they were really giving me a lot of flack about it. So I had to fill out all this paperwork and they would call down here to see if I was actually here. They just assumed that since I was working in the family business, I wasn’t really working in the family business, but I was. I would probably argue that working for your family is a little harder than working for the guy at the fast-food restaurant.” Drew continued to work at the shop part-time throughout college and, during that time, it was his father who tried to talk him out of making the bike shop a career. Citing the stress of owning a business, Andy encouraged Drew to branch out. As much as Drew tried, however, it only seemed like there was one place he was meant to be. “My junior and senior years was when I tried to picture myself doing something else, picture myself at a corporate positions or something like that, and I never could get that vision. I AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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pun intended (Specialized is one of the three brands of bikes they sell, along with Giant and Liv). People have very specific needs for the riding they want to do.” And bikes are big, taking up a lot of space in a store. They’ve found an inventive way of storing bikes, hanging them from the ceiling, but they also do their research. “We try to do some of the shopping for you ahead of time,” he explained. “We look at all the road bikes, the mountain bikes, the hybrid and comfort bikes, and try and figure out which bikes make the most sense and have those bikes in stock. We do special order a lot of stuff for people, because you can’t have every single bike available in here, as much as our vendors would like us to do that, but we have a lot of stuff where you can walk in and ride out. The same goes for parts. We stock the stuff that we feel make the most sense and then whatever we have to special order, we do.” The internet has also changed the bike business, both for better and for worse. More than a decade ago, Andy Jordan’s went to a computerized inventory management and point of sale system, something the store’s namesake was none too thrilled about.
“He hated the computer at first. Honestly, he probably hated the computer the entire time he was here, but he liked the information it provided you with.” almost had this calling to be here,” he said. “So in ’99, I graduated from Augusta State, walked across the stage, then walked through the door here and was fulltime from that point on.” When you’re 40 years old and the bike shop you’ve been involved in has been around for 43 years, chances are you’ve seen your fair share of change. That’s especially true in the bike biz, Drew says. “You used to have a road bike, a mountain bike, a BMX bike, a kids bike,” he explained. “Now, you have a road bike that’s almost a mountain bike, mountain bikes that are almost road bikes and everything in between. It’s way more specialized, no 16 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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FORT GORDON Friday June 30 5-11 p.m.
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Fireworks Extravaganza Kiddie Carnival Jon Langston Family Fun Food & Craft Vendors For more details, check out FORTGORDON.COM Ş #MWRFREEDOM17 or call 706-791-8878 NO PETS, TENTS or COOLERS Avoid the lines! Presale food and beverage tickets are available beginning June 15th at the MWR Directorate’s Office Building 28320
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come home stressed out or be working on my day off and she’ll say, ‘Go ride your bike.’” The connection with the cycling community makes it all worthwhile, though. “The cool thing is, when people are walking through our door, they’re excited to come in here, they want to be in here,” he said. “There’s a lot of people who like being here so much they stop by just to hang out. It’s like their third place, so to speak. You know, you’ve got home, you’ve got work and what’s that third place? For some people it might be a bar, but for a lot of our customers and friends it’s here. That’s pretty cool and it’s pretty flattering when you sit back and think about it.” So, at the upcoming FATS Flow Master mountain bike race, consider raising a water bottle to Andy Jordan, whose legacy continues 43 years after he first opened his doors. FATS Flow MASTer Forks Area Trail System, Clarks Hill, S.C. Saturday, October 21 Sign-in, 7 a.m.; race, 9 a.m. $50 andyjordans.com
“He was not too excited about it, to say the least,” Drew laughed. “And it took a few years for me to ease him into the idea of it. But once we had a few years’ worth of data under our belts, he said, ‘Okay. You were right.’ He loved running reports. I mean, I would have to run them for him and we would sit down and look at them together. He hated the computer at first. Honestly, he probably hated the computer the entire time he was here, but he liked the information it provided you with. I honestly don’t know how he did it as long as he did straight off of gut.” Since implementing the system, stock duplication has decreased dramatically and that data that Andy loved so much shows Drew exactly what’s selling and what isn’t. The internet hasn’t always made life easier, however. Not only are you out of luck if the wi-fi or power goes out, but customers are flooded with information and deals. Drew admits there’s no way a small business like Andy Jordan’s can match internet pricing. “And we are very transparent with our customers about that,” he said. “I’ll tell someone that there’s no way I can match that price, but here’s all the stuff you get when you get it from us. If you buy something from us, you might pay a little bit more for it, but if something needs touched up on it, we’re going to look out for you and do our best to get you back running as soon as possible. There are a lot of little things after the sale that you’re going to get from a local shop versus buying stuff on the internet. You’ve got someone who’s going to have your back.” Technology isn’t the be all, end all at Andy Jordan’s and, over the years, they’ve kept loyal customers as much through their commitment to service as they have by the quality products 18 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
they offer. And we’re not just talking about knowledgeable salespeople and a bike service and repair department that can pretty much work magic, although they do have that. We’re talking about a commitment to the cycling community. Not only was Andy Jordan one of the biggest supporters of Wheel Movement when the bicycle safety and education organization formed in 2011, but the goal of every employee is to give each cyclist the best experience possible. They do this through everything from custom bike fittings, with options that range from a one-hour session to a Body Geometry fitting that can take three hours, to hosting bike maintenance clinics. They offer weekly group rides, as well as a women’s only ride, hosted by Drew’s wife Kim, once every four to six weeks. Check the “Maps & Rides” section of the store’s website (listed below) to find out more about group rides. Andy Jordan’s also makes a point of volunteering at races such as the Ironman 70.3 Augusta triathlon held each September. But the preparation for that, and other races, happens way before the event itself. Now, Drew says, is about the time Ironman athletes will begin serious training, which means many trips to the shop to make sure bikes are in top working order. And out of town athletes will often ship their bikes to the store, where the shop’s staff will reassemble and tune them up before the athletes compete. It’s a lot of work and, ironically enough, work that often keeps Drew from riding. “A lot of people think that since I own a bike shop I ride all the time; unfortunately, it’s not exactly true,” he admits. “But Kim does a good job of telling me when I need to ride my bike. I’ll
“It’s like their third place, so to speak. You know, you’ve got home, you’ve got work and what’s that third place? For some people it might be a bar, but for a lot of our customers and friends it’s here.” 29JUNE2017
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For the first four weeks of Metro’s Best 2017, there is no multiple choice. No point and click. You, the reader, are completely in charge during the nomination process. So take a few minutes to think. It’s okay, you have time. The balloting process doesn’t start until July 6 and then you have until July 27 to decide, say, who gives the best massage in Augusta or who you think is the biggest cheerleader for our fair city. (A bit of personal privilege: Can we please make sure Tricia Hughes is in the top 5 this year for that category, and not just some newspaper or radio show host?) After the nomination phase is over, it’s on to the easy portion of the test. We will take the top 5 vote-getters in each category and, from August 10-31, let you decide who will take home the prize. And, sure, the prize is important, but your favorites can’t win the top prize if they don’t get the nomination in the first place. So do your research and enlist your friends. This is important, people! Winners of Metro’s Best 2017 will be announced as soon as we can tally up the votes.
