Table of Contents
EDIT
April 21, 2016
Amy Christian
Arts Editor/Production Director
amy@themetrospirit.com
Whine Line Ruffin It Augusta Tek Jenny is Wright Kris Fisher
Stacey Eidson Staff Writer
stacey@themetrospirit.com
Molly Swift Staff Writer
molly@themetrospirit.com
CREATIVE
Insider 14 News 18
Joshua Bailey Lead Designer
joshua@themetrospirit.com
COVER DESIGN: Joshua Bailey
SALES Gayle Bryan
Senior Account Executive
gayle@themetrospirit.com 706-373-4846
Jim Christian Account Executive
jim@themetrospirit.com 706-414-4059
Bonnie Sloane
4 6 8 10 12
THE PARTRIDGE IN IS SHINING
What’s Up Calendar Nightlife Sightings NYT Crossword The Eight Austin Rhodes
26 28 38 40 42 44 46
pg. 20
Account Executive
bonnie@themetrospirit.com 770-401-9357
BUSINESS Joe White Publisher
joe@themetrospirit.com 706-373-3636
THIS WEEK
Johnny Beckworth circulation manager
johnny@themetrospirit.com Contributors Jenny Wright, Greg Baker, Austin Rhodes, Josh Ruffin, Kris Fisher, Michael Johnson Metro Spirit is a free newspaper published weekly on Thursday, 52 weeks a year. Editorial coverage includes local issues and news, arts, entertainment, people, places and events. In our paper appear views from across the political and social spectrum. The views do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. Visit us at metrospirit. com.© 15 House, LLC. Owner/Publisher: Joe White. Legal: Phillip Scott Hibbard. Reproduction or use without permission is prohibited. One copy per person, please.
Want to advertise in the Metro Spirit? Call or email Joe at 706.373.3636 joe@themetrospirit.com
While many voters may not consider the race for the State Court judgeship this spring very “sexy,” being a judge in Richmond County is a very serious matter. But who has the most experience and understanding of the law: Kellie Kenner McIntyre, Monique Walker and Robert “Bo” Hunter III?
Tickets are going fast for the inaugural Augusta Craft Beer Festival, a joint effort between the Augusta Sports League and the Augusta GreenJackets. Luckily, organizers will have plenty of beer ready, with 31 brewers signed on to hand out samples of and talk about their products
Staging one of Broadway’s most famous musicals is an ambitious project for any local theatre group. That, however, is exactly what Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School is doing when it brings “Guys and Dolls” to life this weekend.
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OPINION
The Whine Line To those whining about worries about gender in the restrooms: Just make them private. We have private cubicles for trying on clothes, no sharing among strangers forced. We need to do that for restrooms, to have multiple single rooms for privacy. That’s only fair. The door on the metro spirit box at 10th street and broad street has become a little difficult to open. I really, really missed the whine line these past couple weeks tho, so I kept trying, and eventually succeeded. It was worth it. People who go to a dog park and stare at their cellphone , read a book or magazine work on a computer or any other distraction other that WATCHING Their DOG, are as bad as people who text and drive. Selfish and dangerous . Please Google “dog park etiquette “ and educate yourself before you go to a dog park ....or stay home! bad owner= bad dog! Austin needs to be careful, in his rant about the coldness and cruelty of the corporate bosses who run the local TV stations. He’s beginning to sound a bit like Bernie! Hey Austin, you get a different perspective when the corporations are screwing your friends instead of “regular” people, huh? And can anyone explain to me why there is such an outcry about the turnover in our yokel news shows? They are not very good, folks!!!
Ruffin’ It Augusta Tek Jenny is Wright Kris Fisher
I saw an alien space craft floating over Augusta last night and I started crying so I thought I would whine about it here.
4 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
I only pick up the Metrospirit to read the Whine Line and Austin Rhodes’ insightful columns. The rest is taken straight from the pages of the daily and given some “offthe-wall” twist that seldom makes any sense. Oh! And then you have to slam Uncle Billy about every third or fourth issue, so everyone will think you’re an “independent” weekly.
Rented my house out for BIG BUCKS Master’s (Like I have did for the past 35 years). The people I rented to signed the contract, but when they arrived, they asked why I increased my price $1000.00 for the week. I told them it was just like gasoline (up and down). I told them the down payment (non-refundable) which I received, and if they did not like the price, they could find some where else to stay. They told me no, this is fine, because they loved my home and stayed at my home the past 15 years, and do NOT WANT TO LOSE IT! I told them next year the price could go up again, they told me no problem. Guess these people from Australia have money.
Why can’t we drink beer, watch TV and take naps at work? It would be much more enjoyable. Here we are on the “other side” of 2016 Masters Week and you clowns are still whining. I was fortunate enough to be able to attend the Par 3 tournament at this year’s Masters. The tickets are now almost impossible for locals to get unless you are “connected”, which I am not. Most of the gallery patrons were from out of town. I overheard a couple remarking how beautiful the course was in comparison to “Trashy town” it was located in. The older gentleman, who’s accent sounded blue-blood northeastern, said the downtown “looked like that Walking Dead zombie show.” I wanted to speak my mind as a local but realized that it would be hard to defend my hometown considering that basically what they were saying is true. I am disgusted at how our leaders have allowed our city to become a joke.
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.
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Reckoning IT’S NOT LIKE the vast majority of these columns aren’t self-indulgent. My creative process for this thing typically goes something like: Wake up on Tuesday. Drink stupid amount of coffee. Fingervomit onto computer. Collect monthly entertainment bill. This one, however, is going to be particularly so, as I’m facing an existential mini-crisis and, like all sociopaths, editorials (with simultaneous out-loud commentary directed at my cats) are how I deal with it from time to time. I’m reading some poetry, my poetry, this weekend at a small event here in Madison. It’s called Poetry n’ Pints, and is organized by a local homebrew shop. I, and about a half dozen other writers, will get up and read for 15 minutes each at a public park while the audience is plied with local homebrew, soda, wine and, since Madison, Wisconsin, is basically a liberal pillow-fort, a bunch of snacks that have all been, like, really responsibly made. This is not a big deal, and I am terrified. The last time I read in front of any kind of audience was at a small bookstore
event a couple of years ago. It was fine; I did fine. We had just moved to Madison, and I was just beginning to get my feet up under me, trying to get involved in the literary scene here. At that point, I think, I had just missed out on getting a University of Wisconsin poetry fellowship, and was disappointed, but still motivated. We were poor, and I had a lot of time on my hands. Fast forward three years or so. We’re a little more comfortable, work and home life are both chock-full, so most downtime is reserved for decompression — which poetry is not. It’s a craft and, while finishing a poem always gave me a small thrill and sense of accomplishment, the actual writing process is stressful, exasperating and just a general pain in the ass. You sit down with a notebook and a pen, stare at it for 10 minutes, say “F***” and go from there. I haven’t read in front of an audience in over two years so, okay, this is going to be weird and probably a little uncomfortable at first. Really though, that’s not what I’m most worried about. See, I also haven’t finished a poem in about a year, and
this event is a stark reminder of that. Not because I don’t have enough material; I do, about six years’ or two hours’ worth, depending on the context. But I’ll know full well, as I read each piece, that it dates back to at least one year ago, and I should find that unacceptable. The problem is, I don’t know if I will. And that prospect is sobering to almost a depressing and bewildering degree. Because writing is different than, say, running, which is how I’ve filled most of my free time in the last couple of years. My wife and I are both — on the amateur level, duh — endurance athletes: she does triathlons, I run long-distance. And we’re good at it. The training, the racing, the effort, it takes initiative and commitment, the same way that creative writing does, but the results are physical, tactile. On top of that, whether it’s an actual race or just a training run, we generally go by distance; we have the benefit of knowing when the task is done. Deciding when a poem is finished? Impossible. You simply decide to stop editing.
It’s that uncertainty, maybe, that keeps me away; or maybe that’s just what I tell myself. As I’ve gotten older, I find myself gravitating towards actions that have tangible, foreseeable goals, something concrete to accomplish: a house, a better job, tomato plants. My life is finally taking shape, and it’s hard to make room for ephemera. This weekend may end up being just a pleasant outing, a worthwhile community activity. Who knows. If it ends up being a test, however, it is not a measure of passion, but one of priority.
JOSH RUFFIN is a long way from home,
having moved from Augusta to Middleton, Wisconsin, with his wife, Michelle. He is a selfdescribed beer guru, so most of his Twitter posts are about what he’s drinking. While drinking, he enjoys writing poetry and watching MMA fights… or writing poetry about MMA fights.
Pride in Your Health. Pride in Yourself. Want to quit smoking? Call 1-800 QUIT NOW for free help and a customized Quit Kit. www.scdhec.gov/quitforkeeps 6 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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BASH on Windows present
At the Imperial Theatre
MAY 6th – 8th, 2016 Get Your Tickets Today at
AugustaPlayers.org Or call :
706-826-4707
Bash on Windows (circa 1999) — The action of voicing a negative opinion toward Microsoft and/or the Windows operating system, typically involving a large degree of sarcasm. Bash on Windows (circa 2016) — Something entirely different… OF ALL THE WAYS to describe the long-heated rivalry between Windows and Linux, a calm, rational difference of opinion would not be counted among them. The choice between Windows and Linux elicits passionate responses and spirited discussions. Each tribe champions their cause with a religious zeal. At its height, the battle was referred to as a Holy War between operating systems. To be honest, the rivalry was much more intense during the first few years of the tech bubble. At that point, Linux was still an unproven environment. Very few executives were willing to trust their businesses to a first-generation platform largely maintained by an anonymous group of hackers working in their spare time. However, IT managers quickly noted one quality that could really help them meet their budgets. Free is a good price. And thus started the open-source movement, and Microsoft’s battle against open-source software. In the early days, Microsoft repeatedly denounced open-source software as destroying intellectual property. “Linux is a cancer that attaches itself in an intellectual property sense to everything it touches,” said Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer in 2001, stating a principle that would guide Microsoft for the next decade. However, during that time Microsoft’s market share dropped from >90 percent of the desktop market and >55 percent of the server market to just under 12 percent of the world device market in 2015. Well, so much for taking a principled stand. Today, Linux and other open-source products are no longer unproven platforms. Nearly 80 percent of companies report using some open-source package to run their business. Faced with these realities, Microsoft changed direction and started to embrace the open-source movement. Microsoft recognized that to succeed in today’s devices and services world, developers must embrace your platform. With >70 percent of developers adopting open source, well, that doesn’t leave very many options, does it? So in April 2016, the seemingly impossible has occurred. As a result of a partnership between Microsoft and Canonical, the Ubuntu version of Linux may now be run natively on Windows 10. Just to be clear, this is not a recompiled version of Linux such as Cygwin. Microsoft has developed a Linux interface called the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) that translates Linux syscalls into Windows syscalls. Windows run a bitfor-bit, checksum-for-checksum copy of the Ubuntu ELF binaries. This is truly Linux running on Windows! Every developer understands the hassles of running Windows and developing in Linux. Typically, a virtual system or emulator is needed just to open a simple terminal screen. With Ubuntu on Windows, the developer no longer needs to worry about a VM. It goes something like this: 1. On Windows 10, open the Start menu. 2. Type “bash” [enter] 3. A console shell opens running /bin/bash 4. The users has full access to all of Ubuntu user space including apt, ssh, rsync, find, grep, awk, sed, sort, xargs, md5sum, gpg, curl, wget, apache, mysql, python, perl, ruby, php, gcc, tar, vim, emacs, diff, patch and so on. Pretty cool, right? Okay, now here are the caveats straight from the Microsoft blog. • This is beta software. There are some rough edges and some things will break. Do not expect every bash script you write to run perfectly! • This is a developer toolset to help developers write code. This is not a server platform! There are other Microsoft products — Azure, Hyper-V, Docker — to run production software. • Sadly, Bash cannot call Windows apps and vice versa. Sorry, you can’t open Notepad from Bash, or run Ruby from Powershell. :-( So, are you ready to explore Linux on Windows? First, you need to be a member of the Windows Insider program that has access to early release software. From there you GREGORY BAKER PH.D. is vice president of CMA can find the installation details at, Technology and, yes, is actually https: //msdn.microsoft .com/en-us/ a rocket scientist who used his doctorate in aerospace commandline/wsl/install_guide. engineering at Lockheed Martin. Have fun! In addition to working at CMA, he also serves the community, sitting on several boards in the area.
8 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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Mother’s Day BRUNCH
Mother’s Day Brunch | May 8 | North Ball Room Live Action Station Omelets made to order Shrimp and Grits
Seatings: 11:00 a.m.-1 p.m. 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Carved Enhancements Herb Crusted Baron of Beef Pineapple Ham
Walk-ins welcome but reservations strongly encouraged by May 6
Hot Buffet Selections Crust less Spinach and Artichoke Quiche Raspberry Pancake Bread Pudding Applewood Smoked Bacon Pork and Sage Sausage Patties Buttermilk Biscuits and Gravy Waffles Chicken Chardonnay Crab Cake Benedicts Garden Rice Pilaf Potatoes Au Gratin Macaroni and Cheese Freshly Steamed Seasonal Vegetables
Reservations Adults: $22 Kids 5-11: $11 Kids 4 & Under: Free
Cold Buffet Selections Fresh Field Greens with Toppings and Dressings Poached Peel and Eat Shrimp with Cocktail Sauce Exotic Fruit Display Domestic and Imported Cheese Board Assortment of Desserts
Walk-ins Adults: $24 Kids 5-11: $13 Kids 4 & Under: Free
19th Street, Building 18402 (706) 791-6780 | (706) 791-2205 (706) 791-3928
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Music Matters I HAD A SCARE TODAY. In life’s big picture, it wasn’t too bad. There wasn’t any physical harm. No one died or was diagnosed with something terminal. A friend lost her brother last week, and another had to perform the Heimlich on her choking daughter. Those are serious. This still scared me. My phone buzzed, indicating a new text. It was from a teacher friend. It was brief. It read, “Just found out from Ms. Music Teacher: She is being cut from LFH. No program.” What? No music. At first I was baffled. How can the program be cut entirely? No music? I grew up in a musical family. I played piano at a young age. I hated piano, but it wasn’t because of the piano itself. My teacher, Sally Small, who made every S a treble clef, made me massage her shoulders before every lesson. My hands were always too flat on the keyboard. I didn’t practice enough. Most weeks, I sat through my lesson in tears. I’m glad I made it as long as I did. I can still play a little. I tried violin, but it wasn’t for me. In sixth grade, I tried band. We got to choose and instrument after the first six weeks, but mine sort of chose me. “Sing a G,” she said. Apparently I did, and she congratulated me by assigning me to the French Horn. It took me years to appreciate carrying that huge case everywhere. I can only slightly sing, but I love to sing. I was in the church choir growing up, but it was because we got to go on fun trips. I’ll still sing in the car. I’ll sing outside of the car if wine is involved. Music makes people happy. It matters. After I spoke to another teacher who confirmed that, yes, we were going to get a full time PE parapro in place of the music teacher. I was angry. Physical education is crucial for kids. They need to be moving and learning healthy life habits. They also need music. Believe it or not, it’s equally important. I’m not a scientist or a doctor or an expert on anything, but I’m willing to bet you’ve got a favorite song. Am I right? What happens when you listen to the song? Can you lose yourself in it completely? It’s pretty powerful when a song can pull us out of the rushed, information-overloaded days sucking us in.
Music has math. It teaches patience and discipline. Soloists learn confidence. Band members work as a team. Practice makes perfect. As it turns out, we were slightly misinformed. The music program at Lake Forest Hills Elementary School isn’t dead. It may have been for a minute and was reinstated or maybe they’re changing the format. They can’t whittle it down anymore. Students only get one day each week as it is. It’s better than nothing, but if it becomes nothing, I’ll make it something of it. I hope you will, too. I can’t bear to watch lack of funding pare our schools down to the mere basics. Reading and writing and ‘rithmetic may teach you how to live in the world, but music makes the world go ‘round. I’d like to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony. Yeah, that went too far. Cheers?
JENNY WRIGHT’S humorous observations on marriage, motherhood and living in Augusta have earned her a devoted following, both in print and on Facebook. When she’s not spying on other parents in the carpool line at school, you’ll probably find her with either a camera, tennis racquet or wine glass in her hand.
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Vote for Kris
battle
BONES IV
SATURDAY AFTERNOON I was getting in the shower. I pick up my phone to turn on my PM Dawn Pandora station and notice a Facebook notification. I was tagged in a post, so I check it out. The post was congratulating all the Lokal Loudness award winners. I knew I was nominated, but never did I think I would win. Like the Metro’s Best awards that were awarded at the end of last year, I was nominated for best local DJ. And, like the Metro’s Best awards, I was nominated alongside some really talented DJs. For that reason, I didn’t think I stood a chance either time. It’s not that I’m not confident in my skill set, it’s that the other DJs are more DJier than I am. Meaning, they are more of the wicky-wicky scratch DJs. I haven’t wicky-wicky scratch DJed in years. Even then, it wasn’t very wicky-wicky, just more of the keep the dance floor crowded in a club type DJ. Nowadays, I mainly just keep wedding dance floors packed. This is the reason I didn’t think I stood a chance. The other DJs are out in the night life, mixing it up, doing their thing and doing it well. Then I thought about all the time I’ve put into it and I thought: Y’know, maybe I do kinda deserve it. Is that bad? I don’t think so. People always say that they don’t want awards or we try to pretend that it humbles us. But really, it’s like getting a spontaneous gift. No, we’re not expecting it, but everyone loves getting gifts! You can try to pretend that you don’t, but we all know, because we all feel the same way. I am very honored to get recognized by my hometown for my passion and hard work. The awards are beyond amazing. Not so much for the trophy, not for the Metro’s Best sticker, but for my kids. It’s the weirdest thing. When we’re kids, we all really just want our parents to be proud of us. My kids came home from school on Monday telling me that their teachers told them about an award I’d won and the feeling I used to get from my parents being proud came back. I had never actually thought about it like that. I’m usually just trying to make sure my kids know that I am proud of them. For them to flip it on me like that hit me right in the feels. So, while I didn’t put much weight on winning these awards before, now I’m hooked. I might just start buying some lawn signs and start campaigning now for 2016’s Metro’s Best.
KRIS FISHER,Kris Fisher is the midday host and program director for HD98.3 and an Augusta radio staple. He is a husband, father of three and lover of all things adventurous, as well as activities most people would have outgrown years ago. djkfish.com.
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Who Will Be the Next State Court Judge? While maNy voterS may not consider the race for the State Court judgeship this spring very “sexy,” being a judge in Richmond County is a very serious matter. Whoever is elected to that State Court seat being vacated by Judge John Flythe on May 24 will be handling a wide array of both civil and criminal cases in this community. And one look at the candidates vying for Flythe’s seat begs the question: Who has the most experience and understanding of the law? The candidates running for the judgeship include attorneys Kellie Kenner McIntyre, Monique Walker and Robert “Bo” Hunter III. Kellie Kenner McIntyre, who is the Richmond County State Court solicitor general, seems to be some people’s obvious choice considering her current position. But there has been a great deal of criticism of McIntyre over the past few years regarding an extreme backlog of cases in the solicitor’s office. In fact, most savvy local attorneys quickly advise their clients to request a jury trial when headed to court because it will literally take years before the case ever comes back up and, therefore, there is a good chance the charges will wind up being reduced or dismissed all together. The sad truth is that many citizens showing up in court facing misdemeanor charges are requesting jury trials because “delay is the name of the game” when it comes to cases before the solicitor general. Some local attorneys are saying, thanks to McIntyre, the word is out in the community that requesting a jury trial is how to beat the system. Now, many say that McIntyre blames her predecessors, former solicitors Harold Jones and Chuck Evans, for the tremendous backlog. But those within legal community insist she is placing the blame on the wrong people. In fact, Evans was commended during his tenure as solicitor general for streamlining the prosecution process and whittling down the cases on the trial calendar. Local attorneys have also complained of difficulties communicating with McIntyre in the solicitor’s office. It’s ironic because McIntyre has frequently said over the years that her role as a victim’s advocate and social worker in Fulton County Superior Court has helped shape her career. But, now, as a solicitor, her lines of communication are closed off? It doesn’t make any sense.
Then, of course, there is Monique Walker, who is the current chief operating officer and general counsel for Global Personnel Solutions and the daughter of former state Sen. Charles Walker. While Monique Walker seems very bright and confident, let’s face it, she doesn’t have tons of experience in the courtroom. Monique 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 1997. While 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 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 21APRIL2016
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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. And finally there is local attorney Robert “Bo” Hunter III, who served as the former solicitor general of Richmond County State Court for almost 10 years starting back in 1988, but is best known as a sole practitioner in The Hunter Law Firm. While people love to tell stories about his former ties with the once very powerful political group known as the “Southside Mafia,” Hunter has been practicing law in Augusta since 1983. If you have lived in Augusta for any extended period of time, you’ve seen Hunter in court. And while he might not have some of the big political backers supporting him like former Georgia Gov. Roy Barnes, who is publicly campaigning for Monique Walker, Hunter has some very prominent and well-respected community leaders supporting him. For example, Dr. Paul Fischer, the founder of the Center For Primary Care, provided a testimonial for Hunter. “When R.J. Reynolds Tobacco company came after my research files and threatened the privacy of our three-year-old research subjects, Bo successfully fought them all the way to the Georgia Supreme Court,” Fischer is quoted as saying on Hunter’s campaign website. “Bo is honest, fair, smart and wise ... everything you would hope for in a judge.” David Fields, owner of David Fields Tires & Brakes and long-time member of AugustaRichmond County Committee for Good Government, also spoke in favor of Hunter. “We have worked together for many years on Good Government,” Field stated on Hunter’s campaign website. “He is someone you can always count on and depend on to do the right thing.” For more than 30 years, Hunter has been practicing law in this town and is still in good standing with State Bar of Georgia. He is experienced and knowledgeable, and many people in Augusta believe he is the right choice for state judge. But only time will tell if Hunter actually makes it to the bench. It’s all up to the voters.
Politician Accused of Child Sexual Assault has Local Ties For The PAST eighT yeArS, a Savannah-based advertising firm called Renaissance Marketing, LLC has been under contract by the city of Augusta to handle the advertising on the outside of Augusta Public Transit buses. The marketing company also manages the advertisements on buses in Savannah, Columbus and Hinesville, Ga. And while the company has received some complaints over the years from Augusta commissioners about raising only approximately $25,000 a year in ad sales — and that’s before the company even takes its percentage — the city has kept Renaissance Marketing under contract over other local companies for years. The advertising deal began in 2008 because the city was hoping the bus ads would raise about $60,000 a year for the bus system since it was losing about $4 million annually. Sure, it was a drop in the bucket, but Augusta couldn’t ever seem to even reach that projected mark of $60,000 a year. Well, things may soon be changing and a local company might get a crack at selling those bus ads. Why? Well, let’s just say, the president of Renaissance Marketing, LLC is facing some serious allegations these days. Tony Thomas, president of Renaissance Marketing, is also a Savannah city councilman who has served four terms as the city’s District 6 Alderman. And while Savannah voters have continuously kept him in office since 1999, Thomas is also rumored to have earned quite a reputation for bar hopping, heavy drinking and frequently being in the companionship of teen boys, according to an investigative story by WTOC-TV in Savannah. But those rumors have recently taken an even uglier turn. Thomas allegedly took more than a dozen out-of-town trips, many on official city 21APRIL2016
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business, with some of these teens. These were taxpayer-financed conferences where other aldermen claim Thomas shared hotel rooms with these boys and young men, WTOC-TV reported earlier this year. “Everyone was looking around saying, what’s he bringing this kid with him for,” former city Alderman Ellis Cook told the Savannah news station. “At the end of the conference the majority of the people on council went to then city manager, Michael Brown, and said, ‘Look, tell him he can’t bring young boys to these functions with him anymore.’” For the past several years, there has been growing allegations against Thomas, including accusations of child sexual assault and providing drugs and alcohol to underage boys. While Thomas completely denies any of these allegations, Chatham County District Attorney Meg Heap has asked the GBI to investigate the matter. Over the past few months, more alleged victims have come forward claiming Thomas sexually assaulted them as minors. WTOC spoke with several of the alleged victims including Chris Haupt, who told the news station that he met Thomas when he was just 14 years old, as an eighth grader at Savannah Country Day School. Haupt was looking for a summer job when he says Thomas approached him at a local movie theater and they began talking. Thomas offered to take the teen to a mall and he bought the boy some new shoes. A few weeks later, Haupt told the news station that Thomas asked him to do some yard work for him. Afterwards, Thomas invited the teen to take a shower to clean up at his house.
“I took my shower, I’m drying off, I went in to get my clothes and put my clothes back on,” Haupt told WTOC. “And then I was forced to the bed and he forced himself on me and started performing oral sex on me.” For months, Haupt said Thomas pursued him to the point that he never knew when the alderman was going to pressure him for “sexual payback” or what Thomas allegedly liked to called “sugar.” “It’s ruined every relationship I’ve ever had,” Haupt told the news station. “It drives you nuts. At that time, you don’t know how to handle it. Every day, you’re ashamed, all right. You don’t want to tell anybody.” With each alleged victim, WTOC was able to find dozens of pictures of these teens at several different functions with Thomas. What was the source of these photos? Thomas’ own Facebook page. So, for the second time in three years, Chatham County District Attorney Meg Heap has asked the GBI to see if there is a legitimate case against Thomas. “The GBI has been asked to investigate it, track down every lead, interview every witness and see what evidence is out there,” Heap told WTOC. Things aren’t looking too good for Thomas. It might be time for the Augusta commissioners to consider looking into other bids from local companies to manage the city’s bus advertising program. One would hope there is a local company in Augusta more worthy of the city’s business than Tony Thomas.
Please join us for a FREE...
Family Reunion Workshop & Tradeshow
Saturday 23 April
Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center 2 10th Street, Augusta GA RSVP: Michelle Bovian Michelle@VisitAugusta.com or 706.823.6616
Reunion Specialist, “Cousin” Michelle will provide reunion planning tips. Advanced registration is required. Attendees are encouraged to wear their family reunion t-shirts.
8:00 am
Metro Spirit Qtr page Color April 2016 Summer Camp copy.pdf 1 4/4/2016 2:31:10 PM
SOAK UP THE
FUN
MAKE THIS A MEMORABLE SUMMER AT FAMILY YMCA SUMMER CAMP! Bring in this ad April 1- May 1 and pay NO REGISTRATION FEE! May 2-15 with this ad, get half-off registration fee. Rates starting at... Members $85 weekly Non-members $110 weekly
CAMP LAKESIDE WILL BE OPENING FOR DAY CAMP THIS SUMMER!
#BestSummerEver FAMILY YMCA OF GREATER AUGUSTA 706 922 YMCA thefamilyy.org
FAMILY YMCA CAMP LAKESIDE 1238 Dogwood Drive Lincolnton, GA 30817
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Drink up! Inaugural festival already drawing crowds TickeTs are going fasT for the inaugural Augusta Craft Beer Festival, a joint effort between the Augusta Sports League and the Augusta GreenJackets. “We’re selling about 50 tickets a day,” said Keith Edmondson, director of the Augusta Sports League and one of the festival’s organizers. “We are expecting somewhere between 750 and 1,000 people on Saturday.” That’s a lot of people for a first-time event but, luckily, Edmondson and company will have plenty of beer ready. As of Tuesday, 31 brewers had signed on to hand out samples of and talk about their products, including Augusta’s very own Riverwatch Brewery. “We’re really excited,” Edmondson said. “This is one of the first events that Riverwatch will be at. Savannah River (Augusta’s other local brewer), unfortunately, is not going to be ready to open until June, but they said definitely next year.” Edmondson said organizers worked diligently to make this an event that everyone from casual beer drinkers to aficionados could enjoy. That means that in addition to household names like Red Hare, Terrapin, Abita and Sierra Nevada, there will be brands that are not as well known. Companies like Foothills Brewing, O’Dempsey’s, Carson’s Brewing, Mother Earth Brewing and Prairie Artisan Ales, all of whom are scheduled to be on hand, may just be able to provide a little something different to those who though they’d tasted it all. 21APRIL2016 18 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
All of the breweries will be set up along the first base line in the field of the stadium. When ticketholders arrive, they’ll receive a 5-ounce snifter glass that they’ll use to receive samples. The Augusta GreenJackets will have their concession stands open for those who want sodas or food. In addition to all things beer, the Augusta Sports League will offer cornhole and other games, other vendors will set up, local bands the Mason Jars and Scarlet Begonias will play and, oh yeah, there will be even more beer talk at two session of “beer college,” led by Matt Parker, an antique beer can collector, and home brewers Poplar Creek Brewing. Except for designated driver tickets, all tickets include a tasting glass, unlimited beer samples and free drinking water. The Hive Growler Ticket, which they initially sold out of but now have about 16 more of, includes a growler, which ticketholders will receive when they leave the festival. When they take the growler to The Hive downtown, they will receive a free first fill (up to $20). VIP tickets are also still available, and include entry to the festival at 11 a.m. and participating in a World of Beer sponsored food pairing event from 11 a.m.-noon. VIP ticketholders will also receive a free T-shirt and access to a lounge during the festival. Designated drivers will receive a free sandwich and unlimited drinks from the concession stands.
by Amy Christian No matter why kind of ticket participants purchase, Edmondson hopes to do one thing through the Augusta Craft Beer Festival. And, no, it’s not getting people to drink a lot, just as the Augusta Sports League isn’t really about playing sports. “So I work with about seven or eight other sports leagues across the southeast and a couple of them I work with have been doing these festivals,” he explained. “The whole idea is getting together and making new friends. It’s the same with the sports league. Yeah, we get some exercise, but it’s mainly a way to meet new people.” “I love doing things that bring people from all over the area,” he continued. “I think a lot of times we get stuck in our own part of the city, so if we can do something to bring people from Evans or Fort Gordon, then that’s what I’m about.” And the fact that it happens to involve beer is just icing on the cake. Or, in this case, foam (just a little) on the top of the glass. augusTa crafT Beer fesTival Lake Olmstead Stadium Saturday, April 23 Noon-5 p.m. General Admission: $35, advance; $40, gate. Hive Growler Ticket: $50. VIP Ticket, $100. DD ticket, $20. augustacraftbeerfest.com 21APRIL2016
Start Here. Go Anywhere. Free Application that Day Learn How to Enroll Without Military Obligation Dual Enrollment Information Sessions Free Financial Aid Workshops Free Food and Activities for the Kids Door Prizes and Giveaways
Spring Fling Open House April 30th 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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After a year-long renovation amounting to about $8 million worth of improvements, Augusta’s iconic hotel has new life and fresh leadership that honor its historic charm As LLoyd VAn Horn, the general manager of The Partridge Inn, quietly sat in the beautifully transformed P.I. Bar & Grill enjoying the magnificent view of Walton Way, he admitted the year-long, $8 million dollar renovation of Augusta’s iconic hotel wasn’t easy. “It was a huge undertaking, especially doing the lobby, all of the meeting rooms, the restaurant and some of the kitchen as well,” Van Horn said. “A lot of the work was structural and the change was pretty substantial. But all of the changes honor the architecture and ambiance of this historic property.” Just then, the song, “You Can’t Hurry Love” by The Supremes began playing throughout the restaurant. A lot of love, patience, hard work and “give and take” is exactly what was required to update the more than 100-year-old Augusta hotel to offer guests the most modern of conveniences and still keep its historic charm, he said. 20 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
“The Partridge Inn is a local institution, but I think it had lost its institutional core for some time until our company came in and decided, ‘We want to make it great again, not just renovate it,’” Van Horn said. “The hotel had been renovated many times. But it had been renovated without passion or attitude and enthusiasm. This time was much different.” Partridge Inn Holdings finalized the purchase of the hotel in August 2014, paying $4.25 million for the 144room hotel on Walton Way. Nine years earlier, in 2005, Walton Way Hotel LLC paid $8.1 million for it, but defaulted on a $16 million loan in 2011. The hotel is currently managed by NorthPointe Hospitality Management LLC, who worked directly with the Atlanta-based companies Janus Associates Construction Management, LLC and Sims Patrick Studio to help bring The Partridge Inn up to the standards that
By Stacey Eidson
are expected by today’s busy travelers. During the 12-month renovation that was completed in late November of last year, the hotel’s more than 140 guest rooms were updated with new beds with designer linens and sheets, and the rooms were transformed to include modern furniture and lighting fixtures as well as offering the highest speed internet in town, Van Horn said. The Partridge Inn’s popular quarter-mile of verandahs that wrap around the exterior of the hotel were also redesigned with an up-to-date color schemes for a polished feel that matches the hotel’s freshly painted white exterior. The hotel’s top floor, the 2,100-square-foot penthouse and rooftop lounge, was also completely remodeled with a new interior that is as impressive as its stunning view of downtown Augusta, Van Horn said. However, during the redesign, the company was 21APRIL2016
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“The Partridge Inn is a local institution, but I think it had lost its institutional core for some time until our company came in and decided, ‘We want to make it great again, not just renovate it.’” — Lloyd Van Horn, the general manager of The Partridge Inn also careful to protect the centuryold structure by leaving the original woodwork and ceiling tiles completely intact throughout the hotel. Over the past 15 years, Van Horn has had extensive management experience at various hotels and resorts across the country, including the five-star resort called The Point in the Adirondacks of upstate New York; The Willcox in Aiken, S.C.; the Topnotch Resort and Spa in Stowe, Vt.; the Montauk Yacht Club in Montauk, N.Y.; and The Planters Inn in Charleston, S.C. “This is probably the fourth historic property that I’ve managed,” Van Horn said. “And one of the biggest thing that you deal with when you are an institution in a town, like The Partridge Inn is here in Augusta, is everybody has an opinion. Usually, within a town, there is somebody who says, ‘Oh, don’t touch it!’ But, here in Augusta, everyone has been very supportive. And that comes with a great deal of pride and satisfaction.” Van Horn said it was during his tenure as the general manager at The Willcox back in 2003 that he and his wife first learned about The Partridge Inn and its history. “When my wife and I came here, we saw how much potential it had for years,” Van Horn said of The Partridge Inn. “It had the bones, it just didn’t have the soul. It didn’t know what it wanted to be. So, now, I think the biggest thing is that we have brought its soul back.” This month, Van Horn said returning Masters guests were thrilled by all of the renovations that had taken place and the more modern look inside the rooms. “Everybody that was here in previous years was amazed,” Van Horn said. “It was nice to see the property maxed out. It was the first time we have been full speed for a sustained period of time since the renovations have been completed.” While Van Horn thoroughly enjoys hearing visitors rave over the improvements to the century-old hotel, he says positive comments from the local 21APRIL2016
community are music to his ears. “This property was interpreted even by the Partridge family a century ago as being the place that they wanted the movers and shakers and members of the community to come, hang out and enjoy the best of Augusta,” Van Horn said. “So when we interpreted it, we interpreted it for what we consider our prime demographic, which, right now, is the locals. We wanted the bar to be cool for the locals who visit the property and we wanted it to be a good food experience and we also wanted it to be enticing for the new crowd coming in to visit. We wanted Augusta to enjoy and really be proud of The Partridge Inn again.” Back in 1816, on the current site of The Partridge Inn, stood a two-story house that belonged to George Walton, the governor of Georgia and one of the state’s three signers of the Declaration of Independence, according to Historic Hotels of America. The home was later acquired by Daniel and Elizabeth Meigs, who came to Augusta from Connecticut. The history of the current building dates back to 1836 when it was originally constructed as a private residence called Three Oaks for the Meigs family. In 1892, New York hotelier Morris Partridge purchased Three Oaks to serve as his personal home as well as operate as a small hotel by offering guest accommodations in the old Meigs house during Augusta’s winter season, according to Historic Hotels of America. The business venture proved successful, and he opened The Partridge Inn, a 60-room upscale hotel on January 8, 1910. Over the years, between 1907 and 1929, he expanded the inn several times. After the Great Depression, the inn became a year-round commercial hotel that was host to heads of state, business luminaries and celebrities for more than a century, according to Historic Hotels of America. But The Partridge Inn, also known as AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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“It definitely has it quirks, like the ups and downs of the hallways and then there are the weird shapes of some of the rooms. But then you’ll have people who say, ‘I want room 215 because it is unique.’” — Lloyd Van Horn 22 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
“the Grand Hotel of the Classic South,” isn’t without its unique quirks, said Van Horn. “It definitely has it quirks, like the ups and downs of the hallways because it has been added onto so many times over the years,” Van Horn said, chuckling. “And then there are the weird shapes of some of the rooms. But then you’ll have people who say, ‘I want room 215 because it is unique.’ That may not be the room I would want, but it all depends on the guest and what he or she wants.” Another aspect of the renovations and revamping of the hotel was that The Partridge Inn became a premier hotel under its new identity as part of Curio — A Collection by Hilton. As a result, customer service and guest satisfaction have become the hotel’s top priorities, Van Horn said. “When you go to that next level, putting the guest first is crucial,” Van Horn said. “So that has been part of the process as well, making sure our entire staff is guestfocused.” Van Horn said it is also important for the hotel to successfully reflect its community. That was one of the problems that The Willcox was struggling with when Van Horn took over as general manager. The Willcox had become too “pretentious” for the Aiken area back in 2003, so much so that many of the locals didn’t even consider it an option, Van Horn said.
“I went to The Willcox and really just turned it into a very high-powered B&B and it became profitable immediately,” Van Horn said. “That is one of the important lessons I took away from The Willcox. One of the thing that they should have really focused on back then was the impact of not having the community behind them. Because they stopped participating in the polo matches, the fox hunting and all of the stuff that is huge over there.” Van Horn said the hotel was ignoring the wonderful horse community located in its own back yard. “You are in the middle of Hitchcock Woods, so why wouldn’t you embrace the horse culture when there are stables right down the street?” Van Horn asked. “So, once I got there, we immediately bought season tickets to the polo matches and everything else. And that’s when things turned around. That was the resurrection of The Willcox.” Van Horn said he is taking that lesson and applying it to The Partridge Inn by welcoming locals back to the historic hotel for a comfortable, but elegant night out. “On the menu, we have taken what the favorites are in the area and elevated them,” Van Horn said. “When I was interviewing the chefs, like I always do in every interview, I have them go out and look around the community and do their homework. The last phone interview I have with them, I will say, ‘The next thing I want you to do is go out in the community, check things out and then go into our walk-in and make three appetizers and three entrees that 21APRIL2016
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“Usually, within a town, there is somebody who says, ‘Oh, don’t touch it!’” — Lloyd Van Horn are your interpretation of the area.’” It is a true test of a chef’s skill to embrace a community’s cuisine instead of what he or she may prefer to place on the menu, Van Horn said. “Every chef has their four go-to items that they can blow you away with, but you want a chef that can actually interpret what is popular and what is trendy in the region,” Van Horn said. “On the holidays, they can be super creative and show off. But Monday through Friday, we want to have the best wings, the best appetizers, the best comfort food around. But it will have to be interesting, so people will say, ‘I have not seen that before.’” Chef Robert Plouffe, a Quebec native, became the hotel’s executive chef last year and he has successfully delivered an array of unique dishes that complement the inn’s history and tradition, as well as appeal to the regional palate, Van Horn said. “One of the favorite items on the menu is his shrimp and grits,” Van Horn said. “His rendition has a little corn in it and the sweet corn adds a very nice texture. Guests also really enjoy his mac and cheese and his pork belly dishes. Because he is French, he is from Montreal, he has a really solid understanding from where these dishes come from.” Van Horn said he couldn’t be more pleased with the renovations to The Partridge Inn and his future at the hotel. He said he hopes to have a long tenure at The Partridge Inn because he absolutely loves the Augusta area. “After our time at The Willcox, we fell in love with this area,” Van Horn said, adding that his mother-in-law actually met her new husband in Aiken when they lived here previously. “They fell in love and got married in Aiken and she lives there now. And my son was born at University Hospital nine years ago.” When the Van Horns and their two children began looking for a permanent place to call home a few years ago, they initially considered cities within a 200mile radius of Aiken to be close to his mother-in-law. 21APRIL2016
“It had the bones, it just didn’t have the soul. We have brought its soul back.” — Lloyd Van Horn “I was actually in Charleston before this, at Planters Inn,” Van Horn said. “It is the No. 1 property in the United States. It’s incredible. When people hear that I was at Planters Inn and left, some people say, ‘Are you completely nuts?’ But, for me, it wasn’t a challenge, obviously, because it is such an institution. Not that I need an overwhelming challenge, but, living there, it was almost like living in New York. No one was from Charleston.” Van Horn said his family wanted a place to truly call home. That’s when they found a house in Evans and they decided to move back to the Augusta area. “This is the area we love,” Van Horn said. “When people ask us, ‘Why Augusta?’ We can’t really tell them. It’s not one thing. We’ve lived all over, but this is home.”
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Folks in AugustA are well familiar with Trampled by Turtles, the bluegrass/folk band headlining this Sunday’s Riverwalk Revival concert at the Jessye Norman Amphitheatre downtown. After all, the Minnesota-based quintet played to big crowds at both the 2013 and 2015 Papa Joe’s BanjoBQue and Music Festival. Word has it, however, that opening act The Devil Makes Three may follow in Trampled by Turtles’ footsteps, earning an adoring following from a crowd who may not have heard much about them before. Well, let us enlighten you. The Devil Makes Three — made up of guitarist/frontman Pete Bernhard, stand-up bassist Lucia Turino and guitarist Cooper McBean — take a little bit of blues, ragtime, country, folk and rockabilly and throw a big old dash of punk into the mix. The trio’s mix of driving rhythms and irreverent lyrics continue to garner them new fans, and how can you not love a group who, in the song “Hallelu,” sings, “They say Jesus is comin’. He must be walking, he sure ain’t runnin’. Who can blame him, look how we done him.” With these two bands at the helm, this is one revival you sure won’t want to miss. RiveRwalk Revival w/ TRampled by TuRTles and The devil makes ThRee Jessye Norman Amphitheater Sunday, May 8 5 p.m. $25 theriverwalkrevival.com
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What’s Up
Calendar Music Listings
Modern, Yet ClassiC
If you have any questions, or would like to submit an event to our calendar, please email Amy Christian at amy@themetrospirit.com.
by Amy Christian
staging one of Broadway’s most famous musicals is an ambitious project for any local theatre group. That, however, is exactly what Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School is doing when it brings “Guys and Dolls” to life this weekend. And while other troupes may only have a small group of actors and support staff staging a production, Davidson gets a large portion of its student body involved. “I would say, after it’s all said and done, probably we have about 200 to 225 of our student population involved in this musical in some way,” said Renee Toole, fine arts program coordinator for the school and executive producer for “Guys and Dolls.” “It’s pretty exciting.” Davidson only stages a major show every other year. One reason is money. Musicals, like “Guys and Dolls” and “The Music Man,” which was musical they staged in 2014, are expensive. Toole said they spend the time between shows raising money. “That way, we go into a production with a budget, which is something that we also teach the children,” she said, “that you only have so much you can use for costumes and so much you can use for sets.” The other reason is the amount of time and manpower each shows requires. “Guys and Dolls” have an executive producer, two directors, a musical director and a technical director, who are all teachers. Many more on staff are involved when deciding what to stage. Multiple classes are also involved. Graphic designers, lighting designers, costumers designers, musicians, actors, singers -they’re all students and they’ve all been hard at work since almost the beginning of the school year.
this Week
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In Love Framed in Black and White: A Powerful Study in Love, Race and Courage, Paula C. Wright tells the story of the marriage between her white third great-grandfather, Judge William Ramey, and former Edgefield slave Kittie Simpkins. What was scandalous in 1872 resulted in eight generations of family and a treasure trove of documents. Here all about Wright’s genealogy at 6 p.m. at the Headquarters Branch Library’s Georgia Heritage Room.
Beginning at 5 p.m. on Friday and lasting until Sunday 11 a.m., Phinizy Swamp Nature Park’s Birding Festival includes keynote speaker J. Drew Landham during an evening meal on Saturday, lectures on topics like conservation, journaling and creating visual memories, and field trips. If you love birds, this is the place to be!
Four Italian movies, including “Starcrash,” Italy’s low-budget answer to “Star Wars” that stars David Hasselhoff, are only one part of Cinema Italian Style that begins at 1 p.m. at Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre. This Cinema Series at Augusta University and the Lyceum Series event also includes Bocce and Italian pop with DJ Matthew Porter from noon-3 p.m. and complimentary espresso, San Pellegrino and antipasto throughout the day. Free.
Whether you’re Feeling the Bern or are just curious about the Bernie Sanders for President movement, head to Savannah Rapids on Sunday at 3 p.m. for this concert and barnstorm, sponsored by Augusta for Bernie and featuring local musicians and bands Mee Bad Eye, Matt Dahlheimer, Akenda and Jerod Gay.
For more information on these events, see our calendar of events on page 28. 26 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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“When you look at it, it is a student collaborative production and we in the department really do look at ourselves as facilitators,” Toole explained. “Ultimately, the buck stops with us, as to the quality of the production, but we believe strongly that the kids should take responsibility for what they’ve learned.” And the students are learning a lot. The school has chosen to set the story of gamblers Sky Masterson and Nathan Detroit and their love interests, mission worker Sarah Brown and showgirl Miss Adelaide, in the early 1950s. “When you go back and talk about the development of Broadway, it’s ‘The Music Man,’ it’s ‘The Sound of Music,’ these kinds of shows that give you what you now see,” she explained. “So there’s a history. ‘Guys and Dolls’ would have been innovative at the time, and now you have ‘Hamilton.’” Staging a musical is a great educational experience, and not just for the fine arts portion of the school. “It becomes a cross-curricular thing as well,” she said. “So a lot of time the children will be studying history and this era of language would have been different, the way they dressed would have been different, what is acceptable behaviorally was not acceptable.” “We even talked about addiction,” Toole added. “There’s a gambling addiction that exists in the story. And, really, these men are making their living by breaking the law. There are so many factors that, even though it’s a musical and it’s done for entertainment, we really do try to take it into an educational venue as well. And that’s our purpose. We’re educating not only the artist, but the intellect.” Learning may be a primary focus, but that doesn’t mean that the production itself won’t be top notch. Lead actors Maya Rubio, Philip Lee, Gerald Stacks and Jillian Toole, as well as the rest of the cast, have been working tirelessly since November. And while the musical may be a traditional one, the school is using projections onto a backdrop instead of painted sets to give it a modern edge. The technology from Broadway Motion Design is something Toole discovered at a recent theater conference and she said it works extraordinarily well, especially in a few key scenes. “What’s cool is you can see them fly to Havana. There’s a projection of an airplane that goes through the air,” she said. “Then, when it’s time to play craps in the sewer, you go down in the sewer, you see the subway go by. They go even deeper and you can see flowing water in the projection and steam coming out of the pipes. You just don’t get the smell, thank goodness. It’s new technology for an old show, so that’s really exciting. To my knowledge, it’s the first time it’s been used in Augusta.” “Guys and Dolls” is a production that’s open to the public, and Toole said those interested can purchase tickets online, at the school or outside the theatre an hour before the show. It’s a show worth seeing for several different reasons, she said. “There are a number of songs, especially the ones Frank Sinatra made famous like ‘Luck Be a Lady’ and ‘I’ve Never Been in Love Before,’ that will be familiar to the older adults in the audience,” she laughed. “But the kids have learned to appreciate them. Some of them are quite comedic and it’s just fun to watch the children act like gangsters.” “Guys and dolls” Davidson Fine Arts Theatre Thursday-Friday, April 21-22, 7 p.m. Saturday, April 23, 1 and 6 p.m. $12-$15 706-823-6924 rcboe.org/davidson
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Arts at the Gazebo Harlem Saturday, April 23 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 706-556-6656
ARTS Sat Apr 23
10am - 3pm Arts at the Gazebo Harlem A Harlem Arts Council event in which local artisans will display and sell paintings, pottery, folk art, wood art, jewelry and more. The event also includes dance, music and children’s activities. Call 706-556-6656.
10am - 4pm Basket Weaving: Market Basket Kroc Center A class for those ages 15 and up in which no previous experience is required and supplies are included. $45; pre-registration required. Call 706-922-0171 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org/kroc-center/.
10am - 1:30pm Batik Workshop Aiken Center for the Arts A workshop led by Marissa Evans in which participants will explore the art of applying color and patterns to fabric using dyes and waxes. All supplies provided, but participants should bring a sack lunch. $55; pre-registration required. Call 803-641-9094 or visit aikencenterforthearts.org.
10am - 1pm Photos to Painting Aiken Center for the Arts 28 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
A workshop led by Sharon Taylor Padgett in which participants will paint a typical, southern spring landscape. All supplies provided. $60; pre-registration required. Call 803-641-9094 or visit aikencenterforthearts.org.
10am - 2pm Plein-Air Harrison Hall, Church of Our Savior An Artists Guild of Columbia County workshop for teens and adults of all skill levels in which participants will use the medium of their choice in an outdoor art experience. Led by Angelika Selman-Bondar. $50; all supplies provided. Participants should bring their own lunches. Register by calling 706-294-2188 or visiting artistguildcc.org.
10am - 1pm Whimsical Birds Kroc Center A class for those ages 15 and up. No previous experience necessary and all supplies are included. $40; pre-registration required. Call 706-922-0171 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org.
Tue Apr 26
1pm - 3:30pm Acrylic Painting Attic Treasures, Harlem A Harlem Arts Council class led by Gayla Espiritu. $25. Call 706-231-7199 or email harlemartscouncil@gmail.com.
Wed Apr 27
7pm Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art School Le Chat Noir An burlesque live drawing event featuring contests, performances, prizes and more. $10, advance; $12 at the door. Call 706-7223322 or visit lcnaugusta.com.
Thu Apr 28
7pm Undercover Artists Show The Legends Club Proceeds from this show of “undercover” art by local artists, celebrities and community leaders, whose names will be hidden until the end of the silent auction, will help send more than 50 people, ages 8-21, to Camp To Be Independent, a camp for those with acquired brain injuries. $50. Call 706-826-5809 or email haleyh@waltonfoundation.net.
EDUCATION Thu Apr 21
6pm - 9pm Community Elections Forum Diamond Lakes Gymnasium A National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., Augusta Chapter, event in which all candidates who are being opposed are being asked to participate. Free and open to the public. Call 706-414-4136.
6pm Love Framed in Black and White: A Powerful Study in Love, Race and Courage Headquarters Branch Library, Georgia Heritage Room Paula C. Wright, a descendent of the Edgefield, South Carolina Ramey family inherited at the time of her grandmother’s death a genealogical treasure, a box filled with over 500 photographs documenting eight generations of her family. In this event, Wright unravels the story of the courageous marriage in 1872 of her white, third great-grandfather, Judge William Ramey, to former Edgefield slave Kittie Simpkins and the generations which followed, including those who made their homes in Augusta. Free and open to the public. Call 706-826-1511 or visit arcpls.org.
6pm Surviving Market Swings Columbia County Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-8631946, ext. 4, or visit gchrl.org.
Mon Apr 25
3:30pm - 5pm Intermediate Spanish Friedman Branch Library An adult class led by Edwin Perez of the Asociacion Cultural Hispanoamericana. Call 706-736-6758 or visit arcpls.org. 21APRIL2016
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Tue Apr 26
10:30am Preserving Your Family Heirlooms Headquarters Branch Library, Georgia Heritage Room In celebration of American Library Association’s Preservation Week, April 2430, Lauren Virgo, registrar for the Augusta Museum of History, will lead a seminar in which participants will learn the tricks of the trade for protecting family treasures from the effects of light, dust, insects and aging. Items discussed will be documents such as letters and diaries; photographs and scrapbooks; and textiles, such as quilts and vintage clothes. Call 706-826-1511 or visit arcpls.org.
Wed Apr 27
3pm Beginner Spanish Aiken Public Library A class for adults. Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Thu Apr 28
8:30am - 1:30pm Successful Superwoman’s Luncheon DoubleTree Hotel An event presented by the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce and American Family Insurance that includes five speakers, several breakout sessions, a vendor expo, networking opportunities and more. $55, all day; $35, half-day (second breakout session and luncheon); $280, corporate table of 8 for luncheon. Visit columbiacountychamber.com.
Ongoing
Leadership Columbia County Columbia County Chamber of Commerce Applications for Leadership Columbia County’s class of 2017 are being accepted through April 21. The 10-month program, with day-long class sessions that will cover various topics such as law enforcement, healthcare, education and workforce, economic development and history of the county, is designed to expose business and area leaders to the opportunities and challenges facing the community as well as to promote and foster the development of leadership. For more information, call 706-651-0018 or visit columbiacountychamber.com.
James Brown Family Historical Tour Augusta Museum of History Available each Saturday at 11 a.m. and lasting approximately two hours, this bus tour includes Brown’s elementary school, his childhood home, his statue and more. $15 fee, includes admission to the museum, which houses the largest collection of James Brown memorabilia. Reservations 24 hours in advance required. Call 803-6402090 or visit jamesbrownfamilyfdn.org. 21APRIL2016
Guided Tours 1797 Ezekiel Harris House Offered by appointment only MondayFriday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Last tours of the day begin at 4 p.m. Adults, $2; children, $1. Call 706-722-8454 or visit augustamuseum.org.
North Augusta Driving Tour Arts and Heritage Center of North Augusta Offered by appointment and includes a 3045 minute guided tour and admission to the center. Self-guided tours are also available through an iPhone downloadable audio tour or a Google Maps-based tour. Guided tours: $5, adults; $3, students K-12. Call 803-4414380 or visit artsandheritagecenter.com.
Tours Boyhood Home of President Woodrow Wilson Guided tours, approximately 45 minutes long, are offered Thursday-Saturday on the hour from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Group tours are available by advanced reservation. Adults, $5; seniors, $4; kids K-12, $3; under 5 years, free. Call 706-724-0436 or visit wilsonboyhoodhome.org.
Historic Trolley Tours of Augusta Augusta Visitors Center Tours aboard the Lady Libby available at the Augusta Visitors Center with 24-hour advanced reservations. Tickets include admission to the Augusta Museum of History. Call 706-724-4067 or visit visitaugusta.org.
ELSEWHERE Sun Apr 24
Noon - 5pm Ninth Annual Greater Columbia Record Fair Day Columbia Museum of Art Record enthusiasts from across the East Coast will be selling records of all types, from common to ultra-rare. Event also includes local brews at a pop-up beer garden out on Boyd Plaza and lunch options from local food trucks. Music in the museum provided by the Greater Columbia Society for the Preservation of Soul. Free. Call 803799-2810 or visit columbiamuseum.org.
2pm Gallery Tour: Highlights of the CMA Collection
“I Knew Her Well” at 3 p.m., “Youth” at 7 p.m. and “Starcrash” at 9:30 p.m. Also included will be Bocce and Italian pop with DJ Matthew Porter from noon-3 p.m. and complimentary espresso, San Pellegrino and antipasto throughout the day. Free. Call 706-667-4100 or visit calendar.augusta.edu.
Sat Apr 23
3pm “Lady in the Van”
Tue Apr 26
Aiken Public Library Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.
HEALTH Thu Apr 21
6pm Breastfeeding Class Babies R Us Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.
7pm - 8:30pm Babies, Bumps and Bruises
9am - 4:30pm Short and Sweet Doctors Hospital A weekend childbirth education class that continues Sunday, April 24, from 1-5 p.m. Pre-registration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.
7pm Eat Like No One Else Nutrition Program Aiken Public Library Led by Ginger Hudock. Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Wed Apr 27
9:45am - noon Car Seat Class Safe Kids Office Pre-registration required. $10; car or booster seat provided to families who meet financial guidelines. Call 706-721-7606 or visit augustahealth.org.
Columbia Museum of Art Free with admission. Call 803-799-2810 or visit columbiamuseum.org.
Doctors Hospital Pre-registration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.
FLIX
Fri Apr 22
7pm - 8:30pm Infant CPR Class
Sat Apr 23
6:30pm - 9:30pm Weekend Childbirth Education Class
Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre A day of Italian film and culture, presented by the Cinema Series at Augusta University and the Lyceum Series, that includes showings of “Bicycle Thieves” at 1 p.m.,
University Hospital Class continues Saturday, April 23, from 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Pre-registration required. Call 706-774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.
HOBBIES
1pm - 11pm Cinema Italian Style
Thu Apr 28
University Hospital Pre-registration required. Call 706-774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.
Wed Apr 27
Noon Georgia-Carolina Toastmasters AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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Ninth Annual Greater Columbia Record Fair Day Columbia Museum of Art Sunday, April 24 Noon-5 p.m. 803-799-2810 columbiamuseum.org Fat Man’s Mill Cafe Those interested are invited to learn speech and leadership skills in a fun and supportive atmosphere. Call 706-627-2134.
6pm - 8pm Cuban Cooking Class Plum Pudding, Aiken A small, chef’s table-style class in which participants are encouraged to ask questions and will enjoy a full meal from the recipes provided. $65; pre-registration required. Call 888-940-7586 or visit plumpuddingkitchen.com.
Thu Apr 28
1pm - 3pm Coloring for Grownups Aiken Public Library Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.
6:30pm - 9:30pm Augusta Archaeological Society Meeting Big Daddy’s Bar & Grill Dr. Keith Stephenson, director of the Savannah River Archaeological Research Program, will talk about the Woodland Period in Georgia. Dinner, 6:30 p.m.; program, 8 p.m. Call 706-829-1615.
KIDS-TEENS Thu Apr 21 30 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
9:30am - noon Community Picnic Imagination Station This event includes music, activities, snacks, arts and crafts, tours of the museum and more. All are welcome, but event is most suitable for families with children up to 6. Email imagine.augusta@gmail.com or visit imagineaugusta.org.
Fri Apr 22
9:30am Kroc Tots Kroc Center A weekly event for those ages 18 months-5 years and their parents that includes stories, projects and playtime. $1, members; $2, nonmembers. Call 706-922-1533 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org.
10am - noon Play & Grow Activity Aiken Public Library For those ages 0-5. Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.
7pm - 8:30pm Capture the Flag for Teens Aiken Public Library Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.
7:30pm All About Frogs Reed Creek Park An indoor/outdoor program for those ages 5 and up, along with their parents. Free,
members; $2 per child, nonmembers. Preregistration required. Call 706-210-4027 or email kbyne@columbiacountyga.gov.
Sat Apr 23
Mon Apr 25
5:30pm YA Game Night Euchee Creek Branch Library Call 706-556-0594 or visit gchrl.org.
10am - noon Anime and the Graphic Novel
Tue Apr 26
Kroc Center A class for those ages 9-14. No previous experience necessary and all supplies are included. $40; pre-registration required. Call 706-922-0171 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org.
Kroc Center Parents are invited to bring their toddlers for 30 minutes of playtime and a story, followed by an hour in the pool splash pad area. Parent must remain with their child throughout the program. Free, members; $5, nonmembers. Call 706-922-1533 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org.
11am Where’s the Party? Story Time Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.
Sun Apr 24
2pm - 4pm A Jolly Holiday with Mary Poppins La Maison on Telfair An Augusta Players event that will include characters from their upcoming production of “Mary Poppins.” Activities will include tea, make and take crafts, a photo booth and more. $50, first child; $40, additional child; $20, additional adult. Call 706-826-4707 or visit augustaplayers.org.
10:30am Toddler Tuesday
4pm Beginner’s Guitar Class Columbia County Library A class for those ages 11-18 in which six guitars are available for use. Pre-registration required. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
4pm Storytime in the Gardens Hopelands Gardens Local senior adults will read to participants and each family in attendance will receive a free book. Blankets, chairs, drinks and snacks are welcome. Call 803-642-7631.
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Sacred Heart Garden Festival Sacred Heart Cultural Center; gardens throughout Augusta Thursday, April 21-Sunday, April 24 $70, Thursday night preview party; $10, Friday Night in the Garden; $25, advance or $30, at the door, three-day tickets; $10, one-day ticket sacredheartgardenfestival.com.
Baby story time is each Friday at 10:15 a.m., toddler story time is each Friday at 11 a.m. and preschool story time is each Friday at 11:45 a.m. Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Moms Club of Augusta A nonprofit group that has weekly playgroups and other activities for stayat-home moms. For more information, visit momsclubaugusta.org.
Moms Club of Grovetown A group that accepts any mom who stays at home with her children regardless of parenting style, religion or ethnicity. The group meets for a variety of activities and dues are $20 a year. Visit momsclubofgrovetown.weebly.com.
Mothers of Advanced Maternal Age A group for women with children who are age 35 years or older. Call 706-394-1293 or email hoopnhollar2@yahoo.com.
Youth Advisory Board Members The city of Aiken needs board members in grades 7-12 to help develop youth programs. The board meets once a month at the SmithHazel Recreation Center. Call 803-642-7634.
LITERARY Thu Apr 21
11:30am Brown Bag Book Discussion Columbia County Library Featuring a discussion of “The American Boy” by Andrew Taylor. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
Wed Apr 27
10am Wacky Wednesday Story Time Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.
4:30pm - 6pm Alley Cats Strikehouse Bowl, Aiken Part of the Aiken Recreation Department’s Buddy Sports program for those with physical and/or intellectual disabilities, this class is for those of all bowling abilities. $12 a month; pre-registration required. Call 803426-1284 or visit therecingcrew.com.
Thu Apr 28
7pm Teen Poetry Open Mic Night North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Ongoing
Asthma Day Camps Camp Tanglewood, Columbia County Augusta University is sponsoring this camp, for children ages 6-13 with asthma, July 1116. Activities include asthma management sessions, swimming and hiking. Volunteer lifeguards, physicians and respiratory experts will be on hand to ensure illness 32 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
or injury does not hinder the fun. However, a parent or guardian must attend a brief orientation and education session. Free, but pre-registration required. For more information, contact Kitty Hernlen: 706-7213554 or khernlen@augusta.edu.
Toddler Time Columbia County Library For children ages 2-3. Meets Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10:15 each week. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
Preschool Time Columbia County Library For those ages 3-5. Meets Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 11 a.m. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
Baby and Me Columbia County Library Meets Tuesdays at either 10:15 a.m. or 11 a.m. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
Afternoon Adventures Columbia County Library Stories, songs, dancing, crafts and more for all ages of children. Meets Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4:30 p.m. Call 706-863-1946 or
visit gchrl.org.
Baby & Me Euchee Creek Branch Library A class for those under 2 years and their parents that meets each Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. Call 706-556-0594 or visit gchrl.org.
Child Enrichment Euchee Creek Branch Library Stories, songs, dancing, crafts and more for all ages that meets Tuesdays at 4:15 p.m. and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. Call 706-5560594 or visit gchrl.org.
Child Enrichment Harlem Branch Library Stories, songs, dancing and crafts for all ages every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. Call 706556-9795 or visit gchrl.org.
4pm Harlem Book Club Harlem Branch Library Featuring a discussion of “Go Set a Watchman” by Harper Lee. Call 706-5569795 or visit gchrl.org.
Sun Apr 24
2pm From “Most Noble River” to “Wild Little Sand Heap” Morris Museum of Art A panel discussion by Dorinda Dallmeyer, Dr. Oscar Flite III and Philip Juras about the national history of Little St. Simons Island and how it relates to the landscape of the CSRA. A reception and book signing will follow. Free. Call 706-828-3867 or visit themorris.org.
Tue Apr 26
6pm - 7:30pm Wine, Words and Poetry
North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library Toddler story time is each Wednesday at 10:30 a.m., while pre-k story time is at 11:15 a.m. Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Headquarters Branch Library A celebration of National Poetry Month that will include readings from members of the Augusta Poetry Group and refreshments. Call 706-821-2600 or visit arcpls.org.
Story Times
Wed Apr 27
Story Times
Aiken Public Library
6:30pm - 8pm Book Club 21APRIL2016
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Kroc Center Open to anyone ages 25 and older interested in a fun, dynamic discussion. Books are selected by members and cover a variety of topics. Free. Call 706-922-0171 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org.
Featuring classic live jazz and wines selected by the host. $7. Call 762-233-5299 or visit jazzsoiree.com.
Mon Apr 25
7:30pm Greater Augusta Youth Orchestra Concert
Thu Apr 28
Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre Free and open to the public. Call 706-721-3083 or visit calendar.augusta.edu.
Maxwell Branch Library Discussion will be on “The Counter-Revolution of 1776: Salve Resistance and the Origins of the United States of America” by Gerald Home. Call 706-793-2020 or visit ecgrl.org.
Tue Apr 26
10am - noon Morning Book Club
10:30am On the Same Page Book Club Euchee Creek Branch Library Featuring a discussion of “The Walnut Tree” by Charles Todd. Call 706-556-0594 or visit gchrl.org.
MUSIC Thu Apr 21
7pm The Portland Guitar Duo Aiken Public Library Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.
7:30pm The Concerto Competition Winners Concert Maxwell Theatre Featuring Benjamin Blackmon on the French horn and singer Sawyer Branham accompanied by the Augusta University Orchestra. Concert: $15, general; $5, children ages 6- 12. Concert and reception: $20; $35 for two tickets. Call 706-667-4100 or visit augusta.edu.
7:30pm AU Wind Ensemble Concert Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre $5, general; free, AU students, faculty and staff. Call 706667-4100 or visit calendar.augusta.edu.
Thu Apr 28
7:30pm Arrival: The Music of ABBA Bell Auditorium Part of Symphony Orchestra Augusta’s Pops! at the Bell series. $10.19-$40.74. Call 706-826-4705 or visit soaugusta. org.
