(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of The Augusta Press.)
It was a warm and sunny Saturday on the afternoon of Oct. 8. 10th Street in downtown Augusta was closed between Broad and Ellis to be transformed into a street party. The city came out to celebrate what I personally hope becomes an annual tradition.
The restaurants on 10th Street offered delicious treats for hungry attendees. Pho-Ramen’l, Tacocat, The Bee’s Knees, Pineapple Ink and Manny’s served specialties. We were exceptionally excited to see Pad Thai being whipped up in front of the Bee’s Knees. Pad Thai was one of our favorite dishes at the older incarnation of Bee’s Knees, so we grabbed a plate and took a seat at one of the many tables and chairs that lined the middle of the street.
MORE: The Night Beat: Alan Thompson
The sidewalks were filled with tents shading vendors and their wares from the sun. Vintage clothing, original art, and handcrafted jewelry by local artisans were all so colorful and exciting to browse. Local artists including billy s and Blaine Prescott painted live. And, in the midst of all of the fun, the music was nonstop. Even though the block party was still in full swing, I found myself wishing that this event would be repeated in the not-too-distant future.
A stage was set up in the middle of the street where local DJs and musical acts took turns entertaining the crowd. During the day, before we arrived, Coco Rubio and other DJs spun tunes in between musical acts. When we finally made our way down to the party, we were able to catch the Ethan Stallings Group as they made their way to the stage.
The band started their jazzy set with Steely Dan’s “Black Cow” from the classic album “Aja.” Next on their set list was “Walking on the Moon” by the Police. Dean and I looked at each other and shared a giggle. Did these guys visit us overnight and take the albums we’d been listening to recently?
MORE: The Night Beat: Kenny George
Their brand of jazz fusion was a treat to my ears. Other songs the Ethan Stallings Group covered were “Dancing in the Moonlight” by King Harvest, “Lowdown” by Boz Scaggs, and “Let’s Stay Together” by the Rev. Al Green.
I couldn’t stop smiling as the band played the soundtrack of my youth! I will certainly be catching them live in concert again. If you like your classics with a touch of jazz and soul, you need to see the Ethan Stallings Group. Interested? They’re playing tonight at Edgar’s Above Broad with a start time of 7 p.m.
Other live music happenings this weekend begin Friday when Stellium takes the stage at Chevy’s. Music starts at 10 p.m. Also Friday, The BrownsTown Gritty bring their unique brand of jazzy funk to Stillwater Taproom. Show starts at 9 p.m. Like karaoke? Head to the Highlander on Saturday and grab a mic. The fun begins at 9 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.
