AUGUSTA, GA – Last week a bunch of local bands got together at HD Lounge, on the corner of 12th and Ellis streets in downtown Augusta, and played a benefit show for Haiti’s earthquake relief by raising funds for the local Red Cross. Hats off to Fugi and all the bands that quickly stepped up to the plate and organized this worthwhile event.

Local bands have always been quick to support causes over the years, so you know tahey’re going to represent when one of their own is in need. And that’s just the case this Saturday, Feb. 13, at The Playground for the Jordan Leopard benefit featuring L.i.E., Shotgun Opera and Tommy OD. Jordan, former drummer of Jemani, has had some health issues that required extensive physical therapy. As we all know, medical expenses aren’t cheap, so Jordan’s musical family is putting together this fundraiser to offset some of these costs. Here’s hoping to see Big J (in his Falcons jersey) pounding the skins again soon! For more information, visit myspace.com/theplaygroundbar.

 Unknown Hinson

Pops! at the Bell will combine the Grammy award-winning jazz, gospel voice ensemble of Take 6 with Symphony Orchestra Augusta on Thursday, Feb. 11, at 7:30 p.m. in what has become a very popular music series at the Bell Auditorium. Next month, Air Supply! For more information, visit soaugusta.org.

On the same night at the James Brown Arena is Winter Jam 2010, which is “Christian music’s largest annual tour,” according to their Web site, and it must be true, because these $10 shows have sold out every time they’ve come to town. This year’s lineup includes New Song, Third Day, News Boys and more. For more information, check out jamtour.com.

Redneck woman Gretchen Wilson hits The Country Club on Friday, Feb. 12, in support of her new album, “Work Hard, Play Harder.” Tickets are $30 and can be purchased in advance at augustacountry.com.

Our favorite all-ages music venue, Sector 7G, continues celebrating their fifth birthday with a month-long party that continues on Friday, Feb. 12, with lots of metal bands like Chairleg, False Flag, Waking Atlantis and the ironic Noise Ordinace. The following night is a little more “experimental,” with bands like The Radar Cinema, Sound Equation and Dem Imonde taking the stage. For more information, visit myspace.com/sector7g.

From the mountains of North Carolina to the rocking chairs at Stillwater Tap Room on Broad Street, Big Daddy Love brings their blend of bluegrass and roots rock to the good people on Friday, Feb. 12. For more information, visit bigdaddylove.net.

Sky City has a bunch of big name bands coming up in the next few months, including Cage The Elephant on Feb. 15, Lucero on Feb. 25, Drive-By Truckers on March 6, Dead Confederate on March 12, Karnivool on March 27 and Unknown Hinson on April 16. These are exactly the types of bands we were hoping to attract to town when we opened Sky City a few years back, so it’s nice to see that our name is actually getting out there to more out-of-town promoters and booking agents. For a complete calendar, check out skycityaugusta.com.

One of my favorite former Spanish students at Evans High School back in the early ’90s was Brian Smith, who was obviously more interested in playing music than conjugating verbs. What a treat it was to see him then, via Facebook, with a new wife and baby and a full-on music career. He’ll be performing with his group, The Georgia Guitar Quartet, this Sunday, Feb. 14, at 3 p.m. at St. John’s United Methodist Church on Greene Street for a concert which will combine classical guitar with a modern twist of metal and experimental music.

Bravo! For more information, visit georgiaguitarquartet.com.

All local bands and musicians are encouraged to continue sending me your music and dates and I’ll do my best to spread the good word. Get in touch at coco@soulbar.com.

Happy Valentine’s Day, Holly and Maya Lucia. Las quiero mucho!

See ya downtown,
Coco