OFFICE MANAGER & DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Jennifer Keene
CLASSIFIED ADS & CALENDAR COORDINATOR Jennifer Keene
AD DESIGNERS Chris McNeal, Cody Robinson
CONTRIBUTORS Erin France, Sofie Gratas, Gordon Lamb, Nate Mitchell, Alander Rocha, Ed Tant
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
Three people were shot and two killed in downtown Athens early morning on Saturday, Mar. 14. Mark Desousa, 22, of Jefferson,
Fiction
city dope Commission Forum
ELEVEN CANDIDATES SHARE THEIR VIEWS, AND MORE LOCAL NEWS
By Blake Aued news@flagpole.com
With immigration enforcement being a major issue both locally and nationally, candidates are often asked about whether they would cooperate with federal immigration authorities or resist them.
The answer has generally been something along the lines of: Athens- Clarke County should cooperate with ICE, but only to the extent required by law. District 9 challenger Tracy Smith made such a statement at a town hall meeting for commission candidates on Mar. 9 sponsored by the Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement. Incumbent Ovita Thornton’s response: “I do not support ICE, period.”
Bennie Coleman III, running in District 7, took the opposite tack. “Yes, I support ICE,” he said. “We’re crying about somebody who doesn’t live in this country, but don’t even support the people who live here.”
Coleman’s opponent for the open seat, lawyer Ed Tolley, said that federal agents should be better trained. He said he is the grandson of Mexican and Italian immigrants, so “I know about immigration.”
District 1 Commissioner Patrick Davenport emphasized that people have the right to protest a tyrannical government. His opponent, former sheriff’s deputy Terry Johnson, said that “every time ICE grabs somebody off the street [without a warrant], they ought to be arrested.”
With 11 candidates appearing—Craig Topple in District 5 did not attend because it was his wife’s birthday, and Barry Irwin in District 9 apparently was not invited— they were divided into two panels, and were not asked precisely the same questions. The format gave little room for nuance, as candidates had just 30 or 45 seconds to respond to queries.
In another noteworthy exchange, an audience member asked whether the ACC government should be audited to find out where the money is going. Rick Stanziale in District 5 was the only candidate who stated (correctly) that the county’s finances are already audited annually by an outside firm. No one mentioned that the mayor and commission have their own internal auditor, as well. Budget documents and dashboards breaking down spending are available at acc.gov—not an easy website to navigate, but they are there.
One of Stanziale’s opponents, Zander Mason, said his background as an accountant would put him in a good position to keep track of spending. Another, Kimberly Bennett, pointed to her 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, participation in the Partners for a Prosperous Athens anti-poverty initiative and service as a church trustee.
Mason said, when asked about qualifications, that he is part of a younger generation ready for leadership. “If Zander’s answer is age, mine is experience,” said Stanziale, who has served on advisory boards for transportation and zoning issues, echoing President Reagan’s famous retort to Walter Mondale in 1984.
“The cost of buying housing and the rent is too damn high in Athens, Georgia,” Mason declared. Stanziale, who is a real estate agent, offered up more housing development as a solution, arguing that more supply would bring down costs, and more development would allow the commission to lower the millage rate. He also endorsed a universal basic income. “What we’re doing isn’t working,” he said in regard to homelessness. Coleman reiterated his longtime advocacy for manufactured or modular homes.
The consensus around homelessness was to increase access to housing, tied to “wraparound services” involving job placement and mental health and substance abuse treatment.
Asked about “popular but unsustainable” budget items they would cut, District 3 candidate Tammy Foote called walking and biking trails “ridiculous” and “very unnecessary,” and said that money should be routed toward affordable housing. Incumbent Tiffany Taylor said the jail should be fully staffed and funded, although “I’m not saying lock everybody up.”
Johnson agreed with Davenport that “the environment” is an important issue ACC should do more to address. Coleman and Smith listed transparency and accountability. Thornton said the city charter gives the manager too much power.
As for their rationale for running, Smith and Foote stated that there has not been much change in their districts, without going into many specifics. Thornton defended her record of directing sales tax funding toward projects in Northeast Athens. Taylor said that she is a disruptive force on the commission in defense of her constituents. “Out of all the current commissioners, I probably cause the most conflict, because I know I’m not wrong,” Taylor said, even if that means being on the losing end of a 9–1 vote.
ACC May Start Building Housing
Traditionally, the Athens- Clarke County Housing and Community Development Department’s primary function has been to distribute federal grants for affordable housing and social services to local nonprofits. But now, it’s considering getting into the construction business.
Each spring, the county commission votes on a list of recipients for HOME affordable housing grants and Community Development Block Grants, which can be used for housing, economic development, infrastructure and social services in highpoverty Census tracts. Instead of awarding HOME funds to outside agencies this year, HCD is proposing to build housing itself.
“We’re not recommending funding for the four agencies that applied for HOME funding this year,” HCD Director Melinda Lord told commissioners at a Mar. 10 work session. “Rather, what we’re asking you to consider is allowing HCD to carry out demolition, new construction and down payment assistance for homebuyer units.
“Allow us to take a look at those Creekwood [Drive] duplexes that are sitting out there, falling apart, dilapidated,” she continued. “It’s more money to rehab those projects than to build two new units on that site.”
The county has owned those duplexes off Tallassee Road since 1993 and leased them to Advantage Behavioral Health Systems—a nonprofit that provides mental health and substance abuse treatment and services for the homeless—until 2018. They’ve been vacant for the past eight years. HCD is proposing to spend $600,000 from the HOME program to tear them down and build two new single- family homes, as well as to provide down payment assistance to the homebuyers.
“Are we prepared, administratively, to be a developer?” Commissioner Melissa Link asked, to which Lord replied, “Absolutely.”
Selling those houses would provide income for future projects and save on overhead costs, Lord said. It would also take the strain off affordable housing providers like Habitat for Humanity and the Athens Land Trust, which in some cases are already struggling with the capacity to spend a large influx of federal dollars from the Biden administration. Last month the commission decided against clawing back American Rescue Plan Act funding for five new houses on Hawthorne Avenue after ALT Executive Director Demetrius Jordan assured the commission they would be completed on time.
This year HCD also recommended splitting almost $600,000 from CDBG among Habitat, the ALT, Historic Athens and the Athens Housing Authority for affordable housing construction and home repairs. Other recipients would include the Georgia Conflict Center’s restorative justice program, the YWCO, homeless services provided by The Sparrow’s Nest, The Ark and Family Promise, and workforce training and small business development assistance provided by the East Athens Development Corp., Goodwill and the land trust. CDBG funding this year totals about $1.3 million.
The commission is also set to vote in May on redistributing about $2.5 million from the HOME- ARP program (one- time
funding from the Biden-era American Rescue Plan Act). Unlike other ARPA funding, which expires at the end of this year, recipients have until 2030 to finish HOMEARP projects. HCD is proposing to shift $1.3 million previously allocated for rental housing development into supportive services instead.
Behavioral Incidents Fall at CCSD
Fights and other misbehaviors in the Clarke County School District have been falling for two straight years now, administrators told the Board of Education Mar. 12, but school board members still had concerns about discipline.
Behavioral incidents reported to the state rose from 3,759 for the 2020-21 school year to 4,442 in 2023-24, then fell to 3,506 this school year. At the same time, fights and batteries fell from a peak of 438 to 304. There was also a corresponding drop in suspensions. All figures were from August through February, according to Interim Superintendent Jennifer Scott.
“The numbers are high, extremely high,” said BOE member Linda Davis, who asked what happened in 2023-24. That was the year CCSD began to implement restrictions on cellphone usage, Director of Student Services Jabari Cobb said. “Once that hit and kids started getting the message, you saw the trend [go] down,” he said.
Board member Tim Denson questioned why CCSD would not renew a contract with the Georgia Conflict Center to provide restorative justice training and instead use BASE modules, which are web-based videos. “I remember when I was in school, we had things like this… it didn’t help me,” Denson said. “What did help me was having a teacher look out for me, take me aside and talk to me.”
Cobb said that the BASE modules are on top of personal interactions, and that students have responded positively to them so far. “BASE doesn’t replace the restorative work,” he said.
Another board member, LaKeisha Gantt, told Cobb she wanted to keep track of various demographics and to measure the effectiveness of each type of intervention. f
More War
ATTACK ON IRAN IS ANOTHER REASON TO PROTEST
By Ed Tant news@flagpole.com
“It’s one- two- three, what are we fightin’ for?” was the musical question asked by singer Country Joe McDonald nearly 60 years ago. McDonald died at 84 on Mar. 7, but his rollicking musical satire of the Vietnam War has relevance today during American and Israeli warfare against Iran.
Singing with his 1960s-era San Francisco band, Country Joe and the Fish, Navy veteran McDonald brought mordant humor to protest songs with his “I Feel Like I’m Fixin’ to Die Rag,” a rambunctious and catchy tune that became an antiwar anthem with gallows humor, saying, “Whoopee! We’re all gonna die.”
After the U.S-backed Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi was dethroned, Iran became the Orwellian state that it is today. The Amnesty International human rights organization reports that in Iran, women, LGBTQ people and religious minorities are repressed by the regime, dissidents are jailed or killed, trials are rigged and punishments are harsh—including the death penalty. “Morality police” enforce draconian laws against Iranian women and thousands of protesters have been killed recently.
