august 2009

free Discover Downtown details inside august 2009

vergedowntown augusta

verge / august 2009 / 3

contents A Downtown EducationThe lessons we learn from true entreprenuers

Le Chat Noir Opens Fourth Seasona lesson in theatrical production with Krys Bailey

The Science of Scent at Cloud Ninea lesson in economics with Carless Gay

Father & Son Team Go for Gold a lesson in physical fitness with the Hagleys

Fresh Local Produce Inspires Creativitya lesson in home economics with Kate Lee

The Rebirth of Augusta Amusementsa lesson in history with Mike Deas

Garden City Jazz Keeps the Swinga lesson in music appreciation with Karen Gordon

GHIA Welcomes New Directora lesson in art with Rebekah Henry

Explore Downtown & Get Free Stuffa lesson in math with Downtown Augusta Alliance

experience moresmatteringsdiscover downtowngallery / david mascarosoundcheck / lexie’s legacy concertonstage / jailhouse rock and elvisoffstage /the augusta riverwalkgood chow / caribbean soulconcert / ed turner and number 9concert / corey smithconcert / shotgun operatone deft / joycette’s listeningpipeline / get plugged into august’s eventsi’m a loser baby / the finalepast times & monument walk

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on the cover:devisive energy / fused slumped glassLisa Mote (Gallery on the Row)

volume twoissue six

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4 / august 2009 / verge


advertiser index 16 1102 Bar & Grill30 1102 Back Bar Events27 8th Street Tobacco38 Americana Artworks26 Andy Jordan’s Bicycle Warehouse 28 Augusta School of Massage12 blue magnolia21 Blue Sky Kitchen40 Boll Weevil Cafe20 The Book Tavern34 Caribbean Soul 6 Casella Eye Center28 Costumes by Michele32 DJ Brad14 Downtown Dental 4 DuJuor Fine Foods26 Elduets Treasures of the World33 Fat Tire24 Georgia Academy of Massage22 Halo Salon & Spa33 Health Central33 Joe’s Underground39 The Loft36 Lokal Loudness14 Manuel’s Bread Cafe30 Metro Coffeehouse & Pub18 Michelob24 Moon Beams38 Mothership Wit24 Nacho Mama’s 6 New Moon Café10 PeachMac28 Perry & Company14 PowerServe 4 Quilt Shop on The Corner 2 Rock Bottom Music 8 Rooster’s Beak 4 Sanford, Bruker & Banks 14 Stillwater Taproom 4 Summerville Maids10 T-Boy’s Po’Boys23 Vintage Ooollee 6 The Well36 The Window Gallery 12 White Elephant38 Woodrow Wilson House 22 Zimmerman Gallery

smatterings / notes from the publisher

publisherMatt Plocha

editorLara Plocha

pipeline editorsClaire RicheJoyce Tahop

web guyAndy Donnan

photographersKatie McGuireChris Selmek

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History Lesson: The American’s Creed by William Tyler Page

“I believe in the United States of America as a government of the people, by the people, for the people; whose just powers are derived from the consent of the governed, a democracy in a republic, a sovereign Nation of many sovereign States; a perfect union, one and inseparable; established upon those principles of freedom, equality, justice, and humanity for which American patriots sacrificed their lives and fortunes.

I therefore believe it is my duty to my country to love it, to support its Constitution, to obey its laws, to respect its flag, and to defend it against all enemies.”

–written 1917, accepted by the United States House of Representatives on April 3, 1918

Our Country has a creed? How many of you knew this? Come on be honest, did you know that? As with the American’s Creed, there are a lot of things that we probably are not familiar with as we go about our “busy day” and neglect to stop and look at or explore our surroundings. The American’s Creed was written to define what it means to be American, the need for FAITH in who we and what we are as a nation, and the RESPONSIBILITY we all have to love and respect our nation, our flag and our liberties that she provides to us each day. Its message should be ingrained on us, our children, grand-children, great-grandchildren (if your’re lucky enough) and for future generations of Americans. It becomes more meaningful when we understand the historical context of its origin; written during a time of conflict and turmoil

both at home and abroad. Does this sound familiar? Written during a time of conflict and turmoil?

Patrick Henry, 1775: “Mr. President, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be of the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and, having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation? For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it.” Henry goes on to say the phrase we all know: “Give me liberty or give me death.” Do you know how profound that statement is? The impact it had on our country? That rally cry to a country about to be born? We too have an opportunity to rally cry.

The United States has been in an economic slump for the better part of two years. There are signs of a rebound all around us. With our self-important “busy”ness, we have a tendency to feel that we are entitled to change. Sorry, but America was not built on entitlements. It’s been over 60 years of government programs that have got us in to the mess we are currently in and I do not think that one President in the matter of six months is going to be able to unravel the mess. Do you? Be honest. It is going to take is good old American responsibility and ingenuity. It is going to take a new level respect for our freedoms and liberties and not abuses of them. It is time for a renewed sense of pride, a renewed sense of

being and citizenship. Rebuild your mind set for our future. Do not have eyes but fail to see. Do not have ears but fail to hear. Gain a renewed sense of accomplishment and reward for your work and labors. You do not have a “job” - you have a responsibility. We all have a responsibility to ourselves, to our families and to our community. More importantly, to our country. You have the freedom and the liberty to get an education and earn a wage or better your wage. To be a part of your community in a proactive way. To be a part of the bigger picture - America. To rebuild this town, this community, this state and this country we call home. She provides a lot to you. Do you provide anything to her? Sounds more and more like the American’s Creed and Mr. Henry’s speech doesn’t it?

There are a lot of people in the downtown community that are doing just that. Building a better tomorrow for you and our children. Join them. Support them. This is your community. What a better place to start.

See you downtown... someone please bring the flag. Matt

got news? we want to hear itWhether it’s a new product line or an addition to your menu, a new employee or a new title, an addition to the family or a request for help, verge wants to hear from you. Send your “quick clips” to [email protected] by the 20th of each month for inclusion in the next issue. We’re here to help you spread the good news about your business.

cover artist: creates explosions of color that make the heart happy This month’s cover artist, Lisa Mote, could be the Monet of glass. She began began working with glass over 25 years ago after graduating from Jacksonville State University with a degree in Art. Her work in glass evolved from stained glass, and into fused and slumped glass creations. The creations often involve multiple firings in a kiln to produce glass that fuses color, light, and texture to stimulate the senses and excite the imagination. Much of her recent work combines glass with steel for a more sculptural effect. Lisa creates art for both private and corporate collections, and has won many awards. In 2007 Lisa was featured on HGTV’s That’s Clever which can still be seen in reruns. She currently lives in rural Jasper County with her husband and the three youngest of her five children. Lisa’s glass art can be seen at Gallery on the Row as well as at Arts in the Heart of Augusta. Find out more about how Lisa creates at www.lisamote.com


shop dine play livediscover downtown

Downtown Antique Mall1243 Broad Street

Owners Martha King and Janet Bransome, business partners for almost 30 years, rent their space to nine antique dealers where each has their own booth. “I work with a wonderful group of people. We just have fun and enjoy shopping for different things,” King said. Joe Vignati, one of the dealers, features glass sandwich lamps that date back to the mid-nineteenth century, alongside English, American, and Victorian furniture, china, and paintings. The Antique Mall also receives inquiries about appraising items. King said there are certain criteria for determining if a piece is antique or not. For example, if there are circles in the pinewood of a piece of furniture then it may be more than a century old; however if plywood was used in its construction, it would date to the early twentieth century. Whether you’re decorating your home or looking for a unique present for a loved one, stop by the Downtown Antique Mall. (remember, prices are negotiable) Open Monday & Tuesday, Thursday to Saturday from 10 to 5 pm. Details: 706.722.3571.

Pizza Joint1245 Broad Street

Order by the slice, get a huge pie or, if you’re on the run, try the lunch buffet available every day from 11 and 2 pm. You can even create your own pizza with as many toppings as your stomach desires. No matter the choice, it’s sure to delight and you can choose to savor it indoors or out. Pizza Joint, open since 1996, serves more than pizza. The menu has a wide variety of salads, calzones, stromboli (the most popular dish) and sandwiches. “We have a very laid-back, family friendly atmosphere and good pizza at a very affordable price,” said district manager Diane Griffin. “We’re unique from other restaurants because our kitchen stays open until midnight every night.” Enjoy live music from a variety of musicians every Sunday night from 8 to 10 pm. There are discounts for the military and teachers as well. Look for different drink specials on beer and wine every night. Open every day of the week from 11 am to midnight. Details: thepizzajoint.net or 706.774.0037.

Tropicabana1251 Broad Street

If you’re looking to learn a quick, choreographed cha-cha lesson, enjoy a night where ladies get in free and drink free until midnight (every second Friday), and dance the night away to the sounds of energetic Latin and reggae beats, then Tropicabana is the place for you. Manager Ricardo Diaz regularly brings in different performers and salsa dancers from Miami, Atlanta and New York. On Friday and Saturday nights, you’ll hear a variety of Latin music - salsa, merengue, and bachata. On Thursdays, you’ll likely find hip hop, R&B, and DJ Jay Tech. “We have custom made booths, a big bar, two V.I.P. rooms and we’ve done bachelor and bachelorette parties here,” Diaz said. “We have a nice hardwood dance floor, two stages, mirrors, and three HDTVs.” Night-club style dress is preferred. Every Friday night at 10:30 pm, a twenty minute dance lesson is provided. Open 9 pm to 2:30 am from Thursday to Saturday. Details: myspace.com/tropicabanalatinnightclub or 706.828.8500.

Halo A Salon & Spa1122 Broad Street

Walk into Halo and unwind on the long, black couch while watching the cascading water wall. Walk-ins are accepted (though appointments are recommended) for hair styling. The nine stylists travel the country in order to stay up-to-date on the latest hair styles and styling techniques. Wander upstairs to the spa area where four spa specialists provide massages, manicures, pedicures, and facials. The Kevin Murphy and J. Beverly Hills are both aromatherapy hair care lines that are available in the salon. Every six months, Halo puts on a hair/fashion show, an all day event where Sarah Boyett, owner, incorporates other downtown business owners. Clients or local Augustans are usually the models for the show. “I like the downtown area because it has a family feel to it. I’m on the main street and it’s one of the best blocks,” Boyett said. Open Tuesday to Thursday: 10 am to 7 pm, Friday: 10 am to 6 pm, and Saturday: 10 am to 4 pm. Details: haloaugusta.com or 706.828.4856.

by ANNE MARIE JOHNSON photos A. JOHNSON tropicabana photo JAMES MCIVER

meet your teachers School’s back in session and our thoughts begin to turn to reading, writing and arithmetic (and p.e. and lunch). To honor the incipient return of rulers and notebook paper, we turned to our own downtown teachers - the entreprenuers who are keeping downtown alive, active and on the road to success.

In doing so, the pages of verge look a little different this month. We’ve ‘bumped’ some of our standard features (like quick clips, front porch and reverberations) to introduce you to several of downtown’s very own entrepreneurs (our professors for this issue) as we explore economics, math, music appreciation, history and the like.

Entrepreneurs don’t necessarily have to own their own business – they are people who take considerable initiative and risks to organize and manage an enterprise. At their core, entrepreneurs have a desire to achieve, the drive to conquer problems and a willingness to accept responsibility. They bring their personal talents and personality traits and lay them on the table to be used for success. Our own downtown entrepreneurs are no different: embracing hard work with a dedication to excellence and a sense of determination.

So, sharpen your pencils and get ready to learn the “ABCs” of downtown and about the entrepreneurs who teach them.

EDITOR

a downtown education / THE ENTREPRENUER


Now entering its fourth season, Le Chat Noir, located at 304 Eighth Street, has been presenting unique theater performances with remarkable success. The venue specializes in offering plays that are off the beaten path in terms of story lines, and certainly in terms of what Augusta audiences are used to.

The theater itself, which can hold between 60 and 100 people, depending upon stage configuration, for any given performance, was originally going to be a rental for a single production. As it turned out, the property was for sale and now belongs to Doug Joiner, Krys Bailey and Richard Justice, who own and operate Le Chat Noir, select the productions and oversee all operations.

a lesson in theatrical production / LE CHAT NOIR

add it up: edgy theater + intimate setting

+ elbow grease = success

The three men went into the venture with one specific goal in mind, says Bailey: “Filling a previously vacant niche of theater here by bringing theatrical experiences to Augusta that are illuminating as well as entertaining. Fourteen of the 19 shows we have produced have been Augusta premiers and this season is comprised of shows that have never been produced here in Augusta.”

Joiner and Bailey met as undergraduate students at Augusta State University. Joiner left the area, but upon his return, says Bailey, they got together “to do a show here and there. Doug wanted to start a performance company that tackled more contemporary and pertinent works. Richard and I worked together at the Imperial Theatre over the years. When we were getting serious about starting this, Richard was thinking of changing gears. It turns out we were all of a similar mind, all of us wanting to do a brand of theater that simply wasn’t offered in Augusta.”

All three men have backgrounds in the arts and in performance. “Doug is from Thomaston; he went to Virginia for his Masters and then toured Eastern Europe with a one-act before returning to Augusta,” Bailey explains. “Richard is also a native; he lived in New Orleans for a good while, then came back. I was born and raised in St. Petersburg, but I’ve lived in Augusta for over half my life, so I feel more from here than there.”

The decision to open their own venue came on the heels of yet another play in the works. After reading Killer Joe, the three decided to produce a performance in Augusta. “Originally, Doug and I were talking about simply renting the space to do this show,” says Bailey. “Then we revisited the idea of opening a black box theater. The space we were most likely going to rent ended up being for sale. Richard wanted to open a school for teaching theater to children; also, there were shows he wanted to direct that weren’t as family friendly as his previous career had employed him to direct. We bought buildings, started renovating, then started producing shows, and we really haven’t stopped to take a breath yet.”

Despite their unique choices of material, Bailey says they didn’t feel that undertaking such content presentation in a conservative small town was particularly risky. “We were pretty optimistic about the Augusta audience’s willingness to try something new and challenging, and rightly so,” he says. “Also, we kept our overhead low so that we only needed a small percentage of the demographic to buy in.”

The decisions paid off as Le Chat Noir became an instant hit, garnering positive reviews from local media and support from area patrons. “Our audience is pretty fearless, for the most part,” he says. “They come and stay, even for shows they might not agree with, because they understand that good theater evokes emotion and/or makes you perceive things differently. It’s not just for laughs. We love to hear

debates between audience members in the lobby after a show. We’ve only had two or three folks walk out on us over 19 shows, which is kind of surprising if you look at some of the shows we’ve done.”

Part of that may be the result of savvy programming and the variety that comes with having three directors with diverse tastes. “We’ll have a heart-wrenching drama precede a happy-go-lucky musical followed by a savage dark comedy,” says Bailey. “We kind of do whatever we want.”

“We read between 60 and 80 plays between us annually. We look for prizewinners—Pulitzer, Tony, Olivier, etc. We check out what some of our paradigms, like the Alley, Steppenwolf and The Unicorn, are doing. We peruse treatments, and if something grabs us, we order it and read it. And, of course, there are the plays we’ve always wanted to do, which we revisit and toss in if we think we have the resources.”

They work exclusively with local talent, rather than bringing in out-of-town productions and actors. “We are all relatively well traveled and seasoned, and we all agree that Augusta has some of the best talent around,” he says. “Every time I venture out and take in a show that may feature equity actors and full-time paid production staff, I am repeatedly reminded of how much incredible talent we have right here in Augusta.”

Le Chat Noir opens this season on August 14th with Mr. Marmalade, the story of a lonely, neglected 4-year-old girl named Lucy and her imaginary friend. “Unfortunately, her imaginary friend is an abusive, drug-addicted pervert,” Bailey explains. “It is a dark comedy that comments on how we form and maintain relationships.”

Presenting Mr. Marmalade as the season opener was Bailey’s idea. “It was my turn to direct and this is the show I wanted to do,” he says. “However, I chose this show because the script is incredibly touching and a bit sad amidst the tumultuous interaction between imaginary and ‘real’ characters. Also, after researching previous productions, I believe this play wasn’t fully understood and certainly not done correctly by the ‘big city’ folk.”

The cast of the local production features both Le Chat Noir veterans and new performers. “They are all very talented and professional,” says Bailey. “They have the courage to take on roles that are difficult and not necessarily likeable, which is what separates them from a majority of actors who are afraid to act out of their comfort zone. It is what makes them extraordinary, and that is why they are on our stage.”

For tickets, show times, and more details, contact the box office at 706.722.3322 or visit lcnaugusta.com.

by ALISON RICHTER photo KATIE MCGUIRE

in the words of krys baileySEASON FOUR OVERVIEW

AUGUST 14 to 29 | Mr. Marmalade A play about a 4-year-old-girl, Lucy, and her imaginary friend who has a drug problem and beats her.

OCTOBER 16 to 31 | Batboy the Musical About the infamous tabloid freak and the small town that mobs him.

DECEMBER 4 to 19 | Santaland Diaries / Reindeer Monologues Expose on the Christmas cogs of Macy’s. Santa’s reindeer implicate/defend Santa on charges of sexual harassment and possibly child molestation.

FEBRUARY 12 to 27 | Clean House It’s like a Steel Magnolias for smart people.

APRIL 9 to 24 | Trials & Tribulations of a Trailer Trash Housewife The title says it all.

JUNE 11 to 26 | Lieutenant of Inishmore Irish terrorist takes bloody revenge for the death of his cat.


Success perfumes the 1000 block of Broad Street in downtown Augusta. The heady aroma seeps under the door jam of regional soap factory Cloud Nine and lures a prospective patron through its archway by the nose, literally. Once inside the shop, customers realize there are more than bubbles to tickle their delight. Owner and alchemist Carless Gay treats them with samplings of his unique line of skin care products which aid corporeal sustenance while refreshing the soul.

Contrary to other success stories, Carless didn’t dream of making soap for a living during his childhood while sudsing it up in the bathtub. “I got started out of boredom,” Carless begins and shakes his head. After a career of twelve years as a remodeling contractor, he began teaching construction at Augusta Tech. Though providing an income, it did not fulfill his inner artistic urges.

A bar of soap caught his attention during a visit to a friend’s South Carolina home. “I remember thinking ‘That must be homemade soap’,” Carless recalls. On his drive back to Augusta, he contemplated the rustic bar and the embedded herbal leaves which made it unique. One nagging question whetted his curiosity. How does one make soap?

After lively pondering, Carless found himself in a bookstore checkout line with a small stack of books containing sudsy recipes. He digested every ounce of information he could find on the subject.

Three years of hesitance kept him from making his first batch of soap. The dangers involved were intimidating. Lye, a toxic ingredient necessary in the soaping process, can react adversely if the proportions of any ingredient in the recipe are not exact to the formula. “Making a batch of soap is like preparing a four course meal for eight people. Everything has to be just so,” Carless shares.

During the three years of contemplation, he also studied the properties of oils used to provoke different qualities of soap. “Oils are the moisturizing ingredient in most skin care products,” he explains. Carless studied in depth the different the oils and their special properties, weighing their worth as additions to the blueprint of his “theoretical” soaps. He continues, “Some [oils] would make the bars harder, some would improve the lather. Some would make the bubbles larger while some would make the bubbles smaller.” He assigned values to the different properties and came up with a formula based on how valuable they were to his brewing project.

The entrepreneur finally made his first batch of soap. It was a great success. “Everybody liked it so much they wouldn’t let me quit making it,” Carless grins. Using the internet as a marketing tool became a byproduct of the first batch. Several orders from curious friends turned exponential and a three-bedroom / two-bath home soon turned into a wall-to-wall soap factory. The internet component eventually led Carless to market his products wholesale as well as retail. During the early days, wholesale outlets were difficult to locate. So Carless set up shop at arts and craft fairs and flea markets for product exposure. A chance meeting while selling wares at the Columbia County Fair with Bryan Haltermann, now landlord, led to his Cloud Nine shop at 1036 Broad Street. The shop has been opened for over seven years.

Expansion of his product line was the natural course to follow. Lotions were added alongside the soap, using the same method of formulation. Both the soaps and the lotions abide by the same holistic philosophy, leaving out all harmful agents. His products are made with all natural ingredients that are free of preservatives and synthetic materials. They are also scented with pure natural essential fragrances.

Carless sees himself as a mad scientist, “I’ve got the coolest job in town…. The fun part of this is the formulating, making new products. And usually I do it to solve somebody’s problem.” One morning Carless’ ex-wife needed a solution. She wanted her skin to feel as moist as water made it feel for as long as possible. He tackled the challenge and created what is uniquely his own hydrating cream called Body Yogurt. The pasty lotion keeps the skin sleek for hours afterwards.

Clients sometimes make special requests for a specific item. Carless usually complies, stating “Once I’ve determined there’s a big enough market for it, and other people want it, and I think it will sell, I‘ll go ahead and make it.” He next performs a cost analysis on the new product to determine cost

per unit and to see if the market will bear it. Then he designs packaging and labeling.

Because of the natural origins of his homespun body treatments, his wholesale side is limited to the Southeast. Natural skin care products are more tender than their synthetically preserved counterparts, leaving them susceptible to damage by extreme temperatures when shipping.

That hasn’t stopped Carless from carving out a sizeable niche for himself within the southern boundaries. Not only does he market his Cloud Nine products on the retail front in his own shop and online while wholesaling to several other

stores, he develops lines that are packaged and run under others’ brand names.

Whether for pleasure or for problem, Cloud Nine’s products offer resolution. Carless’ creations are chemically healthy, being environmentally and physiologically safe. “Soap is the backbone of my business. We formulate the best we could possibly make.” Offering scents of green tea, vanilla, rose or fragrance free, Cloud Nine and Carless Gay bring blissful treatment to everyone who walks through his door.

by LISA GILLESPIE photo KATIE MCGUIRE

add it up: mad scientist + moxie + cost analysis = success

a lesson in economics / CLOUD NINE & CARLESS GAY


A new Community Supported Agriculture service run by the owners of Oasis Garden is spearheading the locavore movement here in Augusta by delivering fresh, local produce to families for use in their daily meals.

CSA is a locally grown food cooperative that organizers Kate Lee and Brian Gandy describe as a subscription service much as one would subscribe to a magazine or newspaper. For only $25 a week, subscribed families receive an assortment of eight to twelve fruits and vegetables in a box delivered straight to their door.

“Individuals benefit from creating personal relationships with each other and knowing where their food comes from,” said Lee. “Communities benefit from tightening the circle of production so it doesn’t need to go as far.”

Lee says that by reducing transportation costs, it not only allows local growers to provide more food at a low price, but it also allows the food to stay fresher and is better for the environment.

But perhaps the best thing about the program, according to the positive remarks of many customers, is that each assortment is a mystery until you open the box.

“It’s not like getting a can of corn,” said Samantha Taylor, who subscribes to the service. “You get a box of real, fresh

vegetables and you have to be creative and figure out how you’re going to use them. It opens you up to trying new things, experimenting, and it’s healthier too.”

Recipies are included on the box for customers who might be unfamiliar with items like turnips, yams and other types of produce.

The locavore movement was originally begun by a group of culinary adventurers in the San Francisco who grew concerned by the environmental effect of transporting food thousands of miles by truck, as well as the growing amount of preservatives in their food. In 2007, “locavore” became the Word of the Year for the Oxford American Dictionary. Since then, the movement has been gaining steam in the eastern United States as well.

“Brian and I both studied horticulture in Athens, which has its own very successful CSA,” said Lee. “We knew then we wanted to be involved.”

In fact, the program has been so successful here in Augusta they are already considering doubling their subscriptions in the second six-week period, up from the 24 currently enrolled. They have also added a protein and dairy share package, which includes various types of meats and cheeses, and are considering adding a specialty package, which would include things like grits and locally roasted coffee.

Anyone interested in subscribing for the second six-week period can do so by calling Oasis Gardens at 706.364.0169 or stopping by the store at 1034 Broad Street. Excess items not sent out in the subscriptions are usually available there Fridays and Saturdays.

“We’re not trying to get too big too fast,” said Lee, “but we’ve been getting some really positive comments. Eventually we might even have 100 people signed up, but as long as we have customers trying new things and enjoying it, we will have been a success.”

by CHRISTOPHER SELMEK photo KATIE MCGUIRE

Michael and Gould Hagler look like typical businessmen when you spot them on the streets of downtown during the work week. But, early in the morning or on weekends, the father/son duo can be found running along the Savannah River, or even taking a plunge in it.

In 1980, Michael Hagler joined the downtown law firm Fulcher Hagler as a managing partner, hanging his hat in the Riverfront Center on Tenth Street. His son, Gould, chose the insurance business, working with the downtown Sanford, Bruker, and Banks insurance agency since February of this year.

These native Augustans have been competing in triathlons for almost two years.

“We got interested in November 2007 because our cousin talked us into swimming and running,” Michael remembers. “We started together and our training began in January 2008.”

They train almost every day of the week: “We run several times a week, four to six miles, and we try to swim twice a week,” Michael explains. “We’ve enjoyed the swimming the most because we feel so much better and have a lot more energy during the rest of the day after a really good swim work out.” The father and son also occasionally run together along the Augusta Canal on the weekends.

The first triathlon the Haglers competed in was the St. Anthony’s Triathlon in St. Petersburg, Florida in April 2008. Gould admits it was an interesting experience. They had been training in a pool and now, they were faced with swimming in the Gulf of Mexico.

“The scary thing was that I had never swum in 400-500 yards in the ocean, and there are

fish out there that are big enough to eat you,” Michael says.

“One thing we didn’t factor in was the current of the ocean, the roughness of the waves, and the sun. We had a great swim despite the current,” Gould adds.

They also ran a half marathon in Augusta last fall while combating the flu. “We were both sick, and we both went, because we both encouraged each other to go. And that’s the key – encouraging each other and all of our friends.” They finished within roughly twenty seconds of one another.

Both father and son have completed four Olympic distance triathlons, consisting of a nine mile swim, 26 mile bike, and a 10K. The social aspect of training helps them stay focused. “What got me started exercising were my law partners, who encouraged me to enjoy it, and then I meet other people that are doing the same thing and they become your friends. And then you want to go exercise to be with your friends,” Michael said.

The beauty of all of the training, according to Gould, will culminate (for now) in the Half-Ironman competition that is coming to Augusta on September 27. The event already has over 2,500 registered participants. The Half-Ironman combines a 1.2 mile swim down the Savannah River, 56 mile bike ride, and a 13.2 mile run through downtown Augusta. We’ll be cheering on our downtown Hagler team all the way to the finish line at the Augusta Common.

by ANNE MARIE JOHNSON photo KATIE MCGUIRE

add it up: passion for local

+ fresh foods = success

a lesson in home economics OASIS GARDEN

add it up: determination + training = success

a lesson in physical fitness THE HAGLEY TEAM


In 1941, famous actress Katharine Hepburn toured the Miller Theatre at 708 Broad Street in Augusta. Upon being informed that the site had been canceled as a stop in her performance of The Philadelphia Story, she declared “the theatre is beautiful and I would have loved to play there.”

But Ms. Hepburn was not Augusta’s only famous visitor. In 1918, Charlie Chaplin performed at the Wells Theatre, which later closed and reopened as the Imperial.

“At some point between 1900 and 1950, there were a total of 19 theatres running at the same time in Augusta, including four African-American theatres and a number of small movie houses,” said Mike Deas. “I’ve referred to Augusta as a Little New York City, because lots of acts that closed in New York would come down here to perform. It was a real entertainment hub, and I’d like it to be that way again.”

Deas is today trying to bring back the golden days of Augusta’s entertainment business by resurrecting Augusta Amusements, the company largely responsible for Augusta’s entertainment hub status between 1931 and 1967. Augusta Amusements once owned and operated the Miller, Modjeska, Imperial, Dreamland and Rialto theatres along

add it up: infatuation + tenacity + the thrill of discovery = success

with several drive-ins, with the mission of bringing family entertainment to the Augusta community. Today the Imperial is all that remains of this once great legacy, though Deas has been instrumental in preserving their history and helping to revive the Miller Theatre.

“It was about the mid-60’s that I was going there as a kid,” said Deas. “The Modjeska, the Imperial and the Miller were all open, but my memories are of the Miller because it was the biggest and the nicest run theatre in town, hence it had the first movies.”

“When I moved back to Augusta. It was almost like the Miller reached out and grabbed me,” he continued. “One of the guys I gave a tour to, who was writing a book about the Miller, described it as “a healthy obsession with the Miller theatre,” and that is a description that still holds true to me.”

Upon returning to Augusta in 2004, Deas found that the Miller was up for sale. Water from a leaky roof had pooled into the orchestra pit over the years so that the entire building was run down and potentially unsafe.

“That was when I started doing research and started FriendsoftheMiller.com to provide information and spread awareness about the Miller,” said Deas. “Later, Peter S. Knox IV bought and saved the building. Had it not been for him, the Miller might have been destroyed.”

Knox has since promised the Miller building to the Augusta Symphony as soon as it can be up and running.

“I guess other than [Knox] I became the biggest friend of the Miller,” said Deas. “I helped clean up the interior and I lead people on tours of it occasionally. I also asked Peter if I could stay involved because of some of the historical notes and documents I’ve found in the bowels of the Miller, and he was kind enough to give me a key to the building and let me give tours.”

But Deas’s efforts to preserve the history of Augusta’s theatres didn’t end there. Instead, he spent the next four years performing research on Augusta Amusements and its owners. The end result was his current website: www.augustaamusements.com.

“I’ve been doing a lot of research into what Augusta Amusements was and who were the founders, because I don’t think it’s worth doing something like this if you don’t know the history,” he said. “I’ve also received a lot of help from the Chronicle Archives, Kevin Grogan at the Morris Museum of Art, and also by talking to family members of the founding officials who are now mostly grandchildren.”

It was on one of these visits, to the grandson of one of Augusta Amusements’ founders, that Deas was directed to a thick, leather bound book sitting on one of the shelves.

“He said he didn’t know why he had been keeping it all this years, but it was all the minutes from the Augusta Amusements board meetings,” said Deas. “I took it with me and plan on using it as my guiding light in how to conduct my business with this incarnation of Augusta Amusements.”

It is this new incarnation that now absorbs Deas’s attention. Having completed his research he hired local artist Sarah Johnson-Markve, who designed the logo for Casa Blanca downtown, to design a revamped Augusta Amusements logo, maintaining the feel of the original 1939 logo.

“My hopes are to bring the company back to life and run classic movies, and eventually maybe run small concerts,” said Deas. “We do a great job with entertainment in Augusta and I’d just like to add to that.”

Augusta Amusement’s first contribution to entertainment in Augusta will take place August 8 with the Jailhouse Rock classic movie night at the Imperial. Future events are anticipated, but nothing has been scheduled yet.

“I have some ideas in the making, but I think it’s important to get by the first one before I go planning more,” said Deas. “I really hope that the community will turn out to support this event and we’ll end up breaking even with the amount of money we spent to create it, or with luck even make a little more.”

Possibilities include focusing on smaller venues for classic film shows, but what Deas really wants to do is showcase the local talent he says is so prominent in Augusta.

“James Brown got his start entering a talent show on the stage of the Lenox theatre,” he said. “The Imperial used to host something called the Sancken Youth Review every Saturday night, which was really just a talent show for local kids. I’m not necessarily going to recreate that exactly, but I do think there’s a lot of talent right here in Augusta that deserves to be on display.”

According to Deas, it was the change in the downtown area in the early 70’s that ended the original Augusta Amusements. People started moving into more rural areas and the theatre business went with it. But downtown is coming back, and Deas believes that with the help of the community it can again become “a Little New York City.”

“Augusta Amusements had a strong foundation and I think they did a lot of strong things for the community,” he said. “This is the foundation of what I want to do, not necessarily to own or run theatres, but to bring entertainment to Augusta.”

story and photo of Mike Deas by CHRISTOPHER SELMEK

historic photo courtesy of special collections REESE LIBRARY / AUGUSTA STATE UNIV.

a lesson in history / AUGUSTA AMUSEMENTS


Karen Gordon simply effuses energy and excitement. Within the span of a few minutes, she outlines her future plans for Garden City Jazz, describes the children’s educational programs she is developing and gets personal with the “off-the-record” plans that she hopes will take off in the next year. As the founder of Garden City Jazz and the lead singer in quietStorm, Karen passionately desires to develop a jazz culture in Augusta.

