Weekend Events

Symphony Orchestra Augusta highlights Beethoven

By Laura Perry

This weekend’s back-to-back Beethoven, if Symphony Orchestra Augusta has anything to do with it. New this year, the symphony has put together “Composer Week” in order to get everyone, even those of us who are tone-deaf, to hear and see all that one famous composer brings to our world. Music to my ears!

Friday, February 22nd
8th Annual Augusta Home & Garden Show
2-7 p.m.
James Brown Arena
Spring is in the air all weekend at Augusta’s Home & Garden Show. With Masters just six weeks away, now’s the time to convert your garden dreams to reality. You’ll also find the latest in products and services for everything yard-related, including builders, contractors, materials, decks, plants, landscape displays/materials, and pools. Looking good on the outside counts most when your place looks great inside, too. The “Home” part includes kitchens, baths, entertainment systems, storage, and kitchenware, too. The event will also be held on Saturday, 10-7 and Sunday, 11-5. Tickets are $7.50 for adults (17+), $6 for seniors (65+), $6 for retired military (with ID), and free to 16 and under or for adults with active military ID.

GRU LipSync Concert
6:30 p.m.
Wellness Center (Health Sciences Campus)
All week, GRU has been building up to this Homecoming Weekend, and last night’s Jaguar Jam gave students something to sing about. Tonight, students will perform dances, songs or skits to their favorite music. For more information, call GRU’s Office of Student Life and Engagement at 706-737-1610.

Composer Festival Week (Beethoven) = Miles Hoffman and the
American Chamber Players
7:30 p.m.
GRU Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre
The Symphony Orchestra Augusta closes their Composer Week with a weekend stuffed with Beethoven. NPR music commentator and violist Miles Hoffman joins the American Chamber Players to bring Beethoven to Augusta, through the Symphony Orchestra Augusta’s new Composer Festival Week. The “Delibertly Beethoven” Symphony Orchestra Augusta performance will be at 7:30 on Saturday night at First Baptist. Another Beethoven event this weekend include Saturday’s 2 p.m. children’s movie, “Beethoven Lives Upstairs,” at the Kroc auditorium as well as well as Sunday’s 3:00 p.m. “Bits of Beethoven” family concert at the Maxwell PAT. Saturday’s “Basically Beethoven” Kids Day includes a free musical petting zoo at the Kroc Center at 9 a.m. as well as a 2:00 free viewing of “Basically Beethoven.”

“La Cage Aux Folles” a/k/a Birds of a Feather
8 p.m.
Imperial Theatre
The Augusta Players will give you something to laugh about with this adaptation of the French stage play which depicts the farcical chaos that results when a gay man attempts to pose as straight for the benefit of his son’s future in-laws. The performance also includes an 8:00 show on Saturday night as well as a 3:00 Sunday show. Tickets are $27-$41. Visit the Augusta Players website for ticket information:www.augustaplayers.org.

Saturday, February 23rd
GRU vs. Francis Marion
1:30 p.m. (Women’s Basketball) / 3:30 (Men’s Basketball)
Wellness Center (Health Sciences Campus)
Not only did the Jags win last Saturday’s game, 52-43 at Georgia Southern, but GRU beat Francis Marion 77-74 at their previous match-up, January 2nd. Our Jaguars are coming in hot for this game and the GRU Homecoming King & Queen will be crowned during the Men’s Halftime. Contact the Office of Student Life and Engagement at 706-737-1610 with questions.

GRU Chili Cook-off
1:30-5:30 p.m.
Christenberry Fieldhouse
Help benefit the CSRA Warriors, and enter your winning chili. It’s just $10 to enter the cook-off, $15 for 10 tastes and a t-shirt, and $2 per taste. Call 678-634-9629 or email gso1828@gmail.com for more details.

Augusta’s Race Riot film and Discussion
2-4 p.m.
Headquarters Branch Library
Here in Augusta in 1970, just a week after the Kent State University race riot, a black mentally handicapped teenager was killed at the county jail. The only explanation was that he was in a card game and fell off a bunk bed. People were suspicious, and a rally formed downtown at the courthouse. The rally turned angry, rocks were thrown and the Georgia state flag was set on fire. By morning, the riot had ended, but six black men had been shot in the back by police. The police arrest 300 more. Join the group at the library for a film and discussion. Call 706-821-2600 or visit www.ecgrl.org for more details on this discussion.

Columbia County Charity Gala, a Vegas-Style Event
7 p.m.
Savannah Rapids Pavilion
You can bet on having a good time at this black-tie optional party. Individual admission is $80 or $150 per couple. Proceeds will benefit Columbia County Arts Development Fund, Columbia County Cares food pantry and Teenage Years 101. Buy-in for the Texas Hold ‘em tournament is $35. For further info, call 706-312-7192/ 706-868-3349 or check out www.columbiacountyga.gov.

Sunday, February 24th
GRU Augusta Half Marathon
8 a.m.
Enterprise Mill (start & finish)
The Augusta Sports Council says it’s “Half as Long, Twice as Cool” and with rain in the forecast, that will be entirely true for this year’s GRU Half Marathon. Join the racers and rooters at the finish line party from 10-12 for music, food and awards.

Purim Carnival
12:30-2:30 p.m.
Augusta Jewish Community Center
The joyous holiday of Purim celebrates the salvation of the Jews from the wicked Haman, through the leadership of Queen Esther. The carnival-like atmosphere or Purim, wearing costumes and bringing gifts of food door-to-door, sometimes leads non-Jews to refer to the holiday as “Jewish Mardi Gras” or “Jewish Halloween.” Carnival tickets are 4 for $1 or 22 for $5. All those in costume will get two free tickets. Lunch will be served, 12-1 and is free to AJCSS and AJCC members. The cost is $5 for guests.

Concerts with a Cause: Nathan Laube, concert organist
3:00 p.m.
St. John United Methodist Church
The Boston Musical Intelligencer says Mr. Laube, 23, plays to an astounding standard, without a trace of shallowness or overwrought showmanship. “Don’t miss him the next time he’s in town!” Since its beginning in 2003, St. John’s Concerts with a Cause program has donated $123,574.69 to 38 organizations. Generous donors allow this concert series to be free of charge.

Evensong
6:00 p.m.
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
Evensong, an ancient Anglican service of prayers and songs, lasts less than an hour, with no sermon or offering. Childcare is provided and a reception in Tyler Hall follows the service. Call 706-821-2600 or visit www.saintpauls.org.

Roller Derby: Soul City Sirens vs. Richland County Regulators
6:30 p.m. (doors open at 5:30)
Redwing Rollerway
Bring your own folding chair to get close to the action. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door. Kids 12 and under are free. Find out more information at www.soulcitysirens.com. There will be an after party at Malibu Jack’s. You Might Also Like: