Experience Augusta's arts scene at Westobou

By Clara Bosonetto Maerz

For ajc.com

Have you heard about Augusta's upcoming Westobou Festival?

This year's second annual event will be Sept. 17-26. Last year, the citywide cultural event drew more than 100,000 visitors to enjoy some of the 200 performances and 26 exhibits. Visitors will get a true feel of Augusta's art scene with dance to theatre and music to visual arts during the 10-day celebration.

The Westobou Festival features well-known local artist, as well as regional and national names. Performers include the Grammy Award-winning Blind Boys of Alabama, who since 1939 have sung a fervent blend of traditional and contemporary gospel music; Shawn Mullins and Pat Blanchard; Elisabeth von Trapp (Sound of Music); Erich Kory and Rhonda Vincent & the Rage. Ticket prices to these shows vary from free to $5 and up.

The schedule also features four Moonlight Music Cruises with various live performances (tickets to $24).

Georgia’s 3 Tenors perform “A Tribute to Pavarotti” on Sept. 20 at St. Pauls Episcopal Church (3 p.m.; $12). The three superb tenor voices, each a soloist in his own right, have performed in a variety of venues to critical acclaim.

Video Games Live, a unique live-action experience, combines music from popular video games of all time with exclusive video footage and music arrangements, synchronized lighting, solo performers, and electronic percussionists, featuring the Augusta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus ($20-$50).

Carmina Burana, presented by the Augusta Choral Society, combines three choruses, three soloists, a dance company and a professional orchestra to perform a setting of 25 poems and student songs ($22).

In addition to these and many other productions, festival-goers will enjoy Augusta traditions such as the 29th annual Arts in the Heart Festival, a three-day event (Sept. 18-20) featuring an eclectic variety of entertainment (three stages of non-stop entertainment), cuisine and the works of more than 70 fine artists and crafters. Events are held at the Augusta Common and surrounding historic downtown area. Weekend passes are $5 in advance; $7 at the gate.

Historic Augusta, the “Garden City,” is Georgia's second-oldest and second-largest city. Several area hotels will offer special rates for the Westobou Festival, including the Marriott, the landmark Partridge Inn and the Quality Inn on Walton Way.

Mileage from Atlanta to Augusta is just under 150 miles. The drive, allowing for traffic, construction and stops, is about three-hours. For more information on Augusta, visit AugustaGa.org/.