Jazz will open amphitheater

The new amphitheater in Evans will be christened Thursday to the sounds of smooth jazz.

The Garden Jazz Series will be the first event held at the recently completed amphitheater, which is next to the new Columbia County Library.

The four-part series will kickoff at 7 p.m. Thursday with quietSTORM performing. The five-member group was voted Best Jazz Band in 2005 by readers of Augusta Magazine and performs regularly at French Market Grille West.

"There's a good following for (jazz). I didn't realize that," said Stacie Adkins, Columbia County's community events manager. "It (the series) is going to be fun. I think the public is going to love it."

The series will continue April 20 with Air Apparent performing; April 27 with Mellow-D featuring Pam Bowman performing; and May 4 with Mood Indigo featuring Carl Purdy and Rob Foster performing.

Adkins said that despite upcoming Celtic and bluegrass events at the amphitheater and a fall movie series planned, she and other county officials wanted to offer residents a spring event to enjoy the amphitheater.

"We wanted to do something and we didn't want to wait until the fall," Adkins said.

The series occurs during National Jazz Appreciation Month.

Tickets for each concert cost $5 and will be sold at the entrance to the show.

"I would encourage people to bring their blankets and their snack food," Adkins said, adding that refreshments will be sold on-site. Lawn chairs and coolers are welcome, but no alcoholic beverages will be allowed.

For more information, call the Community and Leisure Services Division at (706) 868-3484 or e-mail Adkins at sadkins@columbiacountyga.gov.