Augusta’s Independent Voice Since 1989 • Metrospirit.com
APRIL 12, 2018
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Table of Contents Augusta’s Independent Voice Since 1989 • Metrospirit.com
Jenny is Wright Kris Fisher Whine Line Feature
april 12, 2018 | V29 • N015
Soul City Sirens Metro Week
What’s Up Calendar Nightlife The Eight Sightings
6 9 10 14 20 24 25 26 34 36 38
Art Night in Augusta Page 14
The Insider The race to the end by The Insider
These women are tough as hell Page 20 12APRIL2018
The May 22 election is about a month away, and the two top slots in both Augusta and Columbia County are up for grabs. But politicos are saying that the race for Columbia County Commission Chair will be the real local election to watch, while the race for mayor of Augusta will likely be a total snoozer. Why’s that, you ask? Insiders say that candidate Gould Hagler II simply waited too long to announce his intentions to run for mayor of Augusta against incumbent Hardie Davis. After all, citizens should remember that Davis won the mayor’s race in 2014 with 75 percent of the vote. And even though many Richmond County residents have been thoroughly disappointed with Davis’ lack of leadership and inability to communicate well with either the Augusta Commission or the
public, that’s still quite a large voting population that supported him. Even if he loses 20 percent of his former supporters that backed him four years ago, Davis will still beat Hagler. So, the question becomes: What took Hagler so long to announce he wanted to run for mayor? He’s told several people that he has been considering a run for office for several years. If he was serious back then, Hagler should have treated this upcoming election like a real job opportunity. You can’t play around with voters. They need to know that your entire heart and soul is committed to serving the community. Just look at Augusta’s neighbors in Columbia County. The campaign for chair of the commission began early last year. All three candidates vying to succeed incumbent chairman Ron Cross didn’t
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The Insider The race to the end by The Insider > Continued from the previous page
play around. Former EMA Director Pam Tucker, District 1 Columbia County Commissioner Doug Duncan and business owner Mark Herbert put their cards on the table and got down to business very early. They made it clear that they cared about the job and they were taking the May 22 election seriously. The fact is, Hagler has less than a month to introduce himself to Richmond County voters (many of whom have absolutely no clue about this 33-year-old young man.) That’s not enough time. And while he did some campaigning over the past few weeks since announcing his run for mayor (such as walking in the St. Patrick’s Day parade and having a few community gatherings), Hagler pretty much decided to wait until after Masters Week to throw his campaign into high gear. That kind of strategy leads to voters asking, “Hagler, who?” at the polls.
It’s sad, because had Hagler started late last year, he might have had a chance. Not because he’s the best or most experienced candidate for the job, but simply because Davis has made a total disaster of his first term. Davis has been ineffective and a total letdown as mayor, but he’ll likely win another term because he has no real challenger. Can we all say, “Major missed opportunity?” Sorry, Augusta. You really deserve better. Over in Columbia County, it’s an entirely different story. The race is on, and it is definitely heated between Duncan, Tucker and Herbert. While most politicos believe that Duncan will likely win the election in the end, some folks are warning that people shouldn’t count Tucker out. In fact, some insiders are predicting a runoff between Tucker and Duncan. The winner will be whoever is willing to work the hardest near the end. Too bad Hagler didn’t take a page from Columbia County’s playbook.
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12APRIL2018
The Insider Bo Hunter vs. Monique Walker for state judge by The Insider
When voters head to the polls for the May 22 election, they’ll see two familiar names running for Richmond County’s state court judge: local attorneys Robert “Bo” Hunter III and Monique Walker. Just two years ago, Hunter and Walker faced one another in a three-person race for the State Court seat that was vacated by Judge John Flythe. During that race, both Hunter and Walker ended up losing to Kellie Kenner McIntyre, who was then the Richmond County State Court solicitor general. It was a gut-wrenching defeat for Hunter who faced McIntyre in a runoff. Despite Hunter’s best efforts to get the word out about his more than 30 years of service to the local legal community, McIntyre ended up receiving 56.7 percent of the votes cast compared to Hunter’s 43 percent. But Hunter, who served as the former solicitor general of Richmond County State Court for about eight years starting back in 1988, soon became a state court judge anyway. Just last year, Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal announced that he had selected Hunter to be Richmond County’s newest state court judge to fill the seat of retiring Richmond County State Court Chief Judge Richard Slaby. It was a surprise to some people in the legal community who thought local attorney Freddie Sanders would be a shoo-in because of his long career with the Richmond County Sheriff ’s Office. But Hunter was chosen by the governor, not only over just Sanders, but he was also selected over a dozen other lawyers vying for the seat including attorneys Brandon Dial, Ben Allen, Monique Walker and Michael Arrington. But this time around, Walker is back to challenge Hunter for the seat and she’s once again getting support from another former Georgia governor: Roy Barnes. Augustans will be watching closely to see the results in this race.
Walker, who is the current chief operating officer and general counsel for Global Personnel Solutions and also happens to be the daughter of former state Sen. Charles Walker, struggled during the 2016 election and came in dead last. During that campaign, Walker had a hard time avoiding questions about her past troubles involving her father’s political career and her lack of experience in the courtroom. While Walker graduated from the University of Georgia in 1993 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and she received her law degree from the University of Georgia School of Law in 1996, her campaign website states that she has been engaged in the practice of law, handling both criminal and civil matters, for nearly two decades. “Monique has vast experience in the practice of law and the management of people, processes and litigation, as well as a meaningful and relevant history of leadership and service to the community,” her website states. Well, the truth is, Walker hasn’t spent a great deal of time in the courtroom. Instead, she has been focused on running her father’s business, Global Personnel Solutions, for more than a decade. And most know the reason why she took over leadership in the company. Back in 2005, state Sen. Charles Walker was found guilty of 127 felony counts of conspiracy, mail fraud and filing false tax returns. Walker was eventually sentenced to a decade in federal prison and ordered to pay a $150,000 fine and $698,000 in restitution. And when the federal government went after the former Sen. Walker, it didn’t spare his daughter. Initially, Monique Walker also was indicted with him on several criminal counts in 2005. Fortunately for Monique Walker, all of the charges against her were dismissed after she pleaded guilty to a single misdemeanor count of filing a false tax return and was forced to serve probation. But Monique Walker was still disciplined by the State Bar of Georgia in 2007 because of the fact that she pleaded guilty in court to the misdemeanor charge. When she pleaded guilty, Monique Walker told the court that she accepted a check which bore the notation “consulting fees” for $700 from her father’s company and did not report the money as income. She contended that she believed the money was a gift and was “remorseful” for her negligence in not reporting the check as income. Monique Walker insisted that she did not intend to deceive the IRS and she paid the taxes owed and the penalties stemming from her actions. But in 2007, the State Bar of Georgia ruled that Walker be given a 120-day suspension and a public reprimand.
So her law license was suspended for 120 days in 2007, all over $700. Some say it was totally fair, others say it wasn’t, but either way, that’s still on her record. But, ironically, Monique Walker isn’t hiding from her past. A reception honoring Monique Walker will be held on Thursday, April 19, at The Richmond on Greene to support her campaign. Tickets cost $100 each for individuals and $150 for couples. And guess who is hosting this reception? Once again, former Gov. Roy Barnes has stepped up to the plate and agreed to support the Walkers. Let’s just say, Barnes owes Charles Walker for taking a lot of heat for him over the years. After all, when Democrats reigned in Atlanta’s Gold Dome more than a decade ago, Walker was the party’s prince, considered to be Barnes’ right-hand man. As the state’s first African-American majority leader, Charles Walker was known as a powerhouse in the Georgia Legislature. In fact, Charles Walker even wrote about his relationship with Barnes in his autobiography, called “From Peanuts to Power: The Road to Wealth, Success and Happiness.” “The governor called me the Hammer,” Walker wrote. “I took care of the tough stuff. When the hard decisions had to be made, it was always let Senator Walker handle it. Let the leader handle it. Give the job to Charles.” Well, Charles Walker is once again calling in favors to try and get his daughter elected to the state court judge’s seat. But some voters believe that well has long run dry. Stay tuned.
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Jenny is Wright 15 in 5
Because I love a list. Especially a random list. by Jenny Wright
1. I’m still dumbfounded by the people who complain about the big golf tournament in town. So corporate and blah blah blah. It does great things for our city. It brings revenue and people. Fact. 2. Unless you live in that one section of Washington Road, you really can’t complain about the traffic. Years of planning and restructuring have yielded results most event planners envy. Traffic used to be an issue. It barely is anymore. Avoid mornings and evenings around the JENNY WRIGHT’S humorous observations on marriage, golf course, or get out of town. motherhood and living in 3. I overheard someone saying there’s only one week Augusta have earned her a devoted following, both in print of the year when Augusta is beautiful. Who doesn’t and on Facebook. When she’s not spying on other parents in straighten up their house for a party? Augusta is a nice the carpool line at school, you’ll place year-round. When the biggest golf tournament probably find her with either a camera, tennis racquet or wine in the world comes to town, we spruce things up a bit. glass in her hand. Makes sense, right? 4. Whatever you think about the personal life of Patrick Reed, he did just win a green jacket. Bashing him is as unsportsmanlike as the things of which he has been accused. Keep golf classy, y’all. 5. Whatever you think about his relationship with his parents is really none of your business. People quit talking to family members all the time and for various legitimate reasons. I’m not saying he’s an angel. I’m just saying stay out of it. 6. I talked to my mom only minimally for about 10 years. We reconciled later in life, but there were very good reasons for our distance, and none of them had
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to do with me being a bad person. 7. Even with his sordid lifestyle, which has been made very public, Tiger Woods gets a pass, because he’s a great golfer and because of what he’s done for the game. Patrick Reed just proved he’s a great golfer. Like him or not, he’s here to stay. 8. What is up with these promposals? They’re like proposals for marriage without a diamond. Someone needs to let these boys know they’re only setting themselves up for a bigger task later. I’m not saying set the bar low, but set the bar low. A simple, “will you go to prom with me,” has done the trick for quite some time now. 9. When my husband asked me to marry him, it wasn’t as fancy as a promposal. He told me he loved me, got down on one knee, and asked me to be his wife. Without fanfare, I said yes. Maybe I’m just boring. 10. Per usual, the pollen is out of control. 11. Per usual, everyone seems to think this is the worst year yet. 12. I can’t wait to hear about the heat this summer. 13. It’s hotter than Satan’s house cat from May to October in the South. Every single year. Yes, it’s always that hot. 14. Thank God we have things like the weather and pollen to fill conversations when there’s nothing else to say. 15. This week marks the start of the eighth year of Jenny is Wright. That makes for hundreds of columns filled with practically nothing, but y’all keep coming back. I’m not always right, and that’s cool, but I’m so appreciative of the tens of you who read each week. Cheers!
12APRIL2018
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Kris Fisher Everyday I’m hustlin’ by Kris Fisher
The Side Hustle. It’s pretty self-explanatory, but Urban Dictionary defines it as “Sideline that brings in cash; something other than your main job. Maybe playing weekend gigs or life coaching.” Most of us have one. Whether it’s selling makeup on social media, embroidering monograms on some sort of Lilly Pulitzer bag or, in my case, DJing weddings. “Sidehustle” is a term that is usually attributed to millennials. But sorry, kids, we’ve been on the side-hustle game long KRIS FISHER is the midday host and program director for HD98.3 before y’all entered the work force. In fact, my parents and an Augusta radio staple. He did it before me. My mom taught aerobics after hours, is a husband, father of three and lover of all things adventurous, and my dad had his side work on the weekends as far as well as activities most people would have outgrown years ago. back as I can remember. djkfish.com. For most of us, it’s the only way we can get by. Sure, we may be able to scrape by on what we make Monday through Friday, but some of us like things like cable and an occasional night out to dinner. God forbid your kids want to play sports! Football? Baseball or softball? You best have a side hustle. And if your daughter wants to cheer, forget about it … you better have two side hustles. By the way, how is cheering more expensive than every other sport?! Nevermind. That’s another column for another day. If you don’t have a side hustle, it’s not all that bad of an idea to look into. It’s usually something that you enjoy, and who doesn’t like the idea of getting paid to do something they like doing anyway? And you never know when you may need it. The job market can be flaky. I speak from experience: It’s much less stressful to find yourself without a paycheck when you have another way to pick up the slack. I also have friends whose side hustles became so lucrative that it became their main hustle. A close friend and his wife printed T-shirts to sell on Etsy. They quickly discovered that the orders were coming in faster than they could fill them. Now, he’s quit his regional manager job with a chain of restaurants to focus on the shirts. They even have a storefront now. Another friend, you may remember him as “The Joe Show,” has already left the job that he left Augusta for. Now, he focuses on his music blogs and mentoring young musicians as they try to get their careers started. Even I, for a moment, enjoyed my side hustle as a main hustle. It’s scary, yet liberating. So, millennial, no, you haven’t introduced some new trend to the world. You just do it a little differently. There’s nothing wrong with that. Maybe you’re selling a weight-loss wrap, hosting makeup tutorials or digging ditches. You’re carrying on a tradition that’s existed for generations.
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So I get all these businesses hiring local cops to basically be protection and body guards, but when working in that personal protection capacity and out of their jurisdiction how does that work, especially if something goes down. Just seems fishy I was wondering why the local media decided to drop the investigation into local businesses giving the SPLOST revenues they collect in Columbia County to other counties. The businesses threaten the media about pulling their ads, and as always, its all about the money, not what’s right.
WHINELINE@THEMETROSPIRIT.COM
Have something you want to get off your chest? Send your whines to whineline@themetrospirit.com. The Metro Spirit reserves the right to edit submitted whines for content, but we will otherwise print them pretty much exactly as you type them… spelling errors and all.
So Mayor Davis wants to be reelected, in a city where he says he has lived for 30yrs w/o knowing about the ANNUAL price gouging and hotel evictions. Oh, the Fire Chief apparently didn’t know either. Maybe slightly out of touch!
Enough of trump. I’m ready for a real person to be president, not a caricature. How ‘bout you? Can we convince these republicans to stop committing suicide with this “trump love” and stand up for our country? Why doesn’t the sandwiches & burgers you buy from fast food joints look like the photos on the menu? Hey, I want that damn sandwich on the menu!! Why don’t you take a photo of my sandwich & put up on your menu? There’s not even a damn NASA camera that could make the sandwich they really sell, that would make look like the one on the giant menu screen! S**t!!!
Hip Hip Hooray for Patrick Reed! Augusta State University/Augusta University alum is masterful and not just for this win at the Masters. I can hardly wait to see how the Augusta Museum of History will add him to the Local Legends exhibit. And a librarian told me to check with their Special Collections department at that Summerville library to see what they have there. Scott Johnson is an unethical as a pig can come. Is this Mark Herbert, CC chairman candidate, the same Mark Herbert of Stonecrest infamy? What a promising resume! Fox news is now lying bout the political affiliation of the members of the Mueller investigative team. Wait I’m confused, that was trump lying about it, or am I still confused, was it foxtrump news or trumpfox news? I guess it will be up to Hannity to tell them apart. We all know what a pillar of truth he is! After a lifetime of enjoying the paper at breakfast, I’ve got to say goodbye... Mike Ryan’s editorials are full of fake news and outright lies... If you can’t express your beliefs without telling the truth, you’re shoveling out pure fascist propaganda... Our city deserves so much better... The Augusta Chronicle should be ashamed... Ryan has become Goebbels’ gerbil...
Can Scott Johnson really be that stupid? don trump, jealous of the success of Jeff Bezos and scared of what the Washington Post says about him, tweets stupidity that causes a big personal wealth loss to Bezos, I mean the man lost more that trump is worth. trump is so small minded, when can we get rid of him and get a real president that understands and support the Constitution of The United States? Does that lady who runs the downtown development group ever leave her office? All she talks about is the “need” to put in parking meters. Get out and walk around and you’ll see the REAL problem: panhandlers, prostitutes and thugs on every corner. President Donald Trump is a great American hero. YES! HE IS “YOUR PRESIDENT”! Augusta Commissioner, Bill Fennoy wants to remove the name of John C. Calhoun, who did nothing illegal, from the Calhoun Expressway, yet he’s ok leaving the name of of James Brown, a known alcoholic, drug addict, wife beater and convicted felon, on 9th Street and on the civic center! .....’makes perfect sense to me! I have lived in Col. Co. For over 20 years in the same quiet neighborhood. Now when I go outside I hear rubling from interstate, and Belair Rd, all day and night. And I live about 2 miles off the interstate! Sad. I am actually considering moving. Maybe North Augusta. The growth here is not all good, the homeowners need to be considered. 10 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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A group of local artists are planning to open their downtown studio to the public on third Thursdays for a new, live art event called Art Night
Art Night in Augusta by Stacey Eidson | stacey@themetrospirit.com
On the corner of Jones and 13th streets in downtown Augusta stands a discreet, brick building with a large garage door that serves as the main entrance. From the street, the building appears to be nothing more than a warehouse or storage space for a local business. But as soon as the garage door is rolled up, a downtown secret is revealed. About two years ago, four local artists — Jacob Vaz, Anna Patrick, Matt Porter and Jason Craig — began renting this stand-alone building in the heart of downtown and using it as their own private art studio. The studio known as Pink Slips Analog, or PSA, was created because the artists wanted a large, open space where they could come and concentrate on their artwork without any outside distractions. “We have been working here pretty quietly for the past few years,” local artist Jason Craig said. “We did a group show together at Sky City last year, but we all just kind of do our own projects out of this studio. This is our outlet to do anything we want.” The artists have put a lot of work into transforming the building into an actual art studio, Craig said. “When we first moved in, this entire room was filled with junk and the back wall didn’t exist,” Craig said, walking around the downtown studio. “We built the large table in the middle, which is the common area for everyone, and we developed our own individual spaces. And this place is highly productive. When we are in here, we are working.” The art studio has such a unique synergy among all of the artists involved that has naturally developed over the past few years, Craig said.
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“The co-op aspect of it is really cool. Like, we’ve never called ourselves a co-op, but we are really a true collaborative deal here,” Craig said. “Basically, the way I got involved, I wanted to find a place where I could do screen prints for shows and design conferences that I’m involved with around the country. Well, somebody told me to talk to Jacob (Vaz) because he was already doing screen printing and he had the tools and all kinds of supplies. Then, Matt Porter, who puts on events and DJs around town, like he does the Secret Record Night at The Bee’s Knees, he’ll come here and make all the flyers he needs.” Everyone supports one another’s projects and respects the tools and supplies within the studio, he said. “It’s not just like we are coming together with all these ideas and it’s just talk. We all have equipment to make it happen,” Craig said. “So we combine and do things way better than we could just by ourselves.” However, a funny aspect about this downtown studio is all of the artists have such different work schedules that they hardly ever bump into one another, Craig said. “We are very rarely here at the same time. A lot of times, I will come in and look for evidence of somebody being here,” Craig said, laughing. “But you’ll get to see the progress of everyone’s work around the studio. And if I’m in here working and I’m getting ready to leave, someone else will be tagging in as I’m tagging out. So really, throughout the day, there could be 20 hours of work being done by several people. It’s a working art studio, and we are all very respectful of each other’s space and time here.” Matt Porter, a local artist who also happens to be the curator of education at the Morris Museum of Art, said it’s incredible the progress each individual makes in the 12APRIL2018
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“It’s always kind of a trip to walk into the studio. You’ll be in there working on something and you’ll see some project that someone else is half finished with that they’re working on or painting. You can’t help but be curious about where it is going or even inspired by what they have left for you to wonder about.” — Matt Porter INTRODUCING ART NIGHT While the artists thoroughly enjoy their private studio, they have all agreed it’s time to roll up the garage door and share their space with the public — well, at least once a month. Pink Slips Analog will host the first-ever Art Night from 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday, April 19, at the studio at 1236 Jones St. “We want to make it a little more public,” Craig said. “It is not going to be a storefront or anything like that because we are still going to be working in here. But what we are going to do is on every third Thursday of the month from April to September, we are going to open up the doors and let anybody come in and have Art Night.” The free event, which is intended for those 21 and older, is an opportunity for the public to come draw, paint and screen print with local artists. There will be a DJ playing music in the studio and coolers for anyone who wants to bring their own beverages, he said. “We are not going to serve any alcohol, but we will have coolers with ice and you can bring whatever and use our coolers. If you want to bring alcohol, you can,” Craig said. “We are providing people with the atmosphere.” All the artists are asking is that members of the public bring their own supplies, Craig said. downtown studio. “It’s always kind of a trip to walk into the studio,” Porter said, chuckling. “You’ll be in there working on something and you’ll see some project that someone else is half finished with that they’re working on or painting. You can’t help but be curious about where it is going or even inspired by what they have left for you to wonder about.” There is a natural camaraderie among the artists who share the space, Porter said. “There is definitely a social element of the studio,” he said. “It’s a place where we can do creative work, independently, but in a shared space.” Anna Patrick, a local artist who was recently accepted to grad school at The Art Institute of Chicago, has had several solo art exhibitions throughout Augusta featuring her soft sculptural pieces using traditional sewing methods. When she first walked into the downtown studio about two years ago, she immediately
“It’s not just like we are coming together with all these ideas and it’s just talk. We all have equipment to make it happen. So we combine and do things way better than we could just by ourselves.” — Jason Craig fell in love with the space. “It is just so open and having the storage up top above the studio, it’s just the perfect space for us,” Patrick said. “For me, I do simple sewing techniques, but I create larger sculptural pieces. I kind of use the techniques you use to make stuffed animals, but then I make more conceptual work. Prior to finding this studio, I used to be in such a small space and I didn’t have enough room to have a sewing space and a stuffing space. But here, I have plenty of room.” The artists in the studio do everything from large canvas paintings to designing T-shirts, Patrick said. “The four of us are really, really close, and we are able to give each other amazing critiques, but we all do totally different artwork, aesthetically,” Patrick said. “It’s funny how it happened with us, because it’s not like we really sat down and planned it. It was just like, we were all already friends and we got this opportunity to share this space together.” 12APRIL2018
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“We’ll be here and we’ll print posters and, if you bring in a T-shirt, we’ll print it or let you print it. Art Night will just be fun,” Craig said. “And we’ll just see how it goes because we haven’t done anything like this before. We are calling this season one, so from April through September is season one. Even if only five people show up, it’ll be great. And if 50 people show up, we’ll deal with that, too.”
“The four of us are really, really close and we are able to give each other amazing critiques, but we all do totally different artwork, aesthetically.” — Anna Patrick Art Night is meant for local artists and those who support local art to hang out and see what goes on in a working studio, Craig said. “We’ll just swing the door open and let people come in and make whatever,” Craig said. “It might just be everybody sitting around drawing. It might be people coming in and painting. We might have one big project that everybody is working on. We just have got to see where it goes.” The point is to enjoy the vibe created by this downtown art studio, he said. “It is not something that is supposed to be intimidating for anybody,” Craig said. “It’s just a chance for people to come in the studio and do it the way we do it. And while some people may look at this as just a dingy garage, we are professional artists. This is what it means to be a professional artist.” Art Night will be a positive experience for both the artists and the public, Patrick said. “I think there are a lot of people that see something like a studio or a group of artists working together and they feel kind of excluded or that those artists are doing something that they are not,” Patrick said. “I think what 16 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Jason and I would love is for people to come and see that we are just a bunch of people working in the same space making art. I think it’s going to be fun and good for downtown.” Porter said it will be interesting swinging open the doors and letting the public inside what was once their completely private space. “A lot of times your artwork is kind of like your brain,” Porter said, laughing. “There is part of it that you are still kind of working through, so I think having people in that space sometimes it feels a little unexpected. But it also allows you to look at the work that you make in a way that hopefully can engage and provide conversation for people.”
art tonight.’ It’s more like, ‘We are going to hang out, do this fun thing and end up being creative,’” McGrath explained. “That’s what it all boils down to. We are all creative people doing creative things.” McGrath said he will be printing posters and possibly T-shirts during the first Art Night this month. “It’s kind of like, bring your own T-shirt kind of thing. We are just going to show people the process,” McGrath said. “I think it’s important to see the other side of the canvas and what goes into it in order to tell a better story of where it came from.” During Art Night, the public will see a new T-shirt or poster printed right in front of them. “In screen printing, if you just try to tell them about the process, they might get a little lost, but if they see it in person, they are like, ‘Oh, this is like a big stencil,’” McGrath said. “It just makes more sense seeing the entire process.” In this new space, McGrath said he is concentrating on his brand called “Muscle City” that he’s been developing for the past eight years. “The concept is Muscle City is not really a place, but it is a positive mindset where anybody can be in that place if they are doing good things and getting stuff done,” McGrath said. “For now, we are just planning a restructure of Sweet Sticks. Meanwhile, I have been taking on more artwork and working behind the scenes at this new spot.” Along with McGrath, local artist Lauryn Sprouse also recently began using the downtown art studio, Craig said. “It’s just unlimited ideas in here,” Craig said. “And it’s cool because we are able to combine forces. We can make anything here. You can just walk in the door and walk out with a dozen T-shirts from idea to completion or 100 posters without ever having to leave or go buy anything. We do it all here.” Craig hopes to one day see more art studios pop up in the downtown area, which could possibly help create an actual arts district in Augusta.
WELCOMING MORE CREATIVE MINDS TO THE STUDIO Because Patrick will be leaving for Chicago to attend grad school in a few months, Craig said he has been reaching out to other artists looking for studio space. Earlier this year, Brian McGrath, owner of Sweet Sticks Skateboard Gallery, decided to become a part of the downtown studio. “I just moved in there about a month ago, so I’m pretty new to the studio,” McGrath said. “I’m doing mostly screen printing in there and using the space for large art pieces and commissioned work. It’s really cool being around a community of other people making things. It’s a group of artists sharing a good space together and everything gets done well. There is really no boss or any rules to it. Everybody just does their own thing.” With the addition of Art Night, McGrath said the local artists have an opportunity to expose more people to Augusta’s growing art scene. “It’s motivating every time I go in there,” McGrath said. “I feel like I need to be doing something. I think people will really enjoy Art Night because they’ll be socializing, creating things and it kind of takes the big word of ‘art’ out of it.” Art should not be viewed as stuffy or unwelcoming, McGrath said. “People don’t say, ‘Hey, we are going downtown to do 12APRIL2018
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“People don’t understand that there is more than just saying, ‘All right, this is the arts district.’ There are tax benefits and incentives for moving art-based businesses into a designated district,” Craig said. “It’s not just a sign that you put up that says, ‘Welcome to the Arts District.’ No, no, no. There is a reason for it. It could completely transform downtown.” And Craig hopes the Art Night on April 19 will be a step in the right direction. “I can say, I have been involved in a lot of different arts groups, but these guys operate so differently than I do that it inspires me,” Craig said. “For example, I’ll come in here with a specific task in mind and I will cut something out of wood and take the remaining scrap and throw it toward the trash can. Well, the next time I’m here, one of these guys will pick up that scrap of wood and turn it into something incredible.” That’s the kind of magic that Craig hopes Art Night will showcase and bring to the public. “In this studio, we are in here with our heads down, working and people see the results,” he said. “But these artists also have this spontaneity that I don’t really have because I’m so structured and concentrated on the task at hand, so it makes me rethink what I’m doing by watching them create things.” The artists involved with Pink Slips Analog simply want to promote those good artistic vibes throughout the local community, Craig said. “It’s just cool to be around real artists in a working studio with a world of possibilities,” Craig said. “And we just want to share that with people.” Art Night at Pink Slips Thursday, April 19 6 p.m. 1236 Jones St., downtown Augusta
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Start Here. Go Anywhere. Free Application that Day Learn How to Enroll Without Military Obligation Dual Enrollment Information Available Free Financial Aid Workshops Activities for the Kids Free Food, Scholarship Drawings, and Giveaways
Spring Fling Open House April 14th from 10 am—1 pm
115 Davis Rd Martinez, GA (706) 993-1123
Admissions Questions? Email musry@gmc.edu Or visit www.gmc.edu Start Here. Go Anywhere.
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Roller derby a way to make friends in adulthood (and probably get hurt)
These women are tough as hell by Amanda Main | amanda@themetrospirit.com
As we get older — especially as our age starts creeping into our 30s and beyond — it gets harder and harder to make true friends. Until they found the Soul City Sirens, Augusta’s only roller derby team, that was the case for many of the women who play and practice with the team. The team hits a milestone this year, as it turns 10 years old. The team changed the life of its founder, Jessica Christian, now 41 and a library manager at Aiken Public Library, who put together the team in 2008. Each roller derby team member picks a derby name, and Christian’s derby name is “Inskatiable” (like “insatiable” but with a spelling twist, because of skating… get it?) At the time she formed the team, she was going through an early midlife crisis. “When I first started trying to get the team going, I was 30,” she said. “I think it was like in the fall of 2007 when I first had the idea. And I had kind of a series of failed relationships that I thought were gonna go somewhere and ended up not going anywhere. And I was 30 and having this like, ‘Oh my gosh, I just turned 30,’ and having this crisis. Like, ‘I should have been married by now; I should have had children, my career should be taking off,’ and none of those things were happening for me. Not even close. So I guess I had a little… I had a mid-life crisis, just early, at 30.” Around the same time, the big television writers’ strike was going on. She didn’t have cable, and she was getting sick of reruns. She ended up going online in search of entertainment.
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“I started looking online more, trying to find something to entertain myself when I wasn’t at work. And you know, I was getting over my last relationship,” said Christian, whose last name back then was Thompson. “And I found roller derby, and I don’t remember how I stumbled across it or where I found it… I know I was looking on MySpace; I’m not sure if I saw it posted on somebody’s page. I had a friend in Atlanta who had friends who did roller derby, so I’m not sure if that’s where I saw it. Like I really can’t remember; I just know I found it. And then I started looking more into it, and I was like, ‘Well, what is this, do you get paid to do this?’ and then I found out that no, you don’t get paid, it’s amateur, like anybody can go play, and in fact anybody can start a team, if they want to.’” And so she researched and found there was no roller derby in Augusta but there was a team in Columbia, S.C., and in Aiken. “So at the time, gas was kind of high, and so I wasn’t sure about driving an hour or an hour and a half one way to go play, so I went to go practice with Columbia one time, and I actually chickened out, like I didn’t go in. I looked through the door, like I was late, and I was really nervous, so I got back in my car and drove back to Augusta. I didn’t even get out,” she said. “And so then, a few weeks later, I was like ‘OK, I’ll try this again,’ so I went to the Athens practice, and I loved it, it was great. They were really nice and welcoming, and showed me some stuff. And my skating skills weren’t that bad to start with, so I was actually able to participate in a
lot of the drills with them, like the leading drills and stuff like that.” Taking what she learned, she launched Augusta’s first team, and it has been growing ever since. And so has Christian. After her failed relationships, roller derby actually helped bring her a husband — he plays on a men’s team in Columbia. They now have two kids together. And Christian has grown as a person from playing roller derby. “Mentally, I’d say it’s made me tougher,” she said. “Like I used to be more of a pushover type of person, and I wouldn’t say I’m like that anymore — I’m less likely to take crap from people. I also really feel like it helps me learn how to deal and work as a team, and how to cope with strife. Like when you’re on a team, you have things that come up that you have to, like challenges that come up that you have to work around and different personalities, how to work with different personalities. Because there’s a way to approach different personalities that’ll get you different results, and you want good results, so I’ve just learned a lot about human nature and how to be a good team. And I don’t mean like a good team on the floor, like we’re gonna win, but a good team as in how we do organization together and how we reach our goals that we’re trying to reach, which is basically keep our team going and recruit more people so that the team doesn’t die out and so we can still play roller derby without driving out of town.” 12APRIL2018
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SO, HOW DO THEY PLAY? When people first see a bout in roller derby, they probably think the point is to beat the crap out of each other — it’s kind of a common misconception about the sport. But like most other sports, there are all sorts of rules against tripping opponents and so on. The game is played in two 30-minute halves, with a 15-minute halftime in the middle. Each half is divided into what is described as “jams,” which are similar to a play in football. A jam can go up to two minutes. Each team has one “jammer,” the person who scores points and is wearing a star on her helmet, as well as four “blockers,” who are working to keep the other team’s jammer from scoring points. One of the blockers is also a pivot — this person is wearing a stripe on her helmet, and she can become the team’s jammer if the jammer passes the job onto her for whatever reason (but it can’t go back). No points are scored during the jammers’ first trip through the pack — they’re just trying to get the best position because the first jammer through the pack is lead jammer. That means the lead jammer can possibly score more points, as well as call off a jam earlier than the two-minute max by putting her hands on her hips for the refs to see. Why would she do that? To keep the other team from scoring points. Jammers have to think strategically. Jammers score by passing people — one point per opponent while they’re in bounds. But it’s the blockers’ job to keep the opposing jammer from getting in the lead position and to keep her from scoring points. That’s when you’ll have a lot of contact and probably some crashes. 12APRIL2018
“Some people are more inclined to be jammers… it helps to be fast and high-enduranced,” said Lydia “Ethyl Agitate” Mitchell, 36. Mitchell has been with Soul City Sirens since 2008. “Some people can do both, and some people are just destined to be blockers. They don’t like being singled out. So it’s really, it’s personality, it’s physical fitness, it’s just whatever, if you want to take on that role or not. Some people want to be in the spotlight, so they take more to the jammer role, because they’re, they wear stars and they’re basically the star of the show because they’re scoring points. They’re really displaying the most dynamic footwork, so people look to them. If you’ve never been to a game, you’ll probably watch the jammers more than blockers. The blockers are kind of unsung kind of heroes. It’s not necessarily like a coach thing, like ‘you are this and this is all you’ll ever be.’ Sometimes you can see those skills shine through, but usually it’s just whatever you gravitate to. And whatever you’re willing to work for.” Anyone who plays roller derby will tell you that the game play is kind of confusing to explain, and the official rules handed down by the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association change every six months to a year. See these videos on YouTube for a more visual explanation of how the game is played: tinyurl.com/rollerderby041201 and tinyurl.com/ rollerderby041202. IT’LL SHAPE YOU UP The women on roller derby teams seem to develop a certain toughness — a toughness that they didn’t tend to have before joining the team. Mitchell said injuries are probably one of the biggest challenges that come with being on a roller derby team.
“In 2013, I broke my leg and it was a simple break; it just didn’t want to heal, so I went for a while thinking it was gonna heal on its own, and then I had to have surgery, so it kind of extended the healing process,” Mitchell said. “But that was probably the biggest. The low lows of just going from practice every week, seeing people every week, to being couch-ridden, trying to adjust to that, was very difficult. And then coming back from that was difficult, because I was off my legs for so long. The atrophy was so bad that having to walk again was kind of difficult, and then there’s that fear there, ‘Well, what if this happens again?’ And that’s a pretty big hurdle, just coming back into the sport that the rules change six months to a year, every year, and so I came back into a different style of playing than I left. “But I don’t know if everybody can do that. I don’t know how I did it.” Amanda “Slamus Aran” Wingler, 36, is one of the newest people to the team. (By the way, just because a woman is on the team doesn’t necessarily mean she participates in tournaments. It takes quite a while to get to that level, and the women have to pass certain tests, written and physical, in order to be able to bout.) Wingler said she grew up in a skating rink, so when she got into roller derby, it was like riding a bike. “I picked the skating part up, but there are fundamentals that we’re learning that have been pretty difficult,” Wingler said. “So it’s a lot of fun, it’s a lot of fun; everybody’s really welcoming and nice, but there’s elements to it that are a little bit frustrating sometimes. … Just really some of the techniques we have to learn to be good on our feet and to be safe.”
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Like the others, Wingler said she loves the team aspect of it. “So once you’re out there, you’re on your skates and you’re flying around the track, and it’s really freeing, and you get helpful comments from all the vets,” Wingler said. “And it’s not like a ‘you’re doing this totally alone kind of thing’; it’s really constructive, and it’s just really awesome to be out there with them and be a part of the team. … And I learned that I can make friends. You know, after you leave high school and college, it seems like you sort of isolate yourself, and so I haven’t had really any close friends since then. And I know it’s only been three weeks (since I joined), so I don’t have what I would call close friends right now, but I can see that getting back together in this group of people, it feels natural to be able to talk to them about their lives and about what’s going on and everything.” Nina “Lil’ Ariehell” Hunter, 34, has been with the team since 2015. She learned about the Soul City Sirens in the course of conversation with a thenteam member, who was talking to her at a farmers market. “I’ve always liked inline skating, and I figured it would be somewhat similar, and it was something new, something fun and new, and I’d just had a baby two years before, and I just wanted to do something for myself,” Hunter said. “I absolutely love how it makes me feel good about my body, because I can tell how strong and resilient my body can be. And I never thought of myself as an athlete, until I started roller derby.” Like many women, Hunter said she had a lot of body issues, but participating in roller derby has done a lot to squelch that. Hunter’s advice to anyone thinking about getting into the sport? “Give it a try. Just give it a try. You may like it — you may not like it, but at least you know you’ve given it a try,” she said. “Because I actually, my husband told me about roller derby a long time ago. It’s now almost, probably 10 years ago, he talked about, he said ‘look at that, these women, they’re doing this!’ And I was like, ‘Mmmm, no. That is not for me. They’re getting bruises, and they’re doing physical activity — ugh, no. And then, as you can tell, a few years later, I checked it out, and all of a sudden, it was something for me. A sport that I could do, that I would find fun. I mean, I go to the gym now to get better at roller derby. I used to go to the gym to you know, ‘lose weight, or try to be skinny.’ Now I actually go to the gym and it’s so my body can get stronger for roller derby. It has not as much to do with these beauty standards that I used to try to fit in.”
April 30, and 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 1. Anyone who shows up to the boot camp will need to bring $10 as well as a pre-fitted mouthguard (you can buy them at sporting good stores and boil them before fitting to your mouth). Skates and other gear will be provided, but the women who show up should wear leg protection, like leggings or tights. The team meets for practice throughout the year, slowing down around holidays, such as Easter Sunday. Visit facebook.com/events/2494265257465345 to find out more about the boot camp. The team’s next big bout will be this week, from Friday, April 13, to Sunday, April 15, at the Columbia County Exhibition Center in Grovetown. The Low Down Throw Down Roller Derby Tournament features D3 teams. (There are three levels of roller derby teams, and D3 is the lowest, meaning that unlike D1 teams, they don’t go to international championships. Augusta’s team doesn’t progress very high simply because the city just naturally has a population that moves in and out a lot, with the military and colleges being here.) Low Down Throw Down features 16 total games over the weekend, with a Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (wftda.com) sanctioned/seeded bracket. Tickets cost $15 per day or $25 all weekend. All military gets a $5 discount, with kids 12 and under getting in free. Visit facebook.com/ events/573976796327622 to find out more about the Low Down Throw Down tournament. Low Down Throw Down Columbia County Exhibition Center All day Friday, April 13, to Sunday, April 15 A roller derby tournament featuring 12 teams from across the Southeast (including Augusta’s Soul City Sirens) playing a total 16 games over the weekend. $15 per day; $25, weekend pass; $5 discount for military; free, kids 12 and under. Visit soulcitysirens.com or call 706-650-5000. Roller Derby Boot Camp Red Wing Rollerway 7 p.m. Monday, April 30, and Tuesday, May 1 $10; bring a pre-fitted mouthguard. Open to women ages 18 and older. Visit facebook.com/events/2494265257465345.
GETTING IN ON THE ACTION Right now, there is only a women’s team in Augusta, but anyone of any gender can become a referee for the team. The Soul City Sirens practice three times a week — on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays at Red Wing Rollerway, 3065 Washington Road. Any woman aged 18 or older who is interested is invited to boot camps, held every so often. The team’s next boot camp will be at 7 p.m. Monday, 22 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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Being called “geeky” doesn’t have the same negative connotations it once did. It used to imply that a person is always studying, probably has no friends and possibly didn’t have the best personal hygiene. And maybe in some cases, it still means that. But these days, it’s almost considered a badge of honor to be called a “geek.” There are all sorts of things you can geek out about. TV shows. Video games. Hell, even being a major foodie could earn you the rights to the moniker. The following are some things going on this week that are right up “geeky” kids’ (and adults’) alley. Saturday, April 14 10am - noon Anime & the Graphic Novel Kroc Center, Senior Lounge Kids and teens ages 8 to 15 will learn the basics of storytelling, drawing and inking using both anime and classic comic book art styles. No previous experience necessary; all supplies provided. $35. There will be a free anime movie showing in the theater after class for the whole family. Call 706-364-5762 or visit augustakroc.org. Monday, April 16 4:30pm Gaming Club for Teens Headquarters Branch Library For teens who play games like “Yu Gi Oh,” “Magic: The Gathering,” “Pokemon” and more. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org. 5pm Girls Who Code Club Headquarters Branch Library Girls in grades 6-12 explore coding in a fun and friendly way. Free, but pre-registration is required. Call 706-394-2187 or visit girlswhocode.com/clubs or arcpls.org. Thursday April 19 6:30pm - 8:30pm PWN AUG Chess Club Meeting The Book Tavern A club open to all ages and skill levels that meets the first and third Thursdays of each month. Participants are encouraged to bring their own chess sets. Call 706-826-1940 or visit booktavern.com. 24 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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What’s Up
Calendar: 26 | Music Listings: 34 If you have any questions, or would like to submit an event to our calendar, please email Amanda Main at amanda@themetrospirit.com.
HELP SEX ASSAULT SURVIVORS GAIN STRENGTH WITH COMMUNITY SUPPORT A couple of events are happening this week that will have the community coming together to help victims of sexual crimes come together and move past what happened to them. First is the Take Back the Day 5K, happening from 7:30 to 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 14. The all-downhill race course benefits Rape Crisis and Sexual Assault services in Augusta, with registration at 7:30 a.m. and the race starting at 8:45. Strollers and leashed dogs are welcome at this walk and run. Individual runners will pay $30 the day of the race (with discounts for military), and individual walkers will pay $10. Then, on Thursday, April 14, the 22nd annual Take Back the Night will be on the front lawn of Augusta University’s Maxwell Theatre. According to rapecrisisaugusta.org, Take Back the Night was “created to help survivors know that they are not alone, to speak out against sexual violence, and raise community awareness against future violence. The rally also offers an opportunity for the community to state it will not tolerate these crimes or let them go silently into the night.” The evening will run from 6 to 8 p.m., beginning with community info and special activities. The rally, featuring speakers and testimonials from sexual assault survivors, and candlelight campus march begins at 7 p.m. See the calendar on the following pages for more information, or call 706-724-5200 or visit rapecrisisaugusta.org.
FRIDAY, APRIL 13
SATURDAY, APRIL 14
SUNDAY, APRIL 15
THURSDAY, APRIL 19
The Music Cruise season kicks off this week! The Henrys will be back on the waters of the Augusta Canal, taking off at the National Heritage Area. The cruise featuring folk, bluegrass and Americana music runs from 6:30 to 8 p.m.; it costs $25, and pre-registration is required. Call 706-823-0440, ext. 4, or visit augustacanal.com.
Ever wish you could have your own a custom design to be able to print on things like T-shirts, towels, stationery and more? The Aiken Center for the Arts will teach you how to make block prints. The Block Print Card Workshop runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and costs $60 (pre-registration required). Visit aikencenterforthearts.org or call 803-641-9094.
For a lot of us, Sunday afternoons are reserved for being lazy — but why not learn a little local history at no cost this Sunday? The free Canal Trail Talk: Inside Sibley Mill Power Plant starts at 3 p.m. and will teach visitors how the power plant operates. Donations are welcome. Call 706-823-0440, ext. 2, or visit augustacanal.com.
Go back in time for a night of drinking and games, set in the 18th century! A Night at the Tavern takes place at 6:30 p.m. at North Augusta’s Living History Park. Go hungry, because there will be all kinds of food as well as wine and ale. It costs $50 per person, and pre-registration is required. Email Lynn@colonialtimes. us or call 803-215-0837.
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For more information on these events, see our calendar of events on page 26.
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required. Call 706-863-1946, ext. 4, or visit gchrl.org.
Fri Apr 13
3:30pm - 5pm Spanish for Beginners
Maxwell Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-793-2020 or visit arcpls.org.
Sat Apr 14
10am - 11:30am Grants Writing Workshop
Aiken Public Library This free workshop introduces participants to the range of grants available to institutions planning to host public programs in the humanities. The grant-writing process will be covered. Call 803-642-2020, ext. 1131, to register, or visit abbe-lib.org. Space is limited.
10am - 1pm Spring Fling Open House
Women’s Self-Defense Workshop Premier Martial Arts, North Augusta 2pm - 3:30pm Sat Apr 14 This free workshop aims to empower women in the area while also having some fun learning about a serious topic. Visit eventbrite.com.
ARTS
Thu Apr 12
6:30pm - 8:30pm Pottery Class Harlem Arts Council Pottery with Angelika Bondar. Continues April 26. $40 for both classes; includes material fee. Make reservations at least 24 hours in advance. Call 706-394-4682, visit harlemartscouncil.org/register or email harlemartscouncil@gmail.com.
Fri Apr 13
6:30pm Paint Me Pretty Paint Party
Hilltop Riding Stable, Fort Gordon Join in for a night of drinks and drips at this party, which includes all supplies, light appetizers and beverages. Patrons 21 and older are welcome to bring their own beer or wine. Pre-registration was required by April 11. $35. Call 706-791-4300 or visit fortgordon.com/events.
Sat Apr 14
10am - 1pm Block Print Card Workshop
Aiken Center for the Arts Led by Aidan Cooke, participants will learn how to create their own block prints, which can be used on many materials including T-shirts, hand towels, paper and more. Bring your own idea or use ideas provided. All supplies included. All skill levels. $60; pre-registration required. Visit aikencenterforthearts.org or call 803-6419094. 26 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
10am - 12:30pm Spring Watercolor Workshop
Aiken Center for the Arts Led by Nanette Langner, participants will learn how to create a spring-themed watercolor painting. All supplies provided. All skill levels. $55; pre-registration required. Visit aikencenterforthearts.org or call 803-6419094.
Wed Apr 18
10am - noon Watercolor Painting Class Harlem Arts Council Watercolor Painting with Frank Carstarphen. $30 per class. Make reservations at least 24 hours in advance. Call 706-799-9854, visit harlemartscouncil.org/register or email harlemartscouncil@gmail.com.
Ongoing
Bogart Paint Party
Jessye Norman School of the Arts This class takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month. $30. Call 706-828-7768 or visit jessyenormanschool.org/paint-parties.
DANCE Ongoing
Hip-Hop n Groove Dance Class with Ashley Denerra
Jessye Norman School of the Arts This class takes place from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Saturdays. $15. Call 706-828-7768 or visit jessyenormanschool.org/dance-classes.
Georgia Military College This open house includes Free Application Day, dual-enrollment info for high-schoolers, free financial aid workshops, free food, door prizes, giveaways and activities for kids, as well as scholarship drawings every hour. Call 706993-1123 or visit gmc.edu.
MMUVE with Ashley Denerra
Jessye Norman School of the Arts This class takes place from 2 to 3 p.m. Saturdays. $15. Call 706-828-7768 or visit jessyenormanschool.org/dance-classes.
Lett’s Dance with Mario Lett
Jessye Norman School of the Arts This class takes place from 7 to 8 p.m. on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month. $7. Call 706-828-7768 or visit jessyenormanschool.org/letts-dance.
EDUCATION Thu Apr 12
10am - noon Camera Part I
Columbia County Library Learn the basics of photography and of using a digital camera. Pre-registration required. Call 706-863-1946, ext. 4, or visit gchrl.org.
10am - 11:30am English Conversation Class
Fairview Presbyterian Church, North Augusta These free classes, held weekly on Thursdays through May 17, are for people learning English at the intermediate/advanced levels to practice their skills. Register by visiting LearnEnglishForLiving.com, or call 706-2847555.
1:30pm - 3:30pm Camera Part II Columbia County Library Learn how to import, edit, print, organize and back up digital photos. Pre-registration
2pm - 3:30pm Women’s SelfDefense Workshop
Premier Martial Arts, North Augusta This free workshop aims to empower women in the area while also having some fun learning about a serious topic. Visit eventbrite.com.
Mon Apr 16
3pm - 4:30pm Partners in Friendship
Aiken Public Library This elementary course in conversational Italian language and culture is suitable for teens and adults. Partners in Friendship membership optional. Call 803-642-2020 or visit abbe-lib.org.
3:30pm - 5pm Intermediate Spanish Class
Friedman Branch Library An adult class for those who already know some Spanish, led by Edwin Perez of the Asociacion Cultural Hispanoamericana. Preregistration required. Call 706-736-6758 or visit elcervantino.org or arcpls.org.
5:30pm Beginner Spanish Class
Friedman Branch Library An adult class led by Edwin Perez of the Asociacion Cultural Hispanoamericana. Preregistration required. Call 706-736-6758 or visit arcpls.org.
Tue Apr 17
5:30pm - 7:30pm Raspberry Pi Workshop 12APRIL2018
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Columbia County Library An introduction to Raspberry Pi (mini computer) fun projects. Pre-registration required. Call 706-863-1946, ext. 4, or visit gchrl.org.
5:30pm The Hello Girls: Women Telephone Operators During WWI
Woodworth Consolidated Library, Fort Gordon This free event features speaker Steve Rauch, Signal Corps Branch Historian, who will be giving a presentation on the Hello Girls, telephone operators during WWI. Call 706-7917323 or visit fortgordon.com/events.
Wed Apr 18
10am - 3:30pm Computer Boot Camp: Part I
Columbia County Library Learn the basics of Windows including parts of the computer, using the mouse, saving to a USB flash drive and basic computer maintenance. Pre-registration required. Call 706863-1946, ext. 4, or visit gchrl.org.
11:30am - 1:30pm Environment Matters Lunch and Learn
Columbia County Library Led by Margarete Alligood, this monthly meeting is about eco-gardening and lawn care tips. Participants should bring their own lunches. Pre-registration required. Call 706-8631946, ext. 4, or visit gchrl.org.
2pm Introduction to Microsoft Publisher
Headquarters Branch Library Microsoft Word Part 2 is required before taking this class. Preregistration required. Call 706-821-2615 or visit arcpls.org.
6pm Tertulia: Spanish Conversation Group Headquarters Branch Library A group for beginner to intermediate Spanish speakers. Call 317-695-4748 or visit arcpls.org.
6:30pm - 8pm English as a Second Language Fairview Presbyterian Church, North Augusta These free classes are for all levels and run weekly on Wednesdays through May 16. Register by visiting LearnEnglishForLiving.com, or call 706-284-7555.
Thu Apr 19
10am - 11:30am English Conversation Class Fairview Presbyterian Church, North Augusta These free classes, held weekly on Thursdays through May 17, are for people learning English at the intermediate/ advanced levels to practice their skills. Register by visiting LearnEnglishForLiving.com, or call 706-284-7555.
1:30pm - 3:30pm Camera Part III
Columbia County Library Learn how to remove blemishes from digital photos, print gift items and create virtual scrapbooks. Pre-registration required. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
3pm Integrated Master of Arts in Teaching Info Session
AU’s JSAC Coffeehouse Learn how to simultaneously earn a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, math or physics, plus a master’s degree in teaching, at this free information session. Call 706-729-2980 or email marice@augusta.edu.
4pm - 6pm Gadget Help with Alex Columbia County Library 12APRIL2018
First come, first served. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
7pm Beginning Sign Language
University Hospital An eight-week class that meets weekly through June 7. $50, text; $50, tuition. Pre-registration required. Call 706-738-2095 or visit universityhealth.org.
Ongoing
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program
Multiple locations Volunteers from AARP will help patrons file their taxes through April 17; there is no age requirement. Help is on a first-come, first-served basis. Locations include: Euchee Creek Library in Grovetown (9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays); Columbia County Library in Evans (10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays); Marvin United Methodist Church in Martinez (9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays); Headquarters Branch Library in Augusta (9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays); Kroc Center of Augusta (9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays); and Maxwell Branch Library in Augusta (9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays). Visit aarpfoundation.org.
GED Classes
Kroc Center These free classes are offered from 9 a.m. to noon Mondays and Wednesdays throughout the year for adults 18 and older. Pre-registration and entrance testing required. Call 706-7714131 to register for entrance testing.
Job Skills Training
Kroc Center This three-month, tuition-free program starts in April and provides people of low income the opportunity to gain the practical skills necessary for personal growth and employment success. Call 706-364-4088.
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 803-640-2090 or visit jamesbrownfamilyfdn.org.
Guided Tours
1797 Ezekiel Harris House Offered by appointment only Monday-Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Last tours of the day begin at 4 p.m. Adults, $2; children, $1. Call 706-722-8454 or visit augustamuseum.org.
North Augusta Driving Tour
Arts and Heritage Center of North Augusta Offered by appointment and includes a 30-45-minute guided tour and admission to the center. Self-guided tours are also available through an iPhone downloadable audio tour or a Google Maps-based tour. Guided tours: $5, adults; $3, students K-12. Call 803-441-4380 or visit artsandheritagecenter.com.
Tours
Boyhood Home of President Woodrow Wilson Guided tours, approximately 45 minutes long, are offered Thursday-Saturday on the hour from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Group tours are available by advanced reservation. Adults, $5;
seniors, $4; kids K-12, $3; under 5 years, free. Call 706-7240436 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 706-7244067 or visit visitaugusta.org.
1 Million Cups
theClubhou.se Held from 8-9 a.m. on the first Wednesday of every month is an opportunity for two early-stage start-ups to present their companies to an audience of mentors, advisors and other entrepreneurs. Each founder presents for six minutes, followed by a Q&A. Coffee and doughnuts are provided. To apply, visit 1millioncups.com/augusta. Visit theclubhou.se or call 706-723-5782.
EXHIBITIONS Thu Apr 12
5pm - 7pm Exhibit Opening Reception
Sacred Heart Cultural Center Featuring works by Katherine McCall. The exhibition will remain on display through April 30. Reception is free and open to the public. Call 706-826-4700 or email kimsacredheart@knology.net.
5pm - 7pm Senior Capstone Exhibition Opening Reception
Mary S. Byrd Gallery Featuring works by AU student Avalyn Zilke, this exhibit is showing through April 20. Call 706-729-2427 or email shamorris@augusta.edu.
6pm - 8pm Exhibition Celebration
Morris Museum of Art Featuring the exhibition “Augusta Collects: Southern Art,” a compilation of paintings sourced from local collectors. Refreshments included. Free, members; $5, nonmembers. Call 706-828-3867, email kara.exum@themorris.org or visit themorris.org.
Fri Apr 13
6pm - 8pm Opening Reception
Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art Featuring Thomas Crowther in the Main Gallery with Be Careful of the Ants and Staci Swider in the Creel-Harison Community Gallery with Reckless Acts of Faith. Visit ghia.org or call 706-722-5495.
6pm - 8pm Senior Capstone Exhibition Opening Reception
Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art Featuring works by AU students Alexandra Church, Erin Crocker, Heather Farris, KeJuan Tanksley, Brittany Smith and Mitchell Smith, this exhibit is showing through April 27. Call 706-729-2428 or email kcasaletto@augusta.edu.
Sat Apr 14
5pm - 8pm Senior Capstone Exhibition Opening Reception
600 Broad Street Featuring works by AU students Eleanor Hall, Erica Langsam, Susan McKew, Carmen Moses and Haley Sullivan, this exhibit is showing through April 27. Call 706-729-2428 or email kcasaletto@augusta.edu. AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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Ongoing
FLIX
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”; “Life Cycles”; and “Canteens to Combat Boots,” and the “Victorian Era in Augusta.” Call 706722-8454 or visit augustamuseum.org.
Noon “The Grass Harp” (1995)
Exhibits
Multi-Artist Show
Aiken Center for the Arts Featuring the “Your Doctor Is In!” exhibit with works by local physicians, potter Frank Lustig and Aiken Artist Guild Past Presidents’ 50th Anniversary Celebration. The exhibits are on display through May 4. Call 803-6419094 or visit aikencenterforthearts.org.
Exhibitions
Order of St. Helena Episcopal Works including 2D, 3D and mixed media by 18 members of the North Augusta Artists Guild will be on display and for sale through April 13. Visit osh.org or naartistsguild.org.
Springfest and Golf Art Exhibition
Arts & Heritage Center of North Augusta The main gallery exhibition is the North Augusta Cultural Arts Council’s “Springfest” Exhibition. The Balcony Gallery features a Golf Art exhibit. Both exhibitions will be on display through April 20. Call 803-441-4380 or visit artsandheritagecenter.com.
Sentiments & Origins
Westobou Gallery Showing through April 20, this exhibition features contemporary interpretations of flowers and foliage by artists Frances de La Rosa, Cynthia Farnell, Juan Alberto Negroni, and Pandra Williams in collaboration with Jennifer Garcia-Green. Call 706-755-2878 or visit westoboufestival.com.
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Fri Apr 13
Morris Museum of Art Part of the Films on Friday series that includes a discussion afterwards. Participants are invited to bring lunch. Free, with refreshments. Call 706-724-7501 or visit themorris.org.
Sat Apr 14
Noon A Day of International Cinema and Culture
AU’s Maxwell Theatre Free. Call 706-667-4100 or visit augusta.edu/ maxwelltheatre.
Mon Apr 16
3:30pm “A Man Named Pearl”
Aiken Public Library Part of the Gardening Film Fest, this is the true story of self-taught South Carolina topiary artist Pearl Fryer. Call 803-642-2020 or visit abbe-lib.org.
7:30pm “Deli Man”
Jabez S. Hardin Performing Arts Center $10, general; $5 students. This film screening is part of the Augusta Jewish Film Festival. Visit augustajcc.org.
Tue Apr 17
5:30pm - 8pm Tuesday Night Movie Series
Headquarters Branch Library Eclectic variety of films. Visit arcpls.org or call 706-821-2600.
6:30pm “Audrie and Daisy”
AU’s JSAC Ballroom This Netflix documentary chronicles the experiences of two sexual assault survivors. A live Q&A with Daisy and her brother will take place after the film. Free refreshments provided by Tin Lizzy’s. Call 706-737-1735 or visit calendar.augusta.edu.
6:30pm “Queen’s Garden” Aiken Public Library
Part of the Gardening Film Fest, this film covers the history and natural history of the Buckingham Palace Garden in London, England. Refreshments provided by the Garden Club of Aiken. Call 803-642-2020 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Headquarters Branch Library A free cardio dance class. Call 706-821-2600 or visit arcpls.org.
Wed Apr 18
University Hospital’s Heart & Vascular Institute A class that offers information, diagnostic exams, lab work, a personal plan and more. Pre-registration required. Call 706-774-5548 or visit universityhealth.org.
3:30pm “Brookgreen Gardens” Aiken Public Library Part of the Gardening Film Fest, two documentaries provide an overview of the botanical and sculpture gardens at Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet, S.C. Call 803-642-2020 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Thu Apr 19
6:30pm “This Beautiful Fantastic”
Aiken Public Library Part of the Gardening Film Fest, this film tells the story of young writer/librarian, Bella, who faces eviction over her neglected garden and meets her grumpy neighbor, a talented horticulturalist. Call 803-642-2020 or visit abbe-lib.org.
HEALTH
Thu Apr 12
7pm Women’s Center Tour
University Hospital Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.
Sat Apr 14
10:30am Childbirth Tour
AU Health Call 706-721-2273 or visit calendar.augusta. edu.
Mon Apr 16
1pm Look Good, Feel Better
University’s Breast Health Center An American Cancer Society program that aims to help female cancer patients combat the appearance-related side-effects of chemo and radiation. Pre-registration required. Call 706-774-4141 or visit universityhealth.org.
6:30pm Refit
Tue Apr 17
2pm Heart Attack & Stroke Prevention Class
7pm - 8:30pm Babies, Bumps and Bruises
Doctors Hospital Pre-registration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.
Wed Apr 18
6pm Hip-Hop Yoga
Bernie Ward Community Center Led by certified yoga teacher Karin Bush, this weekly hourlong Hip-Hop Yoga class is an athletically powered vinyasa flow challenging all levels, set to your favorite hip-hop and R&B tunes. Beginners welcome. $10. Email clearlykarinyoga@gmail.com or call 470-2409412.
Thu Apr 19
5:30pm HIV Testing
Maxwell Branch Library Free, confidential testing, counseling and treatment referrals from Augusta University’s Ryan White Outreach Team. Call 706-7214436, or visit augusta.edu/mcg/medicine/ infdis/ryanwhite or arcpls.org.
6pm Breastfeeding Class
University Hospital Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.
6pm and 7pm Center for Women Tour Doctors Hospital Pre-registration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.
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6:30pm - 9:30pm Breastfeeding Class
Doctors Hospital Pre-registration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.
Ongoing
Augusta Meditation Meetup
Unity of Augusta sanctuary Licensed Professional Counselor Cynthia Gray leads this 20-minute non-religious, breath-awareness meditation at 9 a.m. Sundays. Find more details at meetup.com, or email cynthiagray@outlook.com.
Meditation Sessions
The Yoga Center, North Augusta Led by members of the Southeastern Buddhist Community the first and second Wednesday of each month. Sessions are free and open to the public. Visit sebuddhist.org.
HOBBIES Thu Apr 12
8pm - 9:30pm Augusta Archaeological Society Meeting
Big Daddy’s Bar & Grill The meeting’s speaker will be Kelli Spearman with the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area, who will speak on the Confederate Powder Works from the War between the States through the 21st century plans of the site. Dinner, 6:30 p.m.; program, 8 p.m. Call 706-829-1615.
Sat Apr 14
10:30am Genealogy for Free
Headquarters Branch Library This class led by Georgia Room genealogist Tina Rae Floyd will teach participants about the free genealogy database website FamilySearch.org. Pre-registration required. Call 706-826-1511 or visit arcpls.org.
11am - 12:30pm Knitting Circle
Thu Apr 19
at 11:15 a.m. Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.
recommended. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.
The Book Tavern A club open to all ages and skill levels that meets the first and third Thursdays of each month. Participants are encouraged to bring their own chess sets. Call 706-826-1940 or visit booktavern.com.
12:30pm - 2pm Mr. Kenny’s Wondrous Stories, Songs and Play
3:30pm Anime Club
6:30pm - 8:30pm PWN AUG Chess Club Meeting
Ongoing
Basic Genealogy Tutorials
Headquarters Branch Library’s Georgia Heritage Room Free sessions offered by appointment. Call 706-826-1511 or visit arcpls.org.
KIDS-TEENS
Sat Apr 14
All day Library Scavenger Hunt
Fort Gordon Indoor Pool This event is designed to introduce youths to the multisport world; participants will start and swim their distances at the indoor pool, then transition into the run which will take place on a closed route on Barton Field Track. Medals and trophies will be awarded. Pre-registration required. Visit fortgordonrunseries.com.
Thu Apr 12
Headquarters Branch Library Stop by the Children’s Department anytime through April 14 to complete a special Library Scavenger Hunt for a special prize. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.
10:30am Create with Me: Hole in One!
Morris Museum of Art Participants will view the exhibition “The Academy of Golf Art: Artists of the Game,” then create their own golf ball sculptures. Free, members and parents; $4 per participant, nonmembers. Pre-registration required. Call 706-724-7501 or visit themorris.org.
1pm - 3pm Homeschool Adventure
Mistletoe State Park For homeschool students ages 5 and up. $5 per child, plus $5 parking. Pre-registration required. Call 706-541-0321 or visit gastateparks.org/mistletoe.
Woodworth Consolidated Library, Fort Gordon Open to the public, this weekly gathering is for knitters and crocheters. Registration required. Call 706-791-0396, ext. 4674, or visit fortgordon.com/events.
4pm Teen Advisory Board
Mon Apr 16
Headquarters Branch Library A teen event in which participants will help plan upcoming programs. Call 706-434-2036 or visit arcpls.org.
6pm - 8pm Civil War Roundtable Meeting Goodwill’s The Snelling Center George C. Rable, a history professor emeritus at the University of Alabama, presents on “God as General: Was There a Religious History ofthe American Civil War?” based on his book “God’s Almost Chosen People: A Rebellious History of the American Civil War.” Meetings are $23,including dinner (buffet starts at 5:15). Membership is $25 per year, individual; $40, couple. Call 706-7362909 or visitcivilwarroundtableaugustaga. com. 12APRIL2018
Jessye Norman School of the Arts Participants will read, sing, play musical instruments and explore movement designed to help them develop both literary and cognitive skills. Parents or caregivers participate in the class through age 3. Preschool and kindergarten children may attend with, or without, a parent or caregiver. $10; pre-registration required. Call 706-8287768 or visit jessyenormanschool.org.
Columbia County Library Teens can help plan programs for the Teen Department while getting volunteer credit. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
5:30pm TAG Meeting
Fri Apr 13
10am - noon Play and Grow
Aiken Public Library A drop-in program for kids ages 0-5 that includes DUPLO blocks toys, puppets and more. Call 803-642-2020 or visit abbe-lib.org.
10:30am - noon Story Times
North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library Story time for kids ages 0-2 begins at 10:30 a.m., and story time for kids ages 3-6 begins
9am Fort Gordon Splash and Dash
9:30am - 11am Children’s Hike with Story Time
Phinizy Swamp Nature Park Story time and nature hike designed for kids from toddler age to age 8. Pre-registration required. Free, members; $2, nonmembers. Call 706-396-1428 or email info@ phinizycenter.org.
10am - noon Anime & the Graphic Novel
Kroc Center, Senior Lounge Kids and teens ages 8 to 15 will learn the basics of storytelling, drawing and inking using both anime and classic comic book art styles. No previous experience necessary; all supplies provided. $35. There will be a free anime movie showing in the theater after class for the whole family. Call 706-364-5762 or visit augustakroc.org.
11am “Pig the Star” Story Time Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.
11am - 2pm Family Kite and Flight Festival
Citizens Park III, Aiken Hosted by the city of Aiken Parks and Recreation Department, this event will include kite-flying, inflatables, train rides, live music and more. Free admission, but tickets must be purchased to participate in amusements and activities. Email rgaines@ cityofaikensc.gov or call 803-642-7649.
2pm Lego Club
Headquarters Branch Library Legos provided. Pre-registration
Headquarters Branch Library Celebrate your fandom of manga and anime. Visit arcpls.org or call 706-821-2600.
8pm All About Frogs
Reed Creek Park Kids ages 5 and up will learn about and listen to local frogs. Free, members and nonmembers. Pre-registration required; register through reedcreekpark.com. For information, call 706-210-4027 or email reedcreekpark@columbiacountyga.gov.
Mon Apr 16
10am Tiny Tot Story Time
Reed Creek Park “Rain, Rain, Rivers” story time for kids ages 2-4. Free, members and nonmembers. Pre-registration required; register through reedcreekpark.com. For information, call 706-210-4027 or email reedcreekpark@ columbiacountyga.gov.
10:30am Jr. Lego Club
Headquarters Branch Library For kids ages 2-4. Legos provided. Preregistration required. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.
4pm - 5:30pm Makerspace
Columbia County Library Teens will have the opportunity to work collaboratively or on their own projects under staff guidance while using library equipment. Call 706-868-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
Tue Apr 17
10am All Ages Story Time
Headquarters Branch Library Stories, songs and rhymes. Pre-registration recommended. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.
10:30am - 11am Ms. Kathy’s Story Time
Imagination Station Stories, songs, counting and dancing are a part of this story time. Free for members; included with $10 admission for up to 3 kids for nonmembers. Email imagine. augusta@ gmail.com or visit imagineaugusta.org.
4pm Storytime in the Gardens
Hopelands Gardens, Aiken For families with children ages 8 and younger. Blankets, chairs, drinks and snacks are welcome. Call 803-642-7631 or visit cityofaikensc.gov.
4:30pm Gaming Club for Teens Headquarters Branch Library For teens who play games like “Yu Gi Oh,” “Magic: The Gathering,” “Pokemon” and more. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org. AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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Columbia County Library A club for experienced guitar players. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
Fri Apr 13
All day World Voice Day
AU’s Maxwell Theatre Presented by the Augusta University Opera Initiative. Free and open to the public. Call 706-667-4100 or visit augusta.edu/ maxwelltheatre.
6:30pm - 8pm Music Cruise
Augusta Canal National Heritage Area Featuring The Henrys, with folk/bluegrass/ Americana instrumentals. Participants are invited to bring snacks and beverages. $25. Pre-registration required. Call 706-823-0440, ext. 4, or visit augustacanal.com.
7:30pm Semi-Toned (A Cappella Group)
Fort Gordon Splash and Dash Fort Gordon Indoor Pool 9am Sat Apr 14 This event is designed to introduce youths to the multisport world; participants will start and swim their distances at the indoor pool, then transition into the run which will take place on a closed route on Barton Field Track. Medals and trophies will be awarded. Pre-registration required. Visit fortgordonrunseries.com. 5pm Girls Who Code Club
Headquarters Branch Library Girls in grades 6-12 explore coding in a fun and friendly way. Free, but pre-registration is required. Call 706-394-2187 or visit girlswhocode.com/clubs or arcpls.org.
Wed Apr 18
10am Music and Movement
Headquarters Branch Library Music, songs, dance and rhymes for children. Groups of six or more require registration. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.
10am Story Time
Maxwell Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-793-2020 or visit arcpls.org.
10am Story Time for Tots
Headquarters Branch Library For kids ages 0-3. Pre-registration recommended. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.
10:05am Toddler Story Time
Appleby Branch Library This is a program best for children ages 18 months-3 years. Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.
10am Wacky Wednesday Story Time Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.
10:30am Preschool Story Time 30 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Etherredge Center, Aiken $40, general. Visit etherredge.usca.edu or call 803-641-3305.
Raheem DeVaughn RESCHEDULED
Appleby Branch Library Songs, finger plays and stories for kids ages 18 months to 3 years. Pre-registration required for groups of six or more. Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.
Wednesdays and Fridays for an hour at 9:30 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. Free, members; $2 per visit, nonmembers. Activity follows the Richmond County school calendar. Call 706364-5762 or visit augustakroc.org.
10:30am - noon Super Awesome Story Time
After-School Program
The Book Tavern Juice and cookies provided by New Moon Cafe. Call 706-826-1940 or email superawesomestorytime@booktavern.com.
Thu Apr 19
5pm TAG Teen Advisory Group
Aiken Public Library Help plan teen programs, choose new materials and earn volunteer hours. Open to ages 13-18. Call Jennifer at 803-642-2020, ext. 1141, or visit abbe-lib.org.
Ongoing
The Shepard Project
Metropolitan Community Church of Our Redeemer A teen hangout and safe space for LGBTQ+ teens, ages 14-17, and allies that meets the first and third Tuesday of each month from 5-8 p.m. The group is also looking for chaperones ages 25 and older and youth mentors 18-24 years old, who must pass a background check. Call 803-617-8352 or email shepardprojectaugusta@gmail.com.
Homeschool PE
Kroc Center For kids ages 5-12 and meets Mondays,
Miller Theater This show is rescheduled to 8 p.m. June 16. All tickets purchased through the venue will be honored for the new date, and the Miller Theater will offer refunds through Friday, April 27. $32-$100. Visit millertheateraugusta.com or call 800-5143849.
Sat Apr 14
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 2:30-5 p.m. and follows the Aiken County Public School calendar. $20 first child, then a $5 sibling discount. Call 803-642-7634.
8am - 2pm Saturday Morning Swing
LITERARY
8pm “Weird Al” Yankovic w/ Emo Philips
Thu Apr 12
7pm - 9pm Southern Grit with David Joy and Brian Panowich
Columbia County Library Meet authors David Joy and Brian Panowich and learn about their creative processes. Visit gchrl.org or call 706-863-1946.
Ongoing
Kroc Book Club
Kroc Center This diverse group of people who love to read and talk about literature meets the fourth Wednesday of the month from 6:30 to 8 p.m. For ages 25 and up. Call 706-364-5762 or visit augustakroc.org.
MUSIC
Thu Apr 12
6pm - 7:30pm Adult Guitar Club
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.
Miller Theater $49.50-$62.50. Visit millertheateraugusta. com or call 800-514-3849.
8pm - 11pm Sweet-n-Salty
Humanitree House An Augusta Blues Company concert that features a mix of blues, funk, rock and soul. $10. Visit augustabluescompany.com or call 585-507-2047.
Sun Apr 15
2pm Marshall Ruffin
Morris Museum of Art Part of the Music at the Morris series. Free. Call 706-724-7501 or visit themorris.org.
4pm Adam Golka
Jabez S. Hardin Performing Arts Center The Symphony Orchestra Augusta presents 12APRIL2018
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this pianist. $24. Visit soaugusta.org or call 706-826-4705.
Thu Apr 12
Tue Apr 17
Aiken (various locations) SC Humanities, the state affiliate of the National Endowment of the Humanities, sponsors a statewide festival in a different location each year. This year, the festival comes to Aiken, providing an opportunity for the city to showcase its rich cultural history. The kick-off event will be at 7:30 p.m. April 12 in the Etherredge Center, followed by two full days, April 13 and 14, of programming at various locations in the city. Visit facebook. com/2018SCHF.
7:30pm AU Jazz Ensemble Concert
AU’s Maxwell Theatre $5, general; free, AU and EGSC students, faculty and staff. Call 706-667-4100 or visit augusta.edu/maxwelltheatre.
Thu Apr 19
7:30pm - 9pm AU Wind Ensemble Concert
AU’s Maxwell Theatre $5, general; free, AU and EGSC students, faculty and staff. Call 706-667-4100 or visit calendar.augusta.edu.
7:30pm Thomas Rhett w/ Brett Young, Carly Pearce James Brown Arena $41.75-$76.75. Call 877-4AUGTIX or visit georgialinatix.com.
Ongoing
The Augusta Broadway Singers Goes to the Movies
Church of the Holy Comforter Under the direction of Les Reagan, TABS will present Broadway choruses that have been featured in movie musicals, from 1917 to the present day (including “Porgy & Bess” and “Beauty and the Beast.” The show starts at 7 p.m. April 20. $20, ages 13 and up; $10, ages 12 and under. Visit tabsaugusta.com/ when or email info@tabsaugusta.com.
Daon Drisdom’s Piano Lessons & Workshops
Jessye Norman School of the Arts The free workshops take place from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays. Paid private lessons available. Call 706-828-7768 or visit jessyenormanschool.org/on-the-keys-w-mr-d.
Keith Jenkins’ Guitar Lessons & Workshops Jessye Norman School of the Arts The group sessions take place from 6 to 7 p.m. Thurdays; donations accepted. Paid private lessons available. Call 706-828-7768 or visit jessyenormanschool.org/guitarlessons-w-keith-jenkins.
SENIORS
Thu Apr 19
6pm - 10pm Senior Adult Formal Prom Robert Howard Community Center Hosted by the Augusta Recreation & Parks Senior Services Division, this annual Spring Prom is for people 60 and older. Bring a date or find one there. Dinner and light refreshments will be served. Call 706-8211754 or email ymarshall@augustaga.gov.
SPECIAL EVENTS 12APRIL2018
All day South Carolina Humanities Festival
6pm Candidate Forum
Carrie J. Mays Center Sponsored by Turpin Hill Neighborhood Association No. 1, this forum will include District 2 candidates Cleveland Garrison and Dennis Williams, and State Court candidates attorney Monique Walker and Judge Robert “Bo” Hunter. Barbara Gordon of the Metro Courier will be the moderator. Call 706-7242768.
McBean Community Park This free yard sale includes activities for kids. Yard sale spaces are $5. Call 706-560-1814 or email dpettigrew@augustaga.gov.
a bartender for a free signature cocktail or an ice cold brew. $16. Visit facebook.com/ events/153209672021977.
10am - 1pm Walk for Animals
6pm - 8pm 22nd Annual Take Back the Night Rally
SPCA Albrecht Center, Aiken Registration/check-in starts at 9 a.m. Visit letlovelive.org or call 803-648-6863.
2pm - 3:30pm Natural Hair Meet-Up
Headquarters Branch Library This meet-up for women with natural hair includes sharing experiences, light refreshments, activities and open discussion. Visit arcpls.org or call 706-821-2600.
6pm “Magic Tree House: Space Mission”
Dupont Planetarium, Aiken Weather permitting, the observatory, housing the Bechtel Telescope, will be available for viewing after each show. $2-$6.50. Call 803641-3654 or visit rpsec.usca.edu.
7pm and 8pm “Seven Wonders”
8pm Comedian Kathleen Madigan
Miller Theater $35-$45. Visit millertheateraugusta.com or call 800-514-3849.
Dupont Planetarium, Aiken Weather permitting, the observatory, housing the Bechtel Telescope, will be available for viewing after each show. $2-$6.50. Call 803641-3654 or visit rpsec.usca.edu.
Sat Apr 14
Sun Apr 15
Downtown Aiken Six historic homes will be on tour in downtown Aiken. Complete the tour at the Tea Garden and Parlor of St. Thaddeus, where a strawberry and cream tea will be served from 2 to 5 p.m. Shop the Heritage Market from 1 to 4 p.m., featuring reimagined antique linens and gifts. $40 per person; tickets can be purchased at stthaddeus.org, at the St. Thaddeus Church Office, or at 3 Monkeys Gifts, and Lamps, Shades, and Things. Call 803-648-5497 or visit stthaddeus.org.
Augusta Canal National Heritage Area Learn how the Sibley Mill power plant operates. Free, but donations appreciated. Call 706-823-0440, ext. 2, or visit augustacanal.com.
All day St. Thaddeus Home & Garden Tour
8am - 2pm Augusta Market on the River
8th Street Plaza, Reynolds Street The event features vendors of all kinds, activities, live entertainment and more. Visit theaugustamarket.com.
8am - 4pm Saturday Pop-Up Market
5th Street Marina Vendors will set up at 8 a.m. and stay set up until at least 2 p.m. but can stay until 4 p.m. Held weekly on Saturday through Dec. 22; no market on rainy Saturdays. Call 706-8695404 for information; sign up on the day of the event.
8am - 2pm Spring Fling Yard Sale
3pm - 4:30pm Canal Trail Talk: Inside Sibley Mill Power Plant
3pm Organizational Meeting
Earth Fare This meeting features the CSRA Chapter of Americans United for Separation of Church and State. Visit amunitedcsra.org.
Wed Apr 18
Noon League of Women Voters Meeting Friedman Branch Library Meeting the third Wednesday of every month, the League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government. Suitable for ages 18 and older. Email csra. lwv@gmail.com or visit facebook.com/ CSRALeagueofWomenVoters.
6pm - 7:30pm Yoga at Sky City
Sky City Taylor Watts from the The Yoga Center will be guiding a yoga class from The Hangar Stage in the back from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., while Lee Landers will be creating aural soundscapes to relax your soul. After your practice, turn in your ticket to
Thu Apr 19
AU’s Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre front lawn Co-sponsored by Rape Crisis & Sexual Assault Services, Augusta University, Augusta Technical College, Paine College and Fort Gordon, this event begins with community information and special activities. The rally, featuring speakers and testimonials from sexual assault survivors, and candlelight campus march begins at 7 p.m. Take Back the Night celebrates the triumphs of survivors and raises the community’s awareness of the sexual victimization of children, women and men. Call 706-724-5200 or visit rapecrisisaugusta.org.
6:30pm A Night at the Tavern
North Augusta’s Living History Park The evening starts off with wine and ale in the tavern, with several kinds of food offered throughout the evening. Event includes songs, games and dance of the 18th century. $50 per person; pre-registration required. Email Lynn@colonialtimes.us or call 803-215-0837.
7pm Garden Festival Preview Party
Sacred Heart Cultural Center This event features dinner and entertainment with a sneak preview of the Garden Festival, held from April 20 to 22. $75 admission includes ticket to Friday night concert featuring Joe Stevenson. Reservations requested. Call 706-826-4700 or visit sacredheartaugusta.org.
Ongoing
ARC Class of 1968 50th Reunion Old Medical College of Georgia The Academy of Richmond County Class of 1968 is having its 50th anniversary reunion June 9. Visit arcclassof68.com to learn more, and share the website with your out-of-town classmates. Email Hap Harris at hharris@sbbinsurance.com, Keith Henry at henryke@bellsouth.net, or Gail Evans Patty at gepatty@aol.com.
SPIRITUAL Sat Apr 14
4pm - 5:30pm Uplifting Conversations - Do We Have to Agree to Get Along?
Baha’i Community Room This free event features a discussion on how to have meaningful conversations when there are differences of opinion, while exploring the spiritual virtues and conflict resolution techniques that can build bridges of communication. Email baha’isofaugusta@ gmail.com. AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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vs. Lexington Legends
SRP Park, North Augusta $8-$13. Call 706-736-7889 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.
Mon Apr 16
7:05pm Augusta GreenJackets vs. Kannapolis Intimidators SRP Park, North Augusta $8-$13. Call 706-736-7889 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.
Tue Apr 17
7:05pm Augusta GreenJackets vs. Kannapolis Intimidators SRP Park, North Augusta $8-$13. Call 706-736-7889 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.
Wed Apr 18
Family Kite and Flight Festival Citizens Park III, Aiken 11am - 2pm Sat Apr 14 Hosted by the city of Aiken Parks and Recreation Department, this event will include kite-flying, inflatables, train rides, live music and more. Free admission, but tickets must be purchased to participate in amusements and activities. Email rgaines@cityofaikensc.gov or call 803-642-7649.
Ongoing
Food, Faith & Fitness
Kroc Center This faith-based fitness class meets each Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Call 706-364-5762 or visit augustakroc.org.
Golden Agers
Kroc Center This seniors group meets every Monday at 9:30 a.m. for Bible study, crafts, exercise, educational workshops and more. Call 706364-5762 or visit augustakroc.org.
Creative Arts
Kroc Center A program that meets each Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. in which those ages 13 and older worship and develop their gifts in dance, drama and music. Call 706-364-5762 or visit augustakroc.org/
Kroc Kids
Kroc Center A program for those ages 3-12 years old that meets each Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. Participants will develop character and and understanding of God through games, singing, arts, crafts and more. Snacks provided. Call 706-364-5762 or visit augustakroc.org.
SPORTS-OUTDOORS Thu Apr 12
5:30pm Fencers Club: Kids 32 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Augusta Fencers Club This introductory class for kids (ages 6-9) runs for 10 weeks. $180 with active military and family discounts available; all competitive equipment provided. Visit augustafencersclub. com, email rvolk1@comcast.net or call 706722-8878.
7:35pm Augusta GreenJackets vs. Lexington Legends SRP Park, North Augusta $8-$9. Call 706-736-7889 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.
Fri Apr 13
All day Low Down Throw Down
8am - 5pm Aiken Spring Classic Horse Show
Highfields Event Center The Aiken Spring Classic draws participants from all over the country, Canada, and several other foreign countries to compete at the Premier Level. Repeats daily through May 1. Call 803-649-3577 or visit psjshows.com.
3173 or visit stableviewfarm.com.
7:30am - 10am Take Back the Day 5K
Augusta University Amphitheater A benefit for Rape Crisis and Sexual Assault Services on an all-downhill course that begins with registration at 7:30 a.m., followed by kick-off at 8:30 a.m. and the race at 8:45 a.m. Runners: $25, advance; $30, day of race; $20, active-duty military. Walkers: $5, students; $10, individuals; $15, families. Strollers and leashed dogs welcome. Visit active.com to register. Call 706-724-5200 or visit rapecrisisaugusta.org.
Columbia County Exhibition Center A roller derby tournament featuring 12 teams from across the Southeast (including Augusta’s Soul City Sirens) playing a total 16 games over the weekend. Continues through Sunday, April 15. $15 per day; $25, weekend pass; $5 discount for military; free, kids 12 and under. Visit soulcitysirens.com or call 706-650-5000.
8am - noon Jimmy Jog 5K & 10K
7:05pm Augusta GreenJackets vs. Lexington Legends
SRP Park, North Augusta $9-$14. Call 706-736-7889 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.
SRP Park, North Augusta $8-$13. Call 706-736-7889 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.
Sat Apr 14
All day Eventing Academy
Stable View Farms, Aiken This equestrian event is free for spectators. Continues Sunday, April 15. Call 484-356-
Lake Olmstead Park Race begins at 8:45 a.m. The Delta Chi Augusta event benefits the Jimmy V Foundation for Cancer Research. $20-$35. Visit eventbrite.com, or call 678-338-1327 or email dhruvatri1@gmail.com.
6:05pm Augusta GreenJackets vs. Lexington Legends
10:35am Augusta GreenJackets vs. Kannapolis Intimidators SRP Park, North Augusta $8-$9. Call 706-736-7889 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.
6:30pm - 9pm Ladies Night Pickleball
Newman Tennis Center $2 per person; call 706-821-1600 to sign up. Newman Tennis Center will have paddles and balls, but bring your own if you have them. Also, free play is available from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Fridays.
Ongoing
It’s a Stretch: Yoga for the Stiff Skeptic
Jessye Norman School of the Arts This class takes place from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays. $10. Call 706-828-7768 or visit jessyenormanschool.org/its-a-stretchmore-yoga-for-the-stiff-skeptic.
CSRA GYN Cancer Support Group’s Annual Golf Tournament
7pm Viral Pro Wrestling
Sweetwater Gym, Thomson $15, front row; $12, floor; $10, general; free, kids 5 and under. Visit facebook.com/ ViralProWrestling.
Jones Creek Golf Club This tournament coming 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 27 benefits the CSRA GYN Cancer Support Group. $100 per player for teams of four. Hole sponsorship is $125 for one hole or $200 for two. Registration includes lunch, prizes and goodie bag. The deadline to register is April 17. Visit gyncancergolf. eventbrite.com to register, or call 706-7213992 to donate.
2:05pm Augusta GreenJackets
Hilltop Lesson Dates 12APRIL2018
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Hilltop Riding Stable, Fort Gordon Private and semi-private horse riding lessons are available for all ages and abilities from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Call 706-791-4864 or visit fortgordon.com/events.
Augusta Sports Leagues
This organization offers adult sports leagues and social events, including kickball, soccer, flag football, softball, basketball, indoor and sand volleyball, cornhole, dodgeball and more for coed and men’s leagues. For more information, visit augustasportsleagues.com or call 706-309-0280.
Free Fun Run Thursdays
Your Pie, North Augusta Hosted by Fleet Feet Sports, this is intended for anyone looking for a 2- to 5-mile run with a group. It happens at 6 p.m. every first, second, third and fourth Thursday of the month. Wear lights and reflective gear when appropriate for better visibility. Email training@fleetfeetaugusta.com or visit facebook.com/events/218818291994876.
Gordon Lanes Dollar Fifty Days
Gordon Lanes Bowling Center, Fort Gordon Bowl Mondays and Wednesdays during select times for $1.50, and get shoe rentals for $1.50. Call 706-791-3446 or visit fortgordon.com/ events.
Method are able to live healthy, productive lives with lower levels of tension, anger, fear, anxiety, stress, compulsions, and other symptoms. Email marykahb@yahoo.com.
Alzheimer’s Support Group
Kroc Center Meeting the first Thursday of every month from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., this support group helps those dealing with Alzheimer’s or someone who is a caregiver of an individual who is affected by Alzheimer’s. Call 706-9228338
Furry Friends
AU’s Cancer Clinic On the second and fourth Monday of every month, the Georgia Cancer Center uses furry friends to help people recover from or cope with various physical and emotional health issues related to cancer. Call 706-721-0472 or visit augusta.edu.
Georgia Carolina Toastmasters
Headquarters Branch Library Socialize with and support others who are ages 50 and up with low vision or blindness. Call 706-724-6262. Sponsored by Walton Options.
St. Alban’s Episcopal Church fellowship hall The group meets Mondays, with weigh-in beginning at 5:15 p.m. and the meeting beginning at 6:30 p.m. Call 706-790-0391 or visit tops.org.
Mon Apr 16
TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly)
Daksha Chudgar Lydia House This free support group is for women with gynecologic cancer and their caregivers. Call 706-825-1544 or email reneemc103@gmail. com.
Ongoing
Recovery International Mental Health Support Group
Unitarian Universalist Church of Augusta A weekly group that meets Wednesday from 6:30-8 p.m. Based on the work of Abraham Low, MD, RI offers its members a low cost method to regain and maintain their mental health by using mental health through will training. People who stick with the RI 12APRIL2018
This 12-step, self help program for people who are addicted to food meets for an hour at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church at 10 a.m. Tuesdays and at Covenant Presbyterian Church at 1:30 p.m. Saturdays. No dues or fees. 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.
Trinity Hospital of Augusta Meets Fridays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. Visit na.org.
1pm - 3pm Looking Forward Group for Older Blind
6:15pm CSRA GYN Cancer Support Group
Overeaters Anonymous
Grief Share Program
TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) GA, 110 Augusta
10am WIC Breastfeeding Support Group
Meets quarterly. Call for more information. Call 706-868-3241.
Alcoholics Anonymous
Headquarters Branch Library Call 706-821-2600 or visit arcpls.org.
Sat Apr 14
Diabetes Youth Support Group
Group empowers people to become more effective communicators and leaders. Meets weekly from noon-1 p.m. Wednesdays at Fat Man’s Cafe. Email jmcneill22@att.net or call 706-798-5515. Aldersgate United Methodist Church This program is for people who have had a loved one pass away and need to share with others in the difficult journey. There is a $20 registration fee, with free child care and scholarships available. The group will meet Sunday evenings through April 1. Email showmanjj@comcast.net or call 706-8308741.
SUPPORT
provided. Pre-registration suggested. Visit cr@journeycommunity.net.
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 www.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
Journey Community Church This Christ-centered recovery program meets every Monday night at 7 p.m. The meetings last two hours and childcare is
Holds several meetings locally. For a current schedule, visit augustaaa.org/documents/ Meetings/meetings.pdf.
Narcotics Anonymous
general; $12, faculty, staff and seniors; $8, students. Visit etherredge.usca.edu or call 803-641-3305.
VOLUNTEER Sat Apr 14
9am - noon Masters Table Gardens Volunteer Day
Masters Table Soup Kitchen Gardens Volunteers will help tend to the gardens to help the Masters Table Soup Kitchen provide fresh herbs and veggies to the people they serve. Participants should wear closed-toe shoes, sunscreen and bring gloves and a water bottle. Families welcome. Visit augustalocallygrown.org.
Ongoing
Communities In Schools of Augusta Richmond County
This nonprofit works full-time inside K-12 schools with help from volunteers throughout the community. Opportunities include reading to a classroom of children, helping small groups of elementary school children with basic learning skills (like reading and math flash cards) and tutoring high-schoolers on math. Donations also are accepted. For volunteer opportunities, email salias@ cisaugusta.org or call 706-550-7716; for donation opportunities, email dkalliokoski@ cisaugusta.org or call 706-550-7716. Visit cisaugusta.org for more information.
Beyond the Bars
A support group for those with incarcerated loved ones. Call 706-855-8636.
THEATER Wed Apr 18
8pm Improv Academy Showcase Le Chat Noir Featuring sketches, stand-up and improv comedy. $7. Visit lcnaugusta.com or improvacademyaugusta.com.
Joe White Publisher joe@themetrospirit.com 706-373-3636 Amanda Main Arts Editor/Production Director amanda@themetrospirit.com
Ongoing
Stacey Eidson Staff Writer stacey@themetrospirit.com
Aiken Community Playhouse Showing at 7:30 p.m. April 13, 14, 20 and 21, and at 3 p.m. April 15. $20, adults; $17, seniors and active military; $12, students; $7, children. Call 803- 648-1438 or visit aikencommunityplayhouse.com.
Joshua Bailey Lead Designer joshua@themetrospirit.com
“The Dixie Swim Club”
Quickies Short Original Play Festival
Le Chat Noir Showing at 8 p.m. April 13, 14, 19, 20 and 21. Several plays are featured in this juried showcase of original works that are between 10-15 minutes long. $20. Call 706-722-3322 or visit lcnaugusta.com/store/quickies-shortplay-festival.
“Doubt”
Etherredge Center, Aiken Showing at 7:30 p.m. April 18-22. $15,
Johnny Beckworth Circulation Manager jdbeckworth@gmail.com COVER DESIGN: KRUHU Contributors Jenny Wright, Austin Rhodes, Kris Fisher, Michael Johnson Metro Spirit is a free newspaper published weekly on Thursday, 52 weeks a year. Editorial coverage includes local issues and news, arts, entertainment, people, places and events. In our paper appear views from across the political and social spectrum. The views do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. Visit us at metrospirit.com.© 15 House, LLC. Owner/Publisher: Joe White. Legal: Phillip Scott Hibbard. Reproduction or use without permission is prohibited. One copy per person, please.
Want to advertise in the Metro Spirit? Call or email Joe at 706.373.3636 joe@themetrospirit.com AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
METROSPIRIT 33
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The Epicenter - Lowki, J. Carleon, Saxxon, Mike Sarge, Caesar, Andre Will Fox’s Lair - Vilai Harrington Humanitree House - Sweet-n-Salty Blues Band Miller Theater - “Weird Al” Yankovic w/ Emo Philips Riverwatch Brewing Company - Troy Breslow Shannon’s - Third Time Charmers Stillwater Taproom - Mason Jars Wild Wing - Brendan Roberts Band The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn
Thomas Rhett, Brett Young, Carly Pearce
What’s Tonight?
