AUGUSTA, GA – This is the time of year that I really miss Fat Man’s Forest that used to be on Laney Walker Boulevard across from Paine College. Hot boiled peanuts, the little train track, the haunted house, the pumpkin patch, year-round Christmas and the best costumes in town. Oh, the memories.

At least we still have the costumes, courtesy of Costumes by Michele, located at 1125 Broad Street. Next door to Vintage Ooollee, these two wonderful spots are a perfect example of the unique specialty stores you can only find in downtown Augusta.

Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles hits the Bell Auditorium on Thursday, Nov. 5, and should not be mistaken for our own local Ed Turner and Number 9. The main difference being that Rain actually goes for the whole “look” of the Fab Four, from their early mop tops to their psychedelic Sgt. Pepper outfits to the long-haired hippie look they sported at the end. Tickets vary in price, so check out the Web site at arccc.com.

Athens’ eclectic folkies hope for agoldensummer return to Augusta to perform a set of “quiet is the new loud” music at Sky City on Thursday, Nov. 5, with a special solo opening set by Shaun Piazza with help from violinist Henry Wynn. Maybe hope’s Claire Campbell will play the musical saw with Piazza, too, just like she did in the recording studio with them earlier this year! Music starts at 10 p.m. and the show is $5. Visit myspace.com/hopeforagoldensummer.

And for those who simply want to rock, Atlanta-based band Rehab is at The Country Club on Washington Road also on Thursday night. Tickets are $15 for this concert with special guest Almost Kings. Visit augustacountry.com.

For me, First Friday, Nov. 6, is the unofficial kick-off date for the holiday season, with lots of things happening on Broad Street including dance groups and flame throwers on 11th Street.

One block down on 10th Street you can witness the blues, gospel rock of Outward Order at 7 p.m. Cover band Philo plays all your faves at 8 p.m., and the always-popular brass band Bailey’s Spiritual Uplifters will do just that at 9 p.m.

Look for the Soul Sliders of Augusta and the Eastern Star Belly Dance Troupe at the Broad Street Clock if you are in the mood to dance or just watch. And of course, the idea is to just walk around and discover all the other vendors, musicians, artists and downtown businesses that make First Friday such a special event.

I just wish the city would consider doing their downtown Christmas Light Up Spectacular on First Friday, Dec. 4, instead of the day after on Saturday, Dec. 5. This way, all the people that come out on First Friday could enjoy the holiday lights, too. C’mon, Deke!

One of the biggest supporters of the local arts “subculture” is Tire City Potters on 10th Street, and they have a great Web site that describes exactly what Shishir Chokshi is up to on his little corner of the world. Visit tirecitypotters.com.

Former rocker Von Holmes (Blue Collar/ Blue Heart) has traded in his guitar for some art supplies and will exhibit his works on First Friday at Sky City, following another local musician, Blaine Prescott (dieAgnostic), who had his own art show last month.

Saturday, Nov. 7, is the big Blind Fury show at Sector 7G featuring some of the loudest bands around, including L.i.E., Pursuit of Angels, As Sick As Us, Mongolord, Artemia, Leather Bullet and Roses Last Novel. Tickets are only $5 and it is always an all-ages show. Visit myspace.com/sector7g.

Last but not least, check out Fried Goat and The Ogeechee River Band on Thursday, Nov. 12, before the Zac Brown Band concert at the Bell and the Lynyrd Skynyrd show at the JB Arena. They’ll be doing a free show outside in the plaza between both venues and it’s for a great cause! Visit thebeatgoesonaugusta.com.

See you downtown,
Coco