Wander over to Washington-Wilkes Less than an hour's drive from Augusta and Evans, Historic Washington-Wilkes is a small town with a big history, southern charm, and elegance. With nearly 240 years of stories, a bustling downtown, and some great restaurants and bars, there's lots to discover any day you wander our way. From Early Federal to Greek Revival and Victorian, Historic Washington boasts more antebellum homes per capita than any city in Georgia. Get started with our three house museums open throughout the year. Museum Hours: 10am - 4pm Tuesday-Saturday.
Washington-Wilkes Museum c. 1835
The Robert Toombs House C. 1797
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Callaway Plantation c. 1869
Watch a mural artist bring Washington's history to life on the walls of one of our historic downtown buildings. *Daily History Lectures at 3pm *Mural Dedication Thursday at 3pm Facebook.com/HistoricWashingtonWilkes
*PAINT & POUR. 6pm Friday, April 1. Connely Gallery. RSVP 706-678-5638 *VENDOR MKT PLACE & SPRING TOUR. 9am - 5pm Sat, April 2. Art & Craft Vendors *VENDOR MARKET PLACE. 11am - 5pm Sunday, April 3. Art & Craft Vendors *PRIVATE STUDIO TOUR. 1PM - 5PM Sunday, April 3 . *ADULT COLORING. 10am Tues, April 5. Mary Willis Library. RSVP 706-67 8-7736
2016 Spring Tour of Homes
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Saturday, April 2 WWTourOfHomes.com Facebook.com/WWTourofHomes
Take a trip through time on the 62nd Annual Spring Tour. Tickets are $30 and include: 7 Historic & Unique Homes Free Shuttle Service Admission to 2 Museums Private collection of 1940s-70s classic American automobiles and memorabilia
*KIDS DAY. Wednesday All Day Activities. SINCE
Washington-Wilkes Visitor Information Center 22 B. West Square Washington, Georgia 30673 706-678-5111
WashingtonWilkes.org Facebook.com/HistoricWashingtonWilkes WashingtonWilkesEvents@gmail.com
2009 WE HUSTLE
Your One-Stop Augusta Shop! S a l a d b a r • o u t d o o r pat i o b e e r o n ta p • l i v e m u s i c
2907 WASHINGTON RD. wfm.com
Table of Contents
EDIT
March 31, 2016
Amy Christian
Arts Editor/Production Director
amy@themetrospirit.com
Stacey Eidson Staff Writer
Where I was in ‘86 12 Welcome to Augusta! 22 Calendar 36
stacey@themetrospirit.com
Molly Swift Staff Writer
molly@themetrospirit.com
Nightlife 42
CREATIVE
Sightings 44 Austin Rhodes 46
Joshua Bailey Lead Designer
joshua@themetrospirit.com
COVER DESIGN: Shane Thompson
SALES Gayle Bryan
Senior Account Executive
gayle@themetrospirit.com 706-373-4846
Jim Christian Account Executive
jim@themetrospirit.com 706-414-4059
GEORGE CLAUSSEN IS AUGUSTA Pg. 16
Bonnie Sloane Account Executive
bonnie@themetrospirit.com 770-401-9357
BUSINESS Joe White Publisher
joe@themetrospirit.com 706-373-3636
THIS WEEK
Johnny Beckworth circulation manager
johnny@themetrospirit.com Contributors Jenny Wright, Greg Baker, Austin Rhodes, Josh Ruffin, Kris Fisher, Michael Johnson Metro Spirit is a free newspaper published weekly on Thursday, 52 weeks a year. Editorial coverage includes local issues and news, arts, entertainment, people, places and events. In our paper appear views from across the political and social spectrum. The views do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. Visit us at metrospirit. com.© 15 House, LLC. Owner/Publisher: Joe White. Legal: Phillip Scott Hibbard. Reproduction or use without permission is prohibited. One copy per person, please.
Want to advertise in the Metro Spirit? Call or email Joe at 706.373.3636 joe@themetrospirit.com
Where were you on the final day of the Masters Tournament in 1986? Steve Cheeks found himself face to face with Jack Nicklaus right before the Golden Bear won his final golf major. He’ll tell Metro Spirit readers, not to mention Golf Channel viewers, all about it.
When 28-year-old George Claussen IV looks in the mirror, he sees Augusta. Not because he grew up in a nice home off Walton Way, and especially not because he comes from two well-respected local families. But because he has struggled in his lifetime.
Welcome to Augusta! This town loves visitors and we also love letting you in on the best-kept secrets of our fair city. On the lookout for some great places to eat, drink and relax? Look no further!
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Where I Was in ‘86 glorious charge on that beautiful April Sunday afternoon. My story is a bit more intimate than most, as I actually found myself eye to eye and face to face with the Golden Bear when his tee shot shanked left off the 17th tee. This was seemingly his toughest challenge because, up until this point, everything since the ninth hole had been miraculously going his way. Looking at the ball lying in the pine straw just yards from the infamous Ike’s Tree, I suddenly found myself in a very, very precarious position. That story, as well as my Masters experience in ‘86, are told in the essay I submitted to the Golf Channel for their special “‘86, Where Were You?’” That special will premiere on Tuesday, April 5, at 9 p.m. EST. After the Golf Channel let me know that they wanted me to tell my story, they sent a film crew to an area of Augusta we lovingly refer to as Summerville. I, along with former Augustan Brain Saul and Lawrenceville resident Everett Stokes, told our stories of Jack’s play on the 15th, 16th and 17th holes. With the backdrop of our golf tales being Durden’s Barber Shop, my friend and owner Tim Durden played the part of Floyd as the three of us gladly spun the yarns of the events on that historic day. The following is the actual essay I submitted to The Golf Channel for their consideration. It simply tells the story, through my eyes, as golf greatness unfolded in front of me. As many of you who know me know, I’m quite a talker and storyteller. Some of you may have even heard this story from me before. Either way, don’t forget to watch.
When my friends come over to see me, I’m often asked if the TV is on a loop. The reason for this seemingly strange question is that my screen seems to always be on golf. For me, The Golf Channel provides a bit of peace and tranquility in an otherwise crazy, hectic world. It’s also a great backdrop for snoozing on lazy Sunday afternoons. Perfect! Being a card-carrying member of the 12 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
PGWA (ProGolfWatchersAssociation. com), it was my joy to learn that The Golf Channel was interested in stories about where people were when Jack Nicklaus won his final golf major at the ‘86 Masters Tournament. Of course, any respectable, cardcarrying member of the PGWA can tell you exactly where that were at, what they were doing and who they were with (you get the picture) when Jack made his
Where Were you: ‘86 masters Growing up in Augusta, the Masters in April was just a part of spring break. My mom worked at the bank, and there they would give out free passes to anyone who wanted to go. As a child, it was no big deal. Even as we were getting older, tickets were everywhere. Into my late teens to early 20s, there were no alcohol sales in Georgia on Sunday. My friends and I would always plan to get together, meet at the 16th
By Steve Cheeks
green then bet a beer on the player who hit the ball closest to the hole. I still do believe that we are solely responsible for the “No Beer after 4 p.m.” policy that is in even in effect to this day. In ‘86, my friend Bobby Santos and I arrived at the course and were suddenly greeted by that magnificent “ROAR” of the gallery. Looking up at the leader board I saw that Jack had birdied nine, and the roar that we had heard came from 10th. I screamed, “Jack’s back and he’s making a charge.” We then ran down the hill to Amen Corner, got a beer (of course), then caught him teeing off at the 12th. The crowd was buzzing and running around like the place had caught on fire. You could taste it in the breeze, just like those sweet, fragrant azaleas. Everybody seemed to be screaming “JAAACK!” To chase a golfer, drink beers and scream, it’s a must that you strategically know the lay of the land. After 12 (bogie) and another beer, we landed mid fairway on 13 (birdie). “Jack’s Back” was all you could hear. Remembering our first objective (beer), we watched him tee off at 14, then jogged down the backside of the 16th to get in position. It seemed like everyone was running. People were stopping us, asking questions. All we could say was “JACK’S BACK.” Again, knowing the lay of the course, we placed ourselves between the 15th and the 16th greens with the beer hut strategically behind us at the 17th tee. Jack said something aloud just before his second shot at 15, and the gallery applauded and laughed. Then, as if on cue, he carded an eagle. Absolutely phenomenal! Then as if it couldn’t get any better, he almost sank a hole in one on 16. That was without a doubt the loudest “ROAR” I’ve ever experienced in my entire life. That includes concerts, sporting events and any other Masters that I’ve ever attended. It was LOUD (yes, caps loud). By now we felt safe enough to leave the birdie putt with Jack and Jackie at 16, so we hit the beer hut for one more beer. It was here that we decided to run up the hill past Ike’s Tree to get the most optimum visual for the 17th green. Of 31MARCH2016
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Thinking back, I’ve often thought of many wonderful words of encouragement that I could have said in that moment. But no, the only thing that I could muster up was a very quiet, “You’ve got this.” He very intently looked at me one more time as if to say, “Yes I do!” I stepped back, he hit the ball. Simply, the rest is history. Did I help this happen? No, I’ve never thought so. But feeling that intensity. Seeing that game face. Being within the vicinity of pure historical greatness for that one moment, certainly changed the trajectory of my life for many, many years to come. Having the opportunity to speak to him again, I would say these words: Thank you, Mr. Nicholas, for all you’ve given us. Not only here in Augusta at the Masters, but to the world of sports and beyond. We didn’t speak words that day, but you spoke not only to me, you spoke volumes to all of us with your fearless determination, unequaled sportsmanship and, above all else, the highest form of integrity, character and heart. You are truly a champion among champions. Hats off to you, sir. Hats off.
course by this time, we were getting pretty winded and a little buzzed. As we started running up the hill, it came to the forefront of my mind that Jack was about to tee off down the 17th fairway. I turned and out of nowhere a ball landed at my feet in the pine straw. My first thought was “Please don’t be Jack.” Looking up, a herd of people were racing towards me and the ball. Uh-oh, my first fears were realized. It was Jack’s ball. Like a good golf patron, I threw my hands in the air as if I were suddenly the Guardian of the Ball. As we waited for Jack to walk up the hill, a mass of people began to gather around. Suddenly it was like Moses parting of the Red Sea. There out of the masses (cue music), Jack and Jackie were closing in on the ball with a look of pure concentration. At first, Jack was looking down, eyeing the ball. Then, he looks up and stares straight dead ahead at me like, “You got my ball?” People are screaming his name, “JAAAACK,” as Jackie begins a feeble attempt to calm everyone down. But strangely Jack was still looking straight dead at me. It’s quickly quiet. No one speaks a word. Not even Jack. He stares down at the ball, then back at me.
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AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
METROSPIRIT 13
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George Claussen Is Augusta Over the past two years, native Augustan George Claussen IV has done more for his hometown than most have done in a lifetime When 28-year-old George Claussen IV looks in the mirror, he sees Augusta. Not because he grew up in a nice home off Walton Way. And not because he is a proud graduate of Richmond Academy. And especially not because he comes from two well-respected local families: the Boardmans and the Claussens. But because he has struggled in his lifetime. Claussen, like the city of Augusta, has seen many ups and downs over the past 28 years. “As a lot of people know, at one time I probably had the worst reputation of anybody in this town,” Claussen admitted without hesitation. “I was so bad when I was young and in college. I have been on that dark side. And I have struggled for many years. Now, I am eight years sober. And I have become someone people can look at and say, ‘He turned it around.’ I think the same is true for Augusta. Growth is happening all over this city.” These days, Claussen is a true symbol of that growth. Not only is he the founder of Friends With Benefits, the production and promotion company that brings 16 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
incredible shows such as The Major Rager to downtown Augusta during Masters Week and the Riverwalk Revival Series to the Jessye Norman Amphitheater, but he is also co-owner of the popular barbecue restaurant Southbound Smokehouse on Central Avenue. In addition, Claussen has worked in conjunction with The James Brown Family Foundation and the City of Augusta to honor the life, legacy and music of the late Godfather of Soul with the James Brown Family Birthday Bash on May 3. “Mr. Brown never forgot where he was from,” Claussen said, sitting outside of Southbound Smokehouse on a beautiful spring morning enjoying a cigarette. “He truly loved Augusta. There are so many different people over the years like artists, business professionals and athletes that have come from this town and have moved on, but have never shed any light on Augusta. But not Mr. Brown. He made sure that every time he got up on stage, they knew exactly where he was from.” Downtown Augusta will celebrate with the Godfather of Soul’s birthday with a show comprised of former members of the James Brown Band, as well as other musical legends such as Sharon Jones, Ivan Neville, Greg Hester, George Porter Jr. of The Meters, Ty Taylor
By Stacey Eidson
“I have become someone people can look at and say, ‘He turned it around.’ I think the same is true for Augusta. Growth is happening all over this city.” 31MARCH2016
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“In the next five years, we are really going to see the most pivotal time in Augusta.” of Vintage Trouble, Jennifer Hartswick of Trey Anastasio Band, Chris Rob of Nasty Delicious and Gavin Hamilton of Funk You. “People do these James Brown tributes all over the world. For example, Phish over New Year’s at Madison Square Garden had these after parties called the James Brown Dance Parties,” Claussen said. “They had a couple members of the James Brown Band up there performing and it was just an awesome thing. And the question becomes: Why is this not being done here? If they can do this on New Year’s Eve in New York City, then why are we not doing this in Augusta?” The truth is, some Augustans don’t want to properly honor James Brown because of some of the mistakes he made during his lifetime, Claussen said. “All some Augustans want to do is talk about the negative things that happened to him in his life,” Claussen said. “They don’t want to talk about everything that was great that James Brown did and that he single-handedly made music what it is today. There is not an artist that is out right now that wasn’t influenced by the movement that James Brown started. But people here just want to talk about his demise. They want to talk about the things that he did wrong.” The Godfather of Soul passed away almost 10 years ago and some Augustans are still trying to tearing him down, Claussen said. “It’s time to move past that and look at his legacy,” he said. “And, as a community, this is finally an event that I think we can do it together. Whether your are black, white, young, old, male or female, this is something that we can all get behind. “ Claussen is also proud of the fact that the birthday bash will benefit the James Brown Academy of Musik Pupils (JAMP), whose mission is to further music education for Augusta’s youth through the music of James Brown. JAMP is run by James Brown’s 31MARCH2016
daughter, Deanna Brown, and Brown’s former music director and lead guitarist Keith Jenkins. “This James Brown Birthday Bash will be playing to what he wanted, what was actually in his will and testament, about his music academy,” Claussen said. “He wanted it to live on.” Augustans should make sure that mission never fades away, no matter what people think of James Brown’s past transgressions, he said. After all, mistakes don’t define a man, Claussen said. “Me being an outcast, or me being the black sheep of my family, I was able to repair that reputation and turn it around, but it has been extremely difficult,” Claussen said. “However, at the same time, when you continue to make strides to do things better and help change people’s perception and continue to do what is right and good, it means that much more to the person who was saying those bad things many years ago. You proved them wrong.” That is one of the reasons why Claussen feels such a strong kinship with Augusta and the challenges it has faced over the years. “I feel like maybe in my world of what I had to go through is indirectly the same thing that Augusta is having to go through,” Claussen said. “From, at one point, having everything to suddenly having nothing and then repairing that back into something really great.” Claussen sees the same momentum picking up throughout Augusta. “In the next five years, we are really going to see the most pivotal time in Augusta,” Claussen said. “We are going to see what we can do and how much we can grow and I think everyone is going to be dumbfounded at the amount of stuff that is planning on coming in here. Whether it is new businesses, the cyber tech world, incredible concerts or amazing new restaurants, everything is happening. It is all coming together. And it is awesome to be here for all of it.”
“One day I just said, ‘Hey, would you rather be in a city like Charleston that is the No. 1 destination city, or would you rather go back to your home where your roots are and you know everybody and be on the ground floor of what Augusta can be?’ That’s when I decided to come home.” AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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“The Major Rager last year was so, so much fun. To be able to have James Brown’s cape man, Danny Ray, get up on stage and cape Warren Haynes was unforgettable.” While some Augustans might not see the progress, Claussen insists it is happening right under their noses. “People in Augusta don’t realize the growth that has happened over the past few years because you see it every day,” he said. “But if you are away and out of the picture for a few years, you realize stuff is really happening here.” About four years ago, Claussen began working for EastCoast Entertainment in Charleston. It is the largest full-service entertainment agency in the country that was founded about 40 years ago. When he moved to Charleston, Claussen said he was shocked to see the positive changes that had occurred in that city over the past 20 years. “Half of my family is originally from Charleston, on grandmother’s side, and I remember when I was younger that downtown Charleston was not thriving yet,” he said. “You went to the city market on King Street, but that was as far as you went. To see their growth over the last 20 years has just been crazy. And I know we are nothing like Charleston, but, at the same time, it really made me realize something.” Claussen said he saw what great potential was hidden in his own hometown. “One day I just said, ‘Hey, would you rather be in a city like Charleston that is the No. 1 destination city, or would you rather go back to your home where your roots are and you know everybody and be on the ground floor of what Augusta can be?’” Claussen said. “That’s when I decided to come home.” Since that time, Claussen and Friends With Benefits have brought incredible musical acts to this area including Warren Haynes with his band Gov’t Mule for The Major Rager last year and Kid Rock for Mash Augusta at the Evans Towne Center Park last October. 18 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Nearly 12,000 people came out to see Kid Rock, making it the largest concert in this area’s history. Through its concerts and shows, Friends With Benefits has raised more than $100,000 for local charities just last year. “To see Friends With Benefits start from a Masters party, literally as a bet I had with a buddy of mine in Charleston about how much money could be raised at a concert, to where it is today is truly amazing,” Claussen said. “If you told me five years ago that I would be sitting here today, giving an interview at a restaurant that I own, I would say, ‘Never. Never. No way.’ I would never have expected a little 500-person party would have developed into The Major Rager being a worldwide broadcast event during the week of the biggest sporting event in the world. It just shows Augusta’s true potential and how lucky we are as a city.” This year, Friends With Benefits is proud to welcome back the jam band Umphrey’s McGee to The Major Rager on Thursday, April 7, starting at 5 p.m. Umphrey’s McGee will play two sets, including an “All Night Wrong” set of cover songs. Jennifer Hartswick and Natalie Cressman of the Trey Anastasio Band, as well as members of James Brown’s band, are scheduled to sit in with the headliners. The Revivalists and Earphunk will open the show. “We have been able to do some cool things and bring in some cool artists,” Claussen proudly said. “We go over and above to make sure that these artists are taken care of and when they leave here, they say, ‘This wasn’t just another stop for us on the way to Atlanta. We want to come to Augusta because we have so much fun and we are taken care of and the fans are great.’” 31MARCH2016
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“If you told me five years ago that I would be sitting here today, giving an interview at a restaurant that I own, I would say, ‘Never. Never. No way.’” Friends With Benefits wants to make sure that, not only the fans are having an incredible time, but so are the musicians. “The Major Rager last year was so, so much fun,” Claussen said. “To be able to have James Brown’s cape man, Danny Ray, get up on stage and cape Warren Haynes was unforgettable. And to have Sharon Jones, who was just sitting in the VIP section, come run on stage and sing with Lettuce and for this to be played on a worldwide broadcast that I still hear being played to this day, that just doesn’t happen. It’s incredible.” While audiences get to enjoy the final product, Claussen said there is a tremendous amount of hard work and extreme risk involved in each show. “People wouldn’t believe the amount of stress and work that goes into these shows,” Claussen said. “There are hundreds of thousands of dollars on the line every time we get up to bat. It takes so much risk. People say, ‘You must have killed with that show?’ And the answer is, ‘No.’ To be honest with you, last year, we gave $10,000 to the local charity, Turn Back the Block, but we lost $20,000 on The Major Rager, regardless of how great a night it was. And it was great. And I would lose $20,000 again to do it, but that is what it is going to take to make things successful. People have got to take risks and big risks. That’s the only way we are going to be able to move forward as a community.” And this season, Friends With Benefits is continuing to take a lot of risks. “There is so much going on right now,” Claussen said. “On April 7, it’s The Major Rager. On April 19, Widespread Panic is coming back for the second time in two years and they’re not doing that anywhere else but Augusta. The fact that they are coming back here on their 30th anniversary is just huge. Then, on 31MARCH2016
May 3 is the James Brown Birthday Bash and on May 8, Trampled By Turtles and The Devil Makes Three will be here for the Riverwalk Revival.” That is a huge lineup of events that will not only thoroughly entertain Augusta, but, if the shows are successful, they could bring more and more national acts to this area, he said. “This is the time to really see if Augusta has got it,” Claussen said. “There is a lot of big, big stuff going on that we need everybody to show up and support them.” While not everyone may be familiar with bands such as Trampled By Turtles or Umphrey’s McGee, Claussen said it is important to turn out, buy tickets and show support for these concerts. “Showing up and purchasing your ticket can have a direct impact on what future shows come to this area,” he said. “If these shows don’t do well, then these artists aren’t going to come back. And these promoters are not going to want to come and bring other musicians here. For us, it takes so much risk and the amount of the reward is never financial. Believe me, if there is any profit, it goes right into the next concert. I promise you that.” But Augusta has already built a strong reputation as an inviting community that knows how to treat musicians very well. “It is a vicious world in the music world,” Claussen said. “But when you have a band like Umphrey’s McGee who are not prima donnas, who are so easy to work with and are such great guys, you want them to have a great time. And it shows. They really care and they love Augusta.” In fact, Ryan Stasik, the bassist for Umphrey’s McGee, traveled down to Augusta for the Kid Rock show and even
stayed in Augusta to play a round of golf with Kid Rock. “These are two artists who are on opposite ends of the spectrum,” Claussen said, laughing. “But for him to come down and show his support and stay with us and have fun, it was amazing. And, literally, the words that came out of his mouth were, ‘You know, we have more fun here than we do in any other city.’” Claussen said he was blown away by the compliment. “Umphrey’s McGee tours a 120 dates a year,” he said. “They go to every major city. They are from Chicago, but they are saying that about Augusta.” The unfortunate truth is that many locals don’t appreciate or even recognize the wonderful amenities that Augusta has to offer, he said. “You hear people say, ‘I’m not going downtown because of the beating that happened,’” Claussen said, referring to the South Carolina couple that was badly beaten on Riverwalk Augusta around 11 p.m. back in 2013 by two men demanding money. “It was extremely unfortunate and I absolutely hate that it happened, but it happened like three years ago and there hasn’t really been anything like that since then.” However, that one attack prevents certain Augustans from stepping foot in downtown Augusta, Claussen said. “People still bring that attack up all the time. It baffles me,” he said. “And that is the attitude that we cannot have or we will have no downtown.” One glance across the Savannah River at North Augusta or a quick look at all the growth in neighboring Columbia County is a clear sign that Augusta needs the support of its citizens, he said. “We need to focus back on Augusta,” Claussen said. “Don’t get me wrong, Columbia County is great and North Augusta is great, but Augusta is still the core. We need to continue to build up Augusta. Columbia County is getting a
new city center and we lost the baseball stadium to North Augusta and now we are going to be looking at it across the river. So you see what is happening on either side of us, but we are still stuck in the middle. We have come so far, but we still have so much further to go.” Augusta can be the next Greenville, S.C., but its citizens need to believe it is possible, he said. “It is almost a blessing in disguise for everybody to see what is happening in North Augusta and Columbia County,” he said. “I think it will force Augusta to move forward. If everyone joins together with North Augusta, Columbia County and Richmond County, can you imagine the CSRA at that point? We would be a Greenville. We would be a Columbus. So maybe all of this is for a reason and it will force us all to work together and not get caught up in so much of the drama and the politics.” But Claussen is the first admit, Augusta and politics go hand in hand. Claussen said he learned that the hard way when he helped out with Scott Peebles’ campaign for Richmond County Sheriff in 2012. “We got our 20-year-old crowd involved in that campaign because Scott is a great personal friend,” he said. “The amount of work that we put into that campaign was incredible and I remember, at the time, we had the feeling like we could do no wrong. Everything was just on top of the world. Then, when he lost, it was such an eye opener for me. I thought, ‘This is real. Things are out of our control, sometimes.’” Despite his disappointment in the results of that election, Claussen said he has been extremely impressed with Richmond County Sheriff Richard Roundtree and he believes the sheriff has done a “phenomenal job” over the past several years. To this day, Claussen keeps a close eye on the local elections.
