If you’re a civilian and have never ventured onto Fort Benning, I think I’ve got just the event for you.
The Maneuver Center of Excellence Band (formerly the Infantry Band) will be performing at 6:30 p.m. Sunday on the lawn of Riverside, the commanding general’s quarters.
It’s pretty easy getting there. If you’re coming up I-185, after you go through the checkpoint, take the first exit and go right. You’ll be on Custer Road. Stay on Custer Road until you see the post cemetery on the left and a traffic light ahead. Turn left and stay on that road (North Lumpkin Road) and you’ll see Riverside on the right.
If you’re taking Victory Drive, take S. Lumpkin Road until you get to the checkpoint. Then ask for directions there. But you’ll take N. Lumpkin Road until you see Riverside.
The toughest part is going through the checkpoint. Make sure you have a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance and registration. You’ll have to fill out a little bit of paperwork. And make sure that all adults in the car have valid ID. It will take a few minutes.
How I long for the days of an open post when you didn’t have to do all that. But it’s better to be safe than sorry, right?
The band will play musical selections for its 2011 “Sweet Land of Liberty” spring tour.
Make sure to bring blankets or lawn chairs to sit on and you may bring a cooler with soft drinks. Leave your pets at home.
The Maneuver Center of Excellence Band’s next Riverside concert is June 26.
Call 706-545-9440.
Chefs to the rescue
Mark your calendar for this tasty event.
“Chefs to the Rescue” will cook to benefit Alabama’s tornado victims.
Chefs from Auburn, along with those from restaurants in Alabama, Georgia, Florida and Washington, D.C., are going to participate in this benefit.
It’s 7-9:30 p.m. EDT June 1 in the Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center.
The money raised will go to the Auburn Family All-In Relief Fund that helps those affected by the April 27 tornadoes.
The chefs include Andrew Litherland and Miguel Figueroa of Ariccia Trattoria & Bar in the Hotel at Auburn University; Leonardo Maurelli of the Hotel at Auburn University; John Hamme, Maestro 2300, Auburn; David Bancroft, Amsterdam Cafe, Auburn; Graham Hage, Zazu Gastropub, Auburn; Rob McDaniel, SpringHouse, Alexander City, Ala.; Chris Hastings, Hot and Hot Fish Club, Birmingham; Michael Schwartz, Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink, Miami; Julio Delgado, Ritz-Carlton Buckhead, Atlanta; Cameron Thompson, Two Urban Licks, Atlanta; James W. Mullaney, CEPC (certified executive pastry chef), Atlanta Foods International; Tim Creehan, Cuvee Bistro, Destin, Fla.; Ken Duenas, Cafe Thirty-A, Destin and Kevin Sbraga, the 2010 Top Chef winner, Washington, D.C.
These chefs were added Wednesday: Alan Baltazar, Cuvee Bistro; M. Bertozzi, Two Urban Licks; Dallas Kee and Peter Zampaglione, Ritz-Carlton Buckhead; Tasia Malakasis, Belle Chevre, Elkmont, Ala. and Antony Osborne, dean of culinard, Birmingham.
They will create dishes that will be paired with wine or beer.
Tickets are $100 or $1,000 for the VIP “Meet the Chefs” reception after the event.
Call Mike Clardy at 334-844-9996.
