Bonnaroo & Augusta, too

I don't need another T-shirt with a band's logo, nor am I in the market for anything made from hemp, but that didn't stop me from putting together a shopping list last week while wandering from stage to stage at Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in Tennessee.

On my list were the acts that, although they were playing the world's busiest music festival, might be appropriate for an Augusta stage.

My rules for were simple. I had to have seen at least some of the act's Bonnaroo set, and booking them had to be at least somewhat realistic. I mean, Bruce Springsteen put on an incredible show, but he is never, ever, playing Augusta.

Here are the artists I came up with and the venue I feel is appropriate:

PUBLIC ENEMY

AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA AIKEN CONVOCATION CENTER: Initially, I though this might be a better Bell Auditorium booking, but the theater atmosphere might not be appropriate. I was thrilled to discover that this hip-hop act has not lost any of its fire and remains as righteous and revolutionary as the last time I saw them -- more than 15 years ago.

AL GREEN

AT BELL AUDITORIUM: This would be the perfect act for that Saturday Westobou spot I was lamenting the loss of last week. Not only have the good Rev. Green's pipes apparently remained untouched by time but his sense of showmanship also is undiminished.

BOOKER T

AT THE IMPERIAL THEATRE: There has never been enough soul in the Southern Soul and Song series, and bringing in one of the architects of the Stax sound would go a long way toward rectifying that. I saw him with the Drive-By Truckers, and if Augusta could score a little of that action, I would be a happy man.

EVEREST

AT SKY CITY: This was my surprise of the weekend. Equal parts Crazy Horse and alt-country, this beautiful bar band has toured with Death Cab, Wilco and the mighty Neil Young, yet still remains under the radar. A Sky City show wouldn't completely turn the band's fortunes, but I feel certain it would find favor here.

LUCINDA WILLIAMS

AT THE IMPERIAL THEATRE: This is another one for the Southern Soul and Song series. She has a rabid fan base and is unusually adept at striking a balance between classic rock and country. I might also get Justin Townes Earle, who also Bonnarooed, to open.

DAVID BYRNE

AT THE BELL AUDITORIUM: This one I envision as the greatest Augusta Symphony Pops concert ever. I don't know if Psycho Killer has ever been charted for full orchestra, but it certainly seems worthy of investigation.

ALEJANDRO ESCOVEDO

AT SKY CITY: This guy just brings the rock. Seriously. A beautiful songwriter with a great voice, a top-notch band and critical acclaim. I don't understand why he's not an enormous rock star, and I feel there's some urgency to book him before he is.

ROBYN HITCHCOCK

AT JESSYE NORMAN AMPHITHEATER: The Jessye is criminally under-used and, by coincidence, so is Robyn Hitchcock. One of the great British pop artists, Mr. Hitchcock is also the reigning champion of between-tune banter. He is playing in a band that features both Young Fresh Fellow Scott McCaughey and R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck. How cool would that be?

PATTERSON HOOD AND THE SCREWTOPIANS

AT SKY CITY: It is becoming increasingly obvious that some of the alt-country rock acts have become increasingly tough to book. There's probably little chance that an act such as Wilco or the Drive-By Truckers will roll through town in the near future. This band might be the next best thing. Featuring a fair number of Truckers, including Mr. Hood and master producer David Barbe on bass, this is something of a supergroup still playing smaller venues.

I've done the shopping. Now here's hoping someone will pick up the bill.

Reach Steven Uhles at (706) 823-3626 or steven.uhles@augustachronicle.com.