Table of Contents December 1, 2016
Whine Line 4 Jenny Is Wright 6 Insider 8 Feature 14 What’s Up Calendar Nightlife Sightings The Eight Austin Rhodes
20 22 32 34 36 38
On the Air with Deke 14
EDIT
CREATIVE
Amy Christian
Joshua Bailey
Joe White
amy@themetrospirit.com
joshua@themetrospirit.com
joe@themetrospirit.com 706-373-3636
Arts Editor/Production Director
Lead Designer
Stacey Eidson Molly Swift Staff Writer
molly@themetrospirit.com
Contributors Jenny Wright, Greg Baker, Austin Rhodes, Josh Ruffin, Kris Fisher, Michael Johnson, Tyler Strong
Publisher
Johnny Beckworth
Staff Writer
stacey@themetrospirit.com
BUSINESS
SALES
circulation manager
johnny@themetrospirit.com
Joe White Publisher
joe@themetrospirit.com 706-373-3636
COVER DESIGN: Kruhu COVER PHOTOGRAPH: Joe White
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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OPINION
Jenny Is Wright: 6
The Whine Line We are in a drought, with forest fires burning out of control in huge areas of GA, SC and NC. So there has been a ban on leaf and wood burning, for the sake of safety and air quality. But some people are defying the ban and burning their debris anyway, in and around the Hill area. To those who want to burn: if you do not care about your own well being, can you please have mercy on your neighbors with asthma and other breathing problems? A little consideration goes a long, long way in helping us get along with each other in our community. And it is good to obey the laws of the land, even when they are seldom enforced and somewhat inconvenient personally. Please do not burn things outdoors or in fireplaces. After all, the weather is well over 60 degrees most of the daylight hours. Thanks in advance for your cooperation! I wish Ch. 12 would hire an engineer capable of maintaining a broadcast signal. Perhaps the Federal Communications Commission can provide some encouragement.
It’s been a year since the great experiment called the “Augusta Film Office” hung out their shingle, promising at least six movies were definitely going to be filmed here. At last count, there was a made-for-TV movie last winter and a feature that hasn’t shown anywhere yet. Barry White and The Fly swore earlier this year they were working together to bring some films in. All we’ve seen is that they own the old Krispie Kreme building and not much else. A few weeks ago, when the Spirit wrote about the Regency Mall, there was mention of a studio. Are the film office and the CVB involved in that or is it just more bull? Great you voted. You bought a ticket for a ride, maybe its the one you wanted maybe not. Either way its gonna crash.... Don’t you realize none of what you did Nov. 8 mattered. It’s all been pre determined..... Always has, always will. As Americans we are the grand experiment that has failed. Be smart..... Rise above..... Don’t swallow the pills they feed us to allow change un-noticed.
Tell the Augusta-Richmond council they suck for undercutting small business folks by requiring flea market vendors to purchase business licenses. The whole purpose of people getting booths at the flea market is because they don’t often make enough to warrant buying licenses, and they are happy to do their vending in the open air on weekends only. The council’s short-sighted ass-hattery is likely to rid augusta of one of the most traditional forms of commercial exchange, and a source of livelihood and enjoyment to many. Wonder what is in it for council members to make them want to force the flea markets out of business? The majority of Augusta commissioners’ enmity toward white people is unmistakably demonstrated every time they open their mouths. I’m a Veteran (yes Vietnam, three tours), and I tried to help a black Vet get a free turkey, at the James Brown give-a-way, but he was told, since he was receiving benefit’s from the government, he did not qualify. I bet JB was rolling over in his grave. I took this VET to Kroger and bought, not one, but three turkey’s. Wake the hell up Augusta! Happy Thanksgiving!
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.
4 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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‘Tis the Season WHEN IT COMES TO HOLIDAY SHOPPING, do you plan ahead? Wait until the very last minute? I guess I tend to fall somewhere in the middle. I never start before Thanksgiving, but starting on Christmas Eve would make me panic. I don’t even mind braving the crowds in December, on the prowl for the perfect gift. My sole complaint about the crowds is the people. Some people shouldn’t be allowed in public. I’m not going into any detail with that, except to say that there are a lot of folks out there who need to learn some manners. Not only is shopping time consuming, but finding the perfect gift is nearly impossible. The gift that I think would be perfect for you may not even make your list. There’s nothing better than surprising someone with my idea of the best thing for them, though. I put a lot of thought into what I give. There’s nothing worse than buying a gift just because I have to, picking up something, anything, that can be wrapped and given. I guess there are plenty of things that would be worse, but it does make me sad. I love getting my kids’ lists each year. It’s most amusing when they ask for things I wouldn’t necessarily even purchase for myself. Well, I would buy myself an Apple watch. I haven’t, though, and you can bet your sweet you-know-what I’m not buying one for my 12-year-old. He also found some sort of Sonic Screwdriver from Dr. Who, which is “only $1,200 on Amazon.” Sure, Buddy. Let’s go ahead and buy you a car this year, too. The sky’s the limit. The Girl wants three things: a bike, a ukelele and an iPhone. I always said I’d wait until eighth or ninth grade to get phones for my kids, but we can file this one with all those other “I swear I’d never” parenting things we all say and then un-say. You new parents are probably saying you won’t even do that. I wish you the best of luck. Growing up, my dad liked to trick me. “There’s no way you’re getting that for Christmas.” He would give me some reason as to why it just wasn’t going to happen. In seventh grade, I asked for the leather bomber jacket that every other seventh grader wanted. You know, the one with the satiny world map lining. That Christmas morning, with every present unwrapped, it seemed I didn’t get the jacket. Oh, wait! What is that plastic grocery store bag over there in the corner? Inside was a neatly folded leather jacket. When I was 16, he told me he wasn’t getting me a car. A few months after my birthday, we went to “just look” at a car. When the lady’s garage opened, there was a big red bow on the car. Dad had already bought it for me. Apparently I haven’t outgrown this blissful ignorance, because The Man does it to me, too. I can’t imagine how teachers feel. They get so much crap year after year. I’m sure they’ll say they don’t mind, but how many A+ Teacher picture frames and apple cinnamon candles does one person need? A teacher friend of mine was given a silk rose that reeked of cigarette smoke clearly purchased at the gas station on the way to school. I guess it was a nice gesture? The thought does count. It might be better if you thought about using a little Febreeze on the silk rose. There’s trend to give teachers cash or grocery store gift cards. Since teachers don’t get paid enough, this seems like a good way to help them get what they need for the classroom or home. I give teachers the same gift almost every year — a certificate for a manicure. They seem to appreciate it anyway. One year I was talking to a teacher,
6 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
ready to hand over her manicure card, when she started listing and complaining about many of the gifts she’d already gotten. She said, “Cash is so much better. We can go out and get something we actually like.” Being that specific about gifts is off-putting. I quickly tucked the certificate in my pocket. That year, I made a donation to a local charity in her name. She didn’t get squat. I feel the same frustration when I see parents waiting in line after line, spending hundreds of dollars on this specific gift their precious snowflake has to have or she will just melt. If gift giving becomes that stressful, you’re missing the point. First of all, Christmas isn’t just about the presents. Second, gift giving is supposed to be fun, not laden with demands and specifics that are impossible to fulfill. I’ll even throw in that it’s better to give than receive. Because it is. I do like diamonds, though. Speaking of lines, what the heck are these Hatchimal things? I think my kids are too old for them, because they don’t seem to know, either. Or maybe they aren’t cool enough. I’ve seen people talking about spending hundreds of dollars on what looks like a plastic egg with a little stuffed animal in it. I’m sure I’m missing something. I guess it’s kinda like the Tickle Me Elmo craze. I don’t get it. The key to gift-giving is quality over quantity. Getting special things that they will love and be proud of is a good thing. Kids don’t need their entire list. They may think they do, but they also think Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes make for a nutritional breakfast. I might have two with my coffee, but that’s none of their business. Wanting for things is okay; I promise they’ll live. Give within your means and from your heart. Don’t forget to remove the price tag. 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.
1DECEMBER2016
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NEWS
On the Air with Deke: 14
The Name Game Gets Tough in Augusta WHEN Augusta Commissioner Ben Hasan suggested to his colleagues this week that the former downtown library, soon-to-be-public defender’s office, should be renamed in honor of former Augusta Commissioner and interim mayor Willie Mays, it got some attention. But then when it was also proposed that the Diamond Lakes Regional Park community center should be renamed for Robert Howard, a long-time and much beloved assistant director for the city’s Recreation and Parks department who suddenly passed away in 2009, some folks in south Augusta got their panties in a knot. Why? Well, there is always a name game being played when it comes to public buildings in Augusta-Richmond County. Whether it’s the popular naming of the Charles B. Webster Detention Center after the long-time sheriff of Richmond County or the controversial debate over the naming the city’s courthouse for the late civil rights attorney and Georgia Appeals Court Chief Judge John H. Ruffin Jr. that took more than a year to settle, such discussions aren’t ever easy in this town. In fact, the discussions can be painful and extremely divisive. Back in 2009, even though Ruffin was the first AfricanAmerican chief judge of the Georgia Court of Appeals and the first African-American member of the Augusta Bar Association, some members of the local community did not feel that the courthouse should be named after the former civil rights lawyer who worked tirelessly to integrate the Richmond County school system. In 1964, Ruffin filed a discrimination lawsuit against the Richmond Count Board of Education demanding Augusta integrate its schools, not because he thought black teachers were providing students with a poor education, but because the black schools were terribly underfunded. “We didn’t take the position that black students couldn’t learn without white students. We knew black students could learn,” Ruffin told the Metro Spirit back in 2004. “What was happening was, the money the board of education was spending was going to the white schools and not being properly divided between all the schools in Richmond County, both black and white. So, we filed the lawsuit because we thought that the better education would be were the money was.” That move was highly controversial back in that day. During the course of the lawsuit, Ruffin received several death threats. But, despite all of that, the 1964 lawsuit Acree v. Board of Education of Richmond County resulted in a 1972 desegregation order by the U.S. District Court for the board to integrate schools through a number of conditions such providing a racially balanced certified staff and equal educational opportunities throughout the school system. 8 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Ruffin’s lawsuit changed the history of Augusta forever, but, unfortunately, the naming of the courthouse also took great courage as well almost 40 years later. Then-Augusta Commissioner Joe Bowles received some major heat from several people in the white community after he voted along with five black commissioners in 2009 to name the judicial center after Ruffin. “I was called a n***** lover and all of those things and I feel sorry for those people,” Bowles told the Metro Spirit in 2010, adding that he couldn’t believe such racist attitudes still existed in Augusta. “People don’t like it, but I’m still going to stand by my principles and I’ll piss people off, I guess.” After that move, there seemed to be a stream of questions whenever it came to the renaming of any county buildings to honor long-time community leaders in Augusta.
