Several hundred people marched through downtown Athens on Sunday, Feb. 8 to protest the Trump administration’s immigration tactics. Visit flagpole.com for more.
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ADVERTISING SALES Dave Martin, Isabella Williams
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Sam Lipkin
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online exclusive
T. Hardy Morris just released a live session music video for the track “My Friend’s Dad” with Ear Bonez Studio and Piedmont Sound at The Portico. He’ll be joining the HeAthens Homecoming weekend as an opener for the Drive-By Truckers on Thursday, Feb. 12. See “Flagpole Premieres: T. Hardy Morris, ‘My Friend’s Dad‘“ at flagpole.com.
city dope
Is Athens Overbuilt?
HOUSING DOMINATES MAYORAL FORUM, AND MORE LOCAL NEWS
By Blake Aued news@flagpole.com
Tim Denson clashed with other candidates for Athens- Clarke County mayor over housing during a forum Saturday, Feb. 7.
Denson said he supports zoning reforms to encourage more density, while other candidates did not, and Dexter Fisher went so far as to call for a moratorium on housing construction.
The issue of affordable housing dominated much of the forum, held at Ciné and moderated by Drew Abney and Russell Edwards, cohosts of the Athchat podcast. According to Edwards, Athens has an apartment vacancy rate of just 3.2%, so there is no competition among landlords, while the price of a single- family home has risen by 30% over the past four years. But in cities
Fellow school board member LaKeisha Gantt turned the question back around. “Where are we going to go?” she said, referring to longtime Athens residents. “We have a problem with student housing. People who tell you we have to continue to build… when do we stop?” Gantt said.
“I agree, where are we going to go?” Denson replied. “It’s a great question, but there wasn’t an answer for that.”
Gantt did acknowledge that affordable housing is a major issue, though. She said that 58% of local renters are paying more than the recommended 30% of their income for housing. Her solution was to approach the University of Georgia about making payments in lieu of taxes and putting the
that have enacted zoning reforms allowing more types of housing in single- family neighborhoods, like Austin, TX and Minneapolis, housing costs have fallen or are rising more slowly, he said.
“I’m the only candidate that has a bold, realistic platform to make Athens more affordable,” Denson said.
In 2012, Athens had more than 4,000 vacant units, but now there are only 250, according to Denson. He cited a statistic from the UGA Terry College of Business that Athens’ housing costs have risen 61% in the past six years.
Denson contended that more density—such as “missing middle” housing like accessory dwelling units, townhouses and duplexes—would bring down the cost of housing. He noted that UGA enrollment rises every year, and there are only 8,000 dorm rooms on campus for 32,000 undergrads. He also proposed expanding ACC’s exclusionary zoning policy and allowing developers to contribute to an affordable housing trust fund rather than build unnecessary and expensive parking required by law. Overlay districts, he said, could ensure student housing remains near campus and protect historically Black neighborhoods.
“I get worried when I hear anyone saying they’re going to block any new housing when UGA is bringing in a few thousand new students,” said Denson, a former county commissioner and current school board member. “Where are they going to go? Your house?”
money into ACC’s affordable housing trust fund. But to allow students to continue gentrifying Black neighborhoods is not the answer, she said.
Fisher, who holds the Commission District 5 seat once occupied by Denson, had a similar response, saying that people in East Athens tell him they feel like they’re being pushed out. “We can’t continue to build student housing and leave out the residents who live here,” he said.
Fisher said he would “work with developers to ensure we have more housing,” and that he supports missing middle housing, but ACC needs to be careful where such housing goes. “We can’t continue to put density into neighborhoods,” he said. “The neighborhoods won’t accept that.”
He also proposed a 90–180 day moratorium on building new housing while conducting an inventory of existing housing and ensuring the county has enough water and sewer capacity to support more development. He said he believes Athens is “overbuilt with student housing” because a developer told him there are vacancies in older apartment complexes, and that the university will shift more to online classes instead of growing physically.
Fisher drew applause when the former UGA administrator said he’s talked to university officials about requiring freshmen to leave their cars at home. That prompted Denson to question why Fisher voted against bike lanes on North Avenue so that
From left, Mara Zuniga, Tim Denson, Dexter Fisher and LaKeisha Gantt.
JAKE ZERKEL
students living there could safely bike to campus.
Mara Zuniga—a businesswoman and former Athens Republican Party treasurer who says she’s running a nonpartisan campaign—agreed that minority communities are being displaced. (The May 19 election is officially nonpartisan, but the other three candidates have stated they are Democrats.) Like Fisher, she said that ACC has not kept up with infrastructure maintenance. She said she would look to cut other spending to find money for affordable housing and infrastructure. “Folks, I really don’t think raising your taxes is the option,” she said.
Zuniga also said she would talk to local builders about cutting red tape. “We get big corporate builders that don’t have a stake in our community, and they put in the prices they want,” she said.
Fisher and Zuniga also disagreed with Denson over the issue of homelessness, insisting that a large part of the problem is that other communities drop off their unhoused residents in Athens. Denson, who works at the Advantage Behavioral Health day shelter, said that rarely happens.
“The fact of the matter is that people are being dropped off. That is a fact,” Zuniga said.
Denson said he recently participated in an annual federally mandated survey of the homeless population, and “a very small percent” are dropped off. He said 85–90% “are from Athens and are homeless because housing is too damn high, and they’re being forced out of their homes.” He touted his support as a commissioner for an eviction prevention program during the COVID-19 pandemic that helped 400 families.
“We squandered most of the money,” Fisher said of the $57 million ACC received from the Biden administration in 2021 that funded the eviction program, among other initiatives.
“People are dropped off, and they’re dropped off more than the percentage you’re talking about,” he said. “If you’re going to drop them off, you better send some resources, or we’re going to send them back to your community, and you take care of them.”
ACC already receives funding from the state to serve a 12- county area because shelters and hospitals for the region are located in Athens, Denson said.
“A lot of us are only a paycheck or two away from our housing being impacted,” Gantt said. “We need wraparound services for our homeless unhoused community” to address the root causes, like disabilities, she said.
The candidates did agree on some topics, like the need to prioritize pedestrian safety, their opposition to federal immigration raids and their support for immigrant communities, and their opposition to a state GOP proposal to phase out property taxes for homeowners.
Allowed to question each other, Denson accused Fisher of accepting tens of thousands of dollars from real estate agents and developers, including at least one that had business before the commission without recusing himself.
“I had no knowledge of that,” Fisher said, “If it was an ethics violation, I have not been contacted by the state ethics committee.” He said he was able to raise $100,000 through the relationships and trust he’s built during 37 years in Athens.
Fisher asked Gantt why the school board has not lowered the millage rate. Gantt
then asked Fisher why he never suggested it when he was facilities director at the Clarke County School District, which Fisher said he did. Gantt said she prioritized funding for instruction and supporting teachers over cutting taxes.
Gantt told Denson that his responses to questions were self- centered. “You focused on ‘I.’ You focused on your inner circle. You focused on data, when data is often not representative of marginalized communities,” she said. “How can we trust you to put everyone’s needs first?”
Denson responded, “I’m going to continue to meet people where they are.” He said he has held 40 town hall meetings and personally knocked on 500 doors.
Zuniga accused Denson of conspiring to keep conservatives off of county boards. “You can’t just represent your small group of Democratic Socialists,” she said.
“The way I handled that was improper. I shouldn’t have done it, and I apologize,” Denson said. “I do struggle to include individuals who want to exclude others,” he added, while committing to include Republicans if he’s elected.
The two-hour forum was livestreamed on Athchat’s Facebook page and will also be available in podcast form.
Future Land Use Map on Hold
Athens- Clarke County staff and a citizens committee have been working on it for more than two years, the commission has heard several presentations on it, and residents have had dozens of opportunities to provide input, but commissioners say they still need more time to consider a future land use map that will guide growth and development for the next two decades.
The map has not been updated in 25 years and now will have to wait another couple of months. The commission voted unanimously last week to table the future land use map until April. Commissioners said they first want an update on future water and sewer projects—scheduled for a Feb. 10 work session—and want to make tweaks to the map. “I have incoming requests from constituents,” Commissioner Melissa Link said. “We have more to talk about.”
Several residents, mostly from Five Points, came to the commission’s Feb. 3 meeting to tell commissioners they are opposed to aspects of the future land use map. Everett Kelly, for example, said that he is not in favor of additional density like accessory dwelling units—basement, backyard or garage apartments—in singlefamily neighborhoods. “It’s going to be investors from outside our area… who are looking to shoehorn a bunch of bedrooms into a property, and they’re not looking at it from a standpoint of being affordable,” he said.
The future land use map would not necessarily allow ADUs, though. So- called “missing middle” housing like ADUs, townhouses and duplexes is under discussion, but would require a separate vote to allow under the county zoning code. Members of the advisory committee that helped draw the map said there are several misconceptions about it. “It is not zoning,” said one member, Sam Stabler. “It is a road map for how we expect and would like the city to grow. It’s based on acknowledgement of the fact that Athens will grow.”
With UGA adding more students each year, employers opening and expanding,
and Athens becoming a top destination for retirees, growth is inevitable—the city is expected to add about 30,000 people over the next 20 years. Failing to accommodate the growth will only put more upward pressure on housing costs that have nearly doubled in the past decade, driving more people into outlying counties or even onto the street.
Higher density “would bolster affordable housing development and accommodate more residents in urban areas of Athens, and reduce housing costs for low-income households,” Diana Weiss, a member of the UGA Young Democrats, told commissioners.
Another goal of the land-use plan is to reduce traffic. By placing jobs, shopping, restaurants and services closer to residential areas, residents will be able to walk to more destinations, or at least drive a shorter distance. Map-drawers also sought to funnel growth into areas where utilities are already available, avoiding expensive sewer expansion projects.
“I feel like we really tried to keep the character of the county going into the future,” such as by retaining the rural green belt where development is highly restricted, said committee member Lorraine Fuller.
To achieve those goals, and in deference to single- family neighborhoods, county planners and the advisory committee decided to restrict higher density to major corridors and “nodes” at major intersections. Less than 7% of the county’s land is changing land-use categories. Those categories each encompass a range of potential zoning categories, which will be decided later. The map allows for “moderate growth that retains a neighborhood scale and is not dominated by automobiles,” said another committee member, Kent Middleton.
To learn more about the future land use map, visit accgov.com/844/ Comprehensive-Planning
ICE Jail Coming Near Athens
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security does plan to build a facility to detain up to 10,000 people near an elementary school in Social Circle, a small town less than 40
miles south of Athens.
