Hot Southern Nights

Since the Memorial Holiday weekend was approaching and I had no other plans, I decided to venture across the river. I volunteer at the American Red Cross over there so I made the trip to the Civic Center to put in some volunteer time at Hot Southern Nights. I do this mainly because the Volunteer Coordinator, Lynn Reese, is my friend and because volunteering is a good thing.
This year’s headliners were Josh Turner and Pat Green. Previous years brought the likes of Travis Tritt.
According to Amanda Bennett the planning for this event began six months ago with the help of approximately 20 Volunteers, eleven staff members and a wonderful committee (which is made up of 14 members). The money raised is used to benefit the American
Red Cross of Augusta programs and services that are provided to the community such as responding to house fires, training the community in disaster response and preparedness, sending emergency messages to our armed forces overseas, CPR, first aid and lifeguard training.
The concert was decidedly different this year. Usually it is held at Lake Olmsted Stadium however, the general manager did not want it there this year because they had spent so much money on the new field, he did not want it messed up by this worthy charitable organization; hence the Civic Center. From the get go I could tell the atmosphere was entirely different. When Hot Southern Nights is held outside, there is electricity in the air, noise abounds from laughing groups and the ambiance is relaxed and casual. This year, however, it was subdued, dark, stuffy and way, way too loud. Many of the tasks that the volunteers usually handle were taken over by civic center employees. As usual, Richmond County Sheriff’s Department provided deputies to watch out for obstreperous, over-zealous fans that may have had one too many and get a little out-of-hand plus the civic center provided their own security personnel as well. Most of them looked like halfway house ex-cons but they were there none-the-less. The turn out was not what was expected due in part to the change of location; due in part because this year it was held on a week night when most people had to get up the next day for work leaving imbibing to a minimum along with the crazy antics. VIP tickets are sold to corporations. They get the plum seating next to the stage with free food, free drinks, nice tables and they are up close and personal with the performers. This year, however, the VIP tables were on the Civic Center floor in almost total darkness with speakers blasting out any hope of conversation.
Maybe the change in venue was the cause for the change is attire as well. You’ve heard that old saying just because it is in style doesn’t mean you should wear it. Some folks should have taken heed at that saying and left those baby-doll tops at home. Usually folks are casually dressed, some in western attire, some in shorts, some in just casual slacks and shirts. This year, maybe due to the change in venue, some broke out the formal wear; the diamonds and the heels. But all in all it was a good event for a worthy cause and the lack of communication between staff members was more than made up for by Lynn and her volunteers. Maybe next year they can take it back outside on a weekend night and put the fun back in.
Closer to home, the folks on the corner across from me had a two day party with dancing girls, karaoke, a D.J. of sorts and lots and lots of loud music. I thought the James Brown Festival had come across the River.
Up the street was another more family oriented party with one of those blow up bouncy things for kids, picnic tables and good smelling food emanating from their grill. You’d have never known they were there if you hadn’t seen all the preparations going on. My side of the street was quiet and I dare say most of the rest of the neighborhood was either out of town or just relaxing on the rare day off.
A Post Script to last week’s animal adventure. My furry friends have gone. I found the possums dead in the woods and I fear the raccoons met the same fate. I suspect someone left a little poison out for them to keep them out of the chicken coop. It makes me sad.