Iran’s regime is nightmarish, but Trump’s war is a nightmare for the Iranian people and for the rest of a war- weary world. Some
Today that song line is not as funny. Renewed war in the Middle East has millions of Americans on edge. Russia is aiding the repressive regime in Iran, and President Donald Trump has not ruled out the possibility of U.S. military “boots on the ground” in the region.
Trump has justified his Iran war by claiming, “If we didn’t hit within two weeks, they would have had a nuclear weapon.” In reality, Israel and not Iran remains the only nuclear-armed nation in the region.
Already several U.S. soldiers have died during the latest conflict with Iran. Trump showed up at the “dignified transfer” of their flag-draped coffins while wearing a baseball cap, a decidedly undignified and unpresidential look during such a solemn occasion.
Iran is indeed an authoritarian and theocratic regime, and bad blood between the U.S. and Iran goes back a long way. The Iranian hostage crisis of 1979, when 52 Americans were held hostage for 444 days in Iran, angered this nation and led to the defeat of President Jimmy Carter by Ronald Reagan in the 1980 election. Less remembered by Americans, but not forgotten by Iranians, is the 1953 coup by U.S. and British politicians, oil men and intelligence agencies that toppled a democratically elected Iranian leader, Mohammad Mossadegh, and replaced him with the autocratic shah and his dreaded SAVAK secret police. Mossadegh was imprisoned, and the shah ruled Iran with an iron fist until he was ousted in 1979.
Tord Gustavsen Trio
170 Iranians, mostly children, died in recent days when what was apparently a U.S. Tomahawk cruise missile struck a school. Trump tried to blame the incident on Iran instead of on an American misguided missile, but his words brought to mind a verse written by poet Allen Ginsberg in 1991: “How many we killed nobody wants to tell/ It’d give a lousy picture of a war they’ve got to sell.”
Trump is trying to sell war abroad and authoritarianism at home, but millions of Americans aren’t buying his sales pitch. Coming up on Mar. 28, a third round of “No Kings” protests will enliven cities, towns, rural hamlets and college campuses across America “from sea to shining sea.” Multitudes of Americans will gather on that day to just say no to Trump’s MAGAstapo madness. Here in Athens a rally at the local Bishop Park from 2–5 p.m. will be the capstone of a day of dissent at locations all over town. For more information, see nokings.org or IndivisibleGA10.org.
Other “No Kings” actions in Georgia include Social Circle, a small town that voted for Trump but now is targeted as the site of a prison that will house thousands of immigrant detainees, marring the town’s beauty and straining its infrastructure.
What are we fighting for? On Mar. 28, citizens will be fighting to remind this nation of what American dissident journalist John Reed meant in 1917 when he wrote, “War means an ugly mob madness, crucifying the truth- tellers, choking the artists, sidetracking reforms, revolutions and the working of social forces.” f
The first “No Kings” protest in June drew hundreds of people to downtown Athens.
Housing Bills
ONE PASSES U.S. SENATE; MORE AT STATE LEVEL
By Alander Rocha news@flagpole.com
The U.S. Senate passed a bill Thursday with a provision backed by U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-GA) that would ban large corporations from owning too many homes.
The legislation, sponsored by Massachusetts Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren and South Carolina Republican Sen. Tim Scott, passed the Senate on an 89–10 vote, an overwhelming show of bipartisanship on a
with these large investment firms. Even when the family is able to match a firm’s offer, the family can’t compete against other perks these companies offer, like their ability to forgo an inspection or to close in 14 days. He also said that, because young adults are waiting to buy their first homes, the average first- time homebuyer could be stuck paying for their mortgage well into retirement age.
proposal aimed at tackling recent concerns over affordability. The bill included a provision limiting the number of single- family homes an institutional investor can own to 350 homes.
Warnock said in a press call last Wednesday, Mar. 11 before the bill’s passage that “Atlanta is ground zero for private equity’s domination of the housing market.” A 2024 U.S. Government Accountability Office report placed Atlanta as one of the top markets for homes owned by private equity firms, with 25% of single- family homes owned by a private equity firm.
“Let me make it plain: Private equity’s greed is squeezing first- time homebuyers out of the market and pushing the American dream further out of reach,” Warnock said in a statement after the legislation passed the Senate.
On the state level, several bills have been introduced that would limit how many homes large institutional investors can own. House Bill 1228, sponsored by Chestnut Mountain Republican state Rep. Derrick McCollum, which would cap institutional single- family ownership to up to 1,000 homes, and Senate Bill 463, sponsored by Cumming Republican state Sen. Greg Dolezal, which would cap that number at 500 and bans international private investors from owning single- family homes outright for rental use. Both made it across to the other chamber before a key legislative deadline and have a chance at becoming law.
Dolezal said in early March, while presenting the bill on the Senate floor, that it’s hard for first- time homebuyers to compete
UGA’s Popular Med School
MORE THAN 2,000 APPLIED IN JUST TWO WEEKS
By Sofie Gratas news@flagpole.com
The University of Georgia recently closed its application period for its inaugural class of students at the university’s new School of Medicine, set to open this fall in Athens.
The primary application deadline was Mar. 6. In just two weeks, the School of Medicine received roughly 2,040 applications, said Bryan Steele, associate dean of admissions. “For a new medical school that is opening up, really, off cycle... I would say this is very unique,” said Steele, who previously worked in admissions at the University of Kansas School of Medicine.
Only 60 medical students will be admitted in the first year, with plans to double the class size in the future.
Steele said a big factor in their admissions decision is whether applicants have a Georgia tie—not just being born in the state, but also having spent time here. “Like someone’s out of state, but they’ve been in Georgia the last four or five years attending a college or university. Maybe they graduated from a Georgia high school, but they moved somewhere else,” he said. “You’ve been in Georgia, you know about Georgia, that’s really what we’re looking for in our class.”
physicians relative to population size is dire enough to warrant a federal designation. Far more counties in the state have no doctors at all.
The school so far has partnerships with 11 health care providers in the region that will help train students during their clinical rotations. UGA’s School of Medicine is the second public medical school to open in the state, behind the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University.
By December, the incoming medical students will have classes at a new medical education and research building on the university’s Health Sciences Campus in Normaltown. Resources will include a cadaver room and simulation center.
“ For a new medical school that is opening up, really, off cycle... I would say this is very unique.
“The sad reality today in America is that the average age of a first- time home buyer has now crept up to 41 years old,” Dolezal said. “For the Americans today that are signing their first 30- year mortgage at 41 years old, the math just doesn’t work.”
But limiting institutional ownership of single- family rental homes could negatively impact renters. At least two recent studies concluded that, while limiting these large investors’ ability to purchase single- family properties could increase home prices, allowing them to buy large numbers of homes can also bring rent prices down.
Warnock said that he knows “what it’s like to be a young person and to need rental,” but that there are other provisions in the bill that are aimed at addressing the rental market. He said “this is focused on home ownership, and you don’t enhance one at the expense of the other.”
“Renters are not in competition with other working people who are just trying to buy a home. Their problem is private equity swooping up all of the stock, and so I’m trying to address that,” Warnock said, also pointing to other legislative work he’s done to address renters’ concerns as a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
The bill’s prospects in the House are unclear. President Donald Trump, who issued an executive order in January on housing affordability, said during a House GOP retreat that he wanted the House to focus instead on passing a bill to increase voter documentation. f
This article originally appeared at georgiarecorder.com.
The UGA School of Medicine received an accreditation last month that allowed them to start recruiting students.
The Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) granted UGA preliminary accreditation. That designation meant the university could start recruiting and admitting the inaugural class for the new School of Medicine. Applications for fall 2026 opened in late February and closed in early March. Founding Dean Shelley Nuss said this is a
That’s key because where doctors are from often determines where they end up practicing, and filling the state’s health care gaps is part of the promise made to lawmakers when they invested millions into the school’s creation. Almost 40% of applications already received by the UGA School of Medicine are from in- state students, Steele said, with many coming from undergraduate students enrolled at UGA.
According to the Health Resources and Services Administration, there are 48 geographic areas in Georgia—including counties, census tracks and towns—that are considered Health Professional Shortage Areas, places where the shortage of
remarkable opportunity because accreditation allows the school “to move forward in preparing physicians who will serve our communities.”
The LCME is jointly sponsored by the Association of American Medical Colleges and the American Medical Association. This designation follows a rigorous evaluation of the school, and the LCME will continue to assess the medical school on the path to full accreditation. f
This story comes to Flagpole through a reporting partnership with GPB News, a nonprofit newsroom covering the state of Georgia. Sophia Stafford of WUGA contributed to this report.
The Senate overwhelmingly passed a bipartisan bill that included a Warnock-backed provision limiting institutional investors to 350 single-family homes to address housing affordability.
UGA President Jere W. Morehead, mascot Hairy Dawg and UGA School of Medicine Founding Dean Shelley Nuss ring the Chapel Bell in celebration of this milestone.
