The Augusta Symphony is now called “Symphony Orchestra Augusta.”  Symphony Orchestra Augusta’s 2009-10 concert season introduces “A New Era,” this year marks a pivotal time in the Symphony’s 55-year history as Music Director Shizuo Z Kuwahara begins his inaugural season. In its existence, only two Music Directors have led the Symphony: founder Harry Jacobs (1954-1991) and Donald Portnoy, who retired in June 2009.
The Symphony continues the tradition of presenting high-quality musical performances. Both the Symphony Series of six concerts and the Pops! at the Bell Series of four concerts feature acclaimed …

The Savannah Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) announces ArtSquared Savannah will be held Friday, July 24 through Sunday, July 26. ArtSquared Savannah will be a weekend celebration of the arts in Savannah.
On the evening of Friday, July 24 from 5-8 p.m., City Market will come alive as the Art & Soul of Savannah. The countless galleries will stay open into the evening while you take pleasure in the sights, sounds and tastes of City Market. For more information, please call 912.232.4903 or visit www.savannahcitymarket.com.
On Saturday, July 25, the Palette …

The 2 Greer Idol contestants moving forward to this Friday’s competition are:
Nicholas Bishop
Daniel Sprayberry
Contestants move forward based on the combined scores of the judges and the online voting at www.greeridol.com.  Fans could vote from Midnight on Friday until noon on Monday.
The Greer Idol competition is held during Tunes on Trade each Friday night.
When the band takes a break, Greer Idol takes the stage.
Week 6) 2 performers- voting will take place at Tunes on Trade only for this last vote. You must be present to vote. Each vote will cost one …

WBTV is celebrating their 60th Anniversary and will be touring the area doing live news broadcasts.  Union Square is the first stop on the list!  Come out and join them on Friday July 24, the first 100 people will receive free tee shirts and a piece of cake.
Beginning at 5:30 p.m., WBTV will broadcast the news live from Union Square in Downtown Hickory.  During and after the broadcast, as a Hickory Alive!  special event, the Pan Jive Band will play as an opening band for Johnny on the Spot.
The Pan …

The Savannah Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) announces ArtSquared Savannah will be held Friday, July 24 through Sunday, July 26. ArtSquared Savannah will be a weekend celebration of the arts in Savannah.
On the evening of Friday, July 24 from 5-8 p.m., City Market will come alive as the Art & Soul of Savannah. The countless galleries will stay open into the evening while you take pleasure in the sights, sounds and tastes of City Market. For more information, please call 912.232.4903 or visit www.savannahcitymarket.com.
On Saturday, July 25, the Palette …

The Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Council will host a Business Exchange on Tuesday, July 21 at the Chamber of Commerce Office in the Large Conference Room. There will be networking from 8:15 a.m. and the Business Exchange will begin at 8:30 a.m. Coffee will also be served at 8:15 a.m.
Clayton Scott, Director of Chatham Emergency Management Agency (CEMA), will present the topic, “Prepare. Plan. Stay Informed: Is Your Business Prepared for the Next Emergency or Disaster?” Attend the Chamber’s Business Exchange and find out. The Business Exchange …

The 7 Greer Idol contestants moving forward to this Friday’s competition are:
Nicholas Bishop
Chesnee Gregory
Tamara Haynes
Daniel Sprayberry
Nelson Delanuez
Contestants move forward based on the combined scores of the judges and the online voting at www.greeridol.com.  Fans could vote from Midnight on Friday until noon on Monday.
The Greer Idol competition is held during Tunes on Trade each Friday night.
When the band takes a break, Greer Idol takes the stage.  The Greer Idol competition will begin with 12 contestants.
Week 1) 12 performers- voting off 3
Week 2 ) 9 performers-voting off 2
Week 3) 7 performers- …

The  Board of Directors approved the Symphony’s new mission statement at its June 25 Board meeting.  The old mission statement, “to be the premier provider of orchestral music in greater Augusta” becomes “To share the joy of great musical performances with our audience. Together we are music.”

By Frank Canna
It’s summer, time to pack up the family and head out on the open road for that good old fashion summer vacation. Whether your destination is only a few hours away or hundreds of miles from home, the fact is; you want your road trip to be as safe and trouble free as possible.