I caught a moment with Karen on a Sunday afternoon before a Candlelight Jazz concert began on the Riverwalk. As she candidly spoke about her family, her career and jazz (and juggled the newest addition to her life: a beautiful baby boy), it became obvious that her personal life and profession are inextricably tangled.

Listening to Karen is like being in school again, with a really great professor. Karen makes it easy to understand not only the heart behind Garden City Jazz, but the beat of jazz itself. When asked what makes jazz, Karen pauses for a beat with a quick smile, “it’s about listening.”

In her mind, jazz is not about getting into some sort of zone and losing yourself, but rather holding a conversation or dialogue between friends. Therefore, when the performers (regardless of the style of jazz they perform) are on, they are on and the audience can feel it as much as the band members.

To further her desire to bring more jazz to the people, Karen developed the Jazz on the River series, which has been has been going on for about 20 years. Over the course of the years, Candlelight Jazz during the summer months draws a faithful crowd.

This year alone, Candlelight Jazz brought in a spectrum of different elements, broadening

the audience’s musical horizons with flavors of contemporary jazz and jazz with a Latin vibe.

Karen jokes about the time she experimented with the local crowd as she brought in a sort of eccentric-fusion type of jazz music that people either loved or hated. But that’s a key part of true jazz: being able to experiment and intermingle different styles across many genres.

“Enjoying jazz is having [that] jazz sensibility, you gotta have that swing,” Karen says. And the swing she refers to isn’t a dance step, but in the musicians’ ability in their phrasing, again regardless of genre.

Karen rolls her eyes at the impossibly long list that forms in her head when asked to share her “jazz standards.” Then the names start rolling of her tongue: Miles Davis (Kind of Blue), anything by Duke Ellington, Wynton Marsalis, Stevie Wonder and a bevy of other musicians that my pen wasn’t fast enough to capture.

Get your own lesson in jazz appreciation: try one of the remaining Candlelight Jazz concerts on the Riverwalk. Bring a lawn chair, a picnic and an open mind ready to experience the flavor of jazz. For full details, visit gardencityjazz.com.

August 9: Mike Frost Trio | August 16: GPS | August 23: Playback, the band | August 30: Sounds Unlimited

story and photos by HEATHER RANKIN

add it up: talent + devotion+ zeal = success

a lesson in music appreciation GARDEN CITY JAZZ

As young students, we develop high aspirations towards a career path we can be proud of and are pas-sionate about. As the years pass and we make those decisions that shape our future, while learning responsibility for our actions, we find that the road to success is not always as simple as a diploma in hand.

Learning doesn’t stop at graduation and academic achievements aren’t as valuable as what you have since learned to apply. One such learner is Rebekah Henry, a young Augusta professional who’s on the way up, moving from marketing director of the Augusta Museum of History to executive director of Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art.

Rebekah grew up on the outskirts of downtown Augusta. “I attended Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School from fifth to twelfth grade. I was very active in the dance, theater and choral departments there and con-tinued to dance some in college at Atlanta Ballet.” She began dance lessons at the age of two. She jokingly notes that it was her parent’s way of keeping her focused due to her “exorbitant amount of energy.”

The exposure to the arts at Davidson played a major influence on her studies, fully rounding out her academic experience. After graduation, she moved towards a more business-like, “responsible” field of study: management. She graduated from Georgia Tech with a Bachelor of Science degree the field and returned to Augusta, where she eventually made her home in the heart of downtown with the Augusta Museum of History.

The opportunities that opened up to her at the Museum of History provided the time to sharpen her marketing, management and public/media relations skills. She’ll turn those skills directly to her new role as Executive Director for Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art.

Rebekah looks forward to the challenge of “being responsible for all personnel-related functions [which entails] the solicitation of corporate underwriters, serving as administrative head of the organization, providing leadership and supervising staff and art faculty. I am also responsible for policymaking, stra-tegic planning, and fund development through grant writing.”

Rebekah’s early introduction to the arts nurtured her career path, blending her responsible degree in management, the skills she learned out in “the real world” and the love of the arts.

by HEATHER RANKIN photo by CHRISTOPHER SELMAK

add it up: responsibility + vision + youth = success

a lesson in art / GERTRUDE HERBERT INSTITUTE


Blue Magnolia • Vintage Ooollee • The Book Tavern • Metro SpiritHealth Central • Oasis Garden • Ninth Street Wine Market

Augusta Visitor Information Center

BUY YOUR DISCOVER DOWNTOWN PASSPORT IN ADVANCE AT

On the heels of several successful programs, the Downtown Augusta Alliance [d(a)²] is gearing up again for another event designed to introduce Augustans to the charm and variety of downtown Augusta.

Over forty businesses have banded together to offer “Discover Downtown Augusta:” a full day event spurring people to experience downtown – through a passport book stuffed with coupons for free stuff and special offers.

On Augusta 29, from 10 am to 6 pm, shops and restaurants will give away free samples of their wares: from vintage clothing to chocolate bars to books to plants to soup to red beans & rice.

The key to the event is the passport book, which will include destination coupons, each redeemable for a free item or special offer. Discover Downtown Passports will be sold in advance and during the event. The checkbooks cost a mere five dollars – add up the free lip balm from Cloud Nine, free book from The Book Tavern, free hotdog from 1102 Bar & Grill and free soda from Metro A Coffeehouse and book has already paid for itself.

A modified reprise of the successful “Brand New Deal” concept from this past March, Discover Downtown has a similar structure. The idea is simple, but effective. Consumers get to experience downtown’s shops, restaurants and businesses and receive free gifts along the way, while the shops reap the benefit of added traffic directed right into their doors.

d(a)2 plans to make Discover Downtown an annual event, as the initiative mirrors the same goals of Destination Downtown – building awareness and bringing more foot traffic to the downtown area. The event is part of the Alliance’s desire to offer at least four signature events each year, including Play Through Downtown and a December holiday celebration. d(a)² is unique among other organizations promoting downtown Augusta as it relies solely on membership dues and fundraising to support its initiatives and is entirely volunteer run (that means no paid staff). For instance, all the proceeds from Discover Downtown will cover specific event costs and support other initiatives like Destination Downtown.

Another unique aspect of the Alliance is the cooperation and collaboration between business owners to jointly market for a common goal: building awareness of and bringing more foot traffic to the downtown area. So far it’s working. David Hutchison, owner of Book Tavern, said of March’s Brand New Deal: “It was one of the most successful Saturdays our store has ever experienced. Most importantly, I kept getting asked, ‘When are you going to do this again?’ I have never had a better downtown event from where I am standing.”

by ELIZABETH RAND artwork RUCKER CREATIVE

add it up: free stuff + clever marketing + working together

= success

a lesson in arithmetic / downtown augusta alliance

use your passport on august 29 to get free stuff and great offersAT THESE STORES & RESTURANTS

1102 DOWNTOWN BAR & GRILL | EIGHTH STREET TOBACCO | AMERICANA ARTWORKS | ART ON BROAD |

ARTISTIC PERCEPTIONS | AUGUSTA CANAL | AUGUSTA CHRONICLE | AUGUSTA VISITOR INFORMATION CENTER

| BLUE MAGNOLIA | BOLL WEEVIL | THE BOOK TAVERN | BRIGAN’S LAND OF ENCHANTMENT | CARRIBBEAN

SOUL | CASA BLANCA CAFE | CLOUD NINE | DUJOUR FINE FOODS | ELDUETS TREASURES OF THE WORLD |

FLOWERS XPRESS | FORT DISCOVERY | GALLERY ON THE ROW | HALO A SALON & SPA | HEALTH CENTRAL |

LADYBUG LOVE | METRO COFFEEHOUSE | METRO SPIRIT | MORRIS MUSEUM OF ART | NEW MOON CAFE | NINTH

STREET WINE MARKET | OASIS GARDEN | QUILT SHOP ON THE CORNER | ROCK BOTTOM MUSIC | REDWOLF

MARKETING | ROOSTER’S BEAK | SHOPPE 31:30 | T’BOY’S PO’BOYS | UNITED LOAN & FIREARMS | VERITAS

WINE AND TAPAS | VINTAGE OOOLLEE | WHITE ELEPHANT | WHITEHOUSE ANTIQUES | ZIMMERMAN GALLERIES


gallery soundcheck

Second Annual Lexie’s Legacy ConcertSky City August 14

If you knew the late Alexis Colohan-Cannon Hayworth to any degree, you knew, for certain, three things about her: (1) she was always smiling, (2) she loved her family and (3) Augusta’s downtown music scene was number one on her list of things to experience. If you didn’t know Alexis, now is your best chance during the Second Annual Lexie’s Legacy Concert at Sky City on Friday, August 14, a night full of great music and memories of Lexie.

Established shortly after her tragic death in April 2008, Lexie’s Legacy Memorial Scholarship Fund was created by her parents John ‘Stoney’ and Jean Cannon and her grandmother, Ginny Colohan. The fund secures a living memory of her altruistic heart, as scholarship monies are given to Augusta State University. The scholarships benefit married women who are actively pursuing a college education, one of Alexis’ life-goals.

“The scholarship has only reached partial-endowment status now, which means that we can only afford to offer $500 per regular semester,” says Cannon. “But all we need to do is raise another $10,000 and we will have achieved full-endowment status, and will then be able to give $1,000 per semester for the rest of time.”

Stoney also assures that the August concert will be chock full of Alexis’ favorite local bands. “Jemani is the headliner, because they were not just her favorite local band, but her favorite band of all time,” Mr. Cannon says.

The evening’s bill includes Allgood Asylum, The Vellotones, Reed Brown Beret and a special performance for those who show up early.

“Make sure to show up right at nine because there will be a performance not-to-miss,” says Stoney. “The cover is $5 and all proceeds go to help us meet our goal this year of the next $10,000 installment. This is also the kick-off event for the fall-season of music in downtown Augusta, so let’s show the city we can knock out 2009 with a bang!”

David MascaroSacred Heart Cultural Center • now through August 28

Do you know how many colors there are in the known world? The best answer is infinity! Interstingly, the wide array of colors are basically combinations of just a few: red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple. Additionally, there is white, a combination of all these colors, and black, the absence of color.

Professional artist and medical illustrator David Mascaro explores the spectrum of color through a lifetime of watercolor painting. He presents his life’s work at Sacred Heart Cultural Center through August 28 which covers his wide range of knowledge and experience in the field of watercolors.

As a youth, Mascaro received extensive fine arts training at The Art Students League, The National Academy of Fine Arts and The School of Visual Arts (all in New York City). Then, he began to illustrate his own professional career path, pursuing bachelor and master degrees in medical illustration from the Medical College of Georgia (MCG). He continued the path at Upstate Medical Center, Syracuse, New York, as a medical illustrator, and returned to MCG in 1971 to teach in the Medical Illustration Graduate Program. His work and passion for color came back to Augusta with him.

