A native of Augusta, Mike Deas returned to the area after retiring and one day stumbled upon a post-retirement adventure.
“I was driving down Broad Street and saw the Miller Theatre had a for sale sign on it and was all boarded up. It was so sad that a place that was so valuable to me as a kid had deteriorated into that shape,” he remembers. “When Peter Knox purchased the theatre, I asked if I could go in and salvage the historic information about The Miller. During the process, I pulled out a number of documents with Augusta Amusements on it.”
Mike discovered that Augusta Amusements was founded by five gentlemen who were big names in the entertainment and theater industry: Frank Miller, William K. Jenkins, Arthur Lucus, James Hull, and Leonard Goldenson. Not wanting such history to be forgotten, he filed to have the business name reinstated in 2009 and since then Augusta Amusements has brought over 150 family friendly concerts to Augusta.
Mike is particularly excited about this year’s holiday line-up which includes the Edge Effect, an a Capello group of five guys presenting Under the Mistletoe; A Crooner’s Christmas by Good Shot Judy; and the Celtic Angels Christmas. “We love doing holiday concerts,” he says. “My wife and I decorate the stage for Christmas with lights and it gives you a warm holiday feeling when you come see one of our holiday shows.”
On the schedule for the new year are tributes to the ladies of country music, Motown, the Eagles, and the era of the British invasion along with the Evans Opry featuring Tony Jackson. The season will wrap up with The Drifters, one of Augusta Amusements’ most popular events.
Concerts are held in the Hardin Auditorium inside the Evans Library, providing patrons with easy access, plentiful parking, and a drive thru portico for inclement weather.
Mike and his wife, Jeannette, like connecting with the community and hearing feedback that audiences enjoy the shows. “You have a lot of choices of venues where you can spend your money to be entertained,” shares Mike. “When you choose to come to the Harden Auditorium to see shows that Augusta Amusements puts on, we really appreciate it.”
This holiday, consider giving the gift of experiences and take advantage of tickets for all shows being on sale now at www.augustaamusements.com or contact the 24 hour Box Office at 706-726-0366.