In 2012, when then-Augusta Commissioner Joe Jackson suggested the sheriff ’s administration building should be named in honor of former Sheriff Ronnie Strength, some commissioners questioned whether county owned buildings should be named in honor of those still living. A year later, county staff were actually given the duty of developing a “uniform system for naming city-owned facilities” which included the evaluation of factors such as names be based on geographical, historical, ecological or for people who have “given much for the betterment of Augusta.” Should the naming of county buildings really be so complicated? The easy answer is no. Absolutely not. Does it cost money to alter the signs on buildings? Yes, but it minimal in the grand scheme of things. The city is suggesting that to install the lettering for 1DECEMBER2016
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the “William H. Mays, III Public Defender’s Office” would cost about $5,300. Is that money worth it? Absolutely. For those who don’t know, the legacy of former Augusta commissioner and onetime interim Mayor Willie Mays already has a permanent place in the history books. Back in 1979, Willie Mays decided to run for his mother’s former city council seat. Carry Mays was a trailblazer and widely respected in Augusta, particularly among city employees who felt they did not have a voice on the city council. As soon as Willie Mays won her seat and took office, he immediately realized he had a lot to live up to. “I talked to a lot of old city employees, and they would tell me, ‘Willie, we don’t expect you to be as good as Mrs. Mays,’” Willie Mays told the Metro Spirit a few years ago. “‘But if you can be half as good as her, then you might be OK.’ I take great pride in that.” There is no doubt about it, Willie Mays learned from the best. When he served on the Augusta Commission, he could talk circles around his critics and immediately command everyone’s attention in the room. He was an outstanding politician and defender of the people, so what better place to rename in honor of Mays than the public defender’s building? As for Robert Howard, you couldn’t find an employee more dedicated to the city’s recreation department. He was known throughout the community as “Mr. Recreation” because of his loyal service in the department.
State Rep. Wayne Howard, who is not related to Robert Howard, spoke during at a recent planning commission meeting in support of renaming of the Diamond Lakes Regional Park community center for Robert Howard. He said he knew Robert Howard was a tireless worker for the city and was instrumental in the construction of the Augusta Aquatic Center along with many other city parks and community centers. He also headed the organization of the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day parades, helped with the details of the “Godfather of Soul” James Brown’s funeral at the James Brown Arena and worked with the 1996 Olympic Committee to determine the Olympic torch’s route through the city of Augusta. Both Robert Howard and Willie Mays have served this community admirably. The Augusta Commission should come together and support these proposals to honor these two men, not just because they deserve it, but because it’s also the right thing to do.
Will Bob Young be Part of the Trump Administration? THERE HAS BEEN A RUMOR floating around town the past few days that former Augusta Mayor Bob Young may soon be rewarded for his hard work in helping to get President-elect Donald Trump into the White House. Not too shabby, Bob. Most people will remember back in 2005 when Young left his role as mayor of Augusta to serve as a Housing and Urban Development regional director in the George W. Bush administration. He had served Bush well during his campaign and was heavily rewarded a few years later. It was a big deal at the time. In 2005, Young was appointed the director of the Atlanta Region of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. He served as liaison to mayors, city managers, state and local officials, Congressional delegations, stakeholders and customers in several southern states including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Back then, Young’s job was to oversee the delivery of HUD programs and services to communities and evaluate their efficiency and effectiveness. He was responsible for all federally funded and insured housing programs, including FHA Mortgage Insurance, Community Planning and Development, Public Housing Programs and Fair Housing Programs. It sounds like a lot of responsibility, doesn’t it? Well, the rumor is that Young has played his cards right once again and will receive a “major position” within the Trump administration. For about a year, Young has been very 10 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
outspoken in his support of Trump and, as the world has seen, Trump isn’t shy about giving back to those who have worked hard to support him during his campaign. This would be a major career move for Young. Just last year, Young was speculating that he would seek the Georgia House District 123 seat that was held by retiring Republican state Rep. Barbara Sims. At the time, Young said his platform would be centered around introducing legislation to change the name of Georgia Regents University to the University of Augusta and he wanted to eliminate the state income tax. But, all of a sudden, once the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia unanimously voted to officially change Georgia Regents University’s name to Augusta University, he didn’t seem interested in the state legislative seat anymore and he backed out of the race. That was probably a pretty smart move considering he may now be appointed to a federal or regional position under the Trump administration. Not bad, Bob. Not bad, at all. Please don’t forget about Augusta when you take your new role under Trump’s wing.
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On the Air with Deke
Former Augusta Mayor Deke Copenhaver steps behind the mic on Dec. 5 to begin his new weekly radio show called “There It Is” on WGAC By Stacey Eidson FOr nIne yeArs Deke Copenhaver was the face of the city of Augusta. Starting next week, almost exactly 11 years to the day that Copenhaver was first elected as the mayor of Augusta, he will become the city’s newest local voice over the airwaves. “For nine years, I tried to change things through the public sector. I think we had some good success there,” Copenhaver said, sitting in his office on Broad Street. “But I really think transformational change in cities should be driven by the private sector. This new opportunity puts me in a position to help drive that change.” For the past several years since being out of public office, Copenhaver started a private firm called Copenhaver Consulting, which gave him the opportunity to travel around the country providing advice to other cities about ways to build up their communities. However, Copenhaver was never far from home. Just this past summer, he agreed to fill in for WGAC Radio Host Austin Rhodes on his talk show while Rhodes was on vacation and something completely unexpected happened. “I don’t think there are any coincidences in life, but I hosted for Austin last summer and a lot of people said, ‘Hey, you need your own show,’” Copenhaver said. At first, the former mayor simply took it as a nice compliment, but then Rhodes encouraged him to speak to the management at WGAC.
“For nine years in office, I had an open-door policy as mayor. I would take calls all the time and sometimes people would not be too nice on the phone. And I would tell them, ‘Look, I will treat you with dignity and respect and I expect the same thing from you. If that’s not the case, this call is over.’” — Deke Copenhaver
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“It is not all sunshine and roses all the time. I think people would get tired of that. These are in-depth stories about what is really going on in the city and in this community.” — Deke Copenhaver “Austin said, ‘Well, I think we can make that happen. Let’s talk,’” Copenhaver said. “So I met with the management out there and, apparently, people were not pleased with (conservative media personality and former Fox News host) Glenn Beck and they were looking to make a change. They were looking to do something local, so it just all fell into place.” Local listeners had just become fed up with Glenn Beck’s political stance on the presidential election after he told his audience that opposing Republican candidate Donald Trump was the “moral, ethical choice.” Rhodes said WGAC was faced with a unique opportunity to fill an open time slot on its schedule with local programming. “I guess it’s the first time in three years that we’ve had the opportunity to make a programming change,” Rhodes said. “Glenn Beck was not working out for us. He had become incredibly unpopular with our audience because of his stance on the presidential election and, as a result, we were looking to do something with it. And whenever you are able to broadcast a local show versus a syndicated show, you are always able to do better financially.” When Copenhaver had filled in during the summer on The Austin Rhodes Show, the station received an overwhelmingly positive response, Rhodes said. “Deke had success filling in for me a couple of times and this last time, I guess it was over the summer, we got a lot of response from his appearance on the show and when we were discussing what to do about Glenn Beck, I mentioned to the boss that if we were ever going to try another local show now might be the time to do it,” Rhodes said. “So I suggested that he have a conversation with Deke and the rest is history.” Copenhaver has a unique ability to convey both energy and optimism about many issues facing the Augusta area, Rhodes said. “If you get into a 10-minute conversation with Deke Copenhaver, one-on-one, you are going to buy what he’s selling,” Rhodes said, laughing. “I have been involved with planning a few community projects that Deke has 1DECEMBER2016
been a part of, for instance, the most recent James Brown Birthday Bash that we had at the Bell Auditorium that was such a big success. I’ve noticed in the meetings that we’ve had, that a lot of us had concerns about one thing or another and Deke was always the positive one pushing everything forward.” That’s just Copenhaver’s style. Even as mayor, he was extremely positive and unbelievably optimistic. So much so that Copenhaver was quickly nicknamed “The Boy King” because he acted more like a Boy Scout than the typical politicians that came through the Garden City. “He just doesn’t dwell on the negative very much,” Rhodes said. “And there a lot of people who have been very successful doing that kind of thing. In politics, it works out extremely well for you.” Rhodes paused for a moment and quickly corrected himself. “Well, let me back up. Being positive works out extremely well for you until you run into other politicians who are negative,” Rhodes said, laughing. “So it will be a very interesting experience to see how Deke handles negative feedback when he does get it on the radio. And I don’t mean him personally, but if somebody takes a different tack on an issue that he is pushing hard, it will be interesting to see how he responds to it. But that is all a part of the process.” Copenhaver’s new daily talk show, called “There It Is,” which was named after James Brown’s 1972 album, will begin on Monday, Dec. 5, at 9 a.m. on WGAC. But don’t expect Copenhaver’s show to be all about Augusta politics and his experiences as mayor. “I think Austin does a pretty good job at covering local government,” Copenhaver said, chuckling. “I am
sure there will be some politics discussed, but this show will also be about sports, entertainment, music and just local personalities. I am never going to run out of guests. There are so many people that I’ve met while I was in office, but I’ve met so many amazing people after being in office, I think people will be pleased with the show.” Copenhaver said he wants his new three-hour talk show to tell Augusta’s true story. “I just feel like there are so many great things going on in Augusta that people don’t really know about,” he said. “That came from nine years of being in the mayor’s office and I would do these talks and people would say, ‘Why didn’t I know that?’ So I think this just provides another trusted news source to tell the stories here in Augusta.”
“If you get into a 10-minute conversation with Deke Copenhaver, one-on-one, you are going to buy what he’s selling.” — Austin Rhodes AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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Copenhaver also expects the show to be a fun and safe “gathering place” for all people to call in and respectfully share their views about the topics being discussed. “I hope I get a lot of people calling in who might not be comfortable calling into other shows,” he said. “It is neat to think that you could have a show that black people, white people, old people, young people, Democrats and Republicans can all listen to and feel comfortable calling in and giving their opinions on the air.” In fact, Copenhaver strongly encourages the public to call into the show and express their views; however, he insists that callers do not attack other participants of the show. “It is like I tell people, for nine years in office, I had an open-door policy as mayor,” Copenhaver said. “I would take calls all the time and sometimes people would not be too nice on the phone. And I would tell them, ‘Look, I will treat you with dignity and respect and I expect the same thing from you. If that’s not the case, this call is over.’” It is all about the manner in which a host runs his or her talk show, Copenhaver said. “You have to set the tone from the get-go and that’s what I plan to do,” he said. “I am fine taking all calls, but I would just ask people to treat my guests and myself and other listeners with dignity and respect. I don’t think that is too much to ask. Just be cool.” After all, Copenhaver realizes that his show will sometimes address sensitive topics that deeply impact the community such as racial issues or even the political stresses felt during this past presidential election. “I will definitely touch on the presidential election,” Copenhaver said. “I think so many people have seen this as such a brutal election and I honestly think that we can do better than that. I was very disappointed by the rhetoric around both campaigns. It looks like a zero-sum game. It is either I win and you lose or I lose and you win. Well, as far as I’m concerned, we are all in this together.” 16 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Copenhaver said he wants “There It Is” to be a “front porch or a town square” where people of different views can come together to have adult conversations about how to build up the community and make it a better place to live. He is looking for solutions to problems, not just complaints and rhetoric. Copenhaver said he doesn’t want to be constantly talking about what’s wrong with the city of Augusta because that typically goes nowhere. “I think that story has been done so many times to death,” Copenhaver said. “It is interesting, since leaving office, what I figured out is so many people have literally tuned out what’s going on with the local government. And I thought about that and I said, ‘After how many years of seeing constant stories in the news about a dysfunctional local government, I think people are kind of tired of it. They have heard that story before.” And, as for the racial divisions in Augusta, Copenhaver said he sees that as more of a problem between players within the city’s leadership than the general public. “I think it is more in the leadership than it is at the grassroots level,” Copenhaver said. “I go to the Y every morning, which is about the biggest melting pot of people you would see: old, young, black, white, different faiths and all. It is not like people are fussing and fighting there. If you don’t come to the Y for a little bit, people wonder where you are. That is the Augusta that I see.” But Copenhaver doesn’t want people to think that his show will only be about positive news in Augusta. “It is not all sunshine and roses all the time,” Copenhaver said, laughing. “I think people would get tired of that. These are in-depth stories about what is really going on in the city and in this community and I think this is a good time for that kind of show.” Rhodes believes Copenhaver’s show will do very well on WGAC because the former mayor has an inner strength that drives him towards success. “I haven’t seen Deke fail at anything he has ever focused on and tried to do before,” Rhodes said. “He is one of the few people his age that decided to run the Ironman 70.3 and he did it successfully and did it quite well. With the exception of a couple of political issues that were really out of his control, anything Deke has had personal control over and that he has been able to handle on his own, he’s been successful at it.” Some of the secrets to radio success is working hard, honing your skills and knowing your audience, Rhodes said. “I’ve given him some super secret, behind-the-scenes advice which I can’t give out publicly, but everybody has got their own style,” Rhodes said. “It is kind of like pitching a baseball. You approach it in a way that obeys the rules, but everybody has their own individual style and you just have to take what gifts you have and make them work for you.” Copenhaver will only get better the longer he is behind the microphone, Rhodes said.
“It will be a very interesting experience to see how Deke handles negative feedback when he does get it on the radio. And I don’t mean him personally, but if somebody takes a different tack on an issue that he is pushing hard, it will be interesting to see how he responds to it.” — Austin Rhodes 1DECEMBER2016
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“I think so many people have seen this as such a brutal election and I honestly think that we can do better than that. I was very disappointed by the rhetoric around both campaigns.” — Deke Copenhaver “I think if he shows up everyday, which we all know that he is going to, and just goes through the process of being a host, he is going to get better and better,” Rhodes said. “We’ve had a number of politicians including (Vice President-elect) Mike Pence and (former Republican presidential candidate) Herman Cain get involved in talk radio and they have had different levels of success at it. There is no reason to think that Deke can’t do the same thing.” Rhodes also hinted that this radio gig might lead Copenhaver to make another run for political office. “You know, Deke has about two years until he will have another opportunity to run for mayor if he wants,” Rhodes said. “This might be there perfect stepping stone to do something like that again. Or any other office as well. The WGAC signal reaches out all across the 10th District and the 12th District and also into other cities. If he was ever thinking about expanding his political career, this would be a perfect opportunity.” When asked if he has any future political ambitions, Copenhaver just smiled and said he is happy in the private sector... at least for now. “I would never say never, but I never viewed things through a political lens,” he said. “I am happily independent and I think, once again, trying to drive change from the private sector is what I’m focused on at this point.” Along with informing the public about Augusta’s true stories, Copenhaver also wants to have fun with this new radio show. “For nine years in office, I couldn’t really pick and choose who I had to work with, other than my limited staff,” Copenhaver said. “But, with this, I’ll be able to bring people on the show that I enjoy being around. I can really tell Augusta’s story.” While three hours a day, five days a week seems like a lot of time to be on the air for most people, Copenhaver said he’s really looking forward to it. “A lot of people have asked, ‘How are you going to talk for three hours?’” Copenhaver said, chuckling. “Well, I am absolutely comfortable behind the mic and I just love to talk to people. But I will also have guests on and I’ll take calls. This is not all about me. It is about people telling their stories and me being a good listener as well. I can’t wait.” “There It Is... with Deke Copenhaver” will begin airing on WGAC on Dec. 5, weekdays from 9 a.m. to noon..
18 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
“You know, Deke has about two years until he will have another opportunity to run for mayor if he wants. This might be there perfect stepping stone to do something like that again.” — Austin Rhodes
WHAT’S UP
Calendar: 22 | 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.
CHRISTMASTIME IS HERE BLACK FRIDAY, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday shopping? Check. “A Charlie Brown Christmas”? It’s on tonight. That can only mean one thing: all the Christmas tree lighting ceremonies, concerts, festivals, craft shows and holiday tours of homes are next. And guess what? Many of them take place this week. That’s right, between today and next Thursday, December 8, you have a lot of planning to do if you want to make it to Fort Gordon’s festival tonight, take in a concert Friday night, have Brunch with Santa at the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History on Saturday before heading to the Augusta Common for the parade and Light Up Spectacular (or to Evans for theirs) while making a quick stop in North Augusta for their tour of homes. That doesn’t even count all that’s going on at Augusta University and in Aiken. So turn to page 22, and get out your highlighter, map and calendar. It’s going to be a long week. A fun one full of holiday cheer, but a long one nonetheless.
THIS WEEK
FRIDAY
Need help with your holiday shopping? The Westobou Gallery downtown wants to help. But you should go tonight for the opening reception of the SEEDS exhibit from 5-8 p.m. because the works by local and regional artists will go fast. Why? Because they’re all available for $300 or less. And when that includes works from artists like Ellie Benson, Ethan Brock, Jay Jacobs, Staci Swider and Leonard Zimmerman, you can’t beat it.
SATURDAY
Buddy the Elf will be there, as will Santa and Mrs. Claus. So before you settle into a month-long binge of food and cocktails during this holiday season, go ahead and preemptively work some of those calories off at the Jingle Jam 10K this morning at Evans Towne Center Park. There’s no raceday registration, so sign up now knowing that proceeds from the race will go to SafeHomes of Augusta. And don’t forget your costume!
MONDAY
Humanitree House isn’t just a juice joint (although their juice is amazing); it’s also an art gallery and performance venue. Tonight at 7:30 p.m. they’ll hold a celebration of Sleepy Eyez Carter’s new spoken word EP “Coffee & Ink,” described as a modern day Song of Soloman and featuring other artists as well. So grab a glass of the good stuff and settle in for a night of great entertainment.
WEDNESDAY
You have until January 15, but you might not want to wait that long to fill out an application for SAIL: School for Arts Infused Learning. The recently approved statewideenrollment charter school based in Augusta aims to hold its first school year beginning in August 2017 and is accepting applications for enrollment beginning today for students who are interested in an education with a strong emphasis on the fine arts and foreign languages. Teachers: they’re also hiring now as well. Visit sailga.org.
For more information on these events, see our calendar of events on page 22.
LI V E M U SI C | F R I DAY NI GHTS
TEAM LEAN 2017 JOIN OUR TEAM! Free TEAM LEAN Entry when you sign-up for a Y membership between now and December 31st. Already a member? Refer a friend for membership between now and December 31st and you and your friend get free entry into TEAM LEAN.
2 651 Pe rimet er Parkway Augusta | 706 . 8 5 5 . 8 100
*Offer expires on December 31st. No cash value. Non transferable. Members may only qualify for one referrel promotion at a time.
FAMILY YMCA OF GREATER AUGUSTA
706 922 YMCA
thefamilyy.org
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“Dave” Morris Museum of Art Friday, December 2 Noon Part of the Films on Friday series that includes a discussion afterwards. Participants are invited to bring lunch. Free. 706-724-7501 themorris.org
ARTS Fri Dec 2
6:30pm - 9pm Acrylic Painting 175 N. Louisville St., Harlem A Harlem Arts Council class. $30. Call 706-556-6656, 706-513-2634 or email blalocka@hotmail.com.
Sat Dec 3
10am - 1pm Christmas Watercolor Aiken Center for the Arts $50; pre-registration required. Call 803-6419094 or visit aikencenterforthearts.org.
10am - 1pm Christmas Wreath 175 N. Louisville St., Harlem A Harlem Arts Council class. $38. Call 706556-6656, 706-513-2634 or email blalocka@ hotmail.com.
10am - 1pm Photos to Paintings: Winter Scene to Holiday Card Aiken Center for the Arts $60. Pre-registration required. Call 803-6419094 or visit aikencenterforthearts.org.
2pm - 4pm Christmas Centerpiece 175 N. Louisville St., Harlem A Harlem Arts Council class. $10. Call 706-556-6656, 706-513-2634 or email blalocka@hotmail.com.
Sun Dec 4
Noon - 4pm Holiday Open House Morris Museum of Art An event that includes holiday crafts, stories, tours, music from The Family Kelley at 2 p.m. and more. Free. Call 706-724-7501 or visit themorris.org. 22 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
2pm - 4pm Christmas Centerpiece 175 N. Louisville St., Harlem A Harlem Arts Council class. $10. Call 706556-6656, 706-513-2634 or email blalocka@ hotmail.com.
Wed Dec 7
6:30pm - 8pm Watercolor Workshop Jessye Norman School of the Arts An eight-session class that meets Wednesdays December 7-January 25. Pre-registration required. Visit jessyenormanschool.org/ community-art-programming/.
DANCE Thu Dec 1 - Fri Dec 2 7pm “The Nutcracker”
Maxwell Branch Library Call 706-793-2020 or visit arcpls.org.
Tue Dec 6
10am - noon Foster Parent Orientation Necco Augusta A free weekly session. Pre-registration suggested. Call 706-210-3435 or visit necco.org.
10:30am Your PINES Account Appleby Branch Library Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.
Wed Dec 7
10:30am - 12:30pm Microsoft Word for Beginners
Imperial Theatre A presentation of the Columbia County Ballet. $15-$35. Call 706-722-8341 or visit imperialtheatre.com.
Headquarters Branch Library Pre-registration and a valid PINES card required. Call 706-821-2615 or visit arcpls.org.
Sat Dec 3
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.
11am and 3:30pm It’s the Night Before Christmas AU’s Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre An Augusta West Dance Guild presentation. $12. Call 706-860-0998 or visit augustawestdance.com.
EDUCATION Thu Dec 1
10am - noon Computer Help Lab Wallace Branch Library Call 706-722-6275 or visit arcpls.org.
Sat Dec 3
10am - noon Clipping and Clicking for Savings
11:30am - 1:30pm Open Job Lab
Thu Dec 8
10am - noon Computer Help Lab Wallace Branch Library Call 706-722-6275 or visit arcpls.org.
Ongoing
Applications for Enrollment SAIL: School for Arts Infused Learning, the recently approved statewide-enrollment charter school based in Augusta will hold its first school year beginning in August 2017 and is accepting applications for
enrollment between December 1-January 15. The school is also accepting educator and operational personnel applications. For more information, visit sailga.org.
Magnet School/Program Applications Applications for Richmond County magnet schools and programs are now available. The deadline for turning in an application is January 6, 2017, and there will be open houses held through December 15. For more information, visit rcboe.org/magnet.
James Brown Family Historical Tour Augusta Museum of History Available each Saturday at 11 a.m. and lasting approximately two hours, this bus tour includes Brown’s elementary school, his childhood home, his statue and more. $15 fee, includes admission to the museum, which houses the largest collection of James Brown memorabilia. Reservations 24 hours in advance required. Call 803-6402090 or visit jamesbrownfamilyfdn.org.
Guided Tours 1797 Ezekiel Harris House Offered by appointment only MondayFriday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Last tours of the day begin at 4 p.m. Adults, $2; children, $1. Call 706-722-8454 or visit augustamuseum.org.
North Augusta Driving Tour Arts and Heritage Center of North Augusta Offered by appointment and includes a 3045 minute guided tour and admission to the center. Self-guided tours are also available through an iPhone downloadable audio tour or a Google Maps-based tour. Guided tours: $5, adults; $3, students K-12. Call 803-4411DECEMBER2016
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4380 or visit artsandheritagecenter.com.
8454 or visit augustamuseum.org.
Tours
FLIX
Boyhood Home of President Woodrow Wilson Guided tours, approximately 45 minutes long, are offered Thursday-Saturday on the hour from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Group tours are available by advanced reservation. Adults, $5; seniors, $4; kids K-12, $3; under 5 years, free. Call 706-724-0436 or visit wilsonboyhoodhome.org.
Historic Trolley Tours of Augusta Augusta Visitors Center Tours aboard the Lady Libby available at the Augusta Visitors Center with 24-hour advanced reservations. Tickets include admission to the Augusta Museum of History. Call 706-724-4067 or visit visitaugusta.org.
EXHIBITIONS
Fri Dec 2
Noon “Dave” Morris Museum of Art Part of the Films on Friday series that includes a discussion afterwards. Participants are invited to bring lunch. Free. Call 706-7247501 or visit themorris.org.
Sat Dec 3
3pm “The BFG” Aiken Public Library Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Tue Dec 6
5:30pm Free Movie Tuesdays Headquarters Branch Library Call 706-821-2615 for weekly selections.
Fri Dec 2
HEALTH
Westobou Gallery An exhibition of small works by local and regional artists, all available for $300 or less. Featured artists include Andrea Anderegg, Ellie Benson, Anna Bliss, Ethan Brock, Sydney Ewerth, Tom Hubbard, Gabi Hutchison, Jay Jacobs, Chase Lanier, Anna Patrick, Staci Swider, Jacob Vaz, Kelsea S. Windham and Leonard Zimmerman. The exhibit will remain on display until January 27 and the gallery is open weekdays from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Call 706-755-2878 or visit westoboufestival.com.
5:30pm - 8pm Cribs for Kids
5pm - 8pm SEEDS Opening Reception
Ongoing Rhythms
Jessye Norman School of the Arts An exhibit by artist Troy Campbell whose work is inspired by music. It will be on display each Thursday, Friday and Saturday from noon-3 p.m. through December 31 in the Ann & Ellis Gallery. Visit jessyenormanschool.org/ann-and-ellisjohnson-gallery-of-art/.
The Bomb Plant: Cold War History of the Savannah River Site Headquarters Branch Library’s Georgia Heritage Room A collection of Cold War artifacts and photographs will be on display through the end of November. Call 706-826-1511 or visit arcpls.org.
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”; “A Quilt Journey”; and “Canteens to Combat Boots”. Call 706-7221DECEMBER2016
Thu Dec 1
Safe Kids Office This class will teach caregivers how to provide a safe sleep environment by showing what dangers to watch out for. Families who demonstrate a financial need will receive a portable crib, fitted sheet, sleep sac and a pacifier for a fee of $10 per registered child. Call 706-721-7606 or visit grhealth.org/safekids.
7pm - 9pm Happiest Baby on the Block Doctors Hospital An infant care and sleep class for new parents. Pre-registration required. Call 706651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.
Fri Dec 2
Child Safety Seat Inspections Safe Kids Office Appointment required. Call 706-721-7606 or visit grhealth.org.
6:30pm - 9:30pm Weekend Childbirth Education Class University Hospital Class continues Saturday, December 3, from 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Pre-registration required. Call 706-774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.
Mon Dec 5 6:30pm Refit
Headquarters Branch Library A free cardio dance class. Call 706-8212600 or visit arcpls.org.
7pm - 9:30pm Childbirth Preparation University Hospital A three-session class that continues on Mondays through December 19. Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706-774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.
Tue Dec 6
6pm Weight Loss Surgery and You University Hospital Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706774-8931 or visit universityhealth.org.
7pm - 9:30pm Childbirth Preparation University Hospital A three-session class that continues on Tuesdays through December 20. Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706-774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.
Thu Dec 8
5:45pm - 8pm Car Seat Class
Wednesday of each month. Sessions are free and open to the public. Visit sebuddhist.org.
HOBBIES Thu Dec 1
5:30pm Holiday Gifts with Essential Oils Maxwell Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-793-2020 or visit arcpls.org.
Tue Dec 6
10am Genealogy 101
Safe Kids Office Pre-registration required. $10; car or booster seat provided to families who meet financial guidelines. Call 706-721-7606 or visit augustahealth.org.
Headquarters Branch Library’s Georgia Heritage Room Participants will learn how to start a family history project, as well as discuss resources and strategies. Call 706-826-1511 or visit arcpls.org.
7pm - 8:30pm Babies, Bumps and Bruises
Wed Dec 7
Doctors Hospital Pre-registration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.
Noon Georgia-Carolina Toastmasters
7pm - 9:30pm Women’s Center Tour
Fat Man’s Mill Cafe Those interested are invited to learn speech and leadership skills in a fun and supportive atmosphere. Call 706-627-2134.
University Hospital Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.
2pm Crafting History: Bring Your Ancestors to Life
Ongoing
Meditation Sessions The Yoga Center, North Augusta Led by members of the Southeastern Buddhist Community the first and second
Headquarters Library This Legacy Family Tree Webinar, about creating holiday items using ancestral items and stories, will be held in the third floor computer lab. Pre-registration required. Call 706-826-1511 or visit arcpls.org. AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
METROSPIRIT 23
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Free. Call 706-724-3576 or visit lucycraftlaneymuseum.com.
10am - noon Milk and Cookies with Santa Kroc Center An event that will include photos, cookie decorating, ornament crafts and story time with Santa. $5, pre-registration; $7.50, day of event. Register at the welcome desk or visit bit.do/cookieswithsanta.
11am How the Grinch Stole Christmas Story Time Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.
1:30pm Forest Foray Reed Creek Park An outdoor program for those ages 5 and up. Free, members; $2 per child, nonmembers. Call 706-210-4027 or email phobbs@columbiacountyga.gov.
2pm Afternoon Story Time
Shoe Collection Drive Augusta area podiatrists are conducting a shoe collection drive of new and used shoes, which will be distributed to those in need in the local community. Donations may be brought to your local Augusta podiatrist’s office through January 2. All types of shoes are needed regardless of size, condition or type. Contact Dr. Kent Kronowski at 706-724-0586 or your local Podiatrist for more information.
Ongoing
Basic Genealogy Tutorials Headquarters Branch Library’s Georgia Heritage Room Free sessions offered by appointment. Call 706-826-1511 or visit arcpls.org.
KIDS-TEENS Thu Dec 1
10am Carter’s Captivating Sculpture Morris Museum of Art Part of the Mommy and Me series for children and parents in which participants will see the exhibit Visual Improvisations: Sculpture by Greg Carter, learn about totem poles and other mixedmedia sculpture and create their own mixed-media totem pole. Free, members; $4 per participants, non-members. Preregistration required. Call 706-828-3867 or visit themorris.org.
Fri Dec 2
10am - noon Play & Grow Activity Aiken Public Library For those ages 0-5. Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.
12:30pm - 2pm Mr. Kenny’s Wondrous Stories, Songs and Play Time 24 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Jessye Norman School of the Arts A class for preschoolers in which participants will explore their world through reading, singing, musical instruments and movement. $10 per class. Call 706-828-7768, email programs@jessyenormanschool. org or visit jessyenormanschool.org/ community-art-programming/.
6pm - 10pm Kids Night Out Kroc Center A drop-off program for kids ages 2-12 that may include swimming, gym play and inflatables. Swimsuit and towel required. Children 4 and younger will not swim. $15, members; $20, nonmembers. Dinner is included. Register at the welcome desk or visit krocsales.sauss.net.
7pm Polar Express Pajama Story Time Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.
Sat Dec 3
9am - 1pm Brunch with Santa Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History Children of all ages are invited for crafts, games, caroling, storytelling, Christmas treats and a trolley tour of the historic Laney Walker District.
10:30am Young Children’s Story Time Diamond Lakes Branch Library Songs, finger Plays and stories for those ages 0-3. Call 706-772-2432 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 ecgrl.org.
4pm Story Time with Mrs. Claus Weeks Center, Rooms 6-7 Mrs. Claus will read books, give away a free book to all families who attend and share juice and cookies. For those ages 8 and under accompanied by an adult. Call 803-642- 7631.
6pm Porkchop Productions Christmas Show Aiken Public Library For all ages. Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Headquarters Branch Library For those ages 3-8. Reservations recommended. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.
Wed Dec 7
Mon Dec 5
10:05am Toddler Story Time
10am Mom & Me Story Time Reed Creek Park For those ages 2-4. Free, members; $2 per child, non-members. Call 706-210-4027 or email phobbs@columbiacountyga.gov.
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.
10:30am Music & Me Headquarters Branch Library A class for children ages 0-4 in which participants will learn how to chant, sing, play instruments and move to the music. Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.
Tue Dec 6
10am Christmas Is On the Way Friedman Branch Library A story and craft time. Pre-registration required. Call 706-736-6758 or visit arcpls.org.
10am Preschool Story Time Diamond Lakes Branch Library A program for those ages 3-5 that includes stories, songs, games, short movies and crafts. Pre-registration required. Call 706772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.
10:30am Big Kids Story Time Headquarters Branch Library Stories and songs for those ages 3-5. Preregistration recommended. Call 706-8212623 or visit arcpls.org.
10am Story Time Maxwell Branch Library For those ages 3-5. Call 706-793-2020 or visit arcpls.org. Appleby Branch Library This is a program best for children ages 18 months-3 years. Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.
10am Wacky Wednesday Story Time Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.
10:30am Preschool Story Time Appleby Branch Library For children ages 3 and older. Call 706-7366244 or visit arcpls.org.
10:30am Story Time for Tots Headquarters Branch Library Stories and songs for those ages 0-3. Preregistration recommended. Call 706-8212623 or visit arcpls.org.
10:30am Super Awesome Story Time The Book Tavern Call 706-826-1940 or email superawesomestorytime@booktavern.com.
4pm - 6pm Pokémon Early Release Day North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library An event that will include scavenger hunts and shows on the big screen. Call 803-2795767 or visit abbe-lib.org.
4:30pm - 6pm Alley Cats Strikehouse Bowl, Aiken Part of the Aiken Recreation Department’s Buddy Sports program for those with physical and/or intellectual disabilities, this class is for those of all bowling abilities. $12 a month; pre-registration required. Call 803-426-1284 or visit therecingcrew.com. 1DECEMBER2016
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Thu Dec 8
Free and open to the public. Call 706-6674100 or visit augusta.edu.
Aiken Public Library For those ages 5-11. Legos provided. Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Mon Dec 5
4pm - 5pm Lego Club
Ongoing
Junior Model UN Registration Augusta University Middle school students who are interested in assuming the perspective of a diplomat from a United Nations Member State and representing their position can register for the day-long simulation at Augusta University. January 16 is registration deadline; February 15 is the late registration deadline. Email Dr. Craig Albert at calbert@augusta.edu or visit augusta.edu/pamplin/pols/juniormodelun. php.
Symphony Youth Competition Open to CSRA students ages 10-18 who play strings, woodwinds, brass and piano, applications, $50 application fee, short bio, photo and audio submissions are due Friday, December 2. Winners receive cash prizes and have an opportunity to perform with Symphony Orchestra Augusta at the Pops! Under the Stars concert on May 13, 2017. For more information, email Katherine@soaugusta.org.
LITERARY Wed Dec 7
6pm Page Turners Book Club Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.
MUSIC Fri Dec 2
7:30pm Our Favorite Things Christmas Concert First Baptist Church of Evans A Columbia County Choral Society 20th anniversary event that will include anthems, spirituals and Christmas pieces selected by members as their favorites from the past 20 years. $12-$15. Visit columbiacountychoralsociety.org.
7:30pm Pianist Pascal Roge in Concert Etherredge Center, Aiken $40. Call 803-641-3305 or visit etherredge. usca.edu.
Sat Dec 3
6pm Aiken Youth Orchestra Winter Concert Aiken Center for the Arts Free. Call 803-641-9094 or visit aikencenterforthearts.org.
7pm Saxophonist Fred Williams Concert North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library A free Friends Appreciation Concert. Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Tue Dec 6
Noon Tuesday’s Music Live Saint Paul’s Church Features the Roger Denning Holiday Concert at noon with the UGA Accidentals. Lunch afterwards is $12 a person and requires reservation. Call 706-722-3463 or visit tuesdaysmusiclive.com.
7:30pm A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols Sacred Heart Cultural Center A Guild of the Sacred Heart Cultural Center presentation that features the choir of St. John United Methodist Church, Creative Impressions, brass quintet, percussion and organist. $20. Call 706-826-4700 or visit sacredheartaugusta.org.
Thu Dec 8
7pm Winter Band Concert Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School Featuring the beginning, concert and symphonic bands playing holiday favorites. Coffee-house style desserts and beverages will be served during a reception. $5. Visit rcboe.org/davidson.
SENIORS Tue Dec 6
2pm Tech Help Diamond Lakes Branch Library Participants can bring devices and receive one-on-one assistance from library staff. Pre-registration required. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.
SPECIAL EVENTS Thu Dec 1
World AIDS Day Commemoration
Sun Dec 4
Metropolitan Community Church of Our Redeemer At 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. the Names Project AIDS Memorial Quilt will be on display and refreshments will be served. At 6:30 p.m., they’ll show “The Normal Heart.” The quilt will be on display at the church until December 4. Call 706-722-6454 or visit mccoor.com.
AU’s Maxwell Theatre
4pm - 10pm Christmas Festival
11am - 2pm Saturday Morning Swing Eighth Street Plaza Live music from local jazz artists and performing arts groups during the Augusta Market. Call 706-627-0128 or visit theaugustamarket.com.
7:30pm Sand Hills String Band Concert 26 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Fort Gordon’s Barton Field An event that includes kid’s crafts, hay rides, a bonfire, cookies and cocoa, the Kris Kringle Market, live entertainment, the lighting of the Christmas tree and a visit from Santa at 6:30 p.m. Call 706-791-4300 or visit fortgordon.com.