Social Circle officials said they heard the news during a call with U.S. Rep. Mike Collins, a Republican who represents the Athens area and is running for Senate. According to an announcement from the city, Collins and his staff told local officials that a 1 million square foot warehouse known as the PNK property is under contract, and that DHS is conducting an engineering evaluation of city utilities and an economic impact report. The facility could begin housing detainees as soon as April.
“The City of Social Circle has not been asked for, nor has it provided, any input related to this evaluation or planning process,” said the city’s statement. DHS plans to house detainees in vacant warehouses were first revealed by the Washington Post in December.
While he is “aligned with the mission” of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Collins said that he has concerns about infrastructure capacity in Social Circle. “I have asked DHS to continue evaluating the impacts that the facility would have on Social Circle and to ensure we can accomplish the mission without negatively impacting this community,” he said in a social media post.
Progressive groups like Athens-based Indivisible GA10, Walton County’s Indivisible Boldly Blue and East Metro for Social Justice condemned building an ICE detention center in Social Circle.
“We know from reports of harm, including deaths, in existing ICE detention centers that the Constitutional and human rights of detainees are being violated in these centers. And it is wrong because ICE wants new centers to escalate the scope of arrests and detentions across the country,” said Walton County resident Gareth Fenley of Indivisible Boldly Blue. “Already, ICE is wantonly sweeping up lawful immigrants, young children and American citizens in their actions—attacking and sometimes killing observers and bystanders in the process. The majority of Americans have made it clear that they oppose what ICE is doing. Building more ICE detention centers will expand the agency’s actions, when instead, we should restrain them.” f
Athens’ Economy
By Lee Shearer news@flagpole.com
The risk of an economic recession is at an “elevated level” in 2026, though a more likely scenario is simply slow growth, according to University of Georgia economic forecasters.
Georgia’s economy will grow at a slightly faster clip than the U.S. economy, and the Athens area will fare better than the state, according to the UGA Terry College of Business Selig Center for Economic Growth. “The risk of recession is relatively high, but I still predict positive economic growth in Georgia,” said Jeff Humphreys, director of the Selig Center.
The economic drags for Georgia include trade uncertainty because of tariffs, slower population growth, a shrinking labor force and overall slower U.S. economic growth, Santanu Chatterjee, the Terry College interim dean, told a crowd gathered at the Classic Center on Wednesday, Feb. 4. Each year, the Selig Center prepares an annual forecast for the state and for eight Georgia cities, conducting outlook meetings in each one.
Effective tariff rates are likely to stabilize this year at around 15%, which Chatterjee said is not high enough on its own to trigger a recession. Tariffs will fuel inflation, but only temporarily, he said, peaking at 3.5% this year.
Net international migration to Georgia, more than 63,00 people in 2024, will be minus 4,000 this year, according to Selig Center tabulations. Domestic migration has also slowed—a projected 22,000 this year after a 2022 peak of 79,891 and 52,290 in 2023. One of the large drivers of economic growth is simple population growth.
Though consumer spending has remained strong, more than half of that spending is by the wealthiest 10%.
“Middle- class and low-income households
are struggling, but showing resilience,” he said. Meanwhile, there has been great growth of “buy now, pay later” in Georgia, he said. “That is something that, as an economist, we need to watch out for in coming months.”
add to the national debt of more than $38 trillion dollars—an upward pressure on interest rates, he noted.
Commercial real estate development, more important in Georgia and most other states, will in 2026 “remain in recession,” he said. Homebuilding and home selling will also remain low in 2026, according to the Selig Center forecast. Home prices will decline, though “we do not expect an implosion” as in the Great Recession of 2008, Chatterjee said.
By the middle of 2025, prices of existing Georgia homes were 70% higher than before the COVID-19 pandemic, he said, compared to 59% nationally. Athens saw the second-highest increase among Georgia cities at 88%, behind only Hinesville. Overall inflation was about 24% during the same period.
On the positive side, increased military and homeland security spending and transportation and logistics growth will boost the state’s economy, according to the forecast. Georgia manufacturing jobs will increase a little, largely because food processing is the state’s largest industry, while U.S. manufacturing jobs will decrease slightly, Chatterjee said.
Georgia is now the No. 1 state for data centers, passing Virginia, but that fast growth could slow because of increasing opposition and the tremendous resource demands—water and electricity—they require.
with the rising cost of living here, he said. Higher home prices and mortgage rates have made housing less affordable, and that’s not going to change anytime soon, he said.
Visitors and students will spend much more money in Athens this year, in part because of higher apartment rents, Humphreys said. “It’s going to take a long time” before incomes rise enough to make housing more affordable, he said.
Headwinds slowing Athens’ economy include the same ones dampening the state and national economies: restrictive immigration policies and the trade war, Humphreys said. Athens is not very dependent on exports, however, and Athens’ foreignborn population, about 8%, is relatively small compared to the U.S. figure of 14%, he said.
Another headwind for Athens is possible reductions in federal funding for universities, he said; UGA research and development spending, supported in large part by federal funding, has increased for seven straight years and was up 11% last year, but that trend could end.
On the other hand, if businesses reduce travel expenditures, that could actually help Athens’ thriving entertainment and tourism industries as a “drive- to” destination, not one that relies much on people flying in.
If recession seems likely, he said, the Federal Reserve Bank will reduce its interest rate to 2.75%, down from 5.5% in 2024 and 4.5% at the beginning of 2025. That would help Georgia because of the state’s high dependence on real estate development, and because it would encourage economic development projects, he said.
But cuts in the Fed’s short- term interest rates don’t mean rates on longer- term debt will change much. Those rates “are largely determined by investors who are likely to be concerned about persistent inflation, large federal budget deficits and the growing share of national debt in GDP,” he said. Budget deficits over 6% of GDP reduce the ability to combat economic downturns, and
The outlook for the Athens metro area—Clarke, Oconee, Oglethorpe and Madison counties—is also a mixed bag, Humphreys said. The main pillars of Athens’ economy, education and health care, are less susceptible to gyrations in the wider economy, and Athens would weather a recession better than the state and nation, he said. “But growth will slow, and we don’t expect very much in the way of job creation,” Humphreys said.
The cost of doing business in Athens remains relatively low, but the cost of living in Athens is now about 102% of the U.S. average. “We’re not expensive, but we’re not cheap anymore,” he said. That rising cost of living here is a threat to Athens’ ability to draw retirees and young creatives, he said. House and rent prices have a lot to do
Athens has had success in attracting development not only in life sciences and biomedical industries, but other types, helping diversity the area economy, Humphreys said. New projects will be fewer this year, but more will come in the longer term, he said. “I really see a lot of economic development potential for Athens,” he said. When development picks up again, a big challenge for Athens as well as the nation will be growing the labor force, Humphreys said. “The availability of labor is going to become a more important factor in siting economic development projects going forward than it has been in the past,” he said. Athens has an advantage there because of its “very, very high” capacity to produce college and technical school graduates, but the challenge is to keep them here. “Wages and benefits and salaries have to rise in Athens to retain those recent graduates,” he said. f
Jeff Humphreys, director of the Selig Center for Economic Growth, speaks at the Classic Center Feb. 4 as Santanu Chatterjee, interim dean of the Terry College of Business, looks on.
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis DukeinAfrica
ART | THU, FEB. 12
‘Emancipation to Integration’ Opening Reception
whose music is marked by its complex, engrossing guitar compositions and clever, reflective lyrics. [MB]
COMEDY | SAT, FEB. 14
Historic Athens Welcome Center • 4 p.m. • FREE!
In honor of Black History Month, the Historic Athens Welcome Center has curated an exhibit called “Emancipation to Integration: Black Education in Athens.” Through photographs and excerpts of oral histories and autobiographies, visitors can learn about the stories of formerly enslaved people, Black educators and students in the Reconstruction era, and the experiences of those who were the first to integrate into Athens schools and the University of Georgia. These materials will include the words of people like Lucius Henry Holsey, who was “determined to learn to read at all hazards” while enslaved by a UGA professor of literature, and photos of some of the earliest schools for Black students. Welcome Center Director Michelle Nguyen says, “These stories are essential to understanding the sacrifice and determination that built Black education in this community.” During the opening reception, for which you can RSVP at athenswelcomecenter.com, guests will have the opportunity to meet the exhibit’s curators and tour the historic Church-Waddel-Brumby House. [Mary Beth Bryan]
EVENT | THU, FEB. 12
Roses & Ruin
Athentic Brewing Co. • 4:30 p.m. • $12
FLAGPOLE COM
John Mulaney
The Classic Center • 6 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (show) • $69.25–242.50
Comedian John Mulaney decided he wanted to be in show business at age 5. His big break came two decades later in 2008 when he was hired as a writer for “Saturday Night Live.” He worked on “SNL” until 2013 and has hosted six times since his departure, creating some of the show’s most iconic characters and moments. One of Mulaney’s latest projects is hosting and executive producing a Netflix show called “Everybody’s Live with John Mulaney,” which features monologues, guests, pretaped sketches, musical segments and more. The show also addresses personal topics like his ongoing recovery from addiction and his life as a father. In addition to working as a writer and actor, Mulaney is a regarded standup comedian, currently touring his new special, “Mister Whatever,” across North America. [MB]
Ashthrone Booking is throwing a woman-powered Valentine’s Day event that will feature a market of female-owned businesses and a lineup of five female-led bands. The vendor market will run from 4:30–9 p.m. and is free to attend. At 6 p.m. doors will open for the concert portion of the event, which has a $12 cover, and the show will begin at 7 p.m. The lineup includes two local bands: the indierock group Red Dakota and the power rock/pop trio Women in STEM. Joining them from Atlanta will be grungecore band Grudgestep and stoner punk band Tiny Banshee. Finally, alt-pop duo Waking April will travel in from Raleigh, NC to round out the bill. [MB]
MUSIC | FRI, FEB. 13
Blue Stars, Klark Sound
Dead Beat Club • 6 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show) • $15.91 (adv.), $19.41
Buvez may be gone, but opening in its place is a new hub of live performance and community. Buvez announced its closure at the beginning of last December due to financial hardship, with the owner, Bain Mattox, sharing plans to switch his business model from coffee shop/venue to bar/ venue, renaming the space Dead Beat Club. The new venue’s inaugural show will feature Blue Stars, an Athens supergroup formed by members of Hopeforagoldensummer, Cicada Rhythm, The Glands and Kenosha Kid. Each member brings a different perspective on songwriting to the group, resulting in a sound that winds dreamily in and around folk and pop. Opener Klark Sound, known for his work with Improvement Movement, is a folk-prog musician
The eighth annual Historic Athens Mardi Gras will feature a night of entertainment from jazz band Mary and the Hot-Hotty Hots and Brazilian forró band Bichos Vivos, salsa and bachata performances from DANCEFX and a drag show from The Kourtesans, all while surrounded by decor created by UGA art students. There will also
be food available from some Athens favorites. Attendees are invited to dress in their “Mardi Gras best,” with one person winning a $100 cash prize for the most creative and campy costume. There will also be an online auction for one-of-a-kind Mardi Gras masks made by local artisans. Finally, the Mardi Gras court, which is composed of local leaders who have been fundraising for Historic Athens leading up to the event, will be crowned. VIP tickets for the event include a jazz and cocktail hour at Union Fare before the main event at the 40 Watt Club. [MB] f
Blue Stars
Centipede’s Bad Trip
By Gordon Lamb threatsandpromises@flagpole.com
ANSWERED PRAYERS: I’d been agitating for a long time, at least in my mind, for electronic powerhouse Nerveclinic to release a full-length album. Last month, it happened. Normally I wouldn’t wait so long to cover something like this, but I wanted to sit with it. It’s titled Become The Universe and runs eight tracks long. It opens with the expansively blissful “New Energy” before slipping nearly imperceptibly into the, well, dub-influenced “Bad Dub Slab” which somehow imparts a sense of hope within its
is where you’d go to order the vinyl as well. In related news, this same day you can head to Ciné at 1 p.m. for a release day HeAthens hangout session and release party with Sloan and Jay Gonzalez. The latter will be playing a few tunes, and the former will appear in conversation with Glenn Raucher.
SOUND, RHYTHM AND NOISE: Centipede released a mighty slab of rock several weeks ago named Bad Trip, and through inadvertent omission I’m just now getting around to it. It runs 10 tracks of metal-hardcore that dances right across the precipice of sludge and doom, but manages to stay just this side of the hardcore dividing line. Close listeners will notice a decent amount of psych influence here, mostly in the production and not the actual compositions, and not unlike Flipper or Rudimentary Peni. For me this really gets cooking around the third song, “Sink,” and reaches its peak with the title track. While it doesn’t take itself too seriously, there are loads of nice subtleties here that are mostly lost in a live setting. Find this at centipede706.bandcamp.com.
light melancholy. The third song, “Throwing Signs,” teases the listener with slightly sped-up tempos of the sort you might imagine would continue throughout, but they don’t. What to do instead is set the listener up to sit on the edge of this expectation. It’s a psychologically powerful effect, even if it was unintended. I find myself quite partial to the sweeping soft melody of “Hollow” and the title track, which also teases the listener into tuning its fading out at the end, but then stops abruptly. Find this before winter is over at thenerveclinic.bandcamp. com.
OH L’AMOUR: I’ve mentioned this one a few times, but now the day is nigh. Sloan Brothers’ new full-length album, Love & Other Diagnoses, will be released this Friday, Feb. 13. Once again it features an all- star set of players in the core lineup, including Jay Gonzalez (Drive-By Truckers), Kevin and Matt Lane (The Lanes, The Arcs), and Brandon Reynolds (The Arcs). The album arrives courtesy of Science Project Records, and is available as a vinyl LP and digital download. In the interest of full disclosure, please note that Simpson and I have worked together on projects in the past, including Sloan Brothers projects, but not this particular LP. So vaya con dios, y’all. On release day you can find the new album on all major streaming services as well as sloanbrothers.bandcamp.com, which
REST IN PEACE: On Jan. 24, Athens resident Sarah Gilbert Pickett died at age 36. Gilbert was a PhD musicologist, violinist and teacher at five colleges, including Georgia Gwinnett College and the University of Georgia. A native of New Mexico, Gilbert and her husband Jordan had lived in Athens since 2018. Services were held for her at the end of January, but it is reported that concerts in Sarah’s honor are being planned by her students and colleagues for future dates.
ACT NOW OR FOREVER HOLD YOUR BEATS: OK, y’all, this is it. The deadline for performers to apply to play this year’s AthFest is this Saturday, Feb. 14. The organization itself notes that, “The AthFest Booking Committee reviews every submission and selects acts based upon characteristics such as musical talent, following and draw, previous AthFest experience ([they] like to book performers who haven’t yet played AthFest), and self-promotion.” The application process is not difficult, but it is specific, so make sure you have the most organized person in your band do the work here. This year’s event runs June 26–28. The application is available at athfest.com/ athfest-music.
HERE IS A CALL: English teacher and PhD candidate Saurabh Anand has received a grant from the LGBTQ+ Heritage Alliance for a project titled Traces and Triumphs: Documenting Queer Place-Based Histories in Athens, Georgia. It is focused on history pre1980. While this isn’t necessarily musicscene specific, the call is now out for stories from “longtime residents, musicians, artists and community members.” If you’d like to contribute or get more information, please drop him a line via saurabh.anand@uga. edu. f
recommendations from our staff or online at athenscooks.com.
VOTE FOR US AT
Asian Lunar Festival
UGA STUDENTS LAUNCH ATHENS’ FIRST CELEBRATION
By Sam Lipkin editorial@flagpole.com
Athens’ first downtown festival celebrating the Asian Lunar New Year will take place on Saturday, Feb. 14 and Sunday, Feb. 15 on West Washington Street. The festival’s official mission states its goal is to “create a space where Asian cultures can be celebrated openly and joyfully, while also bringing the broader Athens community together through food, art, music and shared experiences.”
Head organizer Kiet Le, a UGA alumnus back pursuing his doctorate in finance, plans to achieve this by highlighting the diversity within Asian traditions while uplifting local creators and vendors. The festival will have more than 40 vendors offering art, crafted goods and food, as well as a dragon dance and firecracker ceremony, cultural perfor-
family. Bringing the Lunar New Year festival to Athens really does help international students to have the sense of their culture being here,” says Nghi.
The Lunar New Year is the start of the new year based on the lunar calendar. In Asian countries, it’s a major holiday that signals time off from work and school, but also time to spend with family and friends. People come together to wish each other good luck, congratulate them on past achievements and wish good health for the next year.
“Lunar New Year’s is several days of holiday. On the very first day is where we sort of gather together wishing each other good luck. Then maybe the second day we go to the cemetery to sort of look at people who have passed before in remembrance,” says Kiet. “The first day we typically have dragon dances; we fire up the firecracker. It’s just celebrating the really fresh start of maybe a new journey to a lot of people, but just a fresh start.”
mances, local musicians and DJ sets, carnival games, family activities and an alcohol zone at Paloma Park. Kiet and his team will transform the downtown streets with a sea of red lanterns imported from Vietnam to set the scene.
While this is Kiet’s first experience in organizing a community- wide festival, he operates a startup business selling handmade items as a vendor at cultural events and festivals along the East Coast. Over the past three years, Kiet has participated in nearly 400 festivals and has collected a lot of insight into what makes a festival a success. Duy Do, an international undergraduate UGA student studying risk management, has helped Kiet with staging and getting the performances together. In high school, Do was part of the logistics team of a club that put together cultural events and festivals, so he’s been able to expand on those skills with this project. Nghi Le, an international undergraduate UGA student studying finance, has curated and put together traditional games for attendees to try, in addition to managing the festival map and vendor communications. While at Gonzaga University, Nghi was an event coordinator for some of the events on campus.
As international students Do and Nghi express, while sharing their traditions with the wider community is part of the experience, UGA has a large population of international students who don’t get to spend time with their loved ones during this important cultural holiday. In many ways, this festival is an opportunity for students to feel at home in their new city.
“They don’t have a chance to go back to their home country for this, so we try to create something meaningful so they feel Athens is their home. They can truly celebrate, talk to Asian friends and share their culture with people here,” says Do.
“Being an international student for almost three years, I kind of miss the old days when you reunite with your
While the festival organizers did receive a lot of enthusiastic support from some local businesses, law enforcement and the city, being a first- time event without a known reputation behind them led many potential sponsors and vendors to be suspicious of the festival’s authenticity. Kiet and Do both say that getting the first festival established is the most challenging step.
“I would say there are about five people that thought this was a scam at the beginning. They literally reached out, and I explained to them. They didn’t believe me, so I told them to contact the county. They did, and then Angel from the county told them that the permit is proven. So building the trust at the beginning, it’s really important,” says Kiet.
“We have a good kick start for the second, third time, and we already know what to do,” says Do. “Kiet also tried to bring materials and equipment from Vietnam to this event, too. So that would be something passionate, but I think worth it. Because it’s going to create the best experience for people here to see exactly how the event in an Asian country would be like.”
Attendees can pick up a BINGO card at the festival and complete a line of activities or vendor visits for stamps to collect a prize. But there will be many ways to maximize your experience at the festival; it’s best to just show up and enjoy what interests you.
For more info, visit instagram.com/taste_asia_st. f
Saturday, Feb. 14
10:30 a.m. Opening Ceremony
11:00 a.m. Dragon Dance
11:30 a.m. UGA Vietnamese Student Association
12:30 p.m. Kayla McGuinn, Christie Phan and Thai Nguyen
1:00
2:00
3:00
3:30
5:30
WOOD
(l-r) Nghi Le and Duy Do
MUSIC
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19 at 7:30 p.m. Hodgson Concert Hall. FOR TICKETS:
$15 - Adults
$3 UGA students music.uga.edu 706-542-4400
“REFLECTIONS” - UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
This evening features a wide variety of orchestral music, both classical and contemporary, including one featured concerto, “Reflections on the Mississippi” (2015) by Michael Daugherty with UGA faculty soloist Matthew Shipes, tuba.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24 at 7:30 p.m. Hodgson Concert Hall. FOR TICKETS:
$15 - Adults
$3 UGA students music.uga.edu 706-542-4400
UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA WIND ENSEMBLE with the COBB WIND SYMPHONY
Program includes “Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Band” by Paul Creston performed by 2026 Concerto winner Yun Qu Tan, saxophone and the world premiere of “Jarabe Sinfónico No. 1” by Jose Hernandez, arranged by Gilbert Villagrana.
Monday, October 20
UPCOMING FREE PERFORMANCES
UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA NEW MUSIC FESTIVAL PERFORMANCE
Featuring new compositions curated from over 600 submissions.
FRIDAY, FEB. 13 at 7:30 p.m. Ramsey Concert Hall
FACULTY ARTIST SERIES LEVON AMBARTSUMIAN
Artist meet-and-greet reception to follow
TUESDAY, FEB. 17 at 7:30 p.m. Ramsey Concert Hall
All Hugh Hodgson School of Music events take place at the UGA Performing Arts Center, 230 River Road in Athens unless indicated.
LUCASETTE Alternative Americana songwriter from San Diego. EP release show!
MATT HOWELS Acoustic blues musician.
CANNON ROGERS Local altcountry songwriter, guitarist and pedal steel player drawing inspiration from the likes of Flannery O’Connor and Lucinda Williams.
TONI HUNLO Electrified, soulful artist with a soft, inspiring sound. Nowhere Bar
FIZZY SODA Athens trio that shakes up the can of jazz, funk and ’70s FM.
BIG SAUTY Funky band with a unique twist, incorporating jazz, funk, a little bit of rock and a touch of bluegrass.
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.
DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS Legendary local Southern rock band fronted by Patterson Hood and Mike Cooley. T. HARDY MORRIS Singersongwriter and guitarist plays twangy, reflective folk-rock. Athentic Brewing Co. Ashthrone Booking Presents: Roses & Ruin. 6 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (show). $12. www.athenticbrewing.
com
RED DAKOTA Athens-based indie rock group consisting of Alyssa Terry, Derek Terry, Lauren Leathers and Christian Gerner-Smidt.
WOMEN IN STEM Indie girl-power rock/pop trio.
GRUDGESTEP Atlanta outlaw grungecore band.
TINY BANSHEE Stoner punk band from Atlanta.
WAKING APRIL Alt-pop, synthrock duo from Raleigh, NC.
Flicker Theatre & Bar
10 p.m. $5. www.flickertheatreandbar. com
SPENCER THOMAS Upbeat, soft rock artist and member of Futurebirds whose sound is influenced by the likes of Tom Petty and Bruce Springsteen.
ROD SMOTH The musical project of Reed Smith, drawing inspiration from ’70s art-rock, new wave, punk boogie, krautrock and ’60s pop.
SHANE PARISH AND MICHAEL LIBRAMENTO Master guitarist and fearless explorer of rhythm and timbre Shane Parish joined by jazz multi-instrumentalist Michael Libramento.
BLUE STARS Side project formed by four musicians from different corners of the Athens music scene: Claire Campbell, Andrea DeMarcus, Joe Rowe and Dan Nettles.
KLARK SOUND Atlanta musician with folk and prog influences. Flicker Theatre & Bar
DROWN A tribute to Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains and Soundgarden. Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall
7:30 p.m. $74–129 (discount w/ UGA ID). pac.uga.edu
JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER
ORCHESTRA 15 of the finest jazz musicians in America led by Music Director Wynton Marsalis performing a vast repertoire, from rare historic compositions to new commissions.
Marigold Auditorium for Arts and Culture
Aubrey Entertainment Presents: Valentine’s Date Night. 6:30 p.m. (doors), 7:30 p.m. (show, two sets). $15 (adv.), $20. bit.ly/ ValentinesAtTheMarigold THE ORIGINAL SPLITZ BAND A mixed drink of the classic Motown sound, part 1970s funk and disco flavor, a dash of the old-school and contemporary R&B, and a guaranteed good time.
POP PUNK PROM A 2000sthemed dance party focused on pop-punk and emo hits with Full on Monet.
Nowhere Bar 7 p.m. (doors), 9:30 p.m. (show). www.instagram.com/nowherebar athensga
SEVENTH SON Athens-based alternative rock band.
GREYLOW Genre-blending garage rock.
BUMBULUM No info available.
GAVIN MEYERS Folk rock singersongwriter. 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 15
Athentic Brewing Co.
5 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com
RIFFNOTES Eclectic mix of instrumental standards and originals by Athens-area musicians.
Boutier Winery & Inn
Wine Down. 3–5 p.m. www.boutier winery.com
CHRIS HAMPTON Acoustic solo set by country performer.
The Globe
4–7 p.m. www.facebook.com/globe. athens
TRADITIONAL IRISH SESSION
Easy listening traditional Irish music. Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall
2 p.m. $74–129 (discount w/ UGA ID). pac.uga.edu
JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER
ORCHESTRA 15 of the finest jazz musicians in America led by Music Director Wynton Marsalis performing a vast repertoire, from rare historic compositions to new commissions.
Oak House Distillery
3:30 p.m. www.oakhousedistillery. com
JUSTIN VREELAND Savannahbased Americana songwriter.
MONDAY FUNDAY FUNK JAM Will Shine hosts this open jam with a house band made up of rotating local musicians.
Tuesday 17
40 Watt Club
Historic Athens Mardi Gras. 6:30 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (show). $42.42–83.82. bit.ly/athensmardigas MARY & THE HOT HOTTY-HOTS Jazz and swing band offering music from the ’10s, ’20s and ’30s. BICHOS VIVOS Local band playing forró, an accordion, zabumba and triangle-driven genre of party music from Brazil.
Hendershot’s No Phone Party. 7 p.m. www.hendershotsathens.com
KENOSHA KID The brainchild of guitarist Dan Nettles performs two sets from his catalog that exists “somewhere in the Schrödinger’s nexus of jazz, post-rock and improvised music.” Nowhere Bar 9 p.m. $10. www.instagram.com/ nowherebarathensga
GHOSTWRITER Musical project from Austin, TX that melds influences from country-blues to postpunk and has opened for acts like Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds and T-Model Ford.
Ramsey Hall
7:30 p.m. pac.uga.edu
FACULTY ARTIST SERIES Featuring Levon Ambartsumian, the Regent’s and Franklin Professor of Violin at the Hugh Hodgson School of Music, with a reception following.
Wednesday 18
Porterhouse Grill
7 p.m. www.porterhousegrillathens. com
JAZZ NIGHT Longest running jazz gig in Athens performing American songbook, bossa nova classics and crossover hits.
Down the Line
2/19 Mary & The Hot Hotty-Hots (The Globe)
2/19 Shane Parish and Michal Libramento (Hidden Gem)
2/20 Chris Hampton Band (VFW Post 2872)
2/20 Soul Spectacular Dance Party (Normal Bar)
2/20 Bad Dog Karaoke (The Rail)
2/21 Her Majesty Needs a Cocktail (ATHICA)
2/21 Kerry Drew and the Pink Truck Band (Boutier Winery & Inn)
2/21 Nihilus, Intension, Close To Midnight (Ciné)
2/21 Silent Disco (The Root)
2/22 Folie à Quatre (Oak House Distillery)
2/22 Traditional Irish Session (The Globe)
2/23 Monday Funday Funk Jam (Normaltown Brewing Co.)
2/24 Kenosha Kid (Hendershot’s)
2/25 Jazz Night (Porterhouse Grill)
2/25 Karaoke with DJ Gregory (Athentic Brewing Co.)
2/26 Blues on Tap (Athentic Brewing Co.)
2/26 Shane Parish and Michal Libramento (Hidden Gem) f
event calendar
Wednesday 11
ART: Artful Conversation: Star Gazers (Georgia Museum of Art) Callan Steinmann, director of learning and engagement, will lead a conversation about “Star Gazers” by John Biggers. 2 p.m. FREE! www. georgiamuseum.org
CLASSES: Wired For Success: How Do You Work This Thing? (Howard Park & Community Center)
A hands-on class that teaches computer basics, how to navigate cellphones and more. 9 a.m. FREE! www.accgov.com/myrec
CLASSES: French Class (Oconee County Library) Join instructor Emma Auer to learn the basics of the French language. Ages 18 & up. 6 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary. org/oconee
FILM: Pachinko Pop (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Screening of the 1975 Japanese comedy film Tora-san’s Rise and Fall. 7 p.m. FREE! www. flickertheatreandbar.com
FILM: Withdrawal (Ciné) Screening of the award-winning indie film by Athens filmmaker Aaron Strand, with giveaways and a Q&A hosted by Mayor Kelly Girtz. 8:15 p.m. $11. www.athenscine.com
GAMES: BINGO (Oconee County Library) Drop in to play BINGO and win prizes. 2 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/oconee
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (South Main Brewing) Test your trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Normal Bar) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia
GAMES: Classic City Trivia (The Local 706) Test your general
trivia knowledge with host Garrett. Wednesdays, 7:06 p.m. www.instagram.com/classiccitytriviaco
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Locos Grill and Pub Eastside) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 8 p.m. www.instagram.com/ shihtzunottrivia
KIDSTUFF: Ready, Set, Grow (Heard Park & Community Center) An active program for toddlers and preschoolers with a weekly theme. Ages 2–5. 10 a.m. $3 (ACC resident), $4.50 (non-resident). www. accgovga.myrec.com
KIDSTUFF: Teen Anime Club (Oconee County Library) Join other fans of manga and anime to discover books, play games, snack and watch anime. Grades 6–12. 6 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/ oconee
MEETINGS: C3 to End Homelessness (Hendershot’s) A roundtable discussion regarding housing and homelessness to educate, identify issues and plan steps to solutions. Second Wednesdays, 5–6:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenshc.org/coc
MEETINGS: Athens Psychedelic Society (ACC Library) Meet likeminded individuals interested in topics related to expanded states of consciousness. 6 p.m. FREE! www. athenspsychedelicsociety.com
Thursday 12
ART: Student Perspectives (Georgia Museum of Art) Join one of the student guides for a conversational tour of the permanent collection. 1:15 p.m. FREE! www.georgia museum.org
ART: Opening Reception (UGA Special Collections Library) Two new exhibitions “Fashioning the
art around town
ATHICA@Ciné Gallery (234 W. Hancock Ave.) “Bird’s Eye View” presents abstracted landscapes by Lybi Cucurullo that combine ink on plexiglass with oil-painted topographies inspired by bird murmurations. Artist reception featuring nature-inspired poetry readings by local writers Feb. 19, 6–8 p.m. Through Feb. 25.
ATHENAEUM (287 W. Broad St.) “Beverly’s Athens” is a concurrent exhibition with the Georgia Museum of Art featuring works by Beverly Buchanan. The exhibition includes sculptures, drawings, photographs, print multiples, autobiographical ephemera and research materials alongside examples of her well-known “shacks.” Closing symposium Mar. 20–21. Through Mar. 21.
ARTS + ATHLETICS (130 The Plaza) Atlanta artist Paige Adair’s exhibition “The Swan’s Chamber and Other Enchanted Portals” features paintings, printmaking and works on paper. On view by appointment only through Mar. 21.
DODD GALLERIES (270 River Rd.) On the third floor landing, Derek Larson’s “Made in Mexico” features animated films produced in Mexico City between 1952–1956 by the studio Dibujos Animados S.A. • MFA candidate Phoebe-Agnès Mills’ paintings in “Ekstasis” consider how the spiritual might be sensed within the material world. • The 35th Annual Student Scientific and Medical Illustration Juried Exhibition features illustrators from UGA and Augusta University. • “the green glass door” is a collaboration by Jon Vogt’s digital printmaking class. • “Quantum Castle” is an interactive and immersive exhibition featuring ceramic characters by Adah Bennion, Eve J. Brown, Brian George, Jana Ghazawi, Clara-Beth Hamill, Jeanne Marie Martineau, Maddy Underwood and others. Through Mar. 20.
GEORGIA MUSEUM OF ART (90 Carlton St.) Drawing on Ada Limón’s poem “In Praise of Mystery,” “We, Too, Are Made of Wonders” explores humanity’s fascination with the cosmos through poetry, science and visual art from the museum’s collection. Through June 28. • “Beverly’s Athens” is a concurrent exhibition with the Georgia Museum of Art featuring works by Beverly Buchanan. The exhibition includes sculptures, drawings, photographs, print multiples, autobiographical ephemera and research materials alongside examples of her well-known “shacks.” Through June 28. •
Classic Bride: The Life and Career of Anne Barge” and “Beyond the ’96 Games: Atlanta’s Olympic Legacy” will be on view. 5 p.m. FREE! libs.uga.edu
CLASSES: Square Dance Lessons (Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Athens) Learn basic square dancing steps for all ages. No partner required. 2–4 p.m. $5. www. facebook.com/groups/classiccity squares
COMEDY: Gorgeous George’s Improv League (Flying Squid Comedy) Bring some interesting suggestions and a loose funny bone, and teams will create some improv magic on the spot. 6:30 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (short-form show), 8 p.m. (long-form show). $5. www.flyingsquidcomedy.com
EVENTS: Opening Reception (Historic Athens Welcome Center) In honor of Black History Month, a new informational exhibition “Emancipation to Integration: Black Education in Athens, Georgia” will be on view. 4–6 p.m. FREE! www. athenswelcomecenter.com
EVENTS: Wedding Industry Open House (Live Wire) Meet over 20 wedding vendors and enjoy music, door prizes and more. 5:30–7:30 p.m. FREE! www.livewireathens. com
EVENTS: Valentine’s Craft Night (Memorial Park) Enjoy snacks and make an embroidered card for the holiday. 6 p.m. $3 (ACC resident), $5 (non-resident). www.accgov. com/myrec
FILM: Hidden Figures (Georgia Museum of Art) Screening of the film about the African American women at NASA behind the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit. 7 p.m. FREE! www.georgiamuseum. org
FILM: Withdrawal (Ciné) Screening of the award-winning indie film by Athens filmmaker Aaron Strand, with giveaways and a Q&A hosted by Nuçi’s Space. 8:15 p.m. $11. www.athenscine.com
GAMES: Bad Dog BINGO (Amici at The Falls) Play BINGO with host TJ Wayt. Thursdays, 6 p.m. www. instagram.com/baddogathens
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Terrapin Beer Co.) Test your general trivia knowledge. Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzu nottrivia
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Butt Hutt) Test your general trivia knowledge. Thursdays, 7 p.m. www. instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia
KIDSTUFF: Teen Studio: The Art in Our Stars (Georgia Museum of Art) Explore the galleries and make art inspired by the exhibitions. Ages 13–18. Email to RSVP. 5:30–8 p.m. FREE! gmoa-tours@uga.edu
PERFORMANCE: Riverdance
30 (The Classic Center) The much-loved original show with new innovative choreography and costumes celebrating The New Generation. 6:30 p.m. (doors), 7:30 p.m. (show). $34.25–213.50. www. classiccenter.com
SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. info@athenspetanque. org, www.athenspetanque.org
THEATER: Little Women (Morton Theatre) UGA Baptist Collegiate Ministries presents an adaptation based on the classic story by Louisa May Alcott to fundraise for its summer missions. Feb. 12–13, 7 p.m. Feb. 14, 1 p.m. & 7 p.m. $22 (adult), $16 (student/child). www. mortontheatre.com
asinnajaq’s “Three Thousand” combines archival videos from the National Film Board of Canada with animations, soundscapes and contemporary video footage. Through June 28. • “Looking Through a Sewn Sky: Rachel B. Hayes” is a commissioned installation in the Jane and Harry Willson Sculpture Garden that blends sculpture, painting and craft. Through Jul. 30, 2027.
HABIBI ART (160 Tracy St. Unit 4, Ste. 10) Artist Christina Habibi will host a free Third Thursday Open Studio Feb. 19, 6–9 p.m. LAST RESORT (174-184 W. Clayton St.) Known for her surreal and whimsical themes of magic realism, Susan Pelham’s mixed media works will be on display through Mar. 8.
LYNDON HOUSE ARTS CENTER (211 Hoyt St.) In the Lobby Case, Jeff Campana’s “Assemblage Vessels” features modular ceramic vessels produced using computer-designed molds and CNC milling. Through Feb. 21. • In the Ronnie Lukasiewicz Gallery, “Creative Tracks: Artwork from Inside the Athens-Clarke County Jail” presents art created by participants in the Creative Tracks studio art program taught by Kristen Bach at the ACC Jail. Through Mar. 21. • In the Lounge Gallery, “hold still, please” features abstract landscape paintings by Kate Kaiser, exploring memory, space and quiet presence through oil on wood panels. Artist talk Feb. 26, 5:30 p.m. Through Mar. 21. • In the North Gallery, “En mi mente” features charcoal and wax pastel works by Sebastian Granados. Artist Talk Feb. 26, 5:30 p.m. Through Mar. 21. • A new Lobby installation by artist and STEAM educator Maria Nissan, “18,443 Souls: A Metamorphosis of Coffee Culture,” features works inspired by the multicultural connections to coffee that are composed using coffee and tea filters touched by 18,443 people in Athens. On view Feb. 27–May 8.
MADISON-MORGAN CULTURAL ARTS CENTER (434 South Main St., Madison) “Color Resonance: Gary Hudson in Full Hue” presents vibrant abstract artwork by Gary Hudson through Mar. 27. OCONEE CULTURAL ARTS FOUNDATION (34 School St., Watkinsville) In the Main Gallery, “A Way Among Ways” is curated by Beth Malone and features artists whose work explores labor, material and improvisation. Through Mar. 7. • In the Members Gallery, “This Beautiful Tangle” includes paintings and illustrations by Jeffrey Whittle alongside prints and paper works by Melissa Harshman. Through Mar. 7.
STATE BOTANICAL GARDEN OF GEORGIA (2450 S. Milledge Ave.) Works by artist Judy Hammond are on view, featuring paintings in oil, acrylic and
THEATER: Mad Scientists in Love (Town & Gown Players) A madcap comedy about a would-be world conqueror who unexpectedly falls in love. Feb. 6–7 & 12–14, 8 p.m. Feb. 8 & 15, 2 p.m. $12–20. www. townandgownplayers.org
Friday 13
ART: Gallery Conversation (Georgia Museum of Art) Visiting composer Leah Reid will discuss the creation of “Sk(etch)” currently featured in the galleries and her music and timbre-based compositional process. 2 p.m. FREE! www.georgia museum.org
COMEDY: The Perfect Pair (Flying Squid Comedy) A comedic recreation of a game show where any group of two is welcome to compete for who knows each other best. 8 p.m. $10. www.flyingsquid comedy.com
EVENTS: Mardi Gras (Athentic Brewing Co.) Enjoy live music, cajun food, prizes for creative masks, dancing and more. 5–11 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com
EVENTS: Valentine’s Wine Tasting (Tonique Bottle Co.) Drop in to try four wines from different regions that are great for a special occasion. 5–7 p.m. $10. www.shoptonique. com
EVENTS: Galentine’s Day Celebration (Lexington Vintage) Enjoy sweet treats while browsing the store. 5–8 p.m. www.lexington vintage.com
EVENTS: Galentine’s at Normaltown (Normaltown Brewing Co.) Make your own beer charms, sip glitter seltzer and enjoy a “For the Girlies” playlist. 5–9 p.m. FREE! www.normaltownbrewingco.com
EVENTS: Galentine’s Flower Arranging (State Botanical Garden of Georgia) Create a fresh flower arrangement to take home with all supplies provided. 6–8 p.m. $50. botgarden.uga.edu
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Oak House Distillery) Test your general trivia knowledge. Fridays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia 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: Valentine’s Day Celebration (Memorial Park) Enjoy a Valentine’s story, fun crafts and games. Ages 6 & under. Registration required. 10 a.m. $3 (ACC resident), $5 (non-resident). www. accgovga.myrec.com
THEATER: Little Women (Morton Theatre) UGA Baptist Collegiate Ministries presents an adaptation based on the classic story by Louisa May Alcott to fundraise for its summer missions. Feb. 12–13, 7 p.m. Feb. 14, 1 p.m. & 7 p.m. $22 (adult), $16 (student/child). www. mortontheatre.com
THEATER: Mad Scientists in Love (Town & Gown Players) A madcap comedy about a would-be world conqueror who unexpectedly falls in love. Feb. 6–7 & 12–14, 8 p.m. Feb. 8 & 15, 2 p.m. $12–20. www. townandgownplayers.org
Saturday 14
ART: Student Perspectives (Georgia Museum of Art) Join one of the student guides for a conversational tour of the permanent collection. 12 p.m. FREE! www.georgiamuseum. org
pastel. Through Mar. 1. • “Reimagine: Contemporary Georgia Artists” presents 20 works from Georgia’s State Art Collection alongside pieces by local and regional artists including painting, ceramics, fiber, sculpture, photography and works on paper. Presented by the Georgia Council for the Arts as part of a statewide touring exhibition through May 29.
STEFFEN THOMAS MUSEUM OF ART (4200 Bethany Rd., Buckhead) “Steffen Thomas Through the Eyes of Young Adults” is on display in the Educational Gallery. Final date TBA.
