ALMA Presents

This week we have Brian Martin, general manager of the Augusta Entertainment Complex. Brian manages the Bell Auditorium and James Brown Arena here in Augusta. We talk all about his history with concerts and live entertainment as well as the upcoming events right here in Augusta. You find all the upcoming events and information on how to get tickets at: https://www.augustaentertainmentcomplex.com/ You can find more ALMA Presents on our website at: https://almapresents.com/ or on Facebook and Instagram @alma_presents

Today on ALMA Presents, we talk to a new band forming in Augusta with a LOT of familiar faces: The Dusty Angels. They haven't released their first album yet, so we got a sneak peak at 2 of their upcoming songs: My Old Friends & Everything's a Country Song Here's their lineup: Jarrett Acosta on BassLuke Amerson on DrumsAJ Howell Singing & GuitarTaylor Swann Pedal SteelKeith Peterson Electric GuitarHenry Wynn Fiddle  Learn more about Jarrett's Boondocks Farms: https://www.boondockfarms.com/

Today on ALMA, we talk to Josh Pierce from the Josh Pierce Group and Guns for Hire. We talk all things from his early influences to starting off playing at a bookstore to best practices for local artists. Live in studio, Josh plays a song that he composed last year called Stand Up. Connect with Josh: Facebook: Josh Pierce MusicYouTube: @joshpiercemusic6526  You can find more ALMA Presents on our website at: https://almapresents.com/ or on Facebook and Instagram @alma_presents Want to listen to the Afroman song that mentions Augusta? (It's Explicit!) https://open.spotify.com/track/2DP4O6Usshp8qW7KDXmCMI?si=f7b7010ab5aa44c3 https://music.apple.com/us/album/trip/33902887?i=33902493

This week we have amazing local rapper Freedom Black. We talk all about his journey to music from New York to Georgia back to New York again. We're also getting into how he came to Augusta, his residency at Soul Bar, and the future of his career. Make sure you come out to the Soul Bar on January 26th and every last Thursday of the month in 2023 to hear some amazing artists. You can find more ALMA Presents on our website at: https://almapresents.com/ or on Facebook and Instagram @alma_presents

We have an Augusta legend in the studio this week Drake White, photographer and former photojournalist. We talk all about how he came to Augusta, left, and then returned to stay. We also discuss his recent work with creating portraits highlighting local artists and upcoming gallery show. You can find some of Drake's fantastic portraits on his website: https://www.drakewhite.studio  You can find more ALMA Presents on our website at: https://almapresents.com/ or on Facebook and Instagram @alma_presents

This week we're sitting down with Michael Weldon, owner of Psychotronic in downtown Augusta. Michael give us the story of how he came to open up his store in Augusta and his time in New York and Clevand in the heyday of punk rock. Check out Psychotronic on broad street downtown in Augusta, they sell all their stock in-store so check them out!  You can find more ALMA Presents on our website at: https://almapresents.com/ or on Facebook and Instagram @alma_presents

We've got a full house this week for something a little different. We are talking with the Soul CIty Sirens Mary Tess aka “Intensive Care Bear”, Skyler aka “Ghost”, and Emory aka “Baby Bruise”. We're digging into the local Roller Derby scene, including how the game works, what you can expect if you go to a match, and how you can get involved if you want to strap on some skates. You can check out the Sirens October 8th, 2022 at Red Wings Roller Way. Tickets are $12 for an adult and $5 for kids ages 5-10. You can find more information and future events at https://soulcitysirens.com/ You can find more ALMA Presents on our website at: https://almapresents.com/ or on Facebook and Instagram @alma_presents

ALMA Podcast brings together artists of all varieties representing Augusta's arts community at a live recording from the Community State of Arts in the Heart. In this collaboration with DropTheDis, we interviewed 4 members of Augusta's arts community to bring you information on what's going on all around the CSRA and how you can get involved in the arts. Check Out DropTheDis: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dropthedis-augusta/id1463070558