Sat Dec 3
5pm - 8pm First Thursday
9am - 5pm Christmas Craft Show
Shops of Midtown, Kings Way at Central Avenue This event features discounts in the shops, hors d’oeuvres and more. Call 706-733-1788.
5:30pm - 8pm Christmas in the 1800s Aiken County Historical Museum An event by the Diann Shaddox Foundation for Essential Tremor that features author, storyteller and living historian Kim Poovey, music by Jayne Williams, refreshments and more. $35. Visit diannshaddoxfoundation.org.
Fri Dec 2
9am - 5pm Christmas Craft Show HO Weeks Center, Aiken An event featuring crafts from more than 100 artisans from across the Southeast. Call 803-642-7631.
5pm - 9pm First Friday Downtown Augusta A family friendly arts event that includes musicians, dancers, artists and other vendors. Visit artistsrowaugusta.com.
5pm - 9pm Live From Downtown 600 Broad Street A monthly First Friday event presented by the Augusta Regional Collaboration that features live music, art, food and more. Visit facebook.com/600Broad.
5pm - 8pm Wine Not It’s Friday
9am - 2pm Christmas at the Crossroads Lewis Memorial UMC, Evans A craft bazaar and bake sale featuring more than 40 vendors. Call 706-863-6795 or visit lewismemorial.com. HO Weeks Center, Aiken An event featuring crafts from more than 100 artisans from across the Southeast. Call 803-642-7631.
9:30am - 11am North Augusta Annual Christmas Tour of Homes Brunch and Fashion Show For more information, email robertlaube@ att.net.
10am - 2pm Christmas for the Birds North Augusta’s Living History Park A free event in which participants will create edible decorations for birds in the park. Participants are asked to bring apples, oranges and peanut butter for the decorations and pet food that will be donated to local adoption centers. Cider and cookies will be served and story times will be held at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m., and 12:30 and 1:30 p.m. Call 803-279-7560 or visit colonialtimes.us.
10am - 2pm First Saturday Sale When Help Can’t Wait The Classy Closet Boutique will offer women’s designer label clothing and accessories at bargain prices, along with some men’s clothing and home decor items. All proceeds benefit the nursing home program of When Help Can’t Wait. Call 706650-9467 or visit whenhelpcantwait.com.
Whole Foods A $5 wine tasting in which participants get five 3-ounce samples of featured wines. Call 762-333-0259 or visit wholefoodsmarket.com.
11am - 3pm North Augusta Annual Christmas Tour of Homes
5pm - 8pm Wine Tasting
1pm - 7pm Christmas Tree Lighting Festival
Wine World A drop-in First Friday event. $5; $3 rebate upon purchase of a bottle of one of the featured wines. Call 803-279-9522 or visit wineworldsc.com.
5:30pm - 9:30pm North Augusta Annual Christmas Tour of Homes $20, advance; $25, door. For more information, email robertlaube@att.net.
6pm - 7:30pm 28th Annual Downtown Tree Lighting Ceremony Newberry Street, Aiken An event that will also include music, crafts, refreshments, and an appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus. Call 803-6427634.
$20, advance; $25, door. For more information, email robertlaube@att.net.
Evans Towne Center Park An event that will include inflatables, craft vendors, food, live music, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus and more. Visit holidaysatthepark.com.
2pm - 7:30pm Christmas Light-Up Spectacular Augusta Common An event that includes live entertainment, children’s activities, a parade at 3 p.m., a fireworks display, tree lighting and more. Call 706-722-8000 or visit augustaga.gov.
7pm and 8pm “Season of Light” Dupont Planetarium, Aiken Weather permitting, the observatory, housing the Bechtel Telescope, will be available for viewing after each show. $1-$5.50. Call 8031DECEMBER2016
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641-3654 or visit rpsec.usca.edu.
7pm - 10pm Mr. Fezziwig’s Ball Augusta Museum of History An Augusta Players Christmas ball straight out of Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” Held in the museum’s rotunda, this event will feature performances of the Players’ production of “A Christmas Carol The Musical,” food and drink, music, dancing, a silent auction and a cast of costumed Dickens characters. $45. Call 706-826-4707 or visit augustaplayers.org.
Sun Dec 4
3pm - 4pm Sing and Rejoice! Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church Featuring the choristers of the Touring Choir, Cantiamo and members of the Exultemus Choir. Call 706-722-4944 or visit themostholytrinity.org/concertseries.
Tue Dec 6
6pm Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony AU’s Summerville Campus This event, on the History Walk next to the Maxwell Theatre, will include photos with Santa, caroling with the Augusta University choir, holiday crafts, trolley rides across campus, food trucks and refreshments. Guests are encouraged to bring a non-
1DECEMBER2016
perishable canned good or food item to donate to the Augusta University Open Paws Food Pantry, an on-campus food bank providing free groceries to students in need. Free. Call 706-737-1451 or email specialevents@augusta.edu.
Thu Dec 8
6pm Christmas Tree Lighting Smith-Hazel Recreation Center, Aiken An event that will include decorating the tree, holiday sing-along, refreshments, door prizes and more. Call 803-642-7634.
Ongoing
Shoe Collection Drive Augusta area podiatrists are conducting a shoe collection drive of new and used shoes, which will be distributed to those in need in the local community. Donations may be brought to your local Augusta podiatrist’s office through January 2. All types of shoes are needed regardless of size, condition or type. Contact Dr. Kent Kronowski at 706-724-0586 or your local Podiatrist for more information.
SPIRITUAL Thu Dec 1
7pm Lifting the Veil on Islam Islamic Society of Augusta Part of a monthly program to enlighten newcomers about Islam, this one on
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Tuesday’s Music Live Saint Paul’s Church Tuesday, December 6 Noon Features the Roger Denning Holiday Concert at noon with the UGA Accidentals. Lunch afterwards is $12 a person and requires reservation. 706-722-3463 tuesdaysmusiclive.com
the subject of the Abrahamic Faiths. This series, held the first Thursday of each month, is open to the public and refreshments will be served. Visit openhouse.isaugusta.com.
SPORTS-OUTDOORS Sat Dec 3
8am Jingle Jam 10K Evans Towne Center Park A fundraiser for SafeHomes of Augusta, costumes are encouraged for this race. Pre-registration required. $40. Visit jinglejam10k.com.
9:30am Longsword Basics Augusta Fencers Club The Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) group offers a weekly class in European sword techniques in which instructors will walk participants through basic terms, footwork and strikes. Great for those 10 and older, and the first visit is free. $25, monthly dues, and minors should be accompanied by a parent to their first meeting. Call 602-432-7211 or email brad@ loyalorderofthesword.com.
9:30am Swamp Saturday Hike Phinizy Swamp Nature Park A free, guided, 2.5-mile hike. Pre-registration 28 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
required. Call 706-828-2109 or visit phinizycenter.org.
10am Hike and Craft Mistletoe State Park A naturalist-led hike of about one hour, followed by a craft time. $2, craft; $5, parking. Call 706-541-0321 or visit gastateparks.org/mistletoe.
10:30am - 12:30pm HEMA Long Sword and Rapier Instruction and Sparring Augusta Fencers Club The Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) group offers training on Italian rapier and German longsword techniques and is open to all ages, although minors need to be accompanied by a parent to their first meeting. $25, monthly dues, with the first visit free. Call 602-432-7211 or email brad@loyalorderofthesword.com.
Sun Dec 4
1:30pm Hitchcock Woods Hike Hitchcock Woods, Aiken An SRG Sierra Club event in which participants will learn about the ecology of the longleaf pine as they explore five miles of the diverse ecosystem. RSVP required. Email sonnyandcathyblack@gmail.com.
Mon Dec 5
Third Annual Southeast Hunter Trials Stableview Farms, Aiken Several divisions will be offered on the cross-country course, including Junior, Open, Hilltopper, Foxhunter and Pairs. Arena classes that include sidesaddle and hunt games will also be offered. The foxhunter division will compete for points, with the winning team awarded with $5,000 and the perpetual trophy. Prizes will be awarded for all classes. Call 803-648-1222 or visit stableviewfarm.com.
6:30pm - 9:30pm Roller Derby Recruitment Night Red Wing Rollerway The Soul City Sirens are looking for skaters, referees, non-skating officials and volunteers. Skaters should bring mouthguard and appropriate workout clothes. Visit soulcitysirens.com.
Wed Dec 7
3pm - 9pm Under the Stars Jumper Night Stable View Farm Call 803-648-1222 or visit stableviewfarm.com.
SUPPORT Thu Dec 1
Noon Active-Duty Parent Support Group Fort Gordon’s Family Outreach Center Meets the first Thursday of each month. Call 706-792-5220 or visit fortgordon.com.
Mon Dec 5
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.
Tue Dec 6
10:20am Moms Connection Augusta University Medical Center This free weekly support group for new mothers meets in the Terrace Dining Dogwood Room on the second floor. All new moms and their babies are welcome and an international board certified lactation consultant/educator/ perinatal nurse will answer questions and offer resources. Call 706-721-8283 or visit augustahealth.org.
5:30pm Weight Loss Support Group AU Professional Building 1 Free, but pre-registration required. Call 1DECEMBER2016
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Christmas for the Birds North Augusta’s Living History Park Saturday, December 3 10 a.m.-2 p.m. A free event in which participants will create edible decorations for birds in the park. Participants are asked to bring apples, oranges and peanut butter for the decorations and pet food that will be donated to local adoption centers. Cider and cookies will be served and story times will be held at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m., and 12:30 and 1:30 p.m. 803-279-7560 colonialtimes.us
706-721-2609 or visit augustahealth.org/ weightloss.
6:30pm CSRA Huntington’s Disease Support Group GRU Movement Disorders Clinic Call 706-721-2798 or 706-231-2775.
Call 706-721-1560 or visit augusta.edu.
Ongoing
TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) GA, 110 Augusta
Noon General Cancer Support Group
St. Alban’s Episcopal Church fellowship hall The group meets Mondays, with weighin beginning at 5:15 p.m. and the meeting beginning at 6:30 p.m. Call 706-790-0391 or visit tops.org.
AU Cancer Center Call 706-721-1634 or visit augusta.edu.
TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly)
Wed Dec 7
1pm The Lactation Club University Hospital A breastfeeding support group for mothers of NICU babies. Call 706-774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.
6pm Mental Health Support Group Unitarian Universalist Church of Augusta A group for teens and up that follows the methods of Recovery International. Call 630605-6913 or visit recoveryinternational.org.
Thu Dec 8
12:30pm Breast Cancer Support Group AU Cancer Center 30 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Pine View Baptist Church The group meets Tuesdays, with weigh-in beginning at 4:45 p.m. and the meeting beginning at 5:15 p.m. Call 706-868-0539 or visit tops.org.
La Leche League
meets every Monday night at 7 p.m. The meetings last two hours and childcare is provided. Pre-registration suggested. Visit cr@journeycommunity.net.
Narcotics Anonymous
Diabetes Youth Support Group
Beyond the Bars
Meets quarterly. Call for more information. Call 706-868-3241.
A support group for those with incarcerated loved ones. Call 706-855-8636.
Overeaters Anonymous
Families Who Have Lost a Baby Support Group
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 706-863-9534 or email oa.augusta.recovery@gmail.com.
Adult Sexual Assault and Rape Support Group
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.
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.
Celebrate Recovery
Alcoholics Anonymous
Journey Community Church This Christ-centered recovery program
Holds several meetings locally. For a current schedule, visit augustaaa.org/meetings.pdf.
Trinity Hospital of Augusta Meets Fridays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. Visit na.org.
For more information, call 706-721-8299 or visit grhealth.org.
THEATER Thu Dec 1
3:30pm and 7:30pm A Very Electric Christmas Jabez S. Hardin Performing Arts Center An Augusta Amusements event, this Lightwire Theater production is performed in complete darkness. $28.50, adults; $14.50, children under 12. Call 706-726-0366 or visit augustaamusements.com.
Fri Dec 2
7:30pm “Amahl and the Night Visitors” 1DECEMBER2016
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Aiken Community Playhouse $25, adults; $20, seniors and active military; $15, students; $10, children. Call 803-6481438 or visit aikencommunityplayhouse.com.
8pm xTreme Theatre Games Le Chat Noir First Friday improv comedy by Schrodinger’s Cat. $10, advance; $12, door (if available). Call 706-722-3322 or visit lcnaugusta.com.
10pm Sloppy Seconds Le Chat Noir First Friday improv comedy by Schrodinger’s Cat. $5. Call 706-722-3322 or visit lcnaugusta.com.
Sat Dec 3
7:30pm “Amahl and the Night Visitors” Aiken Community Playhouse $25, adults; $20, seniors and active military; $15, students; $10, children. Call 803-6481438 or visit aikencommunityplayhouse.com.
Sun Dec 4 - Mon Dec 5
7pm “Romeo and Juliet” Auditions Aiken Community Playhouse The Youth Wing production will show in February. For more information, call 803-6481438 or visit aikencommunityplayhouse.com.
Wed Dec 7
10am “Christmas, the Measles and Me” AU’s Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre A production of a holiday favorite by the Augusta University Literacy Center. Free. To reserve seating, call 706-737-1625 or visit augusta.edu.
Thu Dec 8
7:30pm Carpenters Christmas Jabez S. Hardin Performing Arts Center An Augusta Amusements event starring Michelle Berting Brett. $39.50. Call 706-7260366 or visit augustaamusements.com.
9pm Atmosphere Le Chat Noir Featuring a theme of The Nightmare Band That Stole Xmas, this event features performance art band Chainsaw Masscara and DJ Codec. 18 and older. $5. Visit facebook.com/atmosphere.augusta/.
*NO Free Passes, Daily Deals or Gift Certificates accepted for this show*
Must be 18 yrs or older 2820 WASHINGTON RD. AUGUSTA GA #706-739-0002
1DECEMBER2016
AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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What’s Tonight?
The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Bar West - DJ Fugi Chevy’s - DJ Nicky B Fox’s Lair - Karaoke Helga’s Pub & Grille - Bluegrass Brunch (11 a.m.-3 p.m.); Trivia, nights The Highlander - Karaoke Joe’s Underground - Ladies Night, Singles Night Private I Sports and Entertainment Complex RE-Nu Open Mic and Poetry hosted by The Floetress Dezire and featuring Catherine the Great, Spycee, Black Magik and Matos Cos a 930 Somewhere in Augusta - NCAA Football Soul Bar - DJ Dance Party Vera Cruz Mexican Restaurant - Karaoke
Sunday, December 4 Live Music
Thursday, December 1 Live Music
Fox’s Lair - Beats Down Under Open Mic Mellow Mushroom (Aiken) - Live Music on the Patio Stillwater Taproom - The Shadow Pines Wild Wing - Live Music The Willcox (Aiken) - Thursday Night Jazz w/ 4 Cats in the Dog House
What’s Tonight?
Bar West - Open Mic Night w/ Jonathon Flowers Carolina Ale House - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper (9 p.m.) Chevy’s - Karaoke Cotton Patch - Old School Thursday w/ DJ Groove Coyotes - Karaoke with Bam Helga’s Pub & Grille - Trivia The Highlander - Butt Naked Trivia Joe’s Underground - Trivia The Loft - Karaoke MAD Studios - Open Mic, Spoken Word Pizza Joint (Downtown) - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper (7 p.m.) Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane Somewhere in Augusta - Poker for Fun; Thursday Night Football; Paint Nite
Friday, December 2 Live Music
Bar West - Live Music Cotton Patch - Holiday Jazz w/ Bill Karp Country Club - Logan Brill Coyotes - Just Sweet Karma
32 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Eli’s American - Friday Night Live Fox’s Lair - Kim and Alan of Storm Branch Shannon’s - The Unmentionables Sky City - Mr. and Mrs. White Iverson Wedding Party w/ Pastor Troy, CEO Flame, Die G, DJ Bizzo, Luther Vet King The Stables at Rose Hill Estate (Aiken) Celtic Pub Night w/ Gavin Winship Stillwater Taproom - Will McCranie Trio Whole Foods - Music @ the Turn Wild Wing - Live Music The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn
What’s Tonight?
Somewhere in Augusta - Special Comedy Shows w/ Sinbad (7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.) Soul Bar - First Friday DJ Mix Vera Cruz Mexican Restaurant - Karaoke
What’s Tonight?
Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane Somewhere in Augusta - F&B Industry Day; NFL Football; Paint Nite
Monday, December 5 Live Music
Humanitree House - Sleepy Eyez Carter Metro Coffeehouse & Pub - Blues Monday w/ Famous Last Words
The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Joe’s Underground - Poker Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane Somewhere in Augusta - World Tavern Poker; Monday Night Football Wild Wing - Trivia Wing Place (Aiken) - Trivia
Tuesday, December 6 Live Music
Fox’s Lair - Irish Music with Dr. Fisher and the Undefeated Army Joe’s Underground - Open Mic The Willcox (Aiken) - Hal Shreck
What’s Tonight?
Mellow Mushroom (Aiken) - Brunch w/ Mike Frost and Lauren Meccia Wild Wing - Live Music The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn
Will McCranie Trio Stillwater Taproom Friday, December 2 Music, 10 p.m. The holiday season may kick into high gear downtown this First Friday, but you can still have a laid-back evening of great music here. $5 facebook.com/stillwatertaproomaugusta
What’s Tonight?
Bar West - Trivia The Cotton Patch - Trivia Limelite Cafe - Bottom’s Up Trivia Mellow Mushroom (Aiken) - Trivia Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane Somewhere in Augusta - Big Prize Trivia Twisted Burrito - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper
Wednesday, December 7 Live Music The Highlander - Open Mic Night Shannon’s - Mike and Walter Wild Wing - Live Music
What’s Tonight?