“I feel like maybe in my world of what I had to go through is indirectly the same thing that Augusta is having to go through.”
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Just a few weeks ago, he met with Ramone Lamkin, the head of the traffic division for the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, who is now running for Richmond County Marshal. “This election in May could really shape what we are going to be doing in the future,” Claussen said, adding there are several seats up for grabs on the Augusta Commission on May 20. “We have a very diverse crowd on our commission, different walks of life, and they all have their own opinions about what is good for this community. But it is so important to unify and try to work together because all of these issues go hand and hand.” But nothing will ever change if citizens do not get involved in the local government and vote in the May 20 election, he said. “You can sit there and blame everybody for the reason Augusta is where we are at right now, but, at the end of the day, we are in control of the future,” Claussen said. “It is time to step up to the plate and take action. Talk is cheap.” Claussen expanded his commitment to Augusta last year by opening up a new barbecue restaurant called Southbound Smokehouse on Central Avenue. “After Masters and The Major Rager last year, my partner, Brian Brittingham, and I were looking to buy a venue or open a bar.Street Something we could get involved in,” Music & Cocktails * 1157 Broad Downtown Augusta GA Claussen said. “Brian was like, ‘Let’s open a restaurant.’ And I said, ‘We don’t know Garde Americana + Folk + Punk” “PHISH Tribute Band from Charleston, SC” anything“Avant about restaurant.’” THU FRI MEGAN & But three weeksJEAN later, Claussen said he received a call from Brittingham asking to MAR APR Performing 2 Amazing Sets THE KLAY FAMILY BANDon Central. meet at the former location of Crums with Special Guest: THE SHADOW PINES 31 8 the10pm “When10pm I got| $5 there, Brian had already ripped out bar,” |Claussen $8 Advancesaid, - $10 laughing. Doors Admission “And I was like, “‘Shit. Here we go.’” “Psychedelic Southern Rock from Athens, GA” “Just Like Heaven + Check Your Head” Opening Southbound Smokehouse last summer SAT has been a “great learning FRI process” for the owners, Claussen said. APR APR with Special Guest: SHAUN PIAZZA with DJ COCO “We were never expecting to be as busy as when we first opened,” 9 we were 1 10pm | $10 Admission 9pm | Free Admission Claussen said. “People really came out and supported us and I feel like, in particular, “Various pretty Music Mixology Hi-Fi Stereo ” “Widespread Panic After-Party” this restaurant much /sums up everything we are trying to do.” SAT TUE in the Hill area such as Finch & While there are several fine dining restaurants APR APR Fifth, Sheehan’s Irish Pub and Abel Brown, Claussen said he wanted to create a
casual restaurant that was “community driven.” “You can come to Southbound with an upper echelon, or you can come here with your family and bring your dog,” Claussen said. “You can come here dressed in a suit or you can come here in a bathing suit and some Crocs, just getting off the river with your dog and your kids.” By opening Southbound, Claussen said he has also discovered a marvelous bond between local restaurant owners. “We have become very close with the owners of Solé Grill & Sushi Bar,” he said, adding the two restaurants trade gift certificates all the time and regularly eat at each other’s restaurants. “You see so much in Augusta that is always run or operated by people from Augusta, but Solé is not. It is owned by people from outside the area. They took a gamble on downtown Augusta and, now, to see their success is amazing. It has worked out so well for them.” Despite what many people think, local restaurants and bars are frequently cheering for one another to succeed, Claussen said. “People work together all the time, but the public doesn’t really get to see that,” Claussen said. “Whether it is John Beck at Sheehan’s or Shawn Ledford at Mellow Mushroom or Sean Wight at Farmhaus, if we need anything — like if we run out of something or if we need something — we know that in two seconds, it is just one phone call away. And not only will they give it to you, but they will even drive it over here. That’s the kind of support you need. And that’s right here in Augusta.” All this community has to do is build on that support and that concern for each other, and there will be no stopping Augusta-Richmond County, Claussen said. “One day, 20 years down the road, we’ll look back and say, ‘Remember when we didn’t have all this? Look how far we’ve come,’” Claussen said. “I can’t wait for that day. It is going to happen. We are seeing it now. We are seeing the footprint of what this city can be. And I’m just glad to be a part of it because I am damn proud to be from Augusta, Ga.”
SKY CITY RUNAWAY GIN
NEW MADRID
80’s & 90’s Night
SOUND * LAB
THE WERKS
2
with Various Guest Local DJs
9pm | Free Admission
“Electronica + Hip Hop + Dance (Re)mixes”
MON DJ FUGI + DJ FREEMAN APR + DJ WERDLIFE 4 #PleaseBillMurray2016 8pm | $5 Admission
19
FRI APR 22
with Special Guest: CBDB
10pm | $10 with WSP Ticket “Steve Hall Productions Present”
THE OH HELLOS with Special Guests: THE COLLECTION + THE RAMBLIN’ FEVERS
10pm | $12 Advance - $15 Doors
SKY CITY
WED APR 6
“The Wednesday Night Conspiracy”
DJ KNIGHTMARE with Special Guest DJ / #HipHopAug
10pm | $5-15 Admission
“Indie Folk Rock from Deland, FL”
SAT GHOST CHOIR APR ROADKILL with Special Guests: DEEP STATE THAYER SARRANO 30 +9pm | $8 Advance - $10 Doors
“Major Rager After-Party”
“Super Funky Cinco De Mayo Fiesta”
THU THU McGEE APR TAUKING MAY featuring members of UMPHREY’S McGEE with Special Guest:Augusta PIANO Music & &Cocktails * 1157 Broad Street GA 7 TAUK 5 Downtown
DANK
11pm | $20 Admission
10pm | $5 Admission
“Avant Garde Americana + Folk + Punk”
“PHISH Tribute Band from Charleston, SC”
THU MEGAN JEAN & FRI check out our sister venue MAR THE KLAY FAMILY BAND also APR 2 Amazing Sets Special Guest: THE SHADOW PINES ***the world famous*** 31 with 8 Performing 10pm | $8 Advance - $10 Doors 10pm | $5 Admission
RUNAWAY GIN
Music & Cocktails * 1157 Broad Street Downtown Augusta GA “Avant Garde Americana + Folk + Punk”
THU MEGAN JEAN & MAR THE KLAY FAMILY BAND Special Guest: THE SHADOW PINES 31 with 10pm | $5 Admission FRI APR 1
“Psychedelic Southern Rock from Athens, GA”
SAT APR 2
“Various Music Mixology / Hi-Fi Stereo ”
FRI APR 1 SAT APR 2
“Various Music Mixology / Hi-Fi Stereo ”
10pm | $10 Admission
SOUND * LAB with Various Guest Local DJs
9pm | Free Admission
“Electronica + Hip Hop + Dance (Re)mixes”
TUE APR 19
“Widespread Panic After-Party”
THE WERKS with Special Guest: CBDB
10pm | $10 with WSP Ticket “Steve Hall Productions Present”
MON DJ FUGI + DJ FREEMAN APR + DJ WERDLIFE 20 METROSPIRIT 4 #PleaseBillMurray2016
FRI APR 22
THE OH HELLOS
“The Wednesday Night Conspiracy”
SAT
“Indie Folk Rock from Deland, FL”
AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
8pm | $5 Admission
with Special Guests: THE COLLECTION + THE RAMBLIN’ FEVERS
10pm | $12 Advance - $15 Doors
with Special Guest: SHAUN PIAZZA
10pm | $10 Admission
SOUND * LAB with Various Guest Local DJs
9pm | Free Admission
“Electronica + Hip Hop + Dance (Re)mixes”
NEW MADRID with Special Guest: SHAUN PIAZZA
NEW MADRID
MON DJ FUGI + DJ FREEMAN APR + DJ WERDLIFE 4 #PleaseBillMurray2016
SOUL BAR (984 Broad Street) “Just Like Heaven + Check Your Head” & get SAT your JAMES BROWN T-Shirt! WED 80’s & 90’s Night APR APR www.soulbar.com with DJ COCO 9 6 www.skycityaugusta.com 9pm | Free Admission
“Psychedelic Southern Rock from Athens, GA”
WED
SKY CITY For more information about the upcoming shows and concerts by Friends With Benefits, visit fwbfund.com.
THU APR 7
8pm | $5 Admission
“The Wednesday Night Conspiracy”
DJ KNIGHTMARE with Special Guest DJ / #HipHopAug
10pm | $5-15 Admission “Major Rager After-Party”
TAUKING McGEE featuring TAUK & members of UMPHREY’S McGEE
11pm | $20 Admission
“PHISH Tribute Band from Charleston, SC”
FRI APR 8
RUNAWAY GIN
SAT APR 9
“Just Like Heaven + Check Your Head”
TUE APR 19 FRI APR 22
Performing 2 Amazing Sets
10pm | $8 Advance - $10 Doors
80’s & 90’s Night with DJ COCO
9pm | Free Admission
“Widespread Panic After-Party”
THE WERKS with Special Guest: CBDB
10pm | $10 with WSP Ticket “Steve Hall Productions Present”
THE OH HELLOS with Special Guests: THE COLLECTION + THE RAMBLIN’ FEVERS
10pm | $12 Advance - $15 Doors “Indie Folk Rock from Deland, FL”
SAT GHOST CHOIR APR ROADKILL with Special Guests: DEEP STATE THAYER SARRANO 30 +9pm | $8 Advance - $10 Doors THU MAY 5
“Super Funky Cinco De Mayo Fiesta”
DANK
with Special Guest: PIANO
10pm | $5 Admission
also check out our sister venue 31MARCH2016 ***the world famous*** SOUL BAR (984 Broad Street) & get your JAMES BROWN T-Shirt!
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Welcome to AugustA! As residents of any good southern town, we love visitors. Even more, we love letting guests in on the secrets of our town. So if you’ve just arrived and are on the lookout for some great places to eat, drink and relax, look no further. From coffee to cocktails, breakfast to late-night noshing, this list has everything you need.
Abel broWn Chef Todd Schafer upset everyone in Augusta, and Masters guests from around the world, when he shuttered Bistro 491, an institution when it came to fine dining in Augusta. Lightning usually doesn’t strike twice in the same place, but it has for Schafer. His Abel Brown, a take on modern southern cuisine and oyster bars, is a revelation from start to finish. Getting a table here during the week will be iffy, but if you can squeeze in at the bar, do it. Whatever else you decide on (and it’s all good), be sure to try the broiled oysters with roasted jalapeno lime butter. Call 706-738-6491 or visit abelbrownaugusta.com
bAr West mArtini lounge If you’re longing to get away from the crowds at all the usual Masters Week hot spots, give Bar West a try. This low-key lounge focuses on specialty drinks like their Spicy Dirty Martini with a Bloody Mary kick. They have a fantastic drink menus, great happy hour specials (2 for 1 house wines and well drinks) and plenty of comfortable seating indoors and out. Call 706-736-0021 or visit barwestaugusta.com
the bee’s Knees Locals and visitors alike have loved the Bee’s Knees ever since it opened almost 14 years ago, and there’s plenty of reasons why. Their small plates menu has given guests favorites like the Avocado Chop Chop and the Buffalo Tempeh, and their large plate meals are still shareable, although we’ve yet to encounter someone willing to give up a bite of their coconut curry panang. Whether sitting at an outside table enjoying their famous sangria one evening or indulging in weekend brunch or Happy Sunday drink specials, you’ll want to visit downtown’s original upscale eatery. Call 706-828-3600 or visit beeskneestapas.com 22 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
big DADDy’s bAr & grill Big Daddy’s specializes in barbecue, but they offer a little bit of everything. Salads, chicken wings, burgers, steaks and seafood — they’re all present and accounted for at Big Daddy’s. We’ll stick with the Triple Combo BBQ Platter: a half-rack of ribs with pulled pork and chicken and served with hash and rice and a side. And even if we don’t finish it we’ll be sure to save room for some homemade peach cobbler. Call 706-869-2388 or visit bigdaddysaugusta.com
birD Dog grille Columbia County’s Bird Dog Grille offers two things: great food and live music. Neither disappoints. The outside patio is the place to be on Friday and Saturday nights for live music and Bird Dog offers trivia on Thursdays. As for the food? Well, their fried pickles are legendary in this area, and you can’t go wrong with the Peri Peri Chicken Bowl, one of their many sandwiches or a salad. Call 706-814-5007 or visit birddoggrille.com 31MARCH2016
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Cadwallader’s BuoNa Caffe Freshly roasted in-house, coffee is the prime attraction at this cheerful and welcoming café on Central. But Buona also offers fabulous teas, pastries, sweet treats, sandwiches and even its own Happily Caffeinated swag. Go for the delicious pimiento cheese and bacon panini, and a cup or two of the best coffee in town. Call 706-869-4074 or visit buonacaffe.com
Craft & viNe Chef Sean Wight added Craft & Vine to his Frog Hollow Hospitality Group two years ago, unsure if Augusta was ready for a Prohibition-era themed cocktail bar that served upscale food. Turns out, the city and its visitors have embraced the knowledgeable bartenders and impressive menu. Could it be because it’s one of the few places downtown where you can indulge in a little late-night noshing with your drinks? It probably has something to do with it. Call 706-496-8442 or visit craftandvine.com 31MARCH2016
Self-described “white tablecloth restaurant with a casual atmosphere,” Cadwallader’s is the epitome of a grand night out, replete with stellar service and a wine selection that will meet the needs of any oenophile. The restaurant takes pride in serving fresh, local ingredients and inspired dishes that go beyond typical Augusta fare, including veal, pheasant and bison strip loin steak. Call ahead for reservations. Call 706-860-7444 or visit cadwalladerscafe.com
de Novo You may have to use your GPS to get to North Augusta’s De Novo, but once you find Chef Jeremy Collins’ pretty little restaurant you’ll want to return again and again and again. Collins’ take on modern southern cuisine using local and seasonal ingredients is available at lunch and dinner as well as Sunday brunch. Everything here is lovingly presented and tastes fantastic. Try the slow-cooked pork shoulder and don’t forget dessert! Call 803-426-1077 or visit eatatdenovo.com
Calvert’s Calvert’s is the epitome of fine dining in Augusta, and an institution where many of the city’s chefs have gotten their start. Open 38 years, most locals keep Calvert’s sacred by only visiting on special occasions. This quietly elegant spot will liven up considerably this week with an influx of visitors eager to once again taste the traditional continental cuisine Calvert’s offers. Pray they can fit you in if you haven’t already made reservations. Call 706-738-4514 or visit calvertsrestaurant.com
dr. uNk’s dive Bar Newly open near the Augusta Common downtown, Dr. Unk’s is the perfect place to pregame before all the events at the Common this week. Open six days a week from 4 p.m. until, this is a great place to party because they specialize in $3 Fireball, Jaeger and Cuervo shots every day, and serve Fat Tuesday frozen daiquiris. Yum! Call 706-426-7071 or visit facebook.com/drunks. divebar/ AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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Eli’s AmEricAn GrillE EdGAr’s GrillE The motto at Edgar’s Grille is “come hungry, leave fulfilled” and diners will do just that. Not only is the new American cuisine they offer delicious and served in an upscale and serene atmosphere, a portion of the restaurant’s proceeds support Goodwill and Helms College. In fact, the restaurant is named after Edgar Helms, founder of Goodwill. Call 706-854-4700 or visit edgarsgrille.com
The New Orleans vibe that Bryan Mitchell cultivated at his former restaurant, the Cotton Patch, is alive and well at Eli’s American Grille, his new dining spot in Columbia County. It may be new, but the shrimp and pimento cheese grits is already a menu favorite, as is the deep-fried southern pecan pie with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce. If you can resist those two, try a burger. The Dixie Burger, with fried green tomatoes, pimento cheese and buffalo cream sauce, is especially good. Call 706-524-7152 or visit elisamerican.com
FArmhAus BurGEr Farmhaus is a counter-service burger and milkshake spot, but it’s so much more than that. Since opening in 2012, there’s almost always a (quickly moving) line and Chef Sean Wight is set to open a Columbia County outpost of the restaurant in May. The Haus Burgers, especially the Farmstyle with bacon and a sunny side up egg, are enormously popular, but we suggest you build your own. Better yet, check the special board for the burger of the month. And don’t forget a boozy shake or craft cocktail to complete your meal. Call 706-496-8771 or visit farmhausburger.com
Finch & FiFth FAt mAn’s mill cAFE Fat Man’s has been in the Usry family since the 1940s and has been a lunch tradition for Augustans pretty much ever since. Miss Pearl is still serving up her famous real meals, but sandwiches, soups, salads and specials, or “speshuls” as they call them, are also available. And how about this as a bonus: you can eat out by the canal or take a stroll afterwards.
Call 706-733-1740 or visit fatmans.com 26 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Finch & Fifth aims to serve creative dishes and craft cocktails in a laid-back environment, and they’ve earned a reputation as a neighborhood hangout on the strength of both their food and drinks. Serving lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch, this Surrey Center spot is known for its charcuterie and cheese plates, boiled peanut hummus and its Brussels sprouts slaw. Try anything you order with a Gin Jitszu (their take on a gin and tonic) and you can’t go wrong.
Call 706-364-5300 or visit finchandfifth.com
FrEnch mArkEt GrillE Whether or not you live in Augusta, everybody knows French Market Grille. Right in the center (well, almost) of the Masters Week action, this is the place to see and be seen. Don’t forget to eat while you’re schmoozing. The food here is too good to miss. The barbecue shrimp is a super spicy favorite and they make a mean Bloody Mary.
Call 706-737-4865 or visit thefrenchmarketgrille.com
FroG hollow tAvErn Chef Sean Wight began his downtown takeover with Frog Hollow Tavern, a finedining restaurant that’s sure to be packed this Masters Week. The upscale spot relies on local products as much as they can, changes its menu almost daily and barrel ages cocktails to give its guests and experience they won’t soon forget.
Call 706-364-6906 or visit froghollowtavern.com 31MARCH2016
Hospitality Is Frog Hollow’s Middle Name Organic, sustainable, local — these farm-to-table terms have been buzzwords in the restaurant industry for the past few years as chefs do their best to give diners food that is better tasting and better for them as well. For Chef Sean Wight, however, it’s been a way of life for almost two decades. He lives on a farm in Edgefield where, until a few years ago, he was owner and chef at the Old Edgefield Grill. “I was using local products back when I opened the grill in 1999, but I didn’t do it because it was a trendy thing,” Wight explained. “I did it because people brought me stuff from their farms and it was free. I continued it here and it’s worked out really well.” “Here” is Broad Street’s Frog Hollow Tavern, which Wight and his wife Krista opened in 2010. Before opening the fine-dining establishment, he had taken a hiatus from the restaurant kitchen to focus on catering, which he still does a lot of, especially during Masters Week, but was anxious to get back in the game. “I really got bored because you’re doing what everyone else wants to do instead of what you want to do,” he said. “So I heard through the grapevine that this place was coming available and just sort of jumped on it.” At Frog Hollow, Wight does exactly what he wants to do: offer locally sourced, quality products in upscale and unusual presentations. A quick visit to the restaurant’s website reveals that Wight gets most everything, from cheese and produce to pork and poultry, from the southeast, if not Georgia. “It just makes sense to buy locally. You get a fresher product,” he explained. “There are still some things you have to source regionally and nationally, but we even have Georgia olive oil that we’re using now.” That emphasis on fresh and local means guests should plan on seeing differences in the menu almost daily. Wight can count on one hand the number of dishes that stay on the menu for any length of time.
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“The shrimp and grits with our homemade bacon and sausage stays on the menu. I’ve taken it off a couple of times when I can’t find wild shrimp,” he said of one of his most enduring dishes. “And the roast pork with mac and cheese and collards. Those are about the only two we keep on there all the time. And the wedge salad because it showcases our homemade bacon.” Seasonal changes and creative presentations aren’t limited to Frog Hollow Tavern’s kitchen, however. In the bar, guests will not only see more than 100 bottles of wine, but cocktails they won’t find anywhere else. “We barrel age a lot of our cocktails,” Wight said. “We premix a Manhattan and barrel age it, which gives it a totally different flavor.” Three to four drinks at a time are barrel aged, and others are infused with different flavors. Frog Hollow, for instance, infuses bourbon with their homemade bacon. And since expanding into the space formerly occupied by a gym, the restaurant has even installed a smaller test kitchen where they can pickle vegetables and fruits to use in cocktails. Whether in the bar or restaurant, guests can expect expert service from the wait staff, something Wight felt was so important he incorporated a specific word into his company’s name. “That’s what’s built up the Frog Hollow Hospitality Group and that’s what I always tell my staff: We’re not in the restaurant business, we’re in the hospitality business,” Wight said. “Our job is to provide everything to the guest and be hospitable so they can have a good time. We try to emphasize that as a philosophy in the business.” This focus on hospitality has landed all the restaurants in the Frog Hollow Hospitality Group in “best of” lists on a regular basis. “All three of the restaurants stay in the top 10 at Trip Advisor all the time,” Wight said. “On Open Table, Frog Hollow has been No. 1 in the state several times and we’re always in the top 10. I feel very blessed to have accomplished that, but I think it goes back to our service and hospitality as much as anything.”
Frog Hollow Tavern 1282 Broad Street, Downtown Wednesday-Thursday, 5-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 5-10:30 p.m. Reservations recommended 706-364-6906 froghollowtavern.com
The Cocktail Culture of Craft & Vine It’s been two years since Craft & Vine opened and, in that time, the innovative bar has found its niche in the downtown Augusta scene. “We used to have those rules up — no baseball caps, no cell phones — we’ve relaxed the rules a little bit to make it more welcoming,” said Chef Sean Wight. “We don’t want people to feel like they can’t come in here unless they’re wearing a tux.” Downtown had, in fact, seen nothing like Craft & Vine when it opened right before Masters Week in 2014. The bar had a Prohibition-era feel and took as much pride in its drinks as in the food. To that end, Wight purchased Napa Technology’s WineStations, which essentially turns wine bottles into beer taps. The technology allows Craft & Vine to offer more wines (40, to be exact) by the glass since the WineStations keep the bottles from spoiling for up to 60 days. “We offer everything from affordable, unique varietals to some big Cabs that you would normally not be able to buy by the glass,” he said. Craft & Vine’s “Wall of Wine” isn’t the only reason to visit, however. The cocktail menu is seasonal, changes frequently and the choices are varied. And they’re designed and made by those devoted to their craft. “Those guys, they’re so into it,” Wight laughed. “They have study groups, they go on trips together to visit other bars. It’s so nerdy, which is cool. That’s what I wanted.” What the bartenders come up with have names like the Pink Dogwood (house made Southern Comfort aged for a month with honey, stone fruits, vanilla, cinammon and cloves, lime juice, Cointreau and cranberry) and the Angry Ike (Old Tom Ransom gin, Dewars scotch, lime, ginger beer, Jamaican jerk bitters). That one, named after President Eisenhower, combines the scotch he
loved with gin, which represents all the trees he used to hit when he played golf. Craft & Vine, in short, is a cocktail bar to visit when you want to try something new. Just because the focus of Craft & Vine has been on the offerings guests can sip, however, doesn’t mean that the food isn’t just as important. Menu items are carefully chosen and divided into sections that include Snacks, Charcuterie & Cheeses, Small Plates, Wood Fired Pizzas and Desserts. The items are unique, designed to share and include meal-worthy dishes like the Cab Sirloin with fingerling potatoes. “It’s a very diverse menu,” Wight said. “And what’s cool is the kitchen stays open until about an hour before we close every night. We stay open till midnight Wednesday and Thursday and then one o’clock Friday and Saturday nights, so you can come in and get a snack or a pizza or whatever you want until an hour before we close.” Especially popular for late-night diners are the desserts and the French Press coffee service. Local roasters Buona Caffe provides both Craft & Vine and Frog Hollow with a special blend made just for them. It doesn’t get much more local than that. Craft & Vine offers a bar almost the length of the space itself, as well as a spectacularly large community table. They also have smaller cocktail tables and booths. They don’t accept reservations but, if there’s a wait, are happy to take your number and text you when your turn is up. And it’s definitely worth the wait. “When you walk in and see the bar, see the amount of work that went into it with the wine system, and you watch the bartenders,” Wight said, “they’re putting on a show every time they make a drink. It’s pretty cool.”
Craft & Vine 1204B Broad Street, Downtown Wednesday-Thursday, 5 p.m.-midnight Friday-Saturday, 5 p.m.-1 a.m. Happy Hours: 5-6:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.-close 706-496-8442 craftandvine.com
Farmhaus’ Winning Formula When Chef Sean Wight began thinking of opening a second restaurant in downtown Augusta, he decided to focus on something that seems like it’s on the opposite end of the spectrum from his fine-dining establishment: a counter-service burger restaurant. Farmhaus isn’t just any old burger restaurant, though. And despite how different it and Frog Hollow Tavern may appear to be, they are actually more alike than it seems upon first glance.
neighborhoods and businesses in both Columbia and Richmond counties, Wight said.
The menu also includes fries and sides (try the sweet potato tots), salads and hot dogs.
“This location is right on the cusp of Richmond and Columbia counties and I just think the location is really good, being centrally located near I-20. It is a busy area,” Wight said. “You have Doctors Hospital out there with all of the medical offices and there are a bunch of neighborhoods down Flowing Wells Road. I just see a lot of future growth in it.”
The most intriguing thing about the menu at Farmhaus, however, has got to be its drinks. Of course, it offers the usual array of fountain drinks, non-alcoholic choices and shakes. Farmhaus also offers a full bar, craft cocktails and boozy shakes. The Gorilla Milk (Kahlua, vodka, tequila and vanilla ice cream) is said to taste like a White Russian. The restaurant also has a great selection of beer.
“Restaurants like this are popping up all over the southeast,” Wight explained. “I wanted something that featured local ingredients like we like to do here at Frog Hollow and I wanted to create a healthier style of burger.” Frog Hollow was one of the first fine-dining restaurants in Augusta to embrace the locavore food movement, and that thinking carried over to Farmhaus. So much so that their slogan is “Beef Up Your Local Economy.” The idea clearly caught on. Farmhaus’ downtown location opened in October 2012 and has enjoyed a packed house almost every day since. Wight will open a second Farmhaus location in Columbia County in May of 2016. “Farmhaus has done so well downtown and a lot of people asked us to come out that way,” Wight said, referring to Columbia County. “We were thinking about it and a good opportunity came up at this location.” The corner of Wheeler Road and Mason McKnight Parkway is ideal because it is surrounded by large
The new location won’t stray far from the winning formula at the downtown location. At Farmhaus, the beef they use in burgers was carefully chosen after a four-month search of small, family farms. Buns come from bakeries in Atlanta. The ice cream is High Road organic and the milk is Hickory Hill. There are some exceptions, of course. The Point Reyes blue cheese comes from California and the Green Hatch Chilies are from New Mexico. Those chilies now grace the New Mexico Burger, #2 on the “Haus” Burgers menu. It’s a guest favorite, but nothing can compare to how much everyone, including Wight, loves the #6. The Farmstyle includes a patty (your choice of beef, turkey or veggie) topped with a sunny side up egg, bacon, gouda and Duke’s mayo. Farmhaus guests don’t have to order one of the seven Haus burgers, though. They can also build their own by choosing from free goods and sauces (try the FHT Housemade Woo Sauce, a Worcestershire sauce made at Frog Hollow); $1 goods such as homemade pimento cheese and other cheeses, chili, slaw, onion rings and sautéed mushrooms; or $2 good such as homemade bacon jam and pork belly confit.
Since they’ve been open, Farmhaus has developed a devoted following. And with all the options they offer, from homemade turkey and veggie burgers to glutenfree hamburger buns and beer, it’s not hard to see why. “My burgers at Farmhaus cost a little more, but you’re getting a single-sourced, non-GMO meat, you’re getting fresh-made buns from Atlanta,” Wight explained. “We even make our salad dressings.” To guests, the food at Farmhaus is worth every penny.
Farmhaus Burger 1204 Broad Street, Downtown Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. 706-496-8771 farmhausburger.com
The hive Growler Bar helGa’s PuB & Grill Don’t go to Helga’s expecting fancy or upscale. Do go to Helga’s if you want to drink some great beer, meet some interesting people and test your wits in a game of trivia. And don’t forget to eat, although with the menu items written on construction paper and taped to the walls behind the bar, we don’t think you’ll be able to. Call 706-736-2880 or visit helgaspubandgrill.com
The food is great at Hive, that’s a given. But what Eric and Kristi Kinlaw have done for craft beer in Augusta is other-worldly. They strive to bring beers you just can’t find without traveling. Regional and limited-release offerings dominate their extensive menu, so you’ll always surprised when you stop in. Our current favorite is the Orpheus Transmigration of Souls double IPA. It’s big beer to say the least, at 10 percent ABV, but it’s also eminently drinkable with layers of hops and tropical citrus notes. Call 706-836-3661 or visit hivegrowlerbar.com
The indian Queen Since opening in a former gun store at the corner of Monte Sano and Wrightsboro roads, The Indian Queen has become the place to hang out on the Hill. Specializing in classic cocktails featuring housemade syrups and juices, this is a great place to have a nice drink and settle in for a conversation with a friend or two. Call 706-303-8723 or visit theindianqueen.com
nacho MaMa’s laziza MediTerranean Grill Laziza is a popular hot spot for lunch or dinner. Located in Evans, the bright and cheerful café offers authentic Mediterranean and middle-eastern fare including baklava, baba gannoush, tabbouleh salad and stuffed grape leaves. The food is made fresh and the service is fast and friendly — this staff pick has to be the succulent chicken shawarma.
Call 706-504-4303 or visit lazizagrill.com 31MARCH2016
Mellow MushrooM You can’t go wrong with the pizza, pretzels, salads and even the hummus at this laid-back, hippie-inspired restaurant with three area locations. All three are owned by restaurateur Shawn Ledford, but each has its own personality. They all share an impressive beer collection and a welcoming atmosphere, however.
Call 706-828-5578 (Augusta), 706364-6756 (Evans) or 803-474-8454 (Aiken), or visit mellowmushroom.com
This is a restaurant that is near and dear to many a local’s heart. Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, Nacho Mama’s serves up gigantic burritos and strong (really strong) margaritas in a friendly atmosphere with an eclectic, downtown vibe. Order at the counter and the staff will yell out your name when your food is ready. Or just sit at the bar and relax. One other tip: Get anything that has the mango habanero salsa on it (and ask for extra) and go ahead and splurge for the top-shelf margarita. Both are worth it.
oliviana’s Pizzeria resTauranT Bar
Call 706-724-0501 or visit nachomamasaugusta.com
Call 706-723-1242 or visit olivianaitaliano.com
Inspired by Italian cuisine, Oliviana’s menu runs the gamut of traditional fare; fresh seafood, pasta and pizza cooked to order. The restaurant offers light and airy spaces and yields a relaxing atmosphere — it’s a lovely place to eat simple, wellprepared, fresh Italian food. Big tip too big to ignore: Oliviana’s juicy homemade meatballs are incredible. And so is their Tiramisu. Just do it.
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Partridge inn Chef Robert Plouffe has transformed the P.I. Grill at the Partridge Inn into a divine reflection of the surrounding Southern culture. Already a beloved landmark, and known for its magnificent verandah, the bar and grill provide diners and guests with an elegant but comfortable place to dine or just hang out. Featuring local ingredients and locally inspired dishes, the P.I. Grill’s menu is worth exploring upside and down — just be sure to check out anything accompanied by the bacon jam. Their Pi in the Sky rooftop bar affords fantastic views of the city. Call 706-737-8888 or visit curiocollection3.hilton.com
Pizza Joint A locally owned restaurant with three area locations (four if you count Columbia, S.C.), the Pizza Joint is a great place to hit if you just want a slice and a beer. Of course, you may change your mind once you see their sandwiches (the Billy Club is a personal favorite), calzones and even the salads (get the Greek or the Sicilian chef’s), but the Tree Hugger is an incredibly good slice of pizza even if it doesn’t have meat on it. Call 706-774-0037 (Augusta), 706-4474992 (Evans) or 803-648-9074 (Aiken), or visit thepizzajoint.net
Sky City Shannon’S Shannon’s is an old-school bar and lounge that has undergone a facelift in recent years. Here, the drinks are inexpensive, the food is incredibly good and they have one of the best bartenders in town on staff. So if you encounter Aaron Brock, tip him well and tell him the Metro Spirit sent you. He’ll give us our cut later.
Call 706-814-7760 or visit facebook. com/shannonsbargrill/ 32 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
rhinehart’S oySter Bar Augusta is nowhere near the ocean, but you’ll feel like you are when you visit this restaurant, an institution for locals and out-of-town guests alike. Seafood, of course, is the name of the game here and their buffalo grilled shrimp are pretty tasty. Not in the mood for seafood? They have a damn good burger on the menu as well. Call 706-860-2337 (Augusta) or 706-868-6850 (Evans), or visit rhineharts.com
Soul Bar
The Soul Bar’s younger sister, Sky City is a live music venue and bar next to Mellow Mushroom on Broad Street. Thanks to a digital PA, the sound for live music is amazing and has attracted some impressive talent, from Vintage Trouble and Drivin’ n Cryin’ to Cage the Elephant. Upcoming shows include the Major Rager After Party featuring TAUK and TAUKing McGee.
We are the home of James Brown, and nobody honors the Godfather of Soul like the Soul Bar. The finest combination of dirty beats, a variety of great beers and some amazing live music, the Soul Bar has a vibe like no other bar downtown. Extremely laid back, this place has been keeping downtown Augusta funky since 1995 — check out the bar’s impressive collection of James Brown era memorabilia and the local art.
Call 706-945-1270 or visit skycityaugusta.com
Call 706-724-8880 or visit facebook. com/SoulBarAugusta
SouthBound SmokehouSe Music promoter George Claussen, the subject of this week’s feature story, opened this restaurant with business partner Brian Brittingham last year. Since then, it has garnered rave reviews for its barbecue, homemade sauces (named after the songs of the bands they love so much) and anti-craft cocktail thinking. This, they believe, is food and drinks you serve at a backyard barbecue and the restaurant has that vibe as well. Insider tip: Many declare Southbound’s Almost Famous wings to be the best chicken wings they’ve ever had.
Call 706-733-5464 or visit southboundsmokehouse.com 31MARCH2016
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sTillWaTer TaProom There’s no place like Stillwater anywhere in Augusta. From the moment you see the rocking chairs out front, you know this is a place to relax with a good beer. Featuring 24 beers and ciders on tap, Stillwater offers them all for $3.50 on Tuesday pint nights. The selections are listed on a chalkboard opposite the bar; that chalkboard makes an appearance on their Facebook page, if you want to check out the rotating selection before you head over. Make a point to visit on the nights when they have live music; Stillwater books some of the best local and regional Americana and bluegrass acts around. Call 706-826-9857 or visit facebook.com/ stillwatertaproomaugusta/
TiP ToP TaPs ThaT Place A coffee spot that also serves pastries, salads, sandwiches and hot dogs, That Place also offers an outlet to local creators with Cushions & Caffeine featuring local songwriters. Call 706-339-7011 or visit thatplacecoffee.com
If you’re looking for some beer to take home with you and a six pack just won’t do, this is your place. A growler store featuring 20 beers of all kinds on tap, Tip Top Taps has knowledgeable employees who love to talk beer and will even give you a sample or two before filling up your howler or growler. Call 706-860-2320 or tiptoptaps.com
Whole Foods TWin Peaks It may look like the girls in orange decided to go to the mountains, but Twin Peaks is a whole lot more than owls and chicken wings. Here you’ll find excellent food (try the trout), great service and an impressive selection of bourbon. Call 706-426-4934 or visit twinpeaksrestaurant. com 31MARCH2016
Yes, it’s a grocery store. But it’s also a great place for takeout pizza, picking up a dessert or hors d’oeuvres on the way to a party or just hanging out at their outside putting green with a burger and a beer while listening to live music. This week will feature a wine tasting on Friday, April 8, a beer tasting on April 2, Sunday brunch from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., a mechanical bull in the store April 2, 7, 8 and 9 from 5-8 p.m. and a children’s bounce house April 7-10. Call 762-333-0260 or visit wholefoodsmarket.com
Wild Wing caFe Wild Wing is the place to party with live music during Masters Week, so much so that they have two stages of live music each night: one outside and one inside. Great chicken wings, live music, lots of beer: what could be better? Call 706-364-9453 or visit wildwingcafe.com AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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Your Hometown Lender BRANDON MEARS Mortgage Loan Originator 706.739.0123 ext. 3230 706.691.2300 (c)
bmears@georgiabankandtrust.com
NMLS# 473675
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Tours
You can get to Washington, Georgia, in only an hour, and the charms of its downtown are totally worth the drive. Even more so this week, when the Washington Walls Mural Festival is going on. From March 31-April 7, a mural artist will bring the town’s history to life on the walls of a historic downtown building in an event that also features daily history lectures at 3 p.m., a mural dedication Thursday, April 7, at 3 p.m., a paint and pour event Friday, April 1, at 6 p.m. at Connely Gallery, a vendor marketplace on Saturday, kids day on Wednesday and more. Visit Saturday, April 2, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and you can also take part in the Spring Tour of Homes. The $30 admission includes seven historic homes, free shuttle service and admission to two museums. Call 706-678-5111 or visit washingtonwilkes.org.
Boyhood Home of President Woodrow Wilson Guided tours, approximately 45 minutes long, are offered Thursday-Saturday on the hour from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Group tours are available by advanced reservation. Adults, $5; seniors, $4; kids K-12, $3; under 5 years, free. Call 706-724-0436 or visit wilsonboyhoodhome.org.
Historic Trolley Tours of Augusta Augusta Visitors Center Tours aboard the Lady Libby available at the Augusta Visitors Center with 24-hour advanced reservations. Tickets include admission to the Augusta Museum of History. Call 706-724-4067 or visit visitaugusta.org.
ELSEWHERE Thu Mar 31 - Thu April 7
Washington Walls Mural Festival Downtown Washington A mural artist will bring the town’s history to life on the walls of a historic downtown building from March 31-April 7. The event features daily history lectures at 3 p.m., a mural dedication Thursday at 3 p.m., a paint and pour event Friday, April 1, at 6 p.m. at Connely Gallery, a vendor marketplace and spring tour on Saturday, kids day on Wednesday and more. Call 706-678-5111 or visit washingtonwilkes.org.
Sat Apr 2
10am - 5pm 2016 Spring Tour of Homes Washington-Wilkes visitor Information Center Tour includes seven historic homes, free shuttle service, admission to two museums and more. $30. Visit wwtourofhomes.com.
DANCE Fri Apr 1
7pm “Aladdin” Etherredge Center, Aiken A production of the Aiken Civic Ballet. $20, adults; $15, seniors, students and children. Call 803-641-3305 or visit etherredge.usca.edu.
Sat Apr 2
2pm “Aladdin” Etherredge Center, Aiken A production of the Aiken Civic Ballet. $20, adults; $15, seniors, students and children. Call 803-641-3305 or visit etherredge.usca.edu.
EDUCATION Thu Mar 31
12:30pm - 4:30pm SRS Tour Aiken County Applied Research Center Includes a safety briefing, tour of the
Savannah River Ecology Lab and general driving tour of the site. Free and open to those 18 or older who are U.S. citizens and have two forms of ID. Call 803-952-8994 or visit srs.gov/general/tour/public.htm.
6pm Long-Term Care and Estate Planning Columbia County Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-8631946, ext. 4, or visit gchrl.org.
Ongoing
James Brown Family Historical Tour Augusta Museum of History Available each Saturday at 11 a.m. and lasting approximately two hours, this bus tour includes Brown’s elementary school, his childhood home, his statue and more. $15 fee, includes admission to the museum, which houses the largest collection of
James Brown memorabilia. Reservations 24 hours in advance required. Call 803-6402090 or visit jamesbrownfamilyfdn.org.
Guided Tours 1797 Ezekiel Harris House Offered by appointment only MondayFriday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Last tours of the day begin at 4 p.m. Adults, $2; children, $1. Call 706-722-8454 or visit augustamuseum.org.
North Augusta Driving Tour Arts and Heritage Center of North Augusta Offered by appointment and includes a 3045 minute guided tour and admission to the center. Self-guided tours are also available through an iPhone downloadable audio tour or a Google Maps-based tour. Guided tours: $5, adults; $3, students K-12. Call 803-4414380 or visit artsandheritagecenter.com.
EXHIBITIONS Thu Mar 31
6pm - 8pm SpringFest Art Competition Exhibition Opening Reception Arts and Heritage Center of North Augusta Also opening on March 31 in the balcony gallery is an exhibition of cartoonist Rick McKee’s work. Both exhibits will be on display through April 28. Call 803-441-4380 or visit artsandheritagecenter.com.
Fri Apr 1
5pm - 10pm The Magnificent Christopher G. Murray and His Fantabulous Wooden Rolling Toys The Book Tavern A show and sale of the local artist’s whimsical works. Call 706-826-1940 or visit booktavern.com.
If you have any questions, or would like to submit an event to our calendar, please email Amy Christian at amy@themetrospirit.com. 36 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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5pm - 8pm The Process of Becoming Westobou Gallery An exhibit that shows through April 15 and displays works with a focus on identity, youth and the exploration of form through media of painting, photography and sculpture by Augusta University senior student artists Ashton Collins, Sarah Joy McCollum and Sara Mays. Call 706-755-2878 or visit westoboufestival.com.
FLIX Fri Apr 1
Noon “A Tale of Two Cities” Morris Museum of Art Part of the Films on Friday series that includes a discussion afterwards. Participants are invited to bring lunch. Free. Call 706-724-7501 or visit themorris.org.
Mon Apr 4
3pm “The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar” and “The Lion King” North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Tue Apr 5
3pm “Shaun the Sheep” North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Wed Apr 6
10:30am and 3pm “Hotel Transylvania 2” North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.
HEALTH Thu Mar 31
2pm - 3pm Not Deviant: LGBT Experiences in Mental Health Care AU’s University Hall, room 170 A workshop that is part of Come Out for Health Week activities. Call 706-721-2522 or visit facebook.com/CO4HWeekAU.
7pm - 9pm Happiest Baby on the Block Doctors Hospital An infant care and sleep class for new parents. Pre-registration required. Call 706651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.
Fri Apr 1
Child Safety Seat Inspections Safe Kids Office Appointment required. Call 706-721-7606 or visit grhealth.org.
6:30pm - 9:30pm Weekend Childbirth Education Class University Hospital Class continues Saturday, April 2, from 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Pre-registration required. Call 706-774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.
KIDS-TEENS 31MARCH2016
Fri Apr 1
9:30am - 10:30am Kroc Tots Kroc Center A weekly event for those ages 18 months-5 years and their parents that includes stories, projects and playtime. $1, members; $2, nonmembers. Call 706-922-1533 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org.
Painter and welder Chris Murray has been making rolling wooden toys as long as anyone can remember. The whimsical animals, anthropomorphized boots and more are a must for collectors; whether or not you have kids is kind of beside the point. See his latest creations Friday, April 1, from 5-10 p.m. at the Book Tavern downtown at the show The Magnificent Christopher G. Murray and His Fantabulous Wooden Rolling Toys. Call 706-826-1940 or visit booktavern.com.
5pm Manga Club North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library For those in grades 6-12, who are invited to talk about their favorite anime and manga, bring items to trade and more. Call 803-2795767 or visit abbe-lib.org.
6pm - 10pm Kids Night Out Kroc Center A drop-off program for kids that will include swimming, gym play, inflatables, arts and crafts projects and more. Swimsuit and towel required. Children 4 and younger will not swim. $15, members; $20, nonmembers. Call 706-922-1533 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org.
7:30pm Nocturnal Nightcrawlers Reed Creek Park For those ages 5 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Free, members; $2 per child, non-members. Pre-registration required. Call 706-210-4027 or email kbyne@columbiacountyga.gov.
Sat Apr 2
11am I Wish You More Story Time Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.
Mon Apr 4
10am Monday at the Museum: April Fools Augusta Museum of History This program for preschool-aged children will include a surprise craft. $2, members; $4, non-members. Pre-registration required. Call 706-722-8454 or visit augustamuseum.org.
4pm Makerspace Columbia County Library Teens will have the opportunity to work on their own projects under staff guidance while using library equipment including CAD software, development software, a 3D scanner, a 3D printer, soldering equipment, and general electronics tools. Call 706-8681946 or visit gchrl.org.