We're sitting down this week with Cory Rodgers, songwriter and drummer extraordinaire for Tortoise Portal and Rattlesnake Cobra Awesome (R.C.A.). We talk all about his recent gigs, and most importantly the new EP dropping Friday, September 9th. Check out Tortoise Portal and their new EP wherever you get your music and at: https://tortoiseportal.com/You can find more ALMA Presents on our website at: https://almapresents.com/ or on Facebook and Instagram @alma_presents

This week we're talking with Matthew Buzzell, award winning film-maker, musician, and Associate Professor of film in the Department of Art and Design at Augusta University. We discuss his film career, music career, and upcoming screenings of the Cinema Series at Augusta University. To learn more about the Augusta University Cinema Series head over to their Facebook & Instagram pages at: https://www.facebook.com/CinemaSeriesAUG Instagram.com/CinemaSeriesAUG

We're sitting down this week with WIll McCranie of the band “Bodega Cat”. We talk all about his history with music, his time in New York, and his eventual return to Augusta. We also discuss his other ongoing musical projects and listen to a track from Bodega Cat. If you want to listen to more and find out when and where Bodega Cat is playing head over to https://www.bodegacatmusic.com

This time we're having a conversation with Brian McGrath. We are deep diving in Brian's origin story including his time with Turf War and how he got into music. We also talk about his current project Tuffer (formerly Huffer) and what the future holds for him and listen to three tracks, two from Turf War and one from Tuffer. Stay tuned for more from Brian McGrath and his future projects.

This week we're talking with Ethan Stallings and Ethan Balducci, two parts of the Ethan Stallings Trio and both amazing artists in their own right having been a part of projects like The Village Sticks, Pure Indigo, and many more groups. We talk musical origins, past projects and listen to a track from Ethan Stallings, and one from Ethan Balducci's project Alto Pablo. If you want to learn more about the group, head over to their Facebook page: facebook.com/theethanstallingstrio

Today I sit down with Walter Santiago. I've known Walter since his days at Shared Space when he had just moved to Augusta. Since then, he's become an incredible and active member of our community from his work planning events to promoting the arts through Sample Augusta. A lot of people know Walter, but what a lot of people may NOT know is that he's a musician named Baby Boi who just released a killer album! Take a Listen to Baby Boi On Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/baby-boi/1613281385 On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4XhgPW0nQXKAeA3OShAoOZ?si=Qyn5gUY6RgWayePN_a0xOA  Check out Sample Augusta: https://www.sampleaugusta.com/

We're sitting down this week with Zack and Becca Todd of Back Deck Booking. We talk all about their former music careers and how they went from hosting bands on their back deck to booking live music in Downtown Augusta. They Have a live event coming up this Saturday June 11th, 2022 at the Doris Building Downtown. Admission is free and it is BYOB, but they do accept donations. For more info head over to the Facebook Page at: https://www.facebook.com/backdeckbooking/ and keep an eye out for future events as well!

Today our guest is Kristi Jilson from Westobou. We're talking all about how Westobou brings the vibes and their upcoming event “Can I Kick It?” where you can watch a classic Kung-Fu movie while the soundtrack is played by local DJs. Kristi is the Executive Director for Westobou and responsible for all the local events that Westobou puts on. If you want more information about “Can I Kick It?” and other events that are upcoming toe Augusta, head over to: https://www.westobou.org/events

Tonight we're talking to the one and only Deanna Brown, daughter of the Godfather of Soul himself and President of The James Brown Foundation. We talk all about James Brown and his legacy and remember him on his birthday. If you want to join in and attend a FREE event May 7th, 2022 head over to the event on facebook at: https://fb.me/e/1t4jcqbf0 for more details.

