Welcome to Visit Augusta GA blog

Ashton Randall, the Electronic Media Manager at the ACVB, went on her first Moonlight Music Cruise down the Augusta Canal. See video clips and photos from the cruise in this new video blog. For more information visit http://www.augustacanal.com 

WATCH VIDEO

I got to see a random act of culture on the streets of Augusta this past Tuesday. A group  from out of town called the 6th Floor Trio set up below the Imperial Theatre marquee and played for an hour before moving on to the Riverwalk to play some more. The concert was free and the trio encouraged anyone passing by on the street to stop and listen. 

 (Click here to see part of the concert on YouTube.)

After a little research on the internet, I learned that people all over the United States are experiencing random acts of culture thanks to a grant program through the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. I’m talking opera performances in the Philadelphia Ikea, ballet performances at the Miami airport and brass quintet performances in the Macy’s in St. Paul. This movement is pretty cool and is kind of a big deal. I’ve got my fingers crossed that we see more random acts in Augusta very soon.

You could win a fun filled weekend in Augusta, Ga from September 14 – September 16, 2012.! Click here to register.

Shop for local arts and crafts, sample food from around the world, see live performances and much more during the Arts in the Heart of Augusta Festival. Hear bluegrass legend Ricky Scaggs live at the historic Imperial Theatre and eat like a foodie at some of Augusta’s best local restaurants.

Vacation package includes:

• 2 VIP passes to Arts in the Heart of Augusta Festival (Learn more about Arts in the Heart of Augusta )
• 2 tickets to Southern Soul & Song presents: Ricky Scaggs and Kentucky Thunder (Learn more about the Southern Soul and Song series)
• 2 night stay and breakfast for two days at the Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center
• Dinner at La Maison
• Dinner at Rooster’s Beak
• Lunch at The Boll Weevil
• Gas Card
• 2 VIP Passes to Augusta attractions

Winner will be notified by August 24, 2012.

Rock Fore! Dough this year was once again a great time! The 7th annual concert and fundraising event is held every year during Masters Week at the First Tee of Augusta. Last year, the concert took place on Tuesday, April 5, 2011.

This event has become a Masters Week tradition for both locals and visitors. It’s a great event because it’s your opportunity to listen to music and help raise money!

The Sibling Strings, a local band, started the night off. Next came Edwin McCain singing his famous hits “I’ll Be” and “I Could Not Ask For More.” He also sang several well-known cover songs including one of my favorites from the talented Bob Marley, “No Women, No Cry.”

Michelle and I had a great time singing and dancing along, especially when Sister Hazel took the stage next. My favorite part was when they did what lead singer/guitarist, Ryan Newell called a “smooch up.” This was a compilation of several pieces of all their great songs and a real crowd pleaser. They also did a great job covering Bad Company’s “Shooting Star.” 

The moment everyone was waiting for was when the headliner, Darius Rucker  took the stage. Rucker has played at Rock Fore! Dough four times in the past as a member of Hootie and The Blowfish. 2011 was his first year headlining the act as Darius Rucker. He sang several of his new songs like, “Come Back Song,” “It Won’t Be Like This For Long,” and his newest single “This.” He also gave the people what they wanted and sang some of the hits from his former band Hootie and the Blowfish like, “Hold My Hand,” Let Her Be,” and “I Only Wanna Be With You.” He also did a fabulous job covering Hank William Jr.’s “Family Tradition.”

If you have never been to Rock Fore! Dough I encourage you to get your tickets for 2012! It is usually held the Tuesday during Masters Week.

Top 5 things to get excited about in Augusta, Ga during October!

September 29 – October 8

Music and art and dance…oh my! The Westobou Festival goes into full swing this month – transforming Augusta into the coolest place on Earth. Not convinced? Check out these awesome events that are just oozing “cool factor”: 1. A Film Comedy Evening with Peter Teschner. Who’s Peter Teschner? Only one of the most well know movie editors of our time with comedy classics like The Little Rascals, Borat, Dodgeball, Semi-Pro and Horrible Bosses under his belt.  2. Botanica by MOMIX. You might have seen the world class ballet troupe MOMIX on a Target commercial or on T.V performing on stages in some of the biggest and best cities in the world.   3. John Williams Spectacular. John Williams is the man. If you’ve seen any Indiana Jones, Star Wars or Jurassic Park or Home Alone movies then you’ve heard his work. The Symphony Orchestra Augusta brings all that to life…complete with Star Troopers.

October 7 – 9

Hola! Antio! Hello! Goodbye! The annual Greek Festival and Hispanic Festival offers the chance to eat as much food as possible in three days – all in the name of a cultural experience! See live performances, hear live music and devour everything in sight without feeling guilty.

October 7 – 9

If walls could talk… Get a glimpse into Augusta’s most beautiful, eclectic and historic homes in the Summerville community during the Summerville Tour of Homes. The walls may not be able to tell you their story, but you can still hear it from the spirits of the past! Historic Augusta’s annual Walk with the Spirits event features the ghosts of previous owners of the very houses you’ll see during the Tour of Homes!

photo courtesy of http://gregconnellairshows.com/2011/07/boshears-skyfest/

October 15 – 16

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No…it’s SkyFest! Boshears Skyfest brings planes, parachutes, helicopters and more to one place for a weekend full of family fun! I plan to take a helicopter ride. Afraid of heights? Then live vicariously through the parachute tricksters during one of their shows or ride one of the carnival rides.

October 13 – 30

Trick or Treat! Give me something fun to watch. Learn how to kill identify and kill Zombies (you know, just in case we ever have an outbreak) during Le Chat Noir’s haunted interactive attraction, Zombie Apocalypse Training Camp. Gun shy? Then sit safely in your seat and experience the classic story of Young Frankenstein. October’s ALIVE!