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Around these pArts, we start celebrating America’s independence well ahead of July 4. That, however, does not mean there won’t be anything to do on Tuesday. Quite the contrary. In fact, there’s so much going on that we thought we’d do you a favor and put everything in one convenient location. So put on your best red, white and blue and try and hit as many of these events as possible. We dare you! thu June 29 10am 4th of July Tulle Wreaths Diamond Lakes Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org. Fri June 30 7pm An American Salute Columbia County Government Complex, Building A Auditorium A Columbia County Orchestra presentation featuring music from the Revolutionary War period up to the country music of Lee Greenwood. Free, but donations accepted. Visit columbiacco.org. 5pm - 11pm Independence Celebration Fort Gordon’s Barton Field A free event featuring a kiddie carnival, food and craft vendors, live music from Jon Langston and Randy Houser, and a fireworks extravaganza. Open to the public. Call 706791-8878 or visit fortgordon.com. sAt July 1 1:30pm American Stories in Song Augusta Museum of History A performance by the choral ensemble Augusta Bel Canto that will include patriotic selections that include folk songs and spirituals. Free. Call 706-722-8454 or visit augustamuseum.org. Mon July 3 10am Independence Day Celebration Augusta Museum of History A Monday at the Museum program for preschool-aged children that will include playing with the Revolutionary War touch cart, then creating a 4th of July visor. $2, members; $4, non-members. Pre-registration required. Call 706-722-8454 or email aschaffman@augustamuseum.org. tue July 4 8am Yankee Doodle Dash 5K and 10K Savannah Rapids Pavilion A bare bones race with no T-shirt and limited race categories that is $15. Visit augustastriders.com.
9:30am Bicycle and Golf Cart Parade Mistletoe State Park Decorations required and lineup begins at 9:30 a.m. $2-$5, plus $5 parking. Call 706-5410321 or visit gastateparks.org/mistletoe. 10am - 4pm 4th of July Barbecue Liberty Park, Grovetown Featuring barbecue, vendors, kids fun zone, raffles, entertainment and more. Call 706860-7691 or visit cityofgrovetown.com. 4pm - 10pm Independence Day Celebration Augusta Common An event that includes live entertainment, vendors, a children’s area with inflatables and fireworks at dark. Call 706-821-1754 or visit augustaga.gov. 5pm - 10pm 4th of July Celebration Partridge Inn Happy hour specials begin at 5 p.m. and participants can watch the fireworks at dusk from the hotel’s rooftop bar. $10. Visit curiocollection3.hilton.com/en/hotels/ georgia/the- partridge-inn-augusta-curiocollection-by-hilton-AGSCUQQ/index.html. 6pm - 11pm BOOM! in the Park Evans Towne Center Park An event featuring water slides, a water balloon field, live entertainment by Black Dawg and the Remedy, and fireworks at dusk. Free; $10, VIP. Visit boominthepark.com. 6:35pm Augusta GreenJackets vs. Columbia Fireflies Lake Olmstead Stadium $8-$12. Call 706-922-9467 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com. 7:30pm Star Spangled Fourth Concert Saint Paul’s Church Features retired Brooklyn police officer Daniel Rodriguez, who almost died in the 9/11 terror attacks, and a tenor who will join the 100-member Independence Day Chorus and Orchestra under the direction of Keith Shafer. Following the concert an After Glow Party will be held in the River and Berlin Rooms on the church campus, where fireworks can be enjoyed inside. Concert: $20; party, $15. Call 706-722-3463 or visit riverwalkseries.com. 8pm - 10:30pm Fireworks on the Patio Headquarters Branch Library Held on the third-floor terrace, participants will enjoy hors d’oeuvres and live music, plus a great view of the downtown fireworks display. $20, single tickets; $30, a pair of tickets. Visit arcpls.org/fireworks.
8:30am - 10am Ceremony to Honor Georgia’s Signers of the Declaration of Independence Signers Monument, Greene Street at the Government Center An event that will begin with patriotic music by Fabio Mann and Bill Karp, and continue with a program that will honor Lyman Hall, Button Gwinnett and George Walton. After the ceremony, Meadow Gardens, the home of George Walton, will open four free tours during the day. Email signersmonument@ gmail.com.
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What’S up
Calendar: 24 | Music Listings: 32 If you have any questions, or would like to submit an event to our calendar, please email Amy Christian at amy@themetrospirit.com.
CirCuS time! thiS Week, you’ll be hard pressed to find anything to do that doesn’t involve the red, white and blue. However, there is another event that is just as American as celebrating the Fourth of July, even though it features performers from all over the world. It’s the circus. The Loomis Brothers Circus celebrates 20 years of fun, magic and death-defying stunts when they visit the USCA Convocation Center in Aiken and the Columbia County Exhibition Center this week. Ringmaster Justin Loomis leads the action in the ring, which includes the motorcycle globe of death, as well as sword balance, foot juggling, trapeze artists and contortionists, as well as clowns, a live band and animal acts. This traditional circus with a modern twist also bills itself as one of the best values in family entertainment around, so you really have no excuse not to visit the big top this week. lOOmiS BrOtherS CirCuS 20 yearS OF traditiOn tOur USCA Convocation Center, Aiken Fri, June 30, at 7 p.m. Sat, July 1, at 1, 4 and 7pm Columbia County Exhibition Center Sun, July 2, at 3 and 6pm Mon, July 3, at 2, 4:30 and 7:30 pm $20, adults; $8, children ages 2-12. loomiscircus.com
thu, June 29
Fri, June 30
Sat, July 1
OngOing
Whether or not you know the first thing about shutter speed, composition or aperture settings, if you like cameras and photography you can meet other people who also do at Camera (Geek) Night. Held at Artus Co-Op downtown at 6 p.m., this is a night to meet and mingle, maybe swap some equipment and, above all, learn a thing or two. For more information, visit facebook.com/ pages/Artus-Co-op/532417963629102.
Tonight at 7 p.m. is your last chance to learn The Art of Swing Dancing at the Jessye Norman School of the Arts. Taught by Mario Lett of Lett’s Dance, this is a fun, no-stress class in which you don’t really even need a partner. It helps, of course, but Mario will help you figure it out regardless. It’s a mere $7 and, to sign up, call 706-828-7768 or visit jessyenormanschool.org.
