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Table of Contents October 26, 2017
Insider Jenny is Wright Kris Fisher Whine Line Feature Get funked up... Game Day at Lady A
What’s Up Calendar Nightlife The Eight Sightings
4 7 9 10 14 22 24 25 26 34 36 37
Get funked up on Halloween Page 22 EDIT
CREATIVE
Amanda Main
Joshua Bailey
Joe White
amanda@themetrospirit.com
joshua@themetrospirit.com
joe@themetrospirit.com 706-373-3636
Arts Editor/Production Director
Lead Designer
Stacey Eidson
Publisher
Johnny Beckworth
Staff Writer
stacey@themetrospirit.com
BUSINESS
SALES
circulation manager
jdbeckworth@gmail.com
Joe White Publisher
joe@themetrospirit.com 706-373-3636
Contributors Jenny Wright, Austin Rhodes, Kris Fisher, Michael Johnson
COVER DESIGN: KRUHU
Metro Spirit is a free newspaper published weekly on Thursday, 52 weeks a year. Editorial coverage includes local issues and news, arts, entertainment, people, places and events. In our paper appear views from across the political and social spectrum. The views do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. Visit us at metrospirit.com.Š 15 House, LLC. Owner/Publisher: Joe White. Legal: Phillip Scott Hibbard. Reproduction or use without permission is prohibited. One copy per person, please.
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Mayor davis has stepped in it again This pasT weekend, The Augusta Chronicle ran a lengthy story by reporter Susan McCord that detailed the use of money by Mayor Hardie Davis to pay a public relations consultant from funds that were actually intended to help support an underprivileged youth program. “Davis has refused to say why he paid consultant Ryan Mahoney $4,500 from the My Brother’s Keeper budget to do what invoices say were ‘communications services’ performed in April, May and June, other than that Mahoney contributed to the success of a recent My Brother’s Keeper summit,” McCord wrote. “The Augusta Commission gave Davis a separate budget of $38,750 for My Brother’s Keeper this year, in addition to raising the mayor’s office budget by $100,890 to $409,840.” According to Davis’ statement to the Chronicle, Mahoney promoted the third annual My Brother’s Keeper summit. Now, this is the same Ryan Mahoney who helped arrange meetings with the local media and the mayor over the past year that had absolutely nothing to do with the My Brother’s Keeper summit. The Insider knows for a fact that Mahoney helped arrange several interviews for the mayor because a reporter from the Metro Spirit was also contacted by Mahoney regarding a meeting with Davis to talk about the future expansion of the Augusta Common. There’s no doubt that Mahoney was extremely helpful and professional when representing the mayor, but if he was paid out of the budget for My Brother’s Keeper, then that’s a problem. Maybe not a problem for Mahoney, because he probably had no idea from which pot he was getting paid, but it’s a major problem for Mayor Davis. As a public servant, who also happens to be a minister, the mayor should be fully aware that he has to be extremely mindful of public funds and not take advantage of the people’s trust. The city shouldn’t be required to have the finance department keep a watchful eye over every dollar coming out of the mayor’s office going to programs like My Brother’s Keeper. For those who might not be aware of My Brother’s Keeper, it is an initiative that was launched by President Barack Obama in 2014 to “address persistent opportunity gaps faced by boys and young men of color and ensure that all young people can reach their full potential.” Three years ago, Obama issued a challenge to cities, towns and counties across the country to become “MBK Communities.” The challenge was a call to action, for mayors in particular, to implement a “coherent cradle-to-collegeand-career strategy for improving the life outcomes of all young people.” Since 2014, more than 250 communities in all 50 states have accepted the president’s challenge, including Augusta-Richmond County. Also, more than $600 million in private sector and philanthropic grants and in-kind resources and $1 billion in low-interest financing have been committed in alignment with the MBK Community Challenge. Specifically, My Brother’s Keeper is focused on six milestones: • Getting a healthy start and entering school ready to learn. • Reading at grade level by third grade. • Graduating from high school, ready for college and career. • Completing postsecondary education or training. • Successfully entering the workforce. • Keeping kids on track and giving them second chances. So, the obvious question is: What does Mahoney have to do with any of those goals? And, did Mahoney really play a major part in promoting the My Brother’s Keeper Summit this year? To say that Mahoney significantly contributed to the success of My Brother’s Keeper Summit would probably be a stretch. “Davis himself issued a statement in April stating Mahoney was aboard to help him clearly articulate ‘key programs, projects and initiatives like #SOGO 4 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
and What Works Cities,’ not to serve as a staffer dedicated to the youth program or as a political consultant,” The Chronicle story reported. “SOGO is the mayor’s initiative to redevelop areas south of Gordon Highway.” Not long after the Chronicle’s story ran, some of the mayor’s supporters have accused the newspaper of trying to make Davis look bad. They insist that the Chronicle wants to discredit Davis in order to put a stop to the mayor’s push to relocate the James Brown Arena to the former Regency Mall location. Now, that really is a stretch. If that was true, then the Chronicle’s columnist, Sylvia Cooper, would have to be psychic. She was looking at the expenditures for My Brother’s Keeper back in 2016, way before the relocation of the James Brown Arena to south Augusta was even publicly discussed. “The mayor wanted a $487,110 budget for his office next year, but the administrator recommended only $411,240, which is still a $102,290 increase. She also approved $38,750 for his ‘My Brother’s Keeper’ program, which is supposed to help young black males,” Cooper wrote in a 2016 column. “President Barack Obama gets millions in donations from private corporations and businesses for his ‘My Brother’s Keeper’ initiative. I suppose the mayor could do that too, but Jackson took such a swipe at Starbucks, ADP, Keebler and Procter & Gamble about the city missing out on millions because of tax exemptions during her budget presentation, they might not be feeling so generous.” The truth of the matter is, Mayor Davis should pay back the $4,500 provided to Mahoney via the budget for My Brother’s Keeper initiative. If not out of his own pocket, then out of the budget specifically intended for the mayor’s office. Why? Not because he has to, but because it’s the right thing to do. 26OCTOBER2017
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mayor Davis Keeps Coliseum authority in the Dark Less than two months ago, Augusta Mayor Hardie Davis succeeded in achieving the ultimate political coup by surprising both the chairman and vice chairman of the Augusta-Richmond County Coliseum Authority with a backroom deal he had secretly brokered. The mayor managed to convince the majority of the coliseum authority members to select the abandoned former Regency Mall site on Gordon Highway as the preferred location for the new James Brown Arena. This, despite the fact that the coliseum authority had spent more than a year reviewing locations around the city and had even announced that they were dedicated to keeping the new arena downtown. But none of that mattered to the mayor. The fact that the authority had paid seasoned consultants $142,000 to develop an arena plan regarding the proposed sites that didn’t support the Regency Mall location also didn’t matter to the mayor. And now, it appears the mere existence of the coliseum authority doesn’t matter to the mayor. It seems the mayor has decided to completely bypass the thoughts and opinions of the coliseum authority and negotiate directly with the owners of the Regency Mall property by himself. One Augusta? Is that right, Mayor Davis? One meaning you, that is. Davis seems so determined to build the new arena out in south Augusta that he is willing to ignore the very body that delivered him the necessary votes in August to begin negotiating with Cardinal Management, the owners of the mall, about the new arena. Just this week, two hours prior to the coliseum authority meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 24, the deal that
6 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
was on the table with Cardinal Management and the Regency Mall property had once again changed. But the attorney for the coliseum authority hadn’t negotiated the deal. Or, at least, he claims he didn’t. None of the authority members had negotiated the deal. Or at least they say they haven’t. And yet, somehow, a new deal had magically appeared. So, the mayor has decided to completely take the coliseum authority out of the equation. Even his ol’ buddy, authority member Darren Smith, who introduced the original proposal to his colleagues just two months ago, is being left out of the loop. Apparently, the mayor got what he wanted in August and doesn’t need the coliseum authority anymore. Instead, he must now focus on getting at least five votes from the Augusta Commission to support the arena being built out in south Augusta. So far, the mayor has solid support from Augusta commissioners Sammie Sias and Andrew Jefferson. If he can negotiate an appropriate deal that is fair for the city, he can also quickly get support from Dennis Williams, Bill Fennoy and possibly Ben Hasan because those commissioners all approve of the south Augusta location at Regency Mall. And, word on the street is that Commissioner Wayne Guilfoyle is also open to the idea of the new arena being built in south Augusta if the deal is acceptable to the city’s finance department. So, it doesn’t take a genius to count heads and votes when it comes to the new arena. There are six possible votes in support of the Regency Mall location sitting right in the mayor’s lap. Folks, the potential of the new James Brown Arena
being built in south Augusta could soon get real. Very real. If you have any objections about the proposed location at Regency Mall, you’d better voice them now.
26OCTOBER2017
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dance-Mommy drama Jenny is wright The Girl and i love waTchinG that silly “Dance Moms” show. It’s nothing more than mindless drama, with some good dance competitions thrown in. She danced for a few years. Not only that, as a tween girl, the dancers on “Dance Moms” have some celebrity status. We’ve binge watched up to five episodes at a time on a rainy Saturday and seen almost all of them. While it might not be sad for her to admit watching, I’m surprising even myself by saying it out loud. If you haven’t seen it, here goes: The show is set at the Abby Lee Dance Company (ALDC) in Pittsburgh, when the show begins. Its cast consists of less than a dozen elite status young dancers and their mothers. As the title implies, there’s very little to do with the dancers. It’s all about the moms. They bicker over the stupidest things, like who will be dancing with whom, who gets a solo at this week’s competition, or which girl has the cutest costume. Sometimes it’s easy to empathize with the angry mom. After all, she’s just looking out for her kid, right? In most instances, the mom is mad, and the kid’s over there minding her own business. You read about those parents getting involved at the baseball field, yelling at the umps and whatnot. I’ve seen it, having two kids who do theater. Parents, uh, mostly moms, bickering over the silliest things. What gives, y’all? Newsflash: Most kids aren’t out to take something from another kid. They’re doing whatever it takes to get something for themselves. Do you see the difference? It doesn’t mean they’re not in competition with the other kids; that’s the nature of the beast. Teams beat other teams. Someone gets the role, and someone does not. I’m interrupting my own soapbox to let y’all know I’m not totally clueless. There are exceptions to every scenario. All of them. I know. Thanks. In our experience as parents — which is limited to a brief 13 years — kids, while sad when things don’t go their way, don’t tend to hate on their peers in the meantime. That’s where the parents come in.
26OCTOBER2017
My kids do what they do because they want to do what they do. It’s their passion, and it brings them joy. It comes with a great deal of hard work, but they love it. What about yours? Are they doing what they want? Or are they doing what you want? When my kids’ things become my things, I quit. It’s not any fun watching them do anything that doesn’t make them happy. OK, I lied. I love watching them empty and load the dishwasher. It doesn’t ever make them happy, but I’m satisfied as all get out when I get to watch them do chores I don’t wanna do. I have home videos, and I’m thinking of investing in uniforms and a hefty practice schedule. No trophies for participation, though. I have my limits. My point? If you’re having to constantly step in and go to bat for them, getting mad at other little kids and moms along the way, shouldn’t you quit? Their talents, along with their effort and your support, will get them exactly where they need to be. Getting mad at all the other moms (and kids) not only embarrasses your kids, but it doesn’t look all that good on you. I don’t know about you, but there’s not much better than watching my kids succeed at something they’ve earned. Otherwise, I’d still be sitting on the soccer field, watching my boy chase his shadow, while the rest of the team ran the other way to score a goal. I’ve been fortunate to have met really great parents on the field, at school, and in the theatre. Sure, there have been a few Dance Moms, too, but they are obvious from a mile away. And that’s where I’ll be. A mile away. I’ll have wine if you want to join me. 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.
AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
METROSPIRIT 7
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in Enemy Territory
Kris Fisher
EvEr sincE i KnEW WHEn THE FALcOns would be traveling to Foxborough, Massachusetts, I had the date circled on my calendar: Redemption Day. I wasn’t the only one. Falcons fans all over were excited for the chance to get payback for allowing the biggest comeback in Super Bowl history. Then, we got tickets to the game. To say I was excited would be a huge understatement. When we got on our plane, I was excited to see many fellow Falcons fans. “Rise Up!” cheers were heard emphatically and frequently. However, it’s important to note that there was probably an equal amount of Patriots fans. Yes, in Atlanta. Yes, on our plane. The smack talking started early and was plentiful. The favorite go-to was the reminder of the score before the big comeback: 28-3. When we stopped at a bar in the train station on the way to the game, the host told us there was a wait. How long? “3 to 28 minutes” he said. Nice. Even though Falcons fans are used to hearing it, it still stings. Which, of course, is why people do it. It’s OK; I was ready for it. You can’t go to an opponent’s stadium and not expect trash-talk. Some people do it more than others. I actually, weirdly, enjoy it as long as it doesn’t get mean or violent. But when you’re a fan of the visiting team and we win? Oh, that’s the sweetest revenge. And I just knew that the Falcons were going to get up for this game. No way we’re going to lose again, right? Right? Well, this IS the Atlanta Falcons, after all. When we got to Gillette Stadium, the scene was amazing: Music, lights, fans everywhere, bars, restaurants, a movie theater and a bowling alley, all before you even walk into the stadium. I discovered that the Patriots made flags that featured the score from the Super Bowl — one side had the score before the comeback, the other had the final. This was apparently a big seller. They were everywhere. And here I was, walking in the middle of all this madness with my bright red Vic Beasley jersey. For the most part, the fans were courteous and polite, despite the flags. However, there were quite a few that took it overboard and as luck would have it, we were seated behind one of the worst. When you’re a visiting fan, cheering for your team is a must. You want to let your team know that they’re not in that hostile territory alone, right? But when you’re surrounded by Pats fans, the scene can get tense pretty quick. The woman in front of us was very much not a fan of us cheering for the Falcons. So much so that she was talking to her daughter, who might have been 9 or 10, quite loudly (to make sure we could hear) about how bad the Falcons sucked and how terrible we were for cheering for them. Oh, and Matt Ryan is a loser. As true as that turns out to be when we play the Pats, it’s still just a football game, right? Besides, the Patriots were winning by a lot. What did she really have to be so upset about? The only thing I can figure is that the Patriots scoring made her angry. And they scored a lot. Her comments about my wife and me in our Falcons gear got louder and louder. But, like I said, I expected all this so I didn’t give it much attention. That is, until the Pats scored again, which must have really enraged this woman because she turned around and engaged in a highly intelligent conversation about the competition on the field with my wife. Not really, she yelled some expletives then swung, over her daughter’s head, connecting with my wife’s left eye. Luckily, we de-escalated the situation, and the woman was removed from the stadium. All that because her team was winning. In case you didn’t watch, the Falcons Falconed and the Pats went on to win the game handily. The ridicule I endured as I walked out of the stadium, through the parking lot and to the train was intense. Then, I had to get on the train. Not only was it full of nothing but Pats fans but there was nowhere to sit. So, there I was with my Falcons jersey walking the aisles of this over-stuffed train of Pats fans. Most of them didn’t say anything. They just stared, which was probably worse. Not only did I now have the embarrassment of the Super Bowl loss hanging over my head, but now this failed attempt at redemption. The only thing I can equate it to is how I would probably feel if I showed up to high school in nothing but my underwear. But we got through it OK. The Gillette Stadium experience was amazing. They put on a great show along with the game. Fireworks, music, the fan experience and everything was fantastic. The Falcons obviously have their own issues to work through. But, hey, that’s sports. You can either enjoy the games win or lose and roll with the punches. Or, you can take it way too seriously, throw some punches and get thrown out, not being able to see your team crush the hopes for redemption. Personally, I’ll have to wait till next week to see if my team can overcome this malady known as ‘Being the Falcons.’ 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. 26OCTOBER2017
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Well locals it’s finally time to run that self-serving, campaign finance fudging, rude good-old-boy Ron Cross out of the Commisioners Chair. I couldn’t be more thrilled for this election. Cross has been on a greed based destructive war path for our county for 16 years has given his approval to rid the county of all its green space because it’s served HIS interests as well as his cronies ( cough cough Vic Mills). No wonder it’s called disgusta. The Horrible carbon emissions with charcoal and cigs is disgusting! and there’s still O. in the Sav. R.r Deke has always had a beautiful and positive message to give. Perhaps it might have been too long at three hours straight but the radio station should have given him time to ease off a goodbye or maybe reduced it down to one hour. But some Deke Rah Rah for Augusta time would still be nice. Think about it.
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.
WGAC has an excessive amount of commercials. The weekday 8.45-9.00 slot is a 15-minute commercial interrupted with commercials. Harley Drew retired. Mary liz is annoying. Austin is Austin. But now they have really stuck a fork in it. Glenn Beck is back. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
Good Lord! Now one of the “men of color” on the Augusta Commission is taking a knee and disrespecting our flag and our dead and wounded soldiers. Put his sorry tail on the bus to Arlington and tell him to take a look around.
When getting rid of Ron Cross it is obligatory to get rid of Scott Johnson.
donnie boy trump is after Mr. John McCain again, because Mr. McCain tells the truth about trump’s half-baked nationalism. trumpy is just upset because he never was the man that McCain is, never was, and just does not have the capability to be any type of man other than the sniveling coward that he will always be. We need a real man for president, not this thing we have.
The Niger ambush was simply a military mission that went terribly wrong. It should have never happened and the errors should be corrected. The only air support in the area was a French military jet that was not permitted to use weapons. Instead of admitting the truth, the military tried to cover it up and Trump ignored it. This is not a whine but a compliment. I hope you will print it. We really enjoyed another fabulous show by the Timeless
Quartet at Saint John’s Tower. We sure do appreciate having them coming and singing our favorite songs from yesteryear. It is so much better than what we used to have, which was not much. I hope they will keep coming because it is such a good time and brings back so many good memories. It is so nice that Trump announces the 401K program is unaffected by his new tax plan. So nice, after the system has turned it’s back on the contracts for corporate and government pensions, forced everyone to go to 401K with limts restricting contributions, set up the IRA system then limit contributions because it actually benefited the individual. If you are wondering why the Augusta Chronicle is kicking up such a big fuss over the new Civic Center moving to the City Center rather than its precious “downtown,” try this. At the city’s property tax website search for “Morris Communications,” or “Southeastern Newspaper Company,” or “Augusta Riverfront.” When you have investments in downtown worth hundreds of millions, you don’t want to take the chance of anyone else getting a shot at a good thing. Wow, aside from being a horrible writer Austin Rhodes is now throwing his own mom under the bus (and all people) who do not report assaults. Maybe one day he will find a healthier outlet for his repressed anger rather than penning offensive diatribes on his LITTLE computer. The anonymous “Insider” columnist usually never hesitates to write about any vague innuendo or rumor they pick up from social media. However, this past week, The Insider was completely silent on the abrupt cancellation of Deke’s radio show. I am sure if it was someone other than one of their “sacred cows” that The Insider would have filled two pages with salacious speculation and gossip. But “The Golden Boy” gets a pass. Luckily we had Sylvia Cooper to give us the whole scoop.
That was James Wennfeld (Ret Adm. for the Navy) who said “let them stew in their own juices,” not Trump. And he was referring to N. Korea — who DOES need to stew in their juices. Get your sources right before you go blowing lies. It’s people like you who keep the spin going. AU officials say they can’t build a parking deck because they’d have to charge students and employees too much. Why do they have to pay to get to their jobs or to get to the classes they’re already paying to take? Ridiculous. This is Fee Creep 101, and no one is questioning it. Soon they’ll be charging a “building use fee” just to walk in the door. Yes, so not proud of Trump’s tesponse to Puerto Rico support and recovery. But we can all be sure that Trump will keep FEMA in California to rebuild the vineyards and million dollar homes, FEMA will remain in Houston to rebuild the mega businesses and FEMA will remain in Florida to rebuild the high dollar neighborhoods. Of course in these disaster areas, the regular people will be treated the same as Puerto Rico and have to wait years for support or just get no help. In that fashion he does not discriminate. I got it! Ron Cross writes it, Scott Johnson approves it, and the “Water Herald” is printed and stuffed. That was easy. Although I think the NFL players could come up with a better way to protest, in general, I will agree with anyone’s right to protest as long as they have a legitimate gripe. Now, do you know that you’re supposed to stand and respect the flag under United States Code 36 - USC - 301? Yup, look it up. Do what you want, it doesn’t matter to me. Your welcome. 10 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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Kristi and eric Kinlaw, the owners of The Bee’s Knees and The hive on 10th Street, celebrate 15 years as entrepreneurs When Kristi and Eric Kinlaw opened up The Bee’s Knees on 10th Street in downtown Augusta about 15 years ago, it wasn’t just luck. The Kinlaws put a lot of time and effort into working jobs throughout downtown Augusta to learn the ins and outs of the food and beverage industry. Just this month, the Kinlaws happily announced that they officially own the building on 10th Street that houses both of their restaurants. While it is a huge milestone for the husband-and-wife team, the opportunity didn’t just fall in their laps. They had to work for it. “We are definitely not opportunists,” Eric Kinlaw said, laughing. “I moved here in 1989, back when I was 15. And I started working at the Boll Weevil from about 1993 to 1998.” Back then, there were only a handful of downtown restaurants that had jobs for young people willing to work hard. “Everybody used to work at Boll Weevil,” Kristi Kinlaw said, chuckling. “People still come up to me all the time and say, ‘Yeah, I know Eric. We used to work together at Boll Weevil.’” When Coco and Jayson Rubio decided to take a chance and open The Soul Bar in a vacant storefront on Broad Street back in 1995, Eric Kinlaw was there to help. “I started working at the Soul Bar in 1995 as a bartender when they opened,” Eric Kinlaw recalled. “I was there seven years. I also worked at Blue Sky Kitchen in 1998 right when Barry (Blackston) opened it.” Around that same time, Kristi Kinlaw moved to Augusta when she was 19 years old. 14 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
By Stacey Eidson
“We just wanted a cool place for the community. Something that wasn’t here that we always wanted for downtown Augusta. But we were young. It was a lot of work. A lot of work.” — Eric Kinlaw 26OCTOBER2017
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“It seems glamorous, but you have to be a plumber and an electrician and a carpenter and a jackof-all trades. If you are not all of those things, you’ll probably go out of business because you’ll have to pay people to do those things.” — Kristi Kinlaw “My first job downtown was at Luigi’s back in 1999,” she said. “I also worked at Blue Sky Kitchen right when Barry opened it, and then I worked at Soul Bar. That’s when Eric and I first met. He actually got me a job at Blue Sky and a job at Soul Bar.” During the late 1990s, Eric Kinlaw briefly stepped outside the food and beverage industry to start a vintage clothing store in the former D Timm’s building on Sixth Street in downtown Augusta. Ironically, it was called The Bee’s Knees vintage clothing store. “That was in 1999, but I closed that store and met Kristi almost immediately in 2000,” Eric Kinlaw said. By 2002, the two had joined forces to transform the old Bush’s Flower Shop on 10th Street between Broad and Ellis into a new tapas bar called The Bee’s Knees. “At the time, we were both bartending at Soul Bar and our original concept was, we wanted to open up a restaurant that had a really great bar and just served really good food late at night,” Kristi Kinlaw said. “We were thinking along the lines of what we always wanted, which was a place to go after work that wasn’t Waffle House or Krystal.” When the Kinlaws traveled to nearby Athens, they enjoyed eating at a restaurant called the Speakeasy on West Broad Street. “The Speakeasy had tapas, and we thought that was a really cool menu,” Kristi Kinlaw said. Eric Kinlaw had seen similar, successful tapas restaurants while traveling around the West Coast in cities such as San Francisco and Seattle. “We just wanted a cool place for the community. Something that wasn’t here that we always wanted for downtown Augusta. But we were young,” Eric Kinlaw said, laughing. “It was a lot of work. A lot of work.” Even though the two had spent several years bartending and waiting tables, Kristi Kinlaw admits owning a business brought on several new challenges. “Sure, we worked in restaurants, but I don’t think we knew what we were getting into at all,” she said. “I was literally 23 years old when we opened up Bee’s.” 26OCTOBER2017
The two quickly learned it is not all fun and games when you are responsible for every aspect of a restaurant. “It seems glamorous, but you have to be a plumber and an electrician and a carpenter and a jack-of-all trades,” Kristi Kinlaw said. “If you are not all of those things, you’ll probably go out of business because you’ll have to pay people to do those things.” As owners, you also have to be willing to work with a lot of different personalities over the years, Kristi Kinlaw said. “You can’t be selfish because you are providing livelihoods for so many people,” she said. “You have to look at yourself alongside everyone because that is really what a true momand-pop restaurant is all about. It’s not a bunch of people working for us. It’s all of us working together. I would love to come down here and just be a chef, but there’s so much more to it.” You have to be everything from a psychologist to a bookkeeper to a plumber all in one day, Eric Kinlaw said. “I’ve seen so many people come down here and say, ‘I can cook. I can have a 12-person dinner party at my house. I am going to open a restaurant,’” he said. “But that is not the reality of it at all. It takes a lot of time and a lot of work, and the profits aren’t high.” In fact, the Kinlaws said they borrowed a little more than $30,000 to open The Bee’s Knees in 2002, and it took them several years to pay off that loan. “To be honest, we opened Bee’s for nothing, and it took us years to pay it off,” Eric Kinlaw said. It is unheard of these days to spend only $30,000 to start a business in downtown Augusta, Kristi Kinlaw said. “You could never do that now,” she said, chuckling. “But, back then, we did everything. We assembled and stained our chairs ourselves. In fact, they are the same ones we have today. We pressure washed our brick wall. You have to be willing to do it yourself, and we did it all.” By owning a restaurant, you truly learn the meaning of commitment, Eric Kinlaw said. “Do it because you love it,” he said. “You have to have a
passion for it. You can’t do it for anything else. It doesn’t work if you do it for the fun of it because it’s not always fun.” One of the keys to their success is having a core group of employees who have been with them for several years and understand their passion for local, seasonal and sustainable ingredients, as well as their commitment to recycling all glass, metal, cardboard and paper in both of their restaurants. “You have to be a bee,” Kristi Kinlaw said. “In being a bee, that means you get it. You understand what we are doing. You get the concept. You are proud of it. You are proud of the quality you are serving. You understand the importance of recycling, and you understand the reasons why we want sustainable and regional ingredients. You have to just get it. That’s being a bee. And not everybody is going to be a bee. But the ones that get it, stick around for a long time.” The Kinlaws also were never afraid to try new concepts in their restaurants. In fact, when The Bee’s Knees first opened in 2002, the local media had to explain to residents the idea behind a tapas restaurant. “Bee’s Knees is a tapas bar, which means that the menu is comprised of small dishes (appetizer size) that are meant to be shared,” The Augusta Chronicle wrote in 2002. “The bartenders are the servers. You come in, order a little food, a bottle of wine and just share everything. Many of the 16 dishes are vegetarian (with some being vegan), and the only meat served is seafood.” Local Augustans weren’t used to a mainly vegetarian menu, especially one that offered vegan dishes. “I remember we were also the first place to have Wi-Fi downtown,” Eric Kinlaw said, laughing. “People were amazed because we offered it for free.” But the Kinlaws liked experimenting with new technology. For instance, not long after the first iPods hit the market in the early 2000s, the Metro Spirit interviewed Eric Kinlaw about using his iPod to play music inside The Bee’s Knees. “When we pulled that iPod out, people were in disbelief,” Kristi Kinlaw said, adding that many people didn’t even know AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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“I’ve seen so many people come down here and say, ‘I can cook. I can have a 12-person dinner party at my house. I am going to open a restaurant.’ But that is not the reality of it at all. It takes a lot of time and a lot of work, and the profits aren’t high.” — Eric Kinlaw
what it was back then. “When we worked at Soul Bar, there were racks and racks of CDs everywhere. We would hurry to put on the next CD while we were trying to work the bar. So people didn’t know what to think about an iPod.” About five years after opening The Bee’s Knees, Eric Kinlaw also had the opportunity to become part-owner of Sky City with Soul Bar’s owners, Coco and Jayson Rubio. So, in June 2008, the three teamed up to purchase the 500-person capacity, live music venue at 1157 Broad St. Since opening almost 10 years ago, Sky City has showcased hundreds of local bands and attracted some big-time national acts including Drive-By Truckers, Jucifer, Fishbone, Dinosaur Jr., Cage the Elephant, Black Lips and Carolina Chocolate Drops. “Over at Sky City, Coco handles the creative end, Jayson does the bar and I do the business,” Eric Kinlaw said. “I basically make sure the lights stay on, the bills are paid and I try to fix things. I can’t believe it’s going on 10 years at Sky City now.” Then, in 2015, the Kinlaws introduced downtown Augusta to their newest restaurant and pub, Hive Growler Bar. The Hive surprised locals by offering growlers-to-go, a concept that was still fairly new to the area a few years ago. Basically, The Hive introduced residents to unique 32- and 64-ounce jugs of beer and wine that patrons could take home. It was definitely not your typical downtown pub. The main concept was the Kinlaws wanted all of the more than 70 beverages to be offered on tap, including beer, wine, craft sodas, kombucha, cold-press coffee and cocktails. The Hive is truly a “tap house.” And its menu features everything from crawfish boudin balls to tuna poke salad to smoked gouda nacho burgers. “I have always loved to cook since I was little,” Kristi Kinlaw explained. “I am from southern Louisiana, where cooking and eating is everything. It’s the whole culture down there.” Growing up, her family cherished food and respected the art of making traditional dishes, she said. “I remember sitting on my aunt’s kitchen counter — she was an amazing cook — and just mashing up potato salad and watching her in the kitchen,” she said. “And my grandma cooked every day. We never really ate out at restaurants growing up.” Instead, almost every meal was a family event, Kristi Kinlaw said. “My grandma would cook a big meal in the morning, and everybody would come in throughout
“You have to be a bee. In being a bee, that means you get it. You understand what we are doing. You get the concept. You are proud of it. You are proud of the quality you are serving. You understand the importance of recycling and you understand the reasons why we want sustainable and regional ingredients. You have to just get it. That’s being a bee. And not everybody is going to be a bee. But the ones that get it, stick around for a long time.” — Kristi Kinlaw 16 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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the whole day to enjoy it,” she said. “So, any time of the day, she would have food on the stove and you would make a plate. It is just something I grew up with and I was just kind of good at. Using different flavors and seasonings and the timing of making dishes so they would all be ready at the same time, that came really natural to me.” Now that the Kinlaws have three children of their own — a daughter who just started at Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School and twin boys who are 4 years old — the couple is excited about the future of not only their restaurants, but downtown Augusta as a whole. “A lot has changed since we opened Bee’s Knees in 2002,” Kristi Kinlaw said. “Bee’s grew up with us. It became more mature with us as we matured. It went from this late-night bar, because that’s what we did when we were in our 20s, to kind of a family restaurant because these days, we have a family.” And now that they own the building that houses both restaurants on 10th Street, the sky is the limit, Kristi Kinlaw said. “It’s exciting, and it was kind of a surprise,” she said, adding that the previous owner, Bryan Haltermann, didn’t seem interested in selling the building for many years. “But during the first part of the year, we began discussing it, and it was perfect timing because we couldn’t have afforded to buy it 15 years ago. So the opportunity came at the right time.” The historic building was built in 1888 as Claussen’s Bakery. By the 1930s, it became Maxwell’s Furniture Store and eventually Bush’s Florist in the 1950s until it closed in 1999. “We always loved the location and facade of this building,” Eric Kinlaw said. “It has the large windows and unique sideline layout as opposed to other downtown shotgun-style architecture.” The building also has three upstairs apartments that the Kinlaws now manage. “We definitely want to do some improvements to the building. First of all, we want to replace the roof,” Kristi Kinlaw said. “And we are trying to think of an interesting awning that we could do on The Hive side.” They have also gotten local artist Chris Murray to create a new sign for The Bee’s Knees. “It is really a cool design. We just have to figure out how to get it up there,” Kristi Kinlaw said, adding that The Bee’s Knees’ current sign is the original Bush’s Florist sign from the 1950s. “Local artist Raoul Pacheco actually painted the sign for us when we opened up Bee’s in 2002. It’s been great, but we need to replace it, so we had Chris Murray make a new sign that is the same shape.” Now that the Kinlaws own the building, they are also looking to eventually, possibly turn the
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“A lot has changed since we opened Bee’s Knees in 2002. Bee’s grew up with us. It became more mature with us as we matured. It went from this latenight bar, because that’s what we did when we were in our 20s, to kind of a family restaurant because these days, we have a family.” — Kristi Kinlaw upstairs apartment above The Bee’s Knees into a catering space or rooftop deck. “The sky is kind of the limit in terms of what we can do,” Kristi Kinlaw said. “But we are not in a rush. I’m sure it will take a little while. But, now it is worth us doing because we will be improving our own building. We’ve always had the ideas, but now we own it. That makes all the difference.”
AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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Get funked up on Halloween
Augusta band Funk You to bring the party to Sky City AUGUSTA BAND FUNK YOU has been on the road a lot lately, traveling through states such as Colorado, Texas, North Carolina, Louisiana and New Mexico. If you’ve been meaning to catch one of their shows, you’re in luck — they’ll be at Sky City on Halloween night, performing two original sets with an all-‘90s cover set sandwiched in the middle. And ’90s costumes are strongly encouraged. The singer of the band, Gavin Hamilton, describes their sound as “good-feeling music that makes you want to dance.” The band is open to dabbling in any genre of music, but heavy influencers include James Brown, Phish, Umphrey’s McGee and The Grateful Dead. Funk You is Hamilton on lead vocals; Evan Miller on the guitar; Will Clark on drums and vocals; Palmer Owens on percussion; Will Foster on the keyboard; and Rob Thompson on the bass and vocals. The band started out with four people in about 2010, and it has evolved into a six-piece band, with the current incarnation of the band coming together about four years ago. The band recently spoke with the Metro Spirit, passing a phone around while rambling down I-20 toward Tuscaloosa, Alabama, in a 15-passenger van hauling a trailer. Metro Spirit: Gavin, how did you get into singing? Hamilton: I grew up in the church; my mom was a singer growing up when I was a kid. One of my older brothers really influenced me; he was in choir and sang a lot when we were younger. That’s pretty much where I started. When I got into middle school and high school, I had a lot of friends that I did music with and worked with and kind of pointed me in the direction of getting involved with a band and trying to do more with that side of the music scene. Spirit: I know there can be some drama in the world of bands, so I’m wondering what makes your band work so well together? Clark: “Well, we try to respect each other as much as we can. It’s a team effort, so we’re all trying to put in as much skills as we can and combine everybody’s talents and create the best product we can.” Spirit: What do you guys think about the music scene in Augusta vs. maybe 10 years ago? Foster: I think then, going out, seeing live music was a social thing to do. I feel like as the years go on, more people are just sitting at home or going to bars — I just don’t feel like there’s as many people going out in Augusta anymore, for live music. I mean, it’s just dead a lot. I don’t know why that is. Clark: Well, some of the other people in the scene think the opposite of that, too, so we have conflicting views within the band on the music scene in Augusta. I’ve noticed an influx — even just being in the band for four years — an influx in the amount and quality of bands who are willing to come stop by Augusta, which used to not. 22 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Owens: It’s not so much our scene as it is the music scene as a whole, which has definitely increased the amount of bands and the shows that get put on. … People are actually using the things that Augusta has, like the Jessye Norman Amphitheatre, that used to never be used for anything, and now we’re bringing bands to showcase the beautiful river. And with the Bell Auditorium and the Miller Theater that’s about to open next year, we’re bringing in a lot bigger acts now that want to come to Augusta. Spirit: Can you guys describe what life is like on the road and what you do during down time? Clark: We just got done with a three-week, northeast tour where every show we played was our first time in that market, so that was really exciting for us. We like to explore the cities, walk around downtown, find cool waterfalls, go hiking. We camp out in some places that are very beautiful. As far as down time, we keep ourselves entertained by just exploring the city and hanging out with each other. Spirit: What do you dislike about touring? Clark: … smelly socks? Also that vacuum cleaners aren’t just automatic. We need a robot vacuum cleaner for the van; if we had one of those, I’d like touring a little better. Spirit: What topics do your original songs touch on? Thompson: I mean, it’s a lot of different stuff. It’s supernatural things, it’s ethereal things, tangibles, intangibles. Love is something we like to touch on, because I think we all feel it at some point in our lives, and we all feel hurt at some point in our lives. We don’t get too political with it, and we definitely aren’t a preachy kind of band, either. We prefer to write about things that
By Amanda Main
allow people to have a good time. But we bring some focus to things that are going on in the world, too. Spirit: Like what? Thompson: Like, I don’t know, a lot of stuff in politics in this world, a lot of stuff happening to the Earth right now. A great example of it is, the opening track on our album “Apparitions” is called “Resolution.” And that touches on a lot of stuff; Gavin wrote those words, and I think he must have been feeling some angst about the world in some way when he wrote it. It calls for people to kind of change their minds about some things and how to act about taking care of the world and taking care of each other. Spirit: How long will you guys be playing Halloween night? Thompson: We’re gonna crank up about 9:00 and go to close, I believe. It’s gonna be a good, long night of music, it’s gonna be a lot of fun, different music, different kinds of music.” Spirit: Are you guys gonna be in costume? Thompson: Yeah, we’re gonna dress up. We don’t have anything planned as a group yet, but we encourage people to dress up, absolutely. We want people to come out and have a good time. The theme is all ’90s. Bright colors, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network — JNCOs for sure. Visit funkyoumusic.com to hear Funk You’s music, or follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/ funkyoumusic. The Halloween show at Sky City costs $10 in advance and $12 on the day of the show. Visit skycityaugusta.com to buy advance tickets. 26OCTOBER2017
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On the field for football Game Day at Lady A coming Saturday GettinG a bit tiReD OF sitting on your couch or in a bar to catch up on the latest college football games? How does going to a full-blown tailgating party outdoors in Evans sound? Just in time for the rivalrous game between the Georgia Bulldogs and Florida Gators on Saturday, Oct. 28, Columbia County is giving everyone an opportunity to get outdoors and congregate in front of a giant screen to watch some games — and it’s all free. Game Day at Lady A transforms Evans Towne Center Park into a destination where you’ll want to gather your friends, family and neighbors to have a good time and watch some ball. On the screen that day will be two games — a noon game, and the 3:30 Florida-Georgia game. The game that shows at noon will depend on crowd favorites, depending on what team’s fans show up. One of the best parts? The county is allowing people to bring their coolers — and, yes, you can actually bring your own alcohol in those coolers. “Absolutely, people can bring liquor and beer,” said Community Events Manager Rachael Enfinger said. “We’re asking them if they’re going to do that to avoid bringing glass because that’s a hazard afterwards. Because it is a public park, we don’t want anything left out there that could hurt anybody. We also don’t want anybody rolling a keg in, but certainly bring cans, bring liquor — just pour it in something (that’s not glass).” People who go out to Game Day also are invited to go early and set up tents and grills, to make it a full tailgating experience (though parking will not be allowed on the field this year, to avoid safety issues). “We’ll have ash bins for people to dispose of charcoal or ash from their grills, and our parks and recreation staff is going to maintain those,” said Community Events Specialist Anna Mae Masi. “So they don’t even have to worry about where to dump charcoal.” Along with normal park amenities for people to
enjoy — such as the dog park and playground — there will be a goal post set up with some footballs for people to throw around and some tailgate games like cornhole, as well as Chadder Box Concessions food truck and alcohol to purchase from Tip Top Taps. The county is putting its focus on bringing more free or close-to-free events for the whole community to enjoy, after spending 2016 gathering feedback and figuring out what events people really loved throughout the year. Game Day at Lady A first took place last October, but it wasn’t even going to come
By Amanda Main
back for a second year. “It wasn’t the original plan to do it again this year, but the overwhelming response was that people wanted it back,” Enfinger said. “So if we can get a good crowd out there again, I think this would be an annual event that the county continues to get behind.” Masi said people got excited about Game Day in its first year, seeing hundreds turn out. “Last year, one of the coolest parts about this event was, you had a few people come out in the morning and set up their tents and their tables and get their chairs all set up so they could see the screen, and once they realized how great this event was, they were calling their neighbors, and their neighbors were coming out,” Masi said. “It was really an interesting community togetherness. People were just calling people, and they were heading out to the park. And we’re hoping for that again.” So go, watch football, be merry — and be on the lookout for the increase in more free or inexpensive events in the future from Columbia County. Game Day at Lady A is presented by REC TEC Grills and sponsored by Sparkle Express and Security Federal Bank. Visit evanstownecenterpark. com for more information.
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WhaT’s up
Calendar: 26 | Music Listings: 34 If you have any questions, or would like to submit an event to our calendar, please email Amanda Main at amanda@themetrospirit.com.
ThroW your Money aT anIMaLs If you’ve been ThInkIng about getting your pets microchipped, the CSRA Humane Society offers the perfect place to do it this Sunday, Oct. 29 — along with a fun time for the family and your creature friends. The annual fundraising Pet-A-Fair will take place at the Julian Smith Casino, and attendees will be able to take part in a pet and parent costume contest for a small entry fee. Proof of rabies vaccination will be required to participate — for pets, not humans, unless you happen to have your rabies vaccination, too. We’re not judging. The fair will feature numerous contests, including pets doing tricks and competitions for best pet. The event also will offer a silent auction, raffles, a bake sale, refreshments and T-shirts. All proceeds benefit the CSRA Humane Society, which is Augusta’s only no-kill animal shelter. The microchip clinic offers one of the best ways to ensure your pet gets back to you should they get lost — according to cesarsway.com, pet microchips are a small glass cylinder about the size of a grain of rice, and they are injected between your pet’s shoulder blades. Fluffy will barely notice the quick injection, so what are you waiting for to make your pet safer? pet-a-fair Julian Smith Casino Noon - 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29 706-261-7387 csra-hs.com
saTurday, ocT. 28
Tuesday, ocT. 31
Wednesday, nov. 1
Thursday, nov. 2
It’s about time to get in line for your gobbler! Registration for the annual James Brown Turkey Giveaway kicks off from 9-11 a.m. this Saturday, and again on Saturdays Nov. 4 and 11. Head over to Dyess Park to sign up on those mornings — all you need is a valid state ID along with a recent power bill or current signed lease agreement. Turkeys will go out starting at 8 a.m. Nov. 20 at the park. Call 803-640-2090 or email info@ jamesbrownfamilyfdn.org.
A spooky night for history is coming on Halloween at Redcliffe Plantation State Historic Site. Pre-register for your spot to enjoy fall refreshments on the porch of the history mansion and to hear a discussion of plantation deaths and burial customs before going on a flashlight tour of the mansion. The fun starts at 7:30 p.m., and tickets cost $7.50$10. Call 803-827-1473 or email redcliffe@ scprt.com.
It’ll be hard to say you’re sorry if you’re a fan of the classic rock band Chicago and you miss their show at the Bell Auditorium! The concert kicks off at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, and tickets cost $56 to $96. You’ll want to call 877-4AUGTIX or visit georgialinatix.com to get yours.
Oysters on Telfair is in its 13th year this Thursday. As one of the Metro Spirit’s favorite fundraisers, it supports the Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art and will be held from 7-10 p.m. for $75 a head in the historic Ware’s Folly gardens. Beck’s will serve Cajun cuisine, and Crosstie Walkers will provide the music. Pieces by regional artists will be hawked at a silent auction. Visit ghia.ticketleap.com/ oysters.
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For more information on these events, see our calendar of events on page 26.
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Pre-registration required. Call 706-863-1946, ext. 4, or visit gchrl.org.
11:30am - 1:30pm Open Job Lab Diamond Lakes Branch Library Participants can complete job applications, resumes or conduct job searches with staff available for one-on-one help if needed. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.
Ongoing
1 Million Cups
Jack-O-Lantern Jubilee Georgia Avenue, North Augusta 5:30pm - 1am Fri Oct 27; 10am - 1am Sat Oct 28 A free family-friendly festival that will include live entertainment on two stages, food, arts and crafts vendors, a car show, cornhole tournament, amusement rides, activities for kids and more. The headliner on Friday night is The Charlie Daniels Band, and the headliner on Saturday night is Robert Randolph and The Family Band. 803-441-4311 or jackolanternjubilee.com
ARTS Sat Oct 28
9am - 2pm Basket Weaving Harlem Arts Council Make a baby bushel basket with Tammy Przylepa. $30; all materials included. Register at least 24 hours in advance. Call 706-414-1716.
Sun Oct 29
Noon - 3pm Monthly Artisan Market That Place Coffee and 4P Studios Free. The Augusta Rocks group will be holding a rock swap during the market, and several vendors will have Halloween-themed activities or crafts. Call 706-339-7011 or visit thatplacecoffee.com.
Tue Oct 31
2pm - 5pm Acrylic Painting for Beginners Aiken Public Library A class that meets Tuesdays through Nov. 28. Pre-registration required. Call 803-642-2020, ext. 1131, or visit abbe-lib.org.
Thu Nov 2
10:30am - 12:30pm Pottery Class Harlem Arts Council Pottery with Angelika Bondar. Continues Nov. 9, 16 and 30. $80 for all four classes. Includes material fee. Make reservations at least 24 hours in advance. Call 706-394-4682.
EDUCATION 26 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Thu Oct 26
10:30am - noon English as a Second Language
Columbia County Library Learn the basics of Instagram and Snapchat. Pre-registration required. Call 706-863-1946, ext. 4, or visit gchrl.org.
Columbia County Library All levels welcome. Email boassma@gmail.com or call 706-863-1946.
Sat Oct 28
Redcliffe Plantation State Historic Site Enjoy fall refreshments on the porch of the historic mansion and hear a discussion of plantation deaths and burial customs before going on a flashlight tour of the mansion. $10, adults; $7.50, S.C. seniors and ages 6-16. Preregistration required. Call 803-827-1473 or email redcliffe@scprt.com.
10am Social Media
10:30am Time Management Diamond Lakes Community Center Part of the Winning in Augusta community empowerment workshop series for south Augusta residents. Free. Call 762-218-1950.
Sun Oct 29
2pm Aquinas High School open house Aquinas High School Campus tours, meet faculty and students, tuition subsidy raffle, T-shirts. The first 75 people to call and pre-register for open house will be entered into a raffle for a pair of Beats headphones. Visit aquinashigh.org, email tprzybysz@aquinashigh.org, or call 706-7365516.
Mon Oct 30
5:30pm Beginner Spanish Class Friedman Branch Library An adult class led by Edwin Perez of the Asociacion Cultural Hispanoamericana. Preregistration required. Call 706-736-6758 or visit arcpls.org.
Tue Oct 31
7:30pm - 9:30pm Redcliffe After Dark
Wed Nov 1
Conference on the Harlem Renaissance Paine College The 20th Evelyn G. Etheridge Conference’s theme is “After Harlem Was In Vogue: The Harlem Renaissance and Its Legacy.” Free. Continues 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 2 and 3. Visit paine. edu/events/harlem/harlemdefault.aspx or call 706-821-8200.
6pm Tertulia: Spanish Conversation Group Headquarters Branch Library A group for beginner to intermediate Spanish speakers. Call 317-695-4748.
Thu Nov 2
10:30am Estate Planning and Elder Care Columbia County Library
theClubhou.se Held from 8-9 a.m. on the first Wednesday of every month is an opportunity for two earlystage start-ups to present their companies to an audience of mentors, advisors and other entrepreneurs. Each founder presents for six minutes, followed by a Q&A. Coffee and doughnuts are provided. To apply, visit 1millioncups.com/augusta. Visit theclubhou.se or call 706-723-5782.
Pre-session Legislative Breakfast: Georgia’s 2018 Election Cycle Legends Club This event is at 7:30 a.m. Nov. 7. Chris Clark, president of the Georgia Chamber, will speak. Free, members; $25, nonmembers. Deadline to register is Wednesday, Nov. 1. Call 706-821-1300 or visit augustametrochamber.com.
ELSEWHERE Sat Oct 28
9am - 3pm Speir’s Turnout Festival Downtown Bartow Free festival includes entertainment, arts and crafts, home cooking, activities for kids, free museum tours, parade and more. Sponsored by the Bartow Community Club. Visit facebook. com/BartowCommunityClub.
EXHIBITIONS Sun Oct 29
3:30pm - 5pm Annual Quilt Exhibition Opening Reception Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History Featuring work from members of the Brown Sugar Stitchers Quilting Guild in Atlanta. The exhibition will remain on display until Dec. 30. Call 706-724-3576 or visit lucycraftlaneymuseum.com.
Ongoing
Augusta Museum of History Includes the following: “The Godfather of Soul, Mr. James Brown; “Celebrating a Grand Tradition, the Sport of Golf”; “Augusta’s Story”; “A Community That Heals”; “Into the Interior: A History of the Georgia Railroad and Banking Company”; “Local Legends”; “One Man, Two Ships: Lessons in History and Courage”; “A Quilt Journey”; and “Canteens to Combat Boots”. Call 706-722-8454 or visit augustamuseum.org.
Exhibit of Robert Amato and Tire City Potters The Arts and Heritage Center of North Augusta 26OCTOBER2017
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will feature the work of Robert Amato and Tire City Potters (Main Gallery) with Shirley Olson (Balcony Gallery) on display from Oct. 5-Nov. 3. Free. Visit artsandheritagecenter.com or call 803-441-4380.
FLIX Thu Oct 26
7pm “The Ghost and Mr. Chicken” North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Fri Oct 27
6:30pm Family Movie Night Kroc Center A free movie showing that begins at 6:45 p.m. Concessions will be available for purchase. Call 706-364-5762 or visit salvationarmyaugusta. org/kroc-center/.
7pm - 9:30pm Weekday Childbirth Education Class University Hospital Four-week class meets 7 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesdays on Nov. 1, 8, 15 and 29. Pre-registration required. Call 706-774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.
Thu Nov 2
7pm - 9:30pm Baby 101 Doctors Hospital An infant care and development class. Preregistration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.
Ongoing
Meditation Sessions
Sat Oct 28
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.
Aiken Public Library Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.
HOBBIES
4pm “Frankenweenie”
8am - noon Knitting/Crochet Class
2pm “Young Frankenstein”
Aiken Public Library Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.
7pm Dracula Returns from the Grave, “Blood Red Carpet” Gala AU’s Maxwell Theatre Free screening as part of the Cinema Series at Augusta University. Free. Call 706-667-4100 or visit augusta.edu/maxwelltheatre/schedule.
Mon Oct 30
7pm “Something Wicked This Way Comes” North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Tue Oct 31
5:30pm - 8pm Tuesday Night Movie Series Headquarters Branch Library Eclectic variety of films. Visit arcpls.org or call 706-821-2600.
6pm - 9pm Dinner and a Movie Capri Lounge Dinner and a screening of “Hocus Pocus.” All donations benefit Augusta Pride. Call 706-7243351 or visit facebook.com/CapriAtMetropolis.
HEALTH Thu Oct 26
7pm - 8:30pm Infant CPR Class University Hospital Pre-registration required. Call 706-774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.
Wed Nov 1
5pm Breastfeeding Class University Hospital Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706-7742825 or visit universityhealth.org. 26OCTOBER2017
includes a haunted house, a carnival game room, a costume contest and more. Call 803278-1212.
of Underwear!” Story Time
Fri Oct 27
11am - 3pm Fall Fun Festival
10:15am Halloween Story Time Aiken Public Library Participants may wear costumes for spooky story time, then go trick-or-treating in the library. Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.
10:30am - noon Super Awesome Story Time: Halloween Party with Cinderella The Book Tavern Juice and cookies provided by New Moon Cafe. Costumes encouraged. Call 706-826-1940 or email superawesomestorytime@booktavern. com.
12:30pm - 2pm Mr. Kenny’s Wondrous Stories, Songs and Play
Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com. Antioch Baptist Church Family-friendly event features food, sweets, games, prizes, fellowship and more. Call 706724-0995.
2:30pm - 4:30pm “It’s No Trick. Reading is a Treat.” Costume Party Maxwell Branch Library Kids and adults may come dressed as their favorite character from a book, comic book, movie, etc. Includes games and refreshments. Call 706-793-2020 or visit arcpls.org.
4pm - 7pm Trunk-or-Treat Citizens Park, Aiken Carnival games, costume parade, food for purchase, screening of “Hotel Transylvania 2” and more. Ages 12 and under, with an adult. $1 per person (only kids may do trunk-or-treat). Visit cityofaikensc.gov or call 803-642-7634.
211 N. Louisville Street, Harlem Drop by for “Stitch and Sip” with Sharon Bell at the Harlem Java House. Free. Call ahead to let her know you’re coming at 301-659-9509.
Jessye Norman School of the Arts Participants will read, sing, play musical instruments and explore movement designed to help them develop both literary and cognitive skills. Parents or caregivers participate in the class through age 3. Preschool and kindergarten children may attend with, or without, a parent or caregiver. $10; preregistration required. Call 706-828-7768 or visit jessyenormanschool.org.
Thu Nov 2
4:30pm Lego Club
St. Mark United Methodist Church, Washington Road Free event offers food, games, trick-or-treating and more. Visit stmarkaugusta.net or call 706736-8185.
North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library Open to kids in kindergarten through fifth grade. Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Mon Oct 30
Sat Oct 28
1pm - 3pm Coloring for Grownups Aiken Public Library Pre-registration required. Call 803-642-2020, ext. 1131, or visit abbe-lib.org.
5:30pm Fiber Arts Craft and Chat Columbia County Library Open to those of all abilities who crochet, knit, loom and cross stitch. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
6:30pm - 8:30pm PWN AUG Chess Club Meeting The Book Tavern A club open to all ages and skill levels that meets the first and third Thursdays of each month. Participants are encouraged to bring their own chess sets. Call 706-826-1940 or visit booktavern.com.
KIDS-TEENS Thu Oct 26
5pm - 7pm Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Headquarters Branch Library Kids under 12 are invited to listen to some notso-scary Halloween stories, have snacks, and make their own Halloween craft. Registration recommended. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls. org.
5:30pm - 8pm Time to Scare Halloween Carnival & Haunted House Robert Howard Community Center For children ages 12 and under, this event
6pm - 8:30pm Halloween Festival Reed Creek Park Costume contest, haunting walk on the boardwalk, games, prizes and dancing. $2 per child. No registration required. Call 706-210-4027 or email reedcreekpark@ columbiacountyga.gov.
6pm - 7:30pm McBean’s Halloween Candy Carnival McBean Community Center Carnival games and candy prizes for kids ages 4-14. $5 per child. Includes 10 tickets for games, hot dog and drink. Call 706-560-1814 or email jmeyer@augustaga.gov.
Sat Oct 28
10am - noon Trunk or Treat: Halloween Safety
Sun Oct 29
4pm Halloween Festival
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.
4pm Costume Contest for Teens Aiken Public Library Costume contest, spooky treats, screening of “The Corpse Bride.” For teens in grades 6-12. Winner of costume contest gets $25 Amazon gift card. Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib. org.
Tue Oct 31
10am - 10:30am Halloween Craft Diamond Lakes Branch Library Create a fun, spooky craft. Pre-registration required for groups of 6 or more. Call 706-7722432 or visit arcpls.org.
Doctors Hospital Event includes bike safety education, getting an ID card, Touch a Truck, face painting, inflatables, pumpkin painting and costume parade. Visit doctors-hospital.net or call 706651-3232.
10am Preschool Story Time
10:30am Family Lego Time
10am - 11:30am Spookduckular Halloween Event
Appleby Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.
11am “Mary McScary” and “Creepy Pair
Diamond Lakes Branch Library A program for those ages 3-5 that includes stories, songs, games, short movies and crafts. Pre-registration required for groups of 6 or more. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.
Phinizy Swamp Nature Park Event for kids age 5 and under includes trick-or-treating, crafts, games and a costume AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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contest. $5 per child. Pre-registration required by Oct. 29 by visiting phinizycenter.org. Call 706-396-1428 or email info@phinizycenter.org. Hopelands Gardens For families with children ages 8 and younger. Blankets, chairs, drinks and snacks are welcome. Call 803-642-7631 or visit cityofaikensc.gov.
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 803617-8352 or email shepardprojectaugusta@ gmail.com.
