OFFICE MANAGER & DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Jennifer Keene
CLASSIFIED ADS & CALENDAR COORDINATOR Jennifer Keene
AD DESIGNERS Chris McNeal, Cody Robinson
CONTRIBUTORS Hillary Brown, Chris Dowd, Maya Homan, Gordon Lamb, Lee Shearer, Ross Williams
CARTOONISTS Missy Kulik, David Mack, Klon Waldrip, Joey Weiser
CIRCULATION Jennifer Bray, Charles Greenleaf, Joe Rowe
EDITORIAL & OFFICE INTERN Mary Beth Bryan
PHOTOGRAPHERS CJ Bartunek, Kat Wood, Jake Zerkel
SPECIAL AGENT Pete McCommons
The former Pizza Hut on Baxter Street,
Master.
at flagpole.com.
Kique’s Kitchen
Five Bedrooms in Five Points
DENSITY REMAINS CONTROVERSIAL AS ATHENS FACES HOUSING SHORTAGE
By Blake Aued, Maya Homan and Ross Williams news@flagpole.com
Athens has a shortage of more than 6,000 homes, according to one recent study, but Five Points residents can breathe a sigh of relief that no new development is coming to their area anytime soon.
A report by bond rating agency Moody’s Analytics found that Georgia has a deficit of 41,000 owner-occupied homes and 35,000 rental units, according to the Atlanta Journal- Constitution. The shortage is national—the U.S. needs 2 million more homes, and North Dakota is the only state with a housing surplus—but particularly acute in the fast-growing Sun Belt.
Another recent study, by the Georgia Public Policy Foundation, a conservative think tank, used Census data and building permit records to pinpoint the housing shortage in each county. The study found that housing construction has not kept up with Georgia’s explosive growth, particularly since the 2007 mortgage crisis and subsequent recession. For example, Clarke County added about 4,700 housing units from 2010–2020, thousands less than in previous decades. That left Clarke County with a shortage of 6,211 units. In particular, there is a shortage of medium-density “missing middle” housing like townhouses and houses with accessory dwelling units.
The GPPF study cited several factors, including local zoning codes and other regulatory barriers, Wall Street buying up the supply, tariffs on lumber and high interest rates that make homeowners reluctant to sell. “Regulations, high construction costs and labor shortages remain major obstacles,” said Chris Denson, director of policy and research at the GPPF. “But the biggest barrier may be political: We need to build more housing of all types if we want to see significant progress when it comes to affordability.”
Despite the housing shortage, the Athens- Clarke County Commission shot down a townhouse development on Pinecrest Drive near Foley Field, the University of Georgia’s baseball stadium, dubbed “The Grandstands at Foley.” Applicant Synforge LLC requested a rezoning from RM-1 to a slightly more dense multifamily classification that allows 24 bedrooms per acre on the 0.9-acre parcel, rather than 16.
The opposition may have been something of a proxy fight for a new future land use map to guide growth for the next 20 years. “I’ve seen comments online suggesting frustration with the future land use map more so than this rezone. That’s a conversation for another day,” said one of the developers, Kevin Bentley of Macon.
Some Five Points residents have expressed fear that their neighborhood will be upzoned, although the draft version of the map funnels development to underutilized major corridors, not existing neighborhoods. “This is not a corridor,” homeowner Hillary Ruston said. “This is not an area that’s ripe for increased density and development.”
Ultimately, the issue boiled down to five bedrooms—the 14 allowed under the current zoning, or the seven three-bedroom
townhouses the developers wanted to build. “These homes are designed for young professionals, retirees and families relocating to Athens who want to live near the university,” Bentley said. Three-bedroom homes are in higher demand than two-bedrooms, he said.
Despite the relatively minor concessions the developers were seeking, neighbors said it would irrevocably change the character of the neighborhood. “We’re going to take what’s there, two houses, and make it 21 bedrooms, which means 21 more cars. These streets are very narrow,” said Five Points resident Edward Kelly.
Some nearby residents wanted more affordable housing built on the tract, with seven figures being bandied about as the price of a condo at The Grandstands at Foley. “It’s for the rich that don’t live here and come and go to games, or for the rich who can pay for students and perhaps have students living there,” Rita Kelly said. “We don’t need the traffic. We don’t need the richness. We need neighborhoods, regular neighborhoods.”
Town Hall on President’s House Hotel
A hotel project planned for the UGA President’s House property on Prince Avenue will involve minimal changes to the nearly 180- year-old house and its front
Historic Athens provided a document from the developer, Gainesville-based Capstone, answering frequently asked questions, available at flagpole.com. In addition, Capstone is setting up a website at ugapresidentshouse.com. Historic Athens will host a town hall meeting on the project Tuesday, Aug. 19 at 5:30 p.m. at the Prince Avenue firehall.
The organization has not taken a stance on the project, according to Historic Athens Executive Director Tommy Valentine. “We are not endorsing this project at this time,” he said at the Aug. 5 presentation at the Lyndon House Arts Center. “We are trying to understand this project.”
garden, and will preserve as much of the rear landscaping as possible, architect Joe Smith said at a Historic Athens presentation last week.
However, as Moody’s Analytics chief economist Mark Zandi told the AJC, without subsidies, high construction costs make luxury apartments and high-end homes more attractive to developers than housing for the middle class. “It’s just not economic for builders to build at that price point because the cost of building is so high,” Zandi said.
Commissioner Melissa Link said the developers should have sought an RS-5 zoning (5,000 square- foot single- family lots) or a density bonus by including affordable housing. “These folks could have gotten that little bit of extra density if they’d gone through our inclusionary zoning process and contributed to our housing fund,” she said.
“Athletes have access to a lot of money these days. I could see this being a serious party center that really disrupts the neighborhood,” Link added.
Affordability was also an issue for planning commissioners when they considered a rezoning for 70 townhouses off Macon Highway on Aug. 9. “As much as I generally support increases in density because Athens badly needs more housing, I do have some concerns here,” planning commissioner Matthew Hall said. Specifically, he said the applicant wants additional density without providing the public benefit of affordable housing through the inclusionary zoning ordinance.
Other concerns included the loss of tree canopy and mill houses on the property. The planning commission voted unanimously to recommend denial when the project comes to the county commission next month.
[Blake Aued].
“We’ve done pretty much everything we can do to make sure the primacy of the house is not subsumed by everything behind it,” said Smith, co- founder of the local design firm Arcollab. He described it as a “hybrid project” that will apply historic preservation principles to the new construction of a 116-room hotel, hiding it behind the main house and landscaped buffers, as well as allow for continued stewardship of the historic structure.
Little has changed since the hotel plans were first made public in June. Ten rooms have been added, which will likely do little to quell concerns that the hotel is out of scale with the neighborhood. But parking has been cut back drastically—now 134 spaces, most of them underground, compared to over 200 initially. A traffic study turned out to generate significantly lower numbers than the first estimates of nearly 1,000 car trips a day. In addition, hallways connecting the main house to the hotel have been eliminated to create a lane for emergency vehicles after Emmanuel Episcopal Church declined a request for an easement.
Plans call for a restaurant and bar on the first floor of the house, with a new kitchen constructed alongside it, and a suite on the upper floor. It will also incorporate preservation advocate Lee Epting’s idea to include a room of Vince Dooley memorabilia. The hotel will be built as far away from Boulevard residences as possible—currently 114 feet or more—and in the shape of a courtyard to contain outdoor social activities away from the neighborhood. There will be space to host weddings with up to 200 people indoors, according to Smith. Two outbuildings, a cottage and a kitchen, will be moved to the rear of the property.
UGA put up the president’s house for sale for $5 million in 2023, citing increasingly expensive maintenance costs. Since being donated to the university in 1949, it has served as the UGA president’s official residence and a space for hosting receptions. Railroad magnate John Thomas Grant built the Greek Revival mansion using enslaved labor in 1856. He sold it in 1876 to Benjamin Harvey Hill, a politician who helped start the Ku Klux Klan and persuade President Rutherford B. Hayes to end Reconstruction. Hill left the house to his daughter, W.F. Bradshaw, whose estate donated it to UGA. Thus, the house is often referred to in preservation circles as the Grant-WhiteHill-Bradshaw House. [BA]
Athens Native Michael Thurmond Runs for Governor
Democrat Michael Thurmond has joined the race to become Georgia’s next governor in what is shaping up to be a heated 2026 election.
“I’m running for governor to fight for working families, protect and expand access to healthcare, and build an education system that creates multiple pathways to success,” Thurmond said in a statement on social media Aug. 6.
Thurmond, 72, served as CEO of DeKalb County from 2017 until January. He is the son of a Clarke County sharecropper, and in 1986, he became the first African American elected to the Georgia General Assembly from his home county since Reconstruction, as well as the first African American elected in a majority white district. He served three terms as Georgia labor commissioner and was interim superintendent of the DeKalb County School District, where he was credited with helping reverse a threat to the district’s accreditation.
Thurmond pledged to travel the state and campaign on his record. “This campaign won’t be about promises, but performance,” he said in a statement. “I have led the transformation of broken private and public organizations, passed tax relief for Georgia seniors and working families, and helped more than 300,000 unemployed Georgians find good jobs. Georgia deserves a leader with the courage to tune out the political nonsense, bring people together, and get results.”
Plans for a luxury hotel behind the former UGA President’s House were shown during a presentation hosted by Historic Athens.
Thurmond is not the only one with eyes on moving into the governor’s mansion next year once Gov. Brian Kemp’s second and final term is up. Atlanta state Sen. Jason Esteves, former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and state Rep. Derrick Jackson are among those also competing for the Democratic nomination, with Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and Attorney General Chris Carr the early frontrunners for the GOP nomination.
The party primaries are scheduled for May 19, 2026, after which the winners from each party will face off in the Nov. 3 midterm, which will also include the race for U.S. senator and other top offices like lieutenant governor and attorney general, as well as every seat in the state Legislature.
[Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder]
Cannabis Committees Meet
Medical cannabis and recreational hemp are likely to be high on lawmakers’ list of priorities as they reconvene in January for the 2026 legislative session.
Members of a House study committee dedicated to studying the impact of cannabis consumption held their first meeting at the state Capitol last month. The committee will hold three additional hearings between now and October to examine medical studies, solicit expert testimony and compare Georgia’s marijuana laws to those of other states before compiling a report on official policy recommendations.
The committee—composed of lawmakers, agency leaders, medical professionals and everyday citizens—will study two distinct policy subsets: Medical cannabis, which is administered through Georgia’s Access to Medical Cannabis Commission, and commercial hemp products, which are regulated through the federal 2018 Farm Bill and the Georgia Hemp Farming Act.
“There is some blurring in this committee, which happens because of the fact that we’re looking at, really, two different policies,” said state Rep. Mark Newton, an Augusta Republican and physician who chairs the committee. “Medical marijuana
is one area of this Blue Ribbon commission that we’re assigned with, and the second area is hemp policies.”
Bills related to medical cannabis and hemp beverages became a focal point during the 2025 session, which also marked the 10- year anniversary of Haleigh’s Hope Act. That law created the licensing commission, legalized possession of low-THC oil for the first time in Georgia and created a new research program dedicated to studying the drug’s impact. Subsequent legislation enabled companies to produce and sell the oil in- state, but advocates argue that Georgia’s current laws do not go far enough to help patients access medical cannabis in the forms that they need.
Georgia has seen incremental but steady growth in its low-THC oil program, which currently has over 33,700 patients, 2,300 caregivers and 700 physicians enrolled, according to the latest data from the state Department of Public Health. Patients with intractable pain and post- traumatic stress diagnoses make up more than 75% of those on the list, though patients with conditions like cancer, seizure disorders and Parkinson’s disease are also eligible to enroll. Georgia’s numbers are also dwarfed by other Southern states like Mississippi and Louisiana, where enrollment numbers are closer to 50,000 despite having much smaller state populations.
At least four bills on the topic of medical cannabis and hemp products were introduced during the most recent session, though none managed to successfully clear both chambers before the legislature adjourned in April.
Over on the Senate side, lawmakers on the Study Committee on Intoxicating Cannabinoids in Consumable Hemp Products will also tackle the issue of regulating recreational products like THC-infused drinks, which are chemically similar to medical cannabis but more broadly available to consumers because they fall under the federal 2018 Farm Bill and the Georgia Hemp Farming Act. The first meeting of that committee has yet to be publicly announced.
The House committee will hold its next meeting on Aug. 21 in Augusta. [Maya Homan/Georgia Recorder] f
Musical Chairs
POLITICAL MANEUVERING AND MORE NEWS FROM OVER THE SUMMER
By Blake Aued news@flagpole.com
Though the next election isn’t until May, local and statewide races are already coming into focus.
In recent weeks, two candidates with Athens ties—Mike Collins, who represents Athens in Congress, and Derek Dooley, the son of Vince and Barbara Dooley—recently joined Savannah Rep. Buddy Collins in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate. The winner will face Democratic incumbent Jon Ossoff in November 2026.
Once Collins announced his Senate bid July 28, state Rep. Houston Gaines (R- Athens) said he would seek Collins’ 10th District seat. Despite being just 30, Gaines—also the scion of a prominent local family—is serving his fourth two- year term in the legislature, rising to leadership positions, and has proven himself to be a prodigious fundraiser. So far, the only Democrat running in the right-leaning district is Lexy Doherty, who lost to Collins in 2024.
lose funding for inter- system loans, internet access and youth reading programs.
At least 90 grants for various University of Georgia research projects totaling $122 million fell victim to DOGE, Trump’s costcutting effort previously led by Elon Musk. Most of them were related to diversity initiatives or climate change. The Food Bank of Northeast Georgia is also preparing for increased demand when cuts to federal food assistance take effect.
Athens- Clarke County planners continued work on a new land use map that will guide growth for the next 20–25 years, a period when the city is expected to add 30,000 people, exacerbating a lack of housing that is contributing to higher rents and home prices. Consultants Urban3 gave several presentations showing that, based on tax data, properties in denser areas like downtown are subsidizing single- family neighborhoods and suburban strip malls, which don’t generate enough tax revenue to pay for needed services. The data points to a zoning map that encourages growth along underdeveloped main corridors while protecting existing neighborhoods, rather than allowing further sprawl.