Y2K idols and sister duo Aly & AJ rose to fame in the early 2000s through a combination of appearances on the Disney Channel and a series of releases with Hollywood Records. The two signed to the label in 2005, releasing their debut record, Into the Rush, shortly thereafter. Their 2x platinum sophomore album, Insomiatic, came out two years later, featuring what would become their biggest hit, “Potential Breakup Song.” By the end of the 2010s, Aly & AJ split from Hollywood Records, putting the project on hiatus until 2017, when they released a comeback EP, Ten Years, on their own independent label. Last year they released Silver Deliverer and toured the album across over 30 North American cities. They will continue performing songs from this album, as well as their greatest hits, for their current “Places to Run” tour. You can also catch them soon starring in the upcoming season of The White Lotus. [Mary Beth Bryan]
ART | SAT, MAR. 21
Beverly’s Athens Closing Symposium
The Athenaeum • 10 a.m.–4 p.m. • FREE! UGA’s Willson Center for Humanities & Arts and The Athenaeum are closing out the late Beverly Buchanan’s exhibition, “Beverly’s Athens: Beverly Buchanan in Athens, GA,” with a curatorial walk- through of the artist’s work and discussions from two keynote speakers. The guest co- curators— who will contextualize Buchanan’s work and her impact on the social networks of Athens—are artist, educator and independent archivist Mo Costello and artist and writer Katz Tepper. The first keynote speaker is Bryn Ashley Evans, a poet from Decatur who received her BA in art history and African American studies at Columbia University and is a PhD candidate at Stanford University. The second is Patricia Ekpo, an assistant professor of African American and African Diaspora Art at Cornell University. You can register for the symposium at athenaeum.uga.edu. Afterward from 6–8:30 p.m. there will also be a film screening of Beverly Buchanan, Athens, GA, 8 July 1995 followed by a discussion with Costello, Tepper and filmmaker, artist and professor emerita Judith McWillie. [MB]
EVENT | SAT, MAR. 21
Strollin’ for the Colon
University Cancer & Blood Center Oconee • 10 a.m. • FREE!
Strollin’ for the Colon is an event organized by the UCBC Cares Foundation to bring survivors, patients, community members, friends and family together to honor and support those affected by colorectal cancer. The disease is being diagnosed in younger adults with increasing frequency, so another goal of the event is to encourage early screening and detection. Aside from the main event, which is a family- friendly walk for awareness, attendees will be able to access information, ask questions and get insight from medical professionals and testimonial speakers. The event will include a
walk- through inflatable colon exhibit, local wellness partners, music, refreshments and giveaways. Every dollar from the event’s sponsors is going toward providing free colonoscopy prep materials and essential medication assistance to patients in our community. [MB]
PERFORMANCE | SAT, MAR. 21
Dancing with the Athens Stars
The Classic Center • 7 p.m. • $39.75
One of Project Safe’s biggest annual fundraisers is returning to showcase the dancing chops of 10 pairs of prominent Athens figures. Dancing with the Athens Stars began in 2008 with the goal of raising money for Project Safe’s efforts to end domestic violence through crisis intervention, ongoing supportive services, systems change advocacy, prevention and education. Each participating duo works with an instructor ahead of the event to learn a routine in a specific style of dance and compete for the Audience Favorite, Judges’ Favorite and Community Favorite Awards. Votes for Audience Favorite, which can be cast through donations on the event page on Project Safe’s website, go not only toward supporting your favorite team, but also toward helping a survivor of domestic violence. [MB]
Local band Wonderland Rangers is celebrating the release of its newest album, Trouble & Treasure, by appearing live for the first time in over a year alongside Drí & the Violence and Annie Leeth. The record has been over six years in the making for the band, whose current lineup includes Timi
Shelley
Andrew
and Chris Byron. It’s composed of five parts that have been rolled out over the past several years, with the most recent part having been released in January of last year. Genre- wise, the songs are boundaryless, jumping freely among soul, slacker rock, funk and more. Conley says of the upcoming performance, “It’s rare for us to do a 40 Watt show… and it may be people’s only chance to catch us this year.” [MB] f
The Falling Spikes
PROVING THAT ‘RETRO’ ISN’T A FOUR-LETTER WORD
By Nate Mitchell music@flagpole.com
The Falling Spikes have quickly become an Athens fixture, a thrift- store suitclad combo frequently appearing at intimate venues across the Classic City for the past year or so and showcasing a charming throwback sound courtesy of songwriting duo David Wilson and Emma Limer.
Both Wilson and Limer switch off on guitar and bass while backed by drummer Israel Ramirez to produce a sound that is heavy on the pre-lysergic ’60s jangle, creating compact pop confections harkening back to the Fab Four’s impact on Merseybeat, with the occasional psychedelic segue thrown in to spice things up.
Wilson and Limer both hail from the suburbs north of Atlanta, and met each other while playing in separate bands making the rounds in the off- the-Perimeter periphery, fusing their shared admiration for good times/great oldies that seemed out-of- step with the creative direction their indie peer group at the time were taking.
“We were both in other people’s bands that we liked a lot, but it wasn’t exactly what we wanted to do ourselves. David and I had a lot of similar interests, and we had been talking about doing our own thing, where I said I was going to play drums, and it would be like a White Stripes two-piece. But nothing happened until we met Israel, and his style fit in perfectly with what we had in mind,” says Limer.
The fusing of two similar musical visions eventually led to the formation of The Falling Spikes, adding Atlantabased multi-instrumentalist Israel Ramirez (who leads his own ’60s-obsessed combo, Isra & the Paisleys) on drums.
Wilson and Limer decided to relocate to Athens, while Ramirez remains in the ATL. As much as the duo appreciates the original ’60s music era, they also are fans of the way that ’60s sound gets filtered through more modern bands as an influence without necessarily being considered “retro” revivalists.
“We both like classic ’60s bands like The Beatles and Beach Boys, but also Foxygen and GIRLS [Christopher Owens’ band from 2010’s] and Elephant 6, especially early of Montreal. I think there’s a certain role of music in the 21st century that is contextualizing music from the 20th century, kind of uncovering certain aspects, and it’s frustrating that people often cast aspersions on those bands as being backward-looking,” Wilson explains.
“I think there is a line between ‘retro’ as a costume- y kind of thing and an inherent value in the desire to keep certain musical traditions going. People can get strange about rock music doing something over again, but that attitude doesn’t prevail the same way with jazz, folk, blues or classical music,” Wilson concludes.
Later this week The Falling Spikes will unveil a new three- song single both digitally and in physical CD format, with two shows at Flicker Theatre and Bar, both of which
will feature a curated lineup of openers, many of whom have shared stages with The Falling Spikes in Athens and/or Atlanta over the last 12 months of the band’s existence. Although perfectly content to keep producing pure pop for now people, The Falling Spikes say they are not entirely opposed to musical evolution, as evidenced by the outlier track “Zebra,” which takes an extended noise-rock turn more akin to Sonic Youth, complete with Kim Gordon-like deadpan vocals by Limer, as well as the recent addition of a full- time bassist, making his surprise stage debut at the single release shows.
“We’re not following any pre-determined musical trajectory, but I could see our band going through different phases. One of our favorite bands is Yo La Tengo, and their albums are all over the place, but still always the same band. I think our ethos is just doing what we feel like in the moment,” said Wilson.
“I think the music we make just reflects whatever we’ve been into lately, and we don’t necessarily want to be defined by just one genre,” adds Limer.
One thing worth mentioning is that Wilson and Limer are aware that they are not the first band to use The Falling Spikes as a moniker, in fact music historians will be quick to point out that Lou Reed in the pre-Velvet Underground era beat them to it by over 60 years, which is more the association the band was nodding to, rather than any insinuation that they are nodding off.
“I think we may have shot ourselves in the foot calling the band that, but it’s so hard to think of a band name that you actually like. I know people will think the band name is a heroin reference, but we’re like the cleanest band in town, and we’re terrified of drugs!” they said.
The Falling Spikes play Flicker Theatre and Bar on Thursday, Mar. 19 with Parking, TV Buddha and The Touch, then Saturday, Mar. 21 with Good Flying Birds, Touch Girl Apple Blossom and Evey May. f
Conley,
Lotus,
Hanmer, Greg Surratt
threats & promises
Zach Ritter’s Sweet Songs
By Gordon Lamb threatsandpromises@flagpole.com
YOUR BLUE ROOM: Zach Ritter’s new album on Attaboy Tapes, Sweet Songs, opens with “Type Of Way” and, while I wasn’t looking for it, I was charmed by how similar it is to U2’s—recording as Passengers—1995 track “Miss Sarajevo.” Beyond this, though, Ritter delivers an 11- song album that’s well suited for long spring evenings. His deft use of electronics (notably on “Hello”) keeps this situated in the modern era, but he retains a very nice singersongwriter quality throughout this. His pacing is deliber-
acoustic musical doodles. This is a cohesive release, though, that flows well and runs 13 songs long. The album will be available to stream at wonderlandrangers.bandcamp.com this coming Monday, Mar. 23.