5pm - 7pm Trunk or Treat
After-School Program
Kroc Center This free event is open to the public. Participants should bring their own bags. Call 706-364-5762 or visit salvationarmyaugusta. org/kroc-center/.
Smith-Hazel Recreation Center, Aiken A program for those ages 5-13 that includes homework help, games, snacks and more. It meets Monday-Friday from 2:30-5 p.m. and follows the Aiken County Public School calendar. $20 first child, then a $5 sibling discount. Call 803-642-7634.
4pm Storytime in the Gardens
Wed Nov 1
10am Story Time Maxwell Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-793-2020 or visit arcpls.org.
10am Story Time for Tots Headquarters Branch Library For those ages 0-3. Pre-registration recommended. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls. org.
10:05am Toddler Story Time Appleby Branch Library This is a program best for children ages 18 months-3 years. Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.
10am Wacky Wednesday Story Time Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.
10:30am Preschool Story Time Appleby Branch Library Songs, finger plays and stories for those ages 18 months to 3 years. Pre-registration required for groups of six or more. Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.
Thu Nov 2
10:30am Create with Me: Radiant Reflections Morris Museum of Art Participants will view the painting “Man with a Necktie” by Philip Morsberger and create a colorful self-portrait. Free, members and parents; $4 per participant, nonmembers. Preregistration required. Call 706-828-3867 or visit themorris.org.
1pm - 3pm Homeschool Adventure: Plant and Animal Adaptations Mistletoe State Park For homeschool students ages 5 and up. $5 per child, plus $5 parking. Pre-registration required. Call 706-541-0321 or visit gastateparks.org/ mistletoe.
Ongoing
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6pm Terri Gibbs and Friends Imperial Theatre Benefit concert for Augusta University’s James and Jean Culver Vision Discovery Institute. $20-$60. Visit imperialtheatre.com or call 706722-8341.
Aiken Fairgrounds Runs daily through Sunday, Oct. 29. An annual event that includes carnival rides and games, exhibits, shows, food and more. Visit westerncarolinastatefair.com.
7:30pm - 10pm Soiree: Jazz + Wine
6pm - 9pm Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat
Jessye Norman School of the Arts Featuring classic live jazz and wines selected by the host. $7, advance; $10, day of show. Call 762-233-5299 or visit jazzsoiree.com.
Evans Towne Center Park One canned good item to enter event with free food. Benefits Columbia County Cares Food Pantry. Visit columbiacountyga.gov.
Sun Oct 29
6:30pm - 8pm SafeHomes Survivors’ Walk
Saint John United Methodist Church Part of the Concerts with a Cause series, this one benefiting the Downtown Cooperative Church Ministries and featuring all-female brass quintet Seraph Brass. Call 706-724-9641 or visit stjohnaugusta.org.
AU Summerville Teardrop Annual ceremony features testimonies from domestic violence survivors, a balloon release and candlelight walk to honor victims. Wear purple to show your support. Call 706-737-1735 or visit facebook.com/augusta.dvam.
7pm - 10pm Graphic Novel Discussion
6pm - 8pm Fall Concert Series
Fri Oct 27
The Book Tavern A group open to older teens and up. Call 706826-1940 or email david@booktavern.com.
Augusta Common Bring picnic, lawn chairs and blankets to this live music event featuring R&B, jazz, old school and reggae. Call 706-821-1754. In the case of inclement weather, it will move to May Park Community Center.
5pm - 7pm Growler Gardening theClubhou.se Volunteers will weed and mulch, then enjoy some locally brewed beer. Participants should bring a growler or two of beer to share. Visit theclubhou.se.
Wed Nov 1
5:30pm - 1am Jack-O-Lantern Jubilee
LITERARY Thu Oct 26
Fri Oct 27
7pm - 9pm Halloween Spooktacular Book Signing The Book Tavern With author Charles Campbell. There will be candy. Call 706-826-1940 or visit booktavern. com.
Wed Nov 1
3pm Seraph Brass
7:30pm Chicago Bell Auditorium $56-$96. Call 877-4AUGTIX or visit georgialinatix.com.
5pm National Novel Writing Month Kickoff Reception
Ongoing
Columbia County Library Reception in the cafe for those planning to attend the three Sunday afternoon NaNoWriMo writing workshops in November. Call 706-8631946 or visit gchrl.org.
James Brown Arena 19th annual Kicks 99 Guitar Pull is coming Nov. 14, featuring Darius Rucker, Jake Owen, Randy Houser, Lee Brice, Brett Young, and Big & Rich. Tickets on sale at SRP Box Office at James Brown Arena (no online ticket sales). $35; four-ticket purchase limit. Call 706-722-3521, 706-396-7000 or visit kicks99.com.
6pm Page Turners Book Club Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.
MUSIC Fri Oct 27
6pm - 7:30pm Music Cruise Augusta Canal Featuring The Henrys with folk/bluegrass/ Americana music. Participants are invited to bring snacks and beverages. $25; $23, seniors, military and students. Pre-registration required. Call 706-823-0440, ext. 4, or visit augustacanal. com.
Sat Oct 28
8am - 2pm Saturday Morning Swing Eighth Street Plaza Live music from local jazz artists and performing arts groups during the Augusta Market. Call 706-627-0128 or visit theaugustamarket.com.
Kicks 99 Guitar Pull
Veterans Day Tribute Concert Evans Towne Center Park Inaugural tribute concert at 2 p.m. Nov. 11 featuring Shooter Jennings, Beth Spangler, Johnny Rodriguez, Rachel Lynn and Jordan Brower. $27-$40; free, kids 12 and under. Visit freshtix.com or buy tickets at any Security Federal Bank. Visit evanstownecenterpark.com or call 706-650-5005.
SENIORS Thu Oct 26
11am - 1:30pm Classic Movie for Seniors Diamond Lakes Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.
SPECIAL EVENTS Thu Oct 26
All day Western Carolina State Fair
Georgia Avenue, North Augusta A family-friendly festival that will include live entertainment on two stages, food, arts and crafts vendors, a car show, cornhole tournament, amusement rides, activities for kids and more. The headliner on Friday night is The Charlie Daniels Band. Call 803-441-4311 or visit jackolanternjubilee.com.
6pm - 10pm Fourth Friday: Howl O’ Ween The Village at Woodside, Aiken Event includes local craft and produce vendors, a DJ with spooky tunes, food trucks, outdoor movie screening, pet adoptions, costume contest (for humans and pets) and a dog race. Call 800-648-3052 or visit woodsidecommunities.com.
6pm - 9:30pm Halloween at the Park Elijah Clark State Park, Lincolnton Haunted house, hay rides, scavenger hunt, bouncy house and more. Free with park pass; $5 per person for all activities. Visit gastateparks.org/ElijahClark or call 706-3593458.
7pm - 11pm Murder and Mocktails Mystery Night Julian Smith Casino Guests will see a murder mystery show and guess who did it to win prizes. There also will be food, games, raffles and non-alcoholic Mocktails. $55 per person, or $100 for couples. Benefits Hope House Inc. Visit classy.org/ augusta/events/murder-mocktails-nightmystery/e119850.
7pm - 10pm Wine Tasting Seminar 26OCTOBER2017
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Wine World Revelry Winery of Columbia Valley, Washington, tasting. $25 per person or $18 for Wine Club members. Pre-paid reservation required. Call 803-279-9522 or visit wineworldsc.com.
Sat Oct 28
8am - 2pm Augusta Market at the River 8th Street Plaza, Reynolds Street The event features vendors of all kinds, activities, live entertainment and more. Visit theaugustamarket.com.
8am - 12:30pm Royal Bees Girls Club Yard Sale Sand Hills Community Center Annual yard sale’s proceeds go toward costs of the Royal Bees Girls Club’s activities.
10am - 1am Jack-O-Lantern Jubilee
“Young Frankenstein” and “Frankenweenie” Double Feature Aiken Public Library 2 pm, 4 pm Sat Oct 28 803-642-2023 or abbe-lib.org
26OCTOBER2017
Georgia Avenue, North Augusta A family-friendly festival that will include live entertainment on two stages, food, arts and crafts vendors, a car show, cornhole tournament, amusement rides, activities for kids and more. The headliner on Saturday night is Robert Randolph and The Family Band. Call 803-441-4311 or visit jackolanternjubilee.com.
10:30am - 4pm Last Saturday at the Park North Augusta’s Living History Park Featuring living history demonstrations. Call 803-279-7560 or visit colonialtimes.us.
Noon - 11pm Game Day at Lady A Evans Towne Center Park A tailgating and football event that includes food and alcohol vendors. Bring coolers, tents and grills (no glass or kegs). Free. Visit evanstownecenterpark.com.
1pm - 4:30pm Walk with the Spirits Saint Paul’s Church A Historic Augusta event in which participants will be led on guided tours by some of the cemetery’s most notable inhabitants. Tours begin each 20 minutes. Not recommended for children under 5. $15, adults; $10, children and groups of 10 or more. Pre-registration encouraged. Call 706-724-0436 or visit historicaugusta.org.
2pm - 5pm Puppy Howl-o-ween Fort Gordon Dog Park An event that includes a costume contest, activities, giveaways, prizes and more. Call 706791-8878 or visit fortgordon.com.
6pm “Magic Tree House: Space Mission” Dupont Planetarium, Aiken Also showing at 7 p.m. Oct. 28. Weather permitting, the observatory, housing the Bechtel Telescope, will be available for viewing after each show. $2-$6.50. Call 803-641-3654 or visit rpsec.usca.edu.
6pm - 9pm All Hallowed Eve Ghost Walk & Illusion Show
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North Augusta’s Living History Park Guided tours in a Colonial setting, entertainment in the tavern and a grand finale hosted by Faire Wynds are all included. Preregistration required. Call 803-441-8956 or email pam@colonialtimes.us.
Mill Village Trailhead, 109 Eve Street This weekly event in the park behind the Kroc Center features all local farmers and doubles EBT/SNAP benefits. Visit http:// augustalocallygrown.org/veggie-park-farmersmarket/.
6pm - 9pm Fright Night Fashion Show
Thu Nov 2
Jessye Norman School A night of fashion, food and scary fun including face painting, rock painting, vendors and more. $15, adults; $7, students. Visit jessyenormanschool.org or call 706-877-0411.
6pm - 9:30pm Halloween at the Park Elijah Clark State Park, Lincolnton Haunted house, hay rides, scavenger hunt, bouncy house and more. Free with park pass; $5 per person for all activities. Visit gastateparks. org/ElijahClark or call 706-359-3458.
7pm - 10pm Observe the Moon Night Ruth Patrick Science Education Center, Aiken Members of the Astronomy Club of Augusta will have telescopes set up on the lawn for viewing, the Bechtel Telescope in the observatory will be available and “Magic Tree House: Space Mission” will show in the planetarium at 6 and 7 p.m., followed by “Cosmic Colors” at 8 and 9 p.m. Visit rpsec.usca.edu.
8pm - 1am Black Cat Carnival Le Chat Noir Fall fundraiser for Le Chat Noir a surreal mix of Halloween party and carnival. Music by DJ Codec. No cover. VIC passes $30 each or $50 for a pair, limited to the first 50. Costumes preferred but not required. Visit lcaugusta.com or call 706-722-3322.
Sun Oct 29
Noon - 4pm Pet-A-Fair Julian Smith Casino A CSRA Humane Society event that will feature costume contests, silent auctions, raffles, a bake sale, refreshments, vendor tables, pet microchipping and more. Call 706-261-7387 or visit csra-hs.com.
