free people & passions drive downtown’s community may 2009
vergedowntown augusta
verge / may / 3
contents It’s RadioactiveLe Chat Noir closes the season with a bang
The Heart of CommunityChrist Community Health Center’s mission to provide affordable medical care for Augusta’s uninsured crystal-lizes with rehabilitation of the Widows Home into a full service clinic
gallery: Larry Connatsersoundcheck: Junior Brownonstage: DFA Senior Showcaseoffstage: Thunder Over Augusta
Don’t Nuke My Instant Lunch This new Augusta band is set to become a dietary staple
The Maxwell House Pharmacy58 years of dispensing medicine, advice and Marilyn
The Biggest Loser in AugustaJohn Cannon starts his journey to win by losing (weight)
Augusta’s Always Ready for A Fight A fascinating look into the history of pro wrestling
experience moresmatteringsquick clipsdiscover downtownshe saw she stayed/ a mother daughter duopipeline / get plugged into may’s eventsmovies at mainthe club crawlon the nightstand / jeremy carrpast times / the widows homeexplore downtown reverberations / spyta shot with pow pow
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on the cover:rolling toward the edgeFrances Wells / see the original at Art on Broad
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shops & galleries
40 8th Street Tobacco43 8th Street Tobacco36 Andy Jordans10 Artistic Perceptions23 blue magnolia40 Brigan’s 6 Cloud Nine 8 Costumes by Michele18 Elduets Treasures of the World16 Paper Vinyl Cloth32 PeachMac 4 Quilt Shop on The Corner 6 Revolve 2 Rock Bottom Music26 Shoppe 31:3034 Vintage 965
8 Vintage Ooollee26 Window Gallery12 Woodrow Wilson House42 Zimmerman Gallery
entertainment & events
10 95 Rock Presents Mudbugabeaux16 95 Rock Presents Rock - N - Ramble36 Andy Jordans Lock to lock Ride34 Augusta Canal18 Sacred Heart42 Soul Rockin’ Funk Surrey Tavern44 Third Annual Tatto Expo
restaurants & bars
12 1102 Bar & Grill10 Aroma24 Blue Sky Kitchen14 Club Rehab40 Joe’s Underground38 The Loft22 Manuel’s Bread Cafe 8 Metro Coffeehouse & Pub14 Nacho Mama’s24 New Moon Café 6 Stillwater Taproom 4 T-Boy’s Po’Boys32 White Elephant
services20 Americana Tattoo 4 Casella Eye Center
14 Dazzliing Car Care18 Downtown Dental44 Tatto Expo20 Halo Salon & Spa36 Health Central34 Klean Machine 6 Perry & Company12 PowerServe26 Sanford, Bruker & Banks24 Spa Bleu14 Summerville Maids16 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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May Day – May Day…
What to do in a month? Well, to be honest, I have been quite busy. This month alone I have:
• thrownshoesatpeople (softsole,Iswear)• gotdrunk (withoutdrinking)• re-plantedarainforest• gotlotsofflairwhichisreallycool Iguess(?)• hadavisittomyfarm(Iownafarm?)• foundoutwhatcarIammostlike (notmyfirstchoice,butStudebaker isaclassic,right?)• discoveredIwasreallylike“Fred” (Fredwho?)• gotapinetreeformyfarm (IwishIknewwhereitwas-thefarm)• joinedadozen“groups”• madeover100friends(...I’mPopular…)• discoveredIamnotassmartasa pharmacist(butsmarterthanafifth grader)• foundoutthatIwaslowmaintenance• gotsomesunshine(muchneeded vitaminD)• wentonanegghunt(foundnone)• foundoutthatIamnotlikeMr.Keating (who’she?)• foundwhatwasinmymake-upkit (Iusemake-up?)• uncoveredthemysteryofmyname (ooh-aah)• ranawayfrom“themob” (witnessprotectionplan)• realizedIhavesheeponafarm (stillhaven’tbeenthere)
Yeah – it’s been a busy month. And I’vedone all thiswithout leaving the comfortofmyoffice/home.
Actually, once I tore my face away fromFaceBook, I entered the real world andhadthedistinctpleasureofactuallyseeingsomethingreallyphenomenalindowntownAugusta. I saw Duff McKagan performan acoustic set at Rock Bottom Music,
a rare treat formusic fans,withhisbandLoaded.They sang “WildHorses” by theRolling Stones. Apparently the first timeeverinpublic.SearchYouTubeifyouwanttoseeit.Butliveandinpersonwasreallycool. Even cooler was the band stayingafterward for almost two hours signingautographs and chatting it up with fans.Thebandwassopleasedwiththeirvisittothisdowntownstaplethat,laterthatnight,theypaidtributebyplayingariffortwoof“RockBottom”toshowtheirappreciation.Nowhowcoolisthat?
All this recent activity bringsmeback toour downtown community and what areally hip place it is. There are so manygreat opportunities and events for you tobeapartof,it’sastoundingtothinkofallofthem.
To truly experience our downtown area,youmustfirst start by looking.One lookhere in verge, look in other publications,goonline,joinafew“groups”andyouwillbegintouncover thewidevarietyofstuffthat happens here. Some major touringbandswith reallybignames in themusicindustry have recently played in ourdowntown.Somelocalbandshavesignedto record labels. New businesses haveopened their doors for you to check out.Grand openings took place. There wereparties, art shows, theatrical productions,impromptu live concerts and festivals.Saturday Market kicked off. Larry JonWilson sold out a show andhundreds ofpeople“playedthrough”downtown.
Theseareonlyafewofthereallifeeventsthat took place in our epicenter over thelastthirtydays.Tosaythatourdowntowndistrict is the heart of our cultural andeconomiccommunityisanunderstatement.Those of you who frequent downtownknowwhatIamtalkingabout.Sometimesyouwishyoudidn’thavetodecidewhicheventyouwantedtogotoorhavetochooseatwhichofthethirtyfiverestaurantstoeatlunchordinneratbecausetheyareallgreat
intheirownway.AllofthisandIcanstillsave the trees in thedesertwhileflinginga few shoes around at my drunk friendswatching their favorite movie while theydigintheirmakeupbagsfortheirflairorsomethinglikethat.Mypoint.Don’tletitslipbyyou.Get connected.Get involved.Becomeapartofyourcommunityandyouwon’tneedthevirtualun-realityoflife.Youwillhaveplentytodowiththelimitedtimeweactuallydohave.
Speaking of limited time, the recentannouncements regarding the futuregrowthofourdowntowndistrictandplansto provide even greater cultural, sportingandcommunityorientedeventsmademewanttosendballoonstoallofmyfriendsorabuttonorashoeorsomething.Thefuturelooks great for the downtown Augustacommunity.Who would be against that?Community and Growth. Economicsecurity for the future of our town. Evenmoreeventsandareallytrippedouthightech facility to do it in. Let’s dig! Yourdowntownisabouttopopthetopoffthebottle.Don’tyouwanttobeapartofthat?This is so exciting (I’m thinking buttons,buttons,buttonsandmorebuttons).Ireallydohavetoagreewithsomegreatleadersofthiscommunitywhentheysay“it’sgreattobeinAugusta.”
What a great time to become a part ofsomething very special in the history ofAugusta.Ihavesaiditbeforeandwillnowsay it again and again:Koinania,Doulos,Non sibi sed aliis “Not for ourselves, butforothers.”Areyoulistening?Doyouhearthat?That’sthefuture.
Areyouapartofit?
Seeyoudowntown.IfI’mnotoffthrowingshoesatthesheepmyfriendjustleftonmyfarmsomewhere…
MattHappyMother’sDayMom(s)!
choose local first
6 / may / verge
verge / may / 7
a mountain bike ride in the city? Forgetyou’re inthecity limits.DrewJordanisorganizingaweeklymountainbikeonWednesdays.BicyclersmeetatAndyJordan’s(52713thSt.)at6:15pm,hoponthemountainbikes,trekovertotheAugustaCanalTowpathtotheCanalSingletrackMountainBikeTrail,doacoupleoflaps,andthenridebacktothestore.ThecourseisaboutThetotalmileageisabout15milesandgoodforbeginnersormidlevelmountainbikers.You’llneedamountainbike,ahelmetandwater.Details:DrewJordanat706.724.6777
bleeding counterfeit signs with go diy recordsOne local band is proving that MySpacecanleadtobiggerthings. OneofGoDIYRecord’s scouts discovered the bandwhensearchingforburgeoningtalentinGeorgia.Bleeding Counterfeit signed with theindependentgrouplastmonth.GoDIYsetsup tours, reps to larger labels and groomsyoungindiebandsforsuccess.JoshPierce,Joel Hodges, Chris Libby and MichaelBaidemehaveheadedbacktotherecordingstudio to finish their new album and takethenextstep.Checkthemoutthismonth:bleedingcounterfeit.com.
louis harris award goes to tom grantCongratulations to Tom Grant, editor of Metro Spirit, who recently received WestAugusta Rotary Club’s Louis Harris Award. An active community leader,Mr. HarrisservedaseditorofThe Augusta Chronicle and The Augusta Herald.HisfellowRotarianschose in1978tohonorhismemorywiththeannualaward.Previousrecipientsof theawardincludenotablelocaljournalistsClydeWells,SylviaCooper,BillKirbyandDennisSodomka,recenteditorofThe Augusta Chronicle.
call for entries: submit literary work for the inkling Incelebrationoftheartofthewrittenword,vergeisnowacceptingentriesforThe Inkling, anew literary journal discovering the best in local prose, poetry and art. Named inhonorof the informalOxford literary clubof the30s and40s,which included famedauthorsJ.R.R.TolkienandC.S.Lewis,The Inklingmirrorsthedesiretoencouragepursuitof the written word, while providingmind-stimulating stories, essays and poems forconsumption.ThefirstissueofThe InklingwillbeinsertedintoSeptember’sverge.
Original art (literary cartoons, photography, paintings and drawings) may also besubmittedforconsideration.Forcompletesubmissionguidelinesormoredetails,emaileditor@vergelive.comorcall706.828.6550.DeadlineforsubmissionisJune30,2009.
quick clips
magic and fantasy mix into new retail storeHere’sacasestudyonentrepreneurshipinprogress.StanandRitaBriganbegantheirlove affairwithmedieval things at home;theirfamilyenjoysroleplayinggamesandfantasyliterature.Theyturnedthatintoasmall shop at the Barnyard Flea Market,carryingknives,swords,daggers,medievalhelmetsandshields.Fiveyearslater,they’vebrought their fantasyland downtown to912BroadStreetandexpandedagain,withafullarrayoffairies,pirates,dragons,gemstones, herbs and hand crafted wands.Readthewholestoryinnextmonth’svergeor, better yet, stop by the store TuesdaythroughThursdayfrom11amto7pmandFridaytoSaturdayfrom11amto9pm.
call for teen volunteers at science centerFort Discovery is now acceptingapplicationsforsummervolunteersfromstudents ages 14 and older. If you areinterested in science,math andworkingwith children, get the forms from PaigeTom:[email protected].
two of downtown’s youngest residents “play through downtown” The “guess what’s in the golf tee” gameduring Masters Week drew severalhundred participants. Combined withtargeted efforts to market directly toMasters guests and encouraging localresidents to come downtown during theweek, the game resulted in a week ofincreased activity for many downtownbusinesses. Fora listofwinningresults,visitdasquared.com.
taste some award winning gumbo at t-boy’sT-Boy’s Po’Boy’s Creole Gumbo recentlywon first place at the E.J. WilliamsMemorial Bar-B-Que Cook-off at TheChurch of the Most Holy Trinity at720 Telfair Street. The annual cook-offrepresentsthebestcooksandgrillersintheCSRAandproceedsgototheImmaculateConception school. Stop by T-Boy’s at1032BroadStreettocheckoutthetrophyandthensettledowntoabowloftheprizewinninggumbo.
where art meets healingCheck out the North Augusta ArtistsGuild exhibit and sale on First Friday,May 1, to raise money and awarenessfor the Southeastern Firefighters’ BurnFoundation. The Burn Foundationsupportsburnpatientsandtheirfamiliesboth during and after treatment ofthe trauma of a burn. A portion of allexhibitsaleswillbedonatedto theBurnFoundation.AtArtisticPerceptions,551BroadStreetfrom5pm‘til9pm.Details:706.724.8739.
got news? we want to hear itWhetherit’sanewproductlineoranadditiontoyourmenu,anewemployeeoranewtitle,anadditiontothefamilyorarequestforhelp, vergewantstohearfromyou.Sendyour“quickclips”toeditor@vergelive.combythe20thofeachmonthforinclusioninthenextissue.We’reheretohelpyouspreadthegoodnewsaboutyourbusiness.
Gallery on the Row is Celebrating 5 Years Gallery on the Row is celebrating its fifth anniversary during the month of May.DuringaspecialcelebrationonFirstFriday,May1,youcanmeettheartistsandenjoyan anniversary slideshow chronicling their history.The gallery at 1016 Broad Streetis a cooperative owned and operated by ten local artists which features paintings,photography,pottery,glassart,baskets,textile,jewelryandwoodwork.
photo KATIE MCGUIRE
photo KATIE MCGUIRE
photo KATIE MCGUIRE
photo TWELVE NINETEEN
8 / may / verge
verge / may / 9
shop dine play live
discover downtown
Schweitzer Art Glass980 Broad Street
Creating fantasticworks of glass for customersin downtown Augusta and across the globe,SchweitzerArtGlasshasbeengoingstrong fortwentyyears.Whenmostpeoplethinkofstainedglass, they conjure a picture of simple patternpaneswithonlyafewcolors,butwhatartistRobinSchweitzercreatesarenothinglessthanintricatemasterpieces.Thescenesdepicted in theworksarecomplexandutilizemanyfacetsoflight,color,andtexturetorenderbeautifulimages.Mostoftheworkisdisplayedinhousesofworshiporhomes,butexamplescanbeseenintheircomprehensivegalleryandworkshopat980BroadStreet.Otherservicesofferedincludeconsultationsanddesignaswell ashistoricpreservationand restoration.Theirbiggestconcernisthesatisfactionofeverycustomernomatterthesizeofthejob.Robynalsohasawidearrayofsmallerglasspieces,perfectforgiftgiving. Thegallery isopen:TuesdaytoSaturday10amto5pm.706.722.8959orwww.sartglass.com
New Moon Café1002 Broad Street
Dedicated to brewing the very best coffee andespressobeverages,TheNewMoonCaféat1002Broad Street also offers excellent lunch fare,pastries,teas,smoothiesandcoolanti-corporatecoffeeapparel.You’llfindapeacefulstoptowakeyourselfupinthemorning,getsomeworkdonewith their freeWi-Fi or laze away a couple ofhourschattingwithfriendsorreadingabook.Alloftheircoffeesandteasarefairtradecertifiedandeverymonththeypaironecoffeewithacharity,sothataportionofallproceedsfrombeansalesaregiven to that charity.Allpastries arebakedonsitetogiveyouthefreshestpossibleselection.Tryoneoftheirgiantsizedmuffinsorachocolatefilledcrossaint.Thestafflovesthedowntownareaand itspeople.Aftera fewvisits, you’llquicklybecomearegular!Staffcankeepyouintheknowon what’s happening downtown and where togotofindwhateveryouneed.OpenMondaytoSaturday7amto6pmandSundays9amto3pm.706.823.2008
Still Water Taproom974 Broad Street
Hankeringforsomeexcellent livemusic,wideselectionofontapbeerandlivelycamaraderie?Look no further than Still Water Taproom.SpecializinginAmericanaandbluegrassmusic,StillwaterTaproomhasgottenquiteareputationonthecircuitasanAmericanashowcase.OnanygivenFridaynight,youmightcatchTheAvettBrothers, Christabel and the Johns,The NewFamiliarsorZachDeputy(tonameafew).Afulllineupofbandsfortheentireyearof2009canbefoundontheirMySpace(stillwatertaproom).Their bartenders are experts at the art ofa “hand-drawn pint” and the selection ofmicrobrews and imports is impressive. Theoldworldatmosphere is such thateven ifyoucomebyyourselfyoudefinitelywon’tbeleftinthecornercryinginyourbeer.Thoughit’sonlybeenaroundforfouryears,ithasthefeelingofanoldfavorite.Getthereearlytograboneofthesidewalk rocking chairs and “rock” your caresaway.www.myspace.com/stillwatertaproom
The Well716 Broad Street
Adowntownchurch,TheWellisacommunityof believers seeking to know Godmore fullythrough Biblical truth and relevant worship.Seekingtoengagepeople,theWellconcentrateson developing relationships and, providingdiscipleship. Led by pastors Jeremy Carr andReggieHorne, thechurchsetoutwithaheartforcommunity,seekingwaystomeettheneedsof the downtown area. The current studyconcentrates on biblical identities, what theyreveal about God and how they apply toHischurch. Servicesareopenall, this istheplacewhere“seekers”arewelcome.Thereisnodresscode for the two identical Sunday services: 9amand10:45am. Childcareisofferedatthesecondserviceforkids5yearsoldandyounger.ComeearlyandanyofthePastorswillbehappyto spend a fewminutes telling you about thehistory, present, and future direction of thechurch.www.thewellaugusta.org
by ANDREW MULLIS photos ANDREW MULLIS
moving downtown / the art factory builds the futureOnthefirstdayofMay,TheArtFactorycontinuesto fulfill its motto, Building a better communitythroughtheArts,asitrelocatesitshometoSacredHeartCulturalCenterindowntownAugusta.
The Art Factory will continue their art educationoutreachprogramswhichservedover1,000childrenlast year with free fine arts instruction in dance,dramaandvisualartatthenewlocation.
CindyO’Brien,executivedirectorofTheArtFactory,testifiestotheimpacttheirprogramhasmadeinthecommunity.“Thepastprovesthesuccess–learningmaththroughvisualarts,andprovingthatchildrencandreamasbigastheywant,”O’Briensays.
Fourteen years ago,TheArt Factorywas challenged tofind agencies to support theirprograms.BytakingtheartsdirectlyintotheschoolsthroughtheArt@Schoolprogram,AFhelpstosaveonoverheadcostsandaddsgreatlytotheoveralleducationalexperience.“ArtatSchool”buildslessonsaroundartistslikeLeonardodaVinci,VincentVanGoghandClaudeMonetwhile,eachsemester,theychoosenewartiststofeature.Thesegrantfundedprogramssqueezewithintheschool’sscheduleonceaweekforfiftyminutestoengageeachchildwiththeknowledgeandexperienceofeacheducatorandinstructorwhodonatetheirtimeinthefieldsofdance,dramaandvisualart.
O’Brien hopes the program gives each child theopportunity to “get them out of routine life andbe able to apply what they are learning from theworkshops.” Supporting children in the art fieldsadds another dimension to their adolescentminds,shapingtheirformofself-expressionwhichcatapultsthem tohigh levels of learningwhen they see theycandosomethingtheyneverthoughtpossible.
TheArt Factory targets children of the elementaryandmiddleschoolage tobegin formulatingartisticconceptsandideasintotangibleprojectsthatbuildsteamwork increasing their ability to problem solvewithothers.Inthisvapidageoftechnology,kidshavebecomesointernalizedwithvideogamesandinternet
communication,theyarenowchallengedbythesimplicityofhumaninteraction.
Otherprograms includeanafter schoolartsprogramfor low incomeschoolsand theBoys & Girl’s Club, summer camps, and partnerships with Hope House, PendletonKingParkandmore.TheArtFactoryalsoprovidesarttrainingforteachers.Formoreinformationaboutupcomingprograms/schedulesorwaystosupportthearts,visitwww.artfactoryinc.comorcall706.731.0008.
by HEATHER RANKIN photo THE ART FACTORY
10 / may / verge
verge / may / 11
she saw / she stayeddowntown, first friday and daughter convince mom to move to augusta
a daughter sees:
My husband and I are “downtownies.” We definitelybelieveinsupportinglocalbusinessandartists.Theyhavethatdistinctiveflair.Wespendmanyofourdatenightsdowntown.Usually,afteranicedinner,wefindourselveslost in the Book Tavern, exploring curiosities andchocolateatblue magnolia,orgrabbingacupofjoeandabigmuffinatNew Moon Café.MyhusbandproposedtomeatourfavoritetableatThe Bee’s Knees,wherewealsohadourrehearsaldinner.Ithasbecome“ourplace;”wealwaystrytograb“ourtable”eachtimewedinethere.WelovedowntownsomuchwegotmarriedattheMarburyCenterone year ago, thismonth.Youmay alsofindusonaSundaygrabbingabrunch and thenwalkingoverto Zimmerman Gallery to check out to seewhat newbeautifulartandjewelryjustcamein.
DowntownAugustawasalsohowIconvincedmyMomtomoveclosertome.Everytimeshewouldvisit,Iwouldtakeherdowntown.Iknewifshesawhowquaint,quirky,anduniqueourdowntownwas,shewoulddefinitelycome.SinceMomandIarebothartists,Ialsoknewshewouldbe sold on First Friday.ShesoonbegancoordinatinghertripstovisitmearoundthefirstFridayofthemonth.Nowthatsheliveshere,FirstFridaybecameour“thing.”Ifwedon’tgetchancetoseeeachotherbecauseofthebusynessoflife,weknowwhenFirstFridaycomesaroundwewillbespendingtimetogether,talking,laughing,andoglingoverthewonderfulartdowntownhastooffer.Weusuallymeet at the Mellow Mushroomonthecornerandgiggleat the Billy S. art on the walls. Recently the two of usdiscoveredShoppe 31:30 wherewe could spend hourslooking at the unique, affordable clothing, jewelry andshoes they have. We love going intoVintage Ooollee anddiscussinghowthedifferenttimeperiodsofclothesremindusofcertainmomentsofourlives.SheshowsmetheJacquelineKennedypillboxhats,whileIshowherthepuffysleeved80’spromdresses.
IalsolovespendingmanyhoursgettingmyhairdoneatHalo Salonwithbymystylistandfriend,Nikki.IwalkoutalwaysfeelinglikeI’mreadytoshowoffmynewhairstyleonadatenightwithmyhusbandormeetingwithmymom—downtown,ofcourse!
a mother speaks:
Iamwhatyouwouldcalla“downtownperson.”Igrewupinatimewhenpeoplelivedinneighborhood,andthecenter of the city was the downtown. Downtownwaswhere youwent on Saturday to spend your allowance;whereyoumothertookyoutothe librarytocheckoutanewbookfortheweekorbuyyousomenewshoes.Itwasalsowhereyourchurchwasandthecenterofcommerce.Thedowntownofmychildhoodwastheveryheartandsoulofthecity.
Ilivedfor20yearsinacitythatliterallysoldoutitssoullongago,inordertobecomethethemeparkcapitoloftheworld. Theconditionof thatdowntownarea saddenedandangeredme.Isawhowneglectandapathycanaffecta downtown that has withered away into a bleak anddangerouslandscape,insteadofawarm,unique,family-orientedgatheringplace.
When my daughter moved back here to finish hereducationatAugustaState,IusedtodrivefromFloridato have an occasional weekend visit with her.When Istepped into downtown Augusta, I fell in love with it.Hereagainwasthedowntownofmyyouth!Thebuildings
fromanothertime,thequaintandcuriouslittleshops,andgalleries,allwerejustwaitingformetoexplorethem.IthendiscoveredFirst Friday!MydaughterandIarebothartists,andatthetimeshewasanartmajor.SheintroducedmetoFirstFriday,andIwashooked!Imade itmymission,withmyweekendvisits, tomake sure IgotFridayoff,andliterallydroveallday,inordertogethereintimeforFirstFridaythatnight.
IloveAugustaanditsdowntownsomuch,thatIfinallyfoundajobhereandhavebeenlivingheretwoyearsnow.ItrytonevermissaFirstFriday,andalsocomebymyselftostillexplore.Idohavemyfavorites.IloveNew Moon,withthebigcasualcouch,andallthatstufftoread,likeIaminmyownlivingroom.IalsolovetobepamperedbyNikkiatHalo.ItraveltheworldwhenIgointoElduets Treasures of the World,where,bytheway,youcanfindgreatstockingstuffersatChristmas.IcouldstayalldayintheZimmerman Gallery, and love the unique pottery at Tire City Potters! I develop a Mellow MushroomcravingifIdonoteatthereonasemi-regularbasis. Ialsoloveexplainingwhattapasaretomyfriends,andtellingthemabout The Bee’s Knees.And,thereisnootherstorequitelikeblue magnolia,believeme!
Afewyearsago,whenmydaughtertoldmeaboutFirstFridaybeingin danger of disappearing, I was all ready to compose my angryprotestletter.But,thankgoodness,thatdidnothappen.Iamalsoso
happythatjustwhileIhavebeenlivinghere,morepeoplearecomingbackorrediscoveringthisuniquedowntown.
Irecentlywentbacktocollege,totakeacourseatAugustaState,andmade friendswith some students, who also love their downtown.That is sowonderful to seeyoungerpeople supportingdowntownactivities. What does sadden me is that there are still people inAugustawhodonotevenventureoutpasttheirsuburbia,toexploreanddiscoverwhatauniqueandwonderfuldowntowntheyhavehere.Iamalwaysremindingmycoworkerswhenit’sFirstFriday,andtheyalwayssaytheymightgothereoneofthesedays.IeventellthemIwillmeetthemdownthere,andtheycomeupwithanexcuse.
ThisIcannotunderstand.Iusedtodrivehundredsofmilestothisdowntown,yet they livehereandneversee it fortheexperience itcouldbe?Comeon,people-checkitout!Thankgoodnessforthoseofuswholoveit!LongmaydowntownAugustalive!
by JENNIFER FOSHEE STROUT AND SARA FOSHEE
photo ELIZABETH BENSON
Jennifer Foshee Strout is an artist and a high school art teacher who has a Fine Arts Degree in Sculpture/Ceramics from Augusta State
University. Her mother, Sara Foshee, is a Registered Nurse and collage artist who moved here two years ago with her 2 rescue cats,
and they are all loving Augusta.
12 / may / verge
verge / may / 13
front porch / rosemary forrest“OnedaysomepotImakemaybeheldbyafuture
potterstill covered in clay, stillplayingwithfire,thoughtheworldaroundthemmaybeas
different from mine as mine isfromtheancientChinese,
AfricansorEgyptians.”Ifyouhavevisitedbluemagnolia,chancesareyouhaveseentheworkoflocalartistRosemaryForrest.Inadditiontoheryearsofexperienceasawriter,editorand public relations director, she is also a gifted potter whose teapots, cups,platespots,bowlsandevensomemusicalinstrumentsareavailablelocallyandonlineatwww.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6018944.
Forresttracesheraffinityforthecrafttochildhood.“YoumightsayIstartedmypotterycareerlongbeforeIevenknewwhatpotterywas,”shesays.“IusedtoplayinthemudasapreschoolerandwasfrustratedthatthehandlesItriedtoputonmylittlecupsneverstayed.Mymomboughtmeclay–thatawfulhardgreasystufftheyusedtosellinlittlestrips–butitwastoohardformetoworkwith.Myfirsttimeatapotter’swheelcamemuchlater.Iwas17anddatinganartmajoratthelocalcollegeinNewJersey.OnenightIwentwithhimtotheartbuilding.Adoorwasopentotheceramicslab.Iwasdrawninasifbyamagnet.Ifoundsomeclay,satdownatakickwheelandhourslatermyboyfriendfoundme,coveredinclay.Ienrolledthatfallandtookalltheceramicsclassesoffered,thentransferredtoanothercollegewhereIstartedaprograminclay.”
Over the years, Forrest hit the professional fast track, working for severalnewspapersinadditiontobecomingawifeandmother.“Ineverquiteletgoofthepottery,”shesays.“IkeptakickwheelforyearsandeventaughtafewclassesattheYforawhile.Butitwasstrictlyahobbyuntilafewyearsago.”
In2000,shesetupahomestudio,whereshecontinuestowork.In2005,shewas laid off fromher public relations position and shortly thereafter becamecaretakerforherelderlymother.Atthesametime,PiedmontTechinEdgefield,S.C.,waslaunchingaprofessionalclayprogram.“TheCenterforCreativeoffersagreatstudio,aflexiblescheduleandIbit.Iwastheprogram’sfirstgraduateandhavebeendoingpotteryprettymuchfulltimeeversince.”
WhileForrestunderstandstheeaseandtemptationofpurchasingmass-produced,economicallypricedwarefromretailstores,shealsostressestheimportanceofinvestinginone-of-a-kind,handcraftedpottery.“IknowonecanbuyadozenmugsatWal-Martforthepriceofoneortwothatarehandmade,andifthat’swhat onewants, that’swhat they should get,” she says. “But there are peoplewhounderstandthathandmadepotteryisartyoucanuse.Peopledon’tblinkatpayinghundredsoreventhousandsofdollarsforpaintingsorphotographs.Acenterpiecebowl,largejarordinnerwaresetdoesthesamethingforahomeaswallartwiththeaddedbonusoffunction.”
Forrest proudlydescribesherself as a functional potter. “Most ofmywork isdesignedtobeused,”shesays.“Idomakesomefunkyitems,andmyteapots,whilefunctional,oftenarealsosculptural.IammakingalineofwhatIcall‘BagLadyTeapots,’which sport lids that suggest hats and shapes that suggest thefemaleform–inafancifulway.Ialsoenjoymakinglargepieces.”
Shelaughsatthefictionalportrayalofhercraft;forexample,thefamouspotteryscene inGhost,where thewheeldoes all theworkwhileDemiMooreworksPatrickSwayze.Arealpotter,shestresses,ispartcraftsmanandpartscientist,mixing ingredients and chemicals with mathematical calculations to get theratiosexactlyright.“Iuseboththewheelandcoils,aswellasahottorchtocreatethelargerpieces,”sheexplains.“WhenitcomestofiringandglazingIpreferagasreductionkilnfiredtowhatpotterscall ‘cone10,’ahightemperature.Theterm‘reduction’referstothewaythekilnisstarvedofoxygenatacertainpointinthefiring,resultinginsubtleeffectsandcolorsunattainableinanelectrickiln.Ileantowardashglazesbecauseofthedrippyeffecttheygive.
“Glazingisreallyasmuchscienceasart.Iamfascinatedwiththetweakingof
glazerecipes.Evenasubtlechangeiningredientscanmakeforunexpectedresults.Sure,sometimesit’sfrustratingtodonothingbutmakeglazesandtestthem,butitleadstomorepredictableresultsonone’spots,andthat’sagoodthing.Ialsoliketousefoundingredientssuchasoldglass,rocks,dirtorclayinmyglazes.”
Herloveofpotteryismultifaceted,shesays.“Iamdrawntoitbecauseitisbothchallengingandforgiving.IfImessupapotbeforeIfireit,Icanjustrecycletheclay.IfIlivetobe100IwillnotlearnallthereistoknowormakeallthepotsIcarryaroundinmymind.Ilikethefactthatitisbothanancientartandcontemporarycraft.Averyfamouspotter,DonRiechts,isfondofsaying,‘Whatendures?Bonesandteethandshards!’Itispossibletodaytoholdinone’shandsapotorshardthatsomeonemadethousandsofyearsagobyprocessessimilartothoseIusetoday.Thatlinksmewiththepastandthefuture!OnedaysomepotImakemaybeheldbyafuturepotterstillcoveredinclay,stillplayingwithfire,thoughtheworldaroundthemmaybeasdifferentfrommineasmineisfromtheancientChinese,AfricansorEgyptians.