PLEASE CONSIDER HELPING: Athens musician Kyle DeMartino (Commüne, Violent Violet, Maul Rats) will have surgery later this month for Stage IV colorectal cancer, which he was diagnosed with back in 2024. He has already undergone multiple rounds of chemotherapy, radiation and surgeries. After the procedure taking place this month he will need another surgery in a couple of months. Needless to say, all this takes him out of work for extended periods, and no one should have to worry about living indoors while going through something like this. If you can, please consider contributing any amount toward his support and recovery by heading to gofundme. com/f/join-us-in- supporting-kyledemartinos- cancer- fight and throwing some bucks toward the cause.
ate, and nothing here feels rushed, but neither does it feel artificially slowed down. Basically, it is exactly how it needs to be, and it’s a real nice thing to hear an album so comfortable in its own skin. Find this at attaboytapes.bandcamp. com.
KEEPIN’ THE CLOUDS AWAY: Indigo Sound Recordings and On The Planet Productions will present Music In The Park at the Dudley Park Amphitheatre Saturday, Mar. 21 from 12–8 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. Featured acts are Selector JiiG, SHΛKTi SOUND, PEAKS, Trvy, Farin, Ishues, DJ Nate, DJ Vision, DJ Greg, Thump & Hustle and more. The whole day is dedicated to a nice mix—pun intended—of styles, including reggae, dub, hip hop, deep dubstep, ambient and chill. This is a cool idea that’s not really been tried too many times here in Athens, so here’s to the weather cooperating. That’s literally all the information you need to know about this, but if you’d like to check out Indigo Sound Records, please head to indigo soundrecordings.bandcamp.com.
GROOVY MOODS: The Wonderland Rangers will celebrate the release of their newest album Trouble & Treasure at the 40 Watt Club on Wednesday, Mar. 25. Also on the bill are Annie Leeth and Drí and the Violence. Leeth plays at 8 p.m., the Rangers at 9 p.m., and Violence happens at 10 p.m. This is also a legit pandemic-era release, as the album notes mention it was “…recorded at H1 Studio by Andrew Hanmer, and by each of the band members in their homes during the pandemic while sheltering-in-place in 2020.” Before you even crack the seal on this, if you’re at all familiar with the music of Timi Conley, you probably already know you’re getting an album full of funky beats (“Stick With The Plan”), modern psychedelia (“Soul Mate”), a few relatively straight ahead rockers (“I Tell Ya”), and some
FORE!: Chunklet Industries has managed to squeeze more juice out of the singular piece of Athens music fruit that was Limbo District than anyone probably ever imagined was possible. To that end, the fourth and reportedly final release from the band’s archives will see release Apr. 16. It’s titled CarnivaLive, and the vinyl version is an extremely limited (100 copies) lathe- cut (i.e. by hand) edition priced at $49.99. The digital-only version is $9. There are a few options for purchase in between these price points as well. This record collects live recordings from the 40 Watt Club between 1982—1983 as preserved for decades by T. Patton Biddle (“Pat The Wiz”) and Kelly Crow. This is also yet another project masterfully, uh, mastered by Jason NeSmith. Dig in over at chunklet. bandcamp.com, and if you really want the vinyl, you better jump on it immediately.
BEAT MY HEAD AGAINST THE WALL: Masters of brutality Bone Bag have released a “sound collage” of outtakes from the sessions used to compile its first album Distorted Number 3: Bag, which came out in 2024. This new piece is named “snuff,” and it runs just under eight minutes long. Now, as a live band Bone Bag is more than a punk-noise group. It’s an aggressively pummelling outfit that easily overwhelms listeners. As a recording unit, though, it paints aural pictures that are manifestly from the depths of overwhelming depression. The idea to create a collage out of this detritus is quite clever, and you can find this at leadmouth.band camp.com.
BRAND NEW YOU’RE RETRO: Aidan Jackson (Obscurity, Microtrak) has released a new single, “Your Own Little Moment In Time,” from solo project Kamikaze Lover (stylized as kamikaze_lover_). Because this is only one instrumental track, it’s not immediately easy to see which direction this is going. However, this first track is markedly less in- your- face than the music we’ve come to know (i.e. Obscurity), and pulls influences from both ambient and drum-and-bass artists. The vocals are obfuscated, for the most part, except where they’re crystal clear and repeat, “You are nothing, I am nothing, we are nothing.” If nothing else, this is a great track to throw into your playlist so you’re at least occasionally reminded of how much killer stuff Athens is producing that may never cross most folks’ radar. Find this on Spotify. f
live music calendar
Tuesday 17
Covenant Presbyterian Church
7 p.m. FREE! www.atlantasacredharp.
org
SHAPE NOTE SINGING Participate in the early American tradition of a capella community singing using shapenotes. No experience needed.
Flicker Theatre & Bar
UGA YSDA Presents. 8 p.m. (doors). $10 suggested donation (benefiting Athens Immigrant Rights Coalition). www.flickertheatreandbar.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.
STARBORO New country/rock/ post-Americana project featuring Daniel Womack (Futurebirds), Johnny Delaware (The Artisanals), Kevin Early (The High Divers), Wolfgang Zimmerman (producer for Band of Horses, SUSTO and more) and Cannon Rogers (CannonandtheBoxes).
IAIN COOKE A solo performance from one of Athens’ busiest musicians.
DOG PERSON Organ-driven pop with breezy ennui from members of The Buddy System, Nana Grizol and Go Public.
WOMEN IN STEM Indie girl-power rock/pop trio.
The World Famous Village Meeting. 9 p.m. (doors), 10 p.m. (show). $10 suggested donation. www.facebook.com/theworld famousathens DK Local artist weaving lyrically driven truths together with lo-fi beats.
CARDYNAL An eclectic, multifaceted producer, instrumentalist and vocalist delivering hard-hitting, witty bars and catchy melodies.
TRVY & THE ENEMY Live hip-hop band that fearlessly breaks barriers in the realm of modern rap music, blending elements of trap with psychedelic rock.
COZY FR Atlanta-based lyrical hiphop artist.
TEEJAESOHIGH Artist from Mobile, AL also known for his work in the duo These Are Weed Raps.
CAROLINE TEBBS 19-year-old pop country singer-songwriter and storyteller from Slidell, LA.
AVA WILDS Artist mixing country, folk and pop sensibilities.
THE LUNESTARS Atlanta indie pop.
Hidden Gem
Hoi Palloi No New Ice Jails. 7 p.m. Donations encouraged. www.instagram.com/hiddengemglobalhq HOTEL FICTION Indie pop led by Jessica Thompson and Jade Long.
TELEMARKET Driving, angular indie-rock band from Athens. NIGHT OUT No info available. Nowhere Bar
CHRIS HAMPTON BAND Athensbased band performing a variety of country, western and rock dance music with line dancing during the breaks.
its debut record, Talulah’s Tape, last year.
TOUCH GIRL APPLE BLOSSOM DIY pop quartet from Austin, TX. THE FALLING SPIKES Loud, dumb rock and roll. Single release show!
EVEY MAY Athens based indie alternative songwriter with postpunk and shoegaze influences. Flying Squid Comedy 8 p.m. $11.85. flyingsquidcomedy. com
WOMEN IN STEM Indie girl-power rock/pop trio.
CRYBABY New Athens band led by Assata.
JOHN KINNISON Solo live-looping acoustic artist originally from Pensacola, FL. Georgia Theatre
8 p.m. $32.90. www.georgiatheatre. com
HEATED RIVALRY NIGHT Dance party based on the hit TV and book series.
Hendershot’s Ashthrone Booking Presents. 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $12. www. hendershotsathens.com BY WAY OF FIRE Southern heavy metal from the foothills of Northern Georgia.
FRISSON Athens post-metal.
RAZORGRAVE Thrash metal band from Greenville, SC.
EMBERING EFFIGY A Southern-fried thrash metal band from Georgia.
Live Wire
8 p.m. $15. www.livewireathens.com
TYL3R DAVIS Rapper and producer from Winder.
CANNON ROGERS Local alt-country songwriter, guitarist and pedal steel player drawing inspiration from the likes of Flannery O’Connor and Lucinda Williams. Album release show!
POLAR WAVES Alternative and punk rock band led by singersongwriter Julio Duran. A two-set, immersive performance celebrating the Spring Equinox and Winter’s Death.
Dead Beat Club
8 p.m. $10. www.deadbeatathens.com
ANNIE LEETH Local producer and violinist loops drums, synths and strings.
ALEX DILLON AND THE SPONTANEOUS INVENTION Local improvisor wreaking havoc both alone and with others.
THE DISCIPLINE New Athens indie-rock band that revels in avoiding the beaten path.
Dudley Park 12–6 p.m. www.instagram.com/ jiig_bass
MUSIC IN THE PARK Indigo Sound Recordings and On the Planet Productions is hosting a full day of music featuring reggae, dub, hip hop and ambient music.
Will Shine hosts this open jam with a house band made up of rotating local musicians.
Ramsey Hall
7:30 p.m. $6 (w/UGA ID), $18. music. uga.edu
FACULTY CHAMBER ENSEMBLE
Four UGA string and piano faculty (Shakhida Azimkhodjaeva, viola; Levon Ambartsumian, violin; James Kim, cello; and Alan Woo, piano) present an evening of piano quartets by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Johannes Brahms.
MAX MCNOWN Singer-songwriter from Bend, OR, based in Nashville, TN who has charted with his singles “A Lot More Free” and “Better Me for You.”
