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MARCH 11, 2026 · VOL. 40 · NO. 10 · FREE

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THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING CARSON PLUMBING AS YOUR FAVORITE PLUMBER. WE APPRECIATE YOUR TRUST IN US!

Blues singer-songwriter and former Athenian Scott Low is performing at Nowhere Bar on Friday, Mar. 13 with The Appalachian Son, self-described as the classically trained undertaker. For more shows this weekend, see the Live Music Calendar on p. 28.

This Modern World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Crossover Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

NEWS: City Dope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Pub Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

2026 Elections Breakdown

Favorites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

NEWS: Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Calendar Picks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

UGA’s LGBTQ Protections

Threats & Promises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

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Live Music Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 ARTS & CULTURE: Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Event Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Funny Femmes Comedy

Art Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Bulletin Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

ARTS & CULTURE: Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Indie Wrestling

Adopt Me . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Local Comics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Curb Your Appetite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Crossword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Sudoku . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 YONAH WIENGES

PUBLISHER & ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Alicia Nickles PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Larry Tenner ADVERTISING SALES Dave Martin, Isabella Williams EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Sam Lipkin CITY EDITOR Blake Aued MUSIC EDITOR Sam Lipkin ARTS & CULTURE COORDINATOR Libba Beaucham OFFICE MANAGER & DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Jennifer Keene CLASSIFIED ADS & CALENDAR COORDINATOR Jennifer Keene AD DESIGNERS Chris McNeal, Cody Robinson CONTRIBUTORS Gordon Lamb, Jill Nolin, Alander Rocha, Lee Shearer, Ross Williams CARTOONISTS Missy Kulik, David Mack, Klon Waldrip, Joey Weiser CIRCULATION Jennifer Bray, Charles Greenleaf, Joe Rowe EDITORIAL & OFFICE ASSISTANT Mary Beth Bryan EDITORIAL INTERNS Jasmine Milbourne, Lily Thomas PHOTOGRAPHERS CJ Bartunek, Kat Wood, Jake Zerkel SPECIAL AGENT Pete McCommons COVER PHOTOGRAPH of Rose Gold and Trever Aeon by Jason Thrasher (see feature on p. 17) STREET ADDRESS: 220 Prince Ave., Athens, GA 30601 MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box 1027, Athens, GA 30603 EDITORIAL: 706-549-9523 · ADVERTISING: 706-549-0301 CLASSIFIED ADS: class@flagpole.com ADVERTISING: ads@flagpole.com CALENDAR: calendar@flagpole.com EDITORIAL: editorial@flagpole.com

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · M A R C H 11, 2026

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city dope

Who’s Running for What?

THE FIELD IS SET FOR MAY AND NOVEMBER BALLOTS, AND MORE NEWS

By Blake Aued news@flagpole.com Six candidates—three Democrats and three Republicans—are running this year in the right-leaning congressional district that includes Athens. Democrat Lexy Doherty is running again after winning the Democratic primary for the 10th Congressional District, then losing to incumbent Mike Collins, a Butts County Republican who is now running for U.S. Senate. Doherty will face Pam Delancy—a nurse and military veteran hailing from Henry County, on the other end of the district—as well as retired engineer John Dority of Oglethorpe County. State Rep. Houston Gaines (R-Athens) might have hoped that his fundraising capability would clear the field. But former film studio owner Ryan Millsap, who gave his address at Social Circle, entered the race with a pledge to spend $4 million. In his campaign announcement, Millsap called himself a “MAGA warrior” who will “stop the radical left” and “the Communist takeover of this country.” In 2024, ProPublica and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that Millsap privately exchanged racist and antisemitic text messages while publicly promoting his studio’s diversity efforts in Black metro Atlanta communities. A third Republican, Oglethorpe County plumber Jeffrey Wayne Baker, is also running. The field is set for Georgia’s state, local and federal offices after the qualifying period ended on Friday, Mar. 6. Both Democrats and Republicans now know their options for partisan primaries on May 19. And all voters will be able to weigh in on local nonpartisan races for mayor, commission and school board. There were few surprises for local Athens-Clarke County races, other than Terry Johnson, who listed his occupation as

“handyman,” challenging Commissioner Patrick Davenport in District 1. District 3 incumbent Tiffany Taylor faces a challenge from Tammy Foote, who works in social services. Tracy Smith, a video producer, will try to unseat incumbent Ovita Thornton in District 9, as will newcomer Barry Irwin. Kimberly Bennett, Rick Stanziale, Zander Mason and Craig Topple will face off for the vacant District 5 seat that Dexter Fisher is leaving to run for mayor. In District 7, John Culpepper is not running for re-election; retiree Bennie Coleman III, who briefly ran for mayor four years ago, and lawyer Ed Tolley will seek to replace him. Three school board seats are being contested: Homemaker Lillie Brooks will face teacher Adam Shirley in District 7, whose current occupant LaKeisha Gantt is running for mayor. So is Tim Denson, the representative for District 5, where teacher Heather Fletcher and retired Department of Labor official Fred Smith Sr. are running. Linda Davis declined to run for re-election in District 3, where the candidates are insurance agent Carl Blount and retired educator Reginald Willis. The incumbents in District 1 and 9, Heidi Hensley and Mark Evans, are unopposed. The field in the mayor’s race is as expected: Denson, Fisher, Gantt, Mara Zuniga and Sharon Miller. Superior Court judges Lisa Lott and Eric Norris did not draw opposition, nor did Solicitor Will Fleenor. At the state level, there will be a November rematch between state Rep. Eric Gisler (D-Watkinsville), chosen in a December special election, and Republican Mack “Dutch” Guest IV in House District 121. The seat Gaines is leaving, District 120, has three candidates: Democrat Suzanna

Karatassos of Jackson County, and on the Republican side UGA professor Chad Paton and Ward Black, son of former agriculture commissioner Gary Black. District 122 Rep. Spencer Frye (D-Athens) will see his first opposition in years, in the form of Republican educator Carol Hubbard. In District 124, Greene County paralegal and Democrat Melanie Miller is challenging Rep. Trey Rhodes (R-Greensboro). Jefferson lawyer Jason Black is running in Senate District 47 against incumbent Frank Ginn (R-Danielsville) in the Republican primary, with the winner facing Democrat Justin Gillespie of Madison County. District 46 is open, with Sen. Bill Cowsert (R-Athens) running for attorney general, so the field is larger. It includes Democrats Ray Smith, a Watkinsville software engineer, and William Gaulden Jr., who ran for Clarke County coroner two years ago. On the Republican side, former party-switching state Rep. Doug McKillip seeks to return to the Gold Dome, but will face competition from Athens lawyer Michael Broun and Walton County entrepreneur Mark McMain.

Data Center Moratorium Extended The Athens-Clarke County Commission last week voted to extend a moratorium on new data centers for another three months while work continues on an ordinance restricting or perhaps even banning their construction. Next month, the commission will vote on new instructions for county planners and the planning commission, which put forward a set of proposed regulations in February. “There is an extreme concern throughout the community, and I think we need to make it as onerous as possible” to open a data center, Commissioner Melissa Link said. Athens’ zoning code—written before the rise of artificial intelligence, which requires vast amounts of computing power—does not specifically address data centers, so in the interim, planners have decided to treat them as heavy industry. The regulations currently on the table would restrict data centers to areas currently zoned industrial and require them to use a closed-loop cooling system that does not consume as much water as evaporative cooling systems. Larger data centers would have to come before the commission for a special use permit. Some commissioners, though, have asked county attorneys whether an outright ban would be legal. They’ve also expressed interest in requirements for data centers to generate at least some of their own clean energy, although regulating electricity generally falls under the purview of the state Public Service Commission. In addition, commissioners and members of the public have said they want to wait to see what the Georgia legislature does before passing local legislation. State lawmakers are currently considering several bills related to data centers, including measures to establish an oversight committee, repeal tax credits and temporarily ban their construction statewide for one year. In other news, ACC Manager Bob Cowell announced that a recently passed federal appropriations bill includes $3.5 million to build a gymnasium at Howard Park and Community Center (formerly Rocksprings Park). He credited Sen. Jon Ossoff, Leisure Services Interim Director Alex Bond and

grant writer Sara Shropshire for securing the grant. Cowell also said he received word from the Federal Highway Administration that deadlines for RAISE transportation grants have been extended. “That will probably allow us to take advantage of the full funding,” he said. “We’ll be talking more about how to move forward, the next steps in that process.” The commission voted in May to return a $25 million RAISE grant for North Avenue after learning that ACC was unlikely to meet the September deadline to spend it. The process was delayed when Commissioner Ovita Thornton introduced a plan drawn up by local civil engineer Quaison Payne that would have kept all five lanes of traffic, rather than replace at least one with bike lanes. The grant was meant for safety, as staff pointed out, so a five-lane configuration would be unlikely to meet federal standards. Then, traffic engineers discovered that Payne’s plan would require buying right-of-way, creating further delays.

Developers Sought for Arena District A committee of Athens-Clarke County officials and business leaders has hired the global consulting firm Accenture to line up developers for an entertainment district around Akins Ford Arena. An agreement approved by the Arena Steering District Committee Mar. 3 will pay Accenture up to $600,000 for the first and second phases of a four-year contract. That includes gathering existing studies and other documents, holding public outreach meetings with stakeholders, identifying potential uses like hotels, retail, restaurants and condos, conducting design reviews, a market analysis, coordinating infrastructure needs and financial modeling. Mayor Kelly Girtz proposed that the cost be split among the ACC SPLOST program, the Classic Center Authority and a tax allocation district covering the arena area. ACC and the Classic Center are leasing out public lands to help pay off bonds issued to cover much of the arena’s $170 million cost. Girtz appointed the committee last year and named himself chair after the master developer, Atlanta-based Mallory & Evans, backed out for the second time. The Classic Center has projected that enough revenue is coming in to make bond payments through 2027. “Our goal is to put those complementary uses next to the arena that are gonna work in the district, and then we’re gonna pay back the bonds,” Girtz said. “I think everybody knows that’s the bottom line.” “Versus an extravagant idea,” Commissioner Allison Wright said. “Much as I might like an indoor water park somewhere, sometime in Athens-Clarke County, this ain’t gonna be it,” Girtz responded. Future phases would include soliciting developers and the actual construction, which were not included in the initial agreement because Girtz said that could potentially be funded through profit-sharing with the developer. Girtz confirmed Athens Area Chamber of Commerce CEO David Bradley’s comment that the Accenture agreement “was our major decision.” From this point on, the committee’s role will be to receive updates on the project and provide feedback, Girtz said. f

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news

feature

Crossover Day

PROPERTY TAX AND DATA CENTER BILLS PASS BEFORE DEADLINE

By Various Authors news@flagpole.com

Data Centers

programs that seek to prevent and treat addiction. Rep. Al Williams (D-Midway) said he believes Georgia needs more gaming, but he urged members of his party to vote against the resolution because he said Democrats had no say in how the money was spent. “This is in need of bipartisan support, and to get bipartisan support, you need to let the folks on this side of the aisle have some say on how the money is going to be divided,” he said. Rep. Alan Powell (R-Hartwell) is a proponent of expanding gambling, but he urged his GOP colleagues to vote down the bill because he said it doesn’t go far enough. Powell said the state’s economy would be better served by creating destination resorts where people would come from other states to gamble. He said sports betting would bring in relatively little to Georgia’s coffers. “You hear all this pie in the sky about how much money they’re going to raise— no… because most of these sports betting [services] are off-shore, in other states, and you can’t audit them, and that’s the way it is,” he said. [RW]

ouse lawmakers passed a scaled-back version of a property tax relief plan after a more sweeping overhaul failed earIn a year when Georgians were clamoring lier in the week. House Bill 1116, sponsored by state Rep. for state officials to rein in the unchecked growth of data centers, the Georgia Senate Shaw Blackmon (R-Bonaire), passed with chose to pass a measure that critics say a 98-68 vote as the clock wound down on largely maintains the status quo. a key legislative deadline day. Crossover Senate Bill 410, sponsored by Sen. Matt Day, the 30th day of the 40-day legislative Brass (R-Newnan), passed Friday with a session, is the last day for a bill to pass one 32-21 vote. The bill would phase out tax chamber and move on to the other. The gatekeeping House Rules Committee breaks for new data center developments and computer equipment ahead of the origadvanced a revised version of the proposal inal expiration dates. late Friday, Mar. 6. The 31-page bill would “We are all trying to accomplish the cap all property tax increases at 3% each exact same thing: to ensure that rate payers year and include other changes House will not pick up the tab of data centers. This Republicans argue are designed to protect bill does that. Do not let your hate for Georhomeowners. gia Power cloud your judgment on what this An earlier proposal would have evenbill actually does,” Brass said. tually eliminated local property taxes on Brass’ bill also includes language primary single-family homes, also known The House passed a measure Wednesday, reflecting a Public Service Commission as homesteads. A version that would have Mar. 4 that could allow property owners to rule already in place meant to ensure data significantly cut property taxes, but not sue city and county governments if they fail centers pay for some of the energy infraeliminated them, still failed to win over the to enforce state laws related to homelessstructure Georgia Power builds. That same two-thirds support needed to pass a constiness, public safety and immigration. House language was attached earlier to another tutional amendment. Critics said the plans Bill 295, sponsored by Rep. Houston Gaines data center bill, Senate Bill 34, against the would lead to higher sales tax rates or cuts (R-Athens), passed with a 98-75 vote, and wishes of Rome Republican Sen. Chuck to important local services. now moves to the Senate for consideration. Hufstetler, the bill’s sponsor. Proponents have argued all along that The bill targets local governments an intervention was needed to stop that may have “pervasive, systemic, the “unsustainable” trajectory of local or organized” practices that decline property taxes. “I doubt we would be to enforce laws against illegal public talking about this if property taxes camping, loitering, drug possession, were not and had not been on such shoplifting or the state’s ban on an unsustainable path for our prop“sanctuary policies” that limit cities erty owners, and particularly our from working with federal immigrahomeowners,” Blackmon said to his tion authorities. If cities or counties colleagues. are found liable, property owners can But Democrats objected to the sue for financial harm from lost propbill, arguing the changes require a erty value. constitutional amendment. They said “If a local government refuses to the proposal risks destabilizing local Rep. Houston Gaines (R-Athens) listens to debate on House do its job, we’re going to hit that local governments, which rely on propBill 295, which would allow property owners to sue local government in the pocketbook and erty taxes to pay for services like law governments. put the money back in the hands of enforcement and fund schools. They the property owners who have been also argued the bill was being rushed. Hufstetler indicated that, unlike his orig- harmed,” said Gaines, who is also a candi“This is a bad bill because we don’t know date for the 10th Congressional District. what’s in here, and we don’t understand the inal proposal, the rule does not necessarily Todd Edwards, director of governmental impact of this piece of legislation,” said Rep. protect consumers from all costs associated with data center growth. His bill was up for affairs for the Association County CommisSam Park of Lawrenceville, who serves as a vote last week, but the Senate suddenly sioners of Georgia, said the organization the minority whip. adjourned when Hufstetler found enough has noticed a “disturbing trend.” There has Blackmon pushed back on claims that a support for an amendment that would have been a wave of bills in recent years that constitutional amendment is required for returned the bill to its original form—a waive local governments’ sovereign immuthe changes in his bill, saying no money is version that the utility company and repnity, which is a standard that generally probeing taken away from local governments. resentatives from the data center industry tects government entities from being sued. He said the constitutional amendment opposed. [Alander Rocha] Edwards said he sees Gaines’ bill as part of would have offered “real relief.” But he that trend. said the bill that passed Friday “stems the Edwards said the association, which repincreases in future years.” resents counties at the state Capitol, does The bill also says revenue collected from not support the bill, but was able to negotidata centers starting in 2029, which is If you want to put your money down on ate with Gaines to “incorporate many safewhen a current tax break for the facilities’ guards,” ensuring it’s not a “blanket” waiver equipment expires, should go toward reduc- your favorite sports team, you’re going to have to break state law. of local government’s sovereign immunity. ing homestead property taxes in Georgia. Sports betting is illegal in Georgia, and “If it’s just an open, all-out waiver of The bill now moves to the Senate, which it’s likely to stay that way after a bill to legal- immunity, that means local governments— passed a proposal last month capping ize the practice went down in flames Friday thus taxpayers—can be sued,” Edwards annual property tax increases. The Senate in the state House. The measure needed 120 said. “And this would be a trial attorney’s bill would prevent local governments and votes to pass but only received 63. dream to be able to go after the public school districts from opting out of a stateThe bill, House Resolution 450, would purse.” [AR] f wide homestead tax exemption that voters have sent proceeds to a special fund to be approved in 2024. Both chambers have also These articles originally appeared at georgiarecorder. spent on pre-K and other educational propassed differing income tax cut plans. [Jill com grams, with a portion set aside to benefit Nolin and Ross Williams]

Gaines Bill Gains Traction

ALANDER ROCHA / GEORGIA RECORDER

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news

feature

LGBTQ Protections

UGA COUNCIL DECLINES TO ADD LANGUAGE AFTER VETO THREAT

By Lee Shearer news@flagpole.com

University of Georgia committee a policy change enacted by the state Board has put the brakes on an attempt of Regents a week after Donald Trump to specify that harassment of won the 2024 presidential election in part people on the basis of sexual orientation, by promising to curb diversity, equity and gender identity or pregnancy is prohibited inclusion programs in business and educaunder the university’s Non-Discrimination tion. The Board of Regents is the governing and Harassment (NDAH) Policy. body for the University System of Georgia, The Human Resources Committee of the the state’s 25 colleges and universities, University Council had proposed the change including UGA. Its members are appointed go to the full University Council for a vote, by the governor. but the council’s Executive Committee narrowly voted to table the proposal at its most recent meeting on Feb. 25. The UGA University Council is a legislative body composed primarily of administrators and elected faculty members that also includes a small number representing students, staff and alumni. The council “shall establish policies and enact such rules and regulations as it deems appropriate to provide for the interests and welfare of The University of Georgia and its academic community,” according to its bylaws. Its executive committee sets the agenda for meetings of the full council, deciding which proposals can go forward for a vote of the full council, and decided this one would not go forward to Emily Munger the next University Council meeting Mar. 18. The proposed change would actually The revised, current policy now prohibits restore language that was part of the UGA harassment of or discrimination against NDAH policy until a year ago, when admin“any person on the basis of an individual’s istrators at UGA and other University age, color, disability, genetic information, System of Georgia public colleges rewrote national origin, race, religion, sex, or vettheir harassment policies to conform with eran status (‘protected status’).”

The council’s parliamentarian, law professor Randy Beck, told executive committee members that they should vote twice on the proposal—first on whether crafting the language of the NDAH policy is actually within the council’s authority, and if that was a yes, then a vote on the actual proposal. The first vote was a narrow yes; it appeared to be 12-11, though no official tally was announced.

Benjamin Ayers

The next vote would be on whether to put the proposal on the agenda for a full council vote at the council’s next meeting, but after some discussion the committee voted, again narrowly, to table the motion and ask University System of Georgia administrators in Atlanta to meet with them to clarify whether a changed UGA policy would still “align” with the statewide university system policy on non-discrimination and harassment. In a 2020 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court found that firing someone on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identify is a form of sex discrimination prohibited under the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

That remains the law, Beck told the group. But those protections are fragile, according to Emily Munger, a UGA law student who spoke to the group, advocating for adding the words back to UGA’s policy. She noted a recent Texas U.S. District Court judge’s decision that would roll back those protections. Regents policy prevails if a UGA policy is in “direct conflict” with Board of Regents policy, but the proposal the executive committee ultimately tabled would not be in direct conflict, said Munger, president of OUTLaw, a group that advocates for sexual and gender minorities in the UGA law school. Some committee members agreed that explicitly naming sexual orientation, pregnancy and gender identity in the UGA policy would not be inconsistent with Board of Regents policy. But the executive committee chair, religion professor Derrick Lemon, and Juanita Hicks, UGA’s vice president for human resources, told committee members that system administrators they’d spoken with would not consider the change “aligned.” A systemwide group of staff members had also earlier asked university system administrators for clarity on the issue. A USG administrator’s emailed response did not directly say adding gender identity, pregnancy or sexual orientation to the policy language would violate Regents policy, but said the existing policy, without the words, is sufficient and did not need to be altered. Even if the full University Council ultimately votes to adopt the tabled proposal, the policy won’t be changed. “The president [Jere Morehead] would have to veto it,” said UGA Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Benjamin Ayers. But if administrators will kill the proposal anyway, “I don’t see the downside of it going to [University] Council,” said one executive committee member before the vote to table. “We know what’s going to happen at the end of it.” f

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What Makes Athens Tick? SEE ATHENS IN OUR LIFETIMES AND FIND OUT

By Pete McCommons pete@flagpole.com Athens’ transformation from a sleepy college town to an awoke college town has always intrigued those who liked it as it was and those who like it the way it is. How did this happen? In my own lifetime, I have lived in both versions of Athens and have witnessed the changes. I understand why somebody could prefer the old Athens, because I have friends who grew up here and liked the close-knit small-town atmosphere, with its much smaller and sort of old-fashioned university. PETE McCOMMONS

Kathy Prescott, who grew up here, and Grady Thrasher, whose folks were from here and who grew up visiting his grandmama here, decided they would try to document how these changes came about. Kathy is an artist, and Grady’s a retired Atlanta lawyer who wrote children’s books before he started writing song lyrics set to music by Jay and the Boulevardians. Kathy and Grady are sort of a dynamic duo whose public involvement first came to light when, against the whole city and university establishment, they led the opposition to what became known as the “bio-terror” lab that would have put an infectious disease study facility right next to the State Botanical Garden along the middle Oconee. That fight made it obvious that Grady and Kathy don’t mess around when they commit to something. That same tenacity is evident in the 2017 film that came out of their delving into the Athens swerve. They went out and interviewed around 90 people to assemble a cross-section of views about Athens. Of course, the answers vary widely, but the general consensus among all these people viewing it from their many different angles is that Athens has a special quality in spite of constant pressures to make our town ordinary, typical and, well, dull. It took them two years of conversations on video, shot and edited down into the hour-and-a-half film, Athens in Our Lifetimes, by the videographer and editor Matt

DeGennaro, an ally since the bio-terror fight. The film involves a lot of people you know talking about the Athens you know, as well as archival footage, so if you can’t stand a movie without car chases, maybe you’d better ease out to the multiplex. But if you find yourself intrigued by riots, demonstrations, streaking, Panic in the streets and people grappling with trying to define and understand their hometown, make sure you see Athens in Our Lifetimes at Ciné. Kathy and Grady and Matt, with a lot of assistance, have not only given us this documentary that helps us understand our hometown, they have also produced over 200 hours of interviews with Athenians, which they have given to the Hargrett special collections library at the university, where they are always available to enrich our understanding of Athens. If you missed Athens in Our Lifetimes at Ciné the last time around, you’re in luck. The film will show again at Ciné this Saturday, Mar. 14 at 2:30 p.m. The screening is free and open to the public, but you need to call 706-353-3343 and reserve your ticket(s). It’s also a fundraiser for Ciné for the improvements that have already begun in the bar and public areas. Of course Ciné is one of our places that makes Athens special in our lifetimes, so it’s appropriate to make a donation if we can. Athens in Our Lifetimes documents change. Toward the end of the film the camera pans to the latest explosion of high- rise, luxury student apartments that was soon to unleash another thousand Mariettans into downtown Athens, intensifying the pull of Atlanta’s orbit on the indigenous culture that the film explores. Since it was released, the film has already become a benchmark, documenting not so much how we are but how we were, as other lifetimes already inevitably impinge. See it and be reminded that even as you watch this intriguing documentary, Athens continues to change behind your back, right outside the theater, and it will not be the same Athens when you step back into it. Neither will you be the same person, because you’ll better understand that your own lifetime, too, can matter in Athens. The last time I saw Athens in Our Lifetimes it struck me that Grady and Kathy themselves are a big part of what makes up our Athens now. They are benefactors not only of Athens Ciné, but of the Georgia Museum of Art, Flagpole, Chess and Community and a lot of other local endeavors supported through their quiet benevolence. So join them at Ciné this Saturday, Mar. 14 at 2:30 p.m. Call for tickets, and show up to help them support our independent arthouse cinema with a contribution that will enhance Athens in our lifetimes. f

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · M A R C H 11, 2026

arts & culture

feature

women can put the skills they learned to the test. “It’s a good variety of personalities and backgrounds that all of these women

According to Funny Femmes’ website, comedy is an art form that allows them to express themselves in open and honest ways. By discussing topics in everyday conversation, women’s perspectives on personal, social and political issues can be talked about in a safe environment surrounded by people who understand their experiences. The mission of the conference is to highlight these experiences, making sure that those voices are heard. “It’s always a delight,” Beaucham said. “It feels like a very positive atmosphere.”

and femmes are bringing,” Beaucham said. Beaucham said that being in female-centered groups brings a new appreciation of differences. The energy, tone and content of jokes also shine new light on everyone’s experiences. “It’s going to be a totally different perspective,” she said. One of the things Beaucham and Hieges are excited about is hearing everyone’s experience in the comedy space. “The feeling of community is something that I’m always seeking,” Hieges said.

Hieges said that one of her favorite memories is getting to know comedians from Athens and beyond. One of the planning team members for the conference is Angel Clade, who used to live in Athens, but relocated to Atlanta. Hieges said she has been an integral part of planning the conference. Not only do the Funny Femmes welcome people from all walks of life, but they all perform their own style of comedy. Although standup comedy is common

Funny Femmes Comedy GROUP WILL HOST FEMME-CENTERED COMEDY CONFERENCE

By Jasmine Milbourne arts@flagpole.com

COURTNEY BUTLER

idden in the afterglow of downtown Athens, a chuckle rings out on a quiet Sunday night. Ten-minute sets, an immersed audience and genuine fun. What could be better? Every fourth Sunday at 9 p.m., Funny Femmes, an all-female comedy group, join forces to bring laughter to the Athens community from upstairs at The Globe. Nancy Hieges, founder and one of three permanent members, realized she had only seen shows centering male comedians. “The experience of the show has been so positive,” Hieges said, “and the way women treat each other is really good and supportive.” After starting comedy almost three years ago, Hieges set out to form a group that centered on women and the female experience. “That feminine energy in comedy, it is refreshing and goofy and silly and smart,” said Libba Beaucham, another permanent member of the group (and a Flagpole contributor). The monthly show welcomes anyone with a femme identity, and hopes to bring together people from all backgrounds. On Mar. 14, they will be hosting the Funny Femmes Women in Comedy Conference at the Winterville Cultural Center. “I had the idea of putting together a conference to bring women together for more time and to, like, talk about some of the issues that are unique to women in the comedy world,” Hieges said. The conference is a day-long event designed to bring together women comedians and share ideas about the issues faced by women in male-dominated fields, like comedy. The day will be filled with workshops and end with a showcase where

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amongst performers, Beaucham prefers her own non-conventional style, called looping. It is an improvised musical comedy inspired by the audience. Beaucham started looping during the pandemic as a cathartic means of art. “I’ll be working the conference, but I will also be attending the sessions, and I feel like I’m going to learn,” Beaucham said. “I’m really excited just to participate and learn about stand-up as someone who has a background in entertainment and performance and theater.” Hieges is also excited for the opportunity to learn from the other performers. She still feels like a beginner and amateur even after doing this for almost three years. “I don’t envision a career in comedy at all, but it’s something that I feel really passionate about, and just want to get as much from this art form as I can,” Hieges said. One of the reasons Hieges created Funny Femmes was to give women a safe space for their art. “It always feels better to watch women comedians. Those are the ones that I’m drawn to most,” Hieges said. “So I like being able to give that to the women in the audience.” The comedy shows started with people Hieges knew. Originating from variety shows with music and comedy alike, Julianne Merritt joined Funny Femmes as a permanent member of the comedy group before Beaucham did. Together, they host monthly specials aimed at bringing together the Athens community. “Funny femmes has been a really comfortable and safe space for me to grow as a comedian,” Heiges said. f

WHAT: Funny Femmes Women in Comedy Conference WHEN: Saturday, Mar. 14, 8:30 a.m.–10 p.m. WHERE: Winterville Cultural Center HOW MUCH: $75

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · M A R C H 11, 2026

UP TO $10.00 OFF YOUR NEXT VISIT! No cash value. One coupon accepted per customer/trip. Expires 12/31/2025.

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arts & culture

feature

Who’s Next?

