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Cobbcerts at
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Tuesday, April 7 and 14_______________3 p.m.
Thursday, April 2, 9, 16 and 23_______1:15 p.m.
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Budget Crunch
TOUGHER TIMES AHEAD FOR ACC GOVERNMENT
By Blake Aued news@flagpole.com
Athens- Clarke County Manager Bob Cowell will propose that the local government spend some of its rainy day reserves next year, but with those funds depleted and growth in the tax digest slowing, the mayor and commission will face some tough choices in coming years.
As property values soared in 2020 and 2021, the mayor and commission were able to add to the county’s fund balance—essentially, a savings account. It reached $64 million by 2022, and in the following years the commission spent it down, partly to fund some neglected capital projects and partly to give property owners a break by slightly reducing the millage rate.
“Many needs remain unmet, and our current approach—which is really, take new dollars and add fund balance into the mix—isn’t sustainable,” Cowell told commissioners during a Mar. 24 presentation on his budget priorities for the coming fiscal year.
ACC’s policy is to hold at least 16.7% in reserve, enough to keep the government running for two months.
Revenue grew by $48 million over the past five years, Cowell said, but most of that has been eaten up by inflation, “no different than what people deal with at their households or their businesses,” he said, except that items governments purchase are even more susceptible to inflation than household goods.
Meanwhile, ACC continues to “tread water” on replacing aging equipment, and “substantial” operating expenses for SPLOST projects like the Eastside library are looming.
“ Many needs remain unmet, and our current approach isn’t sustainable.
“It’s going to end soon, and I think soon is going to come very soon.”
Cowell’s proposed $212.7 million operating budget is $10.7 million more than last year, but still leaves some requests unfunded. Department heads asked for a total of $6.8 million to meet inflation and $8 million for new initiatives. He listed a teetering economy, rising fuel costs and potential major tax reforms moving through the state legislature as justifications for a conservative budget.
Still, with revenue only projected to increase by $6.4 million—“a fair amount less than we’ve had in the past”—Cowell is proposing to pull $8 million out of the $50 million fund balance, leaving $42 million. That’s 19.5% of the general fund budget.
Some of Cowell’s suggestions included looking at diverted funds like tax allocation districts for the mall and other areas, as well as the community clean energy fund, which relies on franchise fees from utilities like Georgia Power to use the public right-of- way.
He also suggested consolidating government departments, eliminating open positions and expanding the inclusionary zoning policy providing incentives like density bonuses for developers to build affordable housing. “That’s proven to be a pretty effective way to raise revenue for affordable housing,” he said.
Another item on Cowell’s chopping block is the neighborhood leaders program run by Community Connection/Families in Schools, which employs neighborhood residents to guide their neighbors through the process of applying for benefits. Cowell also wants to take a hard look at other nonprofits that receive taxpayer funding. “There are partners you ought to look at and say, can we continue to do these things at these levels?” he said. f
School Cellphone Ban
PLUS, DATA CENTER-DRIVEN LAWSUIT OVER POWER SURGES
By Alander Rocha news@flagpole.com
The Georgia Senate unanimously passed a measure that would ban cellphone use on campus for high school students from the morning bell until the dismissal bell, known as a “bell to bell” ban.
The bill would add public high school students to the current law, which passed last year and banned cellphone use for students up to grade eight during instructional time. The bill also calls for local school boards to establish procedures for students to use a phone during “other instructional opportunities that do not occur on school grounds,” such as dual enrollment or work-based learning programs.
The bill passed the Senate with a 52-0 vote and heads to Gov. Brian Kemp for final approval.
Sen. Shawn Still, a Suwanee Republican who carried House Bill 1009 in the upper chamber, said after the bill’s passage that feedback from teachers to the bill has been overwhelmingly positive, saying that students interact more during lunch, and there are even fewer fights in the schools where the policy has already been implemented.
Atlanta Democratic state Sen. RaShaun Kemp introduced an amendment to allow cellphone use between classes. Kemp said that a one- size- fits-all policy does not account for the needs of different age groups, saying that high school students have different needs than elementary school students. The amendment he proposed would allow each school district to adopt its own policies for allowing cellphone use during “brief transitions between classes.”
gia Public Service Commission, appealing the December approval of a massive expansion of power infrastructure for Georgia Power.
The 42-page lawsuit, filed in Fulton County Superior Court, alleges that the commission broke the law by approving nearly 10 gigawatts of new energy generation without properly demonstrating a need for it, at the expense of customers. The groups argue that the December decision will leave “captive customers” on the hook for an estimated $50–$60 billion in costs over the coming decades.
“With major energy policy decisions that would lock in Georgia Power ratepayers to paying for excessive, expensive dirty fossil fuel projects through 2075, the need for transparency and thorough review has never been more important,” said Maggie Shober, research director for the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, in a press release.
“I do not believe that we should do a blanket policy that treats 17- year-olds like 7- year-olds. These are two totally different stages in life,” Kemp said.
Kemp said that many 17- and 18- yearolds have adult responsibilities, like a job or even children, but if the school districts disagree with that position, they can still implement a bell- to-bell ban. The amendment failed 13-38.
Peachtree Corners Republican state Rep. Scott Hilton, the bill’s original sponsor, said after the bill’s passage that Georgia’s spending on education will go even further now with this legislation. He argued that it will help not only address concerns around mental health and social media use, but also increase test scores and reduce disciplinary action.
“This is a great, great win for our students in our classrooms,” Hilton said. “As much as Georgia invests in education, we’re going to see that return on investment.”
PSC Sued Over Data Centers
A group of environmental organizations filed a lawsuit Wednesday against the Geor-
The lawsuit, filed by the Southern Environmental Law Center representing groups like Georgia Interfaith Power and Light and the Sierra Club, claims that the commission approved 757 megawatts of resources that even Georgia Power’s own data showed were not needed to meet its projected demand.
Georgia Power said in commission proceedings that the massive request is to serve a projected surge in energy demand, largely driven by power-hungry data centers.
Matthew Kent, a spokesperson for Georgia Power, said in a statement that the commission’s December decision delivers savings of more than $100 per year for the typical residential customer. Georgia Power lawyers argued to commissioners that their energy infrastructure buildout would provide Georgia Power customers with about $8.50 in “downward pressure” on monthly energy bills.
“We’re reviewing the petition in more detail, but we don’t agree that this positive, constructive plan for Georgia electric customers needs to be reconsidered,” Kent said. f
These articles originally appeared at georgiarecorder. com.
Opponents of an immigrant detention facility in Social Circle visited the Georgia Capitol on Mar. 26.
Q&A With Mara Zuniga
By Blake Aued news@flagpole.com
Mara Zuniga was raised in New York City, the daughter of Nicaraguan immigrants. She grew up working in her father’s auto shop, then went into the banking industry as an adult. Her family moved to Georgia about 20 years ago to join her brother after a traumatic house fire, and she now resides in the Winterville area. In 2022, Zuniga challenged incumbent Mayor Kelly Girtz, who is term-limited, finishing second with 25% of the vote. She recently sat down with Flagpole to discuss her evolution from a Marxist to a swing voter, among other issues. The interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Flagpole: Obviously, you ran four years ago. What did you learn from that experience? And what is different about running this time?
Mara Zuniga: The first time that I ran, it was pretty fast. It felt like things just were falling into place quite rapidly. I ran because I felt there were things that were not working right. I thought there was questions that needed to be answered. But when I jumped into the race, I really didn’t have any political knowledge. We had no, we still don’t have experienced people on the campaign, by the way. It was very grassroots.
People wanted to know what your stance was, as always. There wasn’t much time to learn. By the time I knew, it was over. And I said, wow, after the fact, you realize I could have done this, I could have done that. There was a lot of reflection after the race. I was impressed that I came in second place, actually very surprised, because I realized afterwards that other people did have help. I realized that people wanted a change at that time.
FP: Sixty percent of people didn’t want change. They voted for the incumbent.
MZ: But here’s the thing. A lot of people want change, but they don’t want to do the work. And that’s what’s new this time that I did realize, because you kind of wonder, how come it turned out to be 60%? That’s only 60% of 20,000 people, by the way.
You asked me what I learned. I learned that people want to change. I learned that some people were willing to do the work to make the change. But a lot of folks were like, we can’t bring on the changes. Impossible. It won’t happen. They didn’t believe it. So I don’t think they went out to vote.
We have about 80,000 registered voters, and 20,000 vote consistently. So the other people, what do they do? [They think] no one other than a Democrat is going to win here in Athens. No one. That’s it. They’ve given up.
FP: So you think there are 60,000 Republicans in Athens who’ve given up?
MZ: I don’t think Republicans. It almost seems like your conclusion, people think if you’re not a Democrat, then you have to be a Republican. That’s not the case. You jumped into that conclusion.
FP: But you were the treasurer of the local Republican Party at one point.
MZ: I’ve never said I wasn’t. But no one has asked me how I got there, which is interesting to me.
FP: How did you get there?
MZ: Well, having grown up in New York, you don’t really come across a lot of Republicans in New York. Basically, there are a lot of Democrats. Actually, the only two situations that I ever encountered was being either a Democrat or a Marxist.
food at 3 o’clock in the morning. Here, they closed at 9 in Buford.
When I came here to Athens, I really liked the music scene. I was driving through Athens, I came to UGA, loved the whole feeling that downtown had. That was 2005, I want to say. And I said, wow, this reminds me of a little bit of New York.
When I was in the music scene, I did come across a few people that said, “Stay away from Republicans here.” I said, “Why?” “‘Cause they’re evil people, they’re racist, they’re this, they’re that.” I started to think, I’ve never encountered Republicans in my life. So I said, “I wonder if that’s true.”
So I went to a meeting in which the governor was supposed to be there, and his wife, and there were some other state candidates there. So we went. They were very
very nice. The more I went, the more they wanted to know from me, because I was from New York, I was Hispanic, and now they wanted to ask me questions. Eventually, I don’t think I was even there six to eight months, and they knew I had been in banking, when they asked me for a favor. They said, “Hey, we have a gentleman that does the treasury, and we’re looking for someone to fill in.” I really didn’t want to do it. My husband and I had just taken over a business here, and I was doing the financial part of it, and I said, “I don’t think I have time for it.” He goes, “Please, it’s just for a couple of months while we find someone.” It was as a favor for the GOP people, because they needed someone. And I would have done it for the Democrat Party if they would have asked me.