In addition to Gaines’ House seat, one of Athens’ two state Senate seats will also open up. Sen. Bill Cowsert (R- Athens) is running for Georgia attorney general. Among the announced candidates for Cowsert’s Senate seat is former state Rep. Doug McKillip, whom many Athens voters may remember for switching parties after being elected as a Democrat in 2010.
While more candidates could enter the race for Athens- Clarke County mayor, right now it looks like the city’s next leader will be a former commissioner from District 5 in the northwestern part of the county. Tim Denson—a progressive who served from 2019–2022, when Republicans in the state legislature redrew the district to prevent him from running again—was the first to jump in the race. Denson is currently on the Clarke County Board of Education. Shortly after, Dexter Fisher, who succeeded Denson on the commission, joined the race as well. Fisher is a former administrator at UGA and CCSD. Mayor Kelly Girtz is barred by law from running for a third term.
Athens also gained a clearer picture of the impact of President Trump’s budget cuts on the local community. Libraries could
From Classic to Quirky
The Athens YWCO announced that it would sell property it had acquired in Oconee County to equine therapy nonprofit Butterfly Dreams and use the proceeds to improve its Eastside Athens facility. Meanwhile, a capital campaign is underway for renovations to the YMCA on Hawthorne Avenue.
The Saye Building at the corner of Hancock Avenue and Lumpkin Street met the wrecking ball after the ACC Commission voted to remove it from the West Downtown Historic District. Athens First Methodist Church plans to use the property as a parking lot.
The commission also voted to return a $25 million grant to revitalize North Avenue and approve a 900-home subdivision off Atlanta Highway. Former Roanoke, VA city manager Bob Cowell was named the ACC government’s new manager, while longtime clerk of commission Jean Spratlin retired after a ceremony that featured an Elvis impersonator and Mayor Kelly Girtz smashing computer equipment.
On a more serious note, two more inmates were found dead at the ACC Jail in July, bringing the total for this year to four. Sheriff John Q. Williams blamed at least some of the deaths on fentanyl and said he is taking steps to crack down on smuggling. However, questions remain, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation has yet to release autopsy reports. f
Hundreds of Athens residents took to the streets during the “No Kings” protest in June.
Studio Spaces, Gear Rentals & Creative Services You create—we’ll handle the rest. From shoot to edit, we’ve got you.
Investing in Students
By Lee Shearer news@flagpole.com
“Areyou feeling lucky today?”
Jennifer Scott, interim superintendent of the Clarke County School District, asked high school seniors in assemblies at the county’s three public high schools Thursday, Aug. 7.
Every one of them, more than 800 seniors across the district, was being given a $1,000 investment portfolio, she told them, with only a few strings attached— attending a series of investment and financial literacy lessons over the course of the school year, and completing some surveys. Then, when they turn 18, their investments will be theirs to handle however they wish.
Reaction at Cedar Shoals High School, the first to hear the news, seemed muted, with students perhaps skeptical before they heard the details, but by the time Scott and a team from Gifted Savings, the nonprofit behind the gifts, explained the details, they knew it was real. Clarke Central’s seniors were louder—word may have gotten out, though Scott asked the students to keep it secret until after all three announcements. The most enthusiastic reception was the final session at Clarke’s small alternative school, Classic City High, with just 11 seniors. There, a question-and-answer period turned into a lively conversation among students, the Gifted Savings team and the group’s founder, California tech entrepreneur and multimillionaire Farhad Mohit, who sat in the audience for each of the three announcements.
“Athens will be the first city in America where every [public school] student graduates as an investor,” Gifted Savings Executive Director Josh Landay told students. The Gifted Savings team hopes to see it grow to many more cities, however. “I think you’re going to be an example for the rest of the country,” Mohit said at an Athens Area Chamber of Commerce breakfast Friday
morning. A team of University of Georgia researchers will track the project to evaluate its effectiveness, he said.
The students’ identical portfolios are allocated in four pots, each with a different degree of risk: a certificate of deposit, a bond fund, a growth stock fund and a bitcoin account. There’s no guarantee the portfolio will grow over the course of the next year—it could decline in value, depending on market performance—but at a pilot project at Westbrook Academy, a small California charter school supported by NBA star Russell Westbrook, the portfolios grew to more than $1,600, said Gifted Savings Program Director Jennifer Inman.
All 50 of the Westbrook seniors completed the requirements to ensure the portfolios would be theirs, Inman said. “These kids are now thinking about planning for the future,” Mohit told chamber members Aug. 8 as he showed a video with testimonials from Westbrook students.
Students won’t be making investment decisions, but they’ll be able to track their investments to see what’s going up or down, learning and talking with each other about things that push markets in one direction or another. The idea is to give the seniors a little bit of luck and guidance on a path to future prosperity.
Left alone, at historical rates of return, a $1,000 investment portfolio could grow into $730,000 over 50 years, Mohit said. But the real gift will be what the students learn, he said. “The direct gifting of minimal investment knowledge is the simplest way back to the America we want,” he said.
Mohit, a member of the board of directors of Burning Man, made a fortune cofounding internet companies, some of which failed but some of which reached enormous success, like Flipagram, a video creation app that was one of the compa-
nies folded into what became TikTok, now one of the world’s largest social media platforms.
Clarke County is the launchpad for the Gifted Savings experiment in part because Athens has one of the country’s highest rates of intergenerational poverty, Landay said. The hope is that the investment education students get will show them a way out.
Another reason for choosing Clarke County is a connection between Mohit and Logan Smalley, a 2001 Clarke Central graduate who is the founder and executive director of TED-Ed, an outgrowth of the famous TED organization, which turns top lessons from teachers into videos watched by millions of students weekly. Smalley’s brother, Ben, also played a role in bringing Gifted Savings to Athens as the school district’s social studies coordinator.
The Smalley brothers gained local fame 20 years ago when they and others organized a cross- county trip to Los Angeles for a friend with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Darius Weems, and produced an awardwinning documentary of the trip, Darius Goes West, directed by Logan Smalley.
Though most of the lucky Clarke County seniors should be able to satisfy the requirements to claim their investment portfolios,
the visionary project faces another kind of community test.
Gifted Savings has pledged $1.2 million, enough to finance the first year of what they hope will continue for five years and beyond, and around half the second year’s cost. (The organization doesn’t cite Mohit as the money source, but says the money is from an anonymous donor.)
It’s up to Athens to come up with the funds to keep it going, but the project has strong backing from chamber President David Bradley and some local charities, including the Athens Area Community Foundation, whose president and CEO, Sarah McKinney, introduced Mohit at Friday’s breakfast.
“I truly feel like it’s an opportunity to provide liberation for every child, every family in our community,” Scott, the superintendent, told the chamber audience. “This isn’t just handing our students $1,000. It’s the knowledge that is going to change our community. That same knowledge can be spread among their family, their friends.”
“I love it. I feel like it’s a great idea,” said Classic City senior Ja’mia Hill, who already has an idea what she’ll do with her investments when they come to her: “I’m leaving it in.” f
Farhad Mohit (left foreground) speaks to Logan Smalley as Jennifer Inman explains the Gifted Savings program to Classic City High School seniors.
Summer Restaurant Roundup
By Hillary Brown food@flagpole.com
Summer was full of change, as you can tell from leafing through this year’s Guide to Athens, with many new entries. Want a speedrun through everything that happened on the food scene? Here you go.
Downtown went through a lot of changes. Tai Chi Bubble Tea on Broad Street closed and was replaced by Queen Tea, with bubble tea, board games, coffee, yogurt drinks and a variety of snacks that include steamed dumplings, bao and rice bowls. Tres Amigos, serving street tacos and margaritas until 1 a.m. Thursday through Saturday, is open at 350 E. Broad St., in the former Philanthropy Fresh.
On Clayton Street, the building that housed Ahi Hibachi and Poke and Athens Wok was claimed by the hotel next door. The latter restaurant closed, but the former moved down the block into what used to be Heery’s Too and is back open for business. Coming on the same street, in the former Bank of America building at Lumpkin Street, is a location of Oak Steakhouse, an upscale chain out of Charleston, SC. Sully’s Steamers, a steamed bagel sandwich franchise, opened at 255 E. Clayton St., which previously housed a frat bar, and the downtown Bojangles, nearby, is just about open. If you weren’t aware, it’ll serve beer, as well as bo-punned biscuits and breakfast fare.
Creature Comforts opened its new cocktail bar, Cura, serving house-distilled spirits on Washington Street (but with a Hancock address) Thursday through Saturday, next to the Rook and Pawn. The folks behind Paloma Park are getting ready to open Union Fare, a combination event space, cocktail bar and food truck park that stretches from 166 West Clayton St. (next to Last Resort) to the empty lot on Washington next to the Morton Theatre. The indoor space is available for rent but open to the public when not booked. The
food truck park will host a mix of Athensand Atlanta-area food trucks Thursday through Sunday.
Down the hill east of downtown, in The Mark, work has begun on its food hall complex, which will involve a location of franchise Dumpling Master, which also serves
ing is open at 650 W. Broad St., in what was El Zarco. Across the road, Ideal Bagel has new owners and has been tinkering with the menu.
ARTini’s Art Lounge closed its brickand-mortar location on Prince Avenue but says it will still be doing pop-ups at local breweries. Pancho’s Tacos and Tequila, in the former Pulaski Heights BBQ, is open for business, making its own tortillas and supposedly offering discounts on drinks when the train passes by on the nearby railroad tracks. Baddie’s opened its third location, in Normaltown, in the former Wing House Grill, and did some rebranding. Across the street, the third Fully Loaded Pizza just replaced Square One and added a rooftop
Baxter, in the old service station. Buffalo Wild Wings will be open on Broad, in the same general area, by the time this column runs, just in time for football season. Munch Hut, which had moved to Baxter from downtown, closed, but its sister business BasKat Catering remains open. Tacos los Plebes is still working on its second location, also in a former Huddle House, at 1815 Commerce Road. Tamez successfully opened its second location in Watkinsville, in front of the Publix. Taqueria Mi Rancho opened at 840 Hull Road, with Michoacan- style tacos. Taqueria Juaritos, on Jefferson Road, caught fire and remains closed, but its second location in Bogart is still open.
bubble tea, noodles and fried rice. Lumberjaxe, the axe- throwing bar on Dougherty Street, closed. A location of Meltwich, a Canadian grilled- cheese sandwich chain, is coming to the Rambler apartment building, on Finley. A little outside of downtown, Saucehouse is permanently closed, with its building up for sale, and Butter Bites Cater-
The Jittery Joe’s tasting room (attached to the roasting facility on Fritz Mar Lane, off Newton Bridge Road) closed. Caribou Coffee replaced the Checkers at Hawthorne and Broad, and chains Biggby, 7 Brew and Dutch Bros. are on the way, with the latter looking at an Atlanta Highway spot near Target. 1000 Faces opened a second location in Wire Park. Blenz Smoothie Bowls is opening in what was the Creamery, on the D.W. Brooks Mall on UGA’s campus. Plantation Buffet, on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway, changed its name to J & L Buffet. The building at 3755 Atlanta Highway that was the Carriage House most recently has been torn down, and a new Barberitos and yet another Dunkin’ are going up on the lot. A location of Tropical Smoothie Cafe, a franchise, is opening on Highway 29 North, next to the Papa John’s and the Firehouse Subs.
On the Eastside, Jimmy John’s and the Blind Pig in the College Station shopping center are both closed, as Kroger knocks down that strip to build new things. Athens Pho has replaced the Crab Hut at Barnett Shoals and Gaines School roads, and although it doesn’t have permanent signage yet, it’s a nice addition. Out in Winterville, Peach Pit barbecue closed.
bar. Nove Mesto, the Czech brewpub from the Hi-Lo Lounge folks to come on Barber Street in the Atlas Building, is making some progress and doing some pop-ups.
In the Beechwood/Alps area, what was previously Gusto will become a branch of Shake Shack, and franchise Smalls Sliders is going in at the corner of Alps Road and
And on Milledge Avenue, Mitti Desi Cuisine is changing its name to Taj India. It also opened a lovely Indian ice cream shop next door, Taj Sweets, sandwiched between what was Mitti and Achachi Market. Taj Sweets dips up an array of kulfi most days and sells a ton of prepackaged frozen treats as well. f
Athens Distilled
TURN TO SPIRITS AS GEN Z TASTES SHIFT
By Chris Dowd news@flagpole.com
When UGA biochemistry professor Robert Woods first considered opening a craft distillery in Athens, he was told that it would be impossible due to legal barriers. But after a careful search, Woods found nothing in Athens’ legal code to stop him. In 2023, he opened Oak House Distillery and Speakeasy— Athens’ first legal distillery since the Civil War—with his wife, Supakana Nagachinta, who has a PhD in food science.
Since then, Athens’ craft spirits scene has grown rapidly, with both Creature Comforts and Athentic breweries starting to distill their own spirits. Confident that the craft spirits trend represents a long- term shift in the alcohol market, Creature Comforts has opened Cura, a new cocktail bar and event space, alongside its downtown tasting room. Athens Spirits Co has also joined Athens’ craft spirits renaissance and has been offering their limited edition bourbon at liquor stores across town, although they currently lack a physical location.
beverage for some time, some surveys show that the generation currently attending college, Gen Z, drinks more spirits, cocktails and hard seltzers than other generations.
Athens’ breweries have been attentive to these market changes and quick to diversify their offerings. Often, this means starting with spirits like gin and vodka because these spirits don’t need to be aged like bourbon and whiskey. Woods says that this fact about production scheduling can sometimes encourage new distilleries that ultimately intend to focus on bourbon or whiskey to offer relatively low-quality gin at first as they try to recoup some of their up- front investment. This isn’t the case at Oak House. Woods is passionate about his award- winning gin, which is made in a contemporary style that’s not as juniperforward as traditional gins. Instead, Robert’s No. 1
The sudden rise of craft spirits in Athens may be more the result of demographic changes than newfound clarity regarding alcohol laws. Athens is, of course, a college town first and foremost. While beer will likely remain the most popular alcoholic
American Dry Gin includes notes of lavender and citrus combined with flavors from Southeast Asia like cardamom, coriander and grains of paradise.