INDEPENDENT WRESTLING’S EMPIRE OF ENTERTAINMENT

By Sam Lipkin editorial@flagpole.com

“

of come to it because they have a lot of trauma, or they’ve come from bad places. So when they’re in the ring, it’s a way for them to work it out… It’s just like any other way to channel that anger, frustration, anxiety or whatever.” How this plays out in the ring differs greatly between the indie wrestling promotion companies. Some events lean into different styles, and audiences are not all the same from city to city. Marketing plays heavily into how a wrestler builds their persona, and then how they deliver it for each show.

KAT WOOD

remember just standing there that night, and I could feel this connection between the fans and the performers in a way that I hadn’t really ever felt before, which makes sense now that I know more about wrestling, because fans really have agency over the action in the ring. The louder they cheer, the more the wrestler is going to labor to his feet. Wrestling doesn’t really work without an audience,” says Athens journalist Alison Lyn Miller, who published the nonfiction book Rough House: A Father, a Son, and the Pursuit of Pro Wrestling Glory earlier this year. Miller wasn’t a wrestling fan when she attended the now- defunct Southern Violence And Wrestling match back in 2019, but her passion for writing about ordinary people doing interesting things left her with a fascination for what she experienced that night. When Miller first began researching indie wrestling as a topic for a book, she sat down with Justin Burnham, who was involved with Southern Violence and now is co-owner of local promotion company Classic City Wrestling with Cole Taylor. “[Burnham] pulled the curtain back, not only on the industry, but shared his own life experience with wrestling. It was impactful for him in a really deep way as a child and as a teenager growing up… His father was a pastor, and he was busy a lot, and he was away from the house a lot. So every Saturday night at 6:05 p.m. on TBS, it was Georgia Championship Wrestling. It was just this touchstone of his life. Wrestling really defined his life. And I learned that he wasn’t alone in that,” says Miller. This conversation led her to talk to as many people around the area as possible about what led them to wrestling and why they continue such a physically strenuous entertainment sport. Part of what she found as she sought out interviews was that, in Georgia, you’re never more than an hour away from an indie wrestling show. Georgia has a rich history in wrestling, and the cultural impact is wider than even non- fans might expect. Outside of speaking to the wrestlers themselves, whenever Miller would talk about her project with people, she almost always found that they had a nostalgic story connected to wrestling. Although Rough House focuses on aspiring star Hunter James, who was born into a wrestling family, Miller clarifies that it’s a very human story about self-actualization and how we measure success in our lives, in addition to exploring culture and performance art. Critics of wrestling often point to its violent nature, but Miller counters that with the cathartic experience of play fighting. “Anger is an emotion that’s never going to go away. So, how are we channeling that?” says Miller. “A lot of wrestlers kind

“You have to promote yourself in specific spaces so that people who like wrestling or people who book wrestling can become aware of you,” says wrestler Trever Aeon, featured as one of this year’s Flagpole Favorites models. “It helps if you have stuff that can connect you to the outside world, that your fans can grasp on to. For example, I hang out in the goth scene. That’s my thing. So when there are people at goth night who like wrestling, they’re like, ‘Oh, we thought that was a character. No, you’re really here.’ And I’m like, ‘Yes, it’s my thing.’ It’s not a character. I’m really like this.” “I just try to be my most authentic self, really, because there’s not a lot of Black queer wrestlers doing anything. They’re not getting recognition. There’s a lot of us. We don’t really get noticed. So I’m really trying to push the recognition for that, because I know that’s really important,” says Rose Gold, also one of the Flagpole Favorites models. Aeon backs up Gold that, at this point, there are enough talented women and non- binary wrestlers on the indie circuit that there’s no excuse for promoters to not book evenly diverse matches. There are a lot of issues in the industry of promoters disre-

specting or downplaying their women wrestlers. “It’s not needed. I’m bigger than most of the men anyway,” Gold says, laughing. However, Classic City Wrestling has a great reputation among the promotion companies. Aeon says that they put in a lot of effort in their promotion, and give the wrestlers freedom to be themselves. The attitude is “y’all know how to do this, just have a good match and don’t get hurt,” says Aeon. “They actually want you to succeed, and they believe in everybody. They kind of let you do your own thing, and they don’t make you fit in whatever box they want you to fit in,” says Gold. At the beginning of every Classic City Wrestling show, the audience is told to cheer, boo and taunt as much as they want, but there’s a zero tolerance rule for any racist, homophobic or transphobic comments. Co-owner Taylor says this has built trust within their community. The rosters feature wrestlers of the LGBTQ+ community, different races and various socioeconomic backgrounds, so the matches feel representative of the larger community. “It’s also inclusive in the way that it’s more of a grassroots movement that we are all a part of together. The requirement of being a part of it is believing. I love seeing punk rockers and grandmas high five each other over the same body slam. As a fan, being a part of Classic City Wrestling is being a part of Athens,” says Taylor. Part of Miller’s research for Rough House included attending a lot of different indie wrestling shows for perspective, and she agrees that Classic City Wrestling is “just so Athens.” The inclusion of a live band performing on stage, in addition to the wrestling match happening in the middle of the venue, sets these events apart from any others she’s seen. “I think it kind of represents the next wave of wrestling,” says Miller. At its core, Athens has always been and continues to be a music town. Incorporating music into the wrestling events really added the “Classic City” to Classic City Wrestling, and this union of cultures became more solidified when the events moved from the now-closed Southern Brewing Co. to the iconic 40 Watt Club downtown. Taylor says that the venue is part of what makes their product special, and it has that “old school, punk rock energy.” “When Justin and I first started Classic City Wrestling, part of our mission was to create a product that truly reflected the arts in a way that was uniquely Athens. Athens has a rich history within the arts community,” says Taylor. “There has been professional wrestling in the area for over 50 years, but nothing really that captures the spirit of Athens. It was our duty to present wrestling as a true art form and allow Classic City Wrestling to be a part of the history of all the great art that has come out of Athens. We are the alternative brand… Even when we have shows in other parts of the Southeast, I always express that we are there to present the pro wrestling of the Classic City.” Classic City Wrestling will return to the 40 Watt Club on May 16. For more information about Miller and her book Rough House, visit alisonlynmiller.com. f

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M A R C H 11, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · M A R C H 11, 2026

JASON THRASHER

RESTAURANTS 2026 NEW (OPENED BETWEEN FEB. ’25–JAN. ’26) WINNER

Union Fare 166 W. Clayton St. · unionfareathens.com RUNNER UP

Yossi Kitchen

100 Prince Ave. · 706-850-0711

ITALIAN

Flagpole Athens Favorites winners may not get a championship belt, but they do get some serious bragging rights for the rest of the year. Winning means they received the most votes from Flagpole readers in this takedown match against all the other businesses in the Athens area. Thousands of votes were submitted, and the faces prevailed over the heels! (See the list below for winners and runner-ups.)

Who refereed this smackdown? Larry Tenner, Chris McNeal and Cody Robinson pinned down the designs for the theme logo, cover, awards and ads. Our sales team of Dave Martin and Isabella Williams figure-four leglocked our advertisers for some amazing sales. Thanks to the actual wrestlers, Rose Gold and Trever Aeon, for being our heel and face for this issue. Thanks to Jason Thrasher, of Thrasher Photo and Design, who suplexed his camera to take these heated action shots, and to Kat Wood for photographing a few of our champions. Finally, a big thanks to Strength and Strike Fitness, Treehouse Kid and Craft, Rook and Pawn, Mayor Kelly Girtz and Classic City Wrestling for helping with our FavoritesMania.

WINNER

DePalma’s Italian Cafe 1965 Barnett Shoals Rd. · 706-369-0085 2080 Timothy Rd. · 706-552-1237 RUNNER UP

ZZ & Simone’s 1540 S. Lumpkin St., Ste. 4 · 706-395-6556

AMERICAN WINNER

Hi-Lo Lounge 1354 Prince Ave. · 706-850-8561 RUNNER UP

Clocked!

259 W. Washington St. · 706-548-9175

ASIAN WINNER

Pretty Boy 247 Prince Ave. · 706-850-0938 RUNNER UP

Puma Yu’s

355 Oneta St., Ste. D-400 · www.pumayus.com

SUSHI WINNER

Shokitini 251 W. Clayton St. · 706-353-7933 RUNNER UP

Chuck’s Fish

220 W. Broad St. · 706-395-6611

MEXICAN/LATIN AMERICAN WINNER

Cali-N-Tito’s 1427 S. Lumpkin St. · 706-227-9979 1245 Cedar Shoals Dr. · 706-355-7087 RUNNER UP

Tlaloc El Mexicano Restaurant 1225 N. Chase St. · 706-613-9301

INTERNATIONAL WINNER

Mannaweenta 1055 Gaines School Rd. · 706-850-8422

RUNNER UP

Kelly’s Jamaican Food

1583 Lumpkin St. · 706-208-0000

BBQ WINNER

Dawg Gone Good BBQ 224 W. Hancock Ave. · 706-613-9799 RUNNER UP

White Tiger

217 Hiawassee Ave. · 706-353-6847 64 Main St., Watkinsville · 706-705-6115

BAKERY WINNER

Independent Baking Co. 1625 S. Lumpkin St. · 706-850-3550 RUNNER UP

Sweetie Pie by Savie

150 E. Whitehall Rd. · 706-850-9255 ➤ continued on next page

M A R C H 11, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

Athens Favorites

continued from p. 17

DOWNHOME/SOUTHERN WINNER

Preacher Green’s 1995 Barnett Shoals Rd. · 706-215-9079 RUNNER UP

South Kitchen and Bar

247 E. Washington St. · 706-395-6125

LOCAL COFFEE HOUSE WINNER

Sips Espresso Cafe 1390 Prince Ave. · 706-363-7211 RUNNER UP

Jittery Joe’s Coffee

1860 Barnett Shoals Rd. · 706-354-8000 1480 Baxter St. · 706-548-1099 1230 S. Milledge Ave. · 706-208-1979 150 Fitz Mar Ln. · 706-227-2161 297 E. Broad St. · 706-613-7449 1880 Epps Bridge Pkwy. · 706-345-8900

LOCAL PIZZA WINNER

Automatic Pizza 1397 Prince Ave. · 706-850-2037 RUNNER UP

Little Italy

125 N. Lumpkin St. · 706-613-7100

LOCAL BURGER WINNER

Clocked! 259 W. Washington St. · 706-548-9175 RUNNER UP

Baddies Burgers

1307 Prince Ave. · 706-705-6032 1591 S. Lumpkin St. · 706-850-8331 1011 Park Dr., Watkinsville · 706-705-6032

FRIES WINNER

Hi-Lo Lounge 1354 Prince Ave. · 706-850-8561 RUNNER UP

RUNNER UP

BUBBLE TEA

459 E. Broad St. · 706-369-0990

WINNER

Porterhouse Grill SEAFOOD WINNER

Seabear Oyster Bar 297 Prince Ave., Ste. 10 · 706-850-4367

Bubble Cafe 247 E. Broad St. · 706-355-3002 RUNNER UP

Ding Tea

125 W. Washington St. · 706-850-3737

RUNNER UP

ICE CREAM/ FROZEN TREAT

220 W. Broad St. · 706-395-6611

WINNER

Chuck’s Fish WINGS WINNER

Paloma Park 235 W. Washington St. · 706-850-7356

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams 1710 Lumpkin St. · 706-493-7377 RUNNER UP

Andy’s Frozen Custard

2180 W. Broad St. · 762-356-4330

RUNNER UP

BREAKFAST

312 E. Washington St. · 706-548-3442 2440 W. Broad St. · 706-208-7979

WINNER

Blind Pig Tavern

VEGETARIAN OPTIONS WINNER

Hi-Lo Lounge 1354 Prince Ave. · 706-850-8561 RUNNER UP

Maepole

1021 N. Chase St. · 706-850-3600 1850 Epps Bridge Pkwy. · 706-510-3133

SANDWICH WINNER

Hi-Lo Lounge 1354 Prince Ave. · 706-850-8561 RUNNER UP

Marti’s at Midday

1280 Prince Ave. · 706-543-3541

DESSERT WINNER

Last Resort Grill 184 W. Clayton St. · 706-549-0810 RUNNER UP

Condor Chocolates

Mama’s Boy 197 Oak St. · 706-548-6249 8851 Macon Hwy. · 706-850-8550 1725 Electric Ave., Watkinsville RUNNER UP

Cafe Racer

2343 W. Broad St. · 706-850-0297 377 Oak St.

LUNCH WINNER

Marti’s at Midday 1280 Prince Ave. · 706-543-3541 RUNNER UP

The National

232 W. Hancock Ave. · 706-549-3450

BRUNCH WINNER

Big City Bread 393 N. Finley St. · 706-353-0029 RUNNER UP

Mama’s Boy

197 Oak St. · 706-548-6249 8851 Macon Hwy. · 706-850-8550 1725 Electric Ave., Watkinsville

1658 S. Lumpkin St. · 706-850-4803 160 E. Washington St. · 706-521-8966 KAT WOOD

Trappeze Pub

269 W. Washington St. · 706-543-8997

BURRITO WINNER

Barberitos Southwestern Grille and Cantina 259 E. Clayton St. · 706-549-9008 1860 Barnett Shoals Rd. · 706-549-9954 1880 Epps Bridge Pkwy. · 706-354-0300 1739 S. Lumpkin St. · 706-548-1866 680 N. Hwy 29 · 706-543-5299 RUNNER UP

Cali-N-Tito’s

1427 S. Lumpkin St. · 706-227-9979 1245 Cedar Shoals Dr. · 706-355-7087

TACO WINNER

Paloma Park 235 W. Washington St. · 706-850-7356 RUNNER UP

Tacos los Plebes

675 Danielsville Rd. · 706-850-8077

STEAK WINNER

Slater’s Steakhouse 1653 S. Lumpkin St. · 706-395-6082

F L A GP OL E .C OM · M A R C H 11, 2026

Ghost Apothecary WINNER FAVORITE STORE TO BUY GIFTS RUNNER UP FAVORITE STORE TO BUY HOME GOODS RUNNER UP FAVORITE UNIQUELY ATHENS STORE

JASON THRASHER

OUTDOOR DINING WINNER

Ted’s Most Best 254 W. Washington St. · 706-543-1523 RUNNER UP

Cali-N-Tito’s

1427 S. Lumpkin St. · 706-227-9979 1245 Cedar Shoals Dr. · 706-355-7087

TAKE OUT WINNER

Ahi Hibachi & Poke 174 E. Clayton St. · 706-543-8898 RUNNER UP

Thai Spoon

149 N. Lumpkin St. · 706-548-9222

CHEF WINNER

Kenny Nguyen at Pretty Boy 489 E. Clayton St. · 706-543-8898 RUNNER UP

Pete Amadhanirundr at Puma Yu’s 355 Oneta St., Ste. D-400 · www.pumayus.com

UNIQUELY ATHENS RESTAURANT WINNER

Cali-N-Tito’s 1427 S. Lumpkin St. · 706-227-9979 1245 Cedar Shoals Dr. · 706-355-7087 RUNNER UP

Hi-Lo Lounge

1354 Prince Ave. · 706-850-8561

BARS BARTENDER WINNER

Ally Smith at Puma Yu’s 355 Oneta St., Ste. D-400 · www.pumayus.com RUNNER UP

Richard Mikulka at Flicker Theatre & Bar 263 W. Washington St. · 706-546-0039

SPECIALTY DRINKS WINNER

Hidden Gem 615 Barber St. · @hiddengemglobalhq RUNNER UP

The Old Pal

1320 Prince Ave. · 706-850-4340

HAPPY HOUR WINNER

Paloma Park 235 W. Washington St. · 706-850-7356

SPECIAL OCCASION

MEAL FOR A DEAL

WINNER

The National 232 W. Hancock Ave. · 706-549-3450

Paloma Park 235 W. Washington St. · 706-850-7356

RUNNER UP

1073 S. Milledge Ave. · 706-546-7300

2230 Barnett Shoals Rd. · 706-549-5481 670 N. Milledge Ave. · 706-549-2894

Five & Ten CATERING WINNER

Marti’s at Midday 1280 Prince Ave. · 706-543-3541 RUNNER UP

Paloma Park

235 W. Washington St. · 706-850-7356

Taco Stand

KID-FRIENDLY LOCAL RESTAURANT WINNER

Ted’s Most Best 254 W. Washington St. · 706-543-1523 RUNNER UP

Cali-N-Tito’s

1427 S. Lumpkin St. · 706-227-9979 1245 Cedar Shoals Dr. · 706-355-7087

RUNNER UP

Seabear Oyster Bar

297 Prince Ave., Ste. 10 · 706-850-4367

BEER SELECTION WINNER

Hi-Lo Lounge 1354 Prince Ave. · 706-850-8561 RUNNER UP

Trappeze Pub

269 W. Washington St. · 706-543-8997

WINE SELECTION WINNER

The Lark Winespace 493 Prince Ave. · 706-850-5455 ➤ continued on next page

M A R C H 11, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

Athens Favorites

continued from p. 19

RUNNER UP

Bar Bruno

1664 S. Lumpkin St. · 770-215-9100

LOCAL CLOTHING BOUTIQUE: MASCULINE

UNIQUELY ATHENS STORE

WINNER

Kempt

175 N. Lumpkin St. · 706-850-1686

LOCAL BREWERY

RUNNER UP

WINNER

1005 Baxter St. · @motherlodeathens

Creature Comforts Brewery 271 W. Hancock Ave. · 706-410-1043 RUNNER UP

Athentic Brewing Company 108 Park Ave. · 706-206-2074

Mother Lode

PLACE TO BUY LOCAL ART AND HANDMADE GOODS WINNER

Indie South 470 Hawthorne Ave. · 706-850-0644

OUTDOOR BAR SPACE

RUNNER UP

WINNER

260 N. Jackson St. · 706-316-2067

Paloma Park 235 W. Washington St. · 706-850-7356 RUNNER UP

Creature Comforts Brewery 271 W. Hancock Ave. · 706-410-1043

PLACE TO PLAY GAMES WINNER

The Rook and Pawn 294 W. Washington St. · 706-543-5040 RUNNER UP

Wonderbar

240 E. Washington St. · @wonderbarwonderbar

UNIQUELY ATHENS BAR WINNER

Hidden Gem 625 Barber St., Ste. 140 · @hiddengemglobalhq RUNNER UP

Flicker Theatre & Bar

263 W. Washington St. · 706-546-0039

RETAIL SEX POSITIVE BUSINESS WINNER

Sexy Suz 4124 Atlanta Hwy. · 678-661-0700 RUNNER UP

Elations

4100 Lexington Rd. · 706-552-1492

STORE TO BUY GIFTS

Community

PLACE TO BUY CBD/HEMP PRODUCTS WINNER

Classic Citiva 2361 W. Broad St., Ste. 10 · 706-224-9505 2226 Barnett Shoals Road · 706-850-0308 RUNNER UP

Ghost Apothecary

1662 Lumpkin St. · 678-315-8635

THRIFT/VINTAGE STORE WINNER

Mother Lode 1005 Baxter St. · @motherlodeathens RUNNER UP

Dynamite Clothing

143 N. Jackson St. · 706-543-1243

PLACE TO BUY WINE WINNER

The Lark Winespace 493 Prince Ave. · 706-850-5455 RUNNER UP

Five Points Bottle Shop

1655 S. Lumpkin St. · 706-543-6989

PLACE TO BUY BEER WINNER

J’s Bottle Shop

Indie South 470 Hawthorne Ave. · 706-850-0644 RUNNER UP

Ghost Apothecary

1662 Lumpkin St. · 678-315-8635

MUSIC PERFORMANCE VENUE WINNER

40 Watt Club 285 W. Washington St. · 706-549-7871 RUNNER UP

Georgia Theatre

215 N. Lumpkin St. · 706-850-7670

INTIMATE MUSIC VENUE WINNER

Flicker Theater & Bar 263 W. Washington St. · 706-546-0039 RUNNER UP

Hendershot’s Coffee Bar 237 Prince Ave. · 706-353-3050

PETS & KIDS VET CLINIC WINNER

Boulevard Animal Hospital 298 Prince Ave. · 706-425-5099 RUNNER UP

Athens Animal Hospital 1400 N. Chase St. · 706-549-4320

PET GROOMER WINNER

Gameday Grooming 2095 S. Milledge Ave., Ste. B4 · 706-850-5364 RUNNER UP

Bark Dog Spa

1850 Epps Bridge Pkwy. #307 · 706-353-1065

1452 Prince Ave. · 706-353-8881 RUNNER UP

Five Points Bottle Shop

1655 S. Lumpkin St. · 706-543-6989 KAT WOOD

WINNER

Ghost Apothecary 1662 S. Lumpkin St. · 678–315-8635 RUNNER UP

Indie South

470 Hawthorne Ave. · 706-850-0644

STORE TO BUY HOME GOODS WINNER

Nest Gifts and Vintage 523 Prince Ave. · 706-765-7802 RUNNER UP

Ghost Apothecary

1662 Lumpkin St. · 678-315-8635

LOCAL CLOTHING BOUTIQUE: FEMININE WINNER

Community 260 N. Jackson St. · 706-316-2067 RUNNER UP

Cheeky Peach

160 W. Clayton St. · 706-353-1322

R & R Secret Flowers WINNER FAVORITE FLORIST

F L A GP OL E .C OM · M A R C H 11, 2026

JASON THRASHER

PET BOARDING/SITTING SERVICE

SUMMER CAMP

PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO

WINNER

Pawtropolis 130 Whitetail Way · 706-227-7887 670 Olympic Dr. · 706-850-8744 RUNNER UP

Four Seasons Pet Resort 5978 Nowhere Rd. · 706-353-7497

PLACE TO SHOP FOR KIDS WINNER

Treehouse Kid and Craft 585 Barber St., Studio G · 706-850-8226 RUNNER UP

Reblossom Mama and Baby Center 625 Barber St., Ste. 160 · 706-549-8900

KIDS’ CLASSES: MOVEMENT WINNER

Canopy Studio 160 Tracy St. · 706-549-8501 RUNNER UP

The Studio Athens

160 Tracy St., #8 · 706-850-0446

KIDS’ CLASSES: CREATIVE WINNER

Treehouse Kid and Craft 585 Barber St., Studio G · 706-850-8226 RUNNER UP

Fox Den Third Space

160 Tracy St., Unit 9 · foxdenthirdspace.com

Canopy Studio 160 Tracy St. · 706-549-8501 RUNNER UP

YMCA

915 Hawthorne Ave. · 706-543-6596

SERVICES ECO-FRIENDLY SERVICES WINNER

CHaRM

1005 College Ave. · 706-613-3512 RUNNER UP

Athens E Bikes

athens-e-bikes.com · 706-614-4772

ECO-FRIENDLY PRACTICES WINNER

Maepole 1021 N. Chase St. · 706-850-3600 1850 Epps Bridge Pkwy. · 706-510-3133 RUNNER UP

Community

260 N. Jackson St. · 706-316-2067

HOTEL WINNER

Hotel Indigo 500 College Ave. · 706-546-0430 RUNNER UP

Rivet House

355 Oneta St. · 762-316-1818

Thrasher Photo and Design www.thrasherphoto.com · 706-380-7778 RUNNER UP

The Lightroom

355 Oneta St., Ste. D500B · 347-238-0251

FLORIST WINNER

R & R Secret Flowers 919 N. Chase St. · 706-389-0446 RUNNER UP

Flowerland

823 Prince Ave. · 706-549-1884

HAIR SALON WINNER

Washington Square Studio 253 W. Washington St. · 706-395-6633 RUNNER UP • TIE

Republic Salon

312 E. Broad St. · 706-208-5222

Wild Moon Studio

468 N. Milledge Ave., Ste. 102B · 706-850-9453

STYLIST WINNER

John-Presley Orvin at Wild Moon Studio 468 N. Milledge Ave., Ste. 102B · 706-850-9453 RUNNER UP

Brandi Deleshaw at Washington Square Studio 253 W. Washington St. · 706-395-6633

➤ continued on next page

M A R C H 11, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

Athens Favorites

continued from p. 21

ALTERNATIVE HEALTH TREATMENT WINNER

Thrive Integrative Medicine 2080 Prince Ave. · 706-850-2000 RUNNER UP

The Hormone Midwife

740 Prince Ave., Ste. 12B · 706-240-9007

MASSAGE THERAPIST WINNER

Jeannie Bennett at Ritual Day Spa 468 N. Milledge Ave., Ste. 101 · 706-850-1920 RUNNER UP

Emily Kneubuhler at Ritual Day Spa 468 N. Milledge Ave., Ste. 101 · 706-850-1920

RECORDING STUDIO WINNER

Chase Park Transduction 160 Winston Dr. · 706-227-0680 RUNNER UP

The Glow Recording Studio

www.theglowrecordingstudio.com · 706-347-3323

TATTOO STUDIO WINNER

Pink Goblin 160 Tracy St., Ste. 10 · www.pinkgoblintattoo.com RUNNER UP

Tomorrow Tattoo

ADULT CLASSES: MOVEMENT

WINNER

Satisfactory Screenprinting & Design 810 W. Broad St. · 706-543-7081 RUNNER UP

Ruby Sue Graphics

532 Newton Bridge Rd. · 706-613-0028

SPA WINNER

Urban Sanctuary 810 N. Chase St. · 706-613-3947 1348 Jordan Dr. · 762-310-0300 RUNNER UP

Ritual Spa

468 N. Milledge Ave., Ste. 101 · 706-850-1920

M3 Yoga 1260 S. Milledge Ave., Ste. E · 706-214-2232 175 Tracy St., Building D · 706-214-2232 RUNNER UP

Pure Barre Athens

191 Alps Rd. · 706-850-4000

ADULT CLASSES: CREATIVE WINNER

Good Dirt 485 Macon Hwy. · 706-355-3161 RUNNER UP

K. A. Artist Shop

127 N. Jackson St. · 706-850-1224

FITNESS INSTRUCTOR

CAR REPAIR SHOP

WINNER

Collyn Sackett at Pure Barre Athens 191 Alps Rd., Ste. 17 · 706-850-4000 RUNNER UP

Chloe Lacasse at M3 Yoga

1260 S. Milledge Ave., Ste. E · 706-214-2232 175 Tracy St., Building D · 706-214-2232

PLACE TO GET FIT WINNER

Pure Barre Athens 191 Alps Rd. · 706-850-4000 RUNNER UP

M3 Yoga

1260 S. Milledge Ave., Ste. E · 706-214-2232 175 Tracy St., Building D · 706-214-2232

Five Star Automotive 605 Macon Hwy. · 706-549-1315 RUNNER UP

Hawthorne Automotive

475 Hawthorne Ave. · 706-548-4943

CAR DEALERSHIP WINNER

Heyward Allen Toyota 2910 Atlanta Hwy. · 706-433-0433 RUNNER UP

Phil Hughes Honda

3200 Atlanta Hwy. · 706-247-7005

JASON THRASHER

1687 S. Lumpkin St. · 706-240-0062

SCREEN PRINTER

F L A GP OL E .C OM · M A R C H 11, 2026

KAT WOOD

COMMUNITY INVOLVED BUSINESS WINNER • TIE

Athentic Brewery Co. 108 Park Ave. · 706-206-2074

Creature Comforts Brewery 271 W. Hancock Ave. · 706-410-1043 RUNNER UP

Hendershot’s Coffee Bar

237 Prince Ave. · www.hendershotsathens.com

STUFF AROUND TOWN PLACE TO SEE LOCAL ART WINNER

Nuci’s Space WINNER FAVORITE NON-PROFIT

Lyndon House Arts Center 211 Hoyt St. · 706-613-3623 RUNNER UP

Flicker Theatre & Bar

263 W. Washington St. · 706-546-0039

PLUMBER

LAWYER/LAW PRACTICE

WINNER

Carson Plumbing 259 Wynburn Ave. · 706-548-3397 RUNNER UP

Plumber Pro Service and Drain www.plumberproservice.com · 706-769-7761

Massey Law 1374 S. Milledge Ave. · 706-995-6942 RUNNER UP

Hebbard Law

320 E. Clayton St., Ste. 500 · www.hebbardlaw.com

ELECTRICIAN

BANK

WINNER

Blue Moon Electric www.bluemoonelectricathens.com · 678-907-5945

Synovus Bank 150 W. Hancock Ave. · 706-357-7000

RUNNER UP

www.powerloadelectric.com · 706-248-9959

300 College Ave. · 706-354-5000

Powerload Electric

First American Bank and Trust

HVAC

REALTOR

WINNER

Stanfield Air Systems 1130 Mitchell Bridge Rd. · 706-549-4767

Cord Sibilsky 675 Pulaski St., Ste. 1100 · 706-363-0803

RUNNER UP

140 Ben Burton Rd. · 706-548-1328

940 Prince Ave., Ste. C · 229-869-5734

Stiles Heating, Cooling and Plumbing

Jarrett Martin

NON-PROFIT WINNER

Nuçi’s Space 396 Oconee St. · 706-227-1515 RUNNER UP

Project Safe

www.project-safe.org · 706-549-0922

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE WINNER

Books for Keeps www.booksforkeeps.org RUNNER UP

Athens Area Humane Society 1030 Mitchell Bridge Rd. · 706-769-9155

EVENT WINNER

Wild Rumpus www.wildrumpus.org RUNNER UP

AthFest Music and Arts Festival www.athfest.com

cocktails wine beer vibes normaltown

1320 PRINCE AVE.

EST. 2013

M A R C H 11, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

OPEN LATE

We are so grateful to be Athens’ favorite shop for homegoods! Thank you from Natalie & Melisa at NEST! 523 Prince Ave Follow us on IG @NestAthens