So coming down to Georgia, I learned a lot of things: People were patient. They didn’t beep. You guys in Georgia sell dirt, that was crazy to me. Why do you even sell dirt, right? Now I understand why. But having come here, there were a lot of new things to me that I didn’t know about the South. I actually felt that I had gone back in time. It just felt like Georgia was a little backward, you know, coming from a place like New York. And that’s not trying to insult anyone. It’s just, that’s how I felt, really. Things were slow here. New York, you got
friendly to meet, but I did feel like there was a certain kind of feeling, like, what is she doing here? Who is she?
But here was my impression: Wow, they have the governor here? In New York, you have to pay thousands of dollars just to go see or hear a council person. So to me, to be in a meeting where a governor and other states reps are, and you don’t even have to pay, that’s mind blowing to me.
They were discussing immigration and things like that, and they wanted to hear my point of view, which I thought was
There are people on the left that won’t talk to me. They see me coming, and they walk the other way. That’s curious to me, because the way that I grew up on the left, it was very understanding. We dialog, we talk. As a matter of fact, we would love to incorporate somebody from the far right and bring them in by showing them exactly what our point of view is and why we’re doing what we’re doing. That was the way it used to be when I was young. Now, it seems to me that in Athens, people are not tolerant on the left. If you don’t think like us, get out of here. That, to me, is crazy.
FP: Having covered a lot of these nonpartisan races, for better or for worse, people still want to know your affiliation. Generally the assumption, if you won’t answer that question, is going to be that you are a Republican, and you are trying to hide it. MZ: Am I a Republican? I don’t know. That’s kind of hard to say. I can’t even answer that for you, because here’s the thing. That’s a very divisive question to me. What does that have to do with the local level? If it’s a private vote, it’s a private vote.
I am an issue voter. Now, I did grow up as a Democrat, and at some point in my life, I was a Marxist. But I cannot tell you that I’m a Republican. I do have friends. I
do go to the meetings. I will, if the Democrat Party wants me to help them, but they don’t want my help, by the way.
FP: You are pretty clearly a fiscal conservative. You were asked at a forum a few weeks ago about what you would cut out of the budget, and your answer was anything that’s not a core function of government. What is a core function of government?
MZ: Anything that deals with the firefighters, police, leaf and limb, the boring things to discuss. The things that people don’t like to talk about generally. But it’s basic services, you know, the infrastructure.
I’m not saying that I’m against everything that we’re doing. I’m just saying we have too much on our plate. We really need to address those things that everybody pays to get covered. We start off with those things—garbage pickup, recycling, firefighters, police, safety, all those things. And then we go to the next tier. What’s the next tier? Well, the things that we need, that may be pretty, right? Bike trails or whatever. But that’s not how we’re operating. The way that I see it is, some people get what they want, and other people don’t get their necessities. Like street lights, sidewalks, in certain neighborhoods—which, I didn’t know about those neighborhoods, by the way, until I ran the first time.
A community in Inner East Athens took me to the area, and they showed me there were places, there’s no streetlights, there’s no police presence, you know? I mean, there’s crime. And this community is getting gentrified. It’s poor. Then you start learning, well, money has been coming, and it just hasn’t been filtering [down] to us.
FP: You mentioned the infrastructure deficit of $30 million, and I’m assuming you’re talking about the Urban3 study. My takeaway from that is that we need more dense development because, when you look at places that have dense development like downtown or Five Points, they’re generating most of the tax revenue, and that’s subsidizing the more suburban, rural parts of the community. So how do you handle that dichotomy? You have a neighborhood that doesn’t want something, but yet you know that you have to have development to build up the tax base.
MZ: I’m not just build, build, build, you know? If we just keep building, the prices will go down. That’s what I’m hearing from some candidates, right? I do believe that we have to look at things in a moderate way. Yes, we’re gonna have growth. Let’s look where we can put this, and how much growth do we want?
Coming from a high-density place where I come from, you also have to look at when you put more structures there, you have more services. So you’re going to have to pay for more services, and you’re going to have to address ailing infrastructure because things are going to put pressure on the infrastructure.
FP: There are parts of the city that, yes, you’re right. But there are parts of the city that we know can handle a lot more.
MZ: So if we have that for a fact, then then we can build. It’s fine if it can handle it. My concern is, what if it can’t handle it?
I’ve been in business for about 40 years. I’ve done mortgages for about 25. I’m married to a guy that understands construction, and I talk with a lot of people that do construction, so I have people that I ask questions, other than just the GOP treasurer,
because that’s what gets constantly written about me.
Look at the mall. We have people that are on the commission that do not understand funding, financing, collateral.
FP: That’s why they have lawyers.
MZ: I talked to people when that deal was coming up, and I was like, “Oh, OK, this would be nice.” And then the whole community [benefits] agreement I did not like because I saw some preferential treatment there.
FP: For whom?
MZ: Well, you had a first choice for [Clarke County School District] employees to have housing. There’s people that need housing everywhere, right? There’s a lot of people that need houses. Then you had some nonprofits paying a dollar for their rent, there were a lot of question marks there. Why is nobody asking those questions? It’s interesting. So why aren’t these commissioners or the mayor, or anybody, consulting people outside of their own circle?
FP: It’s kind of on the developer, though, isn’t it? I don’t see how it’s the commission’s fault that [the Leaven Group] couldn’t get financing.
MZ: We should look at this, that this is something that’s going to be doable, not just waste everybody’s time. I think it’s a waste of time and money, really, to be even looking at something that’s dead to begin with. I would think that somebody would ask questions more on a project of that size, which was crazy large, you know?
FP: You would know better than me. I’m not a banker.
MZ: I did it for 20-odd years. Do they have enough collateral to make this happen? I’ve been in business for about 40 years, so I do understand revenue and expenses and being fiscally responsible and priorities. But that gives you creativity when it comes to dealing with financing and numbers and revenue and income.
I’ve also dealt with federal guidelines and laws, because you have to do that in banking. It’s very delicate. You could go to jail for years.
Let me tell you, I got a bad taste for banks myself. I’m not a fan, and I don’t think that gets out enough about me, because I’m the GOP treasurer. I’m not big business. I am pro- small business. When I tell people I’m a capitalist, yeah, that took us out of poverty, small business. My father—8th grade education. My mom had a 2nd grade education. The only thing they had was their trades. My father was a mechanic; my mom was a seamstress. And they depended on all seven kids. So, that’s the life of an immigrant.
I was involved in the Marxist movement. I raised money for the Sandinistas. People have had issues with me saying stuff about the Sandinistas, but, hey, it wasn’t too long ago. I gave up on that in 2018.
FP: What happened in 2018? Most of what I know about the Sandinistas came from listening to the Clash.
MZ: When they started oppressing the very people who supported them, because they did not agree. They were abducting young people who had issues, the same [kind of] young people that were having issues with Samosa. They were using the very same tactics. f
Commission District 1
PATRICK DAVENPORT VS. TERRY JOHNSON
By Chris Dowd news@flagpole.com
More people have decided to run for public office in 2026 than any other year in recent memory. The May 19 local election and primary is absolutely packed, with every open seat on the Athens- Clarke County Commission being challenged.
In District 1, handyman Terry Johnson is challenging incumbent Commissioner Patrick Davenport for the privilege of representing southeastern Athens at city hall. District 1 stretches from Whitehall Road and Gaines School Road on its western edge all the way east to Morton Road. Notably, it includes the Cedar Creek neighborhood, but not Green Acres, which is part of District 8.
Davenport has ample experience as a commissioner, having served in the role for the last seven years. While District 1 has traditionally elected more conservative candidates to the commission, Davenport has maintained his progressive stances on many issues, including environmental preservation, living wages and support for cooperative businesses. His day job is as the operations manager of Peachy Green Clean Co-Op, a green cleaning company owned by the workers.
for private trash haulers outside of the city center. He believes that a single hauler for each neighborhood would provide customers with an enhanced level of service at a reduced cost, while cutting down on illegal dumping and service theft.
As the chair of the ACC Solid Waste Advisory Committee, Davenport authored a proposal to expand ACC’s recycling efforts, requiring the local government to use only recyclable products at events. “I got tired of seeing all the trash from these big events going into our landfill,” Davenport told Flagpole. “It reduces the cost to taxpayers, because it’s less waste that goes into our landfill. I’m very proud of that.”
Davenport has also been a strong supporter of switching to a franchising system
While Davenport has supported most progressive initiatives proposed over the last seven years, he remains an independent voice, often speaking out against plans he feels are fiscally irresponsible. For example, he opposed the creation of the controversial First Step homeless encampment back in 2021, questioning whether the money would be well- spent. “I will not be supporting the… motion [to create the First Step encampment],” Davenport said before the vote in 2021. “I respect all the great people
doing all the awesome work in our community helping the homeless situation, but at the same time, we need an audit of where the money is going and what’s been done, because if we continue to support the problem, all we’re going to have is a continued problem.”
Davenport is also known for his principled opposition to the use of eminent domain, which is the power to force private individuals to sell their land to the government. Last year, Davenport briefly threatened to derail the Firefly Trail’s connection to Winterville because he could not stomach the idea of seizing even a small slice of someone’s backyard against their will. However, this stance has also delayed construction of the trail.
While most commissioners choose to err on the side of public safety, Davenport has no regrets about fighting this losing battle against the fire station. “There were a lot of people, at least 80% of the [nearby] neighborhoods who were concerned [about the fire station], and I believed in what they were concerned about. I could be authoritarian and say ‘this is what the government wants,’ or I could be a leader and respect the wishes of the constituents and fight for them,” Davenport said.
Johnson has nothing negative to say about Davenport’s time in office. Instead, Johnson is running because, after 20 years working as a deputy in the ACC Sheriff’s Office and later starting his own home improvement business, he has a wide variety of skills that he feels gives him a solid foundation for being an ACC Commissioner.
As another example of his commitment to being responsive to constituents, Davenport waged a long and passionate campaign against relocating Fire Station No. 5 out to Old Lexington Road—a dispute that caused this vital public safety project to be delayed for years. The new location was finally approved last year, but Davenport never wavered, even if it put him in conflict with ACC Fire Chief Nate Moss.
“I’ve been serving this community for over 40 years. Being one who wears many hats, you need to have knowledge on all things,” Johnson told Flagpole. “If I want to do something or I want to know something, I find out about it, and I go in depth.”
Johnson has worked in housing construction, property management, the restaurant business and as a truck driver, in addition to volunteering at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Athens.
If elected, his top priority would be to lower the cost of housing in Athens so more people can afford to stay in their homes. “We have a housing problem. The prices right now are so high, they’re astronomical. People cannot afford to stay where they are at,” Johnson said. “I think there ought to be limitations on how rental property is run.”
Despite his lack of policy proposals and experience in politics, Johnson feels that his diverse skillset and care for the community are important traits that a commissioner should have. “Voters should choose me because I’m not limited to one space. I wear a lot of hats. I’m sympathetic to people,” he said. “If I can help anybody in the community, I’ve always been willing to do it.” f
Patrick Davenport
Terry Johnson
‘Surface Tension’ Opening Reception
Lyndon House Arts Center • 5:30 p.m. • FREE!
As part of Craft in America’s nationwide initiative to honor the handmade, Lyndon House Arts Center has curated “Surface Tension,” featuring works that navigate the human body by Erika Diamond and Chelsea Lillo. Diamond is a textile artist, curator and educator who created a series of safety vests collectively called “Imminent Peril – Queer Collection” in response to the 2016 mass shooting at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, FL. The vests are made from Kevlar and tailored to reflect the personalities and styles of specific members of the queer community, exploring who is valued in American society and who holds the privilege of being both seen and protected. Diamond explores ideas of vulnerability and self preservation in their other series on display called “Eggshell Miniquilts and Eggshell Garments.” Lillo, a psychology graduate, reflects the medical realm in her works. She sculpts ocular, facial and somatic prostheses, meticulously matching each clients’ skin tone, eye color and bone structure so that they can re-enter their communities with a sense of confidence and belonging.
[Mary Beth Bryan]
MUSIC | FRI, APR. 3
Dusty Inkwell Album Release
Dead Beat Club • 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show) • $15 (adv.), $20
Dusty Inkwell is the alias of Austin Darnell, a local musician known for his work in The Howdies and, before that, The Darnell Boys. Darnell’s new solo record is Time Wounds All Heels, a charming collection of 12 classic country tunes inspired by artists like Bob Wills and Hank Williams. Darnell has released several singles over the past six years, but this album marks his first full-length solo project. Time Wounds All Heels comes out on streaming platforms the day of the show, which will also feature support from old-fashioned honky tonk and rockabilly band Coyote Holler and Andrea DeMarcus and Dave Kirslis’ folkrock band Cicada Rhythm.
[MB]
FILM | APR. 3–4
Athens
African American Film Festival
Morton Theatre • Times Vary • $5 (adv.), $7
The inaugural Athens Afri can American Film Festival celebrates Black storytelling through film, music and conversation. The opening night of the festival, entitled “Frames & Flows: Athens Hip Hop Video Showcase,” will begin at 6 p.m. and feature a showcase of locally produced music videos and live perfor mances from Cassie Chantel,
Ant Da Ripper and Amun-Ra, ending with a panel discussion hosted by Andrew Shearer. This part of the event is free, and entry is limited to the first 100 guests. Tickets to secure entry are available on the Morton Theatre’s website. The second day of the festival begins at 1 p.m. with a screening of Julie Dash’s 1991 film Daughters of the Dust, which is the first feature film directed by an African American woman to receive a theatrical release in the U.S. After the screening there will be a panel discussion hosted by Dr. Freda Scott Giles with leading scholars Valerie Babb, Ph.D. (Emory University), Shandra L. McDonald (University of Georgia) and Jerry Rafiki Jenkins, Ph.D. (University of Georgia). [MB]
EVENT | SAT, APR. 4 FanFest
Wire Park • 10 a.m.–6 p.m. • FREE!
FanFest, now in its fifth year, is an event designed for lovers of all types of entertainment. The festival hosts over 60 vendors offering local art, handcrafted goods and other treasures. The live performers throughout the day will include dance groups Tonali Danza Folklorica and Qamar Belly Dance, DJs from Nightshade Family and musicians Bryant Perez, Libbaloops, Trevon and Rebecca Sunshine. There will also be live demonstrations from the Athens School of Arms, UGA Juggling Club and Athens Puppetry Club. As far as creative learning opportunities are concerned, there will be workshops in comic character design and filming, plus panel discussions on podcasting and using Kickstarter to fund projects. There will also be a gaming area with pinball and arcade machines, board games, Nintendo Switch games and a variety of D&D and RPG-style games. Finally, there will be a cosplay contest, with the winners taking home passes to both DragonCon and MomoCon. [MB]
Rising pop star MARIS claims to have “first discovered planet Earth in 1999 while traveling through space on an expedition for life, love, and adventure,” arriving with the mission to connect with her listeners through storytelling and ‘80s-inspired pop music. MARIS moved to LA in 2021 and has been releasing a steady stream of singles since, along with a debut EP called Gravity She is visiting Athens on the first stop of her “MARIS Goes To College” tour, which will hit campuses and college town venues across the U.S. through May. The tour is following up MARIS’ successful new single, “Body Is On Fire,” co-written and produced by earwulf, Paper Magazine says sees her “stepping into a new era—bolder, sharper, and still dancing around the edge of impulse.” [MB] f
MUSIC
THURSDAY, APRIL 16 at 7:30 p.m. Hodgson Concert Hall. FOR TICKETS:
$15 - Adults
$3 UGA students music.uga.edu 706-542-4400
UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA WIND ENSEMBLE HINDEMITH & SCHOENBERG
FEATURED WORKS: 75th anniversary of Paul Hindemith’s Symphony in B-flat; Rise by Emmy Award-winning Adam Schoenberg; Adolphus Hailstork’s The Bones of Mr. Fortune featuring University of Georgia music faculty Angela Jones-Reus, flute.
THURSDAY, APRIL 23 at 7:30 p.m. Hodgson Concert Hall. FOR TICKETS:
$20 - Adults $3 UGA students music.uga.edu 706-542-4400
UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA AND COMBINED CHOIRS PRESENT CARMINA BURANA
Carmina Burana is a cantata composed by Carl Orff in 1935-36 based on a collection of twenty-four medieval poems. This concert features over 300 student musicians!
UPCOMING
PERFORMANCES
THURSDAY, APR. 9 at 7:30 p.m. Hodgson Concert Hall
MONDAY, APR. 13 at 7:30 p.m. Hodgson Concert Hall
CHINESE MUSIC ENSEMBLE SOUL MUSIC ENSEMBLE
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15 at 6 p.m. Edge Recital Hall
Hugh Hodgson School of Music Bldg. 250 River Road in Athens
All Hugh Hodgson School of Music events take place at the UGA Performing Arts Center, 230 River Road in Athens unless indicated.
Your Ex’s Pets
‘NO
ALBUM RELEASE CAPTURES THE MOMENT
By Sam Lipkin editorial@flagpole.com
When singer- songwriter Jackie Hales moved to Athens from Philadelphia nearly three years ago, she had an album, Pretenderness, under the name Your Ex’s Pets almost entirely performed by herself. Hales recorded these songs simply to give them her best shot and have them documented. It was never a thought that Your Ex’s Pets might become as popular as it has in the music scene of Hales’ new home.
After meeting Iain Cooke (guitar, pedal steel), Boone Hood (bass) and Liz Farrell (keyboards, vocals), the first iteration of Your Ex’s Pets began playing shows based on Hales’ project. Andrew McFarland joined on drums, as well as Mary Margaret Cozart on vocals and guitar. This six-piece live band was behind Your Ex’s Pets from April to August of last year, and re-recorded Pretenderness together with new arrangements at Chase Park Transduction.
recorded in the moment, which also came with a lot of added personality.
“I wanted to obsess over one little keyboard mistake in the song ‘Pretenderness,’ and Jackie was like, ‘No, we’re not going to worry about that because I want it to be sort of captured, like the fact that we are not robots,’” says Farrell.
“I really enjoyed the workflow of working with tape as opposed to getting in the weeds, which you can do when you’re on a computer and kind of obsessing over really small details. You can’t really afford to do that on tape,” says Hood.
Recording on tape was a new experience for everyone, but the members had already been forced to find comfort in trying new things when it comes to Your Ex’s Pets. Hales says that she’s always been a fan of bands that find ways to reinvent their work, or play variations of songs with fewer or more people involved, and she’s had to ask her bandmates to sing while playing instruments for the first time or take over other members’ parts. To her surprise, she’s been met with a lot of enthusiasm from the band.
McFarland, who did a lot of recording work at the studio, told his bandmates co-owner David Barbe had been restoring vintage tape equipment. During the summer while UGA was on break, Barbe was offering a discounted rate for any band well rehearsed enough to let him record using the vintage equipment.
“This seemed like a perfect opportunity to go and capture what it sounded like when this group of people played the songs, as opposed to just what I had done by myself. And it was a really special experience, too, like we had just played a bunch of shows. So we were all very comfortable with these songs, and it didn’t take very much preparation to be able to go and give the same kind of performance that we would give on stage in the studio,” says Hales. “Most of what you hear on this new record is instruments that were all performed together, vocals that were all performed together around one microphone. And there’s not very much ability to edit or do any tricks with putting the recording together. So it is a very honest representation of our performances, which is really fun, because I was very proud of this lineup of the band. It didn’t last very long because Andrew and Mary Margaret both no longer live in Athens.”
The resulting re-recorded album, “No Imitation, ” will be released on Apr. 4, coinciding with the first anniversary of its predecessor Pretenderness. From the recording style to adapting new arrangements of songs and working with changing lineups, Your Ex’s Pets has been a lesson in appreciating the moment and stretching outside your comfort zone as musicians for all of the members of the band. When it came to recording on tape, Hales says not having editing options pushed the group to let go and accept what they
“They’re very intricate songs. They’re really well written. There’s a lot of overlapping parts that just work together, fit together really well. For me, being in the band was important for me to learn that, yes, I can sing and play at the same time. Honing skills and getting to do that with really good friends who are all very talented was very special,” says Farrell.
