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ADVERTISING DIRECTOR & PUBLISHER Alicia Nickles

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Larry Tenner

ADVERTISING SALES Libba Beaucham, Dave Martin

CITY EDITOR Blake Aued

ARTS & MUSIC EDITOR Jessica Smith

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Sam Lipkin

OFFICE MANAGER & DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Jennifer Keene

CLASSIFIEDS Jennifer Keene

AD DESIGNERS Chris McNeal, Cody Robinson

CONTRIBUTORS Hillary Brown, Doug Bock Clark, Charles Hayslett, Gordon Lamb, Lee Shearer

CARTOONISTS Missy Kulik, David Mack, Klon Waldrip, Joey Weiser

CIRCULATION Jennifer Bray, Charles Greenleaf, Joe Rowe

EDITORIAL INTERNS Mary Beth Bryan, Xinge Lei

PHOTOGRAPHERS Mason Pearson, Jake Zerkel

SPECIAL AGENT Pete McCommons

Country artist Tommy Townsend, whose new album was co-produced by Jerry Bridges and the late Waylon Jennings, will be performing with The Paul Thorn Band on June 12 at The Foundry. See the Live Music calendar on p. 13 for more events.

Deaf Condors

The Sundance Kid?

ATHENS MAKES PITCH FOR FILM FESTIVAL AND MORE LOCAL NEWS

By Blake Aued and Lee Shearer news@flagpole.com

While remaining tight-lipped about the details, Athens-Clarke County officials confirmed last week that Athens is in the running to host the Sundance Film Festival.

Local officials were blindsided when a media executive speaking at an Atlanta luncheon last month let it slip that Athens was among 15 finalists for the independent film festival. It was previously known that Atlanta and Savannah also submitted bids.

“Athens remains interested in showcasing our community as a potential location for hosting the 2027 Sundance Film Festival and beyond,” said ACC Public Information Officer Jeff Montgomery, who is also ACC’s liaison to the film community.

“We’re internationally renowned as a creative community and host a number of large events every year, so we think we’re a good candidate for consideration.”

had two other options, board chair Mike Garner told the group before the vote—to remove the book entirely from the library or keep it in the YA section.

George M. Johnson’s memoir details “the trials and triumphs faced by Black queer boys,” according to the publisher’s description. The book earned critical praise, but has been one of the most challenged and banned books in the nation since its 2020 publication, according to the American Library Association’s Office of Intellectual Freedom.

Seven Oglethorpe County residents had formally challenged the book, Garner said, though the committee considered only six of the requests; the seventh came past the deadline for filing challenges. Some asked for the book to be reclassified as adult. Others said it should be removed from the library.

Chair Jay Paul said the board could withhold county funding for the library if it were not removed, according to the Oglethorpe Echo newspaper.

The reclassification does not mean younger readers are denied access to All Boys Aren’t Blue or any other books in the libraries (excepting reference materials that can only be used within the library) if they’ve got a library card. A parent or guardian must sign an application for a library card for children under 18, and children 10 and under must be accompanied in the library by a parent, guardian or other responsible adult.

The libraries have made other changes in response to the wave of challenges, spearheaded by local representatives of a conservative political group called Moms for Liberty, formed in 2021 to resist COVID-19 measures such as face masks and vaccine mandates. The broad YA category is now further divided into subcategories deemed more appropriate for middle grades vs. high school ages.

The regional library system is also distributing a pamphlet to guide parents, with directions for finding book review websites, including some that have content warnings about such things as violence and “mature content.”

“We want to make sure that the books in the library are books the people in the community may want to read,” said Athens Regional Library System Executive Director Valerie Bell, who attended the Oglethorpe County board meeting along with some other system librarians.

“That’s the way democracy works,” Bell said after the meeting. “The library is here for everybody. We want to work with parents.” [LS]

Odds and Ends

Montgomery declined to comment further, so details of Athens’ bid remain unknown. Economic development projects are not covered by the state open records law.

According to the Atlanta JournalConstitution, about 90 cities applied when Sundance said it would be open to moving on from longtime home Park City, UT, after their contract expires in 2026. They were whittled down to 15 finalists in April, each of which must now form a committee. June 21 is the deadline to submit a formal proposal.

Sundance was founded in 1978 by Robert Redford’s production company as an effort to attract more filmmakers to Utah, where Redford has lived since the 1960s. Last year’s festival featured more than 150 full-length and short films, and drew more than 100,000 people to the small ski resort town—about as many as your average UGA football game. [BA]

Oglethorpe Library

Reclassifies Book

The Oglethorpe County Library Board of Trustees voted to move a book from the library’s young adult section to the adult shelves May 23 as a conservative campaign to restrict youth access to LGBTQ-themed books continues to play out in area public libraries.

The library board voted without dissent or discussion to accept the recommendation of its newly formed Book Action Committee to reclassify All Boys Aren’t Blue. The board

A review committee of the Athens Regional Library System had recommended that the book remain in the YA section, but also noted that it was a “crossover” book that would be relevant to both high school age and college age readers, said Garner, who was also a member of the three-person Book Action Committee. “We felt it would serve the community better in the adult section,” he said.

The Oglethorpe library is part of the Athens Regional Library System, along with public libraries in Madison, Athens-Clarke and Oconee counties, and the cities of Lavonia and Royston. Under the system’s process for responding to challenges, a committee of library professionals evaluates the book and makes a recommendation to the local library board, which has the final say.

The Oconee library, which has branches in Watkinsville and Bogart, has dealt with numerous book challenges over the past year, all against books with LGBTQ themes. That board has voted to reclassify some of the challenged books into the adult category, but none have been removed entirely from the library. Most recently, in April, the Oconee board voted to reclassify two more books—one from juvenile to young adult and one from young adult to adult, reported Lee Becker in his Oconee County Observations blog.

One other request was filed in Franklin County. Parts of Lavonia and Royston are in Franklin County.

Some Oglethorpe elected officials called for All Boys Aren’t Blue to be removed from the library in an April Oglethorpe County Commission meeting, and Commission

ing student while she was out jogging near UGA’s Lake Herrick in February.

The final public hearing on the Clarke County School District’s $241 million fiscal 2025 budget and property tax rate of 18.8 mills is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 12 at the district’s administrative offices at 595 Prince Ave. $26 million in new spending includes 28 paraprofessionals—two at each elementary school—staff for a new alternative school replacing Rutland Academy, state-funded raises for teachers and locally funded raises for non-teachers, increased health care costs, security measures and additional counselors at high schools. Because property values have risen, the owner of a $350,000 house will see a tax bill that’s $167 higher than last year, on average. Final approval for the budget is set for June 13.

CEO Chris Herron is leaving Creature Comforts Brewing Co. and will be replaced by co-founder and current COO Adam Beauchamp. Herron, who led the fast-growing company for a decade, will remain as a consultant.

Shea Post has stepped down as executive director of the Athens Area Homeless Shelter. During her 12-year tenure, Post tripled the organization’s budget and expanded the shelter’s operations to a second site, increasing the number of families served from six per year to more than 70. Program Director Julianne Geddis will take over on an interim basis.

Jose Antonio Ibarra made his first court appearance last week, pleading not guilty to charges of murdering Laken Riley. Ibarra faces numerous charges, including malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault with intent to rape and aggravated battery. The 26-year-old Venezuelan is accused of killing the nurs -

Tim Johnson is retiring at the end of the month after a long tenure as head of the nonprofit Family ConnectionCommunities in Schools. His replacement will be Erin Thompson Podvin, who has 20 years of experience working in K-12 education and at local nonprofits, with a particular focus on literacy programs and serving Hispanic families and children with disabilities.

Lisa Lott is the new chief judge for the Western Circuit Superior Court, serving Athens-Clarke and Oconee counties. Lott was unanimously elected by the circuit’s four judges to replace Judge Eric Norris in the administrative role. She was elected to Superior Court in 2018. [BA] f

Places in Peril

HISTORIC ATHENS LAMENTS DEMOLITION BY NEGLECT

By Blake Aued news@flagpole.com

Historic Athens’ 2023 “Places in Peril” list includes four buildings in need of preservation. But during a recent conversation, it was a building that’s not on the current list at the top of executive director Tommy Valentine’s mind.

“We have a growing problem with demolition by neglect in Athens,” Valentine told Flagpole. “We have very good codes on the books, but we’re not seeing enforcement.

“We have folks who are literally intentionally letting these properties fall in on themselves so they can sell the dirt,” he said.

In particular, Valentine said he has received numerous calls about a boarded-up house on the corner of South Milledge Avenue and Harris Street that stands out amidst the Greek houses and other stately mansions lining the corridor. Since the interview, 357 S. Milledge Ave. has been placed on the market.

The house at 357 S. Milledge Ave. did make the list back in 2020.

Another example of what Historic Athens called demolition by neglect—the Bond House, an 1893 Victorian at 198 Dearing St.—is on the 2023 Places in Peril list. Valentine also cited the Saye Building in the West Downtown historic district, which First United Methodist Church is seeking to tear down for a parking lot.

In the Athens-Clarke County Historic Preservation Commission’s most recent annual report, member Joanna Beckman delved into demolition by neglect. Sometimes when a historic building falls into disrepair, it’s because an heir can’t be located or the owner lacks funds for upkeep. In some rare cases, though, the neglect is intentional.

erty owners who allow their property to become unsafe or a nuisance, according to Beckman, but enforcement is hampered by a backlog of complaints in the county attorney’s office. ACC officials can also place a tax lien on the property to pay for repairs or demolition.

As of late February, there were 44 nuisance abatement cases in various states of disrepair, and only one—357 S. Milledge Ave.—was within a local historic district, ACC Attorney Judd Drake told Flagpole. The ones that pose the greatest danger to the public are prioritized, he said. At the time, Drake said his office was

ter known as the UGA President’s House. Ellard Hall, at 149 Cobb St., sits in a parking lot at the Clarke County School District’s Prince Avenue headquarters. It was built in 1909 by Mary Lou Weir, a former principal at Chase Street (now Johnnie

tance. “You have this restaurant that everybody loved and seemed to be this really intersectional space where everyone went,” he said.

“If the property owner simply stops maintaining the property for the express purpose of waiting out the deterioration of the property so that it is no longer possible to save the building, then this is Demolition by Neglect,” Beckman wrote.

Code enforcement officers can cite prop-

pursuing 12 demolitions at an average cost of $15,000–20,000 each.

As for the buildings that did make it onto the Places in Peril list, Ellard Hall, also known as the Weir House, is for sale, as is the Grant-Hill-White-Bradshaw house, bet-

Lay Burks) Elementary School. The district sought a buyer earlier this spring to move the house to make room for a new student registration building after determining that renovating it would cost more than new construction.

The University System Board of Regents put the UGA president’s former residence, a Greek Revival mansion dating back to 1856, up for sale last year, prompting fears from preservationists and Boulevard residents that the house could be demolished to make way for an out-of-scale new development. Board of Regents spokesperson Kristina Torres told Flagpole that the agency is working with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs to preserve the house, but otherwise there has been no update on the sale. “We’ve heard disturbingly little,” Valentine said.

Also on the list is Charlie Williams Pinecrest Lodge, a popular restaurant off Whitehall Road that opened in 1929 and closed in 2004. It has decayed significantly over the past 20 years. The property contains some of the most intact slave quarters in the region, according to Valentine, but it’s just as valuable for its cultural impor-

While some properties on past lists remain in peril, Historic Athens won a major victory last year when a consortium led by caterer Lee Epting took over the ACC-owned TaylorGrady House, which the Junior League of Athens had abandoned after a rent dispute with the local government. The Taylor-Grady House will continue functioning as a house museum and event space. “We feel really confident about the future of that space,” Valentine said. He also said he’s confident that UGA will keep Legion Pool open and has abandoned efforts to close and redevelop the popular gathering place for faculty and staff and their families. State Rep. Spencer Frye (D-Athens) installed signage at St. James Baptist Church Cemetery, a 19th century resting place for African Americans. Plans continue to move forward for turning the Rowland Tract (also known as Beech Haven) along the Middle Oconee River near Atlanta Highway into a public park.

Other past Places in Peril have been lost forever. Landmark fast-food restaurant The Varsity will soon be demolished to make way for a grocery store, parking deck and apartments.

Still others remain in limbo—for example, the Frank C. Maddox Community Center, an American Legion club for Black World War II veterans that later functioned as a daycare. A grant from the Watson Brown Foundation paid for a plan by local architectural firm Arcollab, but little progress has been made since. The ACC government made repairs to the Sandy Creek Pumping Station off the North Oconee River Greenway to stabilize it, but there is still no long-term plan for preservation or future use. The Clarke County school board has yet to respond to the ACC government’s proposal to lease and renovate the long-vacant West Broad School. And the old library, now ACC government offices, at 120 Dougherty St. could be sold and torn down once a new judicial center is built and the city consolidates municipal offices into the current courthouse. f

The Bond House at 198 Dearing St. was damaged by a storm and remains exposed to the elements.

The Clarke County School District sought a buyer to move the Weir House.

Formerly the official residence for UGA presidents, the house at 570 Prince Ave. is currently for sale.

New Law Threatens Voting Rights

CONSERVATIVE GROUPS PLAN TO USE SB 189 TO KICK VOTERS OFF ROLLS

By Doug Bock Clark, ProPublica news@flagpole.com

Ten months after Georgia officials said they would take steps to ensure that counties were correctly handling massive numbers of challenges to voter registrations, neither the secretary of state’s office nor the State Election Board has done so.