TAYLOR-GRADY HOUSE (634 Prince Ave.) In celebration of Black History Month, “Home & Family: A Printmaking Exhibit” explores belonging, community and kinship through printmaking. Featuring work by Jamaal Barber, UGA students and faculty. Artist talk with Jamaal Barber and participating UGA students Feb. 19, 7 p.m. Through Feb. 27.
UGA SPECIAL COLLECTIONS LIBRARIES (300 S. Hull St.) “Fashioning the Classic Bride: The Life and Career of Anne Barge” features 33 dresses from the UGA alumna. Opening Reception Feb. 12, 5 p.m. Signature Lecture Feb. 24, 6 p.m. Through July. • “Beyond the ’96 Games: Atlanta’s Olympic Legacy” features an original torch from the opening relay and other authentic memorabilia. Opening Reception Feb. 12, 5 p.m. Through October. • “Captain Planet: The Power Is Yours” explores the origins and impact of the TV series. Through May. • “Sustained Excellence: A History of UGA Swim & Dive” explores the program’s history through photographs and artifacts. Through May.
UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP OF ATHENS (780 Timothy Rd.)
Artist Rodney Grainger’s exhibition “Locking Up Our Own” is on view at the Claire and Robert Clements Gallery, honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Black History Month. Through February.
WINTERVILLE CULTURAL ARTS CENTER (371 N. Church St., Winterville) Six new exhibitions will run through Mar. 24. Gallery 1 features plein air works by the Athens Area Plein Air Artists depicting the Winterville Trestle and local scenes. Gallery 2 features modern quilted wall pieces by Sarah Hubbard and complex sculptures by Kelly King. The Narrow Gallery features resin works by local author and artist Anita Eberhart Shaw. The Foyer Gallery features paintings by Sherre Watwood. The Garden Gallery features fused-glass works by Babs Kall. • “The Lost Weekend: The Photography of May Pang” presents 38 photographs documenting John Lennon during his post-Beatles era for a three-day exhibition Feb. 20–22. Pang will appear in person with photographs for sale.
COMEDY: John Mulaney (The Classic Center) Emmy-winning actor and stand-up comedian performing on his Mister Whatever Tour. 6 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (show). $60.25–469.25. www.classiccenter.com
EVENTS: Handmade with Love Market (Bishop Park) Browse locally crafted items from a variety of artists plus food vendors and more. 9 a.m.–1 p.m. www.athens farmersmarket.net
EVENTS: Grand Re-Opening Celebration (UGA Pet Health Center) Take a guided tour of the clinic and enjoy a pet-themed photo booth, crafts and activities, giveaways and more. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. FREE! vet. uga.edu
EVENTS: Asian Lunar Festival
(Downtown Athens) Inaugural twoday event featuring more than 40 vendors, cultural cuisine, traditional games, performances, firecrackers, an alcohol zone and more. Feb. 14, 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Feb. 15, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. FREE! www.instagram.com/ taste_asia_st
EVENTS: Book Sale & Love Train (Front Porch Book Store) Book sale for $5/bag with free rides on the love train. 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Find Front Porch Book Store on Facebook.
EVENTS: Really, Really Free Market (Reese and Pope Park) Just like a yard sale, but everything is free. Bring what you can, take what you need. Second Saturday of every month. 12–1:30 p.m. reallyreally freemarketathens@gmail.com, www.facebook.com/RRFMAthens
EVENTS: Vintage Love Market (Athentic Brewing Co.) Browse unique art, vintage clothing and jewelry, and more. 1–6 p.m. www. athenticbrewing.com
EVENTS: Big Hearts Gala (The Classic Center) Fundraising event for ESP featuring a high-energy red carpet where ESP participants are the stars, a live art auction and a talent show. 5 p.m. www. espyouandme.org
EVENTS: Valentine’s Day Planetarium (Sandy Creek Nature Center) Learn about the night sky with an immersive planetarium program. Ages 18 & up. Registration required. 6 p.m. & 7 p.m. $15. www.accgov.com/myrec
GAMES: Plant BINGO (Foxglove Plantbar) Learn more about plants, and win plant prizes. 7 p.m. $20. www.instagram.com/foxgloveplant bar
KIDSTUFF: Parents Night Out (Merit Music Academy) Join in for a night of musical games, activities and crafts all about Valentine’s Day. Ages 5 & up. 5–9 p.m. $40. www. meritmusicacademy.com
OUTDOORS: Wildcat Ramble 5K and Fun Run (Oglethorpe Avenue Elementary School) The first annual community Fun Run and 5K benefitting Oglethorpe Avenue Elementary School. 8 a.m. (Fun Run), 8:30 a.m. (5K). $15–30. www.clarke. k12.ga.us/o/oaes
OUTDOORS: Lovebird Hike (Watson Mill Bridge State Park) Enjoy an easy morning hike while learning about bird courtship. $10 parking pass/vehicle. www.gastateparks.
org/WatsonMillBridge
OUTDOORS: Romantic Relay (Watson Mill Bridge State Park) Bring a partner for a two mile relay race with prizes for the winners. Registration required. 1 p.m. $10 parking pass/vehicle. www.gastateparks.
org/WatsonMillBridge
THEATER: Little Women (Morton Theatre) UGA Baptist Collegiate Ministries presents an adaptation based on the classic story by Louisa May Alcott to fundraise for its summer missions. Feb. 12–13, 7
THEATER: Mad Scientists in Love (Town & Gown Players) A madcap comedy about a would-be world conqueror who unexpectedly falls in love. Feb. 6–7 & 12–14, 8 p.m. Feb. 8 & 15, 2 p.m. $12–20. www. townandgownplayers.org
Sunday 15
ART: Student Perspectives (Georgia Museum of Art) Join one of the student guides for a conversational tour of the permanent collection. 2 p.m. FREE! www.georgiamuseum. org
ART: Opening Reception (Tomorrow Tattoo) “Snakes: High + Low” features snake-themed artwork by the staff of Tomorrow Tattoo and other local artists. 3–6 p.m. FREE! www. instagram.com/tomorrow_tattoo
CLASSES: Forever Flower Workshop (Rabbit Hole Studios) Create a handmade mini bouquet that never wilts with step-by-step instruction. 1 p.m. $30. www.eventbrite.com/o/ where-lyla-blooms-120925001877
COMEDY: Drew Morgan & Corey Ryan Forrester (Hendershot’s) Two-thirds of the wellRED comedy tour featuring comedians who have been on on Comedy Central and Don’t Tell Comedy. 7:30 p.m. www. hendershotsathens.com
COMEDY: Comedy Showcase (The Globe) Athens Comedy hosts themed and general showcases of local and regional comedians. Sundays, 9 p.m. www.athenscomedy.com
EVENTS: Asian Lunar Festival (Downtown Athens) Inaugural twoday event featuring more than 40 vendors, cultural cuisine, traditional games, performances, firecrackers, an alcohol zone and more. Feb. 14, 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Feb. 15, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. FREE! www.instagram.com/ taste_asia_st
GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (The Globe) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Sundays, 6 p.m. www. instagram.com/baddogathens
LECTURES & LIT: Silent Book Club (Foxglove Plantbar) Bring a book and enjoy peaceful reading time with other book lovers. 9:30–11 a.m. FREE! www.instagram.com/ foxgloveplantbar
SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. info@athenspetanque. org, www.athenspetanque.org
THEATER: Mad Scientists in Love (Town & Gown Players) A madcap comedy about a would-be world conqueror who unexpectedly falls in love. Feb. 6–7 & 12–14, 8 p.m. Feb. 8 & 15, 2 p.m. $12–20. www. townandgownplayers.org
Monday 16
GAMES: Chess and Community (ACC Library) Drop in for open chess play to learn the game, challenge skills and engage with other enthusiasts. Mondays, 3:30–5:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Fully Loaded Pizza Kitchen (Normaltown)) Test your general trivia knowledge. Mondays, 7 p.m. www. instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia
GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Dooley’s Bar and Grill) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Garrett. Mondays, 7 p.m. www.instagram. com/classiccitytriviaco
GAMES: General Trivia (Athentic Brewing Co.) Test your general
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Pancho’s Tacos & Tequila) Test your general trivia knowledge. Mondays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzu nottrivia
GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Grindhouse Killer Burgers) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Benjamin. Mondays, 7:30 p.m. www.instagram.com/classiccity triviaco
KIDSTUFF: Days Off School: Hearts & Friends Day Camp (Lay Park Community Center) Kids will create crafts, play games, enjoy snacks and more. Registration required. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. $15 (ACC resident), $23 (non-resident). www. accgovga.myrec.com
KIDSTUFF: Days-Off-School: Pajama Day (Howard Park & Community Center) Wear your comfy pajamas and create crafts, play games, enjoy snacks and more. Registration required. 9 a.m. –4 p.m. $15 (ACC resident), $23 (non-resident). www.accgovga. myrec.com
KIDSTUFF: Day Off Adventure (Memorial Park) Kids will make crafts, play games and explore the park. Ages 6–12. Registration required. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. $25 (ACC resident), $38 (non-resident). www. accgovga.myrec.com
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
Tuesday 17
ART: Student Perspectives (Georgia Museum of Art) Join one of the student guides for a conversational tour of the permanent collection. 3 p.m. FREE! www.georgiamuseum. org
COMEDY: Take This! Improv (Athentic Brewing Co.) The troupe will perform Valentines Day themed improv with shout-outs to classic tv shows. 7 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.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: Family Folk Dancing (Bogart Library) Join Ms. Harli for an evening of folk dancing. 4 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart
EVENTS: Historic Athens Mardi Gras (40 Watt Club) Join this eight annual event for a masquerade featuring a brass band procession, live music by Mary and the Hot Hotty Hots, a costume contest and locally provided cuisine. 7–11 p.m. $40–80. bit.ly/athensmardigas
GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Amici at The Falls) Test your trivia knowledge with host Miles Bunch. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/ baddogathens
GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Paloma Park) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/baddogathens
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Winghouse Grill Hull) Test your general trivia knowledge. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia
GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Akademia Brewing Co.) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Garrett. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/classiccitytriviaco
GAMES: Bingo & Sip (MaiKai Kava Lounge) Play BINGO with a chance to win prizes. Every other Tuesday, 7 p.m. FREE! www.athenskava.com
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
GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Magnolias of Athens) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Benjamin. Tuesdays, 8 p.m. www. instagram.com/classiccitytriviaco
SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. www.athenspetanque.org
Wednesday 18
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
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
FILM: Three Star Cinema (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Screening of the Chinese film Strange Door and Dark Blade. 7 p.m. FREE! www.flicker theatreandbar.com
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (South Main Brewing) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzu nottrivia
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Normal Bar) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia
GAMES: Classic City Trivia (The Local 706) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Garrett. Wednesdays, 7:06 p.m. www.instagram.com/classiccitytriviaco
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 D&D Club (Oconee County Library) Join a librarian led one-shot game open to all skill levels. Grades 6–12. 6 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/oconee
LECTURES & LIT: The Invincible Brain (Athens Community Council on Aging) Athens Neurological Associates presents a brain health talk on how to stay sharp as you age. 4:30 p.m. FREE! www.accaging.org
SPORTS: Athens Rock Lobsters vs. Columbus River Dragons (Akins Ford Arena) Cheer on the home team in this hockey match. 10:30 a.m. $28–50. www.classiccenter. com
Down the Line
2/19 Tiny Picasso (Howard Park & Community Center)
2/19 Planet Earth Rocks and Crystals Warehouse Sale (Planet Earth Rocks and Crystals)
2/19 Summer Camp Open House (Memorial Park)
2/19 Artists Talk (The Taylor-Grady House)
2/19 Opening Reception (Ciné)
2/19 Bowling for Bottoms (Starland Lounge & Lanes)
2/19 Greater Athens Puppetry Club (Merit Music Academy)
2/19 Puppetry Club (Merit Music Academy)
2/20 Planet Earth Rocks and Crystals Warehouse Sale (Planet Earth Rocks and Crystals)
2/20 Family Trivia (Oconee County Library)
2/20 The Magician’s Nephew (The Elbert Theatre) f
just listen
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11TH BEATS, RHYMES, AND LIFE OPEN MIC NIGHT: HOSTED BY MONTU
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12TH SABACHA DANCE SOCIAL
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14TH
AUBREY ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS... 90S GRUNGE NIGHT FEATURING JEREMY WOULD LET ME DROWN
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15TH
DREW MORGAN & COREY RYAN FORRESTER COMEDY SHOW
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17TH NO PHONE PARTY & TACO PARTY WITH KENOSHA KID
ORDER UP SOME FRESHLY IN–HOUSE
bulletin board & classifieds
BULLETIN BOARD: Listings from nonprofits, community resources and free opportunities. Print deadline is THURSDAY at 5 p.m. for the following Wednesday issue. Email calendar@flagpole.com.