“It was also cool to add pedal steel to these songs. It’s been a journey for me with this instrument. I picked it up back in January of 2024, and I guess we recorded these in the summer of 2025, so I was still figuring out how to play it. And it was just a really cool challenge to figure out how to fit this texture that’s usually reserved for country music into these songs that are not really country songs. And also to figure out how to make the sounds in my head happen on this instrument that I am still learning to play,” says Cooke.
For Hood, it was an opportunity to make his fretless bass dreams come true. “It was a tone I had been chasing for a long time. And so I just bought a very, very, very cheap bass on Facebook marketplace and ripped the frets out. And, yeah, it turned out pretty well,” says Hood.
Talking with the old and new members of Your Ex’s Pets, there’s a common thread of admiration and support among the members, and an appreciation for what the band has been every step of the way. The new album is an experience that its listener can no longer hear live, which adds to its value rather than diminishing it. Likewise, the next time you catch Your Ex’s Pets live, it will be Hales, Cooke, Hood and drummer Alex Dillon on stage performing the band’s newly innovated songs. So practice mindfulness when you take it all in.
“Everybody really brought their best musicianship to it. For me, it’s maybe not experimenting with my musical skills or developing my skills as an instrumentalist in the same way as it is for everybody else, but it feels beautiful to trust everybody with this,” says Hales. “To know that they did such an amazing job, and to let go of something that was mine and let it be in somebody else’s hands, is a beautiful feeling.” f
SWEET TEA PEDIGREE Local Southern rock band. Hendershot’s
7:30 a.m.–9 p.m. www.hendershots athens.com
ALL DAY FEST Music and poetry performances in celebration of Seth Hendershot handing the keys of Hendershot’s over to new owners. Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall
7:30 p.m. $6 (w/UGA ID), $18. music. uga.edu
ARCO CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
Performing selections including Concerto for Guitar, Violin and Chamber Orchestra by William Lovelady with UGA faculty Daniel Bolshoy as the guitar soloist and UGA alum Pyeongkang Park as guest conductor.
Nowhere Bar
8 p.m. www.instagram.com/nowhere barathensga
STEELBOY Inspired by Midwestern alternative rock, this Athens band incorporates both ’80s and ’90s punk rock into its sound.
NOISE MOUNTAIN Inspired by Midwestern alternative rock, this Athens band incorporates both ’80s and ’90s punk rock into its sound.
BADKILL Baddest, deadest local punk rock band.
Ramsey Hall
5:30 p.m. FREE! music.uga.edu
UGA TROMBONE CHOIR WITH JAMES NOVA UGA Trombone Choir is joined by the Pittsburgh Symphony trombonist/Duquesne University Adjunct Trombone Faculty member, performing Nova’s arrangements of music by John Williams, Danny Elfman and Michael Giacchino.
State Botanical Garden of Georgia
7 p.m. $25. botgarden.uga.edu
UGA OPERA IN BLOOM UGA
Opera Theatre brings Jane Austen’s world to life with Mansfield Park, Jonathan Dove’s witty, romantic chamber opera.
INGRAM Blues guitarist and singer from Clarksdale, MS who became a well-known performer in his teenage years, known for carrying on the legacy of blues music while also innovating the form.
Amici at The Falls
6 p.m. www.facebook.com/amiciat thefalls
CAM NORTON Covers and originals in the vein of rock, folk, bluegrass and country.
Athentic Brewing Co. 6:30–8:30 p.m. www.athenticbrewing. com
SONGWRITERS ANONYMOUS
Featuring songwriters Austin Sisk, July Woman and John Kinnison in the round.
Ciné
HARD TACK Presents. 7 p.m. $10. www.athenscine.com
GRUDGE Nauseating punk from Baltimore, MD.
B.I.M.B.O.S. Hardcore for the baddies.
SPOIL Hardcore band. CALL MERCY New local band. TOMMYGUN Athens punk. Creature Comforts
Brewery
Athens Farmers Market. 5–8 p.m. FREE! www.athensfarmersmarket. net
38 STRINGS Multi-generational acoustic folk music with 38 strings between them. (6 p.m.)
Flicker Theatre & Bar
9 p.m. FREE! www.flickertheatreand bar.com
DR. FRED’S KARAOKE Featuring a large assortment of pop, rock, indie and more.
ETHAN REGAN Singer-songwriter from North Carolina who has been putting out music since he was 13, inspired by artists like John Mayer, Damien Rice and Zac Bryan .
Georgia Theatre Rooftop
7 p.m. FREE! www.georgiatheatre.com
CODY GENTRY Americana musician who has spent the last five years playing music around the Southeast, all the while listening, studying and seeking inspiration. The Globe
7:30–10 p.m. www.facebook.com/ globe.athens
MARY & THE HOT HOTTY-HOTS
Hot jazz and swing band offering music from the 1910s, ’20s and ’30s.
Hendershot’s
8 p.m. www.hendershotsathens.com
KARAOKE WITH DJ GREGORY
Enjoy singing and dancing for all. Hotel Indigo
Live After Five. 5:30–8 p.m. www. indigoathens.com
TODD COWART Country singer-songwriter.
Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall
7:30 p.m. $42–74 (discount w/ UGA ID). pac.uga.edu
BREABACH Contemporary folk act from Scotland that blends
ABBY POWLEDGE Nashvillebased singer-songwriter who broke out on TikTok with her viral song “spoiling me.”
RIGOMETRICS Classic rock with a contemporary edge and explosive guitar solos.
SCHMOOZE Athens alternative rock trio.
Cobbham Triangle Park
Cobbcerts in the Park. 6 p.m. FREE! Cobbham Triangle Park on Facebook
JIM WHITE Winterville-based singer-songwriter with a canny lyrical style and a Southern gothic flair.
KRISTINA MURRAY Georgia-born, Nashville-based country craftswoman with a keen eye and ear for the little details that bring her working-class characters to life.
DUSTY INKWELL Solo performance by Austin Darnell (member of The Howdies), who is inspired by early country greats like Bob Wills and Hank Williams. Album release show!
COYOTE HOLLER Atlanta/Athens-based two steppin’/dust up music.
CICADA RHYTHM Captivating Athens act playing melodic, roots-influenced folk-rock.
ANDOVIA Hard alternative rock rooted between the Atlanta and Athens areas.
using the tones and frequencies of the universe.
Normal Bar Soul Spectacular Dance Party. 8 p.m. FREE! www.instagram.com/normal_ bar_athens
DJ NATE & DJ KURT WOOD Two local vinyl hounds bringing you all the best ’60s soul platters that matter for your dancing pleasure.
DJ MATTIE VALENTINE Serious crate digger/collector visiting Athens to play rare gems.
Nowhere Bar
7 p.m. (doors), 9:30 p.m. (show). www.instagram.com/nowherebar athensga SQUEAKY FEET Playing a blend of progressive rock, jazz fusion and dance grooves.
HOTEL FICTION Indie pop led by Jessica Thompson and Jade Long. HALLPASS Indie and alternative rock group with a refreshing, feelgood and raw rock sound.
DJ GOTH DAD Dustin Gannon of Vision Video leads a dance party spinning goth, post-punk and more. TWIN POWERS Local DJ who is also a member of DJ trio Booty Boyz.
PARKER GISPERT Hometown solo performance from the frontman of Nashville-based rock trio The Whigs.
SCOTT CARNEY Solo performance from the Wax Fang member. Downtown Athens 12–7 p.m. www.nuci.org/abr
ATHENS BUSINESS ROCKS: PARTY OUT OF BOUNDS Local bands play at businesses all around town, competing to raise the most funds for Nuçi’s Space. See p. 18 for full schedule.
RICK FOWLER BAND Steeped in the wealth of experience and known for lyrical maturity that still packs an attitude, musician Rick Fowler (joined by Michael Doke, Greg Veale, Deane Quinter and Tim White) brings an original yet familiar appeal to fans of ‘60s and ‘70s rock.
Morton Theatre
Athens African American Film Festival. 6 p.m. FREE! www.mortontheatre. com
CASSIE CHANTEL Athens-born hip-hop artist who recently released a jazz fusion album called Inherited ANT DA RIPPER Athens hip-hop artist who strives to create a platform for aspiring artists with his own recording studio and label.
AMUN-RA Hip-hop artist transmitting cosmic knowledge and truth
KARMA KAT Local band with sounds of rock, pop and funky jazz. They’ll rock your whiskers off! THE LITTLE STRONG Singer-songwriter who draws from her classically-trained background to fuse ambient melodies with a folk inspiration.
DEVIN SCOTT STROUD Photographer, artist and musician who also plays in Stay Lost and American Boyfriend.
Old Crow Medicine Show will play at the Georgia Theatre on Thursday, Apr. 2.
Front Porch Bookstore
6 p.m. FREE! Find Front Porch Bookstore on Facebook
DODD FERRELLE Winterville singer-songwriter who has explored acoustic folk, alt-country, pop rock and Americana over the course of his career.
Georgia Theatre
8 p.m. $20.40–38.94. www.georgia theatre.com
IT’S A 2000S PARTY Celebrating the iconic 2000s era, featuring the decade’s biggest hits across pop, hip hop and rock genres.
Hendershot’s
6–8 p.m. $10. www.hendershots athens.com
ATHENS UNPLUGGED Local favorites Lane Marie, Andy Browne, Wieuca and Bob’s Lovecats perform stripped down sets in the style of MTV Unplugged.
Madison Morgan Cultural Center
7:30 p.m. $35. www.mmcc-arts.org
BOOM! TRIO Atlanta jazz band featuring special guest Lavahi. No. 3 Railroad Street
6 p.m. www.3railroad.org
CAROLINE AIKEN & LIZ MELEN-
DEZ The internationally-recognized songwriter and versatile guitarist come together to play folk, blues and more.
JORDAN SMART Kentucky-based folk singer-songwriter who has drawn comparisons to John Prine, Malvina Reynolds, Phil Ochs, Barbara Dane and Woody Guthrie. WILLY TEA TAYLOR Musician with an array of influences and a distinct ability to write subjects in a simple yet profound way.
JODI JONES Folk singer, storyteller and troublemaker from Western Pennsylvania.
Georgia Theatre Rooftop
7 p.m. FREE! www.georgiatheatre.com
THE SAINT CECELIA Rock band from Costa Rica that’s a self-described emotional collection of passion, love and lust for music. Nowhere Bar
F.O.S. Neal Fountain, Erik Olson, and Matt Stoessel playing funk, rock, soul and experimental jazz.
UGA Tate Student Center
Live in the Lobby. 8 p.m. FREE! www. wuog.org CRAZIER Indie-rock anti-cowboy music.
Down the Line
4/08 MARIS (Georgia Theatre)
4/08 Gooseberry, Recess Party (Nowhere Bar)
4/08 Karaoke with DJ Gregory (Athentic Brewing Co.)
4/08 Jordi Savall (Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall)
4/08 Dr. Fred’s Karaoke (Flicker Theatre & Bar)
4/09 MrJordanMrTonks (Hotel Indigo)
4/09 Check The Signs (Athentic Brewing Co.)
4/09 Mary & The Hot Hotty-Hots (The Globe)
4/10 Bad Dog Karaoke (The Rail)
4/11 Trio Metro with Tony McCutchen (Bishop Park)
4/11 Africa Night (The Classic Center)
4/12 Traditional Irish Session (The Globe)
4/12 Mojo Confessional Songwriters Showcase (No. 3 Railroad Street) f
threats & promises
Altar Society’s Thirty-Three PLUS, MORE MUSIC NEWS AND GOSSIP
By Gordon Lamb threatsandpromises@flagpole.com
NO DEPRESSION IN HEAVEN: New Athens venue Dead Beat Club has already proven itself a popular destination. Great evidence of this is the new live album by Johann Greco named Bootleg Vol I: Machine Gun Jesus, Live at Deadbeat Club, Athens, GA. I mean, who releases an album named after a venue they dislike, right? At any rate, this nine-song album is a solo acoustic set by the talented Greco featuring his solid songwriting which, stylistically speaking, draws from country, folk, and rock and roll. Particular highlights here include “Pray For Me Mama,” “Big Black Bible” and “Machine Gun Jesus.” Find this at johanngreco.bandcamp. com.
LET’S STOMP!: The brand new two-song single release from garage rockers The Falling Spikes came out last week, and I sure hope the band is continuing to celebrate its release. After teasing the intro on “He’s Still In Love With You” with a few seconds of the guitar strum from “Pinball Wizard,” the band breaks into the joyous tune, subject matter notwithstanding. The harmonica on “Kicking On The Can” is a really nice touch and leads the listener into this heavily rhythmic and driving tune. Go dig this now at thefallingspikesband.bandcamp.com, and follow along at instagram.com/thefallingspikesband.
JUBILEE: The 2026 Vic Chesnutt Songwriter of the Year Awards happen Thursday, Apr. 23 at 8 p.m. at the Morton Theatre. This is the 10th anniversary of the awards, and strong congratulations should be given to Classic City Rotary for both envisioning these honors as well as keeping them going for a decade. The songwriter nominees this year, as selected by committee, are Julia Barfield (“Altavista, VA”), Andrea DeMarcus (“For the Journey”), Freeman Leverett (“I Wanna Go There”), Michael Joe White (“Garage”) and Your Ex’s Pets (“U Yes U”). A particular treat of this year’s event is that Futurebirds will open the show and perform as an acoustic trio before the nominees take the stage to perform their tunes. In related news, Echo Base is releasing a 10th anniversary compilation album featuring the winners from past years. Now, for the show, doors open at 6:30 p.m., and tickets are $35 or $20 with student ID. You may order tickets at bit.ly/4MTtix and order the compilation album directly from Echo Base at echobase.com/directory, where you will find it listed right in the middle of the page.
hardcore punk, and then imagine it fighting for its own breath while submerged deeply underwater. Everything here is pretty short, but specific highlights include “Grave,” “Broken” and opening track “Do It All Again.” This whole thing is both horrifying and exhilarating. Find it at hardtackk.bandcamp.com.
FIND YOUR PEOPLE: Athentic Brewing will host Songwriters Anonymous Wednesday, Apr. 1 from 6:30–9:30 p.m. Got some tunes? Looking for some folks to play with? Well, this is a good opportunity. The whole point of this event is, in the organizer’s own words, “to connect artists and showcase incredible local talent.” If you need details on how to sign up, etc. get in touch with Athentic directly via 706-206-2074 or info@athenticbrewing.com. For general information, please see facebook.com/athenticbrewing and athenticbrewing.com.
EVERYBODY WANTS TO GO TO HEAVEN: I have zero idea who is behind Altar Society, but suffice it to say this is the first time I’ve ever seen anything tagged as “Athens GA Catholic
HARD TRAVELING: Adam Klein’s newest album Live at Leesta Vall Sound Recordings was released a few days ago. This 11-song set was recorded at Brooklyn’s Leesta Vall in 2019 while on tour, and Klein is accompanied by Athens violinist Adam Poulin. This release is Klein’s ninth album overall, and these sparse arrangements are a great vehicle for his songwriting and voice. He opens with the very strong “Burnin’ Love” which is a minor key emotional journey. Other particular songs to note are the gorgeous and sweet “Goodnight Nobody” as well as “Counting The Days,” “To The Birds” and “Faithful Brigade.” The release show won’t happen until May 14 at Dead Beat Club, so put that on your calendar. The album, though, is available now everywhere you stream music, and for more information, please see adam-klein.com.
TRAPPED UNDER ICE: The new self-titled demo tape by Mortuary Ritual came out the week before last and, good lord, prepare yourself. Sure, this is blast beat, kind of crusty hardcore that if recorded slightly differently could have slotted itself easily among multiple Athens bands that have trod this trail. But this transcends all that by virtue of its, essentially, stretching the boundaries of what psych can mean. I want you to imagine the most extremely performed
Rock.” This is a clever collection of earworm-y tunes that dances around, and with, the aesthetics of goth and indie rock. To wit, the opening song “Stick In The I” not only makes a titular nod to Bauhaus, but the song itself is like T-Rex with a Love & Rockets fetish. The driving “Win The War” is a jittery tune delivered smoothly with a solid hook. A neat touch is the recognition of how much old school goth was actually based around acoustic guitars and, to this end, Altar Society employs the practice on “Red Pocket Hands,” “Untimey” and “Climb.” Overall a neat little record that absolutely no one would identify as being from Athens. Find it at altarsocietymusic.bandcamp.com.
PLAY ME SOME MUSIC: Joshua Nathaniel (Cortez Garza) has a new collaborative single out now where he’s joining Swaggertown Records head honcho Jake Shields, New Jersey rapper Mafia Fetti and the perpetually entertaining Afroman (“Because I Got High”). The song is named “Getting It Back.” Nathaniel reports that this came about through Shield’s friendship with Afroman, and because, “[He] thought I’d be a good fit for an Afroman collab, considering I’m a multi-instrumentalist and delve into various genres, as does Afroman himself.” The five-minute-long track has everyone’s vocals surfing atop a trap beat that features sound effects intermittently. This is available now on all major streaming services. f
event calendar
Tuesday 31
CLASSES: Microsoft Excel Part 3 (ACC Library) This class builds on the tools and functions of Excel including more advanced functions. All skill levels welcome. 10 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org
COMEDY: Take This! Improv (Athentic Brewing Co.) The troupe will perform an abridged improv version of Pirates of the Caribbean 7 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com
FILM: España En Corto (Georgia Museum of Art) The 13th annual Spanish short film festival, including English subtitles for all films. Mar. 31 & Apr. 1, 6:30 p.m. (doors), 7–9 p.m. FREE! www.georgiamuseum.org
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
PERFORMANCE: UGA Opera in Bloom: Mansfield Park (State Botanical Garden of Georgia) Celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th birthday with an outdoor performance presented by UGA Opera Theatre and the Hugh Hodgson School of Music. Mar. 31 & Apr. 1, 7 p.m. $25. botgarden.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 1
ART: Student Spotlight Tour (Georgia Museum of Art) Curatorial intern Ivy Kolkana will share about recent projects she worked on with the museum’s modern and contemporary art collections. 2 p.m. FREE! www.georgiamuseum.org
EVENTS: The Athens Farmers Market (Creature Comforts Brewery) Markets offer fresh produce, flowers, eggs, meats, prepared foods, arts and crafts. Live music at 6 p.m. AFM double SNAP dollars spent. Wednesdays, 5–8 p.m. www. athensfarmersmarket.net
FILM: España En Corto (Georgia Museum of Art) The 13th annual Spanish short film festival, including English subtitles for all
art around town
ATHENTIC BREWING CO. (108 Park Ave.) “Lands Left” features landscape works by Greg Benson. Through May.
ATHICA (675 Pulaski St. Ste. 1200) The 2026 Members’ Showcase features work by ATHICA members in all visual media. Opening reception Apr. 18, 6–8 p.m. Through May 8.
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.
ATHENAEUM (287 W. Broad St.) “Merging Lane Ends” celebrates the 2026 MFA graduates from the Lamar Dodd School of Art. Opening reception Apr. 11, 4–6 p.m. MFA Speaks gallery talks Apr. 16, 6 p.m. Through May 9. • 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.”
DODD GALLERIES (270 River Rd.) “Everything Now: BFA Studio Exhibition Spring 2026” presents the work of 54 graduating BFA students from the Lamar Dodd School of Art including ceramics, painting, metalwork, photography, fiber arts and more. BFA 1 Show opening reception Apr. 3, 5–7 p.m. Through Apr. 9. BFA 2 Show opening reception Apr. 17, 5–7 p.m. Through Apr. 23.
DONDERO’S KITCHEN (590 N. Milledge Ave.) Photography by Jennifer Keene featuring the symbolism of gravestone art and cemetery monuments will be on display through March. Framed prints available for donation to approved local charity at www.southerncemetery.com.
FOYER (135 Park Ave.) Curated by Jaime Bull, “5 o’clock ANYWHERE” features drawings by Neil Hancock inspired by the spirit and nostalgia of his New Orleans neighborhood. Open by appointment through May 17.
GEORGIA MUSEUM OF ART (90 Carlton St.) Drawing on Ada Limón’s
FILM: Blood Everywhere (Flicker Theatre & Bar) After a swanky hot tub party filled with fashion models ends in tragedy, the guests are stalked by a maniac in Too Beautiful To Die. 7 p.m. FREE! www.instagram.com/bloodeverywhere.athens
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: Bad Dog Trivia (Cafe Racer (Oak St.)) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/ baddogathens
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Locos Grill and Pub Eastside) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 8 p.m. www.instagram.com/ shihtzunottrivia
PERFORMANCE: UGA Opera in Bloom: Mansfield Park (State Botanical Garden of Georgia) Celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th birthday with an outdoor performance presented by UGA Opera Theatre and the Hugh Hodgson School of Music. Mar. 31 & Apr. 1, 7 p.m. $25. botgarden.uga.edu
Thursday 2
ART: Opening Reception & Artist Talk (Lyndon House Arts Center)
The exhibition “Surface Tension” features textile artwork by Erika Diamond and prosthetics by Chelsa Lillo. 5:30–7:30 p.m. (reception), 6:30 p.m. (talk). FREE! www. accgov.com/lyndonhouse CLASSES: Investing 101 (ACC Library) Part of the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce Financial Literacy Month series, this workshop teaches participants about investments. 5 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org
EVENTS: Spring Open House (Cofers Home & Garden) There will be plant sales, music, food trucks, door prizes and more. Apr. 2–5, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Apr. 6, 12–5 p.m. FREE! www.cofers.com
EVENTS: Ladies Night Out (Boutier Winery & Inn) Enjoy a night of line dancing with wine and a buffet. First Thursdays, 6–9 p.m. $20. www. boutierwinery.com
FILM: Film Screening & Discussion (Athentic Brewing Co.) Screening of the documentary Contaminated: The Carpet Industry’s Toxic Legacy followed by a panel with Tawana Mattox and PFAS researchers. 6 p.m. FREE! www. instagram.com/coalitionofathens scientists
GAMES: Bad Dog BINGO (Amici at The Falls) Play BINGO with host TJ Wayt. Thursdays, 6 p.m. www. instagram.com/baddogathens
GAMES: Love.Craft Bingo Night (Athentic Brewing Co.) A bingo event benefiting the nonprofit organization Love.Craft Athens. 6:30–8 p.m. $3–5. www.lovecraftathens. org
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
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. • 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. • “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.
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 through May 16 featuring 130 works by 91 artists selected by Michelle Yun Mapplethorpe of the Katonah Museum of Art in New York. • 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. • “Surface Tension” features artwork by Erika Diamond and prosthetics by Chelsa Lillo that explore protection, identity and the fragility of the human body. Opening reception Apr. 2, 5:30–7:30 p.m. Through June 27.
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.
OCONEE CULTURAL ARTS FOUNDATION (34 School St., Watkinsville) In the Main Gallery, Youth Art Month showcases works from local Oconee school district students. Through Apr. 24. • In the Members Gallery, “Tiny
GAMES: Athens’ Hardest Trivia Night (Nighthawks Lounge) Test your trivia knowledge with host Phil. 7 p.m. www.nighthawkslounge.com
KIDSTUFF: Lego Builder’s Challenge (Oconee County Library) Drop in to free build and create, or do one of the fun LEGO challenges. Ages 5–12. First thursdays, 3:30–5:30. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/ oconee
LECTURES & LIT: Aralee Strange Lecture (Georgia Museum of Art) Lemuel “Life” LaRoche will present on “Art, Chess and Resistance: Exploring Tools to Build Community Impact and Change.” 5:30 p.m. FREE! www.georgiamuseum.org
LECTURES & LIT: Author Talk and Reading (ACC Library) Poet Tarfia Faizullah and author Jamel Brinkley will read from their work followed by a Q&A with ACC Poet Laureate Mikhayla Robinson-Smith. 6 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org
MEETINGS: KnitLits Knitting Group (Bogart Library) Knitters of all levels are invited to have fun, share craft ideas and knit to their hearts’ content. Thursdays, 6 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/bogart
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
Friday 3
CLASSES: Upscaling Your Resume (ACC Library) Part of the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce Financial Literacy Month series, this workshop helps participants improve their resumes. 4 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org
EVENTS: Herb Sale (Botany Greenhouse) Browse a variety of herbs and other plant seedlings. Apr. 3–4, 8:30 a.m.–6 p.m. Apr. 5. 12–6 p.m. pbio.franklin.uga.edu
EVENTS: Spring Open House (Cofers Home & Garden) There will be plant sales, music, food trucks, door prizes and more. Apr. 2–5, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Apr. 6, 12–5 p.m. FREE! www.cofers.com
EVENTS: Open House (UGA Veterinary Teaching Hospital) People of all ages can explore the world of veterinary medicine through activities like teddy bear surgery, a Q&A panel and more. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. FREE! vet.uga.edu
FILM: African American Film Festival (Morton Theatre) The first annual two-day celebration of Black storytelling through film, music and conversation. Apr. 3, 6–9 p.m. FREE! Apr. 4, 1–4 p.m. $5 (adv.), $7. www.mortontheatre.com
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
LECTURES & LIT: Author Talk & Book Signing (Barnes & Noble) Author Lesa Shaul will discuss her Book Midnight Cry: A Shooting on Sand Mountain with moderator Rebecca Burns. 6 p.m. FREE! www. barnesandnoble.com
LECTURES & LIT: Open Mic Poetry (ATHICA) Read something you love or share something you wrote. Snacks provided. 7–8 p.m. $3–5 suggested donation. www.athica.org
SPORTS: Athens Rock Lobsters vs. Indiana Sentinels (Akins Ford Arena) Cheer on the home team in this hockey match. 7 p.m. $28.25–50. www.classiccenter.com
Saturday 4
CLASSES: Clay Handbuilding Workshop (Southern Star Studio)
Worlds” features miniature works by OCAF Member artists. 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. 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. Through May.
WINTERVILLE CULTURAL ARTS CENTER (371 N. Church St., Winterville) The Cotton Patch Quilters Charity Bee presents handmade quilts for sale benefiting scholarships for women through the Jeannette Rankin Foundation. Reception Apr. 10, 6–8 p.m. Through Apr. 15.
Learn how to create a piece of pottery and decorate it. All supplies provided. Ages 12 & up. First Saturdays, 2 p.m. $60. www.southern starstudioathens.com
CLASSES: Character Design Workshop (Oconee County Library)
Prime Vice Studios will lead a workshop on how to create a unique protagonist. 3 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/oconee
CLASSES: Bachata Lady Styling (Social Dance Preserve Studio)
Bachata 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: Herb Sale (Botany Greenhouse) Browse a variety of herbs and other plant seedlings. Apr. 3–4, 8:30 a.m.–6 p.m. Apr. 5. 12–6 p.m. pbio.franklin.uga.edu
EVENTS: Spring Open House (Cofers Home & Garden) There will be plant sales, music, food trucks, door prizes and more. Apr. 2–5, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Apr. 6, 12–5 p.m. FREE! www.cofers.com
EVENTS: FanFest (Wire Park) The fifth annual celebration of creativity features live music, guest authors, artists, gaming, vendors, live demos, a cosplay contest and more. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. www.athens library.org/oconee
EVENTS: Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Auto Show (Cedar Shoals High School) A family-friendly event showcasing classic cars with host Tommy Landrum plus music, door prizes and more. Benefitting Cedar Shoals High School’s Automotive Tech program. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. FREE! www.clarke.k12.ga.us
EVENTS: Across the Board (Georgia Museum of Art) Drop in to learn how to play chess and check out robots at stations hosted by Chess and Community members. 10 a.m.–1 p.m. FREE! www.georgia museum.org
EVENTS: Easter Egg Hunt (Memorial Park) Enjoy holiday-themed fun with age group divided egg hunts. 11 a.m. FREE! www.friendsoffive points.org
EVENTS: Spring Clothing Swap (Creature Comforts Brewery) Bring your gently used clothing to swap at this event focusing on sustainability. 1–4 p.m. FREE! www.instagram. com/classiccitygirlsclub
EVENTS: Spring Fling Market (Athentic Brewing Co.) Browse local vendors offering vintage pieces, local art and more. 1–6 p.m. www. athenticbrewing.com
EVENTS: Mini Masters Mini Golf Fundraiser (Strange Duck Brewing) Third annual tournament with live music, food and drinks in benefit of Love.Craft Athens. 2–4 p.m. (tournament), 5–7 p.m. (music and mini golf). $25. www. lovecraftathens.org
FILM: African American Film Festival (Morton Theatre) The first annual two-day celebration of Black storytelling through film, music and conversation. Apr. 3, 6–9 p.m. FREE! Apr. 4, 1–4 p.m. $5 (adv.), $7. www.mortontheatre.com
FILM: Filmmakers Spotlight (Oconee County Library) Watch four short films followed by a Q&A with the directors. 2 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/oconee
GAMES: Pokemon Play & Trade (Oconee County Library) Bring cards to trade and enjoy games
led by the Classic City Pokemon League. 10 a.m. FREE! www.athens library.org/oconee
GAMES: Learn to Play Shadowrun RPG (Tyche’s Games) Join others to learn about the science fantasy tabletop role-playing game. 12 p.m. FREE! www.tychesgames.com
KIDSTUFF: Author Talk (ACC Library) Dominique Haynes, the author of the Young Money All-Stars series, will discuss his books for kids. 2 p.m. FREE! www.athens library.org
LECTURES & LIT: On Tyranny Book Study (Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Athens) Discuss lessons in resistance to authoritarianism and protection of democracy based on the book by Timothy Snyder. 9 a.m. FREE! www. uuathensga.org
LECTURES & LIT: How to Crowdfund (Oconee County Library) A panel discussion with owners of successful kickstarter campaigns. 11:30 a.m. FREE! www.athens library.org/oconee
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
Monday 6
GAMES: Chess and Community (ACC Library) Drop in for open chess play to learn the game, challenge skills and engage with other enthusiasts. Mondays, 3:30–5:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Fully Loaded Pizza Kitchen (Normaltown)) Test your general trivia knowledge. Mondays, 7 p.m. www. instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia
GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Dooley’s Bar and Grill) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Garrett. Mondays, 7 p.m. www.instagram. com/classiccitytriviaco
LECTURES & LIT: Poetry Reading (Oconee County Library) Enjoy poetry from local writers in honor of National Poetry Month. 2 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/ oconee
MEETINGS: African American Genealogy Shared Interest Group (Oconee County Library) Learn and share research stories, problem-solving techniques, and tools that are focused on African American genealogy. 10 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org
SPORTS: Athens Rock Lobsters vs. Indiana Sentinels (Akins Ford Arena) Cheer on the home team in this hockey match. 7 p.m. $28.25–50. www.classiccenter.com
Sunday 5
COMEDY: Comedy Showcase (The Globe) Athens Comedy hosts themed and general showcases of local and regional comedians. Sundays, 9 p.m. www.athenscomedy.com
EVENTS: Spring Open House (Cofers Home & Garden) There will be plant sales, music, food trucks, door prizes and more. Apr. 2–5, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Apr. 6, 12–5 p.m. FREE! www.cofers.com
EVENTS: Herb Sale (Botany Greenhouse) Browse a variety of herbs and other plant seedlings. Apr. 3–4, 8:30 a.m.–6 p.m. Apr. 5. 12–6 p.m. pbio.franklin.uga.edu
EVENTS: 20-30s Speed Dating (Athentic Brewing Co.) A meet and mingle followed by speed dating sessions for ages 20–30. 3:30–7 p.m. www.athenticbrewing. com
GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (The Globe) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Sundays, 4 p.m. & 6 p.m. www.instagram.com/baddogathens
MEETINGS: Easter Sunrise Service (Oconee Hill Cemetery) Bring a folding chair and enjoy a special
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
LECTURES & LIT: Historic Athens History Hour (Lyndon House Arts Center) In celebration of National Garden Month, dig into the history of gardening and garden clubs in Athens. 12–1 p.m. FREE! www. historicathens.com
LECTURES & LIT: Bogart Bookies (Bogart Library) Pick up a copy of In the House of Brede by Rumer Gadden and discuss it with the group. 1 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
Wednesday 8
ART: Tour at Two (Georgia Museum of Art) These drop-in public tours feature highlights of the permanent collection. 2 p.m. FREE! www.georgiamuseum.org
GAMES: General Trivia (Athentic Brewing Co.) Test your general trivia knowledge. Mondays, 7 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Pancho’s Tacos & Tequila) Test your general trivia knowledge. Mondays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzu nottrivia
GAMES: Classic City Trivia house Killer Burgers) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Benjamin. Mondays, 7:30 p.m. www.instagram.com/classiccity triviaco
MEETINGS: Death Over Drafts (Athentic Brewing Co.) Casual de-stigmatizing discussion about all things death and dying while using The Death Deck. RSVP encouraged. 6–8 p.m. organizingdeath@gmail. com
Tuesday 7
CLASSES: Online Financial Tools (ACC Library) Learn how to use two free online resources from the library to make more informed financial decisions. 10 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org
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 knowl edge with host Miles Bunch. Tues days, 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/baddog athens
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia house Grill Hull) Test your general trivia knowledge. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia
GAMES: Classic City Trivia demia Brewing Co.) Test your general trivia knowledge with host
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: The Athens Farmers
org/coc f
Love.Craft Athens’ Mini Masters
bulletin board & classifieds
BULLETIN BOARD: Listings from nonprofits, community resources and free opportunities. Print deadline is THURSDAY at 5 p.m. for the following Wednesday issue. Email calendar@flagpole.com.
CLASSIFIEDS: Rates are $10/individual * $14/real estate * $16/business. Deadline to place ads is FRIDAY at 10 a.m. for the following Wednesday issue. Email class@flagpole.com or call 706-549-0301.
Classifieds
HELP WANTED (Full-Time) Habitat ReStores. Full time, 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 706-424-4389.
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. Instagram: @microsound athens 706-495-6416
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
NOTICES (Messages) Need a cure for being mostly dead? Call Miracle Max! We use chocolate coating to make it go down easier. 706-3574444 or visit ClassicCenter.com/ PrincessBride for more information.
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. Contact Michael at 706-201-6058 or mginn2872@aol.com
REAL ESTATE (Room for Rent) Room for rent w/private BA. Located in Watkinsville. $1200/mon all inclusive. Graduate student preferred. Call 706-286-0138 for more information.
SERVICES (Home & Garden) Are you ready for spring? We can help! Woman-Run Gardening Services: We offer garden maintenance, invasive plant removal, personalized edible and native gardens for your school, home or business! 706395-5321
SERVICES (Home & Garden) Hi! I’m Pablo, an expert gardener offering personalized care for your landscape. I specialize in low-maintenance, native gardens that support pollinators and biodiversity. Find me @pablofromseed, email pkozatch@gmail.com or call 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
ATHENS CREATIVE DIRECTORY (Athens, GA) The ACD is a free platform to connect creatives with patrons. www.athenscreatives. directory
CALL FOR ACTORS, ARTISTS & VENDORS (Hauntfest) Applications now open for artists, actors, performers and vendors for the fourth annual April Ghouls event. Deadline Apr. 8. Event Apr. 11–12. www. hauntfest.net/vendor-info CALL FOR ART (Various Locations) Visit www.flagpole.com/bulletin board for ongoing open art calls. 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, VENDORS & WORKSHOP INSTRUCTORS (Marigold Fiber Fest) Now accepting applications for instructors to lead a variety of workshops centered around fiber crafts. Also accepting arts submissions, vendors and sponsors for this inaugural event. Deadline May 1. Event held Nov. 14. www.instagram.com/ marigoldfiberfest
CALL FOR POETRY (Oconee County Library, Watkinsville) Seeking poets of all ages to read their original works for National Poetry Month on Apr. 4. Contact jmitchell@athens library.org to sign up.
CALL FOR STORYTELLERS (Rabbit Box) Rabbit Box seeks story ideas for upcoming shows. www.rabbit box.org/tell
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS (Athens Homeless Coalition) Seeking submissions for street newspaper. Poetry, short stories, visual art, song lyrics. enagementcoordinator @athenshc.org
CALL FOR VENDORS (Marigold Collective, Winterville) Applications for artists, crafters, community services and more. The 2026 Marigold Market season will run Saturdays from Apr. 11–Nov. 21. www.marigold collectivewinterville.com
COMMUNITY TOURS (Georgia Museum of Art) A variety of tours open to the public including “Student Perspectives” which runs Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays throughout the month. www.georgia museum.org
LIFE MODELING 101 (OCAF, Watkinsville) Male and female art models explain the ins and outs of modeling for artists. From portraits to clothed to nude, including where to work and expected pay. May 2 at 10 a.m. $15. Preregistration 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
A COURSE OF LOVE (Unity Athens Church) Learn a positive path for spiritual living based on A Course in Miracles. Wednesdays, 10–11:30 a.m. www.unityathens.com
ACCENT REDUCTION CLASS (Covenant Presbyterian Church) Improve your American English pronunciation skills. For ages 18 & up. Tuesdays, 12 p.m. marjoriemiller@ gmail.com
CLASSES, HIKES & PADDLES (Watson Mill State Park, Comer) The park offers a variety of events including firebuilding classes, various educational hikes including “Bridge History,” “Tree ID,” “Historic Mills” 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.
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
ATHENS FEED MY STARVING CHILDREN (Stegeman Coliseum) Volunteers needed to pack meals. Sign up for two-hour shifts. Event held May 15–17. give.fmsc.org/ athens
ATHENS SKATEPARK PROJECT
(Athens Skate Park) Seeking volunteers and community input. Third Sundays. www.athensskatepark project.org
BRAS FOR A CAUSE (Grail Bra Specialists) Seeking donations of gently-used bras for distribution to local shelters, recovery centers and communities in need. 706-8500387 or support@grailbras.com
DIAPER DONATIONS (Athens Area Diaper Bank) Diaper donations needed for local infants. All sizes and open packs/boxes are accepted. www.athensareadiaper bank.com
MEDICAL EQUIPMENT (Friends of Disabled Adults and Children) Free home medical equipment provided to those in need. Athens locations for pickup at Northeast Georgia Area Agency on Aging and Multiple Choices. Donations also accepted. www.fodac.org
MEDICAL EQUIPMENT EXCHANGE
(Silver Lace) Open registration for consideration for free mobility and daily living medical items. Donations also accepted. www.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
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 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 DONATIONS & VOLUNTEERS (Animal Services Adoption Center) Animal service sessions run Monday through Friday; training session required. Seeking donations of gently used bath towels and rags. Donations can be dropped off at the door after hours. www. accgov.com/animalservices
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 (Normaltown Music Festival) Volunteers needed for a variety of tasks including parking assistance, water station upkeep and more. Sign up for 2 hour shifts. Benefits include free entry, drink tickets and more. Apr. 11 a.m.–11 p.m. www.athentic brewing.com
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS (Shoal Creek Sanctuary) Volunteers needed for variety of events including invasive plant removal, plant adoptions and more. First Sundays, 1–3:30 p.m. www.shoalcreek sanctuary.org/volunteer
TEACHER SUPPLIES (Teacher Reuse Store) Educators can access free creative supplies at the store. Please bring credentials. www. accgov.com/trs
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 BANDS (Ram Jam)
Seeking local middle and high school bands to compete for prizes including inclusion on the AthFest lineup. Proceeds benefit Nuçi’s Space. Application deadline Apr. 12. Event held May 2, 3–8 p.m. cenghauser@donovanathens.org, www.nuci.org
CLASSES & PROGRAMS (Bogart Library) Various ongoing weekly events including LEGO Mania (Wednesdays), Storytime with Miss Harli (Mondays), Sensory Open Play (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.canopy studio.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. Registration now open. www.accgov.com/myrec
TEEN FINANCIAL LITERACY
SERIES (ACC Library) Celebrate Financial Literacy month with activities, crafts and games. Apr. 13–17, 4–5:30 p.m. daily. www. athenslibrary.org
Word on the Street
CITY TOURS (Historic Athens Welcome Center) A variety of guided tours available including a daily shuttle tour, walking tour of the downtown area and local music tour. Schedule in advance. www. athenswelcomecenter.com
MEDICAL ASSISTANCE (Nuçi’s Space) Direct connections to mental healthcare like counseling and psychiatry, medical care for physical concerns and more. www. nuci.org, 706-227-1515
MINDFUL BREATH SANGHA MEETING (Healing Lodge) In the Zen tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh. Sundays, 1–2:30 p.m. Newcomers welcome. Free. www.mindfulbreathsangha.org
SEVENTH GENERATION (No. 3 Railroad Street, Arnoldsville) Seventh Generation Native American Church hosts various gatherings on Sundays, 11 a.m. 706-340-7134
SUMMER JOBS (ACCGov Leisure Services) Now hiring for more than 100 summer positions including camp counselors, counselors in training, lifeguards and more. $15.60–$17.94 an hour. www. accgov.com/jobs
VHS DIGITIZATION (Athens, GA) Seeking previously recorded concerts and events on VHS, VHSC, Hi8, MiniDV and DVDs to digitize and archive. www.vhsordie.com
VOTER REGISTRATION
RESOURCES (ACC Library Atrium)
Economic Justice Coalition community volunteers assist Georgia residents with registration, confirm prior registration and update voter registration information as needed. www.economicjusticecoalition.org
Missing Something?