F L A GP OL E .C OM · M A R C H 11, 2026

arts & culture

calendar picks

EVENT | THU, MAR. 12

The Long Table

Special Collections Libraries • 6 p.m. • $25

Four cookbook authors will hold a conversation about how food connects to our collective history for The Long Table: Southern Cooking, Memory, and Meaning. The first among these authors is Athens native Nicole A. Taylor, a James Beard Award- nominated food writer, home cook, editor, consultant and producer whom Brooklyn Magazine named as one of its 100 influential people in Brooklyn culture. Next is Virginia Willis, a James Beard Award-winning cookbook author, chef, content creator and motivational speaker who founded the lifestyle brand Good and Good for You. Third is Rebecca Lang, a food writer, cooking instructor and television personality born and raised in South Georgia whose work has been featured in Southern Living, The Wall Street Journal, Martha Stewart Living and more. The final author is Valerie Frey, a writer and archivist who focuses on personal writing, local history and folklife. After the discussion, guests will enjoy a selection of refreshments made from the four authors’ recipes. The event will be held in Room 285. [Mary Beth Bryan] MUSIC | MAR. 12–14

Cracker Camp-In

40 Watt Club • 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show) • $30–150

Seminal alternative rock band Cracker is hosting its 12th annual Camp-In, which includes three days of performances from members of the band along with special guests. Mar. 12 will feature a song swap with Cracker cofounders David Lowery and Johnny Hickman. Kevn Kinney of Drivin N Cryin and San Francisco-based indie musician Megan Slankard will join. On Mar. 13, Lowery and Greg Lisher will perform the Cracker songs of Camper Van Beethoven, the other band for which Lowery is the frontman. Folk-rock band Cicada Rhythm will open the show. 40 Watt will also host a discussion between Lowery and Producer Dennis Herring on the making of Cracker’s 1996 album The Golden Age and Camper Van Beethoven’s Key Lime Pie and Our Beloved Revolutionary Sweetheart at 2:30 p.m. Finally, on Mar. 14 Cracker will play The Golden Age in full with support from Southern psych-rock musician Thayer Sarrano. Johnny Hickman will also hold a meet and greet and solo performance that afternoon at Hendershot’s exclusively for three-day passholders. The three-day pass also includes all three shows and a signed poster. [MB] MUSIC | FRI, MAR. 13

Thunderchief

Ciné • 8 p.m. (doors) • $12

After a very long absence in the scene, Athens heavy rockers Thunderchief will make their return on the not unlucky

Friday, Mar. 13. Drawing on garage and punk rock with ’70s hard rock influences, original members Ben Bone and Tyler Embler have recruited Nate Lumbra and David Gregory to resurrect the project that began in 2004. Thunderchief’s last show was over a decade ago, and its 2014 album release Pizza Party is available online at thunderchiefrocks.bandcamp.com for those who want to get a feel for what they’ve been missing all these years. Supporting Thunderchief will be punk bands Music Hates You and Cactus Jackson. [Sam Lipkin] EVENT | SAT, MAR. 14

St. Patrick’s Day Festival Downtown Athens • 12–9 p.m. • FREE!

Athens’ annual St. Patrick’s Day Festival will take over East Clayton Street this Saturday with a celebration of music, community and Irish culture. Returning after its inaugural year, which brought in 8,000 attendees, the festival aims to add a Southern flair to its cultural celebration. In addition to a variety of regional entertainment acts and traditional Irish performers, the event will feature live music from Logan Crosby, Taylor Hunnicutt and Grandville. There will also be plenty to eat and drink, including a BBQ Zone, food trucks and the festival’s signature pub crawl, which is separately ticketed. Local vendors will be lining the street to sell their wares, as well. A large part of the festival’s mission is veteran support, so a portion of event proceeds will benefit United Service Organizations and the Community First Project. [MB]

Thank You, Athens! Indie South Celebrates

TEN YEARS

of Being Your Favorite! Favorite Place to Buy Local + Handmade Favorite Uniquely Athens Store Runner Up Favorite Place to Buy Gifts

Visit our shop at 470 Hawthorne Ave Open Tuesday-Saturday 11-6 Sundays 12-4

Thoughtful Gifts

Vintage Finds

Independent Brands

Shop Online & Upcoming Events www.theindiesouth.com Follow Us @theindiesouth

Building Community Since 2006

MUSIC | TUE, MAR. 17

Fawney Rig

Hendershot’s • 7 p.m. • $10 (adv.), $15

It wouldn’t be St. Patrick’s Day in Athens without Fawney Rig. The local Irish folk-rock band, named for the Irish term meaning a common fraud, will bring its selection of Celtic classics, jigs, ballads and rock songs to the stage to celebrate the holiday. The project features vocalists Claire Campbell (Hope For Agoldensummer) and Nathan Peters (Beat Up) with backing from David Hecht, MikiLu Peters, Kevin Sims and Dan Whitman on traditional Irish instruments. According to the band’s press release, “If The Pogues had a baby with The Clancy Brothers… Well, lad, that’s Fawney Rig!” Lyric sheets will be provided to the audience so they can join the performers in song. Leading up to this show, you can also catch Fawney Rig at Wire Park on Mar. 13 and Front Porch Bookstore on Mar. 14. [MB] f

M A R C H 11, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

THANK YOU, ATHENS!

MUSIC QUARTETS BY BRAHMS AND MOZART MONDAY, MARCH 23 at 7:30 p.m. Ramsey Concert Hall. FOR TICKETS:

Closing out the season of Faculty Chamber Ensembles are four of our UGA string and piano faculty presenting an evening of piano

quartets by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and $15 - Adults $3 UGA students Johannes Brahms. Pictured clockwise from

music.uga.edu 706-542-4400

top: Shakhida Azimkhodjaeva, viola; Levon

Ambartsumian, violin; James Kim, cello; and Alan Woo, piano.

FAVORITE PLACE TO BUY BEER We are commited to remaining Athens’ #1 spot to buy beer, spirits, and wine! It's always five o'clock at J's Bottle Shop Open 7-Days a Week

THURSDAY, MARCH 26 at 7:30 p.m. UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA SYMPHONY Hodgson Concert Hall. FOR TICKETS: ORCHESTRA “FAN FAVORITES” The upcoming “Fan Favorites” program

$15 - Adults includes Scheherazade, Op. 35, a symphonic $3 UGA students suite composed by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov music.uga.edu 706-542-4400 Monday, October 20

www.jsbottleshop.com

@jsbottleshop

in 1888 and based on One Thousand and One Nights. Come join us for a beautiful night and see if we picked your favorite piece!

UPCOMING FREE PERFORMANCES FACULTY ARTIST SERIES DANIEL BOLSHOY, GUITAR TUESDAY, MAR. 17 at 7:30 p.m. Ramsey Concert Hall

UGA CONCERT BAND & UGA UNIVERSITY BAND

PROUD TO BE ATHENS’ SECOND FAVORITE ELECTRICIAN! ELECTRICIANS SERVICING THE ATHENS AREA RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL 706.248.9959

office@powerloadelectric.com

F L A GP OL E .C OM · M A R C H 11, 2026

WEDNESDAY, MAR. 18 at 7:30 p.m. Hodgson Concert Hall

“LOVE AND LOSS” UGA REPERTORY SINGERS FRIDAY, MAR. 20 at 3:30 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.

Explore the arts. KNOW YOUR WORLD.

music

threats & promises

Howdy, Fellow Traveler Releases Demos PLUS, MORE MUSIC NEWS AND GOSSIP

By Gordon Lamb threatsandpromises@flagpole.com THE DAY THE COUNTRY DIED: The four-song debut EP by Arms Dealer, Mutually Assured Destruction, came out right at the end of February. It’s available as a digital download and cassette tape, but the digital product has all the songs together on one track. The whole thing runs less than four minutes, though, so who cares? While it’s far from the first band in town to explore this particular type of anarcho-peace punk sound, it is particularly adept at channeling a lot of Aus Rotten/Behind Enemy Lines energy throughout this. There’s no need to break this down by song, so just go find it at hard tackk.bandcamp.com. OUR MAN IN TEXAS: For the first time in several years, not counting pandemic-era cancellations, I am not on the ground in Austin, TX for South By Southwest. And that’s a bummer to be sure but, that said, our man behind the lens Mike White is. So be sure to check flagpole.com regularly this week (and beyond!) for his photos covering this annual event. Check out his archives and ongoing concerns as well at deadlydesigns. com.

years crafting his sound and, for the unfamiliar, the most basic entry point would probably be backpack-era hip-hop studio experimentation. He expands way beyond this, but as a recognizable place to start that’s as good as any. Get up to speed before the show at spacebrother.bandcamp.com. LISTEN, THE SNOW IS FALLING: The very recently released, and recorded, Snow Day Demos by Howdy, Fellow Traveler is just lovely. Recorded during our recent ice storm, these four songs have their roots in American Folk, but also possess an indie bent à la Galaxie 500. That said, this is a lot more bare than anything that band ever released. That makes sense because these are demos but, in any case, they still come across as less deliberately made for an audience. The songs are compositions of Isaac Johnson and are recorded with a sense of slight desolation. Particular highlights here are “Bird Song” and “Do You Still Think Of Me?” Find this at howdy fellowtraveler.band camp.com.

SHININ’ OUT: There’s a lot of fairly recent music from hyperpop artist Blaire World out there to RELATED: The Athens talk about, but I’m In Austin party/ going to focus for official showcase at now on the Glitter SXSW this year, prePony EP that came sented by Echo Base out a handful of and Super Canoe, weeks ago. This isn’t happens at the straight up hyperpop, Continental Club though, and mixes in (1315 S. Congress some trap influences Howdy, Fellow Traveler Ave.) Tuesday, Mar. (mainly percussion) 17. Music is slated but not across the to begin at 8 p.m., but I absolutely promise board. This is the kind of thing you either you that what you’re going to want to do discover on your own or go up to the DJ is show up early, pick a spot to stand, and booth and ask the selector what’s spinning. defend it with your life. Texas audiences Nothing here is super frenetic in the way do not like to move for anyone. Featured hyperpop is generally, and necessarily, catartists, in order of appearance, are Spencer egorized, but it’s all close enough to stand Thomas, Bea Porges, Elijah Johnston, Wim under the same umbrella. Find it at blaire Tapley & The Cannons, The Pink Stones, world.bandcamp.com. Johnny Falloon and The Gringos. As a speGET TOGETHER: A new three-track collabcial treat, Mayor Kelly Girtz is the master of ceremonies. Since this is an official SXSW oration between experimental players and composers Colin Bragg (bass, guitar showcase, badges and wristbands will be and synth) and Killick Hinds (strings prioritized, but if there’s any room left, and computer) is out now and named you can probably pay a cover charge for Multitudinous Delights. In the record notes entry. Last year it was $20. Bookmark athKillick mentions that the pair recorded a ensinaustin.com to easily retain the above lot more music during this session, but information. that he boiled it down to these three tracks. LADIES & GENTLEMEN: Space Brother will play While each track is lengthy, the centerpiece, live again for the first time in a while on “Self Event,” certainly deserves its spot. Sunday, Mar. 15 at ATHICA. Also on the bill This piece runs nearly 22-minutes long are Goddess Complex, Salmon Tubes and and traverses a few different movements, Tennessee’s Spirit Iron Knife. It’s pretty but retains what sounds like a looping meaningless to mention this, but this whole background throughout. This same sound bill is so Go Bar-reminiscent it’s not even is found on the final track, “Sophisticated funny. The suggested donation is $10, and & Wispy,” as well. My best advice is just the show reportedly will start at 7 p.m., don’t run through this. Sit with it, and give but feel free to give yourself a little wiggle it some time. Find it at killick.bandcamp. room. Space Brother has spent years upon com. f

Experienced, Compassionate Care

Now Offering Eco-Friendly Green Burials 706-543-1076 • ATHENSMEMORYGARDENS.COM

M A R C H 11, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

live music calendar Tuesday 10

Wednesday 11 40 Watt Club 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $33 (adv.), $38. www.40watt.com GARY NUMAN English musician who entered the music industry as frontman of the new wave band Tubeway Army and reached peak popularity in the ’70s and ’80s, maintaining a strong cult following ever since. Athentic Brewing Co. 7–10 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com KARAOKE WITH DJ GREGORY Second and fourth Wednesdays. Ciné 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $12. www.athenscine.com YOUR EX’S PETS Haunting, groovy, soft-loud songs with rich vocal harmonies and layered arrangements. MIRACLE HOUSE Collaborative project of Marcel Sletten and Oliver Domingo. BABYBABY_EXPLORES Art rock project from Providence, RI playing danceable songs that pay homage to musique concrète, European underground synth punk of the late ’70s through the ’80s, anthem music, dada and the Providence DIY & noise scene. Creature Comforts Brewery Athens Farmers Market. 5–8 p.m. FREE! www.athensfarmersmarket. net THE HUMDINGERS Acoustic interpretations of pop and soul. Flicker Theatre & Bar 9 p.m. FREE! www.flickertheatreand bar.com DR. FRED’S KARAOKE Featuring a large assortment of pop, rock, indie and more. Hendershot’s 7 p.m. (sign-ups). FREE! www.hendershotsathens.com BEATS, RHYMES AND LIFE OPEN MIC Emcees, poets, rappers and freestylers of all styles are invited to perform with the backing band playing the tempo of their choice.

Nowhere Bar 9:30 p.m. www.instagram.com/ nowherebarathensga LUNAR GETAWAY Post punk/ garage rock band that started in LA and is currently based out of Atlanta. UDDER Heavy rock/proto grunge band that played in Athens primarily between 1990 and 1992.