CLASSIFIEDS: Rates are $10/individual * $14/real estate * $16/business. Deadline to place
Classifieds
HELP WANTED (Full-time) Aurum Studios is hiring a full-time sales associate. Strong customer service skills and multi-tasking abilities preferred. Email resume to lori@ aurumstudios.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.athensschoolof music.com. 706-543-5800
MUSIC (Services) Instant cash is now being paid for good vinyl records & CDs in fine condition. Wuxtry Records at corner of Clayton and College Dwntn. 706-369-9428
NOTICES (Valentines) To my lover girl Andrea: Roses are red, Violets are blue, It’s our one weekiversary, Thanks for being my boo. Love, P
NOTICES (Valentines) To Ben, everything is us. Together, partnership is song, even birds try. To many more Valentines together, Love, Liesel.
NOTICES (Valentines) Stephen, you make me feel starch-struck and all fluffy inside. Love, potato and the crew
NOTICES (Valentines) The love of a dog is oh-so-sweet, especially when they have big ears and feet. Teddy, be my valentine.
NOTICES (Valentines) James, Wouldn’t want to do this life without you. You’re a fantastic dad, best friend, and husband. We love you tons! -X & N
NOTICES (Valentines) Owen – Happy Valentine’s Day! Thanks for making every day silly, fun, sweet, and awesome. You’re just the best. I’m really up the junction… Love, Lily
NOTICES (Valentines) M, And everyday I’m falling for your spell. And every night I’m dreaming about you. -A
NOTICES (Valentines) Long roads and time zones, Headphones with silver small screens, We see the same moon. Love and miss you mom and dad! CK, Arizona
NOTICES (Valentines) Every morning, I get two dawns, when the sun rises and when you wake up next to me.
To A, Love Bean
NOTICES (Valentines) Happy two years, Val! You’re the light of my life. Sabia que eu te amo? Eu sabo. mwa mwa mwa -E
SERVICES (Home & Garden) Brrr… winter is here! A perfect time to tackle those invasive plants!
Woman-Run Gardening Services: We offer garden maintenance, invasive plant removal, personalized edible and native gardens for your school, home or business! 706395-5321
SERVICES (Home & 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 @pablofromseed, email pkozatch@ gmail.com or call 631-903-4365.
SERVICES (Travel) Retired professional driver with vehicle for hire. Can transport up to six passengers where needed; anytime. Will drive your car or truck one-way or roundtrip anywhere in U.S. Call Bob Andrews 706-608-2288 or email AthensBob5@gmail.com.
Arts
AAAC QUARTERLY GRANT (Athens, GA) The Athens Area Arts Council offers $500 grants to visual and performing artists. www.athensarts. org/support
BIPOC ARTIST/CURATOR PROJECT OPEN CALL (Lyndon House Arts Center) Seeking BIPOC individuals to develop an art exhibition for LHAC. www.accgov.com/9799/ ArtistCurator CALL FOR ART (ACCGov) Athens Downtown Development Authority, Morton Theatre Corporation and ACCGov invite professional artists to submit qualifications for consideration for a mural in the Morton Theatre lobby. Deadline Feb. 27, 5 p.m. www.accgov.com/11628/Callfor-Public-Art-Morton-Theatre
CALL FOR ART (Amici at The Falls) Seeking artists to share artwork in monthly exhibitions. careywelsh20 @gmail.com
CALL FOR ART (Donderos’) Seeking new artists to exhibit works. contact@donderoskitchen.com
CALL FOR ART (OCAF, Watkinsville) Now accepting submissions for the 31st annual SouthWorks National Juried Art Exhibition. Juried by Beth Malone. Awards include a $2,500 prize Best-in-Show and $2,500 Prize Member’s Choice. Deadline Apr. 4. Submit up to 3 pieces. www.ocaf.com/exhibitions
CALL FOR COLLECTORS (Lyndon House Arts Center) The LHAC’s “Collections from our Community” series features objects found in the closets, cabinets and shelves of Athenians. shelby.little@accgov. com
CALL FOR MUSICAL PERFORMERS (AthFest) Applications for AthFest 2026 now open. Selection based on musical talent, following and draw, self-promotion and previous AthFest experience. Submission deadline Feb. 14. Event held June 26–28. www.athfest.com/ athfest-music
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS (Athens Homeless Coalition) Seeking submissions for street newspaper. Poetry, short stories, visual art, song lyrics. enagementcoordinator @athenshc.org
CALL FOR VENDORS (R.I.C.E.
Georgia) Applications for exhibitors, vendors and performers now open for Community Forestry and Cultural Festival Arbor Day Celebration. Event held Saturday, Feb. 21. Volunteer opportunities also available. www.rice-georgia.org, joffewright@gmail.com
CALL FOR VENDORS (Marigold Collective, Winterville) Applications for artists, crafters, community services and more. The 2026 Marigold Market season will run Saturdays from Apr. 11 through Nov. 21. www. marigoldcollectivewinterville.com
LIFE DRAWING (Winterville Cultural Center, Winterville) Open studio for artists 18 & up to draw unclothed models. Two models on Feb. 11 & Mar. 6. $25. Male model Mar. 26. $20. Registration required. www. drawathens.org
Auditions
OPEN AUDITIONS (Athens Master Chorale) Seeking new members in all voice parts including high sopranos, tenors and basses. Scheduled auditions held at St. Gregory the Great Church. athmcdirector@ gmail.com
OPEN AUDITIONS (Athens Symphony) The Athens Symphony is holding auditions for qualified musicians. www.athenssymphony. org/openings
Classes
A COURSE OF LOVE (Unity Athens Church) Learn a positive path for spiritual living based on A Course in Miracles. Wednesdays, 10–11:30 a.m. www.unityathens.com
ACCENT REDUCTION CLASS (Covenant Presbyterian Church) Improve your American English pronunciation skills. For ages 18 & up. Tuesdays, 12 p.m. marjoriemiller@ gmail.com
CLASSES, HIKES & PADDLES (Watson Mill State Park, Comer) The park offers a variety of events including “Introduction to iNaturalist & Merlin,” morning and evening kayak sessions, firebuilding classes, various educational hikes including “A Bridge to the Past,” “Tree ID,” “Homestead Hike” and more. Parking fee/pass required for
all events. www.gastateparks.org/ WatsonMillBridge
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. www.canopystudio.org/ outreach/scholarships
CLASSES & PROGRAMS (Bogart Library) Various ongoing weekly events including ESL (Tuesdays and Thursdays), Knit Lits Knitting (Thursdays) and more.
CLASSES, PROGRAMS & TOURS (State Botanical Garden of Georgia) Various ongoing weekly events including Guided Plant Walk (Tuesdays–Fridays), Porcelain and Decorative Arts Tour (Tuesdays), Free Sketch (Fridays) and more. botgarden.uga.edu
CLASSES & 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.athens landtrust.org/classes-events
CUBAN MUSIC & MOVEMENT (The Studio Athens) TIMBAthens offers multiple classes for different skill levels. Sundays, 3 p.m. (Level 1), 4 p.m. (Level 2 & 3), 5 p.m. (Advanced). $10 drop-in. timbathens@gmail.com, www. timbathens.com
CUBAN SALSA LESSONS (El Carretonero) SALSAthens offers multiple classes for different skill levels. Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. (advanced) and 7:30 p.m. (beginner/intermediate). $10 drop-in. www.SALS AthensDancing@gmail.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 FREE CLASSES (The Athens Free School) Learning network for community centered around compassion, autonomy and playfulness. Visit @athensfreeschool on Instagram.
OPEN ICE SKATING (Akins Ford Arena) Athens GA Figure Skating Club offers open ice skating for all skill levels every Monday through Thursday, 4–5 p.m. $10 students, $15 general admission. RSVP required. Athensgafigureskating@ gmail.com, athens_ga_figure_ skating_club
SQUARE DANCE CLASSES (Classic City Dance Club) Classes begin Thursday, Feb. 12. No partner needed. $5 per class. All ages and skill levels. athsquaredance@ outlook.com
VARIOUS ONGOING CLASSES
(Winterville Cultural Center, Winterville) The Basics of Crocheting (Thursdays), Yoga in the Gallery (Tuesdays and Wednesdays), Tai Chi (Wednesdays) and more. www. wintervillecenter.com
Help Out
ANIMAL SERVICES VOLUNTEERS
(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
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
MEDICAL EQUIPMENT EXCHANGE
(Silver Lace) Open registration for consideration for free mobility and daily living medical items. Donations also accepted. www.silverlace inc.org, info@silverlace.org
MICROCHIP SCANNING STATIONS
(Multiple Locations) Connect lost pets with their owners via scanning stations. Available 24 hours. Located at ACC Animals Services, Memorial Park Dog Park and Southeast Clarke Park. Instructions provided at each location.
