Table of Contents
EDIT
April 14, 2016
Amy Christian
Arts Editor/Production Director
amy@themetrospirit.com
Whine Line Ruffin It Augusta Tek Jenny is Wright Kris Fisher
Stacey Eidson Staff Writer
stacey@themetrospirit.com
Molly Swift Staff Writer
molly@themetrospirit.com
CREATIVE
Insider 14 Feature 16
Joshua Bailey Lead Designer
joshua@themetrospirit.com
COVER DESIGN: Kruhu
SALES Gayle Bryan
Senior Account Executive
gayle@themetrospirit.com 706-373-4846
Jim Christian Account Executive
jim@themetrospirit.com 706-414-4059
Bonnie Sloane
4 6 8 10 12
CHALLENGING THE SYSTEM
What’s Up Calendar Nightlife Sightings NYT Crossword The Eight Austin Rhodes
23 24 30 32 34 36 38
Pg. 16
Account Executive
bonnie@themetrospirit.com 770-401-9357
BUSINESS Joe White Publisher
joe@themetrospirit.com 706-373-3636
THIS WEEK
Johnny Beckworth circulation manager
johnny@themetrospirit.com Contributors Jenny Wright, Greg Baker, Austin Rhodes, Josh Ruffin, Kris Fisher, Michael Johnson Metro Spirit is a free newspaper published weekly on Thursday, 52 weeks a year. Editorial coverage includes local issues and news, arts, entertainment, people, places and events. In our paper appear views from across the political and social spectrum. The views do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. Visit us at metrospirit. com.© 15 House, LLC. Owner/Publisher: Joe White. Legal: Phillip Scott Hibbard. Reproduction or use without permission is prohibited. One copy per person, please.
Want to advertise in the Metro Spirit? Call or email Joe at 706.373.3636 joe@themetrospirit.com
We are all guilty of sending that poorly written email, the one that doesn’t sound so great when your boss reads it back to you. A poor word choice, an ambiguous phrasing, a failed attempt at humor — all of these items lead the reader to wonder, “What the heck were they thinking?” Pg. 8
On April 7, Toombs Judicial Circuit District Attorney Dennis Sanders declined to indict local attorney and candidate for Georgia House District 123 Wright McLeod on the bizarre case relating to the false imprisonment of a former Augusta Warrior Project employee. When he was arrested earlier this year, McLeod said he was falsely accused. Turns out, he was right. Pg. 14
There aren’t much more serious topics than sexual assault and child abuse, but the local events planned to commemorate Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Child Abuse Awareness Month, both in April, are anything but somber. Rather, they’re empowering and undeniably uplifting. Pg. 23
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OPINION
The Whine Line The daily published an article concluding the Georgia religious freedom bill had nothing to do with the legalization of gay marriage. After all, the Civil War had nothing to do with slavery, The KKK has nothing to do with racism, the Senate’s refusal to vote on a Supreme Court justice has nothing to do with President Obama. The religious freedom bill simply allows anyone and any business to discriminate against gays if they feel the evil and hate in their heart is based on their religion. Ken Howard and Gary Shandling have passed, at the ages of 71 and 66 respectively. On the other hand, Charles Manson and Sirhan Sirhan are still alive and kickin’, at 81 and 72 respectively. Life - always stranger than fiction! I hear state Republicans are going to be meeting in Augusta come June. Who do I have to sleep with to get the Tin Foil Hat and White Hood kiosk set up downtown? I’ll be richer than The Drumpf! Way to go with the Master’s Week issue Metrospirit! Leave out the crossword and leave in Austin Rhodes so everyone will know Augusta is for stupid yokels.
Ruffin’ It Augusta Tek Jenny is Wright Kris Fisher
When a friend told me there were no whines for the last two weeks, I told them they apparently hadn’t been watching coverage of the Republican presidential campaigns. Tattoos are fine. Until one hits 50 something and the skin begins to wrinkle, then a few more years sags and thins, and you not only feel old. You look like an idiot who took a bath in a paint booth. Why is it that when people are just “practicing their religion,” is there so much collateral effect/damage on the surrounding population? The words freedom of religion and freedom FROM religion seem forgotten these days. Can one whine about NO whine line? I look forward to them; I find it most interesting to see what’s on the mind of those around us. Sometimes I laugh out loud but then occasionally I even cry. I look forward to the next contributions.
I wish the state or local police would slow down the 18-wheel truck drivers who disobey the speed limit signs on I-20. They roar in behind you flashing their lights and riding on your bumper when you’re going the speed limit and have other cars beside you and act they are going to run over you or push you off the road. Something needs to be done about it. I would like to know who came up with the idea of putting those hideous dandelion-looking “fountains” in the median on Broad Street. Downtown does not need any more fountains. How about you city “leaders” put some money into cleaning up the lower end of Broad, from 5th to 9th, and give some incentive for nicer businesses to set up like they do on the other end where business is thriving. I think the DDA and Commissioners should take a walking lunch break and see for yourselves how one end of Broad can be worlds apart from the other in terms of business, pedestrian traffic, cleanliness, visibility, police presence... and do something about it. Your idiot “political” columnist slut-shamed a 15-yearold girl in his column. She’s the problem, he says. Not the young men who chose to have sex with her. Not the older men who did not care about her being underage and chose to have sex with her. Not the jealous girls/random friends and family who decided that the males’ behavior wasn’t worth blame and instead BROUGHT DEADLY WEAPONS TO FIGHT A 15-YEAR-OLD GIRL. To the person commenting on the cause of the civil war in the whine line March 30. You need to get a grip on reality. Taxes and tarriffs??? And I am guessing you also think the slaves were treated with great respect because they were the farmers tools that he had invested in. Unbelievable. Hey Austin Rhodes! Should I have the right to refuse to serve you because I think you are an ignorant, homophobic, retrograde, bigoted, hate-filled and out-of-touch jerk? Had the Religious Liberty Bill passed, I don’t see what could then have stopped me or anyone else from singling out jerks, as well as LGBT persons, as targets of discrimination based upon my own block-headed misinformation and prejudice while pretending it had something to do with my religious freedom. Axl Rose is in AC/DC? And you people thought hell would never freeze over!
WHINELINE@THEMETROSPIRIT.COM Have something you want to get off your chest? Send your whines to whineline@themetrospirit.com. The Metro Spirit reserves the right to edit submitted whines for content, but we will otherwise print them pretty much exactly as you type them… spelling errors and all. 4 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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I never understood why The Metro Spirit nixes the whineline for 2 weeks around The Masters. Do you all really think Masters visitors really care what locals are saying in the whine line? All they need to do is venture a few hundred yards away from the hallowed grounds of The National to see the decay of Augusta. MOst of them are here for the tournament anyway and could care less about the corruption of city politics or the nastiness of The Southside, which many of them would have no reason to venture into anyway except to board a plane back home. Let’s dispense with The Potempkin Village facade during Masters Week. All it does is cover up festering problems that Augusta needs to address instead of pretending don’t exist to try and impress visitors who couldn’t give a flip anyway.
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Not Feeling the Bern THERE ARE A LOT OF THINGS people assume about me, based on my status as a white, liberal, AngloSaxon male in his early 30s living in the bastion of left-wing hippiedom that is Madison, WI. And, to be fair, most of it is true. I listen to NPR (but only when Spotify isn’t working, and also someone please get Ira Glass something to drink, he sounds so thirsty); I stand in line for expensive beer; The National is one of my favorite bands; and I have very strong opinions about both “Game of Thrones” and David Foster Wallace. For the most part, I strut amiably and predictably down the demographic corridor. I am not, however — I repeat, not — a Bernie Sanders supporter, and it really confuses almost everyone who has known me for less than five years, including my co-workers, most of whom are my age or younger. After all, I voted for Barack Obama back when he first ran in 2008, even though I said
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— and I’m sure the audio is out there somewhere — on some pissant radio show I used to help produce in Augusta, that I wasn’t sure it was quite his time yet. It wasn’t that I didn’t believe in what he stood for, I just wasn’t convinced the rest of the liberal voting blocks would agree. I was, fortunately, wrong. And there are parallels between that primary season and this one. Hillary Clinton was the foregone conclusion of the Democratic primary, the walking dynastic name brand and establishment choice. Obama was the upstart, the dark horse who carried a massive percentage of the youth vote, based primarily on the promise of change. This is key. It was the right time for a candidate like Obama, especially considering who he was going up against: John McCain, a moderate Republican who had been known to operate outside of his own party lines, a war hero and voice of reason in the increasingly ridiculous GOP. And though he and his campaign
would proceed to s**t on every iota of good will he’d accrued throughout his Senate tenure by vetting Sarah Palin and embracing social ultra-conservative “values,” he was a formidable opponent. Moderate though he may have been, he was a fairly “establishment” choice, a safe bet by his party. If the Democrats had run Hillary in 2008, we could have been facing a McCain presidency. With Obama — the guidance counselor-firebrand hybrid who represented hitherto under-served demographics — the Democrats cut right through McCain, who came across as desperate and old in comparison. In 2016, the view is different. Unless the Republicans decide to nominate someone completely different during their contested convention, it’s looking more and more like the candidate is going to be Ted Cruz. Trump will certainly get muscled out, and there just isn’t enough on-paper support for Kasich, despite him trending as the only GOP candidate left who could give either Sanders or Clinton an actual fight. And the GOP hates — haaaaaaates — Ted Cruz. Not quite as much as they hate Trump, but Cruz swept into influence backed by the Tea Party — remember those dipshits? — and is the most legitimately fascist candidate left. Unfortunately, Cruz has seemed comparatively sane standing next to Donald Trump at the debates. So much of it has flown under the radar, but he is a dangerous, dangerous man, and there is still a risk of the party getting behind him because they aren’t willing to play the long game and try to reshape the party into something that doesn’t resemble a laundry hamper full of rabid, retarded weasels. If Sanders gets the nomination — and he very well might, though the math is dubious — he’ll almost certainly nab the White House, too. I’m not arguing that point. But if you think that the GOP-held Congress stonewalled President Obama, then oh my god, just wait until Sanders — a cranky, radical, Jewish socialist whose ideas and good intentions far outweigh his sense of practicality — takes office. Nothing will get done except through executive order, which is, like, an oil drum full of worms. Hillary Clinton knows people. She
has clout. Is she the establishment candidate? Hell, of course she is. But while the Bernie Bros consider that a dirty word, in reality it carries with it an implication of clout, of experience at the highest levels of government. She’s the Secretary of State, basically a hostage negotiator for American interests across the world, and that takes a special kind of badass. I’ll end with one other small, salient point. If Bernie Sanders is the nominee, I won’t think twice about voting for him. He’s a good man, a hilariously, encouragingly improbable candidate, and he’ll fight. We know that much. And according to recent polls, about 90 percent of current Clinton supporters would do the same thing. Conversely, only 75 percent of Bernie Sanders supporters say that they would vote for Clinton if she were the nominee. Passion and idealism are admirable, useful traits, for sure. But we’re playing a pragmatic long-game here, and sometimes revolution has to wait in favor of it. JOSH RUFFIN is a long way from home,
having moved from Augusta to Middleton, Wisconsin, with his wife, Michelle. He is a selfdescribed beer guru, so most of his Twitter posts are about what he’s drinking. While drinking, he enjoys writing poetry and watching MMA fights… or writing poetry about MMA fights.
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Please join us for a FREE...
Family Reunion Workshop & Tradeshow
Saturday 23 April
Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center 2 10th Street, Augusta GA RSVP: Michelle Bovian Michelle@VisitAugusta.com or 706.823.6616
Reunion Specialist, “Cousin� Michelle will provide reunion planning tips. Advanced registration is required. Attendees are encouraged to wear their family reunion t-shirts.
8:00 am
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NASA coming to Augusta NASA’S OPEN INNOVATION INCUBATOR, the International Space Apps Challenge, will take place April 22-24. The global main stage for this year’s event will be in Pasadena, California, with local events taking place simultaneously in 193 locations spanning 72 countries. One of those locations is Augusta, GA. (BTW — only one of two locations in the southeast and the only location in Georgia.) theClubhou.se is hosting the Augusta event, and they are looking for teams of students and interested hackers to participate. This year, NASA is offering 26 challenges in six missionrelated categories: Aeronautics, Earth, International Space Station, Journey to Mars, Solar System and Beyond, and Space Technology. This year’s challenge will include a Data Bootcamp on April 22, streamed live from the global main stage. The bootcamp is open to the public and will give participants the opportunity to learn new skills with computer coding and data. On April 23 and 24, participants are asked to develop mobile applications, software, hardware, data visualizations and platform solutions that could contribute to space exploration missions and help improve life on Earth. Teachers, for more information on the challenge, visit https://2016.spaceappschallenge. org. To register, go to https://2016.spaceappschallenge.org/locations/augusta-ga-usa. STOP SHOUTING AT ME We all get emails from THAT person. Whether it’s intentional or not, THIS person always has a knack for rubbing us the wrong way. The topic doesn’t matter. Even a simple comment regarding that latest (and cutest) cat video causes you to cringe. This has got to be some extreme, literary superpower. No human could possibly write so many offensive emails about such inane topics! Of course, I’m not talking about any one person. We are all guilty of sending that poorly written email. It’s that email that sounds good when we send it, but doesn’t sound so great when your boss reads it back to you. A poor word choice, an ambiguous phrasing, a failed attempt at humor — all of these items lead the reader to wonder, “What the heck were they thinking?” And before you know it, a simple email thread turns hostile. What makes an email sound rude? While everyone has their own pet peeves, most emails considered snarky or abusive contain similar language. • ALL CAPS — This is perhaps the most widely known method to escalate a written message. It’s very simple — ALL CAPS = yelling. SO DON’T YELL! • Unnecessary Punctuation — An exclamation point is used for emphasis. However, multiple exclamation points do not add more emphasis. They simply make you look like a troll. • Multiple personality words — The meaning of many words depend on a context not present in an email. For example, the word “fine” could mean two different things: That sounds good or that’s a horrible idea, but I’ll go along since I think you’re a butthead and I want to watch you suffer. Likewise for “thanks.” • But, actually… — Whether written or spoken, these two words tend to emphasize a single item: I’m right and you’re wrong. If that’s the message you are trying to convey, then they might be the right choice. Most of the time, you’ll want to try a different phrasing. • Demands — Engineers are notorious for placing demands in email. Their training requires specificity, and their dry, yet charming, personalities hinder their ability to catch the snarkiness. Please don’t hold it against your engineering team. They just want to be loved! ;-) This list is by no means comprehensive. A quick search of the internet reveals hundreds of different sites dedicated to improving your email etiquette. Go ahead and burn an hour or two on self-improvement. It will go a long way to warming up your online personality.
GREGORY BAKER PH.D.
is vice president of CMA Technology and, yes, is actually a rocket scientist who used his doctorate in aerospace engineering at Lockheed Martin. In addition to working at CMA, he also serves the community, sitting on several boards in the area.
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15 in 5 BECAUSE I LOVE A LIST. ESPECIALLY A RANDOM LIST. 1. I hope everyone survived Masters week. I’ve heard some horrible rental stories. I won’t ever understand how a human can come in to another human’s space and disrespect it. 2. A friend had smokers in her house. As in, they smoked in her home while she was away. Who does that? I mean, besides the a-holes who did that. 3. How was traffic? I’m sure it was heavy, but was it better with the new Berckmans setup? 4. Only one Masters-related arrest made the news. Some drunk dude went under the ropes and into the bunker. Sadly, he probably won’t have a vivid memory of his only trip to the National. 5. Did his friends leave with him? I hope not. I wonder where he went after he was kicked out? What a dumb story to tell. 6. I wish we rented our house Masters week, if for no other reason than the mandatory, house-wide deep clean. 7. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I’m a terrible housekeeper. 8. I’m training my kids to be excellent housekeepers. That way, I can keep being a terrible one. I’ve only emptied the dishwasher once or twice in the past year. The Girl is just starting to realize it’s not all that fun anymore. 9. Unfortunately, you can’t often see the floor in her room. Instead of fighting her, I close her door. I asked her to clean it all up once, and she shoved it under the bed. Every last sock. When I called her out, she swore she wouldn’t do it again. Next time, she put it all in the hamper, as if it was all dirty. Do you know how infuriating it is to find half-folded, once fully clean clothes crammed in the hamper with the dirty towels and socks? She does. 10. No matter how good your kid is, middle school isn’t for the faint of heart. 11. We still haven’t regretted dropping cable. There’s still plenty to watch. I’ve
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been unable to watch one single show since we cut the cord, and it was “The People vs. OJ Simpson.” 12. I paid $2.99 an episode on Amazon to watch “The People vs. OJ Simpson” and it was worth every penny. 13. I know you’ve all been holding your breaths over this, but I finally got a new phone. I got it before the March 30 upgrade date. Not sure how, but I’m glad I did. 14. I have a tempered glass screen protector. I put glass over my glass. I did that because The Man says if I break this one, I’m back to a flip phone. 15. I’ve been writing this column for five years this week. Unreal. I didn’t think I could even write one. Some people still think I can’t, and that’s okay. I’ve written tens of thousands of words equaling hundreds of columns. I’m patting myself on the back.
JENNY WRIGHT’S humorous observations on marriage, motherhood and living in Augusta have earned her a devoted following, both in print and on Facebook. When she’s not spying on other parents in the carpool line at school, you’ll probably find her with either a camera, tennis racquet or wine glass in her hand.
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REGISTER NOW! Summer Classes Start May 16th and Fill Quickly!
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Masters Hangover Saturday, I received that text that most people who don’t abandon Augusta during Masters Week hope to get. A friend had a couple extra tickets to the tournament and asked if the wife and I would like to go. There’s really no question here. Like most people, we jumped at the chance. I’m not really much of a golf fan, but the final round of one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world? You’re damn right I want to be there. As much as I enjoy the spectacle and overwhelming atmosphere of this event, I enjoy watching the people even more. Like some, I’m keeping an eye out for celebrities. Of which, I have never seen one. Ever. In 38 years of Masters Weeks, not one single celebrity sighting. Well, there was last year, when I saw Richard Rogers from News 12, but that’s the only time. I also just kind of like to watch the patrons. I enjoy seeing the different people who descend on our city for this event. As an old boss of mine put it, “Some people would kill to go there.” He’s one of them: Huge golf fan, never been to the Masters. Me? I’ve been a handful of times. I’m gracious for each and every opportunity, but also quite aware of how out of place I am. Let’s be honest, golf is a rich person’s sport. I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with that. Just stating the obvious. It’s not like baseball, where all you need is a glove, bat and ball. Not basketball, where you only need the ball and a hoop, or football, where all you basically need is the ball. Golf is an investment. Clubs, balls, membership to swanky golf club, greens fees, etc. Sure, the game has opened up quite a bit lately to kids without the means, but for a lowermiddle-class ‘80s kid from the southside? There weren’t very many opportunities for me to play the links. I’m okay with that, though. I don’t feel like I missed out on anything. I just notice the difference when around those in the golfing community. Example: The wife and I were walking past a group and overheard one woman say, “Well, Charles finally made partner” which was followed by a few “ohhs!” and “ahhs!” I felt great for Charles even though I had never met him. I was also proud of myself, for I had finally made a payment on my student loan. Now I’m only two months behind instead of three. “Ooh!” “Ahhh!” I tried to mingle with the golf folk, rebelling in my own subtle way. I am probably the only person to ever wear a Tool concert tee to the final round of the Masters! It was covered by a Masters pull-over, though. So my effrontery was only half-hearted. However, I did get a stern talking to by an official after yelling “GET IN THE HOLE!” just as Bubba Watson began his putt on 13. No, that didn’t really happen. But it would be funny if it did. It also would be just as ridiculous as yelling it after a golfer tees off. I have never understood the shouting of “Get in the hole!” It’d be like yelling “FLY OUT OF THE PARK” at a Braves game, or “LAND IN THE RECEIVER’S HAND IN SUCH A WAY THAT HE CAN RUN INTO THE ENDZONE” at a Falcons game. I can understand a “Yeah, Jordan!” or “Knock it in, Rory!” or some other form of cheering, as we do at other sporting events. But, yelling at the ball just seems a little silly to me. But, who am I to judge? Sports are our opportunity to release and enjoy in our own way, without some one-week-out-of-the-year golf fan judging how we enjoy it. Also, I just might be overanalyzing just a touch. Masters Week always makes me wish I were more than just the oneweek-a-year fan. There’s really no way you can walk a course as beautiful as the Augusta National and not have a desire to play the game. No, I’ve never played a round of golf in my life. But any time I’ve walked those hills, I’ve thought, “This is the year that I’m going to take it up!” Who’s with me? Let’s schedule a tee time and play a round or two. And I promise not to yell during your backswing.
KrIS FISHEr,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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Insider Challenging the System
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neWs
Wright McLeod Was Absolutely Right TooMbs JudiciAL ciRcuiT disTRicT ATToRney Dennis Sanders has declared there will be no indictment of local attorney and candidate for Georgia House District 123 Wright McLeod on the bizarre case relating to the false imprisonment of a former Augusta Warrior Project employee. “Based on the facts and applicable law, it does not appear that the state will be able to prove all three necessary elements of criminal false imprisonment beyond a reasonable doubt,” Sanders wrote in his April 7 order. The three necessary elements of criminal false imprisonment that Sanders is referring to are the arrest, confinement or detention of another person; the violation of personal liberty; and lack of legal authority. “As a result, it would be contrary to the principles of justice to all parties for the State to proceed when legally there is insufficient evidence to prove that a crime was committed beyond a reasonable doubt,” Sanders wrote. “This case is herby dismissed.” The word “dismissed” was music to Wright McLeod’s ears last week, considering the fact that he is facing an upcoming election for the Georgia House District 123 race. Clearly, the last few months have really been a ball of stress for him and his family. Earlier this year, McLeod learned Richmond County Magistrate Court Judge William Jennings had signed a warrant for his arrest involving allegation against him of false imprisonment of former Augusta Warrior Project employee Janice Jamison. The entire community was stunned. Not by the absurd allegations of a disgruntled employee, but by the fact that the judge would sign a warrant for McLeod’s arrest along with Augusta Warrior Project Director Amy Palowitch. Before McLeod knew it, he was booked into the Charles B. Webster Detention Center on Phinizy Road. “I have never been arrested. I have never been accused,” McLeod, a retired naval officer, told the Metro Spirit earlier this year. “I think the last time I even got a speeding ticket was when I was going to see my girlfriend and soon-to be-wife more than 20 years ago.” After sitting in jail for about two hours and being released on his own recognizance, McLeod was shocked that Jamison was claiming he and Amy Palowitch, the director of staff and operations at AWP, refused to allow her to leave the office on Dec. 28, 2015, until they searched her purse and backpack. The only reason that McLeod, who serves as a volunteer board member for the Augusta Warrior Project, was at the AWP office that day was that the staff had requested he assist in the termination of Jamison. “I have been asked to assist in the terminating of employees before and have done so,” McLeod told the Metro Spirit. “I was asked to assist in the terminating of this employee and did so. I always have a witness and, all I can say is, this employee was terminated for cause.” McLeod insisted the termination was justified. “The termination was done legally, it was done extremely professionally and it was done ethically,” McLeod said. “Never once did I state or infer that she was not to leave the office. In fact, I was there to get her to leave the office. And I think the evidence will show all of that to be true.” Obviously, Sanders agreed with McLeod. “All parties agree that neither defendant physically touched or restrained Jamison,” Sanders wrote. “On the day of the incident, Jamison did not tell the officer that either McLeod or Palowitch had prevented her from leaving Jamison’s office. Additionally, when the officers specifically asked if she wanted a police report done regarding the incidents surrounding the termination, Jamison indicated that she did not.”
That fact is very telling. It wasn’t until the following day that Jamison had a friend contact the sheriff’s office and indicate that Jamison wanted to report that she had been falsely imprisoned by McLeod and Palowitch. That’s really pathetic. If Jamison really felt threatened, she should have told the sheriff’s deputies at the time of the incident. Before the deputies escorted Jamison out of the building, the report states that she gave McLeod one black binder that belonged to the company, but that she “didn’t have anything else that belonged to them.” Once she arrived at her car, Jamison gave the deputies multiple keys to Augusta Warrior Project’s office. When the deputies returned the keys to Palowitch and McLeod, they asked why Jamison had been fired. “They stated that they believe that she stole a large amount of data that belonged to the company and she was seen using different memory sticks on different occasions,” the report states. “I asked them what kind of information did they believe was stolen, they advised me that it was pertaining to veterans’ personal information. They also believed she stole product information, which could cost them a large amount of money if it went to their competitors.” But, at no time, did the termination become hostile, McLeod insisted. “It was very civil. There was never a Mexican standoff,” McLeod said. “There was never the blocking of the door. It was, ‘We need to ensure what belongs to you, you get and what belongs to Augusta Warrior Project, we get.’” And yet, the judge signed the warrants for the arrests of McLeod and Palowitch, ruling there was probable cause to support a charge of false imprisonment. “I am mad as hell,” McLeod told the Metro Spirit earlier this year. “This did not need to happen. It should not have happened. We did nothing wrong. If the call came today to do it all over again, we would do exactly what we did on Dec. 28. No different. I have not learned anything that has convinced me to do it any differently or any other way.” In fact, McLeod said he sincerely believes Jennings was wrong in signing the warrants for his and Palowitch’s arrest. “I disagree with the warrant being signed. I disagree with the judge’s decision,” said McLeod, who has previously served as a municipal judge in Hephzibah. “I am a former judge. Judges are not perfect. It is a very, very preliminary process. I think the judge made the wrong decision, but I believe in the judicial system. I believe in the judiciary and I believe, in the end, everything will come to light. At the end of the day, we have been falsely accused.” Turns out, McLeod was absolutely correct. He and Palowitch were falsely accused. The case has been dismissed. And now he is free to campaign as hard as possible to ensure he wins the Georgia House District 123 seat. 14APRIL2016
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Augusta attorney Chris Nicholson, who is running for the Superior Court judgeship currently held by Carl Brown, is demanding local judicial reform. But some are wondering, is he fit to serve? LocaL attorney Chris Nicholson isn’t your typical lawyer. Those close to him describe the longtime Augusta attorney as a man with a tremendous amount of “vigor,” who may, at times, lack diplomacy and can even be combative in a courtroom. However, many of his friends and some colleagues insist he is a man of great compassion with a deep love and understanding of the law. But then there are others who think Nicholson no longer belongs in a courtroom. 16 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
In fact, some believe he should be disbarred. The tale of this one local attorney becomes even more complicated considering Nicholson has decided to run for the Superior Court judgeship currently held by Judge Carl Brown. “My whole campaign issue is judicial reform. And this judicial circuit, what we’ve got now, lacks total transparency,” Nicholson said, sitting in his home office off Walton Way surrounding by boxes and boxes of legal files. “I cannot tell you how dishonest they are down there.
By Stacey Eidson
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“I am a member of the State Bar of Georgia for 42 years. I have a record as good as any lawyer in this state.” You are dealing with seven different individuals, so you never know where you are with any case. And each judge has his own sentencing guidelines, so when you go before somebody, you don’t know where you are.” Nicholson claims that the entire local judicial system is nothing more than a “mutual admiration society” that places politics ahead of proper court procedures. “My role is just an advocate. I am not in on the decision-making process. I just advocate a position for my clients,” Nicholson said. “But, now, some judges confuse that free speech of mine with contempt. And that’s what has gotten me into trouble.” While Nicholson says he is the first to admit that he has a bit of a “Greek temper” on him when challenged in court, he insists that he has been an outstanding attorney for more than 40 years. “I am a member of the State Bar of Georgia for 42 years. I have a record as good as any lawyer in this state,” Nicholson said. “But they have all been after me. I ain’t done nothing. In the overall scheme of things, I’m at the bottom of the barrel. But, the State Bar has really turned this into a bad situation. Now, they are coming after me. Now, they are trying to disbar me. Just because I speak my mind. Well, they can’t do nothing else to me. I have nothing to hide.” Over the past four decades, Nicholson has handled hundreds of civil and criminal cases in his career — including more than 20 appeals to the Supreme Court of Georgia and the Court of Appeals of Georgia, but his reputation has taken some hits over the past few years. Specifically, Richmond County Superior Court Judge Daniel Craig recessed a contempt-of-court hearing involving Nicholson in late 2014 after Nicholson agreed to undergo an inpatient psychiatric evaluation at Georgia Regents Medical Center Hospital. However, Nicholson said things took a drastic turn for the worse when the staff at the medical center and an attending psychiatrist recommended that Nicholson be “involuntarily committed” to East Georgia Regional Hospital. “So, what happened at the contempt hearing in 2014, I asked (District Attorney) Ashley Wright, ‘What do they want?’ And she said, ‘They want you to have a competency exam.’ And I said, ‘All right. That sounds good,’” Nicholson said, laughing. “So, this is crazy. I had subpoenaed a psychiatrist that I had at the time to testify that, even though I may have been on 14APRIL2016
medication at that time, that I was able to function as a lawyer. That was the bottom line. As they say, you are a functional dysfunctional. Well, I put myself in that category.” Nicholson insisted that many people have similar problems, especially attorneys. “If you are in this profession, you are going to be nuts,” Nicholson said, chuckling. “Especially if you take the cases personally.” During the contempt hearing, Nicholson said everyone agreed that he would undergo this inpatient psychiatric evaluation. “But this is where I got screwed,” Nicholson said. “Danny Craig told my own doctor what needs to be done is a forensic examination of me, like what they do for murderers and rapists and all of those kinds of criminals. So, while I agreed to go and be treated, little did I know that I was going to be locked up.” Nicholson said he arrived at GRU around 4 p.m. on the day he was scheduled to report in 2014 and was shocked by what he found. “I’m in there, in the psychiatric unit and there were about 10 people in that psychiatric unit that looked like the walking dead,” Nicholson said. “Now, I’m just sitting there. They haven’t done any evaluation of me. Then, they put me over in this geriatric unit. I’m over there and I’m walking around and I have no shoes. They have taken away everything I had. All I’ve got is a bed there.” Nicholson said he had just returned from a threeweek trip overseas and was suffering from an upper respiratory condition. “I had coughed so much, I had bruised a lung,” Nicholson said. “So I complained. I told an Asian woman, ‘I want to see a doctor and I’m leaving here because y’all won’t treat me.’ Now, she calls Danny Craig and tells him that I’m in an agitated state and acting up and he involuntarily commits me to the East Georgia Regional out on Highway 56. No hearing. No nothing. I mean, you have to at least give me a hearing.” Nicholson said he was in total disbelief about the entire situation. “The next day, they come and handcuff me and took me out there,” he said. “So I figured I could convince them I was fine, but you can’t convince these people of nothing because they were dishonest, too. All they have got out there are these Indian doctors. Who I
cannot understand. Now, I have a lot of Indian friends that I play Bridge with, who are doctors and very good people. But I couldn’t understand these doctors.” The next thing he knew, Nicholson said one of the female doctors was telling him he needed to be committed to the adult psychiatric wing. “I thought they were going to send me home,” he said, shaking his head. “Finally, I talked to a nurse and she looked at my records and she said, ‘They want to send you to the forensic unit.’ She said, ‘That ain’t going to happen because there ain’t nothing wrong with you.’ She worked for me tirelessly to get me out of there.” If it wasn’t for that nurse, local attorney Jack Batson and the efforts of the district attorney, Ashley Wright, Nicholson said he may not have ever gotten out of the mental hospital. “Finally, Judge Craig could not figure out any other way to hold me because they told him nothing was wrong me,” Nicholson said. “So, finally, I was released. After that, I went to see a doctor and they say everybody is bipolar. I asked one doctor, ‘What is bipolar?’ He said, ‘It will take me five hours to explain it to you.’ If you read all the symptoms, everybody has a problem. That doesn’t mean that I can’t function.” Nicholson insists he is mentally fit to continue practicing law. “I mean, look at Ted Turner, he is bipolar and he takes Lithium every day. And I know a bunch of people who take it and it helps them. But I figured I didn’t need it,” Nicholson said. “I was tired of taking all of this medicine because it keeps you all goofed up. And I have been off of this medicine for over a year all together and I’ve been quite straight.” Over the past few years, Nicholson says he may have suffered from bouts of “general depression,” but he has turned things around and currently has more business now than ever before. However, Nicholson admits that a grievance filed against him with the State Bar of Georgia by Superior Court Judge David Roper has caused him a great deal of heartache. In the grievance, Roper claimed that Nicholson signed a sworn statement attesting that he had paid a medical bill from an insurance settlement for a
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deceased client, when, in actuality, he had not paid it. On Sept. 3, 2015, Nicholson faced a hearing before Athens, Ga., attorney and part-time judge Jo Carol NessetSale, who served as a special master by request of the State Bar of Georgia, to address Judge Roper’s grievance against Nicholson. While Nicholson had several local attorneys, including Ashley Wright, Ken Nimmons, Jack Batson and even former Chief Judge William Fleming Jr., testify on his behalf and say favorable comments about him, the hearing did not go well. But Nicholson claims the special master, Jo Carol Nesset-Sale, already had her mind made up before the hearing even began. “I hate to say this, but they have got these hyphenated women and they have these racists up there, and it is becoming a very racial thing,” Nicholson say. “They appointed this lady as a special master to hear my case and the whole thing has been very hurtful to me. And this was all over this medical bill.” Nicholson said his client was riding an Augusta transit bus when it wrecked and he got hurt. “Well, we settled the case and part of the settlement was that I pay the medical bill,” Nicholson said. “Well, here’s the problem: when he went into the hospital they found out he had terminal cancer and he died shortly afterwards. It was like a $10,000 or $11,000 medical bill.” According to Nicholson, the hospital filed a lien regarding the bill and the insurance company wanted a guarantee from him that the lien was going to be paid. “So I guaranteed that,” Nicholson said. “There have been hundreds of cases that I have handled that I have paid them. But the hospital sued the insurance company because it hadn’t been paid. The insurance company settled on $10,000. So the insurance company sues me. Then, Judge Roper filed a complaint grievance that I had materially misrepresented an answer to a plea in court. It was nothing, but, lo and behold, the State Bar takes it up.” Nicholson is the first one to admit he was livid when he walked into the hearing this past September with the State Bar. “Now, I’m raising hell in this hearing,” Nicholson said. “The lady from Athens, the special master, she is another one. She is a Yankee and she acts like it is a personal achievement to get me. I told 18 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
them in the hearing, ‘They sent you down here to do a hatchet job on me and that is what you are trying to do and I’m not going to put up with it.’ She wanted to have the deputies put me in jail for contempt and I told her, ‘I have the right to say what I want to say.’” In the deposition of Nicholson’s hearing, it is clear that tensions ran extremely high, particularly in the first hour of the proceedings. From the very beginning, Nicholson was upset with the special master because she wouldn’t allow him to question Judge Roper. Nesset-Sale asked how the judge’s testimony would “aid” Nicholson. “Until I get a chance to question him and talk to him and let you hear what I’m going to ask, I can’t tell you right now, because I don’t know what all his responses are going to be,” Nicholson said during the hearing. “If you’re not going to give me the opportunity to question the witness, there’s nothing more I can tell you about it.” As Nesset-Sale continued to specifically ask the purpose of Nicholson wanting to question Roper, Nicholson became clearly aggravated. “You’re not going to tell me that and make me look like a dunce,” Nicholson told Nesset-Sale. “I’m no dunce, lady.” “I need you to stop and listen to me,” Nesset-Sale quickly responded. But Nicholson continued. “I don’t care what you ask me to do, to stop. He is the one that knows. He filed the grievance. I want to know what that grievance is about,” Nicholson stated. “I’m tired of this.” Nicholson’s frustration in the hearing continued to build. “You’ve limited how many witnesses I can call, and then you make these rules up as you go along. They’re all homemade rules. I know why you’re here,” Nicholson told Nesset-Sale. “You’re here to do a job on me and what they call around the pool room cold decking me. The fix is in on this case... I’m 68 years old. I’ve been practicing over 40 years. I’ve got a better record than 90 percent of the lawyers for overall lawyering, and I’ve had no accusations of the State Bar. The only purpose they have as sole practitioners is to get onto me.” Clearly, the hearing was “one sided,” Nicholson told the court. “Now, we can get on with it and you can let me build a record and I can get you out of here on the way to Athens and we’ll get it over with,” Nicholson told Nesset-Sale. “Because I’m not going to 14APRIL2016
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be here all day nitpicking with you, because that’s all it’s about.” Nesset-Sale tried to stop Nicholson from badgering her during the hearing. “I would caution you, Mr. Nicholson, that, one, this is a judicial-type proceeding. I did not volunteer for this assignment. I was requested by the State Bar to serve as special master. I have done this wholeheartedly in the way that I believe a special master should conduct himself or herself,” Nesset-Sale said. “I have been a lawyer for 37 years, a trial lawyer, and I know that the way I conduct myself before a judicial officer has meaning. And your comments, which are part of the record, have meaning in terms of how I view you. And how I view you can be important in how these proceedings go.” In attempt to address the court again, Nicholson stood up, but Nesset-Sale quickly asked him to sit back down. “And you’re here to do a hatchet job on me,” Nicholson told Nesset-Sale. “We’re not proceeding this way,” she warned. Nicholson quickly replied, “I have a right to free speech.”
“As they say, you are a functional dysfunctional. Well, I put myself in that category.” Finally, Nesset-Sale said she’d had enough and warned Nicholson that she would have him removed from the hearing if he didn’t calm down. “No, we’re not going to do that,” Nicholson said. “That’s not going to happen. We’re going to go on through with it.” Again, Nesset-Sale asked Nicholson to calm down. “I think you need to have a time out until you can come back and allow this matter to proceed orderly,” Nesset-Sale told Nicholson. “Can you sit down? Because I will have the bailiff remove you if you cannot conduct yourself with dignity.’” “It won’t be the first time,” Nicholson quipped. When the State Bar presented its first witness, Christine Hajduch Hall, an Atlanta attorney representing the insurance company, Nicholson continued his hostile attitude. “May I approach?” Nicholson asked, while preparing to question Hall. “Yes. If you do so respectfully,” Nesset-Sale said. “Don’t worry. I won’t hit her,” Nicholson responded. But when Nesset-Sale again asked Nicholson about his line of questioning, he became clearly upset. “You’re wasting my time. Lady, you’re unbelievable,” Nicholson told Nesset-Sale. At that point, Jonathan Hewett, an attorney representing the State Bar of Georgia, asked to speak frankly during the hearing. “I’d like to make an observation and a request,” Hewett said to Nesset-Sale. “And I realize that of course you are in charge here, but I have witnessed in the past 30 minutes the most extraordinary series of outbursts by the Respondent (Nicholson), and I don’t think that it helps his case one bit. So I can sit back and relish him arguing with you, making snide remarks to you or to me or to the witness, and it would build my case. But I think it’s improper in any courtroom, and least of all in a courtroom where he stands accused of disciplinary violations. So I request that Mr. Nicholson be warned one more time by you to refrain from talking over you or me or witnesses and refrain from comments that are inappropriate, clearly so. Failing which, I request that you eject him from this courtroom if he makes one more outburst like this. I just think it’s a travesty if he’s allowed to continue.” Nesset-Sale gave Nicholson one final warning. “Mr. Nicholson, you and I both have practiced law for a long, long period of time,” Nesset-Sale said. “I had a stint as a state magistrate judge in Athens as a parttime magistrate. I’m the backup municipal court judge there. I’ve tried about 300 jury trials in superior and comparable courts. I have never seen nor done myself the kind of intemperate language that you have used that’s in the emails, that’s here this morning. You have told me that there are people who are going to testify 14APRIL2016
about your professionalism and your long practice. Some of them may be in the courtroom observing this. I don’t know if they have observed this before, but I can tell you, if a witness testifies about what a wonderful temperament and demeanor professionalism you have, the amount of credibility that witness will have with me in supplying any mitigation for you is certainly going to be affected, as is my recommendation of what should happen.” Nesset-Sale suggested that Nicholson take the hearing more seriously. “There’s a variety of recommendations at stake, including disbarment,” she said. “I know this is a serious matter. I know you have strong feelings. But you are presenting yourself in a way today as a person who is unable to appropriately practice law. That’s how you are presenting yourself.” At first, it appeared Nicholson wasn’t willing to listen to Nesset-Sale’s comments. “That’s why I wanted you disqualified, because you’ve already made this up already,” Nicholson said. “Sir, this was my moment to speak to you,” Nesset-Sale responded. “Well, you keep going,” Nicholson replied. “I’ve got to play Bridge tonight at 7 p.m. in Atlanta. If you’ll hurry up, I’ll get you out of here so you can get back to Athens.” Nesset-Sale looked around the room and tried to get Nicholson to see what she was witnessing. “I have no qualms about putting you out of this and proceeding without you,” she told Nicholson. “I mean, until you can conduct yourself in a way that’s appropriate. Have you seen, sir, that there are four bailiffs in this courtroom because they cannot trust that your...” Nicholson cut her off. “Trust me? Lady, what are you talking about?” he asked. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.” But Nesset-Sale tried to point out the obvious. “I don’t practice law in courtrooms that have four bailiffs,” she said. “I can’t help it. They’re here by their own. I didn’t ask them to come here,” Nicholson said, looking at the bailiffs. “I interact with these people every day... I’ve never caused them any problems, and they can testify I’ve never caused them problems.” Nesset-Sale simply replied, “You’re causing me a problem now.” Finally, Nicholson asked if he could call his witnesses to testify in his behalf.
“Now, I’m raising hell in this hearing. The lady from Athens, the special master, she is another one. She is a Yankee and she acts like it is a personal achievement to get me.” Former Chief Judge William Fleming Jr., who has been practicing law since 1950 and was 90 years old at the time of the hearing, told Nesset-Sale that he had known Nicholson since he was a child and that he a very good reputation as an attorney. Augusta attorney Ken Nimmons provided compelling testimony regarding Nicholson, who he had worked for as a law clerk many years ago. “Your Honor, if I can, Chris has a propensity to have a tremendous amount of vigor, sometimes uncontrolled vigor, and a lack of diplomacy. But a tendency to make material misrepresentations is not part of it,” Nimmons said. “He is arguably overread, because he is a voracious reader. He spends an enormous amount of time on theoretical issues. And many a young lawyer in this town, I can tell you, including the one testifying in front of you, benefited from that and I hope will continue to benefit from that. But he’s not as diplomatic as he should be. I understand that.” AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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“I had to fight for myself and I did the best that I could, but you get very emotional in these types of thing. It was extremely hurtful. And I’m not a vengeful person, but I had to speak my mind.” When Nimmons was cross-examined by the State Bar, Hewett asked him about Nicholson’s behavior during the hearing. “Chis is combative. He has always represented the underprivileged. He always represented those in Augusta who may not have anyone else,” Nimmons said. “His methods are not necessarily conventional. I may not employ them.” But Nimmons said Nicholson bends over backwards for the clients he represents. “I’m referring to uncontrolled vigor in trying to represent your client to the extent that you put everything of the client ahead of you, your health, your wellbeing, you mental state, and arguably, sometimes, you say things that you shouldn’t say,” Nimmons said. Nesset-Sale asked Nimmons if he had ever seen Nicholson behave in such a hostile manner before other judges. “Every time I’ve been in court with him, 20 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
I can say I’ve never gotten upset like I have today. This is, for a lot of reasons, upsetting to me,” Nimmons said. “I can tell you that I wanted to go over and sit down by Chris and say, ‘Chris, calm down.’” Local attorney Jack Batson, who has been practicing law since 1979, also testified on behalf of Nicholson. “He really enjoys the law. He really reads the law,” Batson said. “He knows the law and really expects and hopes that it would be applied in courts.” After his colleagues began speaking on his behalf, Nicholson was clearly much calmer during the hearing. Even Nesset-Sale complimented Nicholson’s change in behavior. “I have appreciated Mr. Nicholson’s recent demeanor,” she said about halfway through the hearing. “He is a very, very nice man,” Batson assured Nesset-Sale. “He is considerate beyond belief, and I think that’s why he is so passionate about the people he represents. He really has empathy for people.” District Attorney Ashley Wright then spoke on behalf of Nicholson, agreeing that she had never seen him make any material misrepresentation of fact and that he had a good reputation in the legal community. “I think that Mr. Nicholson is frequently in a position wherein his clients receive favorable resolution and appropriate resolution,” she said. “I’ve known Chris for almost 20 years. In the time that I’ve known him, I have not known that behavior which was exhibited this morning in the courtroom to be the norm for him.” Hewett, representing the State Bar of Georgia, asked Wright if she felt Nicholson had acted inappropriately during his hearing before the special master. “I think my answer would be a yes and a no,” Wright said. “Like Mr. Nimmons, I would have liked to tell Mr. Nicholson to settle down. Having said that, under the circumstances, I think, if somebody were trying to affect my bar license, I would be very zealously advocating for myself.” Just when it finally appeared the hearing was turning around for Nicholson, he surprised Nesset-Sale by saying that he was not going to testify on his own behalf. “No. no. I’m not going to go through this,” Nicholson told Nesset-Sale. “You’re going to interrupt me the whole time and say I can’t say this, I can’t say
that. I’m not going to go any further with this. It’s too upsetting for me.” Nesset-Sale asked Nicholson to remain for the conclusion of the hearing, but Nicholson declined. “I am finished. If it’s okay with you, I’m leaving,” Nicholson said. “I’m not under subpoena.” “I need you to stay 10 more minutes,” Nesset-Sale requested. But, again, Nicholson refused. “No, I don’t want to listen to you another 10 minutes, I assure you,” Nicholson said, as he packed up his belongings and headed out of the courtroom. Nesset-Sale was shocked by Nicholson’s sudden departure. But she then presented a series of “inappropriate” emails that Nicholson sent to her prior to the Sept. 3 hearing. “In the series of emails, in one dated July 30th, Mr. Nicholson indicated, ‘It appears I am bringing rope to my own hanging with you as special master. I would consider this at best a star chamber proceeding all the way around. You are another out-of-towner who wants to right the law world in Georgia,’” Nesset-Sale read out loud. Apparently, Nesset-Sale warned Nicholson that his “diatribes were not helpful” to his case. “He responded on Aug. 18 saying, ‘These are not diatribes. Apparently you must think I am a dunce not to know you and Mr. Hewett are not having ex parte communications. See you in the funny paper. Sorry, forgot to forward to Hewett but figured you and he are joined at the hip, you would ex parte him. You are impossible, Ms. Hyphenated’ — a reference to my last name,” NessetSale read. As a result of some of the emails, Nesset-Sale encouraged Nicholson to get an attorney to represent him during the hearing. “Nicholson responded on Aug. 21, ‘Do not need your help. You are more like high executioner,’” Nesset-Sale read. “And he said, ‘As Donald Trump said, no respect from you, no respect from me. You are impossible. I know the fix is in.’” If matters couldn’t get any worse, Nesset-Sale then read an email dated Aug. 26 from Nicholson. “P.S. Wanted to ask you if you’ve ever been married. If so, let me know his name so I can get him a congressional medal of honor and/or sainthood. You are one mean-spirited and arbitrary woman. You are one of many that are that way,” Nesset-Sale read from Nicholson’s email.
Considering Nicholson’s initial hostility during the hearing and the inappropriate emails he sent her office, Nesset-Sale said she was troubled by Nicholson’s behavior. “I would also want the record to indicate that during certainly the first half hour, hour of the day’s hearing, I don’t believe the transcript will properly capture the demeanor, the physical agitation, the extraordinarily disrespectful tone of voice, the consistently talking over me and I tried to get him not to do that,” she said. “I did not want to have to remove him, because I did want to hear his evidence in mitigation, and there could have come a point where that might not have been possible. We had several bailiffs in the courtroom who stood near him, and he seemed to be unable and unwilling to conform his behavior this morning to the minimum requirement of a professional in the practice of law. He was extraordinarily rude, disrespectful to me as I tried to preside in a humane way over this.” Nesset-Sale said Nicholson’s behavior was difficult to watch. “I do think only a videocamera, frankly, would have accurately recorded the intemperate, unbelievably rude behavior, the likes of which I have never seen in the many courts of law that I’ve been in in the probably 25,000 cases or more in which I have participated,” Nesset-Sale said. “It was exponentially beyond any way I have seen. And I’ll say only had this been other than a disciplinary proceeding, I would have — had I been the judge, I would have found him in contempt, removed him from the courtroom and sent him to some holding cell until a determination could be made. It was that seriously disrupted.” Despite the confrontational hearing before Nesset-Sale in September, Nicholson is still currently in good standing with the State Bar of Georgia. And, according to Nicholson, he plans to keep it that way. “You have to understand, I was fighting this all by myself because I can’t afford to pay anybody to do this. And, plus, ain’t nobody needs to be messed up in this crap. It was total B.S.,” Nicholson said. “So I had to fight for myself and I did the best that I could, but you get very emotional in these types of thing. It was extremely hurtful. And I’m not a vengeful person, but I had to speak my mind. I had to stand up for myself.”
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The word “quickies” brings to mind a little naughty innuendo. And while there is a play included about a sex worker, Quickies in this instance is Augusta’s short play festival which, now in its seventh year, begins this Thursday at Le Chat Noir. Organized by the multi-talented Jezibell Anat to spotlight local playwrights and actors, Quickies is a juried show in which judges assess entries without knowing the authors’ names. This year, Quickies has produced the top nine plays, which will all show each performance night. The lineup is impressive, and includes prior Quickies author picks retired AU professor Rick Davis, Schrodinger’s Cat improv group director Marty Matfess, Doug Holley, last year’s new writer Chris Garcia and even organizer Anat. “This year’s newest and youngest writer is Lizzy Duff, who wrote the comedy ‘Adultery, Ketchup and Jesus,’” Anat said. Lizzy is a sophomore at AU majoring in communication who writes short films and short stories, and is planning a webcomic series.” Duff was introduced to Quickies two years ago, when she acted in the festival. She’s not included in this year’s cast list, but many of the authors, as well as veteran actors Dana Cheshire, Ryan Abel and Ted Newton, as well as some new talent, are. For a complete list of plays, authors directors an actors, visit the calendar section of Le Chat Noir’s website (listed below). Material is suitable for older teens and adults, but not children. Quickies short Play Festival PerFormances
Le Chat Noir April 15-16 and 21-23 8 p.m. $20 706-722-3322 lcnaugusta.com
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there areN’t much more serious topics than sexual assault and child abuse, but the events planned to commemorate Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Child Abuse Awareness Month, both in April, are anything but somber. Rather, they’re empowering and undeniably uplifting. Rape Crisis & Sexual Assault Services of Augusta has partnered with Augusta University, Paine College and Fort Gordon, and there are several events taking place this week that are open to the public. The first, on Saturday, April 16, at 7:30 a.m. at the Augusta University Amphitheater, is the Take Back the Day 5K. This USAT-F certified, stroller- and dog-friendly run/walk to raise awareness of sexual violence and child abuse features a fast, downhill course that will make participants feel like they’re flying. Runners: $25, advance; $30, day of race. Walkers: $5, students, $10, individuals; $15, families. Visit active.com or rapecrisisaugusta.org. Then, on Monday, April 18, at 11 a.m., the results of the AU Clothesline Project will be unveiled on the Maxwell Performing Arts Theater lawn. Free to the public, the Clothesline Project allows women to decorate and hang shirts expressing their feelings about violence against women. Finally, on Thursday, April 21, at 6 p.m. is the 20th Annual Take Back the Night Rally, also on the Maxwell lawn. The evening will begin with information and activities and continue with speakers and a candlelight campus march.
If you have any questions, or would like to submit an event to our calendar, please email Amy Christian at amy@themetrospirit.com.
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Chatham County Line, with the Crosstie Walkers, will perform at a concert in Hammond’s Ferry’s Boeckh Park across the river at 5 p.m. Blankets, beverages and food are welcome, so it might be a good time to try out Manuel’s new spot, the Hammond’s Ferry Larder, and bring some goodies from the store with you.
It’s been around since… well, you can see for yourself, but local legend Surrey Tavern recently underwent a massive renovation. See what its new digs look like during a grand re-opening party that started last night with music by Keith on Keys and continues tonight with the Kenny George Band.
Find out who the best writers of fiction, non-fiction, poetry and one-act plays are at 4 p.m. at the Morris Museum of Art, when the winners of the Porter Fleming Literary Competition are announced. Winners will read from their entries and a reception will follow.
It’s the perfect time for a community picnic, and the perfect place for one is Imagination Station located in the recreation center in Hickman Park. This community run children’s museum will host the event from 9:30 a.m.-noon on April 21, and it will include activities, tours, live music and more.
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Columbia County Library in Evans Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., through April 18, to assist taxpayers of all ages and backgrounds. Walk-ins welcome but those interested can also call the libraries on the days of the visits for an appointment. Call 706-294-2109.
Leadership Columbia County Columbia County Chamber of Commerce Applications for Leadership Columbia County’s class of 2017 are being accepted through April 21. The 10-month program, with day-long class sessions that will cover various topics such as law enforcement, healthcare, education and workforce, economic development and history of the county, is designed to expose business and area leaders to the opportunities and challenges facing the community as well as to promote and foster the development of leadership. For more information, call 706-6510018 or visit columbiacountychamber.com.
James Brown Family Historical Tour Augusta Museum of History Available each Saturday at 11 a.m. and lasting approximately two hours, this bus tour includes Brown’s elementary school, his childhood home, his statue and more. $15 fee, includes admission to the museum, which houses the largest collection of James Brown memorabilia. Reservations 24 hours in advance required. Call 803-6402090 or visit jamesbrownfamilyfdn.org.
A whirlwind week of theatre begins Monday, April 18, at Fort Gordon, when the Missoula Children’s Theatre begins auditions at 4:30 p.m. for “Alice in Wonderland.” Rehearsals begins immediately afterwards and continue all week until the performance on Friday, April 22, at 7 p.m. at the Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre. For those in kindergarten-12th grade. For more information, email steven.r.walpert.naf@mail.mil.
ARTS Thu Apr 14
6pm Hidden Compartment Books Attic Treasures, Harlem A Harlem Arts Council book repurposing class. $13. Call 706-231-7199 or email harlemartscouncil@gmail.com.
Sat Apr 16
10am - 4pm Gourd Fairy Houses Aiken Center for the Arts An outdoor decorations workshop led by Nanette Langner. All supplies provided, but participants should bring a sack lunch. $60; pre-registration required. Call 803-6419094 or visit aikencenterforthearts.org.
10am - 1pm Scripture Painting with Acrylics Kroc Center A class for those ages 12 and up. No previous experience necessary and all supplies are included. $40; pre-registration required. Call 706-922-0171 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org.
DANCE Sat Apr 16 24 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Noon Beginner Hip Hop Dance Kroc Center A class for those ages 14 and up. $30; preregistration required. Call 706-922-0171 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org/kroc-center/.
EDUCATION Thu Apr 14
7pm - 8:30pm Advanced Sign Language University Hospital An eight-week class that meets Thursdays through June 2. $45 plus $45 for the textbook. Pre-registration required. Call 706-738-2095 or visit universityhealth.org.
Sat Apr 16
11:30am, 12:30pm and 1:30pm The Other Tubmans Augusta Museum of History Part of the Voices of the Past series of character monologues. Free with museum admission. Call 706-722-8454 or visit augustamuseum.org.
3pm The Impact That a Vegetarian Lifestyle Has on Personal Health, Animal Cruelty, the Environment and Cost Maxwell Branch Library
Guided Tours Presented by Ross Malick. Pre-registration required. Call 706-793-2020 or visit arcpls.org.
Mon Apr 18
3:30pm - 5pm Intermediate Spanish Friedman Branch Library An adult class led by Edwin Perez of the Asociacion Cultural Hispanoamericana. Call 706-736-6758 or visit arcpls.org.
Wed Apr 20
3pm Beginner Spanish Aiken Public Library A class for adults. Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.
7pm - 8:30pm Intermediate Sign Language Summerville Professional Building An eight-week class that meets Wednesday through June 8. Call 800-414-7441 or visit trinityofaugusta.com.
Ongoing
Free Tax Preparation Services IRS-certified volunteers will be at the Euchee Creek Library in Grovetown Mondays from 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. and the
1797 Ezekiel Harris House Offered by appointment only MondayFriday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Last tours of the day begin at 4 p.m. Adults, $2; children, $1. Call 706-722-8454 or visit augustamuseum.org.
North Augusta Driving Tour Arts and Heritage Center of North Augusta Offered by appointment and includes a 3045 minute guided tour and admission to the center. Self-guided tours are also available through an iPhone downloadable audio tour or a Google Maps-based tour. Guided tours: $5, adults; $3, students K-12. Call 803-4414380 or visit artsandheritagecenter.com.
Tours Boyhood Home of President Woodrow Wilson Guided tours, approximately 45 minutes long, are offered Thursday-Saturday on the hour from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Group tours are available by advanced reservation. Adults, $5; seniors, $4; kids K-12, $3; under 5 years, free. Call 706-724-0436 or visit wilsonboyhoodhome.org.
Historic Trolley Tours of Augusta Augusta Visitors Center Tours aboard the Lady Libby available at the Augusta Visitors Center with 24-hour 14APRIL2016
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advanced reservations. Tickets include admission to the Augusta Museum of History. Call 706-724-4067 or visit visitaugusta.org.
ELSEWHERE Ongoing
Clara et Obscura: Dramatic Effects Photography LithaMoonGallery, Greensboro This juried photography competition, which shows May 6-June 3, is seeking submissions from those 18 and older by April 16. All techniques, including digital, are permitted, and a grand prize of $500 will be awarded. Entry fee is $35 for six images. Email submission@lithamoon.com.
EXHIBITIONS Thu Apr 14
6pm - 7:30pm Meet the Artist: Mary Kathryn Rufo Hire Grounds Cafe Retired nurse educator Mary Kathryn Rufo took up art eight years ago, expressing herself in various mediums including oil, sculpture and photography. Her work is on display throughout the month of April. Call 706-650-5760 or visit goodwillworks.org.
6pm - 8pm Southern Exposure Gallery Opening Reception Aiken Center for the Arts The work of Southern Exposure, a group of 12 artists from upstate South Carolina, will be on display through May 7. The reception is free and open to the public. Call 803-6419094 or visit aikencenterforthearts.org.
Fri Apr 15
5pm - 8pm Eric Wessling Exhibit Reception 4P Studios Call 706-267-6724 or visit 4pstudioart.com.
5pm - 8pm Randy Pace Exhibit Opening Reception That Place Call 706-339-7011 or visit thatplacecoffee.com.
Ongoing
The Process of Becoming Westobou Gallery An exhibit that shows through April 15 and displays works with a focus on identity, youth and the exploration of form through media of painting, photography and sculpture by Augusta University senior student artists Ashton Collins, Sarah Joy McCollum, and Sara Mays. Call 706-7552878 or visit westoboufestival.com.
FLIX Fri Apr 15 7pm “Bully”
AU’s University Hall 160 14APRIL2016
A screening and follow-up discussion hosted by Chi Sigma Iota. Visit augusta.edu.
Sat Apr 16
5:30pm - 10pm Family Movie Night Under the Stars Evans Towne Center Park “Kung Fu Panda 3” will show on an outdoor screen at dark, and pre-movie events will include face painting, inflatables, concessions and more. Visit evanstownecenterpark.com.
HEALTH Thu Apr 14
5:45pm - 8pm Car Seat Class Safe Kids Office Pre-registration required. $10; car or booster seat provided to families who meet financial guidelines. Call 706-721-7606 or visit augustahealth.org.
6:30pm - 9:30pm Breastfeeding Class Doctors Hospital Pre-registration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.
6:30pm - 9pm Your Amazing Baby Georgia Regents Medical Center Pre-registration is required for this baby care class. Call 706-721-9351 or visit augustahealth.org.
Mon Apr 18
1pm - 3pm Look Good Feel Better University’s Breast Health Center An American Cancer Society program that aims to help female cancer patients combat the appearance-related side-effects of chemo and radiation. Pre-registration required. Call 706-774-4141 or visit universityhealth.org.
7pm - 9:30pm Childbirth Preparation University Hospital A three-session class that continues on Mondays through May 3. Free, but preregistration required. Call 706-774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.
Tue Apr 19
7pm - 9:30pm Ready and Able Doctors Hospital A five-session Lamaze class that continues Tuesdays through May 17. Pre-registration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctorshospital.net.
Wed Apr 20
7pm - 9:30pm Childbirth Preparation University Hospital A three-week class meeting Wednesdays through May 4. Pre-registration required. Call 706-774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.
HOBBIES Thu Apr 14
1pm Columbia County Genealogical Society Meeting Euchee Creek Branch Library For those of all abilities. Call 706-556-0594 or visit gchrl.org.
Fri Apr 15
10am Online Genealogy Columbia County Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
Sun Apr 17
1pm CSRA Vegetarian/Vegan Society Brunch The Bee’s Knees Membership is not required. Visit meetup. com/csravs/.
Mon Apr 18
Tue Apr 19
7pm Augusta Rose Society Meeting First Baptist Church’s Adult Building Free. Call 803-215-0157 or visit theaugustarosesociety.org.
Wed Apr 20
Noon Georgia-Carolina Toastmasters Fat Man’s Mill Cafe Those interested are invited to learn speech and leadership skills in a fun and supportive atmosphere. Call 706-627-2134.
6pm - 8pm “Strive Guys” Burger Night Cooking Class Plum Pudding, Aiken A small, chef’s table-style class in which participants are encouraged to ask questions and will enjoy a full meal from the recipes provided. $65; pre-registration required. Call 888-940-7586 or visit plumpuddingkitchen.com.
6pm Civil War Roundtable Meeting
KIDS-TEENS
Goodwill’s The Snelling Center Featured speaker is Dr. W. Todd Groce, president of the Georgia Historical Society, whose presentation is called “Rethinking General Sherman.”. Meetings are $12, including dinner. Membership is $25 per year, individual; $40, couple. Call 706-736-2909 or visit civilwarroundtableaugustaga.com.
Thu Apr 14
10am April Showers Morris Museum of Art Part of the Mommy and Me series for children and parents in which participants will listen to Eric Carle’s “Little Cloud” while viewing Henry Ossawa Tanner’s Georgia Landscape, then make a rain stick. Free, members; $4 per participants, nonAUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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Trinity Hospital A class for boys ages 9-12, accompanied by their father, male relative or friend, in which participants will learn what to expect in the pre-adolescent years. $10; preregistration required. Call 706-481-7604 or visit trinityofaugusta.com.
11am Don’t Touch This Book! Story Time Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.
Mon Apr 18
4pm Makerspace Columbia County Library Teens will have the opportunity to work on their own projects under staff guidance while using library equipment including CAD software, development software, a 3D scanner, a 3D printer, soldering equipment, and general electronics tools. Call 706-8681946 or visit gchrl.org.
4pm Lego Club Aiken Public Library For those in grades K-5. Legos provided. Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.
4pm Teen Book Club
Life Cycles Mistletoe State Park Participants will observe spring changes in the park. $10 plus $5 parking; preregistration required. Call 706-541-0321 or visit gastateparks.org/mistletoe.
10am - noon Play & Grow Activity
Harlem Branch Library Call 706-556-9795 or visit gchrl.org.
Aiken Public Library For those ages 0-5. Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Fri Apr 15
7pm Busy Beavers
9:30am Kroc Tots Kroc Center A weekly event for those ages 18 months-5 years and their parents that includes stories, projects and playtime. $1, members; $2, nonmembers. Call 706-922-1533 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org.
10am - noon Learning Adventures: 26 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Reed Creek Park For those ages 5 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Free, members; $2 per child, non-members. Pre-registration required. Call 706-210-4027 or email kbyne@columbiacountyga.gov.
Sat Apr 16
9:30am - noon Growing Boys
Diamond Lakes Branch Library For those ages 12-17, this event includes movies, crafts and/or board games. Preregistration required. Call 706-772-2432 or visit ecgrl.org.
Thu Apr 21
9:30am - noon Community Picnic Imagination Station This event includes music, activities, snacks, arts and crafts, tours of the museum and more. All are welcome, but event is most suitable for families with children up to 6. Email imagine.augusta@gmail.com or visit imagineaugusta.org.
Ongoing
Imagination Station An event that includes stories, songs, counting and dancing. Free for members; included with $10 admission for up to 3 kids for nonmembers. Email imagine.augusta@ gmail.com or visit imagineaugusta.org.
Camp Tanglewood, Columbia County Augusta University is sponsoring this camp, for children ages 6-13 with asthma, July 1116. Activities include asthma management sessions, swimming and hiking. Volunteer lifeguards, physicians and respiratory experts will be on hand to ensure illness or injury does not hinder the fun. However, a parent or guardian must attend a brief orientation and education session. Free, but pre-registration required. For more information, contact Kitty Hernlen: 706-7213554 or khernlen@augusta.edu.
10:30am Toddler Tuesday
members. Pre-registration required. Call 706-828-3867 or visit themorris.org.
5pm Teens @ Your Library
Tue Apr 19
10am Ms. Kathy’s Story Time
Under the Crown and Colonial Trades Fair at North Augusta’s Living History Park is Saturday, April 16, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, April 17, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The event will include historical reenactors, local and regional artists displaying their works and an authentic Anglican church service Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Call 803-279-7560 or visit colonialtimes.us.
Buddy Sports program for those with physical and/or intellectual disabilities, this class is for those of all bowling abilities. $12 a month; pre-registration required. Call 803426-1284 or visit therecingcrew.com.
Kroc Center Parents are invited to bring their toddlers for 30 minutes of playtime and a story, followed by an hour in the pool splash pad area. Parent must remain with their child throughout the program. Free, members; $5, nonmembers. Call 706-922-1533 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org.
4pm Storytime in the Gardens Hopelands Gardens Local senior adults will read to participants and each family in attendance will receive a free book. Blankets, chairs, drinks and snacks are welcome. Call 803-642-7631.
6pm - 9pm On Being a Girl Trinity Hospital A class for girls ages 9-12, along with their mothers, female friends or relatives, focused on the physical and emotional changes of puberty. Free, but preregistration required. Call 706-481-7604 or visit trinityofaugusta.com.
Wed Apr 20
10am Wacky Wednesday Story Time Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.
Asthma Day Camps
Youth Advisory Board Members Needed The city of Aiken needs board members in grades 7-12 to help develop youth programs. The board meets once a month at the SmithHazel Recreation Center. Call 803-642-7634.
LITERARY Sun Apr 17
4pm - 6pm Porter Fleming Literary Competition Awards Ceremony Morris Museum of Art Winners will read from their entries and a reception will follow. Free. Call 706-724-7501 or visit themorris.org.
Mon Apr 18
6:30pm Monday Night Book Discussion Columbia County Library The April selection is “The Girl on the Train” by Paula Hawkins. Call 706-868-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
4:30pm - 6pm Alley Cats
MUSIC
Strikehouse Bowl, Aiken Part of the Aiken Recreation Department’s
7:30pm Time in a Bottle
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AECOM Center, Aiken Musician Jim Witter takes audiences on a journey through ‘60s and ‘70s folk favorites in this Aiken Performing Arts Group presentation. $40. Visit apagonline.org.
Fri Apr 15
5pm - 9pm Concert and Picnic Hammond’s Ferry’s Boeckh Park Concert features the Crosstie Walkers and Chatham County Line and participants are encouraged to bring blankets, beverages and more. Free, but donations appreciated. Visit hammondsferry.com.
6:30pm - 8pm Music Cruise Augusta Canal Featuring Christian Ndeti performing on the Petersburg Boat. Participants are invited to bring snacks and beverages. $25; $23, seniors, military and students. Preregistration required. Call 706-823-0440, ext. 4, or visit augustacanal.com.
7:30pm 4 Seasons Chamber Jazz Unitarian Universalist Church of Augusta Featuring Edwin G. Hamilton Music, with an opening set by Sala Adenike. $8, advance. Call 706-733-7939 or visit 4seasons.bpt.me/.
7:30pm Spring 2016 Classics Concert St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church A Columbia County Orchestra presentation that includes the works of Haydn, Mozart and Hertel with soloists from the orchestra. Free, but donations accepted. Call 706-7555849 or visit columbiacco.org.
7:30pm Time in a Bottle AECOM Center, Aiken Musician Jim Witter takes audiences on a journey through ‘60s and ‘70s folk favorites in this Aiken Performing Arts Group presentation. $40. Visit apagonline.org.
Sat Apr 16
11am - 2pm Saturday Morning Swing Eighth Street Plaza Live music from local jazz artists and performing arts groups during the Augusta Market. Call 706-627-0128 or visit theaugustamarket.com.
7:30pm The Futurist Adam Trent Jabez S. Hardin PAC An Augusta Amusements event. $40. Call 706726-0366 or visit augustaamusements.com.
7:30pm Candlelight Wine & Dine Columbia County Amphitheatre Part of the Garden City Jazz concert series in which guests are invited to bring their own seating and picnic, and enjoy music and live art demos. $10; $200, VIP table for 8, which includes preferred seating and two bottles of wine; free, children ages 14APRIL2016
12 and under. Visit gardencityjazz.com.
Sun Apr 17
2pm Augusta University Music Department Faculty
between 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
AARP Tax Help
Morris Museum of Art Part of the Music at the Morris series. Free. Call 706-724-7501 or visit themorris.org.
Euchee Creek Branch Library Help offered on a first come, first served basis every Monday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Call 706-556-0594 or visit gchrl.org.
4pm The Furman Chamber Choir
SPECIAL EVENTS
Saint John United Methodist Church Part of the Concerts with a Cause series, this one benefiting Project BUILD. Call 706724-9641 or visit stjohnaugusta.org.
5pm - 8pm Second Thursday
Mon Apr 18
7:30pm USC Aiken Wind Ensemble Concert
Thu Apr 14
Shops of Midtown This event features discounts in the shops, hors d’oeuvres and more. The featured organization is Dog Networking Agents and local artists Jay Jacobs and Chase Lanier will be painting live. Call 706-733-1788.
Etherredge Center, Aiken Free. Call 803-641-3305 or visit etherredge. usca.edu.
Fri Apr 15
Tue Apr 19
Whole Foods A $5 wine tasting in which participants get five 3-ounce samples of featured wines. Call 762-333-0259 or visit wholefoodsmarket.com.
7:30pm Augusta University Jazz Ensemble Concert Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre $5, free for AU students, faculty and staff. Call 706-667-4100 or visit augusta.edu.
SENIORS Thu Apr 14
9am - 1pm AARP Driver Safety Summerville Professional Office Building Graduates of this program, for those ages 50 and older, can apply for a discount on insurance. $14. Call 800-414-7441 or visit trinityofaugusta.com.
11am - 1pm Medicare and You Kroc Center Call 706-922-0171 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org.
Fri Apr 15
9am - 1pm AARP Driver Safety Summerville Professional Office Building Graduates of this program, for those ages 50 and older, can apply for a discount on insurance. $14. Call 800-414-7441 or visit trinityofaugusta.com.
Ongoing
AARP Tax Aide Kroc Center Helping for seniors in filing out tax returns will be available Tuesdays and Saturdays through April 12, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., as well as Thursday, April 14, and Friday, April 15, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Call 706-364-5762 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org/kroc-center/.
AARP Tax Help Columbia County Library Help provided on a first-come, first served basis Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays
5pm - 8pm Wine Not It’s Friday
6:30pm - 10pm Blues, Brews and BBQ Columbia County Amphitheatre An event that includes barbecue from multiple vendors, craft beer and live music from Roger “Hurricane” Wilson. $5; free, children 12 and under. Call 706-650-5005 or visit columbiacountyga.gov.
Sat Apr 16
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 - 3pm Aiken Kite Festival Citizens Park III A family event that will include demonstrations, inflatables, food vendors and more. Call 803-642-7634 or visit cityofaikensc.gov.
10am - 4pm Earth Day Augusta Phinizy Swamp Nature Park A free celebration that includes entertainment, local arts and crafts, food, family activities and more. Call 706-8282109 or visit phinizycenter.org.
10am - 5pm Under the Crown and Colonial Trades Fair North Augusta’s Living History Park This event will include historical reenactors, local and regional artists displaying their works and more. Sunday’s hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and include an Anglican church service at 10:30 a.m. Call 803-279-7560 or visit colonialtimes.us.
Fundraiser Augusta Mini Theatre $10. Call 706-294-2520, 706-215-5575 or visit augustaminitehatre.com.
4pm - 6pm An Artful Happy Hour The Snelling Center An Augusta Ballet event that features a free film screening of “Ballet 422,” cash bar, complimentary snacks. Seat reservations required. Visit augustaballet. org/season-events/.
Sun Apr 17
10am - 4pm Under the Crown and Colonial Trades Fair North Augusta’s Living History Park This event will include historical reenactors, local and regional artists displaying their works and an Anglican church service at 10:30 a.m. Call 803-279-7560 or visit colonialtimes.us.
SPIRITUAL Sun Apr 17
4pm For the Love of Paine College Gospel Concert Bell Auditorium $35. Call 877-4AUGTIX or visit georgialinatix.com.
SPORTS-OUTDOORS Thu Apr 14
7:05pm Augusta GreenJackets vs. Charleston Riverdogs Lake Olmstead Stadium $8-$12. Call 706-922-9467 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.
Fri Apr 15
7:05pm Augusta GreenJackets vs. Charleston Riverdogs Lake Olmstead Stadium $8-$12. Call 706-922-9467 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.
Sat Apr 16
7:30am - 10am Take Back the Day 5K Augusta University Amphitheater A USAT-F certified, stroller- and dog-friendly race to raise awareness of sexual violence and child abuse. Proceeds benefit Rape Crisis and Sexual Assault Services. Runners: $25, advance; $30, day of race. Walkers: $5, students, $10, individuals; $15, families. Visit active.com or rapecrisisaugusta.org.
9am - 11am Backstretch Tour Aiken Training Track A behind-the-scenes tour of the Aiken Training Track. $25; pre-registration due by Thursday, April 14. Call 803-643-2121 or 803-642-7631, or visit halloffame@ cityofaikensc.gov.
11am - 7pm Third Annual Fish Fry AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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Fishing Classic, that will also feature a reel trade-in program April 14-17, and Bass Fishing’s Kenny Newborn will also make an appearance. Call 762-444-6500 or visit cabelas.com.
2pm Fishing Tips & Tactics Cabela’s A seminar that’s part of the stories Fishing Classic, that will also feature a reel trade-in program April 14-17, and Bass Fishing’s Kenny Newborn will also make an appearance. Call 762-444-6500 or visit cabelas.com.
2:05pm Augusta GreenJackets vs. Charleston Riverdogs Lake Olmstead Stadium $8-$12. Call 706-922-9467 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.
3pm Trail Talk: Stories of the Confederacy Westview Cemetery Office Led by Kelli Spearman, a Georgia Division Historian for the United Daughters of Confederacy and an ACNHA interpretive guide, who will provide participants with a history of the Civil War stories in this local cemetery. Free. Call 706-823-0440, ext. 4, or visit augustacanal.com.
Mon Apr 18
7:05pm Augusta GreenJackets vs. Rome Braves Lake Olmstead Stadium $8-$12. Call 706-922-9467 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.
Tue Apr 19
7:05pm Augusta GreenJackets vs. Rome Braves Lake Olmstead Stadium $8-$12. Call 706-922-9467 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.
Wed Apr 20 An Artful Happy Hour at The Snelling Center is an Augusta Ballet event on Saturday, April 16, at 4 p.m. that features a free film screening of “Ballet 422,” cash bar, complimentary snacks. Seat reservations required. Visit augustaballet.org/season-events/. Noon Home-Water Opportunities Cabela’s A seminar that’s part of the stories Fishing Classic, that will also feature a reel trade-in program April 14-17. Call 762-444-6500 or visit cabelas.com.
28 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Lake Olmstead Stadium $8-$12. Call 706-922-9467 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.
visit cabelas.com.
Ongoing
7:05pm Augusta GreenJackets vs. Charleston Riverdogs
Augusta Fencers Club Classes for children as young as six, as well as teens and adults, meet five nights a week. Call 706-722-8878 or visit augustafencersclub.com.
Lake Olmstead Stadium $8-$12. Call 706-922-9467 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.
2pm Fishing Tips & Tactics Cabela’s A seminar that’s part of the stories Fishing Classic, that will also feature a reel trade-in program April 14-17. Call 762-444-6500 or
10:35am Augusta GreenJackets vs. Rome Braves
Sun Apr 17
Noon Home-Water Opportunities Cabela’s A seminar that’s part of the stories
Fencing Classes
10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m.; the Civil War Boat Tour is daily at 1:30 p.m.; music cruises are Friday evenings at 6:30 p.m. in April, and 7 p.m. in May and June; and sunset cruises are the third Saturdays, in April at 5:30 p.m. and in May and June at 6 p.m. Tickets are $13.75 for adults and $11.75 for seniors, military and students for Heritage Boat Tours and Civil War Boat Tours. They are $25 for adults and $23 for seniors, students or military for the music and sunset cruises. All tickets include admission to the Canal Discovery Center, which costs $6 for adults and $4 for seniors, military and students without a boat tour. Pre-registration encouraged. Call 706-8230440, ext. 4, or visit augustacanal.com.
South Atlantic Recreation Club Offers kickball, flag football and bowling leagues. For more information, visit sarcaugusta.com.
Weekly Group Runs Include the Monday Run meeting at Stillwater Taproom at 6 p.m.; Monday Intervals meeting at the Family Y track on Wheeler Road at 7 p.m.; the Tuesday Nacho Mama’s Group Run at 5:30 and 6 p.m.; Wednesday’s Hill Training Run at the Family Y track on Wheeler Road at 7 p.m.; and Thursday’s Homer Hustle at 6 p.m. Visit augustastriders.com.
The Augusta Furies Women’s Rugby Football Club Club practices 6-8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Julian Smith Casino for players 18 and up. Email augusta.furies@ gmail.com or visit augustafuries.org.
Augusta Disc Golf Association Leagues Meet Thursdays at 6 p.m. at Riverview Park in North Augusta and Mondays at 6 p.m. at Lake Olmstead. Entry fee for each, $5; ace pool, $1. Call 803-215-8181 (North Augusta), 706-833-4263 (Lake Olmstead) or visit augustadiscgolf.com.
SUPPORT Thu Apr 14
12:30pm Breast Cancer Support Group AU Cancer Center Call 706-721-1560 or visit augusta.edu.
Mon Apr 18
6:15pm CSRA GYN Cancer Support Group Daksha Chudgar Lydia House Call 706-721-5557 or visit grhealth.org.
Daily Canal Tours
Tue Apr 19
Augusta Canal Spring Season hours, April-June, include Heritage Boat Tours Mondays-Saturdays at
Augusta University Medical Center This free weekly support group for new
10:20am Moms Connection
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mothers meets in the Terrace Dining Dogwood Room on the second floor. Call 706-721-8283 or visit augustahealth.org.
Wed Apr 20
A support group for those with incarcerated loved ones. Call 706-855-8636.
Families Who Have Lost a Baby Support Group
11:30am Blood Cancer/BMT Support Group
For more information, call 706-721-8299 or visit grhealth.org.
AU Cancer Center For patients, family, friends and caregivers. Call 706-721-1634 or visit auhealth.org.
THEATER Thu Apr 14
7:30pm “Twelfth Night”
Ongoing
TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) GA, 110 Augusta St. Alban’s Episcopal Church fellowship hall The group meets Mondays, with weighin beginning at 5:15 p.m. and the meeting beginning at 6:30 p.m. Call 706-790-0391 or visit tops.org.
TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Pine View Baptist Church The group meets Tuesdays, with weigh-in beginning at 4:45 p.m. and the meeting beginning at 5:15 p.m. Call 706-868-0539 or visit tops.org.
Blood Cancer/BMT Support Group GRU Cancer Center Meets the third Wednesday of each month. Call 706-721-1634 or visit grhealth.org
Celebrate Recovery Journey Community Church This Christ-centered recovery program meets every Monday night at 7 p.m. The meetings last two hours and childcare is provided. Pre-registration suggested. Visit cr@journeycommunity.net.
Overeaters Anonymous Meets at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, at 7 p.m. Thursdays at Unity Church, and at Covenant Presbyterian Church at 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays. Call 706-863-9534 or email oa.augusta.recovery@gmail.com.
Adult Sexual Assault and Rape Support Group Provides group counseling at University Hospital for those who have experienced sexual assault, incest, rape or childhood sexual abuse. Call 706-724-5200 or visit universityhealth.org.
Alcoholics Anonymous Holds several meetings locally. For a current schedule, visit augustaaa.org/meetings.pdf.
Etherredge Center, Aiken A University Theatre Players production. $8, students; $12, seniors, faculty and staff; $15, general. Call 803-641-3305 or visit etherredge.usca.edu.
4:30pm - 6:30pm “Alice in Wonderland” Auditions Fort Gordon Youth Services Gym, Bldg. 45410 A production of the Missoula Children’s Theatre, auditions are open to kids in kindergarten-12th grade. Those who audition
7:30pm “Twelfth Night” Etherredge Center, Aiken A University Theatre Players production. $8, students; $12, seniors, faculty and staff; $15, general. Call 803-641-3305 or visit etherredge.usca.edu.
8pm - 10pm Quickies! Augusta’s Short Original Play Festival Le Chat Noir $20. Call 706-722-3322 or visit lcnaugusta.com.
Sat Apr 16
6pm “Excuse Me, Miss... But I’m In Love with Your Husband” Imperial Theatre $35. Call 706-722-8341 or visit imperialtheatre.com.
7:30pm - 9:30pm Students Caught in the Act Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre A showcase of Augusta University studentinspired work. $5. Call 706-667-4100 or visit augusta.edu.
7:30pm “Twelfth Night” Etherredge Center, Aiken A University Theatre Players production. $8, students; $12, seniors, faculty and staff; $15, general. Call 803-641-3305 or visit etherredge.usca.edu.
8pm - 10pm Quickies! Augusta’s Short Original Play Festival Le Chat Noir $20. Call 706-722-3322 or visit lcnaugusta.com.
Sun Apr 17
2pm “Twelfth Night”
Trinity Hospital of Augusta Meets Fridays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. Visit na.org.
Beyond the Bars
3pm - 5pm Students Caught in the Act
14APRIL2016
Mon Apr 18
must stay the entire time and, for some, rehearsals will take place from 6:45-8:45 p.m. after auditions. Rehearsals will take place April 19-21 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. and, for some, from 6:45-8:45 p.m. at the Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre. April 22 rehearsals are TBD and the performance date is Friday, April 22, at 7 p.m. at the Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre. Those who audition must be available for all rehearsals and participation in the program is free. For more information, email steven.r.walpert.naf@mail.mil.
Fri Apr 15
Etherredge Center, Aiken A University Theatre Players production. $8, students; $12, seniors, faculty and staff; $15, general. Call 803-641-3305 or visit etherredge.usca.edu.
Narcotics Anonymous
Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre A showcase of Augusta University studentinspired work. $5. Call 706-667-4100 or visit augusta.edu.
AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
METROSPIRIT 29
V27|NO15
Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane Somewhere in Augusta - World Tavern Poker Wild Wing - Trivia
Tuesday, April 19 Live Music
James Brown Arena - Widespread Panic Joe’s Underground - Open Mic Sky City - The Werks, CBDB Surrey Tavern - Daniel Hutchens, The Spectacular Failures The Willcox (Aiken) - Hal Shreck
What’s Tonight?
Bar West - Trivia The Cotton Patch - Trivia Limelite Cafe - Bottom’s Up Trivia Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane Somewhere in Augusta - Big Prize Trivia w/ Gorman Twisted Burrito - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper
Wednesday, April 20 Live Music
The Highlander - Open Mic Night Shannon’s - Shameless Dave Wild Wing - Sabo & Reid
Tickets, $42.50, are still available to Widespread Panic’s show at the James Brown Arena on Tuesday, April 19, at 7:30 p.m. Call 877-4AUGTIX or visit georgialinatix.com. Afterwards, visit the after party at Sky City featuring The Werks with special guests CBDB. Presented by Satisfied Entertainment and Friends with Benefits, tickets are $10 in advance or with your Panic ticket at the door or $15 at the door without a ticket. Music begins at 11 p.m. Visit skycityaugusta.com. Thursday, April 14 Live Music
AECOM Center (Aiken) - Time in a Bottle w/ Jim Witter Bar on Broad - Daddy Rich Sky City - We Are the Audience, Chris Hardy, Mobius Stillwater Taproom - No Sir Wild Wing - Brandon Reeves
What’s Tonight?
Bar West - Open Mic Night w/ Jonathon Flowers Carolina Ale House - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper (9 p.m.) Chevy’s - Karaoke Cotton Patch - Old School Thursday w/ DJ Groove Fox’s Lair - Trivia, Soup and Suds Helga’s Pub & Grille - Trivia The Highlander - Butt Naked Trivia Joe’s Underground - Trivia The Loft - Karaoke MAD Studios - Open Mic, Spoken Word Pizza Joint (Downtown) - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper (7 p.m.) Somewhere in Augusta - Poker for Fun That Place - Open Mic Spoken Word, Poetry, Prose and Singer/Songwriters
Friday, April 15 Live Music
AECOM Center (Aiken) - Time in a Bottle w/ Jim Witter Augusta Canal - Music Cruise w/ Christian Ndeti The Backyard Tavern - Chasing Savannah Bar on Broad - Daddy Rich Bar West - Live Music Boeckh Park (North Augusta) - Chatham County Line, Crosstie Walkers
30 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Columbia County Amphitheatre - Blues, Brews and BBQ w/ Roger “Hurricane” Wilson Cotton Patch - Live Jazz & Blues Country Club - Phil Vaught Coyotes - Joe Olds Band The Iron Heights - The Apprehended Red Pepper (Aiken) - Anybody’s Guess Shannon’s - Atomic Road Sky City - Lokal Loudness Choice Awards w/ Chainsaw Masscara, the Least Likelys, Douglas Oxford, Will McCranie, Stink Bamboo, Gorganus, Catch 22, Le Goose, Lost Boy Somewhere in Augusta - Jason White The Stables Restaurant (Aiken) - Gavin Reily Stillwater Taproom - Universal Sigh Surrey Tavern - Grand Re-Opening Party w/ Keith on Keys Tin Lizzy’s - Lundy UU Church - 4 Seasons Chamber Jazz w/ Edwin G. Hamilton Music, Sala Adenike Whole Foods - Music @ the Turn Wild Wing - Robin Dixon
What’s Tonight?
Chevy’s - DJ Nicky B Vera Cruz Mexican Restaurant - Karaoke w/ Denny van Valkenburgh
Saturday, April 16 Live Music
Columbia County Amphitheatre - Candlelight Wine & Dine w/ Live Jazz Cotton Patch - Live Jazz & Blues Country Club - David Kroll Coyotes - Joe Olds Band Eighth Street Plaza - Saturday Morning Swing at the Augusta Market on the River Fox’s Lair - Livingroom Legends The Iron Heights - Brother Wolf
Playoffs (Aiken) - Johnny Brewer Shannon’s - Perfect Picture Somewhere in Augusta - Mr. Jukebox Stillwater Taproom - Jacob Beltz Surrey Tavern - Grand Re-Opening Party w/ the Kenny George Band Wild Wing - Bombshell The Willcox (Aiken) - Jon Vaughn
What’s Tonight?
The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Bar West - DJ Fugi Chevy’s - DJ Nicky B Helga’s Pub & Grille - Bluegrass Brunch (11 a.m.3 p.m.); Trivia, nights Joe’s Underground - Ladies Night, Singles Night Vera Cruz Mexican Restaurant - Karaoke w/ Denny van Valkenburgh
Sunday, April 17 Live Music
Bell Auditorium - For the Love of Paine College Gospel Concert Mellow Mushroom (Aiken) - Brunch w/ Mike Frost and Lauren Meccia Wild Wing - Lundy The Willcox (Aiken) - Jon Vaughn
What’s Tonight?
The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Bar West - Karaoke Chevy’s - Karaoke Cotton Patch - Trivia and Tunes The Loft - Karaoke Mi Rancho (Downtown) - Karaoke Mi Rancho (Washington Road) - Karaoke Pizza Joint (Evans) - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper The Playground - Krazy Karaoke w/ Big Troy Polo Tavern (Aiken) - Karaoke w/ Tom Mitchell Sky City - Wednesday Night Conspiracy w/ DJ Knightmare Somewhere in Augusta - The Comedy Zone w/ The Tennessee Tramp and Amy Dingler Stillwater Taproom - Pub Quiz Surrey Tavern - Trivia w/ Christian and Mickey
Upcoming The Oh Hellos, The Collection, the Ramblin’ Fevers
- Sky City April 22 Rascal Flatts, Jana Kramer
- James Brown Arena April 23 Feel the Bern Concert and Barnstorm w/ Mee Bad Eye, Matt Dahlheimer, Akenda, Jerod Gay
- Savannah Rapids April 24 10-Year Anniversary Party w/ Locash
- The Country Club April 29 Roadkill Ghost Choir, Deep State, Thayer Sarrano
- Sky City April 30 Amy Grant, Nicole Nordeman, Ellie Holcomb
- USCA Convocation Center April 30 Roadkill Ghost Choir, Deept State, Thayer Sarrano
- Sky City April 30
What’s Tonight?
Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane
Monday, April 18 Live Music
Metro Coffeehouse & Pub - Blues Monday w/ Famous Last Words
What’s Tonight?
Joe’s Underground - Poker
James Brown Family Birthday Bash w/ Keith Jenkins and the James Brown Band, Sharon Jones, George Porter Jr., Ivan Neville, Ty Taylor, Jennifer Hartswick, Chris Rob, Gavin Hamilton, Greg Hester
- Augusta Common May 3 ZZ Top
- Bell Auditorium May 4 Trampled by Turtles, The Devil Makes Three
- Jessye Norman Amphitheater May 8 Kenny Babyface Edmonds, Tank
- Bell Auditorium May 8 14APRIL2016
V27|NO15 Jason Isbell, Tommy Emmanuel
David Sedaris
- Georgia Dome, Atlanta May 1
- Bell Auditorium May 17
- Lucas Theatre, Savannah April 16
Boston
An Evening with Sara Evans
Gov’t Mule
- Johnny Mercer Theatre, Savannah May 1
- Imperial Theatre May 20
- Trustees Theater, Savannah April 19
The Residents
Papa Joe’s Banjo B Que w/ Willie Nelson and Family, Old Crow Medicine Show, Steep Canyon Rangers, Blitzen Trapper, Mountain Faith, Sarah Jaroz, Rev. Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Susto, Ben Miller, Have Gun Will Travel, Guthrie Brown & the Family Tree, Little Roy & Lizzie Show, Great Peacock, Josh Roberts & the Hinges, Motel Radio, Packway Handle Band, Laney Jones & the Spirits, BooHoo Ramblers, Georgia-Lina Boys, the Mason Jars, Muddy Johnson, Delta Cane
Robyn Hitchcock, Eugene Mirman
- Variety Playhouse, Atlanta May 1
- Variety Playhouse, Atlanta April 20
Megadeth
Livingroom Legends
- Tabernacle, Atlanta May 2
- Fiery Ron’s Hometeam BBQ, Sullivan’s Island, S.C. April 22
Kiefer Sutherland
Sister Hazel
Paul Simon
- Variety Playhouse, Atlanta April 22
- Fox Theatre, Atlanta May 3
Esperanza Spalding
Queensryche
- Center Stage, Atlanta April 22
- Masquerade, Atlanta May 4
Old Crow Medicine Show
Disturbed, Rob Zombie, Pop Evil
- Georgia Theatre, Athens April 22-23
- Lakewood Amphitheatre, Atlanta May 6
Leftover Salmon
Lauryn Hill
- Variety Playhouse, Atlanta April 23
- Chastain Park, Atlanta May 6
- Evans Towne Center Park May 27-28 Alabama, The Charlie Daniels Band
- James Brown Arena June 3 Jeezy & Friends
- Bell Auditorium June 4 Steve Miller Band
- Bell Auditorium July 19 Chris Robinson Brotherhood
- Sky City July 22
Steve Martin, Martin Short
- Fox Theatre, Atlanta April 24 Van Morrison
- Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, Alpharetta April 24
- Cox Capitol Theatre, Macon May 3
REAL PEOPLE REAL DESIRE REAL FUN.
Bush
Maxwell
- Bell Auditorium August 6
- Tabernacle, Atlanta April 24
Elsewhere
- Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Atlanta April 26
Roseanne Cash
- Grand Opera House, Macon April 14 Duran Duran
- Philips Arena, Atlanta April 15
Smashing Pumpkins
Alabama Shakes, Dylan LeBlanc
More Local Numbers: 1-800-926-6000
- Classic Center, Athens April 27
Ahora español Livelinks.com 18+
Tracy Morgan
- Symphony Hall, Atlanta April 15
- Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Atlanta April 30
Affordable Old School Festival w/ Keith Sweat, Morris Day, Juvenile
Snarky Puppy
- Tabernacle, Atlanta April 30
- Centreplex, Macon April 16
Beyonce
Kathy Griffin
Try FREE: 706-434-0108
Pride in Your Health. Pride in Yourself. Want to quit smoking? Call 1-800 QUIT NOW for free help and a customized Quit Kit. www.scdhec.gov/quitforkeeps
Meet sexy new friends
FREE TRIAL
706-434-0112
V27|NO15
SIGHTINGS
Michael Johnson | mejphoto.photoreflect.com
Brett Arrington, Christy Arrington, Amanda Atkinson and Laura Ellington at Drive, Chip and Putt at Augusta National.
Al Dallas and state amateur champion Laura Coble with former Augusta Mayor Deke Copenhaver and Malissa Copenhaver at the Mayor’s Masters Reception at the Augusta Common.
Kathryn and Jason Freemon with Mary Ondriezek and Will McCranie at Drive, Chip and Putt at Augusta National.
Ann Dillon, Conner Dillon and Marsha Kameron at Drive, Chip and Putt at Augusta National.
Evett Davis, Nancy Lopez and Mayor Hardie Davis at the Mayor’s Masters Reception at the Augusta Common.
Deborah Jimenez, Miss Augusta Hanna Holley and Jorge Jimenez at the Mayor’s Masters Reception at the Augusta Common.
Cindy Nichols, Josh Dunn, Kristi Nichols and Megan Matthews at the Mayor’s Masters Reception at the Augusta Common.
Lynn Homer, Lynthia Owens and Rhonda Graybeal at the Mayor’s Masters Reception at the Augusta Common.
Kelsie Floyd, Kylee Earnest, Shannon Cartledge and Lisa Hall at Drive, Chip and Putt at Augusta National.
32 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
14APRIL2016
V27|NO15
SIGHTINGS
Michael Johnson | mejphoto.photoreflect.com
Andres Smith, Allan Kournikova, Girls age 11-12 Drive, Chip and Putt Winner Alexa Pano and Josh Payton at Jones Creek.
Chad Medlin, Jason Lee, singer/songwriter Ray Fulcher and Michelle Harrison at the Country Club.
Joseph and Mary Morris with Renee and Darick Whiteley at the Country Club.
Singer/songwriter John Krueger, Abby Mitchell and Andrew Hogue at Rock Fore! Dough at the Lady Antebellum Amphitheater.
Katy Solt, singer/songwriter Charles Kelley and Kelsey Walker at Rock Fore! Dough at the Lady Antebellum Amphitheater.
PopTV’s Noah Wilson, singer/songwriter Darius Rucker and Laurie Crane at Rock Fore! Dough at the Lady Antebellum Amphitheater.
Andrea Massey, Kate Gary, Barclay Bishop and Melissa Blanco at the Country Club.
Former James Brown Bittersweets: Amy Christian, Kelly Jarrell Gordon and Candice Hurst at TBonz.
Maxine Taylor, Felecia Lee and Faye Hargrove at Rock Fore! Dough at the Lady Antebellum Amphitheater.
14APRIL2016
AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
METROSPIRIT 33
JUMPING TO CONCLUSIONS By Natan Last / Edited by Will Shortz ACROSS 1 ____-Town (sobriquet in many a Kanye West song) 4 “To Kill a Mockingbird” theme 10 Get heavily (into) 14 Distinctive Harry Potter feature 18 Overactors 20 Hebrew for “my Lord” 21 Period for reflection and recharging 23 With 113-Across, heard but disregarded … or a hint to interpreting the Across answers with circled letters 25 Gallant type 26 “____ Dei” (prayer) 27 Baldwin’s “30 Rock” co-star 28 Clean-air org. 29 Mayan food staple 30 Browser navigation aids 31 Common query from one about to leave the house 35 The left, informally 36 Meditate (on) 37 Modern surgical aid 38 Come-____ 39 ____-surfing 40 Show wear 41 Arcade-game sound 43 Nicknames 46 Indignant reply when someone withholds information 49 Contract part 53 P.M. after and before Churchill 54 Carson who won the 2001 T. S. Eliot Prize for Poetry 55 “Come on … be daring” 57 Increases, with “to” 59 “No worries” 62 Look from Scrooge 63 Sally 66 Tell 68 Bubbling 70 24-note tune 71 Quattros and TTs 73 “I had nothing to do with it” 75 Olympic sprinting champion Devers 77 “Oh, boo-hoo!” 79 Overly ingratiating 81 Senior project 85 Some Ivy Leaguers 86 “Would you consider this suggestion?” 88 Nutritional figs. 90 Roman statesman known as “the Censor”
91 Given the signal 92 Label for a suit? 93 Some Johnny Hart panels 96 Not true? 98 Outlaws 99 Out of control 100 Comment to the not-yet-convinced 105 Mountain goat 106 Politico with the autobiography “An American Son” 107 The Engineers of the N.C.A.A. 108 Disneyland’s Main Street, ____ 109 ____ rima (meter of Dante’s “Divine Comedy”) 111 Former name for Syracuse athletes 113 See 23-Across 117 Rustic backyard plaything 118 Subject of 1972 negotiations with China 119 Part of a bloodline 120 Coins with fleurs-de-lis 121 Remnants 122 Famed Six Flags Great Adventure roller coaster 123 Talking-____
Force Awakens” 36 Doctrines 40 Awesome 41 Unlikely to be talked out of 42 Sight seers 44 Makes dim, as the 42-Down 45 Fifth-century pope who was the first to be called “the Great” 47 One waiting in “Waiting for Godot” 48 Sweaters, e.g. 50 Layer of the 42-Down 51 Slip (through) 52 Slips up 55 Duke Ellington’s “All ____ Soon” 56 Sacha Baron Cohen persona 58 Aphorisms 60 El ____ Real 61 Symbols on old manuscripts 63 Not for prudes 64 Energy field, of sorts 65 Tennyson work 67 Jabber 69 Post-menorah-lighting treats 72 Branded 74 Impeccably 76 “Rumor has it …” DOWN 78 Oscar ____, star of “Inside Llewyn 1 ____ Pets (1980s fad) Davis” 2 “Just hold on” 80 Facilities often referred to by their 3 2009 Grammy nominee with the lyric first letter “But this ain’t SeaWorld, this is real as 82 2010’s “California Gurls” or 1996’s it gets” “Macarena” 4 Singer Carly ____ Jepsen 83 Goal of having no unread emails 5 Nabokov heroine 84 Lake Oahe locale: Abbr. 6 Heart: Lat. 86 Actress Blanchett 7 “Moments from now” 87 ____ Viv, caretaker of the Fresh 8 More grounded Prince of Bel-Air 9 June and July 89 Enter angrily 10 Feminist issue in the workplace 90 Glades 11 Israeli leaders? 93 From memory 12 Helped the cause, say 94 Former “CBS Evening News” anchor 13 Foe of Saruman, in Tolkien 95 Outback maker 14 Hearty entree 97 Loom 15 Director Michael 98 “Scram!” 16 Company that passed Walmart in 99 Looks out for? 2015 as the world’s largest retailer 101 Dialogue 17 Extends, in a way 102 Calc figures 19 Disinvites, e.g. 103 “And I ____ …” 22 Mr. Noodle’s friend on “Sesame 104 Accustomed Street” 105 “Were ____ hazard a guess …” 24 Tricky curve 110 Lover of Aphrodite 31 Kapow! 112 Farm female 32 2003 No. 1 hit for OutKast 114 Brace 33 Parts of Polynésie 115 Laugh half 34 Rig, e.g. 116 “Lux” composer 35 General of the Resistance in “The
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PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWERS C A N N E L L O N I
E L T O R O
R E D D B E Y A X E R A S C A T H M I E O T A O U D R D O E E F
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T O R M A V I A E Z E T H O R E A N T H L S E E Y O N R A I K E H E M D H I S D U O S H E A T S H I R E D P A R D O L E I R I C O F E R N A E Y E V V E A B A E N T E S S E A
E N T T O R E R I C P U S U T U S L I P E D E E L S R E S B S F O S I R T J E R E I U S I R A I D O U R V R E A L K E R T I M P E N A I L
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T O R T S
B A R I
C Y S T
V27|NO15
THE EIGHT
BOX TOPS Is it surprising or not that “Hardcore Henry” is at No. 5? RANK TITLES
WEEKEND GROSS TOTAL GROSS WEEK # LAST WEEK
1
THE BOSS
$23,586,645
$23,586,645
1
-
2
BATMAN V. SUPERMAN
$23,363,079
$296,613,621
3
1
3
ZOOTOPIA
$14,345,422
$296,004,904
6
2
4
MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING 2 $6,476,200
$46,809,020
3
3
5
HARDCORE HENRY
$5,107,604
1
-
$5,107,604
In Theaters April 15
DRAMA
“The Jungle Book,” rated PG, starring Neel Sethi, Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley, Idris Elba, Lupita Nyong’o, Scarlett Johansson, Christopher Walken, Garry Shandling. Almost everyone knows the Rudyard Kipling tale of Mowgli and his animal friends, but you’ve likely never seen it like this before. Sources say director Jon Favreau stuck closer to the Kipling version of the tale than the sunnier version of the Disney animated classic, and that’s probably a good thing. 36 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
COMEDY
“Barbershop: The Next Cut,” rated PG-13, starring Ice Cube, Cedric the Entertainer, Regina Hall, Eve, Anthony Anderson, Common, Nicki Minaj. Calvin’s Barbershop now has female barbers (stylists?), but the camaraderie in the shop can’t disguise the problems outside its door. Can Calvin’s crew change their neighborhood for the better?
THRILLER
“Criminal,” rated R, starring Kevin Costner, Gary Oldman, Ryan Reynolds, Gal Gadot, Tommy Lee Jones. Reynolds plays a CIA agent, who’s killed pretty early on during a mission. So, of course, his memories are implanted into an ex-con played by Costner so the mission can go on as planned. As you do.
14APRIL2016
V27|NO15
Farewell, Chris Kane (and Other Big News)! THE GOOD NEWS IS Chris Kane is expected to stay in Augusta. The bad news is he won’t be coming into your homes via Channel 6 much longer. The popular WJBF News Channel 6 morning anchor is turning in his microphone, and his Freddy the Weatherman coffee mug, for a future that remains unspecified, but local. I would love to be able to tell you that either Chris or one of his colleagues gave me that previously unreleased scoop, but for some odd reason the WJBF folks are not talking to me quite like they used to. I was actually sent a link to Channel 6’s parent company’s (Media General) corporate website advertising a morning news anchor position as “open.” When I saw the “non-gender specific posting, it was my natural assumption that Mary Morrison was the one turning in her keys. Nope, it was Chris. I did manage to track him down and we exchanged brief correspondence about his exit. Chris says he has no definite plans right now, but he is looking forward to keeping hours that do not start with a 2:30 a.m. wake up call. A few weeks ago I listed Chris Kane as one of my favorites at WJBF, and it was not just idle praise. I have seen him grow from a young sports reporter and anchor to an accomplished news anchorman and journalist. It was one of his lifelong dreams to get into “network sports” production, and he was able to do that for several years with the Golf Channel. While making amazing contacts and seeing the world, he also discovered what a terrible schedule the behindthe-scenes folks have (and it is that way for ESPN and Fox Sports Channel as well), and the fact that the demands of the profession leave those worker bees with virtually no social life outside of the studio. He came back to Augusta in an effort to have a “real life” and, early hours aside, he has managed to do just that. But now he says it is time to move on. While word of Kane’s pending departure was made public Monday, it has absolutely nothing to do with the huge, but not unexpected, layoff of 26 former employees (ironic, I know) of the “old” WAGT news and production team. Attached you see reporter Kasey Greenhalgh’s poignant farewell letter that went out to many of her friends and contacts Tuesday after getting the word that they were being let go. The local Media General bosses at Channel 6 apparently did everything they could to keep as many of them around as possible (not really sure who are the few
38 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
that they kept for use on WJBF), but for some strange reason, with as much affection and love as the Augusta-based management has declared and shown, they have not been given the green light by corporate management to release the on-air broadcasters from the non-compete clauses in their contracts. The battle over control of WAGTNBC 26 has been well documented in these pages, with the Georgia Supreme Court making the final call on the issue a few weeks ago. The title was turned over to Gray Television, and the station is now theirs lock, stock and barrel. As a matter of professional courtesy and practice, the owners of Grey (WRDW Channel 12’s parent company) and Raycom (owners of WFXG Fox 54) do not negotiate or even meet with employees who are under active contracts with in-market competition. There is no doubt one or both stations would have made room for a few of those employees if given the opportunity, particularly weeks or months ago, but Media General refuses to budge. At least publicly. MG stands to make a ton of dough with an eventual settlement of their broken lease-management contract with 26’s former owners. Schurz Communications clearly did not deliver on at least the four years remaining of their 10-year agreement to allow MG to operate and manage Channel 26. There was significant investment made in infrastructure, not to mention the expense of the afore-listed news team, that was simply sold right out from underneath MG. Since the corporate bosses are apparently refusing to allow those
on-air employees to get new work in our market, here’s to hoping they will share with those displaced workers a fair portion of what I will wager will be a significant lump sum paid to Media General for the broken contract. I won’t hold my breath for that, but it would be nice. Even though I have made my living in it for over 30 years, the broadcasting business can be as cruel and cold as any in corporate America. In the end, the on-air people who are promoted and sold as family members and neighbors can be used as public relations pawns and forced to leave the markets they have called home so that their familiar faces and voices cannot be used to compete against their former station. It sucks, but it is the truth.
AUSTIN RHODES
A long-time radio talk show host who can be heard weekdays on WGAC from 3-6 p.m. The views expressed are the opinions of Austin Rhodes and do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher.
14APRIL2016