Monthly Archives: September 2024

Martinez Animal Hospital

Pet Care

Martinez Animal Hospital was founded in 1970 by Dr. Grayson Brown and Dr. James Wilkes. We practice small animal medicine, as well as equine, and exotics. Our team of doctors and medical staff are like one big family, and we take pride in providing the best quality care to you and your pet!

3942 Washington Rd. Martinez, GA 30907
CALL US TODAY AT 706-863-1223

martinezanimalhospital.vet

Veterinarians Martinez Georgia

Care More Animal Hospital

Pet Care

Care More Animal Hospital is a full-service, AAHA accredited veterinary medical facility, located in Martinez, GA. The professional and courteous staff at Care More Animal Hospital seeks to provide the best possible medical, surgical and dental care for their highly valued patients. We are committed to promoting responsible pet ownership, preventive health care and health-related educational opportunities for our clients.

Care More Animal Hospital strives to offer excellence in veterinary care to Augusta, GA and the surrounding areas.

Please take a moment to contact us today, to learn more about our veterinary practice and to find out more information about how Care More Animal Hospital can serve the needs of you and your cherished pet.

4016 Old Blackstone Camp Rd
Martinez, GA 30907
Phone: (706) 650-1839

Or visit our website at caremoreanimalhospital.vetstreet.com

Best Veterinarian in Augusta Dr. Gross

Paradise Kennels

Pet Care

Paradise Kennels
Bathing, grooming, or keeping your babies while you’re on vacation, you can rest assured that your pet will be loved and cared for as one of our own. We offer short and long term boarding.

3996 Belair Road | Augusta, GA 30909
706)860-1977

Visit us at www.paradisekennelsga.com

Best Grooming in Augusta

Sanderlin Veterinary Hospital

Pet Care

A family owned veterinary clinic in Harlem, GA.

I have always dreamed of being a veterinarian and having my own practice one day. My wonderful husband, Jes Sanderlin, has helped make my dream come true. Jes will manage the practice, as he has run his lawncare business, Sanderlin’s Lawncare, for over 20 years. We have a four year old son, Sawyer, who is the center of our world. We also have a menagerie of pets: 13 dogs, 3 cats, chickens, and hermit crabs. Pets are our passion and we can’t wait to add your furbabies to our family!

Lauren Sanderlin, DVM
 

6482 Stanford Rd.
Harlem, Georgia 30814
706-7675-6003

SanderlinVeterinaryHospital.com

Veterinarian Harlem and Evans

Merry Maids

Pet Care

Fur doesn’t have to be part of your home décor!
We know pets are a part of the family, but what they leave behind can be hard to manage. We have developed specific tools and procedures for cleaning up pet hair. Our pet friendly cleaning experts make sure your home is cleaned exactly how you want it.

706.650.2409 Ga.
803.593.0077 S.C.

merrymaids.com

Best housekeeping service in Augusta Evans

On Stage

Buzz

Columbia County Performing Arts CenterAn ogre, a love story, Irish dancers, a rom-com and two notorious murderesses are set to take the stage this season at the Columbia County Performing Arts Center.

While the previous lineups included four shows, the 2024-25 Broadway in Columbia County series will feature one-night showings of five musicals.

“Our goal is to bring in entertainment options for the community, and we had an opportunity to add an additional show this year,” says Katie Cason, the PAC assistant general manager. “We’re thrilled to have five shows.”

The season kicks off on Friday, October 4 with Shrek the Musical. Based on the Oscar-winning animated film, Shrek tells the story of a lovable ogre who finds himself on a life-changing journey with a wisecracking donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue.

“People of all ages know and love the story of Shrek,” says Cason.

On Monday, December 2, Hadestown will take the stage. Winner of eight Tony Awards including Best Musical and the Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album, this show is a timeless love story. The musical intertwines the lives of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice and of King Hades and his wife, Persephone, as it takes the audience on a hell-raising journey to the underworld and back.

Hadestown has been in the market before, but people aren’t as familiar with that name,” Cason says. “I think people will be excited to see it for that reason. It’s a great story of mythical tales.”

The third show, Riverdance 30 – The New Generation, is a twist on an old favorite with new choreography and costumes. As part of its special 30th anniversary tour, the show – perfect for a date night – is scheduled for Friday, February 14.

On Thursday, April 24, Pretty Woman: The Musical will offer a fresh take on a favorite Hollywood rom-com. “People know and love this storyline, so I think it will be popular,” says Cason.

The season wraps up on Wednesday, May 14 with Chicago. The story, set in the Windy City’s Jazz Age, follows two of Cook County Jail’s most notorious murderesses – vaudeville star Velma Kelly and chorus girl Roxie Hart – as they become fierce rivals in their competition for headlines amid a media frenzy.