Friday 13 40 Watt Club Cracker Camp-In #12. 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $30, $150 (3-day pass). www.40watt.com DAVID LOWERY, GREG LISHER AND FRIENDS The frontman of Cracker plays songs from his other band, Camper Van Beethoven, alongside CVB’s guitarist and other special guests.

Flicker Theatre & Bar D. Striker’s RR #50 Zine Release Party. 7 p.m. $13. www.flicker theatreandbar.com CLAY LEVERETT Musician blending rock and roll and honky tonk. JASON CRAWFORD Rock musician with Athens roots who currently lives in Las Vegas. ANNIE NEELEY Artist from West Virginia who lets her deeply expressive voice tell the story of the places she calls home. LEW CARD Songwriter telling stories from East Tennessee to Austin. Live Wire Aubrey Entertainment Presents: Perpetual Groove Afterparty. 9 p.m. (doors), 10 p.m. (show). $15 (adv.), $20. bit.ly/PerpetualGrooveAfterPartyMarch13 THE CORE An all-star band of Georgia musicians brings back

funk, jazzy improvisation, indie rock and synth loops. 25th anniversary celebration! Wire Park 6–9 p.m. www.facebook.com/wirepark FAWNEY RIG Irish folk-rock project featuring vocals by Claire Campbell (Hope For Agoldensummer) and Nathan Peters (Beat Up) backed by friends to play Celtic classics, foot-stomping jigs, sweet ballads and even a few rockers.

Saturday 14 40 Watt Club Cracker Camp-In #12. 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $30, $150 (3-day pass). www.40watt.com CRACKER Acclaimed alt-rock group that has explored many genres and sounds over its

BOBBY MCMAHON)

Hendershot’s No Phone Party. 7 p.m. www.hendershotsathens.com KENOSHA KID The brainchild of guitarist Dan Nettles performs two sets of adventurous new music each week from his ever-expanding catalog that exists “somewhere in the Schrödinger’s nexus of jazz, post-rock and improvised music.” Nowhere Bar 8 p.m. www.instagram.com/nowhere barathensga DD ISLAND Psych-infused, twangy folk rockers from Brooklyn. HONEYPUPPY Four-piece indie rock band self-described as a "menace to society." DERBY Corporate music for business bugs. BALACLAVA NYC trash rock. Ramsey Hall 7:30 p.m. $84 (discount w/ UGA ID). pac.uga.edu SÉRGIO AND ODAIR ASSAD Brazil-born brothers and guitarists whose performances feature a compelling blend of musical styles, periods and cultures.

Nowhere Bar 9 p.m. $10. www.instagram.com/ nowherebarathensga REVERI3 Ethereal metal from Durham/Boone, NC. OXYSTAR Alternative and stoner metal mixed with shoegaze and space rock. VINDICTIVE MIND Alternative metal band from Gainesville. 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. The World Famous 9 p.m. $10. www.facebook.com/ theworldfamousathens MUZAK Paparazzi-dodging indie- rockers from Los Angeles, featuring the bassist from Ski Club. KARMA KAT Local band with sounds of rock, pop and funky jazz. They’ll rock your whiskers off! MAWSS Four-piece pride of the Louisville, KY indie-rock scene, PINKY DOWN Surfer-punk jam band from Athens.

Thursday 12 40 Watt Club Cracker Camp-In #12. 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $30, $150 (3-day pass). www.40watt.com SONG SWAP Cracker members David Lowery and Johnny Hickman join Kevn Kinney and Megan Slankard for a song swap. Athentic Brewing Co. 6–8:30 p.m. www.athenticbrewing. com DAVE FORKER & HIS CUSTOM CONCERN Originals and covers. Ciné 8 p.m. (doors), 9 p.m. (show). $10. www.athenscine.com REBECCA SKELTON Pop singer- songwriter. KARMA KAT Local band with sounds of rock, pop and funky jazz. They’ll rock your whiskers off! PONDGORL Athens-based artist Laila Li McCleery joins genre- bending friends in a band of beautiful, harmonious DIY glory. Dead Beat Club 8 p.m. $8. www.deadbeatathens.com SKIRR Jazzy post-rock band. WET MEADOWS Folky, botanical rock inspired by natural forms and rhythms. Flicker Theatre & Bar 8 p.m. (doors). $10. www.flicker theatreandbar.com FATAL ERROR Local punk rock band. CRITTER FRITTER Athens punk. VIOLENT VIOLET Loud and fun garage punk outfit. The Globe 7:30–10 p.m. www.facebook.com/ globe.athens MARY & THE HOT HOTTY-HOTS Hot jazz and swing band offering music from the 1910s, ’20s and ’30s. Hendershot’s 7:30–11 p.m. $7 (adv.), $10. www. hendershotsathens.com SABACHA DANCE SOCIAL DJ L.A. Darius leads a Latin dance party with salsa, bachata, merengue and cha-cha-cha. An hour-long lesson is followed by open dancing.

F L A GP OL E .C OM · M A R C H 11, 2026

Perpetual Groove is playing at the Rialto Club Mar. 13–14. CICADA RHYTHM Captivating Athens act playing melodic, roots- influenced folk-rock. Athentic Brewing Co. Aubrey Entertainment Presents. 6 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com 80S PROM DJ Gregory spins an evening of all your favorite ’80s hits, plus ’80s themed karaoke. Ciné 8 p.m. (doors). $12. www.athenscine. com THUNDERCHIEF Return of local heavy rock band. MUSIC HATES YOU Band that emerged from a sonic landscape thick with the humid air and the lingering echoes of punk rock rebellion in the grimy underbelly of Athens in 2001. CACTUS JACKSON Fast punk rock.

the energy of the legendary ’90s H.O.R.D.E. Festivals with songs from Widespread Panic, Dave Matthews Band, Phish, Blues Traveler, Big Head Todd & the Monsters, The Allman Brothers, Gov’t Mule and more. Nowhere Bar 9:30 p.m. www.instagram.com/ nowherebarathensga SCOTT LOW Rustic folk singer- songwriter whose music is inspired by jazz, punk and Southern rock. THE APPALACHIAN SON Classically trained undertaker. Rialto Club Aubrey Entertainment Presents. 6:30 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $14–235. www.facebook.com/ AubreyEntertainmentAthensGA PERPETUAL GROOVE Rock band formed in Savannah in 1997 that mixes traditional Southern rock,

decades-long career. Playing The Golden Age in full. THAYER SARRANO Hazy shoegaze-inspired songwriter whose sound is described as a "Southern-psych dreamland." Bishop Park Athens Farmers Market. 8 a.m.–12 p.m. FREE! www.athensfarmers market.net TOM CROSSAN Pop singer- songwriter with a diverse repertoire. (9 a.m.) Dead Beat Club 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $15. www.deadbeatathens.com SLOW RUNNER The Americana- adjacent project of Michael Flynn, who has toured with bands like The Avett Brothers and Built to Spill and had his songs featured in shows like Grey’s Anatomy and Shameless.

MOUNTAIN OF YOUTH Hunter Morris (Hunter Morris & Blue Blood, Gift Horse) leads a new band with Drew Beskin, Nick Robbins and Phillip Brantley. Downtown Athens St. Patrick's Day Festival. 12–9 p.m. FREE! www.instagram.com/ stpaddysathens LOGAN CROSBY Musician from Georgia whose goal is to bring the effortless, soulful sound back to country. TAYLOR HUNNICUTT Old school country singer-songwriter. GRANDVILLE Energized rock band inspired by that classic head- banging, guitar solo, rock and roll sound. Flicker Theatre & Bar Bitter Swede Presents. 8 p.m. (doors). $10. www.flickertheatreandbar.com JACK & JEALOUS Athens band formed by two brothers. PARKING GARAGE Self- proclaimed "salt rock" band from Athens, now with trumpets. THEM IN UNIFORM A spirited indie-rock trio formed by Georgia Tech students Madeline Simpson and Eli Scornik. Flying Squid Comedy 8 p.m. $5. flyingsquidcomedy.com PIXI3PUNCH Electronic project of Alex Chesna. DJ CHARLIEFLOWER Eclectic DJ into trance, ambient, synth pop, new wave, deep house and more. Front Porch Bookstore 6 p.m. FREE! Find Front Porch Bookstore on Facebook FAWNEY RIG Irish folk-rock project featuring vocals by Claire Campbell (Hope For Agoldensummer) and Nathan Peters (Beat Up) backed by friends to play Celtic classics, foot-stomping jigs, sweet ballads and even a few rockers. Georgia Theatre Rooftop 9 p.m. $13.93. www.georgiatheatre. com LATIN HOUSE NIGHT DJs spinning an all night dance party. Live Wire Aubrey Entertainment Presents: Perpetual Groove Afterparty. 9 p.m. (doors), 10 p.m. (show). $15 (adv.), $20. bit.ly/PerpetualGroove AfterPartyMarch14 FUNK YOU Octet that’s been blending vintage and modern sounds for over a decade. No. 3 Railroad Street 6 p.m. $10 suggested donation. www.3railroad.org THE LUCKY JONES Old school rockin’ rhythm and blues. Normal Bar 8 p.m. $10. www.instagram.com/ normal_bar_athens CANNON ROGERS Local alt- country songwriter drawing inspiration from the likes of Flannery O’Connor and Lucinda Williams. DAVID BARBE Local luminary and studio engineer who has played in the bands Mercyland and Sugar. Nowhere Bar 9:30 p.m. www.instagram.com/ nowherebarathensga BEGGAR WEEDS Three energetic punk country-blues bumpkins from Jacksonville, FL whose lone 1988 EP is called Sure Pants Alot, which features collaborators including Michael Stipe and Jim McKay. FRANKENFINGER Post-punk, indie, psychedelic trio from Florida founded by Kathy Denton, Drew Watson and Ron Matus.

Rialto Club Aubrey Entertainment Presents. 6:30 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $14–235. www.facebook.com/ AubreyEntertainmentAthensGA PERPETUAL GROOVE Rock band formed in Savannah in 1997 that mixes traditional Southern rock, funk, jazzy improvisation, indie rock and synth loops. 25th anniversary celebration! 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 ATHICA 7 p.m. $10. www.athica.org GODDESS COMPLEX Waves of synthesizer and vocals with drum machine pulse. Noise rug, not noise table. SALMON TUBES Athens electro- acoustic improvisational duo Jon Vogt and Kyle MacKinnel, transporting salmon upstream. SPIRIT IRON KNIFE Dynamic ambient music from Tennessee. SPACE BROTHER Electronic-and hip-hop-influenced producer. Comer Coffee Company 11:09 a.m. & 12:03 p.m. www.comer coffee.co WWAALL Exploratory ambient duo JoJo Glidewell and Dan Nettles welcoming crystalline accidents of sound, patient drift and the occasional polite malfunction. Dead Beat Club 6 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (show). www. deadbeatathens.com GOODHOST Energetic alternative group incorporating math rock elements. DAY ONE New alternative and folk rock project from Athens songwriter and multi-instrumentalist William Kissane, featuring Andrea Demarcus, Dan Nettles and Seth Hendershot. HORSEHELL Delicate, yet harsh indie-rock band based in Nashville, TN. JEUN Nashville-based alt rock/ dream pop band that delivers little worlds unique to each performance. The Globe 4–7 p.m. www.facebook.com/globe. athens TRADITIONAL IRISH SESSION Easy listening traditional Irish music. Hendershot’s Catalyst Collective Presents. 6 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (show). $10. www. hendershotsathens.com ATTICUS RONESS Atlanta-based power-pop artist and member of The Corduroy Blue known for his stage presence. THE WRAPS Rock-and-roll band based in Athens with a sleek, sparky sound that some might call vintage. Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall 7 p.m. $42–74 (discount w/ UGA ID). pac.uga.edu TENEBRAE Award-winning British choir that has achieved international acclaim for its interpretations of choral works ranging from the Renaissance to contemporary masterpieces to commissions of new music.

Monday 16 Normaltown Brewing Co. 6:30 p.m. (sign-ups), 7–9 p.m. (show). FREE! www.normaltown brewingco.com MONDAY FUNDAY FUNK JAM Will Shine hosts this open jam with

a house band made up of rotating local musicians.

Tuesday 17 Flicker Theatre & Bar UGA YSDA Presents. 8 p.m. (doors). $10 suggested donation (benefiting Athens Immigrant Rights Coalition). www.flickertheatreandbar.com LAS VELAS Local band driven by nostalgia. AIR BALL No info available. GOOSEHOSPITAL No Info available. Hendershot’s 7 p.m. (two sets). $10 (adv.), $12. www.hendershotsathens.com FAWNEY RIG Irish folk-rock project featuring vocals by Claire Campbell (Hope For Agoldensummer) and Nathan Peters (Beat Up) backed by friends to play Celtic classics, foot-stomping jigs, sweet ballads and even a few rockers. Ramsey Hall 7:30 p.m. FREE! music.uga.edu FACULTY ARTIST SERIES Featuring guitarist Daniel Bolshoy, who has performed as a soloist with over sixty orchestras internationally and across Canada. UGA Tate Student Center Live in the Lobby. 8 p.m. FREE! www. wuog.org VIOLENT VIOLET Loud and fun garage punk outfit.

