It looks like critical mass is starting to finally occur in downtown, Augusta. They’re traditionally held on Friday afternoons (and during the day right?), but this one occured last night with about a group of 20 or so riders.

from wrdw’s website:

A bicyclist, dressed as Uncle Sam, is recovering after a van hits him on the corner of Broad Street and 15th Street in downtown Augusta.
Witnesses say he hurt his leg, but they believe he will recover. A fellow rider says Uncle Sam, who is a student at the Medical College of Georgia, just needs a few stitches.
It happened around 8:30 Wednesday night as he was riding with a group of about 25 other people also riding bikes in costume.

Read More…

John Kolbeck (Rock/Folk/Acoustic)
Joes Underground - 10pm - $2

TUESDAY september 30th

Jeff Liberty (Rock/Acoustic)
Joes Underground - 10pm - $2

THURSDAY october 2nd

Jacob Beltz (Rock/Folk/Acoustic)
Joes Underground - 10pm - $3

FRIDAY october 3rd 

FIRST FRIDAY: Oktoberfest
Downtown Augusta - 5-10pm - free
On the First Friday of each month a celebration is 
held downtown on Artists’ Row. Galleries and studios 
remain open those evenings to debut new works, 
street vendors sell their wares, and bands can be 
heard all over. Augusta’s downtown boasts over 22 
live music venues, complemented by numerous locally 
owned restaurants. We invite you to visit First Friday and 
return to enjoy our music, food, museums, antiques and 
attractions. First Friday is a free, monthly, family friendly 
event in Downtown Augusta.

First Friday Entertainment:
Kids Zone at 10th Street
8th Street – Pyro Show, Daniel Forman Metal Sculpture and
Glass Blowing Demonstration

Annual Fall Concert
Augusta Commons - 6-11pm - free
This second annual concert is being brought to you by the 
City of Augusta Special Events and its partnering sponsors. 
Come be a part of this heart thumping, toe tapping celebration 
of the Augusta Common. Live music by Jerusalem Sound, 
The Swingin Medallions and Tony Howard
For more information please call 706/821-1754. 

Jeckyll and Hyde: The Musical
Imperial Theatre - 8pm - $15-$40
Presented by the Augusta Players. 
(706) 826-4707 or www.augustaplayers.org

Portrait of Maestro Donald Portnoy
Artistic Perceptions - 10am-9pm - free
Hand painted portrait by Wanta Davenport of 
Maestro Donald Portnoy Retiring Music Director 
of the Augusta Symphony. When completed the 
portrait will be presented by Wanta as a gift to the 
Augusta Symphony in early October. The public is 
invited to Wanta’s studio, located at 551 Broad St., 
anytime to view the work in progress and speak 
with the artist. The completed portrait will be on 
display for viewing on First Friday.

Art at Lunch: Malaika Favorite
Morris Museum of Art - noon - $10-$14
Artist and poet Malaika Favorite discusses her 
highly-collectible work. Lunch by Washington Hall.
$10 for museum members; $14 for nonmembers; 
includes museum admission, lecture, and lunch. 
Call for reservations 706-828-3867.

“Fish Fry” with Kris Fisher of HD98.3
Metro Coffee House

DJ Awesome Rick
209 Music Lounge - 9:30pm-2am - $5

80’s Night
Sky City - 9pm - ladies free/guys $5

First Friday DJ Mix
Soul Bar - 9pm - ladies free/guys $5

Eryn Eubanks and the Family Fold (Bluegrass/Irish)
Vintage 965 - 6-9ish - free

Friday Nights Live
With Jacob Johnson
(Acoustic/Rock/Classic)
The Well - 7-9pm - $3

Michael and Tony (acoustic/rock)
Pizza Joint - 9pm - free

Whosehouse (Rock)
Joes Underground - 10pm - $4

Kort McCumber (Bluegrass/Americana)
Stillwater Tap Room - 10pm - $4

Temporary Setback (rock/metal)
The Playground - 10pm - $3

Almost Blue (rock)
The Loft - 10:30pm - free

R2D1 (Acoustic/Folk/Rock)
The Fox’s Lair - 8pm - free

Jacob Beltz with Josh Piece
& Bleeding (Acoustic/Folk/Rock)
Joe’s Underground - 10pm - $4

SATURDAY october 4th 

Light the Night Walk
Augusta Commons - noon-9pm
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s annual walk 
to celebrate and commemorate lives touched by 
cancer. For more information, call (800) 399-7312.

Augusta Ballet Croquet Tournament
Hammonds Ferry - 3-8pm - $100/2 person team
Call now to compete in the Third Annual Croquet 
for the Ballet tournament. If you’re 9 or 90, if you want 
to enjoy a recreational pastime or participate in a 
competitive sport, croquet is an easy game to play.
Spectacular facility at Hammond’s Ferry provides the 
opportunity for everything from placid river relaxation 
to intense competition. Entry fee is $100/2-person team. 
Entry fee includes meal and complimentary drinks for two. 
Corporate teams are welcome. There will be live music 
and silent auction of destination locations. Hammond’s 
Ferry Foundation to sponsor a FREE Music Event open to
the public at the Boeckh Park Pavilion following the tournament.

Disney Live
Bell Auditorium - 1:30pm - $15-$37
Presents Winnie the Pooh

Jeckyll and Hyde: The Musical
Imperial Theatre - 8pm - $15-$40
Presented by the Augusta Players. 
(706) 826-4707 or www.augustaplayers.org

John Kolbeck
Cotton Patch - 7-11 - free

Drivin N Cryin with Shawn Piazza Band
Sky City - 9pm - $13/$15

Sound Unlimited
209 Music Lounge - 9:30pm-2am - $10

Versa Emerge, Eye Alaska, Agnes, 
And Avaria (rock)
Sector 7G - 7pm - $7

Sandinistas! (rock)
The Loft - 10:30pm - free

Electric Voodoo (Blues)
Joe’s Underground - 10pm - $4

SUNDAY october 5th 

Swanee Quintet 69th Anniversary
Bell Auditorium - 5pm - $19
The Swanee Quintet & Lee Williams

Artrageous! Family Sunday
Tales of an African American Woman
Morris Museum of Art - 2pm - free
Artrageous! Family Sunday: Tales of an African American 
Woman 2:00 p.m._Kitty Wilson-Evans relates provocative 
stories of plantation life. Later, create authentic African 
American toys. 

Jeckyll and Hyde: The Musical
Imperial Theatre - 3pm - $15-$40
Presented by the Augusta Players. 
(706) 826-4707 or www.augustaplayers.org

John Kolbeck
Cotton Patch - 7-11 - free

Join us Tonight September 18, for The Art of Arts Autumn Amble - an art walk hearkening back to the days of the original First Friday. Explore downtown Augusta’s most creative art galleries and shops. Experience art for all your senses: smell, taste, touch, sight and sound.

Select galleries and stores will feature unique art exhibits in conjunction with the Westobou Festival. Enjoy complimentary refreshments throughout the Amble.

Pick up your Autumn Amble guide at any of the participating galleries and shops and wind your way down Broad Street.

Read the rest of this entry and check out the gallery below.

1|Elduets Treasures of the World: 1127 Broad

The art of the instrument: handcrafted instruments from Indonesian rain sticks to Thai animal drums to Bolivian flutes

2|blue magnolia: 1124 Broad

The art of chocolate: sample decadent chocolates from around the world, while enjoying our signature Bellagio chocolate martinis.

3|Cloud Nine: 1036 Broad

The art of creation: the creative art of making luxurious natural skincare products. Win one of two $50 gift sets.

4|Art on Broad: 1028 Broad

The art of medium: from oil to copper to clay, the art of Ann de Lorge, Jim Tar, Suzy Schultz, Bea Kuhlke, Tony Carr, Julie King, Wade Franklin & Peter Alsen.

5|The Book Tavern: 1026 Broad

The art of the written word: Contribute to our cooperative journal with your thoughts in word and images (supplies provided or bring your own).

6|Gallery on the Row: 1016 Broad

The art of originality: Featuring Sandra Whittaker’s Italian original watercolors. Discover original designs in pottery, hand woven baskets, bead works, lamps, and mirrors.

7|Zimmerman Gallery: 1006 Broad

The art of miniature: Opening reception for the Whiskey Painters of America’s Annual Exhibition. Learn the history of this unique organization of watercolorists.

8|Schweitzer Art Glass: 980 Broad

The art of low country: Artist Will Fahnoe from Studio 222.

9|Vintage 965: 965 Broad

The art of photography: Ben Riche, a finalist in the 2008 Augusta Photography Festival and Greenbrier High School students, interpreting the theme of Westobou Festival.

10|Gensheer’s Studio: 105 McCartan

The art of watercolor: Experience the beauty and simple elegance of Jim Gensheer’s art in the ‘Wyeth’ tradition.

11|Artistic Perceptions: 551 Broad

The art of portraiture: Wanta Davenport will be painting the portrait of Augusta Symphony Maestro Donald Portnoy.

12|Westobou Festival Opening: Augusta Common

The art of music and dance: Ed Turner and Number 9 perform during the official opening ceremony. Then experience the opening of Slow Dancing, a series of larger-than-life, hyper-slow-motion video portraits of dancers and choreographers from around the world.

the art of arts autumn amble is a collaborative effort of the Downtown Augusta Alliance and Artists’ Row.

Music at the Morris
Morris Museum of Art - 2 & 3:15pm - free
Musicologist Michael J. Budds from the University
of Missouri-Columbia joins members of the Augusta
State University music faculty to explore and perform
music from the baroque period.

Tara Scheyer and the Mud Puppy Band
Ft Discovery - 3pm - $8
2 and under FREE
3 and over $8.00 (includes day pass to Fort Discovery)

MONDAY september 15th

Movies at Main
Green St. Library - 6:30pm - free
Smart People - Rated R
95 Minutes - directed by Noam Murro

Dave Firman (Rock/Pop/Acoustic)
Joes Underground - 10pm - $2

TUESDAY september 16th

Hackensaw Boys w/ Special Guest
Hog Slobber (Bluegrass)
Sky City - 9pm doors open at 8pm
$8 adv/$10 at the door
Go to www.skycityaugusta.com for more info

Bury your Dead, It Dies Today, The Ghost Inside,
For Fallen Dreams, Aralic, Seladora
Club Hollywood - 6pm - $13

Joe Stephenson & Friends (Rock/Acoustic)
Joes Underground - 10pm - $2

WEDNESDAY september 17th

Books on Film
Morris Museum of Art - 12:30pm - free - reg admission
After viewing the film How Green Was My Valley, join
museum director Kevin Grogan as he compares and
contrasts the movie with the original novel. Members,
free; nonmembers, regular museum admission.
Participants are free to bring their lunch.

THURSDAY september 18th

WESTOUBOU:
See Calendar at
http://www.westoboufestival.com/Schedule.htm
for more info

Studwulf, Parasytic, The Skuds, Society Distort
Social Neglect (punk)
Sector 7G - 7pm - $5

John Krueger (Acoustic/Pop)
Joes Underground - 10pm - $3

FRIDAY september 19th

WESTOUBOU:
See Calendar at
http://www.westoboufestival.com/Schedule.htm
for more info

Art at Lunch: Steve Ferrel
Morris Museum of Art - noon - $10-13
Steve Ferrell, owner of Old Edgefield Pottery
in South Carolina, discusses the history and
techniques of African American potters
and objects. Members, $10; nonmembers, $13.
Catering by Café 209.
Register by September 17 by calling 706-828-3867.

Arts in the Heart
Augusta Commons - 5-9pm
$5 in advance/$7 at the gate
Annual fine arts festival with an ethnic flair.
This event is a celebration of visual and
performing arts including several stages
of local, regional and national entertainment
hands on arts activities and delicious ethnic
food sold by local groups in beautiful authentic
costumes. For additional information, contact
the Greater Augusta Arts Council (706) 826-4702.
or go to http://www.artsintheheart.com/

Alchemy Dance Group
Vintage 965 - 7-8pm - free

Bloodkin (Rock)
Sky City - 10:30pm - $5
Go to www.skycityaugusta.com for more info

Danger Muffin (Folk)
Stillwater Tap Room - 10pm - $4

Keith Gregory (Acoustic/Funk/Rock)
Cotton Patch - 7:30-11:30pm - free

TFS Rave (Techno)
Sector 7G - 8pm - $5

DJ Kenny Ray
1102 - 10pm - free

(R)evolution
Soul Bar - 10pm - ladies free/guys $5

Jordan & Angeliques Wedding
With Surprise Guests
The Loft - 9pm - free

Chris Deneti (Acoustic/Rock/Folk)
The Fox’s Lair - 8pm - free

Friday Night Live w/ Jacob Johnson (Acoustic/Funk)
The Well - 7-9pm - $3 (donation)

Joe Stevenson & Friends (Rock/Acoustic)
Joes Underground - 10pm - $4

SATURDAY september 20th

WESTOUBOU:
See Calendar at
http://www.westoboufestival.com/Schedule.htm
for more info

Arts in the Heart
Augusta Commons - 11-9pm
$5 in advance/$7 at the gate
See Sept 19th for more info
or go to http://www.artsintheheart.com/

Outdoor Art Exhibit
Vintage 965 - 12pm - 7pm - free
Art Exhibit by the Students of Evans High School

Rise Up!
Curtis Baptist Church - 9am-noon - $5-7
A morning focused on a Biblical understanding of
depression and other emotional issues we face as women.
This mini-conference is for all women. Come ready to get
some answers for yourself, for a friend or a family member.
Panera Bread Bagels & Coffee will be served at 9am.
Three excellent speakers with expertise in this area:
Dr. Ron Eaker: ,Rhonda Huff:, Jan Boulineau:
Registration Fee: $5 per person if registered by September 19,
$7 at the door on the morning of the event

We Shot the Moon, Merct Mercedes (pop/rock)
Sector 7G - 7pm - $10

Fuzz and Mac (hiphop/rap)
Soul Bar - 10pm - $3

Box of Moonlight (Rock/Folk/Funk)
Joes Underground - 10pm - $4

SUNDAY september 21st

WESTOUBOU:
See Calendar at
http://www.westoboufestival.com/Schedule.htm
for more info

Arts in the Heart
Augusta Commons - 12-7pm
$5 in advance/$7 at the gate
See Sept 19th for more info
or go to http://www.artsintheheart.com/

Outdoor Art Exhibit
Vintage 965 - 12pm - 3pm - free
Art Exhibit by the Student of Evans High School

Robert Rauschenberg Unveiling
Morris Museum of Art - 3pm - free
Join the Morris for the reinstallation of Robert
Rauschenberg’s work August Allegory (Anagrams).
Poet Starkey Flythe will provide a lively discussion
about the late artist.

(photo from the Downtown Augusta flickr! group)

In yesterday’s news spot, NBC Augusta spoke briefly about how Mayor Deke Copenhaver is utilizing tools such as Facebook and Myspace to connect with Augustans to find out their take on how Augusta can be improved. During the video clip you’ll see they mention the Support Downtown Augusta Facebook Group, which is 475 facebook members strong. Check out the accompanying links below and get connected.

• Augusta mayor among many using Facebook and MySpace to make city grow (NBC Augusta)
• Support Downtown Augusta!!! (facebook)
• Mayor Deke Copenhaver’s facebook page (we’re not friends yet )

*PDF is preferred

Just submit your menu in an attachment to webguy@vergelive.com

Sacred Heart will open its doors to present the infamous 1929 silent movie Pandora’s Box accompanied by talented organist Ron Carter, who will combine the original movie score with his own improvisations. Pandora’s Box stars the iconic Louise Brooks as Lulu, a young and raw seductress dashing through the lives of suitors who fall victim like a moth to her flame. The Germans were ahead of Hollywood at least 40 years by introducing the first lesbian character on film in Countess Anna, who is played by Alice Roberts. It’s hard to believe that we scandalously starved people of Augusta will have a chance to watch such a steamy and mysterious film within city limits, let alone inside such a historically pious landmark. Anyone who has been begging for downtown to open its own art-indie theatre should make an appearance at this event.  It will be one of the few occasions this year that will be reminiscent of times gone by and worthy of bragging.  Details: Seats are limited.  Purchase tickets in advance at Sacred Heart (706.826.4700) or go to sacredheartaugusta.org

Movies at Main
Green St. Library - 6:30pm - free
Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day - Rated PG13
92 Minutes - directed by Bharat Nalluri

Saving Abel w/ Special Guests Endeverafter
& Meriwether (rock/metal)
Sky City - 9pm doors open 8pm - $12.50 adv/$15 at the door
Go to www.skycityaugusta.com for more info

Jamie Jones (Rock/Folk/Acoustic)
Joes Underground - 10pm - $2

TUESDAY september 9th

John Kolbeck (Rock/Folk/Acoustic)
Joes Underground - 10pm - $2

WEDNESDAY september 10th

Brown Bag History Series
Augusta Museum of History - 12:30pm - cost
The Development of the Sand Hills Community in the Post Civil War Period, given by Dr. Lee Ann Caldwell. Dr. Caldwell will present the fascinating story of the Sand Hills Community in Augusta, a community formed by former slaves in a post-Civil War Augusta.

THURSDAY september 11th

Historic Augusta’s Benefit Auction: 
Perfectly Aged - Antiques & Wine
St Pauls River Room - 6:30pm - $50-$100
Saint Paul’s River Room is located at 605 Reynolds Street
The evening will begin at 6:30 pm with a wine tasting, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres provided by Augusta’s top restaurants and caterers, and a silent auction of antiques and wine. A raffle will be held for three luxury items.At 8 pm, a live auction will begin which includes fine antiques, art, premium wines and innovative entertainment packages. Admission is $100 per person. For those who are age 35 and under, admission is $50 per person. Proceeds benefit the projects and programs of Historic Augusta, Inc., a non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve historically or architecturally significant sites and structures in Augusta and Richmond County, Georgia. For more information or to purchase a ticket, call (706) 724-0436. Preview auction items as they arrive at www.historicaugusta.org.

Toddler Time: Touchable Textures
Morris Museum of Art - 10-11am or 11:15am-12:15pm - $4
Children 5 and younger. Museum family members and parents, free; nonmembers, $4 per participant. Register by calling 706-828-3867.

Straylight Run, Jonzetta, Band Marino & more (pop/rock)
Sector 7G - 7pm - $12

Ruskin (Rock/Acoustic)
Joes Underground - 10pm - $3

FRIDAY september 12th

80’s Night
Soul Bar - Ladies Free/Guys $5

Border Bash
Augusta Commons -  5-11pm - $10
This Annual Celebration of the “Great Southern Rivalry” between the University of Georgia Bulldogs and the University of South Carolina Gamecocks presented by the Border Bash Foundation. Live music, vendors, UGA & USC Cheerleaders and much more. Tickets are available in advance at Circle K & Hooters.  Tickets are expected to sell out so get your tickets today.  For more information please call Border Bash Foundation (678) 300-2664.

Dead Confederate w/ Special Guest Turf War (indie/rock)
Sky City 10pm doors open at 8pm - $7 adv/$10 at the door
Go to www.skycityaugusta.com for more info

Cristabel & The Jons (Folk)
Stillwater Tap Room - 10pm - $4

Impulse Ride (Rock)
Cotton Patch - 7:30-11:30pm - free

Shotgun Opera, Chairleg, L.I.E. (Metal)
Sector 7G - 8pm - $8

Citizen Flea (Rock)
1102 = 10pm - $3

R2D1 (Acoustic/Rock/Folk)
The Fox’s Lair = 8pm = free

Keith Gregory (Rock/Acoustic)
Joes Underground = 10pm = $4

SATURDAY september 13th

An Evening of Jazz
Jessye Norman Amphitheater -  5-10pm
$30 in advance/$35 at the door
Presented by Paine College, the 19th Annual Evening of Jazz promises to continue in the tradition of great jazz music. Loretta Holloway, Bobby Boyd, Playback, etc. All proceed benefit the United Negro College Fund.For details, call (706) 821-8233.

The First Seige of Augusta
Ezekiel Harris House - 10-4pm
The event will feature colonial reenactors who will demonstrate activities such as woodcarving,hunting/trapping, sewing, and soldiering.

Don Chambers + Goat w/Special Guest Fried Goat
Sky City - 10pm - $5
Go to www.skycityaugusta.com for more info

John Kolbeck (Rock/Folk)
Cotton Patch - 7:30-11:30pm - free

Phillipfest IV featuring various artists (punk)
Sector 7G - 8pm - $5

Blue Cotton (Rock/Folk)
Joes Underground - 10pm - $4

SUNDAY september 14th

Music at the Morris
Morris Museum of Art - 2 & 3:15pm - free 
Musicologist Michael J. Budds from the University of Missouri-Columbia joins members of the Augusta State University music faculty to explore and perform music from the baroque period.

Tara Scheyer and the Mud Puppy Band
Ft Discovery - 3pm - $8
2 and under FREE
3 and over $8.00 (includes day pass to Fort Discovery) 

sundays

Candlelight Jazz

8^th Street Bulkhead Ÿ 8-9:30 pm Ÿ $6

Join us each Sunday along the banks

of the Savannah River for an enchanted

evening of jazz featuring regional and

local jazz artists. 

Go to gardencityjazz.com for more info

Museum Tour

Morris Museum of Art Ÿ 2:30pm Ÿ free

  mondays

Open Mic Night

 Kokomo’s - free

tuesdays 

Jazz Jam Sessions w/ Jazz Collective

Metro Coffee House Ÿ 9 pm Ÿ free

Dr. John Fisher (Irish)

Fox’s Lair Ÿ 9 pm Ÿ free

wednesdays 

Open Mic Night

209 Music Lounge Ÿ 8 pm Ÿ free

Open Mic Night

Fox’s Lair Ÿ time Ÿ free

Wednesday Night Dance Party

Sky City Ÿ 10pm Ÿ $2

Various Djs

Open Mic Night

 Kokomo’s - free

thursdays

Rhyme and Dine (spoken word)

209 Music Lounge Ÿ 7-9:30 pm Ÿ free

fridays 

Friday Night Mix(DJ)

209 Music Lounge Ÿ 9 pm Ÿ $5

saturday 

Jazz Collective

Metro Coffee House Ÿ 9 pm Ÿ $2

Open Mic Night

 Kokomo’s - free