The Morris Museum of Art always seems to have fun and exciting things going on. Whether it’s an art event for children or an opening exhibition party, the Museum keeps their calendar full and offers something for everyone. One such event is Music at the Morris, a free concert series that occurs on the third Sunday of the month. It had been a while since Dean and I took in a show, so we headed over early on Sunday, May 15 to get a good seat.
The originally scheduled performer was unable to be there that day, so Lincolnton, Ga. native Tom Reed stepped in to perform. I’m very happy that he did.
Personable, humorous and engaging, Reed played an acoustic guitar and covered a selection of songs that blended well together and provided a warm musical accompaniment to a relaxing Sunday afternoon. A talented storyteller, Reed shared a vignette before each song he played. The audience enjoyed the tales that segued beautifully into each song on the set list.
MORE: Young performer ‘works hard for the money’ in Donna Summer musical
Reed began his set with the James Taylor classic “Country Road” followed by Eric Clapton’s “Promises” and “Angel From Montgomery” by the late John Prine. In addition to these, Reed treated us to his favorite song of all time, “Midnight Train To Georgia” by Atlanta’s own Gladys Knight and the Pips. Reed’s delivery gave the tune a folkified Americana-tinged finish that made the song his own.
For an encore, Reed played an original song that he had written for his father. “The Man With My Last Name” is a sweet song that made me think of my own Dad. I would be lying if I told you it didn’t bring me to tears.
An Augusta resident since 2010, Tom Reed began playing music in 2012 with his first gig at the old Blue Sky Kitchen on Broad Street. He writes original songs and also enjoys playing the music he loves, classic hits from the mid 60s through mid 70s. A huge fan of that era, Reed recently performed with Ryan Abel and others at last month’s Laurel Canyon concert at the Imperial Theatre.
Reed teaches voice, guitar, ukulele, and piano lessons. He also performs locally on Sundays from 6 to 9 p.m. at Finch & Fifth. Reed also plays every other Wednesday at Stay Social Tap & Table in Evans. He is a member of local jam band Bodega Cat. Follow him at Bodega Cat’s website: www.bodegacatmusic.com
The monthly concert series at the Morris features local artists as well as those from across the United States. The shows average about an hour in duration and there is no cost to attend. The Morris Museum Auditorium is on the first floor of the building. Plan to arrive a little early so that you can take in a bit of artwork prior to the show. Just inside the entrance to the Auditorium is a little gallery that features a small exhibition. Currently, you may enjoy a selection of works by Terry Rowlett that will be on view through Aug. 7. The fantastical oil paintings feature local Athens musicians in classical settings.
MORE: In The Kitchen With Vera: Oh Honey
To learn more about the Morris Museum of Art and to view their events calendar, visit their website at www.themorris.org
This weekend is shaping up to be a hit with exciting events. Tonight, grab your lawn chair and head to the parking lot behind the Soul Bar and Nacho Mama’s downtown for the ALMA PRESENTS “Can I Kick It?” event. Enjoy food trucks and a screening of the Bruce Lee classic film “Enter the Dragon” accompanied by a live music soundtrack by DJ 2-Tone Jones. Parking lot opens at 6 p.m. and the movie starts at 8 p.m.
Interested in live music? Catch the rocking sounds of Carolina Cherry tonight at Habanero’s in Aiken. Show starts at 7 p.m. On Saturday, fireworks fans should head to Evans Town Center Park for Thunder Over Evans 2022. Enjoy live music by the Party Crashers Band and a drone show before the pyrotechnics display. This event begins at 6:15 p.m.
Francie Klopotic is an author, artist and music aficionado living in Augusta. She writes The Night Beat column the first and third Fridays of each month.