Oak House Distillery also makes a barrel-aged Old Tom gin, Jamaican- style gold and silver rums and an organic vodka they filter through coconut charcoal. They also offer the mandarin orange liqueur Mandaraina onsite mixed with their in-house cocktails, and
may make it available for purchase in bottles soon.
Cura, the name of Creature Comforts’ new cocktail bar, which opened last month, is derived from a Latin word meaning “to care” and “to be curious,” according to a press release. At Cura, Creature Comforts offers high-end cocktails with gin, vodka and rum that they distill in-house. It also offers a custom bourbon blend developed in partnership with a Kentucky-based distiller. Additionally, Creature Comforts has launched a new “Sun Glow” line of vodka seltzers (4.5% ABV) this year that have real fruit juice and no added sugar, complimenting the malt-based, red lemonade Sip ’Em Seltzer (5% ABV) released last year.
Creature Comforts co- founder and CEO Adam Beauchamp said in the press release that the company’s foray into distilled spirits was “driven by the idea of fostering human connection” and their desire to “connect with new audiences and new occasions.” He added, “Beyond base spirits, we are driven to learn and create all of the attributes of a cocktail, and as such, drinks that are uniquely Athenian.”
Cura is a large event space (1,700 square feet) with a capacity of 100 people that’s open Thursday through Saturday from 5–10 p.m.
Athentic Brewery, located in the heart of Normaltown, is known for its live music (including the Normaltown Music Festival, which takes place in April) and craft beer selection, but it has recently started distilling under the Athentic Spirits label as well. They currently offer four spirits: Topknot Vodka, which is distilled eight times for a smooth texture; Warbler Rum, a premium white rum with bright citrus notes; and Rum Agricola, a specialty small-batch rum made from cane sugar grown in Statesboro. Unique among Athens’ distillers, it also offers an agave spirit similar to tequila made with maple- smoked prickly pear cactus leaves. Athentic offers each spirit inhouse as a howdy or shot and also to-go in 750-milliliter bottles.
Athenic also offers vodka slushies and draft cocktails that are frequently rotated. Right now, its draft cocktails include Cosmo, Transfusion and Bees Knees, all made with Topknot Vodka.
Athentic regularly hosts guided spirits tastings, the next of which is during its fifth anniversary celebration on Saturday, Aug. 16 from 4–6 p. m. It’s also releasing a new peach brandy on that day, the first in a series of fruited brandies. You can sign up for a guided tasting time slot at their taproom on Park Avenue. f
Oak House Distillery makes award-winning gin, as well as other types of liquor.
Athentic’s distilled offerings include vodka, two types of rum and agave, similar to tequila.
Art Around Campus
THIS SEASON’S EXHIBITIONS AT UGA
By Lauren Leathers arts@flagpole.com
You don’t have to be a student to enjoy the stunning artwork spread across the University of Georgia’s many galleries. Check out the fall preview of shows below, and remember to check Flagpole’s weekly Art Around Town listings to find out about exhibitions on and beyond campus.
GEORGIA MUSEUM OF ART: The officiate art museum of the state of Georgia is located right on East Campus in the Performing and Visual Arts Complex and will present several exhibitions this fall. The museum is free to visit and open to the public.
Currently on view, “Brilliant Exiles: American Women in Paris,” showcases 65 portraits in various mediums that show how American women in Paris reshaped modern womanhood and used portraiture to express a new sense of self. The exhibition features figures such as Josephine Baker, Zelda Fitzgerald, Gertrude Stein and Anna May Wong, capturing their bold contributions across art, literature, music, fashion and more. Organized by the National Portrait Gallery with support from the Smithsonian American Women’s History Initiative, the exhibition runs through Nov. 2.
Visitors can watch art conservation in action this fall as Joan Mitchell’s abstract painting “Close” undergoes restoration in the museum’s temporary exhibition galleries. A longtime piece in the museum’s permanent collection, the large- scale painting—known for its expressive brushstrokes and layered color— will be cleaned and stabilized on site by conservator Larry Shutts, who will share insights with visitors. Watch as Shutts touches up the work Tuesdays and Thursdays through Nov. 2, during scheduled sessions in a viewable, openaccess conservation lab.
Currently on view through June 28, “Three Thousand” is a work by filmmaker, video artist, photographer and curator asinnajaq. The film combines archival videos from the National Film Board of Canada with animations, soundscapes and contemporary footage, inviting viewers to reconsider their ideas and preconceptions of Inuit communities and histories.
DODD GALLERIES: The Dodd Galleries, a collection of five exhibition spaces within the Lamar Dodd School of Art, showcase contemporary art through rotating exhibitions and programs.
In the Lupin Gallery, “Mountain Tongue” (Aug. 28–Nov. 14) by Aidan Koch reimagines her short story “Man Made Lake” as a hand-drawn wall work that positions the mountain—not humans or animals—as the story’s protagonist. Curated by Lindsey Reynolds, the installation blends sculpture, animation and text into a deconstructed comic accompanied by a fable-like book. Also on view is the original manuscript of her comic Stone Blue Sky,
violence and longing embedded in place when cultural myths begin to erode. There will be an artist talk on Sept. 4 at 4 p.m.
In “NEOLOGISMS” (Aug. 28–Nov. 14), Ukraine-born artist slinko transforms a New York Times investigation into the disappearance of certain words from federal language into a site-responsive installation in the Plaza Gallery. Addressing the current cultural and political moment, she reimagines this act of censorship as an opportunity to invent an entirely new vocabulary, rearranging the letters of banned terms into playful neologisms.
Located in the Suite Gallery, “Slowing Down” (Aug. 28–Sept. 26) pairs new watercolors by Alexandra Stover with ceramics and photography by Jordan Winiski, inviting viewers to linger and reflect. Presented together for the first time, their works create a shared space for slow looking and introspection as a counterpoint to fastpaced contemporary life.
In the Bridge Gallery, Gabrielle Gagné presents “The Grid Made Human” (Aug. 28–Sept. 26). The installation weaves nat-
Two exhibitions on view Sept. 3–Nov. 22 explore the boundaries between drawing, sculpture and space through abstraction and material inquiry. In the main gallery, Krista Clark’s “assembly” presents a sitespecific installation informed by the politics and poetics of the urban built environment. Her layered, stacked and erased forms prompt questions about how interruptions in architecture shape our movement, sense of place and relationship to the constructed landscape.
In the second gallery, Steven Thompson’s “Ever Loyal, Ever True” features recent work that merges handmade pigments, rococo color and symbolic structures to investigate materiality as a metaphysical force. A fall opening party for both exhibitions takes place Sept. 13, 4–6 p.m. Head to athenaeum.uga.edu for hours and additional details.
SPECIAL COLLECTIONS LIBRARIES: On the second floor of the Special Collections Libraries building are three main galleries—the Walter J. Brown Media Archives and Peabody Awards Gallery, Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library Gallery, and Richard B. Russell Library Gallery—each of which presents rotating displays of photographs, artifacts, publications and other historical memorabilia.
“Looking Through a Sewn Sky: Rachel B. Hayes” (Aug. 23–July 30, 2027) transforms the museum’s Jane and Harry Willson Sculpture Garden with a commissioned installation that blends craft, painting and sculpture. Inspired by quilts, weavings and color field painting, Hayes’ fabric canopies play with shifting light and color, encouraging viewers to move around, beneath and through the work. Visit georgiamuseum.org for additional details and a calendar of events.
a graphite, gouache and pastel narrative exploring interspecies communication. Supplementing the exhibition will be a display of environmental comics curated by Koch in the Art Library. There will be a visiting artist and scholar lecture on Aug. 26 at 5:30 p.m.
In the Margie E. West Gallery, “The Body Politic” (Aug. 28–Nov. 14) surveys two decades of work by Kristine Potter. Her work explores the American landscape as a stage where masculinity, mythology and national identity are both constructed and dismantled. From West Point cadets during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars to reimagined cowboy figures in Western Colorado and the haunting terrains of the American South, her photographs reveal the tensions,
ural and manmade fibers into both a literal and social fabric. Using foraged and repurposed materials—ranging from invasive species to agricultural compost and trash— Gagné explores the emotional ties between people and their environments, viewing fibers as records of human activity with an innate muscle memory.
A fall exhibit opening for all five exhibitions will take place Sept. 4, 5–7 p.m. For more information, visit art.uga.edu.
ATHENAEUM: Located at the edge of downtown on West Broad Street, Athenaeum opened in fall of 2021. The gallery is free and open to the public, providing a space for exhibitions, workshops, lectures and more.
“The Golden Age of Broadway,” on view through August, offers a glimpse into the vibrant era of American musical theater from 1942 to 1972 through original posters, playbills and ephemera. Curated by UGA students in George Contini’s Musical Theatre and American Culture class, the exhibition draws from the university’s Samuel Golden Theatre Collection to highlight the bold visuals and big creative swings that defined the era—from “My Fair Lady” and “Cabaret” to “Hair” and “The Pajama Game.” Currently on view through December, “From Farms to Fast Fashion: Unraveling the Need for Sustainable Style” examines how mass-produced clothing transformed American consumption and uncovers the environmental and human costs behind fast fashion’s convenience.
Also through December is David Zeiger’s photography project “Displaced in the New South, ” which explores the cultural collision between Asian and Hispanic immigrants and the suburban Atlanta communities in the 1990s. A screening of Zeiger’s documentary by the same name will take place Sept. 18 at 5:30 p.m. at Ciné.
On view through May 2026, “Captain Planet: The Power Is Yours” explores the origins and impact of the animated series created by Ted Turner and executive producer Barbara Pyle. Airing for six seasons starting in 1990, “Captain Planet and the Planeteers” introduced young audiences to environmental issues through storytelling and action. The display also highlights the ongoing work of the Captain Planet Foundation, which continues to empower global communities to care for the planet.
Visit libs.uga.edu/scl/exhibits for more information. f
“Earth, Goddesses and Garlands” by Steven Thompson
Jeff Evans, age 72, passed away on July 29th, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, music, love, and unforgettable memories for all who knew him. Among his many ventures, he was a founding member of the Athens band, The Original Screw Tops.
Events and Exhibits at UGA Special Collections Libraries
Displaced in the New South: A Documentary by David Zeiger
5:30PM, Thursday, Sept. 18 @ Cine Free screening featuring filmmaker
Sustained Excellence
3PM, Aug. 29, Sept. 5, 26
Curator-led tours of UGA swim & dive exhibit
What's On The Table? Food Safety in Georgia, the South, and Beyond
6 PM, Tuesday, Sept. 23
Discussion with science journalist and Georgia Writers Hall of Fame inductee Deborah Blum and UGA’s Francisco Diez-Gonzalez
Flu shot (flu season is October - April) COVID-19 vaccination
What is HPV?
HPV is a common virus that affects all genders, spread through skinto-skin contact, including activities like sports, kissing, or shared surfaces like pools. It isn't solely spread through sexual activity.
Why should I vaccinate?
HPV can cause cervical, throat, and genital cancers among others. Vaccinating your child helps protect them before exposure.
HPV exposure can happen at any age through close contact, like in sports or shared spaces. The vaccine is important for everyone, as it protects against HPV-related cancers and is safe and effective.
When am I eligible for the HPV vaccine?
The best time to receive the HPV vaccine is between ages 9–14 with two doses. If you're 15–45, you can still get vaccinated with three doses, though it's more effective when given earlier.
REST IN PEACE: We were saddened to learn of the passing of Athens musician Jeff Evans, 72, who died July 29. Evans was the bass player in The Original Screw Tops band, originally known as the SOB Blues Band. The band was active in both Athens and the immediate surrounding area for well over a decade, and performed original blues material as well as select covers. He is survived by his fellow band members as well as wife Joan, daughter Amanda, son Dylan, daughter-in-law Haley and grandson Archer.
ALL IN THIS TOGETHER: The Athens punks in Commüne do their tuneful best on new EP Thrash. What’s so cool about this is that, for the most part, the band exists in no easily categorizable punk tradition. Of course, the title track—as
read this, presumably, the band should have uploaded this to derbytunes.bandcamp.com, but if you can’t find it there then head to youtube.com/@derbytunes.
IT’S A LOVEBEAT: The Arcs, determined to squeeze every minute out of the runup to its next album, has released its third single from the upcoming Athens Ave album, due out Sept. 16. This one is named “Not In Love.” It’s a dreamy mid- tempo pop song featuring member Kevin Lane’s distinctive lead vocals. The song, one of plaintive yearning and unrequited love, carries on for nearly a full two minutes after the vocals are over as if to emphasize its point. The whole track just kind of screams “AM Gold” but without all the cultural baggage that tag contains. It’s a really thorough production, too, with multiple guitar lines and very lovely background vocals. Find this at thearcs.bandcamp.com, and go ahead and make them happy by preordering the album already. For all other information, please see facebook.com/TheArcs.
well as “Bodies”—is straight-up 1977- style, but beyond this Commüne really stretches out. There’s the indie-ish (with a couple of really solid guitar parts) musing of “Embark;” the moody doom of “Fantasy,” which ends on a melodic high note; and the Sonic Youth-ish post goth contained in “I Feel U.” You can listen in over at c0mmune.bandcamp.com, and check out some cool stuff over at c0mmune.tumblr.com.
MECHANICAL MEN: I can’t tell you a single thing about this band named Derby except its new EP, appropriately titled EP 1, is one of the most exciting new developments I’ve heard recently. Whoever they are, they’re incredibly well versed in boom bap, drum and bass, and hardcore electropop. This was like hearing Devo for the first time. The record eases itself open for a minute or so before kicking into a drum-and-bass rhythm, then jumps into the deep end with the frenetic keyboard and guitar styling of “snake,” which then evolves into the even twistier “bug.” Centerpiece track “dancing dog” may well be the most fully realized encapsulation of their overall aesthetic of seismic absurdity. Derby will play live at Ideal Bagel on Saturday, Aug. 16 along with Beer and Mr. [redacted]. By the time you
DON’T SAY YOU WEREN’T WARNED: Now, if this is your bag, then pay attention. The Sam Holt Band will play a remembrance show to Widespread Panic’s Mikey Houser and Todd Nance, who passed away in 2002 and 2020, respectively. This happens at Live Wire on Saturday, Aug. 30, and tickets are on sale as we speak. This show will absolutely sell out, and I’m not kidding at all. For tickets, please see bit.ly/LiveWireAthensAug30. For more information, please see facebook.com/ SamHoltBand and facebook.com/Aubrey EntertainmentAthensGA.
MAXIMUM SHAREHOLDER VALUE: It was only just last May when Crying Form unleashed its classic Germs-inspired punk on the world via its debut four- song demo. Somehow, in the past three months the band has found time to record an additional one minute and 43 seconds of music, and released it as a single track release titled Cause in a Much Damaged Society with the music itself titled “Victim of Ignorance / Value Menu.” You know, it’s records like this that make me hate the digital world a little less because, while this is quite good and worth your time, it’s exactly the kind of thing that years ago would have been pressed in an edition of 100 or fewer and wound up on Discogs or eBay for a stupid amount of money. This wouldn’t have been intentional on the band’s part, but record dealers will juice anything they can squeeze. In our modern era you can spend a buck and download it immediately at hardtackk.bandcamp.com.
BE KIND, REWIND: JOKERJOKERtv has compiled a pretty killer video showcase as part of the Athens Film Festival It happens Saturday, Aug. 16 from 5–7 p.m. at Flicker Theatre and Bar, and these videos are billed as the “Best of The Best as seen on JOKERJOKERtv.” This presentation includes clips from Annie Leeth, August Uprising, Bad Straples, Banned 37, Bayou Princess, Bleach Garden, Bryant Perez x Mr Blank, Chris Ezelle, Chris McKay, Cowboy Kerouac, Dim Watts, Eshniner Forest, Forceghost, Honeypuppy, Infinite Favors, Jake Cook, Johnny Falloon, LeeAnn Peppers, Libbaloops, Milyssa Rose, Nerveclinic, Phantom Dan, Pylon Reenactment Society, SLEEPY CO., Tears For The Dying and The Grawks. So go sit for a couple of hours and catch up! For more information, please see jokerjokertv.com. f
Derby
flyingsquidcomedy.com/fest
On stage and in the gallery — over 100 performances, exhibitions and lectures await you this season at the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences. Enjoy a dazzling variety of free events plus explore our ticketed seasons in dance, theatre and music starting at just $15. Students, faculty and guests of UGA fine and performing arts offer Athens premier programming all year round.
LAMAR DODD SCHOOL OF ART | HUGH HODGSON SCHOOL OF MUSIC DEPT. OF DANCE | DEPT. OF THEATRE AND FILM
live music calendar
Tuesday 12
Hendershot’s
No Phone Party. 7 p.m. www.hendershotsathens.com
KENOSHA KID The brainchild of guitarist Dan Nettles performs two sets of adventurous new music each week from his ever-expanding catalog that exists “somewhere in the Schrödinger’s nexus of jazz, post-rock and improvised music.”
MAIKAI OPEN MIC Share your music, comedy and poetry every Wednesday.
Porterhouse Grill
7 p.m. www.porterhousegrillathens. com
JAZZ NIGHT Longest running jazz gig in Athens featuring a rotating cast of familiar faces performing American songbook, bossa nova classics and crossover hits.
CLOSE KNOBS A new collaboration from Justin Stanton and Chris Bullock of Snarky Puppy shaped by Brazilian harmony, electronic textures and open-ended improvisation.
ANNIE LEETH Local producer and violinist loops drums, synths and strings.
The Globe
7:30–10 p.m. www.facebook.com/ globe.athens
MARY & THE HOT HOTTY-HOTS
Hot jazz and swing band offering music from the 1910s, ’20s and ’30s.
HIBBS FAMILY BAND Quartet of family members combining the textures and rhythms of bluegrass and folk music with alt-rock melodic sensibilities and lyricism.
Ciné
Night 1. 8 p.m. $10. www.athenscine. com
DUB BONANZA BLOCK PARTY
A two-day showcase of dub music and the new sound system built by Patrick Kascak of Black Mountain Sound, featuring performances from Prophet, Salty, JiiG and many more.
RED DAKOTA Athens-based indie rock group consisting of Alyssa
Terry, Derek Terry, Lauren Leathers and Christian Gerner-Smidt. EP release show!
DRÍ + VIOLENCE Project of singer, percussionist and songwriter Adriana Thomas.
SEEKING APPROVAL Athensbased psych-funk band performing a mix of originals and covers.
Hendershot’s
7 p.m. www.hendershotsathens.com
LSV TRIO No info available.
FREEMAN LEVERETT Dreamy, hypnotic and danceable songs with thoughtful lyrics and cosmopolitan influences. (8 p.m.)
LEAN CLEAN DREAM MACHINE No info available.
Marigold Auditorium for Arts and Culture
Happiness Is. 7 p.m. $15. www.classic citycommunitychorus.org
CLASSIC CITY COMMUNITY
CHORUS Summer program featuring a feel-good musical cabaret of songs.
Normal Bar
Attaboy Tapes Presents Good Gosh Fest Night 2. 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10. www.instagram.com/ normal_bar_athens
DAVID BARBE Local luminary and studio engineer who has played in bands such as Mercyland and Sugar.
PONDGORL Athens-based artist
Laila Li McCleery joins genre-bending friends in a band of beautiful, harmonious DIY glory.
KEILAN APLIN Old-time folk musician.
INFINITE FAVORS Project of brothers Andrew and Nathan Prater that trades in the sludgy, punishing riffs of previous projects for vocal harmonies, melodic basslines and hand percussion to create unforgettable, minimal bedroom pop. The Root 8:30 p.m. FREE! www.therootathens. com
ORDINARY BOYS The Smiths and Morrissey tribute band.
NEW DAWN FADES Joy Division and New Order tribute band.
Georgia Theatre
Rooftop
9 p.m. www.georgiatheatre.com
SON LATINO Tropical band.
DJ YURI Spinning bachata, merengue, cumbia, reggaeton and more. Hendershot’s
7 p.m. (doors). $15. www.hendershots athens.com
HOTLINE TNT DIY alternative rock and shoegaze band from New York City.
SOUR WIDOWS Bay area alternative rock.
Live Wire
Day 2. 2 p.m. $10. www.livewire athens.com
DUB BONANZA BLOCK PARTY
A two-day showcase of dub music and the new sound system built by Patrick Kascak of Black Mountain Sound, featuring performances from JiiG, Farin, SHΛKTi SOUND and more.
Marigold Auditorium for Arts and Culture
Happiness Is. 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. $15. www.classiccitycommunitychorus. org
CLASSIC CITY COMMUNITY
CHORUS Summer program featuring a feel-good musical cabaret of songs.
Memorial Park
Administration Building AFMDS Contra Dance. 6:30 p.m. (intro session), 7–10 p.m. (dance). FREE! (17 & under), $10–12. www. athensfolk.org
FIDDLEBONE Live music for a contra dance hosted by Athens Folk Music and Dance Society.
The National 10 p.m. FREE! www.gofundme.com/f/ help-samuel-gribbon-fight-cancer LATE NIGHT DANCE PARTY
Tunes by DJ Immuzikation in benefit of local chef Sam Gribbon’s fight against cancer.
Normal Bar
Attaboy Tapes Presents Good Gosh Fest Night 3. 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10. www.instagram.com/ normal_bar_athens
ATHENS MIDDLE EAST
ORCHESTRA Athens very own
Middle Eastern inspired outfit that focuses on the musical culture of Egypt, Turkey, Israel, Syria and more.
ROWAN NEWBY Poetic and humorous Americana music inspired by ’60s and ’70s songwriting.
TAYLOR HOLLINGSWORTH
Singer-songwriter and artist from Birmingham, AL who has played with The Dexateens, Verbena, and Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band.
Nowhere Bar 9:30 p.m. www.facebook.com/ NowhereBarAthens
ANDY SYDOW & THE MINOR LEAGUE Americana, rock and folk singer-songwriter from Denver whose lyrics paint a picture of poetic realism.
The Root
10 p.m. FREE! www.therootathens. com
SILENT DISCO Grab a pair of headphones, choose a music channel and dance the night away.
Sunday 17
Athentic Brewing Co.
Tara Tanner Artist Reception. 2:30–5 p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing. com
DAVE FORKER Custom Concern member plays originals and covers. Boutier Winery & Inn
Wine Down. 3–5 p.m. www.boutier winery.com
CHRIS HAMPTON Acoustic solo set by country performer.
SALLOW FRIEND New Haven, CTbased indie outfit fusing emo with math rock stylings.
RACECAR 44 New Athens indie band featuring members of Picture Show.
CHAIRS Local post-punk project featuring members of the Rishis, Penny Loafer, Organically Programmed, and Viv and the Things.
Five Bar
11 a.m.–2 p.m. www.five-bar.com
SWING THEORY Local jazz trio playing brunch every Sunday.
The Globe
4–7 p.m. www.facebook.com/globe. athens
TRADITIONAL IRISH SESSION
Easy listening traditional Irish music.
The World Famous
Most Known Unknown Presents. 9 p.m. $10 suggested donation. www. facebook.com/theworldfamous athens
MUSCLE Baltimore, MD punk band. RUBBER UDDER Self-described weirdo experimental acid punk/ noise-grunge thing from Athens.
JOHNNY FALLOON Deranged local band with hard-hitting songs and complex theatrics.
Monday 18
Porterhouse Grill
7 p.m. www.porterhousegrillathens. com
JAZZ NIGHT Longest running jazz gig in Athens featuring a rotating cast of familiar faces performing American songbook, bossa nova classics and crossover hits.
Tuesday 19
Hendershot’s No Phone Party. 7 p.m. www.hendershotsathens.com
KENOSHA KID The brainchild of guitarist Dan Nettles performs two sets of adventurous new music each week from his ever-expanding catalog that exists “somewhere in the Schrödinger’s nexus of jazz, post-rock and improvised music.” Live Wire
KINKY WAIKIKI Relaxing, steel guitar-driven band following the traditions of Hawaiian music. Normal Bar 8–11 p.m. FREE! booking@rudy montayremusic.com
OPEN MIC All musicians welcome. Every Tuesday. State Botanical Garden of Georgia Sunflower Concert Series. 7 p.m. $12 (ages 5–16), $26. botgarden. uga.edu
ABBEY ROAD LIVE! Beloved local tribute band that keeps the crowd rocking to its extensive Beatles cover sets. Chairs, blankets and picnics are welcome at this concert in the flower garden.
ANTHONY FAMILY Anthony Anzaldo of Ceremony’s ’80s popinspired solo project. PIXI3PUNCH Electronic project of Alex Chesna. CRYBABY New Athens band led by Assata. Creature Comforts Brewery Athens Farmers Market. 5–8 p.m. FREE! www.athensfarmersmarket. net
DIRE WOLF Grateful Dead tribute band. (6 p.m.) Flicker Theatre & Bar
9 p.m. FREE! www.flickertheatreand bar.com
DR. FRED’S KARAOKE Featuring a large assortment of pop, rock, indie and more.
MaiKai Kava Lounge
7:30 p.m. (sign-ups). FREE! www. instagram.com/bulaatmaikai MAIKAI OPEN MIC Share your music, comedy and poetry every Wednesday. Porterhouse Grill
7 p.m. www.porterhousegrillathens. com
JAZZ NIGHT Longest running jazz gig in Athens featuring a rotating cast of familiar faces performing American songbook, bossa nova classics and crossover hits.
Down the Line
8/21 Them Dirty Roses, Jameson Tank (40 Watt Club)
8/21 Penelope Road, Wim Tapley & the Cannons (Georgia Theatre) f
event calendar
Tuesday 12
CLASSES: ESOL (Bogart Library) Learn or polish your English skills using Mango languages online and in-person conversation. 12 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart
COMEDY: Flying Squid Open Improv Jam (150 Fritz Mar Lane) Improvisors of all skill levels are invited to practice and play together. 8 p.m. $5 suggested donation. www.flyingsquidcomedy. com
EVENTS: Tiki Taco Tuesday (Live Wire) Enjoy craft cocktails and a taco pop-up from Don Carne with themed weeks, live music and dancing. Tuesdays, 5–10 p.m. www.livewireathens.com
FILM: Athentic Movie Night (Athentic Brewing Co.) Screening of the family-friendly classic Muppet Treasure Island. 7:30 p.m. www. athenticbrewing.com
GAMES: Lunch & Learn (Tyche’s Games) Bring your lunch and learn new games. 11:30 a.m. FREE! www. tychesgames.com
GAMES: Rock ’n Roll Trivia (Athentic Brewing Co.) Test your trivia knowledge with host The Music Man. Second Tuesdays, 6 p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing.com
GAMES: UnPhiltered Trivia (Mellow Mushroom) Test your trivia knowledge with host Phil. 7 p.m. www. facebook.com/MellowMushroom Athens
GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Amici at The Falls) Test your trivia knowledge with host Miles Bunch. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.facebook.com/ baddogathens
GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Paloma Park) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.facebook.com/baddogathens
GAMES: Singo! (Beef O’Brady’s) Win gift certificates and prizes at this music bingo night. Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m. www.beefobradys.com/athens
KIDSTUFF: Toddler Tuesday: Brilliant Faces (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! gmoa-tours@uga.edu
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@athenspetanque.org, www.athenspetanque.org
Wednesday 13
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: Pétanque Class (Lay Park) Learn the basics of the lawn game pétanque. RSVP required. 10 a.m. FREE! athenspetanqueclub@ gmail.com, www.athenspetanque club.wixsite.com/play
COMEDY: Gorgeous George’s Improv League (Buvez) Townie improv that invites you to bring
EVENTS: The Athens Farmers Market (Creature Comforts Brewery) Markets offer fresh produce, flowers, eggs, meats, prepared foods, arts and crafts. Live music at 6 p.m. AFM double SNAP dollars spent. Wednesdays, 5–8 p.m. www. athensfarmersmarket.net
GAMES: Shadowfist Power Lunch (Tyche’s Games) Come down with your lunch and play Shadowfist. New players welcome. 12 p.m. FREE! www.tychesgames.com
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (South Main Brewing) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzu nottrivia
GAMES: Trivia Night (Hotel Indigo) Test your trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 6–8 p.m. FREE! www. indigoathens.com
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Locos Grill and Pub Eastside) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 8 p.m. www.instagram.com/ shihtzunottrivia
KIDSTUFF: Teen Self Care Night (Oconee County Library) Join Project Safe and get ready for the school year by creating a self care kit and learning about healthy relationships. Grades 6–12. 6–8 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/ oconee
MEETINGS: C3 to End Homelessness (Hendershot’s) A roundtable discussion regarding housing and homelessness to educate, identify issue and plan steps to solutions. Second Wednesdays, 5–7 p.m. FREE! www.athenshc.org/coc
Thursday 14
EVENTS: Ice Cream Social Fundraiser (Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams) Meet adoptable ambassador dogs with a portion of sales supporting AthensPets’ efforts to help adoptable dogs and cats. 3–6 p.m. www.athenspets.net
EVENTS: Athentic Farmers Market (Athentic Brewing Co.) Weekly market featuring vendors Diamond Hill Farms, Normaltown Bread Company, Katie Bee Honey, Flossie May Forage and Grand Designs Woodworking. Thursdays, 4–7 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com
EVENTS: Farm to Glass Cocktail Competition (Little Kings Shuffle Club) Bartenders from local restaurants and bars will compete to raise funds for the Athens Farmers Market. 5–8 p.m. $15. www.instagram. com/littlekingsshuffleclub
EVENTS: New Town Revue (ACE/ FRANCISCO Gallery) Featuring a conversation between photographers Terry Allen and Jason Thrasher with a reading and music by David Lowery. 5:30 p.m. (doors), 6 p.m. (show). FREE! www. acefranciscogallery.com
FILM: Athens Film Festival (Downtown Athens) This second annual festival spans four days screening more than 100 films across five venues with expert-led workshops
and networking events. Aug. 14, 5 p.m.–12 a.m. Aug. 15, 1 p.m.–12 a.m. Aug. 16, 10:30 a.m.–12 a.m. Aug. 17, 1–4 p.m. $10–90. www. athensfilm.com
GAMES: BINGO (VFW Post 2872) Join in to play this weekly game of chance. Thursdays, 5 p.m. (doors). FREE! www.facebook.com/vfw2872
GAMES: Adult Dungeons & Dragons (Bogart Library) A gaming session for players of all skill levels. Ages 18 & up. 6 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/bogart
GAMES: Thursday Trivia (Johnny’s New York Style Pizza) Test your trivia knowledge with host Todd Henderson. 6:30 p.m. www.johnnys pizza.com
Friday 15
ART: Morning Mindfulness (Georgia Museum of Art) Instructor-led meditation, movement and mindfulness techniques in the galleries. Email to RSVP. 9:30 a.m. FREE! gmoatours@uga.edu
ART: Opening Reception (Foyer) Jack Jiggles’ exhibition “ONLY FANS” will be on display featuring restored vintage electric fans transformed into sculptures. 5–7 p.m. FREE! www.instagram.com/ foyer_athens
FILM: Athens Film Festival (Downtown Athens) This second annual festival spans four days screening
companions. Aug. 15–16, 7 p.m. Aug. 17, 2 p.m. $12 (adv.), $17. tking@cityofelberton.net
THEATER: Rumors (Town & Gown Players) A comedic tale based on Neil Simon’s classic almost-murder mystery. Aug. 14–16, 8 p.m. Aug. 17, 2 p.m. $18–24. www.townand gownplayers.org
Saturday 16
CLASSES: Sip & Smash (The Foundry) Smash bottles and unleash your creativity to make resin art. Registration required. 5 p.m. $55. www.hotelabacusathens. com
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Terrapin Beer Co.) Test your general trivia knowledge. Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzu nottrivia
KIDSTUFF: Toddler Thursday (OCAF) Drop in for grab-and-go crafting, storytime or to look at art. Ages 2–5. 10 a.m. FREE! (members), $5 (non-members). www. ocaf.com
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/oconee
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
SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 10 a.m. info@athenspetanque. org, www.athenspetanque.org
THEATER: Rumors (Town & Gown Players) A comedic tale based on Neil Simon’s classic almost-murder mystery. Aug. 14–16, 8 p.m. Aug. 17, 2 p.m. $18–24. www.townand gownplayers.org
more than 100 films across five venues with expert-led workshops and networking events. Aug. 14, 5 p.m.–12 a.m. Aug. 15, 1 p.m.–12 a.m. Aug. 16, 10:30 a.m.–12 a.m. Aug. 17, 1–4 p.m. $10–90. www. athensfilm.com
GAMES: Friday Night Initiative (Tyche’s Games) Learn how to play a new roleplaying game. New players welcome. 7 p.m. FREE! www. tychesgames.com
KIDSTUFF: Meet & Play (Bogart Library) Drop in for facilitated open play with age-appropriate toys. Best for ages 6 & under. Fridays, 10:30 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/ bogart
OUTDOORS: Sunset Kayak Paddle (Watson Mill Bridge State Park) Enjoy a ranger-led paddle on the river and view the sunset. Registration required. 7:30 p.m. $15. www. gastateparks.org/WatsonMillBridge PERFORMANCE: A Midsummer Night’s Tease (40 Watt Club) Dancefx Bombshells and Athens Spectacular present a drag and burlesque show. 7:30 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10. www.40watt.com
THEATER: Puffs (Elberton Arts Center) Encore Productions presents the play that reimagines the classic story of the boy wizard and his
EVENTS: Open House (The Studio Athens) Learn more about the studio’s dance and theater programs for children and dance and fitness classes for adults. 10 a.m.–12 p.m. FREE! www.thestudioath.com
EVENTS: Abnormal Bazaar (Indie South) This market features vendors selling soaps, jewelry, vintage, vinyl and more. Third Saturdays, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. www.theindiesouth. com
EVENTS: 5 Year Anniversary (Athentic Brewing Co.) Celebrate the brewery’s 5th anniversary with a guided spirits tastings, live music, dance party and more. 12–11 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com
EVENTS: Brewau (Terrapin Beer Co.) Enjoy live music, games, and island-inspired fun with deals on pints of Luau Krunkles. 12–10 p.m. www.terrapinbeer.com
EVENTS: Foodie Saturdays (Little Kings Shuffle Club) This market offers free fresh produce, local vendors, bartenders and samples from a themed cooking competition. This week’s theme is cookout and grilled foods. 2–5 p.m. theckofathens@ gmail.com
EVENTS: AFMDS Contra Dance (Memorial Park Administration Building) This community dance features caller Corinne Wilkinson and live music by Fiddlebone. No partner required. 6:30 p.m. (intro session), 7–10 p.m. (dance). $12 (adults), $10 (students w/ ID), 17 & under FREE! www.athensfolk.org
EVENTS: Mavens Dance Party (work.shop) A ladies-only dance party for the 35+ crowd to dance and socialize outside the club environment. Percentage of proceeds benefitting Project Safe. 7–11 p.m. $10. www.theindiesouth.com/ pages/events
COMEDY: Clay Horowitz (Flying Squid Comedy) An evening of stand up comedy with the world tour headliner and local support. 8 p.m. $10. www.flyingsquidcomedy.com
EVENTS: 2025 BouleYard (Boulevard) The annual neighborhood-wide yard sale supports the Boulevard Neighborhood Association with individual homes setting up yard sales. 8 a.m.–12 p.m. www.boulevardathens.com/ bouleyard.html
EVENTS: The 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: Public Tour (North Oconee Water Reclamation Facility) Join a guided tour of the newly updated facility, and discover how technology and sustainable practices are transforming water reclamation.
FILM: Athens Film Festival (Downtown Athens) This second annual festival spans four days screening more than 100 films across five venues with expert-led workshops and networking events. Aug. 14, 5 p.m.–12 a.m. Aug. 15, 1 p.m.–12 a.m. Aug. 16, 10:30 a.m.–12 a.m. Aug. 17, 1–4 p.m. $10–90. www. athensfilm.com
FILM: Movies by Moonlight (Dudley Park) Screening of Fantastic Mr. Fox. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. 8:30 p.m. FREE! www.accgov.com MEETINGS: Atheist Society of Athens (ACC Library) Non-prophet discussions with friends and neighbors. 4 p.m. FREE! www.atheist societyathens.org
PERFORMANCE: Interactive Story Lab (Flying Squid Comedy) Watch or join on the stage local theater artists as they explore and experiment with new interactive techniques and story ideas. Third Saturdays, 2 p.m. $5 suggested donation. www.flyingsquidcomedy. com
THEATER: Puffs (Elberton Arts Center) Encore Productions presents the play that reimagines the classic story of the boy wizard and his companions. Aug. 15–16, 7 p.m. Aug. 17, 2 p.m. $12 (adv.), $17. tking@cityofelberton.net
THEATER: Rumors (Town & Gown Players) A comedic tale based on Neil Simon’s classic almost-murder mystery. Aug. 14–16, 8 p.m. Aug.
Comedian Leanne Morgan will perform at the Akins Ford Arena on Wednesday, Aug. 20. COURTESY
17, 2 p.m. $18–24. www.townand gownplayers.org
Sunday 17
ART: Artist Reception (Athentic Brewing Co.) Works by local artist Tara Tanner will be on display with music by Dave Forker of Custom Concern. 2:30–5 p.m. FREE! www. athenticbrewing.com
ART: Sunday Afternoon Tour (Georgia Museum of Art) This drop-in public tour features highlights of the permanent collection. 3 p.m. FREE! www.georgiamuseum.org
ART: Artist Panel Discussion (Oconee County Library) Artists whose work is featured in the “Women of Courage” exhibition discuss what courage looks like. 4 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/ oconee
CLASSES: Mah Jongg (Oconee County Library) Adults of all skill levels are invited to learn and play American Mah Jonng. Every Sunday. 2–4 p.m. FREE! www.athens library.org/oconee
COMEDY: Comedy Open Mic (MaiKai Kava Lounge) Show up and go up with your stand-up material. 6–8 p.m. FREE! www.instagram. com/bulaatmaikai
COMEDY: Off the Clock Comedy (The Globe) Athens Comedy presents a lineup of local and touring comedians. 8:30 p.m. (doors), 9 p.m. (show). www.facebook.com/ athenscomedy
FILM: Athens Film Festival (Downtown Athens) This second annual festival spans four days screening more than 100 films across five venues with expert-led workshops and networking events. Aug. 14, 5 p.m.–12 a.m. Aug. 15, 1 p.m.–12 a.m. Aug. 16, 10:30 a.m.–12 a.m. Aug. 17, 1–4 p.m. $10–90. www. athensfilm.com
GAMES: SIM Race Sunday (ACC Library) Drive for fun or compete for fastest lap on the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in a GT3 car. Registration required. 3 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org
GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (The Globe) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Sundays, 6 p.m. www. facebook.com/baddogathens
SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 10 a.m. info@athenspetanque.org, www.athenspetanque.org
SPORTS: Classic City vs. Fayetteville Roller Derby (Fun Galaxy Athens) The Classic City Rollergirls take on Fayetteville’s team. 10:30 a.m. (doors). $15. www.classiccity rollergirls.com
THEATER: Puffs (Elberton Arts Center) Encore Productions presents the play that reimagines the classic story of the boy wizard and his companions. Aug. 15–16, 7 p.m. Aug. 17, 2 p.m. $12 (adv.), $17. tking@cityofelberton.net
THEATER: Rumors (Town & Gown Players) A comedic tale based on Neil Simon’s classic almost-murder mystery. Aug. 14–16, 8 p.m. Aug. 17, 2 p.m. $18–24. www.townand gownplayers.org
Monday 18
EVENTS: Marigold Farmers Market (100 North Church Street) Vendors offer organic produce, prepared foods, agricultural products and artisanal goods. Mondays, 10 a.m.–7 p.m. www.marigold collectivewinterville.com
FILM: Bad Movie Night (Ciné) A world-famous ventriloquist is
pushed to extremes in the mind melting, telenovela-style On The Edge of Terror. 8 p.m. FREE! www. instagram.com/BadMovieNight
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Fully Loaded Pizza Kitchen (Normaltown)) Test your general trivia knowledge. Mondays, 7 p.m. www. instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia
GAMES: Trivia with Marissa (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Test your trivia knowledge with host Marissa. 8 p.m. www.flickertheatreandbar. com
KIDSTUFF: Monday Funday (Bogart Library) Join Ms. Donna for songs, fingerplays, storytelling and STEAM activities. Ages 3–7 years. Registration suggested. 10:30 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart
KIDSTUFF: Teen D&D Club (Oconee County Library) Join a one-shot game open to all skill levels, including Dungeon Masters, with a prize drawing at the end of the evening. Grades 6–12. 6 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/oconee
LECTURES & LIT: Third Monday Book Club (Oconee County Library) Discuss books chosen by the group. New members welcome. 7 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary. org/oconee
MEETINGS: Classic City Rotary (1430 N Chase St) The local chapter meets weekly. Mondays, 11:30 a.m. FREE! www.classiccityrotary.org
Tuesday 19
ART: Creative Aging Art Workshop (Georgia Museum of Art) Join teaching artist Toni Carlucci to discuss art in the galleries and to make art in the studio classroom. All skill levels welcome. Ages 55 & up. Registration required. 10 a.m. FREE! gmoa-tours@uga.edu
CLASSES: ESL (Bogart Library) Learn and improve English skills including speaking, listening, reading and writing. 12 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart
CLASSES: Suicide Prevention Training (Oconee County Library) Learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade and refer someone to help. Registration required. 1 p.m. FREE! tinyurl.com/ oconeelibqpr
COMEDY: Flying Squid Open Improv Jam (150 Fritz Mar Lane) Improvisors of all skill levels are invited to practice and play together. 8 p.m. $5 suggested donation. www.flyingsquidcomedy. com
COMEDY: Open Toad Comedy Night (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Comedy performed by a mix of newcomers and local favorites from Athens and Atlanta. 8:30 p.m. (doors). $7. www.flickertheatreandbar.com
EVENTS: Tiki Taco Tuesday (Live Wire) Enjoy craft cocktails and a taco pop-up from Don Carne with themed weeks, live music and dancing. Tuesdays, 5–10 p.m. www.livewireathens.com
GAMES: Lunch & Learn (Tyche’s Games) Bring your lunch and learn new games. 11:30 a.m. FREE! www. tychesgames.com
GAMES: UnPhiltered Trivia (Mellow Mushroom) Test your trivia knowledge with host Phil. 7 p.m. www. facebook.com/MellowMushroom Athens
GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Amici at The Falls) Test your trivia knowledge with host Miles Bunch. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.facebook.com/ baddogathens
GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Paloma Park) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.facebook.com/baddogathens
GAMES: Singo! (Beef O’Brady’s) Win gift certificates and prizes at this music bingo night. Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m. www.beefobradys.com/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
Wednesday 20
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: Pétanque Class (Lay Park) Learn the basics of the lawn game pétanque. RSVP required. 10 a.m. FREE! athenspetanqueclub@ gmail.com, www.athenspetanque club.wixsite.com/play
CLASSES: Life Drawing (Winterville Cultural Center) Monthly open drawing studio with a nude model. Registration required. Ages 18 & up. 1–4 p.m. $20. drawathens.org
CLASSES: Paint & Sip Island Sunrise (Athentic Brewing Co.) Local artist Robin Moore teaches a step-by-step painting process. All supplies included. Registration required. 7 p.m. $40. 470-2996305
COMEDY: Gorgeous George’s Improv League (Buvez) Townie improv that invites you to bring suggestions. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. $5 suggested donation. www.flying squidcomedy.com
COMEDY: Leanne Morgan (Akins Ford Arena) Comedian leaning into her Southern charm on her “Just Getting Started” tour. 6 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (show). $49–170. www.classiccenter.com
COMEDY: Hendershot’s Comedy (Hendershot’s) Enjoy a lineup featuring comics from Athens and Atlanta as well as newcomers. Hosted by Noell Appling. Third Wednesdays, 8 p.m. www.hendershotsathens.com
EVENTS: The Athens Farmers Market (Creature Comforts Brewery) Markets offer fresh produce, flowers, eggs, meats, prepared foods, arts and crafts. Live music at 6 p.m. AFM double SNAP dollars spent. Wednesdays, 5–8 p.m. www. athensfarmersmarket.net
FILM: Ghastly Horror Society (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Screening of the DIY horror film Meat Machine. 7 p.m. FREE! www.flickertheatre andbar.com
GAMES: Shadowfist Power Lunch (Tyche’s Games) Come down with your lunch and play Shadowfist. New players welcome. 12 p.m. FREE! www.tychesgames.com
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (South Main Brewing) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzu nottrivia
GAMES: Trivia Night (Hotel Indigo) Test your trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 6–8 p.m. FREE! www. indigoathens.com
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Locos Grill and Pub Eastside) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 8 p.m. www.instagram.com/ shihtzunottrivia
KIDSTUFF: Teen Game Night (Oconee County Library) Drop in to hang out and play a variety of games. Grades 6–12. 6–8 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/ oconee
LECTURES & LIT: Suggestions for the Beginning Writer (Bogart Library) Learn how to get started, improve your writing skills and more. 5 p.m. FREE! www.athens library.org/bogart f
Expanding upon Brazilian jazz traditions, Close Knobs is the new project from jazz fusion band Snarky Puppy’s Justin Stanton and Chris Bullock. The two have five Grammy Awards each, and their lineup for Close Knobs is rounded out with even more star power. The project’s debut, 2024’s Claro e Escuro, is a primarily instrumental album recorded in Brazil alongside drummer Kurt Stracener of Mellow Swells and bassist Quinn Sternberg, who is both a successful solo musician and a sought-after collaborator. Using classic Brazilian harmonies as its foundation, the record adds in electronic touches and an improvisational spirit, claiming to “[float] somewhere between Milton Nascimento’s lyricism, Alice Coltrane’s spiritual depth and Flying Lotus’s rhythmic warp.” Athens-based musician Annie Leeth will open the show with accompaniment from percussionist Mason Davis. [Mary Beth Bryan]
MUSIC | AUG. 14–16
Good Gosh Fest
Normal Bar • 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show) • $10 each night
Attaboy Tapes is putting on a three-day musical event featuring a host of talents that promoter Nathan Sheets says includes an eclectic mix of local favorites, as well as a few acts from out of town. Night one will bring performances from the solo projects of Madeline Polites (Immaterial Possession) and Dave Kirslis (Cicada Rhythm), alt- cosmic band Dipper Grande and ’70s-inspired folk pop musician Freeman Leverett. Night two will feature local legend David Barbe (Mercyland, Sugar); pondgorl, the indie project of songwriter Laila Li McCleery; former Athenian Keilan Aplin, a multi-instrumentalist whose old time Appalachian and Irish fiddle repertoire includes music from The Skillet Lickers and Charlie Poole; and bedroom pop brother duo Infinite Favors. Night three will conclude the festival with Athens Middle East Orchestra; ’60s and ’70s Americanainspired songwriter Rowan Newby, whom Sheets describes as Bobby Charles meets The Kinks; and Chattanooga, TN-based one-man band Taylor Hollingsworth, whose outsider country blues is reminiscent of John Prine, Michael Hurley and Johnny Cash. [MB]
MUSIC | AUG. 15–16
audio. Dub music is a huge global culmination of everything sound system culture. So I really wanted to do this two-night event with the hopes of this becoming a staple in Athens to celebrate dub music, sound system culture and the people in our region.” Day one of the event is at Ciné, with the show starting at 9 p.m. The lineup includes DJ Vision, JiiG, drewdrew, Salty and Prophet. Day two is at Live Wire Athens, with performances beginning outside at 2 p.m. and including JiiG, DJ London, Farin, DJ Peaks, Dubeducation, SHΛKTi SOUND, Salty and Prophet. Inside performances begin at 4 p.m. and include DJ Nate, Jakey2Decks, Thump & Hustle, Dub Moves, SHΛKTi SOUND, Prophet, Salty and JiiG. Artist Dough.Jo will be working the projectors both days to provide ethereal visuals, and Saturday will also feature vendors, live painting and food trucks. [MB]
MUSIC
| SAT, AUG. 16
Hotline TNT
Hendershot’s • 7 p.m. (doors) • $15
This summer, New York City rock project Hotline TNT released its third studio album, Raspberry Moon, a shoegazy reflection on youth, growth, regret, leaving and being left. This record is HTNT’s first fullband effort, with previous releases written by frontman Will Anderson alone and being recorded and toured with a rotating cast of musicians. Pitchfork calls the result its “most polished and ambitious album yet, wielding a super- sized sound fit for super- sized feelings,” with moods ranging from wistful to humorous. Though Hotline TNT is an outof- towner, frequenters of the local music scene may remember the group opening for Southern alt-rock band Wednesday at the 40 Watt Club last year. With Hotline TNT headlining this time around, Oakland, CA alternative rock band Sour Widows will open the show. [MB]
COMEDY | SAT, AUG. 16
Clay Horowitz
Flying Squid Comedy • 8 p.m. • $11.85
Dub Bonanza Block Party
Locations Vary • Times Vary • $10 each night
Dub Bonanza Block Party is a celebration of dub music created to showcase the new sound system built by Patrick Kascak of Black Mountain Sound. John Harper, A.K.A. JiiG, is behind the event, and says, “I love the culture behind building stacks of speakers, do-it- yourself projects, and car
Born in Chicago and based in Manhattan, Clay Horowitz is an up-and- coming film and television writer and comedian who is best known for his Amazon Prime Video show “Clay’s Feast,” in which he brings along fellow comedians to try iconic restaurants and hidden gems in NYC. Horowitz also worked on the Emmynominated series “Palm Royale” on Apple TV+, and has been featured on comedy platforms like Chocolate Sundays, 800 Pound Gorilla and Roast Battle. His recent comedy show “Vibe Check” features his takes on modern society as a “disoriented young adult” and stories about what Horowitz called in an interview with Canvas Rebel his “mess of an existence.” The show debuted to critical acclaim at the Glasgow International Comedy Festival, and has also been performed in the New York Comedy Festival. Athens comedian Miles Bunch will be joining the show for an opening set. [MB] f
Clay Horowitz
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. www. athensarts.org/support
ARTIST IN RESIDENCE PROGRAM (Lyndon House Arts Center) The AIR Program provides participants with a workspace, access and a stipend. www.accgov.com/lyndon house
ATHENS CREATIVE DIRECTORY (Athens, GA) The ACD is a platform to connect creatives with patrons. Visual artists, musicians, actors, writers and other creatives are encouraged to create a free listing. www.athenscreatives.directory
BIPOC ARTIST/CURATOR PROJ-
ECT 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. www. accgov.com/9799/ArtistCurator
CALL FOR ART (Amici at The Falls) Amici is seeking artists to share artwork in monthly exhibitions. Email an introduction and a few examples of work. careywelsh20@gmail.com
CALL FOR ART (Oconee County Library) The library is seeking local artists to share their artwork in monthly exhibitions. adial@athens library.org
CALL FOR ART (Winterville Library) Apply to be a featured local artist in the Front Room Gallery. The library accepts all 2D mediums such as watercolor, collage, textile and more. swatson@athenslibrary.org
CALL FOR ARTISTS (Athens Cultural Affairs Commission) Athens-area artists are invited to submit public
art proposals for a community center improvements project. The selected artist(s) will work with stakeholders and government staff to create public art for a mural design on the exterior of Lay Park and Heard Park Community Centers. Application deadline Sept. 19, 5 p.m. Contact tatiana.veneruso@ accgov.com with any questions. www.accgov.com/acac
CALL FOR ARTISTS (Athica) Artists are invited to submit up to three contemporary works in any media for 2025 juried exhibition “Radical Imperfection.” Artwork must be original and created within last two years. No reprints, multi-pieces or previous submissions. Online submission deadline Aug. 31. Winners notified Sept. 19. www.athica.org
CALL FOR ARTISTS (Hotel Abacus) Seeking painters, sculptors or ceramicists to participate in the Live Art & Jam Session event on Aug. 28. Artists will create an item live during the event. tjordan@hotel abacusathens.com
CALL FOR ARTISTS (MAGallery) Now accepting artist applications for gallery exhibits. MAGallery is a nonprofit cooperative gallery. Gallery Artists work one day a month and participate on a committee. www.themadisonartistsguild.org/ call-for-artists
CALL FOR ARTISTS (Online) JOKERJOKERtv is actively accepting proposals for collaboration from artists and curators living in Athens. Artists worldwide can also submit films, skits and ideas to share with a weekly livestream audience. www. jokerjokertv.com/submit
CALL FOR COLLECTORS (Lyndon House Arts Center) The LHAC’s “Collections from our Community” series features unique collections of objects found in the closets,
art around town
ACE/FRANCISCO GALLERY (675 Pulaski St., Suite 500) Photographer Terry Allen presents “Passenger Side,” a collection that ranges from street photography to landscapes. In the Upper Gallery, Grace Lang and Mason Pearson showcase “The Nuclear Age: 2018–2025,” a seven-year photographic chronicle of the band Nuclear Tourism. Through Sept. 18. Music and literature series New Town Revue returns Aug. 14, 5:30 p.m. (doors), 6 p.m. (event).
AKINS FORD ARENA (300 N. Thomas St.) Local photographers Jason Thrasher’s “Murmur Trestle” and Marco Battezzati’s “The Silence Beyond the Window” are on view through September. • The Georgia Music Collection’s rotating gallery recently swapped out The B-52s’ attire and wigs. A tour of the collection will take place Aug. 21, 6:30 p.m.
ATHENS-CLARKE COUNTY LIBRARY BOGUE GALLERY (2025 Baxter St.)
Margaret Agner’s “Silk in Motion” presents dyed silk wall hangings, scarves and educational items along with samples, sources and brushes. Through Aug. 31.
ATHENTIC BREWING CO. (108 Park Ave.) Works by artist Tara Tanner will be on view through Aug. 31. Reception Aug. 17, 2:30–4:30 p.m.
ATHICA@CINÉ GALLERY (234 W. Hancock Ave.) In “upstage / downstage” photographer Chase Brantley observes his fellow performers in their inbetween moments, capturing their unguarded transitions between stage and backstage, upstage and down. Through Aug. 25.
AURUM STUDIOS (125 E. Clayton St.) Twenty landscape paintings by Greg Benson are on display through August.
DONDEROS’ KITCHEN (590 N. Milledge Ave.) Susan Pelham’s collages, oil and acrylic works are on view through Sept. 30.
FLICKER THEATRE & BAR (263 W. Washington St.) Artwork by Caitlyn Riesinger will be on view through August.
cabinets and shelves of Athenians. shelby.little@accgov.com
CALL FOR GRANT APPLICATIONS (AthFest Educates) Applications for the 2025-2026 grant cycle are now available. Applicants planning to use music and/or arts as a teaching and learning mechanism for core education are encouraged to apply. Certain criteria must be met. Deadline Aug. 25 and grantees announced sometime in September. www.athfesteducates.org/ grants/apply-for-a-grant
CALL FOR PERFORMERS (Wild Rumpus Parade & Spectacle) Opportunities include musical acts as well as spaces for performances such as dance, fire, puppetry and creative displays of other kinds. Deadline for online application submission is Aug. 14. www.wild rumpus.org
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS (Athens Homeless Coalition) Seeking submissions for upcoming street newspaper. Poetry, short stories, visual art, song lyrics and more are welcome. enagementcoordinator@ athenshc.org
OPEN STUDIOS (Lyndon House Arts Center) Studio members have access to spaces for photography, ceramics and more. www.accgov. com/7350/Open-StudioMembership
OPEN STUDIOS (Nuçi’s Space) Four sound-treated, climate-controlled rooms available for rental by the half hour. All rooms come equipped with a full PA system, drumkit and Wi-Fi. www.nuci.org
OPEN STUDIO LIFE DRAWING (Winterville Cultural Center) Limited registrations available for monthly Life Drawing Open Studio with nude model beginning Aug. 20. $20. Adult artists only. www.drawathens. org
PUBLIC ART COURSE (ACC Gov) Free virtual 6-week course in public art for Athens area artists. Mondays, Oct. 6, 13, 20 & 27 and Nov. 3 & 10. 6-8 p.m. Registration deadline Sept. 8. www.triangleartworks.org
PUBLIC ART SELECTION PANELS (Athens, GA) The Athens Cultural Affairs Commission is seeking community members to participate in upcoming public art selection panels. www.accgov.com/9656/ Public-Art-Selection-Panels
Auditions
CASTING CALL (Zombie Farms Haunted Trail) An open call for actors and support staff for the 2025 season. No experience required. Ages 18 & up preferred. Aug. 16 & 23 for new or returning cast members, 7–10:30 p.m. at Zombie Farms. www.zombiefarms OPEN AUDITIONS (Athens Master Chorale) Seeking new members in all voice parts including high sopranos, tenors and basses. Scheduled auditions held Aug. 25, 5-7 p.m. at St. Gregory the Great Church. athmcdirector@gmail.com OPEN AUDITIONS (Athens Symphony) Auditions and membership open to qualified musicians able to attend rehearsals and maintain preparation of music. www.athens symphony.org/openings THE HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE (Winterville Players) Auditions for this classic horror production will be held Aug. 18–19 from 7–9 p.m. Ages 18 & up only. Performances held Oct. 3–5. www.winterville center.com
Classes
ACCENT REDUCTION CLASS (Covenant Presbyterian Church) Improve your American English pronunciation skills. For ages 18 & up. Tuesdays, 12 p.m. marjoriemiller@ gmail.com
FOYER (135 Park Ave.) “ONLY FANS,” a new exhibition by Jack Jiggles, showcases restored vintage electric fans transformed into elegant kinetic sculptures through careful repair, fresh paint and modern upgrades. Opening Aug. 15, 5–7 p.m. On view by appointment through Oct. 26.