- Stillwater Taproom April 20
The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Helga’s Pub & Grille - Trivia, then karaoke The Highlander - Karaoke The Scene Nightclub - Lost in Sound (EDM show)
Bethany Davis The Highlander 7pm Fri Apr 20 Free. Visit pubhighlander.net or call 803-278-2796.
Sunday, April 15 Live Music
Capri Lounge - Vivian Valium & the Lounge Lizard Divas The Highlander - Fuzzheimer Jabez S. Hardin Performing Arts Center Adam Golka Wild Wing - Prettier Than Matt The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn
What’s Tonight?
Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ Mike Johnson
Monday, April 16 What’s Tonight?
Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane Wild Wing - Trivia
Tuesday, April 17 Live Music
Fox’s Lair - Irish Music w/ Dr. John Fisher and the Undefeated Army The Willcox (Aiken) - Hal Shreck
Thomas Rhett (pictured) w/ Brett Young, Carly Pearce James Brown Arena 7:30pm Thu Apr 19 $41.75-$76.75. Call 877-4AUGTIX or visit georgialinatix.com.
Thursday, April 12 Live Music
Fox’s Lair - Carey Murdock Harlem Java House - Open Mic Night Mellow Mushroom (Aiken) - Mellow Music Sky City - Ashes, Speaking with Ghosts, Basilisk Southbound Smokehouse - Eryn Eubanks Wild Wing - Hooker Bros The Willcox (Aiken) - Thursday Night Jazz w/ 4 Cats in the Dog House
What’s Tonight?
Helga’s Pub & Grille - Trivia The Highlander - Butt Naked Trivia Miller Theater - Kathleen Madigan Pizza Joint (downtown) - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper
Friday, April 13 Live Music
Augusta Canal National Heritage Area Moonlight Music Cruise w/ The Henrys Country Club - Sir Mix-A-Lot The Epicenter - Krosis, Silent of Fifth Street,
34 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Mobius, Abductor Etherredge Center (Aiken) - Semi-Toned (acapella Fox’s Lair - Open Mic Special Edition w/ Brandy Douglas The Highlander - False Flag, Nevernauts The Red Pepper (Aiken) - Anybody’s Guess Shannon’s - Atomic Road Sky City - Atlas Road Crew, Travers Brothership Southbound Smokehouse - Pickled Hollar The Stables Restaurant (Aiken) - Jazz w/ Jimmy Easton Stillwater Taproom - Mike Wheeler Surrey Tavern - Urban Soil Wild Wing - Deleveled The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn World of Beer - Bradley Sanders
What’s Tonight?
The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Helga’s Pub & Grille - Karaoke
Saturday, April 14 Live Music
What’s Tonight?
The Highlander - Game Night Mellow Mushroom (Aiken) - Trivia Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane World of Beer - Karaoke w/ Jeff Barnes
Wednesday, April 18 Live Music
Edge Nightclub - ATL Dream Vision The Larder - Matt Dahlheimer Shannon’s - Hello Betty Band Sky City - Mo Lowda & the Humble Soul Bar - Once Around Wild Wing - Whiskey Run Duo
What’s Tonight?
The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Bar West - Karaoke Capri Lounge - Game Night Chevy’s - DJ Richie Rich Joe’s Underground - Open Mic w/ J. MartinMoses Pizza Joint (Evans) - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper Polo Tavern (Aiken) - Karaoke w/ Tom Mitchell Southbound Smokehouse - Trivia Stillwater Taproom - Pub Quiz
Upcoming
- James Brown Arena April 19 Forest O’Quinn
- Southbound Smokehouse April 19 Amber Wave 4/20 Pre-party
- Sky City April 19 Boots, Brews, & BBQ
- Columbia County Amphitheater April 20 & 27 Bethany Davis
- The Highlander April 20 Prettier Than Matt Moonlight Music Cruise w/ Carey Murdock
- Augusta Canal National Heritage Area April 20 Unmentionables
- Shannon’s April 20 Larry Frick
- Coyotes April 20 4 Seasons Chamber Jazz w/ Niki Haris
- Unitarian Universalist Church of Augusta April 20 Chopin and Beethoven
- Miller Theater April 21 Rockin’ Road to Dublin
- Bell Auditorium April 22 Black Violin
- Miller Theater April 25 Happy Bones
- The Larder April 25 Marshall Tucker Band
- Miller Theater April 26 Mood Swings w/ Colton Ballet, Russell Joel Brown, Karen Gordon
- Imperial Theatre April 27 Ray Charles On My Mind (tribute)
- Jabez S. Hardin Performing Arts Center April 27 Live Comedy Mixtape with Musiq Soulchild
- Miller Theater April 27 ‘90s Block Party w/ Guy, Teddy Riley, Jagged Edge, 112 and more
- James Brown Arena April 28 Aubrey Logan
- Miller Theater May 3 I Am King (Michael Jackson tribute)
- Jabez S. Hardin Performing Arts Center May 5 Todrick Hall
- Miller Theater May 5 Cinco Saturday
- Evans Towne Center Park May 5 Whose Live Anyway?
- Bell Auditorium May 9 Three Dog Night
- Miller Theater May 10 Brian Wilson Presents Pet Sounds
- Bell Auditorium May 16 Paula Poundstone
- Miller Theater May 18 Thunder Over Evans
- Evans Towne Center Park May 19 Sugarland
- James Brown Arena May 25 Banjo B Que w/Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit, Old Crow Medicine Show, The Infamous Stringdusters, Robert Randolph & the Family Band and more
- Evans Towne Center Park May 25-26 Indigo Girls 12APRIL2018
- Miller Theater July 17
- Center Stage Theater, Atlanta April 21 Pink
Elsewhere
- Philips Arena, Atlanta April 21
- Variety Playhouse, Atlanta April 12
- Hell at the Masquerade, Atlanta April 24
The Oh Hellos Yo La Tengo
- Terminal West, Atlanta April 12 Alabama
- Fox Theatre, Atlanta April 13 & 14 Bush
- The Tabernacle, Atlanta April 13 Martin Lawrence, J.B. Smoove and more
- Philips Arena, Atlanta April 13
Powerman 5000 Superchunk
- Terminal West, Atlanta April 26 Corey Smith
- Music Farm, Columbia April 27 ‘90s Block Party w/ Next, Ginuwine, Dru Hill, Guy
- Fox Theatre, Columbia April 27 Dita Von Teese, Gia Genevieve and more
The Commodores, Bogey and the Viceroy
- The Tabernacle, Columbia April 27
- Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater Atlanta April 13
- Center Stage Theater, Columbia April 27
Lorde, Mitski, Run the Jewels
- Infinite Energy Center, Atlanta April 14 Shawn Mullins
- Piedmont Park, Atlanta April 14 The Decemberists
- Coca-Cola Roxy, Atlanta April 15 Eagles
- Colonial Life Arena, Columbia April 16 Christopher Cross
- Variety Playhouse, Atlanta April 16 Jimmy Buffett
- Verizon Amphitheatre, Atlanta April 17 String Cheese Incident
- Variety Playhouse, Atlanta April 19 Bon Jovi
- Philips Arena, Atlanta April 20 Little Big Town, Kacey Musgraves, Midland
- Infinite Energy Center, Atlanta April 21 Minus the Bear, The Coathangers
Corey Smith Foo Fighters
- Georgia State Stadium, Atlanta April 28 Bill Burr
- Fox Theatre, Atlanta April 28 Foo Fighters, The Struts
- Georgia State Stadium, Atlanta April 28 Haim, Lizzo
- Coca-Cola Roxy, Atlanta April 28 Kate Nash
- Buckhead Theatre, Atlanta April 28 The Darkness, Diarrhea Planet
- Terminal West, Atlanta April 28 The Used
- Buckhead Theatre, Atlanta April 29 Beck, Twin Shadow
- The Tabernacle, Atlanta April 30 & May 1 Built to Spill, The Afghan Whigs, Ed Harcourt
- Variety Playhouse, Atlanta April 30
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THE EIGHT
BOX TOPS RANK TITLES
WEEKEND GROSS TOTAL GROSS WEEK # LAST WEEK
1
A QUIET PLACE
$50,203,562
$50,203,562
1
-
2
READY PLAYER ONE
$24,624,178
$96,484,703
2
1
3
BLOCKERS
$20,556,350
$20,556,350
1
-
4
BLACK PANTHER
$8,704,968
$665,630,708
8
3
5
TYLER PERRY’S ACRIMONY
$8,380,983
$31,665,563
2
2
In Theaters April 13
ANIMATED “Isle of Dogs,” rated PG-13, starring Bryan
Cranston, Koyu Rankin, Edward Norton, Bill Murray and Jeff Goldblum. So it’s an animated film with talking dogs, but this one seems to be geared more toward adults. Set in a dystopian near-future Japan, all dogs have been banished to “Trash Island” after a dog flu spreads through the country. The story centers on a boy who goes in search of his four-legged friend through the place, which is literally filled with trash. And it wouldn’t be a Wes Anderson movie without Bill Murray, who voices one of the dogs. 36 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
ACTION “Rampage,” rated PG-13, starring Dwayne
Johnson, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Will Yun Lee and Joe Manganiello. At first glance, this looks like a King Kong movie… only, the gorilla named George is the lifelong friend of primatologist Davis Okoye (played by Dwayne Johnson). The twist is that there’s been some genetic experimentation going on, and the silverback gorilla keeps getting bigger and bigger, and more destructive. So yeah, in a sense it does resemble a King Kong movie, with some other overgrown monsters thrown in.
HORROR “Truth or Dare,” rated PG-13, starring Lucy Hale,
Tyler Posey and Violett Beane. Remember Truth or Dare, that game that was popular at parties during middle school? It often ended in some sort of humiliation. Well, this movie’s got a bunch of adults playing it, but there’s something sinister going on — and people end up dying if they don’t play along. Oh, and for some reason, people get this creepy, Jokerish look on their faces throughout the movie.
12APRIL2018
THE FORT GORDON DINNER THEATRE PRESENTS
“A triumphant hit [...] Nana’s Naughty Knickers is so wonderfully written that it gives the term “guilty pleasure” a good name.” - PA Theatre Guide
May 4, 5, 11, 12, 18 & 19 Dinner 6:45 p.m. • Show 8:00 p.m.
/QVJGTŗU &C[ Ş /C[ Late Lunch 1:45 p.m. • Show 3:00 p.m. Bridget and her grandmother are about to become roommates. However, what Bridget saw as a unique opportunity to stay with her favorite nana in New York for the summer quickly turns into an experience she’ll never forget. It seems her sweet grandma is running an illegal boutique from her apartment, selling handmade naughty knickers to every senior citizen in the five-borough area! Will Bridget be able to handle all the excitement? Will her nana get arrested – or worse – evicted?
MENU TRADITIONAL DINNER MENU Asian Salad Mix with Mandarin Oranges, Wonton Strips and Sesame Vinaigrette • Chinese Pineapple Chicken Beef Bulgogi • Shrimp Fried Rice • Stir Fry Veggies • Spring Rolls • Sesame Bread • Asian Dessert Table MAY 13TH MOTHER'S DAY LATE LUNCH MENU Fresh Mixed Green Salad Accented with Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Croutons and Cranberries • Choice of Ranch or Italian Dressing Sweet Sliced Ham Carving Station • Baked Macaroni and Cheese • Steamed Mixed Veggies • Dinner Rolls • Pound Cake with Fresh Berries
TICKETS*
Civilians: $53 | Seniors (65 & over), Retirees, DA Civilians, Active-Duty E7 & above: $50 Active-Duty E6 & below, Students with ID: $40 | Coffee & Dessert: $35 | Show only: $28 Mother’s Day Late Lunch: $40
*Special dietary vegetarian or gluten free options are available upon request when making your reservation.
For reservations, please call 706-793-8552 (SEASON TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE)
V29|NO15
SIGHTINGS
Michael Johnson | mejphoto.photoreflect.com
Angela Marik, Dawn Love, Amanda Drake at the Bret Michaels concert at the Country Club
Chelsea Parker, Lisa Morgan, Kirstin Warren at the Bret Michaels concert at the Country Club
Brittany Lewis, Kathryn Ladomirak and Lauren Hollis at the Bret Michaels concert at the Country Club
Mason Carter, Chris Carter and Colton Godsey at Wild Wing Cafe
Allyson Daniel, Hensley Blackston, Alex Cohen and Shade Anthony at Wild Wing Cafe
Vivian Rice, Nubia Alves and Heather Snipes at Wild Wing Cafe
38 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
12APRIL2018
V29|NO15
12APRIL2018
Jessica Yates, Dillon Kennedy, Stephanie Cucci at Wild Wing Cafe
Rebecca Hinton, Rosemary Johnson, Jennifer Lindler and Shannon Koss at Wild Wing Cafe
Courtney Stewart, Jill Gunby and Britanny Howell at the Lil Jon show at the Country Club
Kim Baldwin, TJ Davis and Britton Cater at the Pizza Joint in Evans
Ryan and Candis Burroughs with Shay and Josh White at First Friday
Zach Kaduce, Sarah Heaton, Katie Kaduce and Gene Tehansky at the Fox’s Lair
AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
METROSPIRIT 39
when Sentimental moments matter
2635 Washington Road Augusta, GA 30904 Mon - Sat 9am - 9pm 706.738.7777 windsorfinejewelers.com