Georgia Theatre Rooftop
6:30 p.m. FREE! www.georgiatheatre. com
IMOGENE Country singer-songwriter.
Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall
7:30 p.m. FREE! music.uga.edu
UNIVERSITY CHORUS UGA’s largest mixed choral ensemble, specializing in classical choral and choral/orchestral repertoire.
GLEE CLUB Performing repertoire for tenor/bass voices.
TREBLE CHOIR Perform repertoire for treble voices.
Ramsey Hall
5:30 p.m. FREE! music.uga.edu
GUEST ARTIST RECITAL Featuring Duo Steiner–Hochwartner, an ensemble formed in 2017 by Austrian organist and pianist Constanze Hochwartner and Italian trombonist Peter Steiner.
UGA Tate Student Center
Live in the Lobby. 8 p.m. FREE! www. wuog.org
CAUGHY Artist combining assorted synthesizers, drum machines and vocals to create simple yet charmingly vulnerable productions.
RED OAK STRING BAND Local band playing a feel-good blend of bluegrass, blues, folk, rock and classic country. (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.
Nowhere Bar
8 p.m. www.instagram.com/nowhere barathensga
ERIK OLSON’S WRESTLE THE BEAR JAM Monthly jam session featuring a rotating cast of players and genres.
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
Mansfield Park
MONDAY, MARCH 23 at 7:30 p.m. Ramsey Concert Hall. FOR TICKETS:
$15 - Adults
$3 UGA students music.uga.edu 706-542-4400
MONDAY, MARCH 23 at 7:30 p.m. Ramsey Concert Hall. FOR TICKETS:
$15 - Adults
$3 UGA students music.uga.edu 706-542-4400
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 Johannes Brahms. Pictured clockwise from top: Shakhida Azimkhodjaeva, viola; Levon Ambartsumian, violin; James Kim, cello; and Alan Woo, piano.
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 Johannes Brahms. Pictured clockwise from top: Shakhida Azimkhodjaeva, viola; Levon Ambartsumian, violin; James Kim, cello; and Alan Woo, piano.
Guests
Monday, October 20
FRIDAY, OCT. 24 at 3:30 p.m. Ramsey Concert Hall
THURSDAY, MARCH 26 at 7:30 p.m. Hodgson Concert Hall. FOR TICKETS:
$15 - Adults $3 UGA students music.uga.edu 706-542-4400
THURSDAY, MARCH 26 at 7:30 p.m. Hodgson Concert Hall. FOR TICKETS:
UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA “FAN FAVORITES”
The upcoming “Fan Favorites” program includes Scheherazade, Op. 35, a symphonic suite composed by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov 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!
UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA “FAN FAVORITES”
The upcoming “Fan Favorites” program includes Scheherazade, Op. 35, a symphonic suite composed by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov 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
Hugh Hodgson School
FACULTY ARTIST SERIES DANIEL BOLSHOY, GUITAR
TUESDAY, MAR. 17 at 7:30 p.m. Ramsey Concert Hall
FACULTY ARTIST SERIES DANIEL BOLSHOY, GUITAR
TUESDAY, MAR. 17 at 7:30 p.m. Ramsey Concert Hall
WEDNESDAY, MAR. 18 at 7:30 p.m. Hodgson Concert Hall
UGA CONCERT BAND & UGA UNIVERSITY BAND “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.
UGA CONCERT BAND & UGA UNIVERSITY BAND “LOVE AND LOSS” UGA REPERTORY SINGERS
WEDNESDAY, MAR. 18 at 7:30 p.m. Hodgson Concert Hall
2ND ANNUAL HUGH HODGSON SCHOOL OF MUSIC
FRIDAY, MAR. 20 at 3:30 p.m. Ramsey Concert Hall
RIVER ROAD OPEN HOUSE
VISIT MUSIC.UGA.EDU FOR COMPLETE SCHEDULE AND DETAILS
FRIDAY MARCH 20 | 250
$15 - Adults $3 UGA students music.uga.edu 706-542-4400 All Hugh Hodgson School of Music events take place at the UGA Performing Arts Center, 230 River Road in Athens unless indicated.
Music by Jonathan Dove • Libretto by Alasdair Middleton
novel by Jane Austen
Inherited Healing
CASSIE CHANTEL RELEASES JAZZ FUSION ALBUM
By Sam Lipkin editorial@flagpole.com
Five years ago, fresh off a Vic Chestnutt Songwriter of the Year Award win and recipient of Morton Theatre’s Defiance Project Award, Athens-born hip-hop artist Cassie Chantel went on an extensive national tour. Chantel was a rising star in the local music scene, having also been a five-time winner of Best Female Hip Hop Artist at the Athens Hip Hop Awards.
But sometimes the greatest value an opportunity provides is a chance to step back and evaluate what you truly want for yourself. Chantel shares, “I was really burnt out from hip hop [after that], because I’m really not a club person. I found out through hip hop I do not want this to be my life… I lost my voice, and I’m like, this takes a lot on your body. Then, I don’t know if people know this, but I’m really an introvert. I’m really not an extrovert.”
For a number of reasons, Chantel stepped back and reapproached her musical career with more intention. Entering her 30s, Chantel says she sees the world differently and therefore prioritizes differently. When Chantel released her jazz fusion album Inherited at the end of February, it brought a lot of clarity to her personal journey these past few years—to the surprise and extreme relief of fans in the community who have been asking her when she’s going to release music again.
All of the tracks are rereleases or older material, but what brings Inherited together as a cohesive album, outside of the full band production, is its message. The whole project was recorded at Chase Park Transduction in 2023 in two sessions, with each track recorded straight through to capture an old-school feeling as much as possible. Then it sat, waiting for the moment Chantel felt confident enough to mix and master it herself. The album was officially released
due to the state of the world—Chantel felt that people needed “Miss America.”
“Miss America” and “IDK” were the catalyst for the project to begin with. Working with the Athens Hip Hop Harmonic, a collaboration between the local music community and UGA’s school of music, Chantel met composer Julien Berger. Together they created a well-received live band production of “Miss America,” and Chantel says it’s what she always wanted.
“I grew up in the church, so I’ve always wanted to be in a choir. I never was in the choir even though I was just sitting there looking like, ‘Oh, this is so cool.’ But then I was in chorus all through every grade, from elementary school to high school. So just having that opportunity working with the live band, during that time period, I started working with a lot of musicians in Athens,” says Chantel. “I was like, ‘We need a whole project of this.’ And it really started from there.”
Inherited as a whole represents Chantel’s ancestors and the people who have influenced her, she says, and the way a history of pain and strength still appears in her own personal story to tell.
“Even though there’s not a title track on the project, all of these songs are representative of things that I inherited along the way,” says Chantel. “I think of this project as an independent artist’s dream because all of these songs are old. ‘IDK’ is a decade old. It was originally released on a project that is not even available unless you downloaded it, called High Frequency, and I rejuvenated it through live instruments.
“When the message is strong, it will transcend time periods. And I think that now these songs have been immortalized because they’re now put to actual, real
instruments that you can touch. So I would say it’s a testament to not giving up and to staying authentic to who you are, and knowing that a lot of times you’re before your time, and you just have to catch up to your own message.”
The support that the album has received, and the reception of Chantel showing up at the last Beats, Rhymes and Life event at Hendershot’s to perform, has reinforced that she doesn’t have to stay on the grind of the independent artist rat race to be a musician.
“When you love something and it loves you back, you can always come back. So that’s my relationship with music. It’s a love that I’ll always know, and no matter where I am, what space I am in with it, it’s going to always be there for me, and I’m gonna always be there for music,” says Chantel.
“Your real base will live with you through
your changes, because they’ve changed, too.”
However, the step back from hip hop that started all of this isn’t a permanent one. Chantel says that she has release-ready tracks that relate back to her hip-hop roots, it’s just a matter of timing. Although, following the messaging, that time is likely to come later this year.
“Everything music-wise for me is message-driven because I think that there’s a drought in the hip-hop scene for messaging, and that was one of the things that helped with my burnout, is because we’re not talking about anything. It’s not doing what it did for me when I first fell in love with it. So getting back to that, and I think the world is ready for that, so things are in a really good place, and people will start getting more consistent music from me,” says Chantel. f
event calendar
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.
