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This Modern World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 NEWS: City Dope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Street Scribe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Lawsuit Against DA

DA Bills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

NEWS: Comment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Nicholas Mallis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Drag Queen Story Hour

Live Music Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Event Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

CALENDAR: Calendar Picks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

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VOLUME 37 ISSUE NUMBER 11

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DA Under Siege

LAWSUIT ACCUSES DEBORAH GONZALEZ OF INCOMPETENCE, AND MORE NEWS

By Blake Aued news@flagpole.com The four Superior Court justices for Athens Zarse, a University of Georgia student and Oconee County sent a joint letter who was killed while walking across East to embattled Western Circuit District Broad Street downtown. Suspect Donterris Attorney Deborah Gonzalez in October Gresham, accused of running over Zarse urging her to pick up the pace in handling while racing, was acquitted because a prosa large backlog of cases that built up while ecutor could not convince a jury beyond a courts were closed during the COVID-19 reasonable doubt that Gresham was behind pandemic. the wheel. However, the ADA who proseThe Oct. 17 letter—signed by judges cuted that case was a holdover from former Eric Norris, Patrick Haggard, Lisa Lott and district attorney Ken Mauldin’s administraLawton Stephens—said that Gonzalez was tion, not one hired by Gonzalez. not performing her duties in a timely manThere were few holdovers from the ner, including offering pleas, providing disMauldin era when Gonzalez took office, covery and witness lists, coordinating with though, which Gonzalez attributed to law enforcement and recommending drug acting DA Brian Patterson telling them all possession suspects to a special accountthey would be fired. Patterson—Mauldin’s ability court for people with substance chosen successor—lost in the first round of abuse problems (one a three-person race in of her major camNovember 2020 after With so many cases waiting Gonzalez had to go to paign promises).

“With so many to be tried, it is imperative court to even hold the cases waiting to be election. She defeated that the Court not be further tried, it is imperative another of Mauldin’s that the Court not be prosecutors, James delayed by the State’s lack of further delayed by the Chafin, in a December State’s lack of prepa2020 runoff. preparation and/or failure to ration and/or failure But that was not follow proper procedures. to follow proper prothe first exodus from cedures,” the judges Gonzalez’s office. All wrote. “We understand that [assistant disin all, 35 prosecutors have resigned, accordtrict attorney] staffing issues and high turn- ing to records obtained by Epps—the equivover rates have created additional stresses alent of every position turning over twice and difficulties for the remaining attorneys in just over two years. At the Mar. 8 town who are already handling such large case hall meeting, Gonzalez blamed Mayor Kelly loads. With that in mind, we must all work Girtz and ACC Manager Blaine Williams for together to move cases toward their just the county not paying enough to compete resolution with timeliness and accuracy.” with other jurisdictions or private practices.

The letter was revealed through a legal The county is conducting a salary study for document called a writ of mandamus filed attorneys employed by ACC. last week by Watkinsville lawyer Kevin Epps District attorneys’ offices nationwide on behalf of Jarrod Miller, a downtown are dealing with staffing shortages. But Athens bar owner, who is essentially asking surrounding circuits are not having as much a judge to order Gonzalez to do her job. of a problem as the Western Circuit, the Gonzalez—elected in 2020 despite lackOconee Enterprise reported. ing a background in criminal law—said at “There is no question that pay is an issue a recent town hall meeting that she had statewide for ADAs,” said Randy McGinley, originally viewed the job of DA as an admin- DA for the Alcovy Circuit, which includes istrative one, setting policy and managing Walton and Newton counties. “Some metro more experienced prosecutors. But down Atlanta offices created new pay scales in the to five ADAs out of 17 funded positions, last year that drastically increased salaries she stepped into the courtroom herself. “I for their ADAs… Attorneys are passing the might have walked in with no prosecution bar and within three months getting paid experience,” she said. “Let me tell you, I over $100,000 a year to prosecute cases in have plenty now.” a metro Atlanta office. And this does not What Gonzalez did not say is that local address the pay difference between being an judges all but ordered her to get involved in ADA and being in private practice. It is even the day-to-day running of her office. “We more extreme.” expect for you to directly appear and particGonzalez’s relationship with law enforceipate [in] sessions of criminal arraignments, ment agencies is also an issue. Epps’ trove final pleas, jury trials, grand juries, and of documents includes an exchange in motion hearings,” they wrote. which Gonzalez defended herself against Gonzalez’s forays into the courtroom former ACCPD chief Cleveland Spruill, have not often gone in her favor. She lost and a letter from Sgt. Scott Prah expressher first case, a murder trial in January. ing his “absolute disgust” with the way Last week, a jury acquitted a man accused the DA’s office handled a case in which a of choking his ex-girlfriend in front of her man secretly photographed women and three children in a case Gonzalez tried posted their images to porn websites. Avery herself, according to Classic City News, a Pendergraph received a 50-year sentence crime-focused website run by former Athens in Troup County, but just 10 years running Banner-Herald reporter Joe Johnson. concurrently in Clarke.

Miller, the owner of 1785 Bar and Grill At her recent town hall meeting, on East Clayton Street, told 11Alive that Gonzalez described her relationship with he was motivated by the death of Ariana Oconee County Sheriff James Hale as

“

“cordial” and “respectful,” and said she is working with new ACCPD Chief Jerry Saulters on prosecuting gang crimes. Some other law enforcement figures haven’t been so respectful of Gonzalez, though. Former Oconee sheriff Scott Berry took to social media to wonder if the “woke” DA is “normalizing sex with children.” One critic at Gonzalez’s town hall meeting wanted to know if she had taken campaign contributions from George Soros, the liberal billionaire who factors into numerous right-wing conspiracy theories.

Staffing issues aside, the level of vitriol leveled against Gonzalez gives credence to her claims that attacks on her are politically motivated. The sponsor of a bill that would let just 2% of registered voters trigger a recall election for DAs and DAs alone— Rep. Houston Gaines (R-Athens)—lost to Gonzalez in a 2017 special election before taking the seat from her in 2018. When Gonzalez was elected DA, he explored the idea of splitting off Oconee County into its own circuit.

This is not Epps’ first time in the news.

He twice sued Athens-Clarke County seeking to overturn coronavirus restrictions, once on behalf of downtown bar owners over last call, and another time seeking to have future Republican U.S. Rep. Andrew Clyde’s gun store declared an “essential business.” In 2016 he also represented Athens bar owners in an effort to overturn a state law aimed at curbing underage drinking.

Epps told WGAU’s Tim Bryant that, while anyone can lose a case, his main issue with Gonzalez is that she has been dropping serious cases involving things like meth trafficking. “We believe that the situation is so urgent at the prosecutor’s office that there’s no time to wait until the next election [in 2024],” Epps said.

In a written statement provided to media outlets, Gonzalez cast the latest “attack on my office” as a broader, politically motivated attack on progressive prosecutors throughout the country who “pursue smart justice that moves away from the failed ‘tough on crime’ strategies of the past.”

Gonzalez continued, “They have nothing to do with making our communities

safer and everything to do with deflecting attention away from our refusal to seriously address the causes of crime.

“My community elected me based on my promise for a safer and more just future. I will always strive to be better in implementing new approaches, and I am proud of the work our office does every day, fighting for victims and a more just legal system. I will continue to hold myself accountable to my community and resist efforts to strip them of the leadership they have duly elected to carry out this job.”

West Broad Roundabout It may take some getting used to, but a roundabout at West Broad Street and Hancock Avenue should make the intersection safer and help traffic flow more smoothly.

The Athens-Clarke County Mayor and Commission heard an update about the roundabout project at a Mar. 14 work session. Construction on the approximately $7 million project is expected to start in January 2025 and take 14–18 months.

“At the end of the day when this is finished, I think we’ll see a different West Broad area—a lot safer, and it’ll look nice,” Commissioner Mike Hamby said.

Roundabouts are safer than signalized intersections because they force drivers to slow down and eliminate T-bone crashes while turning left. Pedestrians will also only have to cross two lanes at a time, rather than four or five, and the Georgia Department of Transportation is installing 5–10 foot sidewalks and crosswalks equipped with flashing beacons.

“Right now, if you go out there, there is physically no way to cross West Broad,” said engineer Erik Hammarlund. “You have to go to Rocksprings or up to Holman.

Those are the only protected ways to cross.

And it’s a long way to go, especially if it’s raining, and it’s uphill both ways from the [intersection].”

Commissioners Dexter Fisher and John Culpepper raised concerns about whether the roundabout can handle high volumes of traffic, especially on football gamedays. “It’s ➤ continued on p. 7

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continued from p. 5

going to be amazing, as far as how well the traffic’s going to work,” said John Walker, a consultant with Kimley-Horn. Although traffic is slower, drivers also don’t have to wait at red lights. Multi-lane roundabouts in other parts of the state easily handle the amount of traffic on West Broad, Hammarlund said.

Construction won’t get started for almost two years because GDOT and ACC need time to negotiate with landowners to purchase the necessary right-of-way.

One business, All American Plumbing, will be displaced because that land is needed for stormwater drainage and to protect Brooklyn Creek.

During construction, two lanes of traffic will remain open. Hammarlund said, “It’s going to slow folks down. It will be aggravating, the way all road construction is.”

out to the Caterpillar plant in Bogart and 20-minute headways on major corridors like Broad Street and Prince Avenue. “That’s the kind of thing that attracts new riders,” Girtz said.

Athens Transit has historically been funded by a mix of farebox revenue, general fund contributions and federal grants. But early on during the COVID-19 pandemic, ACC used emergency federal funds to go fare-free and replace the local general fund contribution. However, those federal funds will soon run out and will be replaced by revenue from TSPLOST, the 1% sales tax for transportation voters approved last November. About half of Athens Transit’s operating costs are then reimbursed by the Federal Transit Administration.

Fiscal projections show the agency running a surplus over the next four years, but a deficit starting in 2028. “We can’t sustain this, is really the point,” ACC Manager Blaine Williams said. “But TSPLOST helps.”

The planned roundabout at West Broad Street and Hancock Avenue.

$6.6 million is currently budgeted for the roundabout, with $3.9 million coming from a local sales tax for transportation and the rest from GDOT. But that’s about half a million dollars short, according to project manager Diana Jackson. Some savings could be found during design and right-ofway acquisition, or construction costs could come down by 2025, she said. If not, ACC could ask GDOT to kick in more money.

“GDOT’s getting a bargain at $2.5 million for that big roundabout,” Jackson said.

Transit Needs Money to Expand Athens-Clarke County officials want to expand transit and provide more frequent service, but to do that they’ll need to find new sources of revenue.

Athens Transit Director Ryan Solchenberger told commissioners at their Mar. 14 work session that he wants to have “an ongoing conversation about how transit can expand and benefit the entire county.” Athens Transit is preparing a five-year development plan that will be released in June.

In April ACC will take over the Health Sciences Campus route from the University of Georgia and is providing twice-an-hour service between Normaltown and downtown, where students, faculty and staff can transfer onto campus buses. (This will also benefit other Athens residents because Campus Transit did not stop at ACC stops along the route.) A transfer station will be included in the Georgia Square Mall redevelopment, and another is planned for the Eastside. By the end of his term, Mayor Kelly Girtz said he wants to see service

TSPLOST is only sufficient to maintain current services, Assistant Manager Josh Edwards added. “There is no growth built into these funds,” Edwards said.

Restoring fares would provide a steadier source of revenue because Athens Transit is never sure when or how much it will receive from the FTA through the Georgia DOT from year to year, Solchenberger said.

However, it wouldn’t matter much to the overall bottom line because the FTA would deduct farebox revenue from its reimbursement. There is also the question of whether charging fares again would hurt ridership, which has fallen off both locally and nationally since the pandemic started.

On the other hand, expanding service could reverse the slide in ridership, which was the top request when Athens Transit took public input on the transit development plan. “Not surprisingly, a lot of people said more frequent service and more expanded service,” Solchenberger said.

“That was a big request. A lot of buses run at 60-minute intervals.”

Another obstacle to expansion is staffing. Athens Transit has 35 full-time bus drivers and 11 vacant positions, Solchenberger said. It is competing for drivers with UGA and the Clarke County School District, both of which pay more, he said.

That’s a problem in several departments, and Williams said he will be proposing a pay study in next year’s budget.

For capital projects like transfer stations, ACC also needs matching funds. The federal government will fund 80% of the cost, but the county needs to come up with the remaining 20% first. f

news

street scribe

Pretend Patriotism

FORCING PEOPLE TO RECITE THE PLEDGE IS UN-AMERICAN

By Ed Tant news@flagpole.com “Patriotism is the last refuge of a scounScare.” Bellamy’s daughter objected to the drel,” said British writer Samuel Johnson in postmortem political tinkering with her 1775. Today, patriotism is often the scounfather’s words, but conservatives felt comdrel’s first refuge. pelled to throw a sop to the religious right Forced patriotism is at the center of a by mixing religion into the patriotism of lawsuit brought by the parents of a South the pledge.

Carolina high school student for an incident In 1893, just a year after Bellamy wrote that happened last fall during the school’s the Pledge of Allegiance, another American daily recital of the Pledge of Allegiance. dissident wrote the patriotic song “America Marissa Barnwell, a 15-year-old student at the Beautiful” after being inspired by the River Bluff High School in Lexington, SC, view from atop Pike’s Peak in Colorado. says that she was accosted by a teacher and Katharine Lee Bates was, like Bellamy, a pushed against a wall while walking to class person who would be scorned as a “woke as the pledge was recited over the school’s liberal” by today’s MAGA minions. She intercom system. protested American militarism, and supMore than 30 years ago, South Carolina ported the labor movement that sought enacted a law requiring state schools to better wages and working conditions for play the pledge each class day, but the law those who toiled in this nation’s mines, also prohibits punishment for students mills, farms and factories during the Gilded who do not acknowledge the pledge as long Age of the late 19th century. In her poem as the students are not disruptive. Federal that became the iconic song “America the law agrees that Americans—including high Beautiful,” one of the verses expressed her school students—cannot be compelled to hope that “selfish gain no longer stain the parrot the Pledge of Allegiance. Barnwell is banner of the free.” an African-American student who says that she stopped reciting the pledge because of her belief that this nation has yet to live up to the pledge’s goal of “liberty and justice for all.” Her lawsuit, if successful, could be a muchneeded history lesson for her school, her state and her nation.

The Pledge of Allegiance is sometimes used by conservatives as a measure of patriotism and a litmus test for loyalty.

America’s young people have for decades recited the pledge during school days.

What they should learn in school is its history through the School children recite the Pledge of Allegiance in 1899. lens of a socialist statement steeped in the ideology of left-wing radicalism.

Today some of the worst stains on our Francis Bellamy, the author of the Pledge of national banner have come from those who Allegiance, was an American socialist and espouse patriotism. In 1969 the Supreme Christian minister who once preached a Court ruled in favor of 12 Iowa teenagers sermon titled “Jesus the Socialist.” Bellamy who had worn black armbands to school wrote the pledge for a children’s magazine to mourn the dead on both sides of the in 1892 to commemorate the 400th anniVietnam War. School officials were rebuffed versary of Columbus’s voyage to the New by the high court’s decision that wearing World. the armbands was free speech and that the Though he was a Christian preacher, U.S. Constitution applies to students as Bellamy did not include the phrase “one well as to adults. Patriotic poseurs among nation under God” in his original pledge.

America’s politicians and school officials did He wanted to make the Pledge of Allegiance not get the memo. If they have their way, inclusive of all Americans, not just for citiour country may succumb to an authorizens with religious beliefs. His pledge held tarian regime of mandated patriotism and to the spirit of this nation’s original motto: blissful ignorance. Marissa Barnwell is e pluribus unum—Latin for “from many, giving adults a history lesson about what one.” In 1954, long after Bellamy’s death, George Washington meant when he said, politicians inserted the phrase “under God” “Guard against the postures of pretended into the pledge during a McCarthy-era “Red patriotism.” f

M A R C H 22, 2023· F L A GP OL E .C OM

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FRANCIS BENJAMIN JOHNSTON

City Dope

news

feature

What’s the Fuss Over DAs? GEORGIA’S PROSECUTOR OVERSIGHT BILLS EXPLAINED

By Stephen Fowler news@flagpole.com

R

epublican lawmakers in Georgia are moving forward with legislation that would create a new oversight panel in the state that, depending on who you ask, either cracks down on “rogue” prosecutors or will be wielded to remove progressive Democrats from office.

After passing two slightly different versions of oversight legislation, House Bill 231 in the House and SB 92 in the Senate, Republican leadership is expected to spend the final days of the 2023 legislative session hashing out a finalized agreement on what new prosecutorial oversight would look like. But like many legislative proposals on controversial subjects, the motivations of supporters, the concerns of those opposed, the actual language contained in the bills and the political reality of making changes in a closely divided state all offer slightly different perspectives on this effort to create a new commission that could discipline district attorneys and solicitors general who violate their duties spelled out in state law, including potential removal from office.

and revelations that two DAs declined to pursue charges before video of the incident sparked national outcry. But the political landscape (especially around prosecution) has changed, as has the language in the proposed oversight measures.

In Georgia’s last district attorney election cycle in 2020, nearly one in five incumbents lost their primary or general race, and a historic number of nonwhite Democratic women took office as their circuit’s top prosecutor. Nationally, Republicans argue progressive prosecutors and policies aren’t properly addressing problems with violent crime and have sought to reign in those they deem soft on crime. Locally, DAs themselves are divided on the proposal beyond simple partisan splits, with some expressing a desire for more oversight but concerned that language in the bills could infringe upon prosecutorial discretion on what cases to pursue and how.

How We Got Here

The House version of the proposal would add sections to the state laws outlining duties of a district attorney and solicitor general that explicitly requires them to “review every individual case for which probable cause for prosecution exists, and make a prosecutorial decision available under the law based on the facts and circumstances of each individual case.” During a vote on the measure last week, sponsor Rep. Joseph Gullett (R-Acworth) said this part of the bill came to light because he felt not every prosecutor was reviewing the specifics of each case before their office made a decision.

“Some also issue blanket statements to say ‘Anything in this world, I’m not going to prosecute,’” he said. “They don’t look at

In recent Georgia history, prosecutors behaving badly has been a bipartisan affair, with Democratic and Republican DAs facing scandals that resulted in defeat at the ballot box and, occasionally, criminal charges.

Sponsors of the push say the commission would mirror an existing panel that monitors judges in the state and provide more timely accountability for misconduct and wrongdoing.

In fact, Democrats introduced a very similar piece of legislation in 2020, HB 1214, that would have created an oversight commission for prosecutors after the murder of Black jogger Ahmaud Arbery

Clarifying Prosecutors’ Duties

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the merits of each individual case today.

And that’s a big reason why this bill is being brought forward.”

On the Senate side, there is no new language added to prosecutors’ duties specifically enumerating the need to review each case before making a decision.

Some district attorneys expressed concern in committee hearings that this language could hamper prosecutorial discretion and how they pursue cases, while others said that language would not alter how they did their jobs.

Creating an Oversight Commission Logistically, the bulk of the House and Senate bills spell out how the Prosecuting Attorneys Oversight Committee (House) or Prosecuting Attorneys Qualification Commission (Senate)—same body, different name—would operate.

In virtually identical wording to the Democratic-sponsored bill in 2020, the GOP’s eight-person oversight group would have the power to “discipline, remove, and cause involuntary retirement” of district attorneys or solicitors general. It would include one five-member panel that investigates allegations made against prosecutors, and a three-member panel that would conduct hearings on any charges filed by the investigative panel, issue disciplinary orders, standards and advisory opinions regarding the grounds for disciplining prosecutors. The old Democratic proposal included 10 total members, including several ordinary citizens.

Another difference between the current Republican bill versions is who would serve on the investigation and hearing panels and how they are appointed. The House would see the Georgia Supreme Court appoint all eight members and have no requirements other than being a registered voter in the state. The Senate would see the investigative panel be filled with attorneys that have at least 10 years as a State Bar of Georgia member and general experience as prosecutors, appointed by high-ranking elected officials.

Republicans would currently control the selection of every commission member if

the Senate’s breakdown prevails. The 2020 legislation proposed by Democrats would have seen 10 members, including several citizen members, and also would have been controlled by Republican-held majorities and elected positions.

Prosecutors Face Discipline A key difference between the Democratic proposal from three years ago to now is the addition of specific reasons prosecutors could be disciplined or removed from office. Under the Republican proposals, that includes: • “mental or physical incapacity interfering with the performance of his or her duties which is, or is likely to become, permanent,” • willful misconduct in office, • “willful and persistent failure to carry out duties,” • conviction of a crime involving moral turpitude, • “conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice which brings the office into disrepute” • allowing a staff member to do any of the aforementioned things.

The House version also adds that violating the Georgia Rules of Professional Conduct of the State Bar of Georgia, including a specific rule regarding special responsibilities of a prosecutor, could be grounds for discipline.

Complaints would not be taken up based on a prosecutor’s decisions around a case unless there is some possibility of bias, conflict of interest, the decision was made with factors “completely unrelated to the duties of prosecution” or a “stated policy, written or otherwise, which demonstrates that the district attorney or solicitor-general categorically refuses to prosecute any offense or offenses of which he or she is required by law to prosecute.”

In theory, there could be wide latitude given to what could constitute things like “willful misconduct” or “willful and persistent failures to carry out duties” that could see prosecutors targeted by politicized complaints or a review panel composed of an opposing party. But in prac-

tice, the commission will have to develop rules and procedures for investigating complaints, hearing evidence, following due process and making decisions about what, if any, discipline to recommend. In both versions of the bill, it would require a majority of the investigative panel’s vote to move forward with pursuing a complaint.

The commission’s composition would either be selected by the state’s highest court or required to be stocked with experienced prosecutors who understand the roles and constraints placed on those they are investigating.

The bill does not specify how a prosecutor would be removed from office, but the House version would have any disciplinary action against a prosecutor reviewed by the state Supreme Court.

What Influenced This Legislation?

Several district attorneys in the near past and present factor into different groups’ support or opposition for the bill.

Gullett, the House sponsor of the bill, pointed to former Republican Paulding DA Dick Donavan who was indicted in 2021 on charges of bribery, violation of oath by public officer and two counts of false swearing before pleading guilty to one charge and resigning. He was also accused of sexual harassment. Senate sponsor Randy Robertson (R-Cataula) also mentioned former Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit DA Mark Jones, a Columbus Democrat, who resigned after pleading guilty to several charges in a public corruption case.

There’s also the fallout from the murder of Ahmaud Arbery, where former Brunswick DA Jackie Johnson was charged with meddling in the investigation of the case before handing it off to a second DA who declined to bring charges against the men involved in Arbery’s shooting death.

The public release of video of the killing sparked national outcry, a state investigation into Johnson and the case being handled by a third district attorney. Johnson was ousted by voters in the 2020 election, and her case has not been resolved.

In more recent news, Republicans have taken aim at Athens-based Deborah Gonzalez, who made waves upon taking office in 2021 with a memo that outlined certain drug crimes her office would not prosecute. Some lawmakers argue Gonzalez, whose office has also seen high staff turnover and criticism over alleged missteps and botched prosecutions, is failing to uphold her oath of office and should face disciplinary action before the next election in 2024.

The current options for removing a district attorney from office include initiating a recall, which would require a petition signed by 30% of the registered voters in that judicial circuit (though a Republican-backed bill wants to lower it to 2%), impeachment by the legislature (which has not been tried in decades), a state bar complaint, or voting them out of office in a primary or general election.

Supporters of the commission say all of the existing methods take too long to rectify when someone needs to be removed from their role, but a look at the Judicial Qualifications Commission (a similar panel reviewing judges) suggests this way might not be much faster. In January, the JQC recommended the extreme step of removing appeals court Judge Christian Coomer

from office—two years after he was first suspended—for a litany of ethics violations, and the Georgia Supreme Court will still have the final say.

It’s Not a Response to Investigating Trump Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis is in the national news for investigating efforts by former President Donald Trump and other Republicans to overturn Georgia’s 2020 election results, as well as a sweeping racketeering case against Atlanta rapper Young Thug and associates. Some on the left and in national media outlets argue this legislation is primarily a reaction to impending indictments in the Trump investigation and an effort by the GOP to remove her from office before Trump and his allies face trial.

While Willis is investigating the role some GOP lawmakers played in the failed attempt to reverse Trump’s defeat, the main political driver of the legislation is the clash between progressive prosecutors and Republicans who feel they don’t handle crime in their communities in an appropriate manner. For her part, Willis has pointed to the election of a record number of nonwhite Democratic DAs as an impetus for the bill and shared her concern in committee hearings about negatively influencing prosecutorial discretion when resources to fight crime are stretched thin.

Potentially prosecuting the former president and his allies certainly does not make some Republican lawmakers and voters happy with the Fulton County DA, but the desire to create more oversight for prosecutors has floated around the Capitol long before the special grand jury finished its work last year. That, and the general framework of the commission language being copied from the Democratic-sponsored effort in 2020 shows that the reality of this legislation is, unsurprisingly, more nuanced than some may have you think.

When Would It Take Effect?

It depends on which version of the bill is final, but nothing would happen very soon. The House version of the Oversight Commission would see things begin by October 2023, have its rules established by April 2024 and take no complaints until that April as well. But it does not specify any limit on the time periods complaints may cover. The Senate’s Qualification Commission would also start by October 2023 with rules established by April 2024, but it would wait to take complaints until July 2024. Additionally, the commission would not take any complaints about actions prior to July 2023 unless it was part of a pattern of conduct that was continuing into that time. So the long on-ramp before a commission would be fully up and running with rules for investigating and disciplining prosecutors would not even begin to hear complaints before voters start to make their voices heard when DAs are on the ballot in the 2024 election cycle, let alone see the investigative and hearing process to completion. f This story comes to Flagpole through a reporting partnership with GPB News, a nonprofit newsroom covering the state of Georgia.

With the heart of a poet and the hands of a magician, this British pianist and composer is a virtuoso in the grand tradition.

Stephen Hough piano

“Listening to this recital I felt as though I were a guest at a sumptuous banquet … for here is a pianist at the height of his powers.”

—Gramophone

Apr SUN 3:00 pm

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Hodgson Concert Hall

Tickets start at $25 with promo code PAC25. UGA students $10. Free parking.

Scan for info and tickets Buy tickets now: pac.uga.edu or (706) 542-4400

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Mark Twain famously observed that American legislative bodies, in the main, are idiots and dumber than fleas. Never one to disappoint, the Tennessee legislature has proposed a bill, SB0003, to define as “obscenity and pornography” “a person who engages in an adult cabaret performance on public property or in a location where the adult cabaret performance could be viewed by a person who is not an adult.”

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee has vowed to sign the bill, notwithstanding a 1977 photo of him wearing women’s clothes that surfaced recently. Oops! A youthful indiscretion. Similar legislation has been proposed in Arizona, Oklahoma, North Dakota and Kansas.

Leaving aside the obvious First Amendment frailties, not to mention the vagueness of “adult cabaret performance” and the fact that we all have public places in our hands and on our desks 24/7, the bill’s sponsors seem to be targeting Drag Queen Story Hours they see looming at your neighborhood elementary school.

Really? Chinese spy balloons are flying overhead, there’s war in Ukraine threatening to spill over into Europe, an earthquake in Syria and Turkey, anarchy in Haiti, runaway spending, inflation, cresting murder RuPaul rates, and a generation of kids who missed school for two years, and y’all’s big priority is a man in a dress? Puh-leaze!

Talk about getting your knickers in a twist. The woke left has been doing its damnedest to ban humor through mandatory wokeism—where’s Lenny Bruce when we need him?—and now they’re circling in from the righteous right. Both sides seem to be finding common ground banning fun, like the Inquisitors and Calvinists of old, haunted by the fear that someone, somewhere, might be having a good time.

Because, face it, a man in a dress is funny. It just is. Look at Dustin Hoffman in Tootsie, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon in Some Like it Hot. Dame Edna! They’re laugh riots, the incongruity tickling our funnybones. A woman in trousers? Not so much, though I remember the 1960s when schools forbade girls from wearing pants (even when it was snowing—I got sent to the office). And coaches declared with divine conviction that boys absolutely could not play team sports if their hair even grazed their ears. Did anyone catch the Super Bowl? Such attempts to regulate coiffure and attire look stupid and ridiculous now because they were. And are. Look at how they’re keeping girls decent in Iran—murALBERT SANCHEZ

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Center WE HAVE NOTHING TO FEAR FROM DRAG QUEEN STORY HOUR news

dering Masah Amini for not wearing her head scarf in the approved manner. They’re preparing to use facial recognition AI to catch lawbreakers.

Do we really want that kind of fashion police force?

Free expression should be embraced, not reviled, because exposure to different looks and ideas teaches tolerance. Don’t just take my word for it. In an interview in Interview last month, RuPaul—the Queen Mother who has done more to drag drag into the light than anyone—says she thinks most of its detractors’ fears are simply misplaced.

Drag isn’t sexualized, though it obviously draws on gender stereotype differences.

It’s more Disney Princess than seductive siren, and most “groomers” seem to be heterosexual men. RuPaul observes: “People always ask me why I was able to transform something that had been thought of as subversive into something that was mainstream—where grandmothers and grandfathers would accept it with open arms—and I think that had more to do with the fact that it was a calculated effort to take sexuality out of my image.” I first saw RuPaul in a club in Atlanta in the early ‘80s. Seven feet tall in wigs and heels, gorgeous and hilarious, a consummate performer. I was, and remain, in awe.

Tolerance isn’t much tolerated these days. Cancel culture warriors demand that all dissenters must be banned and shunned, becoming “non-persons” as in the early Stalinist period.

Statues topple as history is rewritten to reflect the views of modern censors. Social media suppresses wrongthink (even when, later, it turns out to have been right). But isn’t it a virtue to live and let live, to accept the new neighbors who maybe don’t look quite like the old neighbors, to welcome the Muslim co-worker, the Jewish professor, the gay cousin, the trans child? How about your Fox-watching, Trump-voting uncle, or your Green Vegan niece? Whether we align with the right or the left, unless we’re exposed to difference we risk narrowing our minds, succumbing to a cult of conformity.

C’mon, Tennessee. And Arizona and Oklahoma, and all the rest of you. You’ve got better things to do. We have nothing to fear from drag queen story hour but fear, and intolerance, itself. f Betsy Dorminey is an attorney in Georgia, an entrepreneur in Vermont, and a full-time fashionista everywhere. Her columns have appeared in the American Spectator, Western Journal, Townhall, Vermont Digger and The Hill.

arts & culture

calendar picks

CLAY CHASTAIN

artists include Michael Lachowski, Amanda Burk, Erin McIntosh, Susan Nees, Susan Hable, Rusty Wallace, Jill Carnes, Greg Benson, Stan Mullins, Paul Thomas and more. Historically, the Really BIG Art Rally has raised over $10,000 a year for both ATHICA and Ciné.

MUSIC | SAT, MAR. 25

Eyelids

Flicker Theatre & Bar • 8 p.m. • $10

Moving Forward THEATER | MAR. 23–26

Moving Forward UGA Cellar Theatre • $8–12

UGA Theatre will present a completely original production developed by UGA undergraduate students. Directed

by Marlon Andrew Burnley, Moving Forward follows Beni, a newly deceased person, and their attempt to orient themselves in a strange and otherworldly afterlife. Over the course of the play, Beni encounters many interesting characters who inform their worldview, dealing with themes of death, regret and abandonment. Director Burnley invited the cast to contribute their unique perspectives to the work, making the writing process a collaborative effort.

Showtimes run Thursday–Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. [Patrick Barry]

Eyelids may be primarily based on the West Coast, but it’s quite prudent of the band members to pass through Athens, considering how many connections it has to our quirky town. Its newest album, and fifth in its ever-growing discography, was produced by Peter Buck and the first to feature new bassist Victor Krummenacher of Camper Van Beethoven. A Colossal Waste of Light is a solidly built, jangling album. If, when you listen, a certain list of artists come to mind, it’s probably no coincidence. Members of Eyelids have played and toured extensively with Stephen Malkmus, Guided By Voices and Elliot Smith. It’s clear that styles align here, but there’s no sense of it being derivative, but rather original and refreshing. Elf Power will also be on the lineup for the night. [PB]

Ciné • 10 a.m. • $10 (kids free)

The Really BIG Art Rally brings together elements of live performance, art sale and a straight-up party to a fundraising event that’s both original and quite ingenious. It goes like this: Participating artists create works live in front of attendees for an hour. When the hour has elapsed, the pieces are put up for sale for $60 each. If multiple people want a specific piece, they draw cards, and whoever gets the highest card wins the right to purchase. Participating

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FLUKE 2023

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Fluke Mini Comics & Zine Festival

ART | SAT, MAR. 25

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DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS

EVENT | SAT, MAR. 25

It’s that time of year again. The birds are chirping, the pollen is racing in yellow clouds across the sky, and a legion of comic artists and independent publishers are preparing to descend upon the 40 Watt Club for Fluke 2023.

Since 2002, Fluke has been a premier destination in the Southeast for the exchange of zines and comics. In 2011, Eyelids Fluke moved its operation from the now-defunct Tasty World to the 40 Watt Club, where it remains today. This year’s Fluke promises an impressive array of comic artists and writers from across the Southeast, including many well-known locals like Joey Weiser, Klon Waldrip, David Mack, Lee Gatlin and Christee Henry. [PB]

285 W. Washington St Athens, GA 30601 706-549-7871 Ticket info at 40watt.com

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EVENT | SUN, MAR. 26

Ripple Effect Film Project Blue Carpet Premiere

Morton Theatre • 1:15 (doors), 2 p.m. (screening) • FREE!

The Ripple Effect Film Project is a film festival open to K–12 students in Georgia. Students submit 30–90 second short films, usually relating thematically to the concept of sustainable and responsible water usage. This year’s theme is “A Ripple Effect,” and over 200 submissions have been received. Only 25, however, will be selected by judges to move on to the finalist round and be screened at the blue carpet premiere. This year, one film will also be selected to be shown at the United Nations Water Conference to an audience of 20,000 people. The blue carpet premiere is free and open to the public, but tickets must be reserved online ahead of time. f

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Tuesday 21

event calendar

ART: Crafting at Midday (Bogart Library) Learn about quilling monograms, and make your own. 1 p.m.

FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart CLASSES: Surviving Sexual Development (Online) Learn how to navigate your child’s sexual development to protect them from sexual abuse and violence. 5:30 p.m. $20. bit.ly/SSD2023 COMEDY: Open Toad Comedy Night (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Comedy performed by a mix of newcomers and local favorites from Athens and Atlanta. 9 p.m. (doors). $7. www.flickertheatreandbar.com EVENTS: No Phone Party (Hendershot’s) Disconnect to connect with a phone-​free, laptop-​free happy hour. Every Tuesday, 6–9 p.m. www.hendershotsathens.com GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Akademia Brewing Co.) Test your trivia knowledge with host Garrett Lennox.

7 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/ ClassicCityTriviaCo GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Amici Athens) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.facebook.com/baddogathens KIDSTUFF: Storytime (Oconee County Library) Join Ms. Carley for songs, stories and crafts. Ages 5 & under. 11 a.m. FREE! www.athens library.org/oconee KIDSTUFF: Crafternoon (Oconee County Library) Drop in for a craft or two. Supplies provided. 3:30–5:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/ oconee KIDSTUFF: Builder Club (Oconee County Library) Build your own creations with STEM toys such as Magna Tiles, Brain Flakes and Bristle Blocks. Ages 8–12. 3:30–5:30 p.m.

FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/oconee LECTURES & LIT: Stories of Lumbee Women (UGA Special Collections Library) This Women’s History month keynote address features Malinda Maynor Lowery, a historian, scholar and documentary film producer who is a member of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina.

4 p.m. FREE! www.libs.uga.edu LECTURES & LIT: Kaywin Feldman (Georgia Museum of Art) This lecture by the director of the National Gallery of Art in D.C. will honor museum director William U. Eiland on the occasion of his retirement.

6:30 p.m. FREE! www.georgia museum.org LECTURES & LIT: The High Cost of Cheap Meat (UGA Miller Learning Center Room 213) Leah Garcés will discuss how modern meat production harms animals, people and the environment. 7–8 p.m. FREE! sos@uga.edu MEETINGS: Athens Rock and Gem Club (Holy Cross Lutheran Church) Paul Severns will lead an interactive Amber polishing workshop. 7:30 p.m. FREE! www.athensrockandgem club.org SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. www.athenspetanque.org

Wednesday 22 ART: Artful Conversation: Clementine Hunter (Georgia Museum of

12

Art) Sage Kincaid, associate curator of education, will lead an open-​ ended dialogue on Clementine Hunter’s painting “Good Angels/ Bad Angels.” Registration required.

2 p.m. FREE! www.georgiamuseum. org COMEDY: Gorgeous George’s Improv League (Buvez) Home-​ grown townie improv that invites you to bring some interesting suggestions to help create improv magic on the spot. Every Wednesday, 7 p.m. $5 suggested donation. www.flyingsquidcomedy.com EVENTS: Holy Fire Reiki Circle (Serenity Attunement) Start the day with a moving meditation and grounding practice, then move into group reiki sessions. RSVP to attend. 12 p.m. $11–22. www. serenityattunement.com EVENTS: Athens Farmers Market (Creature Comforts Brewery) Markets offer fresh produce, flowers, eggs, meats, prepared foods and a variety of arts and crafts. Live music begins at 6 p.m. AFM doubles SNAP dollars spent at the market.

Every Wednesday, 5–8 p.m. www. athensfarmersmarket.net FILM: The Snake Prince (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Screening of the 1976 romance fantasy film about a snake prince who wants to marry a beautiful village woman, but people want to kill him. 7 p.m. FREE! www. flickertheatreandbar.com GAMES: Classic City Trivia (The Local 706) Test your trivia knowledge with host Garrett Lennox. 7 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/ ClassicCityTriviaCo GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (I Heart Mac & Cheese) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt.

Wednesdays, 7 p.m. www.facebook. com/baddogathens GAMES: 2000s Music Bingo (B&B Theatres) Win prizes at this 2000s music-​themed bingo night.

7:30 p.m. www.facebook.com/bb athens12 KIDSTUFF: Busy Bee Toddler Time (Bogart Library) Join Ms. Donna for rhymes, songs, puppets and a simple story. 10 a.m. & 11 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart KIDSTUFF: Storytime (Oconee County Library) Join Ms. Carley for songs, stories and crafts. Ages 5 & under. 11 a.m. FREE! www.athens library.org/oconee KIDSTUFF: Homeschool Club (Oconee County Library) Join Ms. Carley for art and science projects and STEM challenges. 2:30 p.m.

FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/ oconee KIDSTUFF: Steamsday: Mary Blair (Bogart Library) Learn all about the Disney artist Mary Blair. Ages 4 & up. 3:30–5:30 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/bogart KIDSTUFF: Lego Builders Club (Bogart Library) Lego lovers of all ages are invited; blocks will be available for younger builders under the age of 7. 3:30 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/bogart KIDSTUFF: Drawing Club for Teens (K.A. Artist Shop) In this weekly club for teens led by local artist James Greer, participants will learn a new fundamental skill for drawing with ink and graphite each week.

5–6:30 p.m. $25 (drop-​in), $180 (semester pass). www.kaartist.com KIDSTUFF: Anne of Green Gables Birthday Tea Party (Oconee

F L A GP OL E .C OM · M A R C H 22, 2023

County Library) Enjoy tea snacks, raspberry lemonade and tea while learning to embroider and watching Anne with an E. Grades 6–12. 6–8 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary/ oconee.com LECTURES & LIT: Real Estate Twitter Live (Georgia Theatre) Nick Huber and special guests will give a market update, 2023 predictions, tips and strategies for real estate investment. 4 p.m. $100. www.georgiatheatre.com LECTURES & LIT: Visiting Artist and Scholar (Lamar Dodd School of Art) Visual storyteller Vanessa German is a self-​taught artist working in sculpture, performance, communal rituals, immersive installation and photography. 6 p.m.

FREE! art.uga.edu LECTURES & LIT: The Oglethorpe Echo (No. 3 Railroad Street) Kendall Strickland, owner, editor and publisher of The Oglethorpe Echo for 40 years, will give a presentation on the history of the publication.

6:30 (doors). FREE! www.3railroad. org LECTURES & LIT: Reading and Book Sale (Ciné) Athens Word of Mouth and Neighborhood Books host a night of readings by local authors and an opportunity to purchase work by featured writers.

Music will be provided by Mark Katzman. 7–9 p.m. FREE! www. facebook.com/athenswordofmouth LECTURES & LIT: Virtual Avid Poetry Series (Online: Avid Bookshop) This reading and conversation will feature Jenny Sadre-​Orafai and Jennifer K. Sweeney. Registration required for Zoom link. 7–8 p.m. FREE! www.avidbookshop. com/upcoming-​events

Thursday 23 CLASSES: Yoga in the Galleries (Georgia Museum of Art) Enjoy a yoga class in the art galleries led by instructors from Five Points Yoga.

Open to all skill levels. Attend in person or via Zoom. Email to RSVP. 6 p.m. FREE! gmoa-​tours@uga. edu, www.georgiamuseum.org EVENTS: Emergency Preparedness (ACC Library) Learn about emergency preparedness and participate in a no-​cost raffle to win prizes, such as a power bank, flashlights, first aid kits, etc. Mar. 23 (in person) & Mar. 30 (virtual), 10 a.m.

FREE! www.gcdd.org EVENTS: Diamond Hill Farm Produce and Flower Pickup (Athentic Brewing Co.) Vegetables and fresh flowers are available at this community supported agriculture pick up. Every Thursday, 4–6 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com EVENTS: Great Southland Stampede Rodeo (UGA Livestock Instructional Arena) Operated by UGA Block & Bridle members with a mission of providing a quality rodeo experience while developing skills that will allow them to advance both personally and professionally.

Mar 23–25, 6 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $12–25. www.gssrodeo.org EVENTS: Boulevard Brass Band (595 Nanthahala Ave.) Bring your instrument, meet outdoors and rehearse songs for beginners and advanced musicians. Every Thursday, 7–8 p.m. FREE! calclements@ gmail.com

GAMES: Thursday Trivia (Johnny’s New York Style Pizza) Test your trivia knowledge with host Jon Head. 7–9 p.m. www.johnnyspizza. com KIDSTUFF: Open Playtime (Oconee County Library) Join Ms. Carley for activities that help build brain function and encourage early literacy. Ages 5 & under. 11 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/oconee KIDSTUFF: Lego Club (Oconee County Library) Create and enjoy Lego art and activities. Materials provided. Ages 5–12 years and their caregivers. 3:30–5:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/oconee KIDSTUFF: Chapter Chat (Bogart Library) Enjoy a book discussion, snacks and activities. This month’s pick is A Talent for Trouble by Natasha Farrant. Ages 8–12. 4:30 p.m.

FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart LECTURES & LIT: Emerging Scholars Symposium (Georgia Museum of Art) Keynote speaker Nika Elder will explain how and why early American portraiture has served as a means to negotiate racial identities. 5:30 p.m. FREE! www. georgiamuseum.org MEETINGS: KnitLits Knitting Group (Bogart Library) Knitters of all levels are invited to have fun, share craft ideas and knit to their hearts’ content. Thursdays, 6 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/bogart MEETINGS: Athens Area Lifestyle Munch (Locos Grill and Pub) A casual social gathering for people involved in or interested in the BDSM community to learn more or get advice. Ages 18 & up. 7–10 p.m. FREE! athensalt@yahoo.com PERFORMANCE: Tales of Hercules (Morton Theatre) Dance FX presents a storybook production of the Tales of Hercules through music and dance. Mar. 23–24, 6–8 p.m. $10–13. www.mortontheatre.com SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. www.athenspetanque.org THEATER: Heaven in Chains (CRCA Theater) This play follows four Roman Catholic priests who have been relieved of their religious duties and ordered to attend psychiatric evaluation and group therapy. Mar. 23–25; Mar. 30–Apr. 1, 7:30 p.m. Mar. 26 & Apr. 2, 3:00 p.m. $25. www.conyersarts.org THEATER: Moving Forward (UGA Cellar Theatre) This play follows Beni, the newest occupant of a mysterious afterlife, as they navigate their new environment while traveling along a liminal bus route.

Mar. 23–25, 8 p.m. Mar. 26, 2:30 p.m. $8–12. www.ugatheatre.com/ movingforward

Friday 24 ART: 90 Carlton (Georgia Museum of Art) The Friends of the Georgia Museum of Art will hold a reception featuring the exhibition “Object Lessons in American Art.” 6:30– 8:30 p.m. $10–15. www.georgia museum.org COMEDY: Improv Behind Enemy Lines (work.shop) This wildly interactive evening takes you behind enemy lines as a troupe of improv actors parachute into occupied France and try to save the world

from encroaching fascism. 8 p.m. $5. www.flyingsquidcomedy.com EVENTS: Trail Hopper Ale Social Hour (Athentic Brewing Co.) Athentic Brewing Co. presents a social hour and trivia contest in celebration of its new Trail Hopper Ale, honoring Sandy Creek Nature Center’s 50th anniversary. 6 p.m.

FREE! www.athenticbrewing.com EVENTS: Great Southland Stampede Rodeo (UGA Livestock Instructional Arena) Operated by UGA Block & Bridle members with a mission of providing a quality rodeo experience while developing skills that will allow them to advance both personally and professionally.

Mar 23–25, 6 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $12–25. www.gssrodeo.org GAMES: Bingo for Books (Oconee County Library) Play to win books that have been donated to the library. 11–12 p.m. & 4–5 p.m.

FREE! www.athenslibrary/oconee. com KIDSTUFF: Meet & Play (Bogart Library) Drop in for facilitated open play with age-​appropriate toys. Best for ages 6 & under. Every Friday, 10:30 a.m. FREE! www.athens library.org/bogart KIDSTUFF: Conversations with Friends (Bogart Library) Make friends and learn about new cultures while practicing English through role-​play, songs and storytelling.

3:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary. org/bogart KIDSTUFF: Art Card Club (K.A. Artist Shop) In this weekly club led by local artists Katy Lipscomb and Tyler Fisher, participants will draw, paint, collage and create a collection of Art Cards. Pre-​teen club, 4:30–6 p.m. Teen club, 6:30–8 p.m. $25 (drop-​in), $180 (semester pass). www.kaartist.com LECTURES & LIT: Emerging Scholars Symposium (Georgia Museum of Art) Accompanying the “Rethinking America: Contemporary Contemplations on American Art” exhibit, research related to themes of rethinking and reimagining history will be presented. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. FREE! www.georgiamuseum. org LECTURES & LIT: Athens Science Café (Terrapin Beer Co.) Learn about science and technology research and join in an open and friendly talk. 6 p.m. FREE! www.athenssciencecafe.wordpress.com MEETINGS: Friends of the Garden Annual Meeting (State Botanical Garden of Georgia) Keynote speaker Brad Davis researches the aesthetics of native plants and their use in ecological landscape designs.

5:30 p.m. FREE! (members), $10 (non-​members). www.botgardern. uga.edu PERFORMANCE: Tales of Hercules (Morton Theatre) Dance FX presents a storybook production of the Tales of Hercules through music and dance. Mar. 23–24, 6–8 p.m. $10–13. www.mortontheatre.com PERFORMANCE: Athens Showgirl Cabaret Fabulous Friday (Hendershot’s) Enjoy a fabulous night of drag entertainment. Ages 18 & up.

9 p.m. FREE! www.athensshowgirl cabaret.com THEATER: Heaven in Chains (CRCA Theater) This play follows four Roman Catholic priests who have been relieved of their religious duties and ordered to attend

psychiatric evaluation and group therapy. Mar. 23–25; Mar. 30–Apr. 1, 7:30 p.m. Mar. 26 & Apr. 2, 3:00 p.m. $25. www.conyersarts.org THEATER: Moving Forward (UGA Cellar Theatre) This play follows Beni, the newest occupant of a mysterious afterlife, as they navigate their new environment while traveling along a liminal bus route.

Mar. 23–25, 8 p.m. Mar. 26, 2:30 p.m. $8–12. www.ugatheatre.com/ movingforward

Saturday 25 ART: Really BIG Art Rally (Ciné) Ciné and ATHICA joined forces to host this fundraising event featuring artists creating works live to be sold on the spot. DJ Mahogany will provide musical inspiration. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. $10. www.athica.org CLASSES: Knives Out (Athens Cooks) Hone your knife techniques and learn fundamental cuts with Executive Chef Hunter White. 3 p.m. $50. www.athenscooks.com EVENTS: Live Forward AIDS Walk (Athens, GA) One-​mile walk around downtown Athens to raise awareness for HIV and AIDS. Attendees can expect prizes, guest speakers and more. 9–11 a.m. $20. www. liveforward.org EVENTS: FLUKE (40 Watt Club) The annual mini-​comics and zine festival has been organized by Athens-​ area comic artists, underground publishers and enthusiasts since 2002. Masks required to attend. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. $2. www.flukeathens. com EVENTS: Primavera Party (reBlossom Mama & Baby Shop) Enjoy a spring celebration with a pop-​up park, activities, snacks, crafts and more. Register online. Donations will support Athens Parent Wellbeing. 10 a.m. www.reblossomathens. com EVENTS: Tree Planting Program (ACC Library) Learn all about tree planting from Athens area Master Gardener Liz Conroy. 11 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/athens EVENTS: AI Magazine Release Event (AADM Justice Center and Bookstore) Find out more about Art Is Important Magazine, meet some of the people behind the articles and have a chance to purchase Book 1 and Book 2 of the project.

1–3 p.m. FREE! www.tribehouse records.com/aimag EVENTS: Great Southland Stampede Rodeo (UGA Livestock Instructional Arena) Operated by UGA Block & Bridle members with a mission of providing a quality rodeo experience while developing skills that will allow them to advance both personally and professionally. Mar 23–25, 6 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $12–25. www.gssrodeo.org FILM: Cinematic Master Series (Oconee County Library) Watch a classic Sofia Coppola film in 4k on the big screen, and feel free to bring snacks. 4–6:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/oconee FILM: Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival (Morton Theatre) Half-​ Moon Outfitters presents a showcase of films celebrating outdoor storytelling and filmmaking. 7–10 p.m. $20. www.halfmoonoutfitters. com

Sunday 26 CLASSES: Beginner Basics in Watercolor (K.A. Artist Shop) Local artist Lauren Adams will lead a painting class learning about materials, color mixing and other essential tips. 1–4 p.m. $45. www. kaartist.com CLASSES: Knitting & Crochet (Oconee County Library) Rebecca Bontempo will lead an hour of instruction and problem solving for all skill levels and ages. Bring your own needles. 3–4 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/oconee CLASSES: UGA Salsa Club (UGA Memorial Hall) No partner necessary and no experience required for this Cuban-​style salsa class. Room 407. Every Sunday. 4–6 p.m. FREE! www.ugasalsaclub.com CLASSES: Kirtan (Revolution Therapy and Yoga) Jasey Jones will lead a presentation of music and singing that brings practitioners into close communion with the divine. 6:30

p.m. Donations encouraged. www. revolutiontherapyandyoga.com COMEDY: Blaugez Open Mic (Buvez) This show-​up/go-​up open mic is open to professional and amateur comics alike. Every Sunday, 7 p.m. (show). FREE! www. facebook.com/buvezathens EVENTS: Rabbit Hole Sunday Market (Rabbit Hole Studios) Small businesses, artists, farmers, musicians and creative entrepreneurs will be showcased. A drumming and song circle will be held for the last two hours. Every Sunday. 1–5 p.m. FREE! www.rabbitholestudios. org/markets EVENTS: East Athens Creative Market (585 Vine St.) A celebration of community and togetherness featuring culinary arts, fashion, jewelry, resources and more. First and last Sundays, 1–5 p.m. FREE! 706-​352-​0244 EVENTS: Repair Cafe (CHaRM) Bring broken household items and appliances and work with experienced fellow community members

THEATER: Moving Forward (UGA Cellar Theatre) This play follows Beni, the newest occupant of a mysterious afterlife, as they navigate their new environment while traveling along a liminal bus route.

Mar. 23–25, 8 p.m. Mar. 26, 2:30 p.m. $8–12. www.ugatheatre.com/ movingforward THEATER: Heaven in Chains (CRCA Theater) This play follows four Roman Catholic priests who have been relieved of their religious duties and ordered to attend psychiatric evaluation and group therapy. Mar. 23–25; Mar. 30–Apr. 1, 7:30 p.m. Mar. 26 & Apr. 2, 3:00 p.m. $25. www.conyersarts.org

Monday 27 CLASSES: Gentle Hatha Yoga (Athens Community Council on Aging (ACCA)) McKenzie Raymond from Feel Free Yoga leads this class. All skill levels welcome. Every Monday, 1–2 p.m. $5 (CAL members),

that help students gain math speed and fluency using the game of basketball. Grades 3–8. 5–6 p.m.

FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart THEATER: Legally Blonde: The Musical (The Classic Center) Follow the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes, sexism, snobbery and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. 7:30 p.m. $25–80. www.classiccenter.com

Tuesday 28 CLASSES: Surviving Sexual Development (Online) Learn how to navigate your child’s sexual development to protect them from sexual abuse and violence. 5:30 p.m. $20. bit.ly/SSD2023 EVENTS: Flavor of Georgia Reception & Awards Ceremony (The Classic Center) The contest is dedicated to promoting small businesses and foodpreneurs around the state. 4–6 p.m. $28. www. classiccenter.com

KIDSTUFF: Builder Club (Oconee County Library) Build your own creations with STEM toys such as Magna Tiles, Brain Flakes and Bristle Blocks. Ages 8–12. 3:30–5:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/ oconee LECTURES & LIT: Mystery Book Club (Bogart Library) Penny Mills leads a conversation about this month’s book, Georges Simenon’s Maigret and Monsieur Charles.

5:30–6:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart PERFORMANCE: Rabbit Box Storytelling: Mystifying (VFW (Post 2872)) This month’s storytelling theme is “Mystifying” with stories told from members of the community. 7–9:30 p.m. $10. www. rabbitbox.org PERFORMANCE: Starin’ at and Spittin’ Down… the Abyss (UGA Cellar Theatre) Ray Paolino presents an original solo performance on personal mortality and the struggle to “live a physical life.” 8 p.m.

FREE! www.ugatheatre.com

DRAGER CREATIVE

KIDSTUFF: Zoo Day (Bear Hollow Zoo at Memorial Park) Experience a fun-​filled day of craft stations, educational animal encounters and special guests. This year’s theme is “Athens Natives.” 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

FREE! www.accgov.com/bearhollow KIDSTUFF: Annual Easter Egg Hunt (Heard Park) Enjoy a morning of crafts, activities, games, a bouncy house and an opportunity to take pictures with the Easter Bunny. Participants separated by age group. 10:30 a.m. FREE! www. accgov.com/148/Leisure-​Services KIDSTUFF: Celebrate Wetlands Day (Sandy Creek Nature Center) Educators will guide interactive wetland walks, live animal encounters, a virtual reality salt marsh exploration and hands-​on activities.

1–4 p.m. FREE! www.facebook. com/sandycreeknaturecenter KIDSTUFF: Trains in the Garden (Lake Town & Shire Garden Railroad) Donald and Jane Nute teach little ones how to operate trains on their garden railroad. Ages 6 & up.

1:30 p.m. FREE! www.laketownand shire.net KIDSTUFF: Make Friendship Bracelets (Bogart Library) Learn how to make bracelets out of embroidery floss. Supplies provided. Best for ages 8 & up. 2–3 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/ bogart LECTURES & LIT: The Life of Ida B. Wells (Oconee County Library) Learn about the life of one of the greatest leaders in American History, presented by Sophia M. Flemming. 1 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary/oconee.com SPORTS: Firefly Trail Ticket to Ride (Creature Comforts Brewery) Enjoy a road race with different start locations that tailor to each rider’s preference. All proceeds benefit the work of Firefly Trail, Inc. 9 a.m. $30–45. www.fireflytrail.com/ ticket-​to-​ride THEATER: Heaven in Chains (CRCA Theater) This play follows four Roman Catholic priests who have been relieved of their religious duties and ordered to attend psychiatric evaluation and group therapy. Mar. 23–25; Mar. 30–Apr. 1, 7:30 p.m. Mar. 26 & Apr. 2, 3:00 p.m. $25. www.conyersarts.org THEATER: Moving Forward (UGA Cellar Theatre) This play follows Beni, the newest occupant of a mysterious afterlife, as they navigate their new environment while traveling along a liminal bus route.

Mar. 23–25, 8 p.m. Mar. 26, 2:30 p.m. $8–12. www.ugatheatre.com/ movingforward

Legally Blonde: The Musical brings the bubbly classic movie to the Classic Center stage on Monday, Mar. 27. to try and fix them. 2–5 p.m. FREE! reuse@accgov.com, accgov.com/ repaircafe FILM: Ripple Effect Film Project Blue Carpet Premiere (Morton Theatre) ACC Water Conservation showcases short, water-​themed films made by students in grades K–12. Reception at Creature Comforts Brewery to follow award ceremony. 2–5 p.m. FREE! www.

RippleEffectFilmProject.org GAMES: Sunday Trivia with Solo Entertainment (Southern Brewing Co.) Test your trivia knowledge.

4–6 p.m. FREE! www.sobrewco. com GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (The Foundry) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Sundays, 7 p.m. www.facebook.com/baddogathens LECTURES & LIT: Battle of the Philippine Sea (Oconee County Library) This lecture will be presented by Rod Davis about the sea battle fought during WW2. 2–3 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/ oconee OUTDOORS: Athens Sampler Guided Walk (Dudley Park) Join Southeast Striders Walking Club for 5K or 10K guided walks through downtown Athens and the UGA campus. 9 a.m. (registration), 9:30 a.m. (start). $3. www.southeast striderswalkingclub.org SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. www.athenspetanque.org

$10 (non-​members). abarefoot@ accaging.org CLASSES: Get Fit (Lay Park) This senior fitness class consists of chair movements, the use of exercise bands, ankle weights and aerobic movements. Registration required. Every Monday, 1–2 p.m.

FREE! www.accgovga.myrec.com EVENTS: A. LaFera Salon Pop-​Up (A. LaFera Salon) Enjoy refreshments while browsing vendors like LT Swimwear, Dina LaFera Skincare and Let’s Glow Spray Tan. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. FREE! www.alafera salon.com GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Dooley’s Bar and Grill) Test your trivia knowledge with host Garrett Lennox.

7 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/ ClassicCityTriviaCo GAMES: Monday Trivia with Erin (Athentic Brewing Co.) Test your trivia knowledge with host Erin. 7–9 p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing. com KIDSTUFF: Monday Funday Story Time (Bogart Library) Join Ms. Donna for movement, songs, crafts and learning fun. Ages 3–5 years.

Registration suggested. 10 a.m.

FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart KIDSTUFF: Tiny Tales at the Zoo (Memorial Park) Enjoy stories, crafts and animal encounters. Ages 6 & under. Every Monday, 10:30–11:30 a.m. $3, $4.50 (non-​ACC residents). www.accgovga.myrec.com KIDSTUFF: NBA Math Hoops (Bogart Library) This program includes board games, curricula and apps

EVENTS: No Phone Party (Hendershot’s) Disconnect to connect with a phone-​free, laptop-​free happy hour. Every Tuesday, 6–9 p.m. www.hendershotsathens.com FILM: España En Corto (Georgia Museum of Art) This is the 10th anniversary of the two-​day festival of awarded short films from Spain.

6:30 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (showing). FREE! leonard.ward25@ uga.edu GAMES: Escape the Gallery Game Night (UGA Special Collections Library) Explore Hargrett’s newest exhibit, “Freemasonry in Georgia: Ideals, Imagery, and Impact,” and unearth the secret clues secured within by Escape the Space. RSVP to jess.grant@uga.edu by Mar. 27. 5:30–7 p.m. FREE! www.libs. uga.edu GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Akademia Brewing Co.) Test your trivia knowledge with host Garrett Lennox.

7 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/ ClassicCityTriviaCo GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Amici Athens) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.facebook.com/baddogathens KIDSTUFF: Storytime (Oconee County Library) Join Ms. Carley for songs, stories and crafts. Ages 5 & under. 11 a.m. FREE! www.athens library.org/oconee KIDSTUFF: Crafternoon (Oconee County Library) Drop in for a craft or two. Supplies provided. 3:30–5:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/ oconee

SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. www.athenspetanque.org

Wednesday 29 ART: Curator Talk: “Art is a form of freedom” (Georgia Museum of Art) Callan Steinmann will give a tour of the exhibition, which features works selected by incarcerated women at the Whitworth Women’s Facility in Hartwell. 2 p.m.

FREE! www.georgiamuseum.org CLASSES: Financial Management Workshop (Online) Hosted by Athens Land Trust, this workshop focuses on managing your credit and credit repair. Registration required for Zoom link. 5–6:30 p.m. FREE! housingcounseling@ athenslandtrust.org COMEDY: Gorgeous George’s Improv League (Buvez) Home-​ grown townie improv that invites you to bring some interesting suggestions to help create improv magic on the spot. Every Wednesday, 7 p.m. $5 suggested donation. www.flyingsquidcomedy.com EVENTS: Athens Farmers Market (Creature Comforts Brewery) Markets offer fresh produce, flowers, eggs, meats, prepared foods and a variety of arts and crafts. Live music begins at 6 p.m. AFM doubles SNAP dollars spent at the market.

Every Wednesday, 5–8 p.m. www.

athensfarmersmarket.net FILM: España En Corto (Georgia Museum of Art) This is the 10th anniversary of the two-​day festival of awarded short films from Spain.

6:30 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (showing). FREE! leonard.ward25@ uga.edu FILM: Pit and the Pendulum (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Screening of the 1961 horror film based on Edgar Allan Poe’s short story. 7 p.m. FREE! www.flickertheatreand bar.com GAMES: Dungeons & Dragons (Oconee County Library) The Oconee County Library Gaming Group is taking sign-​ups for a new campaign. 4:30–8:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/oconee GAMES: Classic City Trivia (The Local 706) Test your trivia knowledge with host Garrett Lennox. 7 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/ ClassicCityTriviaCo GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (I Heart Mac & Cheese) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt.

Wednesdays, 7 p.m. www.facebook. com/baddogathens GAMES: 2000s Music Trivia (B&B Theatres) Test your 2000s music trivia knowledge with Quizmaster David. 7:30 p.m. www.facebook. com/bbathens12 KIDSTUFF: Busy Bee Toddler Time (Bogart Library) Join Ms. Donna for rhymes, songs, puppets and a simple story. 10 a.m. & 11 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart KIDSTUFF: Storytime (Oconee County Library) Join Ms. Carley for songs, stories and crafts. Ages 5 & under. 11 a.m. FREE! www.athens library.org/oconee KIDSTUFF: Homeschool Club (Oconee County Library) Join Ms. Carley for art and science projects and STEM challenges. 2:30 p.m.

FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/oconee KIDSTUFF: Lego Builders Club (Bogart Library) Lego lovers of all ages are invited; blocks will be available for younger builders under the age of 7. 3:30 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/bogart KIDSTUFF: Steamsday: Boxitects (Bogart Library) Learn all about building your own creations with repurposed materials and cardboard.

Ages 4 & up. 3:30–5:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart KIDSTUFF: Drawing Club for Teens (K.A. Artist Shop) In this weekly club for teens led by local artist James Greer, participants will learn a new fundamental skill for drawing with ink and graphite each week.

5–6:30 p.m. $25 (drop-​in), $180 (semester pass). www.kaartist.com KIDSTUFF: MORP (Oconee County Library) A reverse prom masquerade—dress up or down, come solo or with a date. Grades 6–12. 6–8 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/ oconee LECTURES & LIT: Leah Nieboer Book Launch and Poetry Reading (Ciné) The Creative Writing Program at UGA presents author Leah Nieboer for the launch of her new book, Soft Apocalypse. 7–8:30 p.m. FREE! www.english.uga.edu PERFORMANCE: Magical Creature Cabaret (Rialto Club) Belli Dance Company presents a magical night full of bellydancers, drag performers, sword performers, jugglers, fortune tellers, comedians and more. 7 p.m. (VIP), 8 p.m. (show). $15–35. www.facebook.com/Belli.

Dance.Athens PERFORMANCE: Starin’ at and Spittin’ Down… the Abyss (UGA Cellar Theatre) Ray Paolino presents an original solo performance on personal mortality and the struggle to “live a physical life.” 8 p.m.

FREE! www.ugatheatre.com f

M A R C H 22, 2023· F L A GP OL E .C OM

13

feature

ALEC STANLEY

music

Nicholas Mallis

BLURRING FACT AND FICTION WITH PRODUCT PLACEMENT

By Chad Radford music@flagpole.com

T

his story is sponsored by Pepto Bismol, Michelob Ultra, Crest, Bud Light Lime and many other fine products that can be purchased at the nearest supermarket or online at Amazon.com.

Or is it?

Product Placement is the title of singer and guitarist Nicholas Mallis’ latest collection of bright and conceptually subversive indie pop songs, exploring the gray areas between where one’s true identity collides with the ethos of brand loyalty.

Throughout Product Placement, midtempo numbers, driven by modern indie rock harmonics, take shape around a sparkling pop vibe. Songs bearing titles such as “8k,” “Slot Machine” and “Drug Store” form an existential suite of breadth and deep emotional attachments expressed in the language of marketing and advertising.