The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Bar West - Karaoke
Seu Jorge: The Life Aquatic (A Tribute to David Bowie) Variety Playhouse, Atlanta Wednesday, December 7 Doors, 7:30 p.m.; show, 8:30 p.m. An all-ages show from the Brazilian artist who performed acoustic covers of David Bowie classics (in Portuguese) in Wes Anderson’s file “A Life Aquatic.” $39-$164 variety-playhouse.com
Saturday, December 3 Live Music
Cotton Patch - Live Jazz & Blues Country Club - Daniel Lee Eighth Street Plaza - Saturday Morning Swing at the Augusta Market on the River Fox’s Lair - Keith Gregory Iron Heights - Allegaeon, Battlecross, Necromancing the Stone Shannon’s - Shinebox Sky City - Rocking the Stocking and Smiley Fest Wild Wing - Live Music World of Beer - Time Pirates The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn 1DECEMBER2016
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Cotton Patch - Trivia and Tunes The Loft - Karaoke Mi Rancho (Downtown) - Karaoke Mi Rancho (Washington Road) - Karaoke Pizza Joint (Evans) - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper The Playground - Krazy Karaoke w/ Big Troy Polo Tavern (Aiken) - Karaoke w/ Tom Mitchell Sky City - Conspiracy w/ DJ Knightmare Somewhere in Augusta - The Comedy Zone w/ Chris Cope and JB Ball Southbound Smokehouse - Trivia Stillwater Taproom - Pub Quiz Surrey Tavern - Trivia w/ Christian and Mickey
Hot Rize
- Imperial Theatre February 10 Vince Gill
- Philips Arena, Atlanta December 16
- Bell Auditorium February 17
Reverend Horton Heat
Dwight Yoakam
- Center Stage, Atlanta December 16
- Bell Auditorium March 3
R. Kelly
Garrison Keillor
- Fox Theatre, Atlanta December 27
- Bell Auditorium March 8
Waka Flocka Flame
Steep Canyon Rangers
- Center Stage, Atlanta December 29
- Bell Auditorium April 27
Anthony Hamilton
Elsewhere
Drivin’ N’ Cryin’
Howard Jones
Upcoming
- Variety Playhouse, Atlanta December 1
An Acoustic Evening w/ Smile Empty Soul, The Veer Union, Kirra
Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats
- Atlanta Coliseum, Duluth December 2
- Sky City December 8
Brian Setzer Orchestra
The Comedy Get Down w/ Cedric The Entertainer, Eddie Griffin, D. L. Hughley, George Lopez, Charlie Murphy
- Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Atlanta December 3 John Oates
- James Brown Arena December 10
- City Winery, Atlanta December 6
Rhonda Vincent and the Rage
Seu Jorge: A Tribute to David Bowie
- Imperial Theatre December 16
- Variety Playhouse, Atlanta December 7
Dredneck Family Reunion w/ Jemani, 420 Outback, Happy Bones, OP4
Yacht Rock Revue
- Sky City December 23
2 Chainz, Jeezy, The Dream
Perfect Picture
- Shannon’s December 31
Ariana Grande, Meghan Trainor, the Chainsmokers
- Variety Playhouse, Atlanta December 9 - Philips Arena, Atlanta December 10
The Phillip Lee Band
Adam Sandler, Rob Schneider, David Spade, Nick Swardson
- Stillwater Taproom December 31
- Fox Theatre, Atlanta December 13
Sierra Hull
The Jesus and Mary Chain
- Imperial Theatre January 13
- Masquerade, Atlanta December 14
Monica and Friends
Shawn Colvin
- Bell Auditorium January 14
- City Winery, Atlanta December 15
- Fox Theatre, Atlanta December 30 - Center Stage, Atlanta December 30 Indigo Girls
- City Winery, Atlanta December 31
REAL PEOPLE REAL DESIRE REAL FUN.
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SIGHTINGS
Michael Johnson | mejphoto.photoreflect.com
Alexis Schofe, Courtney Hatcher and Brandiace Schofe at Mellow Mushroom downtown.
John Fazio, Briana Hinson, Cassidy Campbell and David Porterfield at Southbound Smokehouse.
Shawn Busby, Susan Chance and Chuck Hardin at the Fox’s Lair.
Lauren Miller, Rachel Veal, Jessica Jahn and Leigh Porterfield at the Indian Queen.
Jessica Wilson, singer/songwriter Larry Keel, Emily Azar and Courtney Johnson at Southbound Smokehouse.
Jessie Turner, Kim Wells, Laura Carter and Summer Keenum at Wild Wing.
Kim Hudson, Lane Skinner and Chrissy Moe at Andrew’s Bar and Grill.
Eric Snellings, Chris Lucas, Eddye Blackwell and Adam Herndon at Andrew’s Bar and Grill.
Jamie Childers, Don Carter and Courtney Misuraca at Wild Wing.
34 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
1DECEMBER2016
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THE EIGHT
BOX TOPS The real news is that Warren Beatty’s “Rules Don’t Apply” didn’t even break the Top 10. Yikes. RANK TITLES
WEEKEND GROSS TOTAL GROSS WEEK # LAST WEEK
1
MOANA
$56,631,401
$82,080,274
1
-
2
FANTASTIC BEASTS...
$45,084,763
$156,012,316
2
1
3
DOCTOR STRANGE
$13,737,945
$205,778,872
4
2
4
ALLIED
$12,701,743
$17,726,047
1
-
5
ARRIVAL
$11,454,422
$62,561,985
3
4
In Theaters December 2
DRAMA “Jackie,” rated R, starring Natalie Portman, Peter Sarsgaard, Greta
HORROR “Incarnate,” rated PG-13, starring Carice van Houten, Aaron Eckhart. A different
Gerwig, Billy Crudup. There have been many, many movies made about Jackie Kennedy, but this is the first we know of to cover the aftermath of John Kennedy’s assassination and how the First Lady coped with her professional and personal responsibilities. Portman’s portrayal is already garnering awards talk for what is sure to be a fascinating look at this segment of our nation’s history.
take on demon possession, this one focuses on a scientist who can get into the minds of the possessed, in this case a small child. If we had to guess, we’d say that the demon probably turns the scientist’s own mind against him in the process.
36 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
1DECEMBER2016
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Trump Driving the Left Nuts, and We Love It! THE ELECTION OF DONALD TRUMP IS THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING! Just when I think he can’t top the things he has already publicly said and done to confound pundits, career bureaucrats and the media elite, I’ll be damned if he doesn’t step right up and knock another one over the fence. He is the Babe Ruth of “politically incorrect” one liners. Actually, he is Babe Ruth on steroids. So technically that makes him the Barry Bonds of “politically incorrect” one liners. I stand corrected. So Tuesday, when asked about citizens who burn the American flag, PresidentElect Trump released this on Twitter: “Nobody should be allowed to burn the American flag — if they do, there must be consequences — perhaps loss of citizenship or year in jail!” Makes sense to me. Of course, the Left lost their collective minds. Like this:
No, VOX, there is no attempt to “silence dissent.” As a matter of fact, there is no attempt to even draft legislation limiting flag burning. All Trump’s statement represented was his opinion about flag burning. An opinion with which the vast and overwhelming majority of Americans agree. The Left with their communal bitching and moaning just can’t accept that Captain Hair-Do whipped their ass, using their own rules (the Electoral College) and did so spending a fraction of the money they spent attempting to force-feed us eight years of Cruella DeVil and her intern-schtupping predator of a husband. Get the Hell over it, and in the meantime, Lighten Up Snapperheads! I would advise those on the Right who take themselves way too damn seriously to join the aforementioned Libs on the Reality Train, and understand this new president ain’t gonna play by their PC rules, and for better or for worse, manners are not ultrahigh on his priority list, either. Trump’s statement on flag burners reminds me of my stand on convicted, serial child molesters: We should first de-ball them, let them spend a few sexless weeks in pain, contemplating their sick existence, and finally, feed them alive to a pack of feral razorbacks. A “wish” that is completely unconstitutional in America, but still a pretty good solution to putting those monsters out of our misery forever, and not “rewarding” them like we did Richard Speck, with a lifetime of free meals, medical care, and masturbation. But I digress... Yes, we are all aware that in 1989 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that “flag burning” is Constitutionally protected free speech, under the First Amendment. But where were all these liberal crybabies in 2005 when then Senators Hillary Clinton, Barbara Boxer and others, attempted to push the Flag Protection Act of 2005?
As Wikipedia reminds us, “flag burning” is and has long been a widely despised form of protest. A few years ago, at the Congressional level, there was strong bi-partisan support to criminalize it.
38 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
The Reader’s Digest summation of the bill was one year in prison and 100k in fines if you burned an American flag while attempting to incite violence or actively demonstrating in a provocative fashion. They also added the caveat that if you burned a flag you snatched off a pole at your local post office or public high school, the penalties doubled. All this was brought to you by the same crowd that defends the need for hate crimes legislation, which has convinced the world that getting punched in the nose because someone hates you is worse than getting punched in the nose because someone wants to steal from you. (All in all, if I am going to get punched I think I would rather suffer the injury with money in my pocket, the “hate” doesn’t make the swelling any more painful, I promise.) The hypocrisy of this crowd is as regular and constant as Old Faithful, which is also coincidentally an explosive combination of hot air and all wet. It is a never ending source of delight for many of us that even when Trump as the non-stop chorus of woe has continued, one constant assertion made before the election by then candidate Trump has, despite the claims of the left, been pretty much proven to be as solid as a rock. When Trump claimed the election process was rigged, he was absolutely right. Perhaps by accident, but nonetheless, his accusation was accurate. The leadership of the Democratic National Committee was run out of town on a rail because of their confession that they were in the bag for Hillary Clinton during the primary process. It was rigged. And how about all those polls, you know, the ones that suggested Donald Trump was going to lose the election in record numbers and in embarrassing fashion? Come to find out, those pollsters were either some of the most inept professionals to ever have a place in the national spotlight or outright liars and con artists. Either way, the system seemed to be tainted in a way that discouraged conservatives, and may have put a damper on the actual number of pro-Trump voters that showed up November 8. Why bother if your guy doesn’t have a chance? So yes, it is not a stretch there to also make the claim, that the polling process was rigged. This effete outrage is nowhere close to ending, and I have ordered five metric tons of popcorn to munch while I sit back and enjoy every minute of it for the next four years. The next group mattress soak will occur when Congress convenes in January to vote once more on the repeal of Obamacare, as we have come to know and loathe it. They tried to do it 62 times in all, all unsuccessfully, but I have the strange feeling the 63rd time is going to be the charm! Congrats to Georgia Congressman Tom Price, by the way, which as the Secretary-Designate of the Department of Health and Human Services, will be the likely captain of that ship. Already the whining has begun from the likes of Democrat Chuck Schumer and, as a result, so has my giggling. Now that I consider the road ahead, I am going to need more popcorn.
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. 1DECEMBER2016