We're talking with Jason Walter this week. Jason is an Augusta area Post-Punk Musician and artist. Jason Walter has drawn and written graphic novels, a digital artist, and a photographer. His artwork is heavily tied in with his punk albums. We discuss music, sports, his unique fashion sense, and listen to one of his original songs performed in studio with a backing track. To learn more go to: https://www.postpunkmutantmusicians.com/

We're sitting down with Justin Heath, aka DJ Slicker Than Oil talking all about rare record collecting and local area music. We listen to a rare track from Bobby Byrd, all about Augusta. All that and more conversation about the music scene in Augusta. You can find Justin on Instagram as Slickerthanoil.

For this episode we talk with Matt Porter. Matt is the Curator of Education at the Morris Museum of Art, and a Local DJ. We talk all about his Canadian beginnings, how he got to Augusta, and his collection of rare records. We get to listen to a track from Augusta Records (you read that right) and talk about the mystery surrounding it. If you want to find out about other events going on at The Morris Museum of Art visit their website at https://www.themorris.org/

For this episode we sit down with John Krueger to talk about his new self-titled album and "Tweed." We also discuss his song writing process, current music projects, and his time in Nashville. John Krueger is singer song-writer currently based in the Augusta Area and is involved with many local musicians. He's going to be sticking around for a while so do yourself a favor and check him out live or listen to his music here: https://soundcloud.com/johnkrueger You can also buy a vinyl copy of "Tweed" at Grantsky's Records on Broad street or online here: https://johnkrueger.bandcamp.com/album/tweed

For this episode we sit down with billy s He embodies the arts community in Augusta. We talk about his past, including how him and Coco met at Battle of the Bands and his experiences playing with James Brown. Then, we talk about his blooming art career and he plays music off his new album! Follow him on Instagram @billy_s_images to keep up with his projects

For this episode we sit down with Raoul Pacheco. We talk about how after years of globe-trotting as a military brat he finally found his way to find Augusta home. We also talk about his former music projects, current art projects, and his work as a professor at Augusta University. You can check out his sculptures at: http://www.raoulpacheco.com/

This time we sit down with Rachel Goodman. Rachel is the vocalist and primary instrumentalist for "Rah Butter" and the mind behind Sample Augusta a web collection of art and music from all around Augusta. She talks about her influences, projects past and present, and the future of art and music in Augusta. You can find Rachel with "Rah Butter" on ReverbNation: https://www.reverbnation.com/rahbutter Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4M6F9t5fPWiRCO8KYgKidT?si=zeKEL5f6TousJrS3afc1mA And you can check out Sample Augusta at: https://www.sampleaugusta.com/

This episode we sit down and talk with Ryan Abel, a man who seems to be everywhere in Augusta. We discuss how he go into music, various projects over the years, stage performances, his upcoming tribute show, and plenty of stories including a couple involving Miss Sharon Jones herself. The full version of the original song by Ryan can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0eDTxDRYuk If you want to get tickets to Laurel Canyon, his upcoming tribute show celebrating the music of CSNY, The Monkees, Jackson Browne and more head over to: https://www.https://www.laurelcanyonaugusta.com/

We sit down and talk with Eric Kinlaw, owner of The Bee's Knees and The Hive in downtown Augusta. We talk about the history of live music venues in Augusta and the need for live music and art in a community. We also discuss Eric's history with music and his past projects, along with his current project Forceghost. You can check out Forceghost on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/forceghostmusic/ and on Bandcamp at: https://forceghost.bandcamp.com/releases?fbclid=IwAR2ssWiWc3gbSwmsbUgMuqYDUKHTikYKBHvdA169TxDQpt_a9Jz2RyUMUVs