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 collection. 5:30 p.m. $60. botgarden.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
GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Paloma Park) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/baddogathens
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Winghouse Grill Hull) Test your general trivia knowledge. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia
GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Akademia Brewing Co.) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Garrett. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/classiccitytriviaco
GAMES: Bingo & Sip (MaiKai Kava Lounge) Play BINGO with a chance to win prizes. Every other Tuesday, 7 p.m. FREE! www.athenskava.com
GAMES: 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. info@athenspetanque. org, 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
ART: Artist Reception (The Old Pal) Works by graphic artist Kalez will be on view with stickers, small prints and graphic novels for sale. 5–8 p.m. www.instagram.com/ kalie.boyne
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 tackling modern issues followed by a Q&A with director Christopher Wesley. 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 general trivia 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
Thursday 19
ART: Opening Reception (Lyndon House Arts Center) Over 100 works by 91 artists will be on view for the annual 51st Juried Exhibition. 5:30–7:30 p.m. FREE! www.accgov. com/lyndonhouse
ART: Artist Reception (Ciné) The exhibition “Jon Swindler: Never Not New” will be on view. 6–8 p.m. FREE! www.athica.org
CLASSES: Yoga in the Galleries (Georgia Museum of Art) Enjoy a yoga class in the art galleries led by instructors from Yoga and Pilates for the People. Open to all skill levels. First come, first served. 6 p.m. FREE! www.georgiamuseum.org
COMEDY: Longform Improv Show (Flying Squid Comedy) A show by advanced performers including a new musical improv group. 8 p.m. $5. www.flyingsquidcomedy.com
EVENTS: CCSD Transition Fair (Clarke County School District) Resources to connect students served by the district’s adapted curriculum with a plan for postsecondary success. 9:30 a.m.–12 p.m. FREE! www.clarke.k12.ga.us
MEETINGS: KnitLits Knitting Group (Bogart Library) Knitters of all levels are invited to have fun, share craft ideas and knit to their hearts’ content. Thursdays, 6 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/bogart
SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. info@athenspetanque. org, www.athenspetanque.org
sale and drop-in for special talks and book signings. Mar. 19, 6–9 p.m. (preview party). Mar. 20–21, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. www.mmcc-arts. org
EVENTS: Open House (work.shop) Celebrate the opening of the new space and see the amenities. 5–7 p.m. FREE! www.workshopathens. com
EVENTS: Great Southland Stampede Rodeo (UGA Livestock
EVENTS: Great Southland Stampede Rodeo (UGA Livestock Instructional Arena) The UGA’s Block and Bridle Club presents the 51st annual student rodeo that promotes agricultural education with a variety of nightly events. Mar. 19–21, 6 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (events). $10–27. www.gssrodeo. org
EVENTS: Madison Antiques & Fine Things (Madison Morgan Cultural Center) Browse curated items for sale and drop-in for special talks and book signings. Mar. 19, 6–9 p.m. (preview party). Mar. 20–21, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. www.mmcc-arts.org
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
THEATER: Do You Feel Anger? (Terrapin Beer Co.) AGA Theater presents a play about an empathy coach at a debt collection agency. Mar. 19–21, 8 p.m. Mar. 22, 2 p.m. $10. www.agatheater.com
Friday 20
ART: Spring Dodd Market (Lamar Dodd School of Art) This studentrun event showcases over 100 UGA student artists with kids activities and more. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. www. doddmarket.com
ART: Opening Reception (Unitarian Universalist Fellowship) The exhibition “Claire and Bob’s Home Collection” will be on view with refreshments. 4–6 p.m. FREE! www. uuathensga.org
COMEDY: Barechuckle (Flying Squid Comedy) Two teams of improvisors battle for the winning title. 8 p.m. $12. www.flyingsquid comedy.com
EVENTS: Madison Antiques & Fine Things (Madison Morgan Cultural Center) Browse curated items for
Saturday 21
ART: Art Against ICE (Work.Shop) Join No New ICE Jails GA for an evening of stamp making, a clothing swap, art station and more. 11 a.m.–7 p.m. FREE! www.fluxgoods. com/classes
CLASSES: Stained Glass Fundraiser (Work.Shop) Make a stained glass piece in benefit of Athens Immigrant Rights. 11 a.m.–7 p.m. $45. www.fluxgoods.com/classes
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
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: Madison Antiques & Fine Things (Madison Morgan Cultural Center) Browse curated items for sale and drop-in for special talks and book signings. Mar. 19, 6–9 p.m. (preview party). Mar. 20–21, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. www.mmcc-arts. org
EVENTS: Beverly’s Athens Closing Symposium (The Athenaeum) Curators Mo Costello and Katz Tepper will discuss the exhibition with keynote speakers Dr. Patricia Ekpo and Bryn Evans, with a separate film screening and discussion. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. (symposium), 6 p.m. (film screening). FREE! www.athenaeum.uga.edu
EVENTS: Blessing of the Bikes (Cycle World Athens) There will be vendors, giveaways and a community blessing of bikes. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. FREE! www.cycleworldathens. com
EVENTS: No New ICE Jails Cookout and Festival (Oconee Street United Methodist Church) There will be food, music, a Know Your Rights workshop, protest sign-making and more. 12–7 p.m. FREE! www. instagram.com/athensimmigrant rightscoalition
Instructional Arena) The UGA’s Block and Bridle Club presents the 51st annual student rodeo that promotes agricultural education with a variety of nightly events. Mar. 19–21, 6 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (events). $10–27. www.gssrodeo. org
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Oak House Distillery) Test your general trivia knowledge. Fridays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia
GAMES: Friday Night Initiative
(Tyche’s Games) Learn how to play a new roleplaying game. New players welcome. 7 p.m. FREE! www. tychesgames.com
MEETINGS: No New ICE Jails in GA Movement (Oconee Street United Methodist Church) The general meeting for the Athens Immigrant Rights Coalition will feature a teach-in. 5:30 p.m. FREE! www. athensimmigrantrights.org
THEATER: Do You Feel Anger?
(Terrapin Beer Co.) AGA Theater presents a play about an empathy coach at a debt collection agency. Mar. 19–21, 8 p.m. Mar. 22, 2 p.m. $10. www.agatheater.com
EVENTS: BOE District 5 Meet & Greet (Cantaritos Café) Drop-in to discuss local education with Board of Education candidate Heather M. Fletcher. 3–5 p.m. FREE! linktr.ee/ fletcherfor5 EVENTS: Great Southland Stampede Rodeo (UGA Livestock Instructional Arena) The UGA’s Block and Bridle Club presents the 51st annual student rodeo that promotes agricultural education with a variety of nightly events. Mar. 19–21, 6 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (events). $10–27. www.gssrodeo. org
EVENTS: AFMDS Contra Dance (Memorial Park Administration Building) This community dance features caller Elijah Jaime and live music by String Theory with Harrison Keely. No partner required. 6:30 p.m. (intro session), 7–10 p.m. (dance). $12 (adults), $10 (students w/ ID), 17 & under FREE! www.athensfolk.org
FILM: Banff Mountain Film Festival (Morton Theatre) The festival showcases a selection of adventure, mountain sports and culture speak-
An artist reception will be held for the works on view by graphic artist Kalez at The Old Pal on Wednesday, Mar. 18.
ers, films, books and photographs from around the world. 7 p.m. $20. www.mortontheatre.com
LECTURES & LIT: On Tyranny Book Study (Bethel AME Church) Discuss lessons in resistance to authoritarianism and protection of democracy based on the book by Timothy Snyder. 9 a.m. FREE! www. uuathensga.org
MEETINGS: Atheist Society of Athens (ACC Library) A reality-based, non-prophet organization. 4 p.m. FREE! www.atheistsocietyathens. org
PERFORMANCE: Dancing with the Athens Stars (The Classic Center) Well-known dancers and local leaders get on stage to earn your votes, with proceeds benefitting Project Safe. 7 p.m. $33.50. www. classiccenter.com
SPORTS: Athens Rock Lobsters vs. Columbus River Dragons (Akins Ford Arena) Cheer on the home team in this hockey match. 4 p.m. $28–50. www.classiccenter. com
THEATER: Do You Feel Anger? (Terrapin Beer Co.) AGA Theater presents a play about an empathy coach at a debt collection agency. Mar. 19–21, 8 p.m. Mar. 22, 2 p.m. $10. www.agatheater.com
Sunday 22
CLASSES: Meditation and Teaching (Griffin-Dubose Healing Lodge)
Mindful Breath Sangha of Athens dedicates this weekly session to the topic of the new ICE jails, linking them to the teachings Thich Nhat Hanh. 1 p.m. FREE! www.mindful breathsangha.org
CLASSES: Canvass Training (Oconee Street United Methodist Church) Get practice talking to strangers about stopping ICE. Supplies provided. 1:30 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/oconeestreet umc
CLASSES: Yoga Against ICE (Work. Shop) This all-levels yoga class will benefit the Athens Immigrant Rights Coalition. 7 p.m. Donations encouraged. www.workshopathens.com
COMEDY: Funny Femmes (The Globe) An all-femme showcase featuring comedians from Athens and Atlanta. Fourth Sundays, 9 p.m. $10. www.globetavern.com
EVENTS: Georgia Questival (State Botanical Garden of Georgia)
Exhibitors and vendors will lead adventurous activities showcasing Georgia’s natural history. 11:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. $5/individual, $20/ family. botgarden.uga.edu
EVENTS: Youth Empowerment Showcase (Winterville Cultural Center) Uplifting performances with raffles and cash prizes empowering the youth. 3 p.m. www.coloredonly. cafe
GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (The Globe) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Sundays, 6 p.m. www. instagram.com/baddogathens
LECTURES & LIT: Battle for Peleliu (Oconee County Library) Local historian Rod Davis discusses the significance of this WWII battle as part of the John David Williams Memorial Lecture Series in Military History. 4 p.m. FREE! www.athens library.org/oconee
PERFORMANCE: Afternoon Tea: A Drag Brunch (Athentic Brewing Co.) A high tea themed afternoon of drag entertainment. 12 p.m. $10 (show only). www.athenticbrewing. com
SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. info@athenspetanque. org, www.athenspetanque.org
THEATER: Do You Feel Anger? (Terrapin Beer Co.) AGA Theater presents a play about an empathy coach at a debt collection agency. Mar. 19–21, 8 p.m. Mar. 22, 2 p.m. $10. www.agatheater.com
art around town
ATHICA (675 Pulaski St. Ste. 1200) As part of Youth Art Month, a pop-up exhibition of works by Clarke County high school students will be on display through Mar. 31.
ATHICA@CINÉ Gallery (234 W Hancock Ave.) “Jon Swindler: Never Not New” features etchings, collaged prints and monotypes by Jon Swindler that were in various stages of completion now finalized with a new perspective. Artist reception Mar. 19, 6–8 p.m.
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. 21 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. with a film screening at 6 p.m. 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 Keene featuring the symbolism of gravestone art and cemetery monuments
Monday 23
CLASSES: Vietnamese Class (Oconee County Library) Instructor Martine Thy Nguyen will lead a class on the basics of Vietnamese. 6–7 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary. org/oconee
FILM: Bad Movie Night (Ciné) A sword-fighting, middle-aged bounty hunter teams up with his long-lost son to do battle with a Satanic cult in Empire of the Dark. 8 p.m. FREE! www.instagram.com/BadMovie Night
GAMES: Chess and Community (ACC Library) Drop in for open chess play to learn the game, challenge skills and engage with other enthusiasts. All skill levels are welcome. 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: Literary Trivia (Athentic Brewing Co.) Test your trivia skills with employees from Rec Room Books. 7–9 p.m. www.athentic brewing.com
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
Tuesday 24
ART: Pop-Up Exhibition (Georgia Museum of Art) The curated exhibition “Pretty Politics: Women as Symbols, Women as Subjects” will be on view. Mar. 24–25, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Mar. 26, 10 a.m.–9 p.m. www. georgiamuseum.org
CLASSES: Microsoft Excel Part 2 (ACC Library) This intermediate class builds on the tools and functions of Excel including more complex formulas. All skill levels welcome. 10 a.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org
COMEDY: Open Toad Comedy Night (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Comedy performed by a mix of newcomers and local favorites from Athens and Atlanta. 8:30 p.m. (doors). $7. www.flickertheatreand bar.com
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
GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Paloma Park) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/baddogathens
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Winghouse Grill Hull) Test your general trivia knowledge. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia
GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Akademia Brewing Co.) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Garrett. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/classiccitytriviaco
GAMES: 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
will be on display through March. Framed prints available for donation to approved local charity at www.southerncemetery.com.
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. • On loan from the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art are 377 painted ceramic plates from Julie Green’s “The Last Supper” series inspired by death row inmates’ final meal requests. Through Aug. 16.
JITTERY JOE’S (297 E Broad St.) Whimsical paintings by Susan Pelham that are inspired by Magic Realism are on display through May.
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 Apr. 18.
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.
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
LECTURES & LIT: Choctaw Star Stories (Georgia Museum of Art) Dr. Kat Gardner-Vandy will lead a discussion in conjunction with the exhibition “We, Too, Are Made of Wonders.” 4 p.m. FREE! www. georgiamuseum.org
LECTURES & LIT: Everything But the Kitchen Sink Book Club (Avid Bookshop) Discuss the novel The School for Good Mothers by Jessamine Chan with the group. 6:15 p.m. FREE! www.avidbookshop.com
MEETINGS: Mystery Book Club (Bogart Library) Discuss How to Solve Your Own Murder by Kristin Perrin with the group. 5:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart
SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. www.athenspetanque.org
Wednesday 25
ART: Pop-Up Exhibition (Georgia Museum of Art) The curated exhibition “Pretty Politics: Women as Symbols, Women as Subjects” will be on view. Mar. 24–25, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Mar. 26, 10 a.m.–9 p.m. www. georgiamuseum.org
CLASSES: Photography Workshop (Land Family Home) Seminars from industry professionals with handson shoots to practice. 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m. www.landfamilyhome.com
EVENTS: Archery with Arwen (Bogart Library) Learn the art of the bow during this Middle-Earth March event. All ages. 4 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/bogart
EVENTS: The Athens Farmers Market (Creature Comforts Brew-
ery) 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: Film Happy Hour (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Meet and network with others in the filmmaking community (actors, directors, etc.) during happy hour. 5 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/FilmAthens
FILM: Three Star Cinema (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Screening of the film Cracking Up. 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 trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Normal Bar) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia
GAMES: Classic City Trivia (The Local 706) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Garrett. Wednesdays, 7:06 p.m. www.instagram.com/classiccitytriviaco
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Locos Grill and Pub Eastside) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 8 p.m. www.instagram.com/ shihtzunottrivia
THEATER: Mrs. Doubtfire (The Classic Center) Family-friendly musical comedy based on the 1993 film. Mar. 25–26, 7:30 p.m. $33.75–125.25. www.classiccenter.com
Down the Line
3/26 Pop-Up Exhibition (Georgia Museum of Art)
3/26 Across The Board Book Club (Oconee County Library)
3/26 Author Talk and Book Signing (Avid Bookshop) f
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.
THE OLD PAL (1320 Prince Ave.) Graphic artist Kalie Boyne (Kalez) has works on view.
STATE BOTANICAL GARDEN OF GEORGIA (2450 S. Milledge Ave.) “NatureEscapes” features hyper-realistic watercolor works of nature by Athens-based artist Jackie Dorsey. Artist reception Mar. 29 at 2 p.m. 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.
UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP (780 Timothy Rd.) “Claire and Bob’s Home Collection” is on view in the Claire and Robert Clements Gallery. Opening reception Mar. 20, 4–6 p.m. Through May.
WINTERVILLE CULTURAL ARTS CENTER (371 N. Church St., Winterville) Six new exhibitions will run through Mar. 24. Gallery 1 features plein air works by the Athens Area Plein Air Artists depicting the Winterville Trestle and local scenes. Gallery 2 features modern quilted wall pieces by Sarah Hubbard and complex sculptures by Kelly King. The Narrow Gallery features resin works by local author and artist Anita Eberhart Shaw. The Foyer Gallery features paintings by Sherre Watwood. The Garden Gallery features fusedglass works by Babs Kall. • The Firefly Trail photo contest winners will be displayed through Mar. 26.
bulletin board & classifieds
Classifieds
FOR SALE (Baked Goods) Sister’s Sweets homemade cookies & cake for purchase. Saturday 3/21 at Cycle World of Athens Blessing of the Bikes, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Free event but bring cash for Sister’s treats. www.cycleworldathens
HELP WANTED (Full-Time) Habitat ReStores. Tue–Sat. Dock and sales floor at furniture/appliance store; heavy lifting required; register experience preferred; seeking organized, friendly, reliable applicants; background check required; equal opportunity employer. Download application at AthensHabitat.com/ employment, bring completed application to 4125 Atlanta Hwy., Athens. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Tue–Sat.
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 (Apartment for Rent)
1 BR/BA downtown. Walk to class. On the cobblestone street at ‘The Tree That Owns Itself.’ Very unique pink marble floors, DW, laundry room, garden area overlooking Dwntn. All utils. Included. Avail. now. $995/mon. 706-546-1900 Anytime 24/7.
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. Con-
tact 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! WomanRun 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 lowmaintenance, 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
Arts
CALL FOR ACTORS, ARTISTS & VENDORS (Hauntfest) Applications now open for artists, actors, per-
formers and vendors for the fourth annual April Ghouls event. Deadline Apr. 8. Event Apr. 11–12. www. hauntfest.net/vendor-info
CALL FOR ART (Lyndon House Arts Center) Seeking art submissions for upcoming Pet Portrait Exhibition. Artists of all skill levels and ages that meet guidelines are invited to submit up to two art pieces. Drop off May 29–30. On view June 18–Aug. 29. www.accgov.com/ lyndonhouse
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 three 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 (MAGallery) Now accepting artist applications. MAGallery is a nonprofit cooperative gallery. Gallery Artists work one day a month and participate on a
(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
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
Classes
ACCENT REDUCTION CLASS (Covenant Presbyterian Church) Improve your American English pronunciation skills. For ages 18 & up.
Tuesdays, 12 p.m. marjoriemiller@ gmail.com
CLASSES, HIKES & PADDLES (Watson Mill State Park, Comer) The park offers a variety of events including “Introduction to iNaturalist & Merlin,” morning and evening kayak sessions, firebuilding classes, various educational hikes including “A Bridge to the Past,” “Tree ID,” “Homestead Hike” and more. Parking fee/pass required for all events. www.gastateparks.org/ WatsonMillBridge
CANOPY CLASSES & SCHOLARSHIPS (Canopy Studio) Canopy offers a variety of trapeze and aerial arts classes for children and adults. Scholarships and financial aid are available. 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
DANCE CLASSES (East Athens Educational Dance Center) The center offers classes in ballet, hip hop, jazz, modern and more for all ages and skills. www.accgov.com/myrec FREE CLASSES (The Athens Free School) Learning network for
community centered around compassion, autonomy and playfulness. Visit @athensfreeschool on Instagram.
