But we can always use more live music venues
In Augusta there are some great performance stages. Some stages are small, but still pack a punch, like Stillwater Tap Room. Some stages you actually walk past as soon as you enter the door, like The Playground, Metro Coffee House, Soul Bar and The First Round.
In my book, you are already doing something right by having a stage and letting people enjoy live music every weekend. For me, there are three bars that have the ideal set up for stages: Wild Wing Cafe, Sky City and the back bar of 1102 Downtown Bar and Grill. Well I can scratch one of those off my list. On a late night trip back in October to see Granny’s Gin at 1102, I noticed one thing was missing: the stage. I thought that the club was going to be doing an upgrade: bigger, better, more lights. Sadly I was informed this past week that the bar wouldn’t be hosting live musicians, but would be turning the back bar into, for lack of comparison, an adult Chuck E. Cheese. I love the one game where you hit the alligators. Maybe Dave and Busters is a better comparison, but nonetheless, I hate to see a space like that change.
I still love 1102; you can’t go wrong with bottomless mimosas and bloody marys every Sunday, and they do have some of the best bartenders in town, but I will miss the live performances. Well, there is a new stage in Augusta, and this one is not downtown. I’m talking about Surreal at Surrey. Surreal took over the coveted spot in Surrey Center, best known for housing The Vue. While Surreal is definitely a club, they are branching out to host some live musicians. Coming up on December 12, Surreal welcomes American Idol winner Phillip Phillips. Nice name. I can’t say his name without saying in my best impersonation of Terrance and Philip from “South Park.” The Georgia native will be backed by the rock band A Rocket to the Moon. You can buy your tickets now at Surrey Tavern, Surreal or Bar West. Doors open up at 8:30 p.m. and tickets are only $12 in advance.
I can smell the Swedish Cheeba from here already. Let me talk to Samson! Willie Nelson takes over the Bell Auditorium this Tuesday, December 4. Don’t miss out on seeing this living legend. Details at augustaentertainmentcomplex.com.If you are one of the early birds who pick up the paper on Thursdays, you can head out tonight to see the return of Right to Fall to Augusta. The band’s first appearance in Augusta was to open up for Crossfade, and now they are back to play at The Playground, along with local favorites Stillview. Advance tickets are $5 at ticketalternative.com. It’s good to see the Playground returning to its roots by allowing a rock band to take the stage, I’ve missed that place.
Go ahead and mark it in your calendars; the 12 Bands of Christmas will be December 8 in the Augusta Common. Some of the best talent in Augusta will be performing all day. Next week I’ll talk with Joe Stevenson, one of the brains behind 12 Bands, to get all the details. To go ahead and buy tickets, along with getting more information on the proceeds for the event, check out 12bands.org.
On a personal note, a big special thank you goes out to the band Sibling String. If you are unfamiliar with these guys, you need to get familiar. Sibling String is one of the best bands in Augusta. It’s hard to imagine being able to fit more talent on a stage when these guys are up there performing. The band, consisting of Jacob Beltz, Michael Baideme, Dave Mercer, Deveran Roof and Henry Wynn III, played 95 Rock’s Canapalooza on short notice, for free, to small crowd and killed it. There is no doubt in my mind that we will be having these guys out again. Not many musicians would give up a Friday night slot to play for free. Thank you guys.
What shows are coming to Augusta? Who do you like to see? I bet I can beat you in skee ball. Email me at matt@themetrospirit.com.You Might Also Like:
