The people voted. The results went uncontested. And yet, still, the conversation continues.
That’s excellent news.
When the James Brown bond referendum was voted down on Nov. 2, I sort of expected the whirlwind of opinions – both informed and wild-eyed – to calm. I did not, for a moment, believe the arena proposal was finished, but I did believe those on both sides of the debate might take a short break from debating its merits.
I was wrong.
And while I could see merits on both sides of the should-we-or-should-we-not argument, I had great deal of difficulty with the odd angles some took when discussing the project. As it seems to still live, I’d like to address some of those.
My primary concern was with the idea that building a new arena was important because it would bring in the biggest acts. First of all, attracting acts is not the primary concern of any civic venue. The primary concern is to invest in something – could be an arena, could be a business park, could be a riverfront development – that stands a good chance of amplifying economic growth. That – through job growth, developing the cultural corridor of the city, increasing the tax base and developing partnerships – was the goal. Fleetwood Mac would be the gravy.
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But we would never get Fleetwood Mac. Or Taylor Swift. Or any act currently touring outdoor arenas and large-market arenas. Not consistently anyway. That’s not what this market will bear and not what the new James Brown was being designed for. It could support those shows, but was really designed with different tours in mind.
Another argument tossed about focused on ice and hockey in particular. That is a road Augusta has gone down. I went to a game or two when there was hockey at the arena. I always got good seats. So did the dozens of other fans who also attended. I understand why the rather expensive addition of ice is not part of the current plan. It doesn’t make economic sense.
And, of course, the argument of naming is always an issue when James Brown is involved. There are those who believe his sometimes controversial behavior precludes naming local landmarks after him. It’s important to remember that what is being honored is the artist and the art and not necessarily the man. Beethoven could be a real jerk, but Vienna seems to have always been fine with naming the occasional road, restaurant, hotel, venue, sandwich, etc. after the man. His contributions are worthy of commemoration, and so are James Brown’s.
Here are some other things I’ve been thinking about lately.
“The Shark is Broken” – I love stories about how movies are made and I also, on occasion, love a little live theater. So this play, about the making of “Jaws”, really appeals. Right now the show, written by and starring Ian Shaw, Robert Shaw’s son – guess who he plays – is playing in London’s West End. Here’s hoping the show, which focuses on the fractious relationship shared between Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss and Roy Scheider, finds an American stage soon. In time, I would love to see our own Le Chat Noir tackle this one.
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‘Little Bird’ by Black Swan Lane – When I was a full time entertainment writer, one of my favorite things was opening package from the dedicated and talented Augusta-bred musician Jack Sobel. His band Black Swan Lane, for me, was a complicated and beautiful blend of British post-punk and shoegaze mixed with Velvet Underground American noise. I loved those records. Still do.
So I was excited, once again, to receive a new Jack pack – albeit digital – with a new Black Song Lane song. Like his previous work, ‘Little Bird’ bears the trademarks of previous Black Swan Lane releases with one addition – a new sense of emotional depth. Previous releases have, at time, felt very constructed – art carefully composed. ‘Little Bird’ feels much more immediate and, dare I say it, personal. As I grow older, I’m more prone to cry in movies. Perhaps the same can be said for Jack.
Look for ‘Little Bird’ on YouTube.
‘Senior Moment’ – If I’m being completely honest, I must admit that ‘Senior Moment’ starring William Shatner as an aging test pilot trying to navigate his autumn years is probably not very good. The writing is clunky and several plot points seem to have been inserted because the props – a classic Porsche, a desert tortoise and an antique cuckoo clock spring to mind – were available. Still, I couldn’t help but fall for the charms of this oddball romantic comedy. Perhaps it’s because Shatner, at this stage in his career, has learned from Jack Nicholson and only plays himself. Perhaps it’s the incredible supporting cast, which includes Jean Smart, Christopher Lloyd and Esai Morales. Perhaps it’s the uncommon Palm Springs’ backdrop. I’m not sure. What I know is that a movie I thought would lull me to sleep instead kept me awake, engaged and perhaps even a little thoughtful.
Steven Uhles has worked as professional journalist in the Augusta area for 22 years, and his Pop Rocks column ran in The Augusta Chronicle for more than 20. He lives in Evans with his wife, two children and a dog named after Hunter Thompson.