If you like to do something a little bit more laid back on a Saturday night, but still want to have a good time, we can’t think of anything better than having a great meal at Wild Wing Cafe on Washington Road. Their wings are amazing but, really, you can get just about anything on the menu with one of their 33 different sauces. The Honey Lime Sriracha is our fave. While you’re there, stick around and hear the sweet sounds of Bethany & the Southside Boys.
You may not be thinking about back to school yet, but a lot of families are already beginning to wonder how they’re going to afford things like clothes and shoes for their kids. WAFJ 88.3 wants to help, so they’ve partnered with Samaritan’s Feet and, this month will collect money so that they can select a local school and give each child there a new pair of shoes at the beginning of the year. Shoe Stops will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays in July. For a list of Shoe Stop sites, or to donate online, visit wafj.com.
For more information on these events, see our calendar of events on page 24. 22 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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EDUCATION Thu June 29
9am - 11am Computer Help for Absolute Beginners Wallace Branch Library Call to schedule an appointment. Call 706-722-6275 or visit arcpls.org.
4pm - 6pm Liberty Week Lecture Aiken County Historical Museum A reception will follow the lecture by Doug MacIntyre. Call 803-642-2015.
Wed July 5
6pm Tertulia: Spanish Conversation Group Headquarters Branch Library A group for beginner to intermediate Spanish speakers. Call 317-695-4748.
Thu July 6
11:30am - 1:30pm Open Job Lab
Louis Latour: Fine Wines of Burgundy Wine Tasting Seminar Wine World Friday, June 30 7 p.m. An event featuring 10 wines and heavy hors d’oeuvres. $25; pre-paid reservation required. 803-279-9522 wineworldsc.com
ARTS Thu June 29
6pm Camera (Geek) Night Artus Co-Op A night of connections, information, swap shop and learning for camera geeks and photographers. Visit facebook.com/pages/Artus-Co-op/532417963629102.
Sat July 1
10am - 4pm Fundamentals of Adobe Photoshop Augusta University A photography class led by Katie Jiminez. For more information or to register, visit augusta. edu/pace/photography.php.
CAMPS Ongoing
8am - 4:30pm Summer Adventures Day Camp H.O. Weeks Center, Aiken A camp for those ages 5-12 that includes activities based around each week’s theme. Camps are held weekly through August 18, and early drop-off at 7:30 a.m. and late pick-up at 5 p.m. are available. For more information, call 803-642-7631 or visit cityofaikensc.gov.
9am - 3pm Camp Kroc Kroc Center A camp for those ages 5-12 in which participants will enjoy swimming, arts & crafts, group games, sports, Bible lessons and more. Before- and after-care available. Members: $400 per session; non-members, $600 a session. Sessions available June 19-July 14 and July 17-August 11. Pre-registration required. Call 706-364-5762 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org.
DANCE
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.
12:30pm - 4:30pm SRS Tour Aiken County Applied Research Center Includes a safety briefing, tour of the Savannah River Ecology Lab and general driving tour of the site. Free and open to those 18 or older who are U.S. citizens and have two forms of ID. Call 803-952-8994 or visit srs.gov/general/tour/public.htm.
Ongoing
Small Business Marketing Academy Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce The academy, a six-month class that meets once a month, is open to 25 business owners or managers who have been in business for at least two years. The first class is July 26, and the application deadline is July 14. $150, members; $300, non-members. For more information or an application, visit augustametrochamber.com.
Professional Development Courses Jessye Norman School of the Arts The school offers classes in Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and other software programs. Call or visit the website to see a schedule of spring and summer classes. Call 706-828-7768 or visit jessyenormanschool.org.
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 Monday-Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Last tours of the day begin at 4 p.m. Adults, $2; children, $1. Call 706-722-8454 or visit augustamuseum.org.
North Augusta Driving Tour Arts and Heritage Center of North Augusta Offered by appointment and includes a 30-45-minute guided tour and admission to the center. Self-guided tours are also available through an iPhone downloadable audio tour or a Google Maps-based tour. Guided tours: $5, adults; $3, students K-12. Call 803-441-4380 or visit artsandheritagecenter.com.
Fri June 30
Tours
Jessye Norman School of the Arts Taught by Mario Lett of Lett’s Dance. No experience necessary and a partner is encouraged by not necessary. $7. To sign up, call 706-828-7768 or visit jessyenormanschool.org.
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.
7pm The Art of Swing Dancing
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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.
FLIX Fri June 30
6:45pm Family Movie Night Kroc Center A free movie showing. Concessions will be available for purchase. Call 706-364-5762 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org/kroc-center/.
7:30pm Movies on the Common Augusta Common Also featuring pre-movie activities. Activities begin at 7:30 p.m. and the movie begins at dusk. Call 706-821-1754 or visit augustaga.gov.
Mon July 3
10:30am and 3pm “The Lego Movie” North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.
6pm Interactive Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library A Summer YA event to celebrate Harry Potter’s birthday. Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Wed July 5
10:30am and 3pm “Lego Scooby-Do: Haunted Hollywood” North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Thu July 6
10:30am and 3pm “Lego Star Wars: Droid Tales” North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.
2pm “Sing” Friedman Branch Library Free. Call 706-736-6758 or visit arcpls.org.
HEALTH
A three-session class that continues Wednesdays through July 26. Pre-registration required. Call 706-774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.
Thu July 6
7pm Center for Women Tour Doctors Hospital Pre-registration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.
Ongoing
Meditation Sessions
Thu June 29
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.
Doctors Hospital Pre-registration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.
HOBBIES
Fri June 30
10am 4th of July Tulle Wreaths
7pm Center for Women Tour
10am Chair Yoga Georgia Cancer Center Open to anyone being treated at the center. Call 706-721-0472 or visit augusta.edu.
Thu June 29
Diamond Lakes Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.
10:30am Summertime Craft for Adults
Mon July 3
Appleby Branch Library All supplies provided. Pre-registration required. Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.
Headquarters Branch Library A free cardio dance class. Call 706-821-2600 or visit arcpls.org.
Fri June 30
Tue July 4
Columbia County Library A two-part class in which participants will learn to knit or crochet. Supplies and preregistration required. Call 706-863-1946, ext. 4, or visit gchrl.org.
6:30pm Refit
6pm Weight Loss Surgery and You University Hospital Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706-774-8931 or visit universityhealth.org.
Wed July 5
7pm - 9:30pm Childbirth Education University Hospital 29JUNE2017
10:30am Beginning Fiber Arts Part II
Mon July 3
6:30pm Doodle Hour Columbia County Library Coloring for grown ups. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org. AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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10:30am - noon Story Times North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library Story time for those ages 0-2 begins at 10:30 a.m., and story time for those ages 3-6 begins at 11:15 a.m. Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.
1pm - 3pm Friday Summer Fun Mistletoe State Park A naturalist-led kid-friendly activity time. Children should be dressed to play outside and should bring water and sunscreen. $3, plus $5 parking. Call 706-514-0321 or visit gastateparks.org/mistletoe.
3pm Morris Museum Story Time and Craft North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Sat July 1
11am BE QUIET! Story Time Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.
Mon July 3
10am Independence Day Celebration
Swamp Saturday Hike Phinizy Swamp Nature Park Saturday, July 1 9:30 a.m. A free, guided, 2.5-mile hike. Pre-registration required. 706-828-2109 phinizycenter.org
Wed July 5
Thu June 29
Columbia County Library Coloring for grown ups. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
Aiken Public Library A program for those in grades 6-12 led by Porkchop Productions. Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Noon Doodle Hour
Thu July 6
1pm - 3pm Coloring for Grownups
4pm The Art of Sound Effects
6:30pm Meet and Greet: If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
Augusta Museum of History A Monday at the Museum program for preschool-aged children that will include playing with the Revolutionary War touch cart, then creating a 4th of July visor. $2, members; $4, non-members. Preregistration required. Call 706-722-8454 or email aschaffman@augustamuseum.org.
10:30am Jr. Lego Club Headquarters Branch Library For those ages 2-4. Legos provided. Preregistration required. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.
Wed July 5
10am Movie and a Craft Headquarters Branch Library Participants ages 4-9 will watch “Sing” and then design a guitar. Pre-registration recommended. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.
Aiken Public Library Pre-registration required. Call 803-642-2020, ext. 1131, or visit abbe-lib.org.
Columbia County Library An event featuring stories, coloring sheets and photo ops with a favorite character. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
10am Wacky Wednesday Story Time
6:30pm - 8:30pm PWN AUG Chess Club Meeting
Fri June 30
10:30am Super Awesome Story Time
Aiken Public Library Stories, songs and interactive activities. Story time for babies (0-23 months) begins at 10:15 a.m., toddlers (2-3 years) at 11 a.m. and preschoolers (4-5 years) at 11:45 a.m. Participants and caregivers are encouraged to participate. Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.
10:30am We’re Going on a Bear Hunt
The Book Tavern A club open to all ages and skill levels. Participants are encouraged to bring their own chess sets. Call 706-826-1940 or visit booktavern.com.
Ongoing
Basic Genealogy Tutorials Headquarters Branch Library’s Georgia Heritage Room Free sessions offered by appointment. Call 706-826-1511 or visit arcpls.org.
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10:15am - 12:30pm Story Time Fridays
10am Tie-Dye Event Maxwell Branch Library A 4-H club led event geared toward all ages. Participants must provide their own shirts. Call 706-793-2020 or visit arcpls.org.
Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com. The Book Tavern Story time will be followed by juice and cookies provided by New Moon Cafe. Call 706-826-1940 or email superawesomestorytime@booktavern.com. Appleby Branch Library Children ages 3 and up will hear the story, then create bear puppets and panda pictures. Pre-registration required. Call 706736-6244 or visit arcpls.org. 29JUNE2017
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Thu July 6
10am B&B Puppetry Diamond Lakes Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.
10:30am Visit from the Morris Museum of Art Appleby Branch Library For those ages 5-12. Pre-registration required. Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.
8pm Interesting Insects Reed Creek Park Part of the Nocturnal Thursdays series for those ages 5 and up, along with their parents. Free, members; $2 per child, nonmembers. Pre-registration required. Call 706-210-4027 or email reedcreekpark@columbiacountyga.gov.
Ongoing
Together Augusta Shoes for Schoolchildren In July, WAFJ 88.3 and Samaritan’s Feet International will begin collecting funds to give each child in a selected local school a new pair of shoes at the beginning of the school year. Shoe Stops, in which participants can donate $20 per pair, will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the month. For a list of Shoe Stop sites, or to donate online, visit wafj.com.
The Family Y’s Summer Food Program The Family Y offers five mobile food buses, along with sites at their summer camp locations, to ensure that kids have healthy meals and snacks throughout the summer. Mobile sites are at Salem Arms Apartments on Rosier Road from 11-11:30 a.m. June 5-July 28; Providence Place Apartments on Southgate Drive from 11:50 a.m.-12:20 p.m. July 5-July 28; Cedarwood Apartments on Richmond Hill Road West from noon-12:30 p.m. June 5-July 28; Cedar Grove Apartments on Richmond Hill Road West from 12:40-1:10 p.m. June 5-July 28; and Villa Marie Apartments on Deans Bridge road from 12:45-1:25 p.m. June 5-July 28. All mobile sites closed on July 4. A list of camp sites can be found at thefamilyy.org. Free to those 18 years old and younger.
Mayor’s Summer Read and Feed Headquarters Branch Library This program for those under 18 years old meets Mondays-Wednesdays through July 12 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. to read books, eat lunch and have fun. Free. Visit arcpls.org.
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 from 5-8 p.m. The group is also looking for chaperones ages 25 and older and youth mentors 18-24 years old, who must pass a background check. Call 803-617-8352 or email shepardprojectaugusta@gmail.com.
LITERARY Thu June 29
10am - noon Morning Book Club Maxwell Branch Library This month’s selection is “Experience and Education” by John Dewey. Call 706-793-2020 or visit ecgrl.org.
6pm Summer Reading Book Club Headquarters Branch Library “March: Book 2” a graphic novel about the civil rights movement, will be discussed. Copies available at the library or at the Book Tavern. Call 706-434-2036 or visit arcpls.org.
Wed July 5
6pm Page Turners Book Club Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.
MUSIC Thu June 29
7pm Music in the Park Maude Edenfield Park, North Augusta Featuring the Phillip Lee Band. Barbecue from Riverside Smoke will be available at 6:30 p.m. Participants can bring blankets and chairs. Free. Visit naartscouncil.org. 29JUNE2017
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Fri June 30
7pm Loomis Brothers Circus 20 Years of Tradition Tour
Columbia County Government Complex, Building A Auditorium A Columbia County Orchestra presentation featuring music from the Revolutionary War period up to the country music of Lee Greenwood. Free, but donations accepted. Visit columbiacco.org.
7pm - 9pm Louis Latour: Fine Wines of Burgundy Wine Tasting Seminar
7pm An American Salute
7pm Moonlight Music Cruise Augusta Canal Discovery Center Featuring Jeff Liberty, this event features live music aboard a 1 1/2-hour Petersburg boat tour. Participants are invited to bring aboard snacks and beverages. $25; $23, seniors, military and students. Pre-registration required. Call 706-823-0440, ext. 4, or visit augustacanal.com.
Sat July 1
8am - 2pm Saturday Morning Swing
USCA Convocation Center, Aiken $20, adults; $8, children ages 2-12. Visit loomiscircus.com. Wine World An event featuring 10 wines and heavy hors d’oeuvres. $25; pre-paid reservation required. Call 803-279-9522 or visit wineworldsc.com.
Sat July 1
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.
1pm, 4pm and 7pm Loomis Brothers Circus 20 Years of Tradition Tour
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.
USCA Convocation Center, Aiken $20, adults; $8, children ages 2-12. Visit loomiscircus.com.
1:30pm American Stories in Song
Dupont Planetarium, Aiken Weather permitting, the observatory, housing the Bechtel Telescope, will be available for viewing after each show. $1-$5.50. Call 803-641-3654 or visit rpsec.usca.edu.
Augusta Museum of History A performance by the choral ensemble Augusta Bel Canto that will include patriotic selections that include folk songs and spirituals. Free. Call 706-722-8454 or visit augustamuseum.org.
Sun July 2
7:30pm Candlelight Music Series Augusta Common Participants are invited to bring picnics, blankets and lawn chairs at this weekly event, this week. $8. Call 706-821-1754 or visit augustaga.gov.
Tue July 4
7:30pm Star Spangled Fourth Concert Saint Paul’s Church Features retired Brooklyn police officer Daniel Rodriguez, who almost died in the 9/11 terror attacks, and a tenor who will join the 100-member Independence Day Chorus and Orchestra under the direction of Keith Shafer. Following the concert an After Glow Party will be held in the River and Berlin Rooms on the church campus, where fireworks can be enjoyed inside. Concert: $20; party, $15. Call 706-722-3463 or visit riverwalkseries.com.
Thu July 6
7pm Music in the Park Maude Edenfield Park, North Augusta Featuring the 246th Army Band. Participants can bring blankets and chairs. Free. Visit naartscouncil.org.
SENIORS Thu June 29
11am Classic Movie for Seniors Diamond Lakes Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.
SPECIAL EVENTS
8pm “Dark Shadows”
9pm “Digistar Laser Fantasy” Dupont Planetarium, Aiken Weather permitting, the observatory, housing the Bechtel Telescope, will be available for viewing after each show. $1-$5.50. Call 803-641-3654 or visit rpsec.usca.edu.
Sun July 2
3pm and 6pm Loomis Brothers Circus 20 Years of Tradition Tour Columbia County Exhibition Center $20, adults; $8, children ages 2-12. Visit loomiscircus.com.
Mon July 3
2pm, 4:30pm and 7:30pm Loomis Brothers Circus 20 Years of Tradition Tour Columbia County Exhibition Center $20, adults; $8, children ages 2-12. Visit loomiscircus.com.
Tue July 4
8:30am - 10am Ceremony to Honor Georgia’s Signers of the Declaration of Independence Signers Monument, Greene Street at the Government Center An event that will begin with patriotic music by Fabio Mann and Bill Karp, and continue with a program that will honor Lyman Hall, Button Gwinnett and George Walton. After the ceremony, Meadow Gardens, the home of George Walton, will open four free tours during the day. Email signersmonument@gmail.com.
10am - 4pm 4th of July Barbecue Liberty Park, Grovetown Featuring barbecue, vendors, kids fun zone, raffles, entertainment and more. Call 706-8607691 or visit cityofgrovetown.com.
4pm - 10pm Independence Day Celebration
Thu June 29
Augusta Common An event that includes live entertainment, vendors, a children’s area with inflatables and fireworks at dark. Call 706-821-1754 or visit augustaga.gov.
Downtown Aiken Featuring fresh goods, artisan crafts, flowers, street food and more, with live music by Matt Dahlheimer. Call 803-293-2214.
4:30pm - 7pm Veggie Park Farmers Market
5pm - 7pm Thursday Market in the Alley
Fri June 30
5pm - 11pm Independence Celebration Fort Gordon’s Barton Field A free event featuring a kiddie carnival, food and craft vendors, live music from Jon Langston and Randy Houser, and a fireworks extravaganza. Open to the public. Call 706791-8878 or visit fortgordon.com. 28 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Mill Village Trailhead, 109 Eve St. This weekly event in the park behind the Kroc Center features all local farmers and doubles EBT/SNAP benefits. Visit augustalocallygrown.org/veggie-park-farmers- market/.
5pm - 10pm 4th of July Celebration Partridge Inn Happy hour specials begin at 5 p.m. and participants can watch the fireworks at dusk from the hotel’s rooftop bar. $10. Visit curiocollection3.hilton.com/en/hotels/georgia/the- partridge-innaugusta-curio-collection-by-hilton-AGSCUQQ/index.html. 29JUNE2017
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6pm - 11pm BOOM! in the Park Evans Towne Center Park An event featuring water slides, a water balloon field, live entertainment by Black Dawg and the Remedy, and fireworks at dusk. Free; $10, VIP. Visit boominthepark.com.
8pm - 10:30pm Fireworks on the Patio Headquarters Branch Library Held on the third-floor terrace, participants will enjoy hors d’oeuvres and live music, plus a great view of the downtown fireworks display. $20, single tickets; $30, a pair of tickets. Visit arcpls.org/fireworks.
Lake Olmstead Stadium $8-$12. Call 706-922-9467 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.
Sat July 1
9:30am Swamp Saturday Hike Phinizy Swamp Nature Park A free, guided, 2.5-mile hike. Pre-registration required. Call 706-828-2109 or visit phinizycenter.org.
10am Hike and Craft
6pm - 8pm Yappy Hour
Mistletoe State Park A naturalist-led hike of about one hour, followed by a craft time. $2, craft; $5, parking. Call 706-541-0321 or visit gastateparks.org/mistletoe.
SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare An event that includes live music, a cash bar, open dog park and food. Visit letlovelive.org.
Tue July 4
Wed July 5
Thu July 6
5pm - 8pm First Thursday Shops of Midtown, Kings Way at Central Ave. This event features discounts in the shops, hors d’oeuvres and more. Call 706-733-1788.
SPIRITUAL Thu July 6
7pm Lifting the Veil on Islam Islamic Society of Augusta Part of a monthly program to enlighten newcomers about Islam, this one featuring the topic, “Islam as a Way of Life: A Fresh Perspective.” Free. Email outreach@isaugusta.com.
SPORTS-OUTDOORS Thu June 29
7:05pm Augusta GreenJackets vs. West Virginia Power
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8am Yankee Doodle Dash 5K and 10K Savannah Rapids Pavilion A bare bones race with no T-shirt and limited race categories that is $15. Visit augustastriders.com.
9:30am Bicycle and Golf Cart Parade Mistletoe State Park Decorations required and lineup begins at 9:30 a.m. $2-$5, plus $5 parking. Call 706-5410321 or visit gastateparks.org/mistletoe.
6:35pm Augusta GreenJackets vs. Columbia Fireflies Lake Olmstead Stadium $8-$12. Call 706-922-9467 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.
Wed July 5
2:30pm - 9pm Under the Stars Jumper Night
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Movie and a Craft Headquarters Branch Library Wednesday, July 5 10 a.m. Participants ages 4-9 will watch “Sing” and then design a guitar. Preregistration recommended. 706-821-2623 arcpls.org Stable View Farm Call 803-648-1222 or visit stableviewfarm.com.
Thu July 6
7:05pm Augusta GreenJackets vs. Columbia Fireflies
Kroc Center For those dealing with Alzheimer’s and/or caregivers. Pre-registration required. Call 706860-5233.
Lake Olmstead Stadium $8-$12. Call 706-922-9467 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.
Thu July 6
10am Alzheimer’s Association Support Group
Noon Active-Duty Parent Support Group
7:05pm Augusta GreenJackets vs. Columbia Fireflies
Fort Gordon’s Family Outreach Center Call 706-792-5220 or visit fortgordon.com.
Lake Olmstead Stadium $8-$12. Call 706-922-9467 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.
Ongoing
SUPPORT Mon July 3
6:30pm Cancer Share University Hospital For those with any type of cancer. Call 706-774-5946 or visit universityhealth.org.
6:30pm Pink Pistols Meeting A group for women in their 20s and 30s dealing with breast cancer. Call for location. Call 706-774-4141 or visit universityhealth.org.
7pm Parents Healing Together University Hospital A support group for parents, families and friends who have lost infants through miscarriage, death, ectopic pregnancy or stillbirth. Call 706-774-5811.
Wed July 5
1pm The Lactation Club University Hospital A breastfeeding support group for mothers of NICU babies. 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. 30 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Recovery International Mental Health Support Group Unitarian Universalist Church of Augusta A weekly group that meets Wednesday from 6:30-8 p.m. Based on the work of Abraham Low, MD, RI offers its members a low cost method to regain and maintain their mental health by using mental health through will training. People who stick with the RI Method are able to live healthy, productive lives with lower levels of tension, anger, fear, anxiety, stress, compulsions, and other symptoms. Email marykahb@yahoo.com.
La Leche League A breastfeeding support group. For more information on meeting dates, times and locations, visit them on Facebook under La Leche League of Augusta or at lllaugusta.wordpress.com.
Celebrate Recovery Journey Community Church This Christ-centered recovery program meets every Monday night at 7 p.m. The meetings last two hours and childcare is provided. Pre-registration suggested. Visit cr@ journeycommunity.net.
Diabetes Youth Support Group Meets quarterly. Call for more information. Call 706-868-3241.
Overeaters Anonymous Meets at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, at 7 p.m. Thursdays at Unity Church, and at Covenant Presbyterian Church at 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays. Call 706-8639534 or email oa.augusta.recovery@gmail.com.
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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/meetings.pdf.
Narcotics Anonymous Trinity Hospital of Augusta Meets Fridays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. Visit na.org.
Beyond the Bars A support group for those with incarcerated loved ones. Call 706-855-8636.
THEATER Thu June 29
7pm “Fairy Tales of Old Russia” North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library A presentation of Mr. Damon’s Shadow Puppet Theater of Atlanta. Call 803-2795767 or visit abbe-lib.org.
VOLUNTEER Ongoing
The Dog Days of Summer: 93 Fosters in 93 Days Hands to Paws Rescue The foster-based rescue organization, which can only save as many animals as they have foster home to place them in, is attempting to increase the number of foster families during the 93 days of summer. For more information about becoming a foster family, call 706-481-0657 or visit hands2paws.org.
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Stillwater Taproom - Megan and the Driftless Wild Wing - Bethany & the Southside Boys The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn
What’s Tonight?
Chevy’s - DJ Richie Rich Helga’s Pub & Grille - Trivia The Highlander - Karaoke Soul Bar - Dance Party That Place Coffee - Cushions & Caffeine Afternoon Open Mic
Sunday, July 2 Live Music
Augusta Common - Candlelight Jazz Capri Lounge - Vivian Valium & the Lounge Lizard Divas The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn Wild Wing - Cody Webb
Travis Tritt, Scott Brantley Bell Auditorium Saturday, July 1 7:30 p.m. $27-$47. 877-4AUGTIX georgialinatix.com Helga’s Pub & Grille - Trivia The Highlander - Butt Naked Trivia The Loft - Karaoke Pizza Joint (Downtown) - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane That Place Coffee - MAD Open Mic
Friday, June 30 Live Music
Augusta Canal - Moonlight Music Cruise w/ Jeff Liberty Bird Dog Grille- Old Man Crazy Cotton Patch - Live Jazz Country Club- 8 Seconds Band Coyotes - The Matt Brantley Band Fort Gordon - Independence Celebration w/ Randy Houser, Jon Langston Fox’s Lair - Rian Adkinson The Highlander - Brandon Hadden, Pyrophoria, Drea Suarez Rose Hill Estate (Aiken) - The Upshot Shannon’s - The Unmentionables Southbound Smokehouse- King Size Stillwater Taproom - King Cat and the Elders Wild Wing - Spider Spoke Hillbillies The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn
The Gibbonses Southbound Smokehouse Wednesday, July 5 9 p.m. Free 706-733-5464 southboundsmokehouse.com Thursday, June 29 Live Music
Downtown Aiken (Aiken) - Thursday Market in the Alley w/ Matt Dahlheimer Fox’s Lair - Open Mic Jam w/ Thomas Langley Maude Edenfield Park (North Augusta) - Music in the Park w/ the Phillip Lee Band The Red Pepper (Aiken) - Mike Frost Band Soul Bar - Village Sticks, Twen
32 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
What’s Tonight?
The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Sky City - Sky Wars Star Wars Party w/ DJ Bizzo Soul Bar - Disco Hell
Saturday, July 1 Live Music Wild Wing - Lucero Duo The Willcox (Aiken) - Thursday Night Jazz w/ 4 Cats in the Dog House
What’s Tonight?
Augusta Athletic Sports Bar - Karaoke Chevy’s - Karaoke w/ Ellie Cotton Patch - Old School Thursday w/ DJ Groove Coyotes - Karaoke with Bam
8th Street Plaza - Saturday Morning Swing at the Augusta Market on the River Bell Auditorium - Travis Tritt, Scott Brantley Country Club-Doug McCormick Coyotes - Sherry Iles and Atomic Road Fox’s Lair - Ariana Cherice The Loft - Beauregard and the Down Right, Bird City Revolutionaries Shannon’s - Strangebrew Sky City - Trash Panda
What’s Tonight?
Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ Mike Johnson
Monday, July 3 Live Music
Metro Coffeehouse & Pub - Blues Monday w/ Famous Last Words Soul Bar - It Is Written, Stump Tail Dolly
What’s Tonight?
Augusta Athletic Sports Bar - Sports Trivia Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane Wild Wing - Trivia
Tuesday, July 4 Live Music
Augusta Common - Independence Day Celebration w/ Live Music Evans Towne Center Park - BOOM! in the Park w/ Black Dawg and the Remedy Headquarters Branch Library - Fireworks on the Patio w/ Live Music The Highlander - Nevernauts, Bullmoose Joe’s Underground - Open Mic Saint Paul’s Church - Star Spangled Fourth Concert w/ Daniel Rodriguez The Willcox (Aiken) - Hal Shreck
What’s Tonight?
Bar West - Trivia Capri Lounge - Trivia The Cotton Patch - Trivia Limelite Cafe - Bottom’s Up Trivia Mellow Mushroom (Aiken) - Trivia Mellow Mushroom (Augusta) - Trivia Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane
Wednesday, July 5 Live Music
Hammond’s Ferry Larder (North Augusta) - Hillary Thompson The Highlander - Open Mic Night The Playground - BullMoose, Village Sticks Shannon’s - Mike and Walter Soul Bar - Live Jazz Southbound Smokehouse- The Gibbonses Wild Wing - Dave Love
What’s Tonight?
Augusta Athletic Sports Bar - Karaoke The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Bar West - Karaoke Capri Lounge - Game Night 29JUNE2017
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Chevy’s - DJ Richie Rich Pizza Joint (Evans) - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper Polo Tavern (Aiken) - Karaoke w/ Tom Mitchell Sky City - Conspiracy w/ DJ Knightmare Southbound Smokehouse - Trivia Stillwater Taproom - Pub Quiz
Upcoming Mark Chesnutt
- Country Club July 14 Five Eight, Deathstar, The Pauses
- Sky City July 20 The Whiskey Gentry, Blair Crimmins and the Hookers, Josh Roberts and the Hinges
- Sky City July 21 Riverwalk Revival w/ Gov’t Mule, Galactic
- Jessye Norman Amphitheater August 1 Corey Smith
- Bell Auditorium August 12 Brian Regan
- Bell Auditorium August 25 Michelle Malone & Drag the River
- Sky City September 29
Boston, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
- Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, Alpharetta July 19 Idina Menzel
- Fox Theatre, Atlanta July 22 Robert Earl Keen
- Georgia Theatre, Athens July 22 Louie Anderson
- City Winery, Atlanta July 23 Styx, REO Speedwagon, Don Felder
- Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, Alpharetta July 23 Brandi Carlile
- Botanical Garden, Atlanta July 23 Corey Feldman and The Angels
- The Masquerade, Atlanta July 23 The Moody Blues
- Chastain Park, Atlanta July 23 Matthew Sweet
- City Winery, Atlanta July 27 The Major Rager w/ Umphrey’s McGee, Moon Taxi
- Symphony Park, Charlotte, NC August 10
Kansas
- Bell Auditorium October 25
Elsewhere Vans Warped Tour
- Lakewood Amphitheatre, Atlant June 29 Keith Sweat, Johnny Gill, Dru Hill, 112, Jon B
- Centreplex, Macon June 30 Michelle Shocked
- City Winery, Atlanta June 30 Melissa Etheridge
- Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheatre, Peachtree City July 1 Dru Hill
- Georgia Theatre, Athens July 3 String Cheese Incident
- Chastain Park, Atlanta July 7 Incubus, Jimmy Eat World
- Lakewood Amphitheatre, Atlanta July 8 Brantley Gilbert, Tyler Farr, Luke Combs
- Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, Alpharetta July 8 The Verve Pipe
- City Winery, Atlanta July 8 Metallica, Avenged Sevenfold, Volbeat
- Suntrust Park, Atlanta July 9 Dweezil Zappa
- City Winery, Atlanta July 9 James Taylor, Bonnie Raitt
- Infinite Energy Arena, Duluth July 11 Sam Hunt, Maren Morris, Chris Janson
- VerizonWireless Amphitheatre, Alpharetta July 13 Paul McCartney
REAL PEOPLE REAL DESIRE REAL FUN.
- Infinite Energy Arena, Duluth July 13 New Kids on the Block, Paula Abdul, Boyz II Men
- Infinite Energy Arena, Duluth July 14 Sturgill Simpson
- Fox Theatre, Atlanta July 14 Amy Ray
- Variety Playhouse, Atlanta July 14
Try FREE: 706-434-0108 More Local Numbers: 1-800-926-6000
Dwight Yoakam
Ahora español Livelinks.com 18+
- Georgia Theatre, Athens July 15 Steve Miller Band, Peter Frampton
- Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, Alpharetta July 16 Roger Waters
- Infinite Energy Arena, Duluth July 16
Meet sexy new friends
FREE TRIAL
706-434-0112
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SIGHTINGS
Michael Johnson | mejphoto.photoreflect.com
Rita Waller, Drea Swarez and Denise Hall at the Augusta Pride President’s Soiree at Sacred Heart Cultural Center.
Tara Keilholtz, Crystal Cox and Bridgette Gunn at the Augusta Pride President’s Soiree at Sacred Heart Cultural Center.
Joseph McIntyre, Don Dupee and Dennis Winkle at the Augusta Pride President’s Soiree at Sacred Heart Cultural Center.
Kirk Williams, Jose Santiago, Vanessa Rogers and Tin Tran at the Augusta Pride President’s Soiree at Sacred Heart Cultural Center.
James Mintz, Augusta Pride President Lonzo Smith, Richard Justice and Antonio White at the President’s Soiree at Sacred Heart Cultural Center.
Deja Lewis, Shirley Johnson, Maria Staley and Lakeshia Wilcher at the Augusta Pride President’s Soiree at Sacred Heart Cultural Center.
Justine Ercolino, Hannah Lowndes and Ren Colby at Augusta Pride’s Beats on Broad in the Augusta Common.
Alissa Woodring, Emma Kelley and Maria Quinones at Augusta Pride’s Beats on Broad in the Augusta Common.
Adam Waddins, Gage McKnight and Paul Charette at Augusta Pride’s Beats on Broad in the Augusta Common.