Meet Rebel Lion! An Augusta, Georgia-based hip-hop group with a history! These guys are recording artists that have done "it all" in the music industry and have regrouped to create their next generation of music, starting with their 2020 album: The Vaccine. These 3 MCs, Blakfist, Lord Shamah, and SalimDaGod with their producer: Bonafyde Beats AKA Bone are bringing a little bit of truth and a lot of rhythm to the Augusta music scene. These guys are not only hip-hop artists, but also are business members and owners in our community, so when you listen to their stories, make sure that you also support their businesses! Find them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlmightyRebelLion/ Find them on YouTube: https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fmovementrebel%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3B2K_VwX9yCJYdkBxriTjF0DcI_uhTbVDDH48Fa3SaTr6Ql60W869e2Y4&h=AT3UOD6jG9zKKizhz4jl1Zo407yjyEABzy2EvfcQJkDhPLhWpYkw5ag0uR-i52oyIXhUdV9lYt1ql21hSNAWfH49DbmtAon7UEpxqVVIrpZx2qYfc-rmVNEwBkTSuJz-Dc7zBKOq

Meet She N She, an Augusta Georgia local band that was founded in 2011. Their style can best be described as: East coast Folk meets West Coast Indie to reign in an eclectic mix of originality and poetry. Brandy Douglas and Drea Suarez met at an open mic in 2010 and have been performing together ever since. The raspy growl coming from Brandy alongside the sweet warmth hailing from Drea create a unique melting pot of lyric, harmony and style known as She N She. Today, they came on to talk about their history and to play, live in studio, one of their new songs! You can connect with them on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/SheNSheSounds/

Meet Evan Grantski! He's a musician, a local music supporter, and owner of Granski records. He started record swaps when he was younger and worked his way to up owning a record store before moving it downtown. He's got a close connection to Augusta's music scene and he has some big plans! Tho find out more, support, & connect with Evan, go to: https://grantskis.com/ Presented by Augusta Podcasts

Travis A. Shaw joins the show. Travis Shaw is an engaging and sensitive bassist, producer, and artist who is in love with music. A lover of jazz and improvisation, he considers himself a "mindful explorer" of music. Travis not only is a member of the band BrownsTown Gritty, but he's also been recently featured in a music video for Coach and has challenged himself to release 1 new song per day this year! Tho find out more, support, & connect with Travis, go to: https://travisashaw.com/ Presented by Augusta Podcasts

Shaun Piazza joins the show. A rocker with history, Shaun has recently been working on some new projects. If you're looking to hear him play, you can often carch him with Drivin N Cryin at the Imperial Theatre & the Miller, but if you want to hear his music, look no further than: https://www.reverbnation.com/shaunpiazza?fbclid=IwAR2jwLmrot-jEueEFSc2x4SQ92DSpxBkCnwvqAUvjTLDDdNc8YerfGTMI5c

Born and raised in Augusta, GA in 1974, Keith Jenkins began playing guitar at age eleven. Initially inspired by the Rock guitar heroes of the day, particularly Edward Van Halen and Angus Young, Jenkins eventually became enthralled with the sounds of Sixties Soul music and the Blues. As a teenager, Jenkins was fascinated with the music and persona of Soul icon and fellow Augusta native, Mr. James Brown. At age twenty, Jenkins was offered the opportunity to audition for his idol, and within minutes of meeting and playing for Mr. Brown, he secured a position in the Godfather of Soul's legendary backing band the Soul Generals. Over the next twelve years, Jenkins toured the world with the James Brown Show and performed at many notable venues and events. By 1999, Jenkins was leading the band in rehearsals, recording sessions and live performances.Mr. Brown even insisted that Jenkins accompany him on special engagements with other top artists such as, Dave Matthews Band, Lenny Kravitz, and Usher. After Mr. Brown's passing on Christmas Day 2006, Jenkins began his role as Maestro for the James Brown Academy of Musik Pupils, a program founded by Mr. Brown's daughter, Deanna Brown-Thomas. He continues to teach, do session work, and perform live with various groups, including the James Brown Band. Keith is still doing the good work as an advisor for the James Brown Family Foundation: https://jamesbrownfamilyfdn.org/online/index.php/about/advisory-board?view=employee&id=8