5:30pm Super Novas Club: Water Filtration Experiments
Euchee Creek Branch Library For those ages 6-12, this event features silhouette art project. Pre-registration required. Call 706-556-0594 or visit gchrl.org.
Attic Treasures, Harlem A Harlem Arts Council class for those ages 5-9. $22; pre-registration required. Call 706-231-7199 or email harlemartscouncil@gmail.com.
Tue Apr 5
4pm Storytime in the Gardens
10:30am Toddler Tuesday Kroc Center Parents are invited to bring their toddlers for 30 minutes of playtime and a story, followed by an hour in the pool splash pad area. Parent must remain with their child throughout the program. Free, members; $5, nonmembers. Call 706-922-1533 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org.
11am Teddy Bear Picnic
Euchee Creek Branch Library A club for those in second-fourth grades. Pre-registration required. Call 706-5560594 or visit gchrl.org.
Columbia County Library Participants are invited to bring stuffed animals, a sack lunch and a blanket for a picnic on the library grounds. Call 706-8631946 or visit gchrl.org.
5:30pm YA Craft Night
3:30pm Georgia O’Keeffe’s Art Class
Hopelands Gardens Local senior adults will read to participants and each family in attendance will receive a free book. Blankets, chairs, drinks and snacks are welcome. Call 803-642-7631.
Wed Apr 6
10am Wacky Wednesday Story Time Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.
10am Wildlife Presentation with Fort Gordon Euchee Creek Branch Library Call 706-556-0594 or visit gchrl.org.
11am - 1pm Lunch and a Show Citizens Park, Aiken AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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A free event in which participants are invited to bring a picnic for a show, then stay and play on the Sprayground. Call 803-642-7761.
2pm Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Party Columbia County Library Games and challenges for those ages 6 and older. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
Thu Apr 7
Mantel. Call 706-793-2020 or visit ecgrl.org.
7pm Author Visit: Cynthia Hill Aiken Public Library Hill is the author of “Care for the Caregiver,” a book that provides practical tips and inspirational ideas for those caring for the ill, disabled or elderly. Copies of the book will be for sale. Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.
10:30am - 3pm Jr. Rangers: Canoe & Hike
MUSIC
Mistletoe State Park Participants will hike, canoe, make a craft and learn outdoor safety skills. $20; preregistration required. Call 706-541-0321 or visit gastateparks.org/mistletoe.
7pm A High and Lonesome Bluegrass Mass and Other Works
2pm STEAM @ Hogwarts: PotionMaking Class Columbia County Library Participants ages 6 and up will learn science and math concepts will having fun. Call 706863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
Ongoing
6am - 6pm Spring Break Camp Jamestown Community Center, Hephzibah For ages 5-14. Held Monday, April 4-Friday, April 8. $55 per child; $45 for each additional child. Call 706-790-1805.
6:30am - 6pm Masters Camp Blythe Area Recreation Center For ages 4-12. Session I is from 6:30 a.m.noon and Session II is noon-6 p.m. $22 a week for session I; $23 a week for session II. Held Monday, April 4-Friday, April 8. Call 706-592-4988.
9am - 3pm Camp Kroc Spring Break Camp Kroc Center A camp for those ages 5-12, who will play games, swim, do arts and crafts and more. Held Monday, April 4-Friday, April 8. $100, members; $125, non-members. Extended care, 7-9 a.m. and 3-6 p.m. is $5 per day. Preregistration is required. Call 706-364-5762 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org/kroc-center/.
9am - 4pm Spring Break Art Camp Aiken Center for the Arts The theme of this camp will be the 20th century pop art movements. 4K and up: 9 a.m.-noon, 1-4 p.m. or 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Held Monday, April 4-Friday, April 8. Registration is by the day or the week. $45 per half-day; $140 a week for half days. $75, full day; $265 a week for full days. Call 803-641-9094 or visit aikencenterforthearts.org.
LITERARY Thu Mar 31
10am - noon Morning Book Club Maxwell Branch Library Discussion will be on “Wolf Hall” by Hilary 40 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
What are you doing for spring break? Well, it’s probably not as exciting as the kids in the Davidson Chorale and Orchestra, who will tour and perform in Ireland next week. Before they go, they’ll perform a send-off concert Thursday, March 31, at 7 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Cultural Center called A High and Lonesome Bluegrass Mass and Other Works. Under the direction of Phillip Streetman (chorale) and Dr. Laura Tomlin (orchestra), the musicians will perform works from Tim Sharp, Wes Ramsey, former chorale conductor Tim Powell and Irishborn composer Patrick Cassidy. $10. Visit rcboe.org/davidson.
Thu Mar 31
Sacred Heart Cultural Center A send-off concert for the Davidson Chorale and Orchestra, who are going on a tour to Ireland during spring break. $10. Visit rcboe.org/davidson.
Fri Apr 1
6:30pm - 8pm Music Cruise Augusta Canal Featuring The Henrys performing on the Petersburg Boat. Participants are invited to bring snacks and beverages. $25; $23, seniors, military and students. Preregistration required. Call 706-823-0440, ext. 4, or visit augustacanal.com.
Sat Apr 2
11am - 2pm Saturday Morning Swing Eighth Street Plaza Live music from local jazz artists and performing arts groups during the Augusta Market. Call 706-627-0128 or visit theaugustamarket.com.
Thu Apr 7
7pm and 9pm JazzMasters Jessye Norman School of the Arts Live jazz in a listening room environment. Call 762-233-5299 or visit jazzmasters.org.
SPECIAL EVENTS Thu Mar 31
7pm A Conversation with Dr. Condoleezza Rice Bell Auditorium Dr. Rice will discuss America’s graduation crisis, workforce development needs and more during the Boys & Girls Clubs of the CSRA’s 65th anniversary celebration. Tables for the event can be purchased by calling 803-292-8829 or visiting bgccsra.org.
Fri Apr 1
5pm - 9pm First Friday Downtown Augusta A family friendly arts event that includes musicians, dancers, artists and other vendors. Visit artistsrowaugusta.com.
5pm - 9pm Live From Downtown 600 Broad Street
A monthly First Friday event presented by the Augusta Regional Collaboration that features live music, art, food and more. Visit facebook.com/600Broad.
5pm - 8pm Wine Not It’s Friday Whole Foods A $5 wine tasting in which participants get five 3-ounce samples of featured wines. Call 762-333-0259 or visit wholefoodsmarket.com.
zone, vendors and live local entertainment. Call 706-821-1754 or visit augustaga.gov.
Sat Apr 2
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.
5pm - 8pm Wine Tasting
Mon Apr 4
Wine World A drop-in First Friday event. $5; $3 rebate upon purchase of a bottle of one of the featured wines. Call 803-279-9522 or visit wineworldsc.com.
5pm Mayor’s Masters Reception Augusta Common The honoree is LPGA Hall of Famer Nancy Lopez and more than 20 restaurants will provide food. $5. augustaga.gov.
6pm - 10pm First Friday
Wed Apr 6
Augusta Common A family event that includes a car show, fun
5pm - 9pm ParTee on the Green Augusta Common 31MARCH2016
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A Masters Week dance party that will feature performances by community dance groups, food trucks, DJs, golf demos, a drum circle, activities for kids and a line dance finale. $2. Visit parteeaugusta.com.
SPORTS-OUTDOORS Sat Apr 2
9:30am - 11:30am Swamp Saturday Hike Phinizy Swamp Nature Park A guided, 2.5-mile hike. Free, members; $2, non-members. Pre-registration required. Call 706-828-2109 or visit phinizycenter.org.
10am - 12:30pm Hike & Craft Mistletoe State Park A naturalist-led one-hour hike followed by a take-home craft. $2, plus $5 parking. Call 706541-0321 or visit gastateparks.org/mistletoe.
own water and helmet. Call 706-855-2024 or visit chainreactionbicycles.net.
Andy Jordan’s Group Rides Rides include Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m., road bike ride; Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m., mountain bike ride; Thursdays at 6:30 p.m., road bike ride; Saturdays at 9 a.m., road bike ride. Front and rear lights, as well as a helmet, are required. Call 706-724-6777 or visit andyjordans.com.
Outspokin’ Bicycles Group Rides Rides include Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 6 p.m., as well as Saturdays and Sundays at 9 a.m. Water and helmet required. Call 706-736-2486 or visit outspokinaugusta.com.
SUPPORT
Ongoing
Ongoing
Phinizy Swamp Nature Park Call to schedule custom tours of the park for organizations, kids groups or private parties. Tours included hiking, bicycle or golf cart tours and more. Call 706-828-2109 or email info@phinizycenter.org.
Journey Community Church This Christ-centered recovery program meets every Monday night at 7 p.m. The meetings last two hours and childcare is provided. Pre-registration suggested. Visit cr@journeycommunity.net.
Daily Canal Tours
Alcoholics Anonymous
Guided Tours
Augusta Canal Spring Season hours, April-June, include Heritage Boat Tours Mondays-Saturdays at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m.; the Civil War Boat Tour is daily at 1:30 p.m.; music cruises are Friday evenings at 6:30 p.m. in April, and 7 p.m. in May and June; and sunset cruises are the third Saturdays, in April at 5:30 p.m. and in May and June at 6 p.m. Tickets are $13.75 for adults and $11.75 for seniors, military and students for Heritage Boat Tours and Civil War Boat Tours. They are $25 for adults and $23 for seniors, students or military for the music and sunset cruises. All tickets include admission to the Canal Discovery Center, which costs $6 for adults and $4 for seniors, military and students without a boat tour. Pre-registration encouraged. Call 706-8230440, ext. 4, or visit augustacanal.com.
Weekly Group Runs Include the Monday Run meeting at Stillwater Taproom at 6 p.m.; Monday Intervals meeting at the Family Y track on Wheeler Road at 7 p.m.; the Tuesday Nacho Mama’s Group Run at 5:30 and 6 p.m.; Wednesday’s Hill Training Run at the Family Y track on Wheeler Road at 7 p.m.; and Thursday’s Homer Hustle at 6 p.m. Visit augustastriders.com.
Chain Reaction Group Rides Rides include Tuesdays at 6 p.m.; Thursdays at 6 p.m.; Saturdays at 8 a.m.; and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. Participants should bring their 31MARCH2016
Celebrate Recovery
Holds several meetings locally. For a current schedule, visit augustaaa.org/meetings.pdf.
Narcotics Anonymous Trinity Hospital of Augusta Meets Fridays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. Visit na.org.
THEATER Fri Apr 1
6:30pm - 10pm Broadway and Beyond Aiken Community Playhouse An Aiken Community Playhouse event that includes at gala beginning at 6:30 p.m. and a performance at 7:30 p.m. $30, adults; $15, students. Price includes dessert and prosecco reception. Call 803-648-1438 or visit aikencommunityplayhouse.com.
8pm - 9:30pm xTreme Theatre Games Le Chat Noir First Friday improv comedy by Schrodinger’s Cat. $10, advance; $12, door (if available). Call 706-722-3322 or visit lcnaugusta.com.
10pm - midnight Sloppy Seconds Le Chat Noir First Friday improv comedy by Schrodinger’s Cat. $5. Call 706-722-3322 or visit lcnaugusta.com.
Sat Apr 2
3pm “The Emperor’s New Clothes” Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre A Storyland Theatre family matinee. The box office opens at 2:15 p.m. and theatergoers are invited to stay afterwards to meet the cast. $6; free, for active-duty military personnel and their families. Call 706-736-3455.
6:30pm - 10pm Broadway and Beyond Aiken Community Playhouse An Aiken Community Playhouse event that includes at gala beginning at 6:30 p.m. and a performance at 7:30 p.m. $30, adults; $15, students. Price includes dessert and prosecco reception. Call 803-648-1438 or visit aikencommunityplayhouse.com.
