Table of Contents August 31, 2017 Insider 4 Kris Fisher 7 Whine Line 9 Feature 12 Cuisine Scene 20 Music 28 Metro Week 30 What’s Up 31 Calendar 32 Nightlife 38 Sightings 41 The Eight 44
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Did Mayor Davis Attempt a Political Coup? NOW THAT A WEEK has passed since the AugustaRichmond County Coliseum Authority selected the abandoned former Regency Mall site on Gordon Highway as their preferred site for the new James Brown Arena, folks are finally getting down to the bottom of what happened. And it appears that Augusta Mayor Hardie Davis is the magician behind the arena madness. Despite the fact that the coliseum authority had spent more than a year reviewing locations around town and had even announced that they were dedicated to keeping the new James Brown Arena downtown, all of that hard work was turned on its head. Of course, that’s not to mention the $142,000 arena plan that the authority paid consultants to prepare regarding the proposed sites that was just flushed down the toilet last week. Instead of listening to the consultants, Davis decided to derail the authority’s plans and drive that train out to south Augusta. Now, the mayor seems to want to play it off that he’s simply supporting the coliseum authority’s wishes, specifically authority member Darren Smith. Well, if you believe that, Cardinal Management has an old abandoned mall out on Gordon Highway that it would love to sell you for at least $63 million. But that price is likely rising with each passing day because Cardinal Management already has some suckers on the line for that property: namely the taxpayers of Augusta-Richmond County. And, folks, we are about to be reeled in. Just check out the deal: Alan Cardinale of Cardinal Management proposed a $1 a year land lease for 35 years for approximately 39 acres on the Regency Mall site to be used for a new arena. The Aug. 21 letter, which is clearly addressed to “Hardie Davis, Jr. Mayor of City of Augusta,” appears hastily written and includes several typos. “Rental will be $1 per year for the first 35 years plus a 10year tax abatement at any time during that period,” Cardinale’s letter states. “The City will agree to asphalt entire parking lot, provide new lighting, landscaping and maintenance of such thru out the duration of lease. Cardinale will at the same time, renovate the exterior of the remaining portion of Regency Mall.” So, not only will Augusta be building a $120 million arena on a site that it does not own, the city also will be providing the owner with a 10-year tax abatement and it will be responsible for clearing the property, paving the parking lot, providing new lighting and maintaining at least 39 acres of the former Regency Mall site for the next 35 years. And, according to this letter, the remaining portion of the old Regency Mall will remain next door to this beautiful new $120 million arena. Really? How incredibly charming, eh? But many critics believe the deal gets even worse because, in the end, the city will actually be forced to maintain the entire 78-acre site if the coliseum authority wants the new arena to look at all presentable to the public. After all, Augustans know what the current site looks like now under Cardinal Management. The more than 800,000-square-foot facility off Gordon Highway and Deans Bridge Road in south Augusta is dreadful. The towering light poles surrounding the mall have long ago rusted, there are weeds big enough to be trees across the parking lot and huge concrete barriers are now blocking the once-welcoming entrances. 4 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Simply put, the Regency Mall location is an eyesore. But somehow, Mayor Davis was able to convince four coliseum authority members that this was an incredible deal or, in his words, a “monumental decision.” “How did he manage to do that?” many people are asking. Let’s just say, he got a little help from his friends. Word on the street is the father/son team of James and Steven Kendrick helped the mayor by making some calls to convince enough coliseum authority members to vote in favor of the Regency Mall site. When the Kendrick family calls, people listen. The Kendricks are political powerhouses in parts of this town. So, that’s how the mayor got the deal done, but another question is why? Why shake things up and convince the coliseum authority to dump the existing downtown location and turn its efforts toward Regency Mall? Apparently, the mayor actually thought it would solidify support for his re-election bid in 2018. He apparently believed the majority of Augustans would view him as some kind of economic hero. Boy, did that backfire. Sure. South Augusta voters might still love him, but a lot of the folks who supported him from the downtown area and west Augusta are furious with him now. Davis definitely just opened the door for some serious competition. Ever since Davis’ major misstep last week, a whole list of possible new candidates for mayor in 2018 have been floating around town. Everyone from Augusta Commissioner Sean Frantom to Coliseum Authority Chairman Cedric Johnson to Mayor Pro Tem Mary Davis to Coliseum Authority Vice Chairman Brad Usry to even former Mayor Deke Copenhaver all have been mentioned as possibilities. If the mayor is wise, he will quickly decide to clean up his mess and come up with another proposal for the Regency Mall site. If Alan Cardinale of Cardinal Management is actually open to a $1-a-year land lease for 35 years for approximately 39 acres on the Regency Mall, make him a new proposal that he can’t refuse. A Cyber-related office park seems like a wise choice considering the Regency Mall site is located between Fort Gordon and the Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center on Reynolds Street. Or a huge film studio on the former mall site sounds like an exciting idea considering Georgia was recently named the No. 1 filming location worldwide. More top 100 feature films released at the domestic box office in 2016 were made in Georgia than any other place, according to a new industry study by a Los Angeles’ film office called FilmL.A. Georgia actually outranked popular states such as California, New York, North Carolina and Louisiana. “The rapid growth of the film and television industry in Georgia and the state’s steadfast commitment to its support is remarkable,” FilmL.A. stated in its 2017 report. “With 17 projects in 2016, the first-ranked Peach State hosted nearly three times as many feature films as fifth-place New York and Louisiana.” Due to Georgia’s generous use of tax credits, which are worth hundreds of millions of dollars, the state has managed to lure both movie and TV productions here, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “Georgia-lensed productions generated an economic
impact of more than $7 billion during fiscal year 2016,” representatives from the Georgia Department of Economic Development recently told the AJC. “The film and television industry is responsible for more than 85,000 jobs and $4.2 billion in wages, directly employing more than 25,000 Georgia residents.” Boom! There you go, Mayor Davis. You need to get on that train and see if it can take south Augusta in an exciting new direction. After all, there is no question about it — south Augusta needs a major economic boost. It needs new jobs, new businesses, new homes, new developments, new restaurants, new parks, new movie theaters, new shopping centers... but not a new arena. Not this. Not now. No way. Let’s not make a foolish decision with $120 million that the city will regret forever. Folks, let’s walk away from this insane Regency Mall suggestion before it’s too late.
JENNY IS WRIGHT is not appearing in the Metro Spirit this week, as life has gotten in the way of writing her column lately. She plans to be back next week. 31AUGUST2017
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Celebrate the Flow of Beer
Beginning this Friday, Sept. 1, breweries throughout the Peach State will finally be able to say so long to the bizarre, but legally required, “brewery tours” in Georgia and enjoy direct sales to customers thanks to Senate Bill 85. It is a welcome change in Augusta, for sure. Earlier this year, Riverwatch Brewery owner Brey Sloan described to the Metro Spirit how many guests are confused when they are offered a tour of the brewery instead of a pint when they walk through the doors. “It is embarrassing, and they look at you like you have horns on your head,” Sloan said, laughing. “Under the current Georgia law, we are selling guests an educational tour package with a souvenir glass, so it is kind of a confusing system the way it
6 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
is right now.” Ever since the Riverwatch Brewery opened last year, customers who purchase a tour of the brewery are provided “free” samples of the locally brewed beer. The cost is $15 per tour for each person or $13 for those with a military ID, and the tours run once an hour at the brewery. Georgia lawmakers adopted the tour-system for breweries back in 2015. “It is kind of an odd thing to explain to people,” Sloan said. “Especially if they don’t live here in Georgia.” But now all of that weirdness is about to come to an end this Friday. Republican Sen. Rick Jeffares of McDonough, who also happens to be the chairman of the Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee, introduced Senate Bill 85 this year, which will allow breweries in the Peach State to sell up to 3,000 barrels of the beer they manufacture to consumers visiting the brewery each year starting Sept. 1. Consumers finally will be able to enjoy beer by the glass and take up to one case to go each day without purchasing the “tour package” that is currently required. For many breweries around the state, this new law will be a game changer, Sloan said. “The biggest benefit is that it’s immediately going to increase the amount of revenue that I see as a small-business owner,” Sloan said. “That means, more equipment that I’ll be able to buy, which translates into perhaps making one of my part-time employees a full-time employee. And it is going to make it a little easier for me as well because, if I don’t have to do tours all the time, then I can have staff running things, and I don’t have to be there all the time.” According to the most recent data from the Georgia Craft Brewers Guild, while Georgia ranks 48th in breweries per capita, it also ranks 41st in economic impact per capita. However, the industry is steadily growing. In 2016, Georgia added 11 new breweries and brewpubs, continuing a consistent trend of growth. In Augusta, two new breweries have opened their doors over the past year: Riverwatch Brewery at 1176 4th St., and Savannah River Brewing Company at 813 5th St. For Sloan, opening the Riverwatch Brewery was a huge first step for the Garden City. Riverwatch Brewery is the city’s first locally owned and operated packaging brewery since the demise of the Augusta Brewing Company.
In fact, one of the messages promoted at Riverwatch Brewery is “About Damn Time.” “The last brewery in Augusta, Georgia, went down during prohibition and never came back,” Riverwatch Brewery’s website states. “That’s a mighty long time for the citizens of The Garden City to not have their own brew. Well, the wait is over. Riverwatch is here.” But opening a new brewery in Augusta didn’t come without risk, Sloan admitted. “I was asked by some folks who were not in this state, what on earth I was thinking of when I wanted to start a brewery in Georgia because the business climate was not good for breweries here,” Sloan said, chuckling. “The laws regarding breweries were so confusing here in Georgia that I think I’m not the only one who would have been deterred by the business impediment that we had when we opened, or we still kind of have until Sept. 1 when the new law goes into effect. I think there are a lot of people who want to get into this industry, and this new law will really help them.” This week, Riverwatch Brewery will be celebrating the law change with an “It’s About Damn Time” raffle drawing during the brewery’s final tour on Aug. 31. Those who have purchased a $10 raffle ticket get a chance to win the first pint of beer poured under the new law at Riverwatch Brewery on Sept. 1, an eight-person chef’s table at Edgar’s Grille, two tickets to Helms College’s Renew and Brew event in February and a one-year membership in the Riverwatch Brewery mug club. Over at Savannah River Brewing Co., on Aug. 31, the brewery will offer a “Last Tour” special, where visitors can swing by the brewery and enjoy the standard “Drink It Here Tour” for only $10. The tour comes with the 9 oz. souvenir glass, a tour of the facility, and four 9 oz. pours of a customer’s favorite craft beer by Savannah River Brewing Co. And, of course, stop by the breweries on Sept. 1 or after to enjoy a beer without a required tour. Cheers, Augusta!
31AUGUST2017
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Football is life Kris Fisher My oldest son played his first high school football game of the season last week. I was very excited to see my son on the field doing the one thing he loves most in the world. As a parent, I know I’m biased, but the kid is actually pretty good. He has all the athleticism and drive that I never had at his age. I was also reminded of how cruel football fans can be. On one particular play, a defender got past my son and assisted on a tackle. Immediately after, I heard a fan a couple rows up yell “Hey 14, you missed that block! You gotta block somebody! ... Block somebody, 14!” After years of overzealous parents yelling similar uninvited instructions, I’ve gotten used to these outbursts. I now find the comedy in it: The fact that someone feels so openly that is their place to coach a kid that they don’t know from the stands with absolutely no regard for the kid’s parents possibly being nearby. Not that it matters; I just feel weird yelling at someone else’s kid, especially since I’m not his coach. But that’s just me. Also, why yell the same thing 3 times? Is he waiting for my son to look up in the stands and say “Hey, thanks, mister?” Hey, it’s football. We get excited. I get it. I even get it when, like last Friday night, the home team’s fans walk over to our (visiting) side of the stands to mock the fans, made up of mostly parents and such, after their blowout victory. I mean, I’d never do it, but it’s football. Maybe my eagerness to find the humor in these situations stems from all my years as a Georgia and Atlanta sports fan. We have decades of epic letdowns to prime us for the inevitable heartbreaking failure of our team. I’ve grown so numb to the 28-3 memes that it doesn’t even faze me anymore. And by “doesn’t even faze me anymore” I mean “brings me to the verge of tears every time,” of course. I mean, damn, we had that game! That’s the comedy of it to me, though. We tie up so many emotions into a game in which we have absolutely no control over the outcome. There’s nothing I can do to help my teams win: No amount of screaming at the TV, no matter how much I yell from the stands, no matter how many times a stranger bellows out football instructions from Row 26. But when that clock hits 00:00, we’re either elated with happiness or overcome with devastation and we, as fans, have absolutely no control over it. Kind of sadistic when you put it that way, isn’t it? Alas, here we are at the dawn of a new season. High school football is underway, and college starts this weekend with professional to follow. As always, I’ll hope for the best. In all honesty, I wouldn’t care if the Falcons and Dawgs both went winless all season if my son had a chance to play for a championship. It’s what all parents of an athlete would want. KRIS FISHER is the midday host and program director for HD98.3 and an Augusta radio staple. He is a husband, father of three and lover of all things adventurous, as well as activities most people would have outgrown years ago. djkfish.com.
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Thanks for the Sunday Read update on the Regency Mall situation. I knew something was fishy with the owners suddenly agreeing to a mere $1/year lease for 35 years. But I see from the article that details not given at the recent meeting or to the coliseum authority members before the meeting in whole also meant that the city would make all those expensive land improvements and changes that means that the city would be held hostage some 35 years from now unless they pay a lot of pennies in order to keep leasing the property otherwise for a city owned and built building. No, keep the new JBA downtown. Didn’t the air rights deal of the parking garage teach anyone anything? Black people, who were never slaves, are fighting white people, that never owned slaves, over confederate statues, that were erected by Democrats, because Democrats can’t stand their own history anymore........and somehow it’s Trump’s fault!
WHINELINE@THEMETROSPIRIT.COM
Have something you want to get off your chest? Send your whines to whineline@themetrospirit.com. The Metro Spirit reserves the right to edit submitted whines for content, but we will otherwise print them pretty much exactly as you type them… spelling errors and all. To whomever wrote “Maybe the money spent on all the street lights, especially the ones that are on 24 hours a day could be used for a sheriff dept raise.” That’s a good point, I think you are gonna roll over when you see the new Augusta Entryway and Corridor Master Design. Basically they are gonna Landscape that whole swath of land illuminated by the new streetlights they put up 20’ apart on Riverwatch. No the statue should not come down here because blcks were in it too. If anything it should be the ones that gave blcks away that should be taken down. BOTTOM LINE on the termination of Columbia County’s events manager: Who is the responsible party that approved her county credit card purchases? Hello! Only in Richmond County would we be expected to approve wasting millions of our tax dollars in order to build a new arena on land we don’t own. Follow-up to last week. I evidently did not mention my Father, him, in the War’s. Metro Spirit DID edit my whine from last week. Guess they are the new “GOD” of Augusta. There is ONLY ONE GOD, and if you do not believe in Him, your newspaper would not be here. If you can’t print what I send in, FORGET the Whine Line. Take down the James Brown staue, what a waste to immortalize a wife beating jailbird drug user because he HAD a run in popular music!!! That stute is an embarassment. Kids these days even in first grade have tons of homework. What gives? Are the teachers even teaching or are the parents doing their jobs for them at home? Plus what’s up with the short summers? We use to have 3 months+ off now it’s 2. Kids need time to unwind and be kids. I’m feeling homeschool big time. While everyone has their panties in a wad over where a new arena will be located has anyone bothered to consider just where in the heck the city of Augusta will get over $100 million to build it? Is there some magic pot of gold under a rainbow somewhere? Last time I checked the city was scrounging around looking for money just to give deputies a pay raise. A quarter of the population lives below the poverty line and the tax base continues to wither away. To me a new arena ranks very low on the city’s priorities list. Want the arena done right? Then let Columbia County build it. Anytime the city of Augusta does anything it ends up costing twice as much as originally projected and within a few years the building is virtually obsolete.
Statues are not being destroyed. They are being moved into museums so their history is preserved. You know, that history you claim to care so much about. The same history you ignore when you wave the wrong flag of Confederacy and call it your heritage. Interesting, given so many of these monuments were erected during the Civil Rights era. Robert E. Lee’s great great grandsons, or whatever they’ve claimed to be, are a couple of trendy snowflakes as usual, no way they’re related to such a man. I am a true descendant of Lee, and would never drag his name through the mud like these two foreskin fairies are. Gather around my friends to the show that never ends, step inside, step in side... You girls be sure to light your “torches of freedom” now, you don’t want to be oppressed do you? .... Nothing new unde the sun is here!!! Wow I watch the corporate news and I see the artists of misdirection herd the sheep with the same old tactics time after time. But we don’t have time to be bothered by the truth, it is time start watching football .. Time to worship your “gods of the fall season” ..be sure to memorize all those important statistics About yardage and tackles ... They are So critical To what is REALLY going on in the world... I LOVE IT!! By the way ...does Anybody have some bread that is not stale to go with the CIRCUS???
For estimating the cost of a new arena at The Regency Mall location be sure to add in the 12 foot electric fence with razor wire, video cameras and armed security patrols required to provide safety for the parking area.. The area has spiralled to crap that no one visits and multiple good businesses have exited. Augusta, get a grip on the crime culture first. I guess I missed all those restaurants and bars lining the streets outside of the civic center downtown. If I had known about them then I probably would have made the long 8 block walk to the Bee’s Knees from the arena on some pretty dark and desolate looking streets with some shady looking characters asking for money. I definitely would not make that walk again. But then how many people want to to move their cars and park twice just to eat somewhere downtown? Ah can you smell the hypocrisy! The Augusta Chronicle ran an editorial over the weekend bashing the effort by the mayor to build a new arena at Regency Mall. The editorial said it must remain downtown. Not so long ago though, the Chronicle’s publisher, along with businessman Fran Lawrence tried to move the arena out of downtown 3 separate times. First to I20 at Riverwatch, then to Regency Mall, and then they shopped the idea to Columbia County officials and even got it on a straw poll there. It seems like the only reason now the Chronicle is not for the Regency location is because their publisher has no financial interest in it anymore. North Augusta built a baseball park while “The Brothers at The Lodge” argued about where to put it, maybe Columbia County will build a civic center before the brothers decide where to put the James Brown Arena. It should be obvious by now that the residents of South and West Augusta exists solely to serve as a piggy bank to fund every boondoggle to prop up a handful of bar owners and land barons downtown. Me thinks the great state of Texas has a few more believers in climate change.
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regency Mall: the Big divide Will the former regency Mall location in south augusta become the future home of the new James Brown arena?
If cIty leaders are searchIng for a sign as to how residents feel about the AugustaRichmond County Coliseum Authority’s recent vote supporting Regency Mall as the preferred site for the city’s new $120 million arena, they don’t have to look very hard. Signs are popping up all around town proclaiming “Let’s Keep the Brown Downtown,” “Save the J” and “Improve, Don’t Move The Groove.” An online petition calling to “Keep JBA in Downtown Augusta” established on change.org has already garnered more than 4,000 signatures. “Oh yes, I’ve heard from a lot of people,” said Mayor Pro Tem Mary Davis, chuckling. “Quite a lot.” Less than 24 hours after the coliseum authority voted in support of the Regency Mall site, Davis said she had already been contacted by more than 50 people upset about the plan. “Almost all of the people I’ve heard from don’t like the Regency Mall location,” she said. “My concern is this new deal with Regency Mall just came out of left field. I didn’t know that this plan was even in the works, and that bothers me.” Davis said she knew that several locations across Richmond County were being considered for the new arena site, including property near River Watch Parkway, land along Broad Street near the Augusta Canal, the current arena site and the former Regency Mall space. However, she was told that the abandoned Regency Mall location in south Augusta was not ranked favorably by the consultants hired by the coliseum authority. “It was my understanding that Regency Mall was never really in the discussion because the ratings weren’t favorable, so that really concerns me,” Davis said. “Downtown, in my opinion, is where the arena needs to be. There is just so much going on right now. And, for me, who has lived here my whole life, downtown has finally turned the corner and we are becoming more of a destination city with all of the new restaurants, bars, hotels and the new ballpark being built across the river. It just doesn’t make sense to leave that now.” As the chairman and vice chairman of the coliseum authority, Cedric Johnson and Brad Usry couldn’t agree more that new arena needs to be downtown. “I can honestly say downtown is the best area for a new arena,” Johnson said. “With everything going on, the synergy is downtown. Now, I am very mindful of south Augusta. I have lived in south Augusta. I have worked in south Augusta. So, yes, I want to do anything I can to help promote economic development in south Augusta. But downtown is the best location for a new arena.” Therefore, when the majority of their fellow coliseum authority members voted in support of the former Regency Mall location on Gordon Highway as the preferred site for the new arena 12 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
By Stacey Eidson
last week, both Johnson and Usry were baffled beyond belief. Over the past three years, the two men have dedicated countless hours reviewing and considering all of the city’s options regarding a new 10,000-plus seat arena for the Augusta area. In fact, the coliseum authority had previously announced it was committed to keeping the new James Brown Arena in the downtown area. The group had been moving towards developing plans for a new arena in the civic center’s existing location on James Brown Boulevard. However, with one vote, not only did the coliseum authority ignore Johnson and Usry’s efforts over the past three years, but it also dismissed the findings of the $142,000 arena plan developed by the Denver-based consultants, Sink Combs Dethlefs. “We have spent $142,000 of taxpayers’ money to get a recommendation from experts and guess what? We just said, ‘We should have not paid them a penny,’” Usry said, shaking his head. “It is amazing to me. We finally got a critical mass downtown, and we are running from it. It makes no sense whatsoever.” Johnson agreed that the Aug. 22 decision to pursue the Regency Mall location was completely unexpected.
“My concern is this new deal with Regency Mall just came out of left field. I didn’t know that this plan was even in the works, and that bothers me.” — Mayor Pro Tem Mary Davis 31AUGUST2017
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The site had been discussed in the past, but it was ranked third on the consultant’s list for potential locations, and it was not deemed as the best option for a new arena. “When Brad and I got appointed to the authority several years ago, within a matter of months, we realized we had to do something with the arena. It was in bad shape,” Johnson said, adding that after studying the matter further, they knew there was really only one solution. “We knew we needed to start planning to build a new arena. We made our first official step in April 2016 when we hired the consultants. So we hadn’t just started working on this. From our standpoint, there was no rushing into this decision. We needed to make the right choice.” However, earlier this year, Johnson said he was approached by Augusta Mayor Hardie Davis about the possibility of the Regency Mall site. “We had a meeting in February with our architects, Sink Combs Dethlefs, and several other people including Barry White from the CVB, Henry Ingram, City Administrator Janice Allen Jackson, (authority member) Darren Smith, Brad (Usry), me and the mayor were all there,” Johnson said. “At that point, the mayor was in favor of a downtown location. That’s what he said he wanted.” However, about a month later, the mayor asked for a meeting. “When we met in his office, the mayor said, ‘I am not going to try to strong arm you on this, but I am looking at the Regency Mall location,’” Johnson said. “The mayor asked, ‘Would y’all slow up so I can do the due diligence on that location? I have some people who want to make sure that the mall is kept in the loop.’” Out of courtesy to the mayor, Johnson said he agreed to do so. A few months later, Johnson said he clearly recalls meeting with the mayor again on June 19 because it was following the groundbreaking ceremony for the new $50 million Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center on Reynolds Street. “After the groundbreaking ceremony, we met with him and showed him the results that we had from the consultants stating that the Regency Mall location scored third on the list of preferred sites,” Johnson said. “With that, he said, ‘Well, if I could get some information saying that the owners would give you the 30-plus acres, would that change things?’” At that point, Johnson felt he should be honest with the mayor. “I told him, ‘Mayor, not really for me because I just don’t think it is a good location,’” Johnson said. “But I said, ‘Give me the information, and we’ll look at it.’” That was on June 19. Johnson said he never received any information from the mayor regarding Regency Mall. On Wednesday, Aug. 16, Johnson texted the mayor asking for a copy of the information on Regency Mall. Johnson showed the text to a Metro Spirit reporter. There was no reply. On Friday, Aug. 18, Johnson called the mayor to ask him for the information. “The mayor said, ‘I will get it to you on Friday afternoon,’” Johnson said. “I never heard back from him.” Johnson did not receive anything over the weekend or all day Monday, Aug. 21, from the mayor. Finally, Johnson arrived at the coliseum authority meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 22. During the discussion about the new arena’s proposed location, coliseum authority member Darren Smith brought out a letter from Cardinal Management, LLC, the Mattituck, N.Y.-based company that owns the Regency Mall site. In the letter dated Aug. 21, Alan Cardinale of Cardinal Management proposes a $1 a year land lease for 35 years for 31AUGUST2017
approximately 39 acres on the Regency Mall site to be used for a new arena. The letter, which is clearly addressed to “Hardie Davis, Jr. Mayor of City of Augusta,” appears hastily written and includes several typos. “Rental will be $1 per year for the first 35 years plus a 10year tax abatement at any time during that period,” Cardinale’s letter states. “The City will agree to asphalt entire parking lot, provide new lighting, landscaping and maintenance of such thru out the duration of lease. Cardinale will at the same time, renovate the exterior of the remaining portion of Regency Mall.” Both Usry and Johnson said they never got to see the letter detailing the proposal prior to the Aug. 22 meeting. They also believe the majority of the coliseum members who voted to support Regency Mall as the preferred site also had not seen the letter. Johnson said one of his biggest concerns about the deal is the 35-year lease on the Regency Mall property. “The people who were concerned about the air rights for the parking deck (in downtown Augusta on Reynolds Street), they should really be concerned about the $120 million plus arena being built on somebody else’s property with a 35-year lease,” Johnson said. “What happens after 35 years? You can’t move the building.” Usry said he is deeply troubled by the entire process. “The best way to know this is a terrible site, not only a bad deal, but a terrible site is our management team during that meeting was arguing that this was a terrible place,” Usry said. “The deal is bad, the site is bad, and I believe I can speak for myself and Cedric, we are going to fight this to the bitter end.” As for Mayor Hardie Davis’ take on the deal, he insists that the plan was actually presented by Darren Smith of the coliseum authority. “Well, the last time I checked, coliseum authority member Darren Smith brought this to them,” Davis said. Smith did not return several phone calls from the Metro Spirit seeking a comment on the Regency Mall decision. “As I understand it, the coliseum authority was reviewing the sites, and as they were reviewing sites, this is one that I know, one of the authority members said, ‘Well, why haven’t you considered this as one of the sites?’” Davis said. “So they included that in the conversation.” Davis applauded the authority’s selection of the Regency
“With everything going on, the synergy is downtown. Now, I am very mindful of south Augusta. I have lived in south Augusta. I have worked in south Augusta. So, yes, I want to do anything I can to help promote economic development in south Augusta. But downtown is the best location for a new arena.” — Cedric Johnson, chairman of the coliseum authority AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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“We finally got a critical mass downtown, and we are running from it. It makes no sense whatsoever.” — Brad Usry, vice chairman of the coliseum authority
Mall site as the preferred location. “I think it is an outstanding idea,” Davis said. “It is an outstanding idea because, historically, as we have desired Augusta’s downtown to grow, we have seen over the past two and a half to three years, a tremendous renaissance in our city that has started here in the urban core. It will continue. And that growth, as I understand it from an economic development standpoint, is not because we have a civic center or an arena downtown. But rather because the private sector has finally decided to step up and make investments in our community. Not withstanding the fact that, over the last two decades, much of the growth has been because of the public sector.” Davis said it is time for some of that growth to be spread to other areas of the county, including south Augusta. “This is, again, me applauding the efforts of the coliseum authority saying, ‘This is our time,’” Davis said, referring to south Augusta and the Regency Mall location. “If we are going to tie this city together, this is a strategic area for us to do it. I fully support that, and I think now is the time. We have talked about this area for no less than 25 years of what should happen and what could happen, but there has never been a willingness by anyone to actually do something. To see the coliseum authority finally say, ‘We want to do something about that,’ I think is monumental. I want to make sure that I get behind that decision and work with the commissioners to further cast a vision for what our city could be.” While Augusta Commissioner Dennis Williams was unfamiliar with the actual details of the Regency Mall proposal, he said he was in support of the south Augusta location.
“I believe it is a perfect site,” Williams said. “It is new blood for that area, it provides easy access getting in and out of there, and we need something in that part of town to brighten it up.” Williams also said he was not concerned that there weren’t many hotels or restaurants near the Regency Mall site on Gordon Highway. “They will come,” Williams said. “I just believe that side of town has been neglected so long. You look over at Peach Orchard Road and all behind there, it is horrible. You look at my district, there are overgrown lots everywhere. So we need to improve in that area of town.” It is important to spread prosperity to all areas of the county, he said. “If you get off I-20 and you come down Washington Road toward downtown, you don’t see anything but good stuff,” Williams said. “We are not just a one-sided community. It should be that both sides of Augusta are nice. Not just one.” Even though Augusta Commissioner Ben Hasan likes the idea of a new arena being built at the Regency Mall site, he has grave concerns about the deal that is being proposed. “I think the Regency Mall site is a good location because of the different corridors and it’s easy to get to. You wouldn’t have to widen the roads or anything like that, so I thought it would be a great jumpstart,” Hasan said. “However, with that being said, the process that was used to get us here, I definitely don’t approve of because I think it was more of a coup.” Some of the coliseum authority members appeared to be intentionally kept out of the loop, Hasan said. “The ad hoc committee that was established to review the sites didn’t recommend that location,” Hasan said. “Of course, the authority can always do something different, but it
“When we met in his office, the mayor said, ‘I am not going to try to strong arm you on this, but I am looking at the Regency Mall location.’” — Cedric Johnson, chairman of the coliseum authority 31AUGUST2017
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concerns me that the members did not have the total background and details of the proposal before they ended up endorsing it. I’m uncomfortable with that.” After reviewing the Regency Mall proposal himself, Hasan said it raised some serious red flags in his mind. “I really don’t like it,” Hasan said. “We are going to be investing more than $120 million in a location that we don’t own. At least where we currently are on James Brown Boulevard, we can say that we can build on land that we own. But if we build at the Regency Mall site, at the end of 35 years, we won’t own anything. So, in my opinion, it is a bad deal, at this point.” But for Mayor Davis, the fact that the city doesn’t own the Regency Mall property does not concern him at all. “The city didn’t own the Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center property, but we just made an investment of $12 million,” Davis said, referring to the parking deck. “We are always coming to the table when the state or Augusta University or anyone else needs us. Again, I think that is a very weak argument from the standpoint of, ‘We don’t own that land.’ But we just wrote a check for $12 million saying, ‘We’ll help you.” So, no, I don’t think that is an issue.” The mayor said he believes the Regency Mall location is the perfect site for a new arena. “This location gives us tremendous opportunities to not only make that investment but to see other private sector investments take place and to tie the city together,” he said. “We are talking about, effectively, a five-mile trip from (the current) James Brown Arena to Regency, and it is the geographic center of the city. Whether I am coming from Harlem, Grovetown, Appling, Evans, Waynesboro, Thomson, Columbia, S.C., I’ve got one highway that I can get on to get there. We have had rampant joblessness and poverty in this area (of south Augusta), and we are going to do something about it.” If the mayor is hoping that a new arena at Regency Mall is going to transform that area of south Augusta, Usry believes that is an unrealistic expectation. “An arena is not an economic engine,” Usry said. “It supports economic growth.” However, Usry said he would love to see the former Regency Mall property put to good use, just not as an arena. “I would say Mr. Cardinale, give us the same deal, a $1 lease for 35 years, but take the stipulation off of it being an arena,” Usry said. “Give us two years to do our due diligence to find the proper fit for that property that will help our community. I am all for that. I will chair the committee.” Given that kind of deal, Usry insists there are a lot of positive possibilities for the Regency Mall property. “I am telling you, a huge film stage with a huge square box (building) because everybody wants to do film now in Augusta would be great. Bring it on,” Usry said. “Let’s build a facility for them to have a central location for them to do the staging for movies that would have everything they need. Or everybody keeps talking about Cyber and Fort Gordon and this corridor. How about a nice office park that we will do with a public-private partnership? That is an economic engine. That is a project that would have people there 52 weeks a year, not just 60 events a year like an arena.” Almost immediately after the coliseum authority voted to support the Regency Mall site, Augusta Commissioner Sean Frantom quickly began voicing his objections to moving the new arena out of the downtown area. “We are going to spend $120 million on land that we don’t own? I think the citizens are going to be very upset about that,” Frantom said. “What happens after 35 years? Are they going to own the arena? I think there is a lot of discussion that still needs to happen, but I am not going to support the new arena at Regency Mall.” It simply makes no sense, Frantom said. “One of the things that really upsets me about this is we had partnerships, possibly with Augusta University if the arena was downtown, where their teams could play basketball at the new arena,” Frantom said. “We had companies, and I met with one of them, that said they would love to see their name on the building. Not replacing the James Brown Arena name, but have their name associated with the building. That would save taxpayer money, but if you move the arena out to Regency Mall, that’s all gone.” Frantom believes the mayor is providing a false impression to citizens that the new arena in south Augusta will be a catalyst for growth. “It is not a catalyst, and the mayor is trying to make it a catalyst,” he said. “What has happened is, because this is the mayor’s initiative and the mayor wanted to get it done, now we have pitted south Augusta against the entire Augusta area, and that’s not good for this community. Not at all.” And those local leaders who oppose the new arena being built at Regency Mall are being painted as anti-south Augusta, Frantom said. “Because I’m passionate about the arena staying downtown, they are trying to say I’m not in support of south Augusta. That’s not true,” Frantom said, adding that he has always wanted to see south Augusta grow and thrive. “When it comes to the arena, this isn’t a downtown initiative. This is a regional initiative because we have a lot of people from Aiken, North Augusta and Columbia County that come to shows at the James Brown Arena. They are major ticket buyers. So to take the arena out of downtown and pull it away from where most of the tickets 16 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
come from doesn’t make any sense. So that’s why I have been so passionate about it. I mean, what are we thinking?” When it comes right down to it, both Usry and Johnson said they were terribly disappointed in the way the Regency Mall site was selected. “The mayor is driving the location,” Usry said. “It was not fair to the authority the way he presented the letter. The motion was made by a partially read letter. No one fully read the letter before Regency Mall was chosen.” Johnson agreed that the full authority should have been provided the letter from Cardinal Management prior to the meeting. “We were very accommodating to the mayor when he asked for more time regarding Regency Mall. And we didn’t have to do that. But we wanted to be fair,” Johnson said. “And the part that really disturbs me more than anything about this situation is there are people out there that are saying we manipulated the process. We absolutely did not. That is the furthest thing from the truth.” For the number of years that they have been working to select a new site, Johnson and Usry said they honestly wanted to do what was best for the city and never intended to undermine the mayor. “We have been very forthcoming with information to the mayor throughout this process,” Usry said. “We’ve been totally honest and upfront with everyone. And, I’ll tell you this, I would have this same interview with the mayor sitting right here next to me. I would say the exact same thing.” “So would I,” Johnson replied. “The exact same thing.”
“If we are going to tie this city together, this is a strategic area for us to do it. I fully support that, and I think now is the time.” — Augusta Mayor Hardie Davis 31AUGUST2017
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A piece of home
Laziza mediterranean Grill brings homemade taste — middle eastern style even if you drive down Washington Road in Evans every day, you still might not have noticed Laziza Mediterranean Grill — it’s in the same shopping strip as Publix and hard to see from the road. Laziza is the prized creation of owner Nader Khatib, and it has been open since September 2011 — almost a lifetime for a local restaurant. What makes the fast-casual Laziza so special is the home-cooked taste of their meals, many of which Khatib adapted from his mother’s and his own recipes to put together the menu. He says he opened the restaurant because he wanted to expand in the Augusta area the options for the types of food he grew up on. “I’m from Michigan, the Detroit area, and there’s restaurants like this everywhere in Michigan, so when I came here, I didn’t find any; there wasn’t any,” Khatib explained. “So I was like, you know, it’s an opportunity to expose to people to new types of food. “It’s real healthy; it’s all fresh made, we cook everything to order, everything’s made in house, from our sauces to our salad dressings to everything.” Khatib has lived in the Augusta area since 2006 after serving in the Air Force. His wife, Lisa, also has a military background, and she helps out in the restaurant by serving as a cashier during the week. Khatib says he wasn’t formally trained in the culinary arts — he is self-taught. After six years of military service, he worked as a
government contractor for five years. Then, his contract fell through. Being a food lover, he decided to take a chance on opening up a food business. “Just bringing Middle Eastern food, Mediterranean food to Augusta — I think there was only one other restaurant that served food like this before I opened — it was Shishkebab — so I feel like we helped kind of pioneer it in the area,” Khatib said. “It took a while for people to sort of get… I don’t want to say used to the food, but people are apprehensive that come and eat here, because they don’t know what it is, you know, funny names (for) the food, and they’re just kind of scared. But I feel that over the past six years, we’ve gotten the area used to it, and we’re just doing better and better every year. Business is increasing; we’re looking to expand, hopefully soon, don’t know when, possibly downtown.” Khatib is still looking at all his options for a second location, so no plans are set for it yet. “I’m back and forth between, do I want to do the same exact setup and menu downtown, or do I want to do something a little bit downsized that’s a smaller menu that doesn’t require as much to keep up with? … It depends on the space, I guess. If it’s a small space, we may just go with a smaller setup, but it really depends.” What Khatib loves about serving food in this area is how friendly the people are. He says it’s different from his hometown in Michigan. “I like that people are really open to trying new things around here. … Everybody’s really nice; it’s that Southern hospitality niceness that everybody has — it’s real nice.” WhAt to order If a customer comes in and is unsure of what to order, Khatib says he recommends the chicken shawarma — it’s their most popular menu item, and it’s also available as a lunch special. The cooking process for chicken shawarma involves a stack of marinated boneless, skinless
20 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
by Amanda Main | Photos by Joshua Bailey
chicken thighs that spin around and are heated from the outside. As the meat heats up, the outside layer is shaved off, and Laziza staffers keep shaving it until the meat is gone. It takes about 30 minutes until the first layer is ready to be shaved, and the entire stack of chicken usually takes about five hours to cook through all the layers. They build two sets of chicken shawarma a day. “The chicken shawarma’s the most popular; we always try to push that to people because it’s fast to prepare, because it’s already shaved and sitting in a warmer,” Khatib said. He went on to describe other popular menu items — some of which aren’t typically found on a Mediterranean menu. “And then we’ve got some other odds and ends, like our salmon tacos,” he said. “I know it’s kind of weird for there to be tacos in a Mediterranean restaurant, and for them to be salmon, but it’s really popular and we sell a ton of ’em. But they’re really tasty, so that’s another thing I’d recommend.” Also popular on the menu is the family feast, which people can pick up for dinner to feed their families. It feeds three to four people and comes with a choice of salad, hummus, chicken kebabs, beef kebabs, lamb kebabs, chicken shawarma, falafel, rice and garlic pita. Laziza has four varieties of hummus (classic, roasted red pepper, roasted garlic or jalapeño) that all are made in house starting from a dry bean that’s soaked overnight and then boiled. The gyros at Laziza are a little different from the norm, in that they’re rolled like a burrito inside of a very thin pita. Laziza also has options for vegetarians, and the dishes can be made vegan by request. Khatib is thankful for how his restaurant has grown in the six years it’s been open. “I’m proud that we’re still open … a lot of restaurants, after the first year, they close down, so we’ve been able to keep it going,” he said. “I’m proud that I’m able to provide jobs for my employees; I’ve got seven or eight employees, eight people that I employ pretty much full 31AUGUST2017
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time, so I’m proud that I’m able to do that for them. … They’re very hard workers. And I’m happy that I can provide a quick lunch. That’s another thing, our lunches are generally busier than our dinner, but we’re able to get people in and out really fast here, considering they’re getting fresh food.” Speaking of fresh, Laziza is sporting a new look inside, after renovations were done in May. The location boasts new countertops, new signs on the walls, fresh paint and wall paper, and a new chair rail on the wall. The tile in the back of the restaurant also was redone. The restaurant offers catering, with a recently redone catering menu. Laziza often caters to offices and private events, and some small weddings. The events catered average about 30 to 40 people — sometimes more, sometimes less. Catering runs about $5.50 to $10 a person, depending on what’s ordered. The catering menu, along with the regular menu, are available online at lazizagrill.com. Laziza already has a loyal fan base, but Khatib hopes to get more customers on that list. “I just want people to see us, to find us, come eat, try it,” he said. “Once they try it, they’ll get hooked.” For more information about Laziza Mediterranean Grill, visit lazizagrill.com or find them on Facebook at facebook.com/ Lazizagrill. Call 706-504-4303.
31AUGUST2017
AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
METROSPIRIT 21
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CONQUEST BREWING CO.
WINE 7
394 Walter Rawl Rd. Lexington, SC 29072 803.957.7102 mercerhouseestatewinery.com *Tours & Tastings Available
947 S. Stadium Rd., Bay 1 Columbia, SC 29201 803.712.3063 conquestbrewing.com *Tours & Tastings Available
2
HUNTER-GATHERER BREWERY & ALE HOUSE
900 Main St. Columbia, SC 29201 803.748.0540 huntergathererbrewery.com *Tastings Available
3
4
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OLD MILL BREWPUB
SPIRITS 8
RIVER RAT BREWERY
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SWAMP CABBAGE BREWING CO.
10
TWISTED SPUR BREWING
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705 Gervais St. Columbia, SC 29201 803.728.0136 facebook.com/ twistedspurbrewing/ *Tours & Tastings Available
CROUCH DISTILLING
947 S. Stadium Rd., Bay 3 Columbia, SC 29201 803.764.6839 crouchdistilling.com *Tastings Available
HOLLOW CREEK DISTILLERY
112 Rocky Ridge Rd. Leesville, SC 29070 803.470.6010 hollowcreekdistillery.com *Tours & Tastings Available
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6
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929 Huger St. Columbia, SC 29201 803.779.2993 copperhorsedistilling.com *Tours & Tastings Available
711 E. Main St. Lexington, SC 29072 803.785.2337 oldmillbrewpub.net *Tours & Tastings Available
1231 Shop Rd. Columbia, SC 29201 803.724.5712 riverratbrewery.com *Tours & Tastings Available
MERCER HOUSE ESTATE WINERY
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711 E. Main St. Lexington, SC 29072 yesternightdistillery.com *Tours & Tastings Available
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5 1. THE SOUTH CAROLINA STATE HOUSE 2. THE WEST COLUMBIA RIVERWALK Feel like taking a riverside stroll just outside the bustling downtown? The West Columbia Riverwalk, 4.5 Acres of the Three Rivers Greenway, boasts an easy, half-mile path that can accommodate visitors of all abilities—and your pup can tag along, too!
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7. RIVERBANKS ZOO 8. FLOATING OR KAYAKING ON THE THREE RIVERS
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9. CONGAREE NATIONAL PARK 10. FARM-TO-TABLE DINNERS + EVENTS AT CITY ROOTS From crawfish boils and a rosé festival to harvest dinners and pig roasts, attending Farm-To-Table events at South Carolina’s first urban farm, City Roots, is sure to make your Instagram feed #goals.
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KENNY GEORGE BAND TIGHTENS UP Singer opens up about the sudden loss of friend, band member
WHILE ON THE ROAD to a show last week, Kenny George of the Kenny George Band talked about how his band is picking up the pieces after the unexpected death of Bucky Brown — their drummer, friend and a founding member — a little over a month ago. “We’re doing OK; we’re hanging in there, I guess. … It’s weird and hard emotionally, you know, and I think everyone has their own (ways of dealing with it),” George said. “I guess you could say it’s getting easier; it hasn’t gotten easy, but playing shows is tough. We’ve got Dave Mercer filling in on drums for us right now, and he’s doing an excellent job; he’s a lot of fun to be around. We all have our emotional triggers and things like that, that we deal with on a daily basis, I think.” Brown, who had been playing music with the 32-yearold George since he was about 15, helped start the band in 2007, along with steel guitar player Center Ely. Others in the band include Brooks Andrews on bass and Scott Rankin on rhythm guitar and harmony vocals. The band members have been spending a lot of time together in the month since Brown passed away. “We’re starting to rehearse again, too, so that’s nice to be playing again,” he said. “I think everyone tries to stay busy in their own way, you know. I’ve been doing a lot of trying to find as many acoustic gigs and stuff that I can power through to stay occupied. Spending a little 28 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
bit more time at home, too.” The country/Americana band with Aiken roots typically spends a lot of time on the road, with 150 to 180 shows a year. Their next appearance in Augusta is just a couple of months away, on Nov. 3 at Stillwater Taproom. As much as they love being on the road, the band likes when they get to play close to home, like when they get to play in Augusta, because there’s not a lot of travel involved, and George said there’s always a good crowd. One of their albums, “Live at Sky City,” was recorded at Sky City in Augusta in 2015. George said one of the best moments of the past year was when they played a release show in their hometown, in support of their latest album, “Borrowed Trouble,” released April 28. He said until then, the band had played in Aiken maybe twice in the past three years. “It was the day the record came out, and we busted our backs putting a lot of the hard work into it, trying to get a good turnout, all that stuff, and we wanted a good stage, and good sound and all this, and we were really just dead set on a big show in our hometown. We had the help of the city of Aiken and a lot of businesses, but we really wanted to just make sure that we did something for the people here since we’re always on the road. … And you know, there’s not really a huge market for original
by Amanda Main
alternative country Americana, or whatever you want to call it. But we did that, and we just had this incredible turnout, people from all over came in, I think they said we had anywhere between 1,500 and 2,000 people in the Alley, and to do it downtown Aiken outside, all the work we put into it and see it pay off and have such nice turnout and everyone show their support was just really probably my favorite part of the last year or so.” The band has gone through some growth in the three years since they released their first EP, “Gunshy,” in 2014. Most of that has come from just spending a lot of time on the road together. “We’ve gotten tighter; we’ve gotten a little bit better about conveying what we want to play to the record, from doing all that playing live, you know, so the songs really got to develop on the for a couple months, or some longer than that,” George said. “So like with this last record, there’s a lot more of that live energy into it, I think we’ve gotten a lot better about that. I think we’ve just gotten to know each other a little better onstage, and so we know each other’s body language and cues and things like that, when someone’s gonna go here and you can kind of follow, or something like that. But it’s just become easier, a little bit.” George described “Borrowed Trouble” as “very much about everyday life of a musician on the road, and 31AUGUST2017
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not necessarily your Bob Seger Turn the Page tour bus kind of life, but more of the grinding it out like what we’re doing and the balance between that and home and family and having a social life, a love life, normal relationships, so there’s a lot of that theme kind of running through it. That’s really what it’s about. … There’s certain songs about specific things and things like that, but on a whole, that’s really the kind of driving source for the sound or theme behind the record, I guess.” As the primary singer-songwriter, George’s love for South Carolina is obvious in his music, especially on the twangy, upbeat-tempo “Carolina Too,” the third track on “Borrowed Trouble.” In it, he croons “Carolina is callin’ my name/Carolina, I’m not the same/Carolina is calling me home/Carolina, I must be moving on.” The band has played shows with the likes of the Rascal Flatts. Some of the influential artists George grew up on include Jackson Browne, Townes Van Zandt, Leon Russell and the Allman Brothers. “I could go on and on,” George said. “Ryan Adams was real big; I got into him at a fairly young age. And Wilco, I got into Wilco when — I guess I was probably in junior high when I first heard Wilco. I thought ‘this is weird, but I like it.’ He also discussed some modern artists he has been getting into. “More recent is like John Moreland. … I just got into Lady Lamb recently,” George said. “It was really exciting; I heard about her a couple months ago from someone, I can’t remember who, and then I turned on NPR today and I got all excited about it again because she was on there, just all kinds of stuff. … Parker Millsap’s one of my new favorites; he’s put out a couple of records, there’s a lot of new stuff, I guess one of the perks of the internet, and there’s lots of them, but one of the bigger ones is all the great new artists you can find at the click of a button. … American Aquarium, I immediately got into them, and we got really lucky and got to play some shows with them, a few shows with them, and they’re really doing good things. And I’ve been kind of getting into the new outlaw stuff, Cody Jinks and Whitey Morgan, things like that.” For more information about the Kenny George Band, visit kennygeorgeband.com or youtube.com/c/Kennygeorgebandmusic, or keep up with them on Facebook and Twitter. Tour information is listed on their website.
IF YOU’RE LOOKING for something special to do this Labor Day weekend, Garden City Jazz has you covered with Labor Day Jazz Weekend. Spanning from Friday, Sept. 1, through Sunday, Sept. 3, there’s plenty to draw you out as the summer winds down. FRI, SEP 1 Head over to Riverwatch Brewery for a tour between 5 p.m.-8 p.m. (also on Saturday). Then, the First Friday Block Party and Gallery Crawl starts at 6 p.m. Friday in downtown Augusta. Cap off the night with We Are the Wav at 10 p.m. Friday at Sky City. SAT, SEP 2 The jazz kicks off early at 8 a.m. with Saturday Morning Swing at the Augusta Market on 8th Street. If you want to know a little more about what life in Augusta was like for the Godfather of Soul, take the James Brown Family Historical Tour at 11 a.m. at the Augusta Museum of History. Finally, at 7:30 p.m., a Pop-Up Jazz show featuring Kemba Cofield will take place at the Partridge Inn.
Metro Week
SUN, SEP 3 The Candlelight for a Cause Music Festival and White Dinner featuring The Georgia Horns will be at the Augusta Common starting at 6 p.m. Then, wind down the weekend with the Rooftop Soiree at 9 p.m. at the Sprint Metro Market. For information and tickets, call 762-233-5299 or visit gardencityjazz.eventbrite.com.
WhAt’S UP
Calendar: 32 | Music Listings: 38 If you have any questions, or would like to submit an event to our calendar, please email Amy Christian at amy@themetrospirit.com.
1,000 FEEt OF SlIPPIN’ SlIDE thE CItY is coming Saturday, Sept. 2, to Grovetown, and it’s going to be a big, wet party. The traveling water slide spans a length bigger than that of three football fields, and the party will be complete with live music, entertainment and local vendors. The slide is eco-friendly, as it recirculates the water used throughout the day — about 7,000 to 12,000 gallons of water. Slide the City also makes an effort to recycle the water back into the communities it visits, returning water to local reclamation centers, treatment plants, city parks or other locations. If you’re worried about what the vinyl will feel like on asphalt, the vinyl is inflated and padded. Slide the City is safe for sliders ages 5 and older and taller than 46 inches. Tubes may be used for one slider only, with no lap riding allowed, according to slidethecity.com. All minors must have a waiver signed by a parent or guardian. For more information, visit slidethecity.com. SlIDE thE CItY Columbia County Exhibition Center Sat Sep 2 10am $30-$63 706-868-3484 slidethecity.com/columbia-county
FRIDAY, SEP 1
SUNDAY, SEP 3
MONDAY, SEP 4
WEDNESDAY, SEP 6
Take a relaxing tour of the Augusta Canal on a music cruise from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, featuring Bethany Davis & the Southside Boys. The band will play original tunes and hits from yesterday to today. Participants are invited to bring snacks and beverages. Admission is $25 for adults and $23 for seniors, military and students. Cruisers will meet at the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area. Pre-registration is required; call 706823-0440, ext. 4, or visit augustacanal.com.
What a groovy way to spend a Sunday afternoon! Mistletoe State Park is offering a Campground Tie Dye craft from 3 to 5 p.m. A naturalist will help participants tie dye their own shirts or socks using natural dyes. The park will have a limited supply of white shirts to sell. Cost is $10 per participant, with a $5 parking fee. Call 706-541-0321 or visit gastateparks.org/mistletoe.
It’s going to be a ball game for the history books on Labor Day — the Augusta GreenJackets will play their very last at Lake Olmstead Stadium, their home for the past 22 years. The match against the Charleston RiverDogs will take place on a night full of memories and history, as well as looking forward to the GreenJackets’ new home in North Augusta next year. Monday’s game starts at 7:05 p.m.; tickets range from $8-$12. Call 706-922-9467 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.
Want to learn more about taking digital photos but don’t know where to start? The Columbia County Library is offering a threepart camera course, starting with Part 1 at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday. Bring your digital camera to learn the basics of photography and how to use the camera. Part 2 of the course will take place Sept. 13 and Part 3 on Sept 15. As students advance through the course, they will learn how they can turn their digital photos into gifts, perfect for the upcoming holiday season. Pre-registration is required; call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
31AUGUST2017
For more information on these events, see our calendar of events on page 32.
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5:30pm Beginner Spanish Class Friedman Branch Library An adult class led by Edwin Perez of the Asociacion Cultural Hispanoamericana. Preregistration required. Call 706-736-6758 or visit arcpls.org.
Wed Sep 6
9am - noon GED Class Diamond Lakes Branch Library Classes led by Augusta Tech meet Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m.-noon through Dec. 11. Pre-registration required. Call 706771-4131 or visit arcpls.org.
1:30pm Camera Part 1 Columbia County Library Learn the basics of photography and of using a digital camera. Parts 2 and 3 coming on Sept. 13 and 15. Pre-registration required. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
“Peter Pan” Aiken Community Playhouse 7:30 p.m. Fri Sep 1, Sat Sep 2 and Thu Sep 7 $25, adults; $20, seniors and active military; $15, students; $10, children. Call 803-648-1438 or visit aikencommunityplayhouse.com (see more show dates online)
2pm Email for Beginners Headquarters Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-821-2615 or visit arcpls.org.
6pm Tertulia: Spanish Conversation Group Headquarters Branch Library A group for beginner to intermediate Spanish speakers. Call 317-695-4748.
FLIX ARTS Fri Sep 1
7pm - 10pm Fiber and Functional Art Show
DANCE Thu Sep 7
9:30am Music & Movement
600 Broad Street Gallery Show features natural-fiber garments, hand-woven wall hangings, baskets, quilts, pottery, furniture and more. Show opens during First Friday and runs through September.
Wallace Branch Library Interactive music, fun and dance. All ages welcome; groups of four or more. Preregistration required. Call 706-722-6275 or visit arcpls.org.
Sat Sep 2
Thu Aug 31
10am - 3pm Harlem Arts Council Opening Harlem Civics Center Open house with art on display and for sale. Refreshments and live music. Call 706-2319784 or visit www.harlemartscouncil.org.
Mon Sep 4
10am - noon Oil Painting Class Harlem Arts Council Oil painting with Minette Hatcher. $20 per class. Make reservations at least 24 hours in advance. Call 706-556-6656.
Tue Sep 5
2pm - 5pm Acrylic Painting for Beginners Aiken Public Library A class that meets Tuesdays through Nov. 28. Pre-registration required. Call 803-6422020, ext. 1131, or visit abbe-lib.org. 32 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
EDUCATION
Fri Sep 1
Noon - 2pm “The Reivers” 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. Maxwell Branch Library Call 706-793-2020 or visit arcpls.org.
Sat Sep 2
Columbia County Library Learn PowerPoint basics and create presentation. Pre-registration required. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
11am - 1pm Movie Time for Kids Maxwell Branch Library A rated G or PG kid-friendly movie will show. Call 706-793-2020 or visit arcpls.org.
Sat Sep 2
Tue Sep 5
Diamond Lakes Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.
Headquarters Branch Library Movies begin at 5:45 p.m. Call 706-821-2600 for weekly selections. Visit arcpls.org.
Mon Sep 4
3:30pm - 5pm Intermediate Spanish Class Friedman Branch Library An adult class led by Edwin Perez of the Asociacion Cultural Hispanoamericana. Preregistration required. Call 706-736-6758 or visit arcpls.org.
7pm - 9:30pm Baby 101 Doctors Hospital An infant care and development class. Preregistration required. Call 706-651- 2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.
Mon Sep 4
6pm Heart Attack & Stroke Prevention Class University Hospital’s Heart & Vascular Institute A class that offers information, diagnostic exams, lab work, a personal plan and more. Pre-registration required. Call 706-774-5548 or visit universityhealth.org.
6:30pm Refit Headquarters Branch Library A free cardio dance class. Call 706-8212600 or visit arcpls.org.
Tue Sep 5
6pm Beat the Pack: Smoking Cessation Class University Hospital A free class that meets Tuesdays through Sept. 26. Pre-registration required. Call 706774-8094 or visit universityhealth.org.
6pm Weight Loss Surgery and You University Hospital Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706774-8931 or visit universityhealth.org.
7pm - 9:30pm Weekday Childbirth Education Class University Hospital Four-week class meets 7 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Sept. 26. Pre-registration required. Call 706-774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.
2pm - 4pm Movie Time for Adults
5:30pm Microsoft PowerPoint
10:30am The ARCPLS Website: A Helpful Guide
visit aarp.event.com/librarylearningaugusta.
5:30pm - 7:30pm Free Movie Tuesdays
HEALTH Thu Aug 31
11:30am - 1pm Prepare to Care Workshop Headquarters Branch Library An AARP event for those who are caring for an older adult or loved one. Free, but preregistration required. Call 877-926-8300 or
Wed Sep 6
9:30am - noon Wellness Checks Headquarters Branch Library Free blood pressure checks, blood sugar screenings and information provided by Christ Community Health Services. Call 706-821-2600 or visit arcpls.org.
5pm Breastfeeding Class University Hospital Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.
Ongoing
Meditation Sessions The Yoga Center, North Augusta Led by members of the Southeastern Buddhist Community the first and second Wednesday of each month. Sessions are free and open to the public. Visit sebuddhist.org.
HOBBIES Thu Aug 31
6:30pm - 9:30pm Augusta 31AUGUST2017
Archaeological Society Meeting Big Daddy’s Bar & Grill The meeting’s speaker will be Dr. Andrew A. White, research assistant professor, SC Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology, whose talk is titled “Kirk Projectile Points an Early Archaic Societies of the Coastal Plain.” Dinner, 6:30 p.m.; program, 8 p.m. Call 706-829-1615.
Sat Sep 2
1pm - 3pm Coupon Group Maxwell Branch Library Trade coupons and money-saving tips with others. Call 706-793-2020 or visit arcpls.org.
Sun Sep 3
7pm Shire of Border Vale meeting Augusta Richmond County Fire Station, 2627 Parkway Drive Monthly class introduces attendees to Middle Ages role playing, put on by the local chapter of the Society for Creative Anachronism Inc. Call 706-951-2437 or visit bordervalekeep.atlantia.sca.org.
Wed Sep 6
Noon Doodle Hour Columbia County Library Coloring for grown ups. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
KIDS-TEENS Thu Aug 31
1pm - 4pm Homeschool Adventure: Paddling and Archery Mistletoe State Park Participants will take a paddling trip on the lake and spend time on the archery range. For homeschool students ages 7 and up. $10 per child, plus $5 parking: pre-registration required. Call 706-541-0321 or visit gastateparks.org/mistletoe.
Fri Sep 1
11am Sensory Class Columbia County Library A class for kids ages 3 and older designed to help strengthen motor, social and cognitive skills. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
31AUGUST2017
12:30pm - 2pm Mr. Kenny’s Wondrous Stories, Songs and Play Jessye Norman School of the Arts Participants will read, sing, play musical instruments and explore movement designed to help them develop both literary and cognitive skills. Parents or caregivers participate in the class through age 3. Preschool and kindergarten children may attend with, or without, a parent or caregiver. $10; pre-registration required. Call 706-828-7768 or visit jessyenormanschool. org.
6pm - 10pm Kids Night Out Kroc Center A drop-off program for kids ages 2-12 that may include swimming, gym play and inflatables. Swimsuit and towel required. Children 4 and younger will not swim. $15, members; $20, non-members. Dinner is included. Register at the welcome desk or visit krocsales.sauss.net.
Sat Sep 2
11am Uni the Unicorn and the Dream Come True Story Time Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.
1pm DIY Crafts Friedman Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-736-6758 or visit arcpls.org.
Mon Sep 4
10:30am Jr. Lego Club Headquarters Branch Library For those ages 2-4. Legos provided. Preregistration required. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.
Tue Sep 5
10am Big Kid Story Time Headquarters Branch Library For kids ages 3-6. Pre-registration recommended. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.
10am Children’s Story Time
Friedman Branch Library Call 706-736-6758 or visit arcpls.org.
recommended. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.
4pm Storytime in the Gardens
10:05am Toddler Story Time
Hopelands Gardens For families with children ages 8 and younger. Blankets, chairs, drinks and snacks are welcome. Call 803-642-7631 or visit cityofaikensc.gov.
Appleby Branch Library Best for children ages 18 months-3 years. Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.
Wed Sep 6
10am Wacky Wednesday Story Time Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.
10am Story Time
10:30am Preschool Story Time Maxwell Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-793-2020 Appleby Branch Library Songs, finger plays and stories for kids or visit arcpls.org. ages 18 months to 3 years. Pre-registration required for groups of six or more. Call 70610am Story Time for Tots 736-6244 or visit arcpls.org. Headquarters Branch Library For kids ages 0-3. Pre-registration
AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
METROSPIRIT 33
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Thu Sep 7
10:30am Create with Me: Fall Harvest Morris Museum of Art Part of the Mommy and Me series for children and parents in which participants will view the exhibition “The Agrarian South” and assemble their own barn. Free, members and parents; $4 per participant, non-members. Pre-registration required. Call 706-828-3867 or visit themorris.org.
1pm - 3pm Homeschool Adventure: Life Cycles Mistletoe State Park For homeschool students ages 5 and up. $5 per child, plus $5 parking. Pre-registration required. Call 706-5410321 or visit gastateparks.org/mistletoe.
5pm - 6:30pm Royal Bees Girls Club registration Sand Hills Community Center Register for mentoring program for girls ages 4-16. Another registration time is from 5-6 p.m. Sept. 14. Meets weekly Thursdays from 5-7:30 p.m. starting Sept. 14.
LITERARY Thu Aug 31
10am - noon Morning Book Club
Ben Folds in Concert Imperial Theatre (moved from Jessye Norman Amphitheater) 6 p.m.-10 p.m. Fri Sep 1 $25, advance; $35, day of show Visit fwbpro.com
Maxwell Branch Library “Ghost in the Wires: My Adventures as the World Most Wanted Hacker” by Devin D. Mitnick will be discussed. Call 706-793-2020 or visit maxwellbookclub.wordpress. com.
Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.
MUSIC Fri Sep 1
6pm - 10pm Ben Folds in Concert Imperial Theatre (moved from Jessye Norman Amphitheater) Part of Friends with Benefits’ Riverwalk Revival Series. $25, advance; $35, day of show. Visit fwbpro.com.
6:30pm - 8pm Music Cruise Augusta Canal Featuring Bethany Davis & the Southside Boys. Participants are invited to bring snacks and beverages. $25; $23, seniors, military and students. Pre-registration required. Call 706-823-0440, ext. 4, or visit augustacanal. com.
7:30pm - 10:30pm Jazz concert Partridge Inn A Step Up jazz band performs. Free. Call 706-737-8888 or visit astepupjazz.com.
Sat Sep 2
8am - 2pm Saturday Morning Swing Eighth Street Plaza Live music from local jazz artists and performing arts groups during the Augusta Market. Call 706-627-0128 or visit theaugustamarket.com.
4pm - 11pm Country Under the Stars
Wed Sep 6
6pm Page Turners Book Club Barnes & Noble
Jesse Carroll Community Center, Hephzibah Country music festival benefits building the athletics department at the Georgia School for Innovation and the
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Classics. Features musicians Luke Combs, Ray Fulcher, Daniel Johnson and more. $25, general admission; $100, VIP. Gates open at 2 p.m. Visit countryunderthestars.com.
5pm - 11pm Aiken Music Fest Highlands Event Center Bands include Shelby Raye, The Bucket List Band and headliners The Trongone Band. Food vendors, activities for kids and more. Free. Call 803-649-3505 or visit facebook. com/aikenmusicfest/.
SENIORS Thu Aug 31
11am - 1pm Classic Movie for Seniors Diamond Lakes Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.
SPECIAL EVENTS Thu Aug 31 - Fri Sep 1 First Pint Pour Raffle
Riverwatch Brewery A fundraiser for Goodwill’s job training and career development services in which $10 raffle tickets will be sold for the following prizes: The first pint poured Friday, Sept. 1, at Riverwatch Brewery after a new law that allows breweries to sell directly to consumers goes into effect, a table dinner for eight at Edgar’s Grille (a $500 value); and two tickets to Goodwill’s 2018 reNew & Brew event. The raffle tickets will also get the person buying $5 off a Riverwatch tour on Aug. 31, the last day of tours and the day of the drawing. Raffle tickets available at Riverwatch Brewery and Edgar’s Grill. Visit goodwillworks.org/ firstpint.
Fri Sep 1
5pm - 9pm First Friday
Downtown Augusta A family-friendly arts event that includes musicians, dancers, artists and other vendors. First Friday Fire, presented by Arcane Arts, will be at the corner of 11th and Broad at 8 p.m. and will feature feats of fire, spinning poi, staff, hoop, fan and more in a family-friendly show to the music of DJ Codec. Visit artistsrowaugusta.com.
Fri Sep 1 - Sun Sep 3 Labor Day Jazz Weekend
Various Locations A Garden City Jazz event featuring the following events. Friday, Sept. 1: Riverwatch Brewery Tour, 5-8 p.m.; First Friday Block Party and Gallery Crawl, 6 p.m., downtown Augusta; We Are the Wav, 10 p.m., Sky City. Saturday, Sept. 2: Saturday Morning Swing at the Augusta Market, 8 a.m., 8th Street; James Brown Family Historical Tour, 11 a.m., Augusta Museum of History; Riverwatch Brewery Tour, 5-8 p.m.; Pop-Up Jazz, 7:30 p.m. (venue available with ticket purchase). Sunday, Sept. 3: Candlelight for a Cause Music Festival and White Dinner featuring The Georgia Horns, 6 p.m., Augusta Common; Rooftop Soiree, 9 p.m., Sprint Metro Market. For more information and tickets, call 762-233-5299 or visit gardencityjazz.eventbrite.com.
Sat Sep 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.
10am Slide the City Columbia County Exhibition Center The record-breaking water slide is coming to Grovetown. Slide the City is a family-
friendly slip-and-slide water party with live music, food trucks and drinks. Tickets start at $30. Call 706-868-3484 or visit slidethecity.com/columbia-county.
Tue Sep 5
7:05pm Augusta GreenJackets vs. Charleston RiverDogs Lake Olmstead Stadium $8-$12. Call 706-922-9467 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.
4:30pm - 7pm Veggie Park Farmers Market
Sat Sep 2
Mill Village Trailhead, 109 Eve Street This weekly event in the park behind the Kroc Center features all local farmers and doubles EBT/SNAP benefits. Visit http:// augustalocallygrown.org/veggie-parkfarmers-market/.
Mistletoe State Park A naturalist-led hike of about one hour, followed by a craft time. $2, craft; $5, parking. Call 706-541-0321 or visit gastateparks.org/mistletoe.
Wed Sep 6
11:30am Chamber of Commerce Luncheon Augusta Marriott Hotel Luncheon will feature speaker Pat Wilson, commissioner for the Georgia Department of Economic Development. Presentation will discuss economic growth trends in the CSRA. $35, chamber members; $45, prospective members. Registration required by Aug. 31. Call 706-821-1300 or email Sabrina.Balthrop@augustametrochamber. com.
6pm - 8pm Yappy Hour SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare An event that includes live music, a cash bar, open dog park and food. Call 803-6486863 or visit letlovelive.org.
SPORTS-OUTDOORS Fri Sep 1
6pm - 9pm Campfire, Games and Twilight Hike Mistletoe State Park $5, parking. Call 706-541-0321 or visit gastateparks.org/mistletoe.
10am - noon Hike and Craft
6:05pm Augusta GreenJackets vs. Charleston RiverDogs Lake Olmstead Stadium $8-$12. Call 706-922-9467 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.
8pm Bingo Night Mistletoe State Park Boards are two for $1 and prizes will be awarded. $5, parking. Call 706-541-0321 or visit gastateparks.org/mistletoe.
Sun Sep 3
3pm - 5pm Campground Tie Dye Mistletoe State Park $10; $5, parking. Call 706-541-0321 or visit gastateparks.org/mistletoe.
5:05pm Augusta GreenJackets vs. Charleston RiverDogs Lake Olmstead Stadium $8-$12. Call 706-922-9467 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.
5:30pm - 7pm Water Games and Ice Cream Mistletoe State Park War with water guns against a naturalist, then ice cream. $5 parking. Call 706-5410321 or visit gastateparks.org/mistletoe.
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Mon Sep 4
Call 803-648-1222 or visit stableviewfarm. com.
Mistletoe State Park $10, plus $5 parking. Call 706-541-0321 or visit gastateparks.org/mistletoe.
SUPPORT
9am - 1pm Paddling Scavenger Hunt
7:05pm Augusta GreenJackets vs. Charleston RiverDogs Lake Olmstead Stadium Very last GreenJackets game at Lake Olmstead Stadium. $8-$12. Call 706-9229467 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.
Tue Sep 5
5:30pm Ballet for Adults Weeks Center, Aiken A 12-week class for those 16 and older that meets Tuesdays at 5:45 p.m. through Nov. 21. $120, residents; $140, non-residents. Preregistration required. Call 803-642-7631 or visit cityofaikensc.gov
Wed Sep 6
8:30am Ballet for Seniors Weeks Center, Aiken A 12-week class for those 55 and older that meets Wednesdays at 8:45 a.m. through Nov. 22. $120, residents; $140, non-residents. Pre-registration required. Call 803-642-7631 or visit cityofaikensc.gov
2:30pm - 9pm Under the Stars Jumper Night Stable View Farm
Sat Sep 2
10am WIC Breastfeeding Support Group Headquarters Branch Library Call 706-821-2600 or visit arcpls.org.
Mon Sep 4
6pm Stroke of Hope Doctor Hospital A support group for stroke patients, families and caregivers. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.
6:30pm Cancer Share University Hospital For those with any type of cancer. Call 706774-5946 or visit universityhealth.org.
6:30pm Lung Cancer Support Group University Hospital Call 706-744-5946 or visit universityhealth. org.
6:30pm Pink Pistols Meeting A group for women in their 20s and 30s dealing with breast cancer. Call for location. Call 706-774-4141 or visit universityhealth. org.
7pm Parents Healing Together
University Hospital A support group for parents, families and friends who have lost infants through miscarriage, death, ectopic pregnancy or stillbirth. Call 706-774-5811.
5:30pm Girl Talk Support Group
Tue Sep 5
THEATER
Augusta University Medical Center This free weekly support group for new mothers meets in the Terrace Dining Dogwood Room on the second floor beginning at 10:20 a.m. All new moms and their babies are welcome and an international board certified lactation consultant/educator/perinatal nurse will answer questions and offer resources. Call 706-721-8283 or visit augustahealth. org.
8pm and 10pm xTreme Theatre Games
10am - 11:30am Moms Connection
5:30pm Weight Loss Support Group AU Professional Building 1 Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706-721-2609 or visit augustahealth.org/ weightloss.
Wed Sep 6
1pm - 3pm The Lactation Club University Hospital A breastfeeding support group for mothers of NICU babies. Pre-registration required. Call 706-774-2825 or visit universityhealth. org.
Doctors Hospital A support group for those who have pelvic health issues. Pre-registration required. Call 706-651-4343 or visit doctors-hospital.net.
Fri Sep 1
Le Chat Noir First Friday improv comedy by Schrodinger’s Cat. $12 online and at door. Call 706-722-3322 or visit lcnaugusta.com.
Tue Sep 5
6pm “Our Town” Auditions Etherredge Center, Aiken A University Theatre Players production that will show Oct. 12-15 in which both students and community members are invited to audition for the 7-8 female roles and 16- 17 male roles. Call 803-641-3327 or email jackb@usca.edu.
Ongoing
“Peter Pan” Aiken Community Playhouse Showing 7:30 p.m. Sept. 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 14 and 15, and 2 p.m. Sept. 10. $25, adults; $20, seniors and active military; $15, students; $10, children. Call 803-648-1438 or visit aikencommunityplayhouse.com.