SENIORS Thu Apr 21
10:30am Seniors Golden Games Appleby Branch Library Call 706-736-6244 or visit ecgrl.org.
1pm - 1:30pm Got 30 Minutes? Kroc Center Conducted by the Area Agency on Aging, this workshop provides an overview of services available to caregivers, the aging, and those with disabilities. Call 706-922-0171 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org.
Pinochle each Tuesday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Canasta on Tuesdays from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and on Fridays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; and board games on Thursdays from 5-9 p.m. Call 803642-7631 or visit cityofaikensc.gov.
Senior Basketball H.O. Weeks Center Leagues for those ages 50 and up. Practice is held Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. Call 803-642-7631 or visit cityofaikensc.gov.
SPECIAL EVENTS Thu Apr 21
11am Adult Time-Out Euchee Creek Branch Library Participants will create personalized stem glasses. Preregistration required. Call 706-556-0594 or visit gchrl.org.
5pm - 8pm Third Thursday Tasting Wine World A drop-in event that features a wine or beer tasting. $5; $3 rebate upon purchase of a featured bottle. Call 803-2799522 or visit wineworldsc.com.
6pm - 8pm Take Back the Night Rally Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre An event that will include a community fair from 6-7 p.m., speakers, including testimonies from survivors of sexual assault, beginning at 7 p.m. and a candlelight walk. Call 706421-3817 or visit calendar.augusta.edu.
7pm - 10pm Preview Party
Augusta Canal Featuring Fred Williams performing on the Petersburg Boat. Participants are invited to bring snacks and beverages. $25; $23, seniors, military and students. Pre-registration required. Call 706-823-0440, ext. 4, or visit augustacanal.com.
6pm - 9pm Senior Adult Spring Dance
Sacred Heart Cultural Center Participants will enjoy dinner and entertainment, plus get a sneak peak at the Sacred Heart Garden Festival, going on April 22-24. $70; pre-registration required. Visit sacredheartgardenfestival.com.
Julian Smith Casino Call 706-796-5025.
Fri Apr 22
7pm The Portland Guitar Duo
3:30pm Humana Medicare 101: All Your Questions Answered
Fri Apr 22
6:30pm Music Cruise
North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.
7:30pm Vega String Quartet Concert Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre Part of the Harry Jacobs Chamber Music Society concert series. $25, general; $5, AU students, faculty and staff with ID. Call 706-667-4100 or visit au.edu.
Sat Apr 23
11am - 2pm Saturday Morning Swing Eighth Street Plaza Live music from local jazz artists and performing arts groups during the Augusta Market. Call 706-627-0128 or visit theaugustamarket.com.
7:30pm Beethoven’s Fifth First Baptist Church of Augusta Part of Symphony Orchestra Augusta’s Symphony Series. $20.37-$43.52. Call 706-826-4705 or visit soaugusta.org.
7:30pm Soiree: Jazz + Wine Jessye Norman School of the Arts 21APRIL2016
Sun Apr 24
Columbia County Library Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
Ongoing
Senior Citizens Club Smith-Hazel Recreation Center Meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m.-noon. Call 803-642-7634.
Silversneakers H.O. Weeks Center Silversneakers Classic Classes offered Mondays and Wednesdays at 9 a.m. and Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 11:15 a.m., while Silversneakers Yoga is offered Mondays and Wednesdays at 11:15 a.m. at the Weeks Center in Aiken. $27, members; $52, nonmembers. Call 803-642-7631 or visit cityofaikensc.gov.
Games for Seniors H.O. Weeks Center Include Mahjong each Thursday from 1-4 p.m., Bridge each Friday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Bingo each Tuesday 9-10 a.m.,
8:30am - 12:30pm 2016 Earth Faire Fort Gordon’s Barton Field An Earth Day celebration that will include art exhibits, wildlife demonstrations, food, family fun and more. Free and open to the public. Call 706-791-9483 or visit fortgordon.com.
9am - 8pm Sacred Heart Garden Festival Sacred Heart Cultural Center Includes exhibits, speakers, a market, a tour of gardens, a Standard Flower Show by the Augusta Council of Garden Clubs, a Wish Upon a Butterfly flight house exhibit and more. Tours are from noon-5 p.m. Three-day tickets: $25, advance, or $30 at the door. One-day ticket (not including garden tours): $10. Visit sacredheartgardenfestival.com.
9:30am - 3pm Earth Day Aiken Newberry Street Festival Center An event that includes booths, exhibits, food stations, children’s event, music and more. Visit greenupaiken.com.
10am - 2pm Mead Hall Strawberry Festival St. Thaddeus Episcopal Church, Aiken An event that will include fresh strawberries, homemade strawberry items, games, activities, craft vendors, book sale, silent auction, bake sale, casserole sale, a talent show and more. Visit meadhallschool.org/strawberryfestival. AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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5pm - 8pm Friday Night in the Garden
8am - 2pm Augusta Market at the River
9am - 5pm Sacred Heart Garden Festival
Sacred Heart’s Courtyard Garden Event includes live music by the Scarlet Begonias and beverages. $10; included with purchase of preview party ticket. Visit sacredheartgardenfestival.com.
8th Street Plaza, Reynolds Street The event features vendors of all kinds, activities, live entertainment and more. Visit theaugustamarket.com.
Sacred Heart Cultural Center Includes exhibits, speakers, a market, a tour of gardens, a Standard Flower Show by the Augusta Council of Garden Clubs, a Wish Upon a Butterfly flight house exhibit and more. Tours are from noon-5 p.m. Three-day tickets: $25, advance, or $30 at the door. One-day ticket (not including garden tours): $10. Visit sacredheartgardenfestival.com.
5pm - 8pm Wine Not It’s Friday Whole Foods A $5 wine tasting in which participants get five 3-ounce samples of featured wines. Call 762-333-0259 or visit wholefoodsmarket.com.
6:30pm - 10pm Blues, Brews and BBQ Columbia County Amphitheatre An event that includes barbecue from multiple vendors, craft beer and live music. $5; free, children 12 and under. Call 706650-5005 or visit columbiacountyga.gov.
Sat Apr 23
8am - 1pm Annual Spring Yard Sale When Help Can’t Wait Items for sale will include decor items, sports equipment, comforters, bedding, pillows, lamps, household appliances, kitchenware, dishes, books and more. Proceeds benefit nursing home residents in the CSRA. Call 706-650-9467 or visit whenhelpcantwait.com.
8:30am - 12:30pm 2016 Earth Faire Fort Gordon’s Barton Field An Earth Day celebration that will include a 5K and 3K race at 9 a.m., art exhibits, wildlife demonstrations, food, family fun and more. Free and open to the public. Call 706-7919483 or visit fortgordon.com.
9am - 3pm Charity Ride/Community Event Street & Trail Motorsports A benefit for the Joseph M. Still Burn Center that will include live music from Shinebox, free food, inflatables and giveaways. Free. Call 706-868-5050 or visit streetandtrail.com
9am - 1pm Harrisburg Clean and Green Day Martha Lester School A volunteer clean-up day that will be followed by lunch and live entertainment. Participants must sign up in advance and those under16 must be chaperoned. Visit turnbacktheblock.com.
9am - 4pm Wine and Sign Aiken Center for the Arts A book signing featuring several authors, as well as food and wine. A benefit for the Diann Shaddox Foundation for Essential Tremor. Free. Call 803-641-9094 or visit aikencenterforthearts.org.
11am - 1pm MCS Augusta Food Pantry 120 Davant Road Serving families in need regardless of religious, social or racial background. Extra food provided to families with children. Call 509-554-0149.
Noon - 5pm Augusta Craft Beer Festival Lake Olmstead Stadium An event that includes more than 30 breweries, music and more. Tickets are $37.92-$106.49. Designated driver tickets are $22.09. Visit augustacraftbeerfest.com.
Noon - 5pm Music That Matters Evans Towne Center Park A UGA Extension event that features free live music by local youth, a 4-H Club showcase, inflatables, exhibitions, food and drink vendors and more. Visit ugaextension. com/columbia.
6pm - 10pm Sweet Celebrations North Augusta Community Center A dessert buffet with items from local businesses and silent auction fundraiser for the RECing Crew that also features live entertainment spotlighting the 2016 Crew Idol participants. $10. Call 803-426-1284 or visit therecingcrew.com.
7pm - 9:30pm Wine and Sign Aiken Center for the Arts A benefit for the Diann Shaddox Foundation for Essential Tremor that will feature wine, food and entertainment from actor and recording artist Brad Carter, who has essential tremor. $75. Call 803-641-9094 or visit aikencenterforthearts.org.
Sun Apr 24
Noon - 4pm Bridal Show 2016 Goodwill’s The Snelling Center Businesses attending the event will include florists, decorators, entertainers and more. Call 706-854-4728 or visit edgarshospitality.com. 34 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Noon - 5pm Sacred Heart Garden Festival Sacred Heart Cultural Center Includes exhibits, speakers, a market, a tour of gardens, a Standard Flower Show by the Augusta Council of Garden Clubs, a Wish Upon a Butterfly flight house exhibit and more. Tours are from noon-5 p.m. Three-day tickets: $25, advance, or $30 at the door. One-day ticket (not including garden tours): $10. Visit sacredheartgardenfestival.com.
1pm - 5pm Strawberry Festival Our Lady of Peace Catholic School, North Augusta An event that will include strawberries from Gurosik’s in dishes of all kinds, games, prizes, crafts, inflatables, a bake sale, a cookout and a 3 v 3 soccer tournament. Call 803-279-8396, ext. 100, or visit olpschool.us.
2pm - 5pm Wine, Women and Shoes The Legends Club A benefit for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Augusta that includes wine, shopping, a fashion show, food and more. $100, general; $175, VIP. Call 706-724-5901 or visit rmhaugusta.org.
Thu Apr 28
2pm - 8pm Taste of Home Etherredge Center, Aiken This event begins with a back to basics expo. A show featuring Dana Elliott, culinary specialist, will begin at 6:30 p.m. $12-$39. Call 803-642-3305 or visit usca.edu.
5:30pm Parents Night Out Columbia County Library An adult event that will include crafts and refreshments. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
SPORTS-OUTDOORS Fri Apr 22
5pm Birding Festival Phinizy Swamp Nature Park A weekend event that lasts until April 24 at 11 a.m. $35 for the weekend and $35 for Saturday’s evening meal. Pre-registration required. Call 706-828-2109 or visit phinizycenter.org.
7pm ‘Til the Cows Come Home 5K Steed’s Dairy, Grovetown A run/walk fundraiser for Christ Community Health’s medical and dental program. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. $25, advance; $30, day of race. Visit cchsaugusta. org/events.
9pm - 11pm Full Moon Walk Phinizy Swamp Nature Park An event for children and adults. $10 per person. Call 706-828-2109 or visit phinizycenter.org. 21APRIL2016
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Sat Apr 23
8am People Chase 5K and Fun Run Newberry Street Festival Center, Aiken This race, an Earth Day kick off, will include obstacles. Call 803-642-7767 or visit greenupaiken.com.
8:30am 5K Run with Art HealthSouth Walton Rehabilitation Hospital An event that, along with the Undercover Artists Show on April 28, will help send more than 50 people, ages 8-21, to Camp To Be Independent, a camp for those with acquired brain injuries. $25, pre-registration; $30, day of the event; $10, children. Visit waltonfoundation.net/5k.
9am - noon Earth Faire 5K & 3K Fort Gordon’s Barton Field A race that will also include educational displays and recyclable art in honor of Earth Day. Call 706-791-1142 or visit fortgordon.com.
9am - 10am Waterside Yoga
‘Til the Cows Come Home 5K Steed’s Dairy, Grovetown Friday, April 22 5:30 p.m., registration; 7 p.m., race $25, advance; $30, day of race cchsaugusta.org/events.
Augusta Canal’s Lake Olmstead Trailhead A class open to those of all ages and abilities. Participants should bring a mat or towel. Free, but donations to the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area accepted. Call 706823- 0440, ext. 2, or visit augustacanal.com.
9:30am - 11:30am Stream Explorers Phinizy Swamp Nature Park For those ages 8 and up, participants should wear long socks and bring water. Waders provided. Free, members; $2, nonmembers. Pre-registration required. Call 706-828-2109 or visit phinizycenter.org.
SUPPORT
8pm Full Moon Night Hike
Mon Apr 25
Mistletoe State Park Participants should bring a flashlight and wear walking shoes. $5,parking. Call 706541-0321 or visit gastateparks.org/mistletoe.
Tue Apr 26
7:05pm Augusta GreenJackets vs. Kannapolis Intimidators Lake Olmstead Stadium $8-$12. Call 706-922-9467 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.
Wed Apr 27
10:35am Augusta GreenJackets vs. Kannapolis Intimidators Lake Olmstead Stadium $8-$12. Call 706-922-9467 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.
Thu Apr 28
7:05pm Augusta GreenJackets vs. Kannapolis Intimidators Lake Olmstead Stadium $8-$12. Call 706-922-9467 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com. 21APRIL2016
Thu Apr 21
6pm Bariatric Surgery Support Group University Hospital Call 706-774-8931 or visit universityhealth.org.
6pm - 7:30pm Cancer Share University Hospital For those with any type of cancer. Call 706774-5946 or visit universityhealth.org.
Tue Apr 26
10:20am Moms Connection Augusta University Medical Center This free weekly support group for new mothers meets in the Terrace Dining Dogwood Room on the second floor. All new moms and their babies are welcome and an international board certified lactation consultant/educator/perinatal nurse will answer questions and offer resources. Call 706-721-8283 or visit augustahealth.org.
6pm - 9pm CSRA Parkinson Support Group St. John Towers dining room Dr. Charlotte Chatto and Dr. Stephanie Johnson will lead the group through a personalized process to determine which exercises are appropriate for individuals and which programs will best fit individual needs. Free and open to the public. Call
706-364-1662.
Ongoing
TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) GA, 110 Augusta St. Alban’s Episcopal Church fellowship hall The group meets Mondays, with weighin beginning at 5:15 p.m. and the meeting beginning at 6:30 p.m. Call 706-790-0391 or visit tops.org.
TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Pine View Baptist Church The group meets Tuesdays, with weigh-in beginning at 4:45 p.m. and the meeting beginning at 5:15 p.m. Call 706-868-0539 or visit tops.org.
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 provided. Pre-registration suggested. Visit cr@journeycommunity.net.
Write to Heal Children’s Hospital of Georgia For patients, family members and caregivers, this program meets the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. Preregistration required. Call 706-721-5160 or email nawilliams@gru.edu.
Diabetes Youth Support Group Meets quarterly. Call for more information. Call 706-868-3241.
Overeaters Anonymous Meets at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, at 7 p.m. Thursdays at Unity Church, and at Covenant Presbyterian Church at 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays. Call 706-863-9534 or email oa.augusta.recovery@gmail.com.
Adult Sexual Assault and Rape Support Group Provides group counseling at University Hospital for those who have experienced sexual assault, incest, rape or childhood sexual abuse. Call 706-724-5200 or visit universityhealth.org.
Alcoholics Anonymous Holds several meetings locally. For a current schedule, visit augustaaa.org/meetings.pdf.
Narcotics Anonymous Trinity Hospital of Augusta Meets Fridays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 7 AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989 METROSPIRIT 35
V27|NO16
p.m. Visit na.org.
Families Who Have Lost a Baby Support Group
A production of the Davidson Fine Arts Theater Department. $12-$15. Call 706-823-6924 or visit rcboe.org/ davidson.
For more information, call 706-721-8299 or visit grhealth.org.
THEATER Thu Apr 21
7pm “Guys and Dolls” Davidson Fine Arts Theatre A production of the Davidson Fine Arts Theater Department. $12-$15. Call 706-823-6924 or visit rcboe.org/ davidson.
7:30pm “Dearly Departed” Aiken Community Playhouse An Aiken Community Playhouse production. $20; $17, seniors; $12, students and $7, children 12 and under. Call 803-648-1438 or visit aikencommunityplayhouse.com.
8pm - 10pm Quickies! Augusta’s Short Original Play Festival
6pm “Guys and Dolls” Davidson Fine Arts Theatre A production of the Davidson Fine Arts Theater Department. $12-$15. Call 706-823-6924 or visit rcboe.org/ davidson.
7:30pm “Dearly Departed” Aiken Community Playhouse An Aiken Community Playhouse production. $20; $17, seniors; $12, students and $7, children 12 and under. Call 803-648-1438 or visit aikencommunityplayhouse.com.
8pm - 10pm Quickies! Augusta’s Short Original Play Festival
Le Chat Noir $20. Call 706-722-3322 or visit lcnaugusta.com.
8pm - 10pm Quickies! Augusta’s Short Original Play Festival
Le Chat Noir $20. Call 706-722-3322 or visit lcnaugusta.com.
Sat Apr 23
Le Chat Noir $20. Call 706-722-3322 or visit lcnaugusta.com.
Fri Apr 22
7pm “Alice in Wonderland” Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre A production of the Missoula Children’s Theatre, this performance is free and open to the community as part of Fort Gordon’s Month of the Military Child celebration. For more information, email steven.r.walpert.naf@mail.mil.
7pm “Guys and Dolls” Davidson Fine Arts Theatre
36 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
1pm “Guys and Dolls” Davidson Fine Arts Theatre A production of the Davidson Fine Arts Theater Department. $12-$15. Call 706-823-6924 or visit rcboe.org/ davidson.
2pm “The Lightning Thief” Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre A production of Fort Gordon Child, Youth & School Services. Free and open to the public. Call 706-793-8552 or visit fortgordon.com.
Sun Apr 24
3pm “Dearly Departed” Aiken Community Playhouse An Aiken Community Playhouse production. $20; $17, seniors; $12, students and $7, children 12 and under. Call 803-648-1438 or visit aikencommunityplayhouse.com.
21APRIL2016
V27|NO16
The Stables Restaurant (Aiken) - Jazz w/ Jimmy Easton Stillwater Taproom - The Mustache Brothers Whole Foods - Music @ the Turn Wild Wing - Todd Coleman Band
Tuesday, April 26 Live Music
What’s Tonight?
What’s Tonight?
Chevy’s - DJ Nicky B Soul Bar - (r)Evolution Vera Cruz Mexican Restaurant - Karaoke w/ Denny van Valkenburgh
Saturday, April 23 Live Music
Aiken Speakeasy and Eats (Aiken) - Live Jazz Cotton Patch - Live Jazz & Blues Country Club - Luke Combs Coyotes - Salazar Eighth Street Plaza - Saturday Morning Swing at the Augusta Market on the River Hoze’s Bar (North Augusta) - Johnny Brewer The Iron Heights - Vices & Vessels, Bury Me Last, JYNZO, Occido James Brown Arena - Rascal Flatss, Jana Kramer Jessye Norman School of the Arts - Soiree: Jazz + Wine Shannon’s - Strange Brew Stillwater Taproom - The Kenny George Band Surrey Center - Springfest w/ Forest O’Quinn That Place - John Stoney Cannon, Douglas Oxford and Cathy Benedetto Wild Wing - Center Lane The Willcox (Aiken) - Jon Vaughn
What’s Tonight?
The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Bar West - DJ Fugi Chevy’s - DJ Nicky B Helga’s Pub & Grille - Bluegrass Brunch (11 a.m.3 p.m.); Trivia, nights Joe’s Underground - Ladies Night, Singles Night Sky City - Mayhem (two rooms, 11 DJs) Somewhere in Augusta - UFC 197 Vera Cruz Mexican Restaurant - Karaoke w/ Denny van Valkenburgh
Sam Barron and Mimi Oz That Place Coffee Wednesday, April 27 7 p.m. 706-339-7011 thatplacecoffee.com Thursday, April 21 Live Music
Bar on Broad - Daddy Rich Red Pepper (Aiken) - Mike Frost Band Sky City - The Avant Guardians Stillwater Taproom - Vicky Grady Band Wild Wing - Brandon Reeves
What’s Tonight?
Bar West - Open Mic Night w/ Jonathon Flowers Carolina Ale House - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper (9 p.m.) Chevy’s - Karaoke Cotton Patch - Old School Thursday w/ DJ Groove Fox’s Lair - Trivia, Soup and Suds Helga’s Pub & Grille - Trivia The Highlander - Butt Naked Trivia Joe’s Underground - Trivia The Loft - Karaoke MAD Studios - Open Mic, Spoken Word Pizza Joint (Downtown) - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper (7 p.m.)
38 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Sunday, April 24 Live Music
Somewhere in Augusta - Poker for Fun Soul Bar - DJ Spindrum That Place - Open Mic Spoken Word, Poetry, Prose and Singer/Songwriters
Friday, April 22 Live Music
Augusta Canal - Music Cruise w/ Fred Williams The Backyard Tavern - Thick as Thieves Bar on Broad - Daddy Rich Bar West - Live Music Bird Dog Grille - Ippie Music Columbia County Amphitheatre - Blues, Brews and BBQ Cotton Patch - Live Jazz & Blues Country Club - Chris Rogers Coyotes - 8 Second Ride Red Pepper (Aiken) - Anybody’s Guess Shannon’s - Mike and Walter Sky City - The Oh Hellos, The Collection, The Ramblin’ Fevers Somewhere in Augusta - All Bets R Off
Aiken Speakeasy and Eats (Aiken) - Live Jazz Mellow Mushroom (Aiken) - Brunch w/ Mike Frost and Lauren Meccia Savannah Rapids - Feel the Bern Concert and Barnstorm w/ Mee Bad Eye, Matt Dahlheimer, Akenda, Jerod Gay Wild Wing - Sabo & Dave The Willcox (Aiken) - Jon Vaughn
What’s Tonight?
Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane
Monday, April 25 Live Music
Metro Coffeehouse & Pub - Blues Monday w/ Famous Last Words
Joe’s Underground - Open Mic Soul Bar - Gloom Cocoon The Willcox (Aiken) - Hal Shreck
Bar West - Trivia The Cotton Patch - Trivia Limelite Cafe - Bottom’s Up Trivia Mellow Mushroom (Aiken) - Trivia Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane Somewhere in Augusta - Big Prize Trivia w/ Gorman Twisted Burrito - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper
Wednesday, April 27 Live Music
The Highlander - Open Mic Night Shannon’s - Shameless Dave Soul Bar - Take the Fall, Oh Whales That Place - Sam Barron and Mimi Oz Wild Wing - Sabo & Reid
What’s Tonight?
The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Bar West - Karaoke Chevy’s - Karaoke Cotton Patch - Trivia and Tunes The Loft - Karaoke Mi Rancho (Downtown) - Karaoke Mi Rancho (Washington Road) - Karaoke Pizza Joint (Evans) - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper The Playground - Krazy Karaoke w/ Big Troy Polo Tavern (Aiken) - Karaoke w/ Tom Mitchell Sky City - Wednesday Night Conspiracy w/ DJ Knightmare Somewhere in Augusta - The Comedy Zone w/ Paul Hooper Stillwater Taproom - Pub Quiz Surrey Tavern - Trivia w/ Christian and Mickey
Upcoming The Michael Martin Band
- Stillwater Taproom April 28 10-Year Anniversary Party w/ Locash
- The Country Club April 29 Mountain Express
- Stillwater Taproom April 29 Roadkill Ghost Choir, Deep State, Thayer Sarrano
- Sky City April 30 Amy Grant, Nicole Nordeman, Ellie Holcomb
- USCA Convocation Center April 30 Roadkill Ghost Choir, Deept State, Thayer Sarrano
- Sky City April 30 Runaway Jug Band
- Stillwater Taproom April 30 James Brown Family Birthday Bash w/ Keith Jenkins and the James Brown Band, Sharon Jones, George Porter Jr., Ivan Neville, Ty Taylor, Jennifer Hartswick, Chris Rob, Gavin Hamilton, Greg Hester
- Augusta Common May 3 ZZ Top
- Bell Auditorium May 4 Trampled by Turtles, The Devil Makes Three
What’s Tonight?
Joe’s Underground - Poker Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane Somewhere in Augusta - World Tavern Poker Wild Wing - Trivia Wing Place (Aiken) - Trivia
- Jessye Norman Amphitheater May 8 Kenny Babyface Edmonds, Tank
- Bell Auditorium May 8 Jason Isbell, Tommy Emmanuel
- Bell Auditorium May 17 An Evening with Sara Evans
- Imperial Theatre May 20 21APRIL2016
V27|NO16 Papa Joe’s Banjo B Que w/ Willie Nelson and Family, Old Crow Medicine Show, Steep Canyon Rangers, Blitzen Trapper, Mountain Faith, Sarah Jaroz, Rev. Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Susto, Ben Miller, Have Gun Will Travel, Guthrie Brown & the Family Tree, Little Roy & Lizzie Show, Great Peacock, Josh Roberts & the Hinges, Motel Radio, Packway Handle Band, Laney Jones & the Spirits, BooHoo Ramblers, Georgia-Lina Boys, the Mason Jars, Muddy Johnson, Delta Cane
- Evans Towne Center Park May 27-28 Alabama, The Charlie Daniels Band
- James Brown Arena June 3
Steve Martin, Martin Short
Lauryn Hill
- Fox Theatre, Atlanta April 24
- Chastain Park, Atlanta May 6
Van Morrison
Charles Kelley
- Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, Alpharetta April 24
- Georgia Theatre, Athens May 6
Bush
Laid Back Festival w/ Gregg Allman, ZZ Top, Blackberry Smoke, Kevn Kinney Band
- Tabernacle, Atlanta April 24
- Lakewood Amphitheatre, Atlanta May 7
Smashing Pumpkins
The Avett Brothers, Brett Dennen
- Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Atlanta April 26
- Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, Alpharetta May 7
Alabama Shakes, Dylan LeBlanc
Scorpions, Living Colour
- Classic Center, Athens April 27
- Chastain Park, Atlanta May 7
Tracy Morgan
Comedy Bang! Bang!
- Tabernacle, Atlanta May 11
Steve Miller Band
- Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Atlanta April 30
- Bell Auditorium July 19
Snarky Puppy
Jeezy & Friends
- Bell Auditorium June 4 Chris Robinson Brotherhood
- Tabernacle, Atlanta April 30
- Sky City July 22
Beyonce
Maxwell
- Georgia Dome, Atlanta May 1
- Bell Auditorium August 6
Boston
Elsewhere
- Johnny Mercer Theatre, Savannah May 1
Livingroom Legends
The Residents
- Fiery Ron’s Hometeam BBQ, Sullivan’s Island, S.C. April 22
Megadeth
Sister Hazel
- Variety Playhouse, Atlanta April 22 Esperanza Spalding
- Center Stage, Atlanta April 22 Old Crow Medicine Show
- Georgia Theatre, Athens April 22-23 Leftover Salmon
- Variety Playhouse, Atlanta April 23
REAL PEOPLE REAL DESIRE REAL FUN.
- Variety Playhouse, Atlanta May 1 - Tabernacle, Atlanta May 2 Kiefer Sutherland
Try FREE: 706-434-0108 More Local Numbers: 1-800-926-6000
- Cox Capitol Theatre, Macon May 3
Ahora español Livelinks.com 18+
Paul Simon
- Fox Theatre, Atlanta May 3 Queensryche
- Masquerade, Atlanta May 4 Disturbed, Rob Zombie, Pop Evil
- Lakewood Amphitheatre, Atlanta May 6
Meet sexy new friends
FREE TRIAL
706-434-0112
V27|NO16
SIGHTINGS
Michael Johnson | mejphoto.photoreflect.com
Chandler Arnold, Maggie Allen and Caroline Flake at the Country Club.
Stu Baker, Molly Grady, Josh Williams and Cecelia Morgan at the Hammond’s Ferry Foundation’s Chatham County Line concert at Boechkh Park in North Augusta for the LLS Society.
Jeremy and Kim Mace with Kelly and Chris Hitchcock at the Hammond’s Ferry Foundation’s Chatham County Line concert at Boechkh Park in North Augusta for the LLS Society.
Ryan and Michelle Stalk and Brittany and Jeffrey Lloyd at the grand-reopening of Surrey Tavern.
John Teer, Greg Readling, Chandler Holt and Dave Wilson of Chatham County Line at the Hammond’s Ferry Foundation’s concert at Boechkh Park in North Augusta for the LLS Society.
Sarah Premji, Suzanne Ozturk, Sehrish Viqar and Sharmin Shoriff at Oliviana Ristorante/Pizzeria.
Hope Wetherington, Priscilla Hamlet and Sarah Wetherington at the Loft.
Jeff and Katie Taylor with Heather and Jeff Bias at the Indian Queen.
Rachael Gardner, Racheal Wilson and Crystal Dekalb at the Pizza Joint downtown.
40 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
21APRIL2016
SOMETHING IN THE WATER By Randolph Ross / Edited by Will Shortz ACROSS 1 “Things aren’t so bad!” 8 Memorable mission 13 Napoleon, for one 19 Head of the army? 20 Jerusalem’s province, to the Romans 21 Role for Julia Louis-Dreyfus 22 Iron Man, e.g. 23 Where a 28-Across was often submerged in W.W. II 25 Prefix with comic 26 Chinese leader? 28 See 23-Across 29 More sound 30 Global supporter of the arts 33 Retailer ____ Taylor 34 Kind of PC port 37 Grocery chain since 1926 38 See 43-Across 39 A or O, e.g. 41 Ready to be drawn 43 Where you might tour the Grand Canyon in a 38-Across 47 See 50-Across 49 Young hare 50 Where an Italian tourist might ride in a 47-Across 52 Honkers 54 “If I Ruled the World” rapper 56 Heavy metal venue? 57 Approximately 58 Bars frequented at night 61 Tiny bit 62 Not, to a Scot 63 Saloon sounds 64 Knock over 65 Animal that an ailurophobe fears 66 Unimpressive mount 67 “So ____” 68 Where to find Moscow in the U.S.: Abbr. 69 1993 standoff site 70 Trembling trees 72 Does some grilling 73 See 79-Across 76 Solo pilot? 77 Vice ____ 79 Where a 73-Across sails loaded with fuel 81 See 85-Across 84 What a vulgarian has 85 Place for an 81-Across to catch
seafood 90 [Humph!] 91 Put one’s foot down 92 Cowpoke’s friend 93 U.K. award 94 Yearbook sect. 95 Political writer Matt 97 École educator 99 Ticked off 101 See 105-Across 103 First name on the Supreme Court 104 Suite spot, say 105 What a 101-Across travels for some urban commuters 111 James Joyce short story in “Dubliners” 113 Self-image? 114 Time to start walking 115 Campaign poster word 116 Not quite 117 “Ain’t happening” 118 Investigative pieces
38 Party with glow sticks, maybe 40 Stumbles 41 Rouen relation 42 Makeshift beds 44 Bread spreads 45 Lawyer’s thing 46 Lake that’s the source of the Mississippi 47 Banded rock 48 “Waiting for Lefty” playwright 51 Hindu soul 52 Metal grates for grilling 53 One-way flight? 55 Hide away 57 Seven U.S. presidents, by birth 58 Notre Dame football legend 59 They’re blown in the winds 60 Tourist attraction on N.Y.C.’s Fifth Ave. 64 Charged 67 Support for ballet dancers 69 Place for a spare tire 71 Send into a swoon DOWN 74 Lifts up a mountain 1 Great work of literature 75 Geom. shape 2 Try 77 ____ III, inspiration for Dracula 3 “But thy ____ summer shall not fade”: 78 Cry of mock horror Shak. 80 “Don’t forget about me” 4 “It’s a Wonderful Life” role 82 Set off 5 Attention to detail 83 Announcement at the end of a long 6 Article in Le Monde car trip 7 Sell 86 Org. established by President Nixon 8 They have belts and coats 87 “Little piggy” holders 9 Cholesterol inits. 88 Lack 10 Top of the minors 89 “Count me in” 11 Aid in picking sides 91 When repeated, 1968 name in the 12 Crunchy snack news 13 Butter ____ (ice- cream flavor) 95 Generic juice flavor 14 Buckets 96 Scroll holder 15 It counts as a plate appearance but 98 Choking on a Life Saver, e.g. not as an at-bat, briefly 99 Fowl language? 16 Trash-bag accessory 100 Rich kid in “Nancy” 17 Retrovirus component 101 Young Arab 18 Appetite 102 Sant’ Gria brand 20 Cabinet member who served all 105 “I don’t think so” eight years under Bill Clinton 106 Stowe girl 24 Saturn model with a scientific name 107 Card game for two 27 Awaiting 108 Financial report abbr. 31 Basketball’s King James, for one 109 Opposite of FF 32 Cassini of fashion 110 Dangerous pet 34 Let flow again 112 Aggravate 35 Lack of compassion 36 Russian relative of a guitar
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V27|NO16
THE EIGHT
BOX TOPS The third $100+ million opener in 2016? Not bad, Mowgli. RANK TITLES
WEEKEND GROSS TOTAL GROSS WEEK # LAST WEEK
1
THE JUNGLE BOOK
$103,261,464
2
$103,261,464
1
-
BARBERSHOP: THE NEXT CUT $20,242,415
$20,242,415
1
-
3
THE BOSS
$9,958,855
$40,140,765
2
1
4
BATMAN V. SUPERMAN
$9,028,356
$311,330,086
4
2
5
ZOOTOPIA
$8,142,641
$307,386,397
7
3
In Theaters April 22
DRAMA
“The Huntsman: Winter’s War,” rated PG-13, starring Charlize Theron, Emily Blunt, Jessica Chastain, Chris Hemsworth. A sequel to “Snow White and the Huntsman” that doesn’t include Snow White? Probably smart, since Snow White was played by the zombie-like Kristen Stewart. This follow-up focuses on the seriously screwed up relationship between queens/sisters Ravenna and Freya and their fight for supremacy. Sounds fun! 44 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
COMEDY
“Elvis & Nixon,” rated R, starring Michael Shannon, Kevin Spacey, Alex Pettyfer, Johnny Knoxville. If you love that Oval Office picture of Elvis and Nixon shaking hands (which, by the way, is the most requested photo from the U.S. National Archives, so you’re not alone), then you’ll love this behind the scenes look at what went on during that December 1970 meeting. Side question: How many presidents is Kevin Spacey planning to play during his acting career anyway? 21APRIL2016
V27|NO16
Death Comes to Oakdale Road HannaH Raye newman died last Sunday in Rusty Ritch’s old house. 1121 Oakdale Road, in National Hills. Danny Dailey and Buzzy Conner used to live right close there, and while they were a bit older than me, they were still very familiar faces in my life for many years. From 1968 until 1983, Oakdale Road was my home, and National Hills was my neighborhood. You couldn’t find a better middle class neighborhood anywhere in Augusta, for the money, and most of the time, it was an ideal place for families to grow up. And we all knew each other. I could name almost every family with children on Oakdale from the tippy top to the very bottom. The O’Tysons...the Barnards...the Smiths...the Millers...the Reynolds...the Coopers...the Floyds...the Gibbs...the Reeves...the Pittmans...the Butlers...the Starrs...the McNairs. Rusty Ritch was one of my fellow “Y-Indian Guide” braves. If memory serves, we had a few” Y-Indian Guide” meetings at his house in the early 70’s. They were kind of like the Boy Scouts, but with Indian garb and rituals. It was fun for a few years, until we all became too cool for that kind of thing. Or at least we thought we were. I can’t remember my parents ever having a moment’s hesitation about the safety of our neighborhood, except for a few of the parties Pic Gibbs would throw when his Mom wasn’t home. He was in his early 20’s and the epitome of a pothead hippie. Peace loving and harmless, even if his parties got loud, messy, and out of hand. And boy did they! I can honestly say I never saw one minute of serious violence while I lived in that house, and one of the universal truths the neighborhood kids all seemed to share was that no matter what else was going on in the city or the world, once you made it to Oakdale Road, you were home, and you were safe. I have been told these days, all these many years later, it is still a very safe place to live and call home. But even Oakdale Road can become dangerous if you invite the bad guys to come home with you. According to several police reports filed a few days before Hannah Newman died, it is believed she did just that. At this writing the info is still sketchy, but investigators report that on the night of April 13th Hannah was assaulted by her live-in boyfriend Darin Davis. Among the injuries she suffered was at least 46 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
one punch to the face. He was arrested on battery charges. The next evening Hannah was downtown with a friend when she got into a brawl with several other women, resulting at the time, to at least one more blow to the head. As she was being driven away she apparently shouted threats to the women, daring them to come to her home to finish the fight, and supplying them with her complete address in the process. They took the dare. All hell broke loose when they showed up, and witnesses say at some point in the ensuing melee Hannah was hit in the head with a cast iron water meter cover. When the cops finally arrived to see most of those involved fleeing on foot, Hannah not only refused medical treatment, she refused to name those who had shown up at her defiant invitation. It was two days later that Hannah’s father discovered he lifeless body on the floor of her bedroom. Noting the condition of her body, and the violent immediate history of the prior few days, Coroner Mark Bowen officially called the death “suspicious” and sent the body to the crime lab for full analysis. He should know almost immediately if violence caused her untimely death, but if drugs or alcohol figured prominently in her demise, it may be several months before that proof is in hand.
isolated to crime ridden slums, or crowded bars full of drunk, wasted gangbangers. These crimes are coming home to the suburbs, and they are coming at the invitation of those involved. This week Sheriff Richard Roundtree and DA Ashley Wright are meeting with the media to discuss the sudden surge in these violent situations in the suburbs, perhaps looking for community solutions on how to deal with them. By the time these episodes get the attention of law officers and the court system, too often the coroner’s wagon has come and gone with another load for the autopsy table. Don’t look to the authorities for solutions to these issues, one need look no further than to the parents, friends, and neighbors who live on streets like Oakdale Road, and Chaps Lane. aUSTIn RHODeS
A long-time radio talk show host who can be heard weekdays on WGAC from 3-6 p.m. The views expressed are the opinions of Austin Rhodes and do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher.
Who or what is exactly responsible for her death remains a mystery, but one thing is clear, the two violent episodes at her home, on her own property, were a direct result of Hannah Newman inviting the wrong people to visit. Hannah had several scrapes with the law in the past, and obviously she was not one to run from confrontation or violence, but few of those close to her could have or would have predicted her death this week at the age of 22. As I looked at pictures of the home in which she died, I was immediately taken by how peaceful and innocent the house still looks after all this time. It still looks like Rusty’s house to me. It reminded me of the peaceful scene on Chaps Lane a few weeks ago, moments before a street riot broke out that resulted in the stabbing death of Demajhay Bell. An episode immortalized by videos of the killing, recorded by several of those later charged in the case, that have been seen by hundreds of thousands of people via social and professional media. These attacks and these bizarre behaviors are not 21APRIL2016
Please Join Us For Family Day at the Park with Judge John Flythe Saturday, April 23 rd, from 11AM-2PM at Freedom Park (Memorial Park) in Grovetown. Bring your family and friends for free food, beverages, and entertainment by The Band Kelley! Vote Early beginning May 2 nd or Vote on Election Day, May 24 th, and Vote John Flythe for Superior Court Judge! The Augusta Circuit includes: Richmond, Columbia, and Burke Counties
COMMITTEE TO ELECT JOHN FLYTHE P.O. Box 1563, Augusta, GA, 30903 Flythe_GA_newspaper_ad_10x11.indd 1
ElectJohnFlythe.com /ElectJohnFlythe 706-306-1603 4/19/16 4:40 PM