GEORGIA MUSEUM OF ART (90 Carlton St.) In “Brilliant Exiles: American Women in Paris, 1900–1939,” 65 portraits in various mediums show how American women in Paris reshaped modern womanhood and used portraiture to express a new sense of self. Through Nov. 2. • Typically part of the permanent collection, Joan Mitchell’s “Close” will undergo conservation in full view to the public. Watch as conservator Larry Shutts touches up the work Tuesdays and Thursdays through Nov. 2. • Filmmaker, video artist, photographer and curator asinnajaq’s “Three Thousand” combines archival videos from the National Film Board of Canada with animations, soundscapes and contemporary video footage. Through June 28, 2026.
GLASSCUBE@INDIGO (500 College Ave.) Atlanta artist Paul Leroy’s installation “Tree of Life” will begin growing for its six-month exhibition.
HENDERSHOT’S (237 Prince Ave.) Nirvinyl Album Art’s “Summer Set ’25” is on view through August.
LAST RESORT GRILL (174-184 W. Clayton St.) A collection of Susan Pelham’s collages, oil and acrylic works is on view through August. LYNDON HOUSE ARTS CENTER (211 Hoyt St.) The summer series features seven artists across six new exhibitions. On view through Aug. 30. “Peach Fuzz” artist talk with Victoria Dugger Aug. 21, 5:30 p.m. • In the Lukasiewicz Gallery, Chris Moss and Sue Fox’s “Habit” offers parallel explorations of form and color, playing with the viewer’s perception, concealing and revealing forms of common imagery amongst a camouflage of multifaceted hues. The two have not met prior to the opening of this exhibition. Through Oct. 11. • An exhibition by Cuban-born artist Victor Francisco Hernandez Mora features vivid illustrations of Orishas—West African deities tied to nature and daily life—found in belief systems across Africa, the Caribbean and the Americas. On view in the North Gallery through Oct. 11.
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/ outreach/scholarships
CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS
(Athens, GA) The Athens Land Trust hosts a variety of virtual and in-person classes. Topics include “Affordable Housing Info” and “Homebuyer Education Course.” www.athensland trust.org/classes-events
CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS (Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation, Watkinsville) OCAF offers a number of classes for all ages and skill levels. Selections include basic and advanced painting, ceramics, textile dying, fashion design and more. ocaf.com/courses
COOKING CLASSES (Athens Cooks) Seasonal classes for all ages offered multiple times a year. Upcoming events include “From Scratch Ricotta” (Aug. 20), “Date Night” (Aug. 28) and “Southern Tailgate Treats with a Twist” (Sept. 12). www.athenscooks.com
DANCE CLASSES (East Athens Educational Dance Center) The center offers classes in ballet, hip hop, jazz, modern and more for all ages and skills. www.accgov.com/myrec
DIALECTICAL BEHAVIOR THERAPY SKILLS WORKSHOP (Heart StoneTherapeutic Healing) Learn specific skills to manage emotions, improve relationships and more. Fridays, 12 p.m. Sept. 5–October 17. Info@Heartstoneth.com
FREE CLASSES (The Athens Free School) Learning network for community centered around compassion, autonomy and playfulness. Visit @athensfreeschool on Instagram.
SQUARE DANCE CLUB (Jug Tavern, Winder) Jug Tavern Square Dance Club is recruiting new members. Lively square dancing and line dancing. Classes are generally held the second and fourth Fridays of each month. Couples and singles are invited to the next class on Aug. 14, 7–8:30 p.m. oak.street.park@ gmail.com, 706-254-2320
YOGA AND MORE (Revolution Therapy and Yoga) Offering yoga and therapy with an emphasis on trauma-informed practices. www. revolutiontherapyandyoga.com
YOGA CLASSES (Grateful Head Yoga) Classes are offered in beginner, gentle and other styles of yoga. www.gratefulheadyoga.com
YOGA CLASSES (Healing Arts Center Sangha Studio) A variety of yoga styles offered weekly. www.healing artscentre.net/sangha
YOGA CLASSES (Highland Yoga) Classes are offered seven days a week. www.highland-yoga.com
YOGA CLASSES (Let It Be Yoga Studio, Watkinsville) Classes are offered in Hatha, Vinyasa, gentle and other styles. www.letitbeyoga.org
YOGA CLASSES (Shakti Yoga Athens) A variety of yoga styles offered weekly. www.shaktiyogaathens.com
Help Out
ANIMAL SERVICES VOLUNTEER (Animal Services Adoption Center) Volunteers needed for daily interactions with the shelter dogs. Sessions run Monday through Friday, training session required. Individuals under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. www.tidycal.com/animalservices volunteer
ATHENS REPAIR CAFE (Solid Waste Office) The repair cafe is seeking volunteers comfortable fixing a variety of items including: clothing, small appliances, tools and more. Fourth Sunday of every month. reuse@accgov.com, www.accgov. com/RepairCafe
ATHENS SKATEPARK PROJECT (Athens Skate Park) Seeking volunteers and community input. Every third Sunday of the month. www. athensskateparkproject.org
BRAS FOR A CAUSE (Grail Bra Specialists) Seeking donations of gently-used bras for distribution to local shelters, recovery centers and communities in need. Contact Athens Area Bra Bank at 706-8500387. support@grailbras.com
MEDICAL EQUIPMENT (Friends of Disabled Adults and Children) Free home medical equipment provided to those in need. Athens locations for pickup at Northeast Georgia Area Agency on Aging and Multiple Choices. Donations also accepted. www.fodac.org
MULTIPLE CHOICES VOLUNTEERS (Multiple Choices Center for Independent Living) Seeking volunteers to assist a nonprofit
• Inspired by memories and the literature of Latin America, María Korol’s “Playing Ball Without a Ball” explores the connection between human and non-human through drawings, paintings, sculptures and more. On view in the lobby case through Sept. 27. OCONEE LIBRARY (1925 Electric Ave.) Exhibition “Women of Courage Portrait Exhibit” honors the achievements, resilience and lasting impact of remarkable women who have shaped our history and society. Through Aug. 29.
THE OLD PAL (1320 Prince Ave.) Paintings by local artist Broderick Flanigan are on view through August. Meet the artist Aug. 27, 7–10 p.m.
UGA SPECIAL COLLECTIONS LIBRARIES (300 S. Hull St.) “From Farms to Fast Fashion: Unraveling the Need for Sustainable Style” explores the rise of fast fashion and who pays for the cost of its convenience. Through December. • David Zeiger’s photography project “Displaced in the New South” explores the cultural collision between Asian and Hispanic immigrants and the suburban Atlanta communities in the 1990s. Through December. Screening of Zeiger’s documentary by the same name will take place Sept. 18, 5:30 p.m. at Cine. • “The Golden Age of Broadway” provides a glimpse into Broadway’s Golden Age through musical posters, playbills and artifacts. Through August. • “Captain Planet: The Power Is Yours” explores the origins and impact of the TV series, which inspired young people to care for the environment. Through May 2026.
WILLSON CENTER FOR THE HUMANITIES AND ARTS (1260 S Lumpkin St) A new series of landscape photographs by Michael Lachowski, alongside a photo series of clouds, is on view through summer.
WINTERVILLE CULTURAL CENTER GALLERY (371 N. Church St., Winterville) Three exhibitions are currently on view at the gallery: “The Art of the Mixtape” by Karen S. Campbell through Sept. 13, “Cloudland” by Elyse Mazanti, Eli Saragoussi and Emily Tatum through Sept. 13 and “Below the Surface” by Jesse Blalock through Sept. 26. Artist reception Aug. 23, 4–6 p.m.
agency that serves individuals living with disabilities throughout a 10-country area of Northeastern Georgia. 706-850-4025, dmyers@ multiplechoices.us
PET FOOD PANTRY (Animal Services Adoption Center) The Animal Services community pet food pantry provides pet food to ACC residents at no cost. Donations always welcome. Monday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Sundays, 12–3 p.m. www.accgov.com/adoptioncenter
SCHOOL SUPPLIES (Car Craft of Athens) Car Craft of Athens is hosting a “Back to School Drive” to help the students at Bettye Henderson Holston Elementary School. Drop off supplies Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m.–5 p.m. through Sept.
1. Supplies needed include Lysol wipes, pencils, crayons, school uniforms and more. 706-546-6695.
SEEKING BOARD MEMBERS (Bigger Vision of Athens) The nonprofit homeless shelter Bigger Vision of Athens, Inc. is seeking new members for its board of directors. the biggervisionshelter@gmail.com, www.bvoa.org/boardmember
SEEKING BOARD MEMBERS (Moms Adopting Moms) Local nonprofit seeks board members, including a chair and treasurer, to support foster children and families through mentorship and reunification. momsadoptingmoms@ gmail.com
SEEKING DONATIONS (ACC Human Relations Commission) Currently accepting donations for sealed any brand, quantity or size of menstrual hygiene products. Morgan.lyle@ accgov.com
SEEKING FOOD DONATIONS (The Cottage) Seeking donations of single-serving, non-perishable snacks to help children and adults navigating interviews, therapy sessions and court hearings. To arrange a drop-off please call 706-546-1133, ext 223.