“Welcome to Village Heights” is a jingle for high-dollar real estate, and “Goin’ Back to Florida” was written for the Florida State Chamber of Travel and Leisure to boost tourism.

It’s in the album’s title track, though, where Mallis brings his vision and his sentiments to a fine point. In an era where social media plays such a deeply ingrained role in day-to-day life, anyone can be whoever or whatever they want to be. The song “Product Placement” blurs the lines between fact and fiction when Mallis sings: “That guy looks familiar, from some commercial / It’s true what they’re saying / He used to pose for Pepto, Crest, and Four Loko / It’s true what they’re saying, yeah I once had product placements.”

Mallis doesn’t miss a beat when parsing out the song’s central character. “It’s like an ultra-capitalist character that I’m putting to bed,” he says. “It’s kind of a twisted version of myself, and he’s saying ‘I used to have product placements, I used to get respect.’”

The idea behind this quasi-trolling approach to this round of songs began with Mallis’ previous album, The Final Station, which arrived in April of 2020, just as the COVID-19 pandemic was getting a stranglehold on the world. Plans for a summer tour were scrapped, and there was no budget for creating new music videos, aside from the album’s title track.

To keep things moving forward as the rest of the world ground to a halt, Mallis hatched a plan to create a series of short videos—miniature advertisements for each song on the album, bumped by parody advertisements using real brands, which created its own mythology around the album, released by Amazon’s new music imprint, Second-Day Records. Truth be told, no such label exists.

“I thought it would be kind of an entertaining way to showcase the songs, and I thought everybody would know it was a joke,” Mallis says. “But then I started getting phone calls from family members— aunts and uncles—and other people saying, ‘It’s so great that Pepto Bismol has hired you to be their guy!’”

In no time at all, the idea had taken on a life of its own. Soon after, Mallis began thinking about the nature of social media and the enhanced versions of themselves that people broadcast to the world via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok. The notion becomes even more exaggerated when it comes to social media behavior for bands, who have to make everything they do appear to be somewhat larger than life, simply to be noticed amid the endless grind of daily doom scrolling.

“I wanted to continue down that path and take it to the nth degree,” Mallis says.

“A DIY band saying they’re signed by

Amazon, or a subsidiary of Amazon, when Amazon doesn’t even have a record label…

Every indie band, when they release an album, says it’s on a label, whether it’s a real one or not,” he goes on to say. “So I thought, if we’re going to release an album called Product Placement it has to have a big corporate sponsor.”

To push the idea even further, on stage, Mallis backed by bass player Rick Catanise, drummer Jason Ritter and synth player Jeff Webber perform alongside a table showcasing their would-be sponsors’ products.

“A lot of people who have been around us know that it’s a joke,” Mallis says. “But being an indie band, we often play for smaller crowds of people who might not know us or follow us, and it becomes a fun performance piece. People in the crowd are guessing and wondering if we’re for real, and asking, ‘Why is the drummer sponsored by Armor All?’” Aside from an occasional comment left on his Youtube page, there hasn’t been much of a corporate response from any of the products that have been incorporated into the songs and live show. “Once, I think Pepto Bismol left a comment that said ‘…

just as long as the product is used as it is described on the package,’” he recalls.

Mallis wrote and recorded all of the songs on the album himself. For mastering, he worked with The Glow Recording Studio owner Jesse Mangum.

Press play on Product Placement and each song naturally extends beyond the album’s conceptual elements. Clearly, there’s more to Mallis’ songwriting than postmodern parody. He sees the song “Product Placement” as the end of the character that he’s created, and the idea as a whole. What’s in store for the next album remains to be seen. “I don’t want to always be known as the guy who used to have a Pepto Bismol product placement,” Mallis says with a laugh. “What comes next will be handled a lot differently.” f

WHO: Nicholas Mallis, Moloq, Buddy Crime WHERE: Flicker Theatre & Bar WHEN: Friday, Mar. 24, 8 p.m.

HOW MUCH: $10

PAIN & WONDER

TATTOO

VOTED AN ATHENS’ FAVORITE TATTOO STUDIO 2011–2020

SAVE THE DATE! Monday, MARCH 27th 10am-2pm POP UP with: 285 W. Washington St.

Athens, GA 30601

(706) 208-9588 www.painandwonder.com

14

F L A GP OL E .C OM · M A R C H 22, 2023

• LT Swimwear • Dina LaFera Skincare • Let’s Glow Girls Spray Tan (get one during the pop up!)

• Refreshments

600 Oglethorpe Ave. Suite 4 706-548-2188 www.alaferasalon.com

live music calendar Tuesday 21

Wednesday 22 Athentic Brewing Co. 7–9 p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing.com WEDNESDAY KARAOKE NIGHT Choose from a catalog of over 51,000 songs ranging from pop, rock, musical theater and more.

Creature Comforts Brewery Athens Farmers Market. 5–8 p.m.

FREE! www.athensfarmersmarket. net THE HUMDINGERS Acoustic interpretations of pop and soul. (6 p.m.)

Flicker Theatre & Bar 9 p.m. FREE! www.flickertheatreand bar.com DR. FRED’S KARAOKE Featuring a large assortment of pop, rock, indie and more.

Hendershot’s 8 p.m. www.hendershotsathens.com CANARY AFFAIR Indie rock band with an affinity for irregular time signatures and psychedelic grooves.

HUNLO Introspective project of lighthearted’s Toni Hunlo inspired by folk rock, R&B, country and western twang.

HENSLEYS No info available.

Thursday 23 40 Watt Club 8 p.m. $15. www.40watt.com THE COLLECTION North Carolina indie pop band with an orchestral sound.

MOM ROCK “Post-​ironic” indie rock band.

Ciné 9 p.m. $10. www.athenscine.com JD PINKUS Bassist known for his work with Butthole Surfers, Melvins and Daddy Longhead plays freaky bluegrass on banjo.

DANIEL MASON Banjo player who has performed with Hank III, IV and the Strange Band and Bob Wayne.

A.M. RODRIGUEZ Local bluesy, alt-​country singer-​songwriter.

Flicker Theatre & Bar 8 p.m. $10. www.flickertheatreand bar.com BEA PORGES Local songwriter crafting heartfelt songs accom-

Friday 24 40 Watt Club 8 p.m. $25. www.40watt.com HOUNDMOUTH Alternative rock band embracing a nostalgic sound, with hits like 2015’s “Sedona.”

ABBY HAMILTON Kentucky roots rocker and country songwriter.

Ciné 9 p.m. (doors), 9:30 p.m. (show). $10. www.athenscine.com

SQUALLS 22 Original Squalls JACK MILLER AND JIM GREENE members Bob Hay and Diana Torell Jack and Jim will be strumming and lead a set of Squalls material. singing some classics along with BOB HAY Squalls singer-​songoriginals.

Bishop Park writer will perform a solo set of Athens Farmers Market. 8 a.m.–12 Robert Burns material. p.m. FREE! www.athensfarmersTHE WILD JORDAN TONK-​CATS market.net Bob Hay joins an all-​star lineup of MARY SIGALAS & BRIAN SMITH veteran Athens musicians, includMembers of Mary & the Hot Hotty-​ ing original Squalls drummer Mark Hots and the Lonesome Dawn Cooper Smith, for a set of covers perform together. (8 a.m.) and originals.

Flicker Theatre & Bar TRACY & JEFF Vocalist Tracy 8 p.m. $10. www.flickertheatreand Brown and guitarist/harmonica player Jeff Lustig play jazz and bar.com blues standards. (10 a.m.)

NICHOLAS MALLIS Local synth pop act claiming a diverse array of supposed corporate sponsors. Album release show!

MOLOQ Absurd ATL post-​apocalyptic pop duo.

BUDDY CRIME Retro sci-​fi space disco.

Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall 7:30 p.m. $30–65. pac. uga.edu YAMATO This highly-​ trained troupe of drummers from Japan travels the world with traditional taiko drums called “waidako” made from animal skins and ancient trees.

International Grill & Bar 7 p.m. FREE! www.faceIron & Wine will perform a sold out show at the book.com/IGBAthensGA Georgia Theatre on Monday, Mar. 27.

SPECTRE OF SURF Boutier Winery & Inn 1950s and ’60s instrumental surf 8 p.m. $10. www.boutierwinery. rock brought into the modern era. com Marigold Auditorium for GARDEN VARIETY Funk and soul Arts and Culture classics from the ’70s as well as Rock the Ark Benefit Concert. 7 originals. p.m. $25 (adv.), $30. www.athens Flicker Theatre & Bar ark.org/rocktheark 8 p.m. $10. www.flickertheatreand THE RANDALL BRAMBLETT bar.com BAND This established Georgia ELF POWER Longtime fixture on singer-​songwriter’s Southern-​ the Athens scene playing crisp, tinged music pulls from a variety of melodic psych-​pop. influences. All proceeds benefit The EYELIDS Portland indie band Ark’s mission to prevent evictions formed from veteran members of and utility disconnections in Athens bands like Pavement and Guided and surrounding counties.

By Voices.

Nowhere Bar Hendershot’s 7 p.m. (doors), 9:30 p.m.

8 p.m. www.hendershotsathens. (show). $10. www.facebook.com/ com NowhereBarAthens JONATHAN HANNAU Chicago DIABLO SANDWHICH & THE DR. pianist and composer devoted to PEPPERS Performing a plethora of the surreal, colorful possibilities country, bluegrass, jazz and rock. of music.

AFTERNOON RACCOONS Atlanta-​ BRANDON QUARLES Athens-​ based bluegrass collective. based songwriter and multi-​instruGUMBO RIVERS Formerly of mentalist whose work combines his Moon Chief. love of indie rock, electronica, and Southern Brewing Co. contemporary classical music.

7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show).

International Grill & Bar $10–15. www.sobrewco.com 7 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/ DEAD LETTER OFFICE Performing IGBAthensGA R.E.M.’s major hits as well as deep DIXIELAND FIVE Five-​piece Dixiedives into the band’s catalog to land jazz band. please the die-​hard fans.

No. 3 Railroad Street 3 p.m. (7 p.m. indoors if raining). $12 suggested donation. www.3rail road.org 40 Watt Club JANET AND THE NEW DOGS 8 p.m. $25. www.40watt.com Athens-​based all-​star band playing HOUNDMOUTH Alternative rock smokin’ blues, R&B and classic band embracing a nostalgic sound, rock. with hits like 2015’s “Sedona.”

Nowhere Bar ABBY HAMILTON Kentucky roots 9:30 p.m. www.facebook.com/ rocker and country songwriter.

NowhereBarAthens Athentic Brewing Co. ANOTHER FIASCO Athens group 6 p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing. with members of Charlie Mars com Band, Lionz and Soul Kitchen.

KIM BLACK

40 Watt Club Presented by Bitter Southerner. 7 p.m. $20. www.40watt.com MJ LENDERMAN Asheville songwriter crafting oblique, emo-​tinged songs.

S.G. GOODMAN Kentucky-​born songwriter toeing the line between indie and Americana with her masterful, dynamic vocals.

Ciné 8 p.m. FREE! www.athenscine.com KARAOKE WITH THE KING Show off your pipes to the world. Every Tuesday.

Hendershot’s No Phone Party. 7 p.m. www.hendershotsathens.com KENOSHA KID Instrumental adventure-​jazz group centered around the rollicking compositions of Dan Nettles and featuring Luca Lombardi, Seth Hendershot and various guests. The March residency shows coincide with Hendershot’s No Phone Parties.

panied by jazzy, complex chord progressions.

JOSH BENNETT BAND Local five-​ piece band blending Southern rock, bluegrass and funk.

The Foundry 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10–15. www.facebook.com/ AubreyEntertainmentAthensGA BICHOS VIVOS Local band playing forró, accordion and triangle-​driven country music from Brazil.

KLEZMER LOCAL 42 Local seven-​ piece klezmer band specializing in Jewish and Romani music.

Georgia Theatre 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $23 (adv.), $27. www.georgiatheatre. com MUSCADINE BLOODLINE Mobile, AL country duo.

Happy Top Lodge & Rest 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10. www.instagram.com/happytop. lodge.rest OUTERSEA Moody space invader surf rock for the lonely and landlocked.

JOSIE LONER Cosmic voyager from beyond the reaches of the known universe with an urgent message for the people of Earth.

LEEANN PEPPERS Voice and cello duet with Lydian Brambila performing improvisation and “The Sound of Fear as it Leaves the Body.”

ORGANICALLY PROGRAMMED Space-​themed electronic act using drum machines and synthesizers to create disco-​pop, jazz and easy listening inspired compositions.

Hendershot’s 8 p.m. $8. www.hendershotsathens. com APRIL MAGAZINE A noisy San Francisco indie pop collective, reminiscent of Velvet Underground and Beat Happening.

REED WINCKLER Atlanta-​based acoustic singer-​songwriter embracing earnest, droll lyrics and DIY style.

WET MEADOWS Folky, botanical rock inspired by natural forms and rhythms.

Hotel Indigo Live After Five. 5:30–8 p.m.

FREE! www.facebook.com/Aubrey Entertainment​AthensGA NATHAN SHEPARD Americana artist from Danielsville.

Nowhere Bar 8:30 p.m. $10. www.facebook.com/ nowherebarathens BLUES JAM Bring an instrument and join host Big C and The Moonshynes for an open blues jam. The house band includes Scott Nicholson, Derek Warren, Brent Davenport and Bo Hembree.

Southern Brewing Co. 6–10 p.m. www.sobrewco.com KARAOKE NIGHT Every Thursday evening.

Saturday 25

Sunday 26

Bolo Bolo Athens 7 p.m. $10. www.instagram.com/ bolo.bolo.ath SHAM Experimental folk songs by Asheville musician Shane Justice McCord, often expanded in collaboration with Mikey Powers, other friends and magnetic tape.

KIRAN FERNANDES Duo with Hamlin Jackson inspired by the music of Ethiopia and the Tuareg music of Sub-​Saharan Africa.

OCEANIC SOUND RESEARCH Ambient-​jazz duo between John Kiran Fernandes (The Olivia Tremor Control, Cloud Recordings) and Oliver Domingo (Organically Programmed).

Boutier Winery & Inn Wine Down. 3–5 p.m. FREE! www. boutierwinery.com LYNWOOD CLEAVELAND A variety of modern and classic rock songs.

The Classic Center 3 p.m. FREE! www.classiccenter. com ATHENS SYMPHONY Join the symphony as they ring in spring with a selection of tunes including “The Star Spangled Banner” and Gershwin’s “Lullaby.”

Creature Comforts Brewery 3–5 p.m. www.creaturecomforts beer.com.

LIVE JAZZ Every Sunday afternoon.

Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall 3 p.m. pac.uga.edu ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA A spring program of selections

by Bach, Vivaldi and Handel. A pre-​performance talk will be held in Ramsey Concert Hall at 2:15 p.m.

Monday 27 Flicker Theatre & Bar 8 p.m. $10. www.flickertheatreand bar.com THE PINK STONES Local hazy cosmic country outfit.

MR. SAM Seattle songwriter Sam Gelband and his band “The People People” sing lo-​fi tunes of joy and friendship.

Georgia Theatre 7 p.m. SOLD OUT! www.georgia theatre.com IRON & WINE Sam Beam sings his heartfelt indie folk tunes.

ANNA MIEKE Irish folk singer-​ songwriter.

Georgia Theatre Rooftop 5:30 p.m. (doors), 6:30 p.m. (show). FREE! www.georgiatheatre. com CANNONANDTHEBOXES Songwriting project of Cannon Rogers.

Red Line 8 p.m. $7. www.instagram.com/ redline_athens WASTE MAN NYC post-punk with an angular, dancy sound.

GOURDHEAD Local grungy punk band.

BEAT UP Local agitprop punk.

Tuesday 28 40 Watt Club 7 p.m. $15 (adv.), $20. www.40watt.com

JONNY CRAIG Former front man of post-​hardcore bands Dance Gavin Dance and Emarosa.

KEEP MY SECRETS South Carolina hip-​hop artist.

Ciné 8 p.m. FREE! www.athenscine.com KARAOKE WITH THE KING Show off your pipes to the world. Every Tuesday.

Flicker Theatre & Bar 8 p.m. $10. www.flickertheatreand bar.com FAITHLESS TOWN Atlanta indie rock.

STARDUST RODEO Local band featuring pedal steel and upright bass.

CHRISTOPHER HENDERSON Local songwriter and founding member of Athens band Gourdhead.

Georgia Theatre 8 p.m. SOLD OUT! www.georgia theatre.com GOOSE Nationally touring jam band fluidly blending genres.

