When word got out in late 2011 that Jeff Mangum, a man who needs little introduction in this generation’s music scene, was booking a string of shows, it was easily one of the most buzzworthy news items of the year (for us at least). Over the past ten years, the man behind Neutral Milk Hotel had only played a few tracks from the two albums he released, some during the 2008 “Elephant 6 Holiday Surprise Tour”, and a few later in 2009.    In 2011, he was officially back, and tickets were found far and few between, with a number of the shows selling out in only a matter of minutes.

We unfortunately missed his triumphant return to his hometown of Athens in February, but just a couple of months back, Sky City in Augusta, announced that they would be presenting Mangum, along with Tall Firs at the Sacred Heart Cultural Center. Sky City, operated by Coco Rubio, has been bringing the likes of The Whigs, Killer Mike, Foxy Shazam, Shovels & Rope, The Felice Brothers, and many more to Augusta since 2008. The show with Mangum proved to be much too big for the venue ( a 500 capacity room ), and so it was decided that Sacred Heart would be the perfect venue.

While unfortunately 600 pre-sale tickets have sold out online, there are still a very limited number of tickets available for purchase at the venue. It’s definitely worth making the drive from Atlanta, Columbia, or any of the surrounding metropolitans. We know that Mangum’s shows (back-to-back sold out) in February consisted of the entire audience helping him sing In the Aeroplane Over the Sea in its entirety, which sounds magical, and this shouldn’t be far off.

Tall Firs should be a treat as well. The band, originating from Maryland in 1990, signed to Thurston Moore’s record label, and have since shared the stage with just about everyone of the bands on your “Most Listened To” playlist.

Check out all the great shows that Sky City and their sister venue, Soul Bar, have coming up and snatch up some of those few remaining tickets when you get a chance.

We’ll see you in January!