MORE LISTINGS (Online) Find the Bulletin Board at www.flagpole. com/bulletinboard for ongoing open art calls, support group information and other resources that are available on a continuous basis. f
Mansfield Park
Sunday, April 12 at 3 p.m.*
Arts Quad outside the Hugh Hodgson School of Music, 250 River Road
This performance is free with no tickets required.
Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs to the performance. Carpooling is also encouraged. Presented under license from Edition Peters, copyright owners.
* In case of inclement weather, the performance will be postponed to Tuesday, April 14 at 7:30 p.m. in Ramsey Concert Hall at the UGA Performing Arts Center.
Music by Jonathan Dove • Libretto by Alasdair Middleton • Based on the novel by Jane Austen
Party Out of Bounds
NUÇI’S SPACE’S ATHENS
BUSINESS ROCKS EXPANDS
By Sam Lipkin editorial@flagpole.com
For the past 15 years, mental health nonprofit Nuçi’s Space has hosted Athens Business Rocks as one of its most successful annual fundraisers, challenging local businesses to form a band and compete with one another for fundraisingand popularity-based awards.
Athens Business Rocks (ABR) first started as a multi-day battle of the bands style event, with finalists performing at the 40 Watt Club. Then the first leg of the competition went virtual, with top fundraisers performing at the big event. Teri Drake-Floyd, Nuçi’s Space’s communications and special events manager, says that the renewed interest and support that ABR has had the past few years led the team to brainstorming how to make the event bigger than just one night.
CEO Bob Sleppy had heard of HAAM Day in Austin, TX, which was an inspiring allday festival model across the city. Having seen what Historic Athens was able to accomplish with its annual Porchfest fundraiser, the Nuçi’s Space staff decided to put their own spin on this style of event. Leilani Perry of HAAM Day, Tommy Valentine of Historic Athens, Mary Joyce of AthFest Educates and Timi Conley of Wild Rumpus helped Nuçi’s Space create an event scaled down to Athens that would allow more businesses and bands to be involved.
“I’m deeply grateful for the generosity and support of Leilani, Tommy, Mary and Timi,” Sleppy says in a press release. “We want this expansion of Athens Business Rocks to complement, not compete with, the wonderful events they’ve built. Their encouragement and insights have been and will continue to be invaluable.”
Athens Business Rocks: Party Out of Bounds will be held on Saturday, Apr. 4— the birthday weekend of Linda Phillips, the
Day Party Schedule
THE BELL HOTEL
12:00 p.m. Tommy Hedgehog
1:30 p.m. F9
THE GRILL
12:30 p.m. Shaw Coggin
2:00 p.m. Stephan Eutsler
THE RIALTO ROOM
12:30 p.m. Altrd
2:00 p.m. Ashes to Omens
UNION FARE
1:00 p.m. Vansplainer
2:30 p.m. Dictatortots
HISTORIC ATHENS
1:00 p.m. Zaina Davies
2:30 p.m. Strange Temples
NOWHERE BAR
1:30 p.m. Five Eight
3:00 p.m. Dangfly!
PALOMA PARK
1:30 p.m. Cody White & the Easy Ride
3:00 p.m. Telephone Pole
organization’s founder. A day party will be held from 12–7 p.m. featuring bands and musicians performing at various businesses and venues, generally centralized around downtown. Performances will be staggered so that attendees can catch multiple acts throughout the day. Then the celebration will continue with an official afterparty at the 40 Watt Club, with doors opening at 7 p.m. and the show starting at 8 p.m. Hotel Fiction will headline with support from Hallpass, DJ Goth Dad and DJ Twin Powers. Tickets are $25, available at givebutter.com/ABR2026, where larger donations can be given.
“We’ve tried to make it fun and interactive. We’re going to have little BINGO cards that we’re passing out. Venues will give attendees little stars that you can put to signify how many different shows you saw that day. If you bring the BINGO card to the afterparty, then you can redeem it for a prize, which will be given later for best attendance. So we’re trying to make it really fun and just a nice celebratory thing,” says Drake-Floyd.
Due to Nuçi’s Space’s community goodwill, Drake-Floyd says that finding businesses and musicians to participate was an easy part of the process. “We’ve been really blessed to have so much community support right out of the gate,” she says, and some hosts that signed up, like Canopy Studios, will be coordinating an interactive performance alongside the music. Hosts and performers were given the choice to sign up together, but most of the pairings were made by the Nuçi’s Space team taking into account which acts would sound best in which spaces.
For a map of the day party activities and most up- to-date times of performances, visit nuci.org/abr. f
4:30 p.m. Cousin Clem
FOX DEN THIRD SPACE
2:00 p.m. The Geckos
3:30 p.m. Kicking Assets
PAPER DOLL SALON
3:00 p.m. Trvy & The Enemy
DANCE FX
3:30 p.m. Mary & the Hot Hotty Hots
ATHENS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
3:30 p.m. Euclid
IDEAL BAGEL
4:00 p.m. Full On Monet
ROOK & PAWN
5:00 p.m. Zinnia Heart Eyes
CANOPY STUDIO
5:00 p.m. Ava Wilds
ATHENTIC BREWING COMPANY
6:00 p.m. The Discipline
7:00 p.m. Fleet Machine
HENDERSHOT’S • $10
6:00–8:00 p.m. Athens Unplugged
good growing
Spring Plant Sales
SHOPPING BASED ON TIME, MONEY AND EXPERIENCE
By Erin France editorial@flagpole.com
Pollen’s in the air, and we’re barreling into April—a whole month of plant sales and near-perfect garden-puttering weather. This list of recommendations is nowhere near comprehensive, but it’s a start based on problems you may be facing.
Gardener’s dilemma: What do I plant where? For newer gardeners or folks unsure where to start, I’d head to one of our local nurseries for regionally appropriate advice. Both Sunrise Nursery (sunrisenursery.info) in Winterville and Cofer’s Home and Garden (cofers.com) on Mitchell Bridge Road have a wide selection of plants without it feeling too overwhelming. Both spots also employ helpful staff who can make suggestions about what might fit best in your garden. Sunrise offers planting plans as part of its service. Cofer’s sports more of the “outdoor living” accessories you might need—fire pits, bird houses, soil amendments, etc. Both are worth a visit this spring.
and try! I’d suggest one (or all three) UGA plant sales. You’ll find natives and plants that do well in the heat and humidity of a Northeast Georgia summer. Added bonus: If you kill the plants, your money still went to a good cause. UGA Trial Garden’s spring plant sale (ugatrial.hort.uga.edu) is Saturday, Apr. 11 from 8 a.m.–1 p.m. The trial garden samples lots of new, interesting
Gardener’s dilemma: I’ve got money, but not a lot of time. There are several places to make your plant purchases online, and then schedule a pickup for your beauties when you have a free minute. Shopping for 3 Porch Farm (3porchfarm.com) is available online only starting Mar. 28. Customers will choose a time and day to pick up their plants at checkout. It has a good selection of tomatoes and peppers, as well as a wide array of hellebores. If you’re looking to boost your medicinal herb garden, Heartsong Herbs (heartsongherbs.com) is likely your best bet. Heartsong allows online ordering and has pickups scheduled for Apr. 11 and 18.
Gardener’s dilemma: I have time, but not a lot of money. Grower’s Outlet (growersoutlet.com) in Loganville is the place to get a bunch of plants for cheap. The downsides are you’ll have to drive there— and depending on gas prices, and what you drive, it might be a pricier option than years past. It’s a busy spot with a lot of item turnover. Good deals get bought fast. If you’ve got your heart set on one particular thing, buying from here is not the best bet. If you’ve got an ever-expanding plant wish list, you’ll likely cross off a few things in one trip, and probably add a handful of musthaves for the future, too.
Gardener’s dilemma: I love the idea of gardening, but I kill plants. You can still call yourself a gardener if you get out there
varieties and tests if those plants thrive in the Southern climate. This is the place to find wacky new coleus shapes, funky petunia colors and caladiums no neighbor has yet. If you like to be on top of gardening trends, this could be the sale for you. The State Botanical Garden of Georgia (botgarden.uga.edu) will have its spring plant sale Apr. 17–18. There’s an early preview of the sale Apr. 16, if you’re a Friends of the Garden member. I see the most serious, decades-of-experience gardeners loading up full carts here.
Then, my personal favorite, is the UGA Horticulture Club (facebook.com/ugahort club) plant sale Apr. 3–5 and 10–12. The stock changes from sale to sale, so there’s always something new. I usually end up spending cash on a few fancy trees or some hard-to-find ornamental shrubs because the prices are so good. I like supporting the next generation of plantspeople, too.
Gardener’s dilemma: I really kill my veggie plants. If you’ve got a serious case of black thumb, I suggest going to one of the local farmer’s markets for plants as well as advice. Marigold Market (marigold collectivewinterville.com) has an online ordering form with a lot of stock from three area farms. Pick up will be Saturday, Apr. 18. Other farmers at the Athens Farmer’s Market (athensfarmersmarket.net) usually bring some extra seedlings for sale in the spring, though there’s not an organized sale. Master Gardeners are a regular presence at both markets and a great resource if you’re stuck in the weeds of gardening—literally or figuratively. f
If you're looking for even more sales, many backyard growers, including this sale I hosted in 2022, only advertise on social media sites. ERIN
by Margie E. Burke
by Margie E. Burke
PLEASURE IS IN THE AIR
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