Weekend Events

It might be Cold Outside, but First Friday is Hot

By Laura Perry

Augustans aren’t home keeping warm this weekend – we’re out heating things up. 2013’s first First Friday features a little bit of everything. Come check out Paine’s brand new HEAL Complex for health education or for something a little on the spicy side, the Imperial Theatre’s Poison Peach weekend film festival opens tonight with a western-gone-eastern. Le Chat Noir’s eXtreme Theatre Games might serve as one energy boost, while the RiverHawks smacking Pensacola around could be another. Start the first weekend of 2013 off the right way and take advantage of a few of our area’s activities. Wasn’t that your New Year’s Resolution?

Friday, January 4th
First Friday
5-9 p.m.
Broad Street
Weather looks clear for 2013’s first First Friday, so head downtown and bring your coat.

“A Celebration of 2013” Opening Reception
5-9 p.m.
Gallery on the Row
Featured Artist for this First Friday event is Margaret Hunt. Come by and meet her, enjoy wine and refreshments and check out the special selection of art priced at $20.13, in celebration of the new year! Call 706-724-4989 or go to www.galleryontherow.com for more details.

Opening Reception and Tour of Paine College’s new HEAL Complex
7:00 p.m.
Paine College HEAL Complex (15th & Laney Walker)
The new Health Education Activities Learning (HEAL) Complex kicked things off to a good start this morning, but the reception tonight is the real party. Dress is semi-formal and cost is $50 per person, with a complimentary ticket to Saturday’s 11:30 a.m. basketball game vs. the Stillman College Tigers. Come take a look at this new home for the Athletic Department that also includes classrooms, laboratories, and conference rooms. The official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony is Saturday, just before the game. For further details and to buy your ticket, see www.paineathletics.com.

5th Annual Poison Peach Film Festival begins
7:00 p.m.
Imperial Theatre
This weekend-long film festival is family-friendly tonight and again on Sunday (“Miss Strangelove”). The programming for Saturday (“Confederate Zombie” and “Blood River”) is not suitable for those under 18. Tonight’s screening “Vengeance without Mercy,” is based in North Carolina, but it plays like a Western. Come see the Civil War veteran hunt down the crooked sheriff responsible for his family’s death. Single day admission is $10 and a weekend pass is $20. For more details, contact the box office at 706-722-8341 or visit www.imperialtheatre.com/movies.

eXtreme Theatre Games
7:00 p.m. – doors open/ 8:00 p.m. — performance
Le Chat Noir
Schrodinger’s Cat, a local comedy improve group, does short form improve games between two opposing teams. The winner might be figured by the judges, but the audience can make their choice loud and clear! Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Contact the box office at 706-722-3322.

Augusta RiverHawks (6-16-3) vs. Pensacola Ice Flyers (15-7-2)
7:35 p.m.
James Brown Arena
The RiverHawks delivered some bad news when we visited the Fayetteville FireAntz (17-7-1) in our last game—we won 3-2. Let’s build on that momentum and start 2013 off right and send the Ice Flyers back to Florida! Tickets are $10-$21. Call 706-993-2645 or check out www.augustariverhawks.com.

“Frost/Nixon”
8:00 p.m.
Aiken Community Playhouse
In 1977, British game show host and TV personality David Frost did a collection of interviews with former U.S. President Richard Nixon (1969-1974). After the Watergate scandal, Nixon hoped the interviews would improve his image, but Frost hoped to do more – to get him to admit to his involvement in the Watergate scandal. Get your tickets for tonight’s opening show by calling 803-648-1438 or visit www.aikencommunityplayhouse.info. Additional shows will be tomorrow night as well as the next two weekends.

Saturday, January 5th
Drumming for Peace Drum Circle
9 a.m.—4 p.m.
Fellowship Churches United Center (415 Laney Walker Blvd) Drummers from all over are invited and a small number of drums will be available for rental. Admission is free, but reservations are required. Call 706-414-1391 for details.

Swamp Saturday
9:30 a.m.
Phiney Swamp
The first Saturday of every month, the Southeastern Natural Sciences Academy’s trained volunteers lead free 2.5 mile, 1.5 hour hikes through the Nature Park. Bring your camera for the scenic outlooks and trails. For more details, contact the office at 706-828-2109 or info@naturalsciencesacademy.org.

Car Show
1-3 p.m.
Home Depot Parking Lot (Whiskey Rd, Aiken)
On the first Saturday of every month, the Aiken Horsepower Cruise-In is a place to show off your car, meet club members and talk shop. For further info, call 803-270-3505.

Stargazing
5-7 p.m.
The Boyd Observatory (Aiken)
There’s no rain in the forecast for Saturday’s stargazing and the fully rotating aluminum dome with 17.5” Newtonian telescope gives everybody a chance to see the stars.

Annual Gaming Night
6:30 p.m.
The Barn at the Living History Park (North Augusta)
Come play new and old card games and dig in to some chili, cornbread, wine, ale and deserts. There’s no fee for playing games, but the dinner portion is $12 a person.

Augusta RiverHawks (6-16-3) vs. Columbus Cotton Mouths (11-9-3)
7:35 p.m.
James Brown Arena
Can our RiverHawks put the last year’s SPHL champions on the loosing end? We’re ready for it!

Sunday, January 6th
Last Day of Aiken Winter Challenge Series Week 1
8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Highfields Event Center (147 Warehouse Road)
This annual Challenge Series began this week and Week 2 starts next Wednesday. There is a $10,000 Jumper Derby each week as part of the more than $750,000 in cash and prizes. For further details, call 803-649-3505 or email psjshows@aol.com You Might Also Like: