Monthly Archives: April 2025

Garden Festival

Garden Scene

For serious and novice horticulturalists alike, there is another spring event (besides the golf tournament) that they have grown to love – the annual Sacred Heart Garden Festival.

This year’s event is scheduled for 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26 at Sacred Heart Cultural Center.

Friday and Saturday activities include a vendor market in the Great Hall, educational speakers, food trucks and more. Plant and garden vendors will join the festival outdoors on Saturday.

Festival-goers can learn more about local public gardens as well. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 during the event. For more information, visit sacredheartaugusta.org.

Flying High

Buzz

Energetic, elite aerobatics will fill the skies at a popular air show

The Air Dot Show is back. This year, however, the show is coming to town a month earlier than usual as Augusta is the first stop on the eight-destination tour that celebrates military and civilian aviation excellence.

The U.S. Navy Blue Angels will headline the show with a combination of solo and formation maneuvers. The performance also will include an A-10 Thunderbolt II Close Air Support Demo, a P-51 Mustang Demo with Scott “Scooter” Yoak, the SOCOM Para-Commandos, the Georgia State Patrol, aerobatic pilot Michael Goulian and more.

A variety of aircraft will be on static display inside the event site as well.

Spectators can bring sunscreen, ear protection and up to a one-liter sealed bottle of water. Those who purchase general admission or lawn box tickets also should bring their own chairs. However, no tents, awnings or canopies will be allowed. Backpacks, bags, wagons and strollers will be permitted.

Tickets can be purchased in advance or on the day of the event. However, all tickets must be purchased before arrival at the show.

If You Go:

What: Air Dot Show Augusta

When: Noon – 4 p.m. Saturday, April 26 and Sunday, April 27; gates open 9 a.m.

Where: Augusta Regional Airport

How Much: Seating options and prices vary; children ages 5 and under are free in general admission section

More Info: augustaairshow.com

Tiny Home Village

Buzz

Ivey Homes is partnering with Bridge Builder Communities, a nonprofit that supports 18- to 25-year-olds who are aging out of the foster care system, to construction Tiny Home Village.

The campus, located on Merry Street in downtown Augusta, will include 25 tiny homes, shared community spaces and comprehensive life skill development programs to encourage independence and long-term success.

Each tiny home will be furnished with the items needed to start a new home, including a new bed with linens; pots, pans and kitchen utensils; a table and chairs; and bathroom supplies. Upon graduating from the community, the resident will take all the items originally found in the home with them to begin their post-graduation, independent life.

Other community partners in the project include Bill Beazley Homes, RW Allen Construction and McMillan Padzen Smith Architecture.

Spring Fair

LIFE + STYLE

The Columbia County Spring Fair returns this year April 18-27 with fan favorites as well as new attractions. Entertainment includes midway rides and games, a demolition derby, magician, petting zoo, Fireguy Show and other special entertainment.

Admission is $7 in advance or $10 at the gate. Parking is free, and children ages 5 and under are admitted free with a ticketed adult. Unlimited ride passes are $18. After 7 p.m. ages 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent.

For more information and details on admission and ride specials, visit columbiacountyfair.net.

Clarity of Cal by Vulfpeck

Listen To This

Like wafts of fresh-cut grass on the wings of spring, Vulfpeck’s Clarity of Cal arrives with a refreshing gust of groove, shaking off the last bits of seasonal pollen.

This album is a sonic bouquet — a vibrant mix of funk, soul and playful energy that blossoms with each passing note. Recorded live during their California shows in September 2024, this isn’t just an album; it’s an invitation to step outside, stretch toward the sun and boogie down with rhythmic revival.

With their signature blend of effortless tightness and laid-back charm, Vulfpeck crafts a soundscape that feels like spring itself — bursting with color, buzzing with life and just unpredictable enough to keep things interesting. Tracks like “Big Dipper” invite you to sink into the groove, while “New Beastly” revives a classic with fresh energy, its basslines rippling like the first waves on the lake.

The velvety vocals, ever-buoyant basslines and crisp interplay of the band create an atmosphere where every song feels like the perfect soundtrack to a sunlit adventure. Whether you’re cruising with the top down, swaying on a back porch or cracking open a window or refreshing beverage to usher in the spring vibes, Clarity of Cal delivers a warmth that lingers. Break out the flip-flops, turn up the volume and let its rhythm of renewal take over.

– Chris Rucker

Walking with Greatness: My Caddie Life on the Tour with Tiger, Fuzzy, Fred, and More by Cayce Kerr

Literary Loop

Maryland-raised Cayce Kerr began his caddying career at the storied Congressional Country Club in 1986 and within a year had managed to work his way onto the PGA Tour, rubbing shoulders with the biggest names in the world of golf.

Armed with quick wit and deep golf knowledge, he quickly established himself in the top echelon of his profession and never looked back, partnering with more than two dozen major champions and even working 30 Masters tournaments in a row from 1987 until 2016.

In Walking with Greatness, Kerr reveals what really goes on inside and outside the ropes at the highest levels of golf.

With a cast of characters including Ernie Els, Fred Couples, Vijay Singh, Fuzzy Zoeller and Tiger Woods, this true insider’s memoir pulls no punches in portraying life on the PGA Tour.

Spanning indelible triumphs, improbable mishaps and no shortage of hijinks, Kerr’s adventures and observations will leave golf fans illuminated, entertained and often literally laughing out loud.

Film Concert and Season Finale

LIFE + STYLE

Augusta Symphony winds up its 70th anniversary season with special concerts in April and May. On Thursday, April 24 and Friday, April 25, the symphony presents Star Wars: A New Hope. While the orchestra plays the film soundtrack by John Williams, the movie will be shown on screen.

The symphony concludes the season on Saturday, May 3 with Celebrating Augusta. This concert highlights the history of the orchestra, the Miller Theater and the region in a program that includes Khachaturian’s Suite from Spartacus, Still’s Symphony No. 1, Lalo’s Cello Concerto and Respighi’s Pines of Rome.

To celebrate Augusta and the CSRA, Still’s Symphony No. 1 includes videography by photochoreographer Nicholas Bardonnay. The guest artist choreographs his pictures to music, and featured photos have been procured from the Augusta Museum of History archives and from people in the community.

The program includes another guest artist, 2024 Youth Concerto Competition winner Neel Krishnan, as well. All of the shows begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Miller Theater.

Tickets for Star Wars are $49 to $102. Tickets for Celebrating Augusta are $27 to $79. For more information, visit augustasymphony.com.