34 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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THE EIGHT
BOX TOPS RANK TITLES
WEEKEND GROSS TOTAL GROSS WEEK # LAST WEEK
1
TRANSFORMERS: LAST KNIGHT $44,680,073
$68,475,562
1
-
2
WONDER WOMAN
$24,906,310
$318,111,468
4
2
3
CARS 3
$24,074,497
$98,782,390
2
1
4
47 METERS DOWN
$7,088,262
$23,914,194
2
5
5
THE MUMMY
$6,060,495
$68,744,165
3
4
In Theaters June 30
FAMILY “Despicable Me 3,” rated PG, starring Steve Carell,
COMEDY ACTION “The House,” rated R, starring Will Ferrell, Amy Poehler, “Baby Driver,” rated R, starring Ansel Elgort, Kevin Spacey,
Kristen Wiig, Trey Parker, Miranda Cosgrove, Julie Andrews. Our beloved Gru flirted with being a good guy but, naturally, it didn’t work out so well. So he’s back to his old supervillain antics, this time with the help of his long-lost twin brother. Honestly, who cares? Gru plus minions plus cute children equals something we’ll always pay money for, even if we don’t have any children to accompany us to the viewing. And, no, going to a kids movie by myself is not creepy, thank you very much!
Jason Mantzoukas, Nick Kroll, Allison Tolman. A couple needs a new source of income to fund their daughter’s college education (we feel you, Johansens!) so they and some friends start a casino in their basement. Crossing our fingers that this R-rated comedy is actually good and not just good in the commercials, because we can’t think of any better combo than Ferrell and Poehler. We also have a feeling that Mantzoukas is going to be the real star of this one, after seeing his hilarious turn as undercover cop Adrian Pimento in “Brooklyn Nine-Nine.”
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Jon Hamm, Jamie Foxx, Lily James, Elza Gonzalez. Let’s just get this out of the way first: This is a stupid name for what is supposed to be one of the best movies of the year so far. It looks like “Oceans Eleven” (the remake), what with its all-star cast and incredibly cool vibe. Except this one centers around a bank robbery that the thieves want people to talk about “over their lattes.” And, of course, the “baby” in question is the getaway driver with, um, eclectic tastes in music. It got a 100 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which isn’t too shabby. AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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time to Outlaw Municipal Buttholery Austin rhodes Our District AttOrney was eager to explain her dilemma, unfortunately, it was an explanation I saw coming a mile down the road. I took a screen shot of the call log, you see it smack dab in the middle of this page. 27 minutes. I called her the instant I signed off the air Tuesday night, and there is your proof right there. 27 minutes. Hand to Heaven, it was pure frustration and aggravation I heard in the detailed explanation from our newly minted Augusta Judicial Circuit DA, Natalie Paine. “I know it stinks, I know it is ridiculous, but there was no way our Grand Jury could find that the behavior (involved with “Tractorgate”) violated the law....” she said. The willful misuse of municipal resources, and publicly salaried employees, is apparently *NOT* specifically illegal in the State of Georgia. Who knew? Whatever happened was reason enough to terminate incredibly popular Landfill Director Mark Johnson, and put the reputations and behaviors of about a half dozen other public employees in a very bad light. And rightfully so. Apparently, taxpayer owned heavy equipment and resources are routinely farmed out for all types of unofficial work, and the construction inventories of private contractors and the city government are traded off and passed around so often that there is often confusion as to who owns what, who is using what, and for what, at any given time. But hey, everyone is buddy-buddy, so if a friend needs thousands of dollars of work done on his private property 3 counties down the road, who cares if a salaried county employee signs up to do it during work hours? If the dude falls off the tractor 50 miles outside the city and his legs are squished, what possible concern should officials have about who picks up the Medi-Vac helicopter ride and 100 thousand dollars worth of reattachment surgery and workman’s comp? It is stupid. It is sloppy. It is ill-advised. And yes, it looks crooked as all mighty Hell, but guess what, it ain’t illegal in Georgia. Try performing barber duties in Georgia without a license, and you are guilty of a misdemeanor. Perform dental work on a 17 year old girl without parental approval, prison time. Be found in possession of eagle feathers...we may never see you again. But “borrow” a piece of taxpayer owned heavy equipment and the publicly salaried employee who operates it for a full day, no worries. We gotta fix this. Cops figured out a long, long time ago that some improper public behavior just defies routine explanation or tolerance. They needed a law to throw at “buttholes” who publicly display acts of “buttholery.” A statute that allowed them to use common sense to arrest and charge a citizen who was acting like a damn fool, but whose specific behavior was impossible to predict or prohibit by statute. And thus the “disorderly conduct” charge was invented. It has been called the “bastard law of the municipal code” because it is often so hideously vague that you could be prosecuted under the charge for a rowdy game of checkers, sneezing in someone’s face, or even a cafeteria foodfight. One legal website describes the “catch-all” statutes like this: “Disorderly conduct laws are very broadly written, to describe any conduct that disturbs the peace or “endangers the morals, health, or safety of a community”. What exactly determines disorderly conduct varies from one jurisdiction to another. Most state disorderly conduct laws specifically state that misconduct is what constitutes the offense. Acts such as the use of vulgar and obscene language in a public place, loitering, inciting violence, and harassment of passengers on public transportation, have all been regarded as disorderly conduct in a court of law in varying states.” Bottom line, if a cop doesn’t like what you are doing, and can make a reasonable case that your behavior is unreasonable, he can charge you with “disorderly conduct.” Beating the wrap in court depends on a number of factors, but generally speaking, if the “butthole” factor in your behavior is high, you will likely be convicted. After this week’s findings from the Grand Jury that the ridiculously well documented and indefensible decisions and actions of about half a dozen city employees did 36 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
NOT constitute a violation of existing law, we obviously need a catch-all “butthole disorderly conduct” statute drawn up for government employees and officials TOOT SWEET! It should go like this: “Any municipal employee or elected official misusing or misdirecting public funds, equipment, or salaried employees in such a manner that defies normal practice, or offends the sensibilities of reasonably intelligent and mature persons, contrary to normal and accepted business and/or legal procedures, may be charged with DISORDERLY CONDUCT BY A PUBLIC EMPLOYEE.” BOOM. There you have it. Problem solved! If Natalie Paine had this statute in hand, there would have been several indictments handed down this week instead of none, and no sound of the audible chuckles of the “good old boys” who got away with yet another scheme in good old Augusta. Indictments or not, the “buttholery” factor in this mess was extremely high. AUSTIN RHODES A long-time radio talk show host who can be heard weekdays on WGAC from 3-6 p.m. The views expressed are the opinions of Austin Rhodes and do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher.
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706.724.8840 AugustaPowderCoating.com
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