Wednesday 18 Creature Comforts Brewery Athens Farmers Market. 5–8 p.m. FREE! www.athensfarmersmarket.net 38 STRINGS Multi-generational acoustic folk music with 38 strings between them. (6 p.m.) Flicker Theatre & Bar 9 p.m. FREE! www.flickertheatreand bar.com DR. FRED’S KARAOKE Featuring a large assortment of pop, rock, indie and more. Georgia Theatre 6:30 p.m. (doors), 7:30 p.m. (show). $38.94–283.23. www.georgia theatre.com ALY & AJ Pop rock sister duo that rose to fame in the 2000s with hits like "Potential Breakup Song" and "Like Woah." HAYDEN BLOUNT Next-gen outsider country artist performing raw and plainspoken songs. Georgia Theatre Rooftop 6:30 p.m. FREE! www.georgiatheatre. com LEIGHTON DAY Prolific Atlanta songwriter blurring the lines between musical genres. Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall 7:30 p.m. FREE! music.uga.edu CONCERT BAND Ensemble made up of UGA’s most talented non- music majors. UNIVERSITY BAND Open enrollment ensemble that provides fellowship and creative self- expression through large concert band performances. Nowhere Bar 8 p.m. www.instagram.com/nowhere barathensga HENRY JONES Blues musician from Tupelo, MS. GLORIA AND THE DOCTOR Blues singer Gloria Turrini and her band. 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. f

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Tuesday 10

event calendar

ART: Creative Aging Art Workshop (Georgia Museum of Art) Join teaching artist Toni Carlucci to discuss art in the galleries and to make art in the studio classroom. All skill levels welcome. Ages 55 & up. Registration required. 10 a.m. FREE! gmoa-tours@uga.edu CLASSES: Introduction to ChatGPT (ACC Library) Learn what ChatGPT is, how it works, and how it can be used in a writing and research. 10 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org COMEDY: Moms Unhinged (Morton Theatre) An evening of comedy about motherhood, dating, marriage and more with comedians Jené Suplee and Mandy Simonson with headliner Alyce Chan. 7 p.m. $22–37. www.mortontheatre.com GAMES: Lunch & Learn (Tyche’s Games) Bring your lunch and learn new games. 11:30 a.m. FREE! www. tychesgames.com GAMES: Rock ’n Roll Trivia (Athentic Brewing Co.) Test your trivia knowledge with host The Music Man. Second Tuesdays, 6 p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing.com GAMES: 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/shihtzunot trivia GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Akademia Brewing Co.) Test your general trivia knowledge with host

Garrett. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/classiccitytriviaco GAMES: UnPhiltered Trivia (Mellow Mushroom) Test your trivia knowledge with host Phil. 7 p.m. www. facebook.com/MellowMushroom Athens 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 11 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 EVENTS: The Athens Farmers Market (Creature Comforts Brewery) Markets offer fresh produce, flowers, eggs, meats, prepared foods, arts and crafts. Live music at 6 p.m. AFM double SNAP dollars spent. Wednesdays, 5–8 p.m. www. athensfarmersmarket.net FILM: Pachinko Pop (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Screening of the 1976 Japanese action drama film Machine Gun Dragon. 7 p.m. FREE! www. flickertheatreandbar.com GAMES: Shadowfist Power Lunch (Tyche’s Games) Drop in and play Shadowfist. All skill levels. 11:30 a.m. FREE! www.tychesgames.com GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (South Main Brewing) Test your general

art around town ATHICA (675 Pulaski St. Ste. 1200) “New in Town” features works from first year graduate students of the Lamar Dodd School of Art including sculpture, photography, jewelry, painting and video. Through Mar. 14. 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. • Prompting artists to create the “wildest bathrooms in Athens,” artists Amanda Burk and Elinor Saragoussi designed installations for the Athenaeum bathrooms. Burk’s installation is titled “Mars: a color study,” and Saragoussi’s is titled “threshold (true): finding comfort in hidden worlds.” 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. • In the Margie E. West Gallery are animations by Derek Larson titled “Très Mall, Episodes 1–8” that are inspired by the decay of American shopping malls. • 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. • The Spring 2026 Dodd Market takes place Mar. 20 at 11 a.m. with over 100 student works for sale. DONDERO’S KITCHEN (590 N. Milledge Ave.) Photography by Jennifer

F L A GP OL E .C OM · M A R C H 11, 2026

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 LECTURES & LIT: Criminal Binds Book Club (Avid Bookshop) Discuss the novel And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie with the group. 6:15 p.m. FREE! www. avidbookshop.com 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 like- minded individuals interested in topics related to expanded states of consciousness. 6 p.m. FREE! www. athenspsychedelicsociety.com PERFORMANCE: Swan Lake (The Classic Center) International Ballet Stars present this classic performance featuring hand-painted sets and over 200 custom-designed scenery elements. 6 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (show). $45–107. www. classiccenter.com SPORTS: Athens Rock Lobsters vs. Pee Dee IceCats (Akins Ford Arena) Cheer on the home team in this hockey match. 7 p.m. $28–50. www.classiccenter.com

Thursday 12

ART: Artist Talk (Winterville Cultural Center) Anita Eberhart-Shaw and Sarah Hubbard will talk about their artistic processes in the exhibitions currently on view. 5–7 p.m. FREE! www.wintervillecenter.com CLASSES: Home-Buying Workshop (Avid Bookshop) Realtor Brian Buffington will discuss the process, answer questions and sign a copy of his new home-buying guide. 6:15 p.m. $18. www.avidbookshop. com FILM: The Holy Mountain (Ciné) Screening of the film directed by Alejandro Jodorowsky with a live film history podcast hosted by Aaron Strand of Behind the Slate. 8 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 LECTURES & LIT: Queering the South (UGA Special Collections Library) Discussion on the effects of online publishing on Southern lesbian print cultures and the wider and more disbursed forms of queerness in the South. 4 p.m. tinyurl. com/8zxx6mfe LECTURES & LIT: The Long Table (UGA Special Collections Library) Established cookbook authors Nicole Taylor, Virginia Willis, Rebecca Lang and Valerie Frey will have a discussion followed by

Keene featuring the symbolism of gravestone art and cemetery monuments will be on display through March. 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. • “Shacks, Stories and Spirit: Beverly Buchanan’s Art of Home” is a concurrent exhibition with the Athenaeum 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. • 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. LYNDON HOUSE ARTS CENTER (211 Hoyt St.) The 51st Juried Exhibition will take place Mar. 19–May 16 featuring 130 works by 91 artists selected by Michelle Yun Mapplethorpe of the Katonah Museum of Art in New York. Opening reception Mar. 19, 5:30–7:30 p.m. • 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. Through Mar. 21. • In the North Gallery, “En mi mente” features charcoal and wax pastel works by Sebastian Granados. 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. Through May 8. MAGALLERY (125 W. Jefferson St., Madison) “Nature Mirrored in Silk” features a series of hand-painted silk wall hangings by Athens-based artist Margaret Agner through April 18. Opening reception Mar. 13, 6–8 p.m. 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.

curated refreshments and light eats. Registration required. 6 p.m. $25. libs.uga.edu LECTURES & LIT: Sound Studies Poetry Reading (work.shop) Featuring poetry by Jay Morris, Ellie Swensson and Julie R. Enszer in collaboration with the Queer Bibliography Symposium. 7–9 p.m. FREE! www.workshopathens.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

Friday 13 ART: Opening Reception (MAGallery) Artist Margaret Agner’s hand- painted silk wall hangings in the exhibition “Nature Mirrored in Silk” will be on view. 6–8 p.m. FREE! www.themadisonartistsguild.org EVENTS: 80s Prom (Athentic Brewing Co.) Travel back in time to another era and celebrate prom to the fullest in benefit of Athens Community Council on Aging. 6–11 p.m. FREE! www.accaging.org GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Oak House Distillery) Test your general trivia knowledge. Fridays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunot trivia 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 PERFORMANCE: Athens Showgirl Cabaret Fabulous Friday’s (Hendershot’s) A fabulous night of drag entertainment and special guests The Bombshells Dance FX. Ages 18 & up. 9 p.m. $5. www.athensshow girlcabaret.com

Saturday 14 CLASSES: Figure Drawing Open Studio (Georgia Museum of Art) Sketch from a model in this life- drawing workshop. Registration required. 2 p.m. FREE! gmoa- tours@uga.edu CLASSES: Bachata Lady StylingBachata Conexion Athens hosts a series of drop-in classes focused on lady styling techniques and body movement. 5 p.m. $10. www.bachataconexionathens.com COMEDY: The Funny Femmes Big Show (Marigold Auditorium for Arts and Culture) A showcase featuring some of Athens’ and Atlanta’s best female comedians. 8 p.m. $10. www.funnyfemmes.com EVENTS: The Athens Farmers Market (Bishop Park) Markets offer locally grown groceries and handmade goods with live music and children’s activities. AFM doubles SNAP dollars spent. Saturdays, 8 a.m.–12 p.m. www.athensfarmers market.net EVENTS: 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. www.facebook.com/RRFMAthens EVENTS: St. Patrick's Day Festival (Downtown Athens) Second annual celebration featuring live music, traditional performances, food trucks, vendors, kids activities and more. 12–9 p.m. FREE! www.instagram.com/stpaddysathens EVENTS: Renaissance Faire (Athentic Brewing Co.) Browse from a variety of vendors, and enjoy old world demonstrations and activities, music and more. 1–7 p.m. www. athenticbrewing.com

OCONEE CULTURAL ARTS FOUNDATION (34 School St., Watkinsville) In the Main Gallery, Youth Art Month showcases works from local Oconee school district students from Mar. 20 through Apr. 24. • In the Members Gallery, “Tiny Worlds” features miniature works by OCAF Member artists from Mar. 20 through Apr. 24. STATE BOTANICAL GARDEN OF GEORGIA (2450 S. Milledge Ave.) “Nature Escapes” features hyper-realistic watercolor works of nature by Athens- based artist Jackie Dorsey. Through Apr. 19. • “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. Changes quarterly. UGA SPECIAL COLLECTIONS LIBRARIES (300 S. Hull St.) “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. • “Fashioning the Classic Bride: The Life and Career of Anne Barge” features 33 dresses from the UGA alumna. Through July. • “Beyond the ’96 Games: Atlanta’s Olympic Legacy” features an original torch from the opening relay and other authentic memorabilia. Through October. UGA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER (230 River Rd.) In the Lobby Gallery on the mezzanine level outside Ramsey Concert Hall are large-scale paintings by Christopher Hocking with themes of pop culture, history, literature and more. 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. An Artist Talk will be held Mar. 12 at 5 p.m. 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 Firefly Trail photo contest winners will be displayed through Mar. 26.

EVENTS: Flight of the Fireflies Lantern Parade (Dudley Park) The community is invited to light up the winding paths to Dudley Park together with lanterns, flashlights or other light sources. 7 p.m. FREE! www.accgov.com/ lanternparade FILM: Athens in Our Lifetimes (Ciné) Screening of the documentary examining the evolution of the personality of Athens as a community over the past six decades. Fundraiser for Ciné. 2:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenscine.com GAMES: Day of Board Game Demonstrations (Tyche’s Games) Try new games and watch how they’re played. 12 p.m. FREE! www. tychesgames.com PERFORMANCE: High Tea: Drag Show (Athentic Brewing Co.) Mary Jane hosts a fabulous and hilarious night of drag entertainment. 9 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com SPORTS: Hacky Sack Athens Inaugural Jam 2026 (UGA Intramural Fields) All skill levels are welcome to join in a variety of hacky sack play that coincides with the Team USA’s Training Camp. 2–7:30 p.m. FREE! Find Hacky Sack Athens on Facebook SPORTS: Athens Rock Lobsters vs. Twin City Thunderbirds (Akins Ford Arena) Cheer on the home team in this hockey match. 7 p.m. $28.25–50. www.classiccenter.com

Sunday 15 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: Wedding Expo (Athentic Brewing Co.) Meet with wedding florists, photographers, videographers, caterers and bakeries from around the Athens area. 2–6 p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing.com GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (The Globe) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Sundays, 6 p.m. www. instagram.com/baddogathens 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

SPORTS: Athens Rock Lobsters vs. Twin City Thunderbirds (Akins Ford Arena) Cheer on the home team in this hockey match. 4 p.m. $28.25–50. www.classic center.com

Monday 16

FILM: Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Screening of the 1992 psychological horror film directed by David Lynch. 8 p.m. FREE! www.flickertheatre andbar.com 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 trivia knowledge. Mondays, 7 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com 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 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 CLASSES: Microsoft Excel Part 1 (ACC Library) Learn how to enter, move, select and format data to create simple equations and charts. 10 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org 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 EVENTS: Community Health Fair (ACC Library) Healthcare professionals will provide various screenings, end of life care info, infection control info, nutrition counseling and more. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. FREE! catherine.gurak@stmarysathens. org.

collection. 5:30 p.m. $60. bot garden.uga.edu GAMES: Lunch & Learn (Tyche’s Games) Bring your lunch and learn new games. 11:30 a.m. FREE! www. tychesgames.com GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Amici at The Falls) Test your trivia knowledge with host Miles Bunch. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/ baddogathens

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: UnPhiltered Trivia (Mellow Mushroom) Test your trivia knowledge with host Phil. 7 p.m. www. facebook.com/MellowMushroom Athens 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 KIDSTUFF: Toddler Tuesday: Abstract Adventure (Georgia Museum of Art) Enjoy art and storytime in the galleries, then complete an art activity. Ages 18 months to 3 years. RSVP by email. 10 a.m. FREE! gmoa-tours@uga.edu 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 SPORTS: Athens Rock Lobsters vs. Monroe Moccasins (Akins Ford Arena) Cheer on the home team in this hockey match. 7 p.m. $28–50. www.classiccenter.com

Wednesday 18

Artist Margaret Agner’s hand-painted silk wall hangings are on view in the exhibition “Nature Mirrored in Silk” at MAGallery. An opening reception will be held on Friday, Mar. 13 from 6–8 p.m. EVENTS: St. Patrick’s Day Party (Athentic Brewing Co.) Enjoy live Celtic pub music, Irish dance performances, a new beer release and food trucks. 5–11 p.m. FREE! www. athenticbrewing.com EVENTS: Orchids and Chocolates (State Botanical Garden of Georgia) Enjoy a chocolate tasting and demonstrations about the cacao bean and orchids from the garden’s

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

COMEDY: Hendershot’s Comedy (Hendershot’s) Enjoy a lineup featuring comics from Athens and Atlanta as well as newcomers. Hosted by Noell Appling. Third Wednesdays, 8 p.m. www.hendershotsathens.com EVENTS: The Athens Farmers Market (Creature Comforts Brewery) Markets offer fresh produce, flowers, eggs, meats, prepared foods, arts and crafts. Live music at 6 p.m. AFM double SNAP dollars spent. Wednesdays, 5–8 p.m. www. athensfarmersmarket.net FILM: Children of Sin (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Screening of the 2022 horror film. 7 p.m. FREE! www. flickertheatreandbar.com GAMES: Shadowfist Power Lunch (Tyche’s Games) Drop in and play Shadowfist. All skill levels. 11:30 a.m. FREE! www.tychesgames.com

GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (South Main Brewing) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzu nottrivia GAMES: Magic The Gathering and Pokemon Meet-Up (Athentic Brewing Co.) Drop in to spend an evening playing games or matches. Third Wednesdays, 6–9 p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing.com 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 knowledge. Wednesdays, 8 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia LECTURES & LIT: Seed Starting (Clarke County Extension Office) Learn about summer seed starting techniques and suggestions during this Green Thumb Lecture. 6 p.m. FREE! extension.uga.edu

Down the Line 3/19 Yoga in the Galleries (Georgia Museum of Art) 3/19 Great Southland Stampede Rodeo (UGA Livestock Instructional Arena) 3/19 Do You Feel Anger? (Terrapin Beer Co.) 3/20 Great Southland Stampede Rodeo (UGA Livestock Instructional Arena) 3/20 Friday Night Initiative (Tyche’s Games) 3/20 Do You Feel Anger? (Terrapin Beer Co.) 3/21 The Athens Farmers Market (Bishop Park) 3/21 On Tyranny Book Study (Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Athens) 3/21 Great Southland Stampede Rodeo (UGA Livestock Instructional Arena) 3/21 Banff Mountain Film Festival (Morton Theatre) 3/21 Dancing with the Athens Stars (The Classic Center) 3/21 Do You Feel Anger? (Terrapin Beer Co.) 3/22 Georgia Questival (State Botanical Garden of Georgia) f

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Special Screening on Saturday, March 14 at 2:30 pm! Admission is free, but a reservation is required

ATHENS IN OUR LIFETIMES Recalling the evolution of our town over the last six decades

A Documentary Produced and Directed by Kathy Prescott and Grady Thrasher Filmed and Edited by Matt DeGennaro • Associate Producer Michelle Castleberry Presented by Sunnybank Films In Association with Suprislingly Professional Productions 2017 • www.suprislinglyprofessional.com For Showtimes go to www.athenscine.com

M A R C H 11, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

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 ads is FRIDAY at 10 a.m. for the following Wednesday issue. Email class@flagpole.com or call 706-549-0301.

