emily and joe: looking at downtown through different lenses

she saw: I have lived in a loft in Downtown Augusta for the past two and a half years. I love it here and fortunately for me, my fiancé does too! Since we like the area so much, it makes sense that when we decided to open an office for our music management and event promotion company, Gluestick, we would do so in Downtown Augusta. Since we have a home and an office within walking distance of one another, Joe and I spend some serious time around Broad Street. We may not see it exactly the same, but we’re here – a lot!

Just the other day we were walking our dogs past Vintage 965 where I about walked into the window checking out the adorable, pale green summer dress with the cutest brown and green polka dot luggage. What a perfect outfit to wear onto a plane for your honeymoon after a summer wedding!

he saw: I did notice that there were clothes in the window, but what caught my eye was the actual building. It is a classic Downtown Augusta three story building that has a balcony on the second floor and a great retail space downstairs that is operated by the owners Ben and Claire Riche. The two upper floors are a great living space. I’m always glad to see buildings that were vacant for so long become a vibrant part of downtown.

she saw: As the dogs pull and tug on their leashes, crossing paths so we have to do a little untangling dance, I glance across the street to Nacho Mamas and promptly announce that’s where we should eat lunch. Of course, I’ll get the same simple nachos with chicken (salsa on the side) that I always get. Other than the yummy eats, the best thing about Nachos is the table in the window where we can watch everyone else on the streets.

he saw: I always order the same thing as well – but I get the Copan. I usually end up finishing Emily’s since there’s more than one person can typically eat on a plate. I also enjoy the window seat, but Nacho Mama’s décor is made up of classic Beatle and R.E.M. posters. If you are into local music, one of Augusta’s most talented singers, Shaun Piazza, moonlights there as a manager.

she saw: We make our way back down to our block were we see Joe’s Underground (I’ve recently learned they don’t actually serve burgers but they do have sandwiches & hot dogs!) Joe plays here about twice a month and I love watching the people in the crowd enjoying him on stage almost as much as I love looking at him up there myself.

he saw: It sounds crazy, but I’ve been playing at Joe’s Underground (corner of 8th and Broad St.) for about 18 years! That makes me sound old I know, I’m only 35. This might be the oldest bar in Downtown Augusta. It’s a very cool place with great owners and staff. If there was ever a neighborhood, Cheer’s type bar, this is it. It’s dark, smoky and literally underground and has been by far my favorite place to play in Augusta because regardless of the size of the crowd, people there just seem happy to hear some music.

she saw: We then drop the dogs off at the apartment where they rush out onto the balcony and whine at us as we head down to the office to drop our things off before popping into Rock Bottom Music. Joe’s oldest son, Louis, is saving up for a Les Paul guitar that he wants to show me. We go in, I see guitars – lots of them. And as much as I love music, I have to admit that the only difference I can really see is that some are acoustic, some are electric and some are bass guitars. We hang out at Rock Bottom for a bit as Joe talks to me about some of the guitars but mostly, I’m just wondering if Vintage 965 has that dress in my size.

he saw: It’s great that the owner of Rock Bottom Music, Jonathan Karow has brought a music store back to downtown. Back in the day when Jonathan and I were both starting out in bands, the only two music stores in Augusta were downtown. With the growing music scene and the best live music venues located with in a few blocks, it was a smart move to locate on the corner of 8th and Broad St. There’s a great selection of guitars that my son Louis has been drooling over for the past few months. He’s working hard to save money and buy his first dream guitar. Hopefully he’ll have it by the fall.

about the couple: on its way….