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS (Athens Farmer Market) Seeking volunteers for the 2025 season to help with weekly markets, special events and more. Submit applications online. www.athensfarmersmarket.net/ volunteer
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS (Athens Water Festival) Volunteers will assist with event set-up and breakdown, facilitate water activities for attendees and more. All volunteers will receive a free t-shirt, treats and a food voucher. Saturday, Sept. 6. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Morning and afternoon shifts available. https:// givepul.se/3fhx3w
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS (Historic Athens) Registration for the 2025 Historic Athens Porchfest is now open. In need of porch hosts, performers, volunteers and sponsor support. www.historicathens.com/ porchfest
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS (KACCB)
Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful has volunteer opportunities that include roadside cleanups, adopt-a-ramp and more. www. keepathensbeautiful.org
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS (Meals on Wheels) Currently recruiting volunteers to deliver meals, engage in safety checks and more. eschley@ accaging.org
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS (Shoal Creek Sanctuary) Local environmental nonprofit seeking volunteers for a variety of events including invasive plant removal, plant adoptions and more. Hands-on opportunities to help plant 3,000 native varieties are available every first Sunday, 1–3:30 p.m. www. shoalcreeksanctuary.org/volunteer
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS (Wild Rumpus Parade & Spectacle) A variety
of volunteer, donor and sponsor opportunities available. Saturday, Oct. 26. www.wildrumpus.org
TEACHER SUPPLIES (Teacher Reuse Store) Educators can access free creative supplies at the store. Please bring credentials. www. accgov.com/trs
TOWELS FOR ANIMALS (Animal Services Adoption Center) Seeking donations of gently used bath towels and hand rags for bathing animals and cleaning kennels. Donations can be dropped off at the door after hours. www.accgov.com/ animalservices
QUILT RAFFLE (Friends of the Madison County Library) Madison County Library’s Summer Reading Program “Color Our World” hosts a raffle for a handmade quilt to bene-
and more. www.treehousekidand craft.com
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 parentbaby yoga, maternal mental health and more. www.reblossomathens. com
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS (ACC Gov) Applications are now open for the 2025-2026 Mayor’s Youth Council for students in grades 10-12. The council is designed to provide an opportunity for youth to learn more about the workings of ACCGov while interacting directly with staff. Deadline for applications is Aug. 19 with the first council meeting
AL-ANON 12 STEP (Multiple Locations) Recovery for people affected by someone else’s drinking. Free daytime and evening meetings are held several times throughout the week in Athens. www.ga-al-anon. org/meetings
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 info about
706-224-4919 about Saturdays. www.oa.org
PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP
(First Baptist Church) This group is to encourage, support and share info 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
PET LOSS AND GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP (Chase Park Warehouses)
A peer-led support group of people who understand the depth of love and grief for animal companions. Meets every second and fourth Wednesday, 6:30–8 p.m. www. vibrantbeing.net/grief-support
POLYAMORY SUPPORT GROUP (Revolution Therapy and Yoga) An open support group for adults prac-
fit various programs. $2 per ticket. The winning ticket will be drawn in September to kick off Library Card Sign-up Month. www.athenslibrary. org/madison
Kidstuff
BRELLA ACTIVITIES (’Brella Studio) A variety of after-school art lessons available for all ages. Other events and programs include “Art Truck,” art camps, “Mommy & Me” mornings and more. www.brellastudio. com/events
CAMP PROGRAMS (ACC Leisure Services) A variety of programs, classes and camps for all ages are available at local parks and community centers. www.accgov.com/ myrecs, 706-613-3800
CAMP PROGRAMS (Wild Earth Forest School) Fall registration for nature-based learning programs now open for ages 3–8. Sessions begin Aug. 18. Mondays and Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. school.wildearthcamp@gmail.com, wildearthcamp.org
CREATIVE CLASSES (K.A. Artist Shop) Variety of classes including “Art Card Club” for teens and preteens. www.kaartist.com
CREATIVE CLASSES (Treehouse Kid & Craft) Treehouse offers a variety of art-centric activities such as “Art School,” “Saturday Morning Crafts”
to be held in September. Meetings are monthly. www.accgov.com/ youthcouncil
YOUTH PROGRAMS (Sheats Social Services) Registration now open for a variety of weekly programs that provide educational and community support for K-12 students including Rainbow Reading Collective and Strong Beautiful Godly Girls (SBG²) Mentor Program. Volunteers are also needed. www.sheatssocial services.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
ADVANCED CANCER SUPPORT
GROUP (University Cancer and Blood Center) A support group for those living with advanced/ terminal cancer with the goal to find comfort, encouragement and valuable resources. First Monday of every month, 5:30–7 p.m. www.university cancer.com
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS (Athens, GA) If you think you have a problem with alcohol, call the AA hotline or visit the website for a schedule of meetings. 706-3894164, www.athensaa.org
resources and opportunities for advocacy. Every third Monday, 4:30–6 p.m. floretta.johnson@ stmarysathens.org
MEDICAL ASSISTANCE (Nuçi’s Space) Direct connections to mental healthcare like counseling and psychiatry, medical care for physical concerns and more. www. nuci.org, 706-227-1515
NAMI CONNECTION SUPPORT GROUP (Multiple Locations) Peerled support group for any adult who has experienced symptoms of a mental health condition. First and third Friday of the month, 5:30–7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church Athens. Second Monday of the month, 6:30–8 p.m. at Oconee Presbyterian Church, Watkinsville. www.namiga.org
NEW PARENTS AND INFANT FEEDING SUPPORT GROUP (BYL Family Resource Center) Come as you are for community, snacks and feeding advice from professionals. Babies and children of all ages are welcome. Second and fourth Wednesdays, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. www.byyourleave.org
OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS (Multiple Locations) Do you worry about the way you eat? OA may have the answer for you. Meetings held Tuesdays, 12 p.m. at 24th Street, Inc. and Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. at Covenant Presbyterian Church. Text 678-736-3697 about Tuesdays or
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 ZEN GROUP (work.shop) Sangha sits every Sunday morning 8:30–10 a.m. followed by a discussion of Zen teachings 10:00–10:50 a.m. Newcomers’ orientation is the second Sunday of every month at 11 a.m. www.athenszen.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. www.accgov.com/10584/ Bike-Repair-Stations CALL FOR STORYTELLERS (Rabbit Box) Rabbit Box presents true short stories shared by community members. Submit story ideas for upcoming shows. www.rabbitbox. org/tell
COMMUNITY RUNNING GROUPS (Athens Road Runners) Weekly community runs for all skill levels including “Speed Workout” (Wednesdays, 5:30 a.m.) and “Fun Runs” (Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. & Saturdays, 7:15 a.m.). www.athens roadrunners.org
FALL REGISTRATION (ACC Leisure Services) A diverse selection of programs for both adults and children are open for registration. Scholarships available. www.acc gov.com/scholarship, www.accgov. com/myrec, 706-613-3800
FILM LOCATION DIRECTORY
(Athens, GA) The Athens Film Office, part of the ACCGov Communications Department, recently launched a new database to showcase potential local sites that could be considered for film, TV or other production projects. www.athensga filmoffice.com
FRIDAY EVENTS (Multiplechoices Center for Independent Living) The organization hosts ongoing Friday gatherings. Tech discussions, support groups, movies and games. www.multiplechoices.us/youreinvited
ticing or considering polyamory or nonmonogamy. Thursdays, 6:30–7:30 p.m. $10 donation. www. revolutiontherapyandyoga.com
PREVIVORS SUPPORT GROUP FOR WOMEN (Loran Smith Center for Cancer Support) Women ages 18–50 who have been diagnosed with a genetic mutation for breast cancer (but not diagnosed with cancer) can gather for peer support and share unique challenges. Third Thursdays, 5:30–7:30 p.m. 706465-4900, loransmithcenter@ piedmont.org
PROJECT SAFE (Family Protection Center) Project Safe hosts a support group for survivors of domestic violence. Mondays, 6:30–8 p.m. www. project-safe.org
RECOVERY DHARMA (Athens Addiction Recovery Center) This peer-led support group offers a Buddhistinspired path to recovery from any addiction. Thursdays, 7 p.m. www. athensrecoverydharma.org
RECOVERY DHARMA (work.shop)
Help for those suffering with addictions and self-destructive habits. Peer-led and open to all. Meets every Monday, 6:30 p.m. www. recoverydharma.org
SEX ADDICTS ANONYMOUS (Athens, GA) Athens Downtown SAA offers a message of hope to anyone who suffers from compulsive sexual behavior. athensdowntownsaa@ gmail.com
GUIDED GARDEN TOURS (UGA Botanical Garden) Learn about various plants at this guided walk. Available for groups of less than 10. Every Tuesday–Friday, 11 a.m. $5 per person. botgarden.uga.edu NETWORKING AND MEETINGS (Integrative Medicine Initiative) Monthly meetings and open networking opportunities for those in the local wellness sector seeking support and who have interest in educating the community. admin@ integrativemedicineinitiative.org
OPEN BOARD MEETING (Daily Groceries Co-Op) Monthly meeting every third Wednesday, 5 p.m. at Athentic Brewing Co. Those interested in learning more about becoming board members or available volunteer opportunities invited to attend.
SEVENTH GENERATION (Various Locations) Seventh Generation Native American Church hosts gatherings on Sundays at 11 a.m. at Feel Free Yoga and Men’s Group on Tuesdays at 6 p.m. at St. Gregory’s Church. 706-340-7134
VHS DIGITIZATION (Athens, GA) Seeking previously recorded concerts and events on VHS, VHSC, Hi8, MiniDV and DVDs to digitize and archive on YouTube channel, @vhsordie3030, and the Athens GA Live Music channel. bradley. staples88@gmail.com, vhsordie. com f
The Georgia Music Collections at the Akins Ford Arena has rotated pieces in its gallery. A guided tour will be held Aug. 21 at 6:30 p.m.
CAMIE WILLIAMS / UGA LIBRARIES
get eyeballsyour over to flagpole dot
feature
Athens Film Festival
By Sam Lipkin editorial@flagpole.com
The second annual Athens Film Festival has expanded its offerings this year to include five participating screening venues—Ciné, Flicker Theatre and Bar, The Globe, the Morton Theatre and Paloma Park—across four days, Aug. 14–17.
Showing 112 films from filmmakers around the world, the festival aims to celebrate the creativity and honor the stories of these creators while bolstering film’s place in the local art community. In addition to screenings, there are networking events and workshops/panels throughout the weekend.
The red carpet kickoff event on Thursday at Ciné will take place from 5–9 p.m. for all-access passholders, but it will open its doors to the public at 8 p.m. Workshops and panels include “Emerging Georgia Filmmakers” and “Art and Mental Health” on Friday, and “AI Isn’t the Director, You Are” on Saturday.
Whether you’re interested in movie-hopping all day or carefully planning the best bang for your buck itinerary, there are an overwhelming amount of options at the film festival. We’ve curated a list of suggestions below. For the full four-day schedule and to purchase passes or tickets to individual screenings, visit athensfilm.com.
had experienced. This film aims to humanize the opioid crisis and to paint an honest portrait of modern addiction filled with heart, hurt and humor.” American Deadbolt (Friday, 8 p.m., Ciné) is another Athens-produced feature starring Laura Slade Wiggins (“Shameless”), Jayson Warner Smith (“The Walking Dead”) and Jeff Fahey (“Lost”). Producer Clint Ross describes the film as a “characterdriven thriller about five restaurant workers trapped
EXPLORE GENRES: There’s no shame in knowing what you like, and the Athens Film Festival has made it easy to explore multiple films within a genre with its shorts blocks. You can catch international animated shorts at “World Class Animation 1” (Thursday, 5 p.m., Flicker) and “World Class Animation 2” (Friday, 5:30 p.m., Morton), or feel like a kid again with “Saturday Morning Cartoons” (Saturday, 10:30 a.m., Morton). If you’re looking for laughs, then the best bet is “Laugh Your Ath Off Comedy Shorts 1” (Thursday, 9:30 p.m., The Globe) or “Laugh Your Ath Off Comedy Shorts 2” (Saturday, 3:30 p.m. Flicker). International horror shorts will be screened during “Bloodred and Black 1” (Friday, 9:30 p.m., Morton), with a Q&A led by local My Bloody Horrorcast hosts Carey and Steph, and “Bloodred and Black 2” (Saturday, 9:15 p.m., Morton). Check out a different perspective or learn something new with the “Documentary Shorts” (Saturday, 1 p.m., Morton). “Mind Frames” (Friday, 4 p.m., Flicker) features films specifically about mental health and personal struggle. Support narrative shorts directed and produced by women in “Women in Film” (Friday, 7:15 p.m., Morton). Finally, if you just want to skip straight ahead to the highlyrated films, then try “Best of the Fest” (Sunday, 1 p.m., The Globe) for a mix of the top narrative shorts.
SUPPORT LOCAL: Among the international filmmakers featured in the festival are many of Athens’ and Georgia’s own. Thursday’s opening night feature is Withdrawal (8 p.m., Ciné), a drama about the modern opioid epidemic by Athens-born director Aaron Strand. Based on personal experience and filmed in Athens, Strand states, “In 2013 I crawled back to my hometown of Athens homeless and shaking from withdrawal, just another statistic of the opioid epidemic. I turned to movies to make sense of what I
during a Fourth of July terrorist attack only to realize the real threat may be among them.” More screen than film, JOKERJOKERtv is hosting a “Local Music Video Showcase” (Saturday, 5 p.m., Flicker). There will also be an “Athens Student Showcase” (Sunday, 2:30 p.m., The Globe) block of shorts with filmmaker discussions. For a medley of Georgia films followed by a Q&A with each filmmaker, check out “Reel Peaches Georgia Shorts 1” (Friday, 2:15 p.m., Ciné) and “Reel Peaches Georgia Shorts 2” (Saturday, 2:30 p.m., Morton).
FEATURE PRESENTATION: In addition to the local feature films
Withdrawal (Thursday, 8 p.m., Ciné) and American Deadbolt (Friday, 8 p.m., Ciné), there will be screenings of Mass State Lottery (Saturday, 2:30 p.m., Ciné) and A Cell Phone Movie (Saturday, 8 p.m., Ciné). The feature selection Mass State Lottery is a horror film following New York City’s sloppy private investigator Richard Rathke on a missing person’s case that could be a big opportunity for his career. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers. A Cell Phone Movie is the festival’s closing feature, a meta comedy making its U.S. premiere. Writer, director and star Will Sterling inverts reality as an out of work, struggling actor attempting to impress Hollywood by making a movie on his cellphone. f
WHAT: Athens Film Festival WHEN: Aug 14–17
WHERE: Ciné, Flicker Theatre & Bar, The Globe, Morton Theatre, Paloma Park HOW MUCH: $20–90
Expo and AthHalf Packet Pickup: 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Classic Center Pavilion, 440 Foundry St.
classifieds
REAL ESTATE
HOUSES FOR RENT
Tiny living in the country 30’ RV camper on small farm 30 miles east of Athens All utilities furnished, wi- fi, 2 TVs, trash service, private, secure, large covered porch, nice setting Security deposit and references required Text 706- 4010880
HOUSES FOR SALE
Looking for a house or a home? Condo or land? Call Daniel Peiken REALTOR 5Market Realty Selling in and around Athens for over 20 years 706-296-2941
ROOMS FOR RENT
Room for rent Utilities included $575/month 762366-8081
Get Flagpole delivered to your mailbox! Weekly delivery straight from the source Only $65 for six months or $125 for one year Purchase at www flagpole.bigcartel.com, call 706-549-0301 or email front desk@flagpole.com.
MUSIC 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
Nuçi’s Space has soundtreated, climate- controlled rooms available for rental by the half hour All rooms come equipped with full PA system, drumkit and Wi- Fi nuci org
Need old papers for your garden? We have plenty here at Flagpole! Call ahead and we’ll have a crate ready for you Please leave current issues on the stands 706549-0301
SERVICES
HOME AND GARDEN
Hi! I’m Pablo, an expert gardener offering personalized care for your landscape I specialize in low- maintenance, native gardens that support pollinators and biodiversity Find me @pablo fromseed, email pkozatch@ gmail com or call 631- 9034365
Happy Summer! WomanRun Gardening Services: We offer garden maintenance, invasive plant removal, personalized edible & native focused gardens for your school, home or business! For more info call/text: 706-395-5321
LEGAL SERVICES
Accident Happen? Call Massey Law Group, your local team of award- winning attorneys who fight for injured clients in automobile and trucking accidents www.masseyfights.com
MISC. SERVICES
Flagpole ♥s our advertisers!
Hotel Abacus offers six unique and historic venues for your special event hotelabacusathens com
PETS
Pamper your pup at Bark Dog Spa, Athens’ premiere dog grooming facility! Book online at barkdogspa com
JOBS
FULL-TIME
Design Automation Engineer (Electric Research & Manufacturing Cooperative, Inc, Athens, GA): Develop, maintain and monitor transformers design system
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
for the
NOTICES
ORGANIZATIONS
Become a Juvenile Offender Advocate to compassionately and effectively transform the lives of young people in need of mentorship and rehabilitation juvenileoffenderadvocateinc org
Follow ACC Solid Waste on Instagram/Facebook @ accsolidwaste for tips and resources for recycling, composting, repairs, and more or visit accgov com/ solidwaste
If you are in crisis due to domestic violence, Project Safe is here to help Call 706- 543- 3331 or visit project-safe org
Northeast Health District offers free or low- cost services to all people within our area and to promote healthy lifestyles among all members northeasthealthdistrict org
VFW Post 2872 Join us for weekly Bingo nights, live music and more at VFW Post 2872 at 835 Sunset Drive in Athens!
Flagpole ♥s our readers!
Only $65 for six months or $125 for one year. Purchase online at www.flagpole.big cartel.com, call 706-549-0301 or email frontdesk@flagpole.com.
