Feature stories - The LocaL

Howard Finster: Man of Visions – At The Do Good Fund Thru May 17

Posted on March 10, 2025April 1, 2025 by Editor - the Local

Sometimes the inspiration for art is divine. For reverend-turned-artist Howard Finster, the calling to create was unmistakable. Alabama native Howard Finster experienced supernatural visions as a young child which continued into adulthood. Inspired by his faith, he became a minister passionate about sharing the message of God’s love. Although he had created art throughout his life, it wasn’t until the 70’s that Finster received a message from God to use his art to spread the…

Electric Feel

Posted on March 9, 2025March 17, 2025 by Editor - the Local

Over Seven Years of Electrifying Columbus – How James ‘JBird’ Gannon Revolutionized the Tattoo Industry with Electric Panda Tattoo Co. By Frank Etheridge It’s talent and teamwork that makes James “J-Bird” Gannon’s dream work at the award-winning Electric Panda Tattoo Co. When Gannon (@jbirdtattoos) opened his popular North Columbus shop (off Milgen Road in the same strip mall as SoHo) in October 2018, his goal was to create “the go-to spot for quality tattoos in…

Rock Meets Revival: Springer’s Jesus Christ Superstar Set to Steal the Show

Posted on March 6, 2025March 6, 2025 by Editor - the Local

(Columbus, GA) – Hold onto your hats and prepare your vocal cords because the Springer Opera House is about to get a serious upgrade with the much-anticipated revival of Jesus Christ Superstar! Opening Friday, March 7, at 7:30 PM, this thrilling rock opera isn’t just another run-of-the-mill performance; it’s a modern spectacle that fuses gut-wrenching drama, gravity-defying choreography, and a set that will leave you questioning if you’ve wandered into a music festival instead of…

Riding the Rail

Posted on March 3, 2025March 3, 2025 by Editor - the Local

Annual Opelika Songwriters Festival showcases top musical talents and the good times to be had in the sleepy railroad town. By Frank Etheridge Downtown Opelika sure is a sweet lil’ bubble to be in. Bordered by two bridges and bisected by railroad tracks, the charming historic corridor dates back further than the town itself, as the Montgomery and West Point Railway Co. line arrived in 1848 — six years before Opelika (the Muscogee term for…

CineForge Co-op

Posted on March 3, 2025March 3, 2025 by Editor - the Local

Local Film Needs You! By Paul Rowe As highlighted in the Annual Slate (see January’s edition), local filmmaking is experiencing significant growth. This year, a surge of films are in development in our area, and to transform this into a true cinematic tsunami, we need support, creativity, and ingenuity to bring our productions to life and grow a rich and sustainable industry. Below, you’ll find insider-info on the key challenges our local filmmakers face —…

Columbus, GA: Music City

Posted on March 3, 2025March 3, 2025 by Editor - the Local

What happened to live music? By Miguel Juarez I don’t like to romanticize “The Good Old Days” because I firmly believe the world we are building is better every day than what it used to be. If that’s not the case, it is us who are failing. Just like every generation before us, it is our responsibility to pick up what we were given and run with it as far as we can. I was…

From the Bottom to the Top

Posted on January 22, 2025January 22, 2025 by Editor - the Local

By Frank Etheridge Talk about a glorious full-circle moment. When the raucous, untamed spirit of Ma Rainey takes the same Springer stage where the “Mother of the Blues” first performed 125 years ago at age 14, she rightfully returns as a now-iconic genius finally given her due. While Columbus native Gertrude Pridget (1886-1939) has long enjoyed critical acclaim, it wasn’t until America’s Cultural Reckoning of recent years, which allowed for new voices such as Black…

Deorio’s – The Good Times Ain’t Over After All

Posted on January 13, 2025January 13, 2025 by Editor - the Local

The savory smell of pizza wafts across Columbus as a local favorite returns. By Natalie Downey Deorio’s restaurant has been Columbus’ family-friendly pizza joint for decades, a welcoming spot which, for many, became a regular part of their lives. When its doors closed in 2017, the community was dismayed to lose not only one of its favorite pizza places, but also the smiling faces of Deorio’s owners and staff who were, many say, like family….

That’s a Wrap

Posted on January 8, 2025January 8, 2025 by Editor - the Local

Local Film – Image by Charley Windham

Nutwood Winery

Posted on November 18, 2024March 3, 2025 by Editor - the Local

Your Journey to a Wonderland of Good Tastes Awaits By Natalie Downey Tucked into a lush valley, surrounded by vineyards and some of the oldest pecan trees in Georgia, Nutwood Winery nestles quietly into its home spot in LaGrange. Georgia is known for many things, but wineries aren’t typically one of them. Owners Neil and Trish Liechty say the idea to open a winery came about while they were sitting on their porch. “Neil was…

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