HILL SONG

The Augusta Chronicle Singer-Songwriter Contest came and went with barely a ripple in years past, acknowledged and appreciated but without real effect on participants, fans or regular readers.

This year proved different.

No sooner had I announced the names of the three winners than the muttering began. That muttering soon became a dull roar, and within 24 hours, in some circles, the results had become a hot topic of discussion.

Here's what went down.

The contest judges, Mayor Deke Copenhaver, Symphony Orchestra Augusta music director Shizuo Z Kuwahara and singer-songwriter Jesse Colin Young, after much deliberation, awarded first, second and third prizes to Great Day in the Morning, Chris Ndeti and Will McCranie, respectively. Though few knocked the songs these artists entered, or their performances, some were confused by what they perceived as a notable omission.

Where, they asked, was Ronnie Hill?

Although Mr. Hill was a contender, the judges had decided that he slipped outside the top three. I don't know why. I didn't ask. It's important, I feel, to let the judges select and to let the chips fall where they may. I don't always agree, this year or in past years, but I don't have to.

I won't divulge who I thought should have won. I don't want to take away from the achievement of those who did win or add to the agony of those who didn't. That really isn't fair.

What I will say is this. The Singer-Songwriter Contest was never intended to determine winners and losers. We're talking about music here. It's always subjective. The contest is designed to give local artists the opportunity to be heard, to encourage conversation and to show off the diversity of the Augusta music community. Given the heated aftermath of this year's event, I'd say that has worked out pretty well.

Mr. Hill is a significant performer and songwriter, a lovely amalgamation of Texas swing, Bakersfield bop and Augusta soul. He is seen too little in Augusta venues and said that he finds the lack of a drummer (his regular guy, David Swanagin is now a Nashville pro) something of a setback.

Here's my word for Ronnie Hill: Get a drummer. A good drummer would be preferable, but at this point, I'd say any port in a storm. Play those songs. They are excellent and more than worthy of being heard. I can think of a venue or four that would be proud to have you play.

ARTS IN THE HEART

It is a tribute to the Arts in the Heart Festival that every year it becomes a more polished product, yet still retains its funky charm. Each year around this time, I offer the Greater Augusta Arts Council, the presenting agency, my unsolicited advice on improvements. It is becoming increasingly difficult; however, I have come up with a couple.

The first concerns layout.

There's a disconnect between the World Bazaar section, the collection of booths and vendors located near the Eighth Street bulkhead, and the rest of the fest. The problem is that access is broken up by the Cotton Patch and its rear parking lot off Reynolds Street. Viewed from the Global Village on Augusta Common, it almost looks like a separate event.

What's the answer?

Well, clearly, knocking down the Cotton Patch is out of the question -- those burgers are just too good. Instead, I would suggest moving the parking in that lot and turn that into a bridge of booths between the two sections. That would give the festival site additional flow.

I was also concerned about the somewhat sparse turnout at the Shawn Mullins show Saturday night. Obviously, the University of Georgia football game sapped some of the audience, but I'm still confounded as to why the numbers were merely good and not great. It was free with a festival badge.

Could it be that Augusta is Mullins-ed out? He has, after all, played a few times in the past year. It's possible.

In fact, I'd like to take this opportunity to solicit suggestions for the arts council, should it choose to hold a headliner in the future. Who, Pop Rocks faithful, do you think the arts council should book?

Bear in mind there is something of an economic ceiling, so all those suggestions of Prince and the Rolling Stones will be summarily scoffed at and dismissed. Beyond the arena kings, who would you forgo a Georgia game for?

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