“SometimesIthinkIshouldhavetakenupadifferentart,somethinglighter,lessexpensive,butIreallyhadnochoiceaboutit.IfonedoespotterylongenoughonewillhavearmandwristpainandIhadbothbeforeevengettingseriouswithclay.Clayisheavystuff.Potsaresubstantial.Theequipmentnecessarytoproducegoodpotteryisn’tcheapandneitherarethematerialsandtools.Icouldjustgetacoupleofknittingneedlesandyarn,butno,Ihavetohaveclay!Ireallydo.”
Rosemary Forrest’s pottery is available at blue magnolia: 1124 Broad Street.
by ALISON RICHTER photo ELIZABETH BENSON
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le chat noir / closes the season with a bangThe Love Song of J. Robert Oppenheimer opens May 22
LeChatNoirclosesits2008/2009theatricalseasonwithCarsonKreitzer’spoeticdocu-drama:The Love Song of J. Robert Oppenheimer.Thestory,fusedbythediversepassionsoffury,ethicsandcontroliscentralizedwithinthepersonofJuliusRobertOppenheimer,theAmericanphysicistwhoorganized theefforts toproduced theworld’sfirstatomicbomb.
The play is a fascinatingadaptationofOppenheimer’slifeand conflicts, both historicallyand dramatically driven bythe off-balance created by hismelancholic afflictions and asupporting cast of antic andchallenging characters. Set ina an over-sized box of sandrepresenting both the NewMexico desert and the LosAlamosLaboratory(andpossiblythebarrenaspectsofhislife),theplay explores Oppenheimer’s
existence by his relationshipswith these colorful and endearing characters. In ratherpoeticexposition,theplayunwindswithOppenheimer’slifeanddecisionspittedagainstmoralethicsandhumanemotion.
“Thisisaplayaboutphysics,butit’salsoaplayaboutanger,anangersobigandunstoppableitcanbedirectedatonemaninGermanyandwindupdecimatingthepopulationoftwocitiesinJapan,”notesKreitzer.
Oppenheimer’sJewishbackgroundisdepictedandinterestinglybroughttolightbytheghost Lilith; awoman taken from Jewishmythology,where shewas thought to have
existed before Eve, but drafted out of Paradise, due to her refusal to bear the role as‘firstwoman’.Throughouttheplay,Lilithactsasbothatauntingphantasmandamirrorfor Oppenheimer’s conscious. Kreitzer’s creative contrast between Oppenheimer andLilithandhisinteractionwiththepeopleinvolvedinhislife(personallyandhistorically)allowsthestruggleswithhisidentitytocouplewiththeambitionsofascientistandtheemotionalconflictsofgoodversusevil.
CarsonKreitzer received theRosenthalNewPlayPrizeafter theplay’sdebut in2003.However,thepiececontinuedtoreceivemixedreviewswithmostcritics,whoremarkedonthestory’sdenseandcrypticmetaphorswhichseemedtoleaveaudienceresponsibleforknittingtheplottogether.That,howeveriswhatmakesthisplaysoappealing.DerivedfromT.S.Eliot’spoem,The Love of J. Alfred Prufrock, Love Songisakintothelabyrinthstylepieceofliterature,filledwithdismal,yetenlighteningimagerysetinandaroundacorecharacter’spsyche.Withapenchantforallthingsoff-keyandaloveforthefluctuatingdebatewithinscience,I’mthrilledtocatchthisproduction.
“Essentially,itaddressesadialecticweoftendon’tthinkof:ambitionandregret,”remarksDoug Joiner, co-partner of LeChatNoir and director of this particular show.UnderJoiner’sdirection,Love Songwilldefinitelydisplaythedarkermoments,whileencouragingthe lighterandmorecomical situations topeak. Joineradds, “Howcanwe search forknowledgesodeadlyandwhatifone’sinventiondestroyshundredsofthousands?”
Ultimately,The Love Song of J. Robert Oppenheimerasksthesehauntingquestions(andconsequences)ofourinternalandexternalworld,sheddingtheoutcomeofhowwechosetorespondtoit.
TheLoveSongof J.RobertOppenheimer premieres May 22 and May 23 and will run through June 6. Check www.lcnaugusta.com for more information on specific show times and ticket prices.
by JOYCE TAHOP photos COURTESY OF IAS
“Iftheradiance of a thousand sunsweretoburstatonceintotheskythatwouldbelikethesplendoroftheMightyOne...IambecomeDeath,
theShattererofWorlds.”– robertj.oppenheimerquotingthe bhagavad gita
(alamogordo,newmexico,1945)
“Somuch brilliance,ambivalence,ego,history,myth,science,moralargument,
emotionalheat,poetryandsheer dazzling theatricality
arecompressedintothemeretwohoursittakesforCarsonKreitzer’splaytodetonate on the stage…
thatbythetimeitisallover,youmighteasilyfeelyou’vebeenexposedtodangerouslevelsofradiation.”
– the c hicago sun times
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the heart of community / justice and mercychrist community health center serves those in greatest need
TwoweeksagoTuesday,Crystibreezedintothe waiting room at Christ CommunityHealth Services Augusta. “How are youtoday?” the reception staff greeted hercheerfully.Shequipped,“IfIwasanybetter,therewouldbetwoofme!”Severalmonthsprior to this visit, Crysti darkly describedherheadachesandseizures,fitsof tremorsthatkeptherfromworking.She’dscheduledherfirstappointment foramonthout,butwarnedthestaffthatshemightnotbealiveby then; brain tumors ran in her family.Now,fourmonthslater,shewasbrightandcontented. “Since then, I was saved,” sheexplains, “and the doctor prescribed mebloodpressuremedication.”
Christ Community Health ServicesAugusta(CCHSA)isa501(c)(3)non-profitphysicians’ office providing high-quality,affordableprimaryhealthcaretoinsuredanduninsuredpatientsintheCentralSavannahRiverArea.Theclinicisa“SafetyNet,”fillinga significant need in the community byguaranteeingongoinghealthcaretopatientswho otherwise would have no access,because they either have no insurance ortheyhaveinsurancewithlimitedcoverage.
d o i n g j u s t l yLocated at 1226 D’Antignac Street just a fewblocksdownfromUniversityHospitalandintheheartofoneofAugusta’srougherneighborhoods,Christ Community is perfectly poised toparticipate in “the redemptive work of Christto the economically, socially, and spirituallyimpoverishedcommunitiesofAugusta,”accordingto the organization’s statement of vision. Thisvision incorporateseachmemberof thefifteen-person staff of full- and part-time employees,including two physicians, a nurse practitioner, two nurses, anursingassistant,anexecutivedirector,andafulladministrativestaff.TheeightCCHSAboardmemberssubscribetothisvisionaswell,creatingaunitedeffortacrosslevelsofoperation.
AccordingtoarecentarticleintheAugustaChronicle,areportreleased last month by the consumer group Families USAshowedone in threepeopleunder theageof65werewithouthealth insurance at some point in 2007 and 2008. And theproblemisgrowing,asvictimsoftheinternationalrecessionlosetheirjobsandthebenefitsthatgoalongwiththem.Accordingtoa2008reportbytheBrookingsInstitution,Augustahasthesecondhighestconcentrationofworkingpoor in thecountry.Inthisreport,theworkingpoorweredefinedaslow-incometaxfilersreceivingtheEarnedIncomeTaxCreditin2005.
Underthesecircumstances,patientswithcommonandongoinghealth problems (read hypertension, asthma, and diabetes,numbers 1, 5, and 6 in the list of the top ten killers in theU.S.) end up in local emergency rooms, incurring huge billsand requestinghelp that is betterprovidedby aprimary carephysician.Inresponsetothishealthcarecrisis,thepeoplebehindCCHSAareclearabouttheirmission:ChristCommunityexiststoproclaim JesusChrist asLordand todemonstrateHis lovebyprovidinghigh-quality,affordableprimaryhealthcaretothemedicallyunderservedintheCSRA.
Patients with private and state insurance are seen alongsidethosewhohavenosuchresources.Anuninsuredpatientpaysfor his visit on a sliding fee scale determined by the number
ofpeopleinhishousehold,andtheincomeandbenefitsofallthemembersof thathousehold.The fee scale isbasedon themost recentU.S. Department ofHealth andHuman ServicesFederalPovertyGuidelines,andrangesfrom$20to50%ofthecostofthevisit.Thesefeesareinplacepartlytooffsetthecostof running the clinic, but also because, staffmembers argue,expecting patients to pay for their healthcare gives them astakeintheirwellbeingandcreatesthebestscenarioforqualitypatient-doctorinteractions.
l o v i n g m e r c ySit inthefrontofficeatCCHSAforfiveminutesandyouwilldiscovereverythingyoueverwantedtoknowabouttheclinic.The phones ring off their hooks with new patient queries.JenniferandLaDashacanbarelykeepupwiththephonesandface-to-facepatientinteractions.Againandagain,theyexplainthatatChristCommunity,apatientcanreceiveanEKG,abreastexam,apapsmear,andSTDtesting.Justlikeatanyphysician’soffice, a patient can get her vaccinations and prescriptionsat CCHSA, and the office finds the most affordable optionsavailableforthesethings.Thecostofmedications,bloodwork,andothertestsisoverandabovethecostoftheofficevisit,butpatientsarealwaystoldexactlywhattheycanexpecttospendbeforetheyhavetoprovidethemoney.
The work Christ Community does would never be possiblewithout the support of the medical community. UniversityHospital,forinstance,consistentlysupportsCCHSAbyrentingthe current clinic property to CCHSA for its use. Likewise,CCHSA’sconnectionswithotherphysiciansintheregionmake
specialistreferralspossibleforpatientswhohavenoinsurancecoverageandcanonlypayforthoseconsultationsonapaymentplan.Pharmaceuticalcompaniesandtheirdrugrepresentativesprovidesamples,whichallowpatientstotakemedicationwhilethey wait for their prescription assistance applications to beprocessedwithassistanceprograms.
The CCHSA staff discovered something new about theirreturningpatient,CrystilateronthatsameTuesday:therecentlyhomelesswomanisatrainedphysicistwhosedoctoralworkwasinenhancedtheoryofblackholes.Shekeepsanotepadwithherwhereshecalculatesthestateofmassafteritreachesthespeedoflight.WhenshemovedtoAugusta,shesays,abusinessventurewentbadly,and“Ijustmetallthewrongpeople.”RevelationslikethisarethenormatCCHSA,whereuptosixteennewpatientsarescheduledfortwoproviderseachday.
TheclienteleatCCHSAisnumerousandbroad.In2008,thetwodoctorsoversawalmost4,000visitsfrominsuredanduninsuredpatients, from immigrant families to college students. Dr.RobertCampbell,co-founderofCCHSA,saysthattheworkofagooddoctorandagoodChristianfoundationallyinvolvesgoodlistening.“Spendalittleextratimewithpatients”becomesthemantraforthedays.Thisisaphilosophythattricklesthroughthe clinic, from theoriginal visionaries to thegirlswhoworkinthefrontoffice.Withthatmindset,thethreeproviderslookforward to more than 6000 patient encounters in 2009, andnearly double that at theWidowsHome site in the followingyear.
“theworkofagooddoctorandagoodChristianfoundationallyinvolvesgoodlistening.
Spend a little extra time with patients becomesthemantraforthedays.”
KEEP READING ON PAGE 19
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w a l k i n g h u m b l y w i t h t h e i r G o d
A living faith remains thecentralmotivatoratCCHSA.Eachdaybeginsat8a.m.withScripturereadingandprayeramong the staff.There isaremarkablesenseofvulnerabilityandharmonywithin the team during this time. Personalconcerns mix with prayers for the upcomingproceduresorfamilytroublesofspecificpatients.A common request between staff members isforpatienceand love inrelatingtoeachother,topatients,inencounteringpovertyofallkindsand lack of healthcare access in America. “Atrue,palpablesenseofhumilityallowsustobeeffective,” saysDr.Campbell.Therearedozensofapologiesmadeandacceptedamongthestaffmemberseveryday.
BothDr.Campbellandhisco-founder,Dr.GrantScarborough, are double-boarded in InternalMedicine and Pediatrics.Their separate pathsto Christ Community Augusta involved bothmedical school (Dr.Campbell graduated fromtheUniversity of Illinois andDr. Scarboroughfrom Mercer University in Macon, Georgia),
medical training (both attended residency atthe University of Tennessee inMemphis) andChristiandiscipleship.
RobertCampbellwasraisedinafamilythatwascharitableasamatterofcourse.Itwasnotuntilhis last year of college that he came to see allof thosegooddeedsas absolutelymeaninglessanduseless apart from theprovisionofChristin connectingpeople toGod.He spent a yearat seminary before going to medical schoolfirst in Illinois and later in Memphis. Hewas challenged by Rick Donlon, an InternalMedicine and Pediatrics doctor in Memphis,to lay down his agenda for a higher call ofrestoring and rebuilding broken people andplaces.Dr.CampbellspenttimeduringmedicalschoolwithChristCommunityHealthServicesMemphis, the model for the Augusta clinic,further embedding in him a desire to carecomprehensivelyfortheprimaryneedsofurbanunderserved areas. Care for the poor became“somethingtoweaveintothefabricofmylife.”
Dr.ScarboroughhadspenttimeincollegeasaYoungLife leader, takingwealthyAtlantahighschool students into the inner city to serve inhomelessshelters.Hesawhowbiganeedtherewasforholisticcareofthepeopleheencounteredthere, who had so many more complicatedhealthproblemsthansimplyhunger.Sohewentto medical school and during his residencyprograminMemphiswasattractedtotheworkof theMemphis inner city doctors. “I realizedthat inmy greatest need Christmoved tomeand healed me,” Scarborough explains. “Now
mygoal is to be a physicianwith theheart ofChrist,tocareforthosewhoneed.”
The two doctors met in 2003 when Dr.Scarboroughwas interviewing forresidencyatMemphis. Dr.Campbellwas justfinishinghislastyearofresidency.Thetwomendiscoveredthat they had similar goals and maintainedcontactuntil 2006,whenScarboroughandhiswifecommittedtomovingtoAugustaattheendof residency.The ball was now rolling for thefoundationofacliniccalledChristCommunityHealthServicesAugusta.OfficiallyincorporatedinJuly2007,theclinicstartedwithtwodoctors,anurse,anofficemanager,andsomefurniture.The Community Foundation of the CSRA,HealthcareGeorgia,andDiversifiedConveyersin Memphis all contributed the money andsupplies necessary to open in November of2007.
Neither doctor takes a pay check.TheGospelof Christ, they say, is something that mustextendintoeverycorneroftheirlives.SaysDr.Campbell: “We want to make enough money(as a clinic) to be good stewards of what wehave,butwemustletthegospeltransformourpriorities…If an expensive home is a priority,itplacesafinancialburdenonmesothattrulycareforthepoorisimpossible.”Inotherwords,there should be no dichotomy between themissionaryandthenon-missionary.
Theotherstaffmembershavealsotakenvariedand unpredictable routes to arrive atCCHSA.KatieDriver,thenewly-hirednursepractitioner,
came to CCHSA from the Richmond CountyHealth Department, where she providedwomen’shealthcareuntilDecemberof2008.JeffDrake,aformercivilengineerwhofoundhimselfwithoutajobinNovember,becamethefull-timeExecutiveDirector inDecember.KarenHobbswas a registered nurse at a local transitionalcenter for many years before becoming headnurseatCCHSA.AllthestaffhaveaprofoundsenseofGod’sorchestratingtheircircumstancestobringthemtodotheworkthathehascalledthemtoat1226D’Antignac.
Christ Community Augusta also believes it isimportanttoeducatefuturehealthcareprovidersincaringfortheunderserved.SeveralmedicalandnursingstudentsfromtheMedicalCollegeofGeorgiaandAugustaTechnicalCollegehaverotatedthroughtheofficeaspartoftheclinicalcomponent of their schooling, and numerousstudents also volunteer their time and energyto help theCCHSA cause. Three residents attheMedicalCollegeofGeorgiahavecompletedsome of their education atCCHSA, includingtwo-week community healthcare clinicalrotationsandcontinuityclinicrotations.
Because of the tremendous growth that theclinic has seen in the past year, an upgradedfacility is now absolutely needed.The currentclinicisburstingatitsseams;somedays,thereisbarelyenoughseatinginthewaitingareaforallthepatients,andthefourexamroomsdon’tbegintoaccommodatetheflowofpatientswhoneedtobeseeninsequence.
the heart of community / a humble walkfaith and humility imbue the physicians who founded the clinic
KEEP READING ON PAGE 21
•18.9% of Georgians were entirely without health insurance in 2006.*
•One in three Americans under age 65 were without health insurance at some point in 2007 and 2008.**
•Uninsured patients are twice as likely to visit an ER than someone with insurance.
•In the CSRA more than 17,000 uninsured patients were seen in emergency departments for non emergent care.
•CCHSA patient visits in 2008 totaled almost 4000.
•72% of CCHSA patients were without health insurance in 2008.
•61.5% of CCHSA patients in four-person households had incomes at 77% or less of the Georgia median income for the same household size.
•Metropolitan Augusta has the second highest concentration of working poor in the country.***
*From the Georgia Health Rankings 2006, Healthcare Georgia. Published May, 2007**From a report by Family USA
***From a report by the Brookings Institution
the need in numbers
“atrue,palpablesenseofhumility
allowsustobeeffective.”
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the heart of community / rebuilding wallsthe widow’s home becoming the center’s new home
“Yourealizethatthere’smore to a person thanjusttheirbody, andthere’smore to healingthanjustapill.”
t h e d a y f o r b u i l d i n g w a l l s w i l l c o m eWhenyouopenthedoortothebigbuildingonGreeneStreetcalledtheWidowsHome,acoldbreezegreetsyou.Airhassettledintheraftersand floorboards, remnant from 122 years ofAugusta winters. The care that went into theconstructionof theWidowsHome is tangible,as heavy as the silence of anticipation thatpervades the structure.Neat stacks of antiquemantelpieces, piles of tools, and propped upwheelbarrowssitinthehalls,waiting.
TheWidowsHomeasweknowitnowwasbuiltin1887andwasoriginallyashelterforConfederatewidows in the social chaos following theCivilWar.TheplotoflandtheWidowsHomesitsonwas once the site of the CityHospital for the“sick poor,” and the location of Georgia’s firstmedical school. In July 2007, Clay Boardmandonatedthebuilding,valuedat$400,000,fortheexpresspurposeofbeingusedasacommunity-orientedphysicians’office.
Currently,ChristCommunityoperatesoutofaformerdialysisclinicwhichhasbeenrenovatedto its present glory by numerous volunteersandcorporations.Yet thedailycalls fromnew
patients who are continuously falling throughthe cracks in the insurance scaffolding meanthat patient visits will not slow any day soon.Sofund-raisingisongoinginanefforttoraisethefull$3.1millionitwilltaketorenovatetheWidowsHome as a state-of-the-art clinic thatsimultaneouslyhonorsthehistorythatoccurredthere.
R.W.Allen,LLCisthecontractorfortheWidowsHomeproject.NickDickinson andAssociatesare the architects. Both are well-known,community-oriented businesses who have ahistoricpreservationsuccessstoryjustdownthestreetintherestoredHeritageAcademy,whichused to be Houghton School. Rick Allen ofR.W.Allenemphasizeshowdeeplyhebelievesin themissionofCCHSA.“This is theanswerfor the uninsured,” he says. “These people aremissionaries in the healthcare world.” BothR.W.AllenandNickDickinsonandAssociatesaredonatingalargeportionoftheirservicestogetthejobdone.Twolocalengineeringfirms,Electrical Design Consultants and CranstonEngineering Group have also donated theirengineeringfees.
With demolition largely finished, theWidowsHome isnowready toundergo its renovation.
“We don’t want to start construction until $2million more is either pledged or in pocket,”says Jeff Drake, CCHSA Executive Directorand Project Manager for the Widows Home.Constructionwillbeginwithaneyepreservingthe historic exterior of the building and tomaking the best possible use of the interiorspace,whilealsohonoringtheoriginalcorridorwalls. The goal is for theWidowsHome sitetohouse twelveexamrooms,a stateof theartElectronicMedicalRecordsSystem,alaboratory,apediatricphysical therapysuite,aclassroom,a counselor’s office, and the capacity for 6providerstosupply25,000-30,000patientvisitseveryyear.TentativeWidowsHomeprojectenddateismiddletolate2010.
“I’mexcitedabout takinganunusedhistoricalstructure and turning it back into a usedstructure, for a purpose consistent with itshistory,” says Drake. He says the WidowsHome will allow greater access to qualityprimaryhealthcareandprovidestabilityforthecommunity. As members of Christ’s universalchurch, the people behindChrist Communityare committed to the institution. But they arecommittedmore than that to the people theyare serving in the name of Jesus. And that
is what makes this “high-quality, affordableprimary healthcare” venture something worthsupporting.Ittranscendsparticularpeopleandplacesinprovidingtheuniversalgiftofspiritual,psychological,andphysicalhealth,andyetitisintrinsically tied to the very nitty-gritty, day-to-dayinteractionsbetweenpeoplethatchangelives.
Crysti,thephysicistpatientatChristCommunity,toldmethatinterviewingforthisarticlewaslikesharinghertestimony.“Itwouldbeanabsolutesintowithhold(mystory),”shedeclares.Crystikeepsattheforefrontofhermindwhatmostofusforgetorchoosetoignore:thatGodmovesusandchangesusfortheultimategoalofglorifyinghimself. In the exchange between patient andphysician,aGod-honoringrelationshipoccurs.Crysti’sdoctor,GrantScarborough,agrees.“Yourealize that there’smore to a person than justtheirbody,andthere’smoretohealingthanjustapill.”
by CHARLOTTE OKIE photo, page 17 KATIE MCGUIRE
photos, page 19 ELIZABETH BENSON
headers from MICAH 6:8 AND 7:11
find the history of the Widows Home on page 35
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gallery soundcheck
Junior BrownImperial Theatre May 8
JuniorBrown,joinedbytheBellevilleOutfit,makeshisAugustadebutasthefinalperformerinthisseason’sSouthernSoulandSongconcertseriesattheImperialTheatre.
TryingtoclassifyJuniorBrown’smusicwouldrequiremoretimeandspacethandeadlinespermit.HehasperformedwithequalsuccessattheGrandOleOpryandatrockfestivals.“Alotofpeople tellmetheydon’t likecountrymusic,but they likewhatIamdoing,”hesays.“Ihearthatlinemorethananythingelse.”Classifyinghimasoneortheother,however,isamisnomer.Hisuniqueapproachtomusiccrossesgenrelines,whichexplainswhyhehasachievedsuchlongevitywithanever-increasingfanbase.
“Justaboutthetimetheylabelmeassomeold-timehonky-tonksinger,Ithrowsomethingnewintherethatsurprisesthem,”hesaysoftheskepticswhosometimesappearinhisaudience. “And then they’ll appreciate the traditional stylesof countrymusic too.Dosomethingtowowthemwithoutruiningtherootsofcountryandtheyendupacceptingthemusicthattheywouldhavebeenprejudicedagainst.”
Astellarmusician,singer,songwriter,recordingartistandproducer, theAustinnativewasalsoaregularperformerattheNashvilleCountryRadioSeminar,whereheamazedattendeeswithhis“guit-steel,”acombinationofsix-stringandsteelguitar.“Iwasplayingboththesteelandguitar,switchingbackandforthalotwhileIsang,anditwaskindofawkward,”heexplains.“ButthenIhadthisdreamwheretheyjustkindofmeltedtogether.WhenIwokeupIthought,Youknow,thatthingwouldwork!’Theymadedouble-neckguitarsanddouble-necksteels,sowhynotoneofeach?”LuthierMichaelStevenshelpedBrowncreatetheinstrumentin1985andithasbeenhismainstayeversince.
Tickets for Junior Brown are on sale and start at $12.50: 706.722.8341 or visitimperialtheatre.com.
Southern Eccentric: Larry ConnatserMorris Museum of Art • opens May 2
Southern Eccentric: Paintings by Larry Connatser, an exhibitionof approximatelyfifteenworksbythelateLarryConnatser,opensattheMorrisMuseumofArtonMay2,2009.ThisisthefirsttimetheMorrisMuseumhasexhibitedaselectionfromitsholdingsofhundredsofworksofartbythepainter.
BorninBirmingham,Alabama,in1938andraisedinAtlanta,Georgia,ConnatserturnedhisconsiderableenergiestopaintingsomeyearsafterearningadegreeinEnglishliteraturefromVanderbiltUniversityinNashville,Tennessee.AfteralengthyresidenceinChicago,Illinois,hereturnedtoGeorgiain1971,firstlivinginAtlanta,whereheexecutedanumberofpublicmurals,beforemovingtoSavannah.
Hedevelopedauniquestyle,oftenusingbrightlycolored,three-dimensionaldotsorganizedwithin highly intricate compositions. Though self-taught, Connatser was thoroughlyinformedabouthistorical andcontemporary art.Hewasprolific,producingmore thantwenty-fivehundredpaintingsbythetimeofhisdeathin1996.
In 2005, theMorrisMuseumwas bequeathed the remainder of his estate, creating thelargestcollectionofhisworkinapublicinstitution.HeisalsorepresentedinthecollectionsofSavannah’sTelfairMuseumofArt,whichorganizedamajorretrospectiveexhibitionofhispaintingsin2002,andtheHighMuseumofArtinAtlanta.
LearnmoreaboutLarryConnatserattheMorris’ArtatLunchonFriday,May15atnoon.HollyKoonsMcCullough,curatoroffineartsandexhibitionsattheJepsonCenterfortheArtsinSavannahwilldiscussConnatser’scolorfullifeandwork.
Southern Eccentric: Paintings by Larry ConnatserremainsonviewintheMorrisMuseumofArt’sCogginsGallerythroughAugust23,2009.Fordetails:themorris.org.
art LARRY CONNATSER / Trolley in the Plaza, 1965 / MMoA by ALISON RICHTER photo JIM MCGUIRE, Junior Brown, 1993
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Thunder Over AugustaAcross Downtown April 19
“Theonlycostispayingtribute.”
CelebrateArmedForcesDaywithAugusta’scitizensonMay16thfrom12:30to9:30pmduringthesecondannualThunderOverAugusta.FreeexhibitsanddemonstrationswillbescatteredthroughoutdowntownAugusta.
OrganizerShaneThompsonsays,“Asacivilian,it’sbeenanamazingopportunitytobeapartofsuchatributetoourmilitary.Itgiveshonortothesoldierswhohaveserved,pridetothesoldierswhoareservinganditgivestheperfectopportunityforourcommunitytoshowit’sappreciationforthatservice.”
The434thArmyBand/SignalCorpsBandandthejointservicecolorguardwillbepostingthe colors at theopening ceremony.Thecolor guard representsFortGordonand thevariousbranchesofservicesthroughouttheCentralSavannahRiverArea.
ExpectMotowntobefull-in-effectasSpectrum–theLasVegasMotownTributeBand–takesthestage,whiletheflavorofAugusta’sFavoriteFemaleMusicianErynEubanks&theFamilyFoldwillsatisfyyourmusictastebudswithbluegrassandold-timemusic.
Anew addition to the downtown festivities this yearwill be a juried car show.Withmultiple classes, thisdestinationeventwilldrawover300 incrediblevehicles fromalloverthesoutheast.Onehundredplaqueswillbeawardedalongwith$5000incash.
Asafinaltributeforourtroops,ThunderOverAugustaplanstoleaveparticipantswithaspectacularfireworksdisplaybyMelrosePyrotechnics.
2009Exhibitsinclude:TheGoldenKnights,TuskegeeAirmen,USAircraftFly-by,multiplehelicopter/aircraftdisplays,militarypoliceworkingdogdemonstrations,MultipleVehicleSimulators,TheArmyRockWallandFootballToss,militaryvehicleexhibits,andmuchmore!Fordetailsvisit:thunderoveraugusta.com
Davidson Fine Arts Festival & Class of 2009 Senior Showcase
Davidson Fine Arts School May 16 On May 16, the Davidson Fine Arts School continues a long-running tradition bypresenting theDavidson FineArts Festival, a day long event featuring performancesspreadacrossthecampusculminatingwiththeninthannualtheSeniorShowcase.
“TheyoungartistsperformingintheFineArtsFestivalincludeapproximately85%ofthestudentpopulationsometimeduringtheschoolday,”saidFineArtsDepartmentChairReneeToole. “Theperformances takeplace in theBeverly J.BarnhartTheatre,MusicWingRecitalHall,theDavidsonAmphitheater,andthelargedancestudio,room124.”
Musical performances include dance and vocal presentations, piano, bell choir, band,andstringorchestraconcertswhiledramapresentationsfeaturemusicaltheaterscenes,dramaticscenesplusadramapresentationdesignedforveryyoungaudiences.
Whileartisticperformanceswilltakeupalargeportionoftheday,patronscanalsoenjoyacostumedesignfashionshow,concessions,games,facepainting,astudentartworksaleandasilentauctionavailableintheCourtyardandtheCommonsarea.
Andifthatisn’tenoughalready,there’salsotheSeniorShowcase.
“TheSeniorShowcaseisastudentcreatedeventthathighlightstheartistryandtalentsthatthegraduatingseniorshavedevelopedduringtheirtimeatDavidson,”saidToole.“Once theactsarechosen, theSeniorShowcaseCommitteechooses the themeof theshow,formulatestheprogramorder,andfacilitatesallaspectsofproductionoftheshow.Theshowincludesdance,drama,visualart,vocalmusic,instrumentalmusic,andfilm.”
Thefestivalrunsfrom10amuntil4pmandisfreetothepublic.TheSeniorShowcasestartsat7pm.Ticketsrangefrom$3to$5andcanbepurchasedintheDavidsonMediaCenterinadvanceandattheBoxOfficeonehourpriortotheevent.
onstage offstage
by JOHN CANNON photo COURTESY OF DFA by HEATHER RANKIN photo THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS
24 / may / verge
verge / may / 25
can opener not required / my instant lunchfreshman cd release much tastier than noodles
Space+future+ love+tragedybundledintoonealternativebandequals?MyInstantLunch,ofcourse! Settling into a booth with the fourmembers of the band, I immediately grasp theircohesiveness.DanielRankinplaysringleaderandstartstheroundofintroductions.“I’mtheleadproducerofsweat,”theleadsinger/bassistjokes.HeturnstokeyboardistMichaelRay, “andwe like to callMichael ‘Magic Fingers.’” JordanLucas grins and introduceshimself as simplyguitarist, andCoreyBaxteras the “unofficial”drummer. Thesmallgroupbouncesoffofeachother,tossingwitandhumorasifitweretheeasiestthingintheworld.“Wereallylikebeinginaband,”explainsRankin.“AndwelikeRamennoodles,”addsLucas. Thisgoeswithoutsaying.Thebandreceiveditsnamefromtheboxofanexoticcupofnoodles.“MywifeandIwereinaHispanicgrocerystore,andshefoundaboxthatsaid‘MilunchInstantánea.’Wetranslateditto‘MyInstantLunch,’andthatwasthat,”Rankinexplainsmatter-of-factly.The affinity for packagedmeals does not end here: picturespostedontheband’sMySpacearemostlyofthemeatingoutoftheStyrofoamcupsandthestageofSkyCityhasbeenlinedwithpacketsofMaruchanfortonight’sshow.
TheperformanceisasortofcelebrationforthefirstMyInstantLunchEPrelease,Tales of Woah.ThebandspentthreedaysrecordinginAtlanta’sOpenSkyStudio,payingforthecostwithoutanyoutsideendorsement.Thepresaleofthealbumincludedafreeoatmealraisin cookie,baked freshby theband.A simple six-tracker, the jams range from theharmonic,piano-driven“IntotheSea”tothelyric-less“Challenger,”areflectionontheSTS-514explosion.“Ilikeperforming‘TalesofSpace,’”saysRankin.“I’llplaytheacoustic,whichisdifferent,andit’sgotafolksyswingtoit.”And“TalesofSpace,”thoughstyledasanepicballad,isquiteacatchydancetune.Ofcourse,allMILsongsprovidethatkeyingredient:danceability.“Ourmainkeyisaudienceinteraction.It’ssomethingthatliveshowshavelost,”saysRankin.
MyInstantLunchisnolessthaninstantaneous:theirstyleissoveryuniqueitmustbeexperiencedfirsthand.“Alotofthetime,bandscreatesongsforthemakingofnoise.Wetryandcreatemusicwithstorytelling,andengagetheaudience.Andyoucantakethattothebank.”
Catch My Instant Lunch’s next live performance at Sky City on May 9. For moreinformationontheEP,contactthebandthroughwww.myspace.com/myinstantlunch.
“Wetrytocreate music withstorytellingandengagetheaudience.Andyoucantakethatto the bank.”
instant answers flavour surprise
verge Covers? MIL Muse,theTalkingHeads,BandofHorses,someGershwin. verge Mascot? MIL Wehaveamaninatuxedointroduceusforeveryshow.He’sgreat. verge Superpower?MIL WeaskedtheGenietogiveusthepowertomeltpeople’sfacesoffwithourrock‘n’roll.noweveryonejust…well,yougetthepicture. verge Ifyoucouldaddaninstrument?MIL This has to beagroupdecision?verge Yes. MIL Theremin.Nodoubtaboutit.verge Slogan? MIL BecomeaMyInstantLunchFan!
by ASHLEY PLOCHA photo MY INSTANT LUNCH
26 / may / verge
verge / may / 27
nfriday may 1outdoors
First Friday: James Brown Birthday BashDowntown Augusta • 5 to 10 pm • freeCelebrate the Godfather of Soul’s birthday on this special First Friday. 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
First Friday Concert & Car ShowAugusta Common • 6 to 10 pm • freeFeaturing live music on the main stage, vendors, and our monthly car show. Info 706.821.1754
Moonlight Music Cruise: Keith GregoryAugusta Canal • 7 to 8:30 pm • $24Details: augustacanal.com
Brick Yard MarketHammond’s Ferry • 4 pm to dusk • freeA market dedicated to promoting local growers and artisans. Live music, fresh produce from Blue Clay Farm and Persimmon Hill Farm. Wine tastings by Wine World. Fresh Bread and desserts from Manuel’s Bread Café. Details: hammondsferry.com or 803.613.1641
special James Brown Birthday Cake WalkDowntown Augusta • 5 to 10 pm • freeStroll through downtown and eat cake along the way. Pick up a guide for the cake walk at the First Friday tent headquarters.
jacob beltz live at blue magnolia1124 Broad Street • 5 to 10 pm • freeAugusta’s favorite “lokal” vocal singer, Jacob Beltz, performs live from blue magnolia’s mezzanine during First Friday. Plus, enter to win the world’s most comfortable chair and get rewards with the new Frequent Smiler Program. Details: 706.828.6550
Historic Augusta’s Annual Downtown Loft TourDowntown Augusta • 6 to 9 pm • $15 to $20View this great selection of fifteen trendy living and working spaces during First Friday between 6 and 9 pm and again on Saturday from noon to 5 pm. Cost: $15 in advance and $20 during the tour. Advance tickets available at Mellow Mushroom, Metro Spirit and blue magnolia. Details: historicaugusta.org
art
North Augusta Artists Guild for the SE Firefighters Burn Foundation Artistic Perceptions • 5 to 9 pm • freeThe North Augusta Artists Guild exhibits a beautiful collection of artwork for view and purchase. A portion of all sales will be donated to the Burn Foundation. Members of the Art Guild will be on hand to talk about their art, the Guild and the Foundation. Details: 706.724.8739
film
Film Festival followed by Student Directed One Act Plays Davidson Fine Arts School • 3:45 pm • $3 to $5
theatre Peter PanImperial Theatre • 8 pm • $15 to $40The Augusta Players presents this never aging musical overflowing with memorable songs, fun filled adventure, unforgettable characters, swashbuckling, and a touch of fairy dust. Peter Pan is an enchanting tale about freedom of spirit and believing. Fall under the spell of Neverland, where children can fly and exciting escapades happen everyday! Details: augustaplayers.org
live music
Eryn Eubanks & the Family Fold Vintage 965 • 6 pm to 9 pm
Dreamkiller • Your Chance to Die • Undefined • Glory of the Forgotten • The Right Wing ConspiracySector 7G • 6 pm
Suns CollideThe Playground • 8 pm
Christabel & The JonsStillwater Tap Room • 10 pm
PitbossJoe’s Underground • 10 pm
saturday may 2outdoors
Rock’n 4 the RiverRiverfront Marina • 11 am to 7 pm • $5This day long festival features artists from around the Southeast, a live arts show, a free kids area and much more on the beautiful Savannah River. Live music featuring Soul Hound, Phantom Wingo, 48 Volt, Lingo, and 40 Going North. Tickets are $5 and available New Moon Café and rockn4theriver.com. Proceeds benefit the Savannah RIVERKEEPER®
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. This week’s special guest: Tanks Grass Fed Beef and music by DJ Shell Rock.
special Historic Augusta’s AnnualDowntown Loft TourDowntown Augusta • noon to 5 pm • $15 to $20See 5.1 listing or historicaugusta.org
Derby Day: Augusta Training Shop’s Annual FundraiserRichmond Hotel • 4 to 8 pm • $50Watch the Kentucky Derby while sipping on homemade mint juleps & sampling fine southern cuisine. Enter the ladies hat contest, buy a raffle ticket or bid on a silent auction. Or, better yet, purchase pieces of duct tape for a buck and stick Austin Rhodes to the wall. Tickets at any Georgia Bank & Trust. Details: 706.738.1358.
theatre
Hal Holbrook in Mark Twain TonightBell Auditorium • 8 pm • $39 to $49tickets: augustaentertainmentcomplex.comPeter PanImperial Theatre • 8pm • $15 to $40Details: augustaplayers.org
live music
Suns Collide • Sinister MoustacheFace Down • The Radar CinemaSector 7G • 7 pm
Edison ProjectJoe’s Underground • 10 pm
Turf War • CarnivoresFirehouse Bar • 10 pm
sunday may 3outdoors
Candlelight Jazz Kickoff:Augusta State Conservatory Jazz Band8th Street Bulkhead • 8 pm • $6Join us each Sunda along the banks of the Savannah River for an enchanted evening of jazz featuring regional and local jazz artists. (In case of rain: Café 209 on the River). Details: 706.821.1754 or www.gardencityjazz.com.
theatre Peter PanImperial Theatre • 3 pm • $15 to $40Details: augustaplayers.org
monday may 4film
Movies at Main: Tell No OneGreen Street Library • 6:30 pm • freerated R
tuesday may 5live music
Cinco De Mayo Dance Party!Soul Bar • 9 pm
Dave FirminJoe’s Underground • 10 pm
wednesday may 6special
Brown Bag History SeriesAugusta History Museum • 11:30 amLisa Hall of the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum, Home of Aiken’s Racing Champions, presents a lecture on the history of horse racing in Aiken.
gordon lightfootmay 14 • bell auditorium
Combined with his rich, warm voice and nimble guitar technique, Lightfoot’s songwriting talent has led him from the 1960’s coffeehouse scene in his native Canada to pop chart hits. Tickets: $40 and $50
mike eppsmay 15 • bell auditorium
One of the funniest comedic actors to emerge into the Hollywood scene comes to Augusta bringing a slew of special guests. Including the inimitable Slim. Tickets: $38.50, $34.50, $28.50
pipeline / 5.1 to 5.6 movies at mainmonday nights • 6:30 pm
augusta main library
May 4: Tell No OneThis endearing thriller opens as a pediatrician receives an email from his wife, eight years after her brutal murder. Director Guillaume Canet twists and turns the plot, keeping you on the edge of your seat, while creating characters you come to love. Rated R, 125 minutes (2006)
May 11: Frost/NixonA dramatic retelling of the post-Watergate television interviews between British talk-show host David Frost and former president Richard Nixon, directed by Ron Howard. Rated R, 122 minutes. (2008)
May 18: The WrestlerIt’s been a long time since Mickey Rourke captured my attention in AngelHeart. In an amazing comeback, he IS “The Ram,” a aging professional wrestler facing a life without the ring. An amazing film.directed by Darren Aronofsky. Rated R, 111 minutes. (2008)
May 25: Wendy and Lucy Director Kelly Reichardt pulls an enormous emotional punch with this little low budget sleeper that follows a young woman, her dog and mounting financial crises. Rated R, 80 minutes. (2008)
www.bellauditorium.com or by phone at 1.877.4AUGTIX
28 / may / verge
the story of augusta: voices of the pastsaturday may 16 & june 6 • augusta museum of history
“Presentinghistorythroughatheatricalperformanceaddsanotherlayerofinterpretationforvisitors[of]theAugustaMuseumofHistorytrulybringsthehistory…tolife,”saysNancyGlaser,ExectutiveDirectoroftheAugustaMuseumofHistory.
Thismonth,historycomestolifeinthefirstinaseriesoftheatrical-museumbasedperformancesofAugusta’s Story: Voices of the Past.ThisinstallmentfocusesonthereconstructedPetersburgBoatwhichembodiesthevitalroleofthewatercraftforthearea’smanufacturingindustryduringthe1850s–early1900s.
ThePetersburgBoatCaptain is thepilot characterof theprogram,portrayedby local actor,Mr.ShermanGills.Throughhisperformance,Mr.Gillsdepictsthelifeofaboatcaptainfromthemid-to-late1800s. Heexplains the rolesandhardships facedbyPetersburgBoatmen intheirquesttobringcottondownriverandsuppliesbackupriverinanagebeforelocomotivetransportationwasable toaid in the transferofgoods. Thescript isbasedonoralhistoriesprovidedbyElberton,Georgiaresident,Mr.‘Buck’Balchin,abouthisgrandfather,JamesHenryBalchin,whofromthemid-1800suntiltheturnofthecentury,crewedandpilotedcottonboatsfromPetersburgtoAugusta.
Thanks to the support of the Porter Fleming Foundation, this first installment is just thebeginningofaseriesofperformances,eachilluminatingavoiceandcharacterfromAugusta’sstoriedpast.Startinginthefall,themuseumhopestoofferadditionalperformancestoschoolandtourgroups.
“Wewill rotatecharacters forSaturdayperformances for thegeneralpublicascharactersareadded.Itislengthyprocesstoresearch,write,anddevelopascript;auditionactors;blockandrehearse.Justlikeanyfull-scaletheatricalproduction,ittakesafewmonthstoprepare.”
Already,visitorsare thrilledbyAugusta’s Story: Voices of the Past, stating that “whenhistorycomesaliveittakesupawholenewmeaningandreallygetspeople,especiallychildren,interestedinlearningmore.”
Another viewer added, “The actor brought the Petersburg Boat alive, gave me a greaterappreciationoftheriverandthemenwhooaredtheboat.Greatperformance!”
SeeAugusta’s Story: Voices of the Past(thePetersburgBoat)isonSaturday,May16&June6.Showingsat11:30am,12:30pmand1:30pm.Admissionisfreewithpaidmuseumadmission.
by HEATHER RANKIN photo AMoH
pipeline / 5.6 to 5.15wednesday may 6
dance Aspen Santa Fe BalletImperial Theatre • 7 pm • $15 to $35Ten versatile, athletic, classically-trained dancers. You will feel the passion and dedication those dancers impart in the performance, and leave the theater with your spirits lifted and filled with a sense of awe at the expressive beauty of dance. Details: augustaballet.org
film The South on Film: The Defiant OnesMorris Museum • noon • freeAfter viewing the film The Defiant Ones, museum director Kevin Grogan leads a discussion.
live music Dorian GraySector 7G • 7 pm
thursday may 7art
Toddler Time: Learn about LarryMorris Museum • 10 am & 11:15 am • free to $4View Larry Connatser’s colorful paintings and create your own dot masterpiece. Registration required.
Jill Gunn & Gail Smith: Art Exhibit/Opening ReceptionSacred Heart • 5:30 to 7:30 pm details: sacredheartaugusta.org
live music Joe WeathersJoe’s Underground • 10 pm
Dash Rip RockSky City • 10 pm • $7
friday may 8special
“Acting as Community” Luncheon2 Tenth Street (The Marriott) • 11:30 amCSRA Economic Opportunity Authority, Inc. hosts its annual National Community Action Month Luncheon in honor of its efforts to help low-income residents of the CSRA change their lives. Highlights include musical performances and award ceremonies to honor partners and successful program participants. Details 706.722.0493 (Gloria)
outdoors Spring Fest on the SavannahHammond’s Ferry • 3 pm to dusk • free to $10Enjoy browsing wares by local crafters and farmers; food by Manuel’s Bread Café, chair massages and prizes from the Edge Salon; face painting and fun activities for kids; wine tasting ($10/ticket) by Wine World to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society: river boat rides and more!
Moonlight Music Cruise: Solstice with Lillie MorrisAugusta Canal • 7 to 8:30 pm • $24Details: augustacanal.com
Movies in the CommonAugusta Common • 9 pm • $2Bring your whole family and your lawn chairs and enjoy a movie under the stars. Details: 706.821.1754
live music Southern Soul & Song: Junior Brown & The Belleville OutfitMorris Museum • 7:30 pm • $12.50 to $35Rocker Junior Brown and up-and-coming Belleville Outfit bring their special brand of Texas honky-tonk. Tickets: southernsoulandsong.org
From this I Rise • Afterclosing Amity Godspeed • Forgetting FeraRose’s Last NovelSector 7G • 7 pm
Allgood’s AsylumThe Playground • 8 pm
Danger MuffinStillwater Tap Room • 10 pm
Oblivion! DJ Gene & DJ Codec:Dark Electro Dance Party Club Sp@rk • 10 pm
The Jeremy Graham BandSky City • 10 pm • $5Detail: skycityaugusta.com
Tommy O.D. and The SurvivorsJoe’s Underground • 10 pm
saturday may 9outdoors
Saturday Market on the River8th & Reynolds • 8 am to noon • free
TriCycle Charity Ride to benefitThe Leukemia & Lymphoma SocietyAugusta Common • 8 am Details: andyjordans.com
Soul Rockin’ Funk on the RiverJessye Norman Amphitheater • 6 pm • $12 to $15Featuring live music by Who’s Bad: the ultimate Michael Jackson tribute band, The Soul Brothers Band, the Edison Project and Raging Geisha. Kids 10 and under free. Tickets at etix.com
special Family Fun Day: Stallings IslandAugusta History Museum • 11 am to 2 pmFamilies are invited to learn more about Stallings Island through demonstrations, Native American crafts, and more. Make your own Indian trade beads to take home.
Mothers Day LuncheonHammond’s Ferry • noon • $15Celebrate Mother’s Day with a wonderful catered lunch in a beautiful rooftop setting in Hammond’s Ferry. Details: Wendy at 803.613.1641
Mother-Daughter TeaMay Park Community Center • 4 to 6pmBoth Mother & Daughter must be present to participate. 622 Fourth Street. Details: 706.821.1754
live music SwyrvJoe’s Underground • 9 pm
Joe Graves and The Dirty Left HandDem Imonde • My Instant LunchSky City • 10 pm • $5Detail: skycityaugusta.com
sunday may 10special
Candlelight Jazz: Doc Easton Smooth Jazz8th Street Bulkhead • 8 pm • $6Join us each Sunday along the banks of the Savannah River for an enchanted evening of jazz featuring regional and local jazz artists. (In case of rain: Café 209 on the River). Details: 706.821.1754 or www.gardencityjazz.com.
monday may 11film
Movies at Main: Frost NixonGreen Street Library • 6:30 pm • free
tuesday may 12special
School Concert: Piano RecitalsDavidson Fine Arts School • 7 pm • $3 to 5
live music John KolbeckJoe’s Underground • 10 pm
wednesday may 13special
Senior LuncheonLucy Craft Laney • 11:30am to 1:30pm • $7Seniors and working professionals are invited to enjoy lectures on a variety of topics, while dining on food from our city’s finest restaurants. This month’s speakers: Law Day. RSVP: Emily Capers at 706.724.3576.
School Concert: Piano RecitalsDavidson Fine Arts School • 7 pm • $3 to 5
Growing Augusta the GreenwayLa Maison on Telfair • 7 to 9 pm • freeThis MeetUp group will be discussing an upcoming all-Augusta community service project, making Augusta a more bike and bus friendly town, and how to help Augustans rediscover downtown. Details: meetup.com/GrowingAugusta
live music
Vesperian Sorrow • GodHate • Tetrarch • Glory of The ForgottenSector 7G • 7 pm
Jacob BeltzJoe’s Underground • 10 pm
thursday may 14special
Gordon Lightfoot: Live in ConcertBell Auditorium • 8 pm • $40 to $50Details: augustaentertainmentcomplex.com
friday may 15special
Comedian Mike Epps and Friendsfeaturing SlimBell Auditorium • 7:30 pm • $26.50 to $36.50tickets: augustaentertainmentcomplex.com
Brick Yard MarketHammond’s Ferry • 4 pm to dusk • freeDetails: See 5.1 listing or 803.613.1641
Need strings?Augusta 706.724.1172
Aiken 803.649.1919
verge / may / 29
art Art at Lunch: Southern Eccentric: Paintings by Larry ConnatserMorris Museum • noon • $10 to $14Holly Koons McCullough, curator of fine arts and exhibitions at the Jepson Center for the Arts in Savannah discusses the artist’s colorful life and work. Catering by A Catered Affair. Paid reservations by noon, March 11. Details: themorris.org
live music Live Music Club Sp@rk • 9 pm
Jeff VidaStillwater Tap Room • 10 pm
Acoustic UndergroundJoe’s Underground • 10 pm
Bleeding CounterfeitThe Playground • 8 pm
saturday may 16special
Saturday Market on the River8th & Reynolds • 8 am to noon • free
Thunder Over Augusta: A Salute to Our HeroesDowntown Augusta • 12:30 to 9:30 pm • freeAll day family friendly event with exhibits and demonstrations scattered throughout downtown and Augusta’s largest fireworks display presented by Melrose Pyrotechnics. Music by Spectrum, a MoTown Tribute Band, and Eryn Eubanks and the Family Fold. Info: thunderoveraugusta.com
theatre Voices of the Past: A Petersburg Boat PilotAugusta Museum of History11:30 am, 12:30 pm or 1:30pm Details: augustamuseum.org
live music
Soul Night with DJ Harold & Marcus Firehouse Bar • 10 pm
Mike & NateJoe’s Underground • 9 pm
sunday may 17special
Music at the Morris: John KolbeckMorris Museum • 2 pm • freeA seasoned Augusta performer, writer, and classically trained guitarist, John Kolbeck brings his music to the Morris auditorium stage.
Candlelight Jazz: A Step Up8th Street Bulkhead • 8 pm • $6Details: 706.821.1754 or gardencityjazz.com.
monday may 18film
Movies at Main: The WrestlerGreen Street Library • 6:30 pm • freerated R
live music
Dave FirmanJoe’s Underground • 10 pm
tuesday may 19live music
RuskinJoe’s Underground • 10 pm
wednesday may 20live music
The ChiltonsSector 7G • 7 pm
thursday may 21special
The Art of Fine Living: Cloud Nine NaturalMorris Museum • 6 to 8 pm • $10 to $15Enjoy a glass of champagne punch and nibble on fruity tidbits as you learn to make a natural skin-care product with Carless Gay, owner of Cloud Nine Natural. Cost includes refreshments and all supplies. Register by May 18; space is very limited. Details: themorris.org
live music Keith GregoryJoe’s Underground • 10 pm
friday may 22outdoors
Moonlight Music Cruise: Roger Enevoldsen & Chris HoltAugusta Canal • 7 to 8:30 pm • $24Details: augustacanal.com
Movies in the CommonAugusta Common • 9 pm • $2Bring the family and your lawn chairs and enjoy a movie under the stars. Details: 706.821.1754
Brick Yard MarketHammond’s Ferry • 4 pm to dusk • freeDetails: see May 1st or call 803.613.1641
theatre
The Love Song of J. Robert OppenheimerLe Chat Noir • 8 pmJ. Robert Oppenheimer’s rise and fall erupt in this kaleidoscopic play exploring questions of faith, conscience, and the consequences of the never-ending pursuit of knowledge.Details: lcnaugusta.com
live music Drew HickiesStillwater Tap Room • 10 pm
Live Music Club Sp@rk • 9 pm
Stone DogsJoe’s Underground • 10 pm
TFS RaveSector 7G • 8 pm
Traitor In A SecondThe Playground • 8 pm
saturday may 23outdoors
Saturday Market on the River8th & Reynolds • 8 am to noon • free
CSRA Gospel Fest 2009Jessye Norman Amphitheater • 5 pmAnnual gospel fest featuring various choirs sharing praise through song. Details: 706.496.1540
film Perfect DisguiseImperial Theatre • 7pm • $10Details: see below or forbesfilms.com
theatre
The Love Song of J. Robert OppenheimerLe Chat Noir • 8pmDetails: See 5.22 listing or lcnaugusta.com
live music Redheaded StepchildJoe’s Underground • 9 pm
L.I.E. CD Release Show • Aralic • DiavaloBlood of an Empire • Ex NihiloSector 7G • 7 pm
sunday may 24outdoors
Candlelight Jazz: After the Storm8th Street Bulkhead • 8 pm • $6Details: 706.821.1754 or gardencityjazz.com.
monday may 25outdoors
Memorial Day ConcertJessye Norman Amphitheater • 7 pm The Augusta Concert Band presents a Memorial Day Tribute Concert on the beautiful Savannah River. Details: 706.821.1754.
film Movies at Main: Wendy & LucyGreen Street Library • 6:30 pm • freeRated R
tuesday may 26special
Projections & Selections w/ DJ JoycetteThe Bee’s Knee’s • 9 pm
live music Mike & NateJoe’s Underground • 10 pm
wednesday may 27special
Happy Birthday, Professor Beard!The Book Tavern • all day • freeSwing by the Book Tavern at 1026 Broad St., wish David a happy birthday & get a free chocolate bar!
thursday may 28live music
Paul ArrowoodJoe’s Underground • 10 pm
friday may 29special
Moonlight Music Cruise: Phil Urban Salutes ElvisAugusta Canal • 7 to 8:30 pm • $24Details: augustacanal.com
Brick Yard MarketHammond’s Ferry • 4 pm to dusk • freeDetails: 803.613.1641
theatre
The Love Song of J. Robert OppenheimerLe Chat Noir • 8 pmDetails: See 5.22 listing or lcnaugusta.com
live music Mayhem String BandStillwater Tap Room • 10 pm
Sub\li\mat: Dark Electro Dance Party Club Sp@rk • 10 pm
Electric VoodooJoe’s Underground • 10 pm
The Drownout • Last NovemberHastened FootstepsSector 7G • 8 pm
saturday may 30outdoors
Saturday Market on the River8th & Reynolds • 8am to 12pm • free
theatre
The Love Song of J. Robert OppenheimerLe Chat Noir • 8 pmDetails: See 5.22 listing or lcnaugusta.com
live music WhosehouseJoe’s Underground • 10 pm
sunday may 31film
Film Screening: Fatal FloodMorris Museum • 2pm • freeView the PBS documentary Fatal Flood and learn about the historical events that inspired John Stewart Curry’s painting Hoover and the Flood.
pipeline / 5.15 to 5.31
perfect disguise world premierewednesday may 23 • imperial theatrePerfect Disguise, a film produced and directed by Christopher Forbes,chroniclesthejourneyofWillaRandallassheattemptstoescapeoneconflictbysurroundingherselfwithanother.Frantictoavoidamarriagetoanabusivemanherdrunkardfatherinsistson,WilladisguisesherselfasayoungboyandjoinstheConfederateArmyeventuallycatchingtheeyeofCaptainJeffSpencer.SeeingpromiseinthisnewyoungvolunteerSpencermakestheyoung“boy”hisassistant.InshorttimeWilla’sfondnessfortheCaptaingrows,leadingtoevenmoreconflict.HowcanWillaleavethesafetyofherdisguisetorevealhertrueidentitytothemanshehasunexpectedlyfalleninlovewithwhilestayingonestepaheadofthefiancéshewantsnothingtodowith?
ThethirdCivilWarbasedfilmForbeshasbeeninvolvedwith(andsecondbasedonanovelbyauthorLydiaHawke),Perfect DisguisestarsHeatherClark,TrippCourtney,andDaveLongandwasshot throughoutSouthCarolina includingmanyscenesshotinBeechIsland.
Forbes Filmswill present thePerfectDisguiseworld premiereMay 23 at theImperialTheatreat7PM.Generaladmissionticketsare$10andcanbepurchasedattheboxofficeat749BroadStreetoronlineatimperialtheatre.com.
photo RALPH PARRISH / AUGUSTAIMAGES.COM
Drum HeadsAugusta 706.724.1172
Aiken 803.649.1919
30 / may / verge
pipeline / 5.31 to 6.5
the club crawl /one night of musical mayhem
yo mama’s big fat booty band: may 29YoMama’sBigFatBootyBandcombinestriumphanthorns,laid-backgroovesandheavybackbeatstoencompassthemanystylesthat they describe under the comprehensive label of “BounceMusic.”TheBootyBandcutstothecoreofwhatgreatlivemusicis all about: having fun and feeling good.Their high-energy,funk-infused performances make them an audience favorite,withgigsbookedacrosstheU.S.andasfarasJamaica.
With a focus on putting the “live” back into live music, thegrouptookaslightlylessthansubtleapproachwhennamingtheband,producingamonikerthatdescribestheirsound,furyandphilosophy.Theirhorn,guitarandpercussion-basedsoundaddselementsofhip-hop,reggae,skaandLatintothemix.Youcanfinditontheir15-songCD,Now You Know.
Withalargecatalogoforiginals,theBootyBandofferssomethingforeveryone.Whileoriginalmaterialistheirmainfocus,theirsetsalso includeuniquecoversbyartists suchasMilesDavis,the Beastie Boys, Herbie Hancock, Red Hot Chili Peppers,Jamiroquai, Galactic and P-Funk.Their show includes liberalamountsofspacebetweenthesongsforjokes,sillyaccentsandwigs.Yetunderneaththeseeminglychaoticstagepresenceisadiscipline,ablueprintandagameplan.Theirmission,theysay,isto“bringmusictothemasses,andtheywilldance.”JointhemforbothatSkyCityonMay29.
mayhem string band: may 29TheMayhemStringBandhasitsrootsinOxford,Miss.,wherefour veteran musicians of the music scene got together andformedabluegrassbandin2005.BassistBenJohnson,guitaristChris Steiner, fiddle and mandolin player Jamison HollisterandbanjoplayerJ.T.Lacktookonaweeklygigthateventuallybecameknownas“WednesdayNightMayhem,”bornoutofthewhiskey-soakeddancefloorandgeneralinsanitythatseemedtofollowthebandaround.
AftermonthsofnumerousshowsinthehillsofNorthMississippitheysettledonthenameMayhemStringBand.InFebruary2006,Kevin Larkin, formerly of bluegrass band Pineross, joined onmandolin,accordionandharmonica.
Three years and hundreds of shows across the U.S. later, theMayhemStringBandhastakentheirbluegrasssoundtoanewlevel, incorporatingCajun two-steps, Irish jigs and a chunkofMississippiblues.Theirsecondstudioalbum,Land Pirates,wasreleased in March 2009. It was recorded at Delta RecordingServicesinComo,Miss.,withproducerJimboMathus(SquirrelNut Zippers) and features Ferd Moyse (Hackensaw Boys) onfiddle.Thealbumincludesanoriginalmixofbluegrass,country,andbluesthattapsintotheband’sMississippiroots.TheMayhemStringBandwillperformtracksfromtheirnewalbumaspartoftheirshowatStillwaterTaproomonMay29.
last november: may 29LastNovemberisadiversebrewofquirkyyetmemorablepoprockaccompaniedbyhonestandthought-provokinglyrics.Theirsteadily growing Internet presence and fanbasehave broughttheAtlantabandaconstantstreamofglowingreviews.
Under the guidance of platinum-selling producer StevenHaigler (BrandNew,Fuel,Oleander,Pixies,AsTall asLions),LastNovember’snewalbum,Over the Top or Under the Weather, delivers on the promise of the group’s impressive 2006 debutalbum, All the Gory Details, which was featured on The Real World and other MTV shows, as well as garnering multi-formatted airplay on over 200 radio stations. Both albumsreleasedonSouthernTracksRecords.
What’smostsurprisingisthatthebandmembersarebarelyoutof their teens.Vocalist/guitarist/songwriterLukePilgrim,whobeganperformingwhenhewas11,wrotemostofthesongsforthefirstalbumwhenhewas15yearsoldandproducedthedischimself.WithbandmatesTylerAyers–bass,TaylorWoodruff–drums/vocals, andZachBaxter - keyboard/guitar/vocals, LastNovember’s latest release shows musical and lyrical maturity,combining Pilgrim’s distinct vocals with edgy, unique tracks.Thisisobviousonthefirstsingle,“TheBumperStickerSong,”rockers like “Jesus Had Breakfast in Bed,” and the lush popof “SundayAfternoon.”LastNovemberwillbejoinedbyTheDrownoutforanall-agesshowatSector7onMay29.venue SECTOR 7G tickets 631 ELLIS STREET
venue STILLWATER TAPROOM tickets 974 Broad Street
venue SKY CITYtickets 1157 BROAD STREET
all above by ALISON RICHTER
sunday may 31outdoors
Candlelight Jazz8th Street Bulkhead • 8 pm • $6Details: 706.821.1754 or gardencityjazz.com.
theatre
The Love Song of J. Robert OppenheimerLe Chat Noir • 5 pmDetails: See 5.22 listing or lcnaugusta.com
thursday june 4art
Toddler Time: Fun with FinsterMorris Museum • 10 am & 11:15 am • free to $4Learn about folk artist Howard Finster, and create a painting inspired by his work. Stories to Tell, Memories to Keep: Folk Art in the SouthMorris Museum • 5:30 to 6:30 pm • freeTour the new folk art exhibition, meet the speaker, enjoy a glass of wine, or shop for new items in the store during a museum open house. Afterwards, Steve Slotin, owner of Slotin Folk Art, discusses collecting folk art.
theatre
The Love Song of J. Robert OppenheimerLe Chat Noir • 8 pmDetails: See 5.22 listing or lcnaugusta.com
friday june 5
outdoors First Friday: Swing into SummerDowntown Augusta • 5 to 10 pm • freedetails: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 • free
theatre
The Love Song of J. Robert OppenheimerLe Chat Noir • 8 pmDetails: See 5.22 listing or lcnaugusta.com
live music Tim & MirandaVintage 965 • 6 pm to 10 pmNeverland, where children can fly and exciting escapades happen everyday. Don’t miss the extraordinary delight for the young and the young at heart! Details: augustaplayers.org
every weeksundays
Worship at The Well715 Broad Street • 9 am & 10:45 am
Free Morris Museum AdmissionMorris Museum of Art • free
John KolbeckCotton Patch • 7 to 11 pm • free
mondays Singstar KaraokeClub Sp@rk • 7 pm
tuesdays Dr. John FisherFox’s Lair • 9 pm • free • irish session
Singstar KaraokeClub Sp@rk • 7 pm
Tuesday Trivia w/ AnilThe Playground • 8 pm
wednesdays Mountain Bike RideAndy Jordan’s • 6:15 pm • freeThis beginner to intermediate course travels along the Augusta Canal for a 12 to 15 mile group ride. You’ll forget you’re in the city limits! You must have a mountain bike in good working order, a helmet and a way to carry water. Details 706.724.6777
Bike Night & Drink SpecialsThe Loft
Soup Suds & ConversationFox’s Lair • free
Singstar KaraokeClub Sp@rk • 7 pm
Krazy KaraokeThe Playground • 10 pm
thursdays Prize Pool TournamentClub Sp@rk • 7 pm
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 4 pm • $2 to $4Details: 706.737.2820
DJ Brian JClub Sparx • 9pm
DJ On PointThe Loft • 10 pm • free
Hype Night Dance Party1102 Bar & Grill
get your event listed for free.
send to [email protected] the 20th of each month.
verge / may / 31
explore downtown / the maxwell house pharmacyone stop for medicine, munchies, mirth and marilyn monroe
TheMaxwellHousePharmacyoriginallyopenedin1951.Sixteenyears later,ClarenceJacksonJr.made ithisownand, amere forty-two years later, it is hard to imagineanythinghas changed at all.Clarence (a charmingmanwhomIwishtoimmediatelyadoptasmygrandfather)sitsbehindawoodencounterunderalarge“Prescriptions”signthatpredatesanyCVSorWalgreensneonlogoandworksdiligentlytofulfillrequestsfromacrossthearea.Asmallspaceisclearedonthecountertoallowyoutopropyourelbowsandleanforwardtotalkabouttheweather,yourmedication,ormorenotably, thedécor.Theother eightfeetofcounterspace iscrammedwitholdphotographs,sentimentalknick-knacksand,mostimportantly,MarilynMonroememorabilia.
MarilynMonroeliterallycoversalmosteveryfreesurfaceinthepharmacy.Framedprintsofherpinupsadornthewall,rarehardbackbiographiesfillaglasscase,collectibleplateswithherimagelinethetopoftheshelvesand.ifyouareluckyenoughtosneakapeekbehindthecounter,you’llfindafewframedpostersofhernude.Sorrygentlemen,but thisarea is foremployeesonly.Clarencedoesn’t sellMarilynMonroememorabilia;hejustcollectsit.Honestly,he’snot even adie-hard fan;he just likesher. Sowhat’sthestorybehinditall?Clarencesaysitbeganwithacrackinthewall.Backin1967,whenhemovedhispharmacyfromWaltonWay to theMaxwellHouse,hediscovereda fairly largecrackrunningdownawidecolumnin thestore. Insteadofrepairing it,heoptedtocover itwithalargeposterofMs.Monroe.Customersandfriendsofthestorehavesincegivenhimvariousotheritems,atraditionthatcontinuestoday.
Aside from acting as a make-shift memorial to theHollywood glamour-goddess, the Pharmacy serves afunction for downtown Augusta that many of its localresidents and frequenters have neglected to notice.Thoughitdoesn’texactlyqualifytobeaBodegaandisfartoosmalltobeconsideredagrocerystore,thePharmacydoesstockmanyofthesmallitemsthatoftenfillourlists.It works hard to maintain the convenience that manymodern day pharmacies have today.Need a half-gallonofmilk,shampoo,andsomefemininehygieneproducts?They have it. Forgot to pack a lunch and don’twant tospend $20 dining out for lunch? Stop by the Maxwellhouseandpickupamicrowavablepizza.Also,foraone-dollarfee,youcanhaveyourpersonalprescriptions,petprescriptionsand,ifyoulike,abagofgroceries,deliveredtoyoudowntown.
Whatthispharmacyhasthatotherslackistheexperienceof shopping. I easily spent nearly an hour browsingits shelves, tryingmy best to document the absurd yetpracticalsideofthebusiness.Thehumorofselling“localpostcards”thatwereonlyfromNewYork,thejuxtapositionofthesepostcardsnexttoashelfoffeminineproducts,thepeculiarCattleandPigssigninastorethatservesafairlyurbanarea,theexcitementthatthereactuallywereitemsfor your cattle and pig needs. I couldn’t believe that Ineglectedtowalkinthestoreforsolong,andIwillreturn–withagrocery listand, ifClarence is lucky,aMarilynMonroekeychain.
The Maxwell House Pharmacy is located at 1002 Greene St # 3. 706.722.4695. Open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 6 pm.
by KATIE MCGUIRE photos KATIE MCGUIRE
32 / may / verge
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verge / may / 33
Though I was considering the “on the nightstand” concept before discovering the blog of Julia Maulden The Huffington Post, I have to admit the following format shamelessly follows one of her recent postings. Julia begins her blog with these words: “Whenever I interview someone - or am being briefed by a client for whom I’m writing a speech - I always ask, ‘What are you reading?’ It helps to know the kinds of things they’re interested in, whom they admire, and the ideas that have helped shape their thinking.” I agree. I believe it is possible to define a person by the books they read and understand their world view more clearly. Or, as Lemony Snicket put it more simply, “Well-read people are less likely to be criminals.”
To test my theory, I turned to Reverend Jeremy Carr of The Well, a downtown community church, who has often professed from the pulpit that he reads several books almost simultaneously and not just of the spiritual sort. I asked him to look on his nightstand and send me ten of the books he’s currently reading. The Reverend mixes his daily reading to include fiction, educational topics, as well as scripture and theological studies. He says, “I tend to work through many, many books very slowly and repeatedly (I often re-read books I like or have found helpful).”
Here’s what you’ll find on the Reverend Carr’s nightstand (this week):
on the nightstand / what are you reading?
1. The Genius of Guinness (Michelle Guinness)Mostfamousfortheirdeliciousbeer,theGuinnessdynasty has impacted movies, ministry, andeducation in ways you may not even know.This biography traces the lineage and historicalsignificanceofGuinness.
2. Humility: True Greatness (CJ Mahaney)This was a life-changing book for me and havebecomeabigfanoftheauthor.Hiswritingisconcise,honest, and extremely applicable. I’ve re-read thisbooknumeroustimesaswellashisSex, Romance, and the Glory of God. For a recovering rock star,there are many eye-opening and counter-culturalinsightsMahaneyunpacks inHumility. It’s a goodreminderthatwe’reallworksinprogress.
3. Christ-Centered Preaching (Bryan Chapell)One pastor says that it takes at least 200 sermonsbefore a preacher begins to find his own voice.Anothersays itcantakeupto7years.So,beingapastorjustafewyearsintoministry,thisresourceisquitehelpfulinmypastoraldevelopment.
4. The Idiot (Fyodor Dostoevsky)AclassicworkofliteraturethatI’vealwayswantedtoread.
5. Instructing a Child’s Heart (Tedd and Margy Tripp)Afollow-uptoShepherding a Child’s Heart,theTrippsprovide useful principles for biblical parenting.Withchild#2ontheway,I’meagertosharpenmyparentingskills.
6. Systematic Theology (Wayne Grudem)IwasfirstintroducedtoGrudem’sworkeightyearsago when I began seminary. I’ve re-read this oneinentiretyandrefertoitfrequently.Bewarned:it’sthick-itcandoubleasaboosterseattothedinnertable. However, it’s an excellent resource and hasstudy questions following each chapter which aidinretainingandreflectingontheinformation.Takeyourtimetoworkthroughit.It’sworthit.
7. Good News About Injustice (Gary Haugen)Arealeye-openerthatwillalarmyoutosomesinister
thingsgoingoninourworld.ItwillalsomakeyouafanoftheInternationalJusticeMission(IJM).
8. God, Marriage, and Family: Rebuilding the Biblical Foundation (Andreas Kostenberger)Themost important relationship I have is withmywife.Weareconstantlyinvestinginourmarriageandseekingtoapplybiblicalprinciplestoourrelationship.Thisbookprovidesgreatinsighttomarriage.
9. A Wrinkle in Time (Madeline L’Engle)This isanall-timechildhood favoriteofmine, rightuptherewithLewisandTolkien.I’monmyfourthre-readoftheseries.L’Engleissimplybrilliant.
10. The ESV Study Bible (permanent)Packedfullofnotes,commentaries,andarticles,The ESV Study Bibleisanexcellentresourceforpersonalstudy. I use it daily and discover new insights andperspectivesthroughtheincludednotesandresources.Although I have shelves full of commentaries andothertheologicalresources,The ESV Study Bible is a concise,thorough,must-have.
So, verge readers, what’s on your nightstand? Share your top ten books of the moment with verge and your nightstand might be featured in next month’s verge. Send to: [email protected]
“Betternotread it!”YevgenyPanlovichcriedsuddenly,butwitha lookofuneasinesssounexpectedinhimthatitstruckmanypersonsasstrange.
“Don’treadit,”criedMyshkin,too.
“Whyread?It’stimeforsuppernow,”observedsomeone.
“Dull,perhaps,”addedathird.
“What’sitallabout?”inquiredtherest.
“So...I’mnottoreadit?”Ippolitwhisperedtohim,almostapprehensively,with a smile on his blue lips, “not to read it?” hemuttered, scanning hiswholeaudience,alltheireyesandfaces,andasitwerecatchingatthemallagain,withthesameaggressiveeffusiveness.“Areyouafraid?”
fromThe Idiot by Fyodor Dostoevsky
excerpt of the month
34 / may / verge
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past times / the widows home
NestledintheOldeTownneighborhoodsitstheWidowsHome,anelegantand decorative buildingwith a gracefulMansard roof and rich red brickmasonry. Datingback to the latenineteenthcentury, thehomebecamearesidenceforConfederatewidowsandtheirdependents.EarlybenefactorsDr.JosephEveandMrs.EmilyTubmanprovidedalargeportionofthefundsneeded to construct thebuilding.TheWidowshomeprovidedhousingatanominalrentforwomenwho,forwhateverreason,wereunabletolocateaffordablehousingforoverahundredyears.Then,astheneedfortheWidowsHomedwindled and expenses for upkeep rose, the decisionwasmade toclosetheWidowsHome.
HistoricAugusta, Inc.maintains apreservationeasementon thepropertywhich is a tool used to provide protection of privately-owned historicproperties.Thisisalegalrightthatisgrantedbytheownerofthepropertyto an organization which will monitor the property and protect againstundesirabledevelopmentordeteriorationbyneglect.TheWidowsHomewassoldtoanAtlantadeveloperwhoseinitialplansincludedcondominiumsbutlaterwherechangedtolowincomehousing,whichupsettheneighborhood.TheeasementonthepropertyallowedHistoricAugustatoexercisearightoffirstrefusalwiththesupportoftheDowntownDevelopmentAuthority.
ReadtheplansfortherehabilitationoftheWidowsHomeonpage21.by ROBYN MAINOR rendering ALEX McCAIN, III
Robyn Mainor is the Preservation Services Director at Historic Augusta, Inc., a non-profit organization
whose mission is to preserve historically or architecturally significant structures and sites in Augusta and Richmond County.
the widows home a brief history
1871 TheWidowsHome Society is formed led by LouiseW.King. TheWidowsHomewas originally located in the 1818CityHospital building after that institutionmovedtoWalkerStreetin1869.
1885 Chartersigned,namingtheorganizationTheLouiseKingHomeforWidows.
1887 ThecurrentSecondEmpirestructurewasbuiltat124GreeneStreetforeighttotenConfederatewidowsdeemed“worthywomen.”
1895 Recordsshowedthatthehomehad46occupants,19ofwhichwerechildren.
1899 CharteramendedchangingthenamefromtheLouiseKingHomeforWidowstothepresentWidowsHome.
1980 Parks, Recreation andHistoric SitesDivision of theGeorgiaDepartment ofNatural Resources approved request for a historical marker designating theWidowsHomepropertyasthesiteofGeorgia’sfirstschoolofmedicine.
2002 BoardofDirectorsannounceditwouldbeclosingtheWidowsHome.
2003 PurchasedbyAtlantadeveloperandeasementdonatedtoHistoricAugusta,Inc.
2005 AugustaCapitalpurchasedthehistoricWidowsHome.
Today ChristCommunityHealthServicesinAugustawasgiventhebuildingandiscompletingtherehabilitationforaprimarycareclinicforthoseinneedofhealthcare.
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ThePaulFitzsimmonsEveM.D.monument,withitssmoothfrontandbackandroughrockyedges,standsasthecenterpieceofthe600blockofGreeneStreet,flankedonoppositeendsofthemedianbytheGeneralGeorgeWashingtonMarkerandtheEmilyTubmanMonument.Whileshortinstature,thegranitemonumentisdecoratedwithapairoflargeplatesrepresentingthetwoorganizationsthatdedicatedit. Dr. Eve, anAugusta native and aMedical College ofGeorgia founder, was recognized internationally asanexceptionaldoctorandwriter. Theplaquededicatedby thePolishandDentalAssociationofAmericacommendsEve’sworkasaMajorFieldSurgeonduringthePolishWarforlibertyagainstRussiafrom1830to1831.TheplaquededicatedbytheMedicalDepartmentoftheUniversityofGeorgiahonorshiseffortsasasurgeon,editorandwartimevolunteerandrecognizesPoland’sassistanceinthefightforAmericanliberty.EvegavemedicalattentiontoPolishsoldiers,aswellasFrenchandItalianforces.Hefollowedthepatrioticexampleofhisboyhoodhero,GeneralPulaski,wholosthislifeinourRevolutionaryWar.
AnadditionalmarkerhonoringDr.Evewaserectedin1986bythePolishHeritageAssociationoftheSoutheastandstandsonTelfairStreetacrossfromthecourthouseinfrontoftheOldMedicalCollege.
Dr.EveservedasthedeanoftheMedicalCollegeofGeorgia.In1835,heandtheMCGfacultyrecognizedtheneedforanationalmedicalorganizationdedicatedtoimprovingmedicaleducationandestablishingminimumstandardsofpractice,buttheireffortstoestablishoneinitiallyfailed.TheAmericanMedicalAssociationwasfinallyfoundedin1847andDr.Eveservedapresidentfrom1857to1858.HeiscreditedwithbeingthefirstAmericansurgeontosuccessfullyperformahysterectomy.HealsopublishedRemarkable Cases in Surgery.
the monumental history of greene street / 07Paul Fitzsimmons EvE m.D. monumEnt
location / 600 Block of Greene Street erected By / the PoliSh Medical and dental aSSociation of aMerica and the Medical
dePartMent of the UniverSity of GeorGia on noveMBer 14, 1931.
by JOHN CANNON rendering ALEX McCAIN, III
editor’s note: This is the sixth installment of a the history of the monuments that line Greene Street.
cut the fat / i’m a loser babythe skinny on one dude’s mission to cut the fat
I’m a big guy in this city. Sort of. I’ll admitthatbythegraceofGodandthroughthegreatsupport of an incredible music community, Ihavemanagedtoachievesomewhatofanamefor myself but, in this case, “big guy” meanssomethingtotallydifferent.Iammorereferringtomy“Santa-esque”qualities. Iguessyoucansay,I’m“wellrounded.”
LikemanyAmericans, I am a tad overweight.OK,let’sgetserioushere.IamaLOToverweight.(Irefusetousetheterm“obese.”IfindthewordtobedemeaningandinsultingandIwouldnotevenusesuchterminologytodescribesomeoneIdislike.)Yeah,ItipthescaleswaybeyondwhatIshould,butthishasn’talwaysbeenthecase.
Inmyteens,Iwasquitetheathleteparticipatingin just about every seasonal sport,particularlyfootball and soccer (the OTHER football). Iweighed in regularly between 170 and 180pounds,rancrosscountryandmileonthetrackteamandwasprettyspeedyforawhiteguy.Butsometimeafterhighschool,thatallchanged.
Now,it’stwenty-fiveyearslaterandIfindmyselfatasignificantcrossroads. DoIsimplyacceptthatmybetteryearsarebehindme(hiddenfromview)andjustcontinuetoletmyselfgoORdoIdecidethatit’snevertoolatetomakeachange?SeeingthatIstillenjoyridingrollercoastersandIcontinuetodaydreamaboutonedayplayingagood,albeitslower,gameofsoccer,goingrockclimbingandskydivingforthefirsttime,Ihavedecidedthat,sinceIstillfeel24INSIDE,there’snoreasonwhyIshouldn’tbeabletoenjoyfeeling
thatway(orsomeotherreasonableage)ontheOUTSIDE.LuckilyformeIhaveonethingalotofoverweightpeopledon’thave.
IhaveamembershiptoHealthCentral.
Here’sthething.Iamalife-longprocrastinator,nottomentionifsomethingdoesn’tcometomequickly andeasily, chances are I giveupon it.Fortunately,HealthCentralhas a great indoorpaddedwalkingtrackandagreatwellnessstafftohelpmakingevenausefulworkoutenjoyableandpossible.It’senoughtomakeaguy(orgal)confident enough to jump into a weight losscontest!SoIdid.
Forthenextthreemonths,IwillbetakingpartinHealthCentral’smost recent editionofTheBiggestLoser. ThewayIfigureit,allIhavetolose is abunchofpoundsand,worst case, thetwentybucksIhadtopaytogetintothegame.Ihaveatrainerdudethatisincredibleatcreatingreasonableroutines formetoget the jobdoneandsoonthey’llassignmetoateam.AllIhavetodoiscontinuemyweeklyworkouts,eatright,andweighineveryFridayandIcan’tlose.
Well. unless you’re talking about the couplehundredpoundsI’dliketoleavebehind.
Here’s the skinny:
First weigh-in date: April 14 Starting weight: 405 (yikes!) 3-Month goal: lose 50 pounds
by JOHN CANNON photos KATIE MCGUIRE
editor’s note: John “Stoney” Cannon will be chronicling his attempt to “Cut the Fat” over the next few issues. Join verge in cheering him on to victory: email your comments and encouragement to [email protected].
38 / may / verge
verge / may / 39
OnNovember24,1887,JohnMuhlerdefeatedstand-inF.S.Hughes3-0inahandicapmatchatMarketHallonBroadStreet.Sincethatday,professionalwrestlinghashadapresenceinAugusta.Unfortunately,forreasonsunknowntothiswrestlingfan,theghostsofAugusta’swrestlingpastliedormant,asecretonlyknowntowrestlingpuristsandhistoriansOUTSIDEoftheGardenCity.Inacityfilledwithsomuchwellknownhistory,perhapsthebiggestmysteryishowwrestling,adominantpieceofAugustaentertainmentforthebetterpartof100years,hasbeensweptunderthehistoricalrugrenderingitspresencenearlyforgottentomostresidentsinthearea.
Whileit’scertainthatwrestlingfirstappearedintheareainthelate1800’s,Augusta’sdocumentedrelationshipwiththecontroversialsportdidnotbegininanysortofconsistentfashionuntil1927whenvariedregionalpromotersstartedtopresentcardsatvenuessuchasArmoryHall,St.Patrick’sHall,andWarrenPark.ThenonMay2,1932,anewwrestlingtraditionbegan,onethatcontinueduntilMay30,1984:Mondaynightwrestlingindowntown.
“Augusta was amainstay for the Georgia promotion (Georgia ChampionshipWrestling),” saidformerwrestler/refereeBobbySimmons.“ItwasaneveryMondaynightmainstayforalongtime.“
Augustahasseenthearrivalandpassingofmanytypesofpopularentertainment.Inthelate1800’s,operawassopopularintheareathatoperahousespoppedupatastaggeringpace.Bytheturnofthecentury,operahadfadedlocallyasmostofthevenuesweremysteriouslydestroyedbyseparatefires.Augustawassorelyinneedofconsistententertainment.Enterprofessionalwrestling.
Augusta was part of a wrestling circuit of Georgia cities that branched out from Atlanta andincludedColumbusandMacon.By1940,prowrestlingfoundahomeatMunicipalAuditorium(renamedtheWilliamBellAuditoriumtenyearslater).Duringthisstretch,weeklyeventswouldgofrombeingrunbyseveralpromoterstoasinglecompany,GeorgiaChampionshipWrestlingoutofAtlanta,whocontinuedtheweeklyMondaynightsmatchesforthenextthirtyyears.
In1951,thefirstmajortitlechangetohappeninAugustatookplacewhenDonMcIntyredefeatedArtNielsonfortheSouthernHeavyweighttitle.McIntryewasagaininvolvedinatitlechangeinAugustalosingittoAlBognionJanuary26,1953.Bythistime,televisionwasalltherageacrosstheUnitedStatesandprofessionalwrestling,withitscolorfulcharactersanddramatictwistsandturns,turnedouttobeaperfectfitforthisnewformofentertainment.Thisonlyaddedfueltowrestling’spopularity.In1953,theBellAuditoriumhostednolessthan35documentedwrestlingcards.Thefollowingyear,McIntryewouldtopRayVillmerforhisNinthNWASouthernHeavyweighttitlerun.Augustawouldnotseeanothertitlechangeuntilthemid-sixties.
The1960’swouldbringcontinuedchangetoprowrestlingincludingtheincreasingpopularityofwomengrapplersandfeudscreatedtocapitalizeonpatriotictonesthatcontinuedtogrowfromtheonsetofthecoldwarera.Inabusinessmadepopularbythepremiseofgoodvs.evil,prowrestlinginAmericafoundtheperfectbadguysinwrestlerstoutedasbeingfrom“theEast,”whileMexican,
Italian,Polish,andNativeAmericanwrestlersquicklybecamethenewheroesofacountryunifiedagainsttheevilsofcommunism.
By the mid-seventies, wrestling at the Bell Auditorium would be the most regularly attendedentertainmentmediuminthearea.
“Themajorityofthetimeyouwerethree-quarterstofullcapacityinAugusta,”saidSimmons.“Justwalking to the ring, even for someone likemyselfwhodid this everynight, the first time youwalkedouttherewasabuzzthere.Therewaselectricityintheairandthatwasn’tjustoneortwiceamonththatwaseveryweek.ThemajorcitiesweretheplacesthatalsoranourtapesonTVwithspotsgearedtowardsthestation’slocationandAugustawasoneofthosemajorcities.”
Fromthe’70sintothe‘80s,wrestlinginAugustawasbigbusiness.FanssawfavoriteslikeTommyRich,WahooMcDaniel,and theAndersonBrothersandwould lineup togeta seat.FanswereturnedawayduringanoverlypackedhouseonApril27,1981,towitnessTommyRichdefeatHarleyRacetowintheNWAWorldHeavyweighttitleandbecometheyoungestchampiontodate.
“Whenticketpriceswere$3.50forringside,$2foradultsand$1.50/$1forkids,itwasnothingforustogoanddraweighttotenthousanddollarsinthatoldBellAuditoriumdownthere,”saidSimmons.“Andthat’shangingthemfromtherafters.”
WitheventspushingcapacityattheBell,officialsstartedtopushpromoterstomovewrestlingtotheRichmondCountyCivicCenter.Themoveworkedforashortwhilebut,intheeyesofmanyfans,wrestlinginAugustawasnotthesameoutsideoftheBellAuditorium.
“They say progress is good but I hated to see when the Coliseum came up down there,” saidSimmons.“IkindofhateditbecauseIknewtheBellwouldfadeintooblivionasfaraswrestlingwasconcerned.ThoseoldvenuesliketheBellAuditoriumandtheCityAuditoriuminAtlantaandtheoldauditoriuminMacon,thosearetheplacesthatIthinkarewhatwrestlingshouldbe.Justtheatmostphere.TheBellwasagreatplace.” ChangeswerealsohappeninginthemainAtlantaofficeandwipedoutthecloserelationshipthecompanyhadwithcoliseumauthorities.Augustawaslefttosettleontheoccasionalevent.
“Ithinkwhathappened,asfarasAugustaisconcerned,isitjustgotlostintheshuffle”saidSimmons.“TheAlbanysquitrunningeveryweek,theMaconsquitrunningeveryweekand,whenwrestlinggotimpossibletorun,itjustfoldedup.ButItakegreatprideinthefactthatweperformedatBellAuditoriumeveryMondaynight52weeksayear. Thesamepeople saton the front roweveryMondaynightandtheythoughttheyknewwhatweweredoingbuttheyweren’trealsure.Ijusthadaball.ThegoodLordletmeliveoutmydreams.”
ThesamecanprobablybesaidformanyAugustanswhocheeredontheirheroesandbooedthevillainseveryMondaynightattheBellAuditorium.
one, two, three / wrestling at the bell and beyonda long storied “hidden” history of the fight
by JOHN CANNON photo COURTESY OF THE AUGUSTA MUSEUM OF HISTORYIn addition to running Augusta music resource Lokal Loudness, John Cannon is a writer
and reporter for Atlanta-based wrestling resource georgiawrestlinghistory.com.
“...itwasnothingforustogoanddraweight to ten thousanddollars
inthatoldBellAuditoriumdownthere.Andthat’shanging them
from the rafters.”
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If there is one definitiveway to describe theongoingexistenceofanygivenmusicsceneitwouldbestbedonebyusingtheoldcliché“likea roller coaster.” Mostmusical communitiesexperienceburstsofhighlycreativeproductionseparatedbydropsinactivity.ThesamecanbesaidaboutmusicinAugusta.
Following a period in the mid 90’s whenmusic in thearea slowed toa crawl,Augustaexperiencedamusicalresurgencethatcarriedinto thenewmillenniumhittingsohardthatthe repercussions are still being felt over adecadelater.Between1997and2000,awaveof new bands ascended upon the Augustamusic scene bringing along many differentsounds, influences, as well as self-producedrecordings.
Right smack in the middle of the musicalflurry,Spytwasborn.
ThefirstinklingsofthebandSpytcanbetracedto1998whenfledglinghighschoolmusiciansMatt Lawhorne (guitar) and Andy Shotwell(bassguitar)teameduptoformaband.Shortlyafter,thetwowouldrecruitfutureSpytbassistNickLawstojoinonpercussion.
Withtheirmusicalcoresettheyoungtriothenset their sights on a permanent front man.EntervocalistArgentineanJoaquin“Sebastian”Bartar whowould prove instrumental in therecordingoftheband’sdebutrelease.
“WeputouttheCDrightaroundthetimeofBloodfestinOctober2000.Wecouldn’tgetontheshow,buttheyplayedourCDinbetweenbands. Itwasat theNationalGuardArmorywhenBloodfestwasstillabigdeal.”
Recorded by the group in various rooms oftheLawshouse,Dead By Dawn,withitsdarksubject matter, chopping bass lines, and nu-metalstyleguitarmelodies,wouldprovetobearoughglimpseofthedirectionthebandwasheadinginmusically.Still,morechangeswereneededbeforeSpytwouldfind theirultimatesound. Withonlyone showwith this lineupundertheirbelts,Shotwellwouldclaimabadcaseofstagefrightandleavethebandshortlyafter.Thebassist’sdeparturewouldprovetobethecatalystforchangestocome.
“We startedpracticing atwhatwe called ‘theshed’(StowawayStorageonWashingtonRoad)whereeventuallyalotofbandswouldendup,”said Laws. “I had picked up playing bass onthesidewiththebandthateventuallybecameAutorock. At that point we decided that IwouldplaybassandwepickedupAdamTolaratthestorageareatoplaydrums.”
Whilethebandwouldfinallygetitschancetoperformseveralshows,itwouldonlybeashorttimebeforemorechangeswouldcomeandthegroupwould find themselves searching for anewvocalistalongtheway,crossingpathswithsomeonewhowouldlaterprovetobeapartofthetrio’smusicalfuture.
“Wewereonthesearchforanewsingerandwedidabunchoftryouts,”saidLaws.“Somevery interesting tryouts, one of which was(then Youth at Risk vocalist) Chuck Merrittand,ultimately,wedecidedagainsthim.Then,we endedupmeeting JasonPeckwho endedupbeingthenewsinger.”
Peck would become the missing puzzlepiece that the band was looking for and, inDecember2001,anewlyrechargedSpytmadetheir stagedebut atKokopelli’s aspartof theannualRocking theStockingbenefit concert.Wrapped inChristmas lights and covered inbows,theband’simpactwasinstant.Themixofintensesongs,outrageousstageproductions,and over-the-top promotion techniqueswouldbecamethegroup’scallingcardfortheremainder of their existence. Spyt’s in-your-face attitude would lead to not only a spoton a huge summer concert but also a directconfrontationwithalocalmusicshowontheradiostationpromotingtheconcert.
“During that period we played theLocobazooka show,” says Laws. “That waswhen Homegrown was big and we had ourfightwithHomegrown.TheysaidtheyhadaproblemwithourrecordingsandIlistenbacktothemnowandthey(therecordings)soundOKbutnotgreat.Butatthetimewejusthadthatyoungnaïve‘we’rethebestbandever’sortofthinggoingon.Intheend,though,theydidendupplayingus.”
In typical Spyt fashion, the band blanketed
Augusta with flyers asking for write-invotes to appear at Locobazooka which wasto be held at the Augusta fairgrounds andheadlined by major label artist Sevendust.Their determination paid off as Spyt foundthemselveswitha10:30amslot.
With Locobazooka in the rear view mirror,Spytseemedtobeheadedtowardevergreaterthingsbut,by2003,PeckhadleftthebandtoconcentrateonexperimentalduoTrend. Butthe impact of Spyt had yet to be completelyfelt.TheremainingtriowouldnotonlyspawnAugustabands thatwouldreachevengreaterheights, but also one of the regions mostcherishedmusicvenues.
In 2004, Laws, Tolar and Lawhorne joinedforces with Merritt to form the Sixth Hour,a band thatwould build a solidAugusta fanbase and eventually take home favorite songof the year honors at the Lokal LoudnessChoice Awards before folding in 2006. LawsandLawhornewouldtransformtheirpracticeroom on Ellis Street into the popular all-ages venue Sector 7G. Lawswould goon toplay in G-City Rockers and is currently in
instrumentalprogbandtheRadarCinemaandnowthe soleownerofSector7G. Lawhornewenttoradiologyschoolandisworkingasanx-ray techatanewColumbiaCountyurgentcare facility while playing guitar in highlypopular-awardwinningbandChairleg. TolaropenedBigCityMusiconWrightsboroRoadstill going strong five years later and mostrecentlyperformedinthebandS. Butintheend, Laws attributes at least a portion of hisand his bandmates life philosophies on theirtimeinSpyt.
“WelearnedawholelotbeinginSpyt.Ithinkthat’soneofthethingsthatwasdifferentaboutus than a lot of other bands that I’ve seen,not to say every band but a lot of bands;wereallytookthetimetohoneinonthebusinesssideofbeingaband. Themarketingandthemanagement of the band and I think fromthatweallseemedtobranchintosomesortofbusiness career and just one example is howMattdoesreallywellwithChairlegalong thelinesofstraightofpromotionandmarketing.”
Spyt Band Members:Matt Lawhorne: guitar ‘98 - ‘03Nick Laws: drums ‘98 – ‘00 and bass guitar ‘00 – ‘03Joaquin Bartar: vocals ‘98 – ‘00Andy Shotwell: bass guitar ‘98 - ‘00Adam Tolar: drums ‘00 - ‘03Jason Peck: vocals ‘01 - ‘03
Spyt Discography2000 Dead by Dawn (self release)2002 10:01 / Nothing (KFK demo)
reverberations / Spyt 1998 – 2003augusta music history 201
by JOHN STONEY CANNON, LOKAL LOUDNESS
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