OPEN ICE SKATING (Akins Ford Arena) Athens GA Figure Skating Club offers open ice skating for all skill levels every Monday through Thursday, 4–5 p.m. $10 students, $15 general admission. RSVP required. Athensgafigureskating@ gmail.com, athens_ga_figure_ skating_club
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.athensareadiaperbank.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.silver laceinc.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 VOLUN-
TEERS (Multiple Choices Center for Independent Living) Seeking volunteers to assist a nonprofit agency that serves individuals living with disabilities throughout a 10-country area of Northeastern Georgia. 706-850-4025, dmyers@ multiplechoices.us
PET FOOD PANTRY (Animal Services Adoption Center) The Animal Services community pet food pantry provides pet food to ACC residents at no cost. Donations always welcome. Monday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Sundays, 12–3 p.m. www.accgov.com/adoptioncenter
SEEKING 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. moms adoptingmoms@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 VOLUNTEERS (KACCB) Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful has volunteer opportunities that include roadside cleanups, adopt-a-ramp and more. www. keepathensbeautiful.org
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS (Marigold Collective, Winterville) Volunteers needed for community food distribution events including weekly food kitchen, meal deliveries and more. Also accepting donations of canned and dry goods. wwwmarigold collectivewinterville.com
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS (Meals on Wheels) Currently recruiting volunteers to deliver meals, engage in safety checks and more. eschley@ accaging.org
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS (Morton Theatre) Volunteers needed for upcoming events. Board Member opportunities also available. www. mortontheatre.com/volunteer
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
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
FRIDAY EVENTS
Center for Independent Living) The organization hosts ongoing Friday gatherings. Tech discussions, support groups, movies and games. www.multiplechoices.us/youreinvited
MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
Space) Direct connections to mental healthcare like counseling and psychiatry, medical care for physical concerns and more. www. nuci.org, 706-
MINDFUL BREATH SANGHA MEET
ING (Healing Lodge) In the Zen tra dition of Thich Nhat Hanh. Sundays, 1–2:30 p.m. Newcomers welcome. Free. www.mindfulbreathsangha.org
SEVENTH GENERATION
road Street, Arnoldsville) Seventh Generation Native American Church hosts various gatherings on Sun days, 11 a.m. 706SUMMER JOBS
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
Backlight Student Film Festival
CELEBRATING FIVE YEARS OF SHOWCASING STUDENT WORK
By Libba Beaucham arts@flagpole.com
Back in 2021, Julia Turner was a junior in the entertainment and media studies program at the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication (the major for all things film industry and production). “A lot of my friends and I started to realize that there was a need for, not only a way to highlight student films at UGA, but also to create a sense of community in the Grady School of Journalism,” Turner said. “So that was where the idea for Backlight came from.”
The event began as a film festival for UGA students. Following the founding team’s graduation, they formed a nonprofit and opened submissions to all Georgia colleges and universities. “We’ve definitely grown in the number of submissions we’ve received by expanding statewide… Something we’re really proud of is the number of colleges that we’ve been able to reach. This year we had over 20 different colleges and universities submit,” said Turner.
The free festival celebrates its fifth anniversary on Mar. 28 and 29, and it will be held outside the UGA campus for the first time at the historic Morton Theatre and Live Wire. Both short form films (1–10 minutes) and mid- form films (11–30 minutes) across genres will be showcased. The selection process was competitive with an 8% acceptance rate, and this year students from five Georgia colleges and universities are represented in the final selections.
“What we’re looking for is a good story and something that you can tell was made with a lot of passion, you know, students just making things because they want to grow and get better and kick start their career in the film industry,” Turner said. “We see a wide range of budgets… Some schools might have larger budgets, but then it’s also so great to see what students can do with no budget… it’s very often that those are just as good.”
The selection committee is composed of students from multiple Georgia schools that submit scores to the board of directors for final selections. “We really love to see diversity in genre,” said Turner. This year’s selections include documentary, animation and horror among others.
Outside of the film screenings, the two-
day event includes a Festival Kickoff Event at Ciné, a red carpet press event, a networking mixer, panels and an awards ceremony. Student journalists, photographers and videographers from UGA and other Georgia schools will conduct interviews on the red carpet. “It’s a super big red carpet,” said Turner. “This year we’re actually going to have a live show broadcast by a student group of journalists… We open the red carpet up to all attendees at the end, and it’s just a really fun way to celebrate the filmmakers, to get dressed up to really feel how big and how special and important something like this is.”
The networking mixer is a particularly valuable opportunity for student filmmakers to connect with industry professionals. “We always hear really great feedback from the students getting to make those connections,” said Turner. The panel discussions also offer students and the audience a chance to gain insight into the film industry in Georgia, which has faced challenges in recent years. In Athens, Athena Studios was among the soundstages in Georgia affected by writers’ strikes and a decrease in demand given other states offering tax incentives that were once unique to Georgia. Despite these shifts in the industry, Turner remains hopeful.
“While it might be easy to feel discouraged sometimes, I always see a lot of optimism in terms of the talent that we have in the state and the passion for filmmaking that’s here,” said Turner.
Backlight has gained the support of Assembly Studios, Trilith Institute, the Georgia Film Office, the Athens Film Office, Chispa House and Epting Events, among others, and retains the spirit and excitement that started it all in 2021 while including other young filmmakers in the organization. “It takes a village to make Backlight happen, and it truly comes from a place of passion and a desire to positively contribute to the industry here by highlighting and uplifting those who will become the next generation of it,” said Turner.
Tickets to the festival are free and available on Eventbrite. For more information and a full schedule of events, visit backlight filmfestival.com. f
food & drink
good growing
Daffo-do’s and Don’ts
SUPPORTING ATHENS’ OFFICIAL FLOWER
By Erin France editorial@flagpole.com
Daffodils are some of the first flowers to bloom in the late winter. Athens has a special relationship with daffodils—as any first- year resident and spring visitor can attest.
Thousands of daffodils bloom annually along the Loop. Keep Athens- Clarke County Beautiful has spearheaded the project by fundraising and managing volunteers for more than a decade, with help from the Georgia Department of Transportation and ACC’s Landscape Management Division. Progressive plantings occur every year and are paid for, in part, by fundraisers like KACCB’s Dirty Dance Party at the end of the summer. Commissioners voted to change the city’s official flower from the iris to the daffodil in 2018 to recognize the success of the project.
If you find yourself wishing you could bring a little more of that first-bloomsof- spring magic into your yard, here’s how to find and care for your own plot of sunny daffodils.
Already have daffodils in your yard? Congratulations: You need not do anything more! Daffodils multiply asexually by slowly developing bulblets—little clones of the mother plant. They can grow from sexual reproduction (that’s pollination and developing seeds), but that’s much less likely, and it takes the resulting plants a longer time to bloom.
blooming, there are a few ways to troubleshoot the problem. You might need to divide the bulbs up, or move them to a sunnier locale. Daffodils need at least six hours of sunlight to bloom. Also, if you’re pruning back the leaves—don’t! Daffodils won’t produce flowers if you cut the leaves back before the bulb has had a chance to re-absorb the energy. Daffodil leaves turn yellow and look sickly after blooming. The standard advice is to wait until two- thirds of the leaves have flopped over before you cut them back. If you’re still having issues, try waiting a longer time before cutting them back. Moisture is another thing that can rot the bulbs. If you suspect their home is too swampy, pick a drier location for the next patch.
Whether you want to spread the buttery- yellow glory around your yard (or not), you’ll want to dig up your daffodil bulbs every three to five years. Otherwise, the bulbs can stop blooming because there’s too much competition in one spot for nutrients, water and light. Now is the time to mark which clumps could use a refresh, then dig them up and replant in the fall.
If you’re looking for new daffodil bulbs or a new variety, ACC Master Gardeners have an ongoing daffodil sale until May 1. Prices are good, especially if you order in bulk, and proceeds support UGA scholarships and community gardens. You’ll pick up your bulbs from the extension office in October, which is a good time to plant them. The downside: You can only pay by check.
I ordered from online retailer Holland Bulb Farm two years ago, and I am pleased with my mix of naturalizing daffodils. In the future, I’d like to stock more late-blooming daffodils. One patch flowers in late January, but I’d like to see some of my “host of golden daffodils” in late March.
If you have daffodils, but they aren’t
Daffodils are, unfortunately, not native—though many gardeners who focus on natives give them a pass. They’re not invasive, they generally bloom before any native plants (thus not competing for nutrients and sunlight at the same time) and because they’re toxic, deer and squirrels leave them alone. Unfortunately, daffodils are also left alone by native pollinators. Native options for early spring blooms include the vine Carolina Jessamine. It’s evergreen throughout the year, and is just now putting out happy, yellow flowers. It’s a sturdy little vine you could train up a trellis on a gutter, or on the side of your shed without it bringing down the building in a decade. Other native options for March blossoms are the yellow trout lily, green and gold, and Virginia bluebells. Those last three prefer shadier, moister spots than what daffodils will tolerate. If you’ve got an area where this non-native fails, a native planting could be a perfect match.
For more about volunteering or raising money for the Loop 10 Beautification Project visit accgov.com/179/Keep- AthensClarke- County-Beautiful-KACC. f
Daffodils generally don’t compete with native plants because they bloom so early and are avoided by deer and squirrels.
