AUGUSTA PROVED IT'S READY TO ROCK

Steve Hall is probably the most successful independent promoter working in Augusta today -- and he doesn't even live here. Mr. Hall, of Alabama, is responsible for most of the radio rock shows booked in clubs, pubs and other venues around town.

If there's a rising rock act playing in Augusta, chances are Mr. Hall was behind the booking.

He was behind the Adelitas Way show last week at Sky City and upcoming gigs featuring Skindred and Halestorm.

He also brought in Dinosaur Jr. this year -- one of my favorite Augusta shows ever. Through his hard work and persistence of vision, Augusta has become a regular stop for a certain style of musical act, a town no longer shunned but rather embraced by rockers beginning to climb the charts.

Sure, some of them stall somewhere near the second rung on the ladder of success, but Augusta does manage to grab 'em while they're hot.

Which brings up a question.

Now that a model for booking these bands has been established, is it possible to use those lessons learned to book other kinds of acts?

I'm asking this as both a cultural critic and a fan interested in seeing some of the acts found in his shuffle.

I know there have been efforts made in the past to bring acts such as Silversun Pickups and, perhaps overly optimistically, Sonic Youth, to these fair shores.

How far those talks got, I have no idea. What I do know is that the day when booking those acts seemed out of the question seems to have passed. Dinosaur proved it. The Avett Brothers at the amphitheater proved it.

Now what's needed is a cheat sheet, a primer on booking the bands that regularly bypass Augusta in favor of shows in Atlanta or Athens .

Ideas?

A SEASON FOR GIVING

One of the things I love about Augusta's music community is its seemingly limitless ability to give.

The Lexie's Legacy shows, for instance, have become a staple, a pet charity for bands and fans alike.

The 12 Bands of Christmas shows also fell into this category.

Sometimes a surprising charity showcase will crop up that reminds us that music is a gift, however.

An example is Screaming for a Cure, a benefit for the American Cancer Society being staged Nov. 20 at Sky City by a few of Augusta's heavier acts: Chairleg, Artemia, Twice Removed and Face Down. Cover is $5.

ONE LAST CHANCE TO GIVE 'EM A HAND

Last week I reported on the sad demise of one of Augusta's more creative rock acts. While the decision to disband The disbanding Joe Graves and the Dirty Left Hand will have has not been rescinded, it looks like there will be a formal farewell - or two.

The band has agreed to an official farewell gig sometime in November at Sky City. Dates have not been firmed, but fans of the band might want to catch this one. Sky City owner Coco Rubio is also urging the band to participate in his Fetivus of Bands. Speaking of which...

MERRY FESTIVUS

Mr. Rubio is in fact prepping his inaugural Fetivus of Bands showcases, a. The project he took up after splitting from 12 Bands of Christmas. Festivus is a three night celebration of local music, slated for Dec. 17-19 at Sky City.

Bands on the bill include Dem Imonde, Shoo Fly Pie, Dew Hickies, the Favors, My Instant Lunch and Say Vandelay on Dec. 17; Will McCranie and Jacob Beltz, No Star, 48Volt, Great Day In the Morning, Eat Lightening, Hog Slobber and Bayou Bleu on Dec. 18 and Debt of Nature, Night People, Turf War, the Shaun Piazza Band, the Cubists and Dead Confederate on Dec. 19. That final night is looking particularly strong.

Mr. Rubio said he's also keeping Dec. 15th open, with the possibility of adding another night, possibly featuring the disbanded but not defunct Dirty Left Hand. Cover will be $5 a night or $10 for a full Festivus wristband.

ONE MORE FROM BENEATH THE TREE

Shortly after going to press last week, the Musician's Night Out house band the Vellotones will announce that it would indeed again provide the foundation for this year's Rocking the Stocking party/benefit, Dec. 5 at Sky City. That's great news. The Vellotones have proven unusually adept at backing multiple musicians playing in a variety of styles, and this show wouldn't have been the same with another act. Rocking the Stocking takes place Dec. 5 at Sky City.

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