Sun Apr 3
3pm “Kiss the Moon, Kiss the Sun” Auditions Aiken Community Playhouse This musical production shows in June and July. Call 803-648-1438 or visit aikencommunityplayhouse.com.
Mon Apr 4
7pm “Kiss the Moon, Kiss the Sun” Auditions Aiken Community Playhouse This musical production shows in June and July. Call 803-648-1438 or visit aikencommunityplayhouse.com.
ANNUAL CHURCH RUMMAGE SALE Unitarian Universalist Church 3501 Walton Way Extension (Next door to Fire Station)
Saturday, April 2 8 am - 12 Noon (Items priced to sell) -Rain or ShineAUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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Rock Fore! Dough w/ Darius Rucker Evans Towne Center Park Tuesday, April 5 4 p.m. $30, advance; $35, day of rockforedough.com
Thursday, March 31 Live Music
Sky City - Megan Jean and the Klay Family Band, the Shadow Pines Stillwater Taproom - The Sweet Lilies Wild Wing - Patterson & Nate The Willcox (Aiken) - Jazz
What’s Tonight?
Andrew’s Place - Karaoke with April Powell Bar West - Open Mic Night w/ Jonathon Flowers Carolina Ale House - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper (9 p.m.) Chevy’s - Karaoke Cotton Patch - Old School Thursday w/ DJ Groove Fox’s Lair - Trivia, Soup and Suds Helga’s Pub & Grille - Trivia The Highlander - Butt Naked Trivia Joe’s Underground - Trivia The Loft - Karaoke MAD Studios - Open Mic, Spoken Word Pizza Joint (Downtown) - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper (7 p.m.) Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane That Place - Open Mic Spoken Word, Poetry, Prose and Singer/Songwriters
Friday, April 1 Live Music
The Backyard Tavern - TDC&R Bar West - Live Music Bell Auditorium - Legends of Southern Hip Hop w/ Mystikal, 8 Ball, MJG, Bun B, Trick Daddy, Pastor Troy Cotton Patch - Live Jazz & Blues Country Club - Scott Brantley
42 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Coyotes - Joe Olds Band Joe’s Underground - Prom Night Massacre w/ Chainsaw Masscara Polo Tavern (Aiken) - The Phun Pharm Band Red Pepper (Aiken) - Sherry Iles and Lo Down Brown Rose Hill Estate (Aiken) - Celtic Pub Night w/ Gavin Winship Shannon’s - Shannon’s Anniversary Party w/ Perfect Picture Somewhere in Augusta - All Bets R Off Sky City - New Madrid Surrey Tavern - Grand Reopening Party w/ Keith on Keys That Place - John Stoney Cannon Whole Foods - Music @ the Turn w/ Stink Bamboo Wild Wing - DB Bryant
What’s Tonight?
Chevy’s - DJ Nicky B Vera Cruz Mexican Restaurant - Karaoke w/ Denny van Valkenburgh
Saturday, April 2 Live Music
Cotton Patch - Live Jazz & Blues Country Club - Trea Landon Polo Tavern (Aiken) - Robin Dixon and the Midnight Moon Shannon’s - Mike and Walter Stillwater Taproom - The Train Wrecks Surrey Tavern - Grand Reopening Party w/ Greg Hester & the Street Choir (Van Morrison Tribute) That Place - Cushions and Caffeine w/ Live
Music (2-4 p.m.) Tin Lizzy’s - Lundy Whole Foods - Music @ the Turn w/ The Versatility Project Wild Wing - Brantley The Willcox (Aiken) - Jon Vaughn
What’s Tonight?
The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Bar West - DJ Fugi Chevy’s - DJ Nicky B Helga’s Pub & Grille - Bluegrass Brunch (11 a.m.3 p.m.); Trivia, nights Joe’s Underground - Ladies Night, Singles Night Vera Cruz Mexican Restaurant - Karaoke w/ Denny van Valkenburgh
Sunday, April 3 Live Music
Mellow Mushroom (Aiken) - Brunch w/ Mike Frost and Lauren Meccia Wild Wing - Famous Last Words The Willcox (Aiken) - Jon Vaughn
What’s Tonight?
Special Guest Wild Wing (Outside) - Prettier Than Matt Wild Wing (Inside) - Moby Dick Wing Place (Aiken) - Cody Webb
What’s Tonight?
Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane Sky City - Bill Murray Monday w/ DJ Fugi, Freeman, Werdlife
Tuesday, April 5 Live Music
Evans Towne Center Park - Rock Fore! Dough w/ Darius Rocker, Charles Kelley, Brothers Osborne, Patrick Davis & His Midnight Choir, John Krueger Joe’s Underground - Open Mic Polo Tavern (Aiken) - New Holland Road Somewhere in Augusta - The Unmentionables Southbound Smokehouse - Stewart & Winfield Wild Wing (Outside) - Kenny George Band Wild Wing (Inside) - Ray Fulcher The Willcox (Aiken) - Hal Shreck
What’s Tonight?
Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane
Bar West - Trivia Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane
Monday, April 4 Live Music
Wednesday, April 6 Live Music
Country Club - Ray Fulcher Metro Coffeehouse & Pub - Blues Monday w/ Famous Last Words Southbound Smokehouse - Black Dawg w/
Augusta Common - ParTee on the Green w/ live music, DJs and more The Highlander - Open Mic Night Metro Coffeehouse & Pub - Kenny George Band 31MARCH2016
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The Partridge Inn - A Step Up Playoffs (Aiken) - Donna Jo Shannon’s - Mike and Walter Somewhere in Augusta - The Unmentionables Southbound Smokehouse - Treetop Stillwater Taproom - Adam Harris Thompson Trio Bar and Kitchen (Aiken) - Cody Webb Wild Wing (Outside) - Center Lane Wild Wing (Inside) - Plain Jane
What’s Tonight?
The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Bar West - Karaoke Chevy’s - Karaoke Cotton Patch - Trivia and Tunes The Loft - Karaoke
REAL PEOPLE REAL DESIRE REAL FUN.
Upcoming The Major Rager w/ Umphrey’s McGee, the Revivalists, Earphunk
- Augusta Common April 7 The Major Rager After Party w/ TAUK, TAUKing McGee
- Sky City April 7
Try FREE: 706-434-0108 More Local Numbers: 1-800-926-6000 Ahora español Livelinks.com 18+
Ray Fulcher
- Southbound Smokehouse April 7 Golphadelic Get Down Masters Afterparty w/ Runaway Gin, BYOG
- Sky City April 8 Stereotype
- Southbound Smokehouse April 8
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Papa String Band
- Stillwater Taproom April 8-9 Scarlet Begonias
- Southbound Smokehouse April 9
31MARCH2016
www.scdhec.gov/quitforkeeps
AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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SIGHTINGS
Michael Johnson | mejphoto.photoreflect.com
Clint Shearouse, Pam Altman, Jennifer Shearouse and Brandon Ware at the Nashville Roundup benefiting the Multiple Sclerosis Society at the Jabez S Hardin Performing Arts Center.
Jesse Strickland, Kristen Evans and Casey Heckathorn at the Nashville Roundup benefiting the Multiple Sclerosis Society at the Jabez S Hardin Performing Arts Center.
Jay and Amy Matthews with Ansley Evans at the Nashville Roundup benefiting the Multiple Sclerosis Society at the Jabez S Hardin Performing Arts Center.
Jon and Julianne Shurtleff with Paige Mortez with Corey Ford at Southbound Smokehouse.
Singer/songwriters Charlie Muncaster, Farren Rachels and Pat Cooper at the Nashville Roundup benefiting Multiple Sclerosis Society at the Jabez S Hardin Performing Arts Center.
Savannah Owens, Kate Zelgewicz, Heather Curry and TD Davis at Southbound Smokehouse.
Jeff Archie, Mariela Garcia, and Arturo Garcia at Wild Wing.
Cameron Brown, Angie Maddox, Kimberley Maddox and Mike Oxlong at Wild Wing.
Jena Reynolds, Mark Taylor and Pam Ludlow at the Country Club.
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Protecting Your Right to Say No At this moment in the State of Georgia, as a business owner and a private citizen, you have the right to say “no” to just about anything. For a few more minutes, anyway. I am going to put aside the specifics of Georgia’s recently vetoed Religious Liberty Bill (HB 757), also known as the Free Exercise Protection Act, because clearly, most of those mouthing off on it don’t understand it to begin with. Check out the Atlanta Metro Chamber of Commerce’s statement when word of the veto came down: “We applaud Governor Nathan Deal for his courage in vetoing HB 757. In doing so, the Governor confirmed that there is no place in Georgia for legislation perceived as allowing for discrimination.” “Perceived?” You damn skippy! The reality of the bill, what it meant, who was protected and why, really doesn’t matter. It was perceived to be a problem, and perceived to be discrimination, and as such, it had to go! Dear Lord protect us from ourselves! (And by “Lord” I mean a generalized supreme being, non-gender specific, of no particular religious denomination, race, ethnicity or region. Solid, liquid or gas.) In my post-veto interview with GA District 121 State Rep. Barry Fleming, his explanation as to why the bill was necessary was pretty simple: conservatives in the state wanted to make sure certain liberal city governments, such as we have in place in Atlanta, would not pass local legislation forbidding “discrimination” based on conflicting religious beliefs between customers and business owners. I get that and, yes, I support HB 757 as it pertains to that issue. Of course I express that support within the same framework that also enforces current antidiscrimination language in place at the federal level.
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“Ed” is a dear friend of many years, and a professional photographer living in the Atlanta metro area. He deplores discrimination of any kind, and is such an open-minded liberal it is a wonder his brain doesn’t fall out. He despised HB 757 and what it represented, and he praised the Deal veto. While Ed may be open minded, he is not insane, and he displays a quite liberal amount of disgust with members of NAMBLA, the Nazi Party and necrophiliacs, in general. I asked Ed if any of those groups were to approach him to shoot next year’s promotional calendar for their respective organizations, how he would legally refuse them if he were not allowed to object to their activities, based on his moral beliefs. His answer? He would lie. He said he would tell them, “I am booked.” Sorry Ed, that ain’t gonna fly. Please understand my sweet, dear, liberal buddy, that once a governmental entity has removed to right to refuse business based on religious objection, moral and ethical objections fly right out the window as well. Equal protection and all. Keep in mind, all of this pertains to private businesses and individuals only. The Supreme Court has already said that government and civil services cannot and will not be withheld based on religious objection. It is my sincere belief that the Georgia’s ill-fated House Bill 757 would fare much, much better, even if left materially intact next year, if it were renamed, The Saying No to Nazis, Necrophiliacs and NAMBLA Act of 2017. This bill would guarantee the right of any private business to refuse service to any individual or group with which they have legitimate moral, ethical or religious conflict of interest. By naming those groups as examples, what sane politician would stand against such a thing? A Jewish caterer says no to providing cupcakes to a Nazi Party party. Who can argue that?
The local amusement park refusing to allow NAMBLA Celebration Day 2017. Makes perfect sense. Or your favorite mortician refusing to perform the funeral for the head of America’s largest association of necrophiliacs. I agree completely. If those examples pass muster in your mind, understand that a local fundamentalist Christian or Muslim business should be able to refuse participation in an event celebrating homosexuality. It is their right. Or it should be. Just as we have demonstrated above. I predict HB 757 will be back next year, and if they package it as described above, it will pass with flying colors.
AUstin RhoDes
A long-time radio talk show host who can be heard weekdays on WGAC from 3-6 p.m. The views expressed are the opinions of Austin Rhodes and do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher.
31MARCH2016
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