1pm - 7pm ArtGusta Block Party Humanitree House A celebration of urban art that also features live music, vendors and food. $10. Visit eventbrite. com. Call 404-783-4485.
1pm - 4:30pm Walk with the Spirits Saint Paul’s Church A Historic Augusta event in which participants will be led on guided tours by some of the cemetery’s most notable inhabitants. Tours begin each 20 minutes. Not recommended for children under 5. $15, adults; $10, children and groups of 10 or more. Pre-registration encouraged. Call 706-724-0436 or visit historicaugusta.org.
Tue Oct 31
4:30pm - 7pm Veggie Park Farmers Market
7pm - 10pm Oysters on Telfair Ware’s Folly, Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art This annual event features an open bar, raw and steamed oysters, a Cajun feast, raffles, a silent art auction and live music. $75; pre-registration required. Visit ghia.ticketleap.com/oysters.
Ongoing
Marvin Corner Pumpkin Patch Marvin United Methodist Church Pumpkins, gourds, mums and bales of straw for sale to support missions and community outreach. Runs through Oct. 31. Visit marvinchurch.com or call 605-863-0510.
Annual James Brown Turkey Giveaway Dyess Park To take part in this community tradition, registration will be held from 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 28; Saturday, Nov. 4; and Saturday, Nov. 11, at Dyess Park. To register, bring a current, valid state ID, a power bill in the registrant’s name dated within the past two months, or a current signed lease agreement. The giveaway will take place at 8 a.m. Monday, Nov. 20, at Dyess Park. Call 803-640-2090 or email info@ jamesbrownfamilyfdn.org.
Art After Dark Jabez S. Hardin Performing Arts Center Coming 7 p.m. Nov. 4 is an evening with the arts sponsored by the Artists Guild of Columbia County that includes entertainment, refreshments and a silent auction. Art will be available for purchase. Free. Visit artistguildcc. org.
Lynndale Advocates Vendor/Craft Bazaar 1490 Eisenhower Drive Coming 9 a.m.-2 p.m Nov. 4, shop for fall and winter decor and holiday gifts. Raffle and refreshments available. $25 for vendor/craft tables, or $20 for space. Email rose-mary@ knology.net or call 706-231-2066.
Aiken Newcomers’ Club Luncheon Newberry Hall, Aiken Doors for Nov. 14 event open at 9:30 a.m., with a business meeting at 10:15 a.m. and then lunch at 11:30 a.m. $15; pre-registration required by noon Nov. 9. David Jameson, president and CEO of the Aiken Chamber of Commerce, will speak about chamber activities and the Aiken Renaissance. The Community Service group will collect for military families for the Aiken/Augusta Warrior Project. Call 803-502-4933 or 803-648-1570; email newcomers29803@gmail.com; or visit aikennewcomers.com. 26OCTOBER2017
Book your holiday party with us! 1204b Broad St. Augusta, GA 30901
For inquiries email: megan@froghollowgroup.com
Photo by Lauren Carnes
17th ANNUAL TRICK OR TREAT SO OTHERS CAN EAT
A SAFE PLACE FOR TRICK-OR-TREATERS! trickortreat_AD_MetroSpirit.indd 1
OCTOBER 26 6PM-9PM EVANS TOWNE CENTER PARK FREE EVENT! ONE CANNED GOOD ITEM TO ENTER
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6pm - 8pm Halloween Fun in the Woods McDuffie Woods Park Hosted by the Augusta Recreation and Parks Department, Wings of Love and 2 Brothers Vision. Call 706-771-2656 or email mmylesjr@ augustaga.gov.
Wed Nov 1
2:30pm - 9pm Under the Stars Jumper Night Stable View Farm Call 803-648-1222 or visit stableviewfarm.com.
Ongoing
Augusta Sports Leagues This organization offers adult sports leagues and social events, including kickball, soccer, flag football, softball, basketball, indoor and sand volleyball, cornhole, dodgeball and more for coed and men’s leagues. For more information, visit augustasportsleagues.com or call 706309-0280.
CanalFEST Augusta Canal National Heritage Area 9am - 3pm Sat Nov 11 Free festival includes 5k/Fun Run, guided bike rides, fly fishing, kayak fly fishing, archery, food trucks, live music and entertainment and more. VIP tickets are $45 and include reserved parking, free food and beer and no fees for any activities including canal boat tours and foot races. Proceeds support projects in the Augusta Canal NHA. augustacanal.com/festival or 706-823-0440
SPIRITUAL Sat Oct 28
4pm - 5:30pm An Introduction to the Baha’i Faith Free discussion is a brief introduction and discussion of the Baha’i Faith’s teachings on the Oneness of God, the Oneness of Humanity and the Oneness of Religion. Visit facebook.com/pg/ augusta.bahais.
Mon Oct 30
7pm Fall Revival Antioch Baptist Church Fall revival at 7 p.m. nightly runs through Nov. 2. Guest evangelist is Dr. Anthony Q. Corbett, Senior Pastor of Lundy Chapel in Macon. Call 706-724-2809.
Tue Oct 31
8am - 10am Community Prayer Breakfast Bicentennial Chapel, Fort Gordon Hosted by Chaplain Lou DelTufo, this event includes prayer beginning at 8 a.m. and breakfast following at 9 a.m. RSVP recommended. Call 706-829-1296 or 706-8337426, or email stampbob@gmail.com.
SPORTS-OUTDOORS Sat Oct 28 32 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
8am - 10am Monster Mash Canal Dash 5K and Fun Run Savannah Rapids Pavilion Get your costumes ready for this family-friendly race. $10-$30. Benefits the Air Force Sergeant’s Association at Fort Gordon. Visit active.com.
8:30am - 10:30am Wacky Wig Walk Columbia County Amphitheater A 5K walk benefit for the AU Cancer Center’s Image Boutique Fund. $20. Registration at 8:30, with a program at 9 a.m. and walk beginning at 9:15. Call 706-721-9394 or visit giving.augusta. edu/wackywigwalk.
9am - 4:30pm Aiken Fall Steeplechase Aiken Horse Park, Aiken Horse-race event includes multiple races, vendors, a playground and stick horse races for kids, and hat/costume contest. $20, advance; $30, at the gate. Kids 10 and under get in free. Visit aikensteeplechase.com or call 803-648-9641.
Syndrome The Quad, USC Aiken In addition to the walk, this free event will feature games, prizes, an auction, other activities and more. Registration begins at 9 a.m., and the walk starts at 10. Visit aikenupsidedowns.org/2017csra-buddy-walk.html.
10am Canoe/Kayak Paddle Betty’s Branch Great paddle for new or experienced paddlers. Boats available to rent at Betty’s Branch Kayak Rental. Participants launch behind Riverside Park in Evans and may join for lunch afterward. Email sonnyandcathyblack@gmail.com.
4pm Halloween Family Camping Night Phinizy Swamp Nature Park Stay overnight through noon Oct. 29. $39 pre group of up to 6 campers; $29 per group for members. Enjoy an evening of activities, campfire eats and more. Visit phinizycenter. org or call 706-828-2109.
9am - 11am Broad Street Ramble 5K/10K/Kids Run
6pm - 9pm Halloween Party
Kroc Center This Peachtree Road Race qualifier is a 10K that also includes a costume contest, kids run and other activities. $41, 10K; $31, 5K; $10, fun run. Visit active.com to register.
Mistletoe State Park Hayrides, games, campsite-decorating contest and more. Free event except $5, parking; $2, hayride. Call 706-541-0321 or visit gastateparks. org/mistletoe.
9am - noon CSRA Buddy Walk for Downs
Tue Oct 31
Savannah River Dart Association Sign up for 10-week season at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 30, at The Loft, 927 Broad St. All skill levels welcome. $30. Single, double and team formats in cricket and ’01 games. Email thrush@ comcast.net.
SUPPORT Tue Oct 31
10am - 11:30am 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 beginning at 10:20 a.m. All new moms and their babies are welcome and an international board certified lactation consultant/educator/perinatal nurse will answer questions and offer resources. Call 706-721-8283 or visit augustahealth.org.
Wed Nov 1
1pm The Lactation Club University Hospital A breastfeeding support group for mothers of NICU babies. Pre-registration required. Call 706774-2825 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.
Thu Nov 2
10am - 11:30am Alzheimer’s Association Support Group Kroc Center For those dealing with Alzheimer’s and/or caregivers. Pre-registration required. Call 706860-5233.
Ongoing
Recovery International Mental Health Support Group 26OCTOBER2017
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Unitarian Universalist Church of Augusta A weekly group that meets Wednesday from 6:30-8 p.m. Based on the work of Abraham Low, MD, RI offers its members a low cost method to regain and maintain their mental health by using mental health through will training. People who stick with the RI Method are able to live healthy, productive lives with lower levels of tension, anger, fear, anxiety, stress, compulsions, and other symptoms. Email marykahb@yahoo.com.
Georgia Carolina Toastmasters Group empowers people to become more effective communicators and leaders. Meets weekly from noon-1 p.m. Wednesdays at Fat Man’s Cafe. Email jmcneill22@att.net.
TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) GA, 110 Augusta 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.
TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Pine View Baptist Church The group meets Tuesdays, with weighin beginning at 4:45 p.m. and the meeting beginning at 5:15 p.m. Call 706-481-0529 or visit tops.org.
La Leche League
26OCTOBER2017
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.
Write to Heal Creative Writing Program Children’s Hospital of Georgia family resource library For patients, family members and caregivers, this program meets the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. Pre-registration required. Call 706-721-5160 or email nawilliams@gru.edu.
Adult Sexual Assault and Rape Support Group Provides group counseling at University Hospital for those who have experienced sexual assault, incest, rape or childhood sexual abuse. Call 706-724-5200 or visit universityhealth.org.
Alcoholics Anonymous Holds several meetings locally. For a current schedule, visit augustaaa.org/documents/ Meetings/meetings.pdf.
Narcotics Anonymous Trinity Hospital of Augusta Meets Fridays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. Visit na.org.
THEATER
Thu Oct 26
7:30pm Shakespeare’s Long Lost First Play
“Beware What You Ask of a Fairy”
Etherredge Center, Aiken The Reduced Shakespeare Company weaves all of The Bard’s famous characters, greatest lines and magnificent speeches into a brand new Shakespearean smorgasbord. $40. Call 803-641-3305 or visit etherredge.usca.edu.
AU’s Maxwell Theatre Storyland Theatre play showing for school groups at 9:30 a.m., 10:45 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. Oct. 27 and a family matinee at 3 p.m. Oct. 28. $7; $5 for students. Active-duty military and their families admitted free with military ID. Call 706-736-3455 or email storylandtheatre@gmail. com.
Sat Oct 28
“Once On This Island Jr.”
Sky City Ends around midnight. A Misfit Theatre Group performance in which the pre-show will begin at 10:30 p.m. with a costume contest. $10. Visit skycityaugusta.com.
Evans High School This Augusta Jr. Players production is showing at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 27; 3 and 7:30 p.m. Oct. 28; and 3 p.m. Oct. 29. $10, adults; $7, children under 12. Tickets available at the door or at squareup. com/store/ajp. Call 706-826-4707 or visit augustaplayers.org.
Thu Nov 2
“Fanny’s Fantastic Food Frolic”
8pm - 12am Rocky Horror Picture Show Tribute
7:30pm The Wizard of Oz Bell Auditorium $40-$62, adults; $30-$51, children 12 and under. Call 877-4AUGTIX or visit georgialinatix.com.
