Calendar of Events
May 4 at 11:00 a.m. Barney’s Cinco de Miles 5K Run/Walk. The race will begin in the parking lot of the Lake Olmstead Trailhead located on the Augusta Canal. $25 race fee. Visit www.runsignup.com.
May 4. The Hat Party. The Imperial is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a gala. The Hat Party will include hor d’oeuvres, drinks, a photo booth and spectacular hats! (*Drinks will include a craft beer and vodka tasting). At 8:00 p.m., following the reception attendees are welcome to attend a free concert featuring the J.A.M.P Band, and a free screening of the Marx Brother’s “A Day at the Races” Visit www.imperialtheatre.com.
May 5. 25th Annual Blind Willie McTell Blues Festival in Thomson, Ga. This one day roots and blues music festival is always held in honor of Thomson’s Blind Willie McTell, an early 20th Century pioneer on the 12 string guitar. Working out of East Nashville, it starts with Oklahoma’s J D McPherson, bringing a combo sound rooted in the rock and roll, rockabilly and rhythm and blues music of the 1950s. Joining McPherson will be the dynamic guitarist/vocalist Samantha Fish, Louisiana’s Kenny Neal, Woodstock, NY native, Amy Helm, Georgia’s own Randall Bramblett and the country blues of Jerron “Blind Boy “Paxton.” Visit www.blindwillie.com.
May 5. Todrick Hall. Comedian. Experience the ultimate VIP treatment. One premium seat, early entry, post show meet and greet, photo opportunity, and guided backstage tour. Visit www.millertheateraugusta.com.
May 9. WHOSE LIVE ANYWAY? The current cast members of the Emmy-nominated TV show Whose Line Is It Anyway? are proud to present their new improv tour. 90 minutes of hilarious improvised comedy and song all based on audience suggestions. Cast members Ryan Stiles, Greg Proops, Jeff B. Davis, and Joel Murray will leave you gasping with the very witty scenes they invent before your eyes. Audience participation is key to the show so bring your suggestions and you might be asked to join the cast onstage! The act showcases some of the improv games made famous on the long-running TV show as well as some exciting new ones. All ages welcomed! Visit www.augustaentertainmentcomplex.com.
May 10. Three Dog Night. Doors at 7:00 p.m. Show at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $47 to $96. Visit www.millertheater.com.
May 11. Mother’s Day Weekend Southern Soul Festival. Featuring Tucka, Sir Charles Jones and Lebrado. A tribute to The Mighty Peanut, celebrating 45 years in radio broadcasting. Official After Party held at The Miller. Visit www.millertheater.com.
May 11 & 12. Aiken Bluegrass Festival at the Western Carolina State Fairground. Greensky Bluegrass and Leftover Salmon. In addition to the two hottest bands in bluegrass right now, the rest of the jampacked festival includes Billy Strings, Larry Keel Experience, The Lil Smokies, Lindsay Lou, Jon Stickley Trio, Love Canon, Grass Is Dead, Brad Parsons Band, Greg Burns & Friends, Rumpke Mountain Boys, Burle Galloway, Delta Cane, Part & Parcel, Tenth Mountain Division, and Doug & The Henrys. Visit www.eventbrite.com.
May 16. Brian Wilson, Pet Sounds. Garnering critical acclaim and marking a true return to form, Brian Wilson continues to deliver a live performance of Pet Sounds in its entirety, as well as top hits and fan favorites spanning his 54-year career with The Beach Boys and as a solo artist. Universally hailed as a writer of one of the greatest American songbooks, Pet Sounds has reigned atop countless critic and fan polls, and has maintained its timeless rank as one of popular music’s most-cited influences. Visit www.augustaentertainmentcomplex.com.
May 18. Paula Poundstone. Comedian. Tickets prices currently available for reserved seats $43 and $33. Visit www.millertheater.com
May 19. Thunder Over Evans. Armed Forces Day at Evans Towne Center Park. The CSRA’s public celebration of Armed Forces Day. It’s the perfect opportunity to bring together the public and the military for a fun filled day of events and a tribute to those who serve. Visit www.thunderoveraugusta.com.
May 21. Charleston Riverdogs at Augusta GreenJackets. SRP Park, North Augusta, SC. Visit www.greenjackets2018.com.
May 25 & 26. Papa Joe’s BBQ and Music Festival, Lady Antebellum Pavillion, Evans. Line up includes Old Crow Medicine Show, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, The Infamous Stringdusters, Revered Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Great Peacock, Front Country, The 502s, The Little Roy & Lizzy Show and Roanoke (US).Joe’s Banjo-B-Que Music Festival was created in 2010 to honor Joe Pond, bringing together his favorite things – feel-good music, finger-lickin’ barbeque and a fun atmosphere for the entire family. All proceeds benefit the Joseph R. Pond Memorial Foundation, which supports local charities in the CSRA. Join for Memorial Day Weekend 2018 for the 8th Annual Papa Joe’s festival. Visit www. banjobque.com.
May 25. Sugarland at James Brown Arena. Still the Same 2018 tour with special guests Brandy Clark and Clare Bowen. Tickets available at www.georgialinatix.com and the SRP box office at James Brown Arena.
Article appears in the May 2018 issue of Augusta Magazine.