Remembering The Flame
In the chronicle of Statesboro lore, many remember the legendary nightclub, The Flame. Situated off of Chandler Road, the somewhat notorious nightspot opened Friday, November 13, 1970 and catered specifically to Georgia Southern students, faculty and staff. A group of Statesboro investors called College Center Incorporated conceived of the establishment. When the club opened, patrons could pay five dollars per month or two dollars for admission as a non-member. Over the years, The Flame became a venue for local and regional bands like The Critical Mass and Wheatstone Mission.
The November 24, 1970 edition of the George-Anne covered the opening weekend. A description of the interior decor is enough to take you straight back to the days of disco:
“The color scheme includes cadet blue, oxblood gold, and lime green. An optical illusion of vertical stripes is behind the bar. The entire club has blue-green carpeting, except for the green-checkered dance floor.” In addition to visual stimulation courtesy of the decor, the club featured pool tables, pinball machines, a jukebox, and a bar serving affordable libations. By catering to the university crowd exclusively, the Flame provided a space for students to blow off steam, decompress after classes, and enjoy live music and entertainment. One writer called it “the closest Statesboro has to big city entertainment ” in 1977.
The club had the tragic fate of living up to its namesake and burning down not once, but twice. It also came under fire (figuratively this time) for its lack of parking, and contribution to dangerous pedestrian traffic off of Chandler Road. With its demise, many students and alumni lamented the loss of their favorite haunt and an iconic piece of campus life. Whether alumni called it “The Flame” or its “classier” nickname “Le Club Flambeau,” many who attended Georgia Southern in the 1970s and 1980s remember the club as an iconic facet of campus culture.”
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Blind Willie McTell and the Statesboro Blues
Willliam Samuel “Blind Willie” McTell (May 5, 1898 – August 19, 1959)
Willie McTell was a singer, songwriter, and guitarist that predominantly played Piedmont blues and ragtime. He wrote the song “Statesboro Blues.”
McTell was born at the turn of the 20th century in Thomson, Georgia. His mother brought him to Statesboro where he learned to play the six-string guitar. Eventually he would transition to the 12-string guitar which he would play exclusively for the remainder of his musical career. McTell left Statesboro after the death of his mother and traveled playing music from Atlanta to New York.
Statesboro Blues
McTell wrote “Statesboro Blues” and recorded the song in 1928 with Victor Talking Machine Company.
Blues musician Taj Mahal recorded an adaptation of “Statesboro Blues” on his debut album in 1968. Then in 1971 The Allman Brothers Band released their version of “Statesboro Blues” on their album At Fillmore East. This version of the song has garnered several accolades including being named number nine on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of “100 Greatest Songs of All Time.”
Blind Willie McTell 
Taj Mahal 
The Allman Brothers Band At Fillmore East
The song is still played on the radio worldwide and brings many visitors to Statesboro annually.
Blind Willie Statue
The Statesboro Blue Mile Committee commissioned the creation of a statue honoring McTell and graciously decided to place it at the entrance of the Statesboro Convention and Visitors Bureau in 2018.
Installing the marker 
Official Dedication of the Blind Willie McTell Statue 
The marker with telling visitors about Blind Willie 
Blind Willie front and center as we welcome visitors and newcomers to Statesboro 
Sculptor Marc Moulton M.F.A. with his Blind Willie sculpture
Since it’s installation, numerous groups and individuals have stopped by the Visitor Center to see the statue. It’s always a bright spot in our day when we look out the window and catch someone taking a selfie or a picture of their loved ones with Willie.
McTell was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1981 and the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in 1990.
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A Fair Novice Seeks a Must-Do List
Being new in Statesboro, I have never been to the Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair. Sure, I have been to fairs as a general category: the rides, the food, the contests, the local flair. But what makes the Ogeechee Kiwanis Fair unique? Comment on our social media post to share what you think someone who has never been to the fair before MUST do!
I have heard that the Pancake House is a must-do. A fair with an establishment dedicated to slinging up sausage and pancakes? That is something I am looking forward to. But what else distinguishes the Ogeechee Fair as a part of Statesboro culture? It is a decades-long tradition that draws people from counties away, so it must be something special. I am looking forward to attending and getting my first taste!