MULTIPLE CHOICES VOLUN-
TEERS (Multiple Choices Center for Independent Living) Seeking volunteers to assist a nonprofit 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
SEEKING 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 DONATIONS (Hands of Hope) Local homeless ministry accepting donations of winter clothing for their free distribution program. Other donations accepted for fundraising yard sale with proceeds benefiting program. 706-207-5172
SEEKING NEW MEMBERS (ACAC)
The Athens Cultural Affairs Commission is seeking new members. Deadline to apply is Mar. 13. www. athensculturalaffairs.org
SEEKING SEASONAL POLL WORKERS (ACCGov) ACCGov Elections Department is hiring seasonal poll workers for the 2026 election cycle. Pay ranges from $15.60–$17.94 per hour. Training and specific availability required. Accepting
applications through Feb. 27. www. accgov.com/jobs
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS (Marigold Collective, Winterville) Volunteers needed for community food distribution events including weekly food kitchen, meal deliveries and more. Also accepting donations of canned and dry goods. wwwmarigold collectivewinterville.com
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS (Meals on Wheels) Currently recruiting volunteers to deliver meals, engage in safety checks and more. eschley@ accaging.org
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS (R.I.C.E Georgia) Volunteers needed for Arbor Day Forestry Education & Cultural Festival Feb. 21, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Support tree planting, youth activities, community education and event operations. www.rice-georgia. org, riceproassist@gmail.com
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS (Shoal Creek Sanctuary) Volunteers needed for variety of events including invasive plant removal, plant adoptions and more. First Sundays, 1–3:30 p.m. www.shoalcreek sanctuary.org/volunteer
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS (St. Mary’s Home Health & Hospice) Seeking volunteers to provide companionship or to help with simple tasks for those in hospice care. Training provided. 706-389-2273
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
VOLUNTEER NETWORK (Community Works, Watkinsville) A nonprofit organization that connects volunteers of all ages to events, resources and training opportunities. CWorksOC@gmail.com
Kidstuff
CALL FOR ART (ACC Waste) AthensClarke County PreK-12 students are invited to create paintings, sculptures, photographs, poetry or other art about “Hometown Heroes” for 2026 Green Life Exhibition. Deadline Mar. 4. Exhibition will be displayed at Lyndon House. www. accgov.com/GreenLife
CALL FOR ART (State Botanical Garden of Georgia) Seeking original art submissions from students 9th grade and above attending school full- or part-time in Georgia. Winning art may be used for promotional materials and merchandise. Prizes include $1,000 for 1st place, $500 for 2nd place and $250 for 3rd place. Application deadline Mar. 27. www.botgarden.uga.edu/ student-art-competition
CLASSES & PROGRAMS (Bogart Library) Various ongoing weekly events including LEGO Mania (Wednesdays), Storytime with Miss Harli (Mondays) and more. www. athenslibrary.org/bogart CLASSES & PROGRAMS (Oconee Library) Various ongoing weekly events including children’s yoga (Tuesdays), “Story Time” and “Tween Cocoa Club” (Wednesdays), and more. www.athens library.org/oconee
GUITAR CLUB (Lay Park Community Center) Monday classes run Feb. 23 through Apr. 27. Ages 8–11, 5:30 p.m. Ages 12–17, 6:30 p.m. $10. Registration required. www. accgovga.myrec.com/
POSTER CONTEST (Athens, GA)
Georgia DNR, The State Botanical Garden of Georgia and TERN encourage K-5 students to submit works to the 36th annual Give Wildlife a Chance Poster Contest. Part of the “Kids for Conservation” initiative, the 2026 theme is “Welcome to the Wild World, Little Ones!” Deadline is Mar. 6. www.georgia wildlife.com/PosterContest
SPRING PROGRAM REGISTRA-
TION (Athens, GA) The Leisure Services Department offers a diverse selection of activities highlighting the arts, environmental science, recreation, sports and special events. Now registering. www. accgov.com/myrec
YOUTH PROGRAMS (Sheats Social Services) Registration now open for a variety of weekly programs that provide educational and community support for K-12 students. Volunteers are also needed. www. sheatssocialservices.org
Word on the Street
CITY TOURS (Historic Athens Welcome Center) A variety of guided tours available including a daily shuttle tour, walking tour of the downtown area and local music tour. Schedule in advance. www. athenswelcomecenter.com
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
MINDFUL BREATH SANGHA MEETING (Healing Lodge) In the Zen tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh. Sundays, 1–2:30 p.m. Newcomers welcome. Free. www.mindfulbreathsangha.org
PRESERVATION AWARD NOMINATIONS (Historic Athens) Nominations open through Feb. 28 for the 57th Annual Historic Preservation Awards. Projects completed between May 2025 and Feb. 2026 are eligible for nomination, as well as projects that are scheduled to be complete in Mar. 2026. Award categories, criteria and submission form via riteriabit.ly/presawards26.
SEVENTH GENERATION (No. 3 Railroad Street, Arnoldsville) Seventh Generation Native American Church hosts various gatherings on Sundays, 11 a.m. 706-340-7134
SUMMER JOBS (ACCGov Leisure Services) Now hiring for more than 100 summer positions including camp counselors, counselors in training, lifeguards and more. $15.60–$17.94 an hour. www. accgov.com/jobs
VHS DIGITIZATION (Athens, GA)
Seeking previously recorded concerts and events on VHS, VHSC, Hi8, MiniDV and DVDs to digitize and archive. www.vhsordie.com
VIC CHESNUTT SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR AWARDS (Athens, GA)
Classic City Rotary is now accepting nominations. Songs must have a public release date during 2025, and songwriters must reside in Athens-Clarke County or a contiguous county. All genres welcome. Winner receives $1,500 cash prize, recording time from Amplify at Nuçi’s Space, a photo shoot with Jason Thrasher and a Team Clermont promotional package. Finalists receive $250 cash prizes. Deadline Mar. 1. www.vicchesnuttaward.com
VOTER REGISTRATION
RESOURCES (ACC Library Atrium)
Economic Justice Coalition community volunteers assist Georgia residents with registration, confirm prior registration and update voter registration information as needed. www. economicjusticecoalition.org f
Drink the Sea
PROJECT COMES TO 40 WATT CLUB
By Sam Lipkin editorial@flagpole.com
Sitting comfortably in “his seat” in a quiet corner of Athens’ Hotel Indigo lobby downtown, having just finished signing a stack of show flyers with another towering stack of vinyls awaiting his signature, Peter Buck switches gears to discuss one of his new music projects—an entirely different endeavor than the one awaiting him that night, one of his ongoing intimate performances with Kevn Kinney of Drivin N’ Cryin at The Rialto Club.
Best known as the co- founder and lead guitarist of R.E.M., Buck has remained active as a career musician in a number of bands, with the most recent being Drink the Sea. Barrett Martin (Screaming Trees, Mad Season) brought Buck into the fold of this supergroup featuring Alain Johannes
every year. But the connection with the people I’m on stage with, the connection with the audience, just the pleasure of new things… It’s something that is really great. I feel incredibly lucky that I can still do this at whatever level I’m at.”
Drink the Sea is currently on a monthlong U.S. tour, where the group will stop through Athens on Monday, Feb. 16 at the 40 Watt Club. The two-and-a-half hour show consists of a lot of material from Drink the Sea with some songs from the members’ past groups sprinkled in. There’s a strong visual element composed of films made by Tad Fettig that are tied to the music. Fettig recorded footage of Martin and Buck climbing mountains in Chile and from time spent in Brazil.
(Queens of the Stone Age, Them Crooked Vultures), Duke Garwood, Lisette Garcia and Kelsey Mines.
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Remarkably, Drink the Sea managed to release two full albums in the fall of last year before getting together with each other in the same room for the first time at the end of October, just in time to embark on their first tour as a band in Europe. They knew the songs, says Buck, and he saw the tour as a great way to start together. Having played with Martin for 30 years, Buck was comfortable just joining for the ride.
After the U.S. tour wraps up, Drink the Sea will perform at Lollapalooza Chile before taking a break to finish its next album. But there are no true breaks here. From there, Bucks says they’ll spend time in São Paulo working with a Portuguese musician.
If your partner objects when you use the phone, limits your everyday contact with family and friends, and you restrict yourself to avoid angry, aggressive confrontations, you need to step back and take another look. How can you cope once you are involved with a controlling partner? Call Project Safe for help. Our hotline is confidential, and counseling is free. Get your life back. Get help.
Linea de crisis, las 24 horas del dia
“Barrett is kind of a facilitator. I mean, he loves to play. He meets lots of people. He goes out, and so he just calls me and goes, ‘Hey, Peter, you want to do this?’ I’m like, ‘Yep, let’s do that.’ And it works well for me,” says Buck. “He finds people that he really likes, and I trust him.”
24 hours/day Linea de crisis, las 24 horas del dia
24 hours/day Linea de crisis, las 24 horas del dia
Coming together with a mix of old and new collaborators is a comfortable process for Buck, who says he has more in common with a musician from any background than anyone else. And as a group of professionals, there’s a routine coming in and creating an album or going on tour. So, why does he continue to do it?
“I want to enjoy myself. I want to keep learning stuff. I want to travel,” says Buck. “I just feel like this is a real privilege. If you told me when I was 15, you’ll be really old and you’ll be touring Spain for a month… I mean, it’s hard work, and it gets harder
“I lived in São Paulo last year for a while, and I’m looking forward to going back. I have a lot of friends. You know, I got kind of interested in the culture,” says Buck. “Everyone loves Tropicália, but the musical culture is so much more embedded. Here some people have country western, some people like rock and roll. But you go to parties there, and everyone knows all these traditional songs and the giants of Brazilian music. It’s pretty great to have it be that deep in the culture.”
As for his friends here, Buck is looking forward to bringing Drink the Sea to Athens because many of the members have never been to his hometown. Even while traveling the world, Buck finds frequent reasons to make regular stops in Athens. f