Classifieds HELP WANTED (Part-Time) Join our growing team of well-paid, motivated, hardworking individuals. Junk South offers starting pay of $15/hr-$20/hr + Tips. Learn more about Junk South at www. junksouth.com and text us at 706424-4389. HELP WANTED (Seasonal) Summer Opportunity - Nationwide FF&E Installation. Hiring Project Manager w/starting pay of $300-$400/day. Online www.classiccityinstallation. com, email rnichols@classiccity installation.com or text/call 470866-8777. 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 (Instruction) Now offering electronic music lessons. Specializing in Ableton Live, VCV Rack, vintage synths, and modular systems. 706-495-6416 Instagram: @ microsoundathens MUSIC (Musicians Wanted) BAND: 20 yr. old male guitar player looks to form or join an alternative rock band. Check out my originals and DM me on IG @gmarkey2024

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 REAL ESTATE (ART STUDIO) Artist studio space for lease downtown. Not apartment. 159 North Jackson St. Approx. 400 s/f. Electricity/ water included. $400/mon. Contact Michael at 706-201-6058 or mginn2872@aol.com REAL ESTATE (Wanting to Rent) Retired single professional seeking long-term one BR guest house / ADU rental. Athens or adjacent cities. Non-smoker, no pets. Please call cell at 678-677-3144. 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! 706-395-5321 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 631903-4365. SERVICES (Support Group) Pet Loss and Grief Circle. A free in-person semi-monthly gathering to support

those grieving the loss of an animal companion. Visit AthensPetGrief Support.org 706-296-6893 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 ARTIST IN RESIDENCE PROGRAM (Lyndon House Arts Center) The AIR Program provides participants with a workspace, access and a stipend. www.accgov.com/lyndonhouse ATHENS CREATIVE DIRECTORY (Athens, GA) The ACD is a platform to connect creatives with patrons. www.athenscreatives.directory 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 ACTORS, ARTISTS & VENDORS (Hauntfest) Applications now open for artists, actors, per-

ADOPT ME!

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

Brix (60236011)

Meet Brix! This cutie is a German Shorthaired Pointer mix who loves playing fetch. He needs a little time to warm up to new environments, but once he does, he’s the sweetest companion.

Franny (59240552)

Franny’s foster parent says she is an absolute joy to have around. She’s very smart and does great with people. She’s also easygoing and content to spend all day on the couch.

Sandee (57607518)

Sandee is a total sweetheart! She loves running and playing with other dogs at the shelter and making the most of her time outside. Consider adopting or fostering Sandee today.

These pets and many others are available for adoption or foster at:

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

F L A GP OL E .C OM · M A R C H 11, 2026

formers and vendors for the fourth annual April Ghouls event. Deadline Apr. 8. Event April 11–12. www. hauntfest.net/vendor-info 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 ARTISTS (Circulating Stamp Project) Take part in an interactive experience to create a limited-edition postcard while visiting multiple art venues across separate participating venues including ATHICA, Georgia Museum of Art, Lyndon House Arts Center and Winterville Cultural Center Gallery. Through May 31. www.accgov.com/ lyndonhouse CALL FOR ARTISTS (Winterville Cultural Center Gallery) Now accepting submissions for Third Annual Juried Exhibit. Deadline Mar. 14 with notification of acceptance Mar. 25. $25–35 fee. Prizes for top three artists. Rules, regulations and submission form online. www.instagram.com/winterville centergallery CALL FOR ARTISTS, VENDORS & WORKSHOP INSTRUCTORS (Marigold Fiber Fest) Now accepting applications for instructors

to lead a variety of workshops centered around fiber crafts. Also accepting arts submissions, vendors and sponsors for this inaugural event. Deadline May 1. Event held Nov. 14. www.instagram.com/ marigoldfiberfest CALL FOR VENDORS (Foliage Festival, Jefferson) Applications now open for nature-centric artists, crafters and other vendors for annual outdoor festival. Deadline Mar. 13. Event held Mar. 21. www. jeffersonga.gov/382/Foliage- Festival, communications@city ofjeffersonga.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 COMMUNITY TOURS (Georgia Museum of Art) A variety of tours open to the public including “Student Perspectives” which runs Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays throughout the month. www.georgia museum.org LIFE DRAWING (Winterville Cultural Center, Winterville) Open studio for artists 18 & up to draw unclothed models. Male model Mar. 26. $20. Registration required. www. drawathens.org PUBLIC ART SELECTION PANELS (Athens, GA) The Athens Cultural Affairs Commission is seeking community members to participate in upcoming public art selection panels. www.accgov.com/9656/ Public-Art-Selection-Panels

Auditions OPEN AUDITIONS (Georgia Children’s Choir) GCC serves singers in grades 2–12. Auditions for placement across five ensembles currently available for all skill levels. www.georgiachildrenschorus. org/about/audition 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 SHE LOVES ME (Town & Gown Players) Seeking a variety of individuals for fast paced musical romcom. Auditions Apr. 13–14. Performances held June 5–14. www.townandgownplayers.org/ she-loves-me

Classes 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. outreach@canopystudio. org, 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 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) Sessions run Monday through Friday; training session required. Individuals under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. www.tidycal.com/animalservices volunteer ATHENS SKATEPARK PROJECT (Athens Skate Park) Seeking volunteers and community input. Third Sundays. www.athensskatepark project.org BRAS FOR A CAUSE (Grail Bra Specialists) Seeking donations of gently-used bras for distribution to local shelters, recovery centers and communities in need. 706-8500387 or support@grailbras.com DIAPER DONATIONS (Athens Area Diaper Bank) Diaper donations needed for local infants. All sizes and open packs/boxes are accepted. www.athensareadiaper bank.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. Available 24 hours. Located at ACC Animals Services, Memorial Park Dog Park and Southeast Clarke Park. Instructions provided at each location. MULTIPLE CHOICES VOLUNTEERS (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 BOARD MEMBERS (Athens Area Arts Council) The council is accepting applications from individuals who can commit to monthly meetings and have a passion for the arts. www.athensarts.org SEEKING BOARD MEMBERS (Bigger Vision of Athens) The nonprofit homeless shelter Bigger Vision of Athens, Inc. is seeking new members for its board of directors. the biggervisionshelter@gmail.com, www.bvoa.org/boardmember SEEKING BOARD MEMBERS (Moms Adopting Moms) Local nonprofit seeks board members, including a chair and treasurer, to support foster children and families through mentorship and reunification. momsadoptingmoms@ gmail.com

SEEKING COMMITTEE MEMBERS (CCSD) The Clarke-County School District is seeking additional members for the West Broad School Building committee. Ideal candidates would be interested in historic preservation. qrco.de/ wbroadbuilding 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 VOLUNTEERS (Meals on Wheels) Currently recruiting volunteers to deliver meals, engage in safety checks and more. eschley@ accaging.org 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 rags. 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 (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 through Apr. 27. Ages 8–11, 5:30 p.m. Ages 12–17, 6:30 p.m. $10. Registration required. www. accgovga.myrec.com/ SPRING & SUMMER CAMP (Canopy Studios) Registration for

a variety of day camp dates for grades K-12 is now available. www. canopystudio.org/class-schedule/ camps/ SUMMER CAMP (Nuçi’s Space) A production, engineering, mixing and live sound curriculum added to the two week summer Camp Amped sessions. Registration now open. Financial aid available. www.nuci. org/camp SUMMER CAMP (Athens Area Humane Society) Registration is now open for “Humane Heroes” and “Junior Vet” summer camps in June & July. Ages 6–14. www.athens humanesociety.org/summer-camp SUMMER PROGRAMS (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 FLAG FOOTBALL LEAGUE (ACCGov) Registration now open for ages 5 to 14 to learn about the sport, develop their flag football skills and learn social interaction skills. Season begins Mar. 16. www.accgovga.myrec.com

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 COMMUNITY RUNNING GROUPS (Athens Road Runners) Weekly community runs for all skill levels including “Speed Workout” (Wednesdays, 5:30 a.m.) and “Fun Runs” (Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. & Saturdays, 7:15 a.m.). www.athens roadrunners.org FRIDAY EVENTS (Multiplechoices Center for Independent Living) The organization hosts ongoing Friday gatherings. Tech discussions, support groups, movies and games. www.multiplechoices.us/ youre-invited FOL BOOK SALE (Madison County Library) Open to the public through Mar. 14 during regular library hours. All proceeds benefit the FOL. www.athenslibrary.org/madison 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 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 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

VACCINATION INFORMATION Protect them from serious diseases including: HPV Meningitis Tetanus

Whooping cough COVID-19

ATHENS AREA HEALTH DEPARTMENTS NortheastHealthDistrict.org

M A R C H 11, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

THANK YOU FOR VOTING FOR US!

The Cali-n-Tito’s family thanks you for your continued love and support & for keeping us a favorite in your hearts and in your bellies.

CEDAR SHOALS 706-355-7087 LUMPKIN 706-227-9979

CUBAN SANDWICH • TOSTONES • QUESADILLAS • TACOS • BURRITOS • LOMO S A LTA D O • W I N GS • E M PA N A DA S • S H A K E S • M A D U RO S •

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LOMO S A LTA D O • W I N GS • E M PA N A DA S • S H A K E S • M A D U RO S • CUBAN SANDWICH • TOSTONES • QUESADILLAS • TACOS • BURRITOS •

LOMO S A LTA D O • W I N GS • E M PA N A DA S • S H A K E S • M A D U RO S •

Thank you for voting us Athens’ Favorite Sushi! ••• •••

SUSHI • GRILL • LOUNGE ••• •••

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CUBAN SANDWICH • TOSTONES • QUESADILLAS • TACOS • BURRITOS •

ATHENS’ FAVORITE BRUNCH CASUAL & SOCIAL • BEER & WINE FAMILY FRIENDLY • NEW KIDS MENU Locally Sourced Goodness Everyday

THANK YOU, ATHENS, FOR VOTING FOR US! JRB I AD for Flagpole

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– WINNER – ATHENS’ FAVORITE DOWNHOME/SOUTHERN RESTAURANT

Thanks for voting us an Athens' Favorite!

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AND

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SUDOKU

Edited by Margie E. Burke

Difficulty: Medium

1 9

4 5 4

8 6 1 9

4 7

2 7 8 3 7 9 8 1 6 2

5 8 9 1

HOW TO SOLVE:

DID SOMEONE SAY Chicken and Chicken and Waffles Waffles FLAVORED LUBE? Coming right up.

Each row must contain the numbers 1 to 9; each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9; and each set of by 3 boxes must contain Week of33/9/26 - 3/15/26 the numbers 1 to 9.

The Weekly Crossword 1

by Margie E. Burke 9

24 Solution to Sudoku:

27 5 1 7 266 4 8 2 3 928 32 8 339 346 1 2 3 5 735 4 37 38 2 3 4 5 9 7 139 8 6 41 9 2 3 8 427 4 6 5 1 45 7 4 1 3 466 5 8 9 247 6 5 488 499 1 2 7 450 3 55 4 567 9 2 8 6 357 1 5 1 6 5 7 3 9 59 60 4 2 8 3 8 2 4 5 1 63 9 6 7 62

36 40 43

51 58

ACROSS 1 Highlands miss 5 Mosey along 10 Take for a ride 14 Bart's teacher 15 Asia's ___ Peninsula 16 Kind of wolf 17 Midday hour 18 Not up to snuff 20 Desert mount 22 Like a new candle 23 Part of a flower 24 Text, for instance 26 Indian royal 28 Aniston romcom, "Rumor ___ It...." 29 Luxurious resort 32 Bahamas island group 35 Bedtime drink 37 Comparable (to) 38 Figure of speech 40 Painter Magritte 41 Infatuated 43 Like old-time gasoline 45 Thanksgiving side 46 Aquatic shocker 47 Twosome 48 Mediocre

61 64 67

51 Anatomical cul-de-sac 55 Red Square figure 57 Posh city dwelling 59 Indiana city on the Ohio 61 Fingerboard ridge 62 DeSoto's "Emergency!" partner 63 Hubby's mom, for one 64 80s flick, "St. Elmo's ___" 65 Small bills 66 Pharaoh's land 67 Bratty talk DOWN 1 Gives for a bit 2 Really love 3 Rapping Dogg 4 Country within Italy 5 Encircled by 6 Bahrain's capital 7 Play loudly 8 Nobility title 9 Storm center 10 Hurled through the air 11 Joined

12 Virus prefix 13 It often has dashes 19 Put down 21 Get-up-and-go 25 In a wise way 27 Act nervous 30 Glazier's item 31 Made like 32 Pampered one? 33 Swedish furniture giant 34 Run poorly 35 Doze (off) 36 Compromises 39 Telling, as a story 42 Low double digits 44 Apiece 47 Turkey's wattle 49 Swings for Tarzan 50 "Holy smokes!" 52 Vatican tribunal 53 ___ manual 54 Distributes, with "out" 55 Toy with theme parks 56 Peters who played Dahmer 58 Pond denizen 60 Fight (for)

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

M A R C H 11, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM