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Table of Contents August 18, 2016
Whine Line Jenny is Wright Kris Fisher Ruffin It
6 8 10 12
Insider 14 Feature 16
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, METRO SPIRIT!16 EDIT
CREATIVE
Amy Christian
Joshua Bailey
Joe White
amy@themetrospirit.com
joshua@themetrospirit.com
joe@themetrospirit.com 706-373-3636
Stacey Eidson
COVER DESIGN: KRUHU
Arts Editor/Production Director
Lead Designer
Staff Writer
stacey@themetrospirit.com
Molly Swift Staff Writer
molly@themetrospirit.com
Contributors Jenny Wright, Greg Baker, Austin Rhodes, Josh Ruffin, Kris Fisher, Michael Johnson
SALES Jim Christian Account Executive
jim@themetrospirit.com 706-414-4059
Paige Wilhelm Account Executive
paige@themetrospirit.com 706-833-1904
What’s Up Calendar Nightlife Sightings NYT Crossword The Eight Austin Rhodes
27 29 36 38 40 42 44
BUSINESS Publisher
Johnny Beckworth circulation manager
johnny@themetrospirit.com
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.
Want to advertise in the Metro Spirit? Call or email Joe at 706.373.3636 joe@themetrospirit.com
8 10 12
OPINION
The Whine Line
I’m “hearing” that Trump owes the Russians so much money they may repo his wife.
I really enjoy the whines, but I wish you people who submit them would read them over before submitting. Some of the sentences don’t make any sense or are just plain silly. Please don’t waste our time if you can’t write legibly - you may know what you want to say but the rest of us don’t!
Let’s see if I have this correct. Obama said it was time for a change eight year’s ago. He was correct - the USA has gotten worse! Does anyone agree with me? I predict that a record for the most guns and ammunition sold in the United States on a single day will occur on November 9th, 2016. Just picture it. The Augusta Commission is hosting a hamburgers and milkshakes “chill out with the taxpayers” at Augusta Common when the administrator announces, “Yawl go ahead and start eating. The commissioners are still in a closed-door meeting in that guarded trailer over there.”
Jenny is Wright Kris Fisher Ruffin It
Can you really blame the Augusta National for wanting to create an all-inclusive classy experience for its guests during Masters week? If you haven’t noticed, Washington Rad is nothing but a tacky strip of cheap motels, chain restaurants and honky tonks. Hardly the atmosphere patrons to one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events expects. Maybe if Augusta had exercised more planning and vision for the Washington road corridor, Augusta National would not feel the need to wall itself off from tacky Disgusta. Grovetown needs to send this Butch over to the Mexican restaurant on Washington road, because karaoke there is a nightmare. Sounds like cats being skinned alive. To the person responding to the driver in the gold Ford Ranger. You’re a blooming idiot. And please stay off the road, because you apparently got your operator’s manual from Big Lots. DON’T BE FOOLED by the Augusta-Richmond County Coliseum Authority’s grandiose scheme to have taxpayers foot the bill to construct a new $110 million dollar arena – provided it is built in the downtown area. It would make more sense; draw bigger crowds; and, might even reach financial break-even for a change, if the authority pushed for a larger arena near major traffic arteries, like I-20 and the Bobby Jones/Gordon Highway corridors.
The loss of the historic Goodale Inn, built 1799, was torn down. A group raised $20,000 but the Alabama owner refused the offer. I do believe if the Roman Collusium was in Augusta it too would be torn down and a parking lot put in its place. The Republican Party is responsible for creating the Frankenstein that has manifested itself in the sociopath Trump and his following. Now the villagers have realized the danger presented and have gathered with pitchforks and torches. So now we are to believe Reinaldo Rivera wrongly “confessed” to two murders. Wasn’t it he who requested to be put to death? It is easy to believe that he lied that Marni Glista was willing to “be photographed” when she had food sitting in her car waiting to go into the refrig at her home. It’s not so believable that he wasn’t responsible for all those women’s deaths. I think he deserves to get what he initially asked for. He must have decided life is better than death after all. Huh...to bad he didn’t offer that to the victims. Never before could a more appropriate parallel be drawn between the early formation of the Nazi party and the Donald trumps rallies. Only now they wear plaid instead of brown shirts. Virtually all cars now get 20 - 25 m.p.g., we are allowed to “turn right on red” so we’re not wasting gas while idling at traffic lights, and some communities are installing roundabouts to keep more traffic moving all in the name of saving millions of gallons of gas per year, yet, gas is still $2.35 per gallon. With all those “millions of gallons of gas saved per year”, you would think gas should be about .99 cents per gallon, but it isn’t. Just wondering?
That black Kenyan born secret Muslim President is looking better and better all the time. The James Brown Arena is obsolete, but was there any mention of the absence of ice? Of course not. Augusta sweeps that whole disaster under the rug in talks of a new arena, or just plain doesn’t care. Maybe they don’t want to be disappointed by a trio of failed attempts at a hockey team, a concept I can understand. But suddenly, we have plans in the making to include a proposed budget of 90 to 100 million dollars to spend on a new 10,000 seat arena. Remember how much that ice would have cost to fix back in the 2012-13 season? If not, it was a large fraction of the above amount. I get it, someone has to have the interest in sponsoring a hockey team, and that interest has probably dwindled down to nothing since both of ours bit the dust.
WHINELINE@THEMETROSPIRIT.COM 6 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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.
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No one seemed surprised that psychopathic nut case Donald Trump suggested that someone should assassinate Clinton. This election will show who is a true American. Republicans that endorse Trump put their own political future above this country. And those that don’t show that they care at least a little more about America than they do about themselves. In Spring 2010 Sarah Palin indicated on her website congressional districts held by Democrats that she felt should be flipped to Republicans. They were denoted with targets similar to those on gun ranges, video games etc. One such “targeted” seat was held by Rep Gabby Giffords, shot by someone in Winter 2011. Her life was forever altered and many other innocent people, including s child, were killed. I’m certain Gov Palin did not INTEND for her posting to have such an effect, but the unstable see things differently. Trumps ill advised remark re Second Ammendment people, Secretary Clinton and judges could be also misconstrued. Trump and his surrogates need to be aware of the hatred they are fomenting.
18AUGUST2016
AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
METROSPIRIT 7
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15 in 5 BECAUSE I LOVE A LIST. AND THE OLYMPICS. 1. The Olympics have taken over my life. I leave the television on all day. I’ve moved one to our screened porch so I can swelter with cold beer and watch at night. If you see the faint blue glow coming from our porch, stop on by. Just don’t talk too much while anyone is performing. 2. I’ve spent so much time watching, I keep worrying about missing something I should be doing instead. I seem to have an awful lot of free time to sit in front of the TV. 3. I enjoy the summer games much more than winter. It’s probably because I don’t like being cold. I’d never do most of the winter sports. I’ve skied once. I ice skated a few times in the Chicago suburb where I lived as a young child. I went to the Ice Forum once or twice before it closed, but I was afraid to skate too much. I value my concussion-free life. 4. I’m too tall to be a gymnast. I also have enough sense not to try a flip on a 4-inch by 4-inch board that sits above the ground. 5. High fives to the 41-year-old Russian gymnast at this year’s games. She won her first gold medal in 1992, before Simone Biles was born. She attempted an incredibly difficult vault the other night. It’s called the Vault of Death, and some want it banned because it’s so dangerous. If you haven’t already watched, I’m sorry. Spoiler alert. It doesn’t end well. Bless her heart for trying. 6. She and I are nearly the same age, and I found myself saying, out loud, “But she’s so old!” Talk about a reality check. 7. Speaking of spoilers, the CNN app spoiled every gold medal gymnastics and swimming win for the U.S. I knew better than to follow NBC during the Olympics, as they’re notorious for sharing results in real time, even if the event won’t air until later that night. The CNN app had alerts that’d say “SPOILER ALERT Phelps wins 22nd gold medal for U.S.” If you can read above a first grade level, you can’t help but read that whole sentence without much effort. Thanks, CNN. 8. Has everyone seen how the divers’ “bathing suits” are covered by the scoreboard at the bottom of the screen? If you haven’t noticed, pay attention. There are several gifs in googleland, where the unintentional censorship is put to music. Look it up. 9. When NBC uses the word “next” to describe an event we might watch later, that doesn’t necessarily mean “next.” Gymnastics was to start at 8 p.m. every night, and was “next” after every commercial. It rarely aired before 10 p.m. I know why they do it, but I don’t have to like it. 10. FYI, the video of the Filipino divers back flopping in to the pool at a competition was not taken at the Rio Olympics. It wasn’t at any Olympics, but at an Asian diving competition about a year ago. Needless to say, the Philippines doesn’t have a dive team this year either. If you’ve missed it, look that one up too. You’ll laugh, even if you’re a nice person. 11. Has anyone else wondered where Brazil got a gymnastics team? They’re pretty good, too. I don’t remember them being contenders in the gymnastics world before this year and am wondering if someone loaned them a few girls. It’s nice for the country to be represented in what most would say is one of the more popular events. 12. The commentators are a little over dramatic, don’t you think? 13. Al Roker hasn’t had shoes on all week. When in Rio…
8 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
14. I realize it’s selfish and probably a little narrow minded, but I appreciate that Rio is only one hour ahead of the eastern U.S. Not that I’ve minded watching live curling and synchronized swimming in Olympics past, mind you. 15. I’ll be glad when these games end, only because I have other shows to catch up on. Until then, you’ll find me on the couch, pretending I’m behind the judges table, watching one of the few television events that even slightly unites the world. Cheers! JENNY WRIGHT’S humorous observations
on marriage, motherhood and living in Augusta have earned her a devoted following, both in print and on Facebook. When she’s not spying on other parents in the carpool line at school, you’ll probably find her with either a camera, tennis racquet or wine glass in her hand.
18AUGUST2016
LI VE MU SI C | FR I DAY NI G H T S
2 6 51 Pe rimeter Parkway Au gu s t a | 706.855.8100
A Birthday and a Funeral We celebrated a birthday this past weekend in the Fisher household. Our youngest, No. 4, turned 8 on Sunday. 8! Man how time flies! My kids’ birthdays can be a little on the stressful side. There’s the “they’re another year older, where does the time go?” stress. There’s also the stress of getting the gift, as they are all at the ages where the gifts they are asking for are of the expensive variety: Go cart, big-screen TV, motorcycle, etc. Then there’s the stress of throwing the party: The planning, the execution, the clean up. It’s all very exhausting. But this year I had an unexpected stress added to all the birthday madness. My dad received news that a long-time client and friend had passed away. This is one of those clients that he has had for so long that they had become a close friend of the family. I’ve known this guy for the majority of my life and have always looked up to him. In fact, my dad did too. Paul was always so nice to me, even in my younger rebellious stage, even as a bratty kid, even as an angsty teenager who wanted to be anywhere in the world other than helping my dad work on a Saturday. He didn’t have to be. He was a very successful doctor who made a really nice living for himself and I am an easily distracted kid from the south side with piercings, tattoos and a smart mouth. None of that stuff fazed him. He always seemed genuinely happy to see me and made me feel welcome in his home, greeting me with a laugh and a smile. Paul was living testament to the idea that if you study hard and work hard you can be successful. But that’s not to imply that he didn’t make time to enjoy life. In fact, since I was a kid I have witnessed this man enjoy the fruits of his labor. He’s someone I have always thought about, and will always think about. This guy always had the greatest stories. Whether it was a story about how he found a particular arrowhead (he was an avid collector) or, my favorite, the story about how he and a friend were waiting at St. Andrews in Scotland to make a foursome and the guys they were paired up with were Sean Connery and his manager, crossing off an item surely on many people’s bucket list. Of the stories I have heard, I’m sure there are 100 others. I like to think that Paul’s bucket list was mostly accomplished. As deaths often do, it made me think of my own mortality. As we all know, we’re not promised tomorrow. We’re reminded of that almost every day. I like to think that I keep the mantra “live every day as if it’s your last” in the front of my mind. But, after giving it some thought, I really don’t. I can’t think of the last thing I crossed off my own bucket list. In fact, I’m not even sure I have a bucket list. Maybe it’s time to start making it. So, this is my reminder to you, and me: Live the life you want to live. Do something to make yourself truly happy today, tomorrow and every day. Do something to make someone else truly happy today, tomorrow and every day. Call in to work. Experience life in a way that gives you stories to tell, then tell them. Start a bucket list, then start crossing things off. Just live while you still can.
KriS FiSher,Kris Fisher is the midday host and program director for HD98.3 and an Augusta radio staple. He is a husband, father of three and lover of all things adventurous, as well as activities most people would have outgrown years ago. djkfish.com.
18AUGUST2016
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Running to Stand Still Editor’s Note: Please enjoy this column Josh Ruffin wrote in 2015. Talk about an appropriate headline! I’M DOING MY BEST TO FOCUS. I know I should be covering and dismantling whatever nonsense the GOP candidates are saying right now — speaking of, go and read Hillary Clinton’s response to Mitch McConnell saying that she’s “playing the gender card;” it’s glorious — but, at least for these couple of weeks, I just can’t. And it’s not for lack of initiative (though, okay, maybe it’s a little of that), but rather because of something I’ve realized covering or semi-covering the last two presidential campaigns: the country is, by and large, leaning gradually left, particularly when it comes to social issues, and eventually that will bleed over, as it already ideologically does, into domestic policy. Example: same-sex rights activists have been fighting for universal marriage equality for years and years, not just because they want everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, to be recognized as human beings, but because they want universal application of next-of-kin rights, visitation and so forth. It’s a policy that cuts into the economics of basic human decency, and finally, finally, more Americans are beginning to realize that. So. It’s not that there’s little else to be said — it’s that everything will be said or expressed, organically and on a grander scale than this. We should all be well aware, as inhabitants of this planet, this nation, our own lives, of what exactly our role is in — to borrow a phrase I heard a good deal in my Christian upbringing — “the greater scheme of things.” It’s a little like, as best I can tell, giving up the reins on one level and gripping them tighter on another. In other words: focusing on doing what you can, as an individual, to make things better for everyone around you, and either trusting others to do the same or hoping that it’ll at least rub off on them. It’s a dicey proposition, I know. Leaving human beings to their own devices always is, because you can’t trust them to not revert to that poison combination of self-interest and baser instinct. And, for sure, there will be hiccups, even downright failures: we’re
12 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
still way behind the rest of the First World when it comes to gun control; women still have to contend not just with unequal pay in the workplace, but the continued struggle to exert full political and social control over their own bodies; Donald Trump is still getting attention as a viable presidential candidate, the fault for which falls entirely on us. Even Barack Obama, long-championed as a paragon of progressive social values, had to slowly come around on same-sex marriage, then finally have his hand forced by an endearingly loose-lipped Joe Biden. And while it’s true that for every Tammy Baldwin or Corey Booker we have a Ted Cruz or Marco Rubio, the balance, overall, is tipping, and fundamentalist conservatives have no new boogeymen to trot out of the closet — look no further than the recycled Cold War rhetoric the Republican field unleashed when Cuba became fair tourist game again. This is not a suggestion that we all just let fate take its course; fate, to an extent, is what we make it, and any religion, faith or philosophy that preaches predetermination or its direct opposite is nonsense. This is, if you’re wondering where I’m going with this, something of a pronouncement: I feel fine. Not great, but fine. Because despite the sea levels rising, the gender and income inequality, the proliferation of anti-vaccine crusaders and the green-lighting of a “Joe Dirt” sequel, there is a lot to appreciate about this world. There is a moment in the graphic novel “Watchmen” in which, just before a cataclysmic event that wipes out all of New York City, two peripheral characters who have been bickering for the entire book turn to each other and, in their final act before being struck dead, turn to each other and embrace. Panicked? Desperate? Yes and yes. But there are infinitely worse things to do with your final moments, and humanity, at last, knows.
JOSH RUFFIN is a long way from home, having moved from Augusta to Middleton, Wisconsin,
with his wife, Michelle. He is a self-described beer guru, so most of his Twitter posts are about what he’s drinking. While drinking, he enjoys writing poetry and watching MMA fights… or writing poetry about MMA fights.
18AUGUST2016
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Happy Anniversary, Metro Spirit!
Insider
14 16
NEWS
Running Out of HOPE
SHOCKWAVES WERE FELT in households across the state this past week after a recent study by the Committee to Preserve HOPE Scholarships revealed that Georgia’s HOPE Scholarship is in jeopardy of running out of money by 2028. Even though the Georgia Lottery just announced it is transferring a record $1.097 billion to education in 2016, it’s still not enough to compete with future growth. The new analysis of Georgia’s HOPE Scholarship indicates the program will be bankrupt in less than 15 years. Why? Well, here are the finding by the Committee to Preserve HOPE Scholarships, according to the Atlanta Business Chronicle: • HOPE suffered an 89 percent drop in full-tuition scholarships after 2011 reforms, forcing thousands of students out of the program. • For the 2016 school year, HOPE will cover only 71 to 88 percent of tuition costs, depending on the college or university. • About 62 percent of Georgia’s college students have loans, and average student debt is about $26,518. • Technical colleges were hit especially hard. Throughout the Technical College System of Georgia, the number of HOPE Grants is down 69 percent from the number awarded before 2011 reforms. All of a sudden, parents of young children across the Peach State are making sure they have college funds in place and they are beginning to pinch their pennies while planning for the future. But the big question is: Why is this such a surprise? There have been reports over the past decade that the demand for the HOPE scholarship is outpacing the Georgia Lottery funding. Way back in 2011, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported the lottery was going to be short $243 million. By 2012, the paper predicted the shortfall would increase to $317 million. So, five years ago, the numbers were already spelling the end of the HOPE scholarship. But the sad truth is, this bad ending was actually predicted way back in 2003, about 10 years after the HOPE scholarship began because there would be too many students who qualified for the program. In addition, critics pointed out the number of students who were receiving the HOPE Scholarship could actually afford to go to college
on their own, and would do so anyway, even without HOPE. Some criticized the state’s plan because households with sixfigure incomes or better, and ample college savings socked away, still benefitted from the free college tuition for their children. In 2003, state legislators began getting concerned that there was no household cap for HOPE eligibility. Several said it was clear that the HOPE scholarship was headed for troubled waters. Back then, the state was predicting that the combined funding needs for HOPE and the state’s pre-kindergarten program could outstrip earmarked lottery funds by more than $30 million in just two years. One solution suggested was to dole out the scholarships to everyone, but on a sliding scale based on income. University of Georgia economics Professor Chris Cornwell, who had studied HOPE at length, warned that one way to reduce the claims was to “reinstate an income cap.” “Personally, I think the politics of that are so bad, that won’t happen,” he told the Metro Spirit in 2003. “I think we all understand that once a government entitlement is established, I don’t care who you start taking it away from... somebody’s going to bear the consequences at election.” The other problem was the program was never intended to be “needs-based” in the first place. Regardless of whether your mommy or daddy had money or not, the scholarship was intended to encourage kids to do well in school. When HOPE, the brainchild of former Gov. Zell Miller, first came on the scene in 1993, it was awarded to high school students who maintained a B average and whose family household income was $66,000 or less. Then, the income cap was raised a year later to $100,000 before being removed completely in 1995. It seemed like a good and fair program back then. In fact, the HOPE program was a model for the nation — a source of envy for the university systems of various states throughout the country that have marveled at its success in retaining college-bound students in state and encouraging academic achievement. But despite its past successes, HOPE has also been criticized and blamed for being too ambitious for its own good. 18AUGUST2016
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Critics have charged that the HOPE scholarship program has become a government entitlement for the well-to-do, paid for by the poor. After all, it’s the lottery: a poor man’s tax, right? However, others have felt that HOPE has worked in paradoxical fashion, not only by serving as an entitlement for well-to-do families, but by raising the acceptance bar at the state’s leading universities much higher by enabling them to pick and choose from a larger applicant list — a list made up mostly, researchers say, of students from higher-income families. Essentially, those critics maintain, HOPE has done nothing but further the opportunities of those who were already ahead. People aren’t surprised that the majority of students arriving at Georgia’s top schools, such as University of Georgia and Georgia Tech, through the HOPE scholarship may come from higher-income families. “The program is very simple: If you make a B in the courses that you have to make a B in, you get the scholarship. Where the income thing comes into play is simply the obvious and unfortunate fact that people who are raised in families with resources are better able to achieve,” Cornwell of UGA stated in 2003. “I’m not saying that they’re smarter, but people who grow up in households where there are resources, they have nicer computers, better books and all these other kinds of things. They’re just able to perform better in high school than kids whose parents may not have a computer at all.” That is where the problem comes in with the HOPE scholarship: Achievement is related to income because income helps finance the achievement. Over the past few years in the Gold Dome in Atlanta, legislators have questioned whether the state should ask to recoup money on kids who failed college. Yikes! “If we are spending loads and loads on families whose students were always going to go to college because their families had the income and then we are getting significant failure rates, what are we really doing?” State Sen. Nan Orrock asked back in 2010. “We all hear anecdotes about the families buying condos in Athens or buying their students cars because they are getting HOPE.” It’s time to get real, folks. Now that the state of Georgia has debated this issue for almost two decades, isn’t it time to sit down, take a hard look at the numbers and possibly rethink how HOPE scholarship is being awarded to students before it completely disappears? It’s either that or the state needs to be honest with Georgia families about the future of the scholarship because, otherwise, a lot of students will be left empty handed without the means to go to college.
18AUGUST2016
Happy Anniversary, Metro spirit! For the past 27 years, the Metro spirit has been the go-to guide to what is happening across the Augusta area
EvEr sincE the Metro Spirit began back in 1989, informing Augusta about the latest events and entertainment offered here locally has always been a top priority. For the past 27 years, the Metro Spirit has been the go-to guide to what is happening across the Augusta area. But when Metro Spirit publisher Joe White purchased the paper more than five years ago after having started with the paper as an account executive in 1993, he brought his love of music and entertainment back to the forefront of paper’s coverage. White, along with a couple of business partners including Shawn Ledford of Mellow Mushroom, opened the live-music club, the mission, on Broad Street back in 2004. The vision for the mission was to provide downtown Augusta with a live-music venue with enough space to attract larger touring acts. During the years it was open, the mission managed to do just that by hosting a variety of national and local bands including everyone from The Avett Brothers, Drive-By Truckers, Mothers Finest, Leon Russell to the former Athens, Ga.-based band Modern Skirts. These days, Sky City is now thriving at the same Broad Street location in downtown Augusta under the leadership of owners Coco Rubio, Jayson Rubio and Eric Kinlaw. 16 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
By Metro Spirit Staff
While the mission may have closed its doors, White’s love for music never died. That is clearly evident in the Metro Spirit’s coverage of concerts and shows touring here locally. And, many times, readers will notice that the byline on those music feature stories is none other than Joe White himself. That’s not by accident. White thoroughly enjoys interviewing musicians and entertainers and talking to them candidly, not only about their professions, but their day-to-day lives, their hobbies, their families and their futures. The following are samples from some of the best music and entertainment stories that Metro Spirit has offered over the years. Enjoy. Drive-By Truckers When White interviewed Patterson Hood, the co-founder of the Athens, Ga.based band Drive-By Truckers in September of 2015, they discussed how the band has definitely settled down a bit, both in terms of its lineup and in the members’ personal lives, over the past two decades. Just prior to the release band’s new album, “It’s Great to Be Alive: DBT Live at the Fillmore,” the Truckers were a part of Friends with Benefits’ Riverwalk 18AUGUST2016
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Revival concert series at the Jessye Norman Amphitheater last year. “The band’s in a great spot. We’ve come out the other side, kind of completed our drama and the personnel changes we were going through and landed with this really great lineup,” Hood told White last year, while enjoying a cheesesteak in Philly, no less. “And we’ve been out playing for the last several years. We were touring a little heavy last year behind that record (“English Oceans”) and we’ve been talking for years about doing a live album. We wanted to do a record that captured the band at its highest, best form playing songs from our history.” When the band realized its tour was going to end with a three-night stand at the Fillmore in San Francisco, which has historically been one of its favorite places to play, it was a perfect setting for a live album, Hood said. “I think this was the magic point, and we said, ‘Let’s end the year and record it,’” Hood said. “So we had David Barbe fly out and record it and we ended up with 50 takes and we narrowed that down to 35 that kind of tells the story we want to tell with this 18AUGUST2016
thing and here we go.” It was clear that Hood was extremely proud of the live album. “I think it’s kind of the thing where, when I’m an old, old man, and my grandkids want to know what the old man used to do, I can be like, ‘This is what your grandpa used to do,’” Hood said, laughing. “Put it on and turn it up real loud so they’re like, ‘Ahhh, Grandpa, your music’s too loud! No wonder you’re deaf!’ ‘What?’” Hood’s fascination with Augusta also shone through during the interview. “The first time we ever played the Soul Bar we emptied that motherf***er out,” Hood said. “I can’t remember the other band on the bill that night, but we drew a pretty nice sized crowd and then we came in — this was like 1998, probably. Really early days of the Truckers — and we were just loud as hell. We ran everybody in that place out the door in about 20 minutes except for this one table.” Hood said he’ll never forget that one table. “This guy had rented a van and driven an entire van-load of people from somewhere up in North Carolina AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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to come see us that night and they were all at that front table. So they stayed and drank and raised hell all night,” Hood said. “We ran everybody else in that room out the goddamn door. It’s gotten better since then. We actually had a real good time every time we’ve been back there.” Warren Haynes of Gov’t Mule Back in February of last year, White openly spoke to Warren Haynes, the legendary guitarist and founding member of the Southern rock jam band Gov’t Mule, about his love for music and his admiration for the Godfather of Soul, James Brown. “I had two older brothers and most of the records we listened to were mainly soul singers,” Haynes told White in 2015. “Singers like Sam & Dave, Wilson Pickett, the Four Tops, the Temptations and Otis Redding. But James Brown was my first hero.” For years, there was one of the Godfather of Soul’s records under the King label that captured Haynes’ attention. “Some of the James Brown singles had pictures of James on the label of the actual record. Not the sleeve, but on the actual label of the record,”
Haynes said. “But there was one picture in particular on the King label, back when it was blue, that had a big K on it. And in the big bar of the K, there was a picture of James inside it singing into a microphone. I remember looking at that over and over and over again when I was a kid.” Haynes said he couldn’t have been more than 7 or 8 years old, but he remembered constantly listening to that record and singing along with Brown. “I think it’s through James Brown that I, at a young age, discovered what groove meant,” Haynes said. “The kind of groove that James Brown did had never really existed prior to him.” In April 2015, Haynes along with his band, Gov’t Mule, was the headliner for The Major Rager in the Augusta Common to kick off the 2015 Masters Tournament. Prior to the concert last year, White stood with Haynes backstage and was stunned Haynes recalled their phone conversation. In an extremely honest and surreal moment, White witnessed Danny Ray, the former cape man and emcee for music legend James Brown, and Haynes work out the details of whether or not Ray would drape a
cape over Haynes shoulders during Gov’t Mule’s performance. At first, Haynes did not feel it was appropriate because he had too much respect for the Godfather of Soul. “James Brown created a fresh sound that changed the world as much as The Beatles did,” Haynes said. “To this day, when I’m trying to define the epitome of what groove is, it’s James Brown. To me, there is no question about it. His music, when I listen to it today, it is even better than it was 50 years ago.”
Of course, Haynes is a music legend in his own right. Back in 1989, he joined the Allman Brothers Band after being recruited by former guitarist Dickey Betts to join the band for a reunion tour. It wasn’t until 2014 that Haynes decided to leave the band to pursue his own career. Along with the Allman Brothers Band and Gov’t Mule (the band he started 20 years ago), Haynes has also performed with the Grateful Dead, Phil Lesh & Friends, Bob Dylan, John Lee Hooker, Eric Clapton, Bonnie Raitt, Dave Matthews and the “King of Blues” himself, B.B. King. But had it not been for the early influence of the Godfather of Soul on his understanding of music, Haynes insisted that there’s no telling where he would be today. “When I listen to ‘Love Power Peace,’ let’s face it, the band that James Brown had, there was no band around that was that type at that time,” Haynes said. “James Brown’s band was as orchestrated as any of the big bands. I mean, the amount of time and energy and rehearsal and concentration that must have gone into making that music the best it could be is unimaginable. But everyone revered that. Everybody that heard James Brown’s band said, ‘That is the best band on the planet.’” Jason Isbell While interviewing artists, White enjoys just sitting back and letting the conversation take its natural course. Such was the case during a recent interview with Jason Isbell, a songwriter and former member of the
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18AUGUST2016
QUARTERLY TIRE RECYCLING EVENT
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TIRE EVENT
RECYCLE SCRAP TIRES IN AUGUST!
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Individuals can RECYCLE UNWANTED SCRAP TIRES, FREE OF CHARGE during the quarterly scrap tire event
Must provide proof of Richmond County residency
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RECYCLING EVENTS WILL BE HELD ON A QUARTERLY BASIS AT THE LANDFILL
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3RD QUARTER RECYCLING EVENT CA
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SATURDAY, AUGUST 20th AUGUSTA - RICHMOND COUNTY LANDFILL 4330 Deans Bridge Road Blythe, Georgia 30805 from 9am – 2pm
REMINDER
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Drive-By Truckers. During the interview, Isbell opened up about sobriety, his recent marriage and life on the road. It was an extremely frank interview that many readers remember. While Isbell has been sober for the past four years and has been touted as the brightest star to emerge in years, he has experienced some serious challenges in his life. Isbell joined the established band the Drive-By Truckers in his early 20s and indulged in the raucous lifestyle being a Trucker afforded. By all accounts a prodigious drinker, he stayed with the band for most of his 20s before being kicked out in a band shake up five years ago. He attributes his newfound mainstream success to his decision to stop drinking. His breakthrough album “Southeastern,” released in 2013, was basically a diary of a man working through his alcoholism and relationships. The album was both a commercial and critical success and put him on the national stage, bringing the Alabama native a whole new audience and level of success one would have thought impossible a scant few years ago. “The past couple of years haven’t been as busy as they have been on the road,” Isbell told White earlier this year. “We’re probably doing a hundred shows... Last month, I flew about 55,000 miles and I don’t know if I would have been able to do that if I was still drinking. I just don’t think that would have been possible.” The traveling, he explained, would have been difficult in and of itself. His drinking problem had begun to affect his work in other ways as well. “It would have been rough,” Isbell admitted. “We went to Australia and had about four flights over there, flew back, then went to England and from there went to Hawaii. Yeah, I just don’t think that would have been possible if I had still been drinking. I don’t even think I would have had the offers, you know, the way my career was going. I had a lot more potential at that point in time. I wasn’t working as hard as I could work. I didn’t get the opportunities that I get now.” Once he got a handle on his drinking, though, his work also began to improve. “It definitely gives you more time to work,” he said of being sober. “That’s 20 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
a big reason my work got better, being more well received just because I had time to focus on the job. I was writing the songs and I didn’t have the urge to go out drinking as soon as the sun went down. When we were touring, the shows got a lot more consistent, more rested, on a regular basis. The long shows were a lot better, I could sing a lot better.” Things may be getting better on both a personal and professional front, but Isbell says he’s anything but cocky about this upswing. “I still try and keep in mind that it could change any day. It can creep up on you,” he said. “If you think you’re cured I think you’re underestimating the disease, because it can come back at any time. It’s different for
everybody. Some people feel like you can get it over with and never worry about it again, and I think if I ever start thinking I’m not an alcoholic then I might start thinking then I can drink again and start the whole process over.” Being sober has brought with it lots of changes, but Isbell said he quickly learned his limits. “That first year was tough. That first year was harder than the last three have been combined, that’s for sure,” he said. “But, you know, for me it had to do more not really with the alcohol itself as it did with the situations that I was in. I learned that I can go out to a bar and watch somebody play, but I can’t stay more than a couple of hours. A couple of hours that’s it for
me and then I start getting anxious. I start wanting a drink myself.” Alcohol wasn’t the only vice that Isbell had to quit, he said. “I can’t smoke weed anymore because that makes me want a drink. I don’t think there is anything wrong with marijuana in itself, but, for me, it’s a trigger,” Isbell said. “It makes me wish I had a glass of whiskey. As soon as I figured out those things it really helped me a lot. But it took me about a year to learn those things.” The Avett Brothers One of White’s all-time favorite shows at the mission was The Avett Brothers, so when he got to talk to Scott Avett in May of 2014 prior to 18AUGUST2016
their show at Papa Joe’s Banjo-B-Que, it was like old times. After all, the Avett Brothers have been an Augusta favorite since their earliest days playing Stillwater Taproom on Broad Street. Even after all these years, Scott Avett still remembered the show at the mission more than a decade ago. “I think the mission show was in 2006, March… maybe the beginning of March,” Avett said. “Bob (bassist Bob Crawford) crushed my thumb with the bass during that show. I remember that so well. That was our last show (of the tour) and we capped it off with my thumb getting crushed and my fingernail coming off. I had to step out back and pull myself together because it was painful. At Stillwater, we were determined to sit down when we played there and the limitation of sitting down forced us to become better musicians.” But the interview wasn’t all about the Avett Brothers’ music, it also featured Scott Avett’s art. “It seems like there’s a parallel between making music and the art you create, especially with the prints that you sometimes make for shows: You create the original, which is the first piece, then you do the relief, so that’s the second piece, and the prints are the third piece,” White said. “It seems the same with music: you write and record, so that’s the first piece, and then you recreate it every time you perform. Do you see the similarities?” Avett said there are definitely parallels between the two art forms. 18AUGUST2016
“That’s a great comparison,” Avett said. “I’ve never put those together consciously. I’m actually in my studio painting right now. As an artist, I am more willing to draft, rough draft, transfer, rough draft, transfer, and it does all makes sense to me with the band. With the painting, it’s much more of a one of a kind, a different energy for making it.” Painting is a solo art compared to music, Avett said. “A painter doesn’t really need anyone else. If he does, it’s a minor thing like models, if you’re a figurative painter. But a painter really doesn’t need anyone else but himself,” Avett said. “Whereas musicians, we need lots of people around us, we depend on other people, we’re kind of a unit of people. So in the art world I can kind of be flightier without anyone being affected by it.” While constantly touring, Avett said it is important for the band to step back and enjoy life, every chance it gets. “When we’re in New York I’m going to go to some museums and galleries or just stroll and maybe visit people that I should and would like to,” Avett said. “We were in Dallas last weekend and we spent the whole morning playing soccer at a soccer complex that we were performing at. We were at Bloomington, Illinois, earlier this year and they had an ice skating rink in the complex, so I went ice skating for two hours. You see and you feel these things and they affect you intellectually by and by. You’ve got to kind of carefully connect the
dots with each opportunity and identifying it as an opportunity is key.” Robert Earl Keen In June 2014, White got to interview Robert Earl Keen, one of the most talented songwriters to emerged out of Texas in the 1980s. During the interview, White learned of Keen’s close ties to the Augusta area. It turned out Keen’s long-time guitarist, Richard Brotherton Jr, is from Augusta and, in fact, went to Aquinas High School. “As a matter of fact, I think part of the reason we go to Augusta — not that I don’t think Augusta is a really nice place and I really enjoy it and stuff — but the inspiration behind going to Augusta is because Rich is from Augusta,” Keen told White. “We cover the Southeast quite a bit and we have for many, many years, for probably as long as 25 years, so we figured why don’t we go to Augusta? That’s where Rich’s family is from. So we found a place to play, the Imperial Theatre, which is a great place to play, and we make it an annual event, at least an annual event, and it’s been great for us because Rich has a great family and is a great person. He’s just an incredible talent.” After Keen’s Augusta show, he and the band were headed to another family reunion of sorts: the 40th anniversary benefit concert for Austin City Limits. Keen is known for being a regular guest on the AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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show and has even performed at its annual musical festival. “I believe it’s five times; it might be six,” he said. “I’ve had a good, long relationship with the ACL.” So long, in fact, that he has performed at both venues the show has used. “It was forever in the communications building on the University of Texas campus and I would say, I wanna say, four to five years ago it moved to what they call the movie theater in downtown, in one of the big hotels,” Keen explained. “The hotel has nothing to do with it. It’s just the hotel is built around this performance space and it is truly world class. Truly, and I don’t want to sound cliché, but truly state of the art, world class performance venue.” There was still one advantage the old space had over the new one, Keen said. “Some beer company would always sponsor the show somehow and they would have these huge cafeteria tables full of draft beer,” he remembered. “And you would run in there and get a couple of beers and put them under your seat and then run and get another couple so you could be ready for the whole show. And everybody was really aware of this, there was sort of this community feel of, you know, let’s all just get our beer just right and then sit down and watch the show. So there was that and that is gone. I think they still have some beer sponsor stuff but not like that. That was sort of old-world politician kind of thing.” The Texas native, who has been in the music business since he debuted with “No Kinda Dancer” in 1984, still prefers to spend his time touring. Keen has eschewed trying to make a name for himself overseas to focus on touring in the U.S. and Canada. Early in his career, he attempted to break into the Nashville scene, but only lasted 22 months before heading back to Texas. These days, Keen says he doesn’t even recognize Nashville anymore. “In the last five years particularly, Nashville has taken on this kind of glitz that I never saw coming and it’s kind of… uh… I’m intimidated by it,” Keen joked in 2014. “I don’t know what to think of it. It’s no longer any kind of good ole boy goes to town, gets his guitar out and becomes a star or, whatever, signs with some publishing company. It’s about the clothes you wear and they way you have your hair designed or chiseled and the girl that’s on your arm or, vice versa, the girl that’s got the cute guy. I don’t know what it is. It’s kind of like LA lite. I tell you what, it’s anything but country.” Augusta’s Comedy Central Over the years, the Metro Spirit has had the pleasure of interviewing several nationally recognized comedians that have made their way through the Augusta market. In 2014, White got to interview one of his childhood idols, Richard “Cheech” Marin of the Grammy Award-winning comedy duo Cheech & Chong. Marin talked about his life leading up to the Cheech & Chong movies that became so popular in the 1970s. Before he was famous, Marin was eight credits shy of an English lit degree when he left California for Canada at the height of the Vietnam War and, shortly afterward, met Tommy Chong. In their late teens at the time, they didn’t mean to create an entirely new genre of comedy, but that is exactly what they did. By the time Cheech was 25 years old, he had recorded and released the album “Cheech & Chong,” which was the album for junior high students everywhere. “We didn’t know what was going to happen,” Marin said. “We were just thankful we got a contract to make an album. We didn’t know how to do it because we were a stage act. And so we had to figure out, how do we transfer what we do on stage to record? It was a process. We went through a couple of false starts and then we kind of came upon the idea of creating these scenarios in the studio and adding special effects. The problem, he said, was that while most comedians were making albums, most comedians weren’t like Cheech & Chong. “Everyone that was making albums that was our age, like Lily Tomlin and George Carlin, they were doing live recordings of their act and we were a visual act,” he explained. “We had a bunch of influences from old radio shows and we started doing that and we came up with this process that was really good for 22 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
the age.” When their second album came out, it was the biggest selling comedy album of all time. “We always kind of always took things in stride. Okay, we gotta go here, we gotta go there,” he said. “We were like three albums into it before we kind of thought, ‘Hey, this could be our job man!’” Then came the movies. It is hard to imagine now, but the theaters were so smoky back then you could have a hard time seeing the screen. You can’t smoke in theaters anymore but put one of the duo’s movies back up on the big screen and they stand up as well now as when they were released. Cheech & Chong hit the comedy scene at a time when there was an explosion of talent: Steve Martin, Robin Williams, Martin Mull, Lily Tomlin, Monty Python, George Carlin and Richard Pryor. It was a murderers row of stand up. “Pop art really had a kind of short life heretofore, so we were really surprised how we took off,” he said. In the era of comedy podcasting you may be wondering where Marin is out there in the world of free comedy. “Tommy does it,” he said. “I don’t know. This whole social media thing is like having another job, you know, and I already have a job.” 18AUGUST2016
Funk You / Saturday August 20th The Whigs / Thursday August 25th Jahson & Natty Vibez / Friday August 26th Peelander-Z / Saturday August 27th Riff Raff Kings / Saturday September 17th Drivin’ N Cryin’ / Friday September 30th Jucifer / Tuesday October 25th Surfer Blood / Thursday November 10th www.skycityaugusta.com
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Back in 2012, White got the chance to interview another popular and surprisingly “clean” comedian, Brian Regan. Known as Jerry Seinfeld’s favorite stand-up and America’s best working comedian, Regan explained he just wants to be referred to as a comedian. “Oddly enough I don’t like to draw attention to myself unless I am literally onstage telling jokes,” he told White in 2012. “I don’t need anyone to know anything about me, you know? I like being as low key as possible. Sometimes I’ll get off the bus at a stop and people will come up to me and say, ‘Who’s bus is this?’” Even after winning the American Comedy Award for Best Club Comic, Regan didn’t relish the notoriety. “I was nominated one year and did not win, then I was nominated the next year and won,” he explained.” What’s funny though is the credit was easier to follow when I didn’t win. The year I got nominated and didn’t win I would tell the MC to tell them I was nominated for comedian of the year. And you get on stage and the audience is like, ‘Okay, this guy must be pretty good, he was nominated for comedian of the year.’ But the following year when I won and you go tell them I won comedian of the year you go out and people got their arms folded and they’re like, ‘Alright, prove it.’” Several years ago, Brian made the transition from clubs to larger theaters. This move, ironically, took him back to his roots: Riding a bus across the 24 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
country. “I was on a bus one time late at night and woke up and I heard this young lady behind me saying to the woman next to her in a hushed voice, ‘I’m not sure, but I think my brother might have killed someone’,” Regan said. “I’m fortunate enough to have a tour bus situation so that takes me from the first gig, then I’ll fly home from the final city. Going back to years ago, it’s funny, I used to take the bus back then too, but not a tour bus. It was a Greyhound Bus. I used to buy 30-day Greyhound Ameripasses and that’s how I would get from town to town. And of course a Greyhound bus stops in every single city between here and where you’re going. I was on some bus rides that were longer than 24 hours.” After all these years, Regan said his approach now is as wide-eyed as it was 20 years ago. Sharing managers with Ray Romano and Robert Klein can keep you humble, he said. “I always joke when we all send our commission checks, I wonder if he opens mine first or Ray Romano’s,” he said. “Over the years I’ve had a handful of opportunities if you will, some development deals. None of them were green lighted where I got anything on the air. To me it’s sorta like winning the lottery. You have to be good enough to even have the opportunity to begin with, then from there you gotta get the right idea, the gotta get the right script, the right network, the right cast, the right pilot, you know all these things have to go well. Even Ray’s show, when it first got on the air, the
ratings were really bad. People hadn’t yet caught up to the show. He was fortunate that they kept it on the air until it got an audience and then of course it became a top 10 show if not a top five show.” When it comes to comedians with hit television shows, Regan definitely knows the king of comedy: Jerry Seinfeld. “I was fortunate to open for Jerry Seinfeld 10 or 15 times over the years just as he was breaking big and it was thrilling,” Regan said. “Obviously the audience wasn’t there for me, they were there for Jerry Seinfeld. But it was my first experience performing in theaters. It’s what got me so motivated to want to do that for myself. It’s like, ‘Wow, this is unbelievable… look at all these people, and they’re facing the stage and they’re paying attention and they’re not drunk.’ It was a beautiful experience.” But one of White’s favorite interviews was back in 2012 with comedian Lewis Black, who is probably best known for his belligerent comedic style and his former two-minute rants on “The Daily Show” where he plays the role of the curmudgeon’s curmudgeon, literally frothing at the mouth and railing against the hypocrisy he sees all around. White caught up with Black while he was touring in Oklahoma and was shocked by Black’s demeanor. He had prepared for a rough interview with an extremely angry comedian, and, instead, White found a completely affable man who chuckled nonstop throughout the conversation. For instance, when White happened to ask Black 18AUGUST2016
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about about Cheech & Chong, it took him a full 13 seconds to stop laughing enough to answer the question. White was amazed at how down-to-earth Black was throughout their telephone interview, but, let’s just say, Black was also all over the board during their conversation. So much so that White decided to present the interview to readers in a Q&A format. The following is an excerpt of White’s 2012 interview with Black: MS: One of your tweets last month thanked your fans for being patient while you were working on new material. What’s that process like? LB: You know you finish a special like you know I did a while back and you… you start starting all over again, kinda. You know, I have all kinds of stuff that I stopped from doing in that set that I sort of dropped. You drop the old thing and put in something new and you drop the old thing and you put in something new. For me, since I think about it all the time, but I really write it on stage, I never write anything down until I do it, and then I after I do two or three shows then I start thinking about stuff and writing it down. MS: Seinfeld was here last week, I think, and he had said somewhere that he only changes out about 10 percent of his material a year, and he’s quite happy with that. LB: Gosh. Jeez. I’d… I’d kill myself! That’s really amazing! I mean, we all have the means in which we work (laughing) and he’s probably smarter than… you know. I am trying to come up with a whole now act. It’s the only way I’ve ever worked (laughter). MS: Have you ever played Augusta National, by any chance? LB: Uh, no. MS: Is that part of the deal? You’re going to get to play this time? 18AUGUST2016
LB: Of course not. MS: Would you like to? LB: Of course. I just don’t think it would really fit into my schedule. I’d kill to play at Augusta National. There was a comedy club there a long time ago. I mean, a long time ago. I mean, before 2000. Back when I was still touring clubs and… and I drove down there and drove in and… and I was asked to leave. And I was so irritated. It was just that kind of thing, and I didn’t really realize that it treated itself as the third Vatican. And so I… they told me to leave, and I was just like, I just wanted to, you know, look at it and, you know, I’ll get out of the car and I’ll take a look, and… and he was like, no — you gotta go. And I was like, look you… you come to New York where I live and, you know, you wanted to see Yankee Stadium and we would let you, you know? And then I left and I haven’t been back since. Local readers won’t get an interview like that any other place than on the pages of the Metro Spirit. Thanks for all the local support over the past 27 years! We wouldn’t be here without you!
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Kids don’t usually celebrate going back to school. Well, they like wearing the new clothes and seeing their friends on a regular basis but, really, that’s about it. If anyone can get the little ones excited about heading back to class, however, it’s local music educator and musician Tara Scheyer. That’s what she and the Mud Puppy Band will attempt to do at a back to school concert this Saturday at 11 a.m. that will include a lot of audience participation in the form of clapping, singing along and dancing. Heck, Tara may invite the audience up on stage with her. It wouldn’t be the first time. And, really, there’s no better place for this kind of a concert than the Jessye Norman School of the Arts. Named after Augusta’s own renowned opera singer, the school provides free after-school tutoring and arts education in everything from dance to creative writing to youngsters in fifth-12th grade. Their downtown space at the corner of Greene and 7th streets is a happy place perfect for the excitement this concert will generate. Who knows… after this concert, maybe your kids will change their minds about school after all. Back to School Concert w/ Tara Scheyer and the Mud Puppy Band Jessye Norman School of the Arts Saturday, August 20 11 a.m. $5, advance; $7, door; free, ages 2 and under jessyenormanschool.org tarascheyer.com 26 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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WHAT’S UP
Food Stuff Calendar Music Listings
DAMN FINE COFFEE
If you have any questions, or would like to submit an event to our calendar, please email Amy Christian at amy@themetrospirit.com.
By Amy Christian
THERE’S A FRAMED PIECE OF ART in one of the dining rooms at Buona Caffe, a watercolor and ink print by local artist Kenneth James Benson. Its subject is many of the main characters of “Twin Peaks,” with FBI Agent Dale Cooper near the center holding a cup and saying “This is a damn fine cup of coffee.” As a huge fan of the early ‘90s crime drama from notoriously eccentric director David Lynch, I really want that print. Honestly, though, it’s probably better off where it is, since Buona Caffe has the finest coffee in Augusta. Owned by John and Pat Curry, Buona Caffe started as a hobby, with John grinding beans for the couple then experimenting with roasting. They began selling the beans to other people in 2010 and quickly made a name for themselves. When they opened a coffee bar in 2013, the only thing people were surprised by was the location. Even the dubious placement of their coffee bar, in a building that hasn’t been kind to previous tenants, hasn’t stopped the Currys, however. Business continues to boom and the buzz isn’t all from the caffeine. They provide beans to a number of local and regional restaurants,
THIS WEEK
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
Are you a woman who struggles to maintain good working and personal relationships? If so, the Savannah River Chapter of Federally Employed Women wants to help through Relationships 360, a oneday seminar held today at the Kroc Center. You’ll have to get there early (8 a.m.), but if you can make it, the tools, vendors and exhibitors are sure to help you out. $85 fee includes lunch.
Did you know that Augusta was home to an international film festival? Well, it is. Now in its second year, The Black Cat Picture Show at Le Chat Noir will screen long films, shorts, documentaries and more from around the world beginning at 6 p.m. today and going through Sunday afternoon, when they’ll award prizes. A ticket for tonight will also get you into the Film Artists’ Reception after the screenings, but your best bet is an all-festival pass, $25, which allows you a vote in the Viewer’s Choice Award. Don’t miss it!
The Savannah River Ecology Lab is home to some fascinating plants and animals, not the least of which is Mr. Gopher Tortoise here. Those who visit the lab’s eighth annual Touch an Animal Day (TAAD) will get to see him (her?) and much more at the free event from 9 a.m.noon. The lab’s largest community outreach event provides those of all ages a chance to meet researchers, find out what they study and, most of all, get up close and personal with the animals.
WEDNESDAY
Tara Wood — Augusta area mom of seven, internet celebrity, author, speaker and aficionado of creative swear words — promises to keep it G-rated when she hosts Super Awesome Story Time at the Book Tavern today at 10:30 a.m. So bring the kids on down to hear her read “The Wonderful Things You Will Be” and “Little Bird’s Bad Word” (so much for G-rated) and lead craft time before having some cookies and juice courtesy of New Moon Café.
For more information on these events, see our calendar of events on page 29. AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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including Frog Hollow Tavern and The Bee’s Knees. Heck, they even provide coffee to the Georgia Governor’s Mansion. And they continue to grow. The Currys have had to buy a bigger coffee roaster. They recently rolled out a new logo and slogan (Happily Caffeinated). Their coffee appreciation class, a 90-minute session that includes a bag of beans to take home, had a waiting list almost as soon as they opened registration. Visit Buona Caffe and you’ll leave knowing why people love this place, and it’s basically for three reasons: good coffee, good food and a knowledgeable staff. I admit that I’ve only been to Buona Caffe a couple of times and it’s been a while. So on a recent Friday afternoon, when I realized at about 2:30 p.m. that I hadn’t had lunch yet, I began looking around online and saw pictures of their pear, asiago cheese and rosemary scones. That was all the prompting I needed. I got there only to discover that there were no scones
in sight, but that they had two quiche choices available in addition to a small selection of sandwiches. It’s not often that I’m not in the mood for a pimento cheese sandwich, but quiche sounded like a good pick-me-up to go with the latte with (homemade) mocha syrup I ordered. The problem was deciding which quiche to order, the spinach and red pepper or the bacon and mushroom. I went with the former. Once I ordered I began looking at the bags of beans that line a shelf opposite the ordering counter. They helpfully have a list of their roasts pinned to the shelf that tells customers the name of the roast, what kind it is (medium, dark, etc.) and tasting notes. I enlisted the help of Chelsea Peterson, the woman making my latte, and, after I told her what I liked (dark, strong coffee but more rich and smooth than bright and acidic), she pointed me to the Bali Blue Moon. After having two big cups of it the next day, I can tell you it was the right choice. Oh, and if you don’t have a grinder at home, they’ll grind the beans for you. Once I received my sizeable mug I began to look around, and one of the things I like about Buona Caffe is that you feel like you’re in someone’s home. Large windows dot the space and the walls are oranges and yellows. The furniture is a hodge podge, but everything somehow fits together well. I sat by a window in a room to the left of the counter and amused myself by looking at the other artwork until my husband, with teenager in tow, arrived from school. The kid ordered a cinnamon roll, warmed up, and a soda, while Jim ordered an iced chai. My quiche had arrived by that time and I dug in while Jim made quick work of his chai. As for my latte, it was almost too pretty to drink, but I was pleased to find that, unlike some other coffee places, a coffee drink with syrup at Buona Caffe doesn’t mean you’ll get two pounds of sugar
in your drink. Yes, I could taste the syrup, but it was barely sweet. Just good. The quiche was excellent, although I could have used a lot more spinach. Anybody who’s cooked with spinach knows that it’s a tough thing to judge; you could think you put a ton of it in the recipe but, once cooked, it’s like it’s hardly there. Aside from that, it was lovely, with lots of cheese and a buttery, flaky crust. I was happy to see that the cinnamon roll, like the latte, was flavorful without being a sugar bomb. The kid would have liked more icing but, then again, I think she eats cinnamon rolls just for the icing. I thought it was great. I’m anxious to go back to Buona Caffe and taste their regular coffee made using the manual pour over method. They say it takes about four minutes (except for a couple of hours every weekday morning when they make some in advance) to prepare the coffee using a glass carafe topped with a glass cone and a filter. Basically, they put the ground beans in the cone and pour hot water over it and let the coffee filter through. It’s just one of the many fascinating sounding items on Buona Caffe’s menu that will keep me coming back. The only thing missing from that menu is pie. Add slices of cherry pie and I, like Agent Cooper, would be happy indeed. Buona Caffe 1858 Central Avenue 7 a.m.-7 p.m. weekdays; 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays 706-869-4074 buonacaffe.com
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ARTS Fri Aug 19
Noon Art at Lunch Morris Museum of Art Artist Richard Segalman discusses his current exhibition and artistic history and process. $10, members; $15, non-members. Catered lunch included. Pre-registration required. Call 706724-7501 or visit themorris.org.
Sat Aug 20
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.
11am - 2pm Aiken Arts Alive
Guided Tours
Aiken Center for the Arts A free event that includes music, crafts, photos, face painting, artist demonstrations, special appearances from Porkchop Productions and Little Richard the trick pony, artwork by summer campers and more. Free. Call 803-641-9094 or visit aikencenterforthearts.org.
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.
Mon Aug 22
1pm - 3pm Painting in Oils Tippy Cakes Bakery and Gift Shop, Harlem A Harlem Arts Council class that is $20 per session. Call 706-556-6656, 706-513-2634 or email blalocka@hotmail.com.
EDUCATION Thu Aug 18
10am Computer Help Lab Thursdays Wallace Branch Library Call 706-722-6275 or visit arcpls.org.
11:30am - 1pm Third Thursday Business Builder Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce Presentation will be “Establishing a Security Strategy and Decreasing Your Company’s Risk: Security Awareness Training That Works” with speaker Delano Collins. Free, chamber members; $15, nonmembers. Visit augustametrochamber.com.
Mon Aug 22
3:30pm - 5pm Intermediate Spanish Friedman Branch Library An adult class led by Edwin Perez of the Asociacion Cultural Hispanoamericana. Call 706-736-6758 or visit arcpls.org.
Tue Aug 23
10am - noon Foster Parent Orientation Necco Augusta A free weekly session. Pre-registration suggested. Call 706-210-3435 or visit necco.org.
Thu Aug 25
10am - Computer Help Lab Thursdays Wallace Branch Library Call 706-722-6275 or visit arcpls.org.
Ongoing 18AUGUST2016
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 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.
EXHIBITIONS Ongoing
Dollar Dog Days Augusta Museum of History Admission during the month of August is $1 per person. Call 706-722-8454 or visit augustamuseum.org.
Miru: Hope Full Soul Westobou Gallery A collection of new artwork by Staci Swider. A book signing will take place September 2 for Swider’s new book “Acrylic Expressions: Painting Authentic Themes and Creating Your Visual Vocabulary.” The exhibition will show Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Aiken Arts Alive Aiken Center for the Arts Saturday, August 20 11 a.m.-2 p.m. A free event that includes music, crafts, photos, face painting, artist demonstrations, special appearances from Porkchop Productions and Little Richard the trick pony, artwork by summer campers and more. 803-641-9094 aikencenterforthearts.org through September 2. Call 706-755-2878 or visit westoboufestival.com.
Out of Africa Arts & Heritage Center of North Augusta A show featuring more than 80 pieces of African art from the locally owned corporate collection of Tibi Winston Ltd. Will show through August 19 in the main gallery. Call 803-441-4380 or visit artsandheritagecenter.com.
Exhibits Augusta Museum of History Includes the following: “The Godfather of Soul, Mr. James Brown; “Celebrating a Grand Tradition, the Sport of Golf”; “Augusta’s Story”; “A Community That Heals”; “Into the
Interior: A History of the Georgia Railroad and Banking Company”; “Local Legends”; “One Man, Two Ships: Lessons in History and Courage”; “A Quilt Journey”; and “Canteens to Combat Boots”. Call 706-7228454 or visit augustamuseum.org.
FLIX Thu Aug 18
6:30pm - 8:30pm “The Finest Hours” North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Fri Aug 19
6pm - 11:30pm Black Cat Picture Show Le Chat Noir An international film festival including AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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Doctors Hospital Pre-registration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.
Fri Aug 19
6:30pm - 9:30pm Weekend Childbirth Education Class University Hospital Class continues Saturday, August 20, from 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Pre-registration required. Call 706-774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.
10am - 12:30pm Sauces 102 Helms College Part of the Saturday Chef series of community cooking classes, this one focusing a continuation of the five “mother” sauces learned in Sauces 101 and the small sauces that can be made from them. $75, pre-registration required. Call 706-651-9707 or visit helmscontinuingeducation.com.
Tue Aug 23
10am Genealogy 101 Headquarters Branch Library A free cardio dance class. Call 706-821-2600 or visit arcpls.org.
Headquarters Branch Library’s Georgia Heritage Room Participants will learn how to start a family history project, as well as discuss resources and strategies. Call 706-826-1511 or visit arcpls.org.
Tue Aug 23
Wed Aug 24
Doctors Hospital A five-session Lamaze class that continues Tuesdays through September 20. Preregistration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.
Fat Man’s Mill Cafe Those interested are invited to learn speech and leadership skills in a fun and supportive atmosphere. Call 706-627-2134.
Mon Aug 22 6:30pm Refit
7pm -9:30pm Ready and Able
Wed Aug 24
9:45am - noon Car Seat Class
long films, shorts, documentaries and more. It continues through Sunday, August 21. $12, Friday (including reception); $8, Saturday or Sunday; $25, all-festival pass (includes a ballot to vote for the viewer’s choice award). Call 706-722-3322 or visit blackcatpictureshow.com.
7:30pm - 10pm Movies on the Common Augusta Common Featuring “Aladdin.” Pre-movie activities start at 7:30 p.m. and movies start at dusk. Vendors with concessions available. Call 706-821-1754 or visit augustaga.gov.
Sat Aug 20
Noon - 11:30pm Black Cat Picture Show Le Chat Noir An international film festival including long films, shorts, documentaries and more. There is a break in screenings between 6-8 p.m. It continues through Sunday, August 21. $8, Saturday or Sunday; $25, all-festival pass (includes a ballot to vote for the viewer’s choice award). Call 706-722-3322 or visit blackcatpictureshow.com.
Sun Aug 21
11am - 3pm Black Cat Picture Show Le Chat Noir An international film festival including long films, shorts, documentaries and more. $8; 30 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
$25, all-festival pass (includes a ballot to vote for the viewer’s choice award). Call 706-7223322 or visitblackcatpictureshow.com.
Tue Aug 23
10:30am Baby’s Day Out Diamond Lakes Branch Library A G-rated movie for parents and babies. Pre-registration required. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.
Safe Kids Office Pre-registration required. $10; car or booster seat provided to families who meet financial guidelines. Call 706-721-7606 or visit augustahealth.org.
Thu Aug 25
7pm - 8:30pm Infant CPR Class University Hospital Pre-registration required. Call 706-774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.
HOBBIES Thu Aug 18
Noon Georgia-Carolina Toastmasters
2pm Tap Into Your Inner Private Eye: Nine Strategies for Finding Living Relatives Headquarters Library’s Georgia Room A Legacy Family Tree webinar presented by Lisa Louise Cooke. Pre-registration required. Call 706-826-1511 or visit arcpls.org.
KIDS-TEENS Thu Aug 18
8pm Nocturnal Thursdays: Full Moon Meander Reed Creek Park A program for those ages 5 and up and their accompanying adult. Participants will also take an astronomy class. Free, members; $2 per child, non-members. Call 706-210-4027 or visit phobbs@columbiacountyga.gov.
10:30am Adult Coloring
Ongoing
Call for Entries Cause + Effect Georgia Progressive Film Competition The festival will accept, through October 2, short films with a focus on social, political, environment or economic issues facing Georgia or a community in Georgia. Open to all Georgia filmmakers. No entry fees. Semifinalist films will screen at Cine in Athens in November. Visit causeandeffectfilm.org.
HEALTH Thu Aug 18
6pm Breastfeeding Class Babies R Us Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.
6:30pm - 9:30pm Breastfeeding Class
Diamond Lakes Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.
1pm - 3pm Cool Coloring for Grownups Aiken Public Library Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Sat Aug 20
8am - 3pm Finding Hidden Evidence with New Techniques First Baptist Church of Augusta This Augusta Genealogical Society Homecoming Seminar features speakers Brent Holcomb, Tamika Strong and Elyse Hill. Registration, $40 for members and $45 for nonmembers, includes a buffet lunch, syllabus and presentations. A late fee of $5 will be charged after August 13. Call 706722-4073 or visit augustagensociety.org.
Sat Aug 20
11am Back to School Concert w/ Tara Scheyer and the Mud Puppy Band Jessye Norman School of the Arts $5, advance; $7, door; free, ages 2 and under. Visit jessyenormanschool.org or tarascheyer.com.
11am Mira Forecasts the Future and The Bot That Scott Built Story Time Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.
4pm Lego Build Event Barnes & Noble For those ages 6 and up. Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.
Mon Aug 22
10:30am Music & Me Headquarters Branch Library 18AUGUST2016
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7pm - 9pm Graphic Novel Discussion The Book Tavern The group meets the fourth Thursday of each month and discusses a book picked at the previous meeting. Call 706-826-1940 or email david@booktavern.com.
Ongoing Book Sale
Appleby Branch Library A month-long book sale in the library’s story hour room. Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.
Augusta Chorale Voice Auditions Paine College’s Gilbert-Lambuth Memorial Chapel Monday, August 22 7-9 p.m. By appointment only. All voice parts needed. 706-830-0991 augustachorale.org
MUSIC Sat Aug 20
11am - 2pm Saturday Morning Swing Eighth Street Plaza Live music from local jazz artists and performing arts groups during the Augusta Market. Call 706-627-0128 or visit theaugustamarket.com.
2:30pm Guitar Lessons A class for children ages 0-4 in which participants will learn how to chant, sing, play instruments and move to the music. Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.
Doctors Hospital An educational and interactive class for children who will soon be welcoming a new baby into the home. Pre-registration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.
Wed Aug 24
Ongoing
Maxwell Branch Library For those ages 3-5. Call 706-793-2020 or visit arcpls.org. Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.
A supervised after-school program for those ages 4-12, is Monday Friday from 3-6 p.m. at the following community centers: Warren Road, Blythe, Garrett, Diamond Lakes and McBean. The program follows the Richmond County school calendar. $85, monthly; $25, weekly; $10, drop-in. Visit augustaga.gov.
10:30am Preschool Craft Time
Moms Club of Augusta
Appleby Branch Library For children ages 3 and older. Preregistration required. Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.
A nonprofit group that has weekly playgroups and other activities for stayat-home moms. For more information, visit momsclubaugusta.org.
10:30am - noon Super Awesome Story Time with Author Tara Wood
Moms Club of Grovetown
10am Story Time
10am Wacky Wednesday Story Time
The Book Tavern Featuring a story and crafts. Cookies and juice provided. Call 706-826-1940 or email superawesomestorytime@booktavern.com.
4:30pm - 6pm Alley Cats Strikehouse Bowl, Aiken Part of the Aiken Recreation Department’s Buddy Sports program for those with physical and/or intellectual disabilities, this class is for those of all bowling abilities. $12 a month; pre-registration required. Call 803426-1284 or visit therecingcrew.com.
Thu Aug 25
6pm - 7:30pm Big Brother/Big Sister
Loud Crowd
A group that accepts any mom who stays at home with her children regardless of parenting style, religion or ethnicity. The group meets for a variety of activities and dues are $20 a year. Visit momsclubofgrovetown.weebly.com.
Mothers of Advanced Maternal Age A group for women with children who are age 35 years or older. Call 706-394-1293 or email hoopnhollar2@yahoo.com.
Homeschool PE Time The Kroc Center For kids ages 5-12 and meets Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9:30 a.m. Members, free; nonmembers, $2 per visit. Activity follows the Richmond County
school calendar. Call 706-364-5762 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org/kroc-center/.
Youth Advisory Board Members The city of Aiken needs board members in grades 7-12 to help develop youth programs. The board meets once a month at the Smith-Hazel Recreation Center. Call 803642-7634.
After-School Program Smith-Hazel Recreation Center, Aiken A program for those ages 5-13 that includes homework help, games, snacks and more. It meets Monday-Friday from 2-5 p.m. and follows the Aiken County Public School calendar. Call 803-648-3197.
Toddler Time Weeks Center A weekly program for those ages 5 and under, accompanied by a parent. It meets Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Call 803-642-7631.
LITERARY Tue Aug 23
7pm Local Author Gathering North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library Local authors will be available to chat and will have books for sale. Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Thu Aug 25
10am - noon Morning Book Club Maxwell Branch Library Discussion will be on “Amusing Ourselves to Death” by Neil Postman. Call 706-793-2020 or visit ecgrl.org.
Tippy Cakes Bakery and Gift Shop A Harlem Arts Council class for those with beginner to intermediate guitar experience. $35. Call 706-556-6656, 706-513-2634 or email blalocka@hotmail.com.
7:30pm Candlelight Wine & Dine Columbia County Amphitheatre Part of the Garden City Jazz concert series in which guests are invited to bring their own seating and picnic, and enjoy music and live art demos. $10; $200, VIP table for 8, which includes preferred seating and two bottles of wine; free, children ages 12 and under. Visit gardencityjazz.com.
Sun Aug 21
2pm Pianist David Brown Morris Museum of Art Part of the Music at the Morris series. Free. Call 706-724-7501 or visit themorris.org.
7:30pm Candlelight Jazz Augusta Common Attendees are invited to bring their own lawn chairs, blankets and picnics for this live jazz concert. $6. Call 706-821-1754 or visit augustaga.gov.
Mon Aug 22
7pm Hopelands Summer Concert Hopelands Gardens, Aiken Featuring Swingsation. Attendees can bring blankets, lawn chairs, picnics and wellbehaved pets on leashes, but no alcohol. Free. Call 803-642-7631 or visit facebook. com/experienceaiken. The rain-out hotline is 803-643-4661.
7pm - 9pm Voice Auditions Gilbert-Lambuth Memorial Chapel Auditions by appointment only will be held 18AUGUST2016
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for the Augusta Chorale. All voice parts needed. Call Dr. Phyllis Anderson at 706830-0991 to schedule an appointment. Visit augustachorale.org.
SENIORS Thu Aug 18
10:30am Seniors Golden Games Appleby Branch Library Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.
Ongoing
Senior Citizens Club Smith-Hazel Recreation Center Meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m.-noon. Call 803-642-7634.
Silversneakers H.O. Weeks Center Silversneakers Classic Classes offered Mondays and Wednesdays at 9 a.m. and Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 11:15 a.m., while Silversneakers Yoga is offered Mondays and Wednesdays at 11:15 a.m. at the Weeks Center in Aiken. $27, members; $52, nonmembers. Call 803-642-7631 or visit cityofaikensc.gov.
Augusta Beerfest James Brown Arena Saturday, August 20 3-6 p.m. Ticketholders can taste more than 100 specialty brews from Georgia and the southeast, and tickets include a souvenir tasting cup. $30, advance; $40, door. VIP: $50, advance; $60, door. 877-428-4849 georgialinatix.com
Games for Seniors H.O. Weeks Center Include Mahjong each Thursday from 1-4 p.m., Bridge each Friday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Bingo each Tuesday 9-10 a.m., Pinochle each Tuesday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Canasta on Tuesdays from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and on Fridays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; and board games on Thursdays from 5-9 p.m. Call 803642-7631 or visit cityofaikensc.gov.
Senior Basketball H.O. Weeks Center Leagues for those ages 50 and up. Practice is held Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. Call 803-642-7631 or visit cityofaikensc.gov.
SPECIAL EVENTS Thu Aug 18
8am - 3pm Relationships 360 Kroc Center A one-day empowerment workshop for women who struggle with business or life relationships. Sponsored by the Savannah River Chapter of Federally Employed Women, it will include tools, vendors and exhibitors. $85 fee includes lunch. Call 706228-4406 or email few.srhapter@gmail.com.
Wine World A drop-in event that features a wine or beer tasting. $5; $3 rebate upon purchase of a featured bottle. Call 803-279-9522 or visit wineworldsc.com.
Sat Aug 20
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.
9am - noon Touch an Animal Day Savannah River Ecology Lab Conference Center Attendees of all ages will have the opportunity to see, touch and learn about animals and plants native to the Savannah River Site and the surrounding areas. Free and open to the public. Visit srel.uga.edu.
3pm - 6pm Augusta Beerfest
Maxwell Theatre An Indo-American Cultural Association event that includes cuisine on the Portico at 4:30 p.m. and a performance at 6:30 p.m. Open to the public. Call 706-667-4100 or visit augusta.edu.
Market
6pm - 8pm Meet the Pits Family Event
Thu Aug 25
Graced Kennels An event sponsored by Brass Knuckle Pin Ups Rescue that includes an introduction to the rescue and the pit breed, Pits on Parade and an introduction to the pit family. Free, but vendors will sell drinks and baked goods to support the rescue. Visit brassknucklepinupsrescue.com.
8pm “Two Small Pieces of Glass” 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.
AL Williams Park This weekly event, held through the end of October in the park across from the Kroc Center, features all local farmers and doubles EBT. Visit growharrisburg.org.
11am Thursday Game Mania Diamond Lakes Branch Library An event that includes classic games like Bingo, Checkers, Chess and more. Preregistration required. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.
5pm - 7:30pm Farmers Market in the Alley Downtown Aiken This weekly event includes fresh goods, food vendors, artisans, flowers and live music. Call 803-293-2214.
SPORTS-OUTDOORS
9pm “Digistar Virtual Journey”
Thu Aug 18
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.
7:05pm Augusta GreenJackets vs. Charleston Riverdogs
Downtown Aiken This weekly event includes fresh goods, food vendors, artisans, flowers and live music. Call 803-293-2214.
James Brown Arena Ticketholders can taste more than 100 specialty brews from Georgia and the southeast, and tickets include a souvenir tasting cup. $30, advance; $40, door. VIP: $50, advance; $60, door. Call 877-428-4849 or visit georgialinatix.com.
Lake Olmstead Stadium $8-$12. Call 706-922-9467 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.
5pm - 8pm Third Thursday Tasting
Tue Aug 23
Sat Aug 20
4:30pm - 8pm India Day
4:30pm - 7pm Veggie Truck Farmers
5pm - 7:30pm Farmers Market in the Alley
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military and students without a boat tour. Pre-registration encouraged. Call 706-8230440, ext. 4, or visit augustacanal.com.
Zumba Classes Patriots Park Held Sundays at 3:30 p.m. and Monday at 8:30 a.m. in the Bobby Waters Gymnasium. Taught by Alex Stampher. First class is free; $5 for each after that. Call 831-521-6439 or visit alexandrastampher.zumba.com.
South Atlantic Recreation Club Offers kickball, flag football and bowling leagues. For more information, visit sarcaugusta.com.
The Augusta Furies Women’s Rugby Football Club Club practices 6-8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Julian Smith Casino for players 18 and up. Email augusta.furies@ gmail.com or visit augustafuries.org.
Meet the Pits Family Event Graced Kennels Saturday, August 20 6-8 p.m. An event sponsored by Brass Knuckle Pin Ups Rescue that includes an introduction to the rescue and the pit breed, Pits on Parade and an introduction to the pit family. Free, but vendors will sell drinks and baked goods to support the rescue. brassknucklepinupsrescue.com Fitness Challenge Augusta Common An event sponsored by the Salvation Army and Augusta Boxing Academy in which participants will test their strength and agility in 10 fitness events. Entry fee is five canned food items or three packages of bottled water. Visit salvationarmyaugusta.org.
9am 4-H Yoga in the Park Phinizy Swamp Nature Park For all levels of kids and adults. Participants should bring yoga mat and water. Call 706828-2109 or visit phinizycenter.org.
10am - noon National Honey Bee Day Phinizy Swamp Nature Park Activities will include honey tasting from local beekeepers, a honey based bake-off, face painting, games and crafts, educational classes, live music from the Wynns and more. Call 706-828-2109 or visit phinizycenter.org.
Tue Aug 23
7:05pm Augusta GreenJackets vs. Greenville Drive Lake Olmstead Stadium $8-$12. Call 706-922-9467 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com. 34 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Wed Aug 24
7:05pm Augusta GreenJackets vs. Greenville Drive Lake Olmstead Stadium $8-$12. Call 706-922-9467 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.
Thu Aug 25
This organization offers adult sports leagues and social events, including kickball, soccer, flag football, softball, basketball, indoor and sand volleyball, cornhole, and more for coed and men’s leagues. For more information, visit augustasportsleagues.com.
Guided Tours
Lake Olmstead Stadium $8-$12. Call 706-922-9467 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.
Phinizy Swamp Nature Park Call to schedule custom tours of the park for organizations, kids groups or private parties. Tours included hiking, bicycle or golf cart tours and more. Call 706-828-2109 or email info@phinizycenter.org.
Ongoing
Daily Canal Tours
7:05pm Augusta GreenJackets vs. Greenville Drive
Fencing Classes Augusta Fencers Club Classes for children as young as six, as well as teens and adults, meet five nights a week. The next round of introductory classes will begin on Monday, September 26, with those ages 6-9 meeting at 5 p.m., those 10-13 meeting at 6 p.m. and those 14 and older meeting at 7 p.m. The 10week class is $180, with all competitive equipment provided. Call 706-722-8878 or visit augustafencersclub.com.
Augusta Sports Leagues
Augusta Canal Tours Mondays-Saturdays at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m.; the Civil War Boat Tour is daily at 1:30 p.m.; music cruises are Friday evenings at 7 p.m. in June; and sunset cruises are the third Saturdays, in June at 6 p.m. Tickets are $13.75 for adults and $11.75 for seniors, military and students for Heritage Boat Tours and Civil War Boat Tours. They are $25 for adults and $23 for seniors, students or military for the music and sunset cruises. All tickets include admission to the Canal Discovery Center, which costs $6 for adults and $4 for seniors,
Augusta Disc Golf Association Leagues meet Thursdays at 6 p.m. at Riverview Park in North Augusta and Mondays at 6 p.m. at Lake Olmstead. Entry fee for each, $5; ace pool, $1. Call 803-2158181 (North Augusta), 706-833-4263 (Lake Olmstead) or visit augustadiscgolf.com.
BlazeSports Swim team Wilson Family Y’s Katie’s Pool For all ages of physically challenged swimmers who want to train for competition. Members, $30 a month; non-members, $40 a month. Call 706-922-9664 or visit thefamilyy.org.
SUPPORT Thu Aug 18
6pm Bariatric Surgery Support Group University Hospital Call 706-774-8931 or visit universityhealth.org.
Sun Aug 21
11am Meditation Moments Ronald McDonald House An open support group for those in crisis or experiencing loss. Call 706-721-2929 or visit augusta.edu.
Tue Aug 23
10:20am Moms Connection Augusta University Medical Center, 1120 15th St, Augusta, GA, United States 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. 18AUGUST2016
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6pm CSRA Parkinson Support Group St. John Towers dining room Maggie Barnett, an AbbVie Parkinson’s Disease Advocate, will discuss how AbbVie provides education, support and resources to patients and caregivers dealing with Parkinson’s Disease. She will also share information about tools and resources that help patients and caregivers learn how to hold productive conversations with doctors about their concerns and treatment expectations. Free and open to the public. Call 706-364-1662.
Wed Aug 24
Pine View Baptist Church The group meets Tuesdays, with weigh-in beginning at 4:45 p.m. and the meeting beginning at 5:15 p.m. Call 706-868-0539 or visit tops.org.
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.
Celebrate Recovery
Unitarian Universalist Church of Augusta A group for teens and up that follows the methods of Recovery International. Call 630605-6913 or visit recoveryinternational.org.
Journey Community Church This Christ-centered recovery program meets every Monday night at 7 p.m. The meetings last two hours and childcare is provided. Pre-registration suggested. Visit cr@journeycommunity.net.
Ongoing
Write to Heal Creative Writing
St. Alban’s Episcopal Church fellowship hall The group meets Mondays, with weighin beginning at 5:15 p.m. and the meeting beginning at 6:30 p.m. Call 706-790-0391 or visit tops.org.
Children’s Hospital of Georgia family resource library For patients, family members and caregivers, this program meets the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. Preregistration required. Call 706-721-5160 or email nawilliams@gru.edu.
TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly)
Diabetes Youth Support Group
6pm Mental Health Support Group
TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) GA, 110 Augusta
18AUGUST2016
Meets quarterly. Call for more information. Call 706-868-3241.
visit grhealth.org.
Overeaters Anonymous
Sat Aug 20
Meets at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, at 7 p.m. Thursdays at Unity Church, and at Covenant Presbyterian Church at 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays. Call 706-863-9534 or email oa.augusta.recovery@gmail.com.
Adult Sexual Assault and Rape Support Group Provides group counseling at University Hospital for those who have experienced sexual assault, incest, rape or childhood sexual abuse. Call 706-724-5200 or visit universityhealth.org.
Alcoholics Anonymous Holds several meetings locally. For a current schedule, visit augustaaa.org/meetings.pdf.
Narcotics Anonymous Trinity Hospital of Augusta Meets Fridays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. Visit na.org.
Families Who Have Lost a Baby Support Group For more information, call 706-721-8299 or
THEATER 10am “James and the Giant Peach” Auditions Jessye Norman School of the Arts Auditions for those ages 8-12 are available for the Augusta Jr. Players production, which shows October 28-29. Call 706-8264707 or visit augustaplayers.org.
Sun Aug 21
2pm “James and the Giant Peach” Auditions Jessye Norman School of the Arts Auditions for those ages 13-18 are available for the Augusta Jr. Players production, which shows October 28-29. Call 706-8264707 or visit augustaplayers.org.
VOLUNTEER Thu Aug 25
12:30pm New Volunteer Orientation The Lydia Project There are many ways to donate time to the Lydia Project, which helps girls and women fighting cancer. Call 706-736-5467 or visit thelydiaproject.org.
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The Bacon Brothers City Winery, Atlanta Wednesday, August 24 7 p.m. or 9:30 p.m. $40-$55 404-WINERY1 citywinery.com/atlanta/
Thursday, August 18 Live Music
Mellow Mushroom (Aiken) - Live Music on the Patio Soul Bar - Fuzz Jackson Tin Lizzy’s - Matt Rogers, Spencer Rush Wild Wing - Bethany & Friends The Willcox (Aiken) - Thursday Night Jazz w/ 4 Cats in the Dog House Wing Place (Aiken) - The Ands
What’s Tonight?
Andrew’s - Karaoke w/ April Bar West - Open Mic Night w/ Jonathon Flowers Carolina Ale House - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper (9 p.m.) Chevy’s - Karaoke Cotton Patch - Old School Thursday w/ DJ Groove Coyotes - Karaoke with Bam Helga’s Pub & Grille - Trivia The Highlander - Butt Naked Trivia Joe’s Underground - Trivia Knight’s Lounge - Karaoke w/ Cheryl Bryant The Loft - Karaoke MAD Studios - Open Mic, Spoken Word Pizza Joint (Downtown) - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper (7 p.m.) Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane Somewhere in Augusta - Poker for Fun
Friday, August 19 Live Music
Andrew’s - Stone Dogs Back Yard Tavern - Robin Dixon & Midnight Moon Band Bar West - Live Music Cotton Patch - Live Jazz & Blues Country Club - Rick Monroe Coyotes - Anita Shot ‘80s Cover Band
36 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Eli’s American - Friday Night Live w/ Kyle Smith Fox’s Lair - Gerry “Mr. Jukebox” Petrin The Highlander - Burnsom, Second Sinner Shannon’s - Atomic Road Sky City - The Least Likelys, Quinn Cicala, the Norwegian Backpackers, Tourneforte Somewhere in Augusta - All Bets R Off Stables Restaurant at Rose Hill Estate (Aiken) - Gavin Reily Stillwater Taproom - Caleb Warren and the Gents Whole Foods - Music @ the Turn Wild Wing - Donna Jo The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn
Rick Monroe The Country Club Friday, August 19 Doors, 7 p.m., show, 10 p.m. 706-364-1862 augustacountry.com
What’s Tonight?
Chevy’s - DJ Nicky B Knight’s Lounge - Hip Hop Meets Reggae w/ DJ Adrian, DJ Spudd Soul Bar - Pop Life Vera Cruz Mexican Restaurant - Karaoke
Saturday, August 20 Live Music
Andrew’s - Phillip Lee Jr. and Michael Baidame Columbia County Amphitheatre - Candlelight Wine & Dine Cotton Patch - Live Jazz & Blues Country Club - Benton Blount Coyotes - Broadcast 90 Eighth Street Plaza - Saturday Morning Swing at the Augusta Market on the River Fox’s Lair - Authentic Blues w/ Billy McKnight Shannon’s - Strange Brew Sky City - Funk You, Soul Mechanic Surrey Tavern - The Reality Tin Lizzy’s - Donna Jo Wild Wing - Jagertron The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn 18AUGUST2016
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What’s Tonight?
The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Bar West - DJ Fugi Chevy’s - DJ Nicky B Helga’s Pub & Grille - Bluegrass Brunch (11 a.m.-3 p.m.); Trivia, nights The Highlander - Karaoke Joe’s Underground - Ladies Night, Singles Night Vera Cruz Mexican Restaurant - Karaoke
Sunday, August 21 Live Music
Aiken Speakeasy and Eats (Aiken) - Live Jazz Augusta Common - Candlelight Jazz Concert Mellow Mushroom (Aiken) - Brunch w/ Mike Frost and Lauren Meccia Tin Lizzy’s - Kelly Cheats Wild Wing - Prettier Than Matt The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn
What’s Tonight?
Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane
Monday, August 22 Live Music
Hopelands Gardens (Aiken) - Hopelands Summer Concert Series w/ Swingsation Metro Coffeehouse & Pub - Blues Monday w/ Famous Last Words
What’s Tonight?
Joe’s Underground - Poker Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane Somewhere in Augusta - World Tavern Poker
18AUGUST2016
Wild Wing - Trivia Wing Place (Aiken) - Trivia
Tuesday, August 23 Live Music
Joe’s Underground - Open Mic The Willcox (Aiken) - Hal Shreck
What’s Tonight?
The Playground - Krazy Karaoke w/ Big Troy Polo Tavern (Aiken) - Karaoke w/ Tom Mitchell Sky City - Wednesday Night Conspiracy w/ DJ Knightmare Somewhere in Augusta - The Comedy Zone w/ Frankie Paul and David Winfield Southbound Smokehouse - Trivia Stillwater Taproom - Pub Quiz Surrey Tavern - Trivia w/ Christian and Mickey
Bar West - Trivia The Cotton Patch - Trivia Limelite Cafe - Bottom’s Up Trivia Mellow Mushroom (Aiken) - Trivia Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane Somewhere in Augusta - Big Prize Trivia Twisted Burrito - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper
Upcoming
Wednesday, August 24 Live Music
Kings & Queens of Hip Hop w/ DMX, Bone ThugsN-Harmony
Fox’s Lair - Open Mic Hosted by Happy Bones The Highlander - Open Mic Night Shannon’s - Shameless Dave Soul Bar - Naan Violence, Death Panels Wild Wing - Patterson & Nate
The Whigs
- Sky City August 25 Donald Merckle and the Blacksmiths
- Stillwater Taproom August 26 Peelander-Z, Lost Boy, Shehehe
- Sky City August 27 - James Brown Arena September 2 Speakeasy Night
- Stillwater Taproom September 3 Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives
- Imperial Theatre September 9 Praising Arizona
What’s Tonight?
The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Bar West - Karaoke Chevy’s - Karaoke Cotton Patch - Trivia and Tunes Knight’s Lounge - Game Night The Loft - Karaoke Mi Rancho (Downtown) - Karaoke Mi Rancho (Washington Road) - Karaoke Pizza Joint (Evans) - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper
REAL PEOPLE REAL DESIRE REAL FUN.
- Stillwater Taproom September 9 Riff Raff Kings Reunion Show
- Sky City September 17
Try FREE: 706-434-0108 More Local Numbers: 1-800-926-6000
TI, Mario, Red Cafe
- Bell Auditorium September 24 Esperanza Spalding, Preservation Hall Jazz Band
- Bell Auditorium September 29 I Love the ‘90s Tour w/ Salt N Pepa, Vanilla Ice, Coolio, Kid N Play, Rob Base, Tone Loc, Color Me Badd
- Bell Auditorium October 6
Ahora español Livelinks.com 18+
Meet sexy new friends
FREE TRIAL
706-434-0112
AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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SIGHTINGS
Michael Johnson | mejphoto.photoreflect.com
Jerry and Detris Coley with DeShay at the Closing Reception of the 2016 Photo Discovery Project Camp Exhibition at the Morris Museum of Art.
Nina Sevalez with Blake and Travis Moore at Bar W.
Karen Giansante, Sarah Jefferson and Joe Giansante at French Market Grille.
Kara and Jinnea Bullock with Lily and Melanie Hartenburg at the Closing Reception of the 2016 Photo Discovery Project Camp Exhibition at the Morris Museum of Art.
Tammy Wapshott, Boston’s Thomas DeCarlo and Karen Stoll at the Bell Auditorium.
Brad and Whitney Lane with Emily Faison and Carter Adams at World of Beer.
Michael Cornett, Meagan Price and Virginia Painter at World of Beer.
Charlotte Hartfield, Sheriff Richard Roundtree and Joann Porter at the third annual Burgers and Shakes at Warren Road Community Center.
Reid Sanders, Victor Hawk and Melissa Detchemendy at third annual Burgers and Shakes at Warren Road Community Center.
38 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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ANCHOR LINES By Samuel A. Donaldson/Edited by Will Shortz ACROSS 1 Fall birthstone 5 “____ of the Dead” (2004 horror-movie parody) 10 Give birth on a farm, in a way 15 Black-and-white alerts, briefly 19 Wine bouquet 20 Big brewer 21 Starters 22 Old Italian bread 23 “What’s in your attic? And do penthouses have better resale value? Find out in today’s ____” 25 Menacing look 26 Parts of décadas 27 Duke grp. 28 Paul of “Ant-Man” 29 “Museum officials report a priceless vase has shattered. Stay tuned for the ____” 32 Group attacked by John the Baptist 35 Bruin Bobby 36 Eighth-century pope with the sixthlongest reign 37 Snapchat co-founder Spiegel 38 Past 40 Floor (it) 42 White-barked tree 43 “A courtroom artist has been arrested for fraud. ____” 49 Poet laureate Henry James ____ 50 Coffee’s draw 51 Epic-poem section 52 Wye follower 53 Spots in la Seine 54 Obits, basically 55 Mixed-martial-arts org. 57 Many a new loan, for short 59 Blue state 61 Often-injured part of the knee, for short 62 Fighting a liar, e.g. 65 Blarney 66 “Schools are cracking down on their most tardy students. We’ll have ____” 68 “Coming up, a pistol dueler tells us his stance. Now ____” 73 Ringing words? 74 Ones to keep up with 78 Tennis doubles? 79 Paces at races 83 Smelting waste 84 Anaïs of “Henry & June” 85 Princess with a twin
86 “Well, well, old chap” 87 Consumed 89 Mexican-born golfer Lorena 91 Joe of “My Cousin Vinny” 92 Start for deal or lead 93 “After the break, people are leaving the city during winter because of crime. Plus ____” 97 Mother: Prefix 99 Curator’s deg. 100 Thurman of “Henry & June” 101 Come ____ surprise 102 Put on a jury 104 Clear the tables 106 Savor 111 “Our camera crew entered a onehour photo shop at ten. ____” 114 Advance 115 Spa sound 116 Lead-in to much 117 “With ____ bodkin?”: Hamlet 118 “With more about those defending the accused, our reporter is ____” 121 Sotto ____ (quietly) 122 Nation near Fiji 123 Corn chip 124 Sleek, informally 125 You are, in Spain 126 A comedian called Wanda 127 Grape nuts? 128 Tennis’s Steffi DOWN 1 Ready 2 Doggy 3 Rescue org. 4 ____ Moulins, Québec 5 Like some support payments 6 Sets 7 Follow, with “by” 8 Take advantage of 9 Accident investigator, for short 10 Court player, in old lingo 11 Still on the loose 12 Not keep a secret 13 Special permits 14 Fix, as text 15 Singer Morissette 16 Pizza topping 17 About which it was asked, “Why are you blue?” in a classic song 18 Spunk 24 Quiz-show fodder 30 One giving a wake-up call?
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31 Overcast 33 Lots 34 Gilbert of “The Talk” 39 Sci-fi or fantasy 41 Snack brand featured on “Mad Men” 43 Blot gently 44 Actor Bergen of “Jersey Boys” 45 Novelist John Kennedy ____ 46 Grab by the collar, say 47 Annan of the U.N. 48 Give heed 53 Digging 55 Satisfactory 56 Friend’s opposite 58 Fig. for a librarian 60 Points 62 Prefix with masochistic 63 High degrees 64 Devotee of Dionysus 67 Pond sight 69 2000-15 TV drama 70 “Oh, jeez!” 71 Chilling 72 Bygone carrier 75 Morlocks’ prey, in sci-fi 76 Historic headline of 1898 77 Old Irish character 79 “Up top!” 80 Anatolia, familiarly 81 Spot for the booby prize 82 Groom 85 Divulge 88 Start to fail? 90 Go ____ great length 91 Grilled sandwich 93 Daughter on the animated “Bob’s Burgers” 94 Egg-spensive jeweler? 95 Saw through 96 ____ Unidos 98 Temple of Abu Simbel honoree 103 ____-Unis 105 Eye layers 107 ____ Locke, the so-called “Dean of the Harlem Renaissance” 108 Champing at the bit 109 Native Israeli 110 Below, as a goal 112 Tall and thin 113 Warning letters on some graphic videos 119 Part of TNT 120 Pester
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PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWERS A R S E N I C
L O W T E C H
L O IT E R E R
T A T T O O
R E H A B S
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U S E N E T
IT S Y B IT S Y S P I D E R
C A P S F T O P C H P O S S R O C R E D T E A A O N I C M E M O P T I N IT O P T A M U S E S R M S L IT T L O I S E A W N S T A G U T Y S P A A S T G A M E S H O T A I N S
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R O S I E R S T A K E S S T U A R T S
V27|NO33
THE EIGHT
BOX TOPS Despite not-so-great reviews, “Suicide Squad” hangs on to No. 1 for a second week. RANK TITLES
WEEKEND GROSS TOTAL GROSS WEEK # LAST WEEK
1
SUICIDE SQUAD
$43,536,013
$222,640,741
2
1
2
SAUSAGE PARTY
$34,263,534
$34,263,534
1
-
3
PETE’S DRAGON
$21,514,095
$21,514,095
1
-
4
JASON BOURNE
$13,846,875
$127,009,220
3
2
5
BAD MOMS
$11,362,783
$71,374,076
3
3
In Theaters August 19
FAMILY
“Kubo and the Two Strings,” rated PG, starring Charlize Theron, Ralph Fiennes, George Takei, Matthew McConaughey, Rooney Mara. Kubo is a normal kid in ancient Japan who just happens to tell stories and play a stringed instrument called a shamisen. All of a sudden, however, Kubo’s ho-hum existence becomes an odyssey filled with spirits, ancient vendettas reborn, a quest for a magical suit of armor owned by his late father, monsters and more. Sounds exciting! 42 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
ACTION
“Ben-Hur,” rated PG-13, starring Jack Huston, Rodrigo Santoro, Morgan Freeman. A story of betrayal, revenge and redemption in ancient Rome that features a kick-ass chariot race. Wait… haven’t we seen this one before?
COMEDY
“War Dogs,” rated R, starring Jonah Hill, Miles Teller. This one is based on a true story set during the Iraq War in which two friends find out that the government allows small businesses to bid on government contracts. After a couple of successful contracts in which they rake in a lot of money, the two get in over their heads when they win a bid to arm the Afghan military… a $300 million deal. Hilarity ensues.
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The Left’s Con Job on Guns CHELSEA CLINTON SPILLED THE BEANS LAST SPRING. “It matters to me that my mom also recognizes the role the Supreme Court has when it comes to gun control. With Justice Scalia on the bench, one of the few areas where the Court actually had an inconsistent record relates to gun control,” Clinton said. “Sometimes the Court upheld local and state gun control measures as being compliant with the Second Amendment and sometimes the Court struck them down...” With the Supreme Court’s Second Amendment champion Antonin Scalia safely in the grave, it was time for Hillary Clinton’s pride and joy to toss some red meat to the home crowd in attendance at a campaign stop in Maryland. “So if you listen to Moms Demand Action and the Brady Campaign and the major efforts pushing for smart, sensible and enforceable gun control across our country, disclosure, have endorsed my mom, they say they believe the next time the Court rules on gun control, it will make a definitive ruling,” Chelsea said. “So it matters to me that my mom is the only person running for president who not only constantly makes that connection but also has a strong record on gun control and standing up to the NRA.” The Lefties who attempt to cover for Hillary and her tribe on this issue have done a great job attempting to disarm the opposition, maintaining that even if they wanted to take the guns away, it would be impossible because of constitutional guarantees against it. As you can see in the well travelled picture accompanying this column, they wrote up a tidy denial. An intellectually dishonest denial, but a tidy one, nonetheless. If it did not concern such a serious issue, the internet “playbill” could be called a laughable lie. Ask a law-abiding gun owner in Washington, DC, or Chicago if the outright ban on civilians carrying handguns in public has resulted in more or less gun crime there. The two landmark gun cases heard in the last few years by the Supreme Court involved the attempt to ban gun possession in the private homes of citizens by those same local governments. The Supreme Court rejected the overreach both times, but only by a margin of 5-4. And as Chelsea so eloquently stressed to the gathered Dems a few months ago, her mom is keenly aware that vote No. 5 is securely and quite permanently sealed up in his crypt. So let’s cut the bullshizzle, shall we? Of course there will be no outright attempt by President Hillary or her Dem minions to “ban” guns. They know better than the damn fools in Chicago and D.C. Those Lefties operate in a Liberal Garden of Eden with no Right Wing wrath to slow their perpetual tree hugging lovefests. These national politicians are much slicker because they have to be. So how will the end of gun rights as we know them manifest? Death by a thousand cuts. Rightwing website Conservapedia listed them like this: Restricting which persons can own firearms. Restrictions on the number of firearms a person may own, or purchase during a given time period Requirements that privately owned firearms be registered with the government. Bans on certain types of firearms; for example, “handguns” or assault rifles Restrictions on where firearms may be carried, for example into restaurants or post offices Requiring a “background check” and/or a “waiting period” 44 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
several different fronts: “She was the second most powerful person in an administration in a critical era for gay rights. And in that era, her husband signed the HIV travel ban into law (it remained on the books for 22 years thereafter), making it the only medical condition ever legislated as a bar to even a tourist entering the US. Clinton also left gay service-members in the lurch, doubling the rate of their discharges from the military, and signed DOMA, the high watermark of anti-gay legislation in American history. Where and when it counted, the Clintons gave critical credibility to the religious right’s jihad against us. And on the day we testified against DOMA in 1996, their Justice Department argued that there were no constitutional problems with DOMA at all (the Supreme Court eventually disagreed). Of course, the gay eights folks forgive her and line right up to support her (as they did Obama) because they believe she had to lie about the issue to get votes (for her and/or Bill). With Lefties, often the ends justify the means, and it is with the provided historical perspective above that I promise you, no I guarantee you, if Hillary’s Supreme Court picks have their way, they will deliver more gun control and less personal liberty, just as her own daughter promised you they would. Don’t believe the lies they are feeding you, to convince you it won’t happen. to purchase a firearm Restricting when and where firearms may be bought and sold, for example banning their sale through the mail Requiring licenses or some other form of permission from the government to buy and/or sell a firearm Requiring some form of permission from the government to carry a firearm in public, either concealed or openly Laws granting special gun rights for some people, for example retired law enforcement officers, which are denied the rest of the public, which was used in several southern states. Outright bans on carrying firearms in public Outright bans on private possession of firearms (which were the Supreme Court cases, Chicago vs. McDonald and DC vs. Heller, noted above, unsuccessful by a one vote margin that does not exist anymore) Many of the above listed “controls” are common sense, but almost all of those rules can be, or have been, perverted in the attempt to get guns off the streets. Hillary assured a crowd last week, “I don’t want to take guns away from law abiding citizens,” even though that is exactly what the standing laws of (her home town of) Chicago and (her part time hometown of) DC do every single day. Owning a gun in Chicago affords you security inside your house. Step outside, and you are square in the midst of an urban setting that sees more people die violent deaths via illegal gunfire in one month, than we saw killed during most months of our 25 years of combat in the Middle East. And that is just one city. The undeniable truth, based on Hillary’s track record of promises on the stump, it really doesn’t matter what she swears she will or won’t do. Do remember that on multiple occasions over her last 30 years of public service, she rejected the concept of gay marriage. Loudly. For that matter, so did President Barack Obama, also on the campaign trail at the time. Noted gay activist and writer Andrew Sullivan described her attitude and behavior on the issue as quite damaging on
AUSTIN RHODES
A long-time radio talk show host who can be heard weekdays on WGAC from 3-6 p.m. The views expressed are the opinions of Austin Rhodes and do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher.
18AUGUST2016