(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of The Augusta Press.)
The Mellow Mushroom on the corner of 11th and Broad is a sight to behold. Dean and I first visited the new location in August and were struck by the colorful décor and the wide-open floor plan. With its green and purple furnishings, neon signage and retro stylings, the restaurant is also an artistic homage to the late James Brown.
As cool as the original location was, the new one is awash in color with unique art and a fun and funky vibe. With a long bar running the length of the room, an open kitchen near the “to go” counter and garage doors that flank the Broad Street side, this location is spacious and a feast for the senses. It may sound strange, but the atmosphere is a wonderful complement to the food. The ambiance is delicious.
On the wall behind the bar is a cool “smart messaging display” digital flip sign that changes every few minutes. In white letters on a black background, it offers up questions to ask your date, quotes by James Brown, and short statements to make you think. It’s entertaining to watch and see what is going to pop up next.
When I discovered that the restaurant has resumed offering live music on Thursday nights, I got excited. Aiken, South Carolina resident Kenny George was scheduled to play on Thursday, Sept. 8 so Dean and I headed that way to enjoy dinner and drinks. I couldn’t help but think how this new restaurant was going to be a great venue to enjoy music with dinner.
We were deep into our pizza bites appetizer when Kenny George arrived and began setting up in the bar near the kitchen. The large Feed Your Head sign behind him added a bit of fun to the scene. As we watched him set up, we could see the pizza makers in the kitchen spinning pizza dough in the air as servers entered and exited the kitchen with plates of food.
After a short sound check, Kenny George began strumming an acoustic guitar and performed the first song on his set of Americana tunes. It was “Easton and Main” by the Turnpike Troubadours. This was the first time we’d seen Kenny perform and we were mesmerized by his singing. His smooth vocal delivery was effortless and flowed beautifully through each song he played. Other songs he covered were “Hometown Blues” by Steve Earle, “AM Country Heaven” by Jason Eady and “Nobody Gives a Damn About Songs Anymore” by John Moreland.
Kenny George’s repertoire is a feast for the ears. The songs he chose to perform that night set a tone of wistful longing, saturated with a voice made for Americana. If you enjoy roots music that touches your heart and dances in your ears, do yourself a favor and go see him. His singing will pull the emotions out of your soul and leave you wanting more. Americana is healing music, and Kenny George delivers. Follow the Kenny George Band at www.kennygeorgeband.com.
Looking for something fun to do this weekend and curious about Kenny George? You’ve got an opportunity to catch him and his band performing live Friday on stage at Doc’s Porchside on Washington Road in Augusta. The music starts at 9 p.m. Also Friday, the Brandon Henson Trio performs at Stay. Social Tap & Table in Evans. Show begins at 7 p.m. On Saturday at 7 p.m., enjoy the sounds of Josh Pierce and a special guest DJ at Edgar’s Above Broad.
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.
