Weekend Events

Augusta’s other big event—the 5th Annual Westobou Festival

By Laura Perry

In just its fifth year of cultural enrichment, our area’s annual five-day Westobou Festival focuses on five genres—visual, music, words, dance and film. Wednesday was Visual Arts Day, featuring sculptors Lonnie Holley and Karen Rich Beall as well as paintings by Claire Ellen Corey. Yesterday highlighted Music at the Old Richmond Academy Parade Grounds with performances by Janelle Monáe, Maceo Parker, Fred Wesley and the New JB’s. Our Westobou weekend begins with First Friday’s focus on Words and moves into Saturday as Dance takes the stage. On Sunday, we will watch this year’s Westobou come to a close with the spotlight on Film. At 7:30 p.m., the Imperial Theatre will show the documentary I’m Fine Thanks, a film that takes you on a cross-country trip in search of a solution for mediocrity. The goal of this film crew of five is to motivate people to resurrect their childhood dreams, unlock their deepest passions, and press onward to conquer them.

Friday, October 5th
ASU Chamber Orchestra Performance
Noon
Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church
This free event will feature strings, winds, voice and piano, performed by both established and up and coming musicians. For more information, call 706-755-2878 or visit
westoboufestival.com/music-chamber.php.

Border Bash
4:00
Augusta Commons
$10- advance tickets/ $15- day of/ Free- kids 12 & under Featuring live music and cheerleaders from UGA and USC, this king-size tailgate should get you in the mood to cheer on your Bulldogs or Gamecocks. #5 Georgia looks good before their visit to #6 Carolina—they’ve won all 5 games played, but don’t get too big for your britches, Dawgs. The Gamecocks have got the same record – they’ve won all 5 games played, too. You can see the 7:00 game on ESPN.

First Friday 80’s Night & Art Show by Troy Campbell
8:00 – 10:00
Sky City
Tonight, Sky City makes a nod to Westobou with an opening
Reception for Troy Campbell’s October show. Get more information at www.skycityaugusta.com.

Saturday, October 6th
Lonnie Holley Reception and Sculpture Dedication
3-4:30 p.m.
Paine College’s Warren A. Candler Library 62-year-old Lonnie Holley has more than just his own years that can tell his story; he’s also the seventh of 27 children and has 15 kids of his own. A Birmingham resident, Mr. Holley is sometimes known as “The Sand Man” and is currently installing sculpture work for the upcoming Decatur exhibit; Groundstory: Tales from the Shade of the South, at Agnes Scott College. Holley even provides his own entertainment for this Augusta reception—he’s a singer and keyboardist. Stick around for the free 5:00 performance by Holley in Paine’s Gilbert-Lamboth Memorial Chappell.

Celebrate Creativity Art Sale
8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Aiken County Family Y (Graniteville, SC)
Presented by the Aiken Artist Guild, the Art Sale will feature more than 20 artists, including paintings, jewelry, note cards and much more. The day will also include a free stretch class and exercise demo as well as morning and afternoon art workshops. Call 585-978-1622 to register.

Sunday, October 7th

Tara Scheyer and the Mud Puppy Band
3:00 p.m.
Headquarters Branch Library
Her day-job is music teacher at Immaculate Conception Catholic School, but Tara Scheyer and the Mud Puppy Band share some of their favorite kid-friendly music for everyone at Westobou. For more info, call 706-755-2878, or visit www.westoboufestival.com.

Annual Quilt Exhibit Opening Reception
3-5
Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History
In its 21st year, the Lucy Laney Quilt Exhibit showcases living Southern history. The quilts aren’t just bed coverings, they tell a story, a very personal Southern history. Quilt patches may symbolize what items run-away slaves should carry on their escape or even the zigzag paths to travel to avoid getting caught. Pre-registration is required for this reception. Cost is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and military, and $2 for children. For more info, 706-755-2878, www.westoboufestival.com

Swanee Quintet 73rd Anniversary Concert
4:30
The Bell Auditorium
This 8-member gospel group founded more than 70 years ago, includes three native Augustans and one native Aikenite. This Sunday performance also features the Mighty Clouds of Joy, Lee Williams & the Spiritual QC’s, The Canton Spirituals, Doc McKenzie & the Hi-Lites, Darrell McFadden & the Disciples, Keith Wonderboy Johnson, the Five Singing Stars and the Sensational Nightingales. The concert is $28 in advance and $33 day of show. Kids 3-12 are $10 and kids 2 and under are free. For further details, check out the website: www.swaneequintet.com/73rdAnniversary

“I’m Fine, Thanks: Documentary”
7:30
Imperial Theatre
Why did I do that? Find out when you see this southern premiere about complacency. The film tries to examine the factors that motivate and drive our biggest decisions in life. Are the habits you’ve developed truly linked to you, or to other influences?
Tickets are $10 in advance.
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