The Augusta Canal’s music tours are set to return in a few weeks, but don’t wait until the last minute to try to book a reservation.
“Last fall, we booked up really fast,” said Julianna Shurtleff, development and outreach manager. “We are doing back-to-back boats with limited seating. There will be 15 people per boat. Concerts will be at 6 and 7:30 in April, then 6:30 and 8 in May.”
The cruises are about an hour with a different musician each week. The same musical group will play both concerts. Artists represent a variety of genres to appeal to people with different musical tastes.
The weekly Friday Music Cruises begin April 2 with the indie/folk rock duo She N She. Other performers in the line-up include Jeremy Froebel on April 9, Rae’s Creek Revival, April 16; Fred Williams, April 23; the Vicky Grady Band, April 30; Christian Ndeti, May 7; Jaycie Ward, May 14; Keith Gregory, May 21; Henry Wynn, May 28; the Art of Expression, June 4; Double D, June 11; Will McCranie, June 18; and Karen Gordon, June 25.
In addition, three music tribute tours are scheduled one Saturday a month during the season.
Vox-N-Bass will present a jazz music tribute on April 17; Chris Hardy will perform May 15; and Jeremy Froebel will present a tribute to piano greats such as Billy Joel on June 19.
The cruises are suspended in July and August and return September through November.
Shurtleff said people are welcome to bring food and beverage on the boats.
This is the 16th year for the music tours, which are the most popular tours on the canal. They often draw out-of-town visitors who stay the weekend in Augusta, she said.
The activity is a safe one during the pandemic because the event is held outside, and the boats allow for natural social distancing, she said. Masks are required in the canal discovery center prior to the boat departure.
And Shurtleff said not to worry about bringing insect repellent.
“The cliff swallows settle here, and they eat mosquitos,” she said. “Also, the canal’s current is constant, and mosquitos don’t nest there.”
The music tours are $27 for adults and $25 for senior citizens 60 and older, students and military. There’s no online ticketing, so reservations can be made by calling (706) 823-0440 ext. 4.
Charmain Z. Brackett is the Features Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com
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