Hendershot’s No Phone Party. 7 p.m. www.hendershotsathens.com KENOSHA KID Instrumental adventure-​jazz group centered around the rollicking compositions of Dan Nettles and featuring Luca Lombardi, Seth Hendershot and various guests. The March residency shows coincide with Hendershot’s No Phone Parties.

Nowhere Bar Goose After Party. 7 p.m. (doors), 9:30 p.m. (show). $15. www.facebook.com/NowhereBarAthens FUNK YOU Augusta band playing high-​energy, get-​your-​dancing-​ shoes-​on jams.

Wednesday 29 40 Watt Club HeAthens Homecoming. 8 p.m. (doors). $50. www.40watt.com DRIVE-​BY TRUCKERS The Southern rock superstars return to Athens for their annual HeAthens Homecoming series.

MODEL CITIZEN Long-​running Alabama-based band that includes members of Drive-​By Truckers, Dexateens, Bohannons and Capsiz.

Athentic Brewing Co. 7–9 p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing.com WEDNESDAY KARAOKE NIGHT Choose from a catalog of over 51,000 songs ranging from pop, rock, musical theater and more.

Creature Comforts Brewing Athens Farmers Market. 5–8 p.m.

FREE! www.athensfarmersmarket.net MARK PLEMMONS Talented local pianist. (6 p.m.)

Flicker Theatre & Bar 9 p.m. FREE! www.flickertheatreand bar.com DR. FRED’S KARAOKE Featuring a pop, rock, indie and more.

International Grill & Bar 7 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/ IGBAthensGA WRECKING ROSES Acoustic trio with harmonized singing.

Ramsey Hall 7:30 p.m. $10 (w/ UGA ID), $20. pac.uga.edu THE WHIFFENPOOFS OF YALE Every year, 14 senior Yale students are selected for the world’s oldest and best-​known collegiate a cappella group. f

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bulletin board Deadline for getting listed in Bulletin Board is every THURSDAY at 5 p.m. for the print issue that comes out the following Wednesday. Online listings are updated daily. Email calendar@flagpole.com.

Art CALL FOR ART (Winterville Center) “The Marigold Festival Annual Art Show” is seeking art to display at this year’s festival. Submit up to three spring-​themed .jpgs by email.

Deadline Apr. 1. Event held in May. wacartshows@gmail.com CALL FOR ARTISTS (Athens, GA) The first-​ever Athens Twilight Artist Market is currently seeking artists to participate. Check website for vendor details. Apr. 22–23. $125/one day, $235/weekend. swgthestore. com/product/artist-​market-​fee CALLS FOR PUBLIC ART (Classic Center Arena) Seeking public art proposals for the exterior plaza, exterior wall and interior entry of the new arena. Deadline Apr. 7, 5 p.m.

Tatiana.veneruso@accgov.com, www.accgov.com/4161/Athens-​ Cultural-​Affairs-​Commission GRADUATE SWEET DREAMS SOCIETY (Graduate Athens) This artist-​in-​residency program is hosted at 10 Graduate Hotels across the country. Participants receive studio space, mentorship and resources to create. Applications due Apr. 17. www.graduatesweet dreams.com/apply JOKERJOKERTV CALL FOR ARTISTS (Online) JOKERJOKERtv is open to ideas and actively accepting proposals for collaboration from visual/musical/video artists and curators living in Athens. Artists worldwide can also submit music videos, short films, skits and ideas to share with a weekly livestream audience. www.jokerjokertv.com/ submit MUSEUM MADNESS (Georgia Museum of Art) As part of the

museum’s 75ht anniversary celebration, an art competition pits 64 works from its collection against one another to see which will emerge as the people’s favorite.

Voting runs every weekday on Instagram (@georgiamuseum) through July. Winner announced Aug. 26. www.georgiamuseum.org OPEN STUDIOS (Lyndon House Arts Center) Studio members have access to spaces for painting, printmaking, photography, ceramics, jewelry, fiber and woodworking.

Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. $65/month. www. accgov.com/7350/Open-​Studio-​ Membership

Auditions ROMEO AND JULIET (Jefferson Civic Center) Jefferson Community Theatre is hosting auditions for the June 2023 production of Romeo and Juliet, a classic tale reimagined for the 1980s. Walk-​in auditions consist of a cold reading from the script. Mar. 26, 4 p.m. & Mar. 28, 6 p.m. www.jeffersoncommunity theatre.com

Classes ART AND WRITING CLASSES (Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation) “Beginning Pottery Wheel-​Throwing with Forrest Gard.” Thursdays, Mar. 30–May 4, 5:30–8:30 p.m. $200–240. “Watercolor Exploration.” Tuesdays, Apr. 4–May 2, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. $160–210. “The Joy of Flowers in Acrylic & Watercolor.”

Tuesdays, Apr. 4–May 2, 6–8 p.m. $160–210. “Beginning and Inter-

art around town ARTWALL@HOTEL INDIGO ATHENS (500 College Ave.) Nancy Everett’s solo show “Classic Inspirations” includes paintings that celebrate Athens and the Southeast. Through mid-May. THE ATHENAEUM (287 W. Broad St.) “Kara Walker: Back of Hand,” the first solo exhibition to be held in Georgia of the work of this internationally renowned artist, includes a series of new works on paper that examine themes such as complicity, racism, misremembered histories and the violence that undergirds the legacy of the South. Through Mar. 23.

ATHENS-CLARKE COUNTY LIBRARY (2025 Baxter St.) Marisa Leilani Mustard presents a collection of colorful paintings in “WILD!” Through April.

ATHENS INSTITUTE FOR CONTEMPORARY ART: ATHICA (675 Pulaski St.) “Confluence” is a pop-up exhibition sharing works by Clarke County School District high school students. Reception Mar. 24, 5–7 p.m. Through Mar. 31.

ATHENTIC BREWING (108 Park Ave.) Corwin Weik is inspired by the natural environment and cultural spaces that have shaped the person he is today.

Through March.

AURUM STUDIOS (125 E. Clayton St.) Susan Pelham’s collages are influenced by Magic Realism, Surrealism, fairy tales and nursery rhymes.

Through March.

CREATURE COMFORTS (271 W. Hancock Ave.) Original painting by local artist Kelsey Wishik. Through March.

DODD GALLERIES (270 River Rd.) Zipporah Camille Thompson presents “HIGH TIDE,” an installation reflecting on the roller coaster of heights and depths of post-grief triumph. Through Mar. 24. • The 2023 “Student Scientific and Medical Illustration Juried Exhibition” spotlights recent works by artists studying in the field. Through Mar. 29. • “Kara Walker: Prince McVeigh and the Turner Blasphemies” is a stop-motion animation

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mediate Acrylics.” Mondays, Apr. 3–May 1, 6–8 p.m. or Thursdays, Apr. 6–May 4, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. $160–210. “Abstract Exploration Courses for Acrylic, Watercolor and Water Soluble Oil Painters.” Thursdays, Apr. 6–May 4, 12:30–2:30 p.m. $160–210. www.ocaf.com ART CLASSES (K.A. Artist Shop) “Pet Portraits in Acrylic.” Mar. 22 & Mar. 29, 6–8 p.m. $55. “Beginner Basics in Watercolor.” Mar. 26, 1–4 p.m. $45. “House Portraits in Watercolor.” Apr. 23, 1–4 p.m. $45. “Photo + Edit Your Artwork.”

Apr. 29 or May 20, 1–4 p.m. $75.

“Pointed Dip Pen Calligraphy.”

May 6, 1–3 p.m. $55. “Abstract Art in Acrylic.” May 9, 6–8 p.m. $35. www.kaartist.com BEGINNING BELLY DANCE (Sangha Yoga Studio) All fitness levels and body types welcome. No experience necessary. Wednesdays, Mar. 22–Apr. 26, 6–7 p.m. $84. www. healingartscentre.net BLACKSMITHING CLASSES (Greenhow Handmade Ironworks, Washington) “Forge a Fire Poker” covers tapering, bending and scrolling, forge welding, cutting with a chisel and more. Apr. 15, May 6 or June 24, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $150. “Forge a Bottle Opener” will cover making open face and church key style bottle openers. Mar. 25 or May 27, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $150. In “Basic Blacksmithing: First Time at the Forge,” students will forge and assemble a wall mount rack with three hooks. Apr. 8 or June 3, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $150. “Forge a Throwing Tomahawk” is for experienced students. Apr. 1, May 13, May 27 or June 10, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $175.

“The Art of Chain Making.” Apr. 29, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $165. “Forge

“Anne McInnis: Full Circle ReSet” is currently on view at the Dodd Galleries through March. an Iron Age Battle Spear.” May 20 or June 17, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $175. greenhowhandmade@gmail.com COMMUNITY DANCE IMPROV (work.shop) No experience necessary. Sundays, 11 a.m.–12 p.m.

Donations accepted. lisa yaconelli@gmail.com DEDICATED MINDFULNESS PRACTITIONERS (Online) Weekly Zoom meditations are offered every Saturday at 8:30–9:30 a.m. Email for details. richardshoe@gmail.com GET FIT! (Lay Park) Ages 55 and older are invited to participate in aerobic walking classes to improve flexibility and strength. Mondays through Apr. 24, 1–2 p.m. 706-​ 613-​3596 GROW YOUR BUSINESS WORKSHOP SERIES (Athens Land Trust or Zoom) The Athens Land Trust presents a course for budding entrepreneurs and existing businesses. Wednesdays through Apr. 19, 5:30–7 p.m. FREE! www. athenslandtrust.org HOLY FIRE III REIKI LEVEL I & II (Serenity Attunement) This three-​ day class covers the history of Usui and Holy Fire Reiki, the energy body and aura anatomy, and how to sense energy and flow. After completion of the course and five sessions, certification is available.

Mar. 24–26, 12–6 p.m. $333. www.serenityattunement.com

of cut-paper silhouettes who reenact several infamous acts of white supremacist history in the country’s recent history. Through Mar. 30. • “Anne McInnis: Full Circle ReSet” maps the cycles of foundation, change, returning and becoming by channeling the lives of New Yorkers working in the textile and fashion industry over the past four decades. Through Mar. 30.

FLICKER THEATRE & BAR (263 W. Washington St.) Artwork by Spencer Lusk. Through March.

GEORGIA MUSEUM OF ART (90 Carlton St.) Spanning the 18th century to the present, “Object Lessons in American Art” features over 100 works of Euro-American, African-American and Native American art from the Princeton University Art Museum’s collection. Through May 14. • “In Dialogue: Henry Ossawa Tanner, Mentor and Muse.” Through June 18. • “Art is a form of freedom” is a collaborative project through which incarcerated women at the Whitworth Women’s Facility selected works for an exhibition and wrote prose and poetry in response to the pieces. Through July 2. • “Decade of Tradition: Highlights from the Larry D. and Brenda A. Thompson Collection.” Through July 3.

GLASSCUBE@INDIGO (500 College Ave.) Zane Cochran presents “Aurora,” a sculptural interpretation of the aurora borealis using 3D geometric figures and lights.

HENDERSHOT’S (237 Prince Ave.) “Shh… Art!” features works by Stephanie Reavis, Steve Sweetser, Kylie Woodall and Jeff Rapier. Through March.

JUST PHO… AND MORE (1063 Baxter St.) Susan Pelham’s collages are influenced by Magic Realism, Surrealism, fairy tales and nursery rhymes.

Through May. LAST RESORT GRILL (174 W. Clayton St.) Troy Ayers presents oil paintings while Amanda Ayers shares travel photography. Through March.

LYNDON HOUSE ARTS CENTER (211 Hoyt St.) “Resilient Civic and Musical Life: Ware-Lyndon House Enslaved and Descendant Stories” includes a film; reading room of books relevant to the African American experience in art, music and heritage; and a visual timeline relating a fuller and more truthful story of the property and its inhabitants. On view Thursdays– Saturdays. • Juried by Maria Elena Ortiz, curator at The Modern in Fort

HOMEBUYER EDUCATION WORKSHOP (Zoom) Athens Land Trust presents an eight-​hour, HUD-​certified course for first-​time homeowners that covers the home-​buying process in Georgia. Pre-​registration required. Apr. 15, May 20 and June 17, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. $10. www. athenslandtrust.org IMPROV COMEDY COURSES (work. shop) Level 1 is a six-​week course introducing the basics of improv comedy. Fundamental skills include saying “Yes, and…,” creating interesting scenes, cultivating spontaneity and following your intuition.

Begins Mar. 26, 6:30–8:30 p.m. $150. www.flyingsquidcomedy.com INTRO TO AQUA OILS (K.A. Artist Shop) This three-​week class led by Lauren Adams covers the essentials of oil painting with solvent-​free colors and the importance of value, color and composition. Wednesdays, Apr. 12–26, 6–8 p.m. $75. www.kaartist.com MINDFULNESS PRACTICE EVENINGS (Online) Discuss and practice how to change your relationship with difficult thoughts and emotions. Email for the Zoom link.

Second Friday of the month, 6–7 p.m. FREE! mfhealy@bellsouth.net OPEN/COMMUNITY MEDITATION (Sangha Yoga Studio at Healing Arts Centre) Uma Rose leads a meditation designed to guide par-

ticipants into stillness and silence.

Mondays, 4–5 p.m. Donations encouraged. www.healingarts centre.net PUBLIC DANCE (The Studio Athens) Beginner Rumba lessons followed

by DJ’d waltz, swing, salsa, tango etc. Every fourth Saturday. 7:30–10 p.m. $5 (students), $10 (non-​students). www.gmdance.com SALSA DANCE CLASSES (Starland Lounge & Lanes) Join SALSAthens for Cuban style salsa dance classes. No partner necessary.

Beginners welcome. Every Wednesday, 7:30–8:30 p.m. $10. gwyneth. moody@gmail.com TRADITIONAL MARTIAL ARTS CLASSES (Live Oak Martial Arts) Traditional and modern-​style Taekwondo, self-​defense, grappling and weapons classes are offered for all ages. Classes in Jodo, the art of the Japanese staff and sword, are held Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7 p.m. Visit the website for a full schedule. liveoak martialarts@gmail.com, www.live oakmartialarts.com YOGA AND MORE (Revolution Therapy and Yoga) Revolution is a multipurpose mind-​body wellness studio offering yoga and therapy with an emphasis on trauma-​informed practices. Check website for upcoming classes and programs. www.revolutiontherapyandyoga.com

Worth, TX, the 48th Juried Exhibition features 154 works by 107 local artists. Through May 6.

OCONEE COUNTY LIBRARY (1080 Experiment Station Rd.) The Athens Art Association shares a variety of works by its members. Through March.

OCONEE CULTURAL ARTS FOUNDATION (34 School St., Watkinsville) Beatrice Brown’s “Quilt Stories of Time and Place” creates a timeline of motifs used in fabric quilting designs dating from ancient Egypt to the present day.

Through Apr. 7. • In celebration of Youth Art Month, an exhibition features works by K-12 students attending Oconee County schools. Through March.

ODUM SCHOOL OF ECOLOGY GALLERY (140 E. Green St.) Natural science illustrator C Olivia Carlisle shares insect, botanical and ecosystems illustrations using graphite, carbon pencil, watercolor, acrylic, ink, color pencils and Adobe Photoshop. Through May. STEFFEN THOMAS MUSEUM OF ART (4200 Bethany Rd., Buckhead) “Hinterglasmalerei: Reverse Paintings of Steffen Thomas” explores the range of experimentation Thomas did with the ancient technique. Through Apr. 22.

TIF SIGFRIDS (393 N. Finley St.) Artwork by Andy Giannakakis, Gracie DeVito, John Fahey, Margaux Ogden and J.V. Martin. Through Apr. 1.

UGA SPECIAL COLLECTIONS LIBRARIES (300 S. Hull St.) “Unequal by Design: Housing in Georgia and America” draws upon historic government documents, photographs, historic newspapers and other records to trace the evolution of housing policy, tackling issues such as zoning, gentrification and suburbanization. Through May 26. • “A Chance to Play: Title IX and Women’s Athletics at UGA” celebrates 50 years of women’s sports at UGA. Through May. • “Freemasonry in Georgia: Ideals, Imagery and Impact” presents items that demonstrate the ambitions and tensions that existed within the secret society. Through July 7.

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP OF ATHENS (780 Timothy Rd.) The work of portrait artist Diana Paradise is currently featured in the Claire and Robert Clements Gallery. Open Sunday mornings or by appointment at 706-546-7914.

WINTERVILLE LIBRARY (115 Marigold Lane, Winterville) Nature photography by Ken Storey. Through Mar. 24.

YOGA CLASSES (Let It Be Yoga Studio, Watkinsville) Classes are offered in Hatha, Vinyasa, Kundalini, beginner, gentle and other styles.

Check online calendar for weekly offerings. www.letitbeyoga.org ZOOM YOGA (Online) Rev. Elizabeth Alder offers “Off the Floor Yoga” (chair and standing) on Mondays at 1:30 p.m. and “Easy on the Mat” yoga classes on Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. Ongoing classes are $5/class or $18/month. 706-​612-​8077, ommmever@yahoo.com

Help Out MULTIPLE CHOICES BOARD MEMBERS (Athens, GA) Seeking a new board member for Multiple Choices Center for Independent Living, a nonprofit agency of disability advocates serving individuals throughout a 10-​county area of Northeastern Georgia. Call for information. 706-​ 850-​4025 SCNC BOARD MEMBERS (Sandy Creek Nature Center) Sandy Creek Nature Center, Inc., the founding support organization for SCNC, is seeking new members for its board of directors. Experience in accounting, social media or retail preferred.

Apply online. scncinc@gmail.com, www.sandycreeknaturecenterinc. org/board-​members

Kidstuff ART CLUBS (K.A. Artist Shop) Draw, paint, collage and create during weekly Art Card Club meet-​ups.

Fridays, 4:30–6 p.m. (pre-​teens), 6:30–8 p.m. (teens). Drawing Club for Teens, taught by local artist James Greer, is held Wednesdays, 5–6:30 p.m. $25/drop-​in, $180 (10-​ session pass). www.kaartist.com CAMP REGISTRATION (Athens, GA) The ACC Leisure Services Department offers a variety of summer camps. Now registering. www.acc gov.com/myrec LUTHEROAD DAYCAMP (Holy Cross Lutheran Church) Activities include games, crafts, worship and special events. Register by May 14.

Camp runs June 26–30, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. www.holycrossathens.com/ lutheroad READ MAKE PLAY (’Brella Studio) Various art activities for ages 0–5 are offered weekday mornings at 9 a.m. Check website for upcoming programs. Story time is also held every Friday at 10 a.m. www.brella studio.com SPARK WEEKEND ACADEMY (UGA Center for Continuing Education & Hotel) “Be Audit You Can Be: Accounting 101” for ages 15–17 is held Apr. 22–23, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $15. www.georgiacenter.uga.edu/ youth/spark STUDENT ART COMPETITION (State Botanical Garden of Georgia) Students in ninth grade and above (including college) can submit original artwork that may be used to create gift shop items such as note cards, T-​shirts, scarves and mugs. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three winners. Deadline Mar. 31. botgarden.uga.edu/event/ student-​art-​competition-​submission-​deadline SUMMER ART CAMPS (K.A. Artist Shop) A variety of half-​day or full-​ day camps are available for pre-​ teens and teens. Subjects include drawing, painting, calligraphy, creative journaling, printmaking, collage and more. Weekly camps run June 1–July 17, 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. or 1:30–5:30 p.m. $250/week of half days, $450/week of full days. www.kaartist.com

SUMMER CAMPS (Treehouse Kid & Craft) Camps are offered a variety of themes including digital design and illustration, Halloween, apothecary and flora, glow in the dark and blacklight, food trucks, slime and more. Check website for dates and descriptions. www.treehousekidand craft.com SWIM LESSONS (Athens, GA) Swim lessons for children ages 3 and older are offered at Heard Park, Lay Park, Memorial Park and Rocksprings Park pools. $33–50/ session. The ACC Leisure Services’ Kinderswim program for 5-​year-​old children is free. www.accgov.com/ myrec TUTORING (Online) The Athens Regional Library System is now offering free, live online tutoring via tutor.com for students K-​12, plus college students and adult learners.

Daily, 2–9 p.m. athenslibrary.org

Support Groups ACA ADULT CHILDREN OF ALCOHOLICS AND DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILIES (Holy Cross Lutheran Church) This support group meets weekly. Tuesdays, 6:30–7:30 p.m. annetteanelson@gmail.com ATHENS COUNCIL OF THE BLIND (Athens, GA) Open to people of all ages with vision impairments, their families and friends. Topics include adaptive equipment, recreational and social opportunities, and advocacy. 706-​424-​2794, dlwahlers@ gmail.com GRIEF & LOSS SUPPORT GROUP (ACCA Center for Active Living) First Wednesday of the month, 10:30–11:30 a.m. abarefoot@ accaging.org LGBTQIA+ VIRTUAL ALPHABET FAMILY GATHERING (Online) This is a safe space for anyone on the LGBTQIA+/TGQNB spectrum.

Fourth Sunday of every month, 6–8 p.m. uuathensga.org/justice/ welcoming-​congregation MENTAL HEALTH PEER RECOVERY GROUP (Nuçi’s Space) Participants support each other through life’s challenges by sharing from their skills, experiences and proven coping mechanisms. Newcomers welcome. First Tuesday of the month, 4–6 p.m. pr@nuci.org, www.nuci.org NEW PARENTS AND INFANT FEEDING SUPPORT GROUP (BYL Family Resource Center) Come as you are for community, snacks and feeding advice from professionals.

Babies and children of all ages are welcome. Wednesdays, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. FREE! www.byyourleave.org PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP (First Baptist Church) This group is to encourage, support and share information with fellow sojourners who manage the challenges of Parkinson’s disease or other movement disorders. Second Friday of every month, 1 p.m. gpnoblet@ bellsouth.net PROJECT SAFE (Family Protection Center) Project Safe hosts a support group for survivors of domestic violence. Mondays, 6:30–8 p.m. www. project-​safe.org RECOVERY DHARMA (Recovery Dharma) This peer-​led support group offers a Buddhist-​inspired path to recovery from any addiction.

Visit the website for details. Thursdays, 7 p.m. FREE! www.athens recoverydharma.org SUPPORT GROUPS (Integrity Counseling & Personal Development) ICPD offers several support groups. “LGBTQIA+ Young Adults Group” is offered for ages 18–30.

“Survivors of Suicide Loss Group” is offered the first Wednesday of

every month, 7–8 p.m. “Veterans, Dependents & Caregivers Benefits Resource & Claim Assistance Group” is offered the first Saturday of every month, 9–10 a.m. www. integrityofjefferson.com

music

threats & promises

Memorial for Keith ‘Bear’ Fowler

Word on the Street PLUS, MORE MUSIC NEWS AND GOSSIP AAMGA ANNUAL BULB SALE (Athens Clarke Co. Extension Office) The Athens Area Master Gardeners Association hosts a sale of flower bulbs. Pre-​order now through May 1. Pick-​up in October for fall planting. tinyurl.com/aamag2023 bulbsale ATHENS BEER TRAIL TROLLEY TOURS (Athens, GA) A new trolly tour will provide transportation between six local breweries: Akademia, Athentic, Creature Comforts, Southern Brewing, Terrapin Beer and Normaltown Brewing. Tours run every Thursday and Friday from 3–9 p.m. www.athenstrolleytours.com/ beer-​trolley-​tour FREE HEALTH CLINICS (Nuçi’s Space) Nuçi’s will offer a free health clinic on Mar. 27. No insurance, no problem. Call to book an appointment. 706-​227-​1515, www.nuci.org MARGO METAPHYSICAL EVENTS (Margo Metaphysical) Monday Tarot Readings offered 1–5 p.m. ($6 per card). Tuesday Tarot with Davita offered 4–6 p.m. ($5 per card). Wednesday Night Sound Healing with Joey held 6–7:30 p.m. ($35). Thursday Tarot with Courtney is offered 12–5 p.m. ($10–45).

Friday Henna Party with Aiyanna ($10–75). 706-​372-​1462 RABBIT BOX (VFW Post 2872) Seeking storytellers to share seven-​minute true tales. Upcoming themes include “Awkward!” in April and “Gone but not Forgotten” in May. Email to participate. rabbitbox stories@gmail.com RABBIT HOLE EVENTS (Rabbit Hole Studios) Weekly events include Open Mic (Tuesdays, 7–11 p.m.), Acoustic Song Circle (Thursdays, 7–11 p.m.), Seventh Generation Native American Church services and community potlucks (Sundays, 11 a.m.) and Drumming and Song Circle (Sundays, 3–5 p.m.). Weekly Sunday Funday Markets held 1–5 p.m. Wednesday Yoga (5 p.m.) is followed by Meditation and Integration (6 p.m.). Events are free or donation based. www.rabbithole studios.org/calendar ROLLERGIRL BOOT CAMP (Fun Galaxy Athens) The Classic City Rollergirls host a spring boot camp for aspiring rollergirls or those who would like to learn some tips and tricks. Saturdays, 9–11:30 a.m. and Wednesdays, 6–9 p.m. Through Apr. 5. $20 (gear rental), $3 (skate rental), $2 (mouthguard). www. classiccityrollergirls.com SPRING PROGRAMS (Athens, GA) The ACC Leisure Services Department offers a variety of activities highlighting the arts, environmental science, recreation, sports and holiday events for adults and children. Now registering. Scholarships available. www.accgov.com/myrec SUMMER JOBS (Athens, GA) ACC Leisure Services will hire over 100 summer positions including camp counselors, lifeguards and more.

Hourly pay ranges $15.60–17.

Now accepting applications. www. accgov.com/jobs TIRED OF LITTER SPRING TIRE ROUND-​UP (ACC Landfill and CHaRM) There is no disposal fee for residents of ACC and Oglethorpe Counties to drop off up to six abandoned or used tires. Mar. 26–Apr. 1. www.accgov.com/8116/Tire-​ Round-​Up-​Event f

By Gordon Lamb threatsandpromises@flagpole.com REST IN PEACE: The memorial service for Athens musician, sound engineer and scene participant Keith “Bear” Fowler takes place Sunday, Mar. 26 at the Marigold Auditorium for Arts & Culture (373 N. Church St., Winterville) at 3:30 p.m. A reception will follow at Hendershot’s. While he lived in many cities during his adult life, he was a known quantity in Athens and a great friend to many. He is survived by his wife, Rachel Cabaniss. Keith was 54 years old.

SHELF STABLE: There are several very solid shows happening in town Friday, Mar. 24 and, while I’d really love to be able to highlight them all, I’m choosing the album release show from Nicholas Mallis at the Flicker Theatre and Bar. The new full length is named Product Placement, and you will never convince me that Mallis didn’t have The Who Sell Out at least partially in mind while making this. The first single, the breezy and innocent sounding “Drug Store,” is available to stream everywhere as we speak.

This album allegedly comes courtesy of Amazon’s new record label Second-Day Records. Also on this bill are Atlanta’s Moloq and Louisville, KY’s Buddy Crime. This show costs $10.

TAIKO ‘BOUT IT: OK, I take that back a little, because I also want to highlight the Friday, Mar. 24 appearance from Yamato: The Drummers of Japan, who are on tour with their newest show “Hinotori—The Wings of Phoenix.” This Keith Fowler performance happens at the UGA Performing Arts Center’s Hodgson Concert Hall at 7:30 pm. This year is the group’s 30th anniversary. The group lives and works in Asuka Village, which, as several press releases have advised me, is considered to be “the birthplace of Japanese culture.” These men are considered musician-athletes, and the size, heft and weight of the instruments they play should tip anyone off to that, not to mention the group’s forceful playing.

This is one of those cases where I totally don’t know what I don’t know, so please see yamatodrummers.com for more information. Tickets for this performance range from $30–65, and information on purchasing may be found at pac.uga.edu/event/ yamato-the-drummers-of-japan.

WELL, THANKS!: Chattanooga, TN’s Riverview Foundation recently continued its habit of contributing a lot of money to a worthy cause in Athens. It has previously given grants to the Athens Land Trust, the Athens YMCA, the Firefly Trail and many more. This past January the organization awarded a $100,000 grant to The Classic

Center as part of the center’s Elevate fundraising campaign, the purpose of which is to “expand The Classic Center’s music, education and entertainment programming.” This grant is specifically earmarked to support the expansion and exhibition of the collection of the Georgia Music Hall of Fame, which is slated to begin being displayed around the center in 2024. For more information on The Classic Center’s Elevate Campaign, please see classiccenter. com/503/ELEVATE-Campaign. For more information on the Riverview Foundation, please see riverviewfdn.org.

GOOD AS ANY: OK, this one is really stretching the geographical limits of what I’ll include in here, but it’s closely related to a few Athens talents who haven’t been mentioned recently. Colorado group Duck Turnstone just released its seven-track album Duck Tells A Story on Drew Kirby’s Marching Banana Records. It was produced by Jojo Glidewell (of Montreal, Modern Skirts),

and Ross Brown of Shy Boys handled mixing duties. Appearing on the record itself is Jack Blauvelt (Night Palace, Neighbor Lady) playing drums, auxiliary percussion and guitar, while Glidewell contributes saxophone. Generally speaking, everything here is mid-tempo, kinda gentle indie rock, but without really sliding into super gentle territory. The vocal melodies are solid and creative, and even familiar chord patterns really shine out here. Check it out on your own at duckturnstone.bandcamp.com.

TIME CAPSULE: You didn’t ask for it, you didn’t think about it, and you probably had forgotten it ever existed. So rejoice or cry or whatever you want, because the 2009 album by Quiet Hooves No Mare O’ Mine has been reborn digitally courtesy of member and artist Julian Bozeman. The ninetrack release actually stands up surprisingly well considering how ramshackle and offthe-cuff so much of their existence seemed to be. It’s still the folky, poppy, clever collection of tunes you might have used to love.

Find this at quiethooves.bandcamp.com. f

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food & drink

good growing

advice

hey, bonita…

For the Birds

Dead-End Dream Job

By Erin France news@flagpole.com

By Bonita Applebum advice@flagpole.com

ADVICE FOR ATHENS’ LOOSE AND LOVELORN

HOW TO ATTRACT NEW FEATHERED FRIENDS

Attracting birds to your yard might seem like an easy venture, but there are plenty of folks who find it difficult to make feathered friends. Here are some common roadblocks you might meet in making your space a place for the birds.

STEREOTYPES: You don’t have to be retired, university-educated or white to enjoy birds.

MacArthur Fellowship winner, ornithologist, naturalist and writer Drew Lanham recently spoke at the Friends of the Georgia Museum of Natural History gala fundraiser highlighting the role nature, and birds in particular, have played in his life as a Black man.

ERIN FRANCE

death, said Athens Area Master Gardener Liz Conroy.

Nandina, regularly found in big box stores and Georgia landscaping, sprouts bright red berries containing cyanide and proliferates quickly, even in our heavy clay soil. The fruits attract the cedar waxwing, who munch on similar-looking native holly berries. “Little piggy waxwings will just eat and eat and eat and fall over dead. They realize too late that they’re stuffed with toxins,” Conroy said.

Conroy suggests a layering approach to landscaping, offering birds native plants including short grasses and beefy bushes, as well as petite and towering trees.

Lavender cited Chinese privet as an invasive he’d put on the eviction list.

“It’s actually out-competing a lot of native species,” he said. “The more you can [replace invasives], the more attractive your yard is going to become.”

BIRD BATHS: If you’ve

only got money for one bird-centered article, a bird bath should be at the top of the list. “Water is critical,” Conroy said.

This tufted titmouse chose a porch corner over a gourd birdhouse.

“During a drought they’re just desperate for water.”

And while only some birds eat seeds “His message [was] a combination of the from feeders, Lavender said, all birds need restorative power of nature and its role in his life in combating the racism he’s experia drink of water. “A bird bath is better at enced,” said James Porter, president of the attracting a diversity of birds.”

Friends and retired UGA School of Ecology I would highly suggest plonking down professor. “It’s a message that everyone the cash for a ready made bird bath. I have should hear.” tried DIY-ing a cheaper version and fell Along with sourdough, many new people into promoting a mosquito swimming pool took up birdwatching during the pandemic, instead of hosting a MacGyver bird spa.

Bird feeders—and the ongoing cost of with backyard bird videos becoming popular filling them—are more up to individual on TikTok and spikes in web traffic related interpretation. to identifying and attracting birds. If you’re “One thing to consider when you’re getinterested in learning more, watch a few ting a bird feeder is how much time you’re videos, listen to a birding podcast or read Lanham’s book The Home Place: Memoirs of a going to put into maintaining and refilling it,” Lavender said. But, he assured me, the Colored Man’s Love Affair with Nature. birds aren’t starving if the feeder remains TINY SPACES AND ANGRY NEIGHBORS: You might empty. only have access to a small porch or balcony.