Worldwide Weekend

Buzz

Photos courtesy of Arts in the Heart of Augusta

Art, international food, music and dance are the stars of this annual outdoor festival.

Arts in the Heart of Augusta represents cultures around the world with flair, but as one of the area’s most well-known events, it also helps the community shine.

This year the awarding-winning festival, which regularly attracts 100,000-plus attendees, will feature more than 150 juried fine arts and crafts artists from across the United States.

In addition, 20 authentic cuisine booths will populate the global food village. Food booths will include fare from Jamaica, Cyprus, Greece, Italy, China, Germany, India, France, Ireland, Laos, Sudan, South Sudan, Thailand, Vietnam, Korea, Lebanon, Trinidad, Philippines, Latin America and the Pacific Islands. A specialty beer garden also will be part of the festivities.

Arts in the Heart of Augusta represents cultures around the world with flairAlong with international cuisine, the festival will offer five stages of non-stop entertainment that include everything from hip hop to jazz to rock. The Global Stage on the Augusta Common will feature cultural music and dance as well as popular music into the evening.

An indoor Jazz Stage offers jazz, blues and roots performances. Also indoors, the Soul Suite Stage will be the place to find poetry, storytelling, acoustic music, soul, spoken word and improv.

The Family Stage also will return with performances that appeal to children and families, and the Community Stage will showcase the area’s local talent.

Arts in the Heart of Augusta represents cultures around the world with flairPerformers will include the platinum-selling Austin alt-rock band, Fastball, which will take the Global Stage at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, September 21. The band includes guitarist Miles Zuniga, guitarist/singer Tony Scalzo and drummer Joey Shuffield.

Fastball’s chart-topping hits include “The Way” and “Out Of My Head.” In addition to old favorites, the group will perform songs from its new album, Sonic Ranch.

Jazz performer Georgia Muldrow will perform at 7 p.m. Friday, September 20 on the Jazz Stage. Her Overload album was nominated for a 2020 Grammy, and she has collaborated with famed musicians such as Robert Glasper, Adrian Younge, Ambrose Akinmursire, Justin Brown’s Nyeusi and Keyon Harrold.

Arts in the Heart of AugustaThe large Family Area will be packed with interactive children’s activities, street performers, public art and a Young Artists Market. Atlanta puppeteer Lee “That Puppet Guy” Bryan will be a featured performance on the Family Stage.

Local artists will paint live all weekend with the return of Artzilla. The Authors Lounge, featuring Georgia authors and book signings, also will be back. Limited edition 2024 festival merchandise, including the collectible Festival Teddy Bears, will be available as well.

Arts in the Heart was named the Best Festival by the Southeast Tourism Society in 2020 and “Best for 2023” Festival – ranked 52nd best in the entire country – by Sunshine Artist.

Arts in the Heart of Augusta represents cultures around the world with flairThe festival will be held on Broad Street and the Augusta Common. The festivities were slated to take place this year at its original location on and around Telfair Street. However, it was moved after the road construction schedule for Telfair Street was announced in July. Road construction on Broad Street, which initially prompted the relocation, will now start in 2025.

No pets or coolers will be allowed onsite. However, lawn chairs are welcome. The festival will be held rain or shine. Updates about inclement weather will be posted on the Arts in the Heart home page and social media.

If You Go:

What: Arts in the Heart of Augusta

When: 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. Friday, September 20; 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Saturday, September 21 and 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sunday, September 22

Where: Downtown Augusta

How Much: $15 in advance; $20 at the gate; VIP – $80 single, $150 for two; free for children 10 and under; badges are good for the entire weekend

More Info: artsintheheartofaugusta.com

Symphonic Seventieth

LIFE + STYLE

 Augusta Symphony turns 70Classical, rock, holiday, cinematic and family friendly music. This year promises to be another lively season as Augusta Symphony turns 70.

“All of the concerts are upbeat and celebratory,” says music director Dirk Meyer. “We’ll mix the known with the unknown as we have done the last two years.”

Symphony Series

This year, the Symphony Series, which is appropriately called “Seventieth,” will include six concerts that celebrate seven decades of music that has been inspired by nature and nurture.

“I included several works throughout the season from 1954, and there are a few more from the 1950s,” says Meyer.

The season opens with Sounds of the Sea on Friday, September 27. The program includes Festive Overture, which was composed by Dimitri Shostakovich in 1954; Two Latin American Dances by Lena Frank, an American composer of contemporary classical musical who often draws on her multicultural background; and La Mer by French composer Claude Debussy.

In addition, guest artist Orion Weiss will accompany the orchestra on piano for Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4. “I have wanted to bring him here for several years,” says Meyer.

On Friday, November 1, Sounds from the Sky will feature three works that describe bird songs. The concert will include Tchaikovsky’s Suite from Swan Lake and two pieces by Finnish composers – Cantus Articus by Einojuhani Rautavaara and Symphony No. 5 by Jean Sibelius.

Cantus Anticus incorporates tape recordings of birdsong that Rautavaara made near the Arctic Circle. “It’s totally different from anything you’d expect. People are going to love this piece,” says Meyer.

In Symphony No. 5, Meyer says, “The last movement captured 20-plus swans that were flying above Sibelius.”

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Sounds From the Heart on Saturday, February 8 will feature guest artist Anastasia Petrunina on the violin for Shostakovich’s Violin Concerto No. 1, which was written in 1954.

“She performs a concerto with us every year,” says Meyer. “For years she has wanted to perform this with us. It’s her favorite piece of all time.”

The Symphony will present two concerts in March – Sounds of the Classics on Saturday, March 8 and Sounds From the East on Saturday, March 29.

Sounds of the Classics will include More Seasons by Michael Abels, a black composer who wrote music for television and film, and Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 1. In addition, guest artist and celloist Santiago Cañón-Valencia of Colombia will accompany the orchestra on Haydn’s Cello Concerto No. 1.

As guest artist for Sounds From the East, pianist Adam Golka will join the musicians for Saint Saens’ Afrika and Fazil Say’s Silk Road.

“He uses a lot of unusual techniques on the piano. He doesn’t just play the keys. He also plucks the strings,” says Meyer. “He plays the piano in ways you don’t think of. It’s fun to hear, and it’s fun to watch.”

The performance also will include Mozart’s Overture from The Abduction from the Seraglio and Rimsky Korsakov’s Scheherazade.

Fittingly, the finale for the Symphony Series on Saturday, May 3 is entitled Celebrating Augusta.

“We want to celebrate our 70th anniversary, and we also want to celebrate Augusta,” says Meyer.

This concert will include two works that were written in 1954 – the opening piece, Khatchaturian’s Suite From Spartacus, and Bernstein’s Candide Overture.

Still’s Symphony No. 1 will feature videography celebrating Augusta and the CSRA by guest artist and photochoreographer Nicholas Bardonnay.

“He takes a piece of music and choreographs his pictures to it,” says Meyer. “He’s creating a piece for us that will celebrate the history of the orchestra, the history of the Miller Theater and the history of our region.”

In addition to accessing the archives from the Augusta Museum of History for photos, Meyer says, “We will ask our audience members to submit photos of Augusta to us.”

The concert will conclude with Respighi’s Pines of Rome. “The Pines of Rome is really powerful,” Meyer says. “It will end with trumpets throughout the hall.”

Pops! Series

The Pops! Series will include tributes to a pair of American rock stars – Bruce Springsteen and Tina Turner.

On Thursday, October 10, Bruce in the USA will showcase Matt Ryan from the “Legends In Concert” cast. He began playing the Springsteen character in 2000.

“This is a show that was first created for Vegas. It tours across the country,” Meyer says.

The Mariachi Fiesta on Thursday, November 7 will feature the band, Mariachi Cobre from Disney World’s Epcot Park.

Sounds of the Season: A Chloë Christmas on Thursday, December 12 will showcase Irish singer Chloë Agnew, a former member of Celtic Woman. The program will include music with Celtic-inspired themes and traditional holiday tunes.

“Last year when we brought back the holiday concert for the first time in many years, people really loved it,” Meyer says.

In The Music of Tina Turner on Thursday, February 20, Broadway star and American Idol finalist LaKisha Jones and others will perform some of her hits such as “Proud Mary” and “River Deep, Mountain High.”

The Pops! Series wraps up on Thursday, April 24 with Star Wars: A New Hope when Meyer conducts the full orchestra for the movie soundtrack by John Williams.

“We perform all of the music from the movie, and the movie plays while we perform the music live,” says Meyer, an avid Star Wars fan.

Family Concerts at Columbia County Series

Also for the young and young at heart, the Family Concerts at Columbia County Series will include afternoon performances of Halloween at the Symphony on Sunday, October 27 and Holiday Spectacular on Sunday, December 8.

Regardless of the featured music, however, the shows generally share one common trait.

“I mostly try to end the concerts on an upbeat note,” says Meyer. “I want people to leave with a good feeling inside.”

The Symphony and Pops! performances will be held at Miller Theater, and the Family Concerts will take place at Hardin Auditorium. For more information, visit augustasymphony.com.

Accolades for Evans

Buzz

top five cities in Georgia by USA TodayEvans recently was named one of the top five cities in Georgia by USA Today.

Using 16 different metrics, the publication’s Homefront research team ranked Evans second overall out of 32 cities for having the lowest crime rate of the 32 cities, one of the state’s lowest unemployment rates at 2.5%, top-rated schools and amenities such as Evans Towne Center Park and Savannah River access.

With a typical home value of more than three times the median household income, Evans also ranked third for home affordability.

The Life Impossible by Matt Haig

Literary Loop

The Life Impossible by Matt HaigFrom New York Times bestselling author Matt Haig comes an enchanting tale of hope, wonder and personal transformation.

When retired math teacher Grace Winters inherits a run-down house on a Mediterranean island from a long-lost friend, curiosity gets the better of her. She arrives in Ibiza with a one-way ticket, no guidebook and no plan.

Among the rugged hills and golden beaches of the island, Grace searches for answers about her friend’s life and how it ended. What she uncovers is stranger than she could have dreamed. But to dive into this impossible truth, Grace must first come to terms with her past.

Filled with wild adventure and a touch of magic and mystery, this is a story of the life-changing power of a new beginning.

“In a world that seems to be getting more unstable by the moment, Haig’s novels are a steady ship in rough seas. . .the author’s insistence on the power of connection to change lives comes through loud and clear,” says Kirkus.

Evolve by Phish

Listen To This

Evolve shines like multi-colored sunbeamsLike a surprise summer storm—unexpected, exhilarating, full of twists — Phish, a band known for its relentless innovation and live improvisation, delivers a supersonic cyclone of tuneage with its 16th studio album, Evolve.

Evolve shines like multi-colored sunbeams of wonder with a familiar, yet fresh, maze of melody and rhythm surrounded by a vibrant torrent of rock, funk and jazz. Rooted in traditional rock ’n’ roll but always flipping the script, band members noodle, zap, slap and stomp through a well-worn map with new routes and landmarks scribbled in the margins.

One of the album’s most intriguing moments comes with “Pillow Jets,” a track that starts as a lullaby before spiraling into a cacophony of sound. It’s the kind of song that could only come from a band that swims in unpredictability, where each note feels like it’s balancing on the edge of a new adventure.

“Oblivion” and “A Wave of Hope” maintain a high-energy vibe filled with bluesy riffs and soaring solos that recall the band’s jam roots, but it’s in the quieter moments where the album shows its depth in creating a space where listeners can lose themselves or find something new.

In Evolve, Phish has crafted an album that celebrates its past and leaps into the unknown. Inviting listeners to join them on a journey, the record doesn’t end with the final track but continues to evolve with each listen.

Whether you’re a Phish newbie or a seasoned Phan, Evolve will resonate with you long after the last note.

– Chris Rucker

Fired Up

LIFE + STYLE

annual FireK FiveK fundraiserFor 10 years FireK has been fully engulfed in its mission to raise funds for firefighting families that are battling cancer, and the nonprofit organization has no plans to extinguish its efforts.

FireK held its first 5K run in 2014 when a group of local veteran firefighters banded together to support co-workers who had been diagnosed with cancer. This year the annual FireK FiveK fundraiser is scheduled for Saturday, October 5. The event features professionally timed USATF-certified 5K and 10K races, firefighter team races and a one-mile fun run for kids. The registration deadline is Saturday, September 28.

Other activities include a kids’ fun zone with bouncy houses, face painting, super heroes, fire safety house, live music with a DJ, a free hot dog lunch, door prizes and an awards ceremony. Fire apparatus also will be on display.

annual FireK FiveK fundraiser FireK supports the financial needs of firefighting families battling cancer with direct cash disbursements to spend as needed without reservation. In its first 10 years of operation, the nonprofit has provided $40,000 to 40 fire service families in their battle against 13 types of cancer. The organization also connects recipient families, post diagnosis, with resources to increase survivability and wellness.

In addition, FireK provide firefighters with no-cost preemptive cancer testing that meets NFPA specifications and IAFC recommendations. The organization also connects firefighters with resources to mitigate or minimize exposure risks.

annual FireK FiveK fundraiser Any firefighter or immediate family member that has been diagnosed with cancer may be nominated to receive financial assistance. FireK disperses a minimum of $1,000 to at least three recipients every year. An independent panel of firefighters from local departments determines the order in which nominees are assisted.

If You Go:

What: FireK FiveK

When: Saturday, October 5; 10K race begins at 9 a.m.; 5K race begins at 9:15 a.m.

Where: Evans Towne Center Park

How Much: $30 for 5K; $45 for 10K

More Info: firekfivek.com; sign up at itsyourrace.com