Hey there, golf folk. Welcome to Augusta. Despite the strip mall portrait often painted by the national media (as if your town doesn't have a Target or two), it's a pretty cool city with much to offer outside the gates of Augusta National Golf Club.
One thing we're particularly proud of here is music. Not only was Augusta home to and inspiration for legendary Godfather of Soul James Brown but this small city also has been the breeding ground for a variety of talented acts.
In a show of Southern hospitality, we have lined up, buffet style, a sampler of Augusta music this weekend, a bushel of punk and pop and country and soul. In fact, so many acts are taking the stage between today and Sunday that I don't have time, space or inclination to list them all. Instead, I'd like to offer a few recommendations.
HOG SLOBBER (Today, Sky City, 1157 Broad St.): This unhinged act sounds like Flatt and Scruggs possessed by the spirit of Joe Strummer and Mick Jones. Great musicians who power through sets with a sense of moonshine-manic purpose.
SICK, SICK, SICK (Today, Sector 7G, 631 Ellis St.): A classic punk rock act, Sick, Sick, Sick has garnered a following by sticking to the hard, fast rules. This act is popular with the all-ages set.
WILL MCCranie (Friday, Sky City, 1157 Broad St.): Although Willie Mac recently escaped for the bright lights of New York City, he is still one of Augusta's own. His sound recalls Dylan post-electric, James Taylor without the saccharine or Dave Matthews without the irritation. He's celebrating the release of his double EP, North/South.
EDISON PROJECT (Friday, Sky City, 1157 Broad St.; Saturday, Somewhere in Augusta, 2701 Washington Road): Think the Beach Boys meet the Who, or perhaps bubble gum Black Sabbath. An incredible live act armed with stick-in-the-head power pop tunes.
TONY WILLIAMS AND THE BLUES EXPRESS (Saturday, Joe's Underground, 144 Eighth St.): There's nothing quite as Southern as deep electric blues. This band plays 'em loose and lively and is always a blast live.
THE SHAUN PIAZZA BAND (Saturday, Sky City, 1157 Broad St.): An incredible laboratory for musical ideas, this band combines indie pop, alt country and Southern soul into a cohesive and mildly addictive style that works great in the studio and even better onstage.
TURF WAR (Saturday, Sky City, 1157 Broad St.): This is rock 'n' roll. Simple and straightforward, this act plays great songs with a sense of power and abandon.
JOE STEVENSON (Sunday, Somewhere in Augusta, 2701 Washington Road): He has been on the scene for more than 20 years, first as a member of regional rock act People Who Must and now as a solo artist. In his 30s now (he was something of a prodigy), he is a seasoned professional who writes great originals and brings a sense of style to his covers.
Reach Steven Uhles at (706) 823-3626 or steven.uhles@augustachronicle.com.
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