“They’re taking advantage of how accesOr, you could have a neighbor more upset sible the food that you’re putting out is,” about bird poop piles than feeding native Lavender said. “We’re not causing them birds. In that case, try a hummingbird to change.” Some birds prefer sunflower feeder, said Joseph Lavender, an ornitholoseeds, others chow down on mealworms. gist, researcher and UGA School of Ecology Others, like the mourning dove, prefer to senior. eat millet and smaller grains off the ground.

Hang feeders from awnings or railings Ultimately, what bird food you choose to set and pot up hummer favorites like red salvia, out and where will have an impact on what Lavender said. Apartment dwellers might birds you see. want to initially opt for hummingbird feedBirds also can be finicky about their ers because invasive swarming starlings homes, and many have specialized places could easily out-compete nearby native they prefer to nest, which can be disheartsongbirds. “Especially in a really populated ening to those of us with empty boatarea,” he said. “They will make a mess shaped birdhouses or lonely hand-painted because there’s a lot of them.” gourds dangling from trees. The bluebird, for example, looks for a home with a 1.5LACK OF NATIVE HABITAT: If you have a yard in inch hole near a large field where it can Georgia, you likely have a bunch of invasive hunt for insects. I snagged two families of non-native plants. Those non-natives can bluebirds last year by adhering to their precause loss of habitat, and in some cases ferred real estate. f

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · M A R C H 22, 2023

Hey Bonita, I feel torn. I currently work at a job I LOVE. I will not mention the [company’s] name for legal purposes, but it has been made clear to me that this will only be a part-time gig with no potential to become full-time any time soon.

There are laws in place that restrict me from finding a second job doing similar work. I am put in the position to find a second job that’s not affiliated with my current position, which makes my options very slim. I also pay out of pocket for health insurance due to my job not offering part-time workers benefits.

I am now considering leaving this job to get a stable 9 to 5 with benefits. I can’t commit to a decision. The job I currently have brings me so much happiness. I come to work excited and passionate. It breaks my heart to even be considering leaving. I know financially I would be better off with a 9 to 5, but I would be less fulfilled emotionally. At what point do you choose between money and happiness?

Sincerely, A lost soul Hey Lost Soul, Choosing your financial well-being over a fun job is an experience that most working people will have at some point, and I think you would benefit greatly from managing your expectations around work. Specifically, the idea that work should make us feel loved or fulfilled in some way.

Most work isn’t fun to do, even for someone who chooses a line of work because they found it to be fun at some point. It stops being fun when our choice is taken away, and we are forced to do what we love to keep the lights on.

Everyone I know who turned a personal passion into a side hustle eventually has to do some of the not-fun housekeeping that comes along with being self-employed. If anything, it’s demoralizing to send pitch after pitch and get no response, and tax season alone is enough to make a freelancer want to expatriate. The joyful side hustle turns into an albatross instead of a dream

job, and it takes mindfulness to keep hold of the joy that made us want to go into business for ourselves anyway.

I’m so happy that you are excited and passionate about the work that you do— work that clearly doesn’t meet your financial needs, which is the absolute minimum of what a worker should expect from a workplace. But you assume that a 9 to 5 with benefits will not be a passionate or exciting experience, and my response to that is: So what? I would ask you why you expect a job to do for you what people and hobbies are supposed to (actualization and fulfillment), and I would also ask why you think your financial security is not as valuable as enjoying a job. How is a job more important than you, the actual body and soul that has to do that work? I think we truly feel joy and fulfillment when we can relax and feel secure in our existence, and your current job is causing tangible problems by not providing enough work for you, not to mention the non-compete clause that has you trapped in a really bad spot.

Doesn’t sound like fulfillment to me.

You deserve a job that supports you the way it should, and you will struggle to find joy in work for the rest of your life if you expect work to make you feel valuable.

Work can’t love us back. Why can’t jobs just do what they’re meant to and keep us housed and fed? We’ve all heard the viral audio clip,

and that person is right: There are no dream jobs because in a perfect world, no one would dream of labor. We should not look to an environment that can and will unceremoniously dump/fire us and expect it to make our hearts feel whole. We should not have to rationalize the removal of our choice by telling ourselves that work loves us. Get yourself taken care of, and seek love from places that can reciprocate that feeling. Your job can’t do that. f Need advice? Email advice@flagpole.com, or use our anonymous online form at flagpole.com/get-­ advice.

Flight of the Fireflies Lantern Parade Saturday April 1, 2023 • 8pm gathering at Dudley Park Let us light up the winding paths to Dudley Park together! Leisure Services is pleased to invite all of Athens community, individuals, families, school, neighborhood groups, and organizations to Flight of the Fireflies Lantern Parade. Bring your lanterns, flashlights, and your imagination and join in the parade.

Participants will enjoy live music, fantastical performers and large-scale illuminated puppets. On the night of the Flight of the Fireflies Lantern Parade, each access point to Dudley Park will be color-coded and staffed with friendly volunteers to help you find your way. Meet your friends and families at any of the three entry points.

DIY lanterns are encouraged! However, only portable light source powered by battery, solar, or other flameless lights are welcomed.

accgov.com/lanternparade

WUGA SEEKING FULL TIME SENIOR CONTENT PRODUCER WUGA, the NPR station serving Athens and Northeast Georgia, is looking for a full time Senior Content Producer to join our team and help tell the stories that matter to our audience and the Athens community. Position reports to the Program Director and Content Strategist. The Senior Content Producer will be responsible for editorial and production planning for weekly news programs, including topic selection, story ideas, guest selection and booking.

Please note: this is NOT an entry-level position.

The position is an on-air personality.

Check out the current and past Flagpole Athens Favorites winners online at flagpole.com.

Qualified candidates will have a high level of written and verbal communication skills; radio, tv, or newsroom experience; demonstrate skills relevant to website content management; and an ability to work in a high pressure, deadline-driven broadcast environment.

CONTACT: JASANDER@UGA.EDU OR APPLY ON UGA STAFF JOBS SITE M A R C H 22, 2023· F L A GP OL E .C OM

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classifieds Buy It, Sell It, Rent It, Use It! Place an ad anytime, email class@flagpole.com

 Indicates images available at classifieds.flagpole.com

REAL ESTATE HOUSES FOR RENT 4BR/4BA near UGA intramural fields on Riverdale Dr. $2,800/mo. Available August 4th. Contact Daniel Peiken at daniel@athens home.com or 706-2962941.

Athens School of Music.

Now offering in-person and online instruction in guitar, bass, drums, piano, voice, brass, woodwinds, strings, banjo, mandolin and more.

From beginner to expert, all styles. Visit www.athens schoolofmusic.com, 706543-5800.

MUSIC SERVICES

House, 3BR/2BA in Normaltown. Central air. Apartment, 2BR/1BA. Furnished.

Washer/dryer. Wi-Fi. No smokers, pets. Calls only!

706-372-1505

Instant cash is now being paid for good vinyl records & CDs in fine condition. Wuxtry Records, at corner of Clayton & College Dwntn. 706-369-9428.

Flagpole ♥s our advertisers!

SERVICES

MUSIC INSTRUCTION VOICE LESSONS: Specializing in older (50+) beginners and intermediates. Gift certificates available. Contact stacie.court@ gmail.com or 706-424-9516.

CLEANING Peachy Green Clean Cooperative, your local friendly green cleaners! Free estimates. Call or go online today: 706-248-4601, www. peachygreencleancoop. com Flagpole ♥s our donors!

flagpole classifieds REACH OVER 30,000 READERS EVERY WEEK! Business Services Real Estate Music For Sale

Employment Vehicles Messages Personals

BASIC RATES * Individual Real Estate Business (RTS) Run-‘Til-Sold** Online Only***

HEALTH Personal Trainer in Five Points in my mid-fifties. I have a home-based commercial gym or can travel and would love to help you meet your goals. 706-7140887

HOME AND GARDEN Plumber Pro Service & Drain. Upfront pricing. Free estimates. $30 Flagpole discount. Call 706-769-7761.

Same-day service available. www.plumberproservice. com UNITY COOPERATIVE LABOR PARTNERS: Lawn care, debris removal, gutter cleaning, painting/ carpentry, construction clean-up, furniture moving.

Under The Economic Justice Coalition. Insured and bonded. Call: 706-549-1142 Woman-Run Gardening Services: We offer raised bed building, garden maintenance, invasive plant removal, personalized native & edible gardens for your home or business.

Call/Text: 706-395-5321 Advertise your service in the Flagpole Classifieds!

JOBS FULL-TIME Classic City Installation: Starting @ $18–25/hr.

Assistant Manager and Manager roles performing furniture installation on college campuses. Great benefits, travel as a team w/ food stipend and lodging 100% covered. Email: caswall@classiccityinstallation. com or 706-340-7694.

Come work for a well-established catering company.

Openings for serving staff and bartenders. Eat well, work hard and have fun.

You determine the hours you’d like to work. Apply online: https://www.trumps catering.com/work-with-us Join our growing team of well-paid, motivated, hardworking individuals. Junk South offers starting pay w/ tips ~ $18–$24/hr. Learn more about Junk South at www.junksouth.com; email us at info@junksouth.com or call 706-424-4389.

Find employees by advertising in the Flagpole Classifieds! Call 706-549-0301 or email class@flagpole.com

Taste of India is now hiring (Busser, host, to-go specialist, floater). Paid weekly, employee meals, flexible schedules, full-time or parttime. $15–20. APPLY IN PERSON. UberPrints is now hiring for multiple positions! Both full and part-time positions available. For more information and applications, go to uber prints.com/company/jobs WUGA is hiring a Senior Content Producer. This is a full-time on-air position. See ad in this issue for details.

To apply contact jasander@ uga.edu or visit UGA staff job site.

OPPORTUNITIES Do you like driving, know your way around town and need some extra cash?

Flagpole needs reliable fill-in drivers for when our regular drivers are out!

Email frontdesk@flagpole.com to be included in emails about future Distribution opportunities. Own car, ability to follow instructions, attention to detail and Tuesday availability required! Previous delivery experience preferred. No calls or walk-ins!

ADOPT ME!

Visit www.accgov.com/257/Available-Pets to view all the cats and dogs available at the shelter

$10 per week $14 per week $16 per week $40 per 12 weeks $5 per week

• Call our Classifieds Dept. 706-549-0301 • Email us at class@flagpole.com

• Deadline to place ads is 11:00 a.m. every Monday for the following Wednesday issue • All ads must be prepaid

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · M A R C H 22, 2023

Join a diverse, inclusive workplace, and get paid to type! 16–40 hours M–F. NEVER be called in for a shift you didn’t sign up for.

Must type 65+ wpm, wear mask, show proof of vaccination. Work independently.

No customer interaction.

Starts at $13 with automatic increases. www.ctscribes. com

NOTICES MESSAGES All Georgians over six months of age are eligible for COVID vaccines, and ages 5+ are eligible for boosters! Call 706-3400996 or visit www.publichealthathens.com for more in formation.

COVID testing available in West Athens (3500 Atlanta Hwy. Mon–Fri., 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. & Sat., 8 a.m.–12 p.m. At the old Fire Station on the corner of Atlanta Hwy. & Mitchell Bridge Rd.) Pre-registration is highly encouraged! Visit www.public healthathens.com for more information.

Get Flagpole delivered straight to your mailbox! $55 for six months or $100 for one year. Call 706-5490301 or email frontdesk@ flagpole.com.

Need old newspapers for your garden? Well, there are plenty here at the Flagpole office! Call ahead and we’ll have them ready for you.

Please leave current issues on stands. 706-549-0301

*Ad enhancement prices are viewable at flagpole.com **Run-‘Til-Sold rates are for MERCHANDISE ONLY ***Available for individual rate categories only

PLACE AN AD

PART-TIME

Anane (59539)

Treats, pets and praise are a few of Anane’s favorite things! She’s a furry friend who’s sure to steal your heart. Call today for more details about her or to make an appointment!

Handsome (59358)

Although the staff has worked hard to keep sweet and playful Handsome as comfortable as possible, he is not happy at the shelter. This guy needs a home or rescue immediately!

Petunia (59535)

Petunia is a shy, quiet girl who deserves a loving home. She’s well-behaved, enjoys chasing toys and has the perfect tail for wagging when she greets you!

These pets and many others are available for adoption at:

Athens-Clarke County Animal Services 125 Buddy Christian Way · 706-613-3540 Call for appointment

flagpole your other best friend

SUDOKU

Edited by Margie E. Burke

Difficulty: Easy

2 3 7

9

8 9 2

5

June 26-30

6

2 8

4 9 6 1 4 9 4

8

D A D A O Y R C E A H MP T U L Register by May 14th

7 6

6 3 8 5

Rising 1st-6th Grade

Copyright 2023 by The Puzzle Syndicate

HOW TO SOLVE:

Each row must contain the numbers 1 to 9; each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9; and each set of 3 by 3 boxes must contain theofnumbers 9.

Week 3/20/231- to 3/26/23

The Weekly Crossword 1

2

3

4

5

6

14

8

by Margie E. Burke 9

10

15

17 20

7

12

13

16

Solution to Sudoku: 21

22

3 6 7 2 4 1 8 9 5 9 261 278 3 7 528 2 6 4 32 2 4 5 8 933 6 1 7 3 35 36 8 9 4 1 737 6 2 3 5 38 4 8 1 7 2 3 9 539 6 5 7 9 6 1 4 342 8 2 41 8 5 444 9 3 745 6 2 1 1 489 6 4 5 2 7 3 8 47 7 3 2 1 6 854 5 4 955 53

Criminal Defense Nursing Home Abuse Civil Litigation Business Law

Real Estate

24

25

Medical Malpractice Personal Injury

Estate Planning Family Law

19

18

23

11

HolyCrossAthens.com

29

30

31

51

52

34

COOK & TOLLEY, LLP

40 43 46 49

50

56

57

58

304 E. Washington Street,

59

60

61

Athens, GA 30601

ACROSS 1 Major mess 6 New Haven school 10 Four Corners state 14 Come-ons 15 Multi-user OS 16 Staff symbol 17 Wipe out 19 Chipping choice 20 Doll party dinnerware 21 Puts on a show 23 Building stone 25 Follow orders 28 Scottish miss 29 Masked warrior 32 Birth certificate datum 33 Force 34 Took a breather 35 Sudden change 37 Purify whiskey 38 Puzzle direction 39 Night sound 40 Will Smith 2001 title role 41 Eye discharge 42 Whitman, for one 43 X-Men mutant 44 Subject of Spielberg's "Amistad"

Copyright 2023 by The Puzzle Syndicate

47 Like some claims 49 Etsy wares 53 Passing notice 54 Good name 56 Job for a body shop 57 Street corner sign 58 One of the Flintstones 59 Result of honing 60 Stable staple 61 Prepare, as tea DOWN 1 Louver piece 2 Low card in pinochle 3 "True Blood" actress Paquin 4 Spirited 5 Theater worker 6 Ingrid's "Anastasia" co-star 7 Three-syllable poetic foot 8 Soda-bottle sizes 9 Put forth, as effort 10 Norma Rae, for one 11 Like some rains 12 Molecular bit

13 Three in a Christmas tune 18 Slanted type 22 Top-of-the-line 24 Wind instrument 25 "Sesame Street" regular 26 Volleyball venue 27 Putting into words 30 Wiggly dessert 31 Go off script 33 Cheerless 34 Reading to the unruly 36 Casino wheel 37 Person of action 39 Trendy club 42 Former Spanish coin 43 "Get lost!"

45 Left-hand page 46 Prolongs, with "out" 47 Be an omen of 48 Sacked out 50 Manicurist's tool 51 Hefty volume 52 Breeze 55 FedEx rival

www.cooktolley.com (706) 549-6111

Puzzle answers are available at www.flagpole.com/puzzles

M A R C H 22, 2023· F L A GP OL E .C OM

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AUTHENTIC MEXICAN HOURS: MON-THURS 11AM-9PM FRI & SAT 11AM-10PM SUN 11AM-8PM HAPPY HOUR 3-5 EVERYDAY

Here are restaurants that are open and waiting for your order!

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S CALTLER UYOUR

TO CA

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LET PEIKEN HELP!

02/15/2023

Selling In-Town Athens for Over 23 Years UGA Graduate / Loving Athens since 1987 Voted one of Athens Favorite Realtors by Flagpole’s readers for 4 years!*

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · M A R C H 22, 2023

LETS NOT FAKE IT, TIL WE MAKE IT THIS EASTER. GET IT CLEANED!

Call today for a quote!

Adilene Valencia 706-424-9810 aecleanathens@gmail.com

M A R C H 22, 2023· F L A GP OL E .C OM

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