free lend me your ear: june music rocks downtown june 2009

vergedowntown augusta

verge / june / 3

contents front porch: Michael RayHelping kids succeed by using the arts

Say Vandelay Hitting the Big TimeAugusta’s own “boy band” gets a shot at success

Paisley Gordon Believes in Old SchoolPaisley’s in the studio, keeping true to his jazz roots

Larry Jon Wilson as HimselfNew album finally hits American soil on June 23

Bleeding Counterfeit Gets A Jump StartRockabilly band gets picked up by GoDIY Records

Saliva & Adelitas Way Rock Sky CityBoth bands testify to hard work and uber commitment

Brantley Gilbert Keeps It HonestMyspace ranks him as the #1 unsigned country artist

Kids Explore Summer DowntownTry out these fun summer camps and activities

experience moresmatteringsquick clipsdiscover downtownhe saw she saw / high school sweetheartsgallery / tom jonessoundcheck / soul bar tacky prom 09onstage / thomas & friendsoffstage / social canvasgood chow / sweet lou’s crab shackpipeline / get plugged into june’s eventsmaking connections / meetup.comi’m a loser baby / part IIexplore downtown / brigan’s & emily tubmanreverberations / family jewelsa shot with pow pow

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on the cover:surfaceglitterRaoul Pacheco / a Tire City Potters artist

volume twoissue four

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shops & galleries

28 8th Street Tobacco 8 blue magnolia34 Brigan’s Land of Enchantment43 Costumes by Michele25 DuJuor Fine Foods16 Elduets Treasures of the World30 Paper Vinyl Cloth40 PeachMac 6 Quilt Shop on The Corner 2 Rock Bottom Music42 Vintage 96543 Vintage Ooollee38 The Window Gallery

4 Wine World25 Zimmerman Gallery

entertainment & events

16 1102 Back Bar12 95 Rock Presents42 AB Beverage: Fat TIre 8 AB Beverage: Mothership Whit24 AB Beverage: Bud Light18 Augusta Canal28 Augusta State University40 Lokal Loudness34 Woodrow Wilson House

restaurants & bars

10 1102 Bar & Grill42 Aroma22 Blue Sky Kitchen44 Boll Weevil Cafe14 Casa Blanca28 Club Rehab34 Fat Man’s Cafe’12 Joe’s Underground26 The Loft23 Manuel’s Bread Cafe30 Metro Coffeehouse & Pub14 Nacho Mama’s 4 New Moon Café 8 New Moon Cafe14 Stillwater Taproom 6 T-Boy’s Po’Boys18 White Elephant

services20 Americana Tattoo 4 Casella Eye Center38 Dazzling Car Care14 Downtown Dental20 Halo Salon & Spa36 Health Central43 Modish Salon & Spa12 Perry & Company30 PowerServe 6 Sanford, Bruker & Banks 4 Summerville Maids18 The Well

smatterings / notes from the publisher

publisherMatt Plocha

editorLara Plocha

pipeline editorsClaire RicheJoyce Tahop

web guyAndy Donnan

photographersElizabeth Benson

Katie McGuire

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verge

Editorial content of verge is the opinion of each contributing writer and is not necessarily the opinion of verge,

its staff or its advertisers. Reproduction in whole or in part

without written permission is prohibited.

When we started verge, we created a positive publication that featured the good things happening in our downtown and the real people that make Augusta’s downtown a community. In the pages ahead, you will continue to experience that same vision and concept.

However, there comes a time when we have to make a stand and say “enough.” After much prayer and thought, we can’t blindly ignore recent events that threaten the good things, the growth and future viability of our community. (Warning! I am about to take off the warm and fuzzy that you have come to know and love.)

A community is defined as a collective people banding together for a common goal. Being part of a community involves acting together for the common good. Local economic growth, job creation, environmental responsibility, safety concerns for our citizens after dark, for instance, are issues that require collective action for change. Being a part of a community means acting in a respectful manner, being responsible and ultimately accountable for your actions. This means all community members need to be proactively unified and bound together with a sustainable common course of action.

Downtown is a community for all of Augusta to enjoy. It is the epicenter and the very heart of the entire Augusta-Richmond County. It is everybody’s district and each of our citizens and our city commissioners should be actively committed to ensuring the health of that heart. When the heart is healthy, the rest of the community is healthy. When the heart is not healthy, then the rest of the community is not healthy. So why does it seem that downtown projects always create the most controversy?

From my perspective, our community (the heart) is not on the forefront of certain community leaders’ concerns or goals. We are on the brink of falling into the trap of the “me, me” attitude of the 70s and 80s, and not moving forward toward the “we” of the new generation. Do they have the heart of our community at the forefront? Really?

So I simply ask: is building a new economically viable Trade, Exhibit and Event Center downtown hurting Augusta? Is bringing a new The Multi-use Entertainment/Baseball Complex to downtown hurting Augusta?

Is the creation of construction jobs, engineering jobs, maintenance jobs, hospitality jobs, or service jobs hurting Augusta? Is the creation of commerce to support those projects hurting Augusta? If these projects are all good for the community, then why the continued friction? The TEE Center, specifically, screams good economic sense. The Multi-use Entertainment/Baseball Complex makes good economic sense and both will breath more life in to the heart of our community. It will create employment opportunites and generate tax revenue for the entire community. That makes sense.

I’ve heard some leaders complain that their districts are ignored in regards to blight, crime, housing and education. I ask: what are the leaders of those districts doing to change those issues? Asking for more money is not the solution, that is just trying to patch a persistent and unaddressed social problem for someone else to deal with later on (well honestly, later on is now). Money cannot buy less blight. Blight is overcome by supporting your local businesses, creating more jobs and holding business property owners accountable for the condition of their property. Money cannot buy safer streets or better housing. Safer streets and nicer neighborhoods come from being an active member of your neighborhood and unafraid to get out and be proactive. Money cannot buy better education. Better education means becoming more involved in the lives of our children and less involved in our own gain or comfort. Money cannot solve the core issues of our community. Only we can solve these issues with a healthier heart.

It is time to stand up and say that, as a community, we will no longer allow the unaccountable rule the day. All of the issues that appear to require money to “fix” can be fixed in the long term with a more responsible community. Responsibility comes when we begin to act by holding ourselves accountable and not wondering how the government is going to remedy our problems. Responsibility comes by choosing to focus on the projects that create sustainable growth and additional tax revenues. Responsibility is standing up and saying “I am joining the effort to build a community we can be proud of together.” Whether it’s on a small scale or a more grand scale, each one of us can contribute and develop creative solutions to persistent problems.

For instance, Rock Bottom Music recently held

a half day event (at their own expense) that raised over 750 pounds of food for the Golden Harvest Food Bank. That’s 550 meals for hungry community neighbors. That is the bright light. That is the hope. That is the accountability and the responsibility to community. Action and deed of putting others first without counting personal gain or pride. Here’s a few more: Savannah River Keepers, Saturday Morning Clean up Crew, Artist Row Association. Look them up and get involved. Join the effort to build a healthier community. Say “yes” to the people and solutions that propel us towards sustainability, both economically and civically. Take responsibility for your actions. Call your elected officials and demonstrate that we ARE “the people” and hold them accountable as the represntative of your district. Challenge them to become more involved.

The first step can be as simple as supporting your local community. Our local business owners represent a majority of tax dollars that feed back to Augusta from Atlanta. Go to www.the350project.net, a national grassroots effort to help save our local independent businesses. Take their challenge: write down three independently owned businesses that you frequent. Now take the eraser or pen and scratch them out. What would you do if they were no longer there? Where would you get that cup of coffee? Get a great gift? See some artwork or see a theatre group perform? Now, go to each of those businesses and spend $50 and let them know what you are doing: the 3/50 Project. The tax revenue that will be generated and returned to this community will stagger your mind. The 3/50 Project is one way you can be a solution to some of the problems we are facing as a community, while being an accountable and responsible citizen.

Our future is only what we make of today. If you are not satisfied with what you see today, it will be the same tomorrow if you sit there and do nothing.

I hope to see you downtown being a part of your community and making a difference.

matt

6 / june / verge

verge / june / 7

shave and a haircut.. and a shoeshine Zion’s Barber Shop and Shoeshine Parlor celebrated their official grand opening during May’s First Friday, located on Ninth Street between Broad and Reynolds. Mike Allen, owner of Zion’s, enjoyed a celebratory cigar outside with barbers Travis Suver and Tony Powledge.

deadline for inkling entries: june 30 In celebration of the art of the written word, verge is now accepting entries for The Inkling, a new literary journal discovering the best in local prose, poetry and art. Named in honor of the informal Oxford literary club of the 30s and 40s which included famed authors J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, The Inkling mirrors the desire to encourage pursuit of the written word, while providing mind-stimulating stories, essays and poems for consumption. The first issue of The Inkling will be inserted into September’s verge. Original art (literary cartoons, photography, paintings and drawings) may also be submitted for consideration. For complete submission guidelines or more details, email editor@vergelive.com or call 706.828. 6550. Deadline for submission is June 30, 2009.

quick clips

community comes out for cleaning canal On May 23, Augustans banded together for the first All Augusta Community Canal Clean Up, organized by Scott Hudson’s First Saturday Foundation and Anthony Esposito’s Growing Augusta the GreenWay. The thirty or so volunteers concentrated on the canal area around the intersection of Greene and Fourteenth Street. Anthony even surprised the volunteers with chair massages. To be part of future projects, contact Scott at scott@wgac.com or Anthony at www.meetup.com/GrowingAugusta.

Almost 6000 visitors will descend upon Augusta during the month including: The Amateur Athletic Union of the US • The American Institute of Chemical Engineers •The Irish Dancers Annual Southern Classic Festival • Cambridge College’s Summer Program • Camp Semaphore 2009 • The Georgia Association of Broadcasters • The Georgia Department of Human Resources Healthy Aging Conference • The Georgia State Council Pentacostal Young People Union Conference • The Gray (Woodford) and Neely Family Reunions

solorow making waves across the river What’s going on in your very own backyard that’s making waves across the Atlantic? Explorer Wave Vidmar has set up shop in North Augusta’s Hammonds Ferry and is steadily preparing for a unique, solo ocean voyage. Stay current with his progress by logging on to Fort Discovery’s website. You’ll find a live web cam-view of the North Augusta shop, recording Wave as he builds his ocean row boat. www.NationalScienceCenter.org (scroll to bottom for link).

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 editor@vergelive.com 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.

photo TOM MILLS photo TOM MILLS

blips, clips and future rumors Catch Café 209 on the River’s new jazz evenings on Wednesday from 9 pm until “whenever.” • Meanwhile, the empty space Café 209 left behind on Tenth Street should be filled by August with a new tapas style restaurant. • Looks like a new country bar featuring martinis has moved to downtown: Hoe-Downs at 1204 Ellis. • Grab a cold one and check out the sheen of Metro Coffeehouse’s newly refinished floors. • The Art Factory’s Art@School program recently won the statewide Kaleidoscope Award for “Outstanding Community Programming in the Arts.” • Congrats to Sae Shin of 1102 Downtown who rececently tied the knot! • Check out Casa Blanca’s new lunch additions: an open faced turkey sandwich with cranberry sacue and apples AND a Moroccan chutney meatball sandwich. Yum!

get involved with solving downtown issues Tuesday Morning Roundtable has revamped its format, switching for a more popular lunchtime option and shaking up the location for on-site tours and talks about the issues that face downtown Augusta. However, the purpose remains the same: working together to identify problems and devise workable solutions. Plus, there’s the side benefit of networking. Get email notices of upcoming roundtables by contacting organizer Janie Peel at jpeel@prime properties.net.

june tourism to make a $3.2 million impact The Augusta Convention and Visitors Bureau is forecasting that June’s tourists will generate about 3.2 million dollars in direct visitor spending.

cover artist: “i’m a downtownie through and through” This month’s cover artist holds a beloved place in downtown’s heart, mainly known for his clay sidekick, Ott. Raoul Pacheco currently works for the Fine Arts Department at Augusta State University, holds the position of Programs Coordinator for The Art Factory, plays bass in the Shaun Piazza Band, and is still a Tire City Potter but mostly he has been struggling with his and longtime lover Lydia Giusto’s new puppy Max for pack leader status.

get out and vote on 6.16 The Friends of the Miller Theatre recently submitted the benefits of voting YES for SPLOST VI (the special local option sales tax):

Keeps our property taxes low by keeping the same sales tax. This is not an additional tax.Maintains our economic growth, which maintains existing and creates new jobs.Keeps our roads, bridges, sewer and water systems updated in all areas of Augusta-Richmond County.Addresses our future flooding issues.

Expands and updates our public safety, fire and security agencies. Enhances our quality of life with the upkeep and expansion of parks, recreation and entertainment venues.

Past projects that have been funded by SPLOST money include the new main public library, the judicial center, Diamond Lakes Community Center, the Fire Department’s training tower and the Laney Walker Boulevard reconstruction. Get informed about the SPLOST package at: www.augustaga.gov.

jump for joy: a grocery store opens on broad street Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. In December’s issue, we asked for a grocery store in walking distance. Six months later, chef Sean Skala & Andrea Lombardo are answering the call with their new deli / grocery. True to my word, I’ll be jumping up and down for joy later this month, when Du Jour Fine Foods at 1128 Broad Street opens it doors. Du Jour promises to provide daily grocery needs, such as milk, eggs, olive oil, coffee and even toilet paper. Need lunch or dinner on the go? Sean will have a deli for fresh sandwiches and gourmet meals to go. Andrea explains the philosophy behind Du Jour: “We are here to support the needs of downtown and work with local business’ as much as possible to create a sense of community and help the economy. Our goal is to work with the environment, not against it. We respect our environment and recycle, reuse, and reduce our waste however we can.” If there’s a specific item you’d like Du Jour to stock, email the store at dujour@usa.com.

photo KATIE MCGUIRE

photo CHRISTOPHER SELMEK

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shop dine play live

discover downtown

Silver City1155 Broad Street

Whether you’re simply strolling down Broad Street or driving by, head to Silver City because this unique store only found in downtown Augusta features hand-made, imported and custom-made jewelry and other merchandise from around the world. “The whole idea behind opening Silver City was to bring a Los Angeles feel to the downtown area. I opened in 1999, and I believe downtown has a lot of potential. I also like freedom of the atmosphere, the variety of people and businesses,” owner Jeff Paul says. There is an outstanding variety of jewelry, intricate woven clothes, colorful wall art such as mirrors, crosses, and more. Paul also offers his customers affordability through a 10 to 20 percent military discount. And, on First Fridays, he usually has sale posters on his store-front window featuring discounts of all kinds. Check out all that Silver City has to offer! Open noon to 7 pm Tuesday thru Saturday. Details: 706.774.6717

Munchies1149 Broad Street

Making its debut last year, Munchies is the place downtown to satisfy your cravings for unique savory wings, lick-your-fingers French Fries and more. The eatery has quickly become a staple for the bar crowd due to its late night hours. “One favorite is the Jerklicious Wings, also known as the Six-Finger Wings, which have a sweet, sour and a bit of spice to them,” owner Joseph Christie says. The “Six-Finger Wings” are not only a hit because of their taste, but customers can’t get the full enjoyment of the special-recipe sauce without a sixth finger, jokes Christie. There are several menu options, but one item you certainly do not want to miss out on is the feta cheese French Fries. The secret behind the specialty is the topping - feta cheese, Italian dressing and diced tomatoes. If you need a late night bite to eat while walking down Broad Street, stop by Munchies to whet your appetite. Open Wednesday to Saturday 9 pm to 2 am. Details: 706.951-0346

Firehouse Bar1145 Broad Street

Firehouse Bar has been a Broad Street nightlife staple since October 1996 and remains “the best dive bar” downtown. Patrons keep coming back for the unpretentious atmosphere where the jukebox reigns supreme (choose from a mix of mix of rock n’ roll, hip-hop and rhythm and blues) and the drink specials flow freely (try the $4 pitchers of Long Island Iced Teas on Friday nights). Touring, regional and local bands liven things up on the first Saturday of every month. Last month, two DJ’s came in and played soul music, which according to owner Josh Williamson was unique for Firehouse. “We do everything! Metal to rap! The whole gamut!” said Williamson. If you like comfortable red booths, a game of darts or pool, loud music and good strong drinks, head to Firehouse Bar. Open Monday to Friday from 6 pm to 3 am and on Saturday from 8 pm to 2:30 am. Details: 706.826.995

Augusta Genealogical Society1109 Broad Street

Thinking about tracing and uncovering your family history? The Augusta Genealogical Society (AGS) should be your first stop. “We are always looking for new volunteers; and, we welcome newcomers,” says current president Gloria Lucas. Volunteers assist those looking for family history records. To become a paid member and learn more, visit augustagensociety.org. During monthly meetings, chartered members discuss the history of genealogy, organization of records and oral interviews. Also, members can hear lectures such as director Fred Gehle’s “The Veteran’s History Project” - a nationwide project to record the memories of World War II veterans. You can submit family research queries to AGS, PO Box 3743, 30914. Open Monday and Wednesday: 9 am to 4 pm, Saturday 9 am to 1 pm and on Sunday from 2 pm to 5 pm. Details: 706.722.4073.

by ANNE MARIE JOHNSON photos A. JOHNSON

revving it up / riverside cycles cruises into downtownLocated near the intersection of Fifth and Broad Street, Riverside Cycles is a biker’s dream shop and I’m not speaking of the Schwinn variety. Featuring a showroom area that includes clothing, accessories, as well as a selection of super cool motorcycles that range in price from just over $4,000 to just over $80,000 (that’s not a typo), this new addition to the downtown business community has a little something for the biker in all of us.

“We’ve been open since April first weekend,” said one of Riverside Cycle’s employees who insists on only being referred to as D.J. “The bikers want a bike shop down on Broad Street, they got it and they love it. It started out just being accessories and apparel, and now it’s turned into a bigger thing.” That “bigger thing” includes a full service department, custom bike work, as well as special orders. If Riverside Cycles doesn’t have an item in stock they can get it within a day without it costing an arm and a leg. After all, how can you ride a bike if you’re missing those?

From the moment you enter the front door, it only takes one visual sweep across the wide open room to take in all that Riverside does. Riverside Cycles has a great selection of cool t-shirts, head wraps, leathers, patches, posters, and accessories that work just as well inside a bar as they do on the open road. I particularly found the hair tie jewelry and décor to be really cool and it’s not just stuff for those big rough and tough bikers guys. They have the ladies covered too. How about giving your lady a cool motorcycle watch with super wide pink wrist band for a birthday or anniversary gift? However, what I found most impressive was the variety of cool bikes on the showroom floor including some tricked out Harleys, Hondas, and even the previously mentioned custom high dollar rides. The bikes on display are not only visually exciting but in some cases eye candy for motorcycle history buffs. A classic looking Italian Moto Guzzi caught my eye immediately. Riverside Cycles will even sell your bike on consignment. But perhaps the thing that makes Riverside Cycles stand out the most is hearing how important it is to the staff to not only be a great bike shop, but a great DOWNTOWN bike shop.

“What makes us different (from other area cycle shops) is that we can contribute to downtown

Augusta,” said Ya Ya, another Riverside Cycles employee who insisted that we talk on a first name basis. “Everyone else is far out in the counties and we want to bring people into Augusta. Downtown Augusta has a lot of good things. You have great places to eat and things to see and with a shop down here we can only hope to make it even better.”

Riverside Cycles will celebrate a grand opening on July Fourth featuring four bands (including Paisley Gordon), a pig in the ground, and lots of family friendly fun. Stop by and say “hi” to the guys, check out the hogs, and pig out!

by JOHN “STONEY” CANNON photo KATIE MCGUIRE

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he saw / she sawteen sweethearts, michael and frances, spend a lazy memorial day downtown

he saw: Originally, our plan was to have lunch at Sunshine Bakery. It’s a low-key German bakery/deli/restaurant on Broad Street. However, once we got there, we were swiftly reminded that it was Memorial Day. Sunshine Bakery is a great place for lunch because of its inviting atmosphere and lunchtime-only hours. Normally, we go on Saturdays when they are featuring lentil soup as the soup of the day, but as Saturday was Frances’ mom’s birthday and they are closed on Sunday, that took us to Monday. And Monday was Memorial Day. Oh well.

she saw: After finding Sunshine closed, we went to Mellow Mushroom instead. It’s a 70’s themed pizzeria that features a lot of very colorful artwork and modern decorating styles. Overall, it’s a pretty eccentric place which makes for an interesting experience. The food was great. I got the usual slice of cheese and Michael tried their Italian hoagie.

he saw: While our food digested we walked down the street to Elduets Treasures of the World. It is a great place to poke around while spending the afternoon downtown. Basically, it’s a novelty shop in which Robert Steudle, the owner of the store, collects interesting toys, incense, jewelry, and other various handmade items. We always seem to learn something about other cultures when we go in.

she saw: Mr. Steudle is always open to any questions you have about the items in the store. He is always around either in the back of the store or at the register and will check up on you while you’re browsing. He takes every opportunity to teach you about what you’re looking at and about different cultures of the world. If ever you drop in, make sure to acquaint yourself with him. He will definitely make your experience in his shop an intriguing one.

he saw: After visiting Elduets Treasures of the World, we decided to go walk on the Riverwalk. It had been raining on and off for about two days so it was great to get out and feel the sunshine again. We just leisurely walked from the train tracks down to the fountain where the Riverwalk turns into the canal track. On the way back to the car we went down to the big geyser where parents often bring their kids to splash around and play. We decided to just sit in the shade near the fountain and cool off.

she saw: I wanted to run through the water and play around, but Michael didn’t want to get his car seats soaked. LAME! But, anyway, it was nice just to sit in the shade for a while and watch the kids play. Its pretty heartwarming to see all the families out there having a good time and was definitely the most lively part of the day.

he saw: After cooling off a bit, we headed back to Broad Street to visit Gallery on the Row. It’s a beautiful gallery that promotes artists from around Augusta. This particular gallery showcases mostly paintings. One of the most notable artists was Margaret Ann Smith. She has an interesting style of painting where she takes a scene and distorts all the lines and it comes out looking like the scene was seen through a funhouse mirror. Almost all of her paintings are scenes from downtown, including some of the its most spectacular images such as the big clock on Broad Street and the fountain at the end of the Riverwalk.

she saw: It’s always fun hanging out around some of our favorite parts of downtown. Overall, we had an awesome time. Downtown Augusta is a really chill and entertaining place to spend the day.

by MICHAEL LOCKWOOD AND FRANCES KITTLE

photo KATIE MCGUIRE

Michael Lockwood is a rising senior at Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School and plays trombone and euphonium for the symphonic and

jazz bands. Frances Kittle is also a rising senior at Davidson and concentrates on visual arts, like ceramics and graphics. Michael

and Frances have been dating for three years.

12 / june / verge

verge / june / 13

front porch / michael ray

“A lot of these children would have nothing, the arts keep

them looking forward and help them to succeed.”

As director of the Jessye Norman School of the Arts, Michael Ray oversees everything from scheduling events such as field trips and bringing in guest artists to hiring faculty and communication with area schools. It sounds like an everyday directorial position, but in fact it’s so much more.

The Jessye Norman School is a free after-school program for economically disadvantaged middle-school-age children in Richmond County. With six faculty members on staff, they specialize in free dance, drama, music and visual arts instruction. The school is open year-round, Monday – Friday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and follows the Richmond County Public School Schedule. Fifty students are enrolled via auditions, with a focus on schools within proximity of the facility.

If not for the school, Ray explains, “A lot of these children would have nothing, and for many kids the arts keep them looking forward and help them to succeed. It’s an outlet to express what goes on in their lives. It keeps them off the streets. That’s all the more reason why we need to be around for these kids. We are watching them from 4:00 to 6:00, statistically the hours when they get into the most trouble. We require that our students maintain at least a C average in their regular classes, and research has found that their grades tend to go up when they are a part of our school.”

Ray is a native of Ohio, where he learned to play guitar, piano, drums and accordion. Piano is his instrument of choice, he says, “because it comes most naturally. I played until I was about 10 years old, did really well and then had no outlet for it, so I quit until I was around 18 years old and suddenly reinspired. I wanted to go to college for music, and fortunately I had learned enough as a kid to get in. I picked up the guitar around the same time I went back to piano.

He arrived in Augusta shortly after obtaining his bachelor’s degree in music therapy from Ohio University in 2003. During his studies, he also worked at a Cincinnati, Ohio, summer camp called “Joy,” which was established specifically for inner city youngsters ages 7 to 12.

“That’s where I got my first taste of working with kids who were at risk and in need,” he says. “These children were from really poor, horrible family situations. It was a regular summer camp, and it was amazing to see how they came in angry and not wanting to be there, and by the next day they were regular kids. Their walls started coming down. I was a counselor there and it inspired me.”

Upon graduation from Ohio University, Ray signed on for a six-month internship at the uptown branch of the V.A. Hospital and also launched an educational summer camp, S.I.M.O.N Says, for children ages 7 to 12 in North Augusta, which ran for three years. At the same time, he worked in production at WAGT television, taught guitar and piano lessons for two years, and began working on his master’s degree in music at Augusta State University. Three years ago he accepted a position at Augusta Prep, where he put in two part-time years as choral director before becoming their full-

time music director. He just completed his second year at Jessye Norman, where he has watched the school grow in many ways, including location. “We’re actually very, very fortunate,” he says. “Last year we met in St. John’s United Methodist Church. This year, Peter Knox donated a building at the corner of Eighth and Greene Street. The upstairs is almost finished. The downstairs has so much potential. The money our school relies on is 100 percent from grants or donations, and our goal is to raise enough money to stay running and get the downstairs finished. We can bring in more students that way, and double or triple our enrollment, giving so many children more opportunities.”

When he’s not on the job, Ray divides his time between two bands, the alternative pop-rock My Instant Lunch, a four-piece for whom he plays keyboards and sings background vocals. He is joined by lead vocalist/bassist Danny Rankin, guitarist Jordan Lucas and drummer Adam Kronowski. Their EP, Tales of Woah, was independently released and can be found on iTunes, Myspace and Facebook. He also plays guitar in the acoustic blues-based three-piece IGallo, with vocalist Ilhwa Gallo and drummer Adam Kronowski. The trio is currently recording their first CD. Both bands have performed for his students, with My Instant Lunch raising $470 for the Jessye Norman School in two benefit concerts.

You can see My Instant Lunch on June 19 at the Playground with Joe Graves and the Dirty Left Hand. IGallo will perform at Borders this month; check the calendar for details.

Learn more about Michael Ray, the bands and the Jessye Norman School of the Arts online at myspace.com/myinstantlunch• facebook.com/pages/My-Instant-Lunch/46444508236• emusic.com/label/My-Instant-Lunch-TuneCore-MP3-Download/259017.html• myspace.com/thehourof11• jessyenormanschool.org.•

by ALISON RICHTER photo KATIE MCGUIRE

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verge / june / 15

say vandelay / pop goes my heartLast year, Augusta’s pop-rock outfit Say Vandelay bought tickets for the Vans Warped Tour, the highly popular annual music and extreme sports festival that embraces the energetic and highly infectious fashion of their own music. This year, folks will be buying tickets to see Say Vandelay perform. After a year of building a circuit of connections while balancing astute ambition and social networking tact, the guys have landed on the bill for the southeast leg of the Warped Tour starting on July 23 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The six friends turned bandmates have set their gears on high since day one, allowing their songwriting and performance skills to refine into one of Augusta’s most tenacious rock acts, while snagging their band name from a classic Seinfeld episode where Kramer starts Vandelay Industries and shouts to Jerry as he answers the phone, “Say Vandelay!, Say Vandelay!” The band loves the show.

The guys have attained a fan base that stretches beyond the Southeast, thanks to websites like Myspace and Twitter. “We get a lot of people who wants us to play shows somewhere, like California,” says Luke Scansy, lead vocalist. “But, it isn’t that easy to just do that, although we would love to.” However, touring the west coast in the future might not be such a stretch for the band, as they prepare for their upcoming tour and plan for the release of their EP: Actor Meets Actress set to drop July 7, which will also be available on iTunes and at Hot Topic.

Chris Peoples, Luke, and Matt Thomas describe the sequence of events that led Say Vandelay to this point with excited anticipation coupled with an unusual humility. “I literally walked around [last year at Warped Tour] and took notes on who I wanted to send press kits to,” laughs Peoples. “Yeah, we jokingly were like, next year we’re gonna play this!” adds Thomas. With high hopes aside, Say Vandelay’s current opportunities stray beyond strokes of luck and lean more toward their efforts of smart marketing.

LedBelly Studios in Canton, Georgia, recorded the four song demo they used to distribute via Myspace, Pure Volume and press kits. A significant amount of positive feedback followed as the material gained the attention of Zach Neil of Masquerade Records and owner of East Coast Independent, who contacted them via Myspace. “We were pretty excited when we got that email,” adds Scansy. “But, three months passed until we heard from them again.”

During that hiatus, the band continued to follow up on other label opportunities, which led to them signing with Wisteria Records, who also distribute Augusta band pals Veara. “Then, out of the blue, Zach contacts us again,” says Scansy. After weighing the options, the band shifted to Masquerade Records, who immediately arranged for a slot on the “Kia Kevin Says” Stage at Warped Tour. “We actually just saw pictures of the stage and it’s huge!” says Thomas. “And they’re [Masquerade Records] are handing out our promo stuff the entire tour,” adds Peoples. Warped Tour is just once notch off this year’s busy itinerary for Say Vandelay. Following their Actor Meets Actress EP release, they’re set to run a ten day tour with label mates Pull The Pin in late June with more dates scheduled for this fall, leading into next year. Not bad for a band who has complimented their fierce talent, with tactful self-promotion. “We know it’s a business,” says Scansy. “We’re making business decisions.”

The foundation of Say Vandelay is simple: a positive connection between friends, who want to create fun, yet solid music. At the same time, they’re delving to understand the mechanics of what it takes to get the band out there properly. Above everything, the guys are staying true to themselves and having fun along the way. Check out Say Vandelay’s tour dates at myspace.com/sayvandelay and don’t miss them on this year’s Vans Warped Tour: warpedtour.com for details and tickets.

by JOYCE TAHOP photo ELIZABETH BENSON

say vandelay’s favorite seinfeld episodes in random order Kramer puts a hot tub in apartment Jerry dates a really, really tall chick George gets his

toupeeJerry slips his girlfriend Tylenol PM so he can play with her toys

16 / june / verge

verge / june / 17

paisley gordon / old school music

As a performer, singer/guitarist Paisley Gordon has literally traveled the world, with music taking him across the globe, placing him onstage with industry legends, and introducing his original material to audiences in every corner of the map. Yet, despite so many trips around the world and his choice of locales in which to settle, like the protagonist in that classic novel and movie, the Augusta native truly believes that “there’s no place like home.”

Gordon’s musical resume reads like a who’s who: from his early years in local bands Gratitude and Balance to his rapid ascent joining Parliament-Funkadelic, touring Japan with T.C. Jason and Smoothwave, appearing onstage with Mary J. Blige, working with R&B legend Roger Troutman and as musical director and lead guitarist for Capitol Records/Blue Note artist Van Hunt. He has also performed on the Craig Ferguson Show and Conan O’Brien.

Since September 2008, Gordon and his new band, The Party People, have been rehearsing and recording daily at his studio, preparing material for a new CD. Joining him are guitarist Marcus Brighthop, bassist Brien Harrington, drummer Joshua Fielding, keyboardist Jamin Eunice, saxophonist Sherry Puryear, and background vocalists Fayth Hope and Asia Cummings. They’ll be on the road with Van Hunt beginning in July.

Music is in Gordon’s blood, and it was practically a given that he would follow in his father and grandfather’s footsteps. As a youngster growing up in Hyde Park, one of Augusta’s toughest neighborhoods, it wasn’t uncommon to find himself in the presence of legends like James Brown and Little Richard. “My grandfather, Zack, had a store in the neighborhood where his best friend, James Brown, would hang out,” he recalls. “Everybody on my dad’s side of the family is a musician. Most of the women on my mother’s side play and sing. When artists would come through town to perform, my dad’s family would be the band that backed them. I hung out at the rehearsals. When people tell me that my sound is ‘old school,’ it’s because that’s the music I heard as a kid—the horns, the big bands, real instruments.”

It was during his tenure with Gratitude that their drummer gave him the most solid advice. “He said, ‘You have to leave Augusta to make it.’” Gordon already knew the difficulties of breaking out of a small town and knew it was time to move. He relocated to Atlanta as a solo artist, coming back

long enough to enter the nationals of the Budweiser Showdown, which took him to Baltimore and led him to other groups. Returning to Augusta once more and forming Balance, then known as the Funky Leftovers, he opened for P-Funk at Riverwalk and was literally offered a job that day as trumpet player and keyboardist. He packed his bags and never looked back.

When Van Hunt’s last tour wrapped up, Gordon found himself with time off. He contemplated returning to the West Coast to start a band, but instead decided to showcase hometown talent. “I wanted to put a band together with local people, my people, and see them do things,” he says. “Instead of talking about where I’ve been and what I’ve done, I wanted to talk about where we’ve been and what we’ve done. I believe in giving credit, not taking all of the credit.”

To date, the group has played a few gigs, but mostly they’re concentrating on honing their show and finishing their album, which Gordon is producing with the band playing live—the “old school” way. He refers to himself as “blessed” when it comes to having found this group of players, who are willing to make the sacrifices, give their time to rehearse daily and put the music first. Their goal, he says, “is to bring real music back.” And, thanks to the Internet, “old school” is getting a boost from new technology. Gordon’s Myspace and Facebook pages are pulling fans in from other states and other countries; fans that have followed his career as a band member and who now support his new project as well. “It has been amazing,” he says. “It connects me to the world when I’m not on tour, and I’ve been surprised by the number of people who have traveled to our shows because they heard about them online.”

Gordon incorporates numerous styles into his music, which owes nothing to the iPod generation and everything to its roots. “It’s the sound that James Brown created in Augusta. We call it the Red Dirt,” he says. “It was born in the emotions of slaves, when they hummed instead of singing; it was a feeling that only certain people understand. I work with those emotions, with ideas, tones and lyrics. Blues, country, funk—my sound is an extension of that.”

Paisley Gordon and the Party People will perform at The Loft on June 12, at Surrey Tavern on July 11, 24 and 25, and at a special July 4 show on Broad Street at Riverside Cycle.

by ALISON RICHTER photo KATIE MCGUIRE

“It’s the sound that James Brown created in Augusta. We call it the Red Dirt. It was born in the emotions of slaves, when they hummed instead of singing;

it was a feeling only certain people understand.”

18 / june / verge

verge / june / 19

“I just pick up a pen and write about life

instead of trying to muddle through it.”

Two hundred people held their breath, unblinking, afraid of missing some smirk or wink from the seasoned performer on stage. Lips pursed as though trying to kiss the words that wavered gently from the baritone cannon resting deep in the old songwriter’s soul. He sang to the microphone as an old friend, coaxing his guitar to sing along, crooning the lyrics with reflective wisdom. The sound faded and the hush of the crowd broke; not a soul could wait any longer to applaud. Larry Jon Wilson had just finished his first song of the evening.

For a man who should be in the twilight of his musical career, Larry Jon is experiencing an incredible rebirth. He began the story in the 1970s releasing four incredible albums: New Beginnings, Let Me Sing My Song To You, Loose Change and Sojourner. At the time, a critic for the Saturday Review in New York said: “Larry Jon Wilson’s New Beginnings is, to sum up, the best thing I have heard in country, rock, pop, or you-name-it for a very long time.”

But Larry Jon chose to stay true to his music, refusing to compromise his style for the glamour of show business. Disillusioned with the industry, he came back to his hometown of Augusta, Georgia, fading into relative obscurity for almost twenty years, until the Brits fell in love with Larry Jon. In 2000, New Beginnings and Let Me Sing My Song to You albums were re-released in Great Britain and the British pop music magazine, MOJO, lauded both as the reissue to discover.

The emergence out of obscurity took Larry Jon through every nook and cranny of England’s cult music scene, surrounded by goth punks and new wave throwbacks, jam-packed in tiny clubs elbow to elbow, to hear the songs and heart of a 68 year old crooner and story spinner, whose musical style remains indefinable.

Larry Jon finally went back into the recording studio (albeit reluctantly and definitely on his own terms) and emerged with a gripping new self titled album, which was released across the pond last June. Andy Gill of The Independent reviewed the album: “Trimmed to little more than his voice and guitar, the results are as gripping as the late Johnny Cash recordings, full of languid ruminations on the past and bitter existential reflections.”

In the hazy warmth of a May afternoon, I grabbed a few minutes with Larry Jon, in front one of his favorite noon-time eateries on Broad Street.

After 25 years without a single release, what prompted you to create a new album?LJW: I don’t think it was me. I was able to avoid it, until now. With all of the conglomerates now having to compete with kids in their garages with home recording devices, my friend in Wales thought that it would be a good idea to pull an old book off of the shelf. It was an unusual project, for a successful record label to take on such a “geezer project,” but my situation was different. Unlike a lot of my friends, who have experienced fame and notoriety, they live with the fear that at some point they might likely become yesterday’s paper. But I was never today’s paper. (laughs) And that was what made it a viable project for me.

larry jon wilson / reflections on a life of song

What was your most memorable experience of the recording process?LJW: I was never sure that it was being recorded. It was never something that we tried to do. I sat down with the film crew that was following me around for weeks, we started talking, and I would pick up the guitar and start playing a song. They were all one and only takes. That (recording) process is a fond memory for me, because I got to spend a lot of time with good people. I found myself in the documentary of the recording only talking to a Welsh friend of mine, Jed Loy Nichols, and my daughter Elizabeth, who was there with me. They were both very good for me.

During your recent tour in England, what sticks out in your mind the most?LJW: All the shows were good ones. I just sat and played to myself and it just so happened that people were excited to see me. (Laughs) No, no… the performances were all fun, but the most memorable experiences would have to be my walks in London at first light, and our trip to Whitstable. There were a number of performers on the tour with me, and we all took a trip to this little town on a river where one of the performers, Derek Means, was playing at the festival there. There were a number of booths set up where you could get any sort of English fare. I felt like I was sitting in an old nursery rhyme. That night Derek and I played in an old English pub, downstairs, and it was almost secretive. We stood on top of soapboxes and played to a jam packed room of people I had never seen before. I loved the pub life.

Have your personal relationships with people such as Townes Van Zandt and Waylon Jennings affected your musical and personal growth?LJW: Whether it’s Waylon or myself, we try to let our styles and careers take on a life of their own. We met and became friends, but our music was always something different. I met Willie Nelson in the midst of his “Red Headed Stranger” album hitting its peak. And we were touring at the same time, but, for those of us who were in [the scene], there was no real social intercourse. Kris [Kristofferson] may have had the same record label, manager, and agent, but I’d be in the Northwest while he was in Europe. I, nor anyone else, was going to change what they did to sell records. That put us in different places at different times, because someone at one given time was directly on the pulse of the mass public, while someone else was not.

So many of your songs revolve around your home-region of the Ohoopee River, what made you stay in Augusta?LJW: I was born in Emmanuel County, but Augusta is my hometown. My parents moved here when I was four years old, so I really consider this my home. When we moved here it was a very transitional time for Augusta, and everyone was moving into town. These downtown streets were filled every day, like a First Friday. It was the end of World War II, and all of the factories were being reformatted from tank treads to wheel bases for Fords. It was a very exciting time, and the people made me fall in love with this place.

When you perform you never use a set list. How do you choose the songs? LJW: I tried to use a set list once. We did not have air conditioning in the theatres and such when I began to play shows, so the sweat built up and the first place it dropped was on the set list I had taped to my guitar. I took that as a sign and never wrote one again. And, now, I don’t know if it is something that I have learned or was given to me with birth. The next song is something that you can feel. It’s not about approval, or applause, or requests, but about the feeling you get from your audience. They let me have the set list.

How does music fit into the most important things in your life?LJW: That [music] is the single most important thing, because it’s linked so closely to my life and my family. I just pick up a pen, and write about life instead of trying to muddle through it. To be on a list of people that have done that is very important to me. Yes, it’s a long list, but so what, as long as my name is under the W’s. I have always tried to confirm my success by creating, not attaining. My family is my reason for creating.

Hopefully, you can catch Larry Jon some time in the near future at a venue near by, but if not, he will most likely be playing across the pond before too long. American record label Drag City, known for finding and reissuing golden nuggets of long forgotten music, will release the unplugged album Larry Jon Wilson on June 23, 2009.

by JACOB LYNDON BETLZ photo JIM MCGUIRE, COURTESY OF LJW

20 / june / verge

verge / june / 21

bleeding counterfeit / rockabilly superheroes

How many of you out there remember that old Augusta car repair commercial that said something to the tune of “With a name like Crook, we’ve have to be good?” One might be prompted to do a similar take when hearing the name of Augusta band Bleeding Counterfeit. Initial reactions might be an image of death metal. I immediately thought, “what a great name for a cover or tribute band.” (Get it? Counterfeit as in “imitation”). Bleeding Counterfeit is far away from either. The soulful blues-rock band is about as real a musical group as you can get.

The quartet consists of lead vocalist/guitarist Josh Pierce, drummer Joel Hodges, bassist Chris Libby and lead guitarist Michael Baideme. I met three-fourths of Bleeding Counterfeit (Baideme was, as Pierce put it, “Somewhere in a field working.”) at downtown hang-out Metro A Coffeehouse & Pub over pints of draught beer and a whole mess of jokes.

“We (Bleeding Counterfeit) came from the ashes of Josh Pierce Group,” said Hodges. “Josh and I decided we were ready to put something back together and I told him if we did this again we needed a band name not just a person’s name. Josh came up with Bleeding Counterfeit which came from a poem he wrote.”

“It was a poem I wrote when I was really depressed,” added Pierce. “At the end of the poem it says ‘The only currency a worthy man holds is that which bleeds counterfeit against the nightlife soul.’”

Armed with a new moniker, Pierce and Hodges recruited Baideme, guitarist of Edison Project, as well as an area bassist. Just a week out from Bleeding Counterfeit’s debut show, band and bassist went their separate ways, leading to a mad scramble to find a replacement.

“He (the bassist) decided it wasn’t his thing and left us hanging,” said Hodges. “Libby and I had played together with Taming Bacchus. I called him up and said ‘hey man whatcha doing?’ We threw him in the fire. He had one week to learn everything we knew.”

“His fingers bled,” said Pierce

“I think you guys actually told me while I was drunk,” interjected the normally quiet Libby.

“So does that mean you’re officially not in the band yet?” added Hodges.

“I don’t know.” quipped Libby. To which Pierce concluded, “Well we’re inducting you now.”

Following a week straight of daily four hour rehearsals, Bleeding Counterfeit (with a bleeding Libby) was set for its official coming out party at The Loft. Featuring a mixture of reworked Josh Pierce Group songs and new band collaborations, the Augusta quartet set out to display an entirely new musical identity from past projects.

“We’ve written a lot of new stuff,” said Pierce. “This came from the vibe (of the new lineup). We’re playing piano in the band now; we’re doing some bluesy rock. We’ve written like, six new tunes since the band started.”

“Chris will come in and throw in a bass lick just screwing around and all of a sudden Josh is just like ‘wait, wait do that again!’ adds Hodges. “Josh runs with that so it’s much more of a collective now than it was before because where Josh wrote the music and lyrics before, now he gets to concentrate on the melody and the words.”

Pierce figures that the new collaborative musical situation not only makes it more exciting for the entire band, it also reduces his own stress. “It’s easier on my brain.”

For the next several months the guys in Bleeding Counterfeit rotated a constant routine of rehearsals, shows and, as Pierce would say, “watch made for TV sci-fi movies and cry together” before hooking up with Sector 7G mastermind Nick Laws to record a “live in–rehearsal” three song demo, an experience that the band not only found enjoyable but impressive.

“I want our music to go on the next Lifetime made for TV movie with Shannon Doherty and that guy from Full House... Dave Coulier.”

“I love recording studios that deliver,” said Pierce. “It’s cool when they show up at your house like Papa Johns but with microphones. We were trying to record three songs and when we got done screwing around, Nick was like ‘I wanna go home and see my wife’ but we’re actually in the studio now with Nick because he did so well on the fly that we’re going to do thirteen tracks with him.”

The new “live” demo proved useful in procuring shows for the band and attracting new fans checking out the band’s MySpace page, in particular a representative from a music resource label.

“GODIYrecords.com, they contacted us through MySpace and liked our sound,” said Libby. “We didn’t know if they were legit or not so we started grilling them a lot.”

“Like two weeks,” added Pierce. “Basically they’re more of a management company. They shop your material to record labels, radio stations and TV stations. That’s the main reason we’re in the studio. We don’t want them sending our quickie demo to MTV, we want quality stuff.”

With a new recording engineered by Nick Laws and mastered by Steve Dirkins (Mandy Moore, The Family Guy), Bleeding Counterfeit hopes that GoDIY Records is just the vehicle to get their music out to a wider audience and possibly get the band signed to a recording deal.

“What was weird is after we signed with them within three weeks they were calling me,” said Hodges. “The President, the CEO, the reps, they were calling us like every day. They want to know how we’re doing. They want to know how things are going. They let us know what they’re doing. It’s been a good experience. It really has.”

Surely having an artist run, artist driven company behind Bleeding Counterfeit’s music is a plus. But what exactly are GoDIY Records goals for the band?

“We’ve got a contract with them for one year,” said Hodges. “In that year, their goal is to get us on to bigger and better things.”

And what in turn do Bleeding Counterfeit hope to achieve through their deal with GoDIY?

“What we hope to do?” asks Pierce. “I want our music to go on the next Lifetime made for TV movie with Shannon Doherty and that guy from Full House, Dave Coulier, and I want my own van with a midget that serves me slushies.”

Now it doesn’t get any more “real” that that. To check out just how “real” Bleeding Counterfeit is catch them live Thursday, June 25 at Metro A Coffeehouse & Pub.

by JOHN “STONEY” CANNON

photo KATIE MCGUIRE graphics CHRIS LIBBY

22 / june / verge

gallery soundcheck

Soul Bar Tacky Prom ‘09Soul Bar June 20

Are you getting that funny feeling again?

Some of you might be experiencing strange sensations lately.

These flutters of the stomach or spontaneous tapping of the heels occur after spotting a sequined dress, browsing through the new American Apparel scrunchie selection, or just spying a neon pink racecar themed jumpsuit walking down the street.

Your symptoms are nothing to call home about, unless you are calling to ask if you can borrow your dad’s super snazzy ruffled tuxedo shirt.

It’s not flu season that you should be worried about, but prom season! Technically prom season ended two months ago, but the effects of watching sweet innocent highschoolers don glittery apparel and get escorted around town in a fancy limo may still have your nostalgic heart beating a little quicker.

Adults who are twenty one and over can experience again the magic of prom night, only this time you won’t have to ask for that curfew extension. And thanks to Zingo, you won’t have to allocate your paycheck towards a limo.

So, self-medicate those awkward feelings with hot jams, burn off that fever with dancing, and cast your vote for prom king and queen. In case delirium kicks in (the most probable side effect) and you’re worried you’ll have no record of the absurdity of the night, just stop by the photo booth to capture a memory of this “Night to Remember.”

Soul Bar’s Tacky Prom will be held Saturday, June 20th. If you haven’t figured it out already, the required (though not strictly enforced) attire is TACKY. Bow ties are optional. So, go for the Gold!

Native Commodity: Tom JonesGertrude Herbert Institute of Art • opens June 12

There is perhaps too much in our world that we brush past because our established ways of living and understanding the world have rendered us blind. The artist takes the role of the prophet, then: the seer who looks from his own experience with other-minded vision and tells us what we are not seeing. Tom Jones is coming to Augusta to help adjust our vision.

’Native Commodity addresses the juxtaposition of the generic American Indian and popular American culture. The photographs are taken in and around the Wisconsin Dells, a family fun paradise north of Madison. Here, Indian imagery associated with various unnamed tribes accompanies American consumerist strategies. Between 2005 and 2007, Jones set out to depict these generalized and distorted representations of the American Indian.

The show has its roots in the work of H.H. Bennett, an artist who is famous for photographing Wisconsin, including its original residents, in the late 1800s. The railroad hired Bennett to display his photographs in train depots to inspire travelers to taste the wild, wild west. Bennett is called the father of Wisconsin tourism. Jones is ironically a descendant of both the subject and the photographer. Unlike Bennett, however, Jones is Ho Chunk, and his interest in capturing his people and the cultural representations of his people is complex.

A photography professor at the University of Wisconsin, Jones’ ongoing project has been to tell the truth about his people by documenting their lives and traditions. The Ho Chunk are members of the tribe European settlers called the Wisconsin Winnebago. Despite government attempts to remove the Ho Chunk to reservations in Nebraska and South Dakota, the group doggedly returned to their homeland in Wisconsin. In 1993, the Ho Chunk reformed their constitution and reclaimed their original name. Now most of the tribe lives on trust land in and around Black River Falls, Wisconsin.

Native Commodity Opening Reception: Friday, June 12, 6 to 8 pm. The Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art, 506 Telfair Street. Free to members, non-members $5.

by CHARLOTTE OKIE art TOM JONES / Black Hawk Motel by KATIE MCGUIRE photo TACKY PROM ‘08

verge / june / 23

Social CanvasMorris Museum of Art June 14

Augusta has a deep history of creating. At one time, it was the music capital of the south, sending the warm, starry sounds of jazz and rock over the landscape and into the world. Plenty of visual artists have emerged from and settled in the good river. It’s an imagination playground, an artistic forum, a Social Canvas for the miraculous gift of creativity. Ask Coco Rubio, Jay Jacobs and Raoul Pacheco, organizers of this year’s Social Canvas.

Several years ago, Coco and Jay were talking about the interaction between visual art and music. What if there was a single event that allowed art forms to interact, like celery with potatoes in so much minestrone? “Nobody around here was doing that,” says Jacobs.

It’s a simple idea, really, and lots of people are starting to see its genius. “All you need is musicians and artists. Inevitably, they start playing off each other. Only way it can go wrong is for one or the other to come with preconceived notions.”

Dem Imonde, Eat Lightning, and The Favors will provide the music, the Morris Museum of Art will provide the venue, and the public will provide the energy. A new aspect this year is audience participation. “We’ve got sidewalk chalk, mini-painting stations, and large areas where visitors can add on to a big collaborative drawing,” explains Matt Porter at the Morris. This is the first year Social Canvas is partnering with the Morris.

Externally, there has been an evolution in the event over time; but internally, says Jacobs, “the basic formula is so simple it never needs to be changed.” The goal is to achieve a “spontaneous and fluid link” between musicians and visual artists, so that musicians improvise a song slightly because of a change in the visual rhythm of the painting that’s unfolding as they play, and painters interpret the music visually while thinking on their feet and struggling through each stage of the painting.

The only thing needed is for an excited public to come and lend the day participation, receptiveness, and enthusiasm (from noon to 5 pm).

Thomas & Friends: Bell Auditorium June 25

Thomas the Train is rolling into Augusta, towing a circus and all of his friends. The musical adventure includes new sing-a-long songs which tell the engaging story of how all the engines on the Island of Sodor must work together to prepare for the exciting event under the Big Top.

Facebook and Twitter members rave about the show, where it seems parents are as thrilled as their little tykes to experience the Thomas adventure. One mother explains, “The music makes you want to sing and clap, and the dancing is contagious.” Audience members become captivated by the extravagant sets and the attention to detail, sweeping you out of reality and right into the Island of Sodor for ninety minutes.

As in most Thomas stories, the little engine makes a big mistake, must overcome a challenge and prove, once again, that he’s really a useful engine. With thrilling adventures along the way, Thomas, Percy, James and Gordon join Sir Topham Hatt and the townspeople from the Island of Sodor, to welcome a colorful cast of circus performers in an engaging story that demonstrates the importance of friendship and cooperation.

In creating the show, director and choreographer Jenn Rapp says, “I want them to have a great shared family experience, and I believe they will. I want parents and their children to clap together, sing together, hug each other and enjoy the show. Seeing these beloved characters on stage is a very different experience than watching Thomas or Percy on television or a DVD. It’s unique and special, and it’s something I hope parents and their kids will share and talk about long after the show is over.”

Tickets for Thomas & Friends are $36, $26, and $16. Tickets can be purchased three easy ways: online at www.bellauditorium.com, James Brown Arena Box Office, or by phone at 1-877-4AUGTIX. For more details: 706.722.3521 ext 537.

onstage offstage

by HEATHER RANKIN photo THOMAS & FRIENDS™ by CHARLOTTE OKIE photo FILE

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verge / june / 25

good chow / sweet lou’s crab shacknew menu offers a hands on dining experience

Sweet Lou’s is a tiny cabana cafe on the west end of Broad Street. But don’t underestimate this Crab Shack! Sweet Lou’s Crab Shack, formerly just “Sweet Lou’s,” is a quirky little restaurant which brings a bit of the beach back to Augusta. An impressive seaside mural covers a wall of the Shack, automatically drawing one into the island atmosphere of Sweet Lou’s. A great hang-spot for lunch, this is no fast-food joint. Everything at the Crab Shack is prepared fresh: no stale dishes from the morning grill. Leather couches and low-key lighting are prime for a casual friend gathering. Also, try dining in the “Alley” for a more authentic beach experience. The Caribbean blue tables and Royal Crown Soda murals provide a fun setting, and stringed lights give the Alley almost a romantic glow. Challenge Sweet Lou’s owner Chris to a wall ball challenge (a warning: our photographer did and was quite outskilled!). With the new addition of crab, shrimp and flounder to the menu, Sweet Lou’s is ready to serve to your taste bud’s seafood needs. I had the “Bucket of Crab,” an

impressive meal of crab legs and a baked potato with all the fixings. What made my heart sing was the “do-it-yourself ” style of the dinner. Of course, the cracking of shellfish is slightly creepy, but the taste of the savory meat and the satisfaction of returning to those hunter/gatherer roots is definitely a grand experience. Of course, Sweet Lou’s still offers your favourite sandwiches of old. In particular is the Sweet Lou Club, a tasty stack of chicken, bacon, lettuce, cheese and mayo on a toasty bagel. For those who have not tried the Club, put it on your To-Do list!

Sweet Lou’s Crab Shack is located at 1293 Broad Street. Open Mon thru Wed: 7:30 am 7 pm; Thu and Fri: 7:30 am to 10 pm; Saturday: 10 am to 10 pm; and Sunday: 11:30 am to 4 pm. 706.922.1699

by AURELIA SORENSEN

photos KATIE MCGUIRE

26 / june / verge

verge / june / 27

SALIVA There’s nothing like a good dose of fatherhood to bring a “rock star” back to reality. Settled in on Saliva’s tour bus for another round of interviews, drummer Paul Crosby is just beginning to respond to questions when a piercing shriek cuts through his train of thought. “My 2-year-old daughter,” he says. “She’s mad because I took a bite of her barbecued chicken.”

Family time is rare for the members of Saliva, which also includes vocalist Josey Scott, guitarists Wayne Swinny and Jonathan Montoya, and bassist Dave Novotny. Fortunately, they’re now in a position to bring family members on tour with them at times, which is a plus for a band that spends most of its life on the road. But relentless touring, a loyal fan base, and quality albums like Cinco Diablo, their latest and fifth major-label release, are what have kept the Memphis band relevant for close to 15 years.

“We’re pretty much the same guys,” says Crosby. “We haven’t let any of this go to our heads. We’re way better musicians and smarter men, but we’ve always made a point to remember where we came from and not change. We were a band for close to three years before we signed our record deal, and we were just a bunch of local Joe Schmoes, working day jobs and playing every weekend.”

Saliva’s modus operandi has been the same since day one: cut a record, tour, write while on the road, come home, record, repeat. “The whole time we were touring Blood Stained Love Story, we were writing,” says Crosby. “On the bus, in hotel rooms, and by the time we got together to make this record, we had each written six to ten songs on our own. When we made our first two records, our producer, Bob Marlette, who is like a sixth member of the band, would come to town, we’d all get in one room and write together. Everyone had ideas and riffs, and songs would build out of nowhere. Now we write and tour until it’s time to record, so there’s no chance of getting together to write. We all have Pro Tools rigs. We recorded our ideas and went into the

studio with Bob and our 50 songs, thinking, Record’s done, no problem! Once we put our ideas together, we only had four songs total! We’re on tour longer, we work harder, there’s no rehearsal room at home. Our practice is touring and we figure out ways to adjust around it. Bob has done four of our five records, so he puts it on the chopping block and we build from there. It’s not the traditional way to do it.” Only a few days past the Rock on the Range festival, performing for tens of thousands of people, Saliva is back to playing smaller venues, including clubs. “That’s rock and roll,” says Crosby. “Most everyone does it unless they’re AC/DC or Metallica. I dig it because it’s more intimate; it’s a big party. A festival is great, you’re playing for 60,000 people, but otherwise you’re either in an amphitheater with 75 rows of seats and a huge field and the people with seats show up for the headliner, so you’re playing to empty rows and 10,000 people way in the back, or there are no seats but the barricade is 30 feet back and the people are distant. In a club they’re right up in your face, so I like doing both.”

With 12 years of recording and touring under their belts, Crosby says it’s been lessons learned that have made the band better at their craft and better band members, partners and fathers. “Obviously the nonstop touring and playing every day for years and years will make anybody better, or you need to quit,” he says. “As a man, you take lot for granted at first. I’ve got kids and you come to realize how important you are in their lives and you never get to see them, so it makes you appreciate that time more. Relationships I’ve been in before didn’t work; I took the person for granted. We’ve learned what not to do and what we can’t do, and we’ve learned that it’s not about us. It’s about the fans. We’re just fortunate enough to do something we love. The most important lesson is to respect everyone and remember that it’s not about you.”

by ALISON RICHTER

photo DARAGH Mc DONAGH © ISLAND RECORDS

rock on the edge / redefining nu metalup&coming adelitas way + rock veteran saliva = hardcore fun

ADELITAS WAY By all accounts, Adelitas Way vocalist/songwriter Rick DeJesus should have become a statistic. Growing up in one of the roughest neighborhoods in Philadelphia, he saw life on the streets: friends and family members in jail, on drugs, dead.

Instead, he now fronts one of the most promising new bands of 2009, Adelitas Way, joined by guitarists Chris Iorio and Keith Wallen, drummer Trevor Stafford and bassist Derek Johnston. Their self-titled, major label debut, which will be released next month, was produced by Johnny K., one of the industry’s most respected and prestigious names. The first single, “Invincible,” was chosen as the theme for the weekly WWE Superstars show and featured on CBS promo spots for CSI Miami. Adelitas Way is already in demand as an opening act for top groups like Hinder, Tantric and Saliva, and they recently performed at the Rock on the Range festival before tens of thousands of fans.

“Music saved me,” says DeJesus. “It was the light at the end of the tunnel. I saw what was happening around me. I was slowly drifting that way and I had to get out. Where I’m from, everyone wants to shoot, rob and do drugs. There’s nothing else to do and it’s survival of the fittest. I reached a point where I realized I was going in a bad direction, but now I’m out here, on tour, and making records.”

His first step was a successful audition for a VH1 program. That took him to Los Angeles and then to Las Vegas, where he began putting together the pieces that became Adelitas Way. “We’ve been going at it for five or six years,” he says. “It started out with me trying to find myself vocally. I wrote songs, made demos, met Chris and we started jamming. From there, it was a matter of finding people who were willing to dedicate their lives to the music, live in a van, be broke and eat once a day. We’re making 20-hour drives, packing our trailer, and playing shows night after night on two hours of sleep. It’s a tedious process, so you have to find rebels, not prima donnas. They have to be warriors who eat, sleep and breathe for music.”

For every rare success story like Adelitas Way, there are thousands of hopeful, talented musicians who never make it past their own city limits. The rules of the game, if there are any rules at all, and the steps from garage to Myspace to center stage, change daily. For DeJesus, the key lies in work ethic and mindset. “You have to keep the mentality that you’re going to get to the next level,” he says. “You can’t just write a song, get a record deal and become a superstar. You have to start off doing it yourself, making your own record, gaining fans, proving to labels and to other bands that you’re in it for the long haul. We sold 10,000 records ourselves before we were signed, but to catapult your band to the masses, you need three things: hard work, a solid record and a great team—your management and your record label—driving your career. When you have all of those things, they add up and people start caring and paying attention. We’ve been through a lot as a band, and thank God we made the right moves.”

Still, all the teamwork in the world means nothing if the music doesn’t connect, he says. “It’s about the songs and the star power of the band. We make an impact when we play and meet people. We work hard to meet everyone, gain fans, put on a good show, shake every hand and take every picture. This band is not about ‘sex, drugs, rock and roll party.’ Yes, temptation is everywhere, but that extreme lifestyle is a choice. It’s not our choice. This band is a group of guys who take their music seriously and are willing to sacrifice everything for it.”

by ALISON RICHTER

photo TRAVIS SHIN © VIRGIN RECORDS

date JUNE 20 venue SKY CITYline up SALVIA, ADELITAS WAY, VAYDENdoors open 8 PM ages 21+UPtickets $19 to $22buy tix SKYCITYAUGUSTA.COM

see the show

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verge / june / 29

brantley gilbert band / honestly talented

Without a major label deal, promotion company, or even a “street team” outside of his Myspace following, singer/songwriter/guitarist Brantley Gilbert has accomplished more than many artists who signed their lives away to all of the above.

Gilbert, a native of Jefferson, Ga., is working on his second album. He was voted No. 1 unsigned country artist on Myspace, No. 1 Southern rock artist on Myspace, No. 7 unsigned rock artist on Myspace, signed a publishing deal with Warner/Chappell Music in Nashville last year, landed a cut — “The Best Of Me” — on Jason Aldean’s Wide Open album, and has more songs on hold for other artists. Did we mention that he’s only 24?

Unsigned, handsome young artists flood the Myspace pages, accompanied by their equally handsome and versatile bands. One can spend hours “surfing” Myspace, discovering new talent and doing the 30-second graze of their uploaded songs. But try stopping after 30 seconds of Gilbert’s “A Modern Day Prodigal Son,” or any of the songs on his page. You can’t. You simply can’t. Why Gilbert and his band aren’t on steady rotation all over country radio is anyone’s guess, but it can’t be much longer until they are.

Brantley Gilbert grew up with his ear to the radio, absorbing R&B and Southern rock. One Christmas, his parents gave him a plastic guitar and microphone. “I put on concerts in my bedroom for an audience of one in the mirror,” he says. It wasn’t long before the plastic guitar gave way to a real one, and the young man began performing his original material for any audience that would have him, from birthday parties to colleges and clubs. He recorded a five-song EP; within six months loyal fans were singing his words back to him.

The Brantley Gilbert Band includes John Merlino – guitar, Jonathan Waggoner – bass and background vocals, Jess Franklin – guitar, keyboard and background vocals, and Ben Sims – drums. Gilbert describes the ensemble as “a bunch of brothers, all the way to our manager and road manager. We put a lot of miles, heart and soul into this. I couldn’t ask for any more than what we have right now. I couldn’t be more thankful. Our music has grown tremendously. We’re where we need to be at this time, and I’m really proud of what we’ve got, but we still have a long way to go.”

Legendary songwriter Harlan Howard once described country music as “three chords and the truth.” It’s the key to great songwriting, and Brantley Gilbert is already there. “This may sound really trite,” he says, “but when I listen to a record, I want to believe it and feel like I know the artist a little better through their music. I’ve made mistakes in

“I hope they know that when they listen to something that has my

name on it, it’s honest.” date JUNE 13venue IMPERIAL THEATREline up BRANTLEY GILBERT BAND, JESS FRANKLINdoors open 7:30 PMadvance tix $10day of show tix $10ages ALL AGESbuy tix IMPERIALTHEATRE.COM

see the show

my life and I’m not ashamed to put them on my records. I hope my words reach out and help somebody else. I hope my songs inspire them. And I hope they know that when they listen to something that has my name on it, it’s honest.”

The Brantley Gilbert Band performs at the Imperial Theater in an all-ages show on Saturday, June 10. Visit them online at www.myspace.com/brantleygilbertmusic.

by ALISON RICHTER photo COURTESY OF THE BAND

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pipeline / 6.5 to 6.10 movies at mainmonday nights • 6:30 pm

augusta main library

June 8: Last Chance HarveyDustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson star in this entertaining romance about an overlooked, rumpled Harvey Shine whose unexpected entanglement with a woman finally provides fulfillment. Rated PG 13, 120 minutes (2008)

June 15: Revolutionary RoadThis Oscar nominated drama portrays what seems to be the perfect 1950s picket fence couple. But their marriage teeters on disaster as they are confronted with the abandonment of their dreams for the comfortable life of suburbia. Rated R, 119 min. (08)

June 22: I’ve Loved You so LongFrench director Philippe Claudel spins a tale of redemption, following the struggles of Juliette, who must find her way after fifteen years in prison. Rated PG 13, 117 minutes. (2008)

June 29: Gran TorinoClint Eastwood shines in this dramatic retelling of a cranky, predjudiced Korean War veteran who wages his own personal war against a neighborhood gang, while finding redemption in protecting his Hmong neighbors. Rated R, 116 minutes. (2008)

corduroy roadjune 12 • stillwater tap room

Assembled in 2006, the Corduroy Road features Kentucky natives and founding members/songwriters Drew Carman - banjo/harmonica, Dylan Solise - guitar/vocalist, newest member Elijah NeeSmith – upright bass, and John Cable - drums. Now based in Athens, Ga., they’ve made a name for themselves playing their folk-flavored Americana music in opening gigs for notable artists such as the Avett Brothers, Paleface, the Packway Handle Band, Ian Thomas, Langhorne Slim and Drakkar Sauna. Mule Train Records founder Ryan Kelly signed the band to his upstart label, and in November 2008 the Corduroy Road entered the studio with producer John Keane (Widespread Panic, REM, BR-549, Uncle Tupelo) to record their Mule Train debut LP, Love Is a War, scheduled for release this month. The title track appears on the AthFest 2009 compilation CD that is released each year on Ghostmeat Records in conjunction with the prestigious AthFest arts and music festival AthFest.

In April the band released a six-song EP, also produced by Keane, entitled Just One Drop. Now touring the Southeast, catch the Corduroy Road in concert on June 12 at Stillwater Taproom.

by ALISON RICHTER

nfriday june 5outdoors

First Friday: Swing into SummerDowntown Augusta • 5 to 10 pm • freeOn the First Friday of each month a celebration is held downtown on Artists’ Row. Galleries and studios remain open those evenings 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

Moonlight Music Cruise: Eryn Eubanks & the Family FoldAugusta Canal • 7 to 8:30 pm • $24Details: augustacanal.com

Brick Yard MarketHammond’s Ferry • 4 pm to 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

art Art Exhibit: Wanta DavenportArtistic Perceptions • 5 to 9 pm • freeDetails: 706.724.8739

First Friday DJ Mix & Art Show featuring works by GradySoul Bar • 7 pm

dance Salsa SocialTropicabana Latin Club • 10 pm

theatre

The Love Song of J. Robert OppenheimerLe Chat Noir • 8 pmDetails: lcnaugusta.com

live music William Reeds Brown BeretThe Playground • 8 pm

Sky City’s First Year Anniversary Party & 80s NightSky City • 10 pm

Impulse RideJoe’s Underground • 10 pm

Jazz CollectiveTribeca • 10 pm

saturday june 6outdoors

Saturday Market on the River8th & Reynolds • 8 am to noon • freeExperience the real flavors of fresh spring produce, from apricots, artichokes, asparagus, and avocados to carrots, peas, potatoes, spinach, and strawberries. You can find it all at the Saturday Market. Special Guest: Augusta Library presents “Kick off Summer Reading and Be Creative.”

Widows Home Work DayWidows Home • 8:30 am to noonDetails: christcommunityaugusta.org/widows-home-project

First Annual 95 Rock Mudbugabeaux Augusta Common • 1:05 to 8:05pm • $5See page 32 for more details. Crawfish Boil and Craft Beer Festival: Magic Hat, Widmer Brothers, Shock Top and many more! Sample them all or head straight to your favorite. First 500 to pay the $5 admission receive a commemorative t-shirt. Details: 95rock.com

special

Third Annual Augusta Tattoo ExpoJames Brown Arena • noon to 11 pm • $10Custom Bike Display, Full Bar, Art Show, Live Bands, Eddie Peace Tattoo Archives. Today features live concerts by 88MPH & Audiotoric. Details: centralvalleytattoo.com

Battle of the DJsBell Auditorium • 5 pm

film

Voices of the Past: A Petersburg Boat PilotAugusta History Museum • 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, & 1:30 pm • free w/ Museum Admission

kids

Artrageous! Family Sunday: Folktales & Musical Adventures for Kids with Mr. BobMorris Museum • 2 pm • freeMr. Bob, the Singing Storyteller, presents a fun mix of folktales and songs. Afterwards, create a piece of folk art.

theatre

The Love Song of J. Robert OppenheimerLe Chat Noir • 8 pmDetails: lcnaugusta.com

live music Jazz CollectiveBroad Street Market • 8 pm

Alchemy Belly DancersSky City • 9 pm

Box of MidnightJoe’s Underground • 9:30 pm

Old School Poker RunThe Loft • 11 pm

sunday june 75outdoors

Candlelight Jazz: Gerry Eisenberg8th 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. Back up location in case of rain: Café 209 on the River Details: 706.821.1754 or gardencityjazz.com.

Third Annual Augusta Tattoo ExpoJames Brown Arena • noon to 8 pm • $10Custom Bike Display, Full Bar, Art Show, Live Bands, Eddie Peace Tattoo Archives. Details: centralvalleytattoo.com

live music

Killwhiteydead • The Demonstration WretchedSector 7G • 7 pm

monday june 8live music

Lionheart Folsom • Up In ArmsStrength Of HeartSector 7G • 7 pm

tuesday june 9live music

Dave FirmanJoe’s Underground • 10 pm

wednesday june 10Jazz on the Patio: A Step Up209 on the River • 6 pm

Say You Will • Avaria • Believe I May Colin Colohan • ForeverInsideOutSector 7G • 7 pm

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pipeline / 6.11 to 6.25

Drum SticksAugusta 706.724.1172

Aiken 803.649.1919

mudbugabeauxsaturday june 6augusta common

Strap on your appetites for the first crawfish boil and craft beer festival, featuring Fat Tire Beers. The afternoon’s events include a crawfish eating contest and a kid’s crawfish racing lane. Bring your mutt and enter it in the Ugly Dog Contest. Have your fork ready to try jambalaya, gumbo, creole shrimp and crawfish (of course). Hamburgers and hotdogs will also be on hand for the less brave.

The Mudbugabeaux is sponsored by 95 Rock, AB Beverage and French Market Grill West.

$5 admission. First 500 entries receive a commemorative t-shirt. Tickets for food and beer sampling are $1 each. A portion of the proceeds benefit Kids Restart, an Augusta non profit group working to stop the cycle of child neglect and abuse.

95 rock & ramblesaturday june 13broad street

The AB Beverage launch of Yuengling brew to Augusta brought several hundred folks downtown for 95 Rock’s First Annual Rock & Ramble. Now they’re gearing up for number two: featuring Fat Tire, the signature beer of New Belgium, a little craft beer brewery in Colorado that’s finally made it’s way down South.

Get in line early for your passport and commemorative T-Shirt (only 500 limited edition T’s available) for a mere five bucks. Then the passport gets you free entry into twelve Broad Street Bars. . If you complete the crawl and hit all twelve of the bars, you will have the opportunity to win some great prizes from Fat Tire and the other sponsors. Each bar has drink specials and a feature on Fat Tire Beers, courtesy of AB Beverage. Details: 95rock.com

thursday june 11outdoors

Music in the Park: FlashbackHammond’s Ferry • 7 pm Bring a picnic and enjoy these free concerts at Maude Edenfield Park. Details: 803.442.7588

live music Keith GregoryJoe’s Underground • 10 pm

Robot & Butterflies • Sunset Siuntrack • Since ForeverSky City • 9:30 pm

friday june 12outdoors

Widows Home Work DayWidows Home • 8:30 am to noonDetails: christcommunityaugusta.org/widows-home-project

Moonlight Music Cruise: The HenrysAugusta Canal • 7 to 8:30 pm • $24Details: augustacanal.com

Movies in the CommonAugusta Common • 9 pm • $2Details: 706.821.1754

art Exhibit Opening Reception: Tom JonesGertrude Herbert • 6 to 8 pm • $5

live music

Acoustic UndergroundJoe’s Underground • 10 pm

Far Left • Abandon Kansas Eye Of AbrahmSector 7G • 7 pm

Tommy O.D. & The SurvivorsThe Loft • 9 pm

Oblivion! DJ Gene & DJ Codec: Dark Electro Dance PartyClub Sp@rx • 10 pm

80s NightSoul Bar • 10 pm

The Corduroy RoadStillwater Tap Room • 10 pm

saturday june 13outdoors

Saturday Market on the River8th & Reynolds • 8 am to noon • free

Second Annual 95 Rock & RambleDowntown Augusta • 4 pm to midnight • $5Five dollars gets you an armband and passport for free cover charge at twelve Broad Street bars. At the end of the night, turn in your completed passport at any of the bars to enter for great prizes. The first five hundred get a limited edition T shirt Each bar has drink specials and a feature on Fat Tire Beers, courtesy of AB Beverage.Details: 95rock.com

live music Brantley Gilbert w/special guest Jess FranklinImperial Theatre • 8:30 pm • $10 to $12tickets: imperialtheatre.com

Aralic • Virulence • 88mphWithin Devastation • Exsilium EternaSector 7G • 7 pm

95 Rock & Ramble Dance Party w/ DJ JoycetteSoul Bar • 9:30 pm

Edison ProjectJoe’s Underground • 10 pm

Shaun Piazza BandSky City • 10 pm

Jazz CollectiveBroad Street Market • 10 pm

sunday june 14outdoors

Candlelight Jazz: Nu Funk Revolution8th 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. Back up location in case of rain: Café 209 on the River Details: 706.821.1754 or gardencityjazz.com.

special

Projections & Selections for DJ Big AlThe Bees Knee’s • 9 pm

art The Social CanvasMorris Museum • noon to 5 pm • freeA variety of local bands play inside and outside the Morris Museum while Augusta artists are inspired by their music. Join the art-making at different creativity stations or just sit back and enjoy the sights and sounds.

Adult Artist Workshop: Jewelry MakingMorris Museum • 2 to 4 pm • $40 to $50Create a necklace and a pair of earrings under the guidance of professional artist Susan Senn-Davis. Members, $40; nonmembers, $50. All materials included.

tuesday june 16live music

SeladoraSector 7G • 7 pm

Mike & NateJoe’s Underground • 10 pm

thursday june 18outdoors

Music in the Park: Carolina Gator GumboHammond’s Ferry • 7 pm Bring a picnic and enjoy these free concerts at Maude Edenfield Park. Details: 803. 442. 7588.

art

Annual Meeting & Arts Award PartyThe City Club • 7 to 10 pm • $20Greater Augusta Arts Council Annual Meeting & Arts Awards Party. Heavy Hors d’oeuvres and cash bar. Music by: Davis Wilson Hill. RSVP by June 12: 706.826.4702 ext 2 or grace@augustaarts.com

live music Jacob BeltzJoe’s Underground • 10 pm

Leukemia Benefit: 80s NightSky City • 10 pm

Nuklear Blast Suntan • The SkudsSoul Bar • 10 pm

friday june 19outdoors

Moonlight Music Cruise: Jim McGawAugusta Canal • 7 to 8:30 pm • $24

live music TFS RaveSector 7G • 8 pm

GroovestainThe Loft • 9 pm

Soap Bar • Eat LightningSky City • 10 pm

POP LIFESoul Bar • 10 pm

Joe Graves & the Dirty Left HandThe Playground • 10 pm

Stone DogsJoe’s Underground • 10 pm

saturday june 20outdoors

Saturday Market on the River:Augusta Greenjackets Day8th & Reynolds • 8 am to noon • freeSpecial Guest: Augusta Greenjackets

special

HomeFirst Augusta: Homebuyer Education WorkshopHomeFirst Augusta • 9 am to 5 pm • freeHomebuyer Education Workshop: Everything You Need to Know to Buy a Home! 961 Broad Street. Pre-register: 706.823.5809

live music Soul Bar Prom 2009Soul Bar • 10 pm

SwyrvJoe’s Underground • 10 pm

SalivaSky City • 10 pm

Jazz CollectiveBroad Street Market • 8 pm

sunday june 21outdoors

Candlelight Jazz: Fred Williams8th Street Bulkhead • 8 pm • $6

special

Music at The Morris: Paul Roberts and the Fresh Music All-Star Jazz QuintetMorris Museum • 2 pm • freePianist Paul Roberts leads his quintet featuring vocalist Sheri Smith performing jazz and popular standards from many eras.

kids Family Artbreak: Found Object AssemblageMorris Museum • 2 to 3:30 pm • $6 to $7Explore the folk art exhibition, and create an assemblage using found objects. Open to children 6 and older and their families; all children must be accompanied by an adult participant. Registration required by June 17.

monday june 22live music

Dave FirmanJoe’s Underground • 10 pm

Turf WarSoul Bar • 10 pm

thursday june 25

outdoors

Music in the Park: Fred Williams & GM FiveHammond’s Ferry • 7 pm Bring a picnic and enjoy these free concerts at Maude Edenfield Park. Details: 803.442.7588.

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special

2009 Summer Book SigningLucy Laney Museum • noon • $2 to $5Belinda A. Walker, The Road Less Traveled: The Life of Tom Franklin • Anthony Kellman, Limestone: An Epic Poem of Barbados • Gary Wayne Cade, A Dream Within a Dream • Jean Embry, The Seven Brothers from Siesta LaPrie. Come out and enjoy an afternoon of refreshments and intellectual conversation in the company of such talented writers.

Monthly SparingAugusta Boxing Club • 5:30 pm

kids Thomas & Friends Live!Bell Auditorium • $16 to $36 Thomas & Friends™ invites children to enter a world of imagination through the tracks of a train and the words of a story.

friday june 26voutdoors

Moonlight Music Cruise: Jeff LibertyAugusta Canal • 7 to 8:30 pm • $24Details: augustacanal.com

Movies in the CommonAugusta Common • 9 pm • $2Details: 706.821.1754

art

Art at Lunch: Discovering the Hidden Life of a PaintingMorris Museum • noon • $10 to $14Craig Crawford, owner of Crawford Conservation, Inc., discusses the process of art conservation, and ways to determine the condition of a painting in order to help collectors make informed decisions about purchasing work. Catering by French Market Grille. Register by June 24.

comedy

“Playin’ It Cool Tour” featuringAnthony Hamilton, Musiq Soulchild & Chrisette MicheleBell Auditorium • $39.50 to $59.50 Details: augustaentertainmentcomplex.com

live music

Shotgun Opera • L.I.E. • ISMThe Playground • 8 pm

FiveNine • Frenchie • Running RiotSector 7G • 8 pm

Rocket 350The Loft • 9 pm

Sub\li\mat: Dark Electro Dance PartyClub Sp@rx • 10 pm

Jazz ChronicSky City • 10 pm

Disco HellSoul Bar • 10 pm

Delta SwaggerStillwater Taproom• 10 pm

saturday june 27outdoors

Saturday Market on the River8th & Reynolds • 8 am to noon • free

film

Forbes Film presents The World Premier of Long ShotImperial Theatre 7 pm • $10Produced and directed by Christopher Forbes

live music

Jazz Fest 2009: featuring Boney JamesBell Auditorium • 8 pm

Jazz CollectiveBroad Street Market • 8 pm

Live MusicJoe’s Underground • 10 pm

Tension Head • Enter the SeaSky City • 10 pm

sunday june 28outdoors

Candlelight Jazz: iGallo8th 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. Back up location in case of rain: Café 209 on the River Details: 706.821.1754 or gardencityjazz.com.

special

Projections & Selections for DJ Joycette featuring Live Paintings by Erik RussellThe Bees Knee’s • 9 pm

tuesday june 30live music

RuskinJoe’s Underground • 10 pm

thursday july 2kids

Toddler Time: A Day at the RacesMorris Museum • 10 am and 11:15 am • $4Study the painting The Start and make a horse mask. Museum family members and parents, free; nonmembers, $4 per participant. Registration required.

friday july 3outdoors

First Friday: Red White & BlueDowntown Augusta • 5 to 10pm • freeOn the First Friday of each month a celebration is held downtown on Artists’ Row. Galleries and studios remain open those evenings to debut new works, street vendors sell their wares, and bands can be heard all over. details:augustaarts.com

July Jamboree Concert & Car ShowAugusta Common • 6 to 10 pm • freeDetails: 706.821.1754

live music Jazz CollectiveTribeca • 10 pm

every weeksundays

Worship at The Well715 Broad Street • 10:45 am

Free Morris Museum AdmissionMorris Museum of Art • free

John KolbeckCotton Patch • 7 to 11 pm • free

Candlelight Jazz8th Street Bulkhead • 8 pm • $6

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

Sunday Salsa Social The White’s Building • 8 pm • $5

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

Singstar KaraokeClub Sp@rk • 7pm

Tuesday Trivia w/ AnilThe Playground • 8pm

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

Jazz NightsCafé 209 Music Lounge • 9 pm • free

Soup Suds & ConversationFox’s Lair • free

Singstar KaraokeClub Sp@rk • 7 pm

Krazy KaraokeThe Playground • 10 pm

Live MusicManuel’s Bread Cafe • 7 pm

thursdays Prize Pool TournamentClub Sp@rk • 7pm

Open Jam Night hosted by LeonardThe Playground • 8 pm

fridays Brick Yard MarketHammond’s Ferry • 4 pm to dusk • free

saturdays Saturday Market on the River8th & Reynolds • 8 am to noon • free

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 Brian JClub Sp@rx • 9 pm

DJ On PointThe Loft • 10 pm • free

Hype Night Dance Party1102 Bar & Grill

Salsa GrooveTropicabana Latin Club • 10 pm

ongoing exhibitionsAUGUSTA HISTORY MUSEUM

Details: augustamuseum.org

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

now thru A Community That Heals

now thru From Ty to Cal: A Century of Baseball in Augusta

now thru Stories and Legends: Remembering the Augusta National

now thru History on Canvas FORT DISCOVERY

Details: nscdiscovery.org

thru June 28 National Geographic MAPS: Tools for Adventure

GERTRUDE HERBERTDetails: ghia.org

June 12 thru July 31 Tom Jones

LUCY CRAFT LANEY MUSEUMDetails: lucycraftlaneymuseum.com

thru June 30 The Photography of David Leigh

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

thru June 30 Jill Gunn & Gail Smith

get your event listed for free.

send to pipeline@vergelive.comby the 20th of each month.

pipeline / 6.25 to 7.3

family ARTbreak: found objectssunday, june 21 • morris museum of artThe folks over at the Morris Museum of Art have done it again! Through the summer, they have devised a new program, Family ARTbreak, to encourage families to create art together, learning more about folk art.

June’s class is all about found object assemblage. Participants will explore the Morris’ current folk art exhibition, then crete an assemblage using found objects (any object that is not designed for an artistic purpose, but that has been transformed into art.).

“We feel Family Artbreak will give parents, grandparents, and children the opportunity to inspire each other, while experiencing a broad range of folk artists and their work,” says Michelle Schulte, the associate curator of education at the Morris Museum of Art.

Each Family ARTbreak will be facilitated by a professional artist. Tvary with each session, and all materials are included. Tickets range from $6 to $7. Open to children 6 and older and their families; all children must be accompanied by an adult participant. Register by June 17.

Guitar StringsAugusta 706.724.1172

Aiken 803.649.1919

34 / june / verge

verge / june / 35

calling all explorers!National Geographic MAPS: Tools for Adventurethru June 28 | 9 am to 3:30 pm | $6 to $8Fort Discovery | One Seventh Street Kids of all ages (and parents too) will ind explore the fascinating world of maps fun, while informative. The exhibit is stacked with plenty of hands on activities and a peek into the worlds of several explorers. Plus they’ve designed a scavenger hunt to make the trek even more engaging. Visit the Egyptian Pyramids with Dr. Zahi Hawass, a leading archeologist or camp out in the African Congo with Dr. J. Michael Fay, a wildlife biologist. Navigate the oceans, looking for lost treasures with Phil Masters, a shipwreck specialist and zoom to Mars with NASA experts.

folk songs and folk artArtrageous! Family Sunday: Folktales and Musical Adventures with Mr. BobSaturday, June 7| 2 pm | freeMorris Museum of Art | One Tenth StreetMr. Bob, the Singing Storyteller, presents a fun mix of folktales and songs. After the mini concert, create your own piece of folk art.

speak without wordsFamily Fun Day: Morse CodeSaturday, June 20| 11 am | $2 to $4Augusta Museum of History | 560 Reynolds St.Learn the lost language of dots and dashes and try your hand at communicating without words. Plus enjoy the coolest air conditioning in town on a hot summer day!

speak without wordsToddler Time: A Day at The RacesThursday, July 2| 10 am or 11:15 | $4Morris Museum of Art | One Tenth StreetLittle ones will study the painting The Start and make a horse mask of their own. Registration required.

summer explorations / just for kids

have a bonzer of a week, aussie styleThe Boomerang Express: Vacation Bible SchoolJune 8 to 12 | 9 am to 12:30 pm | freeCurtis Baptist Church | 1326 Broad Street Watch out for that boomerang! Kids explore the Australian Outback, while learning about God, during Curtis Baptist’s The Boomerang Express weeklong vacation bible school. “Children will explore the vastness of God because, like the boomerang, everything comes back to you,” said Bill Marlette, education pastor. Children learn about Christ’s commandments through the Bible verse 1 John 4:9 which reads, “God’s love was revealed among us in this way; God sent His One and Only Son into the world so that we might live through Him.”

Each day involves various activities surrounding this mission. Every morning, there is a rally in the Worship Center, and afterwards the kids have Bible time, learn about Baptist missionaries around the world, and engage engage in music and craft-making activities. On June 12 at 12:30 pm, parents can attend a closing rally where the children debut the crafts and songs they learned throughout the week. Fifth and Sixth graders have their own curriculum, the high energy Vacation Bible Xtreme (VBX). Snacks will be provided from the “G’day Café” and John Douglas, a toymaker of North Augusta, SC, will build a prop train to further the Christ-like mission of VBS and VBX.

Anyone is welcome to enroll and the camp is open to children from pre-K to those rising sixth graders. “We highly encourage registering online, but applications at the Church are available, too,” said Tina Kirkpatrick, education ministry assistant.

stories by ANNE MARIE JOHNSON

navigate your way to funImagination Station: Explorers! History Camp 2009June 22 to 26 | 9 am to 3 pm | $90 to $100 Augusta Musuem of History | 560 Reynolds Street “Never Eat Shredded Wheat” is a one way to learn the cardinal directions (North, East, South, and West). The mnemonic device gets kids thinking about directions and their purpose in our daily lives; one of many facets to Imagination Station: Explorer’s! History Camp for children ages 9 to 11.

Every day of the camp contains two to three learning experiences respectively in the classrooms and different areas of the museum. “We’re tying in historical lessons and activities revolving around the history of Augusta in a fun and engaging way,” said education manager Heather Sellers. Kids construct their own compass for “an orienteering course,” make their own paper, and go on a scavenger hunt in the gallery of the museum. There will also be a group activity where kids can design a team flag representing previous Georgia state flags.

The fun, however, does not stop there. The kids will also participate in an old fashioned marbles tournament, Ringer. According to landofmarbles.com, a circle is drawn on the ground and players “lag” (or toss) their marble to the opposite side of the circle. The player’s favorite marble is called his shooter, and he then “knuckles down” (where the marble is positioned between his thumb and index finger). Whoever knocks the most marbles out of the circle is the winner!

The deadline to register is June 17 and space is limited. Camp fees include all supplies. Don’t forget to pack a lunch, too!

Summer may not begin until June 21, but here in Augusta the streets are just beginning to heat up in a way that echoes many more hot days to come. Just how hot is a question pondered by many residents, usually in the same breath as they wonder how best to cool down.

It’s for that reason the Augusta Parks and Recreation Department turns on the Riverwalk Fountain every year on the first weekend in April, and it’s already beginning to draw a crowd.

“We first came by with my two other daughters while visiting Fort Discovery on Sunday. We noticed the fountain was on and couldn’t help but play in it a little,” said Augusta resident James Danforth as he watched his four-year old daughter, Kiara, run through the spray (shown in photo). “She was really excited to come out here and run through it like a sprinkler.”

The Riverwalk Fountain, at the 8th Street entrance to the Riverwalk and across from the 209 Music Lounge, comes on automatically at 10 a.m. and doesn’t shut down until 9 p.m. The fountain, which shoots nearly 50 feet in the air before descending in a mist that encompasses the vicinity of the fountain, is a great way for kids and their parents to cool off on a hot summer day.

“We come out here as often as we can once it turns on, because it’s a free and easy way to spend a few fun hours,” said Amanda Fletcher as she watched Brenden, who just turned two, chase a ball through puddles on the ground.

There is no lifeguard on duty, so parents are encouraged to watch their children at all times. A few other rules are posted nearby, including keeping glass bottles away from anywhere tiny feet may get cut

by the shards, but nothing listed prevents the spot from becoming popular among all ages when it gets hot.

“It gets the kids out and about,” said Tim Dines, who was out with his wife Kathey and son Ryan. “Last year when it got hot there were families circled all around here, and kids running around all over and through the fountain.”

Nor is the fountain just for kids.

“We’ve been working all day in the hot weather, and it’s nice to get a day off and come downtown where it’s beautiful,” said Chris Reese. “It doesn’t take long to get soaked, if that’s what you’re aiming for.”

The Riverwalk Fountain, which is clean, free and open to the public, runs through Labor Day.

cool off with a splash in the fountain

photo & story by CHRISTOPHER SELMEK

Details: curtisbc.org | 706.722.7348 Details: augustamuseum.org | 706.722.8454

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move over, facebookmeetup makes real connections

Sean Woods of CSRA’s Vegetarian Society (left) and Anthony Esposito (right) of Growing Augusta the Green Way “meet up” at Oasis Garden in downtown Augusta.

Since 2002, Meetup has been using the web to bring people together offline in communities across the nation. The vision is simple: organize groups of people around a common interest and encourage them to interact personally. Whether you’re passionate about dogs, need a mommy & me group, or Brazilian dance, Meetup makes it easy to find, join or create a group of people that meet face-to-face and share your interests.

Meetups motto: “Real groups make a real difference” is really what it’s all about.

Each group is unique and gauges its success differenty. In fact, the parameters of each Meetup evolve over time as the members begin to direct the activities.

“When I first signed up with Meetup (two years ago) I wasn’t sure what to expect,” explains Sean Woods, founder of the CSRA Vegetarian Society Meetup. “In fact, I didn’t really have any expectations. The first meeting was scheduled to see how many people were interested in such a group, and to see what those people wanted to get out of the group. So, from the very [start], the group existed for its members, and not for me.”

Since then CSRA’s Vegetarian Society meets almost weekly. They discuss how to live a healthy lifestyle over a delicious vegan meal while sharing their favorite recipes and making new friends.

Right now, there are about a dozen Meetup groups in the downtown area, ranging from gaming interests to hiking groups to literary clubs to the most interesting “The DoActCrazy Group.” Many of the downtown Meetups are focused on community activism. Check out www.meetup.com for more details and get connected.

growing augusta the greenway Since moving back to his hometown of Augusta, visionary Anthony Esposito has been rallying citizens of Augusta around the idea of Growing Augusta the GreenWay. Why the GreenWay? Anthony describes it best: “Green seems to be Augusta’s color. [We see it] in the Green Jackets baseball team, the trees and grass that beautifies our city and the greens of golf courses. Growing emphasizes dynamism, meaning, not being static. GreenWay is a play off ‘fairway’ as in golf lingo and reminds us that we are in this together.”

The Growing Augusta the GreenWay group is fairly new and green, but the goal of the group revolves around community activists pulling people together harmoniously towards service in their community. The group uses Meetup to organize their causes. Anthony has been developing, Bike Racks on Buses and Re-discover Downtown with local government officials as well as its influential community leaders.

Get involved: go to www.meetup.com/GrowingAugusta. Growing Augusta’s next meeting will be at 7 pm on Wednesday, June 10 at Augsburg Haus (1944 Walton Way, Suite C).

by HEATHER RANKIN photo KATIE MCGUIRE

verge / june / 37

It’s been an interesting few weeks since I jumped “fat first” into the Biggest Loser program at Health Central. While a part of me is slowly becoming addicted to working out five to six days a week, there’s another little voice inside of me that occasionally screams “WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU THINKING?!?!?” I know I joked plenty last issue, but if I could be serious for just a moment, the whole process of trying to shed weight that took years to accumulate (little bit of a rhythm there for you!) is tough. While I never thought for a minute that it would be easy, I’m not sure if I envisioned this! But before I get into how the past few weeks have gone, let me first share a few tips that have personally made this mission as easy as it could possibly be.

A big part of the battle is eating right and, while there is a “standard” of what is healthy eating, it still can vary based on a person’s physical makeup. Now that statement isn’t meant to give those of you wishing to lose weight the idea that you can just “make up” an excuse on why you can or cannot eat a certain way. In the end, too many calories in and not enough out means no weight loss or, even worse, weight gain. Eating a whole four-cheese pizza for lunch because your doctor says you need to consume more dairy products isn’t following doctor’s orders, it’s twisting them. Of course, the amount of food makes a big difference as well. I used to laugh at the serving sizes on food labels but, to be honest, I find that if I follow them, or at least come close, I’m usually satisfied.

I have managed to manipulate this to my advantage by having smaller bowls and plates in the house and by eating when I cannot go back for seconds. For example: In the morning I have a bowl of cheerios with skim milk. The little pink bowl (yeah I said pink, get over it!) I use is slightly over a serving size so my breakfast is never over 200 calories. I then usually dive straight into work which keeps me busy until lunch time. For lunch, I will either have a sandwich, low cal microwave dinner, or grab a grilled chicken sandwich at the Wendy’s drive-thru (no soda and no side). I will do this an hour or so before I am planning on working out at Health Central and generally use that hour for errands. If I eat at home, I leave immediately afterwards. That eliminates peeking back into the fridge for something else. Usually, once I get going, the last thing I’m thinking about is food. Looking back I’ve realized that a lot of the times I thought I was hungry, I was really just bored and food was a temporary cure for that boredom. Hitting a drive-thru (for a healthy choice) or getting your food to go can also be helpful, there’s no chance of ordering more of it. Buffets are a complete no-no.

Before I start to come off sounding too preachy and get you thinking “who does this fat guy think he is telling ME how to be healthy?” let me maneuver over to what I consider to be the toughest part of this whole process – the exercise. After all, who wouldn’t rather spend their time on the couch with a bag of chips watching television? Heck, even I’d prefer that but I’ll have plenty of time for that, even more if I get healthy, when I’m a lean mean Stoney machine. (BTW – for those of you who in fact were thinking the above thought, you can now refer to me as “Rev” Stoney!)

I am on the “Blue” team and we are kicking the snot out of the “Green” and “Red” teams in terms of weight loss. That’s not to discount the other teams because they are working hard and doing tremendous as well. (But we’re still kicking their butts!) I weighed in at a hefty 405 (OMG!) and then was put under the careful watch of Mike Clark, a Fitness Specialist in the Wellness Center at Health Central. Mike and the rest of the guys in the Wellness Center are amazing and as knowledgeable and great a support team as you will find anywhere. Part coach, part counselor, part “wall to lean on,” these guys are above and beyond the type of staff you will find at most other fitness facilities. They don’t just earn a paycheck, they genuinely care for you and want you to be healthy.

I was already walking 12 laps (1 mile) on the track and doing some weight work before I started Biggest Loser. Mike thought it best that I add more weight, then each week add laps. Being that I am OCD about things being even, I would be adding two extra laps each week. This added to daily front and back lat pull-downs (20 ea.), pec-fly and reverse pec-fly pulls (20 ea.), and cable cross pulls (20) would be my routine Monday through Friday. Surely this would easily make the weight fly right off!

Imagine my surprise when after losing 6 pounds and then 3 pounds during the first

cut the fat / i’m a loser baby part IIthe 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 editor@vergelive.com.

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

the weekly journalweek laps Friday weigh in4/20 - 4/24 14 laps 3994/27 - 5/3 16 laps 3965/4 - 5/10 18 laps 3965/11 - 5/17 20 laps 394 5/18 - 4/24 22 laps 388

twit stoney’s progress & cheer him on: www.twitter.com/stoneycannon

here’s the skinny

two weeks, I lost nothing the third week and just under 2 pounds the fourth week. I was frustrated so much that after weighing in the fourth week, I left without working out! Hey I’m only human and prone to getting my confidence knocked around from time to time. But, Mike jumped in and assured me that if I continue to do what I am doing, I will lose the weight. Then the fifth week, he changed things up! He added some new things which were tough, but in a way that I did a lot of work without realizing it. 100 crunches in sets of 20 separated by 15 dumbbell exercises each of shoulder press, bicep curls, triceps’ extension, and upright row lifts. It was AWESOME! Then he threw in 15 each of single leg abductions knee raises, and knee extensions. Then he told me to go walk my 22 laps! WHEW! It must have worked because at my next weigh-in I was down 6 pounds!

I am now up to 24 laps (aka 2 miles) and raising reps instead of weight. I’m already feeling better and, though I wish the weight loss was more, my confidence level is rising as I conquer a new set of challenges each week. I know it sounds cliché to say “if I can do it you surely can,” but it’s true! I am not the best at self motivation, I generally give up easy, and I’m carrying around almost a whole other person. So yeah, it’s true – if I can do it… I definitely know anyone else that really wants to can as well. Maybe I’ll see you at Health Central but if not, look for part three of “I’m a Loser Baby” in July issue’s of verge!

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VISIT THE WINDOW GALLERY TO ENSURE THAT THE WINDOWS YOU PURCHASE QUALIFY FOR THE FEDERAL TAX CREDIT FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY.

verge / june / 39

The Emily Tubman monument is a unique and breathtaking tribute celebrating the birth of one of Augusta’s most giving citizens. Located at the end of the 600 block median of Greene Street at Seventh Street, this dazzling monument is a four-sided white stone column adorned with a wide bowl shaped top and a dark plaque with raised gold writing. The main monument is surrounded by foliage and possesses an incredibly large four-column structure as a backdrop which also included an inscription of Tubman’s name.

Born in 1794 in Virginia, Emily Thomas visited Augusta in 1818 and met plantation owner/investor Richard C. Tubman. In June of the same year, the two married and, until her husband’s death in 1836, the couple split their time between Augusta in the winter and Virginia and Kentucky in the summer.

Richard Tubman left a specific wish in his will: to free all of his slaves. The Georgia Legislature refused his wishes. Emily began to research places where her slaves could live in freedom. She gave the slaves the option of moving to Liberia or continuing to work for her in Georgia. About one third chose Liberia and Emily funded their transportation and financially supported their resettlement. The freed slaves honored Emily by taking the Tubman name. During her last days, Emily was finally able to free and give land to those slaves who had stayed behind and equipped them to be independent farmers.

Taking over her husband’s business affairs upon his death, Emily proved to be quite the business woman, adding investments in railroad and banking businesses as well as the John P. King Manufacturing Company in Augusta. This allowed Emily the ability to donate to churches and school across the state of Georgia; most notably her home church in Augusta (First Christian Church at 629 Greene Street) and a college-prep high school for girls, known today as Tubman Middle School in her honor. Emily continued to give until her passing on June 9, 1885 at the age of 91.

the monumental history of greene street / 08Emily Tubman monumEnT

location / 600 Block of Greene Street erected By / the State of GeorGia on March 21, 1994 on the 200th anniverSary of the Birth of eMily harvie thoMaS tuBMan

by JOHN CANNON rendering ALEX McCAIN, III

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

enter fantasyland / Brigan’s Land of EnchantmentAs I entered Brigan’s Land of Enchantment co-owners Stan and Rita Brigan, greeted me with warm smiles. Shelby Collins, co-owner and Rita’s father, chatted with us all briefly. Laughter, interspersed with casual conversation with the married couple of sixteen years, gently transforms the family-run business into a fantasyland.

Brigan’s Land of Enchantment first opened in January 2004 in the Barnyard Fleamarket. On April 1 of this year, the family moved their business downtown. “We had a lot of faithful customers and friends that followed us that allowed us to become the business we are. We needed more room and chose downtown because of the unique shops. We felt [our store] would fit in more with them,” Rita said.

The store effuses family togetherness. “‘Pops’ is good at helping customers find what they need in the store quickly, and he also handles special orders of items,” Rita said. Collins is lovingly known as “Pops” by the Brigan’s two daughters Patricia Navarro, and Jessica Brigan. Navarro, 25, is the advertising and visual merchandiser of the store, and currently pursuing a multi-media marketing degree at Aiken Technical College. Fifteen-year-old Jessica is the cashier of Brigan’s Land of Enchantment as well as a freshman at North Augusta High School. But how can you encompass centuries of inspiration in one article? Stan and Rita readily relate their family’s passion of the cultures and artistry that inspire them today, from the Medieval age to the Viking quests to the Renaissance eras. The store breathes fantasy and folklore with its

wide array of dragons, unicorns, faeries, and dream-catchers. To solidify the image, the Brigans dress in Renaissance attire during First Fridays. For fans of fantasy literature and film, items from Harry Potter, Star Trek and The Last Samurai (to name just a few) fill the shelves.

The Brigans also put their personal touch on the store: Stan makes staffs with southwestern flair while Rita specializes in hand-made fantasy and Celtic jewelry.

“You have to sand the wood first, incorporate the person’s requested symbols, drawings and colors that represent their personality and then burn them in,” said Stan of his hand carved staffs. The process of making a personalized staff can take up to three weeks to complete.

Stan and Rita love to share their knowledge with customers. Both are college graduates, with Stan boasting several degrees. For example, he received a BSN and MSN at The Medical University of South Carolina as well as a liberal arts degree while living in Oklahoma.

The family also honors their military roots by giving a military discount. Rita was born during her father’s tour in The Vietnam War in Germany. Stan also served in the Army from 1972 to 1989.

Brigan’s Land of Enchantment is open Tuesday thru Thursday: 11 am to 7 pm; Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 9 pm. For more information: 706.828.4999 or www.myspace.com/briganslandofenchantment.

by ANNE MARIE JOHNSON

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verge / june / 41

In the early 90’s of Augusta’s rock & roll scene, there was an invisible dividing line between rock bands, those who mainly performed covers and the more alternative style bands who leaned heavily towards their own original material. The line began to erode as younger bands, inspired by the fading rock of the 80’s and the increasing popularity of harder genres of metal, began presenting shows filled with mostly original hard rock acts. These bands of course were not the first to attempt to jump that invisible wall. Bands such as Science Friction, People Who Must, and Impulse Ride had begun to write and perform original material in the late 80’s while flirting with both rock and alternative styles. But no band had ventured out to the point of mixing the bombastic roots of both alternative and hard rock.

That is until Family Jewels showed up on the scene in 1991.

Formed by guitarist/Johnny Thunders fanatic Fred McNeal and charismatic Tommy Lee disciple Patrick Turner on drums, Family Jewels took elements from bands such as Kiss, the New York Dolls, Sex Pistols, Guns N Roses, the Replacements, and the Ramones to create a bastardized style of rock and roll that leaned heavily on McNeal’s amped up Chuck Berry machine gun style and the foursome’s tongue-in-cheek humorous approach.

“I think me and Pat had been playing together for about a year before the band got together,” said McNeal. “Then in the fall of ’91, we started playing with Stoney (Cannon – bass) and added Paul (Sieg – guitar) around Christmas time. At the time I was working in a video store and I would walk the aisles looking for good song titles. I ran across that Jerry Lewis movie called “The Family Jewels.” That’s how we got the name for the band.”

Armed with a new name and new original music, including several songs named after old obscure movie titles, Family Jewels prepared for their first performance: a house party behind Golden Dragon Chinese Restaurant (now Fujiyama Steak House). Starting with this performance, the band would encounter a consecutive string of shows interrupted or halted completely by the police. It seemed no location was off limits to intervention with the authorities. The cops even showed up once at a remote location in Harlem, Georgia.

Despite law enforcement issues, Family Jewels continued to plan and perform all-ages shows. Following a festival in Lincolnton,

Georgia, Cannon was ceremoniously given the “rock & roll boot” and after a short period with fill-in bass players, Brian Stachura joined up to become Family Jewel’s permanent bassist.

“Stoney was supposed to come back and fill in for a pair of Hurricane Andrew/Iniki benefit shows,” said McNeal. “The first one got rained out before we made it on stage. The second one was out back of Rhinehart’s which is actually where I met Brian.”

Meeting the future Jewels’ bassist at the site of Cannon’s final performance with the and the same establishment that alerted authorities to the band’s debut performance less than a year earlier marks a fitting spot for the end of the first chapter of Family Jewels and the start of the next. The new rejuvenated Family Jewels would play out feverishly eventually recording a five song demo with Augusta engineer / producer David Bradberry and exploring out of town possibilities.

“I think we did gigs for a while,” said McNeal. “Then we did some recording with Dave Bradberry. Just kind a little circulation tape that we recorded for anyone who wanted one around town. Then we started playing in Atlanta occasionally at the Wreck Room.”

In 1994, Turner would move to Atlanta to join up with Augusta vocalist Robbi Harrell in the band Salvation. This would get the ball rolling not only on the final sounds of the first incarnation of Family Jewels but also a slow migration that eventually saw McNeal, Sieg, and Stachura move to Atlanta as well.

“Things were just not progressing well and then Pat moved to Atlanta and joined Salvation with Robbi,” said McNeal. “We continued in Augusta for about another year with Darrell High playing drums. Then Brian and I moved up here (Atlanta) together and by that time the band was totally done. Paul moved up shortly after that but none of us were playing together.”

Other than McNeal and Stachura joining Turner in for a brief time in Salvation, the three would not play together again until 1997 when Turner joined an already reformed Atlanta version of Family Jewels that included New Yorker Jim Potts on guitar. The new Jewels would consistently play shows around Atlanta stopping just long enough to record an EP that the band was so unhappy with it never made it to the pressing stage. Then, after countless members, countless shows, and tons of rock & roll, the

band finally called a collective end to Family Jewels.

“It was pretty much a unanimous decision,” McNeal said. “I think we played a gig at the Somber Reptile and then we all went to a strip bar afterwards and we all just kind of looked at each other and nodded our heads and knew that it was over.”

McNeal would move on to a weekly Wednesday gig with cover band Bitch while fronting original band Saint Friday with Stachura, a group that would have at one time or another former members of the El Caminos and the Georgia Satellites. Turner would spend this time in Atlanta AC/DC style original band Boetz before moving to New York and dropping off the musical map. In 1996 McNeal would join the car loving rock band the Hot Rods. Turner would eventually become the drummer for the Hot Rods once again reuniting the two friends who first came together to create the original spark that would become Family Jewels all those years ago in Augusta.

“It’s weird and bizarre,” said McNeal. “We’re actually getting to do some of the stuff we were trying to accomplish when we were twenty-one,” said McNeal. “It just took a little longer than we expected. But every time we’re in a band together we think that’s it and a couple years later we end up playing in a band together again.”

McNeal still keeps a spot for Family Jewels in his heart and doesn’t discount the possibility of Family Jewels reuniting in the future. Most of the original members have remained close over the years making the opportunity for a reunion even more probably.

“Me and Pat are, of course, in the Hot Rods,” said McNeal. “Stoney’s still in Augusta fronting Lokal Loudness and G-City Rockers and reforming the Vagabond Missionaries, among other things. I don’t know what happened to Quinten. Paul became a lawyer. Brian is a building contractor. Jim Potts ended up moving to Florida and he is a counselor at a drug rehab facility and still playing, and Darrell High lives in Myrtle Beach and still plays music.”

Something tells me that the world hasn’t seen the very last of Family Jewels.

Family Jewels Band Members:Fred McNeal: guitar 1991 – 1995, 1997 - 1999Patrick Turner: drums 1991 – 1994, 1997 - 1999Paul Sieg: guitar 1991 – 1995Stoney Cannon: bass guitar 1991 – 1992Quinten Watts: bass guitar 1992Brian Stachura: bass guitar 1992 – 1995, 1997 – 1999Darrel High: 1994-1995Jim Potts: guitar 1997 - 1999Adam Tolar: drums ‘00 - ‘03Jason Peck: vocals ‘01 - ‘03

Family Jewel Releases1992 Kindred Gems Demo 1994 Bradberry Demo 1999 Atlanta Demo

reverberations / Family Jewels 1991 – 1995 & 1997 – 1999augusta music history 201

by JOHN STONEY CANNON, LOKAL LOUDNESS

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verge / june / 43

a shot with pow pow the flirtatious fifties revamped

the flirtatious fiftiesget the lookthe clothes Midtown Threds

the shoes and jewlery Midtown Threds

the hair Toni Horton | Modish Salon and Spa

the model Devon Gay

the photographer Nicholas Fennewald

the vision With a pow for style, Nikki PowPow combs the salons, boutiques and clothing racks of downtown Augusta simply for a love of “the look.” | Halo Salon

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