In July 2023, ProPublica reported that election officials in multiple Georgia counties were handling citizens’ challenges to voter registrations in different ways, with some potentially violating the National Voter Registration Act. Instead of fixing the problem, the Republican-controlled Georgia legislature passed Senate Bill 189 at the end of March. The bill’s authors claim that it will help prevent voting fraud, while voting rights advocates warn that it could make the issue worse. Gov. Brian Kemp signed it into law on Monday.

“I see this as being pro-America, pro-accuracy, pro-transparency and pro-election integrity,” state Rep. John LaHood said of the bill, which he worked to help pass. “I don’t see it being” about voter suppression “whatsoever.”

When it takes effect in July, SB 189 will make it easier for Georgia residents to use questionable evidence when challenging fellow residents’ voter registrations. Voting rights activists also claim that the law could lead county officials to believe they can approve bulk challenges closer to election dates.

“It’s bad policy and bad law, and will open the floodgates to bad challenges,” said Caitlin May, a voting rights attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union of Georgia, which has threatened to sue over what it says is the law’s potential to violate the NVRA.

ProPublica previously reported on how just six right-wing advocates challenged the voter registrations of 89,000 Georgians following the 2021 passage of a controversial law that enabled residents to file unlimited voter challenges. We also revealed that county election officials may have been systematically approving challenges too close to election dates, which would violate the NVRA.

The Georgia secretary of state’s office said at the time that it was “thankful” for information provided by ProPublica, that it had been working on “uniform standards for voter challenges” and that it had “asked the state election board to provide rules” to help election officials handle the challenges. And the chair of the State Election Board told ProPublica last year that though the board hadn’t yet offered rules due to the demands of the 2022 election, “now that the election is over, we intend to do that.”

With the new law soon to be in effect, the State Election Board is determining its next steps. “We’re going to probably have to try and provide some instruction telling” election officials how to respond to SB 189, said John Fervier, who was appointed chair in January after the former chair stepped down. “I don’t know if that will come from the State Election Board or from the secretary of state’s office. But we’re one day past the signing of the legislation, so it’s still too early for me to comment on what kind of instruction will go out at this point.”

Mike Hassinger, a public information officer for the secretary of state’s office, said in a statement that it falls to the State Election Board to review laws and come up with rules. “Once the board moves forward with that process we are more than happy to extend help to rule making,” Hassinger said.

Conservative organizations have been vocal about their plans to file numerous challenges to voter registrations this year, providing training and other resources to help Georgians do so. Activists and Georgia Republican Party leadership publicly celebrated the passage of SB 189, with the GOP chair telling the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that this year’s legislative session was “a home run for those of us concerned about election integrity.”

But what has not gotten as much attention is how individuals who were involved in producing massive numbers of voter challenges managed to shape SB 189.

Courtney Kramer, the former executive director of True the Vote, a conservative organization that announced it was filing

over 360,000 challenges in Georgia after the 2020 presidential election, played an instrumental role in getting the bill passed. She was the co-chair of the Election Confidence Task Force, a committee of the Georgia Republican Party that provided sample language to legislators crafting SB 189. An internal party email reviewed by ProPublica thanked Kramer for her dedication in helping bring “us to the final stages of pushing essential election integrity reform through the legislature.” Kramer said in a statement that “my goal was to restore confidence in Georgia’s elections process” and to “make it easy to vote and hard to cheat.”

Jason Frazier, who ProPublica previously found was one of the state’s six most prolific challengers, served on the Election Confidence Task Force. Frazier did not respond to requests for comment.

Mass Challenges Made Easier

In late July, William Duffey, who was then the chair of Georgia’s State Election Board, was working on a paper to update county election officials on how to handle voter challenges. But when the board met in August 2023, a large crowd of right-wing activists packed the room, and dozens of people castigated the board for defending the legitimacy of the 2020 election. One mocked a multicultural invocation with which Duffey had started the meeting, declaring, “The only thing you left out was satanism!” A right-wing news outlet accused “the not so honorable Judge Duffey” of hiding “dirt” on the corruption of the 2020 election.

Less than a month later, Duffey stepped down. He denied that activists had driven him out, telling ProPublica that pressure from such activists “comes with the job.” But, he explained, the volunteer position had been taking “70% of my waking hours,” and “I wanted to get back to things for which I had scoped out my retirement.”

According to two sources knowledgeable about the board’s workings, who asked for anonymity to discuss confidential board matters, Duffey had been the primary force behind updating the rules about voter challenges, and without him, the effort stalled. One source also said that the board had realized that Republican legislators planned to rewrite voter-challenge laws, and members wanted to see what they would do.

In January 2024, Republican legislators began working on those bills. The one

that succeeded, SB 189, introduces two especially important changes that would help challengers, according to voting rights activists. First, it says a dataset kept by the U.S. Postal Service to track address changes provides sufficient grounds for election officials to approve challenges, if that data is backed up by secondary evidence from governmental sources. Researchers have found the National Change of Address dataset to be unreliable in establishing a person’s residence, as there are many reasons a person could be listed as living outside of Georgia but could still legally vote there. ProPublica found in 2023 that counties frequently dismissed challenges because of that unreliability. And voting rights activists claim that the secondary sources SB 189 specifies include swaths of unreliable data.

“My worry is” that the bill “will cause a higher success rate for the challenges,” said Anne Gray Herring, a policy analyst for nonprofit watchdog group Common Cause Georgia.

The new bill also states that starting 45 days before an election, county election boards cannot make a determination on a challenge. Advocates have expressed concerns that counties will interpret the law to mean that they can approve mass, or systematic, challenges up until 45 days before an election. The NVRA prohibits systematic removal of voters within 90 days of an election, and election boards commonly dismissed challenges that likely constituted systematic removal within the 90-day window, ProPublica previously found. When True the Vote was challenging voters in the aftermath of the 2020 election, a judge issued a restraining order against the challenges for violating the 90-day window.

Whether SB 189 violates the NVRA could be settled in court, according to voting rights advocates and officials. On the Tuesday after SB 189 was signed, Gabriel Sterling, the chief operating officer for the Georgia secretary of state, disputed on social media that the new law would make voter challenges easier. But months earlier, he said that imprecision in the voter challenges process could lead to legal problems.

“When you do loose data matching, you get a lot of false positives,” Sterling said, testifying about voter list maintenance before the Senate committee that would pass a precursor to SB 189. “And when you get a lot of false positives and then move on them inside the NVRA environment, that’s when you get sued.” f

This story was originally published by ProPublica.

Trouble in God’s Country

A NEW COLUMN TACKLES THE PROBLEMS IN RURAL GEORGIA

By Charles Hayslett news@flagpole.com

I’ve been working on “Trouble in God’s Country” for a little over a decade now. TIGC, as I call it, has its roots in a research project I conducted in 2009. One unexpected byproduct of that research was a frightening snapshot of a divide between Georgia’s haves and have-nots that was much wider and deeper than I expected. Long story short, I decided to take on the task of documenting and reporting the extent and gravity of the problem. I also decided the only way to do that was with a lot of hard data.

If you happen to have read anything I’ve written at troubleingodscountry.com, you probably know that I try to spell out the various challenges facing rural Georgia—economic, educational, health, etc.—in detail. Of course, if you’re reading this in a rural Georgia newspaper, you probably already have a pretty good idea about those problems.

In the weeks and months ahead, I’ll update and flesh out the issues I’ve been researching in as much detail as I can cram into 750 or 800 words. Today, though, I want to try to set the stage with a little history and context.

health come with a high price tag, one that rural Georgia politicians have long been accustomed to leaving on the table for Metro Atlanta. I will argue that it’s in Metro Atlanta’s interest to help rural Georgia, but it shouldn’t have to be with a blank check. Indeed, legislative power is concentrating irreversibly in and around the Atlanta area, and it won’t be long before its representatives can refuse to pick up that tab.

They shouldn’t do that, but they would be well within their rights to demand a big say in what goes on the bill and how they pay it. Rural Georgia’s problems are strategic in nature, and fixing them will require a set of strategic responses that I doubt anyone will like. By that I mean a couple of things.

The notion of the “two Georgias” first bubbled into the state’s political discourse in the 1980s. A University of Georgia economics professor published a paper by that title that documented the state of the widening divide in 1985. The governor at the time, Joe Frank Harris, hotly rejected the idea of such a divide. He even called it “insidious” in one speech. By all accounts, Harris believed that even talking about “two Georgias” would somehow exacerbate the problem.

Fast forward four decades, and the former governor probably isn’t happy with the current situation. Georgia today may well have the widest rural-urban divide in the nation. It’s a hard thing to prove, but I’ve been hard-pressed to find many examples of bigger gaps between top and bottom counties in other states.

One is that rural Georgians and their leaders are going to have to be willing to make some major changes in the way they are organized and, most likely, governed. I have never been one who thought county consolidation was a silver bullet for small rural counties, but I have found zero evidence that sparsely populated rural counties can make it on their own in today’s world.

Here’s another thing I mean by strategic response: State government is going to have to engage more forcefully and deeply in shaping and bringing about changes to local political jurisdictions and governments than either state or local leaders will want or like. Exactly what that will look like and how it will work obviously remains to be seen, but I don’t see how the state deals with these problems without bigger (and smarter) engagement by the Gold Dome.

“ State government must now do what it should have done years ago: Go ahead and embrace the fact that there are two Georgias—vastly different regions with different strengths and needs and, critically, increasingly different cultures and politics.

Now, the truth is, that’s not entirely a bad thing. Metro Atlanta’s powerful economy and other strengths constitute an asset that the state government should be able to leverage to revive and rebuild areas of rural Georgia that are, by any rational analysis, dying. Great swaths of rural Georgia, especially south of the gnat line, now occupy the bottom rungs of the nation’s economic, education and population health ladders.

That poverty, poor education and bad

Fresh and Filipino PHILANTHROPY

DISAPPOINTS, WHILE CHIBUGAN IS A WELCOME ADDITION

By Hillary Brown food@flagpole.com

CHIBUGAN CAFE AND MORE (302 Athens Road, in Winterville, 706-4244286): Formerly Off the Vine and C & C Cafe and Produce, the little building at the corner of Athens and Cherokee roads in Winterville is now something more unexpected and more interesting: a Filipino restaurant and market.

Filipino food in Athens has come and gone over the years. Ages ago there was a food store on Baxter Street. Then there was the Manila Express food truck, sorely missed by yours truly. Now there’s this charming place to get your fix of a cuisine that is salty, sweet, sour and porky, sometimes all at the same time. Although the address of Chibugan is on Athens Road, you’ll have to drive around the corner to access the parking lot in the back. The restaurant’s name means “time to eat,” and there’s a Filipino word of the day written on a chalkboard behind the counter.

check it out. Chibugan is open 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

PHILANTHROPY FRESH (350 E. Broad St., 706-215-9954, philanthropyfresh.net):

An offshoot of a restaurant in Loganville, Philanthropy Fresh opened in the former Zombie Donuts in December, on a stretch of Broad Street that’s right downtown but feels farther than expected from the businesses across the street. The name comes from the idea that you can round up your bill and donate to a different local charity each month. The overall vibe unfortunately over-promises and under-delivers.

One thing I think it will mean is that state government must now do what it should have done years ago: Go ahead and embrace the fact that there are two Georgias— vastly different regions with different strengths and needs and, critically, increasingly different cultures and politics. Then and only then can our leaders be about the work of fitting the two Georgias back together in a complementary and mutually supporting fashion.

Governor Harris still might not like this first step, but I’d like to think he’d approve of the goal. f

Charles Hayslett is the author of the long-running troubleingodscountry.com blog. He is also the scholar in residence at the Center for Middle Georgia Studies at Middle Georgia State University. The views expressed in his columns are his own and are not necessarily those of the center or the university.

The main menu is American deli sandwiches, served wrapped in red-and-white-checked paper. They’re fine, but they’re not the reason you’re here. The Filipino menu is much smaller, but seems to be expanding: lumpia (small fried spring rolls, either pork or veggie, served with a vinegary dipping sauce); pansit (a tangy rice noodle dish made with meat or vegetables); barbecue pork skewers lightly glazed with a sweet and sour sauce and served over rice; and chicken adobo, simmered in soy sauce, garlic and vinegar, then served on the bone over rice. That’s about how to rank them, too, from worst to first, but knowing that there really is no worst. Your best option is to get the Chibugan combo and add adobo for a real feast. Lately, Chibugan seems to be playing around with silog: meaty, eggy breakfast dishes that seem like a lovely addition. A refrigerated case on the counter holds large but light slices of cake in flavors like mango, ube and matcha. To drink, you can pick from bubble tea (milk only; some variety of flavors) or a coffee made to order or you can investigate the coolers that hold things like Pororo and Mogu Mogu fruit juices and Ramune sodas. Chilled Ocean Bomb sparkling waters in flavors like kiwi and white grape are a refreshing option.