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Southbound Smokehouse- Infant Richard and the Delta Stones Stillwater Taproom - Donald Merckle and the Blacksmiths Surrey Tavern - Village Sticks Wild Wing - DM Radio The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn
Joe’s Underground - Open Mic The Willcox (Aiken) - Hal Shreck
What’s Tonight?
Wednesday, September 6 Live Music
Edge Nightclub - Shelby’s Labor Day Weekend Kickoff Show w/ Claire Storm, Vonnajae Couture, Seymoure Ganjha Sky City - Beat Battle & Hip-hop Concert
Saturday, September 2 Live Music
Sinners & Saints (pictured), Cicada Rhythm Metro Pub & Coffeehouse 10 p.m. Sat Sep 2; $5 cover; open to 21 and older facebook.com/events/1837648706262219/
8th Street Plaza - Saturday Morning Swing at the Augusta Market on the River Country Club- Cody Webb The Iron Heights - Outer Glow, Deadblo, Discoveries, East Viridian, Sleeping Bear The Loft - Bumpin Uglies Metro Coffeehouse & Pub - Sinners & Saints, Cicada Rhythm Partridge Inn - Kemba Cofield Shannon’s - Third Time Charmers Sky City - Hound of Goshen, Livingroom Legends, Shoo Fly Pie Southbound Smokehouse - Caleb Tokarska Stables Restaurant (Aiken) - Great American Songbook with Ken Kolbe Stillwater Taproom - Dewayne Brock and the Lucky Bastards Wild Wing - Center Lane Acoustic The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn World of Beer - Ruskin & Cam of King Size
What’s Tonight?
The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Helga’s Pub & Grille - Trivia The Highlander - Karaoke The Private - Seafood Saturday w/ Slave, Nelson Curry the Sugar Shack Man, Klassband, Chris Thomas and Shucky Ducky
Sunday, September 3 Live Music
Kemba Cofield Partridge Inn 8:30 p.m. Sat Sep 2; $30 advance; $40 at door 762-233-5299 or gardencityjazz.com
Augusta Common - Candlelight Jazz Capri Lounge - Vivian Valium & the Lounge Lizard Divas The Iron Heights - Nomadic, Noose Southbound Smokehouse - Phillip Lee Wild Wing - Will McCranie The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn
What’s Tonight?
The Highlander - Game Night World of Beer - Karaoke
Soul Bar - The Loris Trio Southbound Smokehouse- Pierce Edens Wild Wing - Dave Love
What’s Tonight?
The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Bar West - Karaoke Capri Lounge - Game Night Chevy’s - DJ Richie Rich Pizza Joint (Evans) - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper Polo Tavern (Aiken) - Karaoke w/ Tom Mitchell Southbound Smokehouse - Trivia Stillwater Taproom - Pub Quiz World of Beer - Trivia
Upcoming Ricky Scaggs and Kentucky Thunder
- Imperial Theatre September 8 Rebel Lion, Happy Bones
- Sky City September 8 Travers Brothership
- Southbound Smokehouse September 8 Diggin’ It Music Festival w/ I Am Spartacus, Brooke McBride, Trust in Traitors
- Columbia County Amphitheater September 9 Clint Black
- Evans Towne Center Park September 14 Mary J. Blige
- James Brown Arena September 16 Tank
- Sky City September 19 Shovels and Rope
- Jessye Norman Amphitheater September 22 Bullmoose, Gloom Cocoon, and Hound of Goshen
- Sky City September 28 Michelle Malone & Drag the River, Silvertown
- Sky City September 29 An Evening with Chris Robinson Brotherhood
- Sky City October 3 Old Dominion
- Bell Auditorium October 5 Kevin Hart
- Bell Auditorium October 7-8
What’s Tonight?
Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ Mike Johnson
Chris Janson
- Bell Auditorium October 21 Kansas
Thursday, August 31 Live Music
The Alley (Aiken) - Amp the Alley w/ Ruskin & Kolbek Fox’s Lair - Open Mic Jam w/ Thomas Langley Metro Pub & Coffeehouse - Vicky Grady Band Soul Bar - The Bergamot, TV Jet Set Southbound Smokehouse - The Sweet Lillies Sky City - Bethany Davis’ Fam Jam w/ Special Guests Wild Wing - Whiskey Run Duo The Willcox (Aiken) - Thursday Night Jazz w/ 4 Cats in the Dog House
What’s Tonight?
Helga’s Pub & Grille - Trivia
38 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
The Highlander - Butt Naked Trivia Pizza Joint (Downtown) - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane That Place Coffee - Open Mic w/ J. Martin-Moses
Friday, September 1 Live Music
Augusta Common - First Friday Concert Country Club - Gannon Adams The Highlander - The Billy McKnight Trio, Brandon Hadden Highlands Event Center (Aiken) - Aiken Music Fest Imperial Theatre (moved from Jessye Norman Amphitheater) - Ben Folds The Loft - Beebs and her Money Makers Shannon’s - Perfect Picture
Monday, September 4 Live Music
The Highlander - Acoustic Mondays Metro Coffeehouse & Pub - Blues Monday w/ Famous Last Words
- Bell Auditorium October 25 Chicago
- Bell Auditorium November 1 Symphony Orchestra Augusta
- Bell Auditorium November 9 Chris Tomlin
What’s Tonight?
Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane Wild Wing - Trivia World of Beer - Open Mic Night
Tuesday, September 5 Live Music
Fox’s Lair - Irish Music w/ Dr. John Fisher and the Undefeated Army
- James Brown Arena November 10 Rick Springfield, Richard Marx
- Bell Auditorium December 6
Elsewhere Goo Goo Dolls, Phillip Phillips
- Chastain Park, Atlanta September 4 Steve Earle & the Dukes
- Georgia Theatre, Athens September 5 31AUGUST2017
V28|NO35 The Afghan Whigs
- Terminal West, Atlanta September 7 Lady Antebellum, Brett Young, Kelsea Ballerini
- Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, Alpharetta September 8 TLC, Snap!, Naughty by Nature, Montell Jordan, Color Me Badd
- Infinite Energy Center, Atlanta September 9 Modest Mouse
- The Roxy Theatre, Atlanta September 10 Toto, Pat Benatar, Neil Giraldo
- Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheatre, Peachtree City September 10 The Cranberries
- The Tabernacle, Atlanta September 13 B-52s w/ the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
- Symphony Hall, Atlanta September 14-15 Music Midtown w/ Bruno Mars, Mumford & Sons, Wiz Khalifa, Weezer, Haim, Collective Soul, the Strumbellas, Oh Wonder
REAL PEOPLE REAL DESIRE REAL FUN.
- Piedmont Park, Atlanta September 16-17 Arcade Fire, Wolf Parade
- Infinite Energy Center, Atlanta September 21 Broken Social Scene, Frightened Rabbit, The Belle Game
- The Tabernacle, Atlanta September 22
Try FREE: 706-434-0108 More Local Numbers: 1-800-926-6000 Ahora español Livelinks.com 18+
Adam Ant, Glam Skanks
- Variety Playhouse, Atlanta September 23 Tracy Morgan
- Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Atlanta September 23 Cold War Kids, Joywave
- Georgia Theatre, Athens September 25 Father John Misty, Weyes Blood
- The Tabernacle, Atlanta September 27
Meet sexy new friends
FREE TRIAL
706-434-0112
SIGHTINGS
Michael Johnson | mejphoto.photoreflect.com
Taylor Williams, Ryan Leary and Gianna Evans at Party in the Park at Lady A Amphitheater
Ashli Dye, Amanda Spence, Anna Duncan and Terri Goodwin at Party in the Park at Lady A Amphitheater
Alyson Harden, Wade Faglier and Madison Crabtree at Party in the Park at Lady A Amphitheater
Summer and Bobby Keenum with Laura Carter at Party in the Park at Lady A Amphitheater
Singer/songwriters Tyler Reeve, Trea Landon and Ray Fulcher at Party in the Park at Lady A Amphitheater
Singer/songwriters Trea Landon, Faren Rachels and Charlie Lance at Party in the Park at Lady A Amphitheater
Tara and Bill Street with Toni and David Brunson Jr. at Wild Wing
Trey Kendrick, Melissa Carroll and Yvette Pryor at Wild Wing
Trena Merriweather, Benito Wheeler with David and Allison Brunson III at Wild Wing
Each month Westobou delivers a curated list of events, things to do and places to see, directy to your inbox. Subscribe now at westobou.org #westobou10 31AUGUST2017
AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
METROSPIRIT 41
V28|NO35
THE EIGHT
BOX TOPS RANK TITLES
WEEKEND GROSS TOTAL GROSS WEEK # LAST WEEK
1
THE HITMAN’S BODYGUARD
$10,262,619
$39,826,623
2
1
2
ANNABELLE: CREATION
$7,681,158
$78,211,542
3
2
3
LEAP!
$4,730,038
$4,730,038
1
-
4
WIND RIVER
$4,600,976
$10,031,189
4
10
5
LOGAN LUCKY
$4,241,548
$14,908,962
2
3
In Theaters September 1
DRAMA SUPERHERO “Tulip Fever,” rated R, starring Alicia Vikander, “Marvel’s Inhumans,” starring Anson Mount,
SCI-FI “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” rated PG,
Dane DeHaan, Christoph Waltz and Judi Dench. Based on Deborah Moggach’s best-selling novel, this period drama tells the story of a young artist who falls in love with the married woman he’s commissioned to paint. Having three Academy Award winners on the cast list is usually a good sign. But then again, “Bad Santa 2” also boasts the same distinction, so nothing is guaranteed.
starring Richard Dreyfuss, Melinda Dillon, Teri Garr and Francois Truffaut. Steven Spielberg’s sci-fi classic is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a nationwide re-release. This time around, the film will be digitally remastered in 4K. In other words, that mountain of mashed potatoes has never looked so spectacular. Warning to first-time viewers: Those famous “five tones” will be stuck in your brain for weeks.
44 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Iwan Rheon, Serinda Swan, Isabelle Cornish and Eme Ikwuakor. Debuting on IMAX screens across the country, this two-part episode serves as the introduction for the ABC television series that premieres on Sept. 29. If you’re a Marvel fanboy/fangirl who’s itching to see another bigscreen release, “Inhumans” might be enough to tide you over until “Thor: Ragnarok” comes out in November.
31AUGUST2017
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