If there is one thing I have learned in my short time here, it is that Statesboro never ceases to surprise. I am sure that the Ogeechee Fair will do the same. – Lauren Della- Piazza
Lauren moved to Statesboro from Pennsylvania to complete her Master’s Degree in Public History at Georgia Southern University. Look for her fair follow-up coming soon.
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Murder. Mayhem. Ten Minute Play Festival.
Theatre South invites you to an evening of murder and mayhem. Six original short plays by student playwrights. See you there…if you dare.
The Ten-Minute Play Festival is an annual program produced by Theatre South, in association with Georgia Southern Theatre. The submitted plays were sent out to a panel of respondents including alumni, theatre professionals, and faculty. The top scoring plays are presented in a staged reading in the Spring Semester.
The Theatre South student club is an open student group that accepts members from all majors. The students host guest artists and run workshops on various theatre topics from improv, to dance, to audition skills, and building a resume.
The Ten-Minute Play Festival will hold on Saturday, March 30th, 2019 at 7:30 pm at Sanford Hall, Room 1002. Admission is Free.
See you there . . . If you dare.
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The GSUPAC is Proud to Introduce Elle Woods, a Lawyer with a Heart of Gold and a Mane to Match, in Legally Blonde
The Performing Arts Center at Georgia Southern is excited to present the fabulously fun musical, Legally Blonde. The heralded national tour stops right here in Statesboro on Monday, March 4, 2019 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are on sale now! Don’t wait to secure your seat!
The international award-winning Broadway musical based on the adored movie of the same name, Legally Blonde The Musical follows the transformation of the beautiful, brilliant, and blonde Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes, snobbery, and scandal in pursuit of her dreams – and justice of course! This action-packed musical explodes on the stage with memorable songs and dynamic dance numbers. Equal parts hilarious and heartwarming, this musical is so much fun, it should be illegal!
The sparkling new touring production features choreography by Tony-nominated Denis Jones, snazzy modern scenery, costumes, lighting, and sound, and dynamic LED video screens with new inventive designs by Daniel Brody (of Aladdin, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and the Wizard of Oz fame). A perfect show to bring joy to audiences of all ages, Legally Blonde The Musical will win your heart and inspire you to push past the barriers that stand between you and your own dreams!
“This show is sure to please fans of the classic movie as well as those who are brand new to the story of perky and beautiful but kind Elle Woods and her ragtag group. The music is so much fun and the underlying message to believe in yourself no matter what anyone expects of you really resonates,” says GSUPAC Director Stacie McDaniel.
Tickets are $32 for adults and $16 for youth 17 and under, and are on sale now at the Performing Arts Center at Georgia Southern Box Office. Discounts are available for Georgia Southern students and faculty/staff. Group rates for groups of 10 or more are also available. Visit the Box Office in person Monday-Friday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, or purchase tickets over the phone at 912-478-7999 or online at www.georgiasouthern.edu/pac.
DISCLAIMER: This musical contains adult themes and some mild language. Viewer discretion is advised.
For more information, please contact:
Stacie McDaniel
(912) 478-0830
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Georgia Southern Theatre Presents The Spring Season Opener “Bug”
The Georgia Southern Theatre presents the first production of the Spring semester “BUG” written by Tracy Letts.
“Bug” is a dark comedy takes place in a seedy motel room outside Oklahoma City, where Agnes, a drug-addled cocktail waitress, is hiding from her ex-con ex-husband. She meets Peter, a handsome drifter with a secret past. Tracy Letts’s tale of love, paranoia, and government conspiracy is a thought-provoking psycho-thriller that mixes terror and laughter at a fever pitch.
Directed by Lisa L. Abbott, “Bug” explores the depth of human weakness and is a showcase of the madness and fear that plagues conspiracy theorists while focusing on issues of love, paranoia, drugs, conspiracy theories, psychological trauma, and Agnes’s slow descent into insanity under Peter’s influence.
The author, Tracy Letts is an American actor, playwright, and screenwriter. He is best known for his award-winning play (2007) and film (2013) titled “August: Osage County”. “Bug” was first produced in London in 1996 and was adapted for the screen by Tracy Letts in 2006. He has also featured in various plays, movies and Television shows including “Homeland” (2013), “The Big Short” (2015) and his Broadway debut in 2012 as George in “Who is Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” For which he won a Tony award in 2013.
Georgia Southern Theatre will be showing “Bug” on Wednesday, February 27 through Wednesday, March 6, 2019. No performance on Monday night, March 4th. Curtain for all evening performances is at 7:30 pm (The Sunday Matinee is on March 3rd at 2 pm). They encourage audience members to arrive at least 15 minutes early as all seats are open admission. “Bug” is intended only for mature audiences.
Ticket prices are $12 for general admission and $6 for Students, Seniors, and Members of the Military. Group rates are available. Contact the box office at 912-478-5379 to make reservations. Reservation requests can be left on the box office voicemail 24-hours a day.
The box office is located at the Center for Arts and Theatre and is open in the afternoons Monday through Friday till 5 pm for ticket purchases and reopens at 6 pm on performance days. Tickets can also be purchased through the Marketplace on the GSU website at http:/class.georgiasouthern.
For more information email them at theatre@georgiasouthern.edu
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Strade Boro Gravel Fondo Rides into Statesboro
There’s a new cycling event coming to Statesboro this spring! Dubbed the Strade Boro Gravel Fondo the event will take place in Statesboro and will feature some of Bulloch County’s best dirt, clay, and gravel roads!
The inaugural Strade Boro Gravel Fondo is the third unique gravel event hosted by race promoters, Mt.
Pleasant Velo (MPV), and will be a self-supported, timed event meant to challenge riders. Participants will receive a custom Strade Boro 100% cotton event T-shirt, custom finisher award, ride packet and number, and post-ride food from Chazito’s Latin Cuisine with registration. The Strade Boro Gravel Fondo is designed for anyone from gravel newbies who want a new experience or camaraderie to experienced cyclists who want a challenge! There are planned 50 km (~31 mile) and 100 km (~62 mile) ride options.
Founded in 2010, Mt. Pleasant Velo has hosted over 40 cycling events, including the first and longest running gravel stage race in the United States. MPV seeks to promote the sport of cycling by hosting the best competitive and non-competitive bicycle events. MPV provides cyclists access to participate in cycling events, develop camaraderie, and achieve their personal goals.
DETAILS
DATE: May 18, 2019, 9:00 AM
REGISTRATION and INFORMATION:
Registration: www.bikereg.com/strade-boro (beginning February 2, 2019)
More information on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/2262712260417277/
Email: racedirector@mtpleasantvelo.org
PRICING: Ranges from $50 to $70 depending on event entered
CATEGORIES: Men Open, Women Open, Men 40+, Men 50+
RIDE OPTIONS: Half Metric (50 km) and Metric Century (100 km)
The Strade Boro Gravel Fondo is sponsored nationally by Lauf Cycling, Boyd Cycling, Squirt Lube, Schwalbe Tires, GU Energy Nutrition, and Raw Revolution.
Local sponsorships are available: racedirector@mtpleasantvelo.org
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Bird Dog Jubilee Playing LIVE at The Blue Room
This Friday, February 1st, Bird Dog Jubilee will be jamming live at Statesboro’s very own The Blue Room.
Bird Dog Jubilee is a rock-n-roll collection of instrumentalists that blur the lines between structured songs and improvisational jams. While their roots run deep in Atlanta, their act is building up steam throughout Southeastern venues and festivals. Their chutzpah is epitomized by their ability to seamlessly meld tunes while encouraging impromptu collaborations with fellow musicians live on stage.
Each member has an eclectic set of influences in which they draw inspiration from, but they can always agree on The Band, Phish, or My Morning Jacket while on the road. The synergy of each member’s experiences culminate live on stage providing a unique take each time you attend a performance.
Fresh off recording their debut 3-song EP at Prana Studios just outside the Atlanta City Limits, BDJ is ready to let it ring out and jam with you at their next show. Whether they are blending old ballads, or hashing out new grooves, this is act is always a sight to see at their crux.
They will release their best live tracks of 2018 periodically starting with Tabby’s Playhouse > Duct Tape James. This medley encapsulates BDJ’s new found sound with technical licks accompanied by sweet melodies. Check out the new tunes on Spotify, iTunes, and all streaming platforms.
You gotta get up to get down and they are looking forward to seeing you there. BDJ abides.
Tickets are one sale now and the doors open at 8PM, so be sure to kick off your weekend with a night of great music here in beautiful Statesboro.
To hear some music from the band, check out their Spotify debut!
For questions about the venue, contact:
The Blue Room
1830 Chandler Rd
(912) 243-9161
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Georgia Southern’s Performing Arts Center is the Next Stop on the Search for the Holy Grail With Monty Python’s Spamalot
Winner of the 2005 Tony Award for Best Music, Monty Python’s Spamalot brings its infamous search for the Holy Grail to The Performing Arts Center at Georgia Southern on Tuesday, February 12, 2019 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are on sale now and going fast!
This outrageous musical comedy is lovingly ripped off from the 1975 film classic, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, and tells the tale of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table as they embark on their quest to find the missing mythical Holy Grail. All of your favorite gags from the film find new life on stage, including flying cows, killer rabbits, and taunting Frenchmen. With a book by Monty Python comedy troupe alum Eric Idle and music and lyrics by the Grammy Award-winning team of Idle and John Du Prez, this hilarious Broadway show turns the genre on its head and features familiar show-stopping musical numbers, “He Is Not Dead Yet,” “Find Your Grail,” and “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life.”
Says Performing Arts Center Director Stacie McDaniel, “Everyone remembers their first experience laughing at Monty Python. The zany, outrageous comedy and fun musical numbers will make it a great time for all audiences. We can’t wait!”
Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for youth 17 and under, and are on sale now at the Performing Arts Center at Georgia Southern Box Office. Discounts are available for Georgia Southern students and faculty/staff. Group rates for groups of 10 or more are also available. Visit the Box Office in person Monday-Friday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, or purchase tickets over the phone at 912-478-7999 or online atwww.georgiasouthern.edu/pac.
DISCLAIMER: This musical contains adult themes and some mild language. Viewer discretion is advised.
For more information, please contact:
Stacie McDaniel
(912) 478-0830
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Famed Dance Troupe Jon Lehrer and Dancers Swing Into Georgia Southern’s Performing Arts Center
The Performing Arts Center at Georgia Southern kicks off the second half of their 2018-2019 Main Stage Season with a performance by Jon Lehrer and Dancers on Saturday, January 26, 2019 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are on sale now at the PAC Box Office.
Jon Lehrer and Dancers have toured extensively both nationally and internationally, and now they bring their artistry here to Statesboro!
With creativity, athleticism, and the ability to make contemporary, modern, and jazz dance accessible to all audiences, Jon Lehrer and Dancers have made quite a name for themselves in the dance and theatre world. Striking the elusive balance between art and entertainment, Lehrer and Dancers showcases unique choreography and a fun, distinctive style which fuses jazz and modern dance. Featuring some of the genre’s most athletic professional dancers, Lehrer’s choreography focuses on three main elements of movement: circularity, three-dimensionality, and momentum, coming together to create a true spectacle onstage which can be enjoyed by dance experts and novices alike; this is truly a dance show for all with colorful costuming, exciting music, and inventive movement.
This performance is an exciting opportunity for the community. Performing Arts Center Director Stacie McDaniel explains, “I think audiences often have the misconception that contemporary dance is going to be hard to follow, or too out there, or that they won’t be able to appreciate or understand it without a dance background. Jon Lehrer breaks all of those misconceptions down, giving an accessible, colorful performance that is both entertaining and full of artistic merit.”
Tickets are $20 for adults and $12 for youth 17 and under, and are on sale now at the Performing Arts Center at Georgia Southern Box Office. Discounts are available for Georgia Southern students and faculty/staff. Group rates for groups of 10 or more are also available. Visit the Box Office in person Monday-Friday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, or purchase tickets over the phone at 912-478-7999 or online atwww.georgiasouthern.edu/pac.
For more information, please contact:
Stacie McDaniel
(912) 478-0830
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