In August 2000, MCG Gallery Director Bill Andrews noted, “Medical illustration is a visual profession with a rich history of artistic excellence. As a profession, we have a tradition of sharing our craft with each other and with students.” As a teacher, Mascaro enlightened his students through his vast collection of unique works of art by the best artists in both medical and commercial illustration, including Max and Elizabeth Brödel, Tom Jones, John Karapelou and Elizabeth Roselius.

Capping a 29-year teaching career at MCG, Mascaro received the Distinguished Service Award from the School of Allied Health Sciences in 2000, while MCG honored him later that year with the David J. Mascaro Teaching Gallery of Medical Illustration as a lasting tribute to the teacher and artist. Mascaro continues, as an Emeritus Professor, to teach special lectures on color theory and watercolor technique and participates in assignment critiques.

The David Mascaro Exhibit runs through August 28 at Sacred Heart Cultural Center. The gallery is open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. For details: 706.826.4700 or sacredheartaugusta.org.

by HEATHER RANKIN art “HUMAN SKULL” BY DAVID MASCARO 1969 by JACOB LYNDON BELTZ photo JEFF MILES


The Augusta RiverwalkAlong the Savannah River every day

Riverwalk, located along the Savannah River between Seventh and Tenth Streets brims with adventure around every bend.

Bring your significant other, friends or family to the summer Sunday night Jazz on the River series. Children can play for hours at Oglethorpe Park complete with three slides, monkey bars, and ladders. The Riverwalk Marina has shops where you can buy ice cream, t-shirts, and much more. Or you can try your luck at fishing from off of the rails. The Riverwalk is also a great place to exercise and you’ll find people of all ages running, walking or strolling along the river.

If you’re a history lover, there are Georgia historical markers on the lower end of the Riverwalk, such as Hernando De Soto’s sixteenth century expedition and the Great Indian/Warrior Trade Path. As you walk along the lower portion, towering oak trees with long, twisted roots spread through the rocks. Plus, they provide plenty of shade on hot summer Augusta days. The Japanese Pocket Garden is also located on the Riverwalk, and was erected in 1993 to honor Augusta’s sister city Takarazuka, Japan. Twelve flags stand along the upper portion representing the different eras of exploration, colonization/revolutionary and early Republic as well as the secession, war and reconstruction. Concrete engraved dividers tell the passerby where they are downtown in regards to the streets. There are stone markers with pictures depicting the fire of 1916 and the early topography and geology of Augusta.

Jeanna Sargent, 22, and Christen Burrell, 20, expressed their artistic sides while on the Riverwalk earlier this spring. “I was taking an elementary art class at Augusta State. We sat in the Jessye Norman Amphitheatre, and we were using pastels and watercolors to paint the beautiful houses on the South Carolina side and scenery around us,” Burrell said. Another great aspect of the Riverwalk is the peacefulness of the area. You can plop down on any of the benches or picnic tables to read your favorite book or eat by the garden of beautiful daffodils.

Take a little time this August and explore all the delights the Riverwalk offers.

Jailhouse Rock and Jason SikesImperial Theatre August 8

Augusta Amusements presents the film Jailhouse Rock on August 8th at 7 pm at the Imperial Theatre as their first effort at bringing classic family entertainment to Augusta. Following the movie, Elvis impersonator Jason Sikes will take the stage with the Sassy Brass Band to sing several classic songs from the movie.

“It’s neat because we’re showing a classic movie mixed with music and local talent, a wonderful way for Augusta Amusements to make their debut,” said Mike Deas, who is organizing the event and trying to breathe new life into the Augusta Amusements franchise that went defunct in 1967.

Jailhouse Rock is a 1957 black and white movie, the third starring Elvis Presley, directed by Richard Thorpe and also staring Judy Tyler and Mickey Shaughnessy. Presley plays Vince Everett, an ex-convict working in the music industry. The film is most famous for the title dance sequence in which Elvis dances through a jail cell block with other inmates, a scene acknowledged by many musical historians as the first prototype for the modern music video.

Deas says he hopes the public turns out for this first production of modern Augusta Amusements, and encourages people to dress up in 50’s style or as Elvis.

“We’re even going to have a red carpet outside the Imperial so people can say they got the red carpet treatment as they walked in the door,” he said. “50’s style includes thin ties, tight jeans, white socks and, of course, the guys all had slicked back hair. The girls were wearing poodle skirts with oxford shoes and bobby socks, which I’m sure they’ll all be thrilled to recreate.”

Tickets are $10 at the door. Proceeds will go towards future Augusta Amusements events.

“I felt that whatever we did to kick off Augusta Amusements had to be big, but this includes just about everything I wanted to do,” said Deas. “For only ten dollars, we are so fortunate to have a class movie, a band and an Elvis impersonator, which is a real good deal for a whole night of entertainment.”

onstage offstage

by CHRISTOPHER SELMAK by ANNE MARIE JOHNSON photo A. JOHNSON


good chow / caribbean soulauthentic flavors of the caribbean delight the tastebuds

I’m not going to beat around the hypothetical bush for this one. Caribbean Soul, downtown’s newest restaurant, serves up some of the best food I have ever tasted.

In a world where anyone can cook up a recipe and call themselves Wolfgang Puck, it’s rare to find a restaurant whose owners and chefs are as authentic as the food of which they boast. Caribbean Soul is operated by natives of the islands and it’s apparent through their fare. Having come to the states for various reasons, partners Lovern Prince, Leslie Roll and Antonio Mentis decided to bring the flavor of their country to downtown Augusta.

The menu is simple - a few salads, a few entrees - and the food is divine. A Caribbean meal wouldn’t be complete without its essential spices. Tender jerk chicken falls off the bone, curried shrimp are seasoned to perfection over a bed of fresh greens. If you’re on the run, grab a meat patty: a crusty pastry full of spicy beef, chicken, or vegetables. Just one of these hearty sandwich-like treats is filling (and satisfying). Pair your lunch with traditional sides: salty collards or green beans, spicy red beans and rice or Caribbean cabbage salad.

Of course, the meal isn’t just piquant. Orders are served with fresh, fried plantains which sweeten the palate (a Caribbean custom). To quench your thirst, try the pineapple soda, an authentic beverage from the islands, or grab a ginger beer or coconut water.

Caribbean Soul not only delights the taste buds but provides a unique, comfortable atmosphere for diners.

Outdoor dining and indoor tables provide space for more intimate meals, but the restaurant also has huge, comfy couches and a long bar for lounging. Reggae pumps through the dining room and Bob Marley posters adorn the walls. One of the most impressive things about Caribbean Soul’s business is that they are one of the few restaurants downtown open late at night. “We stay open ‘until’ to serve the night crowd,” Prince says. “After a late night at the club, people want a quick but good bite to eat before heading home.” Prince looks forward to furthering the restaurant by renovating the back dining area and possibly having karaoke nights.

It’s a fledgling venture, having been open only a few weeks, but Caribbean Soul is destined to become a destination for hungry souls downtown. As Prince says, you don’t have to go on a cruise to get the authentic soul of the Caribbean. Stop by 873 Broad Street for some mouthwatering dishes that the “aunties and grandmas of the islands” make.

Caribbean Soul is located at 873 Broad Street.Lunch: Monday to Saturday from 11 am to 3 pmDinner: Monday to Thursday from 5 pm to 10 pmDinner: Friday & Saturday from 5 pm until “late night”For more information, call 706.814.7841

by AURELIA SORENSEN

photos KATIE MCGUIRE


ed turner & number 9

“I was back there listening to the Beatles [music], making these records, with that gear,

making those decisions, and we’re all still trying to make a record that good.

I don’t think we have.” — Ricky Skaggs, delivering the keynote address at

the AES Nashville Recording Workshop, February 2009

Local Beatles fans, however, know the reverence with which Ed Turner treats their music, so when his Number 9 band decided to build an entire repertoire of only Beatles songs, it was something to look forward to rather than dread. The band, which includes Chip McDonald - lead guitar; Jeff Johnston - lead guitar, vocals; Tim Arbisi - bass, guitar; Kirkwood Deal - percussion, bass, guitar, vocals; Roger Davis - vocals, guitar, percussion; Jamie Jones - drums, vocals; and Ed Turner – keyboards and vocals, has also made a point of performing with a purpose: their shows always benefit the CSRA Humane Society and child abuse prevention agencies. “We like dogs and kids; it’s just grown-ups that we have problems with,” says Turner, with what is likely only partial cynicism. “So we earn money from grown-ups and then give most of it away. We are the Robin Hoods of local rock.” Number 9 began as an unexpected offshoot of Turner’s “Mad Music Asylum” a radio show he hosted for 28 years, from 1974 until 2002, which served as both entertainment and musical education, introducing Augustans to artists who otherwise might never have received local airplay, such as Frankie Miller and pre-Born To Run Bruce Springsteen. Each December he would also feature multiple “Beatles Nights,” where he played four hours of their music, including outtakes and rare versions that weren’t released until years later on the Anthology series. “I always played songs from cool musicians such as Pink Floyd, The Doors, the Clash, and newer bands as well,” he says. “Chip McDonald, a local guitar teacher, was aware of my show and knew that I liked Pink Floyd. One day, Chip called me at work and asked if I wanted to play keyboards on a ‘Pink Floyd Night’ at the Mission, which is now called Sky City. I had never been in a real band before, even though I was 51 at the time. He and some friends came over, and much to everyone’s surprise, we blended well and sounded good.

“After the gig, which was very well received, I discovered that the guys were big Beatles fans too. Since the 40th anniversary of Rubber Soul was coming up, we decided to tackle that album. Of course, it tackled back, but we learned it anyway and it went over so well that over four years later we are still recreating each Beatles album on its anniversary. We should have known better!” Number 9’s upcoming Imperial Theatre shows are already almost sold out, marking their fifth consecutive sellouts at the venue. This speaks volumes about how well the group interprets the material, audience satisfaction, and the never-ending popularity of the Beatles’ music. “I am positive that Roger sings McCartney better than Sir Paul does these days,” says Turner. As far as re-creating the sonic intricacies of the band’s later tracks, additional musicians are brought in as needed. “Eric Kinlaw, one of the owners of the Bee’s Knee’s, plays sitar with us on the Indian stuff,” Turner explains. “He also designs our posters. We use 10 or 12 string and horn players, mostly from the Symphony, for the latter-day Beatles songs. They keep wanting us to play ‘Roll Over Beethoven,’ but we haven’t got around to that one yet.” The all-ages shows do, in fact, attract all ages, a fact that doesn’t surprise Turner at all. “The Beatles’ music is timeless for so many reasons,” he says. “Melody and harmony as part of a well-crafted and played song will never go out of style. The last station that carried my ‘Mad Music Asylum’ radio show, The Eagle, plays the same songs from the same classic rock bands today as they did when I left them in 2002. The good stuff lasts. It’s funny that in the 1980s there were stations all over that played just ’60s music. Why? Because there’s a lot of great music in all forms from that decade. How come now, in 2009, there are no ’80s or ’90s stations? You know the answer: They were not great eras for rock music. I

think they were great ‘errors’ instead. “Most recording studios have as many tracks for overdubbing as a musician desires. In the Beatles’ day, they used two-, four- and later eight-track recording devices, so they couldn’t just overdub their performances too often, as it’s done nowadays. I think anything more than eight-track recording just tempts musicians and producers to overdo things. It sounds fake because it is. Real rock and roll should be much simpler and in your face.”

by ALISON RICHTER photo STOCK

not to miss /from beatles to bluegrassEd Turner & Number 9 and The New Familiars return in August

dates AUGUST 14 AND 15 venue IMPERIAL THEATREline up ED TURNER & NUMBER 9 with members of the Augusta Symphonybenefits COLUMBIA COUNTY EXCHANGE CLUB’S ‘CONCERT FOR KIDS’showtime 7:00 PM ages ALLtickets imperialtheatre.com

see the show

the new familiars

“The band’s take on Americana and folk gets infused with a good bit of rock ethic

and rhythms that can give you goose bumps. Catch ‘em on the cheap while you

can!” — Creative Loafing, Charlotte NC

Stillwater Tap Room brings in The New Familiars, whose sound boasts a mosaic of bluegrass, folk, and the blues, pieced together on a thick canvas of rock-and-roll, on August 21. Born in North Carolina’s lower Appalachia, the band has craftily sewn many aspects of their homeland combining high-lonesome harmonies and twangy instrumentation with blood pumping guitar riffs. Hints of the Smoky Mountains shine through adding a poignant air of time passed and age experienced, not indicative of the band’s name.

Justin Fedor, a multi-instrumentalist for the band, shares where the band finds their influences: “We’re all over the place on this one. We listen to everything and in turn, draw inspiration from many styles of music including, but not limited to, rock-and-roll, bluegrass, and folk. I think it shows in our set. We’ll go from a high paced two step to a trancie-psychedelic sound in the drop of a hat.”

Fedor’s comments ring true throughout their electrifying song “Wait.” (Listen to the live version online at thenewfamiliars.com). He adds, “[Our] show will go from high energy foot-stomping tunes to contemplative heart felt ballads and back again throughout the show. We play a game of push and pull throughout the show. If everything stays at one pace, we tend to get bored, and so does the audience. [In doing this], we invite the audience to get loud and quiet with us.”

The bands most recent six-song EP “The Storm” lays down unabashed country-rock tunes, such as the bands original “Mill’s River,” to a creative interpretation of the classic Smokey Robinson tune “My Girl.” From a live performance lover’s perspective, “the band turns its acoustic instruments into electrified crowds,” according to the Independent Weekly of Chapel Hill. “We have a great time every time we come to Augusta.” Fedor said, “The folks at Stillwater are awesome, and they take care of us. The venue has such a wonderfully rich history. I like to look around on the walls and pick out our friends that have played there over the years.” Make your mark on the walls of Stillwater Tap Room with The New Familiars . They will be waiting.

by JACOB LYNDON BELTZ photo NEW FAMILIARS

dates AUGUST 21 venue STILLWATER TAP ROOMline up THE NEW FAMILIARSshowtime 10:00 PM ages 21+ tickets $5 DOOR

see the show


corey smith For singer/songwriter/guitarist Corey Smith, the true meaning of making music didn’t hit its stride until he was past adolescence and into those “responsible adult” years. Growing up in rural Jefferson, Ga., Smith was drawn to the arts as a child, singing in church choirs and bolstered by the fact that his father was a musician. “Like a lot of kids, I started out wanting to be a famous rock star,” he says. “I saw the guitar as a way out, and as a way of getting back at anyone who had ever been mean to me. Those are selfish reasons for playing music. Later, when I met my wife and decided to become a teacher, my priorities changed. What’s important to me now is having a family and the sense of normalcy that comes with that. Music became a hobby that made me happy and that I enjoyed sharing with friends, family and my students. It came from a less selfish place and my career stemmed from that. Otherwise, I don’t think I would have been successful with it.” Smith just wrapped up his sixth album, Keeping Up With The Joneses, which he also produced. “It’s a different project for me because it sounds more commercial,” he says. “In the past, my records weren’t something you’d hear on the radio or television, because I never had the budget or the knowledge to achieve that. This one sounds more contemporary. I spent more time on it in every stage of development.” In many ways, he says, he’s just hitting his stride, despite years of experience in the studio and onstage. “Defining yourself is an ongoing process,” he says. “As a young musician and writer, all you can do is copy and emulate things you’ve heard and are familiar with. I think that’s good; a big part of the process is learning to copy, and later on experimenting more and developing a style, a voice and way of phrasing and writing lyrics. There are different arenas in doing this. There’s the live show, songwriting and production. Each of those is a long learning curve with a lot of mistakes. It took me six albums to have the resources to know how to make the album I just made. It is by far my best; I’m better now at making the overall production convey the message of my songs.” For the past two years, Smith has also been working with a band: bassist Rob Henson and drummer Marcus Petruska. “I started out with just my acoustic guitar, added a guitar player, a fiddle player, and then went to bass and drums,” he says. “The advantage is financial: it keeps a low overhead and we are able to develop new markets and clubs and still make it financially viable, which is important. At the same time, we’re able to develop a unique sound. It has made me a better guitarist and vocalist. I’m learning when to play and not play, learning to let go and let them do their job. It took a long time to adjust, and at this point we’re all that much better from the years spent as a three-piece. Lastly, it allows the songs to breathe. People can focus on the lyrics and vocal performance and appreciate the songs for what they are, rather than be overwhelmed by a big wall of sound.”

Smith credits the educational system of his youth with encouraging and supporting his interest in music. “I had really good teachers who paid special attention to me,” he says. “They helped me cultivate a more intellectual and creative side of myself.” As a former social studies teacher at North Gwinett High School, he also takes great concern with the nonstop funding cuts suffered by arts programs. “That’s one of the reasons I left education,” he says. “There was a growing sense of hopelessness, more and more policies in place making it hard for teachers to do their jobs. Typically, the way education works is that it goes from progressive to conservative, back and forth. It’s been doing that for the past hundred years or so, and it’s no different now. Especially with No Child Left Behind, the direction of education in the last 10 to 15 years is creating people who don’t think for themselves, who believe anything their teachers, president and preachers say, passively, without asking questions. Nurturing artistic sensibilities is the same as nurturing critical sensibilities, and the political/social agenda that has been at work will hopefully wane as the pendulum swings politically.”

by ALISON RICHTER photo STOCK

dates AUGUST 8venue JESSYE NORMAN AMPHITHEATERline up COREY SMITH + SAM THACKER + JOHN KRUEGERdoors open 6:00 PM ages ALLtickets ticketalternative.combuy tix $20 ADV | $25 DOOR

see the show

teacher turned rockersouthern rocker finds his roots


shotgun opera For Shotgun Opera, featuring vocalists Mercer and Grizzly, guitarist Samrock, bassist Jo Bone, and drummer Cappy, jump into the 2009 Augusta music recording frenzy when they release their official debut disc Vanity on August 29th.

Created in August 2007 as the brainchild of Grizzly, Shotgun Opera quickly shot out of the gate within a month and pulled fans in with their dual vocalist setup and melodic tone meets heavy sound. By 2008, Bone entered the mix and the band was auditioning to replace Grizzly’s original vocal partner.

“At first, I didn’t think we were ever going to find someone who could take [the music] and make it their own,” said Cappy. “But Mercer walked in and put his own spin on things which we think perfectly meshed into what we were originally going for. [The addition of Mercer and Bone] made playing much less stressful and allowed us to get back to just having fun and I think that comes through on the CD, but even more so in the stage show.”

That CD, a blistering thirteen tracks of melody crammed aggressiveness, is the culmination of the Shotgun Opera sound and shows the band’s forward thinking work ethic. But despite a strong serious focus on moving the band forward, the members of Shotgun Opera are ever ready to having a bit of fun here and there. This was never more evident than when asked about the recording of Vanity.

“Well, we were on vacation in the Amazon when we came across a group of gorillas who

had built a studio in the trees,” said Cappy. “Of course we were lost so they took us in and taught us the songs that they’ve been playing for years and let us use their studio to record while it was raining for a month.”

Loosely translated from Shogun Opera language into English, the above statement actually reads – “We went to the Jam Room in Columbia.”

When all is said and done what exactly does Shotgun Opera hope to achieve by releasing this CD? After a few moments of serious contemplation Cappy sighs and simply says: “We hope that at the end of the Sky City show that no one will want to leave and we have to do it all over again starting at 2 am. As far as the CD goes, we’re hoping that it gets people camped out on our porch in anticipation for the next one which is over halfway written.”

But Cappy really puts his heart on his sleeve when admitting that Shotgun Opera is most excited about releasing the new disc because they look forward to “being able to prove that we’re in a band to girls.”

Look for Shotgun Opera to perform a pair of shows in release of Vanity. First a free all-ages show at Rock Bottom music featuring acoustic performances by Uncrowned and Shotgun Opera then, later that night, a barrage of loud and live music, later that night, at Sky City featuring music from 3-Way Stitch, Dear Enemy, Uncrowned, and, of course, Shotgun Opera.

by JOHN “STONEY” CANNON

photo SHOTGUN OPERA

tone deft /joycette’s listening to these local sounds

dem imonde Steadily receiving a well deserved buzz, the multi-talented gals in Dem Imonde, create ‘IntelaRock,’ a style of music self-proclaimed by the band as intelligent, alternative rock. Quite fitting as their music delves further than one would expect for teen gals. Switching instruments on stage and maintaining a polished demeanor, these girls definitely seize their potential. 2009 has been a busy year so far for Dem Imonde, sharing the Social Canvas stage at The Morris and releasing their new album, “The Era of Wonderful Nonsense” which is out now and available on their Myspace site.

all above by DJ JOYCETTE

listen SENORISHINA myspace.com/demimondeband

listen FRIDAY NIGHT myspace.com/hogslobber

listen END FOR THE BEGINNING myspace.com/nklrblastsuntan

hogslobber Embrace the name, because the music’s just as gruff. Six men romping bluegrass to the root, with a bit of punk sensibility. Alcohol buzzed antics and brilliant songwriting, their music makes even the most quasi-southerner into a bona fide hayseed. Dubbed a side project, (the members are also core members in other popular local groups, such as The Decrepits, Shaun Piazza Band and Whosehouse), their show dates are sporadic and a record release is tentative. Case being, I suggest you head over to their Myspace site and fill your ears with their four song preview and two entertaining videos created by Hog violinist, Henry Wynn.