Ongoing
“Breath of Spring” Aiken Community Playhouse Showing at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 27 and 28. $20, adults; $17, seniors and military; $12, students. Visit aikencommunityplayhouse.com or call 803648-1438.
AU’s Maxwell Theatre Showing at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 9, 10 and 11 and at 3 p.m. Nov. 12. $10, general; $7, alumni, military and seniors; $5, students, children and AU faculty and staff; free, AU students. Visit augusta.edu/maxwelltheatre or call 706-6674100.
“It Can’t Happen Here” Le Chat Noir Showing 8 p.m. Nov. 10, 11, 16, 17 and 18. $25. Visit lcnaugusta.com or call 706-722-3322.
AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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Party) Fox’s Lair - Sir Edward Phillips Imperial Theatre - Terri Gibbs and Friends Shannon’s - The Unmentionables (Halloween party) Southbound Smokehouse - Michael Hitchcock Stillwater Taproom - Chris Ndeti and Company Wild Wing - Center Lane acoustic The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn
What’s Tonight?
The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Helga’s Pub & Grille - Trivia The Highlander - Karaoke Sky City - Rocky Horror Picture Show Sally’s - Halloween Dance Party w/ DJ Freeman
Sunday, October 29 Live Music
Rocky Horror Picture Show Tribute Sky City 8pm - 12am Sat Oct 28 (preshow begins at 10:30 with costume contest) $22; skycityaugusta.com
Augusta Common - Fall Concert Series Capri Lounge - Vivian Valium & the Lounge Lizard Divas Southbound Smokehouse - Phillip Lee Jr. Wild Wing - Kenny George The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn
What’s Tonight?
Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ Mike Johnson
Monday, October 30 Live Music
The Highlander - Acoustic Mondays Metro Coffeehouse & Pub - Blues Monday w/ Famous Last Words Soul Bar - Pumpkinseed, Village Sticks
What’s Tonight?
The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane Wild Wing - Trivia World of Beer - Open Mic Night
Tuesday, October 31 Live Music
Fox’s Lair - Halloween Blast with Vilai Harrington and The Hamptons Sky City - Funk You (Halloween show) Joe’s Underground - Open Mic The Willcox (Aiken) - Hal Shreck
Living Colour The Loft, Atlanta 8pm Thu Nov 2 $22; livingcolour.com/tour
What’s Tonight? The Alley (Aiken) - The Scarlet Begonias (Halloween costume party) Fox’s Lair - Open Mic Jam w/ Thomas Langley Soul Bar - Bobby Mahoney & the Seventh Son, Bullmoose Southbound Smokehouse - Brian Herrington Wild Wing - Jukebox Robocop The Willcox (Aiken) - Thursday Night Jazz w/ 4 Cats in the Dog House
Coyotes - Amy Rae Fox’s Lair - Vicky Grady Band The Highlander - Reverend Billy and the Soul Patrol The Loft - Crane Shannon’s - Anybody’s Guess Southbound Smokehouse - Of Good Nature The Stables Restaurant (Aiken) - Jazz saxophonist Jimmy Easton Stillwater Taproom - Red Stone Ramblers Wild Wing - Phillip Lee Band The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn
What’s Tonight?
What’s Tonight?
Thursday, October 26 Live Music
Helga’s Pub & Grille - Trivia The Highlander - Butt Naked Trivia Pizza Joint (Downtown) - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane That Place Coffee - Open Mic w/ J. Martin-Moses
Sally’s - Halloween Party w/ Claire Storm, Jayla, Allyson Stone Soul Bar - Disco Hell-o-ween
Friday, October 27 Live Music
8th Street Plaza - Saturday Morning Swing at the Augusta Market on the River Country Club - The Spazmatics Coyotes - The Velcro Pygmies (Halloween Costume
Country Club - Benton Blount
34 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Saturday, October 28 Live Music
The Highlander - Game Night Soul Bar - Halloween Dance Party World of Beer - Karaoke
Brian Herrington
- Southbound Smokehouse November 2 Justin Townes Earle
- Imperial Theatre November 3 Kenny George Band
- Stillwater Taproom November 3 Jamey Johnson
- Country Club November 3 High Divers
- Southbound Smokehouse November 3 Listen and Laugh Tour w/ Earthquake, Arnez J, George Willborn, and Michael Baisden
- Bell Auditorium November 4 An Evening of Irish Traditional Music with Kevin Crawford, Dylan Foley and Patrick Doocey
- Fat Man’s Mill Cafe November 6 - The Java House, Harlem November 7 Symphony Orchestra Augusta
- Bell Auditorium November 9 SIMO w/ Phillip Lee Band
- Sky City November 9 Chris Tomlin
- Evans Towne Center Park November 10 Veterans Day Tribute Concert w/ Shooter Jennings and more
- James Brown Arena November 11 Straight No Chaser
- Bell Auditorium November 12 Mannheim Steamroller Christmas
- Bell Auditorium November 16 Nathan Angelo
- Sky City November 18 Ying Yang Twins
- Country Club November 24 Rick Springfield, Richard Marx
- Bell Auditorium December 6 Henry Rollins
- Miller Theater January 8 An Evening with Molly Ringwald
- Jabez S. Hardin Performing Arts Center January 13 Diana Krall
- Miller Theater February 16 Ronnie Milsap
- Miller Theater February 17 “Weird Al” Yankovic w/ Emo Philips
- Miller Theater April 14
Elsewhere Brand New, Nada Surf
- The Roxy Theatre, Atlanta October 26 Third Eye Blind, Tigerdog
- Music Farm Columbia, Columbia October 27
Wednesday, November 1 Live Music
Bell Auditorium - Chicago The Iron Heights - Crisis A.D., Sharptooth, Roseview
The Weeknd, Nav, Gucci Mane
- Colonial Life Arena, Columbia October 28 Living Colour
- The Loft, Atlanta, November 2 Demetri Martin
What’s Tonight?
The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Bar West - Karaoke Capri Lounge - Game Night Chevy’s - DJ Richie Rich Pizza Joint (Evans) - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper Polo Tavern (Aiken) - Karaoke w/ Tom Mitchell Sky City - Hip-Hop Night Southbound Smokehouse - Trivia Stillwater Taproom - Pub Quiz World of Beer - Trivia
Upcoming
- Center Stage Theater, Atlanta, November 3 Fall Out Boy, Blackbear
- Philips Arena, Atlanta, November 4 Imagine Dragons, K.Flay, Grouplove
- Philips Arena, Atlanta, November 7 Primus
- The Tabernacle, Atlanta November 9 Bon Iver, Aero Flynn
- Fox Theatre, Atlanta November 9 Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band
- Fox Theatre, Atlanta November 11 John Cleese
- Woodruff Arts Center, Atlanta November 12 26OCTOBER2017
V28|NO43 Tegan and Sara
- The Tabernacle, Atlanta November 13 Jay-Z
- Philips Arena, Atlanta November 14 Modern English
- Variety Playhouse, Atlanta November 16 The Shins, BAIO
- The Roxy Theatre, Atlanta November 17 Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant
- Infinite Energy Center, Atlanta November 25 Lady Gaga
- Philips Arena, Atlanta November 28 98 Degrees
- Woodruff Arts Center, Atlanta November 29 Luke Combs
- The Tabernacle, Atlanta December 1 Gwar, He is Legend, Ghoul, U.S. Bastards
- Heaven at the Masquerade, Atlanta December 3 Seether, Shaman’s Harvest
- The Tabernacle, Atlanta December 5
REAL PEOPLE REAL DESIRE REAL FUN.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
- Infinite Energy Center, Atlanta December 9 Gin Blossoms
- Variety Playhouse, Atlanta December 14
Try FREE: 706-434-0108
More Local Numbers: 1-800-926-6000
Janet Jackson
- Philips Arena, Atlanta December 17 Miranda Lambert, Brent Cobb, Jon Pardi
- Infinite Energy Center, Atlanta January 20 The Killers
- Infinite Energy Center, Atlanta January 21 Say Anything
- Hell at the Masquerade, Atlanta January 25 and 26
26OCTOBER2017
Ahora español Livelinks.com 18+ Meet sexy new friends
FREE TRIAL
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THE EIGHT
BOX TOPS RANK TITLES
WEEKEND GROSS TOTAL GROSS WEEK # LAST WEEK
1
TYLER PERRY’S BOO 2
$21,226,953
$21,226,953
1
-
2
GEOSTORM
$13,707,376
$13,707,376
1
-
3
HAPPY DEATH DAY
$9,363,415
$40,672,780
2
1
4
BLADE RUNNER 2049
$7,353,151
$74,203,354
3
2
5
ONLY THE BRAVE
$6,002,665
$6,002,665
1
-
In Theaters October 27
(But we wouldn’t blame you if you stayed home to binge-watch “Stranger Things 2” on Netflix)
HORROR “Jigsaw,” rated R, starring Matt Passmore,
CRIME “Suburbicon,” rated R, starring Matt Damon,
DRAMA “Thank You for Your Service,” rated R, starring
Callum Keith Rennie, Cle Bennett and Hannah Emily Anderson. A decade after Jigsaw’s death, a new series of bizarre and creative murders has law enforcement wondering if the infamous killer has returned. From 2004 to 2010, horror fans were treated to a new “Saw” movie every year. After a seven-year hiatus, the franchise is back to reclaim its Halloween crown.
Julianne Moore, Noah Jupe and Oscar Isaac. Set in a peaceful suburban community, “Suburbicon” is a dark comedy that follows family man Gardner Lodge as he battles through an underground world of violence and deception. Despite being written by the Coen Brothers and directed by George Clooney, this one looks par for the course.
Miles Teller, Haley Bennett, Joe Cole, Amy Schumer, Beulah Koale and Scott Haze. After returning from a tour in Iraq, a group of American soldiers struggle to re-adapt to civilian life as they deal with the effects of posttraumatic stress disorder. Screenwriter Jason Hall, who wrote the 2014 surprise hit “American Sniper,” makes his directorial debut.
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SIGHTINGS
Michael Johnson | mejphoto.photoreflect.com
Elizabeth, Kendall and Joel Danko with Kayla and Dominic at the Augusta Exchange Club Georgia-Carolina State Fair
Bryan Evans with Tara and Jay Sanders at the Augusta Exchange Club Georgia-Carolina State Fair
Matt Guertin, Courtney Summer, Chrissy Price and Rocky Canfield at the Augusta Exchange Club Georgia-Carolina State Fair
Bobby and Lisa Arthurs with Deana and Gary Bodie at the Chris Janson concert at the Bell Auditorium
Tara Harpley with singer/songwriter Chris Janson, Skyler Slay and Chad Harpley at the Chris Janson concert at the Bell Auditorium
Matt and Angelica Titus with Vicki and Mike Flores at the Chris Janson concert at the Bell Auditorium
Jeff and Dee Dent with Stephanie and Jeff Sherman at the Chris Janson concert at the Bell Auditorium
Dave and Alyson Getchell with Dana and Shade Preston at the Chris Janson concert at the Bell Auditorium
Jeff and Kristy Lewis, Brandi Glass and Lee Daniel at the Chris Janson concert at the Bell Auditorium
26OCTOBER2017
AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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START HERE. GO ANYWHERE. No SAT or ACT Required Financial Aid and Scholarships Available No Miliary Obligation to Attend Ask about the new Bachelor of Applied Science degree We Accept Students with a GED
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