Table of Contents June 22, 2017
Whine Line 4 Jenny is Wright 6 Kris Fisher 8 Insider 10 News 12 Feature 14 What’s Up Metro Week Calendar Nightlife Sightings The Eight
EDIT
CREATIVE
Amy Christian
Joshua Bailey
Joe White
amy@themetrospirit.com
joshua@themetrospirit.com
joe@themetrospirit.com 706-373-3636
Arts Editor/Production Director
Lead Designer
Stacey Eidson stacey@themetrospirit.com
BUSINESS Publisher
Johnny Beckworth
Staff Writer
SALES
circulation manager
jdbeckworth@gmail.com
Joe White Publisher
joe@themetrospirit.com 706-373-3636
Contributors Jenny Wright, Austin Rhodes, Kris Fisher, Michael Johnson, Tyler Strong
Rachael Foss Account Executive
rachael@themetrospirit.com 706-910-3461
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COVER DESIGN: Kruhu COVER PHOTO: Joe White
Metro Spirit is a free newspaper published weekly on Thursday, 52 weeks a year. Editorial coverage includes local issues and news, arts, entertainment, people, places and events. In our paper appear views from across the political and social spectrum. The views do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. Visit us at metrospirit.com.Š 15 House, LLC. Owner/Publisher: Joe White. Legal: Phillip Scott Hibbard. Reproduction or use without permission is prohibited. One copy per person, please.
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some confusion having an independent group going aorund promoting itself as “The Augusta Film Office” when the CVB will now be the official apparatus of the city to work with filmmakers? It seems like the city should ask Brad Owens to change the name of his club to “The Augusta Film Enthusiasts Club” or something like that to avoid confusion. #WearingMeOut on ‘There It Is’: 1) When I was mayor. 2) When I was in office. 3) During my term as mayor. That’s so Augusta! So now I listen to 94.5 FM Greenville, SC.
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.
Republicans are pro-gun because they believe that all gun owners are republicans. Maybe the recent event will make them realize that nuts of all political persuasions have guns Glad you are getting so much pleasure in hammering the county folks involved in the landfill situation. You are not lily white and have no right to cast stones at others. God has the final say so we will just have to stand by and see what your’s is.
For the people lamenting that not enough people support or #respect downtown Augusta, here are a few of my thoughts: Try broadening the appeal of downtown beyond white hipsters in the 20s and early 30s. There is very little in downtown’s nightlife that appeal to people over the age of 35 and who have mature tastes. The same fratboy bands and esoteric hipster music is just… tired. How about a place downtown where one can go out at night and not come home smelling like an ashtray? Why is it in a city where over 60% of the population is AfricanAmerican there is very little downtown catering to that demographic. Where’s the hip-hop? R&B? Soul? Funk? This is the home of James Brown. Well you would never know it from the downtown nightlife scene.
My wife and I (both over 65) go to the local theaters every now and then, but yesterday, this youngster asked my wife to open her pocket book. I immediately, stepped up and asked, what for and did he have a search warrant? He said no. He told me this was their policy? I then asked him if he was looking for guns, and he stated no. I told my wife not to open her pocket book, and proceeded to go in. Evasion of your private rights. We will never go back to this theater again. If they are looking for guns, hell, put up metal protectors, instead of doing this, Augusta needs to get rid of all the crime, especially the illegal’s that are here (1st priority)! Is it just me or does the City of North Augusta water taste like dirt? Visiting a friend in Grovetown Sunday, I found myself in a line of traffic backed up almost back to the exit. Construction? Nope. Two of Grovetown’s finest stopping traffic so the churchgoers could get out after services: City cops stopping traffic on a state road - outside their jurisdiction. I asked my friend how that worked; his reply was the church paid for the cops. If they can afford to pay cops to block the roads, why can’t they pay taxes for cops, and the rest of civic services?
Last week’s shooting would probably have been prevented by a Muslim travel ban.
Ok, so I tried to join the Augusta Political Watch Facebook group for the Q&A with Augusta city administrator Janice Allen Jackson over the TractorGate scandal. Easier said than done. The group admin demanded I answer a barrage of personal questions including my occupation, where I work, and my home address. Like most normal people, I don’t exactly feel comfortable giving out that kind of personal information to people I do not know on Facebook. When I asked why all the personal questions to simply ask a question to the administrator, I was told by the admin that they have to vet all of their members because “spies were trying to infiltrate and hack their group.” Seriously? I dont think the Russian are interested in the local yokel politics of little ole’ Augusta, GA. It seems like these folks have a few screws loose and and overly aggrandized perception of self-importance. Alex Jones, Jim Jones. One has followers, one had followers. It’s a sad state of affairs in a country where anyone would follow either one of these. So after 3 years of hype and self publicity by The Augusta Film Office, Augusta Commissioners have decided to officially name The Convention and Visitors Bureau the city’s official liason to filmmakers and the film industry. Won’t this cause 4 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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I Was Wrong (But Just a little) Jenny is Wright Several yearS ago, I talked to y’all about technology. I felt as if technology was turning us all in to sucky people. We don’t write thank you notes. We don’t converse like we used to. Instant gratification is required. If it’s not obtained, things like “hellooooooo” and “did you get my text?” happen. People don’t read books or newspapers as much anymore. How many of your kids know the old book smell? I still wholeheartedly feel the same way. Technology has changed us, and we are mostly lazier, suckier people because of it. However… (Clears throat) I was (a little) wrong. We’ve had Siri and Alexa. I think most of you have. We can ask them anything, and Alexa will turn on our TV. Alexa will look up a recipe for me while I’m cooking, and covert measurements for me if I can’t find a tablespoon. Definitely cool. Mostly unnecessary. I love a part map when traveling, but GPS and now map apps have replaced the impossible to fold maps. Let’s have a moment of silence for the Rand McNallly atlas. It was my favorite thing to read on road trips as a child. (Silence) Waze and Google Maps and everything else do make travel easier. I think the Waze lady is a little too detailed, though, what with her “hazard on shoulder ahead” warnings. Sometimes, it’s the prisoners’ trash bags, left on the side of the road for a later pickup. When there’s a trash bag every 50 feet or so, our whole car is “OKAY LADY.” If you’ve been stuck in that traffic on I-20 between here and Atlanta, you only have yourself to blame. The Waze lady knows a shortcut. We’ve discussed cutting cable. Cable free for 1.5 years and not a single reason to go back. I can watch anything I want, at any time, on my phone, TV, computer or whatever. I’m sure holograms are
just around the corner. Now, we think it’s confusing when someone is talking on their bluetooth thingy. “You talking to me, man?” Nope. Bluetooth. Imagine if, one day, we can watch what we want via holograms in the air. “You lookin’ at me, man?” Nope. Stranger Things, season two. My favorite tech upgrade is smart lights. The Boy wanted them for a few weeks, and I couldn’t see the appeal. Okay, I take that back. I couldn’t see the practical appeal. They change colors, and you talk to Siri or Alexa, telling them what color you want based on your mood or activities. Remember those timers we used to have for lamps when we went out of town? You’d plug the lamp into it and it’d turn on and off whenever you wanted. These smart lights are controlled by your phone, y’all. I’m more amazed than I should be, and any real tech people out there probably think I’m lame. Don’t care. The lights in my house come on when I’m on the way home. They know when I’m on the way home. I’ve come to terms with the fact that someday, we won’t have to do anything at all. We already have robot vacuums, thermostats controlled by our phone, smart fridges, and just about anything comes with a touch screen I can talk to. I haven’t figured out a way to get Alexa to do the laundry or open a bottle of wine, but I’m working on it. You think she’ll go to the gym for me, too?
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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perspective is reality kris Fisher Last week, we took a family vacay down to Florida’s Gulf Coast and wouldn’t you know it, my family’s notorious bad luck on trips showed up in a few different forms. On the way home, I wondered how I would tell the story of our vacation. Some people would tell the story of all the bad things. We all know some of those negative people, they can make a trip to pick up lottery winnings sound like a disaster. So I decided to tell it two different ways: A negative way and an optimistic way. I like to think of it as a lesson about the importance of your perspective on life. The following two stories are about the exact same trip with the exact same people and are both entirely true. the Negative approach As we arrived in Destin to our hotel, we immediately realized why we got such a great deal: This place was a dump. No AC and it was barely the size of our bedroom at home. five people are supposed to coexist here for the next six days peacefully? Never gonna happen. We found out later that there was an attempted suicide-by-cop (that’s apparently a thing) at this hotel a couple months earlier. Travel tip: Don’t skimp on the hotel room. Ever. After getting to our new hotel, I scratched my cornea as I was taking out my contacts. This means I was basically half blind for the next three days. The wife found it hilarious when she brought me a pirate patch from the beach store. Add to this three sunburns, broken store merchandise that we had to buy, a football lost at sea, expensive sunglasses lost in the surf and a fidget spinner that was “accidentally” stolen, and the trip was a virtual nightmare. The day we departed the beach, two things happened: 1. The clouds parted and it was the most beautiful day we’d seen all week. 2. I got violently ill. As the rest of the fam perused the amazing deals at the outlet mall, I spent most of the day admiring the art pieces in the bathroom. After a seven-hour drive, we finally arrived home at around 12:30 am. We opened the door to what looked like a crime scene. Our dogs did not appreciate being left with sitters all week and they were sure to let us know. Half the house was ripped apart and they obviously had trouble finding the restroom. After a massive cleaning of the house, unpacking the car and a shower, I finally climb into bed still clutching my stomach. The nightmare was finally over. the optimistic approach Just as we arrive in Destin, we discovered a great deal on a room and decided to upgrade to a nicer hotel. We quickly get checked in and go out to enjoy what I had looked forward to all year: delicious seafood, a margarita, the four people I love most in this world and a gorgeous gulf coast sunset. Although the forecast called for clouds and rain the entire week, we got in several good days at the beach. Coupled with some local shopping, fireworks, more seafood and more margaritas, this was just what the doctor ordered. What can I say? My doctor is much cooler than yours… and he just may not be an actual actor, I’m afraid to ask. Our last night in town led us to a local hole-in-the wall restaurant. Just as we arrived, we heard live beach music being played on the deck and unexpected fireworks started popping in the Florida sky. This meal ended up being the best meal of the week by a landslide. Our server was suspiciously charismatic and over-the-top amazing. It was the perfect end to the perfect vacay. On the way out, we knocked out the kids’ back-to-school shopping early and at a big discount at the outlet mall. Then we high-tailed it home to our dogs who very clearly missed us as much as we missed them. It was the best vacation our family has taken in a long time. I prefer the second version. How will you tell your next story? I expect your answers in essay form by the end of class. 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. 22JUNE2017
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Pot… Meet Kettle Is anyone else bothered by the fact that Republican Congressman Mark Sanford of South Carolina seems to be jumping at every opportunity to claim that President Donald Trump’s behavior is “bizarre?” Now, there are plenty of people in Congress and across the country that might agree with Sanford, but considering the South Carolina congressman’s own truly bizarre behavior over the past several years, he may want to just sit down and shut his mouth. Last week, shortly after the horrifying shooting at the GOP member baseball practice that wounded four people, including House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, Sanford was seen on several national news networks pointing fingers at President Trump. Sanford claimed that the president is “partially to blame” for the severe divide in politics currently plaguing the nation. “I would argue that the President is at least in partially — again not in any way totally, but partially to blame for demons that have been unleashed,” Sanford told MSNBC last week. Sanford described the events as “surreal” and claimed that the “polarization now seen in Congress is the most extreme it has been in the roughly 20 years” that he has been in politics. The Republican from South Carolina went on to tell MSNBC that he observed these “demons” while attending a constituent senior center, where residents “freely exchanged expletives when arguing over political issues,” he reportedly said. At the very least, Sanford said Congress “ought to call” Trump’s behavior “bizarre.” Isn’t that a bit ironic? Now, clearly, Sanford has every right to comment on the president’s behavior, but he might want to think about his own history before pointing too many fingers. Most South Carolinians will remember back in 2009 when Sanford was at the center of one of the state’s biggest embarrassments to come out of the Governor’s Mansion. While governor of South Carolina, Sanford actually snuck off to Argentina for a secret romantic escapade with his mistress while his befuddled aides told the national press that the governor was privately hiking the Appalachian Trail. After it was discovered that he ran off to Argentina, lied to the public and cheated on his wife, the disgraced governor decided to confess his sins in the State House rotunda by declaring the woman in Argentina, María Belén Chapur, was his “soul mate.” Sanford should have just resigned right there, but he didn’t. He did not think of his family… again. He did not think of the state’s welfare… again. He was simply selfish… again. By the end of 2009, Sanford seemed to finally accept his political career was finished. “I am dead politically,” Sanford reportedly the Columbia, S.C.-based WVOC radio station. “I am not running for another office.” But Sanford didn’t keep that promise either. While he was a complete embarrassment in office, Sanford lucked out and was never charged with a crime.
S.C. Attorney General Henry McMaster announced in 2009 that he would not criminally prosecute Sanford for any of his travel to South America to meet his mistress, his use of state aircraft or his use of campaign money that resulted in the largest ethics fine in state history. It was a five-month investigation of the scandal that resulted in more than 35 civil charges against Sanford. South Carolinians should have forced Sanford say, “Adios” to the Palmetto State, but apparently Georgia’s neighbors to the east are pretty forgiving voters when they head to the polls. Despite Sanford’s ridiculous behavior, the disgraced ex-South Carolina governor somehow managed to win a seat in the U.S. House in 2013. If Sanford knew what was good for him, he’d sit down and stop calling other people’s actions “bizarre.” After all, his closet is packed to the brim with skeletons of his own.
From the Publisher last weeK we ran an article spotlighting the oneyear anniversary of Farmhaus in Columbia County. As a part of the story we mentioned other homegrown restaurants which have opened in the Martinez-Evans area over the past decade, following the explosive growth of the Augusta suburb. We failed to mention Eli’s American, opened by Bryan Mitchell in September of 2015. Mitchell was a pioneering restaurateur in downtown Augusta who, along with his brother, was involved in the Cotton Patch almost since it opened in 1990. Mitchell then bought it in 2000, running it for 15 years before selling it in 2015. He opened Eli’s American in Evans shortly afterwards. Mitchell, who sat down for an interview with the Spirit in 2016, is known for serving food that has been described as elegantly southern. “I get a lot of my understanding of all things southern from the real southern ladies and gentlemen I know and have had the pleasure of being related to,” he said, adding that they’ve shown him over the years how to make the most of what is on the menu. “A lot of southern cooking is based on not having the finest 10 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
ingredients but using what you have and making it fine. Fried chicken is poor people’s food because that’s all they had. But you can make fried chicken into a gourmet dish because it really is if it’s done right.” We regret the omission. Joe White Publisher Metro Spirit
elI’s aMerIcan 4446 Washington Rd Evans elisamerican.com Open 7 days a week at 11 am for lunch and dinner.
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Hyatt House Opens Doors to Downtown’s Future
Only a Few Days prior to the groundbreaking of the $50 million Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center on Reynolds Street, there was another significant groundbreaking on Broad Street that could forever change the face of downtown Augusta. Members of a local investment group headed by John Engler of DTJR, LLC stood next to Augusta Mayor Hardie Davis and several Augusta commissioners to break ground on the five-story Hyatt House hotel that will be constructed right next to the Frog Hollow Tavern on the 1200 block of Broad Street. The Hyatt House hotel, which is expected to offer at least 100 rooms, will include a 140-space parking deck and a local restaurant at the site of the former Capitol City Bank & Trust. “It is pretty amazing that from right here it is about 1,500 feet over from where all of that (new construction) is going on,” Engler said, referring to the development of the Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center on Reynolds Street. “What an exciting time for downtown Augusta.” The timing couldn’t be better for the construction of the Hyatt House. The 159,000-square-foot Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center is expected to open by July 2018. Engler estimated Hyatt House would officially open its doors only a few months later in September 2018. “Another key component about the project that is going to be a unique deal for downtown is we also expect to have a restaurant and retail component,” Engler said. “It is hard to see from the rendering here that we’ve depicted, but we will have another component over here next to Frog Hollow, so we look forward to being great neighbors, not only to Cyber Command, but also the other local businesses and also to bring in new businesses to downtown.” When Engler announced the construction of the Hyatt House late last year, Frog Hollow owner and chef Sean Wight said he wholeheartedly welcomed the new hotel to the downtown area. “I think the hotel will bring more people to Broad Street and it will help elevate the 12 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
area,” Wight said. “It is going to be an upper-scale Hyatt, so we are really looking forward to more people being down here. The more the merrier.” Sue Parr, president of the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce, said the impact that the private sector is having on downtown Augusta is tremendous. “We have reached a tipping point in downtown Augusta,” Parr said. “This future hotel represents significant private sector investment that we would not transform downtown without. It will take the public sector and the private sector to really transform downtown into what we all know it can be.” A new hotel on Broad Street is definitely a game-changer for downtown Augusta, Parr said. “We have 1.7 million visitors to Augusta-Richmond County every year, so this project is a wonderful addition to that,” she said. The Hyatt House on Broad Street will follow the franchise’s “upscale extended-stay brand” that offers mid- to upperincome transient and interim guests more unique living spaces and spacious accommodations. Such an atmosphere will be perfect for those visiting Augusta University and the medical college, said Downtown Development Authority Executive Director Margaret Woodard. “It is the largest private investment we’ve seen in a decade downtown,” Woodard said. “It is going to put a lot of feet on the streets and heads in beds and all of the clichés that
By Metro Spirit Staff
you’ve ever heard. But what it is really going to do is it’s going to create a vitality in downtown Augusta and it’s going to attract more businesses.” It will also completely change people’s perception of downtown Augusta, she said. “You come across the river and this is the first thing you are going to see,” Woodard said. “In the past, development has generally been the middle of Broad Street. That area has seen a lot of investment, but now it’s moving to the upper end of Broad. And we really do need more hotel options downtown, so we really welcome this project.” Around the same time of Hyatt House’s announcement late last year that it planned to locate in downtown Augusta, the city also learned another new hotel would be built in the downtown area along Reynolds and Ninth streets, directly across from the city-owned Augusta Convention Center and parking garage. Augusta Riverfront LLC — a company owned by William S. Morris III, the publisher of The Augusta Chronicle — announced it would build a 125-room hotel at the site of the former city jail along Reynolds Street. “We are partners with the city. We have been partners with the city since 1989 and it’s been very good for the city and for us, so this is a continuation of that,” said Paul Simon, president of Augusta Riverfront LLC, explaining that the company owns Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center and currently manages both the nearby city parking garage and Augusta 22JUNE2017
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Convention Center for the city. “Right now, we manage the parking deck and we manage the convention center and that has gone extremely well. We are bringing in a lot of people and providing a lot of economic benefits to the city. In fact, the Augusta Convention & Visitors Bureau has estimated that the convention center has had an economic impact of more than $16 million just this year.”
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Augusta Mayor Hardie Davis said the addition of the Hyatt House is a major milestone for downtown Augusta. “We are excited to be here today,” Davis said. “Today represents another step forward. When you look at the investment that is about to take place, this is quite frankly the largest private sector investment for the last decade and a half in our urban core. It is extremely important.”
Davis predicted that the Hyatt House would not only be a wonderful hotel, but also a place for the community to “come and congregate.” “As we come to break ground on this amazing project, it gives evidence to what can be done and what is possible in our city,” Davis said. Augusta Commissioner Bill Fennoy, who represents the downtown area, said he can’t wait until the hotel opens in September 2018. “I think it is going to have a very positive impact, not only Broad Street, but on the entire Augusta area,” Fennoy said. “Even when we have events like Arts in the Heart of Augusta or Westobou, I think it is going to have a great impact on downtown Augusta, the restaurants and the retail.” People who haven’t been to downtown Augusta in the past several years probably won’t even recognize it by 2018, Fennoy said. “This hotel will be completed about the same time as our Cyber Center,” Fennoy said. “So we are going to have a whole lot going on in Augusta. And, maybe, rather than people trying to compare Augusta to Greenville or Chattanooga or Columbus, they will be comparing other cities to Augusta. That’s what I’m hoping for.”
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destination City? Now that Destination Blueprint has been officially adopted by the Augusta Commission, will this vision become a reality?
Expanding thE augusta Common. Connecting downtown to the Savannah River. Bringing life and activities back to the Riverwalk. Creating golf cart tours and shuttles. Properly honoring the Godfather of Soul James Brown. Offering first-class festivals. Developing trails and public art sculpture gardens. Defining the downtown districts to make them more tourist friendly. These are only a few of the major goals outlined in the Augusta Convention & Visitors Bureau’s Destination Blueprint that was officially adopted this month by the Augusta Commission. The timeline for implementing these recommendations is between five and 10 years. But one look at the impressive artistic renderings of some of these proposed downtown projects and many Augustans can’t help but ask one simple question: Can Augusta really make this happen over the next decade? Ever since unveiling the Destination Blueprint at the 2017 State of Tourism address in February, Barry White, president and CEO of the Augusta Convention & Visitors Bureau, has been working hard to build community support for the plan. “We think this is a time of unprecedented opportunity,” White said. “We have to take advantage of the things that we know that we have that are unique to Augusta... That is really the basis of our plan. What are the resources that we have that nobody else has that makes us unique, special and different.” Destination Blueprint will get Augusta on the right path to achieving those goals, 14 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
By Metro Spirit staff
White said. “We are at a point now that we have identified top projects of those that we want to execute on behalf of this city,” White said. One crucial need is for downtown Augusta to connect with one of the city’s most valuable resources: The Savannah River. “The main objective of the expansion of the Augusta Common is one to provide larger green space for larger events and festival to take place,” White said. “And, most importantly, to connect the river with downtown and find an easy way for people to engage with the river and find the river. So, that is the pot of gold at the end of the expansion, if you will. The expansion has been a long time coming and this is a way to connect to the river.” The extension of the Augusta Common would basically create a riverfront plaza that would visibly erase the barrier currently created by the existing levee. The new plaza could offer various waterfront recreational and entertainment activities such as kayak expeditions, a water shuttle, personal watercraft rentals, a retail store, a cafe and exhibits interpreting the significance of the Savannah River to Augusta. The proposed artist renderings show the Augusta Common extended across Reynolds Street to the levee, where a gradual incline would form the new plaza and “river destination center.” While many city leaders were excited about Destination Blueprint, concerns about the cost of the proposed projects immediately surfaced. “What does an endorsement of this plan really mean?” Augusta Commissioner Ben Hasan asked. 22JUNE2017
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City Administrator Janice Allen Jackson said an endorsement by the commission of this blueprint simply meant that the city supported the concept and vision of the plan. “I do not take an endorsement to mean necessarily that you have agreed to fund everything that these plans may call for,” Jackson told Hasan. “It does not require any financial commitment.” Augusta Commissioner Wayne Guilfoyle insisted that the city’s endorsement of the blueprint was simply supporting the concept presented by the CVB. “By adopting it, it doesn’t hold the city liable,” Guilfoyle said, adding that, at this point, no financial requests have been made by CVB. “It is no cost to the city.” White agreed, adding that the CVB will return to the city in a few weeks with additional details about how to get some of these projects moving and possible funding sources. “We are not looking for money, we are looking for the approval of the concept,” White told the commission last month. Destination Blueprint is a result of the CVB partnering with a Minneapolisbased consultant called Conventions, Sports & Leisure International, or CSL. In 2016, CSL began analyzing the city’s existing concepts for tourism projects and comparing Augusta to other competitive tourism destinations such as Columbus, Ga., Greenville, S.C., Asheville, N.C., and Oklahoma City. For more than a year, CSL interviewed approximately 130 local and regional organizations and distributed surveys to over 25,000 residents. A task force also reviewed existing local plans including Westobou, the Augusta Sustainable Development Agenda, Augusta Canal’s Master Plan and the Laney Walker/ Bethlehem Redevelopment Plan. As a result, CSL identified more than 70 existing projects for consideration. While commissioners supported the plan with a vote of 7-2 earlier this month, a battle began brewing over what Augusta Commissioner Marion Williams saw as a lack of plans to honor the legacy of the Godfather of Soul James Brown. Even though that discussion of James Brown took center stage during the city’s discussion of the plan, White insists that the Destination Blueprint wouldn’t be a proper tourism plan without the Godfather of Soul. “Our plan has a significant portion dedicated to the legacy of James Brown,” White stated. “The plan hasn’t been completely developed, but it is identified as one of the top six or eight priorities of Destination Blueprint.” In no way would such an important plan for the future of downtown Augusta neglect to promote James Brown, White said. 22JUNE2017
“I’m not waiting anymore. I’ve decided I’m going to take James Brown Boulevard and make it really honor James Brown from Laney Walker Boulevard all the way down to Broad Street with statues and everything.” — Marion Williams
“I’m committed and our organization is committed to making that particular focus happen: respecting and providing an opportunity for people to enjoy the legacy of James Brown and many other assets that we have in this community,” White said. And the CVB is currently working on ways to make these proposals a reality, he said. “These are concepts, but we will have something within three or four weeks,” White said. “We will also have some funding recommendations and some other things that we’ve been working on.” One of the main purposes of this blueprint is to get the ball rolling on tourism projects, including honoring James Brown, White said. “We know that we have got to do something,” White told the commission, referring to enhancing the city’s connection to James Brown. “What that looks like and what that feels like and what that experience is, we don’t know exactly. But that is something that we would work on together.” Where in the world is Cooper Carry? But the discussion of Destination Blueprint also became tied with work being performed in Augusta by an Atlanta consultant, Cooper Carry. Back in 2015, the city hired Gary Warner, director of planning and landscape architecture for Cooper Carry in Atlanta, to review the James Brown Plaza and provide both long-term and short-term solutions to enhance the area. These proposals were part of Cooper Carry’s efforts to develop an Augusta Downtown Concept Plan. Almost two years ago, Therese Huffman, founder of Signature Design in Atlanta, presented the Augusta Commission’s economic development subcommittee with several sketches of proposed upgrades to the James Brown Plaza that included everything from informational plaques around the statue to a “soul stage” with flashing lights, digital music and dance elements.
She said Augusta could create a park much like Marietta Square in Atlanta. On June 6, the same day that the city was asked to support Destination Blueprint, commissioners received a report from Engineering Director Abie Ladson on an extensive plan for Telfair, Broad and Greene streets, as well as James Brown Boulevard and Fifth, Sixth, 13th streets being developed by Cooper Carry using $1.2 million of Transportation Investment Act funds. However, while this $1.2 million plan by Cooper Carry is separate from the enhancement of the James Brown Plaza, the discussion of two plans were quickly entwined and, as a result, confused some of the commissioners.
“I do not take an endorsement to mean necessarily that you have agreed to fund everything that these plans may call for. It does not require any financial commitment.” — Janice Allen Jackson AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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“Our plan has a significant portion dedicated to the legacy of James Brown. The plan hasn’t been completely developed, but it is identified as one of the top six or eight priorities of Destination Blueprint.” — Barry White Williams insisted that Cooper Carry needs to produce a solid plan to improve the James Brown Plaza. “We have not done anything except move the trees and move the shrubbery,” Williams said. “Since then, nobody has even said a word. Nobody has asked about it. Nobody has inquired. Nobody has brought nothing to this body or said anything.” Augusta’s Recreation and Parks Director Glenn Parker said the city didn’t really want to proceed in making changes to the park until it received final recommendations from Cooper Carry. “I think one of the things that we want to be very careful of is not doing anything on a short-term basis that would absolutely contradict what Cooper Carry is going to recommend,” Parker said. “I’ve seen some of the very preliminary plans, but I haven’t seen anything that they’ve developed recently. I am not sure what they’ve developed recently regarding James Brown Plaza.” Williams agreed that he hasn’t heard a peep out of Cooper Carry for months and months. “I don’t know where we are now. I thought we were still working on a plan. But if we are waiting on Cooper Carry...” Williams paused, shaking his head. “If we are waiting on somebody who is waiting on somebody else, we are going to be still waiting.” 16 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Instead, Williams insisted that the city of Augusta should be taking the reins of deciding how to best honor James Brown. “That’s the problem that I’ve got with the city of Augusta,” Williams said. “We have been sitting back waiting on somebody else to do something. We are the ones we have been waiting on. We are the ones who should be moving this thing forward. We ought to be the ones pushing it. That’s why we don’t get anywhere.” For years, Williams said, he has tried to get his colleagues to sincerely start moving towards promoting Augusta’s connections to James Brown, and yet, hardly anything has happened. “I’m very disappointed. I don’t know what to do or say at this point,” he said. “What are we waiting on?” Mayor Pro Tem Mary Davis agreed that it might be time to bring Cooper Carry back to the table to get a progress report. “We did have that subcommittee and we were starting to kind of make some progress and we’ve stalled,” Davis said. Before Davis could make a motion to set up another meeting with Cooper Carry, Ladson quickly explained that Cooper Carry’s contracted work involving the James Brown Plaza was completed. “I am confused because what do we want Cooper Carry to do?” Ladson said, explaining that Cooper Carry was given a scope of services and the company has finished what was asked of it regarding the James Brown Plaza. “Now, if we want them to do some extra additional things, then that is an amendment to the contract. I think we ought to be clear about what we need.” Cooper Carry simply needs guidance from the commission on how to proceed, but any additional work would be an amendment to the consultant’s existing contract and, therefore, additional money, Ladson said. “They need to know which way to go, which we don’t really know yet,” Davis said. While Williams continued to shake his head, Augusta Mayor Hardie Davis explained that Cooper Carry had offered to continue working with the city on an enhancement plan for the James Brown Plaza, but the cost was around $140,000. “At that time, this body walked away from that conversation,” he said, adding that it is time for the commission to make a decision on if it wants to move forward. “I know for a fact that there is money out there to get it done if this is what we want to get done.” The mayor was hoping for a motion from commissioners to take the preliminary drawings of the plaza improvements by Cooper Carry and look for a funding source to continue the enhancement of the area. Instead, commissioners voted to table any action on the plaza until a later date. “There are so many different factors to this that we don’t know who’s on first and 22JUNE2017
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“I’m very disappointed. I don’t know what to do or say at this point. What are we waiting on?” — Marion Williams what’s on second,” Williams said. “And people are saying, ‘Well if we do this, we can’t do that.’ Or, ‘If we do this, that’s the wrong spot.’ But we have to do something.” Augusta Commissioner Wayne Guilfoyle had his own suggestion on how to enhance the James Brown Plaza. “I don’t know if this will stick, but it is something I was thinking of,” Guilfoyle said. “Every time that we look at the James Brown statue, what do we see? We see James sitting up there on the granite, a clean area around it, but in the background you have the glass front window.” Guilfoyle was referring to the empty Kress Building across from the James Brown Plaza which is owned by local businesswoman Bonnie Ruben and her husband, Jeff Gorelick. “Try this. That building belongs to Jeff Gorelick. See if we could put a projection and do the videos of James Brown on that projection, so when you are looking at James Brown, you’ve got his music and his movement,” Guilfoyle said. “That will be cheap, but it will be an attraction.” Not one of his colleagues said a word. “I know everybody is laughing at that one,” Guilfoyle said, “but it is just an idea.”
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Public Art vs. Plop Art Along with approval of the CVB’s Destination Blueprint, commissioners were also asked to support the Public Art Master Plan from the Greater Augusta Arts Council, which features seven recommendations for future public art projects. The Public Art Master Plan is incorporated as part of Destination Blueprint, White said. The plan, which was also developed by Convention, Sports & Leisure, recommends the creation of several projects including sculpture trails, a new festival for public art and the plan’s pilot project called the Art Cart. Basically, the Art Cart is a golf cart that will be transformed by local artists into a functional art installation. Several of these carts are scheduled to be placed in the downtown Augusta next month. These golf carts will serve as a shaded public seating bench and a four-slot bicycle rack, according to the Greater Augusta Arts Council. The carts will also have a way-finding map of downtown Augusta and a charging station for handheld devices with energy provided by solar panels on the roof. “Textron, or EZ-GO, was interested in helping out with this public art project,” Brenda Durant, executive director of the Greater Augusta Arts Council stated during the announcement of the Art Cart project. “Their engineers wanted to break out of the mold a bit.” As a result, the Public Art Advisory Panel and Downtown Development Authority agreed that the partnership would be a fitting nod to Augusta’s status as the “golf cart capital of the world” while keeping the installation locally focused and functional, Durant said. However, when it was time for the Public Art Master Plan to be considered by the Augusta Commission, once again, the main topic that was discussed was the Godfather of Soul. Augusta Commissioner Ben Hasan insisted that the Public Art Master Plan did not adequately pay tribute to Augusta’s musical legend. “James Brown ought to be the first thing that comes to mind,” Hasan said. “It
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“James Brown was not simply mentioned as an idea or a concept, but very specifically as a monumental sculpture. So James Brown is in there and very heavily in there. I think that James Brown would be well represented in public art.” — Brenda Durant 18 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
shouldn’t be an afterthought.” At that point, Guilfoyle grabbed the 47-page Public Art Master Plan and held it up in front of his colleagues. “On the cover of the Public Art Master Plan is James Brown,” Guilfoyle said, pointing to a photo of the statue in the James Brown Plaza. “It is mentioned seven times within the book.” Durant agreed that James Brown played a prominent role in the Public Art Master Plan. “James Brown was not simply mentioned as an idea or a concept, but very specifically as a monumental sculpture,” Durant said, adding that the plan is to go beyond just the James Brown Plaza. “So James Brown is in there and very heavily in there. I think that James Brown would be well represented in public art.” She told the commission that it was time for Augusta to “capitalize on its famous son.” “It’s past time,” Williams quickly replied. “As an old man, I can see that, so why hasn’t the city of Augusta gotten behind it and done something?” Despite some of the commissioners’ concerns, the Public Art Master Plan was approved with a 7-2 vote. However, a week later, there was some public criticism of the Public Art Master Plan. Local artist Tom Hubbard told commissioners that the Greater Augusta Arts Council had not properly engaged both artists and the community in its plan. 22JUNE2017
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“The first public art project, called the Art Cart, is a poorly conceived idea that reduces artists to being nothing more than decorators with little or no community input and no idea of where this work will be installed. This is not the way to produce works of public art because public art is not decoration.” — Tom Hubbard “I am a local artist working on public art projects and I don’t claim to know all of the answers, but I do have experience in the field of public art and I’m greatly concerned about the actions and capabilities of the Greater Augusta Arts Council to implement public art in the city of Augusta,” Hubbard told the commissioners on June 13. “It troubles me that the Arts Council is not engaging the public in these projects, something that is clearly stated in their own public art policy.” He also had grave concerns about the proposed Art Cart. “The first public art project, called the Art Cart, is a poorly conceived idea that reduces artists to being nothing more than decorators with little or no community input and no idea of where this work will be installed,” Hubbard said. “This is not the way to produce works of public art because public art is not decoration.” Right now, the public has absolutely nothing invested in this Art Cart project because they weren’t included in the proposal, Hubbard said. Support from the citizens of the county is crucial to the success of any public art project, Hubbard said. “The community actually becomes the stewards of this work after it is installed and the Arts Council and the artists are moving on to other projects,” Hubbard said. “That is one of the reasons it is called public art. I have seen and experienced this first-hand in my own projects and when it is done well, you foster civic pride, you create a sense of place and you educate people.” However, when the community is not involved in the public art from the beginning, “you get a very different result,” he said. Hubbard said it would not be difficult for the Greater Augusta Arts Council to provide a public meeting so the community could learn and understand the purpose of the project. “My other concerns about the Art Cart include issues of maintenance and professional practices,” Hubbard said. “In my view, any artist that responds to this call for the Art Cart is being set up to fail because they are being asked to monitor and maintain this work for a period of two years. This is simply unprofessional and it is not standard practice in the field of public art.” Artists can’t control the public’s treatment of their art, Hubbard explained. “The public will interact with this work in ways that you can’t even begin to imagine,” Hubbard said. “Sometimes good, sometimes playful and fun, and sometimes not so much. I tell people to think of their worst-case scenario, to multiple it by 10 and then to check on social media because this may become the new image for your city if the project is not well thought out.” Hubbard said many of the local artists that he’s spoken to are upset about the Public Art Master Plan. “Public art is not about tourism,” Hubbard said. “It may be an ancillary benefit, but it is not the reason you build this work and you put art out in the public. This plan is a recipe for disaster in the hands of an arts council, who, left to their own devices, 22JUNE2017
seems uninterested in engaging artists or the community and seeks the path of least resistance... I’m asking you to pull the plug, to put a hold on this project and to engage the community.” Guilfoyle immediately disagreed with Hubbard’s assessment of plan and strongly defended the Greater Augusta Arts Council. “The Arts Council does a lot to benefit this community,” he said, adding that Arts in the Heart of Augusta is one of the biggest festivals in the CSRA. “Just look at Arts in the Heart. That might not be art to you, but it shows art during that whole weekend.” While Williams said he fully supported the Greater Augusta Arts Council, he insisted that the city needs to hear all sides of a situation, especially when it involves the public. “I like to always have a different perspective versus just one,” he said. In the end, the commission took Hubbard’s request as information, but refused to halt the project. Instead, commissioners invited Hubbard to attend the next public meeting of the Greater Augusta Arts Council to learn more about the public art plan. But Hubbard insisted that the Art Cart could easily become the next big disaster for downtown Augusta. He stated that there needs to be more pubic input into the project. “Otherwise, you run into what, in the industry is usually called Plop Art, which is where it feels like something just fell out of the sky and landed there,” Hubbard said. “And that builds resentment because people don’t feel like they are a part sincluded in it.” Following the approval of both Destination Blueprint and Public Art Master Plan, Williams, who was discouraged by the entire process, said he has decided to take matters into his own hands. “I’m not waiting anymore,” Williams said. “I’ve decided I’m going to take James Brown Boulevard and make it really honor James Brown from Laney Walker Boulevard all the way down to Broad Street with statues and everything.” While Williams still hopes that downtown will move forward with its plans to promote James Brown, he said he knows for a fact that the neighborhoods surrounding Laney Walker Boulevard down to Broad Street will embrace the idea of creating a gateway into downtown honoring the “hardest working man in show business.” “We aren’t going to limit it to just that area, but I want to enhance that corridor,” Williams said. “Where better to honor James Brown than on James Brown Boulevard? That’s the area he grew up in and it heads straight into downtown. So I think it’s a great start. I’m ready to get moving on it. No more waiting.”
“In my view, any artist that responds to this call for the Art Cart is being set up to fail because they are being asked to monitor and maintain this work for a period of two years. This is simply unprofessional and it is not standard practice in the field of public art.” — Tom Hubbard
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What’S up
Calendar: 24 | Music Listings: 32 If you have any questions, or would like to submit an event to our calendar, please email Amy Christian at amy@themetrospirit.com.
Mark your CalendarS! July 21 May Sound Far aWay, but it will be here before you know it. So make plans now and be sure and get your tickets for the 31st Annual Augusta Southern Nationals. The event, which happens every year during the third weekend in July, kicks off Friday with the Night of Fire beginning at 7 p.m. at the Augusta Common. And when they say fire, they mean it. Visitors will see drag boats competing in the “liquid quarter mile” Friday through Sunday and will experience things they’ve never seen before. Saturday and Sunday, July 22-23, participants will not only see things they’ve never seen before, but will feel and hear the drag boats as well. When those boats start those engines, everyone in the surrounding areas will see, hear and feel it. And when they get up to more than 240 miles per hour? Well, let’s just say it has to be seen to be believed. Don’t miss it! auguSta Southern nationalS Augusta Riverfront and Augusta Common Friday-Sunday, July 21-23, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Night of Fire: Friday, July 21, 7 p.m. Friday qualifying: $15; one-day tickets (Saturday or Sunday), $20, gate; series ticket: $30, advance; $35, gate; patron badge, $70, advance; $80, gate Visit augustasouthernnationals.org for ticket outlets or to purchase tickets online
thurSday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
If you’ve been looking for a good excuse to make your way to Aiken’s charming downtown, today may just be the day. In the Alley, from 5-7 p.m., is the Thursday Market, which features farm-fresh produce artisan goods, flowers and street food from downtown restaurants. Phillip Lee Jr. will serenade you with live music, The Alley Taproom will give you a 10 percent discount if you bought something from market vendors (and can prove it), and, if you ride your bike there, you may just win a prize from the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee. Why wouldn’t you go?
There are all sorts of events going on at Martinez’s beautiful Reed Creek Park this summer, but their Simply Science Friday series will have kids 5 and up having so much fun they won’t even realize they’re learning new things. This Friday, participants will explore acids and bases, and the activity is free for members of the park and only $2 per child for non-members. Pre-registration is required and a complete list of activities can be found at reedcreekpark.com.
You don’t have to run fast to be a superhero, you just have to run for a good cause. That’s exactly what participants at the Greatest American Superhero 5K will do this Saturday morning at 8 a.m. at the Fort Gordon Pavilion. This race, in which costumes are encouraged, also includes a 1-mile walk and a stroller parade, as well as a kids’ craft area, inflatables, a fitness course and music. And it’s all for Wounded Warrior Awareness. Preregister at fortgordonrunseries.com.
Everyone knows that The Bee’s Knees is the place to be any night of the week that it is open. We count it as the first independent fine-dining restaurant downtown, and their vast selection of tapas, large plates and cocktails have never disappointed. Sundays are great days visit simply because all of their nightly cocktail specials are available that night, but this Sunday night has the added advantage of featuring The Loris Trio — Travis Shaw on bass, Stephanie Phillips on drums, and Cole Dunkirk on saxophone — playing their unique blend of jazz, funk, soul, rock, Americana and urban music.
For more information on these events, see our calendar of events on page 24. 20 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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DiD you know that each color on the LGBT community’s rainbow flag symbolizes something? Well, they do, and the fact that the first public event of this year’s Augusta Pride Festival has an orange theme couldn’t be more apt. After all, healing (which is what the orange stripe symbolizes) is definitely something we could all use a little of at this moment in time. Beats on Broad, Augusta’s largest outdoor dance party, won’t hit you over the head with that theme, however. Friday night’s event at the Augusta Common is meant to be pure fun, featuring music by DJ KAOS from Savannah and headliner Bebe Rexha at 8 p.m. In addition to dancing, the event also includes food and vendors. On Saturday, Pride events start at 10:30 a.m., with a parade on Broad Street downtown with Grand Marshals Ga. State Sen. Harold V. Jones II and the sisters of the Convent of Saint Helena in North Augusta, as well as Ms. And Mr. Augusta Pride Koko Dove and Ameilio Vaughn Monroe. Then it’s back to the Common for more fun, music and more, featuring Madonna impersonator Venus D Lite. No matter what your orientation may be, Augusta Pride is a great way to come together as a community and get that healing started. AugustA PriDe 2017 events BeAts on BroAD Augusta Common Fri June 23 6pm $10; free, kids under 10 with a paying adult AugustA PriDe 2017 PArADe Broad Street, Downtown Augusta Sat June 24 10:30am AugustA PriDe 2017 FestivAl Augusta Common Sat June 24 11am - 5pm For more information on these and other events, visit prideaugusta.org.
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Paw Patrol Live Bell Auditorium Wed June 28 10am and 6pm $17-$92. 877-4AUGTIX georgialinatix.com.
ARTS Sat June 24
9am - 3pm Nature Printing on Paper Phinizy Swamp Nature Park A one-day class on the nature printing of plants led by John Doughty. $40, members; $50, non-members. Participants should bring a sack lunch with them. Call 706-8282129 or visit phinizycenter.org.
10am - 2pm Acrylics Made Easy: Seascape Aiken Center for the Arts Supplies are provided and participants should bring a lunch. $60; pre-registration required. Call 803-641-9094 or visit aikencenterforthearts.org.
10am - 2pm Clay Birdfeeder Aiken Center for the Arts All supplies are included and participants should bring a lunch. $75; pre-registration required. Call 803-641-9094 or visit aikencenterforthearts.org.
10am - 4pm Fundamentals of Adobe Photoshop Augusta University A photography class led by Katie Jiminez. For more information or to register, visit augusta.edu/pace/photography.php. 24 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
10am - noon Woven Basketry
6pm Camera (Geek) Night
175 N. Louisville St., Harlem A Harlem Arts Council class. $20 per class; pre-registration required. Call 706-726-0685 or visit harlemartscouncil.org.
Artus Co-Op A night of connections, information, swap shop and learning for camera geeks and photographers. Visit facebook.com/pages/ Artus-Co-op/532417963629102.
Sun June 25
Noon - 3pm Monthly Artisan Market That Place Coffee Also includes a sidewalk art sale in front of That Place Coffee, 4P Studios and The Antique Market. Call 706-339-7011 or visit thatplacecoffee.com.
Mon June 26
10am - noon Oil Painting 175 N. Louisville St., Harlem A Harlem Arts Council class. $20 per class; pre-registration required. Call 706-5566656 or visit harlemartscouncil.org.
Wed June 28
7pm - 9pm Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art School Le Chat Noir A burlesque live drawing event featuring contests, performances, prizes and more. $10, advance; $12 at the door. Call 706-7223322 or visit lcnaugusta.com.
Thu June 29
CAMPS Ongoing
9am - 1pm Collage: Creative Arts Camp Vineyard Church of Augusta Held Monday-Friday, June 26-30, this is a Symphony Orchestra Augusta camp in which participants in kindergarten through fifth grade will receive instruction in instruments, drama, art, chorus, movement, puppetry, storytelling and creative writing. Call 706-7387527 or email walexanderson@comcast.net.
8am - 4:30pm Summer Adventures Day Camp H.O. Weeks Center, Aiken A camp for those ages 5-12 that includes activities based around each week’s theme. Camps are held weekly through August 18, and early drop-off at 7:30 a.m. and late pick-up at 5 p.m. are available. For more information, call 803-642-7631 or visit cityofaikensc.gov.
9am - 3pm Camp Kroc Kroc Center
A camp for those ages 5-12 in which participants will enjoy swimming, arts & crafts, group games, sports, Bible lessons and more. Before- and after-care available. Members: $400 per session; non-members, $600 a session. Sessions available June 19-July 14 and July 17-August 11. Preregistration required. Call 706-364-5762 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org.
DANCE Fri June 23
7pm The Art of Swing Dancing Jessye Norman School of the Arts A class held Fridays from 7-8 p.m. that continues through June 30. Taught by Mario Lett of Lett’s Dance. No experience necessary and a partner is encouraged by not necessary. $7 per class. To sign up, call 706-828-7768 or visit jessyenormanschool.org.
EDUCATION Thu June 22
9am - 11am Computer Help for Absolute Beginners Wallace Branch Library Call to schedule an appointment. Call 706722-6275 or visit arcpls.org.
7pm Fire Ants North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library Led by Vicky Bertagnolli from USC. Call 22JUNE2017
10:30am Podcast Listen and Chat
26, and the application deadline is July 14. $150, members; $300, non-members. For more information or an application, visit augustametrochamber.com.
Columbia County Library Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
Professional Development Courses
803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Fri June 23
Sat June 24
10:30am Building Relationships Diamond Lakes Community Center Part of the Winning in Augusta community empowerment workshop series for south Augusta residents. Free. Call 762-218-1950.
11am World War I History Detective: Primary Source Program and Tour Augusta Museum of History Part of a series on this area’s efforts during World War I, this one led by museum Education Manager Amy Schaffman. Free. Call 706-722-8454 or visit augustamuseum.org.
Sun June 25
2pm Headstone and Cemetery Preservation Adamson Library An Augusta Genealogical Society event led by Michael Lacefield. Call 706-722-4073 or visit augustagensociety.org.
Tue June 27
10:30am Tech Tuesday Computer Class Appleby Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.
2pm - 4pm Email for Beginners Diamond Lakes Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.
Wed June 28
10:30am Email Basics Headquarters Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-821-2615 or visit arcpls.org.
6pm Tertulia: Spanish Conversation Group Headquarters Branch Library A group for beginner to intermediate Spanish speakers. Call 317-695-4748.
Jessye Norman School of the Arts The school offers classes in Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and other software programs. Call or visit the website to see a schedule of spring and summer classes. Call 706-828-7768 or visit jessyenormanschool.org.
James Brown Family Historical Tour Augusta Museum of History Available each Saturday at 11 a.m. and lasting approximately two hours, this bus tour includes Brown’s elementary school, his childhood home, his statue and more. $15 fee, includes admission to the museum, which houses the largest collection of James Brown memorabilia. Reservations 24 hours in advance required. Call 803-6402090 or visit jamesbrownfamilyfdn.org.
Guided Tours 1797 Ezekiel Harris House Offered by appointment only MondayFriday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Last tours of the day begin at 4 p.m. Adults, $2; children, $1. Call 706-722-8454 or visit augustamuseum.org.
North Augusta Driving Tour Arts and Heritage Center of North Augusta Offered by appointment and includes a 30-45-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 803-441-4380 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
Wallace Branch Library Call to schedule an appointment. Call 706722-6275 or visit arcpls.org.
Augusta Visitors Center Tours aboard the Lady Libby available at the Augusta Visitors Center with 24-hour advanced reservations. Tickets include admission to the Augusta Museum of History. Call 706-724-4067 or visit visitaugusta.org.
Ongoing
EXHIBITIONS
Thu June 29
9am - 11am Computer Help for Absolute Beginners
Small Business Marketing Academy
Thu June 22
Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce The academy, a six-month class that meets once a month, is open to 25 business owners or managers who have been in business for at least two years. The first class is July
Aiken Center for the Arts Featuring Linda Hardy, Donna Postma and the Aiken Center for the Art’s Summer Art Camp in the main gallery, Debbie Black in
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6pm - 8pm Gallery Opening Reception
the AAG gallery and the Summer Art Camp in the Brooks Gallery. Call 803-641-9094 or visit aikencenterforthearts.org.
FLIX Thu June 22
10:30am Summer Break Movie for Adults Appleby Branch Library Featuring a PG-13 rated movie. Participants can bring their own snacks. Call 706-7366244 or visit arcpls.org.
2020 or visit arcpls.org.
2pm Summer Afternoon Family Movie Appleby Branch Library A movie for all ages in which participants can bring their own snacks. Pre-registration required. Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.
5:45pm Free Movie Tuesdays Headquarters Branch Library Call 706-821-2600 for weekly selections. Visit arcpls.org.
2pm “He Named Me Malala”
HEALTH
Headquarters Branch Library A teen movie event. Call 706-821-2600 or visit arcpls.org.
7pm Center for Women Tour
Fri June 23
3pm Summer Afternoon Movie
Thu June 22
Doctors Hospital Pre-registration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.
Diamond Lakes Branch Library A rated PG or PG-13 movie showing for young adults. Pre-registration required. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org,
7pm Infant CPR Class
Sat June 24
Fri June 23
Aiken Public Library Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Georgia Cancer Center Open to anyone being treated at the center. Call 706-721-0472 or visit augusta.edu.
3pm “The Shack”
Tue June 27
10am Movie Day Maxwell Branch Library Showing a PG-rated movie. Call 706-793-
University Hospital Pre-registration required. Call 706-774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.
10am Chair Yoga
Sat June 24
8am - 4pm 2017 Brain Health Symposium Augusta University AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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Scrabble Night North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library Tue June 27 7pm 803-279-5767 abbe-lib.org. A symposium on Alzheimer’s, Dementia and Parkinson’s Disease. For more information, email memorydisorders@augusta.edu.
9am - 4:30pm Short and Sweet Doctors Hospital A weekend childbirth education class that continues Sunday, June 25, from 1-5 p.m. Pre-registration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.
Mon June 26
9am Pet Therapy Georgia Cancer Center Call 706-721-0472 or visit augusta.edu.
6:30pm Refit Headquarters Branch Library A free cardio dance class. Call 706-8212600 or visit arcpls.org.
Wed June 28
5pm Breastfeeding Class University Hospital Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.
6:30pm - 9pm Childbirth Education AU Medical Center A four-week class meeting Wednesdays through July 19. Pre-registration required. Call 706-721-8283 or visit augusta.edu. 26 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Thu June 29
7pm Center for Women Tour Doctors Hospital Pre-registration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.
HOBBIES Sat June 24
10am - 12:30pm Bar-B-Que: Grilling & Smoking Helms College Part of the Saturday Chef series. $75; preregistration required. Call 706-651-9707 or visit helmscontinuingeducation.com.
Mon June 26
10:30am Beginning Fiber Arts Part I Columbia County Library A two-part class, continuing Friday, June 30, at 10:30 a.m., in which participants will learn to knit or crochet. Supplies and preregistration required. Call 706-863-1946, ext. 4, or visit gchrl.org.
6pm DIY Keychains Columbia County Library Participants are invited to bring their library keychain card and make a leather or felt keychain for it. Pre-registration required. Call 706-863-1946, ext. 4, or visit gchrl.org.
11:30am DIY Keychains Columbia County Library Participants are invited to bring their library keychain card and make a leather or felt keychain for it. Pre-registration required. Call 706-863-1946, ext. 4, or visit gchrl.org.
7pm Scrabble Night North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Wed June 28
KIDS-TEENS Thu June 22
4pm Going to the Dogs Aiken Public Library An event for those in grades 6-12, who will make a dog toy to give to the Aiken SPCA. Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.
10:30am Sewing Basics
6:30pm Meet and Greet: Pete the Cat
Columbia County Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-8631946, ext. 4, or visit gchrl.org.
Columbia County Library An event featuring stories, coloring sheets and photo ops with a favorite character. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
Thu June 29
10am 4th of July Tulle Wreaths Diamond Lakes Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.
10:30am Summertime Craft for Adults Appleby Branch Library All supplies provided. Pre-registration required. Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.
8pm The World of Owls Reed Creek Park Part of the Nocturnal Thursdays series for those ages 5 and up, along with their parents. Free, members; $2 per child, nonmembers. Pre-registration required. Call 706-210-4027 or email reedcreekpark@ columbiacountyga.gov.
Fri June 23
10:15am Story Time Fridays
Ongoing
Basic Genealogy Tutorials
Tue June 27
Heritage Room Free sessions offered by appointment. Call 706-826-1511 or visit arcpls.org.
Headquarters Branch Library’s Georgia
Aiken Public Library Stories, songs and interactive activities. Story time for babies (0-23 months) begins at 10:15 a.m., toddlers (2-3 years) at 11 a.m. 22JUNE2017
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and preschoolers (4-5 years) at 11:45 a.m. Participants and caregivers are encouraged to participate. Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.
1pm - 3pm Friday Summer Fun Mistletoe State Park A naturalist-led kid-friendly activity time. Children should be dressed to play outside and should bring water and sunscreen. $3, plus $5 parking. Call 706-514-0321 or visit gastateparks.org/mistletoe.
Mistletoe Mistletoe State Park A team competition that will include activities such as obstacle courses, paddling, puzzles, survival skills and more. $20; $5, parking. Call 706-541-0321 or visit gastateparks.org/mistletoe.
10:30am Family Lego Time Appleby Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.
1:30pm Exploring Acids and Bases
11am The Rainbow Fish Story Time
Reed Creek Park Part of the Simply Science Fridays series for those ages 5 and up, along with their parents. Free, members; $2 per child, nonmembers. Pre-registration required. Call 706-210-4027 or email reedcreekpark@ columbiacountyga.gov.
Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.
3pm “The Fairytale Network” North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library An Aiken Community Playhouse Youth Wing production. Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Sat June 24
10am International Fairy Day Fun Aiken Public Library Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.
10am - 3pm Jr. Ranger: Survival
Mon June 26
10:30am Jr. Lego Club Headquarters Branch Library For those ages 2-4. Legos provided. Preregistration required. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.
stories, songs, games, short movies and crafts. Pre-registration required for groups of 6 or more. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.
10am Paw Patrol Live
10am Story Time with the Morris Museum
10am Story Time
Headquarters Branch Library Pre-registration recommended. Call 706821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.
Noon - 1pm Patriotic Craft Hour Diamond Lakes Branch Library An event for those ages 8 and up led by the 4-H Club. Pre-registration required. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.
Bell Auditorium $17-$92. Call 877-4AUGTIX or visit georgialinatix.com. Maxwell Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-793-2020 or visit arcpls.org.
10am Story Time Wallace Branch Library Pre-registration required for groups. Call 706-722-6275 or visit arcpls.org.
10am Wacky Wednesday Story Time
4pm Teen Guitar Club
Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.
Columbia County Library For those ages 11-18. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
10:05am Toddler Story Time
10am Children’s Story Time Friedman
Appleby Branch Library This is a program best for children ages 18 months-3 years. Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.
10:30am Morris Museum Story and Craft
Branch Library Call 706-736-6758 or visit arcpls.org.
10:30am Around the World With Games
Friedman Branch Library Call 706-736-6758 or visit arcpls.org.
10am Movie and a Craft
Tue June 27
10am Preschool Story Time Diamond Lakes Branch Library A program for those ages 3-5 that includes
Wed June 28
Headquarters Branch Library Participants ages 4-9 will watch “Moana” and then make a suncatcher. Preregistration recommended. Call 706-8212623 or visit arcpls.org.
Appleby Branch Library Participants ages 6-12 will play games from around the world as they learn about different cultures. Pre-registration required. Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.
10:30am Preschool Story Time Appleby Branch Library For children ages 3-5. Call 706-736-6244 or
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visit arcpls.org.
10:30am Savannah River Ecology Lab North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library An event featuring live animals. Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.
10:30am Super Awesome Story Time The Book Tavern Story time, led by Space Yoga Studio, will be followed by yoga poses and juice and cookies provided by New Moon Cafe. Call 706-826-1940 or email superawesomestorytime@ booktavern.com.
Wednesdays through July 12 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. to read books, eat lunch and have fun. Free. Visit arcpls.org.
Featuring Backline Bluegrass. Participants can bring blankets and chairs. Free. Visit naartscouncil.org.
The Shepard Project
Fri June 23
Metropolitan Community Church of Our Redeemer A teen hangout and safe space for LGBTQ+ teens, ages 14-17, and allies that meets the first and third Tuesday of each month from 5-8 p.m. The group is also looking for chaperones ages 25 and older and youth mentors 18-24 years old, who must pass a background check. Call 803-6178352 or email shepardprojectaugusta@gmail.com.
6pm 2017-2018 Season Sneak Peek Jabez S. Hardin PAC An Augusta Amusements event that will feature free food, door prizes and a chance to select seats and purchase tickets to upcoming events. Visitaugustaamusements.com.
7pm Moonlight Music Cruise
The Book Tavern A group open to older teens and up. Call 706-826-1940 or email david@booktavern.com.
Augusta Canal Discovery Center Featuring Eryn Eubanks & the Family Fold, this event features live music aboard a 1 1/2-hour Petersburg boat tour. Participants are invited to bring aboard snacks and beverages. $25; $23, seniors, military and students. Preregistration required. Call 706-823- 0440, ext. 4, or visit augustacanal.com.
10:30am Young Children’s Story Time
Sat June 24
Noon - 2pm Book Signing
Sat June 24
Diamond Lakes Branch Library A program for those ages 0-3 that includes songs, finger plays and readings. Pre-registration required for groups of 6 or more. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.
Aiken Public Library Featuring Latina McIntyre, author of “Super Smart Girl.” Call 803-642-2020 or visit abbe-lib.org.
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.
2pm Savannah River Ecology Lab
1pm - 3pm Author Signing
10:30am The World Around Us Appleby Branch Library Participants ages 13 and up will play games from around the world as they learn about different cultures. Pre-registration required. Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.
LITERARY Thu June 22
7pm - 9pm Graphic Novel Discussion
8am - 2pm Saturday Morning Swing
5pm - 11pm Aiken Music Fest Series
Aiken Community Playhouse A program for those in kindergarten-fifth grades that includes live animals. Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib. org.
The Book Tavern Featuring Greg Kelso, author of “Alonica: Rise of the Dragon Heirs.” Call 706-826-1940 or visit booktavern.com.
6pm Paw Patrol Live Bell Auditorium $17-$92. Call 877-4AUGTIX or visit georgialinatix.com.
Barnes & Noble Featuring Lisa J. Hall, author of “Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Champions.” Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.
Thu June 29
Tue June 27
11:30am - 1:30pm Augusta Author Series Luncheon
Sun June 25
Aiken Public Library A program for those in grades 6-12 led by Porkchop Productions. Call 803-642- 2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Abel Brown Southern Kitchen and Oyster Bar Featuring Mary Alice Monroe, New York Times best-selling author of “Beach House for Rent.” $62 ticket includes three-course lunch and a signed copy of White’s book. Visit brownpapertickets.com/event/2941972.
7:30pm Candlelight Music Series Augusta Common Participants are invited to bring picnics, blankets and lawn chairs at this weekly event, this week. $8. Call 706-821-1754 or visit augustaga.gov.
Wed June 28
Mon June 26
Kroc Center Open to anyone ages 25 and older interested in a fun, dynamic discussion. Books are selected by members and cover a variety of topics. Free. Call 706-922-0171 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org.
Millbrook Baptist Church Featuring the Parris Island Marine Band. Free. Call 803-6427631 or visit facebook.com/experienceaiken. The rain-out hotline is 803-643-4661.
4pm The Art of Sound Effects
6:30pm Meet and Greet: If You Give a Mouse a Cookie Columbia County Library An event featuring stories, coloring sheets and photo ops with a favorite character. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl. org.
Ongoing
The Family Y’s Summer Food Program The Family Y offers five mobile food buses, along with sites at their summer camp locations, to ensure that kids have healthy meals and snacks throughout the summer. Mobile sites are at Salem Arms Apartments on Rosier Road from 11-11:30 a.m. June 5-July 28; Providence Place Apartments on Southgate Drive from 11:50 a.m.-12:20 p.m. July 5-July 28; Cedarwood Apartments on Richmond Hill Road West from noon-12:30 p.m. June 5-July 28; Cedar Grove Apartments on Richmond Hill Road West from 12:40-1:10 p.m. June 5-July 28; and Villa Marie Apartments on Deans Bridge road from 12:45-1:25 p.m. June 5-July 28. All mobile sites closed on July 4. A list of camp sites can be found at thefamilyy.org. Free to those 18 years old and younger.
Mayor’s Summer Read and Feed Headquarters Branch Library This program for those under 18 years old meets Mondays28 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
1pm Author Signing
6:30pm Book Club
Thu June 29
10am - noon Morning Book Club Maxwell Branch Library This month’s selection is “Experience and Education” by John Dewey. Call 706-793-2020 or visit ecgrl.org.
6pm Summer Reading Book Club Headquarters Branch Library “March: Book 2” a graphic novel about the civil rights movement, will be discussed. Copies available at the library or at the Book Tavern. Call 706-434-2036 or visit arcpls.org.
MUSIC Thu June 22
Aiken Music Fest Featuring live music by Atlas Road Crew and Alec Krok. Free. Visit facebook.com/events/769272493233612.
7:30pm Soiree: Jazz + Wine Jessye Norman School of the Arts Featuring classic live jazz and wines selected by the host. $7. Call 762-233-5299 or visit jazzsoiree.com.
7pm Hopelands Summer Concert Series
Tue June 27
8pm Evenings in the Appleby Garden Appleby Branch Library Featuring a Music Open Mic hosted by Brother Trav. A free event in which participants can bring their own chairs, blankets beverages and snacks. Those with the best lawn party decor can compete to be the Appleby Garden Party Winner of the Week. Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.
Thu June 29
7pm Music in the Park Maude Edenfield Park, North Augusta Featuring the Phillip Lee Band. Barbecue from Riverside Smoke will be available at 6:30 p.m. Participants can bring blankets and chairs. Free. Visit naartscouncil.org.
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SENIORS Thu June 29
11am Classic Movie for Seniors Diamond Lakes Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.
SPECIAL EVENTS Thu June 22
5pm - 7pm Thursday Market in the Alley
to the public. For more information email gregory@godseyonlin.net, or visit k4nab.org or arrl.org/what-is-ham-radio.
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 - 1pm Last Saturday in the Park
Downtown Aiken Featuring fresh goods, artisan crafts, flowers, street food and more, with live music by Phillip Lee Jr. Call 803-293-2214.
North Augusta’s Living History Park Featuring living history demonstrations. Call 803-279-7560 or visit colonialtimes.us.
6pm Arts Awards Celebration
Broad Street, Downtown Augusta The route will be Broad Street from 11th to 8th, and then will circle to Reynolds Street. If interested in marching, email parage@ prideaugusta.org. Visit prideaugusta.org.
Enterprise Mill Events & Catering A Greater Augusta Arts Council event that will celebrate the winners of the 2017 Arts Awards. This year’s winners include President’s Award: The Morris Museum of Art; Artist Award: Leonard Zimmerman, creator, “Happy” campaign; Arts Professional Award: Trey Maxwell, Tracer Audio; Volunteer Award: Sue Alexanderson, president, Friends of the Symphony Orchestra Augusta; Media Award: Mary Frances Hendrix; Sponsor Award: Gold Mech. $40. Visit augustaarts. com/annual-arts-awards/.
Fri June 23
6pm Beats on Broad Augusta Common Augusta’s largest outdoor dance party kicks of Augusta Pride 2017’s weekend, featuring music by DJ KAOS from Savannah and headliner Bebe Rexha at 8 p.m. The event also includes food and vendors. The theme is orange, which represents healing on the Pride flag. $10 cover; free for kids under 10 with a paying adult. Visit prideaugusta.org.
Sat June 24
Amateur Radio Field Day Aiken Government Center Members of the North Augusta Belvedere Radio Club will participate in the event, held for ham radio operators across America since 1933. The event is free and open
22JUNE2017
10:30am Augusta Pride 2017 Parade
11am - 6pm Augusta Pride 2017 Festival Augusta Common A free event featuring food, drinks, merchandise, vendors and live entertainment. Visit prideaugusta.org.
2pm - 10pm Soul Food Music Festival Evans Towne Center Park An event featuring food and live music from Morris Day & the Time, The Whispers, Jagged Edge, Ruff Endz, Noel Gourdin and Vivian Green. $35, general admission; $45, preferred viewing; $70, VIP. Visit evanstownecenterpark.com.
4pm - 10pm Fire Over Aiken Western Carolina State Fairgrounds An event featuring carnival rides, games, concessions and a fireworks display. Call 803-226-9914.
8pm “Ancient Sky Lore” Dupont Planetarium, Aiken Weather permitting, the observatory, housing the Bechtel Telescope, will be available for viewing after each show. $1-$5.50. Call 803641-3654 or visit rpsec.usca.edu.
9pm “Digistar Virtual Journey”
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USEA/USEF Recognized Horse Trials Stable View Farm, Aiken Call 484-356-3173 or visit stableviewfarm.com.
7:30am - 1:30pm 8th Annual Gravatt Fishing Tournament Camp Gravatt, Aiken A two-person team fishing tournament in which participants can fish from the banks, from a canoe from a boat will a trolling motor only. Catch and release only. Prizes in several categories will be awarded. Pre-registration includes lunch and T-shirt. $45-$90. Visit campgravatt.org.
7:30am Grass Roots Series EDS Flowing Wells Campus The second in a series of four races, this one a 5K race. $15 per race or $50 for all four races. Participants can register online at runsignup.com or between 6:50-7:15 a.m. on race day.
8am The Greatest American Super Hero 5K Fort Gordon Pavilion A costume run, 1-mile walk and stroller parade for Wounded Warrior awareness that also includes a kids craft area, inflatables, a fitness course and music. Visit fortgordonrunseries.com.
9am - 1pm Clean Up Augusta
8th Annual Gravatt Fishing Tournament Camp Gravatt, Aiken Sat June 24 7:30am - 1:30pm A two-person team fishing tournament in which participants can fish from the banks, from a canoe from a boat will a trolling motor only. Catch and release only. Prizes in several categories will be awarded. Pre-registration includes lunch and T-shirt. $45-$90. campgravatt.org. Dupont Planetarium, Aiken Weather permitting, the observatory, housing the Bechtel Telescope, will be available for viewing after each show. $1$5.50. Call 803-641-3654 or visit rpsec.usca.edu.
Sun June 25
Amateur Radio Field Day Aiken Government Center Members of the North Augusta Belvedere Radio Club will participate in the event, held for ham radio operators across America since 1933. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, email gregory@godseyonlin. net, or visit k4nab.org or arrl.org/what-is-ham-radio.
Tue June 27
1pm BanksiaTour Aiken County Historical Museum Free, but reservations required. Call 803-642-2015.
4:30pm - 7pm Veggie Park Farmers Market Mill Village Trailhead, 109 Eve Street This weekly event in the park behind the Kroc Center features all local farmers and doubles EBT/SNAP benefits. Visit augustalocallygrown.org/veggie-park-farmersmarket/. 30 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Thu June 29
5pm - 7pm Thursday Market in the Alley Downtown Aiken Featuring fresh goods, artisan crafts, flowers, street food and more, with live music by Matt Dahlheimer. Call 803-293-2214.
Ongoing
Augusta Burgers and Beer Week An event held through June 25 in which participating restaurants create a burger not on their regular menu. Participants in the week will visit participating restaurants, try the specialty burger, share photos to #augustaburgersandbeer and vote on their favorites to win prizes. For more information, visit augustaburgersandbeer. com.
SPORTS-OUTDOORS Thu June 22 - Sat June 24 PDGA World Championships
Fort Gordon Disc Golf Course The public is invited to watch the top pro disc golfers from around the world compete. Event begins at 8 a.m. each day. Visit fortgordon.com.
Sat June 24
Trash and tire cleanups will be held across the community, including at the following: Lock and Dam Park, Pendleton King Park, Brigham Center, Jamestown Community Center, Butler Creek, Eisenhower Park and Diamond Lakes Community Center. Trash bags, gloves and lunch are provided. To sign up, call 706-826-8991 or visit savannahriverkeeper.org/cleanups.
9am - 3pm Paddlefest Savannah Riverkeeper A race and paddle along seven miles of the Savannah River for canoes, kayaks and SUPs that ends with an afterparty with lunch, live music and beer. Visit paddlefestga.com.
9am Waterside Yoga Augusta Canal’s Lake Olmstead Trailhead A class open to those of all ages and abilities. Participants should bring a mat or towel. Free, but donations to the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area accepted. Call 706823- 0440, ext. 2, or visit augustacanal.com.
9am Women’s Ride Day Andy Jordan’s Bicycle Warehouse Road and mountain bike options available to female cyclists of all abilities. These are no-drop rides and there will be post-ride refreshments. Pre-registration required. Call 706724-2453 or visit andyjordans.com.
10am - 1pm Bike Ride Augusta Canal A Sierra Club event in which participants will ride, take a break to eat downtown and return for a total of about 18-20 miles. Fat tire bikes are recommended, and helmets are required. Email dgavigan@live.com.
8:30pm Race for the Fallen Glow Run Liberty Park Community Center, Grovetown A family fun race for participants of all ages and speeds, the proceeds from which will benefit families of fallen law enforcement officers through the Police Foundation. For more information, visit pbfi.org. 22JUNE2017
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Sun June 25
USEA/USEF Recognized Horse Trials Stable View Farm, Aiken Call 484-356-3173 or visit stableviewfarm.com.
Mon June 26
7:05pm Augusta GreenJackets vs. West Virginia Power Lake Olmstead Stadium $8-$12. Call 706-922-9467 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.
Tue June 27
7:05pm Augusta GreenJackets vs. West Virginia Power Lake Olmstead Stadium $8-$12. Call 706-922-9467 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.
7pm - 9pm Twilight Paddle Mistletoe State Park $10, plus $5, parking. Pre-registration required. Call 706541-0321 or visit gastateparks.org/mistletoe.
Wed June 28
7:05pm Augusta GreenJackets vs. West Virginia Power Lake Olmstead Stadium $8-$12. Call 706-922-9467 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.
Thu June 29
7:05pm Augusta GreenJackets vs. West Virginia Power Lake Olmstead Stadium $8-$12. Call 706-922-9467 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.
SUPPORT Tue June 27
10:20am Moms Connection Augusta University Medical Center This free weekly support group for new mothers meets in the Terrace Dining Dogwood Room on the second floor. All new moms and their babies are welcome and an international board certified lactation consultant/educator/ perinatal nurse will answer questions and offer resources. Call 706-721-8283 or visit augustahealth.org.
6pm - 9pm CSRA Parkinson Support Group St. John Towers dining room Free and open to the public. Call 706-364-1662.
22JUNE2017
Ongoing
Overeaters Anonymous
Unitarian Universalist Church of Augusta A weekly group that meets Wednesday from 6:30-8 p.m. Based on the work of Abraham Low, MD, RI offers its members a low cost method to regain and maintain their mental health by using mental health through will training. People who stick with the RI Method are able to live healthy, productive lives with lower levels of tension, anger, fear, anxiety, stress, compulsions, and other symptoms. Email marykahb@yahoo.com.
Adult Sexual Assault and Rape Support Group
Recovery International Mental Health Support Group
Meets at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, at 7 p.m. Thursdays at Unity Church, and at Covenant Presbyterian Church at 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays. Call 706-863-9534 or email oa.augusta. recovery@gmail.com. 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.
TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) GA, 110 Augusta
Alcoholics Anonymous
St. Alban’s Episcopal Church fellowship hall The group meets Mondays, with weigh-in beginning at 5:15 p.m. and the meeting beginning at 6:30 p.m. Call 706-7900391 or visit tops.org.
Narcotics Anonymous
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 706-8680539 or visit tops.org.
La Leche League A breastfeeding support group. For more information on meeting dates, times and locations, visit them on Facebook under La Leche League of Augusta or at lllaugusta. wordpress.com.
Holds several meetings locally. For a current schedule, visit augustaaa.org/meetings.pdf. Trinity Hospital of Augusta Meets Fridays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. Visit na.org.
THEATER Mon June 26
8pm Tales from the Box Le Chat Noir Comedy and improv by Schodinger’s Cat. $10, advance; $12, door. Call 706-722-3322 or visit lcnaugusta.com.
Thu June 29
Celebrate Recovery
7pm “Fairy Tales of Old Russia”
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.
North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library A presentation of Mr. Damon’s Shadow Puppet Theater of Atlanta. Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.
VOLUNTEER
Write to Heal Creative Writing Program
The Dog Days of Summer: 93 Fosters in 93 Days
Children’s Hospital of Georgia For patients, family members and caregivers, this program meets the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. Pre-registration required. Call 706-721-5160 or email nawilliams@gru.edu.
Diabetes Youth Support Group
Ongoing
Hands to Paws Rescue The foster-based rescue organization, which can only save as many animals as they have foster home to place them in, is attempting to increase the number of foster families during the 93 days of summer. For more information about becoming a foster family, call 706-481-0657 or visit hands2paws.org.
Meets quarterly. Call for more information. Call 706868-3241.
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Cotton Patch - Old School Thursday w/ DJ Groove Coyotes - Karaoke with Bam Helga’s Pub & Grille - Trivia The Highlander - Butt Naked Trivia The Loft - Karaoke Pizza Joint (Downtown) - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane That Place Coffee - MAD Open Mic
Friday, June 23 Live Music
Soul Food Music Festival Evans Towne Center Park Sat June 24 2pm - 10pm An event featuring food and live music from Morris Day (pictured) & the Time, The Whispers, Jagged Edge, Ruff Endz, Noel Gourdin and Vivian Green. $35, general admission; $45, preferred viewing; $70, VIP. evanstownecenterpark.com
Augusta Canal - Moonlight Music Cruise w/ Eryn Eubanks & the Family Fold Augusta Common - Augusta Pride 2017’s Beats on Broad w/ Bebe Rexha and DJ KAOS Cotton Patch - Live Jazz Country Club- JT Hodges The Highlander - Happy Bones The Loft - RoshambeauX Rose Hill Estate (Aiken) - Jazz w/ Jimmy Easton Shannon’s - Anybody’s Guess Sky City - Say It Loud Cancer Benefit w/ Passage, Sunwell, L.i.E. Surrey Tavern - Beauregard and the Down Right Wild Wing - City Lights The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn
What’s Tonight?
The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Sally’s - Augusta Pride 2017 Dance Party
Saturday, June 24 Live Music
Say It Loud! A Cancer Benefit w/ Passage, Sunwell (pictured), L.i.E. Reunion Sky City Fri June 23 8 p.m., doors; 10 p.m., music. $10, advance; $15, day of show. Proceeds will be donated to the American Cancer Society. skycityaugusta.com Thursday, June 22 Live Music
Downtown Aiken (Aiken) - Thursday Market in the Alley w/ Phillip Lee Jr. Fox’s Lair - Open Mic Jam w/ Thomas Langley Maude Edenfield Park (North Augusta) - Music in the Park w/ Backline Bluegrass Sky City - The Artisanals, Shaun Piazza
32 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Soul Bar - From Worlds Alike, Sunwell Wild Wing - Sabo & Dave The Willcox (Aiken) - Thursday Night Jazz w/ 4 Cats in the Dog House
What’s Tonight?
Augusta Athletic Sports Bar - Karaoke Chevy’s - Karaoke w/ Ellie
8th Street Plaza - Saturday Morning Swing at the Augusta Market on the River Aiken Music Fest Site (Aiken) - Atlas Road Crew, Alec Krok Augusta Common - Augusta Pride 2017 Festival w/ Venus D’Lite The Backyard Tavern - DewayneBrock & The Lucky Bastards Bird Dog Grille- Joey Banks Country Club- Austin Burke Coyotes - Zach Stone Evans Towne Center Park - Soul Food Music Festival w/ Morris Day & the Time, The Whispers, JaggedEdge, Ruff Endz, Noel Gourdin, Vivian Green Jessye Norman School of the Arts - Soiree: Jazz + Wine Metro Pub & Coffeehouse - Brother Oliver Playoffs (Aiken) - Anybody’s Guess Polo Tavern (Aiken) - All Bets R Off Sally’s - Augusta Pride 2017 Wear Something White Party w/ Hannah Thomas Shannon’s - Hello Betty Sky City - Almost Kings, Villanova, Trust in Traitors Wild Wing - Moby Dick The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn World of Beer - Old Man Crazy
What’s Tonight?
Chevy’s - DJ Richie Rich Helga’s Pub & Grille - Trivia The Highlander - Karaoke Soul Bar - Dance Party That Place Coffee - Cushions & Caffeine Afternoon Open Mic
Sunday, June 25 Live Music
Augusta Common - Candlelight Jazz The Bee’s Knees- The Loris Trio Capri Lounge - Vivian Valium & the Lounge Lizard Divas
The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn
What’s Tonight?
Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ Mike Johnson
Monday, June 26 Live Music
Hopelands Gardens (Aiken) - Hopelands Summer Concert Series w/ the Parris Island Marine Band Metro Coffeehouse & Pub - Blues Monday w/ Famous Last Words
What’s Tonight?
Augusta Athletic Sports Bar - Sports Trivia Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane Wild Wing - Trivia
Tuesday, June 27 Live Music
Appleby Branch Library - Evenings in the Appleby Garden Opening Concert w/ Open Mic hosted by Brother Trav Fox’s Lair - Irish Music w/ Dr. John Fisher and the Undefeated Army Joe’s Underground - Open Mic Mellow Mushroom (Aiken) - Stammtisch The Willcox (Aiken) - Hal Shreck
What’s Tonight?
Bar West - Trivia Capri Lounge - Trivia The Cotton Patch - Trivia Limelite Cafe - Bottom’s Up Trivia Mellow Mushroom (Aiken) - Trivia Mellow Mushroom (Augusta) - Trivia Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane
Wednesday, June 28 Live Music
Hammond’s Ferry Larder (North Augusta) Slayton Johnson The Highlander - Open Mic Night Shannon’s - Shameless Dave Soul Bar - Live Jazz w/ A Step Up Southbound Smokehouse- The Jauntee Wild Wing - Sabo & Dave
What’s Tonight?
Augusta Athletic Sports Bar - Karaoke The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Bar West - Karaoke Capri Lounge - Game Night Chevy’s - DJ Richie Rich Pizza Joint (Evans) - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper Polo Tavern (Aiken) - Karaoke w/ Tom Mitchell Sky City - Conspiracy w/ DJ Knightmare Southbound Smokehouse - Trivia Stillwater Taproom - Pub Quiz
Upcoming Travis Tritt
- Bell Auditorium July 1 Trash Panda, The Pussywillows
- Sky City July 1 Mark Chesnutt
- Country Club July 14 Five Eight, Deathstar, The Pauses
- Sky City July 20 The Whiskey Gentry, Blair Crimmins and the Hookers, Josh Roberts and the Hinges
- Sky City July 21 22JUNE2017
V28|NO25 Riverwalk Revival w/ Gov’t Mule, Galactic
- Jessye Norman Amphitheater August 1 Corey Smith
- Bell Auditorium August 12 Brian Regan
FORT GORDON
- Bell Auditorium August 25 Michelle Malone & Drag the River
- Sky City September 29 Kansas
- Bell Auditorium October 25
Elsewhere Chicago, The Band, The Doobie Brothers
- Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, Alpharetta June 23 Sheryl Crow
- Chastain Park, Atlanta June 25 Paul Anka
- Civic Center, Savannah June 25 John Mellencamp, Emmylou Harris, Carlene Carter
- Chastain Park, Atlanta June 27 Michelle Shocked
- City Winery, Atlanta June 30 Dru Hill
Friday June 30 5-11 p.m.
BARTON FIELD
- Georgia Theatre, Athens July 3 The Major Rager w/ Umphrey’s McGee, Moon Taxi
- Symphony Park, Charlotte, NC August 10
(4'' #&/+55+10 Ş 12'0 61 6*' 27$.+%
Fireworks Extravaganza Kiddie Carnival Jon Langston Family Fun Food & Craft Vendors For more details, check out FORTGORDON.COM Ş #MWRFREEDOM17 or call 706-791-8878 NO PETS, TENTS or COOLERS
REAL PEOPLE REAL DESIRE REAL FUN.
Avoid the lines! Presale food and beverage tickets are available beginning June 15th at the MWR Directorate’s Office Building 28320
Try FREE: 706-434-0108 More Local Numbers: 1-800-926-6000 Ahora español Livelinks.com 18+
Meet sexy new friends
FREE TRIAL
706-434-0112
V28|NO25
SIGHTINGS
Michael Johnson | mejphoto.photoreflect.com
Leroy Harper, Keith Jenkins and Amy Christian at the Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers concert at the Columbia County Amphitheater.
Jonathan Marshall, Kyndall Cooper, Molly Truce and Howard Lower at the Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers concert at the Columbia County Amphitheater.
Melissa Higgins, Angie Benjamin and Christina Wiggins at the Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers concert at the Columbia County Amphitheater.
Brandy Quarles, David Hemingway and Michael Rivner at the Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers concert at the Columbia County Amphitheater.
Chip Hicks, Tiffini Duncan, Rebecca Shipman and Wesley Lavigne at the Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers concert at the Columbia County Amphitheater.
Joy Timms, Pam Francisco and Ruth Tracy Blackburn at the Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers concert at the Columbia County Amphitheater.
Briggs Derieg, Sarah Cartrett and Taylor Ewest at Wild Wing.
Kayle Daniel, JD Meander, Heather Hammett and Joseph Coleman at Wild Wing.
Kambria Sabo, Jill Denton and Shannon Bartlett at Wild Wing.
34 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
22JUNE2017
THE EIGHT
BOX TOPS RANK TITLES
WEEKEND GROSS TOTAL GROSS WEEK # LAST WEEK
1
CARS 3
$53,688,680
$53,688,680
1
-
2
WONDER WOMAN
$41,268,850
$275,095,580
3
1
3
ALL EYEZ ON ME
$26,435,354
$26,435,354
1
-
4
THE MUMMY
$14,510,960
$57,121,660
2
2
5
47 METERS DOWN
$11,205,561
$11,205,561
1
-
In Theaters June 23
ACTION “Transformers: The Last Knight,” rated PG-13, starring Mark Wahlberg, Anthony
DRAMA “The Beguiled,” rated R, starring Nicole Kidman, Kirsten Dunst, Elle Fanning, Colin
Hopkins, Josh Duhamel, Stanley Tucci, Laura Haddock. I mean… if you want to go see this one, chances are you already know what it’s about. The only thing we can really think of to add is to wonder at how they get the likes of Anthony Hopkins and Stanley Tucci to agree to appear in these things. Oh yeah, the paycheck.
Farrell. This one, set at a girls’ school in Virginia during the Civil War, is directed by Sofia Coppola and has gotten great reviews. If it happens to come to the area, you might want to see it since, chances are, it will pick up some awards next spring.
706.724.8840 AugustaPowderCoating.com
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