Downtown Headlines

Highlights from Thursday's Downtown Development Authority meeting:

-Steven McDowell was welcomed as the grouup's new secretary. The owner of Old Havana Cigar also will serve as the board's representative on the Business Improvement District.

-The improvement district's annual meeting is Tuesday from 5:30 until 7:30 p.m. at 333 on Broad.

-BID also has agreed to provide $1,000 to the Tri for Kids in May as some of the adult events will be downtown. Also, BID has pledged $3,000 in funding for the Rome International Film Festival set for September (www.riff.tv)

-Parking issues were discussed including what to do with contractors who have commercial dumpsters on or off Broad during construction projects. Also included: what to do with vans

-Parking Report: 176 citations in Feb. for $5,506 in fees. The parking lot behind Harvest Moon is now landscaped, repaved and open.

-Seven new jobs downtown in February from 2 new businesses and 20 more jobs due in March with Johnny's Pizza opening; two jobs lost.

Bryan Mullins' weekend highlights: Brantley Gilbert, A.R.T. dinner theater, Thunderbolt Patterson, Jon Byrd, Blu Train

By Bryan Mullins/mullinsmania.com

TONIGHT: Gilbert at 333 on Broad; McClanahan, Moon Crew at Moon

-A show that we’ve been waiting on has finally arrived. Country rock artist Brantley Gilbert returns to Rome and will perform with his band at 333 on Broad. It took a near fatal car accident over five years ago to convince Gilbert that he needed to quit ignoring his dreams of becoming a recording artist and go for it. Now he has made quite a name for himself and has been selling albums and selling out shows all over the Southeast. Jay and the folks at 333 on Broad are excited to have him back.

Russell McClanahan & the mOOn Crew aim to please in the Harvest Moon dining room every Thursday night, performing old time string band versions of classics and originals.

Muletide Perkins will return to the 400 Block bar to bang on some original country blues tunes and have a good ol’ time.

FRIDAY: Jason Lyles at Moon Roof; dinner theatre, Blu Train @ 333

The local drama group Acts of Random Theater (A.R.T.) will perform a dinner theatre this Friday and Saturday at 333 on Broad. It’s an awards show spoof called Murder at the Tony (Lou) Awards. Sounds like a real good time and some great eats.

Blu Train is a group of local musicians who get together and blast out classic rock favorites. Last time I saw them they really brought the heat. Friday night, they’ll take the stage at 333 on Broad for more.

Jason Lyles is a Chattanooga based musician that is no stranger to Rome. He’ll return to the Moon Roof Bar this Friday night to perform an upbeat mix of power pop, alternative, and Southern rock originals.

SATURDAY: Thunderbolt Patterson lights up Old Havana

Murder at the Tony (Lou) Awards at 333 on Broad. (see Friday)

Stevie Monce is an Atlanta-based acoustic rocker who has had great shows at 333 on Broad in the not so distant past. He’ll be back to do it again on Saturday night.

The guitar powerhouse of Thunderbolt Patterson will return to Old Havana for a night of great originals and deep cut classics from the wide realm of blues, rock, and roots. These guys put on a great show every time. That I can assure you.

The Nest has moved to Mount Berry Square and has been hosting live music just the same. Saturday night, they’ll bring a double feature of two great local artists, Andrew Watson and Jon Byrd.

The Peach Palace will be cranking out the rock 'n' roll with Curiosity Shoppe and 53 to Nowhere (formerly known as Haven.)

-More Mullins: Check his Web site, MullinsMania, for expanded entertainment coverage. Plus join Mullins and Matt D on The Ridge 95.7 FM each weekday from 7 to 9 a.m.

2010 Home & Garden Expo this weekend at The Forum

-The annual home and garden show returns to The Forum from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 13, and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 14, presented by Rome Radio Partners LLP (South 107, Q102, WRGA 1470 AM, 93.5 FM LIFE)> Details

-Also Saturday/First 2010 sidewalk sale: Downtown merchants are sponsoring the first sidewalk sale of 2010 in conjunction with the home and garden expo at The Forum. Local songwriters will be on hand as well.

Rome History Museum co-hosts 2011 Habitat Women’s Build Kickoff
(Media release) The 2011 Women’s Build for the Rome-Floyd County Habitat for Humanity will kick off on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at the Rome Area History Museum, 305 Broad St. The event is part of Women’s History Month at the Museum.

“A Women’s Build is a very important part of our Ministry in Rome,” Habitat Executive Director Bruce Day explains. “Not only do women actually build a house, they work to raise money to pay for the materials used. We have an experienced female House Leader, and, since this will be our fourth Women’s Build, some of our volunteers have gained construction experience as well. That doesn’t mean, however, that only women who are good with a hammer are needed for the build. There is a job for everyone, with all sorts of skills, including fundraising, networking, organizing, building, clean-up, landscaping, and of course, prayer.”

The Women’s Build kickoff, which will include refreshments and presentations from Habitat volunteers and partner families, will coincide with Women’s History Month at the Museum. Rome has been the home of many outstanding women, including Ellen Axon Wilson, wife of President Woodrow Wilson; Rosalind Gammon, mother of fallen athlete Von Gammon, credited with saving college football in the state; and the late Egie Huff, named a National Treasure by the YMCA of the USA.

The Rome and Floyd County Habitat for Humanity is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, and seeks to provide simple decent housing for partner families.

Families contribute sweat equity towards their own or another family’s home and repay the purchase price with a no-interest loan from Habitat. The repayment of home loans go toward providing more homes, as do funds generated by the Habitat HomeMart, where donated building materials and household furnishings are sold at deep discounts.

For more information on Habitat, the 2011 Women’s Build or the HomeMart, contact them at 706-378-0030 or on the Web at www.habitatrome.com.

-Also/Habitat's silver anniversary reception: It includes free admission to the Museum, a tour of the Women in History Month display and refreshments from Crepes by Marie.

What's ahead in downtown Rome:

-March 12, 13, 20: Murder at the Tony (Lou) Awards at 333 on Broad (details below)

-March 16/BID annual meeting: The Business Improvement District's annual meeting is set from 5:30 until 7:30 p.m. at 333 on Broad.

-March 18/'Snapshot in Time' Lecture: The year “1920” and the 19th Amendment (Women’s Right to Vote): 5:30 p.m.  Free admission.

-March 19-21, 26-26: 70 people power RLT's My Fair Lady> RLT

-March 20/St. Petrick's Day Parade returns: The third edition of the St. Petrick's Day Parade is set for 11 a.m. Saturday, March 20, in downtown Rome. The rain date is March 27. You can register your pet at the gravel parking lot near Bridgepoint Plaza as early as 10 a.m. The entry fee is $10 per pet (includes free T-shirt while supplies last). The parade begins at 11 a.m. following the blessing of the pets. Pets must be leashed at all times, prizes awarded. All proceeds benefit the Rome/Floyd Humane Society. Details: 706-234-7979.

Dinner theater's Murder at the Tony (Lou) Awards at 333 in March

(Media release) Join the cast of Acts of Random Theatre (A.R.T.) at 333 on Broad on March 12, 13 and 20 at 7 p.m. for a rocky romp down the red carpet when they present Murder at the Tony (Lou) Awards, an audience participation murder mystery. This star-studded extravaganza features all the stars in the theatre industry, as well as some big names in the movie business.

Doors open at 7, when you’ll get a chance to mingle with the cast as they drop hints about themselves and the show and give you a chance to ask questions. Then, you’ll enjoy one of Chef Jay’s selected entrees while the cast keeps a low profile. The awards begin immediately after dinner.   

The Tony (Lou) Awards Show’s romp begins with celebrity gossip columnist Constance Gabbles greeting (and insulting) each celebrity as they arrive. Your talented host, an heir to a famous dancing, singing and flying family, kicks off the extravaganza.

Among the stars is a has-been stage diva, an unintelligible foreign actor, a talent scout, an action hero wanna-be and more. The fact is everyone has a nasty secret. So you’ll have to keep your eyes and ears open to gather clues, because at evening’s end, someone will be ruthlessly murdered and it’s up to you to guess who done it and why!

Tickets for the dinner and show are $30. A cash bar is available. For information and reservations, visit 333 on Broad or call A.R.T. at 706 346 2743.   

CRBI's Waterfest X is April 16-17: racing, river fun and a concert

Waterfest X, the Coosa River Basin Initiative's paddle sports and environmental education extravaganza, splashes down April 16-17 at Ridge Ferry Park, the Oostanaula River and downtown Rome. Celebrating 10 years of paddle-powered fun, CRBI offers more than $4,000 in cash and prizes and welcomes WSB-TV and its Family 2 Family affiliates (Northside Hospital, SCANA Energy, Kroger, AirTran & Longhorn's Steakhouse) as new lead sponsors along with Johnson Outdoors and local radio stations South 107, Q102 and 93.5 LIFE FM. This year's event includes a 13-mile race on the Oostanaula River, Canoe & Kayak Tug-O-Wars and our free Environmental Fair featuring the world's largest portable aquarium, wild animal shows from Wildlife Wonders, Environmental Quiz Bowl, exhibits, foods and great fun! The weekend culminates in a special Waterfest concert by Billy Jonas at the Rome City Auditorium April 17 at 7 p.m.

-Details on the Billy Jonas concert> Click

More of what's ahead in downtown Rome:

-March 25/Museum fund-raiser 'Unwind . . . Chics, Chatter & Chocolate' Called a "signature" fund-raiser for the Rome Area History Museum, the women's only event is set for The Forum beginning at 6 p.m.

-March 30/Rome Area History Museum hosts Mother/Daughter Celebration of Spring Tea at 3 p.m. Enjoy tea, goodies and games with daughter, granddaughter or great-granddaughter. Free event for members and daughters. Other guests are $5 per mother/daughter duo. 706-235-8051.

-April 16/‘Heart and Soul III’ has been re-scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at the Rome City Auditorium.  Instead of Valentines Day, we’ll celebrate the Day After Tax Day with love songs and Motown hits.  Tickets are $10/single and $15/couple.  Advance tickets will be available at Krogers on April 1, and you can also get tickets at the door the night of the show.  For more information, please contact Sam Baltzer at 706-233-7285 or sbaltzer@shorter.edu

-May 7-8/Roman Roast on the River booked: The May 7-8 event at Ridge Ferry Park already has reached its capacity for pro cooks although teams can get on a waiting list in case of cancellation. For event details, click Roast

-Classic Car Cruise-ins returns in June: Three events are set for the summer, each on the second Saturday of the month (June 12,  July 10, Aug. 14). The hours are likely to be the same, 5 to 9 p.m., with entertainment included.

-First Friday acts booked: The popular free summer downtown concert series returns to Bridgepoint Plaza on May 7 with Broad & Third. The schedule: June 4, The Jamie Pelfrey Band; July 2, Delta Moon; Aug. 6, Infinity Show Band; and Sept. 3, Georgia Blues Brothers. The concerts are at 7 p.m. each night. 

Georgia Trust's annual meeting, 'ramble' in Rome April 9-11: Members of The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation will spend three days in Rome next month, including time in downtown Rome, Cave Spring and Berry College. In addition to tours and meetings, the group will present the 33rd Annual Preservation Awards at the DeSoto Theatre Friday evening. Plans call for dinner in the Forrest Place ballroom on Friday night, dinner at the Colonial Heights Plantation in Cave Spring Saturday and brunch Sunday at Berry College> Details

70 people help power RLT's My Fair Lady, set for March 19-21; 26-28

Submitted by Allison Cox

When Danny Price agreed to direct Rome Little Theatre’s production of My Fair Lady, it was an opportunity to revisit a favorite musical and produce it on his own terms. The lawyer and member of a local quartet, Martha’s Finest, has been a fan of My Fair Lady since he was a child and participated in a high school production of the show. For this version, he decided it was time to try the production side of a show.

My Fair Lady tells the story of Eliza Doolittle, a young Cockney woman who wants to be a lady in a flower shop instead of selling flowers on street corners. She takes speech lessons from professor Henry Higgins, a confirmed bachelor who takes credit for and great delight in her success. Eliza realizes after her winning introduction to high society that she now has the means and manners to be independent.

Nearly 70 people are involved in the production, including the cast, set designers and construction team, and musicians. “There’s no way this show could happen without the group of dedicated people who work behind the scenes to make us look and sound good,” Price said.

My Fair Lady will run March 19-21 and 26-28, with 8 p.m. shows on Friday and Saturday and 2:30 p.m. matinees on Sundays. Tickets are available online at www.romelittletheatre.com or by calling the box office at 706-295-7171.

Downtown Development Authority coffee break schedule for 2010:

8:30 a.m. at each site below

March 26: Cycle Therapy, 608 Broad St.
April 23: Rome News Tribune, 305 Sixth Ave.
May 28: 333 On Broad, 333 Broad St.
June 25: Elysium, 226-B Broad St.
July 30: Lieberman Chiropractic, 421 Broad St.
Aug. 27: disABILITY LINK NW, 411 Broad St.
Sept. 24: DeSoto Theatre, 530 Broad St.
Oct. 29: Johnny’s NY Style Pizza, 233 Broad St.
Nov. 19: The Greener Burger Co., 313 Broad St.
Dec. 17: Coosa Country Club, 110 Branham Ave.

Northwest Georgia's entertainment source: www.mullinsmania.com

-Check Downtown Headlines each Thursday for the latest local entertainment updates from Bryan Mullins of MullinsMania.com. Bryan scouts the local acts and clubs, and has the insider report on who's where and when.

-More Mullins: Check his Web site, MullinsMania, for expanded entertainment coverage. Plus join Mullins and Matt D on The Ridge 95.7 FM each weekday from 7 to 9 a.m.

Downtown Parking updates:

-For updates on downtown parking, click Parking

Billy Jonas to headline WATERFEST X concert April 17

(Media release) Billy Jonas, an Asheville, N.C.-based songwriter and “industrial re-percussionist” will perform a concert for children and adults April 17 as part of the Coosa River Basin Initiative’s WATERFEST X weekend.

The nationally recognized folk musician who last year was named to USA Today’s “Best Family Music List” performs much of his music on found and recycled objects such as tin cans and 50-gallon drums.

The performance is set for 7 p.m. Saturday, April 17, at City Auditorium in Downtown Rome and will culminate two days of paddle sports and environmental education through CRBI’s WATERFEST.

Tickets are available now at www.coosa.org and in Rome at Kroger, Lavender Mountain Hardware, Blue Sky Outfitter, The Music Room and CRBI. Adult tickets are $12, student tickets age 6-18 are $6 and children under 6 receive free admission.

“This is a rare treat for Northwest Georgia,” said Joe Cook, CRBI Executive Director and Riverkeeper. “Jonas performs at large festivals across the country, and we’ve been working on bringing him to Rome for two years.”

His performances are an explosion of energy in which everyone becomes part of the performance. Concerts begin with a simple "tuning" of the audience; from there a whimsical trajectory carries listeners through stories of life, love, and triumph over 'Murphy's Law.'

Jonas' original pieces are played on fanciful "industrial re-percussion" instruments made from found objects. He sings in a clear tenor voice; his guitar work is adventurous, alternately percussive and lyrical. To listen to his music, visit www.billyjonas.com.

CRBI is partnering with local schools and faith communities to fill the 1,000-seat City Auditorium. Darlington School, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, First Baptist Church, Rodeph Sholom Congregation and others are supporting the concert.
Sponsors include Johnson Outdoors, Carlisle, Necky Kayaks, Ocean Kayak, Old Town Canoes & Kayaks, Extrasport, South 107, Q102, 93.5 Life FM, Georgia Power, Mohawk, Temple-Inland, Marglen Industries, Blue Sky Outfitter, SoyMet 101, The Villas at Coosawattee and WSB-TV and its Family 2 Family affiliates SCANA Energy, Kroger, Air Tran, Longhorn Steakhouse and Northside Hospital.

Proceeds from the concert benefit CRBI’s advocacy, education, water monitoring and restoration programs. For more, contact Joe Cook at 706-232-2724 or via e-mail.

Forum Watch: What's ahead at The Forum