nu-kle-ar blast suntan Before your ears hit the first brick of their music, Nu-kle-ar Blast Suntan’s lineup promises an intense hearing. Snagging members from the locally born and nationally known metal outfit The Skuds and adding a fierce female lead vocalist, their sound truly is not for the aurally faint. Recently returned from a mini tour of the east coast, while dropping limited releases of their Lathe EP in both 8” vinyl and cassette tape, Nu-kle-ar Blast Suntan is steadily becoming a local favorite among loud music heads. Next up for NBS? New Orleans, Louisiana’s Bring The Noize Fest on November 14.

shotgun opera /a double barreled symphonycheck out their cd release double show on august 29

date AUGUST 29venue SKY CITYline up SHOTGUN OPERA + 3-WAY STITCH + DEAR ENEMY + UNCROWNEDdoors open 8:00 PM ages 21+tix $6 ADV | $8 DOSbuy tix SKYCITYAUGUSTA.COM

see the show 2date AUGUST 29venue ROCK BOTTOM MUSICline up SHOTGUN OPERA + UNCROWNEDdoors open 3:00 PM ages ALLtix FREEinfo MYSPACE.COM/SHOTGUNOPERABAND

see the show 1


pipeline / 8.7 to 8.21movies at mainmonday nights • 6:30 pm

augusta main library

August 10: One Trick PonyPaul Simon portrays an aging rock star, struggling to keep his career going and his marriage while battling the idiocy of the music industry. Rated R, 98 min. (‘80)

August 17: Waltz with BashirNominated for an Oscar in Best Foreign Language Film, this animated film retells the story of the 1982 Israeli invasion of Lebanon in a graphic novel-esque format. Rated R, 90 min. (‘08)

August 24: The Man Who Wasn’t ThereA classic example of modern film noir by the Coen Brothers. Ed Crane, a barber, longs for more in life and resorts to blackmail. Of course, things go terribly wrong. Rated R, 116 min. (‘01)

August 31: AdventurelandSlip back into the ‘80s with this comic portrayal of the ‘slacker’ generation who hasn’t a clue what the real world is like. Director Greg Mottola based the film on his recollections of the real Advertureland. Rated R, 107 min. (‘09)

rnfriday august 7outdoors

First FridayDowntown Augusta • 5 to 10 pm • freeOn the First Friday of each month, a celebration is held in downtown Augusta. Galleries and studios remain open to debut new works, street vendors sell their wares, and bands can be heard all over. First Friday is a free, monthly, family friendly event in Downtown Augusta. details:augustaarts.com

Summer Blast Concert & First Friday Car Show Augusta Common • 6 to 10 pm • freeDetails: 706.821.1754

Brick Yard Market Hammond’s Ferry • 4 pm ‘til dusk • freeCome peruse and procure a variety of goods offered by the many local vendors participating in North Augusta’s own outdoor market! While you shop, enjoy live music in the beautiful setting of Hammond’s Ferry. Details: 803.613.1641

special blue magnolia: Back to School Celebrationblue magnolia • 6 to 9 pm • freeRegister to win a bag chock full of blue magnolia goodies. Details: 706.828.6550

art “Wildflowers” Opening Reception Tire City Potters • 5 to 10 pm • freeArt exhibit by Troy Campbell

”I Love Robot” Opening Reception Metro Spirit Gallery • 6 pm • freeArt exhibit by Leonard Zimmerman, Jr.

theatre Conversations & Sneak Peak ofUpcoming Production featuring Dirty Girl & The Secrets Le Chat Noir • 7 pm • free Music & cocktails. details: lcnaugusta.com

live music

Educators Night/ Greek Night Café 209 on the River • 8 pm

First Friday Fish Fry with 95 Rock’s Chris FisherMetro A Coffee House• 9 pm

Stillhouse HollowStillwater Tap Room • 10 pm

The Paisley Gordon BandThe Loft • 10 pm

Redheaded StepchildJoe’s Underground • 10 pm

Tommy D + The SurvivorsThe Playground • 10 pm

nsaturday august 8outdoors

Growing Augusta the Greenway Cleanup Augusta Golf & Garden • 8:15 am 12th & Reynolds: help clean up The Garden City by volunteering to pull weeds and cut grass. details: meetup.com/GrowingAugusta .

Wet & Wild Hammond’s Ferry • 11 am to 4 pm • freeBring your lawn chairs and beach towels. Play on our 35 foot long Tunnel Slip and Slide! Details: 803.613.1641

special

Classic Movie & Music Night featuring “Jailhouse Rock” with Jason Sikes and the Sassy Brass Band Imperial Theatre • 7 pm • $10 details: imperialtheatre.com

Comedy NightCafé 209 on the River • 9 pm

live music Corey Smith Jessye Norman Amphitheatre • 6 pm$20 to $25 details: 706.664.5595 or ticketalternative.com

Daddy GraceJoe’s Underground • 9 pm

nsunday august 9outdoors

Candlelight Jazz: Mike Frost Trio8th Street Bulkhead • 8 pm • $6Join us each Sunday along the banks of the Savannah River for an enchanted evening of jazz featuring regional and local jazz artists. In case of rain: Café 209 on the River. Details: 706.821.1754 or gardencityjazz.com.

art Sunday Sketch with Matt Porter Morris Museum of Art • 3 pm • free details: themorris.org

live music

Shotgun Opera • The Radar CinemaAs Sick As UsSector 7G • 7 pm

nmonday august 10film

Movies at Main: One Trick PonyGreene Street Library • 6:30 pm • free

live music Dave FirmanJoe’s Underground • 10 pm

nntuesday august 11live music

Dave FirmanJoe’s Underground • 10 pm

wednesday august 12community

Growing Augusta the Greenway Meeting Nacho Mamas • 7 pm Join in to discuss ways to make Augusta a more bike and bus friendly town as well as the ongoing efforts to clean up the former Golf & Garden. Details: meetup.com/GrowingAugusta

live music Jacob BeltzJoe’s Underground • 10 pm

nthursday august 13live music

Mason JarsJoe’s Underground • 10 pm

nfriday august 14theatre

Mr. MarmaladeLe Chat Noir • 8 pm • $25 details: lcnaugusta.com

live music

Silent Horror • Lazarus • Two Thirteen Phillip Experience • Steve Hit Mike Debutante Massacre Sector 7G • 7 pm

Ed Turner & Number 9Imperial Theatre • 7:30 pm

Big Game Night & After PartyCafé 209 on the River • 8 pm

Lexie’s Legacy Memorial ConcertSky City • 10 pm featuring Allgood Asylum, Doug James, Jemani

Silver DaggerStillwater Taproom • 10 pm

Stone DogsJoe’s Underground • 10 pm

The Dew HickiesThe Loft • 10 pm

Augusta WindThe Playground • 10 pm

saturday august 15outdoors

A Day by the River: Lee Laurence Memorial Music Festival Jessye Norman Amphitheater • noon to 11 pm $15 to $20 details: adaybytheriver.com

theatre Mr. MarmaladeLe Chat Noir • 8 pm • $25 details: lcnaugusta.com

live music Ed Turner & Number 9Imperial Theatre • 7:30 pm • $5

By The Sins Fell Angels • Moultrie KillerPursuit of Angels • Valley of MegiddoThe Autumn Grave Sector 7G • 8 pm

Swyrve Joe’s Underground • 10 pm

sunday august 16outdoors

Candlelight Jazz: GPS8th Street Bulkhead • 8 pm • $6Details: 706.821.1754 or gardencityjazz.com.

art Family Artbreak: Face Jugs Morris Museum of Art • 2 pm • $6 to $7details: themorris.org

Music at the Morris: Dark Corner BluegrassMorris Museum of Art • 2 pm • free

monday august 17film

Movies at Main: Waltz with BashirGreene Street Library • 6:30 pm • free

tuesday august 18live music

John KolbeckJoe’s Underground • 10 pm

wednesday august 19live music

Jacob BeltzJoe’s Underground • 10:30 pm

thursday august 20live music

Cliff BennettJoe’s Underground • 10 pm

friday august 21outdoors

The Fourtunes LiveHammond’s Ferry • 8 pm • freeOldies, Pop, Rock & Motown Music Details: 803.613.1641

art Art at Lunch: Georgia Folk ArtistsMorris Museum of Art• noon • $10 to $14Harry DeLorme, senior curator of education at the Jepson Center for the Arts in Savannah, Georgia, provides an overview of Georgia’s most prominent folk artists. Register by August 19: 706.828.3867


live music TFS RaveSector 7G • 8 pm

The New FamiliarsStillwater Taproom • 10 pm

The EndallsThe Loft • 10 pm •$10

Keith GregoryJoe’s Underground • 10 pm

Reed’s Brown BeretThe Playground • 10 pm


pipeline / 8.22 to 9.4

make your own quilt for cooler daysschedule variesquilt shop on the cornerMargaret Hunt teaches Beginning Free Motion Quilting to a group of ladies at the Quilt Shop on the Corner. Quilt Shop on the Corner, located at the corner of 5th and Telfair, sells fabrics and quilting supplies as well as providing classes, a complete schedule of which can be found at www.quiltshopcorner.com. Anyone interested must provide their own sewing machine, and may sign up in the store or by calling 706-721-1298.

saturday august 22outdoors

Growing Augusta the Greenway Cleanup Augusta Golf & Garden • 8:15 am For details: meetup.com/GrowingAugusta


live music EndallsJoe’s Underground • 10 pm


Candlelight Jazz: Playback8th Street Bulkhead • 8 pm • $6Details: 706.821.1754 or gardencityjazz.com.

art Sunday Studio Tour: David Stuart Morris Museum of Art • 2 pm Details: themorris.org


Movies at Main: The Man Who Wasn’t ThereGreene Street Library • 6:30 pm • free

thursday august 27special

Darius Rucker: Live in Concert Bell Auditorium• 7:30 pm • $35.50 to $43.50 details: augustaentertainmentcomplex.com


live music Paul ArrowoodJoe’s Underground • 10 pm

friday august 28theatre

Mr. MarmaladeLe Chat Noir • 8 pm • $25 details: lcnaugusta.com

live music Bucktown KickbackStillwater Taproom • 10 pm

Lil’ Jimmy & The Dyrti BoyzJoe’s Underground • 10 pm

Joe Graves and the Dirty Left HandThe Playground • 10 pm

saturday august 29special

Discover! Downtown: Explore downtown and get free stuff! Downtown Augusta • 10 am to 6 pm • $5See page 11 for full details!

Extreme Fight Night: Mixed Martial Arts in the Cage Bell Auditorium • 8 pm • $9 to $34 details: augustaentertainmentcomplex.com


live music

Shotgun Opera CD Release Partywith Dear EnemySky City • 10 pm

PitbossJoe’s Underground • 10 pm


Candlelight Jazz: Sounds Unlimited8th Street Bulkhead • 8 pm • $6Details: 706.821.1754 or gardencityjazz.com.

art Music at the Morris: Music of the Baroque Period Morris Museum of Art • 2 pm • free


Movies at Main: AdventurelandGreene Street Library • 6:30 pm • free

friday september 4outdoors

First FridayDowntown Augusta • 5 to 10 pm

First Friday Luau & Car ShowAugusta Common • 6 to 10 pm

theatre Conversations & Sneak Peek of Upcoming Production Le Chat Noir • 7 pm • free Music & cocktails. Details: lcnaugusta.com

live music EndallsJoe’s Underground • 10 pm

every weeksundays

Worship at The Well715 Broad Street • 10:45 am

Mimosa Sunday Boll Weevil Mimosas at lunch and $3.95 desserts all day.

Free Morris Museum AdmissionMorris Museum of Art • free

Candlelight Jazz8th Street Bulkhead • 8 pm • $6

Old & New School Party Café 209 on the River • 9 pm • free buffet

tuesdays Dr. John FisherFox’s Lair • 9 pm • free • irish session

wednesdays Mountain Bike RideAndy Jordans • 6:15 pm • free12 to 15 miles on the Augusta Canal at a beginner to intermediate skill level. Details: 706.724.6777

Wine Down WednesdayCasa Blanca Cafe • 5 to 9 pmBuy a glass of wine, get one free and enjoy the complimentary cheese bar.

Soup Suds & ConversationFox’s Lair • free

Jazz on the PatioCafé 209 on the River • 6 pm

thursdays Casual Comfort: Hip Hop NightTropicabana Latin Club • 7 pm

Independent Ladies: Hosted by Power 107’s Miss Monique & Kydd Joe The Playground • 8 pm

Casual Comfort: Hip Hop NightCafé 209 on the River • 9 pm

fridays Brick Yard MarketHammond’s Ferry • 4 pm to dusk • freeProcure a variety of goods offered by local vendors in this North Augusta outdoor market. Enjoy live music in the beautiful setting of Hammond’s Ferry. Details: 803.613.1641

saturdays Ezekiel Harris House Tours1822 Broad • 1 to 5 pm $2 to $4Last tour starts at 4 pm. Details: 706.737.2820

Jazz CollectiveBroad Street Market • 8 pm

DJ On PointThe Loft • 10 pm • free

Salsa GrooveTropicabana Latin Club • 10 pm

ongoing exhibitionsAUGUSTA HISTORY MUSEUM

Details: augustamuseum.org

thru May 2011 The Godfather of Soul: Mr. James Brown

ongoing A Community That Heals

ongoing From Ty to Cal: A Century of Baseball in Augusta

ongoing Stories and Legends: Remembering the Augusta National

ongling History on Canvas

LUCY CRAFT LANEY MUSEUMDetails: lucycraftlaneymuseum.com

thru August 30 The Daso Art Collection

MORRIS MUSEUM OF ARTDetails: themorris.org

now thru August 30 Southern Eccentric: Paintings by Larry Connatser

now thru August 30 Stories to Tell, Memories to Keep: Folk Art in the South

SACRED HEART CULTURAL CENTERDetails: sacredheartaugusta.org

July 9 thru August 28 David Mascaro

get your event listed for free.

send to [email protected] the 20th of each month.


“A diet is the penalty we pay for exceeding the feed limit.”

- AUTHOR UNKNOWN

For the past thirteen weeks, I have been blessed to receive just about every type of encouragement that can be bestowed upon a person. Heading down the final stretch of my Biggest Loser race, the most useful words said to me have been quotes such as the one above. I absolutely love quotes, especially inspirational ones. While not as personal as a candid heartfelt comment, the right quote can provide needed inspiration. But the perfect quote is one that inspires AND wakes up the mind and gets the wheels turning. After all, it’s kind of hard to get the body moving when the brain is still stuck in park! During my attempt to “cut the fat” I have read and heard so many great quotes and, oddly enough, most have been by unknown authors. This is because it takes ordinary people to do EXTRAordinary things. (The key word here being “extra.”) Some of the quotes I find most humorous are the ones that include the word “diet” which is a word that, in my opinion, has the ability to stop weight loss more than any other word in the English language. Don’t believe me? Walk up to someone trying to lose weight and offer up such words of wisdom as “dieting is not a piece of cake” or “dieting is wishful shrinking” and wait for the polite half-hearted chuckle. NO CRAP SHERLOCK!

But seriously, the battle of the bulge can be best summed up by a pair of great quotes I recently found because losing weight is just as much, if not more, a state of mind than a state of physical activity and nutritional awareness. The first has to do with the common “exercise”

of making excuses – If we defend our habits, we have no intentions of quitting them. Raise your hand if you’re guilty as charged. Don’t feel bad, I am currently typing with my toes because I have both arms in the air! The other quote is a unique commentary that I have come to refer to in times of frustration about remaining in a seemingly endless cycle – You don’t drown by falling in the water. You drown by staying there. You don’t have to drown in the kitchen either. You just need to find better ways to tread.

Oddly enough, one of the more unexpected quotes I have received was from a person with whom I’ve been swapping Facebook messages – I’ve lost many things in my forty plus years on this earth. I’ve lost my keys, lost my temper, even lost my mind a time or two, but losing weight is perhaps the hardest thing I’ve ever had to lose.

What made this quote interesting was that I knew I had read it somewhere before but couldn’t put my finger on it. So I finally had to reply to the message and ask about its origin. The response I got back caught me off guard and then made me chuckle – You wrote that silly! Just a couple of weeks ago! Funny, now I’M being quoted! See, ordinary people… In case you might be wondering – the final weigh-ins for Health Central’s “Biggest Loser” were the weekend of July 17th and I’m proud to announce (drum roll please) that I AM the Biggest Loser! (Thank you, thank you very much) Somehow this old, unmotivated, highly procrastinating rocker found enough push to lose a higher percentage of weight than anyone else in this last session. But as much as I try, I still have a hard time tooting my own horn. Sure I know that the decision to follow through was mine alone, but I had plenty of extra motivation. Laying it out there

cut the fat / i’m a loser baby part: the finalthe skinny on one dude’s mission to cut the fat

by JOHN CANNON photos KATIE MCGUIRE

editor’s note: John “Stoney” Cannon will be chronicling his attempt to “Cut the Fat” over the next few issues. Join verge in cheering him on to victory: email your comments and encouragement to [email protected].

the big pictureFirst weigh-in date: April 14Starting weight: 405 (yikes!)3-Month goal: lose 50 poundsTotal lost 51 pounds

the weekly journalweek laps Friday weigh in6/22 - 6/28 32 laps 3686/29 - 7/5 34 laps 3657/6 - 7/12 36 laps 3617/13 - 7/17 36 laps 354

Stoney exceeds goal & wins first place in Health Central’s Biggest Loser!

send stoney your own congratulations: www.twitter.com/stoneycannon

here’s the skinny

for the whole world to see (while tough and often embarrassing) was liberating and helped create a lot of helpful motivation; because let’s be honest for a minute, I was never fooling anyone into believing I was in shape or thin. All my friends, family, peers, know that I’m overweight.

Since I came “out of the fridge” and shared my struggles and triumphs, the words of encouragement have been plentiful. I now feel a responsibility not only to change for myself, but also for all those who care and believe in me. Having people believe in you is a pretty powerful thing and great motivation. But, you

still have to take all those tools and put them to use. It’s hard, believe me, but I truly believe that if I can get healthy than anyone can. So are YOU ready? Just a couple weeks until the next Biggest Loser session gets underway at Health Central. (Right around the beginning of August) I’ll be there… …but for now I believe a Ghetto Burger is calling my name…then it’s time to start training for that 5K walk in November. But don’t fret, I’ll be here with you again next month cuz we’re ALL losers baby! (um…I mean that in a GOOD way!)


706-724-9424 888-724-94241129 Broad Street

Augusta, GA 30901-1117

www.thewindowgallery.com

We can show you how replacement windows can add comfort, style, beauty

and security to your home.

Our replacement window salespeople and installation crews have years of experience. We can often replace your windows from the exterior without disturbing interior trim or window

treatments. Besides, when was the last time you had a crew vacuum on its way out? Ours do.

VISIT THE WINDOW GALLERY to ensure that the windows you purchase qualify for the

FEDERAL TAX CREDIT FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY.


1135 Broad Street is a red, three story brick commercial building, home to the White Elephant Café and identical to 1127, 1129, and 1131 Broad Street. The 1100 block of Broad Street was developed in the late 1800s for shops and residences and many of the businesses were owned by African Americans. At the turn of the 20th century, redevelopment began and the existing buildings were razed. The current building was built in 1917 and featured retail space at street level and residences above. 1135 Broad Street is located in the Augusta Downtown Historic District, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2004. Federal and state tax incentives are available to owners who complete certified rehabilitation projects on historic properties in historic districts.

past times / 1135 broad street

by ROBYN MAINOR rendering ALEX McCAIN, III

Robyn Mainor is the Preservation Services Director at Historic Augusta, Inc., a non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve historically or architecturally significant structures and sites in Augusta and Richmond County.

1135 Broad Street a brief history

1912 James S. Wingfield of Richmond County mortgaged the existing property to the United States Mortgage and Trust Company of New York.

1917 1135 Broad Street is constructed. 1917 City Directory listed a dry goods store at this address.

1919 Louise Radford married Lieutenant Eugene O. Ervine at 1135 Broad Street which was her home. The flat was described as being decorated elaborately with sweet pea and roses.

1927 James Wingfield sold the block to Walter E. McElmurray for $62,500. McElmurray then sold the property to Jacob Weinstein that same day for $16,750.

1950 David Siskin opened a dry goods store.

1970 Steve’s Place, a bar and pool hall, is located at 1135 Broad St.

1990 1135 Broad is sold to a new owner who also purchased 1129, and 1131. Development of the upper stories back into residential units began at this time.

Today Support downtown business owners by heading down to the White Elephant Café for lunch. The café was named after the liquor store and pub formerly located next door at 1137 Broad Street.

In 1963, a multi-tiered monument was erected in honor of five Grand Masters of Webb Lodge #166. The lodge, a local Freemasons organization, is represented through the granite dedication featuring the names of those five Grand Masters who served between 1883 and 1962 (John S. Davidson, Monte P. Agee, Joseph H. Wilkinson, B. Lee Amon and Clarence H. Cohen).

Standing on a trio of rising tiers, this gorgeous monument rises to about average eye level and is crowned by a stone re-creation of an open book engraved with Psalms 133.1: “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” The granite stand contains dedication information on one side and the monument’s erection information on the other. The names of five past Grand Masters are listed on the front while the back features an engraved Freemasons logo with the inscription:

“The cardinal principles of Freemasonry free thought, free speech and free conscience may the virtues ever animate and inspire our American way of life.”

the monumental history of greene street / 10

Webb Lodge MonuMent location / 800 Block of Greene Street

erected By / WeBB lodGe no. 166 f.&a.M. and J.r. reeSe, Sr. W.M. and dedicated By M.W. otiS e. dixon, G.M. on noveMBer 2, 1963

by JOHN CANNON rendering ALEX McCAIN, III

editor’s note: This is the tenth installment of a the history of the monuments that line Greene Street.

august 2009

Documents

Transcript of august 2009