Chibugan also scoops ice cream and has an array of snacks and Filipino groceries for sale packed into a few shelves: milky breadsticks, prawn crackers, noodles (instant and regular), sauces (banana ketchup, sriracha, Mag Tomas all-purpose sauce), Spam, canned fish, ginger candies, Hello Kitty marshmallows, mochi and Nagaraya (maybe more familiarly known as Japanese peanuts in Mexico, consisting of peanuts covered in a thin cracker shell and flavor dusted with things like adobo or barbecue and a snack I’ve been chasing ever since that Baxter Street store closed). The atmosphere is chill, with some tables inside and out but plenty of take-out business, too. You should go

Want a burger? It’s nice to be able to get one with toppings like arugula, bacon jam and herbed goat cheese, but the patty itself is cooked to death, and the fixings don’t wow. A bowl that combines wild rice, avocado, roasted broccoli, tomato, grilled chicken and Cajun ranch packs in a lot of broccoli (a good thing!) but relies heavily on a lot of dressing for flavor. There are wings, but they’re unremarkable, and coffee, but it feels like an afterthought. There’s also breakfast, but it doesn’t start until 10 a.m. and the Philanthropy Toaster, a sandwich with a fried egg, mayo, arugula, avocado, cheddar and tomato, has an oily taste. The ingredients on the menu sound good, and they sound like they’d be good together, but the result is often disappointing—a fast casual experience reinforced by the plastic silverware, the handful of generic ketchup packets you receive if you ask for some to go with your fries, the greenery wall with Polaroids strung along it. Figure out that the primary audience is college students (late hours, tons of charging ports at every seating area, what seems to be a focus on take-out at the expense of customer service) and the whole thing makes more sense.

Want a vegetable late at night downtown? Philanthropy Fresh will meet your needs, and you may well be less choosy than I was in broad daylight. The restaurant is open from 10 a.m.–11 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday, 10 a.m.–2 a.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday. f

Chibugan Cafe and More

Charles Hayslett

threats & promises

Peach Ice Cream Bluegrass’ First Single

PLUS, MORE MUSIC NEWS AND GOSSIP

By Gordon Lamb threatsandpromises@flagpole.com

GOOD OLD MOUNTAIN DEW: Athens “jamgrass” band Peach Ice Cream Bluegrass has been kicking around for a couple of years now and just released its first single. It’s titled “Down by the Creek.” It has some expected bluegrass earmarks like fingerpicking and a steady shuffle of a melody. It is, however, also a very mellow track with some country leanings. Ultimately, it’s a fine tune very well performed, and should

installment in a series of releases that will compose a long-playing album addressing the Mall.” So, consider yourself warned. With the exception of the horn riffs in the title song, none of these tracks have any of the expected 1980s trappings. They are, for the most part, a timeless mash of soft psychedelia and indie pop. None of which is to say this isn’t pleasant, just that it doesn’t appear to have finished the work it set out

serve as a nice calling card for all these outof-town shows that the band seems to be stacking up. Find this wherever you stream music, and if you get stumped, just drop a question to the boys over at instagram. com/peachicecreambluegrass, and hopefully they’ll get you set straight.

WHAT’S IN A NAME?: Joshua Nathaniel is the current operating name for the artist you’ve previously known as both Cortez Garza and Niño Brown. He’s releasing the first single soon, maybe this week even, but nothing is solid yet. Anyway, it’s titled “Deja Vu,” and was made in collaboration with producer and DJ low.again. In a press release, the artist said the new iteration is “the final phase of a ‘holy trinity’ type project that was conceptualized to be a source of creative liberation.” The song was recorded, mixed and mastered by Matt Tamisin at Japanski Studio. The song itself has a nice new wave-throwback feel but features a relentless, albeit relatively low-key, beat that is just this close to a drum-and-bass rhythm. It’s definitely a departure from anything you’ve heard from either Garza or Brown, but easily among the best work done so far by any of his personalities. Find this on your favorite streaming service.

GOOD GALOSHES: Wet Meadows, the only self-professed botanical rock band I’ve ever encountered, released the three-track “maxi-single” back in April named Mall Walkers. Please note that the band has made its threat clear in the liner notes for this, and they say, “This is the first

The Woggles

GARAGE ROCK LEGENDS RETURN WITH TIME HAS COME

By Jessica Smith music@flagpole.com

Enduring for over 35 years, seasoned garage-rock stalwarts The Woggles have maintained a cult following for their frenzied, fuzzed-out spin on vintage sounds. Time Has Come, a new album released May 31 via Wicked Cool Records, further demonstrates the band’s ability to blend influences of early garage rock, British Invasion, R&B, soul, surf and proto-punk into a singular rock-and-roll sound. As the first studio full-length since 2017’s Tally Ho!, the 12-track album marks a triumphant return for a band whose ethos demands onward progression.

Formed in 1987 by lead singer Manfred Jones, also known as Mighty Manfred or The Professor, The Woggles have weathered the decades by adapting through a variety of lineups yet always remaining true to their roots. Though members have been spread out across the country at times, the Atlanta-based band’s history traces back to Athens where founding members worked as DJs at UGA’s student-run alternative radio station, WUOG 90.5 FM, the call letters of which inspired the band’s name.

“Nothing More To Say”—also received the designation of “Coolest Song in the World,” a feature spot on Underground Garage. Time Has Come opens with “Flesh Hammer,” a tribute written in memory of the late Woggles guitarist Jeff Walls (Guadalcanal Diary, Hillbilly Frankenstein), who died in 2019. After a decade or so of producing and occasionally playing on Woggles recordings, the longtime Athens musician stepped in full-time following the death of previous guitarist George Montague Holton III in 2003.

Despite experiencing immeasurable losses along the way, The Woggles have soldiered on, finding the band to simply be a way of life. Rounding out the current lineup of Jones, bassist Patrick “Buzz Hagstrom” O’Connor and drummer Dan “Electro” Hall are guitarists Graham Day (The Prisoners, Solar Flares, Thee Mighty Caesars) and Shane Pringle (Tiger! Tiger!, Bad Spell), the latter of whom occasionally doubles up on saxophone.

for itself. The final song, the crushingly lethargic “Echoes,” takes some will to get through, but after the first spin it was OK. I’m still on the fence with this, but you can feel free to choose a side by heading to wet meadows.bandcamp.com.

KINGAGE: Hot on the heels of his last single “Bad Habits,” here comes Phantom Dan with a new pop/punk/emo banger named “We Were Kings.” It features guest vocals from Emilee Campbell Harden (Way Past Cool, Swear Jar) and her contributions fit very nicely. Lyrically, this is right in the vein of Bryan Adams’ “Summer Of ’69” or whatever youth nostalgia tune you decide it fits along with. And it packs it all into fewer than three minutes, which is pretty dang efficient. Phantom Dan will headline the 40 Watt Club on Saturday, June 22 during the AthFest 2024 club crawl, and will be joined by openers Burns Like Fire, Left Front Tire and Here Be Monsters. Find this on Spotify, and for more information, please see facebook.com/phantomdan88.

EVERY GOOD BOY DESERVES FUDGE: The new EP Almost There from Deaf Condors is a very well-played mixed bag of heavy styles, but mostly stays between the ditches of 1970s dirt rock/proto-punk and 1990s grunge which, actually, aren’t terribly far apart to begin with. That’s a fairly broad descriptor, though, considering the band branches out into semi-psych on “The Will” and reaches a nice level of sophistication on the reggae-tinged “Hummingbird.” Find this over at deafcondors.bandcamp.com. f

After a few years of gigging around town and releasing a handful of singles, the band signed to Northwestern garagerock imprint Estrus Records for its debut full-length Teen Dance Party in 1993. The band dutifully grew its audience by steadily releasing more tunes and playing countless shows, even touring to Europe and Japan half a dozen times.

A major turning point came in the early 2000s, when the band caught the attention of Steven Van Zandt who, in addition to his roles as a guitarist for Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band and actor on “The Sopranos,” hosts “Little Steven’s Underground Garage,” a weekly syndicated radio show dedicated to rock and roll from the 1950s to today. Van Zandt not only featured The Woggles regularly, but would later invite Jones to become a weekday on-air host on the Underground Garage, the 24-hour satellite radio channel heard worldwide via SiriusXM.

Not long after launching his radio show, Van Zandt founded Wicked Cool Records in 2005 as an effort to support deserving yet often overlooked garage rock musicians. The Woggles signed to Wicked Cool the following year, and have since released five albums as well as a number of singles and EPs through the label.

Van Zandt makes an appearance on Time Has Come, as do Greg Cartwright (Reigning Sound), Peter Greenberg (Barrence Whitfield & The Savages, DMZ, Lyres) and Pat Beers (The Schizophonics). Four of the album’s tracks—“Hole In My Heart,” “Her Majesty’s Pleasure,” “Mr. Last Chance” and

Time Has Come is full of invigorating garage rock gems that should resonate with anyone who has a fondness for the genre’s classic sound. A throwback to mid-century dance moves like the twist and mashed potato, “Do the Slug” offers a coy invitation to loosen up and wiggle around to match Jones’ electrified on-stage swagger. “Her Majesty’s Pleasure” is a stand-out melody with near-Baroque pop flourishes, while “Wearing On My Soul” is a gritty, bluesy song dense with organ and harmonica.

The Woggles will return to the 40 Watt Club on Tuesday, June 11 as part of a ninedate Southeastern tour in support of the new album. In August, they’ll cross the pond for a pair of shows in England before heading to Denmark for the long-running annual Gutter Island Garage Rock Festival. They’ll then hit the road with Southern Culture on the Skids for another nine-day east coast tour in September. f

WHO: The Woggles WHEN: Tuesday, June 11, 7 p m (doors) WHERE: 40 Watt Club HOW MUCH: $15

Peach Ice Cream Bluegrass

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FLAGPOLE

live music calendar

Tuesday 4

Ciné

8 p.m. FREE! www.athenscine.com

KARAOKE WITH THE KING Show off your pipes to the world. Every first, third and fifth Tuesday.

Flicker Theatre & Bar

Primordial Void Presents. 8 p.m. $10. www.flickertheatreandbar.com

SUPERBITCH Noise-punk outfit hailing from Florida.

WARM FRAMES Orlando noise rock band.

DROOK Indie-pop band from Richmond.

DELTA 8 Hardcore punk supergroup with members of Beer Piss, Snuki, McQQeen and Rubber Udder. 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 Josh Allen, Seth Hendershot and various guests.

Normal Bar

8–11 p.m. FREE! booking@rudymontayremusic.com

OPEN MIC Held Every Tuesday evening.

Wednesday 5

Creature Comforts Brewing Co.

Athens Farmers Market. 5–8 p.m. FREE! www.athensfarmersmarket.net

DEEP ROOTS Southern rock covers. (6 p.m.)

El Paso Tacos & Tequila

6–10 p.m. www.instagram.com/ elpasoathenss

KARAOKE Every Wednesday and Friday evening.

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.

Porterhouse Grill

6–8:30 p.m. www.porterhousegrill athens.com

JAZZ NIGHT Longest running jazz gig in Athens captained by drummer Mason Davis and featuring a rotating cast of familiar faces performing American songbook, bossa nova classics and crossover hits.

Thursday 6

Athentic Brewing Co.

6 p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing. com

RICK FOWLER ACOUSTIC BAND

Original, guitar-driven local bluesrock group.

Flicker Theatre & Bar

8 p.m. $10. www.flickertheatreandbar. com

BETTER YET Atlanta-based experimental and alternative trio with a mellow feel.

HOTEL HUGO Charleston indie rock band with a penchant for nostalgia and a knack for crystal walls of sound.

JACK AND JEALOUS Athensbased duo of brothers playing indie rock.

Southern Brewing Co.

6–10 p.m. www.sobrewco.com

KARAOKE NIGHT Every Thursday evening.

Friday 7

Ciné

Primordial Void Presents. 8 p.m. (doors), 9 p.m. (show). $15 (adv.), $17. www.athenscine.com

BEING DEAD Texas-based band that merges surf rock, freak pop and frantic punk.

ELIJAH JOHNSTON Athens-based emo singer-songwriter with hooky guitar-driven tunes.

ANTLERED AUNT LORD Local cult favorites producing feedbackdrenched noise pop, led by songwriter Jesse Stinnard (Tunabunny). El Paso Tacos & Tequila

6–10 p.m. www.instagram.com/ elpasoathenss

KARAOKE Every Wednesday and Friday evening.

First AME Church Hot Corner Festival. 7 p.m. www.hot cornerathens.weebly.com

HOT CORNER OPENING GOSPEL

PROGRAM Celebrate the annual Hot Corner festival with an evening of gospel music featuring performances by Gospel Royalaires, JC & The Hartwellaires Gospel Group, Marcus Brown & The Chorale, Morton Chapel Baptist Church, Mount Pleasant Male Chorus and New Salem.

Flicker Theatre & Bar Shadebeast Presents. 8:30 p.m. $12. www.flickertheatreandbar.com

SACRED BULL Athens post-metal known for its heavy and dark combination of meditative melodies and deliberate cacophony.

LOST HOURS Atlanta doom metal to listen to at high volume in total darkness.

FNTM New metal band from Atlanta.

Hendershot’s 8 p.m. www.hendershotsathens.com

CHECK THE SIGNS Uplifting local family band with a talent for melody, harmony and hooks.

TAKE3 Local jazz trio.

LIZ FARRELL Jeff Buckleyinspired vocals accompanied by intricate ukulele.

Innovation

Amphitheater

6:30 p.m. (doors), 7:30 p.m. (show). $40–50. www.innovationamphitheater.com

CONFEDERATE RAILROAD Grammy Award-nominated rowdy country music group.

MaiKai Kava Lounge

Cortez Garza Songwriters Residency. 7 p.m. www.athenskava.com

KENNEDY PUCKETT Acoustic rock and roll.

VFW Post 2872

7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10. www.facebook.com/vfwpost2872

COUNTRY RIVER BAND Classic western and honky-tonk style country band. Line dancing during the band breaks.

Saturday 8

40 Watt Club

7 p.m. (doors). $20 (adv.), $25. www.40watt.com

LILIAC Five-piece rock band from Atlanta composed of siblings Melody, Samuel, Abigail, Ethan and Justin Christea.

CADENCE! Nashville-based rock band inspired by 2000s postgrunge and ’80s hair metal.

KAMENAR High-energy hard rock band from Tampa, FL featuring twin brothers Sean and John Kamenar.

Bishop Park Athens Farmers Market. 8 a.m.–12 p.m. FREE! www.athensfarmers market.net

MARK PLEMMONS Talented local pianist. (8 a.m.)

ACOUSTIC JAM Bring an instrument and join in. (10 a.m.)

Buvez

8 p.m. $10. www.instagram.com/ buvez_athens

DIM WATTS Psych-folk project led by Jim Willingham (Ham1, Old Smokey).

Hot Corner 11 a.m.–10 p.m. www.hotcorner athens.weebly.com

HOT CORNER FESTIVAL In addition to vendors, speakers and dancers, the festival presents live music by IAMTIKICA and the TLC Band, Tracy and Jeff, Ishues, Frank the Eagle, Motorhead 2X, East Side Players Band, Splitz Band and more.

Nowhere Bar

8:30 p.m. (doors), 9:30 p.m. (show). $15. www.facebook.com/Nowhere BarAthens MOLLY’S LIPS Nirvana tribute band.

which strives to unite members of the local folk music community.

Every second Sunday.

Buvez

8 p.m. $10. www.instagram.com/ buvez_athens

SEX MEX Catchy synth-punk from San Antonio with power pop, glam rock and garage rock influences.

BEER PISS Local hardcore punk band.

OBSCURITY New local synth-punk duo. First show!

The Globe

6 p.m. FREE! www.globetavern.com

WOODY GARRISON AND THE COSMIC COWBOYS Psychedelic

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

PATRICK BARRY Local songwriter weaving stories with his baritone voice and intricate fingerstyle.

Ciné

9 p.m. $10. www.athenscine.com

DOG PERSON Organ-driven pop with breezy ennui from members of The Buddy System, Nana Grizol and Go Public.

OZELLO A queercore band of punks from Atlanta.

LIZ FARRELL Jeff Buckley-inspired vocals accompanied by intricate ukulele.

Flicker Theatre & Bar

8 p.m. $10. www.flickertheatreandbar. com

KAIROS CREATURE CLUB New project from Lena Simon (La Luz) and Glenn Van Dyke (BOYTOY) founded as an ever-evolving exploration of music fueled by collaboration.

PINKEST Atlanta band bashing keys in a noisy cavalcade of theatrical glory.

GOODHOST Energetic alternative group incorporating math rock elements.

Front Porch Bookstore

6 p.m. FREE! Find Front Porch Bookstore on Facebook REPENT AT LEISURE Celtic pub band playing “Irish rock,” including traditional, punk, modern and original Celtic music.

NICE DREAM Local Radiohead tribute band’s first ever show. Oak House Distillery 4–6 p.m. www.oakhousedistillery.com

JIM COOK High-energy solo blues, classic rock and roots music. Soldier of the Sea Distillery

The Hive’s First Dinner Around the World. 6:30 p.m. $25. www.sos whiskey.com

THE COMER COLLECTIVE Live bluegrass music during a Mediterranean-themed dinner.

Southern Brewing Co. Aubrey Entertainment Presents. 7:30 p.m. $12–20. www.facebook.com/ AubreyEntertainmentAthensGA

ABBEY ROAD LIVE! Local tribute band that keeps the crowd rocking to its extensive Beatles cover sets.

Spaceball Bazaar

6 p.m. (doors), 6:30 p.m. (music). $10. www.instagram.com/space ball.bazaar

NOISE NIGHT Sets by Aphantasia, Yearn, Chidori, Full Bloom Chop Squad, Giant Enemy Crab and Iconostasis.

Sunday 9

Athentic Brewing Co. 2–5 p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing. com

ATHENTIC BLUEGRASS JAM Players of all skill levels are invited to participate in this open jam,

by a full honky tonk band from Ojai, CA.

CANARY AFFAIR Indie rock band with an affinity for irregular time signatures and psychedelic grooves.

DADGUM Jazz-pop for enlarged hearts.

BLUDWINE Sonic project of Neil Haydon.

Tuesday 11

40 Watt Club

7 p.m. (doors). $15. www.40watt.com THE WOGGLES Legendary garage rock band from Atlanta. Flicker Theatre & Bar Attaboy Tapes Presents. 8 p.m. $12. www.flickertheatreandbar.com

MARISA ANDERSON Composer and multi-instrumentalist from Portland, OR whose improvisational style mixes American primitive guitar with other genres.

KIRAN FERNANDES Multi-instrumentalist and visual artist crafting psych folk with influences ranging from American primitive guitar to Saharan desert rock.

SHANE PARISH Master guitarist and fearless explorer of rhythm and timbre.

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 Josh Allen, Seth Hendershot and various guests.

Normal Bar 8–11 p.m. FREE! booking@rudymontayremusic.com

OPEN MIC Held Every Tuesday evening.

Wednesday 12

Americana singer-songwriter backed by John Miley, Robert Bell, Bill Bokas and Alberto Salazarte.

Healing Arts Centre

3:30–4:30 p.m. (yoga), 5–6 p.m. (concert). $20/event, $35/both suggested donation. www.stringsof theheartmusic.com

STRINGS OF THE HEART Participate in a restorative yoga class with live sitar music, then stay for a Hindustani Indian classical music concert.

No. 3 Railroad

6 p.m. www.3railroad.org

FESTER HAGOOD’S MOJO

CONFESSIONAL SHOWCASE

This week features Carly Lyon, Todd Sargent and Jake Bennett. Live painting by Sam Balling. Potlucks and chairs are encouraged for this outdoor show.

Oak House Distillery

3:30–6 p.m. FREE! www.facebook. com/McHanIxBand

MCHANLX Husband and wife duo Allen and Laura McHan perform pop, rock and country acoustic and electric arrangements.

Monday 10

Flicker Theatre & Bar

Attaboy Tapes Presents. 8 p.m. (doors). $12. www.flickertheatre andbar.com

AUSTIN LEONARD JONES

Twangy singer-songwriter backed

Creature Comforts Brewing Co.

Athens Farmers Market. 5–8 p.m. FREE! www.athensfarmersmarket.net

RIFFNOTES An eclectic mix of instrumental jazz originals and standards. (6 p.m.)

El Paso Tacos & Tequila 6–10 p.m. www.instagram.com/ elpasoathenss

KARAOKE Every Wednesday and Friday evening.

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.

The Foundry Aubrey Entertainment Presents. 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $30 (adv.), $35. www.facebook.com/Aubrey EntertainmentAthensGA

PAUL THORN BAND A bluesy, rocking and thoroughly Southern American brand of roots music.

TOMMY TOWNSEND Trailblazing country artist who collaborated with Waylon Jennings on his newest album, Southern Man. Hendershot’s 7 p.m. (sign-ups). FREE! www.hendershotsathens.com

BEATS, RHYMES AND LIFE

OPEN MIC Emcees, poets, rappers and freestylers of all styles are invited to perform with the backing band playing the tempo of their choice. f

Kairos Creature Club will play at Flicker Theatre & Bar on Saturday, June 8.

event calendar

Tuesday 4

EVENTS: Read the World Book Sale (VFW Post 2872) Browse international books ($1 paperbacks, $2 hardcovers) in benefit of the nonprofit Humble Warrior. 3–8 p.m. mightyathens@gmail.com

EVENTS: Tiki Taco Tuesday (Live Wire) Enjoy live music, craft cocktails and a taco pop-up from Don Carne. Tuesdays, 5–10 p.m. www. livewireathens.com

FILM: Love Free or Die (Ciné) Screening of the film about the first openly gay person to become a bishop, followed by a Q&A with Bishop Gene Robinson and director Macky Alston. 5:15 p.m. FREE! (ticket required). www.cineathens. com

GAMES: Mahjong Club (Winterville Cultural Center) Learn to play the ancient Chinese game of Mahjong. Tuesdays & Thursdays, 1–4 p.m. $1. www.wintervillecenter.com

GAMES: Tuesday Night Shenanigans (Southern Brewing Co.) Play board games and arcade games on site, bring your own games or even your D&D group. Tuesdays, 5–10 p.m. www.sobrewco.com

GAMES: Dirty South Trivia (White Tiger Deluxe) Test your trivia knowledge. Tuesdays, 6 p.m. www. facebook.com/DirtySouthTrivia

GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Amici Athens) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.facebook.com/baddogathens

GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Akademia Brewing Co.) Test your trivia knowledge with host Garrett Lennox. 7 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/ ClassicCityTriviaCo

GAMES: Singo! (Beef O’Brady’s) Win gift certificates and prizes at this music bingo night. Tuesdays, 7–9 p.m. www.beefobradys.com/athens

KIDSTUFF: Crafternoon (Oconee County Library) Drop in for a craft or two. Supplies Provided. All ages. Tuesdays, 3:30–5:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/oconee

KIDSTUFF: Choose Your Own Adventure (Bogart Library) Stop by the library for an afternoon with the “Choose Your Own Adventure” series from R.H. Montgomery. Ages 9–12. 4 p.m. FREE! www.athens library.org/bogart

LECTURES & LIT: Bogart Bookies (Bogart Library) Pick up a copy of The Air Raid Book Club by Annie Lyons and discuss it with the group. 1–2 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary. org/bogart

MEETINGS: Knot Just For Knitters (Oconee County Library) Bring your own crafting project to work on while chatting with fellow crafters. Tuesdays, 3–5 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/oconee

Wednesday 5

ART: Tour At Two (Georgia Museum of Art) These drop-in public tours feature highlights of the permanent collection. 2 p.m. FREE! www.georgiamuseum.org

CLASSES: Salsa Dancing (El Carretonero) Join SALSAthens for Cuban salsa lessons meeting a variety of dance abilities. Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. (advanced), 7:30 p.m. (beginner/intermediate). $10. SALS AthensDancing@gmail.com

CLASSES: Digital Art Class (Oconee County Library) Learn and explore the programs in the Creative Space. Supplies provided. Registration required. 6:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/oconee

COMEDY: Gorgeous George’s Improv League (Buvez) Townie improv that invites you to bring suggestions to help create improv magic. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. $5 suggested donation. www.flying squidcomedy.com

EVENTS: Industry Open House (State Botanical Garden of Georgia) There are 350 annuals, perennials and All-American Selections to share this year with all green industry professionals. 8 a.m.–12 p.m. FREE! ugatrial.hort.uga.edu

EVENTS: Athens Farmers Market (Creature Comforts Brewery) Markets offer fresh produce, flowers, eggs, meats, prepared foods, art and crafts. Live music at 6 p.m. AFM doubles SNAP dollars spent. Wednesdays, 5–8 p.m. www.athens farmersmarket.net

EVENTS: Summer Reds Wine Tasting (Tapped Athens Wine Market) Try a selection of wines fit for the hot summertime, with small plates served. RSVP required. 6:30 p.m. $40. hello@tappedathens. com

FILM: Blood Everywhere (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Screening of the horror mystery film Strip Nude For Your Killer. 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

KIDSTUFF: Busy Bee Toddler Time (Bogart Library) Join Ms. Donna for rhymes, songs, puppets and a story. 10 a.m. & 11 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart

KIDSTUFF: Piccadilly Puppets (Oconee County Library) Listen to folktales featuring cats and mice through puppet story telling. Ages 2–11. 11 a.m. FREE! www.athens library.org/oconee

KIDSTUFF: Science Adventures (Bogart Library) Explore space through fun activities with Mr. Dodd. Best for ages 3–10. 3 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart

KIDSTUFF: LEGO & Builder’s Club (Bogart Library) Drop in to use LEGOs and other building materials. All ages. 3:30–5:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart

KIDSTUFF: Teen Prism Club (Oconee County Library) Hang out in the library to play games, do crafts and build friendships in an inclusive and welcoming space. Grades 6–12. 6–8 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/oconee

LECTURES & LIT: Word of Mouth (The Globe) Athens’ longestrunning spoken word open mic, with this month’s featured reader from Wisconsin, Dylan Loring. 6 p.m. (sign-ups), 7 p.m. (poetry). FREE! www.facebook.com/athens wordofmouth

MEETINGS: Athens Homeless Coalition Board of Directors (Princeton United Methodist Church) Learn more about the coalition and how to get involved. 12 p.m. FREE! www. endathenshomelessness.com

MEETINGS: Avid Writers’ Collective (Avid Bookshop) Members critique each others’ pre-submitted

writing of all forms. First Wednesdays, 6:15 p.m. FREE! events@ avidbookshop.com

Thursday 6

COMEDY: Flying Squid Improv & Lanny’s Comedy Show (Hendershot’s) Members of Flying Squid Comedy perform improvised scenes followed by standup performances by local comedians hosted by Lanny Farmer. First Thursdays, 8 p.m. $10. www.flyingsquidcomedy.com

FILM: Club Ned Anime Society (ACC Library) Join club members to watch and discuss episodes of “Serial Experiments Lain,” “Kaguya-sama: Love is War” and “Erased.” 6:30–8:30 p.m. FREE! www.animefandom.org

GAMES: Mahjong Club (Winterville Cultural Center) Learn to play the ancient Chinese game of Mahjong. Tuesdays & Thursdays, 1–4 p.m. $1. www.wintervillecenter.com

GAMES: Thursday Trivia (Johnny’s New York Style Pizza) Test your trivia knowledge with host Jon Head. 6:30 p.m. www.johnnyspizza.com

GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (The Foundry) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Thursdays, 7 p.m. www.facebook.com/baddog athens

KIDSTUFF: The Mermaid Show (ACC Library) Meet a real live mermaid, listen to her mesmerizing tales and make themed crafts. 10:30 a.m. FREE! www.athens library.org

KIDSTUFF: Open Play (Oconee County Library) Drop in for bubbles, playtime, children’s music and companionship. Ages 5 & under. Thursdays, 11 a.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/oconee

KIDSTUFF: Food on the Move (Oconee County Library) Learn about bird conservation and migration with the Oconee River RC&D Council. Registration Required. 1 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary/ oconee

KIDSTUFF: Lego Mania (Bogart Library) Drop in to free build and create. All ages. 3–5 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart

KIDSTUFF: LEGO Club (Oconee County Library) Drop in to free build and create, or do one of the fun LEGO challenges. Ages 5–12. Thursdays, 3:30–5:30. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/oconee

KIDSTUFF: Teen Dungeons & Dragons (Bogart Library) Join the volunteer led role-playing adventure where you can fight dragons, join an army, go on a quest in distant lands or find hidden treasure. 6 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/ bogart

MEETINGS: Coffee Hour (Oconee County Library) Drop in to drink some coffee, while supplies last. Thursdays, 11 a.m.–12 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.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

OUTDOORS: Roaming Readers (Oconee County Library) Enjoy a morning walk around Wire Park, and talk about books (or anything). First Thursdays, 10 a.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/oconee

SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 10 a.m. info@petanque.org, www. athenspetanque.org

Friday 7

CLASSES: DIY Book Binding (Oconee County Library) Create your own notebooks and booklets in this hands-on workshop. Supplies provided. Registration required. 4:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary. org/oconee

EVENTS: Community Garden Field Day (Boys & Girls Club of Athens HT Edwards) Explore urban agriculture and climate change with demonstrations on soil fertility, soil sensors, using a FarmBot and more. 10 a.m.–12 p.m. FREE! www.ricegeorgia.org

EVENTS: Grand Opening & 5th Anniversary Party (Grail Bra Specialists) Grail Bra Specialists is celebrating its move with special offers, giveaways, refreshments and more. 2–8 p.m. FREE! www. grailbras.com

EVENTS: First Fridays (Southern Brewing Co.) Kick off the weekend with live music, an on-site food truck and a mini-market featuring local vendors. First Fridays, 5–10 p.m. FREE! www.sobrewco.com

GAMES: Chess Club (Winterville Cultural Center) Join others for a weekly chess competition. Fridays, 6–10 p.m. FREE! www.winterville center.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: National Donut Day Celebration (Oconee County Library) Celebrate with donutthemed activities and games, plus a sprinkles race. Registration required. 11 a.m. FREE! www.athens library.org/oconee

KIDSTUFF: Experience Virtual Reality (ACC Library) Learn about and experience the world of virtual reality. Ages 5 & up. Registration required. 2 p.m. FREE! www.athens library.org

KIDSTUFF: Teen Bookmark Craft (Oconee County Library) Make your own bookmarks with collage, colored pencils and more. Grades 6–12. 4 p.m. FREE! www.athens library.org

PERFORMANCE: Eternity (Morton Theatre) An evening of music, dance and theater with an emphasis on sharing the love of God through the performing arts. 7 p.m. $15. www.mortontheatre.com

THEATER: Disney’s Descendants (Oconee Youth Playhouse) This musical follows the offspring of classic villains such as Maleficent and Cruella de Vil. June 7, 7 p.m. June 8, 2 p.m. & 6 p.m. June 9, 2 p.m. $15–20. www.oconeeyouth playhouse.com

THEATER: The Hello Girls (Town & Gown Players) Set during World War I, this musical tells the story of the U.S. Army’s first female telephone operators unit. June 7–8 & 13–15, 8 p.m. June 9 & 16, 2 p.m. $20. www.townandgownplayers. org

Saturday 8

EVENTS: Paint and Sip Party in Honor of Eugene Swain (Steffen Thomas Museum of Art) A special event to celebrate the late artist on his birthday with wine and the opportunity to paint portraits of the artist’s work. 2 p.m. & 4 p.m. $65. For tickets text 706-818-0357

EVENTS: Athens Farmers Market (Bishop Park) Markets offer locally grown groceries and handmade goods with live music and children’s activities. AFM doubles SNAP dollars spent. Saturdays, 8 a.m.–12 p.m. www.athensfarmers market.net

EVENTS: Ecstatic Dance (work. shop) This ceremony of rejuvenation and inspiration is a substance-free and inclusive musical celebration. 8–10 a.m. $10–15. www.ecstaticdanceathen.wixsite. com/xstaticdanceathensga

EVENTS: Garden Open House (State Botanical Garden of Georgia) There will be plant sales, garden tours and more. 9 a.m.–12 p.m. FREE! ugatrial.hort.uga.edu

EVENTS: Family Fun Ride (North Oconee River Greenway) Bring your bike and helmet for a 6-mile tour of the Greenway and Firefly Trail. Ages 8 & up. Registration required. 10 a.m. FREE! www.accgovga.my rec.com

EVENTS: Storytime with Mr. Evan (Avid Bookshop) The whole family is welcome to enjoy a morning of books, songs, rhymes and puppets. 10:30 a.m. FREE! www.avidbook shop.com

EVENTS: West Broad Farmers Market (Rocksprings Park Pavilion) Vendors will be on site with fresh produce, local fare, rare plants, artisan goods and more. Saturdays, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. FREE! www.athens landtrust.org/wbfm

EVENTS: Hot Corner Festival (Downtown Athens) The annual festival features vendors, an award ceremony, a car and bike show, food, speakers and live entertainment on the historic Hot Corner block. 11 a.m.–10 p.m. FREE! www.hot cornerathens.weebly.com

EVENTS: Really, Really Free Market (Reese and Pope Park) Just like a yard sale, but everything is free. Bring what you can, take what you need. Second Saturday of every month. 12–1:30 p.m. reallyreally freemarketathens@gmail.com, www.facebook.com/RRFMAthens

EVENTS: Historic Athens Heritage Walk (Historic Athens) Lee Epting will guide an exploration of the history of The Hill. Registration required. 2 p.m. $25. www.historic athens.com

EVENTS: 1 Year Anniversary (Oak House Distillery) Celebrate the distillery’s anniversary with music, games and food. 2–10 p.m. www. oakhousedistillery.com

EVENTS: Dinner Around the World (Soldier of the Sea Distillery) Enjoy a Mediterranean-themed meal with live music by The Comer Collective. 6:30 p.m. $25. www. soswhiskey.com

FILM: Us Kids (Ciné) Screening of the documentary about the survivors of the Parkland High School shooting with a discussion panel afterwards hosted by Athens Moms Demand Action. 12:30 p.m. FREE!

tinyurl.com/AthensWO

FILM: Saturday Cinema (Bogart Library) Screening of the 2004 science fiction film Sky Captain with popcorn and lemonade. 4 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart

GAMES: Gaming Lounge (Oconee County Library) Drop in to play various TTRPGs, Nintendo Switch party games, PS5 fighting games, board games and Magic: The Gathering. 10 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary. org/oconee

GAMES: Beginners Dungeons and Dragons (Oglethorpe Co. Library) Join local Dungeon Master Trey Miller to learn everything you need to know about the popular role playing game. 11 a.m.–1 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/oglethorpe

KIDSTUFF: Busy Bee Toddler Time (Bogart Library) Join Ms. Donna for rhymes, songs, puppets and a story. 10:30 a.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/bogart

KIDSTUFF: Kids’ Anime Club (ACC Library) Kids of all ages are invited to watch The Animal Crossing movie, create crafts, sample Japanese snacks and more. 2 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org

THEATER: Disney’s Descendants (Oconee Youth Playhouse) This musical follows the offspring of classic villains such as Maleficent and Cruella de Vil. June 7, 7 p.m. June 8, 2 p.m. & 6 p.m. June 9, 2 p.m. $15–20. www.oconeeyouth playhouse.com

THEATER: The Hello Girls (Town & Gown Players) Set during World War I, this musical tells the story of the U.S. Army’s first female telephone operators unit. June 7–8 & 13–15, 8 p.m. June 9 & 16, 2 p.m. $20. www.townandgownplayers.org

Sunday 9

ART: Opening Reception (Madison Morgan Cultural Center) The late Madison self-taught artist Eugene Swain’s works capturing rural life will be on view as part of the “Madison Collects” exhibition. 2–4 p.m. FREE! www.mmcc-arts.org

COMEDY: Off the Clock Comedy (The Globe) Athens Comedy presents local comedians and improv, this week featuring host Tim Pruitt of Take This! Comedy. Sundays, 9–11 p.m. $5. www.facebook.com/ athenscomedy

EVENTS: Bridgerton Afternoon Tea (Oconee County Library) Join in afternoon tea in your fanciest tea time attire. 4 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/oconee

GAMES: Host Your Own Tabletop Game (Oconee County Library) Bring your own tabletop game to play with friends or meet new ones. 2 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary. org/oconee

GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Southern Brewing Co.) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Sundays, 4 p.m. www.facebook.com/baddog athens

SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 10 a.m. www.athenspetanque.org

SPORTS: Classic City vs. Rome Roller Derby (Fun Galaxy Athens) The Classic City Rollergirls take on Rome’s team. 10:30 a.m. (doors). $15. www.classiccityrollergirls.com

THEATER: The Hello Girls (Town & Gown Players) Set during World War I, this musical tells the story of the U.S. Army’s first female telephone operators unit. June 7–8 & 13–15, 8 p.m. June 9 & 16, 2 p.m. $20. www.townandgownplayers.org

THEATER: Disney’s Descendants (Oconee Youth Playhouse) This musical follows the offspring of classic villains such as Maleficent and Cruella de Vil. June 7, 7 p.m. June 8, 2 p.m. & 6 p.m. June 9, 2 p.m. $15–20. www.oconeeyouth playhouse.com

Monday 10

COMEDY: Sake Bomb Open Mic

Comedy (Cozy Bar) Watch a variety of comedians perform new material or join in with your own standup routine. Mondays, 9 p.m. FREE! www.athenscomedy.com

EVENTS: Transportation Job Fair (CCSD Transportation Facility)

CCSD’s Transportation Department will hold a job fair for the 2024–2025 school year. 9 a.m.–1 p.m. bit.ly/ccsdjobfair

EVENTS: Lunch & Learn (Oglethorpe Co. Library) Peg and Tom Thon share their experience and tips on how to use your current occupation and personal skills to become a movie extra. 12 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/oglethorpe

GAMES: Open Chess Play (ACC Library) Drop in for a game open to all skill levels with light refreshments served. Mondays, 3–5 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org

GAMES: General Trivia with Erin (Athentic Brewing Co.) Test your trivia knowledge with host Erin. Mondays, 7–9 p.m. FREE! www. athenticbrewing.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: Bad Dog Trivia (LumberJaxe) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Mondays, 7 p.m. www.facebook.com/baddogathens

KIDSTUFF: Monday Funday Doggy Tales (Bogart Library) Join Ms. Donna for storytime with local author Carol Farmer sharing her new book, Leo the Lovable Lab Ages 3–7 years. Registration suggested. 10:30 a.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/bogart

KIDSTUFF: T-Rex Meet and Greet (Oconee County Library) Drop in to take a picture with a T-Rex and complete a craft. 11 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/oconee

MEETINGS: Classic City Rotary (Athentic Brewing Co.) The local chapter meets weekly. Mondays, 11:30 a.m. FREE! www.athentic brewing.com

MEETINGS: Hook and Needle (Winterville Cultural Center) A crafting group with a focus on creating and contributing blanket projects for Project Linus. Second Mondays, 2 p.m. FREE! www.wintervillecenter. com

MEETINGS: Pen Pals Writing Group (Oconee County Library) Meet other writers, share your writing experiences and get feedback on your work. Second Mondays, 5:30 p.m. Fourth Mondays, 4 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/oconee

Tuesday 11

CLASSES: ESOL (Bogart Library) Learn or polish your English skills using Mango languages online and in-person basic conversation and vocabulary. 12:30 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/bogart

CLASSES: DIY Bee Watering Station (Oconee County Library) Learn how to make a bee watering station for your garden. Supplies provided. Registration required. 1 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/oconee

CLASSES: Reiki Circle (Serenity Attunement) Connect in meditation and learn more about Reiki. Second Tuesdays, 6 p.m. $22. www.serenityattunement.com

EVENTS: Tiki Taco Tuesday (Live Wire) Enjoy live music, craft cocktails and a taco pop-up from Don Carne. Tuesdays, 5–10 p.m. www. livewireathens.com

EVENTS: West Broad Farmers Market and Garden (Athentic Brewing Co.) Vendors will be on site with fresh produce, local fare, rare plants, artisan goods and more. Second and Fourth Tuesdays, 5–8 p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing. com

FILM: The Power to Heal (Richard B. Russell Special Collections Library) Screening of the public television documentary about the historic struggle to secure equal and adequate access to healthcare. 3 p.m. FREE! libs.uga.edu

FILM: This or That: Adventure Movie (Bogart Library) Screening of an adventure movie voted on by attendees. Second and fourth Tuesdays, 6 p.m. FREE! www.athens library.org/bogart

GAMES: Mahjong Club (Winterville Cultural Center) Learn to play the ancient Chinese game of Mahjong. Tuesdays & Thursdays, 1–4 p.m. $1. www.wintervillecenter.com

GAMES: Tuesday Night Shenanigans (Southern Brewing Co.) Play board games and arcade games on site, bring your own games or even your D&D group. Tuesdays, 5–10 p.m. www.sobrewco.com

GAMES: Dirty South Trivia (White Tiger Deluxe) Test your trivia knowledge. Tuesdays, 6 p.m. www. facebook.com/DirtySouthTrivia

GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Amici Athens) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.facebook.com/baddogathens

GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Akademia Brewing Co.) Test your trivia knowledge with host Garrett Lennox. 7 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/ ClassicCityTriviaCo

GAMES: Singo! (Beef O’Brady’s) Win gift certificates and prizes at this music bingo night. Tuesdays, 7–9 p.m. www.beefobradys.com/athens

KIDSTUFF: Toddler Tuesday: Color Story (Georgia Museum of Art) Enjoy art and storytime in the galleries, then complete an art activity. Ages 18 months to 3 years. RSVP by email. 10 a.m. FREE! gmoatours@uga.edu

KIDSTUFF: Reptiles with Sandy Creek Nature Center (Oglethorpe Co. Library) An all ages program to learn about and meet various reptiles. 10:30 a.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/oglethorpe

KIDSTUFF: Storytime (Oconee County Library) Drop in and join Ms. Jera for rhymes, songs, movement, a story and a craft. Ages 5 & under. 11 a.m. & 12 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/oconee

KIDSTUFF: Crafternoon (Oconee County Library) Drop in for a craft or two. Supplies Provided. All ages. Tuesdays, 3:30–5:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/oconee

LECTURES & LIT: Book Swap (Athentic Brewing Co.) Browse free books to take home or settle in to read in the front lounge. Donating books is encouraged but not required. 5–10 p.m. FREE! www. athenticbrewing.com

LECTURES & LIT: Author Talk & Book Signing (Avid Bookshop) Local poet Bob Ambrose Jr. will

discuss his new book Between Birdsong and Boulder: Poems on the Life of Gaia. 7 p.m. FREE! www. avidbookshop.com

MEETINGS: Knot Just For Knitters (Oconee County Library) Bring your own crafting project to work on while chatting with fellow crafters. Tuesdays, 3–5 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/oconee

MEETINGS: Memoir Writing Group (Bogart Library) During this monthly group, hear memoirs from others and learn tips on how to write your own. 5:30 p.m. FREE! www.athens library.org/bogart

SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 10 a.m. info@petanque.org, www. athenspetanque.org

Wednesday 12

ART: Tour At Two (Georgia Museum of Art) These drop-in public tours feature highlights of the permanent collection. 2 p.m. FREE! www.georgiamuseum.org

CLASSES: Salsa Dancing (El Carretonero) Join SALSAthens for Cuban salsa lessons meeting a variety of dance abilities. Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. (advanced), 7:30 p.m. (beginner/intermediate). $10. SALS AthensDancing@gmail.com

COMEDY: Gorgeous George’s Improv League (Buvez) Townie improv that invites you to bring suggestions to help create improv magic. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. $5 suggested donation. www.flying squidcomedy.com

EVENTS: Athens Farmers Market (Creature Comforts Brewery) Markets offer fresh produce, flowers, eggs, meats, prepared foods, art and crafts. Live music at 6 p.m. AFM doubles SNAP dollars spent. Wednesdays, 5–8 p.m. www.athens farmersmarket.net

GAMES: Classic City Trivia (The Local 706) Test your trivia knowledge with host Garrett Lennox. 7 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/ ClassicCityTriviaCo

KIDSTUFF: Busy Bee Toddler Time (Bogart Library) Join Ms. Donna for rhymes, songs, puppets and a story. 10 a.m. & 11 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart

KIDSTUFF: Science Adventures (Bogart Library) Explore chemistry through fun activities with Dr. Maurice Snook. Best for ages 3–10. 3 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary. org/bogart

KIDSTUFF: LEGO & Builder’s Club (Bogart Library) Drop in to use LEGOs and other building materials. All ages. 3:30–5:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart

KIDSTUFF: Teen Anime Club (Oconee County Library) Join other fans of manga and anime to discover books, play games, snack and watch anime. Grades 6–12. 7 –8 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary. org/oconee

LECTURES & LIT: Author Talk (ACC Library) Athens author Randy Cox will discuss his new book 715 at 50: The Night Henry Aaron Changed Baseball and the World Forever. 6 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org

MEETINGS: Casual Crafting (Oconee County Library) During this casual art jam, hang out with other creatives while you work on your in-progress projects. 6 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/oconee

OUTDOORS: ‘Normal’ Run (Athentic Brewing Co.) Join the Athens Road Runners for a 1–3 mile run that starts and ends at Athentic Brewing. Every other Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing.com f

calendar picks arts & culture

MUSIC | FRI, JUNE 7

Being Dead

Ciné • 8 p.m. (doors), 9 p.m. (show) • $15 (adv.), $17

Being Dead is just as strange as you might think. The Texas-based musical trio, composed of friends Falcon Bitch, Gumball and Ricky Moto, brings a freakish energy to its distinctive blend of surf rock, pop and punk, mesmerizing audiences with a punchily playful attitude. The band’s newest album, When Horses Would Run, beckons with quick-waving arms toward a world of vivid characters and landscapes reflective of

time spent in the personality-filled Austin music scene. Falcon Bitch describes the music as “a slice of [their] friendship” that pulls on “different versions of [themselves]” as bandmates, as is manifested in the frenetic, eclectic energy that pulses through the album. Being Dead touches on tough subjects in its music, including religious obsession and good and evil, but never without a healthy sense of humor. The show will be opened by Elijah Johnston and Antlered Aunt Lord. [Mary Beth Bryan]

MUSIC | SAT, JUNE 8

Wet Meadows

Buvez • 8 p.m. • $10

Wet Meadows is Athens’ very own “botanical rock” band, fashioning folk rock songs with subjects and aesthetics centered around flora and other natural entities. The band’s recent release, an EP called Mall Walkers that acts as the first in an upcoming series of mall-themed releases, might be a bit confusing then. Rest assured, the three songs on the EP make devout reference to several plant species, nodding to the atriums and planters found in malls across America, tastes of nature in the middle of concrete shopping centers, vital and under-recognized parts of the “mall ecosystem,” as the band thinks of it. At the core of all of this is a poke at consumerism and globalism, encased in smooth vocals, horn sections and easy-listening guitar lines inspired by the forms of nature. The show will also feature performances from local musician Jim Willingham’s psych-folk project, Dim Watts, and local songwriter and fingerstyle guitarist Patrick Barry. [MB]

ART | SUN, JUNE 9

Eugene Swain

Madison-Morgan Cultural Center • 2 p.m. • FREE!

Born in the historic Southern town of Madison, self-taught artist Eugene Swain used his surroundings as a muse. His work

depicts the rural South in all its homey character and rustic dilapidation, from open-doored wooden structures with missing boards to crop fields and lazing farm animals. The focus on Madison’s antebellum architecture is often emphasized by the use of real wood and metal in his works. Tragically, Swain died in a car crash in 2021, but his feature in the latest installment of the “Madison Collects” series honors his legacy with a display of over 70 of his paintings and other works from the private collections of Madison residents. The Steffen Thomas Museum of Art, which is also hosting a painting event during Swain’s birthday weekend on June 8, says that his “locally-focused artwork, as well as his commitment to his family and his community, deeply touched people from the region for decades.” [MB]

LITERATURE | TUE, JUNE 11

Bob Ambrose Jr.

Avid Bookshop • 7 p.m. • FREE! Between Birdsong and Boulder: Poems on the Life of Gaia is a meeting of science and spirituality, transmuting the story of the cosmos through a lyrical lens that calls upon the rhythms and language of scripture. The Ancient Greek personification of Mother Earth, Gaia, is a vehicle through which the ungraspable enormity of existence throughout time is marveled at and appreciated. The author of the collection, Athenian Bob Ambrose Jr., is a retired environmental engineer with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency who published his first book of poetry, Journey to Embarkation, in 2016. Ambrose will be joined in conversation about the collection with Amy Rosemond, aquatic ecosystem ecologist, biogeochemist and Distinguished Research Professor at the Odum School of Ecology at the University of Georgia. There will be a book signing after the reading and discussion. [MB]

MUSIC | TUE, JUNE 11

Marisa Anderson

Flicker Theatre & Bar • 8 p.m. (doors) • $12 (adv.), $15

An entire history of American guitar music collides with a sense of innovation in Marisa Anderson’s music. While rooted in the blues, country, jazz and classical sounds of eras past, it stretches outward toward minimalism, electronic music and drone. This wide palette is derived from Anderson’s storied musical journey, beginning with hearing church music as a child, then picking up guitar at age 10, dropping out of college and moving to Portland to fight for environmental and social causes at age 19, joining the circus, working at Rock Camp for Girls, performing in bands including the Dolly Ranchers and Evolutionary Jass Band, and releasing multiple critically acclaimed solo guitar records. Her guitar career has led to collaborations with lauded musicians like Sharon Van Etten, Tashi Dorji and Jim White, with whom she created her most recent album, Swallowtail, as well as releasing her first film score for director Jeff Rutherford’s A Perfect Day for Caribou in 2022. Anderson’s show at Flicker will be opened by local musicians Kiran Fernandes and Shane Parish. [MB] f

Being Dead

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.

AAAC QUARTERLY GRANT (Athens, GA) The Athens Area Arts Council offers $500 grants to visual and performing artists in any medium to support specific projects that enrich the culture of Athens. Rolling deadlines are June 15, Sept. 15, Dec. 15 and Mar. 15. Apply online. www. athensarts.org/support

BIPOC ARTIST/CURATOR PROJECT OPEN CALL (Lyndon House Arts Center) Seeking BIPOC individuals residing in Georgia to develop an art exhibition to be on display for 6–8 weeks at the LHAC. A stipend of $1500 is provided. www.accgov. com/9799/ArtistCurator

CALL FOR ART (Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation) Seeking submissions for OCAF’s annual “Southworks” national juried art exhibition. This year’s juror is Bill Eiland. Cash prizes awarded. Submissions due July 19. Exhibition runs Sept. 27–Nov. 1. $30–40/submission fee. art@ocaf.com, www.ocaf.com/ exhibitions/callforart

CALL FOR ART (Winterville Cultural Center Gallery) The WCCG is seeking submissions for its first annual juried art exhibition. Online submissions will be accepted June 13–July 12. Exhibition runs Aug. 31–Oct. 30. $30/submission fee for up to three entries. www.winterville ccgallery.com

CALL FOR COLLECTORS (Lyndon House Arts Center) The LHAC’s “Collections from our Community” series features unique collections of objects found in the closets, cabinets and shelves of Athenians. Email if interested in displaying your collection. shelby.little@ accgov.com

CALL FOR EXHIBITION PROPOSALS (Lyndon House Arts Center) Artists, artist groups and curators

can submit original exhibition proposals for consideration in the arts center’s gallery schedule. Arts can also submit images of their work for consideration in larger group or themed shows. Deadline Sept. 20, 11:59 p.m. www.accgov.com/6657/ Exhibition-Proposal-Form CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS (Chase Park Warehouses) Fox Said Fest is currently accepting applications for artist market booths. The new festival includes music across three stages, imaginative performances, a community art board, food trucks, beer garden and kids’ area. Deadline to apply is June 10. Event held July 27. artmarket@foxsaidfest. com

EMERGING BLACK ARTIST SCHOLARSHIP (Athens, GA) The Athens Area Arts Council will award a $500 scholarship annually to one Black artist from a Clarke County high school who is attending, or has been accepted to, a college or university to study the arts. Deadline June 30. www.athensarts.org/ support

JOKERJOKERTV CALL FOR ARTISTS (Online) JOKERJOKERtv is actively accepting proposals for collaboration from visual, musical and 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 MUSIC AND ARTS EDUCATION GRANTS (Athens, GA) AthFest Educates will award a total of $65,000 to music and arts education programs for local students. Applicants may request up to $5,000. Check website for requirements. Applications accepted through Aug. 24. www.athfesteducates.org

OPEN STUDIOS (Lyndon House Arts Center) Studio members have access to spaces for painting, print-

art around town

ATHENS INSTITUTE FOR CONTEMPORARY ART: ATHICA (675 Pulaski St.) “Artist-in-ATHICA: Sonic Divination” includes interactive installations, workshops, performances and more led by visual and sound artists Jon Vogt, Shannon Perry, Michael Scott Pierce, Claire Paul, Carley Rickles and Erin Palovick. Sonic Divination Durational Event held June 14–15, sunset to sunset. AthFest workshops and performances held June 23, 5-7 p.m. and June 29 (time TBA). Open studio hours with drop-in participation held June 5–7, 12, 19–21, 26–28 from 5–8 p.m.; June 8, 22–23 from 2–9 p.m.; and June 9, 1–4 p.m. Through June 30.

ATHICA@CINÉ GALLERY (234 W. Hancock Ave.) Jason Matherly presents “What Will He Do with It?,” an exhibition of early ink drawings and new paintings emphasizing the relationships between shape and color. Through June 25.

BOGUE GALLERY AT ACC LIBRARY (2025 Baxter St.) The Athens Photography Guild presents 34 prints by 19 APG members. Through June 23.

CLASSIC CENTER (300 N. Thomas St.) In Classic Gallery I, “Spotlight” features works by painters William Ballard, Jaci Davis and Ella Hopkins. • In Classic Gallery II, Kristin Roberts’ “The Fables” illustrates Aesop’s Fables with detailed works that are both whimsical and dangerous.

CREATURE COMFORTS BREWING CO. (271 W. Hancock Ave.) Paintings and wood cutouts of flowers and animals by Marisa Mustard. Through June.

GEORGIA MUSEUM OF ART (90 Carlton St.) “Richard Prince: Tell Me Everything” includes a suite of works based on the joke archives of comedian Milton Berle. Through June 16. • “Decade of Tradition: Highlights from

making, photography, ceramics, jewelry, fiber and woodworking. Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. $65/month. www. accgov.com/7350/Open-StudioMembership PUBLIC ART SELECTION PANELS (Athens GA) The Athens Cultural Affairs Commission is seeking community members to participate in upcoming public art selection panels. Panels review, evaluate and select from submitted proposals for ACC-funded public art commissions. www.accgov.com/9656/ Public-Art-Selection-Panels

Auditions

THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG (Elberton Arts Center) Seeking six adult men and two adult women for a comedic production. Be prepared to read excerpts from the script. Open reading held June 5, 5:45 p.m. Auditions held June 17–18, 6–8 p.m. Performances held Sept. 27–29 & Oct. 4–6. tking@cityof elberton.net

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE (Town & Gown Players) Auditions will consist of readings of scenes provided by the direction team. Pianists and singers may be asked to play a short selection. Auditions held June 10–11, 6:30 p.m. Performances heldd Aug. 9–18. yesthatchristine@gmail.com, www. townandgownplayers.org/prideand-prejudice

Classes

A COURSE OF LOVE (Unity Athens Church) Learn a positive path for spiritual living based on A Course in Miracles. Wednesdays, 10–11:30 a.m. FREE! www.unity athens.com

ANIMAL COMMUNICATION & PET LOSS GRIEF WORKSHOPS

(Ancient Suns Intuitive Arts at work. shop) In “Introduction to Animal Communication,” find out what your animal hopes to share as you learn how to send and receive messages telepathically. June 15, 12–3 p.m. $65. During “Pet Loss Grief Healing,” support your grieving process in a sacred, comforting way using meditation, intuitive skills and energy healing. June 29, 12–3 p.m. $65. hello@ancientsunsacademy. com, www.ancientsunsacademy. com

ART CLASSES (K.A. Artist Shop) The shop offers a range of fine art classes and workshops for adults, private classes and parties, summer camps, and art clubs for youth. Topics include acrylic, aqua oil, bookmaking, calligraphy, gouache, printmaking, and watercolor. Register online. www.kaartist.com

BLACKSMITHING CLASSES (Greenhow Handmade Ironworks, Washington) A variety of classes include “Forge a Bottle Opener” (June 7), “Forge Garden Tools” (June 8), “Forge a Firepoker with Decorative Handle” (June 14), “Christmas Ornaments in July” (July 13), “Forge a Tomahawk” (July 25) and “Forge a Railroad Spike Knife” (July 26). Classes run 10 a.m.–5 p.m. www.greenhowhandmade.com/ blacksmith-classes

CANOPY CLASSES & SCHOLARSHIPS (Canopy Studio) Canopy offers a variety of trapeze and aerial arts classes for children and adults. Scholarships and financial aid are available. outreach@canopystudio. org, www.canopystudio.org/out reach/scholarships

COOKING CLASSES (Athens Cooks) “Weekend Dinners with Chef Hunter” will be held June 5, 6–8 p.m. $103. “Knife Skills and Sharpening” will be held June 12, 5–7:15 p.m. $75. “Sake to Me Sushi” will be held June 13, 6–8 p.m. $103. “Date Night Culinary Affair” will be held June 19, 6–8 p.m. $103. Register online. www. athenscooks.com

the Larry D. and Brenda A. Thompson Collection.” Through July 3. • “Kei Ito: Staring at the Face of the Sun” uses photography to examine the intergenerational trauma of nuclear disaster and the possibilities of healing and reconciliation. Through July 14. • “A Perfect Model: Prints after Anthony van Dyck’s Portraits” presents prints that attest to Van Dyck’s lasting impact as a printmaker and portraitist. On view June 8–Dec. 1.

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.) Nirvinyl Album Art presents “Room by Room: The Kitchen Set.” Through mid-July.

JITTERY JOE’S DOWNTOWN (297 E. Broad St.) Photography of Athens scenes by Frances Hughes. Through June.

LYNDON HOUSE ARTS CENTER (211 Hoyt St.) Guest curated by Lizzie Zucker Saltz, “RESCUE: Waste and Redemption” presents 22 artists who transform industrial byproducts into artworks or craft objects. Through June 15. • “Inflections: Works by Kaitlin Thurlow, Maria Canzano & Morgan Auten Smith” brings together three painters who create intimate worlds to enter and reflect upon. Through June 15. • Collections from our Community presents Nate Mitchell’s 45 record box collection. Through June 22. • The Window Works series presents a site-specific artwork by Atlanta artist Michael Reese that questions the perception of the Black Body against cyanotype photography popular with architectural blueprints. Through spring 2025.

MADISON-MORGAN CULTURAL CENTER (434 S. Main St., Madison)

“Madison Collects: Eugene Swain” spotlights the self-taught Madison artist who specialized in capturing rural life in Morgan County through his artwork. Opening reception June 9, 2–4 p.m. Through July 13.

OGLETHORPE GARAGE (1560 Oglethorpe Ave.) Bart King’s exhibition

IMPROV SUMMER SCENE WORKOUT (work.shop) This sixweek course focuses on building improvised scenes based in reality. Open to students with foundational improv experience. Begins June 10, 6–8 p.m. $160. www.flyingsquid comedy.com/classes

PÉTANQUE CLUB OF ATHENS (5 Alumni Dr.) Learn to play Pétanque. RSVP for a free Wednesday introduction. athenspetanqueclub@ gmail.com, www.athenspetanque club.wixsite.com/play

QPR SUICIDE PREVENTION

TRAINING (Nuçi’s Space) Nuçi’s hosts free monthly QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) suicide prevention sessions for anyone interested, not just mental health professionals. Nuçi’s also offers free training for businesses and organizations. qpr@nuci.org, www.nuci.org/qpr

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

Help Out

COVER YOUR LOAD AWARENESS

WEEK (Athens, GA) In an effort to reduce roadside litter and protect Athens residents, Keep AthensClarke County Beautiful,and the Litter Abatement Steering Committee will celebrate National Cover Your Load Day the week of June 2. Partners will distribute educational materials and safety resources to raise awareness of the Georgia unsecured load laws and local litter ordinances. www.keepathens beautiful.org

SEEKING BOARD MEMBERS (Sandy Creek Nature Center) Sandy Creek Nature Center, Inc., is seeking new members for its board of directors. Brochures and applications are available online. scncinc@gmail.com, www.sandy creeknaturecenterinc.org/boardmembers

SEEKING BOARD MEMBERS (Morton Theatre Corporation) The Morton Theatre Corporation is seeking new members for its board of direc-

tors and volunteers. The application is available online. board@morton theatre.com, www.mortontheatre. com/join-the-board

Kidstuff

AN EPIC ADVENTURE AT SEA (First Baptist Church) Children who have completed Pre-K through 6th grade can participate in a summer camp. June 10–13, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. FREE! sharon@firstbaptistathens.org, www.firstbaptistathens.org

ATHENS FOREST KINDERGARTEN (Sandy Creek Park) Now enrolling children ages 3–6. AFK is a cooperative preschool that aims to develop initiative, persistence, interdependence, and empathy. www.athensforestkindergarten.org

BLACKSMITH SUMMER CAMP (Greenhow Handmade Ironworks) Ages 13 and up can learn basic blacksmithing skills through different hands-on projects like making fire pokers, tomahawks, scrolls, hooks and more. Materials, fuel and tools are included. July 8–12, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $525. www.greenhow handmade.com/blacksmith-classes BRELLA ACTIVITIES (’BRELLA STUDIO) After-school art lessons for ages 6–11 include drawing and mixed media activities and are held Monday and Tuesday afternoons. Family Playgroups are for ages 0–5 and their caregivers. Check website for descriptions and meeting times. www.brellastudio.com/events

COOKING CAMPS (Athens Cooks) “Kids Can Cook, Too!” is a summer camp for ages 6–9. June 17–20. $309. “Teen Culinary Adventures: From Knife Skills to Baking Brilliance” is a camp for ages 14–17. $309. www.athenscooks.com

CREATIVE OPPORTUNITIES (Treehouse Kid & Craft) Treehouse offers a variety of art-centric activities for children, such as “Crafty Maker Mondays,” “Storytime with Mr. Doodles,” “Digital Art Designer,” “Baby Artists,” “Toddler Process Art,” “Creative Playtime,” “Saturday Craft” and more. Check website for current schedule. www.treehouse kidandcraft.com

FARM CAMP (Sweet Olive Farm) This all-outdoor camp for ages 6–12 includes caring for and interacting with the animals, creek time in the woods, outdoor crafts, games, music, art-making, writing and exploring the farm. Mondays–

consists of images produced with a flatbed scanner and natural objects. Through mid-June.

PORCELAIN AND DECORATIVE ARTS MUSEUM (2450 S. Milledge Ave.)

Two new collections celebrating the connection between art and nature include a complete Jasperware tea set from Wedgewood in England and a series of hand-carved coconut vessels.

THE ROOK & PAWN (294 W. Washington St.) “Serenade” features works by over 20 artists including Keith P. Rein, Sierra Kirsche, Kendall Rogers, Jesse Raven and Delaney Dusch. Through June.

STATE BOTANICAL GARDEN OF GEORGIA (2450 S. Milledge Ave) Kathy Rogan’s oil paintings raise funds for Parkinson’s research. Through June 23.

STEFFEN THOMAS MUSEUM OF ART (4200 Bethany Rd., Buckhead)

“Peace in Our Time: Steffen Thomas Meisterwerke from the Lowrance Collection” shares works collected by Marjorie and Richard Lowrance over the span of 60 years. Through July 23. • The “Student Art Exhibition” features works by students from five different schools. Through July 27.

UGA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER LOBBY GALLERY (230 River Rd.) The new gallery debuts with large-scale paintings from Margaret Morrison’s “Paradigm Shift,” a series created after Morrison began questioning historical aspects of her closely held Mormon faith. Through July 26.

UGA SPECIAL COLLECTIONS LIBRARIES (300 S. Hull St.) Developed by James W. Porter, Meigs Professor of Ecology emeritus at UGA, “Sunken Treasure: The Art and Science of Coral Reefs” explores the marine lives of coral through specimens and photographs. Through July 3.

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP OF ATHENS CLEMENTS GALLERY (780 Timothy Rd.) “The Three Graces” is a collaborative art exhibit by Elizabeth Bishop-Martin, Starr Ramsey Helms and Kim Kendall. Through June 23.

Fridays, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. during the summer. Register online. www. sweetolivefarm.org

GROUPS AT REBLOSSOM

(ReBlossom) A variety of classes, playgroups and support groups are offered for parents and young children. Topics include birth and breastfeeding, prenatal and parent-baby yoga, instrument play, maternal mental health and more. Check website for a schedule. www. reblossomathens.com

LEARN TO SWIM (Multiple Locations) The ACC Leisure Services Department offers swim lessons for children ages 3 and up at Heard Park, Lay Park, Memorial Park and Rocksprings Park including “Swim School” and “Parent/Tot Swim School.” $33 (residents), $50 (non-residents). The department’s Kinderswim program is offered to five-year-olds at no cost. www.acc gov.com/myrec

LIBRARY STORYTIMES (ACC Library) Storytime for preschool aged children and their caregivers is offered every Tuesday and Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. www.athens library.org

LUTHEROAD DAYCAMP (Holy Cross Lutheran Church) Camp for rising 1st–6th graders runs June 24–27, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. and June 28, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. www.holycrossathens.com/ lutheroad

MUSIC SUMMER CAMPS (Merit Music Academy) The academy offers small-group summer camps in a cappella, songwriting, ukulele and puppetry. Register online. $120/week. www.meritmusicacademy.com/summercamps

NATURE AND FARM SUMMER

CAMPS (Foxfire Woods and Farm)

Offering three weeks of outdoor summer camp, including a half-day camp for preschoolers ages 3.5–6. Themes include survival skills, kinetics and simple machines, and outdoor exploration. www.foxfire woodsandfarm.com

REPORT CARDS REWARDS

PROGRAM (Multiple Locations)

Students in Kindergarten through 12th grade can receive a free pool pass by bringing a report card will all A’s or E’s. A report card with all A’s and B’s or all E’s and M’s can earn 10 free swims. www.accgov. com/pools

SUMMER ART CAMPS (K.A. Artist Shop) Art Camps for Promising Young Artists are offered for half or full days Mondays–Fridays during the summer. Activities range from drawing, painting, collage, printmaking, illustration, calligraphy and character design. www.kaartist.com

SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION (Athens, GA) ACC Leisure Services Department offers camps highlighting art, nature education, sports and theater. Now registering. www. accgov.com/myrec

TREEHOUSE SUMMER CAMPS

(Treehouse Kid & Craft) Camps are offered in a variety of themes including “Mini Museum,” “Wonderful Wizards,” “Craft Inc. Business,” “Mouse Palace Camp,” “Camp Swiftie” and more. Visit the website for details, dates and to register. www.treehousekidandcraft.com

UGA SUMMER ART CAMP (Lamar Dodd School of Art) High school students with a passion for the arts are invited to participate in a fourday camp featuring drawing, painting, printmaking and photography. June 24–27. summerartcamp@ uga.edu, art.uga.edu/programs/ community-programs/uga-summerart-camp

WILD EARTH CAMP (Piedmont Preserve) Wild Earth Camp offers summer camps and homeschool programs for ages 4–13. Partici-

pants explore the natural environment through games, storytelling, free play and teaching earth skills. Register online. www.wildearth camp.org

WORKSHOPS (On Stage Playhouse)

“Improv-ability Two!” is an improv workshop for rising fourth through eighth graders. Workshop June 17–22, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Performance held June 22,11:30 a.m. $95. www.onstagewalton.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

BRAIN INJURY SUPPORT GROUP (St. Mary’s Hospital, 5th Floor Therapy Room) This support group for survivors of traumatic head injury, their families, friends and caregivers offers friendship, information about resources and opportunities for advocacy. Every third Monday, 4:30–6 p.m. Contact Floretta Johnson, 706-353-1892, floretta. johnson@stmarysathens.org

NAMI FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP (Oconee Presbyterian Church) Peer-led support group for any adult with a loved one who has experienced symptoms of a mental health condition. Second Monday of the month, 6:30–8 p.m. FREE! joannehnamihallga@gmail.com

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. Second and fourth Wednesdays, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. FREE! www.byyourleave.org

OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS (24th Street Clubhouse) Learn to stop eating compulsively or curb other unwanted food-related behaviors. Tuesdays, 12 p.m. Text: 678-7363697

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 the month, 1 p.m. gpnoblet@ bellsouth.net

POLYAMORY SUPPORT GROUP (Revolution Therapy and Yoga) This open support group for adults practicing or considering polyamory or nonmonogamy discusses navigating jealousy, polysaturation, relationships with metamours and polyamorous parenting. Thursdays, 6:30–7:30 p.m. $10 donation. www.revolutiontherapyandyoga.com

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

RECREATE JOY (Sunny Days Therapeutics) Nuçi’s Space hosts a recreational therapy support group. Improve coping skills and self esteem while reducing depression and anxiety through adaptive yoga, games and leisure education. Sixweek sessions. Wednesdays, 5–6 p.m. tinyurl.com/rnvuhesa

RECOVERY DHARMA (Athens Addiction Recovery Center) This

peer-led support group offers a Buddhist-inspired path to recovery from any addiction. Visit the website for details. Thursdays, 7 p.m. www.athensrecoverydharma.org

SEX ADDICTS ANONYMOUS (Athens, GA) Athens Downtown SAA offers a message of hope to anyone who suffers from a compulsive sexual behavior. Contact for location. athensdowntownsaa@gmail.com

SURVIVORS OF SUICIDE (Nuçi’s Space) SOS is a support group for anyone who has lost a loved one to suicide. Meets the third Wednesday of every month, 5:30–7:30 p.m. www.nuci.org

Word on the Street

ATHENS FLUTE CHOIR READING

SESSION (First Presbyterian Church) The AFC is hosting an open reading session to greet old flute friends and meet new ones. The music will be a mix of levels and styles. Bring a C flute and music stand if possible. Masks are requested when not playing. June 20, 7 p.m. RSVP: lhbflute@gmail. com, www.athensflutechoir.org

BIKE REPAIR STATIONS (Multiple Locations) Over 15 free bike repair stations are located across Athens with tools, an air pump and a QR code for quick guides on basic bike repairs. Visit the website for participating locations. www.accgov. com/10584/Bike-Repair-Stations

DIAMOND HILL FARM CSA (Athentic Brewing Co.) The Community Supported Agriculture program offers a variety of seasonal vegetables, fruits and/or flowers directly to consumers each week. Check website for weekly pickup locations, home delivery details and to register. $15 (flower share), $25–35 (farm box). www.diamondhillfarm athens.com

POOL AND SPLASH PAD SEASON

(Multiple Locations) ACC Leisure Services pools and splash pads are now open through July 28. Check website for hours. www.accgov. com/splashpad

RABBIT HOLE EVENTS (Rabbit Hole Studios) Weekly events include Open Mic (Tuesdays, 7–11 p.m.), Acoustic Song Circle (Thursdays, 7–11 p.m.) and Drumming and Song Circle (Sundays, 3–5 p.m.). Wednesday Yoga (5 p.m.) is followed by Meditation and Integration (6 p.m.). Events are free or donation based. www.rabbitholestudios.org

SEEKING MUSIC (Athens, GA) Seeking music submissions for the third season of “View Finders,” a locally produced TV series that will air on national PBS. Music can vary from electronic, ambient, hip hop, folk, Americana, rock, country, blues, classical and beyond. Contact for submission form. www.viewfinder sontv.com

SEVENTH GENERATION (Healing Path Farm) Seventh Generation Native American Church hosts gatherings on Sundays at 11 a.m., Men’s Group on Tuesdays at 6 p.m., and Women’s Circle every second and fourth Wednesday at 6 p.m. www.seventhgeneration nativeamericanchurch.org

VHS DIGITIZATION (Athens, GA)

Brad Staples (of the Athens GA Live Music crew) is seeking previously recorded concerts and events on VHS, VHSC or DVDs to digitize and archive on his YouTube channel, vhsordie (@vhsordie3030). Original recordings will be returned, and credits and dates will be included in the online video description. Digitization services are free. Contact for details and to coordinate shipping. bradley.staples88@gmail.com f

Hot Corner Festival

HONORING THE PAST AND HIGHLIGHTING THE PRESENT

By Sam Lipkin editorial@flagpole.com

The 24th annual Hot Corner Celebration and Soul Food Festival will take place on the historic Hot Corner block of downtown Athens this weekend June 6–8. Presented by the Hot Corner Association, each year the festival provides an opportunity to honor Black business leaders of the past and encourage those of the present while also celebrating the various aspects of Black culture and community.

The Hot Corner Association is a nonprofit organization with the primary mission of preserving the history of Hot Corner, a district of downtown that was the heart of Black commerce in the early 20th century. The festival keeps this history alive and commemorates Black culture through a variety of informational initiatives, musical performances, local art, kids activities, soul food and more.

This year’s kick-off event on Thursday, June 6 is an invitation-only festival participant reception, but its featured guests are esteemed creatives and business owners whose public work uplifts the community. They include Squallé (Torrance Wilcher), co-founder of youth organization The League of Step; Broderick Flanigan, painter and muralist; Marcel Mincey of the youth education nonprofit MEU Radio; Blacknerdninja (Eugene Willis), co-founder of CreativeSpace; and Mikhayla Robinson Smith, Athens’ current poet laureate.

festival is unique among Athens’ other public events, and it showcases musicians who often do not perform downtown. Rashard Stovall, who performs as I Am God’s Child, says that Hot Corner plays an important role in the downtown music scene and performing means a lot to him because it’s a great way to be heard and connect with a lot of people.

“It gives artists like myself and so many others a platform to get God’s word out to a community of people in the form of music,” says Stovall. “My memories of Hot Corner are just seeing so many different people come out to support: The vendors, the youth that are up and coming who are so talented, and once again all the great artists who come out each year to perform and display their gifts.”

On Friday evening from 7–8:30 p.m. a gospel program will take place at First AME Church on Hull Street. There will be performances by Gospel Royalairs of Commerce, JC & The Hartwellaires Gospel Group, Marcus Brown & The Chorale, Morton Chapel Baptist Church, Mount Pleasant Male Chorus and New Salem.

The grand all-day celebration will take over the corner of Washington and Hull streets on Saturday from 11 a.m.–10 p.m. In block party-style fashion, attendees can browse a variety of local vendors and information booths, enjoy barbecue and soul food, check out a car show and cheer on community leadership award recipients. The main stage anchors the event in front of the Morton Theatre, with a variety of gospel singers, dancers, poets, R&B artists, jazz bands, rappers and more performing from opening to close.

After an opening reception and devotion, encouraging communion and an opportunity for worship, the first half of the day’s lineup from 12:15–3:15 p.m. primarily features gospel singers. This element of the

No stranger to the local music scene, but performing at Hot Corner for the first time this year, is hip-hop artist Frank the Eagle. Businesses in this downtown district have long been a part of his life, and the festival has had a meaningful impact in his life far beyond the music.

“Hot Corner is a cultural landmark for businesses and artists, especially in our urban community. I’ve been getting my haircut at Brown’s since I was three; it was the first haircut I got. I respect Brown and [Homer] Wilson for all they’ve done for me,” says Frank. “It’s just a great place to be. I met the woman I love there, so it definitely means alot to me.”

For the full schedule of events on Saturday, see the Hot Corner ad on p. 19. For any updates or more information, visit facebook.com/HotCornerORG. f

WHO: Hot Corner Festival WHEN: Saturday, June 8, 11 a m –10 p m

WHERE: Downtown Athens HOW MUCH: FREE!

JAIKAL PHOTOS

classifieds

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HOUSES FOR RENT

2(3)BR/1BA in Normal Town. 5 minute walk to Med School. Separate DR, HWflrs., CH/AC, carport. Chase Street School Catchment Area. Yearly or longer lease avail. For details: xamycohen222@icloud. com. View by appointment only.

3BR/2BA House in Normaltown, quiet interior street. Central heat/air. Furnished. Hwd floors. Washer/dryer. Driveway/on-street parking. No smokers, pets. Calls only! 706-372-1505

Sell or rent your property in the Flagpole Classifieds! Call 706-549-0301 today!

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MISCELLANEOUS

Business Water Solutions offers the cleanest drinking water available through innovative bottle-less water coolers and ice machines. Call 706-248-6761 or visit www.businesswatersolutions.com to set up a consultation.

Need old newspapers for your garden? Call ahead and we’ll have a crate ready for you. 706-549-0301

MUSIC

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Nuci’s Space is always accepting and selling used gear and instruments. All profits go toward our mission of ending the epidemic of suicide. Visit nuci.org/ rewired.

INSTRUCTION

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

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

Summer Camps at Merit Music Academy are filling fast! A Capella, Songwriting, Ukulele, and Puppetry! Ages 6-12. More info at MeritMusicAcademy. com/SummerCamps. Also offering private instruction!

Get Flagpole delivered to your mailbox! Only $55 for six months or $110 for one year. Purchase online at www.flagpole.big cartel.com, call 706-5490301 or email frontdesk@ flagpole.com.

SERVICES

HEALTH

Pain? Depression? Insomnia? Call us today to find out how we can help you using natural plant medicine. 888-420-3848. Use coupon code “Athens24” for 15% off your first order.

HOME AND GARDEN

Woman-Run Gardening Services: Prep for spring! We offer garden clean-up/ maintenance, invasive plant removal, raised beds, personalized native/edible gardens for home/business and more! Call/Text: 706395-5321.

JOBS

FULL-TIME

El Paso is NOW HIRING! Flexible scheduling, no experience required as training is provided. Apply anytime during normal business hours at 255 W. Washington St. (behind Clocked!) or online at www.elpaso athens.com/careers.

PART-TIME

Join a diverse, inclusive workplace and get paid to type! 12–40 hours, Mon–Fri. NEVER be called in for a shift you didn’t sign up for. Must type 65+ wpm. Make your own schedule and work independently with no customer interaction. Starts at $13 with automatic increases. www.ctscribes. com

Are you looking for full-time or part-time employees? You should try advertising job openings in the Flagpole Classifieds! Call 706549-0301 or email class@ flagpole.com today!

White Tiger is now hiring for all positions at the Athens and Watkinsville locations! No experience necessary. Email work history or resume to catering@white tigergourmet.com.

by Margie E. Burke

CORD SIBILSKY

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MONDAY: $2.99 MARGARITAS 12OZ HOUSE FLAVORED OTR TUESDAY: 2X1 MOJITOS & $12.99 CHICKEN FAJITAS

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We are a family owned Tex-Mex restaurant as well as a full service tequila bar. When dining with us we promise excellent service, delicious food, and an experience you will always want to remember! We are so excited to be here joining the Athens community and can’t wait to see you!

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LUNCH MENU MON-FRI • 10:30AM–3PM SAT & SUNDAY BRUNCH SPECIALS 255